Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

A score of Queen Lucy's personal guard were making their way through the woods. They'd been sent out to look for their young prince who'd gone missing a few years ago after he decided that he could do more good out in the world than in a plush castle. Having been born to a faerie and a human had had its perks but, to the queen's dismay, it had also granted him the excuse that a faerie never stayed put in one place for too long.

But enough had been enough. The young prince had been gone for far too long and his mother needed him to return so that he could be sent out to discuss politics with Prince Berwald. She'd received a letter stating that he required a suitor and the queen had all but jumped at the chance of uniting the kingdoms. Only thing was the she was shy one son.

Which is why said score of the queen's personal guard, with their red, white and blue crossed banner held in pride, was trudging through the muck in hopes to find their wayward faerie prince soon. They came across another group not a few minutes down the road, though these seemed angry and riled with excitement. The captain of the guard raised his hand to halt his men. He pointed to the horse rider, "You, state your name."

"Eduard Von Bock," said the blonde with a raised eyebrow at the redhead before him, "And you are?"

"Robert Kirkland, Commander of Queen Lucile's personal guard." Tired emerald eyes glanced at the men behind Eduard then at the mirror in the man's hand, "Where are you going?"

Sighing impatiently, Eduard showed the Captain the mirror's reflection, "There is a beast lurking in the castle up ahead. He kidnapped one of our citizens and held him hostage for the past few weeks along with another. We're going to go kill it before it attacks again."

The Captain's breath hitched at the mention of the castle and he exchanged glances with his own men before addressing Eduard again, "The hostage…did he have blonde hair, colored eyes and is about yea high?" He raised his hand to his shoulder and prayed that it wasn't who he thought it was.

"Yes."

"And the other, was he blonde as well and about my height?"

"Yes! Tino and Mathias; now kindly step aside."

Robert narrowed his eyes at the names. Tino and Mathias? Oh. Perhaps the princes were using aliases. But if what this man said was true, then that would explain why they hadn't heard from either. Unsheathing his sword, the Captain said, "We will join you on your quest. I think that you and I have a mutual interest in that castle."

"Do what you want. Just stay out of my way."

The sound of rushing paw prints echoed through the gloomy castle. When the others heard that Berwald had let Tino go without confessing his love, they'd locked themselves in their respective rooms to mourn their lost chance for being human again. Alice had gone into the kitchen to break the news to the other dishes but when she went to the china cabinet to wake them up, they'd all been huddled.

She broke up their hushed whispers but the creamer had cried out that Peter was missing before she got a chance to deliver the news. And now she, Hanatomago and the rest of the dishes were on the hunt for the missing teacup. Alice motioned for the foot rest to go into the study, "Peter, are you here?"

The royal messenger turned into a quill pen glanced up from his fountain of ink, "It's just me, Alice."

"Oh, well, have you seen my brother?"

"He snuck into Master Tino's satchel last I saw him."

"…what?"

"Mhm. Hey! Do you know how long it's going to take before we're human again? I thought it would happen as soon as our Master confessed his love to Tino and vice versa but—oi! Where are you going?"

Alice didn't wait to hear out what Vladimir was asking her. She had to find Arthur immediately! She rushed down to the library and burst through, "Peter's gone! He left with Tino."

"I knew it," cried Arthur in frustration, "I knew it was foolish to get our hopes up. Not only did the plan not work but now Peter's gone too. Tino's taken everything from us!"

Alfred shook his head, "You can't possibly believe that, Artie. They guy's brother was sick and that couldn't be helped." Putting his knob of a hand on the clock's head, he sighed, "Please don't be like that." Arthur looked away. That may have been true but that didn't mean that he had to be happy about what happened. After all, Berwald was upstairs shredding his room in his despair and that was enough to upset the clock.

"Well, perhaps it would have been better if he had never come at all," said Francis with a huff, as if reading his friends mind. They discussed any other options they could have when Hana suddenly perked her tassels up and rushed to the window in barks. Francis perked up, "Could it be?"

"Is it he," asked Alfred. Sighing, he shook his head, "Nah, just some angry looking villagers. Hey! Vladimir didn't forget to send out their monthly allowance did he?" Arthur and the rest exchanged glances before waddling over to the window. They gasped when they saw an angry mob and soldiers at their gates. Christian and Kyle were doing their best to not lose their hold on the iron doors.

"Sacre Bleu! Invaders!"

"Encroachers," exclaimed Arthur with wide eyes.

Alice squinted at the men until she saw what Eduard had in his hand, "And they have the mirror!" Dread filled her porcelain belly as she turned to her brother and friends, "Y-you don't think Tino lied about his brother being ill just so he could escape and send this mob after us do you?"

"No!" Alfred smacked his hands against the windowsill angrily, "Will you guys drop that? Tino is a good guy and he really liked us and Berwald. It's not fair that we're judging him because we didn't get our way or for unintentionally breaking our master's heart. Now look, I don't know why that man has the mirror or why there's an angry mob out there but we have to warn the master. If it's a fight they want we'll be ready for them!"

Striking a heroic pose, the coat rack grinned, "Now I know I'm just a stable boy but since I'm the only tall one here, that makes me the hero! Everyone else will be my back up. Who's with me?" When no one answered, Alfred turned around to pout at Arthur but the clock was already scurrying away to prepare the castle's defenses.

Outside, Kyle tried his best not to show that he was straining to keep the gate closed. His stone eyes rolled to the side to see how Christian was fairing. At first they had thought that the sound of horse hooves was Tino coming back but when they heard angry chanting and a fierce glow of flame, they knew that that wasn't the case. And now they were trying to keep the mob from coming any closer to their castle.

