One Last Fairytale: For the First Time in Forever
A few days after the mourning ceremony comes the birthday celebration of the two princes. And this time, it will not be any normal birthday celebration. King Arthur has specifically request the invitation to be opened up into the public so that the citizen could also attend for the princes' birthday, much to the delight of the citizen.
And of course, getting this event ready wasn't an easy task after all. With so many things needed to be done, everyone in the castle worked day and night just to make this day perfect. The kitchen staff, including Yao were busy preparing food and the large birthday cake for the day to come. Even Francis had volunteered to help them, shoving Arthur out of the kitchen no matter how much the king wants to help. After all, Arthur's food can only be eaten by the prisoners (if you know what I mean, ahem).
The other royalties from the other kingdom agreed to stay for a few months in Main Hetalia to help celebrating the royal princes' birthday. Moreover, the kids seem to be very happy to have them for company. And hence, this ensures a merrier event.
As the big day slowly approaches, Alfred got even excited that he went crazy all over the place. All that was filled in his mind was meeting many people and running the ground outside the castle wall and see how the outside world looks. Matthew has been eager for this day to come as he imagined how the day would pass by with lots and lots of gifts and wishes from people. Kiku smiled a bit at how happy his master was for the upcoming event but he was still struggling with his present for Alfred. On the other hand, Natalia was unfazed by the event since she hated being in crowded area. She did rather isolated herself from the people and hide in the corner with her brother. But with his strange behavior lately, she didn't dare to get closer to him by an inch. In fact, she seemed to be quite anxious for the days to come as she gazed out of the window, eyes locked at somewhere very far away.
On the day of the princes' birthday, Arthur woke the kids up early and got them dressed up into their formal clothing. As the day got brighter, Alfred began pacing up and down all over the castle ground, occasionally glancing out of the window to see a massive crowd of people heading towards the castle main entrance.
"Look! Look, Mattie! There are so many people, and they are all coming for my birthday!" Alfred said in excitement. Matthew sighed and corrected his brother, "It's OUR birthday, Al. And as what dad had said, it will be a very HUGE event."
Natalia watched the twins gazing out of the window filled with excitement, talking about what kind of people and friends they will meet and all kinds of fun that awaits them. She scowled a little at the thought of Alfred getting along with other people while she was being left alone and fiddled with her silk dress. Oh, how she wished to have such an attention like them! If only...
Meanwhile, Yao was busy getting all the last minute preparation done while making sure everything was in order. Kiku who actually wanted to help his brother with the chores but only ending up letting Yao do it all since he isn't very skilled with his job yet, maybe next time...
Yao stopped his work halfway as he sent glances towards his younger brother who turned his eyes at something else that he did not know he was being watched. During the attack of the Old Northern Kingdom, he had promised his mother to watch over and take care of Kiku in her place. It tore his heart somehow, seeing that Kiku lost his mother at such young age and having to grow up without having much memories of their deceased mother. He yearned to be at Kiku's side, watching him growing up was nothing more but just a simple request as Kiku's older brother. But then, things had been unsettling recently. What with Natalia constantly dreaming something of bad omen while Kiku having flashback of the forgotten Northern Kingdom, it was just too much for children at such young age to handle, what do they know about it? Yao sighed and a scowl formed on his face, wondering just how much time was left for him to spend his time with Kiku?
Kiku, unknown that his brother was watching him, had turned his attention from the chores to the scene outside. From afar, he saw the vast sea that connected to other places. A meadow rich of golden crops ready to be harvest in the midst of a beautiful summer. The streets that stretched from the castle were coloured with lights and the finest decorations, along with full bloom of flowers. Crowds of people, strode down the street in their best suits and glorious attire, all chatting and laughing all the way while heading towards the direction of the castle. Oh, how he wished to go outside! All he wants is to have a little peek of the outside world, a world where he has never knew off since he had his earliest memories.
It seemed that Yao knew what his brother was thinking, judging by his eyes. He chuckled a little, as he placed the last set of utensils on the grand dining table before asking, "Do you want to go out and have a walk, aru?"
Kiku snapped from his daydream and turned his attention back to his brother, his eyes seemed to be pleading him to grant his permission. The older of the servant boy just smiled and waved his hand, "You should change out that clothes of your for something more presentable if you want to go out, aru. You can have some fun outside for a while, just remember to come back before the ceremony starts."
Once his words were out, he could see happiness shone in Kiku's as he stood up abruptly from the spot he was sitting. "Really, nii-san? Can I really leave the castle ground?" He asked his brother excitedly for a confirmation.
"Just don't cause any trouble outside, okay?" Yao reminded him. Before he could even receive a reply, the younger servant boy dashed out of the room with much eagerness, too excited to see the outside world. Yao smiled as he watched his brother left, while hoping that Kiku get to enjoy some freedom before he truly grow up. He just hoped that he could give something better for Kiku, as an elder brother...
