***Hi guys! This is the final chapter of Moonlight and Musk! Thanks to all of those who've followed it and enjoyed it! You guys rock! We thank you!
***Warning: Language, fighting, violence
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 10
The following morning, Ivan woke up when he felt the warm rays of the sun kissing his skin. He smiled and moaned softly, squirming in the bed before sitting up with a yawn. Smacking his lips, he blinked the morning light out of his eyes and scratched his lower back before twisting at the waist to crack it. He looked over at Gilbert who was still sleeping beside him. Gilbert was lying on his back with one hand resting on the pillow beside his head. His chest was rising and falling as he breathed in and out. Ivan leaned down to give the sleeping Elf a kiss on the forehead, marveling at his beauty and how adorable he is when he sleeps.
White lashes fluttered open, revealing bright pink eyes. Gilbert smiled. "G'morning," he greeted and then yawned widely.
"Morning." He stretched. "That was a good sleep! The best I've had!" He reached up to scratched his head and noticed that his hair was completely tasseled. With a yelp, he quickly put the pillow on his head to hide his bed hair before Gilbert saw.
Gilbert chuckled at him. "See, I told you it'd be the best sleep you'd get." He started pulling on the pillow. "Don't hide your messy hair."
"No!" Ivan whined. "You'll laugh at me!"
The Elf pouted. "Come on! I might be able to fix it for you," he offered.
Ivan couldn't resist Gilbert for too long in anything, so biting his bottom lip, he removed the pillow. The hair on his left side stuck up straight, almost like a rooster, and there were pillow sheet wrinkles on his left cheek.
Gilbert had to control himself to keep from laughing out loud. He leaned over and ruffled the messy hair and smirked crookedly. "We'll need a brush," he said and suddenly hopped off the bed, still completely naked, and began looking through a desk across the room.
Ivan stared at him as he walked across the room. The morning sunlight on the white Elven skin seemed to glow.
"Aha!" Gilbert exclaimed proudly and pulled a brush out of the desk. He went back to Ivan and jumped onto the bed to sit behind him.
"No bows, right?" Ivan asked.
"No bows," Gilbert repeated as a promise. He started to slowly brush the hair, starting on the side that was sticking up a lot.
"I look silly, don't I?" He said. "A big silly bear."
"Not at all," Gilbert said as he continued to brush the hair down. "This is normal for curly hair when it's freshly washed."
"It also comes from a good night's sleep, just like when I would sleep in my mother's bed as a little boy. I always slept the best there."
Gilbert smiled and suddenly wrapped his arms around Ivan's shoulders, leaning his body against his back. "I'll have you in my bed every night if I can." He ginned. "You'll have bed-head hair all the time!"
Ivan grinned. "I want us to never leave this bed! We can live here forever!"
"I wish we could. But first we have to talk to my father..."
His smile disappeared. "That's right."
"I'm worried about today, Ivan..." Gilbert mumbled. "I don't want them to take you away from me." He moved around to sit in front of him. "Promise me that if my father does make you leave, you'll come back and kidnap me just like you did before."
"I'll kidnap you as many times as I have to. I promise." He stroked Gilbert's cheek.
Gilbert leaned into the touch. "Good."
"What clothes should I wear? Just the ones I came in with?"
Gilbert put his hand to his lips. "Hm... maybe not. I want to show my father that you're not the barbarian that he thinks you are, but I don't have enough time to get him to know you. So maybe if you wear some of our Elven clothes, he'll see you a bit differently?"
"But you Elves are all so tiny. Do you even have clothes that would fit me?"
"Not all of us are tiny. Some of the workers and guards are about your size, so we should have something that will fit you. I might even have something buried in my closet." Gilbert got up, pulling Ivan by the hand to the large, walk-in closet attached to his room.
Ivan couldn't believe how big it was for something so trivial as clothing. "This is really silly...having so much clothing. How do you even know what to look for?"
Gilbert had already begun looking through several pieces of clothing. "Everything is organized by color, and then by the type of clothing." He pulled out a large, deep purple tunic from the very back. "This might fit you. Try it on." He handed it to Ivan, briefly wondering why he had such a large piece of clothing in his closet.
Ivan looked at the article of clothing. "Are you sure it will fit? How do I put it on?"
"Unbutton the front and slide your arms into it. There's a sash that goes around your waist too, but you don't have to wear that if you don't want to."
He started to unbutton it. "What about pants?"
"Let me look..." he mumbled as he looked though another shelf. He pulled out a pair of black pants, looked at Ivan, and then looked back to the pants. "Um... these might be a bit tight, but I think it's the biggest I've got."
Ivan tried on the pants but they wouldn't go over his muscular thighs. "I'm a giant." He pouted.
Gilbert grinned at him. "Would you be willing to wear a long robe? That might work better."
"Yes, let me try that. That may work like a cloak."
Gilbert retrieved a long dark silk robe and held it to Ivan's body. "This'll work, but...there's just one problem. You'll have to wear your pants underneath this."
"My clan pants shouldn't look too bad, right? This will hide a lot of it."
"Yes. That's good. If you wore nothing under it, you'd be practically flashing your, um... private parts, to my father." He blushed a little. "This robe is pretty thin..."
Ivan laughed. "I would have just showed him what a real man looks like! He'd be jealous!" he boasted.
"I think everyone would be. Though I'm not sure if they'd be more jealous of you or of me." He grinned.
