Long after, Alfred was still panting softly for breath and shivering in Arthur's arms. Somewhere during... what they'd done, Iggy had torn the bindings from around his wrists- after making him beg for it, of course, although in the state he was in he had almost enjoyed it. Though on the outside he calmly rested in the wolf's embrace, his insides were a frenzy of fear, guilt, and most strongly a warm contentedness. Why did that feeling have to come from something that hurt him so?

"Are you really still that shaken?" Iggy asked curiously after awhile, his thick eyebrows raised. America didn't answer. He didn't want to say the wrong thing and set him off again.

Sighing, the wolf carefully shifted so that the rabbit's head rested in his lap, allowing himself to begin bandaging his wound. It wasn't bleeding nearly as much, but it was enough to leave a trail- and out here, that was dangerous. Besides, the bone needed to be set. The wolf wrapped a fairly straight stick inside of the bandages to help it heal properly.

"There's really no need to be so frightened of me, Alfie. Not only can I not eat you for personal reasons, but I'm also a cripple. So stop being so bloody pathetic."

Still Alfred kept silent, staring up at his face as he worked. He'd never met a wolf before this one. Who could've known how unthreatening they were, when given a chance...

As though to prove his point, Iggy's face flushed a little as he looked down at him.

"... You have beautiful eyes," he said gruffly, looking away quickly. Heart skipping a beat, smiling widely at this unexpected praise, he reached up and stroked the wolf's cheek.

"So do you." he murmured, before returning to his original position.

"Hmm... with a bit more training, you might just make a good pet for me."

"Pet?" America blinked, and made a face. "I don't think I want to be your bitch again, dude. I'm still hurting from this time."

Arthur laughed. "Not like that. What I mean is, I might keep you around with me. We'll see what happens with other things later."

Going silent again, Alfred stared at the scratches on his forearms. Was it worth it? … then again, other creatures had injured him much worse. And Arthur could protect him from them.

"Look..." Ears flattening, he took a deep breath and looked down at him once again- noting what the American's gaze rested on. "This is going to sound absolutely bonkers, because I'm the predator and you're my prey. But I really am sorry about that, and... and..." His teeth gritted. "... and I love you, you pathetic excuse for a living being. Don't ask me why. But I'm only going to offer this once, because you're not worth that much. So do you want to be... with me... or no? It's not like either of us have anyone else, anyway..."

After that, there was no longer any question in the American's mind. He smiled broadly, sitting up just enough to catch a tuft of pale blonde hair and pull his head down for a kiss.

"Aww, I love you too, Wolfy. Sure I'll stay with you. What a good boy!" he laughed, amused by the annoyed expression that spread across the darling carnivore's face.

"If you call me a 'good boy' one more time-"

"Goood boooooy," he teased, bounding quickly out of his arms and prancing about as Iggy chased him.

"Dammit, you bloody idiot! How would you like it if I started calling you nicknames again! Lunchmeat!" he snarled, then gasped loudly as his leg gave out from under him. His head lowered, teeth gritted as his shoulders hunched. Alfred stopped in his tracks, startled.

"I-Iggy...?" he whispered worriedly, hopping towards him and kneeling next to his heaving form.

Silence.

"Iggy, I'm sorry... say something..."

"Come here..." he breathed weakly. "Closer..."

"What, what!" Alfred cried, eyes huge. "What is it!"

His emerald eyes gleamed. "Gotcha."

With lightning speed he spread-eagled Alfred on the ground. So used to it by now, he barely even flinched and just stared cheerily up at the predator.

"So, whatcha gonna do with me, then?" he asked, giving the most innocent and fearful expression he could make on cue. "You aren't gonna hurt me, are you?"

"Don't tempt me." he simpered, kissing his neck lightly. "Now shut up and calm down."

"Can I have another kiss first? Only a kiss, of course..."

"Are you going to be a good boy?" he murmured in a low voice, hovering just too far above him for him to reach.

"Oh, yeah, sure," he grinned. "Well... most likely."

Arthur came a little closer, lightly brushing his lips back and forth across Alfred's. "Are you still frightened of me, my pet?" he asked, almost gently, resting his elbows next to America's head so he could stroke his blonde hair. The little rabbit blushed, shyly and sweetly.

"No, I guess not. I've been hurt worse than what you put me through." he replied, voice cheerful, before staking claim on the wolf's mouth. A low growl of pleasure escaped the predator, his emerald eyes narrow and soft. Iggy's mouth still tasted so sweet from the berries.

After savoring the feel and taste for a short while, the rabbit smiled up at the wolf and spoke once again.

"Just don't do it again without my say-so. Okay?" he crooned.

"Fine, fine... for now."

