Hello everyone~ Mari here with a big chapter! Sorry for about that. It's been a while since I have updated. Please excuse my laziness. While I am thinking of it, I would like to say that this fic, based on an RP between me and foRev, has been in the works for almost a year. Yep! My lovely foRev and I started this last year in November. She and I write for a few hours almost every night, so as one can imagine this fic will be rather long. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 10
In the hotel bathroom, Feliciano was fading between the darkness and being awake. The burn in his throat was now a living flame. His body was still weak and his vision was spinning. He whimpered. The smell of the hunters coming from the other room was pure torture on his hunger.
Ludwig was still quite alert as he sat at the door; ready and just waiting for the vampires to try and get in. He looked back at the wolves, still resting on the beds. Surely they can smell them he thought as he adjusted in his seat. Will they really attempt it knowing they are here? Mat was still at the window. Suddenly he turned to Ludwig. "Ludwig, I think I saw something."
"What?"
"There were two and they were fast. In the shadows now, I didn't get a good look at them." Ludwig tightened his grip on his gun, a cross in his other hand.
Alfred stood in the lobby of the hotel. "Upstairs," he murmured to no one in particular. He looked over at Lovi, adoring the blood lust in his eyes.
That German bastard is going to suffer this time. His hazel eyes met Alfred's enchanting blue. "Feli won't be able to help at all," he stated. The fact was he, himself, was still weak. The snack before had helped but, they were going to be facing two hunters and three wolves. "At least two of the three are still wounded." He looked at Al before making his way to the stairs, thinking that it'd be easier to figure out what floor they were on that way. Both vampires climbed to the very topmost floor before the scent became overwhelming. They entered the hallway and quickly found the right room. Lovi backed off and slightly bowed his head, letting Alfred take dominance in retrieving Feliciano.
Alfred stood before the door, thinking carefully. Feli is close to the door. Those wolves are a bit further away. They barricaded themselves in here...
Ludwig heard sounds coming from the hall. He got up, moving closer to the door. Then he heard footsteps. He could feel a cold sweat come over him. Must be them. They're here! He nodded over at Mat whose face suddenly looked nervous. "Toni," he said softly, leaning over the sleeping wolf. "They found us." Ludwig screwed his courage and looked into the key hole just in time for his eye to meet Alfred's. Taking advantage of his shock, Alfred kicked open the door, braking the chain and sending Ludwig tumbling back.
Antonio jerked awake and jumped to his feet as the vampires coolly entered the room. Lovino immediately grabbed Ludwig by the throat and lifted him up before slamming him into the wall full force, causing a crack. Once the skin settled around Lovi's hand, he suddenly felt the cross necklace that the hunter wore and snatched his hand back howling in pain from the burn marks. He then snarled and backhanded Ludwig across his cheek. Toni took his chance and jumped at Lovi, wrapping his own hand around the vampire's throat and pushing him out of the room and into the wall across from their room. The werewolf took in the site of fresh blood on the Italian's chin and grimaced. They locked eyes. "BASTARDO!" Lovi jumped up and propped his feet on Toni's chest before kicking, sending Toni stumbling back into the room.
Ludwig stood up on shaky legs, trying to catch his breath. Damn...He ran over to Toni's side. "Are you okay?" he asked, helping him up quickly. He cocked his gun and fired, grazing Lovi's shoulder. Alfred meanwhile was working on getting the door open. It was locked, with a plank nailed over it. As soon as he got the door open, however, a cross that had been sitting at the top fell down, hitting him square in the face. "Goddammit!" he screamed, falling back as he burning over took him. Mat ran over to Gil and Francis. "Look out, things are getting rough."
Toni gasped for air, clutching at his chest. Lovino had kicked him right in the diaphragm, making it hard to breath. Lovino took advantage of this and ran up to him, kicking him in the jaw. The wolf fell back, coughing up blood. Not a second after kicking Toni, Lovi swung his other foot across Ludwig's cheek, smacking his head into the wall in the process. Gilbert snapped awake when Mat had ran over to him and tried to jump up to help, but a sharp pain spread up his side from the cut, making his vision swim. He grimaced before falling out of bed and onto the floor, griping his side in pain. Lovino saw this and smiled smugly. He ran over to Mat and was about to grab his neck till he noticed the cross and instead backhanded him across the cheek.
Alfred stood, having shaken the cross, and headed into the bathroom. His heart sunk at the sight. Feliciano, tied up in the bath tub. "Oh, Feli," he breathed, rushing to break him free. He gently lifted the sick boy into his arms and ran out to the door. "Lovino, we are here to get him, not fart around. Let's go!" He ran out into the hall, looking back a moment to make sure Lovi was behind him.
Ludwig coughed "They're getting away...no..." He tried to give chase but they were too fast, disappearing out the window and into the night.