As the day continued, King Arthur had given his word to open the castle door. The moment the doors opened a crack, Alfred hardly able to contain his excitement ran out of the castle and began his exploration of the outside world. He ran and bumped onto many people who were passing by towards the castle where he just simply greeted them before running off to the main street, skidding and hopping all along the way.
Though Matthew was eager to go out for a walk, he preferred staying near the castle door while watching the citizen of Main Hetalia walking on the street with amazement. He has never seen such a lively place like this before, not when being surrounded by castle walls.
Natalia was quite the opposite, however. As people began to flock into the castle, she started retreating further into her shell in hope to hide herself from the crowd. All she wanted was to accompany her brother, but he was nowhere to be seen. Fearing of such crowded scene, she stood as close as possible to her father Arthur for some comfort. Arthur did noticed her discomfort and tried to assure her that the people meant no harm in hope that she can open up to the crowd but there were no other progress made other than her greeting the guests along with her fathers. Arthur let out a sigh of giving up, knowing that Natalia will not show her weakness to people even if she knew about it.
On the other side, High Prince Antonio arrived with the Bonnefoy twins with him. Princess Felicia, being as bright as always, was smiling and talking with the guests at a rapid pace. Her twin sister, Lovina, however was the complete opposite, with a scowl that never left her face. One of the servant tried to serve her some drink but she angrily threw some dirty remarks at him, unaware of the attention she had attracted from the crowd. Antonio sighed as he quickly apologized at the servant, saying that Lovina had some... mental problem. Really, he thought in his own mind, won't Lovina just behave a little?
Meanwhile, Yao was helping Ivan doing the finishing touch of his clothes. Ivan let out a sigh as he watched his own reflection at the mirror, seeing a young man with clothes of the finest regalia. But then, his frown has never left his handsome face since this morning, as if the clothes did not suit him at all.
Yao noticed Ivan's distress and wondered what was eating the younger child. "Ivan, you have been behaving astray since then. Is there something wrong?" Yao asked in concern as he gently combed Ivan's hair to keep it in place.
Ivan did not made any response to Yao's question, which caused the Chinese boy to sigh in defeat. It was getting harder to understand what the boy was thinking, probably growing up without his real parents was giving him quite a lot of stress while dealing with it. "I just don't understand..." He spoke up, breaking the silence in the room. "Yao, can you just stop it all?" He turned and looked at Yao eye to eye.
"What are you talking about, aru?" Yao asked back in confused, shocked by the response he received from the boy. "I'm your caretaker and you are always under my watch, aru."
Without letting him finished his words, Ivan forcefully pulled Yao close to him and pressed their lips together. When they parted for breaths, Ivan panted, "Stop treating me like a child. I'm no longer a little boy and already outgrown you, so you're no longer my caretaker. Just... Just give it up..." Yao was stunned at those words before stammering "Are you insane or something? There's no way I will let you go. I had promised to be by your side no matter what because I love you, aru."
"That's not the love I want. I don't want you to love me like a caretaker towards a child, I just want... something different from that... Y' know, a different kind of love..." Ivan said, trying not to cry. "You said we are not destiny to each other but I know that your heart says otherwise. You do love me as a lover, don't you? I know it, it's just you don't want to admit it."
"Ivan... Even if I had feeling for you, it may only be contemporary... Someday, you will understand all about this, and you will still be happy in the end without me..." Yao released himself from Ivan's grasp and straightened his attire to make himself look presentable. "I do love you, Ivan. But I can't bring myself to do it, a servant can never have feeling for their master, aru."
Ivan let Yao's words sank in his mind as he felt his heart sank a bit. "Yao... Are you saying you don't love me at all?" He bitted back a sob.
Yao let out a painful sigh. Why are things so complicated? Truly, he did love Ivan since he was a child and watching him growing up only made him yearns to be with Ivan. But then, he knew his time was limited and he was worried that Ivan being clingy to him. Even if he did love Ivan, their status and age was the obstacle that would challenge their relationship.
"Ivan," Yao breathed, "What if you find yourself loving another person who was not me?" Ivan stared blankly at him, trying to comprehend what Yao was trying to deliver. "It's impossible. The only person I love is you, Yao. There is no other person that can replace you."
"No Ivan, our time together was limited." Yao reasoned. "Like in Beauty and the Beast, why does Belle choose the Beast over Gaston even though they met in the first place?"
"It's because Belle do not love Gaston but favours the beast instead." Ivan replied, wondering what Yao was trying to tell him. The smaller of the boy placed his hands on his waist, "I can love you as a lover for the time being, aru. But when the right time comes where you will come across your designated, you have to eventually give up something you once had because you knew what you found is something better than the other." He then locked his eyes at Ivan's deep purple orbs, "In other words, love will still be severed by time because of destiny, aru."
Ivan sighed at what Yao was saying. After trying to confess his feelings for Yao, only to get Yao rejected his feelings even though Yao do have those feelings for him, just because of destiny. Yes, blame destiny for all this trouble. He can't take it, nor was he able to enjoy the party as well. He was about to continue reasoning with Yao when an impatient Gilbert suddenly banged open the door.
