One Last Fairytale: A Happily Ever After

It all happened in slow motion. Ivan blamed it all on his carelessness. He had actually felt a presence of someone tailing him when he sneaked out to the North Kingdom. He knew it all along but chose to ignore it before his heart hurts too much to care for anything else.

Everything happened in a flash, but Ivan remembered every single moment as it replayed in his mind. He was in a bad mood and his argument with Gilbert weren't helping that he stubbornly insisted going his way. He was about to make his horse trotted forward when he caught a shiny, silvery blade at the corner of his eyes. In the next second, Gilbert was standing in front of him with blood splattering his clothing. All the while Ivan could only stared in shock and watched Gilbert fell off his horse onto the snowy ground with his blood staining the snow.

"Gilbert!" Ivan called out for him, only to feel the similar cold, sharp blade coated with blood on his neck. He was stunned for a moment, feeling a calloused hand ran through his shoulder while his spine shuddered.

"Revenge…" That person muttered, "All traitors… begone from here…"

Ivan dared a movement, knowing that he has the upperhand because his attacker was an old man. With much ease, he grabbed hold of the person's hand and twisted his wrist so that his hold on the knife loosen and he was able to get out from his grasp. The old man tried to hit him down but Ivan was stronger and in one swift movement, he used his sword to behead the man in a single swipe.

Ivan then knelt down onto the snowy ground to allow himself to catch his breath as the dead man's head fell with a thud on the ground. He could only watched in horror, reality hitting him that he had killed a man. But this man, the person who had taken those people he had treasured the most. Arthur hated him as well because not only he almost killed Francis, but he killed Matthew but he cannot brought himself to kill him, even Francis failed to do so.

He remembered the day when the old North Kingdom fell, his mother died because his ordered attack on the castle. Years later, he lost Yao and Matthew as his crazed armies attacked Main Hetalia. He also remembered that this person was responsible for the death of High Prince Roman and High Prince Germania. Tears glimmered in his eyes, remembering all those painful moments he was made to suffer, all because of the doing of this person.

Will you cry over the pass? Or will you accept it and move forward? These words rang in his mind. He whipped around to see Gilbert was lying motionless on the snowy ground, covered in his own blood. Ivan quickly scurried next to Gilbert and gathered the older prince in his arm, only to howl in anguish when he noticed that the later had stopped breathing.

"Gilbert… How can you be so cruel to leave me alone…?" Ivan said to himself, tears began to flow down freely from his violet orbs as fingers stretched out to gently caress his pale skin. Snow continued to fall, gently grazing on Gilbert's face. Ivan just couldn't help but noticed how white Gilbert's skin has become as life was drained away from him. Skin as white as snow…

Do you remember the traits of Snow White? Specifically, what she was aptly named for? Do you remember what saved her from the spell that had been cast on her? The death-like state she was in?

"A True Love's First Kiss…" Ivan muttered. It won't work at all, will it? Those things he once loved to hear were nothing but fairytales that won't even come real in real life. But still, he decided to plant a kiss on Gilbert's lips, realizing that he truly cared for the man.

'Hey, let's play together.' Ivan always insisted to himself that he will never love another person after Yao's death. But for some reasons, Gilbert managed to worm his way into Ivan's heart. He didn't intend to show it, but he couldn't shake off the feeling he had for the elder prince, especially when he ranted and trashed all over the place trying to hit sense into his mind. Ivan didn't think much about it at first, but over the time, he found Gilbert's yearning for him made his heart warm, something he has not felt since years ago. The kiss may have only lasted for a few seconds, but those moments made Ivan realized that there's someone out there who still love him and is always by his side. Suddenly, he felt guilty. Gilbert has done so much for his sake, but he never appreciated it because he was blinded by Yao's death. And now he finally realized it, it's too late because the other person who loved him as much as Yao did was gone, just like the later. "Gilbert… I'm sorry…" He muttered in between kisses, "I love you… I just never realize it until now…"

It was then he heard a gasp, his breath was slow and his voice was weak but it somehow refreshed the hope in his heart. "I love you too, Ivan…" Those words, were the words that finally melted Ivan's long frozen heart. He pulled away and his gaze met a pair of crimson eyes looking up at him lovingly.

"Gilbert…" And Ivan could only gasped in surprise at Gilbert's sudden miracle revival, large hands reached out to stroke the previously snow white cheeks, which warmth and some of its colour has return. Could it be…? Gilbert's heart must've reacted to Ivan's true love kiss.

"Gilbert, will you forgive me? For my foolishness and recklessness, and what I've done to you all the time." The other prince managed a weak smile as he found some strength to reach out for Ivan's face. "I had already forgive you… It's my fault too for being harsh to you in the first place without understanding how you felt."