Blow after blow, the men wore the gate down until someone called them over to a gap in the stone wall. The swiftly moved to block the opening and a hoe let itself fall so that the first person though would step on it. Cursing loudly, one of Eduard's men backed away and pulled out the flaming knife he took from Mathias' cottage and started to smolder the iron gates.

"What's that," asked Robert curiously as the iron turned bright red and began to come apart.

Stan shrugged, "Not sure but it's pretty handy."

"I'll say."

To the two stone sentries' horror, the bars fell from their hinges until a gap wide enough to let the men through along with their naked tree. Eduard urged them through, "Take whatever booty you can find but remember, the Beast is mine!" He charged towards the castle while Robert and his soldiers lingered behind them. They stared at the state of Berwald's castle and wondered if the prince had perished under said Beast. What of their prince? And would it really be ok if they let these villagers pillage Prince Berwald's castle?

Shrugging, Robert motioned for his men to help Eduard's with the tree. This wasn't their jurisdiction nor their concern. Their prince was. From across the court yard the carriage blinked a window before widening them in surprise. It recognized those banners.

Inside, servants and guests alike hustled down to the foyer while others scurried to prepare themselves to fight. The knights stepped off from their pedestals and gripped their swords in their metal gloves for the first time in years, "Hearts ablaze, banners high. We go marching into battle unafraid although the danger just increased." They were told to stay away from the villagers and to take on the soldiers that had accompanied them instead. To say that they weren't excited to finally taste battle again was an understatement, even if they were under strict orders not to kill.

"Raise the flag, sing the song," cried the men outside, "Here we come, we're fifty strong and fifty Frenchmen can't be wrong. Let's kill the Beast!"

Berwald had his forehead pressed against the protective glass dome of the enchanted rose, his whole body numb with depression. The Beast had taken over him and in a fit of rage had completely destroyed his bedroom again. Curtains were frayed and tables broken but the Beast had worn himself out and had retreated once again in his mind, but not without some choice words about how he was an idiot.

"Pardon me, Master," called Alice as she burst through his door.

The prince sighed sadly and curled in on himself, "Leave m' in peace."

"But sir! The castle is under attack!" At this, Berwald's ears twitched. He could hear pounding at the castle's heavy wooden door along with people chanting, 'Kill the Beast! Kill the Beast!'

The fur at the nape of his neck stiffened, "Peter?"

"H-he's not here, sire. Master Tino has him…he snuck into his satchel and he's with him."

"So he's safe."

Alice nodded, "What shall we do, Master?"

Heavy rain drops slowly began to knock on his balcony window. What should they do? If Peter were still there then he would've let the beast consume him and let him do what he wanted to the intruders. After all, for as much as the creature within him complained and snarled at him, he wasn't a heartless being. Everyone in the castle was considered to be a part of his pack. But if Tino were still there with him then he would've personally fought them off himself.

However neither were there. He was all alone and based on how tenacious the men outside were to get inside, he was willing to bet that they weren't after what was left of his material valuables. They were there for him. Why or how they figured out he lived in there was far from his concern. They were here now and they would get in. They would probably find him to and kill him.

Glancing at the flower that now only had four petals drooping off the bud, he sighed. There was a worse fate than death. Living with the guilt of everyone being turned into knick knacks because of him and the heartache of not having neither his son nor his beloved Tino would kill what was left of him, only to leave his vessel for the Beast to consume completely.

Berwald finally turned to Alice and smiled slightly, "Tell th' others ta hide so that they won't be taken. Maybe Tino will come back and—" He brought a paw to his snout to hold back a choked sob. He waited a moment to compose himself before finishing, "—he'll be kind to you all. If he comes back, tell him th' castle is his."

"Master you can't be seri—"

"Berwald."

"Excuse me?"

"Your little brother is my son. And all of ya took good care of me and stood by my side despite what I was becoming. Yer all family to me and I wish I could've been braver and told Tino how I felt so that my family didn't have to suffer."

Alice heard her friends struggle downstairs along with the insistent 'Kill the beast.' She waddled further into the room, "But if we hide, whose going to hold them off?"

Another petal fell from the weeping rose making Berwald smile turn grim, "It doesn't matter now…just let 'em come."

Downstairs all the servants, big and small, pressed themselves against the heavy door but with every 'Kill the Beast' even heavier thuds knocked against it sending them forward before they rushed back to press themselves again. Alfred grunted as a particular thump against the door, "Dude, Francis, your plan isn't working, man."

Feliks grunted in agreement when his drawers opened up when the door gave way a fraction. "Like, we have to do something else. This thing isn't going to hold!"

"Ok, well then what's your plan, smart guys," snapped Francis.

Hurried delicate pitter patter of Alice hopping down the stairs got their attention. Arthur frowned when Berwald didn't show up behind her. He raised his minute hand in question and his sister shook her head, "He's too depressed to fight. Our master, no, our friend needs us to protect our home from the invaders this time."

"I have an idea, if anyone wants to hear it," said Alfred breaking the brief moment of silence.

Arthur grimaced when a shard of wood fell on him. He pressed his small body against it, "Alright, what is it?"

The men outside backed up and rushed at the door with everything they had, "Kill the Beast!" To their delight, the door gave way and they were able to enter with their weapon's held high. However there was nothing to attack. As a matter of a fact there wasn't anything save a bunch of junk and furniture lying about and about ten suits of armors lined up.

Eduard motioned for his guys to spread out when all of a sudden Francis gave the signal for everyone to attack. The smaller, heavier, more durable objects launched themselves off the taller pieces of furniture and aimed towards the faces. This managed to startle them out of their line formation and the servants took on Eduard's men. Drawers were thrusted out to crush their heads in effort to disorient them while rugs and chairs worked together to knock the men off their feet.