Arthur stepped primly off of him, grooming himself calmly.

"How long do you think it'll take until the humans come back?" he wondered aloud. Alfred frowned thoughtfully.

"Probably not for awhile now. They'll keep pressing on even after they've lost the trail, because they don't wanna believe they followed the wrong one."

"Typical."

There was a short silence in which America sat up, yawned and stretched, and shook the dust from his body.

"You wore me out..." he sighed quietly, yawning again. His predator smiled very slightly.

"Go to sleep, then." he commanded, patting the ground beside where he sat.

"But what if the humans-"

"Don't worry- I'll keep watch. Come here, pet. That's an order."

A little uneasy, he padded over to him and collapsed on his side. "Comfy..." he mumbled against the grass, back to Iggy and close enough to feel his warmth- and as he closed his eyes and tried to relax, the wolf stopped his cleaning and began to pet his side. The rabbit held still, quivering slightly for all the wrong reasons. Those hands, that had the ability to sink deep into his flesh and tear out his heart among other things, stroked him with such shocking conscientiousness... He probably should've been, but he wasn't afraid. Alfred finally shifted a little closer, and dozed pleasantly this way, coming to every once in awhile as Iggy gently lifted his wrist and licked the blood from his arm.

It didn't last nearly as long as he'd hoped. Just as he'd begun to really sleep he was being shaken violently awake, and opened his eyes to a slightly flustered-looking Arthur.

"Get your clothes on." he told him, tossing his smock towards him. Blinking, he tiredly obeyed.

"Wha..." he mumbled, fumbling with tying the rope around his waist. Iggy hushed him sharply.

"There's something out there." he hissed. "I don't know what yet, the smell is masked by dirt."

Instantly awake, his heart stuttering just a bit, he dashed for his cloak- which was at the edge of the woods, where the bushes were rustling. A stupid mistake.

"No!" Arthur shouted, about to bound after him. He was too late- a blur of color barreled into the poor rabbit, making him fall to his stomach a couple feet away from where he'd stood just seconds ago with his shoulders pressed into the dirt.

"A-aaaah! No, h-help!" Alfred gasped, terrified. A low voice growled against his ear.

"Finally found you, little rabbit," it sang. T-the creature from before? Struggling desperately, tears began to flow down his cheeks.

"I-Iggy, please, help me!" he sobbed.

But Iggy wasn't listening. His green eyes seemed transfixed on the creature that pinned him, eyes wide with amazement. "... Matthew?"

He knows him?!

Responding to the sound of its name, its grip loosened- allowing Alfred to slip away. In the blink of an eye he was behind the wolf he trusted, huddling as close to him as possible. Arthur paid no more mind than to pat his head soothingly.

The creature- a male wolf, with light brown hair and lavender eyes- blinked up at Iggy, his expression suddenly wide-eyed and innocent. The look startled Alfred a little.

"O-oh! Arthur, you're-" A wavery little grin playing on his face, he stumbled over and wrapped his arms around his neck. "I-I thought I was the only one left..."

"Yeah... so did I." Iggy smiled softly. "God, how did you escape?"

"I- I'm sorry, I... I'm a coward... when I thought it was hopeless, I grabbed one of the pups and ran. I'm such a coward..." he admitted ashamedly, head drooping.

"You did the right thing, Mattie." he informed in a soft voice. "Where's the pup?"

"I hid her somewhere safe, so she wouldn't get hurt while I was out hunting."

Alfred shuddered, but continued to listen silently. He didn't want to draw attention to himself.

"What about you, how did you survive? I- Iggy, you're injured!" Matthew withered a little. "Are you okay?"

Iggy waved his hand nonchalantly. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. It was my own stupidity. I allowed myself to be caught in one of those human-traps... sadly enough, that's probably what saved my life."

The younger wolf's eyes widened in awe, taking a couple steps back. "Y-you got out of a human-trap?!"

"Yes. It was difficult, though, and I don't think I could've done it alone."

"You... you never cease to amaze me... of course, I guess that's why you're Alpha!" he smiled, lowering his head politely. "I'm just glad you're okay, though."

Alpha...? America shook his head disbelievingly, staring at the back of Iggy's floofy blonde head. How did I manage to get into this mess... pet to a pack leader. Really?

"So, what's with the meal?" Matthew asked curiously, eyes attracted to his movement. Alfred flinched as he was brought into the conversation. Iggy gently stroked his hair, in response to his skittishness.

"Don't eat him." he warned right away, raising his eyebrows at the wolf as though challenging him to argue. Matthew bowed complacently, and Iggy nodded once. "I told you I couldn't have gotten out of it alone, now, didn't I?"

"You did," he muttered, "But it's just a rabbit, Arthur!"