"Hey there, the two of you must be taking your time in there, kesese. Anyway, we have to get going now. The party will be starting soon." He grinned as he went to take Ivan's hand in his and lead them out of the room to the ballroom. Ivan just followed reluctantly with Yao behind them.
They walked past several hallways and stairs before reaching the grand ballroom in the center of the castle. Ivan shuddered a bit seeing such a huge crowd, an unpleasant gust of feeling erupted in his stomach and all he wanted to do is to run away and hide from the crowd. But being a royal, he forced himself to stay serious in front of the guest. Gilbert and Yao sensed Ivan's uneasiness to the crowd but decided to ignore it since Ivan wasn't in the mood for it. Gilbert turned around as his crimson red eyes surveyed the people flocking in the room. At the corner of his eyes, he noticed his younger brother was talking with a young girl of almost the same age. She was wearing a green dress and white lace and her brown eyes both shone with innocence in it. She was giggling all the way while showering a lot of things in front of Ludwig, which somehow caused Ludwig to blush. Gilbert has to hold down a chuckle seeing his brother's reaction. When Ludwig has begun to open up to stranger? Perhaps that girl has something with her that attracted Ludwig's attention, kesese...
Yao was also trying to pinpoint Kiku among the crowd of people. His eyes swept all over the hall but spot no one other than the kings, Natalia and Matthew. Kiku must have been with Alfred, he could have guess since Kiku has been sticking with Alfred most of the time. And judging from Alfred's behavior, he could have gone out to explore or to have some adventure. With that, he can only made a conclusion: Kiku must have ran out of the castle with Alfred. Just like some sort of couple in fairytales... He thought to himself. All he could do is to hope Alfred and Kiku returned safety back to the castle, in time.
Alfred ran past several streets, brushing his shoulders past some of the people until the image of the central square came into his view. He couldn't help but gasp aloud at the sight of the city. What he sees now with his own eyes is so much different from what he saw from the window or balcony from his room. Pair of sky blue eyes scanned all over the area full of wonderment. From the lane where he had come from, he could see various stalls being set up along the road as people were trying to sell their goods. He turned towards other direction, the east where ocean of endless boundaries extended across his vision. He can feel the breeze coming from the mountains on his north. And beyond the west laid a meadow rich with grasses and crops that almost looked golden under the sun. "Wow!" He gasped with his mouth opened wide. He never had imagine that the outside world looked so beautiful, not something enough for words to describe, It's just... Amazing, for the first time.
While Alfred had been busy exploring the town, Kiku found himself getting lost in the midst of the crowd in the middle of the street. He looked around with uneasiness, feeling uncomfortable being around with a group of people, grown-up especially, was making him dizzy. He tried to avoid the people by running into an alley, hoping to find a shortcut to find Alfred. This was Master Alfred's first time being exposed to the outside world, so does him. And he have to keep an eye on Alfred in order to keep out of trouble. After all, his brother had warned him the danger of the outside world, so he must keep himself as low as possible.
As he ran past the back alley, making lots of turn in hope to find the right path. But then his luck seemed to run out as he found himself running straight into a dead end. He was about to turn back but then noticed two huge-sized man blocking his path. On the first sight, Kiku knew that those people were not to be trusted, seeing their muscular body full of scars and their expressions were something not to be messed with.
"Are ye loss, little boy?" One of them with a scar on his face asked, a crooked grin spread across his face.
"Are ye kiddin' me? Just look ta' his clothes, those don't cha seem to fit on a boy." The other man was blind on the right eye. As he smiled, two uneven rows of yellow teeth can be seen behind his lips and there seemed to have a pungent smell being emitted from it.
Kiku tried to hold his footing as he took several step backward. The men however, did not show mercy on him and began to corner him until his back found the wall, a dead end. They closed up their distance until they were just a step away from him. Kiku felt his heart sped up and he began to breathe nervously. He could even feel their breath tingling on his face.
"Don't be afraid, little one. We're he're to help ye." The blind one said in a not-so-friendly tone which sent shiver down his spine.
"I-I don't n...need your... h-help..." Kiku stuttered, trying to stand his ground.
The thug with a scared face frown a little, and Kiku knew it was not a good thing. Before he can find a way to escape, the man's face twisted and showed that crooked grin again as he went to grab hold one of Kiku's arm. "Ye hav' such beautiful face, for a boy." He said eying Kiku, causing him to shudder. "Even yer clothes looked so girlish," he continued gripping a part of the fabric of the robes Kiku was wearing.
"Please... P-Please let me go..." Kiku pleaded, trying to push the man off him but the man was way too stronger than him.
The blind one of the two went up and grabbed Kiku's other arm. "Aren't ye a stubborn one?" He said forcing Kiku to face him by grabbing his chin. "It's a waste to just let ya go away lik' that. What cha' say, bro?" He turned to his comrade.
The scar-faced man made a crooked grin and a gruff laugh. "Yer right... I wanna hav' some fun with'im." He said as he slid his hand on Kiku's back, intending to tear his clothes.