The vampires ran to almost the city limits before stopping in an alley. It would take the wolves and hunters a good half hour by car to get to them now, but since Lovi had managed to make a statement before they left, he was certain that they wouldn't be after them anytime soon. Alfred set Feli down. Lovino stared down sadly at his brother. The boy whimpered and slowly cracked his eyes open. Lovino wasn't sure if he was seeing them or not and he bit his lip. "Fratello?" Glazed amber eyes settled on him. "Lov…n…?"
"Si…Si, fratello. We got you out." Feli's eyes moved to Alfred. "Al…" Lovi slightly panicked and looked to Alfred with frantic eyes. What do I do? What should I do?
Alfred sat with his back to the wall of the alley, pulling Feli in to his arms. He stroked his hair gently. "He has been badly poisoned by the dead man's blood, even worse than you." He looked up at Lovino, "Please, get him some food, it will help flush it out of his system." He propped Feli up in his arms and nuzzled his neck, trying to comfort the boy. "There, there, it's okay now. I've got you Feli, you're safe...we'll get you fixed up." We must leave this city tonight, he realized. Gotta find someplace in a nearby city to hide...can't let the wolves get to us in the morning.
Lovi turned and ran relying entirely on his sense of smell to direct him to the nearest meal. In came in the form of an older male, three blocks from them, who was naively taking out the trash last minute. The vampire was on him instantly, compelling him to remain quiet. The human did as he commanded with a smile on his face. Lovi smacked the male's head against the ground and draped him over his shoulder, rushing to get back to Feli. The weakened vampire was completely limp in Alfred's arms when Lovi returned. He ran over and threw the man onto the ground, cutting into his wrist and dragging it to Feli's lips. Feliciano cracked his mouth open and limply let the blood into his mouth, too weak to actually bite down.
Alfred took the humans arm from Lovi to hold it to Feli's mouth himself, using his other hand to smooth gently through the younger Italians auburn hair. He kissed his forehead lovingly, and looked up to Lovino. "Good work, Lovi. If he can drink even a little of this it will help him so much. We...we need to leave here tonight for sure. I think France would be our best bet. What do you think?" He leaned his head against Feli's, kissing him again. "Did you sense the wolves or hunters nearby?"
Lovino shook his head. "There's no one. Just us." He stared at his brother. The fear of his brother dying was slowly ebbing away but he still had this nagging feeling that there will be more scares like this in the future. France? Maybe… It sounded like a good idea. "We've never been out of Italy before." He cocked his head to the side. It wasn't fair that they'd only been turned for a few days and already had too many encounters with their enemies. Lovino wanted to live a little…in a manner of speaking since he was, technically, dead. "Will they be able to track us? To France I mean?"
"I doubt it. I mean, I suppose they could, but it would take them a while, and by that time we will have moved again. It's safer to go there than it is to Russia, where there are startling amounts of wolves, and England..."he trailed off. "Just, know that France is our best option for now Lovi, and if not I will still do everything I can to protect you both." He looked down to check on Feli, who seemed to be drinking the blood with more force. "Prepare his other arm, would you?" He smiled, trying to push other thoughts from his mind. We absolutely cannot go to England.
Lovino nodded and reached for the other arm before slicing it open with his nail. As he went to reach for the already drained arm, Feliciano opened his mouth and released it. Lovino smiled. At least he's aware of what's around him. Lovino exchanged the arms and watched as Feli bit down and sucked. He was still incredibly weak, but he was recovering. Lovino reached out and lightly cupped Feli's face. The boys amber eyes fell on him before curiously looking around. "Are you feeling better, fratello?" While still drinking, Feli nodded. The body was finally drained a moment later and he let the arm fall from his mouth. He tested his muscles and tried to sit up. Vertigo washed over him and he fell back into Alfred's arms; whimpering, his eyes searching wildly as the world spun around him.
"Shhh, it's okay Feli" Alfred said softly, holding the boy firmly in his arms. He looked over at Lovino, "I am going to go and get a car, will you watch your brother?" He slowly rose, holding Feli in his arms. He gently handed him to Lovi before turning to run out into the night. He spotted a small, blue car. Nothing special, and obviously not very expensive. After hot wiring it he drove it back to where the boys were waiting. "Get in. Set your brother down to lie in the back."
Carrying him bridal style, Lovi carried Feliciano over to the car and opened the back door. He placed his brother down across the seats, shut the door, and hopped into the front seat. Alfred shifted the car to drive and sped off. Lovino looked out at the world speeding past him. His vampire eyes still able to make out the individual objects that would be no more than a blur to human eyes. He smirked. Yes…this was good. As a human, he had been fearful, but now, he saw the true beauty in being picked to become a vampire. He would always love Alfred for giving him this gift.
Ludwig sat in the chair, now on the side of the room by the beds, holding an ice pack to his head. The wolves had been right; the vampires had been far too much for them and they had got nothing done concerning a cure. He sighed, his head pounding from the hit he took earlier. He looked over at Mat, who was sitting beside Toni, helping to fix him up from the fight. "So, what do we do now?" "I..."Ludwig started, "I...don't know Mat. We have to find them, we can't let them keep hurting people." Mat nodded, turning back to Toni.