"He's also my obedient pet. As annoying as he can be sometimes-"

"But Arthur!"

"Do you want to challenge me?" he snarled, flattening his ears. Matthew's flattened also- but instead of looking defensive, he hunched his shoulders and averted his gaze.

"No." he whispered. "I do want to question your sanity, though."

"Well, it's not like I couldn't change my mind at any time. If I decide I have gone looney, it'd be easy to get rid of him."

Alfred gave him a startled expression.

"But the chances are slim." Iggy added, for his sake.

"He's quiet..."

"He's frightened. Wait until he gets used to you. You'll wish you still terrified the hell out of him."

"Can I touch him?"

Arthur yawned. "It's not my problem."

"I-Iggy, no!" America whined, hiding behind him again. "Don't I have a-any say in this?"

"Sure. Acquiesce or run. Your choice."

Nervous, and feeling a little overwhelmed, Alfred sniffled pathetically and looked up at Iggy pleadingly. Though the wolf in question took no notice, Matthew's face changed to a childishly pleased expression.

"He's so cute...!" he crooned, covering his mouth and squealing quietly. "Oh God oh God oh God!" A curl on his head bobbed up and down, a second off from his own bouncing. Eagerly he opened his arms, making the cutest eyes towards Alfred. "Oh, come here, please? I won't hurt you, I swear..."

Iggy gave him a little shove, which made him tumble forward and fall face-first into the ground. Why not. Let's just make me eat dirt one last time, shall we?

"Thanks." he sighed over his shoulder, as the Englishman snickered.

"Poor thing, are you okay?" Matthew worried, patting his head lightly. As he rose to his knees to dust himself off, he found himself on the receiving end of an unwilling embrace.

"Hey- hey! Get offa me...!" he yowled, trying to pry the wolf's arms from their constricting grip around his torso. "As the hero, I'm telling you you'd better stop!"

Iggy rolled his eyes, amused. "You'll be fine."

"You're so cute and cuddly, bunny," Matthew sang cheerfully, finally letting him go. Alfred shook himself off with the last dregs of his pride, face flushed and ears flat. His sides felt bruised.

Iggy looked Alfred in the eyes and patted his leg, as though telling him to come. He did so- automatically, really, but inexplicably eager to receive his touch- and was rewarded by a kiss to his forehead from the smirking alpha male. "I guess he's only obedient to me." he purred in a syrupy voice, tucking America's head beneath his chin and cradling his torso against his chest.

"I'm not obedient to anyone..." he muttered indignantly, making a sour face. "Why can't I just listen to you because I like you? No strings attached."

"You're still obedient, no matter what the reason." he simpered.

"... I love you," Alfred crooned softly, catching the wolf off-guard. His expression gave the rabbit his turn to smile.

"Yeah... I mean, I love you too." he replied, stumbling a little over the words. Then, dissatisfied with his weak answer, he shifted so they were face-to-face and kissed America tenderly.

"He's watching..." America whispered against his lips, glancing quickly over at Matthew. Iggy shrugged.

"It's funny how you think I care."

Blushing madly, Alfred couldn't find the will to force him away and instead pressed his palms lightly to his chest, feeling the smoothe warmth of his flesh.

"... What's gonna happen to me now, Iggy?" he asked quietly, once the wolf was sated. "Now that you have some of your clan back?"

"Why? Does it change anything?" he queried, tilting his head slightly to one side. A bit jittery again, he looked away and nodded.

"I think it does. I mean, wolves scare me. Besides, you're the alpha. I'll make you look soft, even I know that."

His face steeled. "You'll adapt, and if people think I'm weak, well... I'll just show them how strong I truly am."

"You really want to keep me that much...?"

The American's heart stuttered a little when the wolf gave the slightest nod.

"God knows why, but yes."

"Aw, Iggy, you're the sweetest nasty wolf in the world," he sang, nuzzling against his neck.

"Don't push it." the predator growled, shoving him away. "I'm not into mushiness."

"I know, why do you think I'm doing it?"

"Rat bastard," he snarled, cuffing America's ear. In response the rabbit's face settled into the most sinister expression he owned. It pleased him a little to see Iggy's tail fur stand on end.

"You're in for it now," he hissed menacingly, barreling him to the ground. Overcoming his startlement, the wolf smirked up at the rabbit and slackened his muscles, allowing himself to be pinned.

"My my, this is a side of you I haven't seen yet," he purred, licking his lips sexily. Alfred narrowed his eyes, waited a couple seconds, then whispered softly against his ear,

"Really, now? Do you like it?" Then he widened his eyes into an overly-playful expression, covering his face and neck with licks and kisses. "Are you sure, Wolfy? Hehe, Wolfy-kins?" he grinned cheekily, sitting on top of his chest.