The queen's guard watched with wide eyes as what should be inanimate objects attacked their comrades. A coat rack used two of its four arms to hold on to its victim while the other two repeated punched him. Robert jumped when a heavy kettle fell upon another and two pans started to smack it repeatedly until the man fell into a chest.

The captain and his men shook themselves out of their shock when the chest had the audacity to lick its mouth clean and withdrew their swords, "Help them!" However, just as they were about to swing at the busy objects, the suits of armor rushed in with their own swords clashing against the queen's guard.

Peter watched as Gilbert fiddled with Mathias' machine until the little bell on top of it blew to signify that it was ready to be used. The albino let out a triumphant laugh, "Kesese~ Alrighty, kiddo. Let's do this!" He situated himself in the soft leather seat and pulled all the levers until the thing actually started to move forward. "Be sure to get Peter, ok Gilbird?"

The little bird chirped once and gripped the tea cup's handle with its tiny taloned foot.

A shrill whistle and the sound of pullies overworking themselves drew both the Beilschmidt's and the Kohler's attention to the hill. Mathias looked through the crack in the cellar door, "What the hell…" His eyes widened when he saw what was coming their way, "Look out you guys!"

He pulled Tino and Emil as far back as he could while Lars gripped both Ludwig and Roderich's shirtsleeves and ducked out of the way. Not a few seconds later, Gilbert jumped out of the machine just as it made impact with the cellar door. Gilbird did what his master asked and flew away with Peter so that the tea cup wouldn't shatter.

Tino and his brothers were coughing as they poked their heads out from their hiding place. Not wasting any time, the Nordic rushed out and tugged Panic out from his stall, "I have to go, but thank you so much for helping us!"

"Oi," cried Mathias as he scrambled to get on the Clydesdale as well, "You're not going anywhere without me."

"Or us," added Roderich hastily, "that imbecile and his mob may prove to be too much for just the two of you. Ride on; we'll be right behind you."

Nodding, Tino brought down the reins on his horse to usher Panic on.

Back at the castle, the battle still raged on. The suits of armor managed to push Robert and his men outside and were proving to be worthy opponents. Feliks gave a little battle cry as he leapt from the stairs onto a man who was using his axe to chop of the legs of a few chairs, "Like, that's not cool, broski!" He twisted his body the side to smack another who raised his own axe to strike him before pulling him into his chest with his door.

The hair brush and powder puff that usually stayed with him in his room had their way with the man Feliks just engulfed before kicking them out of their hiding spot. They shared a laugh with Feliks as the man looked at himself and screamed at the horribly girlish dress he was now sporting.

"Oi! Up here, ya scurvy scum," yelled Alice from one of the marbled pillars, her spout steaming dangerously. When she got the attention of a few of Eduard's men, she shouted to her teacups, "Now, children!" She and her little ones tilted their heads down and let their boiling tea fall onto the unsuspecting below.

Alice glanced to the side at the sound of crazed laughter and rolled her eyes when her brother came out sporting his feathered hat from their…delinquent days.

The clock spotted Francis cornered by Stan as the man held his torch to him so that the candle would melt. Cackling to himself, Arthur picked up a pair of scissors and slid his way down with the sharp end pointed towards his target.

Francis' jaw fell open when Stan jumped into the air in pain. He looked over to Arthur but the clock simply tilted his hat in his direction and set off to help the others. Pained cries pulled the candelabra's attention away from the fight in front of him and to where a man was savagely yanking the feathers out of his beloved Michelle's body. Anger burning in his brass belly at the sight, Francis wobbled over and took a deep breath and forced out via his flames. Promise of not hurting the villagers be damned! No one harmed her on his watch.

Hanatomago ran by them with a whole group on her tail as she led them to the kitchen. Raivis charged forward and chuckled at the footstool's little growls, "You're kinda cute but big brother would want me to—"

The drawers above the little footstool opened up to reveal Natalya and Natasha along with their fellow knives, their silver bodies glistening menacingly. If that wasn't enough, Ivan turned his flames on and smiled at the men, "It's not nice to harm others, comrades. Especially innocent puppies like Hana—" In his panic, Raivis threw his torch at Ivan. The stove blinked a few times before his smile became tight, "Kol, Kol, Kol~"

A loud explosion followed by horrified scream erupted from the kitchen. Raivis's group shoved him out of the way and ran out of the kitchen. Arthur and the rest watched as the rest crawled away while the carriage allowed the suits of armor to stuff the queen's guard into it. The clock waved his pair of scissors about, "And stay out!"

Francis, in his state of joy, grabbed Arthur's cheeks and kissed them making the clock sputter in disgust and waved him away. He glanced around to make sure boyfriend hadn't seen but the coat rack was in the far back and had, from the looks of it, cornered a child. Arthur waddled over in time to see Alfred shake his head at the small blonde, "Dude, how old are you, ten?"

"I-I'm twelve," stuttered Raivis before frowning, "You better not hurt me, else my big brother, Eduard, will hurt you back!"

"Eduard?"

"Yeah, he made us all come here so that we could kill the beast that kidnapped his Tino away! You watch. My big brother is the most amazing hunter in the whole world. Your beast won't stand a chance against his bow and arrows."

"You're twelve?" At Raivis' nod, Alfred picked him up and draped him over a chest before spanking him, "This is what you get for screwing around in matters you don't understand! Go on home now!" Much to the boy's dismay, tears of embarrassment and pain ran down his cheeks as he did as he was told but lingered just outside the gates to wait for his brother.