Kiku let out a gasp in shock and tried to shove them away but he was too small to defend himself. He kicked, struggled, twisted and writhed with all his might in hope to release himself from their grasp. But then, one of them clasped his mouth shut to prevent him from making any noise. "Let's take him ta' somewher' else. I know a place betta' than her'." He said as they tried to drag Kiku away from the alley.
Alfred was running across the street market. His eyes full of wonder and amazement as he had a good look at the goods the merchant are selling and the smell of food was making him hungry. Speaking of food, he suddenly remembered the party that was going to take place in the castle and decided that he should head back or his father will come searching him with an army of soldiers.
Without much of a thought, he ran into an alley, in hope to find a shortcut to get back to the castle. That was when he heard a muffled scream and some sinister laughing sound coming from somewhere not too far from him. He ran around to locate the source of the sound and found Kiku being surrounded by two big thugs who was trying to rape him. His heroic instinct kicked in and he jumped high up into the air and dived straight onto one of the thugs.
"Belly flop!" was all Alfred managed to say as he landed straight onto one of the thugs' stomach. The impact was strong enough that the half-blind man jerked himself away, letting go Kiku in the process as his hands went to clutch his stomach where Alfred had crashed him. "What ta' hell?"
"Kiku, are you alright?" Alfred quickly went to help Kiku up. His eyes scanned over Kiku in worry. Kiku was not harm bodily, except that his clothing seemed to have gotten loose and he appeared to be sobbing. "We have to get outta here quick." He said holding Kiku's hand as they wanted to dash out from the alley but the two thugs had blocked their way out.
The scared one grinned wickedly as he saw Alfred trying to protect Kiku. "How sweet, havin' a hero savin' yer. But yer nothin' but a kid, how are ye gonna fight us?"
Alfred puffed his chest out while trying to intimidate them, "I'm a hero and hero don't let bad guys do what they want!" The thugs smiled a little at Alfred's innocence before they charged towards him to attack them.
Alfred tried to take down the scar-faced one who charged towards him but the other one used this chance to grab Kiku and separated them. "Kiku!" Alfred called out in despair as he saw Kiku being grabbed by force. Anger rushed through his vein that he used his inhuman strength and carried the thug that attacked him with much ease, much to the shock of the man. He threw the man towards his comrade who was trying to rape Kiku. The half-blind man was being knocked square in the face and he let go of Kiku. Alfred caught the smaller boy before he hit the ground and the two quickly scurried away before the thugs could give them chase.
"Are you alright, Kiku?" Alfred asked once they managed to outrun the thugs and back into the main street. Kiku, who was tired with all the running, was panting while trying to regain his breath from the frightening experience. He just nodded briefly while standing shakily. Alfred took a good look at him and went to support him.
"Your clothes don't look good." He said, "Those bastard must have tried to rip your clothes apart. But's a lucky they didn't." He then tried to help Kiku tightened his clothes but noticed that those thugs have ripped his sash in order to loosen his clothes by force. "Stay here," he told Kiku, "I will be back for in a while, don't worry." Kiku just gave him a silent nod and leant back onto the wall for support as Alfred blended into the crowd heading somewhere.
Alfred came back not long later, much to Kiku's relief with a piece of cloth with him. He was glad that he remembered to bring some money with him in case things come in handy (he stole it when sneaking into his fathers' chambers). He helped Kiku tied the piece of sash around his waist and tightened his clothes so that he looked presentable. Kiku just blushed at what Alfred had gone through for him and tears started to glisten in his orbs.
"Stop crying, okay?" Alfred placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder in hope to comfort him. "S-Sorry..." Kiku stuttered almost inaudibly but Alfred had heard it. "You don't need to apologize. It's my fault for running out of the castle causing troubles to you." When he did not hear any reply from Kiku, he just sighed and held out his hand, "let's go back shall we? We will be late for the party."
Kiku accepted Alfred's help and held his hand for support. Alfred wanted to turn away but he noticed something at the corner of his eyes. Kiku followed his eyes and found them landing at a pot of assorted flowers that he couldn't even name some. Alfred glanced at the flowers in daze before shaking his head, snapping himself from his trance. "We have to go now." He said taking Kiku's hand and raced back off to the castle.
"There you are, Alfred. I have been wondering where you have been to." As expected, Arthur was already at the castle gate waiting for Alfred's return. "I take that you have a good time outside. Have you been behaving well?" He asked embracing Alfred.
Alfred pondered for a moment before answering his father's question, "The city is very beautiful. I have never knew that the sea is so big and the mountain is that high. And there are so many people here and there." He narrated what he had seen in the outside world, saving the part where he rescued Kiku from the bad thugs. Arthur couldn't help but smile at his son's pure innocence, he then turned his attention to Kiku who was following behind Alfred. "Kiku, I'm glad you returned safely with Alfred. Your brother must be inside the hall waiting for you." Kiku gave an awkward bow and quickly head into the castle to find his brother.