Antonio averted his eyes. "Can't we just…slow down a little? Relajarse?" He sighed, knowing they would both retaliate with something. "It's just…we've already dealt with them and…it hasn't exactly worked." He shook his head and sat down on the bed beside his fellow wolves. "Besides, they'll probably be moving on, right? I read in the book that vampires tend to move if their territory is threatened or they're found out. Wouldn't we count as issues for them? Why can't we just wait until we're all up to strength." "It'll be too late then." They all looked over at Gil, whose red eyes were cracked beneath the pale lids. "We have to find them and…stop them. Now, not later"
"As much as I agree with Toni, Gil is right. We can't let them get away. We can't lose track of them." He finished helping Toni and the moved on to Francis. "He's still out, a good thing. Hopefully the rest will heal him." He turned to Ludwig. "We need at least a day to recuperate. Besides, if they are on the run right now, it will be easier to find them after they have settled somewhere." Ludwig nodded, getting up to refill the ice pack. Mat got up to sit with Gil, taking his hand. "Feeling any better, Gil?"
He snorted and rolled his eyes. "Of course the Awesome me is feeling better!" His hand tightened around Mat's as a sharp pain emanated from the cut. "Ahhh…it's…it's just a flesh wound. No big. I've handled bigger shit then this. Though I have to say, I'm going to kill the bastard that cut me with that fucking knife." Antonio's eyes widened and he looked the direction Ludwig was in. Gil doesn't…know? He wouldn't. He was in pain to begin with and was recovering so…he wouldn't know Ludwig was compelled. He looked back over at Gilbert, who groaned and yanked Mat down, so he was lying next to him with his head on Gil's chest. "This is nice. I got my sexy little Birdie with me to take away all the pain." He smirked.
Mat squeezed his hand back, looking up to him with a grin. His eyes obviously reflecting worry and unease but at that moment he wanted so much to be strong for Gil. "Duh, you will be back to normal in no time." He leaned up and kissed him gently on the forehead. This is all so crazy, but I just need to accept it. It's all okay. Everything is okay… Ludwig shifted; uneasy in his chair. "Where do you suppose they would go? I would think they would aim to leave Italy all together. But then where...?"
Gilbert shrugged. "America?" Toni shook his head. "I'm not sure if they'd go that far yet. Lovi's never been out of the country before and Feli always wanted to travel Europe before heading to the America's." Gilbert frowned. "So what…Germany? Spain? France? I mean, America was big in itself, but now we're talking all of Europe? We'll never find them." Toni sighed and looked at Mat, curled up next to Gil. "Mi amigo, it's your brother who is in real control here. You know him better than any of us…besides Francis."
Mad nodded, still in thought. "He...he is going to want to avoid England. I don't know much but...there was... an incident of some kind and he became rather biased against the English. He will want to avoid it at all costs." He lay his head on Gils shoulder, thinking. "I'm thinking Germany and France are good possibilities, especially because they are so close." Ludwig nodded. "I have some contacts in Germany; I will have them on alert." He slowly walked over to his bag, the ice pack still against his head, to retrieve his cell phone.
Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "An 'incident' huh? Well then…I say we get another Vargas and head to England. This time, we'll be smart and stay in an actual house. That is…if those myths are true." He paused and looked at Toni curiously. "Wait a second…what are you so worried about?" Toni blinked at him. "What makes you think I'm worried about something?" Gilbert rolled his eyes. "Please, do you really have to ask, dummkopf? I can smell it and feel it oozing off ya." Toni sighed. "It's just…the full moon is coming and…with Lovi and you're both hurt and now we're going to France or Germany…it's just a little…much." Gilbert's eyes twitched. "Shit…I forgot about the moon…"
Mat could feel his heart fall in to his stomach. The moon? that means they will...change again… He looked over at Gil, his eyes unable to mask his fear. "Does that mean you all will...change again?" He hadn't meant to say it, his voice coming out soft and shaky. Ludwig sighed, "I'm going into the bathroom to make the call, you all can all talk." He walked in to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. He scrolled through his contacts. Toni is right...the full moon is coming, and we need all the help we can get.
Gilbert watched Ludwig walk into the bathroom and sighed. Verdammt…I can see it in his eyes. He's disgusted with…what I am. "Ja…" He looked into Mat's violet eyes. "Ja, we will change again, but…" his eyes moved to Toni's. "…only on that night. Not the other two days." He looked back to Mat. "It's like eh…say, being in a room full of beer. Every night it's like 'have a beer, but you have to pay for it.' The day before, and the day after, it's more, eh… 'here, this half is free and the is you have to pay' so you can get your fill but, it's not necessary. The full moon, that's where the bartender says everything single bottle is free. No money, no debt. Just free delicious, German beer." Toni raised an eyebrow. "What he's saying is that every day is optional for us, except those three days every month. The day before and after is like a bad itch that won't go away, but denying the moon when it's full…like having your heart carved out with a butter knife." "That's what I said!" Gilbert pouted. "But ja...we're going to change again."
