He silently gasped, eyes wide open and stopped. 'What did he... just say?' Arthur's heart began to pound faster inside, forcing his breath to quicken, therefore, taking in more of the other man's scent. 'Love? He loves me?' He tried pushing that thought to the back of his mind. How daft, don't listen, just play him! The vampire didn't care, that's what he wanted to happen, after all! He forcefully inched forward to bite, gripping blonde hairs out of frustration, body lashing at him to ignore the constricting feeling upon his chest. Fighting with himself, the demon growled and attempted to drink for his sake, he had no feelings for Alfred. No, none! However, his jaws never clamped down. His shoulders froze as he swallowed dryly, realizing another plan backfired. "Oh my, no." Arthur whispered to himself, withdrawing from Alfred, staring at him.
Blue eyes stared into green, slowing panicking. 'No? D-does he not... care for me that way? Is it too soon to say such a thing?' "A-Arthur? L-love?" He hesitantly tightened his hold on his waist, hand moving to cup his cheek. His heart beating so fast, praying the other blonde would say he loved him back, that he didn't mean no.
Eyes blinked quickly, holding back tears he did not know why started. "I... I..." No. 'I'm not in love. I'm n-not in love...' He planted this belief, despite knowing the truth. Arthur needed blood right then and there but he couldn't take it from the man who treated him well. So well, Arthur's heart welcomed him inside without knowing until now. The vampire broke out of the hold, clutching the flowers to his chest, running deep into the forest, looking for an animal to feast upon.
Alfred fell to his knees and closed his eyes, hollow inside. He kneeled there, uncaring of the small rocks digging into his knees and felt two small tears fell down his cheeks. 'Is this... what heart break feels like? How do people move on from this?' He opened his eyes slowly and looked at the stars above. 'Now I wonder if I would have still lied about a kiss being tradition knowing he doesn't love me.'
Far from the music, far from the human he fell for, Arthur released him primal instincts, tearing out the throats of fawns, guzzling and sucking them empty for his craving. Snarls muffled as he buried his face into the still warm bodies. Red liquid flowed from his parted, panting mouth, a loud groan from his quenched throat roared through the forest. After the monster's fill, he regain his breath, letting droplets fall onto the forest floor from his lips. "Ah, ah." Arthur wiped his chin clean with his tongue then dressed himself, stained clothing wasn't the best way to not draw attention.
"What have I...? I'm... I can't believe..." He watched the stars twinkling then faced the blue flowers and hugged the them tightly. While leaving the murder scene, he nuzzled and kissed a petal, fathoming what occurred between him and the friendly man. 'If I wasn't so oblivious to my own feelings, Alfred may not have grown so near and dear to me.' Arthur knew deep down, love was obvious. Pale flesh burned with an admitting realization against the night's air. "I am in love."
The hurt man slumped through the forest with unfocused eyes, disregarding the possible dangers beyond. 'How do I act from here? Do we pretend like none of this happened? I wish I could ask someone, but everyone seemed happy I finally brought someone to the dance they may get angry at Arthur.' He sighed and stopped, looking up at the stars. 'I thought I finally found love...'
Alfred liked Arthur honestly and that wasn't uncommon for the vampire, but those who had an interest were women who wanted a shag from a hot stranger. They never helped him from a wound despite not knowing who he really was. They never wanted him to participate in the traditions of their culture. They never tried making him smile with something from his homeland. He lied countless times to Alfred, from when he arrived, his intentions of staying with him to attending the dance. 'Of course now I know, I lied only to myself.'
Alfred loved Arthur, he could see that now as clear as the bright lights above. Wanting to fool himself, he kept a one tracked mind, all he was after was Alfred as a drink. Carrying the charade of a human was just an excuse to remain by the charming young man's side. His blushing proved the demon's tricks worked but he also found the shades of red and pink he could produce adorable. What he loved most about him was his kindness and smile. 'I shouldn't have ran but... I think I can talk to him now.' He grinned, yes, speak to him, explain everything and maybe if Alfred wasn't too angry, started something together.