"Jealous of you how?" Ivan asked, taking the long robe and putting it over his shoulders.
"Because I'm sure some of these snooty Elves would love a big strong man like you. And what's in you pants," he said and looked embarrassed. "We male Elves aren't built like you. We're... 'smaller,' as you've seen." He hid his lower body with a shirt.
Ivan just pat him on the head. "It's not the size that counts. It's how you use it."
"Isn't that just what they say to make us feel better?" Gilbert pouted. "Oh well, I don't have to worry about that though."
Ivan searched for his pants. "I can be all man for both of us!"
Gilbert chuckled. "That's fine. Besides, I'm sure no one could please you like I can." He grinned, but then looked doubtfully. "Right?"
"Please me? What do you mean?" He raised a brow. "You please me, Gilbert."
"You know... like, mating. You've been with others before. I want to make sure you don't miss them or want anyone else."
Ivan smiled, putting on his pants before going over to Gilbert and giving him a kiss. "I don't want anyone else. I want only you. My little blushing Elf!"
Gilbert pouted, trying to keep from turning to red. "Good." He turned around to look through the many clothes.
"Can you put on something red?" Ivan asked. "You look very, very nice when you wear red."
Gilbert pulled out a red silk shirt and showed it to Ivan. "This good?"
He grinned. "Very good. Hurry up and dress before I ravish you on the bed!"
"I wish you could, but let's get this thing with my father done first," he spoke as he slipped his arms through the sleeves. "Then maybe later you can ravish me on the bed." He finished dressing.
"We have something good to look forward to, then." He hooked his arm with Gilbert's, trying to look like a noble. "How's this?"
"Perfect. You look almost like one of us." He smiled.
He took a deep breath. "Alright...lead the way!"
Gilbert mimicked the deep breath that Ivan took, starting to feel more nervous now. He led Ivan out of the room, heading for his father's study, hoping to catch him early in the morning with few people around
When they reached the study, two guards stood outside the doors. The crossed their spears.
"The lord is having his breakfast and is not to be disturbed." Said one guard.
"Then we'll wait here until he's done," Gilbert said and tightened his arm with Ivan's.
"Would you like us to announce you, young lord?" Asked the second guard.
"Yes. I wish to speak with my father," the Elf answered.
One guard entered the room and came back some moments later. "The lord states that he will see you and only you, young lord. The barbarian must remain out here."
Gilbert hated how his father requested such a thing. He look to Ivan. "I don't want to do this without you by my side..." he spoke softly.
"We want him to work in our favor, so it's best that we do as he says for now. He may be less likely to grant us what we want if we defy him so quickly."
Gilbert nodded once and then let his arm slip from Ivan's. He took another breath before entering his father's study.
The Elven Lord sat at his personal in-room dining table, dressing in his morning robes, and barely acknowledged Gilbert's presence. He cut his eggs and sausage as he finally spoke. "Hello, my dear son."
"Hello father," Gilbert greeted and then took a deep breath. "I'm afraid I might ruin your breakfast, but the...barbarian, would like to speak to you. As would I." He hated using the term 'barbarian,' but he wanted Ivan with him for the conversation, so he had to get his father to allow an audience with both of them.
"The barbarian, you say?" He turned to look at Gilbert. "Hm. Very well. You may send him in, so long as he is presentable."
"He is. I myself saw to that." Gilbert went to the door and gestured for Ivan to come in.
Ivan came in, making sure to walk slowly and carefully, trying to act like a noble. He bowed. "My lord."
Gilbert stood beside Ivan, closely. He wasn't sure if there was an easy way to tell his father that he was in love with the man standing before him.
"We both want to talk to you... Ivan isn't just my savior. He's very important to me..." He looked at Ivan nervously.
His father paused in eating for a moment before lowering his fork and turning to them once again. "Important? And, just what do you mean, my dear son? Is he like a puppy? You want to keep the puppy?" He mocked.
Gilbert was silent for a moment, trying to ignore his father's mockery. "I love him," he stated seriously and honestly.
He was silent for a moment, and then let out a laugh. "You're joking, right?"
"Does it sound like I'm joking?" Gilbert asked as he looped his arm with Ivan's again. It was the most he'd ever stood up to his father, and it felt good as much as it was unnerving.
Lord Beilschmidt looked to Ivan. "Barbarian, is this...true?"
Ivan nodded. "Yes, my lord. I love your son a lot."
"Really?" his father started to chuckle and slouched in his seat. "Oh, this is rich." He looked to them again with a smile. "Barbarian, remove your arm from my son's or I'll have it cut off."
Gilbert knew his father wasn't joking, so he slid his arm off of Ivan's, but still stayed close to him and even stood a bit in front of him as if he was trying to protect him.
"Don't you think I should decide if he can touch me or not?" Gilbert asked his father. "It is my body after all."
"No, it's not your body. It belongs to me and to the Elven realm. That is the way. That is the law. Your body serves one purpose to this realm. It does not belong to you."
Gilbert's jaw stiffened. "I want nothing to do with that law."
"You were born into this law. It is the way of things. I suppose the barbarians are so primitive that they just...run around like wild animals with no dignity or pride." He looked Ivan up and down with disgust.
Ivan looked to Gilbert, silently asking if he could speak. Gilbert nodded to Ivan, allowing him to speak. He was worried but also curious of what Ivan would say to his father.