With that, the birthday party proceeded in a blur. Alfred could hardly remember what was happening during the dining session since he enjoyed his food too much to actually notice what was happening around him. By the time when meal time was over, it was time for entertainment and Alfred found himself being surrounded by the adults spinning and dancing all over the room, which was making him dizzy. Matthew took this as an opportunity to talk with his brother.
"Do you have fun running in the city?" He asked his brother sheepishly. "I bet you have seen a lot of things out there, don't cha?"
"Of course, Mattie. And you practically missed all the fun outside." Alfred then related everything he had seen in the city, including the part where he saved Kiku from being raped. Matthew rolled his eyes at his brother's first experience of being a hero, as if he had saved the day. "I just hope you don't scared Kiku." He mumbled under his breath.
As the music began, Francis swept Arthur into a waltz and they began to dance to the music. While the children were not looking (he thought so), Francis would secretly planted kisses on Arthur's face or trying to get his hands roamed over Arthur's body, causing the king's face to flare up and he would tried to stomp Francis' foot but Francis evaded it before he could attack. The kids, Alfred and Matthew in particular sat near the throne of their parents practically fainted from seeing what they did. Natalia just watched without any expression on her face. Her eyes trailed to another side to see Roderich guiding Elizaveta for a dance. Next to them were Vash and Liech dancing to the music. Even Antonio was in the crowd dancing with a certain lady. The only thing was that she cannot find her brother among the crowd.
"Ex... Excuse me, lady..." She then heard someone talking to her and tried to ignore it. "M-My lady... W-Would you mind... if I request?" But then, that person was persistent. Unable to take it, she whipped her head to the other side to see a young man almost the same age as her, probably a bit older judging from his height. "Are you talking to me?" She asked while narrowing her eyes, not used to being around strangers.
"Y-Yes..." The boy said nervously and held out a shaky hand before asking sheepishly, "M-May I... Have this dance w-with you?"
Natalia scowled a little at the young man's request. She would have slapped the man's hand and rejected his request. But then, at the corner of her eyes, she saw that both her fathers had finished their dance and were looking at her expectantly. Considering what Arthur had taught her, she decided to obey her father rather than violating it. "... Alright... But just this dance." She stood up reluctantly and let the boy guided her onto the center of the room.
At the other corner, where the meal was once being held sat a half-drunken Ivan with an annoyed Gilbert. "Ivan, you shouldn't be drinking that. You're underage to do so." Gilbert tried to make sense on Ivan's head but the boy was already drunken after taking his third glass of wine.
"Why won't... Hic! I love him... Hic! But why he does not... Hic! Love me back..." Ivan said somberly. Gilbert sighed at the boy's behavior, what caused him to become like this?
"That's not good to think it like this, Ivan." Gilbert said in a worried tone, "A person rejecting your feeling ain't meaning that nobody loves you." He gently ran his hand over Ivan's back, the image of his nightmare flashed before him and only made him vowed to protect Ivan. "No matter what happen, I will always be by your side."
Ivan managed a sad smile and continued pouring the liquor down his throat. "That was... Something so nice... Hic! But then... Hic! Not enough to... Hic! Give me... enough comfort..." He lamented, "Just how... Hic! How much do you... Hic! Actually understand... how I... Hic! Feel losing the person I had... treasured so much..."
"But Ivan," Gilbert reasoned, "I do understand you. I know how you feel when you lost your parents. And I swear that I will protect you from now onward no matter what happen." He was trying to hit sense into Ivan's mind but Ivan doesn't seemed to listen and proceeded to drink. Angrily, he quickly shoved the glass of wine off his hand, "Just stop drinking, can't you?! You're already at your limit!"
"But it tastes so good..." Ivan whined as he tried to reach out for the drink but Gilbert placed it out of reach. "That's it! Enough is enough!" It was lucky that sleep finally taken over the drunken boy as he began to lose consciousness and slumped over the table, his head lolled to aside, eyes closed, began to snore in his dreams. "Get up! Get up! Wake up, damn you! It's still not the time to sleep!" Gilbert shook Ivan with much force. When he received no reply, he intended to slap his face several time but the boy remained asleep like death. The only thing reassuring him that Ivan was alive was his evening breath. "Bastard! Why you have to be that troublesome?" Gilbert scratched his head before trying to lift Ivan up and took him to his room.
"Gilbert, what's going on in there, aru?" Yao suddenly approached them and was shocked to see a sleeping Ivan. "What happened to Ivan?" He asked, worried. "He got drunk..." Gilbert replied sullenly, "I told him not to drink so much but he did not listen, saying about somebody rejecting his feelings and that..."
Yao quickly went up to help Gilbert supported the drunken boy and the two of them helped Ivan up to his room. Truth saying, Ivan was quite big for a teenager at the age of fourteen and with him being drunk and sleepy only weighed his down more. The two older teens had spent almost ten minutes climbing up the stairs and putting him on bed. Yao then proceeded to help Ivan changed out his clothes. Gilbert wanted to stay and help but Yao said he can handle it himself and so Gilbert left the room, trusting Yao to take care of Ivan.
