Along the Great Divide

Mamoru kept up his stubbornness through their romp in the bed sheets. Ludwig bounced him up and down yet even the temptation of being satisfied didn’t keep him from continuing the undead Prince’s punishment…though he could have just broken free anyway. It was just torturous. The mage leaned over him, his feathery little kisses on his face feeling more like a whisper along his dead skin. Now, if only he had a whip in his hand, Mamoru could have played the true role of ‘master’.

A hard lump settled in Ludwig’s through though he gave a hard thrust, sending Mamoru keening. His liquids pooled over the vampires cold skin, his cool eyes looking up to his panting lover who settled himself forward, resting his head on Ludwig's chest.

"Nnm.."Mamoru mewled softly, skin still tingling.

"What about me?"Ludwig whined, looking down at the pale head of hair of the mage, pouting. Mamoru rolled his head, settling his chin on him with his cobalt eyes batting at him.

"What about you?"Mamo smiled.

"You mean I don't get to..."Ludwig said, more surprised than annoyed by all of it. Normally, they always finished what they started but then again...

"Nope. I'm going to watch you take care of it."Mamoru said as he sat up, looking down at Ludwig with a rather coy smile.

"HUH?!"Ludwig said, wringing his wrists a little after Mamoru had slipped the belt from around them, sitting up and staring down at the mage. Touching himself...no, defiling himself was more like it was a sure-fire torture. He would have rather Mamoru bring him to release but then again...He had full control this time.

Ludwig had done a bad thing by letting Rhoma get so close to him before and Mamoru was definately going to make sure that he knew it. Sitting up, he leaned against the headboard of the bed, staring at the mage who settled on his side, resting his head on his arm.

"Go ahead."Mamoru encouraged.

The vampire, for the first time in a while, felt nervous to even do such a thing. While he was still erect, he grabbed the length of his member, beginning to stroke in long hard pumps, moving a little faster when he knew he was going to reach his peak. Mamoru watched, reaching a hand over and running his hand along Ludwig's calf as the Vampire worked. Feeling a hard tightening in his loins, his toes curling. Glancing up, Mamoru licks his lucious rose-colored lips, Ludwig swallowing hard.

Then that hot, gooey feeling. Looking down at his hand, if he had the means of having blood flow to his cheeks, they would have been bright red. Mamoru got up, crawling over and plopping down in his messy lap. Tilting his head, he gave the flustered Vampire a little kiss.

"Good Boy, Wiggy."Mamoru chuckled softly. "Let's go get cleaned up now...okay?"

"Eh heh..."Ludwig said, smirking a little. 'I would drain you dry if you were anybody else you little Minx.' He thought as he was pulled to attention towards the bathroom.

Down the hall, Anri had settled Rhoma in a room so he could calm himself down. Rhoma sat pouting, his hands tucked into his sleeves with his eyes concentrated on the floor. Anri knelt down so he could look at the mage's despondent face.

“They just want a little time to themselves…They’ve been apart for a long time, way before you were born.”Anri said as he slinked his hand into Rhoma’s sleeve to grasp his hand gently.

Rhoma glanced a him then back to the hole he pictured boring into his clothes. “Yet this is the first time I’ve actually met them in person. I have seen so many pictures from when they were small but yet…I want to really get to know them. Just what are my elder brothers like?”He said, his eyebrows furrowing as he looked to the Prince.

“Give it time.” The prince said, rising to his feet and petting down some of Rhoma's hair. Leaning down, he gave a very feathery kiss to his temple, the mage jumping.

"That tickled!"Rhoma said, flustered and rubbing the spot where he was kissed. Anri laughed, ruffling Rhoma's hair, leaning down to capture Rhoma's lips briefly with chuckle. The younger-looking mage blushed all the more, reaching up and pulling Anri down so now the Prince was on his lap.

"Your father and mine would have a fit..."Rhoma said as he gave Anri a squeeze.

"I know."Anri said, taking a bit of the mage's hair and twirling it around in his fingers.

"Yours is still alive...I'd at least to respect my own's wishes...even if it's just for a few times."Rhoma said, tilting his head a little.