The broken man looked around, wondering where in the forest he stood. 'Ah, I can't hear the music anymore. I'm pretty far into the forest. Wonder if the one attacking the village is hiding out in the forest too? I hope Arthur is safe.' He continued walking forward and stopped right before entering a clearing. 'Is that...? Arthur? He's still holding the flowers...'
The vampire stroked the bouquet, simpering with soften orbs. 'I... I love him, but he's human...' This was a problem... how could he be honest like a relationship should be if he couldn't reveal his true being? "How troublesome." Arthur mumbled.
'You say troublesome and yet you touch the flowers so softly.' Alfred slowly backed away, checking to make sure his face was dry. 'If he wants to talk he'll come to me.'
Arthur sighed heavily, searching for the answer in the sky. "Alfred."
"Yes?" Alfred cursed himself for answering automatically, hoping he had spoken so lowly the other hadn't heard him.
The vampire turned to the voice, hoping it wasn't his mind playing a cruel trick. "Alfred?" Arthur stepped to him, holding the bouquet to his chest. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run from you."
"I-It's ok, I shouldn't have said anything, it's only been a few days, I said it too quickly..." Alfred glanced away, frowning at himself. "C-can we still be friends at least?" Blue eyes looked over to him hopefully.
"No, no, love." He shorten their distance until he reached out to touched him. "I don't want us to be friends... I... want more..."
The frown quickly changed into smile. "R-really?" Cold fingers brushed a warm cheek, happily close again.
"Alfred, yes." The gentleman stepped closer, almost kissing range. "Yes."
He smiled widely, eyes seemingly glowing in the pale light of the stars and moon. "Then I can call you my Lover?"
Arthur's heart skipped more then a few beats. The human moved things along quickly. "I have a belief one should make love to the one they call lover, dear."
Alfred whispered while leaning closer. "I don't want us to be like all the others out here in this forest tonight, I want it to be special. So for now, may I call you mine?"
Grasping his hand, the vampire set it over his chest with minor blushing of his own. "If you'll only be mine, no one else."
"Yours... I like the sounds of it." He brushed his lips on Arthur's, cheeks light pink.
'What a sweet face.' There was no denying the human's tender features. "How I adore the sweet colors on your blooming face. Like cherry blossoms in the spring."
He blushed darker and kissed him softly before he said any more embarrassing, but oddly kind, words of affection.
His eyes closed again under the reconnection of their lips, slipping a hand to rub Alfred's bare skin behind. He felt whole for the first time since his own turning. Twenty years of lonely nights dissipated in one kiss. "And I mean every word of it." He gently broke their embrace in a whisper with lips touching.
He smiled slightly, face pink. "T-thank you. For making this the best night of my life."
"What about our night when we lay breathless together, voices and bodies needing rest after making music of our own upon softest sheets, my dear?"
Cheeks burst bright red as he stared into emerald eyes. "W-when that time comes, that will be the best moment, but being this close to you and knowing you love me will always hold a special place in my memories."
Arthur gazed with his love back into blue eyes. "I love you." 'But, will he after knowing what I have done to his fellowmen?'
"And I love you, so very much." He closed the distance between them, kissing him slowly. 'I don't think I'll ever have enough of his kisses...'
He worked his lips in the kiss, hips moving again, looking for friction. 'I've gotten myself in too deep.' Along with moving from place to place, another rule Arthur followed was never attached one's self to a human. 'It hurts, having to lie to keep him.'
Alfred groaned softly, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him closer, licking his bottom lip.
Being the gentleman he was, Arthur wanted more control. Opening their mouths to deepen the kiss, hips pushed on Alfred's until they laid on the bed of fallen leaves.
Alfred shivered and arched up, licking the tongue inside his mouth while moaning quietly.
'I want him.' He rubbed circles on the small of Alfred's back, increasing his arch. 'I need him.' He groaned hard from their quicker movements, wonderful heat they generated under clothed skin. 'I love him.'