Yao gently removed the layers of clothing Ivan was wearing while trying not to disturb him from his slumber. Thought he did made a mental note to monitor Ivan regularly to keep him away from getting drunk, he just can't help but laughed a little at the boy's childish behavior. He was about to remove the last article the prince was wearing when suddenly Ivan flipped over, surprising Yao as he was being swept onto the bed.
"Ivan, aru." Yao gasped in shocked as he saw Ivan topping him on bed. "I thought you're asleep, aru." He noticed past of Ivan's clothing gotten loose and showed his developing limps and the pale skin tone almost matching his hair and blushed a little.
"Your smell woke me up, Yao." Ivan said, still being drunk closed his distance with the smaller boy.
"Ivan... No..." Yao pleaded weakly, but Ivan gripped him even tighter.
"Stop lying, you know you want this..." He said, planting kisses on Yao's neck while inhaling the scent of certain flowers from the boy's silky hair. "Yao-Yao, just how long are you going to deny it? We are meant for each other, don't you realize that?"
Knowing that Ivan had gotten drunk just because of him, Yao felt tears clouded his eyes. He knew that he had feeling for Ivan, ever since they were young. But he was too afraid to confess and develop his feeling for Ivan because reality is just too painful to endure. Even if Ivan accepted his feelings, no one would approve it. Like Ivan, he also thinks that fairytale was nothing but just a saying to make it sound sweet.
"Ivan, I'm really sorry..." Yao said, stretching one of his hands to gently caress Ivan's soft skin. "I never knew you're hurting all the time, aru." He smiled a weak smile. "If you wanted to know, I do love you too." Upon hearing those words, Ivan loosen his grip on Yao as he let the words sank in. "But do you really think you will get what you want in the end? Some things won't go as you wish, you know?"
"I... I don't care..." Ivan answered, "I don't care what happens or whoever that is trying to reject us. All I want is to be with you and spend a lifetime with you, Yao." He then went to cup Yao's face in his hand as he made his decision clear to him. "All I want is you to be by my side. Stay with me, Yao, won't you?"
Yao sat up slightly after Ivan had released him. He then went to kiss Ivan by the cheek, "I'm sorry, Ivan. But you do know that price we had to pay if we were to be in a relationship, aru." He pulled himself away and looked in a distance away. "I knew it from the start that we will not be together as always, aru. As example, just look at our status and position. Who would accept a prince courting a servant? It's impossible for that, aru."
He was being cut off by Ivan, squeezing his hands tightly in his hold. "Yao, I know Arthur and he was not like his father. He will understand. I will just talk to him and explain the whole ordeal. After all, he has been through the same hardship as us and he won't let us suffer as he did. I will make sure that you are being accepted into the family."
Tears glistened on Yao's brown eyes as he just shook his head and released his hands from Ivan's grip. "No Ivan, it's impossible. Our relationship is not like Arthur and Francis, they are both princes but of slightly different ranks, aru. But ours is a different matter, the gap between our positions is too large. Even if they approved our relationship, the public will not accept the fact of a prince marrying a servant which jeopardizes his future, aru." A single tear rolled down his cheek and he used his sleeves to rub it off. "Moreover, I'm older than you. You can't marry someone who's older than you, aru."
Ivan opened his mouth but said nothing. He closed his mouth again, hesitating what should he said to comfort Yao. In the end, he just decided to hug Yao rather than saying anything, followed by pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"I'm sorry to force you into this, Yao." Ivan said after a while of silence. "I-I... I just want to have you to me..."
"I'm sorry too, aru..." Yao sobbed, "I'm sorry for not telling you how I feel earlier..." He sniffed and forced a weak smile, "I-I just want you to believe in finding your own happiness... And I know that y-you will still be h-happy... Even without me..."
Ivan hugged him tighter and let tears slipped down his face silently. "D-Don't say that, Yao." With that being said, he pushed Yao onto the bed and kissed him forcefully. "You're my happiness, and there's no one else's I'm willing to share my entire life with you, no matter what because I know you're meant to be mine." He continued as he began planting kisses along Yao's neck before proceeding to strip him.
Yao gasped at what Ivan was doing and he nudged Ivan a little, causing the taller boy to stop and looked up at him. "Don't be silly, Ivan. There's no way people would accept our relations, aru. There's no way Arthur and Francis will not accept this ridiculous relation between a prince and a servant." He blushed before continued, "As I had said, I'm older than you, Ivan. You can't marry a person who's older than you, aru. People will think you're being dominated."
A smile formed on Ivan's lips. He bent in to kiss Yao on the forehead, then his cheeks. "I don't care what other people will say about us. Nobody can stop us. If people object us for being together, then let us run away from this unhappy reality and live out own life." He then pressed a forced kiss on Yao's, both their tongues slithered into each other's wet cavern in a hot dance while gaining dominance of each other. At this point of time, Yao accidentally bit too hard on Ivan's lips, causing a string of red blood to ooze out from the wound. The two parted away and Ivan used his tongue to lick the part where Yao had bitten. "You're a rough one, Yao-Yao."