Anri shook his head. "I'll never really understand what goes in the pretty little head of yours, Rho...Just know that if you ever need an open ear...you know I'm just around the corner."He said as he placed a feathery kiss on Rhoma's head. "Though...I don't know if I like the knowledge that you kissed another man just to get their attention..."

Rhoma flushed. "They were being stubborn!"He argued, feeling a stern calloused finger underneath his chin. Wincing a little, he got a good look at Anri's disappointed teal glare.

"You know how jealous I get of you...when another person, another man touches you. It drives me crazy...I swore on my life that I would do whatever it takes to protect you and I meant it...even if it's from a broken heart."Anri said sternly, releasing Rhoma's chin, sliding off the mage's lap. "Please...don't forget that. I'll leave you to rest a little..."

And with that, Anri left.

Rhoma stared at Anri's back as the Prince left the room, looking back down to the floor. He had made Anri angry...though he was curious to how the prince knew about the kiss. Sitting back in his chair, touching a hand on his chin, he mused a little.


Back in the two lover's room, Ludwig was busily scrubbing Mamoru's back and nibbling along his neck. While they were in the bath, he was definately going to get his Mamoru-fix until the mage had had enough. Mamoru, however, didn't mind. He sat with his back to the vampire with his eyes closed peacefully while his back was scrubbed of sweat and whatever other liquids had managed to make their way back there.

"If you keep scrubbing like that, you'll hit bone."Mamoru said with a soft sigh, looking back over his shoulder. Ludwig's eyebrows raised a little, the cloth moving to a different spot.

"Sorry...Just wanted to make sure I got all of it."Ludwig said, looking a tad unnerved with the thought: Mamoru as a gaping mess of missing skin, muscle and bone...but at least he would still be godly to him. Probably one quick bite could cure it all.

Wait, what was he thinking?! Ludwig gave a human shiver, looking back to his work as he moved the cloth a long the glistening pale skin.

"When do you think we should leave?"Ludwig asked, Mamoru turning around slightly, his eyes open. Turning so he was sitting width-wise in the tub, his legs over the edge, the mage stared at the vampire with some uncertainty.

"If we had the choice...never...but the hunts will be coming in this direction eventually. I think it's best that we leave in the next three days."Mamoru said with a wise nod, looking to the vampire as he brought the cloth to one of his elongated ears, cleaning out some of the goo that had managed to collect there. He let out a light, airy laugh.

"What?"Ludwig said with a flick of his ear.

"Oh nothing...You make me laugh, Wiggy. You should see your ears, all covered in foam."Mamoru laughed lightly. Ludwig scrunched his nose a bit at this and shook his head, wet raven locks flicking bits of water everywhere. The mage flinched back away from the cold bits of spray, tilting his head a little.

"You, my little white cupcake, I shall never truly understand what really goes on in that pretty little---PFFFFT, hey!"Ludwig had started to coo with a very cocky smirk before getting a large splash of water to the face, the vampire shaking the water off. Mamoru was looking at him with a flustered face and crossed arms.

"What did I tell you about the nickname?!"Mamoru said, his voice raising a slight octive, almost like a pre-pubescent boy.

"What nickname?"Ludwig asked, now smiling.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I am NOT a little cupcake!"A young Mamoru blushed, his back to Ludwig with a defiant lift of his shoulders. Ludwig had recieved a bit of a smack to his temple, though not a hard one, just the contact of skin-to-skin hurt slightly.

"But Mamo, that's what you remind me of. Remember the little white cakes I used to make for you every year?"Ludwig said, a little disappointed that he didn't like the nickname. He thought it was perfect. Everything about Mamoru was small, white and almost completely edible. It was cute.

"Those are cakes! Not a Mamoru!"Mamo said, his cheeks puffing.

"You didn't have to hit me..."Ludwig whined, his ears drooping down several degrees from the normal erectness.

"You wouldn't stop."Mamoru said, finally turning around and looking at Ludwig with an angry but slowly softening look. "I'm sorry though...It wasn't right to hit you..."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"WIGGY! Wiggy, wake up!" Mamoru shouted with a panicked voice. His large cobalt eyes were watery, his hair dripping wet with the tendrils circling around Ludwig's chest. Ludwig made the human motion to open his eyes and blink, looking up to Mamoru with a confused gaze.