He tangled his fingers in the soft hair above him, other hand trailing down back slowly, hips moving up as a small whine escaped his throat
'I hope he can't detect the blood on me.' He licked back, moaning and falling into the sensations under him.
He broke the kiss slowly, licking and nipping his bottom lip while panting. "D-do you want to go back to the dance or just stay out here longer?" He squirmed beneath him, blushing as he rubbed against him and felt how hard they both were.
Lifting them both into a sitting position, kissing from his neck to ear, Arthur nibbled his skin and stroked his back."I want to stay with you but I don't want to worry your friends."
Alfred moaned and tilted his head to the side, shuddering while closing his eyes. "They're probably too busy dancing to notice we're not there... But I guess we should go back anyway, huh?"
"Just to be safe. I would hate to lose you to the creature which lurks here."
Alfred sighed and nuzzled his neck, kissing it. "You're right, it's not as safe as it used to be here. They may start search parties for those who take too long."
Back near the band, they kissed more than danced.
Alfred smiled widely and pecks his lips, arms around his neck and slowly swaying with the music. 'I don't even care that everyone is watching us, I'm just so happy it seems like everything else is just background noise, like I can easily forget all about it. No worries at all in his arms.'
With eyes closed, bodies moving as one, Arthur melted into their lips brushing and touching. Everything felt right, nothing could ruin their treasured moment. Maybe when the vampire showed his true colors or maybe... no, he wouldn't leave Alfred one night, like how someone left him.
"Love you." He whispered between kisses, humming softly in pleasure. 'I don't want this night to ever end.'
"You were right, my love." Whispering back, he licked Alfred's lips.
"Right about what?" He pulled him closer, nipping his lip.
"This tradition is the night for love to be realized."
Alfred smiled and kissed his cheek. "It is. Sadly this night will be ending soon."
"The night yes, but our love, never."
Alfred waved goodbye to those still there, arm around Arthur's waist and leading them home.
XXXX
'Was it all a dream?' His first thought after coming to. Arthur hoped it wasn't then he felt relieved to find his love sleeping in his arms, legs entwined.
Alfred nuzzled the warmth in front of him, holding it closer to himself and smiling softly. He looked as lazy and comfortable as a sleeping cat.
Placing a kiss on a cool forehead, Arthur breathed in his pine and forest scent. He moaned lowly, happy he found a significant other but concerned for their future. 'I don't know what I'll do.' "Good morning, my love."
"Mmm, morning Arthur." 'I don't want to move, I'm so comfortable.' He held him closer, hiding his face in his bare chest. "Can we just lay here all day?"
"The elder needs your watching care." He pecked warmer lips.
"Rosa? I should go check and make sure she's ok." Alfred popped his head up sleepily, blinking slowly.
Arthur freed him from his embrace, letting his love slip out of bed.
He leaned down to press a soft kiss on his new love's lips. "I'm going to go out hunting again, anything you want?"
"The deer I've been looking forward to." Not really, normal food wasn't necessary to sustain his life, just blood. "Are you going to be long again?"
"I'll try not to be too long, promise love." He kissed him again and left the room, checking to see if Rosa was still asleep. 'I'm getting really worried.'
Arthur stretched out his back, then relaxed into the bed they shared, feeling at home.
Alfred strolled out of the house. He turned and walked towards town, knowing he would be in the woods for awhile looking for the deer for his... boyfriend? What did he call Arthur now? Love of his life was too long and yet it felt just right. A large smile spread across his face as he walked to Elizaveta's house. 'I'll ask her if she can watch Rosa while I'm out, I don't want to have to make Arthur do so.'
The woman from Hungry opened her door to her friend. "Hello, Alfred. Did you have fun last night? I didn't see you for a while." She hinted an obvious suggestion, chuckling.
Cheeks turned a light pink as he understood what she meant. "A-ah, we went to the forest for awhile, since we wanted to dance alone. It was the best dance I've been to so far, yourself?" He carefully avoided mentioning what happened, figuring she wouldn't ask.
