Hello again readers! I was planning on posting this Friday, but then I saw that this story has gotten over 3000 views~! Thank you all soo much for reading this story. As a treat this chapter gets posted a little bit earlier.
For this chapter, Yamiyo is taking over Vash's part. So just so we're clear:
YamiyoDarknight: Alfred, Matthew, Romulus, Folkert, Vash
ItalianCrybaby: Arthur, Francis, Roderich
We hope you enjoy this chapter~!
It was dark, the rage that consumed him. These beasts were slowly tearing their way into their society, their safe haven. And now he was expected to be okay with it.
Why were these monsters suddenly being treated like human beings? They weren't. Couldn't they see that? Those fire breathing serpents were nothing but devils created to kill men and desecrate their remains. There was nothing human about them. They were beasts.
But now even the king was starting to side with them. He'd been ordered to stop attacking them when they'd broken into their fortress. How was he in the wrong?
Why? Why was it he that was wrong?
They didn't get it. They didn't.
So if they weren't going to listen...so he was going to make them see...
Arthur paced back and forth. Worry was evident on his face as he kept glancing back at the grand entrance leading to the Dragon's meeting place.
"What's taking them so long?" Arthur wondered aloud.
"They've only been in there for 20 minutes." Francis replied from the place he was sitting.
"It could take longer, depending on the negotiations. It's a little unnerving that we're not allowed to be in there with them." Matthew sighed. "I'd hate to have done all this for nothing."
"It'll be fine, dude." Alfred snorted, grabbing Arthur to pull him onto his lap where he sat. "You both need to calm down."
Arthur turned to half-heartedly glare at Alfred. "I have every right to worry. Our future together will be affected by their decision."
Arthur usually paced when he was worried, but he found Alfred's lap to be a comfortable place, so he remained there.
"Yea, but you've already been freaking out enough for all of us here since, like, forever now," Alfred sighed, ruffling Arthur's hair before wrapping his arms around the knight's torso. "I think you need to relax before you make yourself sick."
"Easy enough for you to say," Matthew sighed. There were times where he envied that careless personality of his brother's. "I'm a bit more worried about what Folkert has to say. Romulus is at least more open to things..."
"I'm sure that our rulers will all come to some sort of agreement." Francis said, wrapping an arm around Matthew's shoulders. "In the end they will realize that this is what's best for everyone."
"I can only hope so," Matthew sighed, leaning against Francis. "There's been so many killings and deaths on both sides. It'd be wonderful if it all went away for good."
Francis had some difficulty preventing himself from swooning when Matthew leaned into his touch.
'Now was not the time for swooning.' Francis chastised himself. 'This was a serious discussion!'
"I couldn't agree more with you Matthew." Arthur muttered. He leaned until his back was flush against Alfred's chest. He concentrated on the dragon's beating heart to calm his nerves.
Alfred had to hold back a growl. Why was the knight getting all touchy-feely with his brother when the both of them had warned him not to touch or go near Matthew?! Matthew didn't seem to care but Alfred sure did!
Francis wasn't looking at Alfred, but he could almost swear that he could feel the dragon's glare burning into his back. The phrase "if looks could kill" ran through the knight's head and he wondered for a moment if Alfred could burn a hole through him with just his glare… but that was ridiculous, right?
"Um, Mathieu. This may be an odd question, but do dragons have heat vision?" Francis asked nervously.
Matthew laughed and looked at Francis with amusement. "What kind of ability would that be? Heat vision? Of course not!" He snorted.
They couldn't see. He had to show them. Even the children were beasts. This one too. This unassuming little monster had the audacity to stare at him with those eyes. Those light teal eyes, so much like her own.
It had peeped at him, the little hatchling. Probably thought he was there to help it back to its mother. Lies. It was tricking him. The little beast wanted him dead just as much as he wanted it dead.
He watched coldly as those eyes went from curiosity to fear to hopelessness. He smiled darkly as those demonic lights faded, echoing their question of 'why?' and wiped the blood off his face.
He carried the body, reddened sword dragging on the ground, trailing its poisonous essence.
This little beast would show them all, they didn't belong.
Arthur couldn't shake it. He just had this odd feeling that something was wrong. He tried to ignore it but it kept pestering and pesteringhim, causing him to become anxious. Whatever this feeling was, it was making him squirm uneasily in Alfred's lap.
It seemed to be quiet until a loud, heart-wrenching shriek rang out, sending the two dragons to their feet (Alfred made a quick apology to Arthur for making him fall).
Without any warning, Matthew took off, bolting down the rock-formed hall they were in, ignoring Alfred's cries for him to wait for the rest of them.
Francis quickly ran after Matthew while Arthur got to his feet. He didn't even feel the need to berate Alfred for flinging him to the floor.
"Alfred, what was that?!" Arthur asked stumbling to his feet.
"Something is horribly wrong," Alfred barely managed to get out, skin pale. "For one of us to shriek like that..." He began to tremble slightly before taking off after the other two.
Matthew was the first to stumble outside, the first of the four to let out a horrified, heart-broken wail of despair.
A hatchling. A hatchling was murdered in cold blood.
Romulus and Folkert were frozen in horror and disgust as a knight, Vash, held the slain baby up for them to see. His expression was cold, heartless.
But Matthew, his own became one of rage as he felt his heart pound loudly in his throat, tears stinging and burning hot in his quickly-darkening, violet eyes.
"Y-you killed a child? You killed a baby? Some-someone's baby?" He demanded, voice strained.
And then those soulless green eyes turned to meet with despairing violet. And the knight smiled.
And everything in his vision went red as the dragon launched himself at the knight.
"Mathieu!" Francis exclaimed. He watched in horror as the dragon flung himself at Vash. Matthew's once gentle face had morphed into one of anger and anguish; and Francis didn't know what to do.