"Oh...Thank goodness...You passed out again. Did you remember something?"Mamoru asked, helping the Vampire to sit up and lean against the porcelin bathtub. Bringing a hand to his temples, he massaged them a little.

"Yes...Our fight."Ludwig answered.

"Fight?"The mage questioned, sitting back on his legs with some thought. Well, they had never really argued but then there was the time Ludwig goosed him in public, the time that he had said something really rude to a woman about her cooking and other little bits…which one was it?

"You really didn't like the nickname 'cupcake'."Ludwig said after finally getting annoyed with the silence. "You hit me…but apologized."

"That fight? That was so small considering…"Mamoru said, stopping and looking away. Ludwig knew the mage was hiding something….maybe they had a fight when they separated, maybe they didn't. Whatever the case, he looked unbearably cute and unbearably guilty at the same time.

"Considering?"Ludwig said as he leaned forward to peer at Mamoru suspiciously. The mage just threw on a smile and brought a hand to his hair, running his fingers through the Vampire's cold damp hair, bringing it slowly to his cheek. Ludwig stared but Mamoru didn't let his smile fade in the slightest.

"Considering I think it would be wrong to tell you now. I want you to remember everything."The Albijian said with a sigh. "Now that we're squeakily clean, lets dress and see what the day brings…though carefully. I'm hungry."

"You have insatiable appetite, love."Ludwig laughed throatily, shaking his head and rising to his feet, Mamoru following shortly behind him. The mage playfully pushed him towards the bedroom, returning only for two towels and then heading for the wardrobe. Ludwig shook his head all the more as the mage pulled out clothes for him to wear. Really, he could dress him self but why ruin his fun? Ludwig sat on the bed, bringing a hand up to his still dripping locks of hair. He'd always contemplated cutting it but something always told him he shouldn't.

"Here, dry yourself off."Mamoru said, throwing a towel at him. Ludwig caught it quickly, smirking and starting to run it along his skin. The mage soon returned with an armful of clothes, setting them on the bed. The maids would have a fit later. Picking up one of the shirts, it was made of a very soft, fine material and only the best kind for royalty. Mamoru took it from him, smiling. "No, I want to dress you."

"Does that mean I can dress you?"Ludwig teased, bringing a chilly hand along Mamoru's thigh, making him flinch from the cold.

"Mmmm, possibly."Mamo cooed, bringing a hand to Ludwig's shoulder.

"Where are your robes?"Wiggy inquired, glancing around. Mamoru blinked, looking around and spotting his discarded clothing on one side of the bed. Kneeling down, he gathered the layers of clothing and tossed them on the bed. Ludwig leaned back, snagging the under-robe and pulling it over to him, sitting up again while Mamoru met him on the other side of the bed.

"Stand up."Mamoru commanded sweetly, Ludwig rising to his feet. Kneeling down, the mage started to pull up some odd looking short pants over his feet and ankles. Looking confused, he watched as the cloth slid up to his hips.

"What odd pants are these? They don't look like they would keep you warm here."Ludwig said, reaching behind him and scratching his ass uncomfortably.

"Pants? No, these are underpants. It's the style nowadays to wear them. Don't tell me you haven't been wearing them for a hundred years?"Mamo said with surprise.

There was a dead silence.

"Wiggy…"Mamoru said sternly. "You have to wear them."

"They're troublesome! I don't even piss anymore in this undead body so what's the point?"Ludwig said, proud and unashamed. Sure, his pervious master had given him a pair for his chef's uniform and yet he still didn't put them on. It was annoying. Besides, feeling the breeze through the cloth just reminded him that he still had all of his goods attached. Scratching his ass again, he lifted his leg and let Mamoru pull his pants up.

"Your turn."Ludwig said, moving with his speed to behind the mage, having grabbed his underpants as well. Mamoru jumped slightly at the cold breath on his neck, looking over his shoulders.

"What if I lose my balance?"Mamo asked a little unsure about the position.

"I'm right behind you."The cold lips whispered as they nibbled a little trial down his neck. The pale one shivered a bit, feeling the weight on his head shift so now his hair was over his shoulder, trailing down his chest. He felt cold lips start to trail downwards to his bottom where he received a little nip, causing a squeak to escape his mouth.