"My lord, I am willing to adapt to your Elven ways if I can be with Gilbert. I love your son very much and I want him to be happy, and he can be happy with me." he smiled at Gilbert.
"That will not do." Said Lord Beilschmidt harshly. "I will not have our family name ruined and embarrassed by a barbarian waltzing around like an Elf. It's disgusting. Gilbert, get him out of my sight and remain here. We shall discuss this further because I don't want you ruining this family. You need a proper speaking to!"
Gilbert growled under his breath. "Fine." He then leaned up to Ivan's ear and whispered to him to go back to his room, lock the door, and hide.
Ivan whispered, "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
Gilbert nodded. "Unless he want to talk to us both, I'll be fine."
Ivan nodded and gave Gilbert a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.
His father looked at him with a sneer. "You let that smelly beast kiss you? Why don't you just go sleep with the cows and horses if you want to smell like shit."
"He doesn't smell like shit," Gilbert said with a small glare. "And yes, I let him kiss me. I let him hug me and sleep next to me too. He's not a beast either." Gilbert was annoyed with his father always calling Ivan a beast or barbarian.
"You slept next to him? Have you..." he said the next words with disgust. "Been with him in an...unclean way? That...one-eyed...monster!"
Gilbert shook with anger. "I willingly chose to be close with him and let him touch me. He's shown me more kindness and respect than you ever have, so don't you dare call him a monster!" he shouted. "All you care about is your stupid family name! Well I want nothing to do with it!" Gilbert took a moment to breathe and calm down. "Besides, I'm not fit to marry anymore, am I. Just by letting Ivan simply touch me I've been tainted in your eyes, and I've let him do much more."
"Say no more!" He held up his hand. "I do not wish to hear it." He sat in deep, dark thought for a few moments. "I am bound by Elven blood and duty...as much as I want to see you...banished from this house, I must maintain my Elven duties. The barbarian, I want him gone. Better yet, I'll have him killed, for kidnapping my son and taking his virtue!"
"I will not let you harm Ivan! You will gain nothing from that!" Gilbert was starting to panic. "Don't talk like he forced me into sleeping with him. I gave myself to him, I wanted to mate with him!"
"You even speak in barbarian terms now!" He then gave a dark chuckle. "Well, what would YOU have me do, dearest son?"
"Let Ivan and myself go freely," Gilbert stated. "I want to be with him. Besides...there might be something in it for you, if you think you can be civil and cooperate."
"Something in for it like me? Just what would you suggest, dear son?"
"Ivan is fairly well-respected in his clan, and as his mate, I could be respected too. You've practically been at war with his people, and I think creating peace between our two worlds would be a great thing for both sides."
"Let some other family do it." His father answered quickly. "Peace or not, it's disgusting. He should be fighting in a ring, not sharing your bed!"
Gilbert crossed his arms. "If you want to see him fight, let me go talk to him." He couldn't help but grin just slightly. "I'd rather him share my bed though," he muttered to himself, but was certain that his father heard.
Ivan was waiting patiently outside the chambers and he perked up when Gilbert came out. "Is everything okay?"
"Could be better," Gilbert joked softly and stood closer to his lover, wrapping his arms around him. "Father really doesn't like you," he spoke quietly. "He said he'd have you killed for taking my virtue, and also wants to see you fight... If you do, and win...we might be able to escape or work out a deal with him." He paused. "Or we could run away right now."
"But there is the issue of your father sending men to attack my clan to get you back. Is that something you want to risk? I'll do whatever you want me to do. Maybe...talk to your father first about fighting. If I win, we get to do what we want, and if I lose, he gets to do what he wants."
Gilbert shook his head. "No I don't want to risk that... but if you fight, it'll most likely be to the death! Are you willing to risk that?"
He took Gilbert's hands. "I've been fighting for my life since I was born. My whole clan is centered around fighting to the death." He kissed his cheek. "I'll be fine. I want to do it."
Gilbert gave a nod, and then squeezed Ivan's hand. "Then, let's go talk with my father and get this over with." He led Ivan back into the room, and did not let go of his hand.
Lord Beilschmidt gave a sneer as he looked at Ivan as the barbarian entered. "So. What does the barbarian have to say?"
Ivan bowed to him. "I will fight for Gilbert. I will fight whatever you want."
"You heard him, father. He'll fight like you want him to, but if he wins, we're free to do what we want."
He smiled darkly. "So you wish to fight, hm? Just what are you used to fighting, barbarian?"
"Men and animals." Ivan answered. "Men you do not have here and animals that would give you nightmares."
Lord Beilschmidt raised a brow. "Is that so?" He looked at Gilbert. "Is he exaggerating, Gilbert?"
"Not at all," Gilbert answered. "I've seen him fight a few times."
"Hm. This has become very interesting. Very well then. Give me some time to think about what to do with this barbarian." He waved his hand in a dismissive manner. "You may leave me."
Without saying another word, Gilbert, still holding Ivan's hand, pulled the larger male out of the room. His body was stiff as he dragged Ivan through the halls.
"Don't worry, my mate. I can handle anything he tries to throw at me." Ivan assured him.
"I hope so," Gilbert said as he pushed the door to his room open. "I know you're strong, but my father wants to kill you. He'll likely throw everything at you at once to try to get rid of you."