Mat swallowed nervously, looking away, trying not to think about the transformation. He had seem them turn wolf and back again. He stood to move to the window, looking out, trying to clear his head. It will happen...it's going to be okay...it will be okay. He turned back to the wolves, smiling slightly.
After finishing his calls, Ludwig walked out of the bathroom. "Alright, they are on the lookout. We will know if they make it into Germany. My next guess of places they would go is Spain or France." He sat down next to Toni, shifting the ice pack to the other side of his head.
Toni nodded. "I can try to call Elana. Last I checked she started another pack back in España. If any vampires cross into her territory, she will be the first to know." He reached into his pocket and paused. "Ah…it seems that I have forgotten that these are your clothes. We will need to stop back at our apartment to gather some materials…such as my cell phone." Gilbert snorted. "Unless the fucking thing is destroyed. You did throw it pretty hard at the floor." Toni shrugged. "If that is the case, then I know where I will be spending the next few nights." Gilbert frowned. "If that bitch tries to take you back again, I swear I will kick her ass." Antonio shrugged. "Elana knows better, amigo." Gilbert growled. "She better." He looked over to Ludwig. "Guess that leaves France…unless we're going to include other countries now."
Ludwig raised an eyebrow. What was that all about? "I would start with France. Its close by and two of them are badly injured. They just need a safe place to heal. We will take some time to rest ourselves, but we must keep up the search for them. France it is." He walked over to his bag, rifling through his things for a few moments. "I also need a few more supplies. I will take you all to the apartment at sunrise. For now, let's sleep." Mat nodded, wanting any kind of reprieve from the nightmarish day. He sat down next to Gil, taking his hand.
Gilbert groaned slightly and clenched Mathew's tightly. "Dammit!" The cut on his side burned. He took a few deep breaths to relax himself before seeing Mat's worried eyes. Gil smirked. "Kesesese~ don't worry Birdie, I'm fine." Behind Mat, he saw Toni frown. His red eyes stared into Toni's green, daring him to say anything, but, as expected, Toni backed down immediately. Felling triumphant, Gilbert pulled Mattie beside him again and snuggled close, draping his arms around the blonde's waist. An image of Alfred flashed before his mind, making him frown. He averted his eyes. Dammit…that fucker needs to stop popping up in my mind.
Mat could see the hurt and inner turmoil. This has been a rough night for him too...we all need some rest. He lay back against Gil, cuddling close to him. "Have you been to France before? I went there a few times with Francis when I was a kid..."he turned to Francis, who was still asleep in the bed next to them. God I hope he will be okay. "It's...it's beautiful there. Good food. Should be worth the trip either way." He kissed Gil lightly on the cheek before settling back down. Ludwig worked on cleaning up the room, trying to fix it up so that the hotel staff wouldn't suspect too much.
Gilbert smiled over at him. If he was feeling up to it, he would have attacked the Canadian right there. He'd have attacked his sweet lips, felt up his slim body, laid claim to his vital regions. Dammit! This cut is ruining everything! He grunted and simply pulled Mat closer.
Toni stared at them unseeing. Images of him and Lovino filled his mind making him feel like crying. He couldn't though. Not now. "B-Bastard! L-Let go!"
"Awww~ but Lovi!"
"S-shut up!"
"You know you like it when I hug you~!"
Lovino blushed and averted his eyes, mumbling in Italian. "Te amo, Lovinito~"
"A-anch'io…ti…amo…bastard."
Antonio sighed as the memory receded into the storage part of his brain. He lay down on the far side of Mat and Gil's bed, frowning. I'm never going to have that again… He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Mat felt relaxed, peaceful in Gils arms, slowly letting sleep over take him. "Going to bed, Ludwig?" He whispered softly. "Ja in a bit. Just double checking my inventory. Making a list of things we need." He slowly stood from his chair, walking over to his bag. "I will sleep here in the chair, it's alright. Go on to sleep." Mat nodded, settling back into Gilbert's arms. He waited silently for sleep to take him, listening to Gil's steady heart beat and Ludwig rummaging through his duffel bag.
When Toni opened his eyes again he frowned. The skin around his face felt tight and his eyelids felt huge and puffy. He blinked and felt a few fresh tears leak down the side of his face to join last nights dried ones. He'd dreamed of Lovino. The boy had come back to him…only to rip his heart out and drink its blood. It had been rather unsettling and it left a bad taste in his mouth. He sat up and looked around. First one up. Francis hadn't moved, Gil and Mattie were curled up together and Ludwig had passed out at the table. He slid off the bed and walked into the bathroom, chancing a glance at his reflection. He had bags under his eyes already. He'd never pushed himself that much in such a short amount of time before and it was already taking a toll on his body. I'm going to need a week's worth of sleep to catch up…
Ludwig woke at the sounds of Toni walking around. He looked up. "Oh, it's you Toni" he said, sleepy and having issues keeping his eyes open. The sun had risen not long ago, not quite high in the sky. He slowly stood up, stretching as he moved to his bag. "Shall we go to the apartment? We need to stop by the supply store to get a few things on the way back. I will leave a note for the others here on the door." He went to check on Francis, Gil, and Mat; still sleeping soundly.