"Aaack, get off me! I said get off me, you arse!" he bellowed, kneeing him hard in the back until he was forced to let go. "If you ever. do that again-"

"I know how I'm going to wake you up in the mornings," he giggled, winking teasingly.

"You wouldn't dare."

"We'll see!"

"It's nice to see you're settling down with someone, Arthur," Matthew murmured out of the blue, making the both of them sit up and stare. Matthew smiled at them both. "Maybe it's a little strange, and not good for passing on your genes... but you always seemed so separate from the rest of us, like you didn't want to live the way most alphas do. So it's nice that you've found someone you can really feel at home with..." his voice began to quiver a little. "... E-even in the wake of all this pain, someone to help you cope with it." He looked down at the floor, then, a little guiltily. "But that's none of my business, I suppose."

"The input of the pack is always appreciated, Mattie. Especially positive input." the alpha male soothed easily, shrugging. "And try not to focus on the pain. It's good to honor our fallen pack, but to carry the pain with you is a hindrance."

"Yes, sir." he replied, bowing. But tears were forming in his eyes.

Arthur closed his eyes for a moment, his lips pursed, then approached the young wolf and patted his shoulder. "... And celebrate what we still have, too. And the memories we possess."

"Yes, sir."

"And I'll make sure that this never happens again. That's all any of us can do."

"Yes, sir." A little more quietly, he added; "Thanks for being strong enough for the both of us, Arthur..."

Alfred wondered about that, recalling how weak the wolf could be- how he'd clung to him and cried so pitifully after he'd removed the trap from his leg, and how he'd succumbed so easily to his pains before he'd come back with the herbs- then realized that of course a leader would put on a show of strength for his followers, if only just to soothe their fears and maintain order. The rabbit wondered if he'd ever see that cute and helpless side of him again.

"Go pick up the pup, and meet us back here. We'll need to find another cave to live in." he ordered. Bowing one last time, and drying his tears on his long burlap sleeve, he bounded away to follow orders. That done, Arthur swallowed a deeply agonized expression and turned back towards Alfred- but not before Alfred was next to him, holding him and trying to be of as much comfort as he could.

"I'm sorry, Iggy. It'll be okay." he whispered. Iggy started to argue, stopped, and slowly wrapped his arms and legs around Alfred's waist.

"Don't treat me like a child. But still, thanks... you actually made me forget for awhile, there." he smiled weakly. "But it makes no difference, I suppose. I'm not going to let it hinder me. I have to keep my priorities straight."

"It's okay to be sad, dude... I'd be sad..." he cooed, patting his back.

"I'm not an idiot, Alfie, I know that. I still won't let it faze me."

"Iggy..."

"Alfred." Gaze level and calm, his eyes like dull metal, he stared at the rabbit. "Don't push me if you know what's good for you." Then he smiled a light smile, that didn't reach his eyes quite as much as it should've. "Things will settle back to normal. I'm thinking I'll send the two of you out to do a perimeter check while I stay with the pup- with my leg as it is I'll be useless for a time, so I can't do much more myself- to see if anyone made it out like Matthew did. Matthew is very, ah, soft. So you don't have to worry about him."

"Didn't feel soft," he grumbled, hunching his torn shoulders. Iggy chuckled.

"You'll be fine. After that we'll have to find shelter again, the old one is too risky. I want to be far from human reach, as I'm sure any other survivors do."

"I think I know a place," he interrupted, wanting to be helpful. "There's a big dirt cave next to that river- I saw it while I was getting water- and it might work for a small amount of people..."

"We'll check it out. Hmm... and with a water source to boot... ah, rabbit, you might end up being more good for us alive after all."

"Just remember you said that..." he frowned. Arthur narrowed his eyes with a ghost of a smile.

"Come." he commanded, patting his leg. "Lay your head down, you can sleep a while longer while we wait."

"If you start telling me to roll over and play dead, there's going to be hell to pay," Alfred warned, still quite happy to obey. As he settled down, the wolf stroked lightly through his hair.

"Only if you don't do as I told." he laughed. "Oh... how sweet. You don't quiver anymore."

"You don't scare me so much anymore."

"I'll have to remedy that later. Perhaps not the fear as much as the quivering."

Alfred shuddered, making Arthur chuckle.

"I know, I know. Not without your permission and all that. Fine... for now."

"Iggy, I-"

"Don't worry." he crooned. "Go to sleep. Now that you're following my lead, you'll need the energy."

"Yessir, Wolfy." the little bunny yawned, snuggling close. A part of him looked forward to serving the alpha, that had somehow become his owner... and, inexplicably, his mate.