Ivan smirked. "I'm more than ready for it." The idea of fighting something new set his mind to wandering about what it could be. The thought of it was thrilling! He barely noticed Gilbert as he continued to wonder about his fight.
"I'm glad you're so excited for it," Gilbert spoke straightforwardly and almost sounded sarcastic. He sat at his desk and had his back turned to Ivan.
When Ivan noticed the silence in the room, he looked around and saw Gilbert sitting at the desk. Immediately he knew that Gilbert was cross with him. Something must have upset his lover.
"Gilbie? What's the matter?"
Gilbert didn't look at him. "You shouldn't be so excited about this."
"I'm excited because I know I'm going to win. Don't you have any faith in me?"
"It's not about having faith, Ivan." The Elf finally looked at him, an expression of worry on his face. "I know you're strong and can win in a fair fight, even an unfair one, but I really doubt my father will make it easy for you. He'll put you up against animals you've never seen. He'll have you fight our strongest men, and their weapons will likely be poisoned too, just to make sure you really die." He stopped and looked back to his desk where was a blank piece of parchment.
Ivan went over to him and placed his hands on Gilbert's shoulders. "I know you are worried, but I know I can do this. I would do anything for you. Let your father throw whatever he has at me and I will defeat it. I promise you that."
Gilbert tilted his head back to look up at Ivan. "Really?"
Ivan smiled. "Really. I will not be defeated, and I will not lose you. If I have to become the monster and barbarian your father sees me as then that is what I'll do to win you." he hugged Gilbert about the neck. "I want you in my arms forever."
Gilbert nuzzled his head against Ivan's. "Good. The fight will probably be tomorrow. Father will definitely make a spectacle of it to make some money off of you. Is there anything I can do before you fight?"
"In my clan, the mate would give me a small token for good luck, something of yours for me to wear. It must be small though, like a ribbon. And of course, I would want a kiss." he chuckled. "And...maybe a massage."
"I have a red silk ribbon that I used to tie into my hair when it was longer. You could wear that." Gilbert smiled and kissed the corner of Ivan's mouth. "I'll give you a massage later tonight once everyone has gone to bed, that way we won't be interrupted."
"And maybe something else?" He whispered in Gilbert's ear.
"What did you have in mind...?" Gilbert asked, his cheeks turning a light pink as Ivan's breath tickled his ear and made the hair on his neck stand on end.
"I'm in your territory now." He reminded Gilbert with a light nip to the Elf's ear. "You command me. I'll do whatever you want."
Gilbert shivered with anticipation. "Ah... but you are a guest here... I should do whatever I can to make your stay as pleasurable as possible."
"Just being with you is pleasure enough." Ivan nuzzled his nose into Gilbert's neck. "I like when you command me." he grinned against Gilbert's neck. "You're still a young 'lord' even though you're my mate."
Gilbert gave a soft purr and leaned toward Ivan's touch. "Very well. I'll be in charge..." he couldn't help but blush a little. He wasn't used to being in control in such a way.
"Then command me. You have full control over this big, strong barbarian."
"Right now?" Gilbert asked, blinking his eyes widely. "All right..." he eyed Ivan's body up and down for a moment. "Those clothes don't suit you that well, so...remove them and sit on the edge of the bed," he ordered.
Ivan moved away from him and pretended to be shy and coy as he slowly undressed.
Gilbert was a bit confused. "Are you pretending to be me? Usually you'd be naked before I finished talking." He smiled. "I don't mind, though. Take your time if you want."
"No, I'm just trying something a little different. Do you like it?"
"A little," Gilbert admitted, "but it's not like you. You've never been shy before at all."
"So you like when I'm bold? You like for me to carry you off and ravish you with love until you forget your name?" he smirked.
Gilbert turned pink and crossed his arm. "Yeah..." he also admitted.
"Maybe you should try to pick me up and carry me off!" Ivan said with a chuckle.
"My arms would break," Gilbert said bluntly. "Maybe you should finish undressing and sit on the bed as I commanded you to."
"Yes sir."
Ivan removed the rest of his clothing and walked over to the bed to sit on the end. He looked at Gilbert and noticed the Elf was looking at his body despite all the scars littering it. That was one of the reasons why he loved Gilbert so much.
Gilbert walked to him, standing at Ivan's knees. He reached a hand out and began to trace some of Ivan's scars along his chest. It made him a little sad to think of what Ivan had to go though to get them, and that he may receive more the next day. He shook the thoughts from his mind and smiled at Ivan before kissing his jaw, and then slowly began to kiss down Ivan's chest as his hands roamed his arms.
Ivan moaned softly, leaning his head back. He lifted his hand to stroke the soft white hair.
Gilbert glanced up at Ivan, but a second later he continued to kiss down until he was kneeling between Ivan's legs. His lips kissed right under Ivan's belly button, slowly and lovingly.
Ivan had to wonder if Gilbert was going to do what he thought. He took the chance and said, "You don't have to."
Gilbert looked up again, looking a little confused. "I know. I don't have to do anything, but I want to." He then moved back a little. "Unless, you don't want me to?"
"I'd rather have my ears cut off and my only eye gouged out then say no to this." He assured him playfully.
Gilbert chuckled with a little blush. "Well... I've never done this before, and only had it done to me once. So I might be bad at it."
Ivan lifted Gilbert's chin to gaze at him. "Whatever you do is fine. Learning is part of the fun."