~.~

Eduard released an annoyed grunt after kicking down another door only to find the room empty. Fingers curling around his bow, he made his way to the last one at the end of the hall. Like all the other doors before it, he kicked it open, "Ha, I found you, Beast!" His smirk morphed into a frown when Berwald only laid down on his ottoman and stared miserably outside his window, rose long forgotten.

'Oi,' growled the Beast in Berwald's mind, 'Don't just sit there, scare 'em off! Your people are downstairs fighting off th' intruders when we're th' ones who should be doing that. This 's our territory.'

Berwald shrugged in indifference, 'Without Peter or Tino, this is just an empty space.'

'Well, if yer not goin' ta fight then let m'!'

"Nh—Argh!" Berwald clutched his arm, feeling for the arrow Eduard shot him with. He glanced wearily at the man before pulling the arrow out and tossing aside. He curled back on his ottoman, not at all caring if he tried again.

With a growl, Eduard tackled him out the window and onto the slippery roof top, "Get up and fight me, monster!"

Berwald couldn't believe how much it hurt to be called that again despite everything. He ignored the enraged howls of the Beast and his insistent clawing at the thinning walls of his humanity. If they were lucky maybe the blonde would kill them before he lost his control. The prince rolled towards the edge of the roof and hugged a gargoyle to himself wanting to have some form of comfort before his death even if it was from a stone demon. Who was he to be picky…it had once been an angel after all and, to him, it would always be an angel.

Eduard saw this and scoffed, "What's the matter Beast? Too kind and gentle to fight back? You're pathetic." Breaking off a spiked aqueduct he prowled towards the broken creature.

Furry ears twitched at the sound of familiar horse hooves but Berwald played it off as his mind being merciful and giving him something that made him happy before he passed.

"No," cried Tino.

"Tino?" Blue eyes shot open at the voice. There on his black and white Clydesdale was Tino soaked to the bone under the heavy down pour. In that moment, Berwald's heart nearly burst with happiness at the sight of his beloved home again.

Tino's eyes widened when he saw what Eduard was going to do and he yelled out, "No, Eduard, don't!"

Berwald's rounded pupils elongated into narrow slits as lightning struck on of the metal spikes near them. The blue clouded over with yellow pigment until they glowed dangerously for, in that moment of weakness, the Beast burst through the final barriers of Berwald's control. And just as Eduard brought down his weapon to smash his skull in, the Beast reached out with both paws and caught it in mid-swing.

'Don't kill him,' hissed Berwald.

'I'll try not t' but his stench 's all over yer mate, so I won't make any promises,' muttered the Beast as he dodged Eduard's attacks, his pupils expanding and dilating as he assessed his new prey. Claws unsheathing further from his paws, the Beast lashed out at Eduard, making him lose his traction on the wet tiles and slip down.

Tino turned around at the sound of more hooves and let out a relieved sigh when he saw that his friends had caught up to him. He motioned for Mathias to get off, "I need to go stop this, brother. You stay here and tend to the others." He hopped off as well and inside leaving the other's to gape at the moving furniture.

Lars watched as chairs and tables crawled towards their broken limbs. He took one last drag from his pipe before putting it out and handed it over to his sister, "I'm quitting." Sighing, he walked towards one of the chairs and motioned for it to sit still, "Uh, I'm going to help so don't hurt me, ok?"

Unsure whether or not the man could be trusted, the chair tried to back away but Mathias came up and placed a gentle hand on its armrest, "It's ok. We won't hurt ya." Taking off his trusty tool belt, he unrolled it so that they could all share his tools.

"Here, I think this leg belongs to you," muttered Lars as he picked up the chair's appendage, "Mathias, give me the dog-legged clincher…thing."

"No way!"

"The hell? Why not?!"

Mathias waved his hands in front of him before handing the requested tool over to the Dutch, "No, no! It's just that I thought I was the only one who called it that."

"Well it looks kind of like a dog leg and it clinches and it's a thing, right?"

The lanky Nordic laughed, "Right." The rest exchanged glances behind them before entering the castle to help reassemble the rest of the damaged furniture.

Meanwhile, on the roof, Eduard was barely dodging every attack the Beast was giving him. He saw an opening and swung his makeshift club at him. The Beast let out a savage growl before pouncing on him. They both tumbled down the roof until Eduard managed to kick him off. Picking up the spiked aqueduct, he glanced around.

Sheets of rain were clouding his vision but he made out hunched over shapes. He smirked when he realized that the Beast was using the gargoyles as camouflage. Running over to one, he swung powerfully in hopes that it was the creature he was hunting.

"Damn it," he cursed when the stone crumbled under the hit. Another lightning bolt illuminated the roof as he walked through the rows of stone guardians, "Come out and fight! Are you in love with him, Beast?" Grinning mockingly, he swung again, releasing an annoyed huff when his target crumbled before him.

The Beast and Berwald watched in the shadows as Eduard smirked and continued his prowl, "Did you honestly think he'd want you when he already had someone like me?"

With Berwald's control not inhibiting him, the Beast let out an enraged snarl and attacked Eduard from behind. Or rather he tried. The beast's rumbles alerted the blonde of his presence and all he could do was duck down to dodge the aqueduct. Crouching on all fours, the Beast's yellow eyes never left Eduard as he stalked him himself.

"It's over, Beast," growled Eduard, "Tino's mine!"

Both charged at each other and the Beast caught Eduard's weapon in his powerful jaws, biting down and ripping it out of his hands. Startled, Eduard found himself dangling over the castle by his neck. He looked down and yelped, bringing his hands up to grip the Beast's large paw with both hands, he flailed, "Wait! Please, don't hurt me. I'll do anything, anything! Just please pull me back!"