The snow continued to fall, but both princes could care less about the cold. Ivan could stare at nothing but his newfound love. He realized that how much time was gone since he actually had a friendly conversation with Gilbert and when was the last time they actually played together. But all those time were the past and the only way he could do to mend it is by treating Gilbert properly and love him in the future. Embracing his love in his arms, Ivan enveloped the smaller prince into a hug while confessing, "I love you, Gilbert. I will love you from now on until forever, and I shall protect you with my life until my dying day."

Gilbert managed to lift his hand to gently grazed Ivan's cheek, silencing him in the process. Ivan looked down at the man he had grown to love, his thump gently dusted off the snow that pelted his snow white skin. The elder prince seemed to have found the strength to sit up. Pushing his other arm on the snowy ground, Gilbert forced himself to sit up despite the pain in his abdomen. "I love you too, Ivan." He said pressing a kiss on the other's cheeks. Ivan took it as his cue and planted another kiss at the other prince's lips while he gently hoisted Gilbert up and carried him onto his horse before heading off to seek shelter from the blizzard.

"Alfred-san, is this really alright?" Kiku asked, gathering his coat tighter around his neck.

"We have no choice." Alfred said poking the fire with a tree branch. "This cave is the only place for us to hide away from the snow."

Kiku sighed and snuggled deeper into the warmth of his coat. "I'm sorry for troubling you."

"Hey, there's no need for apologizing." Alfred shook it off.

"No, it's my fault." Kiku said as he came to Alfred's side and sat next to him. "If it wasn't because of me, you wouldn't had run away from home. And if it wasn't because I insisted on visiting my mother's grave on her passing anniversary, we wouldn't have been caught by Ivan."

"Stop blaming yourself, Kiku." Alfred shushed him by placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's my decision, and I don't regret it. After all, your happiness is also my happiness and I can't just let you suffer all that pain again."

"Alfred…"

"Anyway, we should get some rest, it's pretty late already." Alfred said, "We'll have to get outta this place tomorrow."

Kiku sat closer to Alfred, feeling the warmth of the fire radiated at his body. "Where should we go then? Is there a place where we can hide forever?"

At this question, Alfred was silent. Kiku was right after all. They just can't keep hiding away from his parents or the rest of the world, there's nowhere they can actually hide. Suddenly, Alfred felt the world was so much different than all those fairytale he had heard from his parents. Sure, he ran away with the person he wished to be, but it seems happiness is just far from what he expected. They were together, and now what? What plans did he have in the future? He didn't even know what kind of live awaits him. To think that he no longer lived as a prince, Alfred just couldn't imagine it. Come to think of it, he'd rather live in the Main Hetalia castle instead of roaming around aimlessly. It was the freedom he had wanted, but there's just no meaning running around like this with nothing to do.

Now that was a pain. Alfred sat down next to the fire as he buried deep in his own thoughts. He had done this in hope that he could pursue his own happiness, but all that has come to it was just a dead end? No way, after all the hardship they had been through, he can't just give up. But what would he do for this new life of his? Things is just so much harder than what he listened in those stories or what he had expected. The more he think of it, the more he realized how important his job as a crown prince was. There was nothing better but his life as a crown prince.

But if he went back, will the nobles opposed his marriage with Kiku? Ivan told him that his fathers will never accept Kiku due to his status, how true is this? He never told them and never talked about Kiku in front of them. And from what he knew, his fathers weren't these kind of person. His papa was a son of a concubine, yet his dad accepted him for who he was. And they had the list of guests extended to all eligible people across the kingdom, even the poorest were invited, because they knew that there was no boundary for love. Also, they accepted Kiku since he was a child and treated him as if he was part of the family so they couldn't have hated him, could they? Questions flooded in his mind that he felt dizzy thinking too much about it. He laid down with a sigh, not knowing what he should do. "I just don't know, Kiku…" He said, "There are just too many things, and I don't know what to do."

The servant boy's face remained as blank as usual, but there's a hint of distress in his brow. Still, he chose not to pressure the prince too much. "Don't take it into your heart, Alfred-san. Some things are just beyond our control."

"I guess you're right." Alfred smiled tiredly. He decided that he should retired for the day when he noticed a shadow lurking near the cave. When the shadow came closer, it was revealed to be his brother, Ivan, who was carrying a wounded Gilbert. Kiku gasped in horror at the sight of the older prince while Alfred sprinted into action by stepping himself in front of Kiku, determined to protect him from being separated.

"So this is where you are, Alfred." Ivan said, his bloodied face void of emotion. At that moment, both Alfred and Kiku could feel his creepy aura slipping into the space around them, making them cripple under his stare.

"Ivan…" Alfred said forcefully, trying not to quiver at the uneasiness his brother created. "So you've found us… Don't tell me you're planning to take us back already."