Gilbert smiled. "All right," he said and then moved his head to kiss Ivan's hand before moving his lips back to his groin. Gilbert didn't have a lot of experience, but he hoped that whatever he did would still please Ivan.
Feeling Gilbert's breath on his member had the organ growing instantly hard and he hoped that it did not frighten his lover or surprise him.
It surprised Gilbert a little but only because it happened so quickly. It also kind of flattered him, but made him realize that he needed to hurry up a bit. Hesitantly, Gilbert wrapped his fingers about the base of Ivan's length and gave a few short and subtle strokes.
Gilbert's hands were so soft and cool against his heated skin, like the silk sheets on the bed beneath him. "If only your father knew the kind of power you hold over a barbarian like me."
"If only," Gilbert repeated and tightened his fingers just slightly as he sped up his strokes. "He thinks you're a beast. A monster who probably took his son against his will. I doubt he believed me when I told him that I wanted you too."
"He probably would...and let him think that way for I will never prove it to him. I will not have someone else seeing you in pleasure, family or not." He finished with a groan.
Gilbert chuckled. "I wouldn't want him seeing anyway. He'll just have to take my word that I like touching the 'smelly barbarian.'" He gave a little kiss to the tip of Ivan's erection, letting his breath linger on the sensitive skin. He was trying to figure out the best way to go about doing this, but for now he just let his lips suckle along the side as his hand twisted and pumped.
Just watching Gilbert do this to him was pleasure enough and he wanted to feel his lover's mouth all around him but it would be better to let Gilbert explore on his own. But those lips were so soft, it was hard to keep himself in control when he was going mad with pleasure."
Once Gilbert felt more comfortable, he brought his mouth to the tip and began to suck lightly with pursed lips. He wanted to take his time and have Ivan tell him what he wanted.
Ivan bit his bottom lip to keep from crying out too loudly. He arched his hips slightly, hoping Gilbert would take in more.
A little grin appeared on Gilbert's lips when he felt Ivan moving and heard his little sounds. He felt like he was needed and wanted, and that pleased him. Feeling a little bold, Gilbert parted his lips to take more of Ivan's length into his wet mouth, and began to slowly bob his head to get used to the motion.
Ivan leaned his head back and let out a long moan. It was torture to be forced to sit so still! Gilbert's mouth was hot and wet around him, a delightful combination.
Gilbert suddenly pulled his mouth away and wiped at his lips. "You're almost shaking. It's hard for you to just sit back and let someone else pleasure you, isn't it?"
"It feels so good...and it's even better because it's you doing it. I just don't want to go mad with pleasure and tackle you the bed."
Gilbert kissed the tip again. "Would you want rather me continue, or do you want to tackle me to the bed instead?"
"No, no, please, continue. I have to remember that you're in control."
Gilbert smiled and playfully licked the head a few times. "Well, I could still be in control in that..." he wrapped his lips around it and sucked tightly.
Ivan let out a deep, throaty groan as he felt the tight heat of Gilbert's mouth suck him. The suction threatened to make him cum immediately, but he did not want to finish just yet.
Gilbert grinned around Ivan. He wanted to make Ivan cum, and wanted to hear him when he did. Gilbert sucked tighter and bobbed his head faster, twisting and squeezing both of his hands around the heated skin.
The sucking and motions were too much and the fact that it was Gilbert doing it brought everything to a peek. Quickly, he pulled Gilbert's mouth off of him so that he wouldn't be forced to swallow.
The sudden push startled Gilbert as he fell backward. He looked up at Ivan in confusion.
Ivan panted as the relief of release overwhelmed him for a moment, hindering him from speaking. When he found his voice again, he answered Gilbert. "I didn't want you to have to swallow."
Gilbert crawled back over to him and leaned onto Ivan's lap. "You're sweet," he said with a smile. "You didn't have to do that."
Ivan stroked the soft white hair. "I didn't want to hurt you. In time you can handle it, I'm sure." he smiled.
Gilbert leaned into the touch and moaned softly, almost like a cat purring. "Mm. I'll get better," he mumbled softly.
"I think only of you." Ivan reminded him. "And I'm sorry for...finishing so quickly." he gave a crooked smile. "I was too excited."
Gilbert grinned up at him. "I'm flattered. I love that you get so excited for me."
"See what kind of power you hold over me?" Ivan poked Gilbert's nose. "You're the most dangerous beast to me in all the world!"
A playful pout pursed Gilbert's lips. "A beast?" He chuckled. "Well...I have some power over you, but it's more like a weak leash that you can break easily."
Ivan shook his head. "You have me in chains. I would never break the leash you have me on." He made Gilbert stand up so he could kiss him.
Gilbert smiled into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Ivan's neck. "And I would never actually put you in chains."
"Love chains?" Ivan asked in a small, squeaky voice. "Maybe?"
Gilbert blushed. "Do...Do you want me to put you in chains...?"
"You can put me in anything you want." He pulled Gilbert into a hug. "For right now, I just want to cuddle with you for tomorrow...I may need all my strength. I can't be worn out from mating you all night." He said in a gentle tease.
Gilbert smiled and returned the hug. "After your victory, we'll mate to celebrate."
"I'll have to make quick work of the fight, then." He said with a grin and pulled Gilbert back onto the bed with him.