Berwald ran through the forest in his mind until he was able to find the Beast in a clearing posed exactly as their body was. He carefully walked up to it until he was facing him face to face. The Beast's eyes were unfocused and his paw tightening around an invisible neck. Berwald gently put his hand out next to his tormentors—no—his companion's face, "Don't do it, friend."

He was responded with a warning grumble but Berwald didn't flinch nor reprimand him. Instead he brought his palm a little closer to the Beast's face so he could see it, "Yer not a monster. We are not monsters. Please…let me have control again. Please."

The Beast slowly rolled his yellow eyes until they met with Berwald, the rage slowly leaving him until he pressed his face to the Prince's palm with a purr.

Yellow faded and blue returned to Berwald's eyes, the slits rounding out again as the Beast relinquished control back to the proper owner of their body. The prince blinked slowly before pulling Eduard back to safety. Giving him a leveled gaze, Berwald muttered, "Get out." He released him and backed away.

"Teddy Bear!" Tino panted from his run to Berwald's balcony but used what little breath he had to call out again with his hand stretched out in invitation, "Up here, Teddy!"

Berwald glanced up and felt a purr coming on at the sight of his little wife's outstretched hand, "Tino." Smiling, he dug his claws into the roof's shingles in order to climb up to his beloved.

Eduard watched in disgust as Tino looked and smiled at that thing with so much tenderness. Jealousy fueled his actions from then on. He pulled out his hunting blade and climbed after the Beast.

Not that neither Tino nor Berwald noticed.

"Tino?" Paw reaching out towards the Nordic, Berwald couldn't help feeling unreal joy now that he had Tino back. And where he was, Peter was sure to be as well. Hooking his elbows onto the rail, he gently curled his paw around Tino's smaller hand before reaching out to hold it near his face, "Ya came back."

Tino grinned and wrapped his arms around his Berwald's neck but before he could say anything he almost let go when Berwald suddenly roared in pain. Violet eyes shot open in time to see that Eduard had dug his knife into Berwald's side, no doubt puncturing his lung.

The pained roar echoes drew the carriages attention away from its work of rolling the queen's guard in spider like silk. It saw Berwald accidentally knock off Eduard in his startled jolt and used all eight of its legs to race towards the falling blonde. Spewing out a web, it caught the deranged hunter before he hit the ground. The carriage glanced up and saw that Tino pulled Berwald back over to safety and prayed that nothing bad would happen to his friend.

Peter heard them too and tried to squirm out of Gilbert's hand but the albino held onto him, "Uh, j-just wait a second, kid. I'm sure that was nothing."

"That was my papa," said Peter confidently. I bet my papa and mama took care of the bad guy, huh? Let me go so I can go see them!"

"L-let's give them a second, k?" Peter stopped struggling and looked at his friends inside the castle. Why did they look so sad?

Francis, Arthur and Alice ran into Berwald's room just as Tino was gently lowering him onto the balcony floor. The rain had slowed to heavy drizzle but there was enough water to mingle with Berwald's blood to create tiny streams.

Tino ripped off a piece of his riding cloak and pressed against Berwald's wound but it only made him cough up blood. Whimpering, the Nordic through it aside and settled for running his hands along Berwald's furry face, "I'm so sorry, Teddy."

"Don't be," whispered Berwald. Taking a shallow breath, he released it in a small chuckle, "Ya…ya came back," he said again.

"Of course, I came back. I couldn't let them—oh, this is all my fault." Burying his face in Berwald's mane, Tino let out a shuddering cry, "If only I'd gotten here sooner then none of this would've happened."

Berwald smiled and savored Tino's warmth, "M-maybe…maybe it's better this way."

Gasping, Tino pulled away enough to be able to gape, "Don't say that, Teddy! Th-that's not funny. You'll be alright." He picked up one of Berwald's paw and pressed a kiss to it, desperately trying to ignore how labored and painful his Berwald's breath was becoming.

"We're together now," he continued, "and everything is going to be just fine. Y-you'll see."

Berwald's eyes, though warm, were beginning to lose their light as Tino's soft lips peppered his palm with kisses. It was everything he could do not to waste his remaining breath on happy sobs. Instead he smiled again, determined to get out what he wanted to say, "I'm happy that I got ta see ya one…one l-last…time."

Unfortunately there was so much he wanted to say and not enough life to say it. Tino noticed Berwald's paw fell limp in his hold and the pad cooled down significantly. Eyes widening in horror, the blonde shook Berwald, "Teddy? Teddy!"

Tino couldn't keep back his tears any more as he clutched Berwald's shirt in his fists, "No, no, no. No, Berwald, ya can't leave me! Please…please don't leave me. Ya can't leave your son a-and your wife all alone like this!" He curled against Berwald's stiffening body and hugged him tightly, "Ya can't leave like this, you idiot! You're my husband and husbands can't leave their families behi—please…"

"I love you," whimpered Tino into Berwald's fur, "I love you."

The three servants watched the heartbreaking scene before them. Their own hearts were heavy with sadness though not necessarily because they would never be human again but because their beloved guardian, their friend, couldn't hear Tino's words. Behind them, the weeping rose shed its last petal much to their indifference. That didn't matter anymore.

Arthur wrapped an arm around his sister as the teapot gave a shuddering sob. He himself let out silent tears for his fallen master and pulled Francis in for comfort as well. They watched as Tino's frame trembled with despair over Berwald when suddenly a blue spark fell to the ground followed by a white one.

Soon more and more glittering sparks of all colors rained upon Berwald and Tino until a puddle of light formed around the couple. The light gently coaxed Tino away before wiping the tears from his face. A strange sense of peace settled in his heart and somehow he knew everything was going to be ok.