Arthur stared unseeing at the dead hatchling. Tears flowed from his eyes as an overwhelming sadness took over him.
Alfred didn't move to stop his brother. He was fearful, angry, saddened. The killing was supposed to have stopped. Why had it happened again now? Why a child?
But Matthew, all he could think was of how he wanted this human to die. He shifted to his large dragon form, his shriek of despair and hatred echoing around the area.
Why had he done it? A child? A child! A defenseless hatchling had been dragged into something it shouldn't have been involved in and he couldn't stop it before it happened. Those beautiful teal eyes were devoid of life, not shining with a bright fiery light like they should have been.
He hated him. He hated Vash. He wanted to tear him apart, make him suffer the way he was sure the hatchling had suffered. Had the human even thought of how it would affect this baby's family? Its future? It was supposed to grow and thrive and live to do great things, not die because of a selfish human's whims. It was another baby, so innocent, just like the ones he'd carried on his back to see the sky for the first time.
His tail whipped to slam against the knight's torso, into the hard ground. He slammed a paw against his chest, surely snapping ribs. He stared enraged at those eyes, tears running down his scaly face to drip to the ground.
How could he be so cold? So inhuman?
'He's going to kill Vash.' Francis realized as he watched Matthew begin to crush his claws against the fallen man's chest.
In the back of his mind, he knew this was something that the dragon shouldn't do. He knew that Matthew shouldn't bring himself down to Vash's level.
"Mathieu!" Francis called the dragon's name again, trying to grab his attention as he rushed to his side. "Mathieu, you need to stop this right now. Think about what you are doing!"
Matthew's eyes flicked to Francis but were quickly again trained on the knight's uncaring face.
Why would Francis ask that? He knew what he was doing. He had this "human" pinned to the ground, ready to rip him limb from limb.
One claw sank deeper into revealed flesh, since the armor had broken in some places, blood pooling out of it. Smoke and embers trailed from the violet dragon's maw, eyes no less angry than before.
"Please! You must stop!" Francis begged. He felt his panic rise when he saw the look in Matthew's eyes. They looked almost empty; like the dragon was slowly losing grip of his own humanity. "This isn't like you! You arenot a killer. You are not a monster… You arenot like Vash!"
That made Matthew stop where he was. Monster? No, he wasn't a monster... Slowly, he moved his paw off of Vash, his limbs trembling. He turned his head to look at Francis, eyes filled with sadness. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He cried, a soft whine coming from deep in his throat.
He shifted back to his human form, turning away from Fracis, instead to the hatchling who'd been carelessly thrown aside by the knight when he was attacked.
He stumbled over to the baby dragon and scooped it into his arms, cradling it to his chest, as if it were still alive to nuzzle him back. He cried, or rather screamed, his sorrows out at the sky, wishing something could be changed.
Francis' heart was breaking into pieces as he watched Matthew mourn over the hatchling. It was physically painful to see the dear dragon suffering so.
The blue-eyed Knight fell to his knees. As carefully as he could, Francis wrapped his arms gently around Matthew and the hatchling. He tried whispering comforting words to the dragon but found it difficult as he himself began to weep for the distraught creature in his embrace.
Matthew continued to sob, barely noticing that Francis was there. He held the hatchling as if he couldn't let go.
Gold and silver, also shedding tears, turned away from the sight, eyes hardened by this betrayal.
"What is the meaning of this, human king?" Romulus growled, voice filled with anger. "We ask that you come in peace and this human, one of your knights, has come bearing a kill. One of our hatchlings, an innocent life that had no reason to be lost from us." He let a golden wing settle over Folkert's drooping body, a small attempt to comfort the pained elder. "How is this a message of your peace?!"
Roderich open and closed his mouth as he looked at the scene before him; for a moment he was at a loss for words. When he returned his gaze back to the elders, his eyes were wide with sadness and fear. "I-I was unaware that he had followed us here." He tried explaining. "We came here with every intention of making amends with your kind. Vash was acting of his own accord. We did not mean for this tragedy to befall you!"
"Even if he worked under his own actions, he is one of your people," Romulus hissed coldly. "He is a human who has shown his disagreement with your decision. Can you say there will not be more who will side with him?!"
"Th-there will be more."
It went deathly silent as all heads turned to the fallen knight.
"I am...not the only one who w-will be displeased. Like how you took...my younger s-sister, they will take a-all of you," he gasped, forcing himself to sit up. "Your young...the adults...even you Elders. You will l-learn our wrath."
He glanced at Matthew who froze, gaze showing his hatred and fear. "You s-should've killed me. I came...here to die. Since you didn't, I guess I'll have to do it myself." Weakened limbs moved, pulling a dagger hidden away. Metal flashed and more blood spilled to the ground.
Matthew closed his eyes and looked down, away from the knight who'd slit his own throat.
Francis held Matthew tighter, shielding him away from the bloody sight.
Silence fell once again. Fear and mistrust were very clear in the eyes of the other dragons as the fallen knight's words penetrated into their sorrow.
Roderich didn't know what to say. He didn't know what to do! He didn't know how to possibly right this wrong that had been made.
"Please… do not listen to what he said. We can still find a way to live peacefully." The King stated.
"If even one human is against us, there is more potential loss," Romulus snapped. "Just like the one we suffered now. How can we trust your words when there is obviously going to be betrayals of a pact?"
Alfred stepped over to the elders, quietly, lips set in a straight line. "Elders, I am but a fledgling in your eyes. However, with what I've seen in my time, I can say there is bad in everyone. But there is also good. There will always be someone who disagrees with what we think. Matthew turned me in for treason against my kin. Do you not remember? And yet here he is, with a human. They do not hate or fear each other. It is the same with me and Arthur. He feared me, but we are together now."