Gilbert chuckled and sat up, gazing down at the other. "Get a lot of rest tonight, okay?" He bent down and kissed Ivan's forehead.
"I sleep like the dead here in this bed." He cuddled Gilbert close to him. "Try not to worry, my mate. I will be victorious."
"I know. You always win." Gilbert kissed under Ivan's jaw. In truth, Gilbert was still worried; he couldn't help it.
For a while, Gilbert just stared at Ivan's face. He wondered what his father would make him fight, if Ivan would get hurt, and the possibility of Ivan losing. Gilbert tried not to think about it too much, and then snuggled close to Ivan.
They next morning, both men were brutally awaken from their sleep by banging on the chamber doors. Ivan jumped up first, leaping out of the bed and read to defend Gilbert, just on instinct.
The noise woke Gilbert with a jolt, but once he realized that someone was at the door, he got up from bed and walked around to Ivan. "Get dressed," he instructed in a whisper and then slowly went to the door. He looked back at Ivan for a second, and then opened the door just enough for him to peek out.
"Yes?" he inquired from who was outside.
It was a group Elven guards. "Lord Gilbert," said one. "We are here to escort the barbarian to the arena. You are to dress and meet your father at the viewing dais."
"Very well." Gilbert turned to look back at Ivan to see if he was dressed, and then opened the door more as he walked back to Ivan. "They're here to escort you. It's time for your fight." He leaned up and kissed Ivan's lips, lingering for a few moments. He didn't want to think that it could be their last kiss. "You'll see me in a little bit." He tied the red ribbon around Ivan's neck for luck.
Ivan pulled Gilbert close and gave him another kiss, this one deeper than the previous. "I promise that all will be well. You will be able to hold your head high and smirk at your father. Try not to show that you are worried in front of your father. Don't give him any more power over you."
Gilbert smiled at him, a small smile but a real one. "I won't. And I'll cheer for you loudly and proudly on front of everyone."
"Should I jump up onto that dais and carry you off in my arms in victory?" He asked with a grin.
"Or..." Gilbert ran a finger down Ivan's chest. "I could come down to you, give you a kiss in front of everyone, and help wash the blood from your skin."
"I like that idea too...but the thought of carrying you off in victory is a much sweeter picture!" He paused a moment to imagine it. "But I should be going." he kissed Gilbert's forehead. "I love you."
"Then that's what we'll do. After you win you'll come up and carry me away." Gilbert leaned up to give Ivan a final kiss. "Go get 'em. I'll be waiting." He smiled.
Ivan smiled and stepped out of the room to join the guards. The guards all had their swords drawn, blades pointed and ready, should he try anything. He looked back at Gilbert as the swords led him away.
Gilbert smiled at him, letting him know that he was fine. After they left, Gilbert turned to his wardrobe and began to dress for the event. He made sure to wear another red silk shirt, knowing that Ivan loved him in red.
In the dungeon area of the arena, Ivan found the surroundings to be fairly clean, which wasn't surprising because the Elves were just that way. They stripped him of everything and gave him only pants to wear- pants that were a little too tight and they were slightly uncomfortable. He dare not ask for a bigger pair because chances are, they didn't have any. And the pants were short in length, too. They were clearly made for an Elf or a smaller person. He towered over most the Elves and he couldn't help but chuckle at that. He does look silly in this pants, though.
Once dressed, Gilbert went and joined his father outside. It was a beautiful day, and he might have enjoyed it if he didn't have to watch his lover fight. He climbed up onto the platform and sat beside his father. Gilbert tried his best to not look worried in front of father, but wondering about what Ivan was going to fight made him a a bit nervous.
Lord Beilschmidt leaned over and asked, "Are you not even going to greet your father?"
Gilbert hesitated before looking over to his father with an expressionless look. "Good morning, father," he said and tuned his eyes back to the arena.
"You seem nervous. Do you have such little faith in your barbarian?"
"No. I have a lot of faith in him," Gilbert said.
"Then why do your hands tremble, my son?" He continued with a smirk. "Are you afraid of what I may do?"
"Yes," Gilbert said honestly. "You want to see him fight, and you want him dead. I have faith in him when the fight is fair, but against you...I can't help but worry."
"Fear not, dearest son." He reached over to pat Gilbert's hands. "You'll soon realize that you don't need this barbarian in your life."
Gilbert yanked his hand away, and then glared at his father. "I need him more than I need you."
He chuckled. "How amusing."
The horns blew a tune signaling the start of the fight.
Ivan walked out from the open doors into the arena. He felt the sandy dirt between his toes as he walked to the center, ignoring all the 'boos' and looks of disgust. Glancing up, he saw Gilbert on the dais and he smiled fondly. Gilbert returned the smile and gave him a little wave, regardless of how people looked at him or Ivan.
There was silence in the arena when the opposite doors began to open. Ivan stared intently at the darkened entryway, waiting to see what type of person, or beast, would come out. He could feel a slight vibration from under his feet, something only a trained hunter like himself would feel. Whatever was coming is not a man but a beast. His fists clenched at his sides. He actually felt a dark smile come to his face for he was excited to see the beast that he would be facing.
Gilbert felt his heartbeat pick up as he watched the doors open. He glanced to the side and saw a grin similar to Ivan's on his father's face, and the smirk only made him feel worse. His hands gripped the arms of the chair he was in, and with his eyes squinted slightly on the door, he waited anxiously to see what monster his father chose to attempt to murder his lover.