Toni nodded, quickly splashing his face with water before drying off and meeting Ludwig at the door "Sleep good?" he asked, trying to start a conversation. He knew the answer would be no, of course. Who could he have slept good? None of them slept good. The past few days had been anything but relaxing. "So…what are we getting from the store? What else do you need?"
"Some more bandages, first aid things and jars. Hopefully some information on where to get more dead man's blood, too. I slept okay, you?" He quickly write a note and taped it to the door with masking tape. "Let's go then, shall we?" He was careful to be quiet as they moved down the hall way, because it was still early morning.
Toni nodded. "I…slept fine." No need to discuss the dream…especially not with Ludwig. He was happy to hear that they would be getting more medical supplies. He'd feared the motion of buying more weapons that would be used against the boys or even worse…any weapons that could be turned on them! Two silver knifes and a gun with silver bullets was enough to make the wolves jumpy. It was surprising he didn't get cut with anything bad when he was digging through it in his wolf form two nights ago. That could have been bad. They both made it downstairs and hopped in the truck and sped off towards the wolves' apartment. Toni unlocked their room and gathered a few bags and filled it with clothes for the three of them and found his phone, which was-thankfully-still in working condition.
Ludwig stood at the door to the apartment, waiting on Toni. "Ready to go?" he asked as Toni made his way over from one of the other rooms. They made their way to a kind of Walmart looking place and, with the help of Ludwig's horrifying and broken Italian, bought medical supplies and snacks for the trip. As they walked back, Ludwig could see the difference from the Toni of before, to him now. "I know this is tough," he started, uncomfortable, "but we will get through this."
The wolf let out a half-hearted laugh. "I'm sure it will, amigo. I'm sure it will." They got back in the car and remained silent as he checked his phone to see if Elana's number was still there. Sure enough, it was. Hopefully she still has the phone I gave to her before leaving. He quickly dialed the number and was surprised when she answered not long after. He quickly informed her of their issues and she agreed, though slightly annoyed that he hadn't visited her, to keep an eye out in Spain for them. He thanked her and ended the call just in time for them to pull into the parking lot. Toni grabbed the clothing bags and then smiled. "Spain has been taking care of. So we are good for France."
Ludwig nodded, moving ahead to open the door to the hotel for Toni, carrying some of the bags in one hand. They entered the room to see how the others were doing. Mat had gotten up not long after they had left and taken a shower. He also helped clean up Francis, who was still unconscious before going to wake up Gil. He leaned over the sleeping wolf, kissing him lightly on the lips until he stirred.
"Hey you, time to wake up," he said with a small smile. That's when Ludwig and Toni came in, Ludwig trying to look away from the rather intimate scene.
Gilbert blinked up at him, a smirk taking over his face. He reached his hands up and cupped his love's face, dragging him down on to the bed so their lips could really meet. Gilbert hadn't really seen his boyfriend in a while and he sure as hell wasn't going to waste it. Even if it was only with kisses and nothing more-though that did make him greatly depressed-he was going to spend as much intimate time he could get with the blonde. The wolf released the kiss, smirking up at him. "Kesesese~ Now that's a wake up kiss!" Standing at the foot of the bed, Toni had a true grin plastered on his face. "Awww~! Amigo, that is so sweet! Hermoso!" Gilbert glanced over at him, a look of annoyance on his face. He shrugged. "Could be worse…least it's not Franny with his love shit."
Mat blushed, standing up strait Oh dear God yeah...Francis. Mat knew how his cousin could be. "C'mon Gil, let's get you cleaned up, we need to check your cut." He helped Gil sit up and started in on inspecting his cut. I have to help him anyway I can he thought, as he ran his finger along it. Ludwig turned to sort through and pack his bag for the third time in the last 15 hours. "Let's try and wake Francis up and see how he is doing, he need to see how healed he is now." He walked over to Francis's bed, looking him over. He doesn't look quite as bad... he thought to himself.
Toni walked over to Francis and sighed. He did look a hell of a lot better. He glanced at Gilbert, who nodded. "I think he's fucking fine. Bastard's slept through every-ah!" He cringed as Mat accidently applied too much pressure to the wound. He gasped, letting his head hang limply. "Easy, Bridie. Easy." Toni frowned. Gil was right. Francis hadn't even woken up when…when Lovi came. He was the lucky one. Antonio gently shook his friends shoulder, trying to ease him from sleep. "Francis, mi amigo. It's time to wake up, si?"
Francis didn't move at first, but after a few minutes he started to stir, coming out of his coma like state slowly. His mind was foggy, and he couldn't really register anything at first, but one thing, unfortunately, made itself known to him; pain. His whole body ached insanely, as though all of his insides had been re-arranged over and over for weeks strait. He slowly opened his eyes, the light from the window shooting through them like lasers into his brain. He turned his head away weakly; his eyes still open a crack to focus on the person above him. "T..To..n-ni..." his voice shook as barbs of pain shot through his head again, the vibrations of his own voice rattling his brain like a rubber ball in a playpen.