Tino clutched his cloak around him as he and the others watched the light lift Berwald up into the air. His large body became putty in its hold as it caressed him like artists hands molding clay. Everywhere it touched, the fur disappeared leaving behind pale smooth skin. Paws shrunk down to hands and feet while the horse tail and horns disappeared completely. Bent hind legs straightened and filled out with human muscle. The bulky torso became slime and finally the light focused on Berwald's face and heart, fixing every blemish and wound he had before wrapping him in his dark blue cloak and gently lowering him down again.

Berwald blinked slowly, surprised to see that he was still alive and well. Or rather, surprised that his senses weren't as heightened as they once were and everything was rather smaller as well…He brought up a paw—hand? Gasping he sat up and glanced at his hands then at his feet. The prince instinctively called out to the Beast in his mind but was pleasantly met with silence.

His breathing became a little rapid with excitement as he felt his body and face. But this couldn't have happened unless…Carefully, Berwald stood up on quivering legs and turned around to face his beloved Tino.

When he did so, Tino gave a little yelp and backed away much to Berwald's dismay. The prince shyly looked down at himself and noticed that his clothes were in ruins. Oh! Maybe he didn't recognize him…though he couldn't fathom why. Didn't he just see him transform?

Knowing that Tino loved him kept Berwald from retreating into his shell so instead of quietly going back to his room, the prince took a careful step forward, "Tino, it's me." He raised hand out towards Tino's face and waited.

'Holy Martin Luther, he's scary,' thought Tino but as soon as he saw the blonde's hurt face immediately regretted the thought. Shaking his head, he looked at the man's stance and came a little closer. 'No, not scary…'

Tino met Berwald's gaze, the warm love radiating from his dark blue eyes more than apparent that it was indeed his husband. Sighing in relief, the Nordic reached out his own hand next to Berwald's face, "It is you, isn't it, Teddy?"

Instead of answering, Berwald rubbed his cheek against Tino's palm, making him sigh. This time, though, he let his fingers comb through the smaller man's hair while his other hand rested on Tino's waist.

"Uh-uh," whispered Tino, "You got to lead our first dance. I think it's only fair that I lead our first kiss." He smiled at the cute flush on Berwald's face before jumping into his arms and pressing their lips together. Giggling, he wrapped his legs around his waist. Berwald's hands immediately coming up to support him as he spun them around happily. The remaining light on the ground spun with them until it was charged with their love and shot into the air like a firework. Its remains showered onto the castle like a warm rain, cleansing all of the dark faerie's magic and returning it to the proud state it once was.

When he was lowered, Tino turned around in time to see the clock, tea pot, and candelabra transform into humans. Arthur helped his sister up while Francis enveloped them all in a hug, "It is a miracle!"

"G-get off of us, frog," snapped Alice through her giggles.

Berwald couldn't help himself and he wrapped his arms around all three of his loyal friends, happy that he wouldn't break them. Arthur smiled at his prince fondly before remembering about the others downstairs. He cleared his throat, "Please excuse us, Mas—er—your grace, but we need to go make sure the others are ok." Bowing slightly, Arthur dragged his sister and Francis out the room, narrowly missing the little footstool who weaved in between their legs in her excitement to greet her papa.

Hanatomago made a bee line towards the two blondes with Peter on her back. The teacup was all giggles, "Papa! Mama! Papa!" He leapt off the foot stool in time to change back. Berwald caught him in the air and hugged him tightly.

The little white puppy barked at Tino so that he would pick her up as well. The blonde gushed, "My, aren't you the cutest!"

"Mama, what about me," asked Peter as he reached his arms out to Tino. Berwald took Hanatomago and handed him over with a grin. Peter smiled bashfully, "How do I look, mama?"

Tino rubbed his nose against his "Like my sweet baby boy."

"Heehee, I told you everything would turn out fine in the end, didn't I?"

Humming pleasantly in response, Tino leaned into Berwald as the blonde wrapped his arms around his family and held them close, "We should go see the others…make sure they're ok."

"Berwald," rasped a voice from the balcony rail.

The prince turned around to see his carriage spit out two figures wrapped in white silk before glowing blue. Berwald shielded his family's eyes from the blinding light until he longer felt the warmth against his face. Lowering his arms, his brows raised a fraction.

There sitting aloofly where the carriage had been was Lukas dressed in an oversized white shirt and a pair of slim black plants. His bare feet swung slowly as he smiled softly at Berwald, "I told you that you would find someone." Before he knew it, Berwald had him in his arms. He blinked until he realized that his friend was hugging him. Slowly he brought his own arms around and hugged back, "Ya didn't think I would leave you alone in this, did ya?"

"Thank you," murmured Berwald as he pulled back. "Thank you so much for this gift."

He felt a nudge at his leg and both he and the Faerie looked down to see a lion with glowing yellow eyes. Berwald knelt down, "Beast?" He extended his hand to the majestic creature and waited until Beast rolled his eyes and leaned into his touch with a purr. "I told you I could do it, didn't I?" The purrs got louder until Beast turned to look at Tino and Peter. His tail twitched and he glanced back at Berwald, giving him a silent request that the prince surprisingly nodded to. "I'll take good care of our family."

The lion walked over to the white figures to sniff curiously before hissing at the smaller of the two and Lukas walked over to him. Placing a gentle hand on its large fluffy head, the Faerie smiled, "Rest, Beast. I'll take care of inflicting punishment on Eduard." Purring again, the lion stepped onto the balcony before jumping off, his body transforming into that of a hawk before flying away.

~.~

As the trio descended the stairs with Peter and the two figures in tow, everyone was celebrating their human rebirth. Many were shaking Lars' and Mathias' hands in thanks for helping them reattach their limbs. Who knew what would've happened had they didn't before they transformed back. The lanky Nordic blushed and waved their thanks away.