Folkert glared at Alfred, mind frayed by what he'd seen. "There might be little good in this Alfred! Why would I want to risk my kin with such an idea? I've already lost one because of this!"
"And hating humans and warring with them will only lead to more loss." Alfred retorted, voice firm.
"We cannot trust-" Folkert started, before being interrupted by Alfred again.
"Can you say that your judgement is not clouded at this moment?" Alfred asked, effectively silencing the silver dragon. "Can you honestly tell me that this important decision, one that will affect everyone's lives, not just our kin's, is not being based solely on what just happened?" He watched as Romulus frowned, wary of a possible attack. "If you suddenly snap and decide to war with humans now, because of this, it will lead to more unreasonable deaths. Not just for dragons. For humans too. If we were to act in such a way, we would be like that man. We would be murdering innocent people who had no want to be involved in such a mess."
He gestured to the hatchling. "Do you want to know that one of your kin committed the same act? Would you want that burden on your shoulder, knowing that a little life was stolen based on a fear of what happened in the past? Or would you rather take a step in what could be a brighter and safer future for all of us?"
The two dragons did not reply, both of their gazes bitterly conflicted.
"You cannot answer any of that, can you?" Alfred asked. "Because you are too muddled. I propose that we pull away from this for now. I do not say that we are to give up on this idea; it's one I want to strive for. I want you to think about what I have said, what I have asked of you. I am not the most wise of dragons, nor the most experienced, but I can tell you that jumping to a decision is stupid and dangerous."
The golden dragon heaved a heavy sigh, lowering his head to set his gaze on eye-level with the blue dragon who gazed straight back. "Your words weigh heavy on our minds, but we cannot stay here to think."
Alfred stiffened.
"All of our kin, the Windsong tribe, will move to a safer place. One far from humankind where we will not be so easily reached. We will think about your thoughts, Alfred, but you will have yet to hear of us." Romulus spoke.
The pair rose to their feet and took off into the air. "The little one, please bury him somewhere by the springs. It is where he was born," Folkert requested softly, eyes still sad.
Matthew nodded and the two were gone.
Arthur began to approach Alfred slowly at first… but then hurriedly closed the last few steps between them. He threw his arms tightly around the dragon when he felt his legs begin to fail him. He clung on to Alfred like he was a lifeline.
Everything had just happened so fast. Vash's vendetta, the dead hatchling, Matthew's breakdown, the Elders postponement of their decision… it was all making Arthur's head spin. The only thing that made any sense in this madness was Alfred. Alfred who stayed strong. Alfred who stood up to the Elders. Alfred who was Arthur's rock in this confusing mess.
Alfred turned and smiled tiredly at Arthur, though that tiredness was not just a physical one. It betrayed an emotional tiredness as well. He let his arms slip around Arthur, hugging him tightly. As firm as he'd been, now all he wanted to do was just lay down and, not sleep, but think.
What happened now? Why did things happen the way they did? What would happen in the future?
Matthew stood, a soft sigh uttered. The tears had stopped falling, but he felt he should cry a million more, even if he couldn't produce them. His dulled eyes met with his brother's, speaking a nonverbal explanation.
He didn't have to say anything; Folkert's request was enough of an explanation. The hatchling had to be returned from where he came. His Mother Earth, by the springs where he was born.
Both Arthur and Francis also caught the gist of the unspoken conversation between the two brothers. Arthur relinquished his hold on Alfred settling for taking a firm comforting grasp on the dragons hand while Francis did the same with Matthew.
Even the King, who remained respectfully quiet in this time of mourning, stepped forward to offer his condolences.
Matthew made no attempt to reply to anyone's gaze or words or calming touches. This hatchling was not his, even if he felt like it was. But with no dragons here to offer it a farewell, he had to take their place.
And this was something he would do alone.
Matthew smiled sadly at Francis before pulling his bloodied hand away. He shifted back to his dragon form, the baby still in his grasp before taking to the air, heading for the springs of their native forest.
Alfred sank to his knees, before falling back into an awkward sitting position. There was too much on their shoulders. Not just his or Matthew's, but the rest of theirs.
It was supposed to all be over but it wasn't. Not anymore.
"What do we do now?" He asked, not quite directing it to anyone in particular.
Arthur sank to his knees to join Alfred's side. He tried to find the best words to try and comfort his dragon.
"We keep pursuing this belief." Someone spoke before Arthur could. Arthur looked up, surprised to find that it was the King who answered Alfred's question.
King Roderich looked hesitantly at Alfred before speaking again, "I admit that I had my doubts before about this whole business… but after what has happened and after what you had said to your Elders, I realized that we can not give up on this. We can't let these hateful acts continue."
"Hah!" Alfred laughed softly. "I had a feeling you would say that." He pulled Arthur to him to press a kiss to his forehead. "I'm more than willing to help you with that," he mused, eyeing Roderich with respect. "This isn't going to be easy by any means, but I'd like to see that we come through it."
He turned to Francis and gave a reluctant nod. "You, go find Mattie. He's probably alone when he shouldn't be. I don't think I'm going to be much help. I don't like you much at all, and I have no fucking clue why he does, but if you so much as hurt a single hair on his head or make him shed a single tear, I'll come to kill you myself. I can promise you that."
Francis gave Alfred a sad smile. "Believe me when I say I would never intentionally do anything to upset your brother. I will do all that I can to help him." He felt a little wary that Alfred still doubted him, but he was glad that Alfred was giving him permission to go look after the grieving dragon.
He turned to face the King and Arthur and said, "I wish you all luck. Hopefully you can all think of the next step we need to take." And with that he left towards the direction that Matthew took off to.