The older prince inhaled a deep breath before facing Alfred again. "That can talk later." He said. "But first, we need to treat his wound." He said gesturing to the unconscious Gilbert on his arms.

"Dude, he's injured seriously. Can he live through that?"

"As long as we treated him and let him have proper rest." Ivan said monotonously. He let Gilbert laid down next to the fire while he began undressing him, revealing a large stabbing wound on his upper abdomen. "But it will be a problem since we don't have water with us…"

Kiku seemed to react instantly at his words. He stood up from Alfred's protective embrace before saying, "T-There… There's a spring inside this cave. I-I will go and retrieve some water for you." He said before disappearing into the shadows. Alfred wished that he would tagged along but the look on Ivan's face seemed to freeze him.

Kiku returned almost immediately with a bucket filled with water. Ivan wasted no time in cleaning Gilbert's wound. Alfred just sat aside quietly as he watched his brother cleaned the blood on Gilbert's abdomen before using a piece of cloth to wrap around it securely. He then took off his coat to cover Gilbert's body while letting him rest by the fire. The remaining water was then used to clean the blood stain on his face.

And then, they ended up being on a silent staring contest. Kiku who couldn't face Ivan turned his face away in order to avoid eye contact. Alfred continued to glare at his brother in full alert, aware that he was up to something.

"Alfred," Ivan broke the silence, "We need to talk." Alfred seemed to be in a daze at his words. He gaped his mouth open but before he could uttered something coherence. Ivan added, "Privately."

Alfred and Kiku only have time to look at each other before Ivan stood up and walked deeper into the cave. Alfred squeezed Kiku's hand in a reassuring way as he whispered, "I will be right back. Stay here." He then followed Ivan soon.

Alfred followed behind Ivan as they ventured deeper into the caves. Sounds of water squishing sound can be heard at a distance away. But Ivan didn't go that far, he found a nice spot for them to sit down and talked. Both princes sat down facing each other, the silent match continued, each side debating who should start first.

"Alfred," Ivan started. "You should go home."

Alfred perked up at his brother's words. They sounded so cold and cruel. "And what will you do then?! Papa and daddy are gonna force me and Kiku to break up, isn't that right? Like hell I would let that happen!"

"Do you really think Arthur and Francis will do that?" Ivan questioned back. "You didn't even talk to them and just ran away like that. So how do you know they will reject your decision?"

"You told me yourself." Alfred retorted. "You fucking tell me that they won't accept Kiku as my choice of husband."

"I know…" Ivan swallowed down a grunt. "In fact, I lied…"

Again, Alfred was stunned. "You… What?"

"I lied," Ivan repeated. "I was hoping that if I told you that Kiku will not be accepted into the royal line will break you up. I tried, but I didn't expect you to actually runaway."

Now Alfred was really confused. Was this all a setup by his brother? "That day when Kiku ran away from the castle… He said you hit him… Is that your doing as well?"

"…Yes…"

Great, now this really was confusing. "Why did you do that?!" He fired.

"I just want to protect you." Ivan replied. "I was scared that you will end up being like me when you lost Kiku."

"I don't get it." Alfred mumbled. "I don't understand a thing at all."

Ivan heaved a sigh. "Alfred, do you ever know why there are stories like fairytales? Have you ever wonder why were such stories told in the first place?" When he received no reply from Alfred, he continued as his cue, "Remember the story of a princess and her love and the story about a prince and his beautiful servant? Those were your favourite story back then."

"They are stories alright, but I like them because the story plot is much different than any other stories I have heard before. They are more surreal unlike the rest."

"That's a spot on." Ivan said. "In fact, these tales are based on true events that had happened on the teller itself." Violet orbs gazed far away as if he was remembering something. "Y' know, about the story of the princess and her love, Francis came up with that story after all the struggles they had been through to fight for their love for each other."

Alfred's eyebrows raised a bit at the revelation. "Is that true?"

"Indeed." Ivan said. "Though they removed some of the unhappy part, because letting you hear about it is too depressing."

"And the story you once told me about the prince and his servant?" Alfred enquiried.

"It's a made up story as well." Ivan hummed. "A tribute to Yao, remember? I loved him so deeply since I was a child… But he died."

Alfred seemed saddened a bit at what Ivan had said. "That reminds me of Matthew. His life was just beginning, maybe it was because of fate."

"And that was when you shut yourself up and refused to listen to anything anymore." Ivan added. "'They're nothing but lies! There's no such thing as Happily Ever After!', that's what you said, but I managed to convince you to believe in them again, though I would never agree with that statement I mentioned to you."

"Then why would you tell me that when you don't believe it at all?"

Tears glistened in his brother's eyes while he managed a sad smile. "After Yao's death, I always thought that fairytales were just nothing but made up stories to sound happy and complete. I gave up in believing them because I thought I had lost my love and there's no point of believing in it at all."