Toni nodded. "Hey, Francis, how are you doing?" Francis still looked like shit, but at least his body was back in order now. It was painful knowing that it had been Lovino who had taken Francis and crushed him like a doll. It had been Lovino who had made sure to get Francis and Gilbert out of the fight the night before. It had been Lovino...Toni sighed. Everything was about Lovino anymore. It didn't matter because everything that happened from this point on for him would be about Lovino. He just…had to find a way to put it aside for now and focus on the present issue…which was Francis…not Lovi. "You've been asleep for a good 24 hours, amigo."
Francis closed his eyes, finally starting to understand what was happening. "Where are we?"
"In mine and Ludwig's hotel room," Mat said. "We got you fixed up after the fight. There was a...confrontation here but somehow you slept through it." "Really?" Francis asked, bewildered. "You were pretty messed up, Francis," Mat said softly, walking over to him to take his hand. "How are you feeling?" "In pain...and lots of it at that... would you please shut the curtains?" "Oh sure." Mat left him for moment to shut them. "Tell me, "Ludwig started, "can you move? Your bones where badly broken." Francis slowly tested out each tender limb. "Weak...but otherwise okay..."
Gil nodded. "At least you're better. Full moons coming up and I'd hate for you to have to suffer 'cuz of that." He looked down at his own wound and sighed. "Least you didn't get attacked with silver. One fucking scratch and I feel like absolute shit." Toni spared him a saddened glance before looking back at Fran. "Amigo, I'm sure you'll be happy to hear this. We're going to France. They ran and there's a possibility that that's where they're going."
"Really~?" Francis's eyes sparkled. "France~" He turned to Mat. "Remember when you used to come and visit me there, Matthieu?" he said, new energy in his voice. "Oh it will be wonderful to be home again~" He lay back in the bed, shutting his eyes, his mind at ease. "When do we leave?" "Soon hopefully", Ludwig said. Mat smiled, loving the enthusiasm in his voice. He had been so worried about him. He beamed down to Gilbert, "You excited? It really is nice there."
Gilbert rolled his eyes. "Ya, ya." He glanced at Francis. "Should have known that one mention of that damn country would have you drooling with love in your eyes." He shook his head and reached out for Mat's hand, yanking it closer to him. "Of course, then again, in France…we can…you know?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively as Mat blushed a deep scarlet. "We can even get our own room and it's France, so I'm sure each room has condoms ready for use!" Toni smiled. "You two are absolutely adorable!"
Mat blushed hard, looking down. I can't believe he said that out loud...but it is Gil...and it does sound nice… Ludwig cleared his throat, obviously feeling uncomfortable. "Francis, let's see if we can help you, eh?" He walked over to his bed. "Toni, could you help me sit him up?" He slowly lifted Francis into the sitting position, his body shaking slightly. "Can you sit up on your own?"
"I feel...weak," he started "but I think I am okay." After a few minutes, and with Ludwig and Toni's help, Francis was able to stand and walk a little. "It's amazing," Mat said softly, "he really is doing so much better after only a day."
"But of course", Francis said, passion in his voice, "we must go to France~!"
"Kesesese~!" Gil laughed, his eyes trained on Mat. "Ja…let's get going. We can heal more on the way there." Gil sat up, wincing ever so slightly, and slid out of bed before realizing he was naked. He smirked, casting a sideways glance at Mat again before a bag was thrust into his hand by Ludwig, whose face was slightly horrified at seeing all of his older brother without his leg or Mat to cover it. "I went back to our apartment and got bags for supplies and clothes," Toni added happily. Gil sighed before dropping the bag to the floor and digging through it for an outfit. Once dressed, Toni slung an arm around him and helped walk him to the door with Mat and Ludwig helping Francis. They made it to the truck and made way for France.
Alfred stretched. It was early evening, the sun barely setting, and already the streets were buzzing with people out on the town. Couples, some French and some not, were making their way down the old cobble stone streets in the city, holding hands and kissing sweetly on occasion. As it got darker the street lights came on to set the city in a dim and calm glow that flowed like pixy dust over the dream like scene. Alfred, happy to be out of the car, had parked in one of the alley ways. The Italians looked around, obviously curious. "Let's go for a walk, eh?" he asked softly, taking each of their hands.
During the ride there, they had stopped a decent amount of times for food and Feliciano had managed to mostly purge himself of the poison. He was aware and able stand by himself without falling. The city was amazing. Much like the ones back in Italy, but there as this…energy in the air that the young vampires' home country lacked. It was wonderful and new. Feli clung to Alfred tightly, his eyes wandering in pure amazement as they walked the city. Lovino smirked. They were finally away from the hunters and could actually live for a change. He was so determined to taste the blood of Paris. To let it slide down his throat and warm his cold body. The smells from the living were all together pleasing, but there was this slight smell that was…off. Familiar in a strange way. Almost like how the hunters had been, but only…different. Another vampire perhaps? Lovino met Alfred's eyes curiously.