"Wh-Where did you learn this from?" Yao blushed a bit and looked sideway. It's a useless question anyway, since he always noticed Ivan slipping into Arthur and Francis' room. "If you really insist on it... Let's be in a relationship, aru." He said which caused Ivan to perk up with excitement. "But I meant that we do it secretly, not letting anyone knowing about us being in love, aru."
Ivan sighed again when Yao gave the request. He proceeded to nib Yao on his neck until it left a pink scar on the skin. "Yao, we don't have to be that secretive. Let's just run away, no one can catch us and we can do whatever we want." He then began to unbutton Yao's shirt.
"I would like to, Ivan. It's just that..." Yao hesitated, not knowing how to explain this. Instead, he sat up on bed and hugged Ivan, hands brushing his platinum blonde hair. "I still have to take care of Kiku. I promised mama to do so, aru."
"You are a troublesome one, Yao..." Ivan mumbled as he began planting kisses on Yao's bare chest, before sliding off his pants.
"Just be patient, aru." Yao punched Ivan on the arm. "I had to make sure at least Kiku grow up and is able to manage his own and his work before I left my job, aru." He said as he began to undo Ivan's clothes as well.
"Very well then," Ivan smirked and pushed Yao back onto the bed. "I will wait. After all, Arthur won't force me into marriage if I did not find someone I love, just don't delay too long."
And with that, they began to share hot searing kisses, touching and nibbling throughout the night. Each party would try to leave a scar to mark their ownership on each other while wanting to have something memorable for their first time. Ivan can still remember how it feels to have his first time when he slid his member inside Yao's entrance, with Yao moaning and pleading for Ivan and how they climaxed together. It was perfect, Ivan believed to be. How he wished something like this will never end. He smiled a little, inhaling the flowery scent of the boy's silky hair and his small petite frame secured safely in his arms. Yao was his, and only his, no one but he can claim ownership of Yao. Until the end, both got tired of their nightly event and fell asleep in each other's arms, with a smile on their faces.
Back at the party, Arthur had retired dancing and was now at the table drinking alcoholic drink with Francis by his side. Alfred watched the party continued with a bored expression. He looked around and saw his brother chatting with the twin princess of the Southeast Kingdom and the West Kingdom little prince was quietly listening to their conversation followed by his older brother. One of the twins would often get angry and began yelling all over the place but the High Prince of Southeast Kingdom would calm him down in no time. Why would a princess have such hot temperament? Somehow he was not interest in their conversation at all, if only Kiku was with him but the young servant boy was nowhere to be seen. Natalia was still dancing among the crowd with that mysterious shy boy who seemed happy to have her as a company.
His mind then lingered off to somewhere else, dreaming about him holding Kiku in his arms and dancing among the crowd. The moment the music stops, he would present a single flower to him and kissed Kiku on the cheeks.
No way! He thought to himself as he shook his head and snapped himself off from his daydream. "M-Master? M-Master Alfred?" Instead he heard someone calling for him. He whipped his head around and saw the black-haired little boy facing him. His face immediately lightened up at the sight of him, "Kiku, there you are. I have been looking for you."
"S-Sorry for leaving you..." Kiku made a bow as in apology. "I-I just... I just had some work to attend to..."
"S' okay," Alfred said, "At least you're here now, let's have some fun." He then went to grab Kiku's hands without waiting for his reply. "B-But A-Alfred... I-I..." Kiku blushed while trying to release his hand from Alfred's grip. "Oh, c'mon." Alfred whined, "I have been boring all these time, and all I want is a perfect dance partner." He then whirled Kiku into a dance and led him to the dance floor.
Kiku was confused the moment Alfred swept him into the dance floor and he struggled quite a while to stay on his footing while maintaining his balance. For him as a servant, he has never been exposed to such entertaining event and dancing was never his chores. If it wasn't for Alfred's strong grip, he would have trip and made a scene.
"Are you alright?" Alfred giggled a little when he saw the smaller boy trying to keep up with his steps. He liked it when he saw Kiku blushed with embarrassment and shyness while clumsily following the waltz.
It was good that it was almost the end of the day when they finished their first dance. Arthur and Francis appeared from the dining corner and announced the party to be ended. The crowd stopped and bowed to their rulers before they get ready to depart. Alfred whined in protest but was not heard, all he wanted is to spend some time with Kiku. And now he was standing along with his parents and brother and Natalia thanking and bidding goodbye to the guests who attended the castle's grand event. He could notice the bored expression on Natalia's and Matthew's face, though Matthew tried to be patient as always. He sighed, how he wished to slip out from the crowd and go to the gardens to enjoy some last moments before the end of the day of his birthday.