"So, you have changed your mind?" Alfred pressed on. "What makes you believe in those things now?"

"I remembered the time when Francis made up the story for us. He asked Arthur if there was no such thing as Happily Ever After in the real world. Arthur said there was, but it took a lot of sadness and hardships to get there." The older prince smiled and wiped off the tears. "They knew that real life aren't as complete as fairytales were, after all they never wanted to remember all those sad moments in their lives, so they had it removed and retained those happy times."

"So when the time you related me the story that the prince ran away with his servant so that they can be together, is it because you want to hide those unhappy times you had been through?"

"At first, I made it in hope to console my broken heart, but it only saddens me more. But since it convinced you to continue in believing them, so I had to hide the fact from you." Ivan's fingers ran along the sandy ground as if it was trying to draw something. "But over the time, it makes me realize that there is always someone by your side to love you even the other was gone. I have to cherish those time and people whom I hold dear so that I won't lose them again in the near future."

"That sounds a lot better." Alfred commented. "And you may be right after all. Although our lives will not be exactly the same as fairytales, it always comes with sorrow and happiness together. But no matter how many bad things we have been through, we will still be happy in the end."

"Like your fathers," Ivan added, "They may have achieved their Happily Ever After, but that doesn't mean that their life is over. In fact, they lived on, ruled the country, have family. And they remained strong even after the tragedy." He recalled every details he had been through ever since Arthur and Francis entered his life. "Life is like a fairytale, a different kind of fairytale that works rather different. Although it is different from what you experienced, as long as you continued to believe in it and have your faith on life, you will turn out to be happy in the end."

Alfred smiled at his brother's words. "Say, I like you better than before. After all, you are the best and understanding big brother of mine." Ignoring the slightly creepy aura radiated from his brother, he placed his arm on the other's shoulder before asking, "So, about my relationship with Kiku…"

"As long as you're happy, I'm okay with it." Ivan said, finding Alfred's statement insulting but amusing at the same time. "At first I intended to separate the two of you in hope that you will give up of him. But as what people said, you're the type of person who won't give up easily." He laughed a little. "I was just afraid that if Kiku left you, you will end up in a depressing state like how I lost Yao. But all those worries were just nothing and I realized that forcing you apart will only make you even unhappier than me."

"That's means you acknowledge Kiku as my choice of spouse?" Alfred asked, he couldn't even contained his excitement.

Ivan chuckled. "Of course I do, the two of you are the perfect match. And I bet Arthur and Francis are more than willing to accept Kiku into the family."

"That means everything's settled." Alfred jumped in excitement as he prepared to dash back to the entrance.

"Just please remember to follow us back to the castle once Gilbert has recovered." Ivan reminded.

Both princes walked hand-in-hand back to the entrance where Gilbert and Kiku were. Gilbert has regained conscious and Kiku helped him to sit up. The moment when the two Crown Prince appeared, Kiku perked up a little while Gilbert managed to make a mischievous grin upon seeing the wide grin on Alfred's face.

Alfred was the one who tackled onto Kiku and enveloped him into a tight hug. Kiku was confused at the sudden show of affection. His prince bright blue eyes beamed at his brown orbs before planting a passionate kiss on his lips.

"I guess things are settled then?" Gilbert asked Ivan while they watched the younger pair displayed their love before them.

"Yes, everything has finally comes to an end." Ivan said, letting Gilbert laid on his lap.

"That means… You're going to move on? And find someone you love?"

"Yao was the past." Ivan said. "But now that I had found someone who will always be there for me." Gilbert felt his heart skipped a beat and his face flushed up when his eyes met Ivan's, they were full of life and warmth unlike previously. He didn't have much time to think further when he met a kiss on the cheeks. "You have always taken care of me, now it's my turn to take care of you."

Gilbert just huffed unamusingly as he tugged the scarf Ivan was wearing. "I'm just glad that you had finally changed your mind and I managed to live until this day. Who knows what will happen to you when I really die?"

"I don't know." Ivan said nonchalantly. "After all, you're mine now and I won't let that happen."

"Bastard." Gilbert muttered before looking back at Kiku and Alfred who continued to share kisses under the snowy night. Things just don't go as what they wished, but in the end they finally get together and find their true love. It won't be long for that Happily Ever After to come. "At least all's well ends well."

xXx

Another chapter, finally finished. I have been dying to finish this story by the end of this year. After all, this is considered to be the final chapter for the main storyline. There will be two more chapters after this, one bonus story and then an epilogue to conclude this story.

Thank you for reading One Last Fairytale. This story originated by Kari Kurofai and adopted by me to continue finish writing this. I hope you all find this story enjoyable and please excuse for my bad writing style.