"Wiggy!"Mamoru squealed.

"Shhh…"Ludwig cooed, his hand gently lifting Mamoru's foot and sliding it only partially up. "I'm not going to do anything…at least, not in the next five seconds."

"Wait, whaa--ooohhh…"Mamoru moaned when he felt a warm, wet tongue run along the crevice of his backside. Two strong hands preyed his cheeks apart, the tongue sliding and licking around. His member twitched achy and he doubled over, his hands on the bed with his backside to the Vampire's face. The wet muscle probed around, pushing through the ring of muscle and pulling back out again.

Ludwig had no sense of taste, yet a heightened sense of smell. The arousal, from what he could sense, pooled around Mamoru heavily as he licked around. Yet he stopped.

The mage whined, pushing back but Ludwig started sliding Mamoru's underpants upwards so now they were settled at his hips.

"That…That was m-mean Ludwig…"Mamoru whined, looking behind him. Ludwig had a very big smile on his face, spread from ear to ear.

"I'm allowed to tease. Who are you to question, my humble mage, the ability of a noble vampire…"Ludwig taunted, sticking his tongue out. Reaching up, he pulled down Mamoru's trousers that mages usually wore under their robes, adjusting Mamoru's feet one at a time to slip them on and tug them upwards with a swift movement.

"Ugh, my cheeks are all slimy…"Mamo huffed, turning around and pulling Ludwig around so the vampire was back to sitting on the bed. "Let's not play the teasing game any further. I may not end up getting something to eat and you would get a quick piece of ass."

"Agreed, love. May I dress myself now?"Ludwig laughed, pulling Mamoru by the hands over to him so the mage was now between his legs, looking down at him.

Mamoru huffed, flipping his hair back over his shoulder. "Very well."He said with a sigh, planting a kiss on Ludwig's dark forehead and stepping away.

Ludwig chuckled, rising to his feet and pulling his next layer, his undershirt apparently, and dressing himself. As he slipped the deep purple vest over his arms, a maid had come in with a jacket.

"Prince Ludwig, Prince Anri sends this gift to you."The maid said, setting the jacket on the bed and bowing out. When the maid left, the mage and the vampire exchanged glances. Picking up the jacket, Ludwig gave it a sniff.

"It smells like hazelnuts…"He said, giving another sniff. "And incense."

"Hazelnuts?"Mamoru said with surprise, stepping closer to give it a better 'smell' and look. "It smells just like Hezekiah and Theron."

"Huh?"Ludwig questioned stupidly, his ear twitching.

"You don't remember but when Festivus came around, Theron made Hezekiah a sort of manly-perfume that was made of hazelnuts and a few other things that were his favorite smells. Ohh, but it was funny! The squirrels and dogs wouldn't leave him alone until he took a bath!"Mamoru said with a joyous laugh.

"Where were we?"Ludwig asked. Mamoru stopped laughing.

"We were right there with them…though once we were alone, we had a lovely rendezvous on the balcony."Mamoru said, his face flushing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Wiggy…what are we doing up here? Everyone is down watching the fireworks along the water."Mamoru inquired, looking around. He stepped towards the balcony, looking down towards the palace garden. It was a beautiful sight.

Ludwig stepped up beside him, removing his raven's feather mask and slowly lifting Mamoru's snowy owl one away from his face from behind. "I wanted to have some alone time with you…"He whispered softly, running the soft skin of his nose down the side of Mamoru's neck.

"Later?"Mamoru said, turning around, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Now. Because I know once we go back down to the Festival, there will be people…and you know how I get when another boy looks at you."Ludwig said bringing his hand through Mamoru's creamy hair.

"No need to get jealous Wiggy…You are mine and I am yours…I couldn't help but notice some of the girls looking at you too."Mamo cooed softly, bringing his arms around Ludwig's shoulders, decorated with a black coat with silvery thread stitched in ornate patterns. Ludwig flushed and reddened all the more when Mamoru played with his short ponytail at the base of his neck. "Your hair is getting long…Her majesty is probably letting up some so that's good. I like your long hair."

"You are…definitely trying to turn me into a tomato…"Ludwig mumbled, looking down and away. He wasn't used to the compliments he was given and was never really sure how to take them.