"So what do we do next?" Arthur mused aloud.
"First, I think we should fly back to Hetalia." King Roderich replied. "The Elders need to know that we are serious about wanting to make things right, so we need to start by changing a few laws in our Kingdom."
"Well, I'm willing to try anything at this point," Alfred sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But I think you're gonna have to start keeping a wary eye on the people around you. If me and Mattie are going to be around (and they all know we're dragons by now), I'm sure there will be people against it. But I'd like to think about that after we get some rest. There was too much that happened in such a short amount of time." He stood back up, pulling Arthur with him before shifting to his dragon form. "The other two will know where to find us. They'll get there when they're ready. For now let's head back."
"We'll have to be careful when we arrive." Arthur warned Alfred as he settled himself on the dragon's back. "I don't want anyone attacking you on our arrival."
"Leave that to me." Roderich replied as Arthur assisted him onto the dragon. "I'll do my best to ensure your safety… um by the way, you do fly just as carefully as your brother don't you?" The King had been extremely anxious during his flight with Matthew even though the dragon was gentle with him. (The King was just not a fan of hights.)
"Mattie just made me seem bad!" Alfred snorted, leering back at the pair with a pout, before it turned into a grin. "I'm a good flier! Why would I throw you off?" The grin grew sly. "I'm just not as slow as him..." A few flaps and they were sent into the sky.
Francis hurriedly followed the sound of water, where he knew Matthew would be. The more he thought about the dragons sorrow the faster he moved. Several times he tripped over rocks or a tree root that was protruding from the ground in his hurry to reach the dragon.
After what seemed like ages to the blue-eyed knight, Francis finally reached an opening to a clearing. Beyond it he saw Matthew's figure standing next to the water.
Francis approached the dragon slowly. "Mathieu…" he spoke softly.
Matthew turned to look at the approaching man, seeming surprised at his arrival. He smiled a bit, rubbing some dirt off his face. "It's alright now. I've buried him where he belongs. He'll be in a better place now. Even without the request I would have done this." He looked back at the small mound by the springs. "I'm sorry that you had to see what you did, and I want to thank you for stopping me before I killed him. I lost myself there and I didn't even realize that I was becoming what he said we were."
He shuddered when he recalled the rage and his murderous thoughts. "I didn't think I was even capable of that, but I guess I was proven wrong..." He laughed softly. "I just, I don't even know what to do now. I'm scared that if this all gets worse that I'll become that thing again."
"You won't become that thing again." Francis insisted. He placed a hand under Matthew's chin and gently raised it until those amethyst eyes were staring into his own blue ones. "Mathieu, you don't realize how proud I am of you… you could have killed that man for what he did, but you didn't. You refused to give into that side of you because you are strong and good."
Francis looked intensely into those beautiful eyes; willing for the dragon to listen and believe the words he was saying. "You must stop doubting yourself like this. You must see yourself for who you are. Because once you do… you will never have to worry about that unwanted side again."
The violet dragon paused, blinking as he tried to absorb everything that he was being told before smiling gratefully. "See? That's what I mean. You just seem to keep helping me like that. I probably would've gone and ripped him apart, but when you kept talking to me, it made me stop. You stopped me Francis. It wasn't me."
Francis smiled warmly at the dragon. "Darling, I merely spoke to you. It was you who chose to stop." Not being able to help himself, Francis moved back the hair on Matthew's forehead and placed a soft kiss upon it. "You mustn't give me credit for your own triumphs." Francis murmured as his lips ghosted over Matthews forehead.
Matthew blushed deeply, for multiple reasons. "W-well, it really did help me though..."
Francis pulled back and admired the adorable look on Matthew's face. "Well, if you truly believe that I helped… then I'll always stay by your side so that I can be there for you when you need me most."
Matthew snorted, though the smile crept back onto his face. "You make it sound like you're proposing to me!"
"How do you know I'm not?" Francis questioned teasingly.
Matthew froze and blushed again, raising his face to look at Francis. "What?"
Francis meant to tell Matthew he was only teasing, but he found himself unable to do so. Instead, he stumbled over his words trying to find a different reply, "Well… when i say that… what I mean is… is that… I don't think I ever want to be away from you. I know we only met a couple of days ago and, please forgive me for using the mother lord of all cliques, but I feel like I've known you for so much longer. I wish to spend as much time with you as possible… b-but I wouldn't exactly propose to you just yet. A-after all we haven't even kissed yet!"
Matthew flushed a deeper color. Kiss? Oh sothat's what he had meant to do back at the castle...both times...
Oops...
"K-kiss? You want to kiss me?" Matthew squeaked. It wasn't what he expected to hear at all. He was expecting for him to tell him it was all a joke and then laugh it off. Not become flustered and try and explain it all.
"I-I don't mind..." He mumbled, shifting on his feet awkwardly. What else could he think of to say?
"Y-you don't?" Francis asked wide eyed.
The dragon shook his head, embarrassed. "N-no...I don't...I mean if you don't mind, or something..." He scuffed the ground with his foot, staring at the rock next to it like it was the most interesting thing in the world at the moment.
"Mind?" Francis laughed. He cupped Matthew's face to bring the dragons attention back to him. "Mon cher, I've been simply dying kiss you." And with that, Francis closed the distance between them.
The smaller blonde started to ask why but let out a sound of pleasant surprise when his own lips met with those of the knight's. He kissed back and let his arms snake around Francis' neck, fingers slipping together for a better hold.
Francis was so elated by Matthew's reaction. He reveled in the bold, sweet taste of Matthew's soft lips.
Reluctantly, Francis pulled away to smile gently at the other blond. "I love you." The words came out before Francis could even think to stop them.
Matthew smiled warmly and hugged Francis tightly, mewling happily. "I love you too!"