Ludwig and Gilbert assisted RodErikh in making sure that everyone's health was fine though the German brothers were still completely baffled by everything that had occurred that night. Feli immediately perked up at seeing Tino alive and well and ran up to him, "Ve~ did you see all those pretty sparkles? It was amazing! Then everyone turned into humans. Was that the magic you were telling me and Lovino about? The faerie magic?"

Tino hugged Peter to himself and laughed, "I'm not entirely sure of what's going on myself but whatever it was it made Berwald and the others human so I'm pretty happy about that." He glanced at Lukas before tugging his gentle giant closer to him, "I'm not sure who he is but—"

"That's Prince Lukas," said Robert now that Arthur had freed him from the spider silk. Brushing the last of it from his hair he knelt down before both Lukas and Berwald, "My sincerest apologies for attacking. I thought the beast had you and Prince Berwald held hostage."

"Prince," cried everyone as they looked between Berwald and Lukas. Tino felt the blood rush to his face and he suddenly felt inferior. That is until Berwald gently took his hand in his and squeezed it lovingly.

Robert continued as if no one had said anything and pulled out a letter to hand over to Lukas, "Your mother, the queen, has requested that you answer the crowned prince's call and accept his hand in marriage."

"What?!" Everyone cried out again in unison but this time Tino lowered Peter in order to wrap his arms possessively around Berwald.

"He can't marry him," said the Nordic firmly, "Teddy—I mean—Berwald is spoken for already and happily so. So you can take that letter back to the queen and tell her to eat it 'cause I already lost my husband once and I'm not going to lose him again."

Berwald felt light headed, his heart nearly bursting with joy at Tino's words while his face glowed red. He stared at his beloved and wondered how he could repeat the sentiment without embarrassing himself.

"Well don't just stand there, Berwald," snapped Tino, "Tell 'em you've already got me."

"I love Tino," said Berwald, figuring that perhaps that sometimes the simplest way is often the best. He glanced over at his servants and guests who were watching everything intently with amused expression and it was all he could do not to bury his face in his hands. A hand went up to his head to tug on a horn but it fell on his soft hair instead. The prince wondered if he would break away from that nervous habit soon and decided that it probably wouldn't hurt if he slowly weaned himself off instead. But before he could tug on his hair, Tino took his hand again and held it reassuringly.

Lukas sighed, "Robert, I have no intention of marrying Berwald. He's a good friend but nothing more. Besides, that letter was sent out years ago."

"Yes, sire," agreed his captain, "and it's been years since we've been trying to locate you. Why didn't you tell us you'd been turned into a carriage?"

"Honestly, I didn't think I would be turned into anything. When I did a cleansing on the castle I accidently took too much dark magic in me and well…I turned into a carriage." Lukas shrugged, "Don't see how it matters. We're all fine now and I'm sure Berwald isn't going to wage a war with my mother."

Berwald shifted on his feet, "Couldn't even if I wanted to. All my alliances think I'm dead."

"Th-that's not entirely true, sire," said Francis sheepishly, "You see, Arthur and I have been keeping up with the correspondence to ensure that you and the guests who didn't wake up wouldn't be taken for dead."

"What about…the other ones who saw me…"

"Don't worry about them, your grace," said Arthur, "As far as anyone is concerned, while you were away a beast did inhabit the castle but you fought him off. As for the other guests, well, I'm not so sure how we're going to explain that they've been sleeping for five years."

Lukas yawned and lazily rubbed his eyes, "I already took care of that. I've been feeding my magic to them so that they could enter a dream world where they are actually living in the castle with you guys. When they wake up it would be as if they've been here this whole time. Just act accordingly and send them home." The faerie yawned again and sat down on the steps, leaning his head against the rail and curled up.

"Are ya alright," asked Tino worriedly. He motioned for Emil to step forward, "Take off your cloak and give it to him."

The young Nordic did as he was told and draped his brown cloak around Lukas' shoulders. He froze when the faerie's eyes met his and refused to part. Coughing awkwardly, Emil took a step back, "Are you warm?"

"I am. Thank you."

Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Emil held his hands behind his back and looked at Lukas curiously, "So are you really a faerie?"

"I am."

"Cool! I can't wait to tell Lilly. Can you bless children? She and I are going to have a baby and it would mean a lot to us if you did…um, if you don't mind that is. "

"I don't mind," breathed Lukas before pulling the cloak closer to him and coughed. "I could be his faerie godfather," he added with a small smile.

Mathias scooted a bit closer, "So, what's wrong with ya? You look a bit pale."

Lukas glared at the blonde and swatted his hand away, "Don't touch me; you're annoying."

"W-what did I do?"

Lowering his shirt to expose his bruised shoulder, the faerie snorted, "You bit me and gnawed at my window bars like a damn beaver."

"Ya wouldn't let me out!"

"Berwald told me to take you to the village and that's what I did. Longest walk of my life…"

Before Mathias could retort, Robert turned to his brother and scowled, "All those damn letters you and Alice sent me and not once did you see it fit to tell me that you've all been cursed?! You're responsible for this castle and—"

"Don't fight guys," said Peter. He shyly went to his eldest brother, "It's not their fault, Bobby. They just didn't want to worry you."

Robert sighed and hugged the little one to his side, "I guess…What am I going to tell the queen now? She's going to be furious."

"You're little brother is my son," said Berwald, "I adopted him. Tell her that we can form an alliance if she wants." Glancing down at his son, the prince smiled, "Wouldn't dream of hurting his brother's kingdom." When the red head nodded in understanding, Berwald gently picked up Lukas, "Yer running low on magic aren't ya?"