Alfred frowned, having picked up the same scent; and he wasn't happy about it. That smell could mean only one thing; the thing he had wanted to avoid England to stay away from. He gripped the boys tightly as he felt a presence move quickly nearby. He can smell us too...damn it! He already knows we're here! He held the boys tightly to him, avoiding the boys looks and questions as he scanned the area for a good place to hide. "Please just quiet down. It's okay I promise, I am going to protect you, okay?"
Lovino and Feliciano met eye contact and frowned. The fuck? Alfred's entire persona was suddenly different. He was scared, angry, protective, slightly annoyed…Lovino narrowed his eyes and scanned the entire area, but couldn't detect where the source of his master's displeasure was coming from. Dammit! Why can't we just hunt in fucking peace!? Feliciano, on the other hand, clung to Alfred tighter. Sure, he was better, but he was in no shape to fight off hunters or any other threats. His eyes widened as the smell got closer. He jumped and whipped around when voice came from behind them. "Well, well, look who it is? Alfred…it's been a while."
Alfred turned to the voice, sighing, and here we go. "It has been Arthur. Indeed it has." He looked the older man in the eye, gripping the boys harder as he pulled them in closer. "Tell me, why is it you're here? England not interesting enough? Or were you craving frog legs?" He held his ground, his body rigid and his voice smooth. I will not show weakness to you.
The vampire smirked at the three of them. It was incredibly unsettling for Lovino and Feliciano to see this other man and how his presence affected Alfred. Arthur sauntered closer to them, his eyes mostly on Alfred's. "I was merely looking up an old ex of mine, but that's not important is it? I mean, look at you. It seems you've finally became a true creature of the night, lad, and such a beautiful find. Italians? I personally never thought to look there, but hey…they're great." Arthur cocked his head to the side. "You're not very happy to see me are you? I can just smell the resentment coming off you in great waves." he sniffed the air. "What was it? I didn't give you what you wanted? I didn't treat you right? We didn't shag enough?" he sniffed again, coming closer. "I always thought we shagged...amazingly~ Of course...it seems you've found yourself a couple of new shagmates. Mmmmm! Why I never thought to try Italian! I can just...mmmm...the sex and lust is just...emanating off them and attacking my senses. I bet they're rather...delicious in bed." he looked at Alfred. "You sure did bag a couple of horny bastards didn't you?"
Alfred glared at him, pulling the boys close protectively. "Shut up Arthur! They are gorgeous and more importantly; mine. Stay away. This...I have nothing to do with you. Go, have some dinner and do whatever business you need but stay away from me and my boys." Alfred's voice was firm, looking Arthur in the eye as he spoke, trying to keep his voice calm but his message fierce. He watched as Arthur eyed them in an almost predatory way, doing his best to let him know Arthur's own lustful presence and movements did not go unnoticed.
Arthur merely smirked, completely ignoring everything Alfred had just said and continued to walk closer to them. Lovino growled. This vampire was getting too close to Alfred for his liking. He took a step forward, trying to get in between Alfred and the other. It worked. Arthur stopped, humorously taken aback. "Well…look at that. I remember when you used to do that for me." He chuckled before his aura changed drastically and he snarled at Lovino, smacking his hand against the boy's face. Lovino's head whipped to the side and he whimpered. Arthur grabbed his chin and made their eyes meet. "Don't you ever fucking do that again." His voice held such command, Lovino felt absolutely terrified. Just like that, Arthur's smile returned. "I like this one. He's got spunk." The older vampire sniffed the air a few times before moving over to Feli. He grabbed his chin and admired his features. "Cute. I wonder…" He leaned in and forcefully kissed the stunned Feliciano's mouth.
Alfred froze for a fraction of a second, stunned by the others actions, before quickly feeling his body fill with rage. He smacked Arthur hard across the face with the back of his hand; his other hand griped Feli's shoulder and pulled him back as he turned into the slap. He pulled Feli back, almost mowing over his brother, and moved to stand between them and the other vampire. "They are mine!" he growled, barring his teeth to Arthur, his eyes locked directly onto Arthur's. "Just go about your business and leave my newborns and I alone. Do not approach us again. I really don't want to fight you right now." He moved to wrap his arms protectively around the Italians, his focus still on Arthur's movements.
Arthur's eyes momentarily filled with rage before disappearing altogether. He smirked, his tongue tracing the inside of his cheek where Alfred had smacked him. He chuckled lightly, "bloody hell, you really did grow up. That actually tickled a bit." Noticing the fury in Alfred's blue eyes, sighed and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine…Jesus Christ. Have the bastards then. I really don't see the issue you have since technically, I made you and you made them…like it or not, they now have my blood in their veins too. Just like you." Alfred didn't budge and his expression remained the same. Arthur sighed. There really was no getting to the boy. His emerald eyes looked into his blue and he saw it. The fear. These boys were new…children practically. There was a fear that he was going to lose them. /From me? Even I couldn't have gotten him this riled up. His eyes flickered to the one he kissed. Ahh…I see. I would know that taste anywhere… He lowered his eyes. "Curious…you're boy seems to be slightly weaker then he should." He met Alfred's gaze again. "Did you bring hunters into my territory? Ones that have Dead Man's Blood available to them?"