Francis held the dragon close for a moment, enjoying Matthew's warmth, before sighing, "I wish I could keep you to myself the whole night… but we should start heading back soon." Part of Francis didn't want Arthur and Alfred to be upset with him for bringing Matthew back late.
Matthew shook his head, not quite willing to go back just yet. Not when he'd finally gotten a confession. "I think...I think the others can wait for us."
"Ha, I guess you're right." Francis laughed. He, like Matthew, wasn't eager to go back… Damn it all if the others got upset with him for keeping Matthew a while longer.
"We can stay here a bit longer to enjoy each others company." Francis smiled down at Matthew and pressed another kiss on the dragon's forehead. He felt so giddy to have this extra alone time with Matthew.
Matthew chuckled softly, leaning against Francis to rest his head against his shoulder. Hopefully, everything would just calm down so he could relax again. "Just a bit?" He asked teasingly.
A mischievous gleam danced across Francis' eyes. (He enjoyed it when Matthew used that playful tone.) "Well, perhaps we can stay even longer… but you may need topersuade me."
The dragon noticed the gleam and decided to play along. "Persuade you?" He asked curiously. His hands reached up and brushed alongside the knight's jaw before pulling him in for a deep kiss. He pulled away, cheeks flushed lightly. "Like that?"
Francis was caught off guard by Matthew's reaction. He had been expecting the dragon to become red and flustered and have that adorable timid look that Francis liked so much. But he most certainly wasn't expecting that! Such a bold move left Francis speechless. It made him want to act boldly himself.
Francis dipped Matthew and initiated a deep kiss of his own, keeping a tight hold around the smaller man's waist to make sure he didn't fall. When he was finished thoroughly kissing the man, he pulled back slightly. "Mon cher, you are just too wonderful for words."
Matthew could only squeak as he was dipped back before being brought into such a passionate kiss. "I-I'm really not that wonderful," he breathed, slightly dazed.
"Oh, but you are." Francis smiled lovingly, as he brought Matthew back up. "You always surprise me and do something that I do not expect. In my eyes you're perfect."
Matthew blush grew, spreading across his cheeks to his ears. This man always seemed to do nothing but praise him, and it was not something he was used to at all.
His heart pounded loudly in his chest, and he was certain that Francis could hear it. He wanted to say something just as meaningful back, but he couldn't think of what to say. Words failed him, so he just decided to wrap his arms around the knight's neck, pulling himself closer so he could cling to him.
Francis felt so much meaning in that embrace. It was like Matthew was pouring all of his love into that gesture.
"I love the way you hold me." Francis sighed contently as he pulled the dragon even closer to him. "Promise to hold me like this everyday."
"O-only if you return the favor," Matthew whispered back, tightening his hold.
"Darling, if I had my way you would never leave my arms." Francis replied. He leaned forward until their foreheads where pressed together and let his eyes fall shut. He rubbed small circles in the others back and just enjoyed the feel of the body held against his own. It was a beautiful warm feeling that the knight never wanted to forget.
"Then don't let me..." Matthew pleaded, leaning into the touches. "I want to be yours."
Francis became still at Matthew's plea. Surely… he wasn't asking what he thought he was asking.
"Y-you want to be mine?" Francis leaned back to look at the dragon's face. "You mean as in…" Francis trailed off leaving the sentence hanging. He was almost too afraid to hope what Matthew meant by those words.
Matthew nodded wordlessly, too embarrassed to say anything aloud. If that lingering feeling of want was anything to go by...then he was pretty damn sure.
Francis stared at Matthew in disbelief. He couldn't believe the dragon had nodded; had given his approval!
The knight couldn't hold himself back. He grasped either side of Matthew's head and locked their lips firmly together in a passionate kiss.
Matthew kissed back, a bit too desperately in his own opinion, letting out small sounds of pleasure. When they finally broke apart, gasping for air, Matthew grabbed Francis' hand and tugged it gently. "N-not here!" He panted.
He pulled the knight to his home, which thankfully wasn't far away. It was a large den that, unlike Alfred's, had an entrance covered with plant life. Flowers bloomed everywhere.
He dragged the knight with him to his own nest of furs before letting go. "I-I know it's not exactly a very, uh, neat place. But, I think it'll be okay..." He stammered shyly.
Francis looked around the den once before turning his attention back to Matthew. "Your home is very cozy and quite lovely." The knight noted. "It suits you."
Francis grasped Matthew's hands and gently pulled him down until they were both sitting on the furs. "But of course it's no where nearas lovely as you." He whispered as he stared longingly into the dragon's eyes.
The dragon flushed softly, edging closer to the knight, fingers gripping Francis' shirt sheepishly. He loved those deep blue eyes. They weren't as bright as his brother's, but they reminded him of the deep ocean, or the night sky. He could see the affection reflected in that rich color, and it made him tremble. He didn't think he'd be looked at with such adoration.
Francis placed a hand firmly on Matthew's hip and closed the distance between them to pull the dragon into another passionate kiss. He moaned as that taste from before filled his mouth. It was that same sweet taste. That same bold taste that was just so Matthew. It made him want the dragon more.
He pulled his mouth away from Mathew's and trailed kisses down his neck. Francis slid his hands under Matthew's shirt and began caressing the smooth expanse of skin. The skin was warm and soft to the touch… That sensation alone was enough to get Francis excited.
Matthew mewled softly at the soft kisses placed down the skin of his neck, before it became more of a mix of a whine and a moan when he felt warm hands start running across his torso. He slapped a hand over his mouth, embarrassed by the sounds he was making, the other uselessly clinging to Francis' feelings sent a jolt down his spine, made him want to cry out and pant.