"It was a tug of war between Roderich and Gilbert." As if on cue one of the two men lazily appeared by her side wearing nothing but his chick imprinted underwear. "I had to take him back home because he drank too much beer!"
He laughed and leaned forward, speaking loudly. "Hey Gil, how much did you have to drink? Nice boxers by the way." Softer he spoke to the Hungarian. "I'm sorry about leaving you alone with the two of them, was it as horrible as it sounded?"
"Suddup!" He slurred, resting his head on Elizaveth's shoulder.
"I was tired after so many dances with them." She sighed. "I enjoyed myself though. That's the important thing. Do you want to come in?"
"Enjoying yourself is the important part. I was going to ask you for a favor, but it seems you have your hands full." Blue eyes watched them, curious but not wanting to ask what their relationship really was like.
"No, no, I was going to sent him home soon. What do you need?"
"Ah, I was wondering if you could look after Rosa for an hour or so, I'm hunting for large game and am not to sure how long it will take to find one."
"I would absolutely love to! I haven't visited her in such a long time."
"I'm sure she would love to have you keep her company, its been a while since anyone besides Dr. Wang has visited her for longer than a few minutes, or that she's been awake for it anyway. My... date from last night is living with me at the moment, don't be startled if he shows himself." His lips curved into a small smile at the thought of Arthur living with him permanently.
"Oh, did you pay him to stay with you too?" The drunkard Prussian slurred, smirking. "Poor lonely Alfred, desperate for friends. Heh, heh."
The blonde rolled his eyes. "Least I didn't have to get wasted and have someone bring me to their home out of pity... Or was it fear you would drown in your own sickness?" Teeth flashed as he smirked back challengingly at him.
"Well I can enjoy a hot, moist cave whenever I want-" A fast slap across the face redden Glibert's cheeks faster than a punch.
"You pervert! That's not true!" She sneered angrily. 'How dare he make such false lies!'
He blushed and turned his face away, cheeks pink. "I-I think I'll go now... W-will you be going to see Rosa, Elizaveta or should I ask someone else?" 'Oh I can only imagine how embarrassed she is right now... And I guess that answers the question I had of their relationship.'
"I'm leaving this pig at his home right now, you don't have to ask anyone."
Alfred nodded and waved goodbye, hearing the threatening words as the door was slammed close behind him. He was glad company was arriving for Rosa today, he had been feeling guilty the last few day not spending as much time with her as he normally did. He would grab her favorite foods when he came back to the village to make up for it. Alfred ducked his head down slightly to avoid the branches as he moved deep into the forest, eyes alert for any movement or sign of his prey.
XXXX
As the afternoon progressed into the evening, Elziaveta never left the poor old woman's side. Questions about Arthur bubbled her in her. 'I'm so proud little Alfie found a nice gentleman.'
Brown eyes slowly opened, gaze unfocused and straining in the low candle light to look up at the ceiling above her. She wondered how long she had been sleeping this time, but it was a vague sort of worry, one she decided not to focus on overly much hearing a noise next to her. "Al...Fred?" She spoke hesitantly, eyes still trying to focus uselessly.
"No dear, it's me, Elizaveta. How are you feeling? You've been sleeping for quite sometime now." The young woman leaned forward, helping Rosa sit up. "Alfred's out hunting, he's been everyday this week. He has three mouths to feed now instead of two."
"Three...? Oh, you mean the man I met earlier? I thought Yao said something about him... And here I was thinking he was hunting the creature attacking the village... What day is it? I thought I saw the stars before, shining as if it were the night of the dance."
Back in the other bedroom, Arthur's worry showed in his sighs and pacing around. He set these rules for himself for this reason. 'I feel so strongly for him.' A wave of heat flushed over his face again, he stroked his forehead, sighing to cool down. 'I'm so confused as what to do.'
"It's the day after the Starlight dance. Alfred looked so cute taking the man, Arthur, with him to the dance. He actually wore the suit he swore he never would after we said he looked wonderful in it."