"Master Alfred?" Kiku suddenly appeared behind him and placed a hand over his shoulder. Alfred turned around to face him with a shrug, as if asking him something. "C-Can you come over... M-Meet up with me in the garden later?" He asked sheepishly, fingers fiddling with his dress shirt.
Alfred perked up a bit at the little invitation and went to whisper in Kiku's ear as quiet as possible, "No need to wait, we can go now." Kiku blushed at such close contact with the boy. "B-But Alfred... You need to..." Alfred cut him off before he could say another word. He then grabbed Kiku's hand and sneaked away while the rest were not looking. Hiding in the shadows while avoiding the crowd, the duo made their way out of the castle into the garden.
Once they were in the garden, Alfred let Kiku led the way. The smaller boy held his hand and led him to the center of the garden. When Alfred saw the thing before his eyes, he couldn't help but gasped aloud. In the middle of the garden, laid summer flowers of assorted colours and varieties forming a maze that allowed them to walk among the flowers. There were roses, chrysanthemums, geranium, delphinium and so much more that he can't even name it. "S' sooooo beautiful!" He exclaimed and went to look at them one by one.
"I'm glad you like it, Master Alfred." Kiku said with a little smile on his face.
"I said don't call me that. We are friends and we don't need those thing." Alfred said and he pulled Kiku together into the middle of the flowers. He then pluck a blue rose and placed it above Kiku's right ear, causing the servant to blush. "You look good on that." Alfred giggled a little, "Thanks for the gift, I really like it." Kiku just smiled and the two of them gazed into the night sky.
"Alfred..." After a moment of silence, Kiku voiced his thoughts, "What do you think of me?" Alfred was puzzled at the moment but then a smile quickly regained on his face and he went to cup Kiku's face in his hands. "I like you... More than a friend..."
Upon listening Alfred's answer, Kiku's heart almost skipped a beat. He could feel Alfred's heart beating at the same rate with him. The black hair boy looked into Alfred's eyes, the shades of blue was brighter than anything in the dark garden and there was something deep inside them that he couldn't help but fall for them. Alfred was so immersed in watching Kiku's pale skin glowed in the faint moonlight that he did not know that he was closing their distance. By the time he realized it, he had captured Kiku's lips and for once he felt a new kind of feeling welled in his stomach.
Embarrassed, the two quickly broke their lips apart for air. After regaining himself, Alfred smiled like a foolish idiot as he went to help Kiku up, "Let's go back. It's getting late and cold here." Kiku accepted his hand and the two walked hand-in-hand back into their rooms.
Alfred returned back to his room to find his brother already fast asleep in bed cuddling his plush teddy bear with him, probably having a sweet dream in his sleep. He quickly changed out to his nightwear. Just before he slept, he gazed out of the window once more. His eyes wandering the now slumbering city, seeing the moonlight illuminating the sea, the mountains and the plains. He looked at the quiet streets and thought of what he had done today. And finally, his eyes trailed to the garden where he could have the perfect view of the blooming flowers from his window and smiled a little at the thought of Kiku. Many things happened today. For the first time, he saw the outside world with his own eyes, met so many people and having such huge events in the castle. But most of all, it was his first time being a hero saving Kiku, confessing his feelings and relishing his first kiss with Kiku, something so nice to be remember. He walked to his bed next to his twin and crawled under the sheet. His head hit the pillow and soon he was fast asleep with a smile on his face.
xXx
I really hate writer's block. . This should have been done and uploaded by the previous week if it wasn't because of this. For some reasons as well, I don't feel like enjoying my semester break at all, not in the mood for it. I just wanna get something to entertain myself.
And so, I'm back with a longer chapter this time. Hope you all would like it. Ivan and Yao has revealed their feelings for each other, so does Alfred and Kiku. At the same time, there's a little foreshadowing. Can you all guess the young man who danced with Natalia? It's worth a shot if you squint. After all, this young man will made his debut and appearance in the future chapter, be sure to look out for him.
Oh, and have you noticed the last name I had given to the Italy twins? In a certain previous chapter, someone mentioned that the twins are half-blood, like Francis (half commoner, half royalty). And their mother is actually the younger sister of Francis' mother, which makes them having the last name of Bonnefoy. You would wonder why I made them be a girl. In future chapter, I might made some omake featuring other characters which will explain everything in it.
Can I have some reviews please? It has been a while and my review box has been vacant for so long and needs to be filled so badly. I just want a little piece of something from someone to cheer me up and give me the motivation to write better and update the story faster. :]
Reply to previous review (I forgot to do it on the last chapter~):
Otakuno1: I'm glad that you enjoy reading Kari Kurofai's story. The original author and I are willing to let you share and translate this story into other language as you wish. I hope you would enjoy reading this and continued to support this story.
Tsuxken: Thank you for reading the story and I'm glad you enjoy reading it. Starting from the previous chapter will be my part, with a little of the plot being contributed by the original author. I hope you will like it (Even sometimes my grammar sucks and my writing style differs from her) and enjoy reading this story with every fibre of your being.
Don't forget, a review a day makes up my day. ^^