Alfred did his best not to flinch at the question. "Any hunters around here came from the scent of your sloppy seconds." He grinned, seeing the slight annoyance in Arthur's eyes. "Well now, we have chatted long enough. It's time for dinner, and they boys should get to bed early. After all it has been a long day." He turned, one boy in each arm, to walk out onto the street once more and away from Arthur. He is so unnerving! To think he is really so self-centered...even after all this time. His delusions that he is so great that he can just touch Feli that way!
Arthur watched them go, incitement in his eyes. "Don't worry, lad, if the hunters come, you know how to find me." He yelled before chuckled to himself, watching the American's hips swing. "Damn, you've got such a fine arse. Still the best decision I've ever made." He muttered, before a new scent caught his attention.
Feliciano clung tightly to Alfred, the waves of unease falling off his master affecting his own body. That whole scene had confused the hell out of him. The other vampire had kissed him. For no reason at all other than the lust in his eyes. He glanced back to see the green-eyed vampire watching them with intense eyes and he shuddered, clinging to Alfred tighter. Arthur scared the hell out of him…but at the same time held an attraction for him that he couldn't explain.
Alfred held tight to them. "That, as you may have guessed, is Arthur. He is a vampire from England. He is the one that turned me. He's disgusting, so don't listen to him." After a while of searching he found a place for he and the boys to stay, a nice suite with a balcony overlooking the river. The stars and lights of the city reflected off of the water and set the room aglow. He smiled, leaning on the railing of the balcony as the boys explored the room, relaxing in the cool breeze that whistled past him. Jeez what a day...what a freaking day...things should get better though... He turned to the boys as they approached him. "Ready to get something to eat? We need to get it to go, after all Feli, you still need rest to recover from the blood sickness."
Feli nodded, already starting to feel extremely tired. He walked over to Alfred and clung onto his arm. Lovino didn't budge. He stood with his arms crossed and his narrowed eyes downcast, not even daring to glare at his master. "Why the fuck can't we go back and kill that bastard?" Feli bit his lip. "Fratello…he's our grandsire…we can't just kill him." "Fuck that!" Lovi swallowed and chanced a quick glance at Alfred's face before looking away again. "I think we deserve to know what the fuck is up with that bastard. He comes in and acts like his own the damn place. Smacks me, touches Feli…we didn't kill him. We aren't going to kill him. Explain the logic in this!"
Alfred sighed. "The answer is simple; he is stronger than me. Much. I can't take him on alone, and you two are still too young. He would swat you like flies and that is not and exaggeration. You though that little tap was tough? Wait till he really smacks you. I am not up for fighting him right now. I haven't had a decent meal in days and the both of you are still recovering. I hate him but, I won't put you two in danger; I do this to protect you." He slowly walked back inside, leading Feli along with him. "Understand?" He didn't blame Lovi, after all he had no idea what they were up against and he would have felt the same way in that position.
Lovi shifted uncomfortably, sighing. He still didn't look up and instead gnawed on his bottom lip. "Si, Master…" The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. If Alfred was some five years older and stronger, then this Arthur must be even older and more powerful. Feliciano, smiled slightly and released Alfred and approached Lovino, sensing he was still angry and slightly embarrassed for losing his temper. Feli giggled and kissed Lovi's bruised cheek. "Faccio tutto megliio, fratello~" Feli giggled again. Lovi rolled his eyes. "Qualunque…" Feli grabbed his arm and pulled him back over to Alfred.
Alfred held the boys tightly, sighing, happy that they were safe with him and away from Arthur. He looked down to Lovi, "You know, with your energy maybe you can take him on someday," he said with a playful tone. His hands on their shoulders, he led them to the door. "C'mon boys, let's get some food, bring it back here and have a night in, eh? This room has an amazing view. Even better with my amazing boys," he leaned in, kissing Lovi on the cheek before moving to kiss Feli. "We won't stay here too long, especially if the hunters show up...I wonder..." I wonder if Arthur knows...
Lovino smirked at the image of himself ripping out Arthur's heart. One day I will…unless that bastard gives me a pretty damn good reason not to…Feliciano giggled, planting a quick kiss to Alfred's cheek in return. The young vampire was beginning to feel rather flirty as he reached up with his opposite hand and wove his fingers through hand on his shoulder. Lovino rolled his eyes at the perkiness of his brother. Instead, once they reached the main floor and walked onto the street, he settled for resting his head on Alfred and letting the smells around them invade his mind. Thankfully there were no vampires around, but he /did/ smell a group a few blocks down; two male and two female, all drunk and incredibly horny. This should be fun…I'm ready to play with my food.
Yaaay~! Anyway please review! And thank you to everyone who has reviewed the last chapter or put this story on watch.