Rosa smiled in amusement, closing her eyes. "I'm glad he's found someone... He always seemed so lonely..." She coughed weakly, fighting to regain her breath. "I glad he took my advice long ago and is taking life by the hands... Not letting love pass him by. Love may not fix everything, but life is so much easier knowing you have a loved one close to you."
Arthur overheard them, hoping to lure the Hungarian away soon, but listened to the old woman. 'That is true, but will he still love me?' He peeked inside, hearing the fragile heartbeat slowing down. 'She's dying. At least she's not dying cold and alone.'
She smiled weaker, opening her brown eyes and looking out the window. "Love can over come many differences, that's something you and those men of yours should also learn... Alfred knows this well, in his time here, it's why he's waited so long for the right one to come along... If I know him half as well as I think I do, he'll stay with this... Arthur... as long as he'll have him." She continued looking out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of blonde hair. "I'm glad he has someone to look out for him now..."
"I am too, Rosa." She stroked the wrinkled hand, catching the grooves of aged skin.
"Maybe I'll watch them from Heaven, I'm sure they will be an adorable couple... Will you tell Alfred I love him?" Brown eyes closed as her breathing slowed then stopped, body stilling, slight smile on her old face.
"I will Rosa." Elizaveta began to choke, breathing heavily with tears freely falling. She reached out to her, wishing it was just another game of Rosa's and that she would open her eyes and comfort her by saying it was all a joke. It was so unusual to see Rosa so still, even after the death of her son she was so active, so full of life and always willing to help someone or spend time with children, much like Alfred did before Rosa got sick. In her mind she knew it must have been her time, but her heart refused to listen and hoped she would awaken once again.
Watching afar, Arthur took in the small patters of her crying. A tug inside told him to comfort her, a weeping woman he had not become familiar with. 'But the fresh blood of a human is easy because of her frail state.' The man of the house hunted for long periods of time, the vampire thought Alfred's food gathering could take even longer then the norm. 'This is my only opportunity for the taste I yearn for.' He knocked the wooden door and entered, opening his arms by her side, whispering lowly. "A fair lady shouldn't spill her jewels alone. Your heart needs caring, I can hear it's ache, come here."
She turned quickly, letting out a low noise of surprise in between her shuddering breathes, not having heard the Englishman move at all over the sobs she had been making. Her shaking shoulders moved into his open arms, wanting any comfort the stranger could provide at the moment, no matter how little. She vaguely noticed that he was cold as she hid her face in his chest, body beginning to shake as her tears fell faster.
"There, let it all out, my dear." He stroked his fingers through her hair, clearing his way to her slender neck. He gazed onto the vein pumping with red blood he could practically see. "It's alright." He licked his lips and caught the scent he missed. He wasn't one to feast upon someone so venerable, but when could he drink again?
Her crying slowed down slightly with his actions, Elizaveta reached up and wrapped her slim arms around him, clenching her hands into fists at his back, holding onto his shirt, needing something to hold onto before she broke completely. She couldn't recall crying this much when her own parents died, then again she had hardly known them while Rosa acted like a grandmother to her.
He smirked, knowing it she unknowingly gave herself. The vampire patted her head, cold lips on her skin. "Everything will get better." His last words before sinking in his fangs while pulling her out of the room and into the kitchen.
XXXX
Alfred bounced lightly as he strolled, carrying the doe over his shoulder proudly, pleased he caught the deer Arthur wanted, even if it took him far longer than he thought it should have. The blonde hummed quietly under his breath while walking along the edges of the village, smiling and nodding to people who called out to him. He passed by Roderich leading Gilbert back to his house, smirking at the silver haired man covering his ears from the Austrian yelling right next to him. 'I guess after nothing bad happened last night, people feel a little safer coming out at night.'
His head snapped towards the house as he heard a faint scream, dropping the doe he ran towards the house panicking, his actions causing Roderich, along with others, to follow in concern. He recognized that voice, knowing the one behind it would never scream that way unless something truly terrible happened. He reached the front door and slammed it open, shouting. "Elizaveta! Arthur! Where are you?" Perhaps he had spoken too soon.