From the doors stepped a large black lizard, that at first appeared to be just that, crawling on its belly and four legs. But once it stood erect like a man, Ivan knew that this was more than just a big lizard. He had heard of this race before yet the name escaped him, but that wasn't the important issue at hand. The lizard-man stood taller than him, even from a distance. Ivan could guess that his head would come up to the beasts' chest. It showed its terrible claws, opened its razor-tooth mouth and let out a shrieking roar.
The sight only made Gilbert tense up more. He couldn't believe that his father chose one of these creatures to fight Ivan. They were strong, violent creatures, more savage than what people imagine Ivan's tribe to be. Gilbert looked at his father again, seeing his grin widen more, and then looked back to Ivan to watch how he'd go about fighting his opponent.
This creature is a new one for him. Ivan knew he would have to dance around with the beast, size it up, and keep eye-contact to establish challenge. For a beast will like this will not attack wildly if it knows it is up against a stronger, or equally strong, opponent. Random attacks leads to unpredictable movements, an act that can become deadly. Ivan began to walk slowly towards the creature, keeping eye contact.
Gilbert kept his eyes on Ivan for the most part, but often looked to the creature. He'd never seen one fight before, but he knew that if his father chose it, it was strong. Gilbert had seen Ivan smash a man's skull in, so he knew he was strong. He had faith that Ivan would gauge the creature and beat him.
"Your barbarian looks as if he is excited." His father said to him. "Is he that eager to die?"
"He's eager to kill your monster," Gilbert spoke sternly, showing that he had faith in his lover. "And he will."
"That creature is taller than him, and has more animalistic instincts. The barbarian will find himself outmatched." His father stated proudly.
"Taller, yes, but not stronger or smarter. Those animalistic instincts will blind it with the need to kill, but Ivan will keep his head and defeat it by outsmarting it." Gilbert grinned a little. "Or he'll just climb on it and punch its face in."
His father let out a laugh. "No man is that strong."
"I've seen him smash a man's face in." Gilbert kept his eyes on Ivan.
"A man's. Not a creature." he chuckled. "I have a lot of money riding on this fight. Once he is dead, you're more than welcome to come back to your father. I will forgive everything."
Gilbert looked to his father, glaring. "Even if by some chance Ivan does lose and gets killed. I would never come back to you. I don't want your forgiveness, and I'd rather slit my throat than live without him."
"You're speaking out of pride now, my son. Oh!" he gasped in excitement. "The beast took its first swing!" he clapped his hands. "Bravo."
Gilbert ignored his father, not commenting on his words, and just watched the fight.
Ivan avoided the first swing of the massive claws. This would be easier if he had a weapon but seeing as he had just his hands, he would have to strike at certain parts of the body. The first place to go is the eyes, but the creature was much too tall for him to damage them successfully, so he would have to get the lizardman down on all fours. So he had to go for the back legs. Waiting for the right opening, he slid under the beast and grabbed its leg. It gave a snarling roar. Ivan quickly gripped a talloned claw with one hand and pulled it back, easily snapping it, breaking the bone. The monster gave a shrieking roar and fell to its belly. Ivan rolled out of the way of being crushed.
Once Gilbert saw that Ivan hadn't been crushed, he gave an excited cheer. He was proud, and the only one to cheer for him The disgusted looks he got didn't bother him, he would continue cheering for Ivan.
Ivan crawled up its back to the head where he latched on to the neck. With one arm he held himself tight to the beast's thrashing head. The other went for the right eye. Even if he could get just one eye it would throw the beasts' balance off, making it harder to attack swiftly. With his strength he pushed his thumb through the right eye, squishing it like a grape. The monster roared violent and flipped him off. Ivan went spiraling through the air to land on the ground with a thud. The Elves gave a cheer.
Gilbert frowned with worry, but he knew that Ivan would get back on his feet. He knew he was strong, and knew he could win. Hearing his fellow Elves cheer and wish for Ivan's death made him feel sick.
The creature was coming at him now, crawling on three legs with one good eye. Ivan waited for it to come closer, and when it did, he took a fistful of dust from the arena floor and tossed it into the lizard's face. Most of it got into its good eye, which blinded it just lightly for Ivan to jump on the head again, taking out the other eye. Now the beast was completely blind. Ivan jumped off its head and took a few steps back to watch it frail its head around in pain. For a second, he thought he was safe, until the lizard stopped. The lizard began to sniff the ground, and then sharply turned its head towards him. It roared loudly and charged at him. Ivan dodged out of the way, rolling to safety but only for a moment. The beast came at him again. So the beast could move by sound and vibration as well. Ivan jumped over it and rolled along its back to get away. Now that he knew this, his only option would be to have the beast ram itself into the stone wall so that he could attack it again.
Gilbert grinned proudly and couldn't help but stand up from his chair. "Kill him, Ivan!" he shouted to him, encouraging him to end this fight and defeat his father's beast. He knew that Lord Beilschmidt had to be infuriated, but Gilbert didn't care one bit.
Ivan heard him shout and it brought a smile to his face. he danced around with the beast for a bit, getting a feel for its exact movements. Finally, he managed to get it near enough to a wall and Ivan pressed his back up against it and stomped his foot. The beast roared and came at him, as planned. Ivan had to wait for the very, very last moment to move. It was risky.