A loud bang made them both jump, their heads whirring to look up to the sky. There were remnants of a blue light in the sky that rained down to little red ones.

"A-Are those fireworks?"Mamoru asked, looking up in wonder.

"I…think so…"Ludwig said, his ears twitching and trembling.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Helloo~ Grayharte to Wiggy…You'll bore a hole right through Hezekiah's jacket."Mamoru said, his eyebrows raising when he saw Ludwig's eyes go from a hazy violet to a red temporarily when he blinked.

"I remember…We weren't so sure about the fireworks when we first heard them. It was scary..but pretty at the same time…You were an owl…I think…and I was a black bird I think…"Ludwig said as he continued to stare down at the jacket. Smiling softly, he brought it around himself and slid his arms through. It was a little snug at the shoulders but everything else fit fine.

It just showed that Ludwig had quite possibly outgrown Hezekiah.

Mamoru smiled, almost a little giddy to see Ludwig dressed as a prince. The purples of his eyes contrasted to the colors of his clothes. However, when Ludwig went to put on his shoes…he found them a little more snug. Instead, he grabbed his old worn boots and slid them on just as Mamoru had done the finishing touches to his robing.

Another maid came in the room. "Lunch is served in the garden this afternoon at the Queen's request."The woman said softly, bowing and leaving.

Both of the men swallowed.

"Mamo…What am I going to do?" Ludwig said, glancing over his shoulder to the window where under the curtains, he could see the bright light of a sunny day.

Mamoru's eyebrows furrowed. "Maybe you can request shade? I know there are a lot of trees and sometimes they'll hold an umbrella for you…You can't turn this down, Wiggy…"He said worriedly.

"Let's go…I have an idea."Ludwig said, grabbing Mamoru's hand and heading towards the door. It was a short walk and once they reached the boundary where the shade from the building and the sunlight met, Ludwig stopped. Outside the royal family had gathered around four tables made out of a painted white iron of sorts. There were plates with food and pitchers of drinks in the center of each table. Shade carriers held colorful banners of cloth to shade the children and her queenly-ship.

Rhoma and Anri were the first to see them though Rhoma was a little more worried to see Ludwig so close. Ludwig gave Mamoru a little nudge.

"O-Oh, I see we're having dinner out on the garden? Beautiful day for Grayharte weather…eh…heh…"Mamoru said.

"Oh, you must be Ludwig. Please, come sit with me under the shade. Rhoma said that he had a vision that you do not do too well in the sun's heat?"The Queen addressed with a very warm smile. Ludwig was a little surprised she had even spoke up at all. Nodding, he made a quick flee to the shade with Mamoru walking slowly behind him. What a relief.

Ludwig sat down in the shaded chair, exhaling slowly. Some of the royal family giggled at his expression, Mamoru include.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, it's a big relief."Ludwig said, bringing a hand to scratch the back of his head.

"It's not a problem at all. You are family and family do take care of each other." She said with a nod. One of the smaller children came toddling up, crawling onto the Queen's lap and taking one of the carrots on her plate. "And sometimes take our carrots."

Ludwig laughed warmly, looking down the table and crossing his arms. "Well, madam, I won't steal your carrots but I do have something important to tell the family at dinner, unless now would be a better time?"He said, getting looks from Mamoru and Rhoma. "What? There's sunlight. What better example?"

"Example?"The Queen questioned, hugging the child on her lap a little closely. Ludwig may have looked sweet but there were aspects of him that were a little more beastly. It scared people but it didn't bother him. Glancing down the white iron table, Mamoru was looking wary while Anri beside him looked confused.

The mage nodded.

Ludwig rose to his feet, uncrossing his arms and legs. Ducking a little, since the shade above their heads was a little shorter than he was, he stepped out of the protection of the shade and into the sunlight. Immediately, the sun strung at his eyes and heated his skin but as he closed his eyes, almost welcoming the pain…

It never came. Opening his eyes, he blinked, looking down at himself. No pile of ash, no welts from standing in the sun…HIs head slowly turned to Mamoru, who had previously looked like he was about to have a heart attack, was now in a state of pure shock.

"W-What…How come I'm not turning to ash?"The vampire squeaked.