"Please, do not hold yourself back." Francis pleaded against Matthew's neck. "I want to hear all of your delicious sounds." Those noises the dragon made were so arousing that the knight hungered to hear more.
Francis pulled away once again to pull off Matthew's shirt, but once the garment was gone he immediately latched his mouth back onto the smaller blond. He skillfully worked his hands along Matthew's stomach while his mouth ghosted its way down the dragons collar bone. Without any warning, Francis covered one of Matthew's nipples with his mouth and rolled his tongue over it.
Matthew, despite his embarrassment, couldn't help but let out a louder moan, hands moving to tangle themselves in blonde hair rather than cover his mouth to restrain the sounds.
He panted and trembled, skin flushing red as he became more aroused.
Francis shuddered at the moan. It was the most arousing sound he had heard in his entire life. Oh god, how he wanted Matthew so badly.
Francis gently pushed Matthew until he was lying on his back in the bed of furs. He removed the dragon's pants so that the small blond was completely undressed. Francis then hovered above him; drinking in the sight of Matthew lying on his back panting. It was absolutely captivating. "Mmn, Mon cher. I never knew anything could look this exquisite."
Matthew blushed a dark red, feeling a strong desire to cover himself up so that he wasn't so vulnerable. He hadn't expected to be pushed down so suddenly and it made his heart throb. Yea, so he'd started all this but he could be nervous couldn't he?
He continued to tremble, meeting Francis' gaze with his own. "It's not fair though," he mumbled his complaint, brows furrowing slightly.
"What's not fair?" Francis questioned. He furrowed his eyebrows when he noticed Matthew tremble… Had he done something wrong?
Matthew pushed himself back up and then plopped himself on the knight's lap, hands resting on Francis' shoulders. "You stripped me but you haven't taken your clothing off," he explained, knowing he'd briefly thrown the man off.
"W-what?" Francis paled. Fear briefly flashed across his eyes, but he quickly recovered and gave Matthew a nervous smile. "Mon cher, I-I'm not sure if it's a good idea for me to be fully undressed…"
Matthew blinked and cocked his head. Why was he so nervous? "Why not? I want to see you." He let one arm slide down to rest against a bicep and stroked it softly. The other hand began to slowly pull up the bottom Francis' shirt.
"No!" Francis quickly grabbed Matthew's wrist to halt its movement.
Matthew became very startled. "I-I'm sorry! I d-didn't mean to hurt you or anything!" He burst out, nearly falling out of the man's lap. Hell, he hadn't meant to make Francis panic or feel bad about himself. He bit his lip and looked downcast, not sure how to react now.
The knight also seemed startled by his own reaction and quickly apologized. "I-I'm sorry, Mathieu. I did not mean to shout… I-I'm just very uncomfortable with removing my shirt… please do not get upset." Francis wrapped his arms tightly around the dragon. The sad look was grieving Francis' heart because he knew he was the cause of the dragon's sadness.
"You didn't hurt me. It's just…" Francis trailed off. And stared at Matthew, trying to find the words to explain. "It's just that I am very self conscious about the way I look."
That had him more confused. This person was very much beautiful. What did he have to be so self-conscious about? "But you...you're perfect. Why would you be so scared of showing me how you look?" He asked, concerned.
Francis shook his head slowly. "No… I'm not perfect." He hesitated for a moment debating whether or not he should continue to explain himself. He was afraid to tell Matthew, but at the same time he thought the dragon should know… So he relented.
"That day…" Francis started. "When that dragon attacked my home. I was in the sitting room with my parents when everything caught fire. They tried to protect me and hurry me out of the house. I barely made it out but… I was burned… badly."
Matthew's eyes widened and he felt tears well up in his eyes. So that was why? No wonder he was so afraid!
"Francis, it's alright." Matthew spoke softly. "I-I don't care if you're burned. You're still perfect to me. I wouldn't care if you were missing all your limbs, I'd still love you. You are you. I love you for that most of all. Not just your appearance."
He stroked the knight's face gently, carefully. "It's alright if you're afraid. But I am not going to laugh at you or feel disgusted if you were to show me. That's not love. I want you to feel okay about yourself."
"Mathieu…" Francis didn't know what to say. He was touched by what Matthew said to him. He began to feel tears of his own brimming his eyes.
"No! No crying!" Matthew begged, wiping the tears away with the pad of his thumb. "I wasn't trying to make you cry! I-I just want you to realize that I really, really love you no matter what, okay? If you have a million scars or burns or whatever, I'll love them too!"
Matthew pressed a kiss to Francis' forehead, and then his lips. "It's okay. It's okay to show yourself to me."
Francis smiled genuinely. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you fret with my tears. You just make me feel so loved and happy that I couldn't hold them back."
He placed one more kiss upon the dragon's lips before moving back to slowly, slowly, remove his shirt. He revealed the marred scare tissue that covered his shoulder and ran across his chest all the way down to his stomach.
Matthew took in the sight of the scarred, burned flesh. But it wasn't ugly. It reminded him of mixed marble for some reason. All he could say was that it made him love Francis more. "I still think that you're beautiful," he promised quietly, eyes softening.
Slowly, as to not startle the knight like he had before, he brought his hand up to run it down across the marred skin, tracing the discolored shapes of the scars as if mesmerized. He used both hands, feeling across the burns gently, lovingly caressing them before he leaned in to press his lips against Francis' chest, directly over his heart.
Francis let out a shuddering breath at the touch Matthew's gentle lips. Admiration for the dragon swelled inside him. Making his heart beat faster.
Francis brought Matthew's face up to his own and pressed their lips together once more. But this time it was not a desperate or needy kiss. It was a slow gentle kiss filled with love and adoration. He wrapped his arms around Matthew and pulled him close so that their bare chests were pressed against the other.