Gilbert watched with wide eyes, waiting for Ivan to deliver the final blow. He began to feel a knot of nerves tighten in his belly as Ivan waited until the beast got so close.
When the moment was right, Ivan jumped sharply to the right as the lizard ran head on into the wall. It hit its head hard, cracking the wall a bit, and it started to stumble as if it were drunk. This was his chance. Jumping to his feet, he leapt onto its neck and grabbed a jaw in each hand. Using his strength to fight against the beasts' attempt to close its mouth, Ivan started to open the jaws wider and wider, ignoring the teeth piercing his skin, and using his legs to keep the lizard from throwing him off. Now that he knew he was going to win, the bloodlust warrior in him came out and with a loud cracking sound, he had ripped apart the jaws of the lizard. The monster landed heavily on the ground, finally dead.
Everyone was silent.
Panting heavily and his hands covered in blood, he turned to the dais where Gilbert and Lord Beilschmidt sat.
Gilbert grinned widely at his lover. He turned to his father and gave a halfhearted bow, then looked back to Ivan. He took a single step down from the dais and waited for Ivan to come up to him.
Ivan all but ran up the dais steps, (while wiping his hands on his pants) and scooped Gilbert into his arms. He looked at Lord Beilschmidt with a proud smirk and puffed out his chest.
Lord Beilschmidt gave them a dirty look. "Leave and never come back." he said coldly.
Gilbert proudly wrapped his arms around Ivan's neck and kissed his cheek. He smiled even more upon hearing his father's words.
"Gladly, my lord," Gilbert said mockingly and then patted Ivan's head. "Let's get out of here."
Lord Beilschmidt stood from his chair. "Take all of your things." He said harshly. "I want little memory of you. From this day on, I have no son!" He stormed away from them.
"Fine by me," Gilbert replied under his breath. He looked to Ivan. "Let's get out of here. I don't want any of my stuff, and he'll just have it burned if I don't take it."
Ivan suddenly gave him a pout. "But...you have so many pretty things. Can't you take a few of them?"
"If you really want me to, I'll bring some of it. But you can understand why I don't want things connected to this place. I did just get disowned by my own father."
"Yes but...you can bring all your pretty clothes and jewelry...and those pillows and blankets?" He asked hopefully.
Gilbert smiled and nodded. "All right. Take me back to my room."
No one spoke a word to them or even met their faces as they made their way back to Gilbert's room. Ivan carried him the entire way. Once in the room, Ivan put him down. "I also need something more to wear...I look silly in this tight pants."
Gilbert grinned mischievously at him. "You look sexy in those tight pants," he spoke playfully, but then went to a nearby dresser to search for something bigger.
"I do?" Ivan tugged at them. "They're so tight on my rump! I think more Elves were looking at my rump than at the lizard!"
"I wouldn't blame them. They've never seen someone so...strong, before. I bet some are envious of me even." Gilbert pulled out some looser pants and turned to Ivan.
Ivan was already naked and tossed the pants to the side. "They should be jealous. All those man-elves look like little girls compared to me."
Gilbert eyed him up and down. "And what about me? Do I Iook like a little girl?"
"No." he smiled. "You look like my Gilbert."
Gilbert chuckled sweetly. "And I always will be." He stepped closer to Ivan. "I wish everyone could have seen how sweet you really are." Gilbert looked a bit sad, thinking himself stupid for having any hope that his father would accept Ivan.
"Even if they did see me that way, they would still never believe it. They only see a barbarian, not a person." Ivan reminded him. "And soon we'll be away from here."
"I suppose you're right." Gilbert sighed. "I wish I could have given you more of a taste of nobility, though."
"You will, when you're walking around in your pretty Elven clothes!" He said happily. "And if you want...we don't need to go back to my clan village. We can find another village somewhere else, maybe? I can build you a good home there."
"If you want to. It'll be hard anywhere we go."
"I know, but in my clan there is really nothing for you there. I can still teach you to hunt, but we don't have to live there." he smiled hopefully. "I want you to have a pretty little house."
Gilbert chuckled. "All right. Let's go make our own home," he said with a smile.
Eager to start their new journey, Ivan helped Gilbert pack a large trunk of clothing and other items. He easily carried the trunk on his back. "Should we go?"
Gilbert nodded. "Yes, let's get out of this place."
No one bothered or approached them as they left the Elven city. They stood silently on the main road for a few moments before Ivan started. "Which way should we go?"
"I'm not sure. We should go far away from this city though. Do you know anywhere we could go? I've never been outside the city so I don't know the surroundings that well..."
Ivan smiled proudly at him. "I'm an expert hunter and tracker. I will find us a nice place to live. Together we can do it. People respect Elves more than barbarians. Maybe we can put on a little show in the town we choose. I'm your servant and bodyguard!" He smiled.
Gilbert smiled. "You're my lover, that's it. And I'll be able to protect you too!" he spoke proudly.
Ivan took a deep breath, put his arm around Gilbert, and looked down the long path ahead of them. "This is only another part of our adventure together! Are you ready?"
Gilbert, although a bit nervous, gave a single nod. "Yes, I'm ready for whatever comes our way."
Ivan took his hand. "We'll face it together."
Gilbert nodded. He squeezed Ivan's hand gently, let out a soft breath, and then began walking down the path full of possibilities and hardships.
The End
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