"That was all and good, Ludwig…What is this silly joke all about?"The Queen said, laughing a little out of relief.

Mamoru blinked a second and turned his head over to Rhoma. Blinking, their younger brother shook his head.

"It wasn't me, honest!"Rhoma said, rising to his feet.

"What in Reyah is going on?"Anri inquired, crossing his arms after standing up immediately. "Tell me what's going on Rhoma."

Rhoma swallowed looking to Ludwig then Mamoru then to the Queen, after casting Anri a wry smile. Shaking his head, he looked to Her Majesty again. "Your Highness, Ludwig is one of those who walk the night. A vampire. What I don't understand, and what we're currently seeing is that Ludwig isn't turning into ash…It usually happens when they come into contact with sunlight but….my theory is that since he's been feeding on Mage's blood, it's given him an immunity to sunlight temporarily." He explained.

Mamoru flushed. "How did you know?"

Rhoma tapped the side of his nose. Ludwig winced a little, looking to Mamoru and then to the Queen who looked surprised. The children around the tables had all gone quiet.

"Well…I will say that this is…much as a surprise as they'll come…But, I'm lost…I can only wonder what this means for our family. If what my husband, the King says is true…aren't Vampires dangerous?"The Queen inquired. Anri stiffened and Ludwig looked away.

"I would never hurt anyone of the royal family or any other person of that matter. Which is why we wanted to tell you…And also why we're going to leave in the next three days."Ludwig said though he felt something heavy grab onto him, squeezing. Looking down Rhoma had wrapped his arms around him, looking up with a saddened and furious glare.

"You can't leave…You can't….I had a vision in a dream that told me that the hunters were coming! They'll come after you… Please don't…"Rhoma begged, Ludwig's eyebrows furrowing. It made him uncomfortable to receive compliments but even more so to see someone beg.

"Hunters?"The Queen pipped.

"There has been nationwide Vampire hunts going around. We had a close call a few days ago when I first found Ludwig and they're getting closer. They'll make it to Grayharte in three days time, which is why we need to leave. We don't want to put the royal family in danger. Please understand Rhoma, I saw this same vision…"Mamoru said, addressing the Queen and rising to his feet. Moving over to Ludwig and prying Rhoma off of him. Anri was there in just seconds to hold Rhoma's shoulders.

"But!"Rhoma started.

"It's best that they do leave…"Anri said softly. "And I'm not saying this out of malice or the discontent for your brothers….my 'Uncles'…but it's better for them. They can come visit once the hunts have calmed."

"They're the only…ones who really knew Pappi and Papa…"Rhoma whined, his voice slipping to a whimper.

There was a silence among the family. Mamoru and Ludwig looked at each other, then to Rhoma.

"Would it help…If in the next couple of days, we told you what we know?"Ludwig said with a soft smile. "I'm afraid I won't be much help though."

"Why not?"Rhoma and Anri inquired at the same time. Ludwig let out a nervous laugh.

"I lost some of my memories when I was separated from Mamo here and I…Well…I can't remember…a lot."Ludwig said with a chuckle. Mamoru rolled his eyes with a smile. Goofball.

"He gets these flashbacks once in a while. Anything triggers them. He had one recently about Festivus and the fireworks."Mamoru said with a light laugh. Ludwig seemed to let out a sigh of relief though looking over, he could see Anri blushing. Tilting his head, Rhoma caught his look and looked up to Anri.

"What's the matter Anri? You're blushing."Rhoma inquired, inspecting him. The queen laughed a little joyously, all heads turning.

"Well, seeing that my children are warm and comfortable, I think, if the choice was mine, you are all welcome to stay. Though…for you own safety, leaving to somewhere not so bounded by the sea would be a wiser choice for you two."She smiled, which slowly slipped into a modest quirk of her lips. "However…I am curious. My husband never spoke much of his relatives. Tomorrow, will you two and Rhoma join me for a spot of tea in the drawing room as we speak?"

"Of course, Your Highness!"Rhoma said with a smile.

"We would be happy to…Though, I will probably take my 'tea' before the actual meeting."Ludwig said with a sly little smile.

Mamoru swallowed, pulling the collar of his robes around then whispering to Ludwig."Not around the children, Wiggy-dear."He said lowly.

Ludwig grinned.