Matthew gasped as their skin touched, keening softly before kissing his knight again. His hands found their way to the back of Francis' head again, threading through his hair.
He loved this man, he really loved him a lot, and he was glad he was trusting him enough to do what he was doing, even going so far as to reveal his scars to Matthew.
Francis continued to kiss Matthew thoroughly as he caressed the dragons bare hips. Francis let his hands trail up the other's sides and along his back as he worshiped the softness of the skin.
After a few minutes, Francis pulled out of Matthew's grasp to remove his pants. He sighed in relief once he was no longer confined in the uncomfortable tightness of the garment.
Matthew gazed shyly at Francis as if asking what they were to do next. He wanted more touches. The caresses and gentle touches that had sent his heart racing and he wanted more. He whimpered softly, settling back in the knight's lap with a pleading look.
Francis groaned slightly at the look on Matthew's face. That yearning look fueled his own desire for the other. He rested his hand firmly on Matthew's waist to keep him in place and used the other hand to reach for his pouch that was sitting next to the nest of furs. He fumbled through it until he found a jar of salve and sat up properly to look back at the dragon.
"Are you sure you want to do this Mathieu?" Francis asked the question that had been gnawing at him. "It may hurt. So I want to know if you are ready before I do anything else."
Matthew nodded. He'd already known it would hurt. That was something to expect, and he'd already had a bit of time to think about it. And although it wasn't much time, he'd already settled on the decision before he could even argue with it.
Once he had gained Matthew's approval, Francis gently pushed the smaller blond back into the furs. He made sure Matthew was laying in a comfortable position before spreading the dragon's legs to settle himself in between them.
Francis opened the jar and slicked his fingers with the salve. "Just let me know if you want me to stop." Francis murmured.
"I'll be okay," Matthew replied, certain. "I know you won't hurt me."
Francis leaned down to kiss Matthew tenderly to distract the dragon as he slowly pressed his slick finger into Matthew's entrance.
Matthew gave a soft whine against the knight's lips, though it was more of a pleasurable one than one saying he was in pain.
The whine notified Francis that he was doing something right and it pleased him. He began to coat a second finger as he moved to nibble on Matthew's ear and carefully inserted that one in as well.
Arching his back a bit, Matthew winced slightly when the second finger entered him, though he tried not to show his discomfort as much as possible.
Noticing Matthew's discomfort, Francis quickly placed an apologetic kiss on the dragon's lips. He set down the jar of salve and used that hand to begin stroking Matthew's length.
Matthew let out a breathy moan, letting his eyes slip shut. The discomfort was swept away by the ripples of pleasure he was feeling.
When Matthew began to relax again, Francis started to slowly scissor his fingers inside the dragon. He curled his fingers slightly against the inner walls of Matthew's body. Trying to pleasure him further.
"F-Francis," Matthew groaned, adjusting to the now-pleasant stretching of his inner walls. He continued to whine softly until he felt those fingers brush against something, making him cry out louder. He trembled, face flushed as he tried not to roll his hips to get those fingers against that spot again. "W-what was that? That felt...r-really good."
Oh, how that cry sent a wave of long through Francis. "That's your prostate. It's supposed to make you feel wonderful." Francis answered as he gently rubbed his fingers on the spot, trying to memorize where it was at.
Having that spot rubbed again had the dragon mewling wantonly, a slurred version of his lover's name slipping past his lips.
Francis' heart raced as he heard his name called again. Hearing his name uttered from those beautiful lips kindled a warm feeling in the knight causing him to groan lightly.
The knight ceased stroking Matthew, but only momentarily, to slick a third finger with salve. He returned to rubbing Matthew's shaft as he entered the third finger.
Matthew winced again, biting his lip with a little hiss as the third finger was pressed in. He panted a bit more heavily, trying to adjust to the increased stretching.
Francis' concern for Matthew returned when he saw the dragon's discomfort; so he immediately began curling his fingers again to rub the spot that would give the dragon pleasure.
The dragon was starting to get a bit nervous about the discomfort he felt, until his prostate was rubbed once again, sending a wave of pleasure back through him, instantly making him forget the stinging he felt. He gasped and his hands gripped the knight's shoulders for stability, nails digging into the skin to leave red marks.
Something in Francis snapped. He wanted to go slow and be patient, but his self control was immediately tossed to hell at Matthew's grip. With an almost feral growl, Francis removed his fingers and dove forward. He began attacking Matthew's delicious mouth with ravenous burning kisses, moaning against the others lips.
"Mathieu…" Francis paused to thoroughly kiss the dragon before continuing. "I don't think I can wait anymore…"
Matthew moans slipped into whimpers when Francis' fingers were pulled out. He gazed at the knight who looked back at him with such want and it made him quiver with need. "So don't," he responded, at a loss of breath. As much as he felt good at the moment, he was starting to feel impatient too. "I want you inside me."
Francis nodded and pulled back. He grabbed the jar of salve once again and coated his member with the slippery substance.
Francis then crawled forward. He tightly grabbed Matthew's hips and positioned himself at the dragon's entrance. "If the pain becomes to much for you to handle then tell me. I'll stop immediately."
"I-I'm not going to let you stop," Matthew stammered, squeezing his lover's shoulders. "I don't care if it hurts a lot, I just...I really want this. So don't stop no matter what." His gaze became pleading. "I don't know if we'll get another chance like this. I need you, Francis, please."
Although Francis felt a burning desire for the blond beneath him, he still felt a little skeptical; he didn't want to hurt Matthew. So, as slowly and carefully as he could, Francis began to press himself inside Matthew.
Matthew gasped before he started biting his lip until it started bleed. He let out a strained whine as he was entered further, his grip tightening on Francis' shoulders. He forced himself to relax, clinging to his knight as he did.
Francis stilled immediately. His eyes widened when he realized Matthew was in pain. "Mathieu, perhaps we should stop. You are in too much pain and we can try this another time."
Matthew glared at Francis, the look not that intimidating when it was watery. "Don't you dare!" He shoved the knight over, reversing their positions so that he was on top. "I told you, I don't want to stop...no matter what. And I told you...there might not be another time." He huffed angrily. He flattened his palms against Francis' chest before pressing himself down, fully sheathing Francis inside him, gasping when he did.
Francis threw his head back and gave a shout of pleasure as he lost his composure. His breathing became harsh as Matthew's heat surrounded him. He didn't realize that Matthew had that in him. It was alluring. It was enticing. And, oh god, it was sexy.
"Mathieu." Francis gasped the name in pleasure.
Matthew panted heavily, eyes closed as he adjusted to Francis' girth. It hurt, but he was quickly over the pain. He reopened his eyes and looked down at Francis, and was more than happy to see how adoringly he was being looked at. Even the way his name was called was thrilling, making him feel treasured. "M-move with me, please," he requested.
Francis, who was unable to speak, nodded eagerly. He placed his hands back on Matthew's hips and helped lift the dragon slightly before thrusting into him.
Matthew moaned loudly as they began to move together, pressing back against the thrusts.
Francis' throat was vibrating with a long deep groan of ecstasy. The tightness was incredible. He had never felt anything as hot and erotic as this. He thrust again. Searching for the spot that would make Matthew scream with pleasure.
The dragon continued to meet with the thrusts, moans and cries erupting from his throat each time he did. His breathing was erratic and heavy, breaths coming out in short bursts. He continued to cry out a mantra of Francis' name, although it was hard to understand between the moans that seemed to break everything up.
But when his love struck that spot, any intelligible thoughts and words were lost, a cross between a scream and groan took their place.
Matthew's shout encouraged Francis to thrust into the spot again and again. He thrustedfaster. Francis couldn't stop groaning. That sweet voice drove him beyond words. The heat was making him lightheaded, the incredible tightness and motion and friction was making him lose control.
It was getting hard for Matthew to hold himself up, he was feeling too good, trembling too much. Even keeping his hands pressed against Francis' chest wasn't helping since he had a habit of wanting to clutch and stroke and caress. His cries couldn't be held back either and his voice continued ring out, echoing against the rocky walls of his den.
The knight, taking notice of Matthew's trembling body, switched their positions once again. He set the dragon on his back and rolled on top of him. He re-entered Matthew's body with more controlled thrusts. He watched the dragon in inescapable captivation. "Matthieu you're so beautiful." He moaned with half lidded eyes.
Matthew started to complain when Francis pulled out, not happy about the loss of warmth, but when he was pressed on his back and filled again, all complaints were lost. He snaked his legs around his knight's waist, pulling him in deeper. He couldn't reply to the loving compliment said to him, eyes fluttering shut.
Francis closed his eyes in bliss as he felt himself slip further into the wonderful heat that was Matthew. The knight lent forward and began sucking at the dragons neck to leave a mark as he brought his hands between them. He grasped the small blond's quivering erection and began to pump it in time with his thrusts.
Matthew moaned again, breathing still erratic as he moved back into Francis' thrusts, feeling a jolt run down his spine when the knight marked his neck. He decided to return the favor and pulled Francis closer to leave his own marking, a deep red mark where his neck met his shoulders. He started to lose what little coordination he had when he was stroked. "Nn! Fr-Francis I'm close!" He cried, feeling the heat in his belly start to tighten.
"M-me too, darling." Francis moaned. Everything was becoming too much for the knight. The sight and sound… and oh that feel of being marked was bringing him closer to climax. "Come with me."
Those words sent him over the edge and Matthew released with a loud, final cry of his knight's name, nails digging into Francis' shoulders, the red marks blossoming and flowing.
Francis felt the smaller blond clench around him and he was finished. With a cry of Matthew's name, Francis climaxed and spilled himself inside the dragon.
Matthew let out a quiet mewl of contentment as he was filled and then let himself drop back onto the furs, going limp as his chest heaved.
Francis weakly steadied himself to make sure he didn't collapse on Matthew. He remained there a few moments to muster enough energy to unsheath himself from the dragon. He laid in the furs and pulled Matthew close to him, whispering words of love.
Matthew welcomed the warmth of the embrace, pressing a kiss to Francis' cheek. "I told you I could handle it," he chuckled softly, still out of breath. "I love you."
Francis chucked lightly and kissed Matthew. "Darling… you're simply full of surprises." He murmured against the dragons lips.
"I am?" Matthew asked, settling against his lover. "I-I guess I just... I don't know... You made me want you." He tried to explain bashfully. He let a hand start tracing over the scars softly. "But at least you know you don't have to hide from me anymore. I want you to know everything about you, like you said you do for me."
Francis moaned contently at Matthew's caresses. He began running his fingers up and down the others spine. He enjoyed having the blushing blond in his arms. "Non, mon cher. I'll never hide anything from you… And we'll have plenty of time to learn more about each other. Because I wish to always remain by your side."
Matthew smiled warmly and nuzzled close to the other, murmuring his agreement before he fell asleep, exhausted.
Francis pulled the sleeping dragon closer. He let Matthew's even breaths and beating heart lull him into a peaceful sleep.
Yamiyo had to write Vash's part cuz I just couldn't do it! It was way too hard and she made me cry when I read it. (She is super fantastic!)
Anyways, thanks again for reading! Please leave a review to let us know what you think of our story. n_n
Also, don't forget to read Yamiyodarknight's other stories. The link to her fanfic is on my profile.