The faerie nodded, "But I'll be ok. Nothing a good day's sleep and some—"

"Some blackberries and a hearty stew won't fix," said Tino. He came over as well and carefully felt Lukas' forehead, "You should drink some tea before going to sleep. Have something warm in your belly. Teddy you go put him in one of the rooms and I'll go make him a quick cup."

Lukas cracked an eye open, "I thought y-you didn't like me…"

"No, I just didn't like the idea of you marrying Berwald."

"Hn."

"What's going to happen to Eduard," asked Feli. He tugged on Ludwig's shirt, "And Raivis? What's going to happen to all the villagers who attacked the prince?"

"I…I'll take care of the hunter…and the boy," murmured Lukas sleepily, "I'll serve them their justice. The people will believe that Berwald got rid of the beast and see him as their hero. It'll be fine." He let himself succumb to slumber and Berwald picked him up.

The prince turned to Tino, "I'm going to go tuck him in. He deserves his rest after all he's done for us."

"Oi," cried Robert, "I still need to take him back to his mother."

Arthur rolled his eyes, "For god's sake, Bobby, Lukas is a grown man and a free spirit."

"He's a crowned prince!"

"And a Faerie—"

"Half…"

"A Faerie never the less. It's what he identifies himself as so that's what we acknowledge him as. Now, brother dear, if you don't mind, I have a castle to run. So…"

Huffing, Robert crossed his arms, "Fine but I'm not leaving here empty handed." He walked over and picked up Mathias' device, "I'm taking this with me. We could use these in our kingdom. Do you know who made it?"

Emma nudged Mathias forward, "He did! Go one, love, tell him."

"I—I did," squeaked the Nordic with a heavy blush and a goofy smile. He caught Emma giving him a thumb up and a grin. Clearing his throat, he said in a deeper voice, "I did."

"I'd like to place an order for more then. Come, walk with me and I'll give you the particulars."

~.~

The Beilschmidts and Feli went back home after Mathias and Robert discussed their business transaction with the promise from Tino that he would come down to the village later in the day. Everyone else worked to get their guests back home while Robert and his men returned back to their queen. The guests, bless their hearts, hugged their shy prince and thanked him for his wonderful hospitality. They also demanded that they be invited back to the castle for his wedding.

Of course that had made both Tino and Berwald blush and smile with giddiness. That is until the prince remembered something that his beloved had confessed to him a while ago. So during their dinner, Berwald cautiously approached the subject of marriage again.

Tino dropped his spoon, his brows furrowed in a hurt expression as he asked sadly, "Y-ya don't want to marry me?"

Berwald sighed, "Of course I do. But ya told me once that ya wanted to see the world and I don't want to keep you from doing what you want."

"Why can't we do that together? Hanatomago and Peter can come too. We can go adventuring as a family!" Tino reached over and laced his fingers through Berwald's larger ones, "It'll be fun, yeah? Isn't there somewhere you've always wanted to go?"

"Not really. So long as I have my family with me, anywhere is fine." The prince sat back and thought, "Then again, I had wondered about Lukas' domain. I heard the rabbits there like to wear pants…"

Violet eyes widened at that, "We should go! I'd like to see that and maybe see if I can keep one…I'd name him Sir Magic Breathing Cheese Castle. Whadaya think?"

"…don't ever change, wife." Berwald reached over and held Tino's hand in his, bringing it shyly to his lips to kiss his knuckles, "Don't ever change."

~.~

When Lukas woke up, he'd missed Berwald's departure with his family. Apparently he'd been sleeping for five days straight. The other servants had left to go visit with their family and friends while their prince had gone on a vacation with his family. Of course, Mathias and Emma had been coming up to check on his status and it was to the Nordics cheerful grin that he woke up to.

Cringing, Lukas shoved Mathias' face away from his own. Emma brought him a cup of water and a small tray of crackers and fruit, "How are you feeling, hun?"

The faerie blushed at the term of endearment but took the water gratefully. He drowned it all in a single gulp before handing it back over and sitting up better so that she could place the tray on his lap. "I'm feeling much better now, thank you. I've been sleeping on the ground for far too long." He looked around the room as he nibbled on a cracker, "Where's my prisoner?"

"Eduard's in the dungeon at the moment," muttered Mathias, his hands balling into fists. "Berwald insisted that we take care of him as well. Told us that you would take care of him when you woke up."

"Hm." Lukas cleaned his plate before stretching languidly, "Right then, lead the way."

"Aren't you going to go freshen up? Shower or something?"

"I'm a faerie," said Lukas simply. He got up and smoothed his clothes out, "I don't need to do half the things humans do. Now, if you would be so kind, take me to Eduard."

The couple did as they were asked and led Lukas to the dungeons where they could hear Eduard scream at the servants to let him out. Natalya gritted her teeth and threw the platter containing the hunter's meal at him, "Shut up, pest! You're lucky I respect my prince too much to disobey his orders. I oughta cut you for what you were about to do to him." She withdrew her kitchen knife from her dress pocket and was about to throw it at him but Ivan quickly intervened.

"W-wait, sis," yelped Ivan as he tugged Natalya back by her shoulders. "Lukas is supposed to take care of him. We can't just—"

"He also let all those people in to hurt us and that little brother of his tried to hurt Hanatomago and threw his torch at you!"

"Well, yeah but…"

Lukas squeezed through the two siblings, "Excuse me." He looked at the two blondes in the cell stoically, trying to assess the amount of punishment he should distribute. The little one looked frightened and had a purple mark on his lower cheek. His eyes were wide and red as if he'd been crying and he held his hand to his chest. Judging by how he was pressing himself as far away from his brother as possible, it was clear that his brother was at fault.

The faerie's icy blue eyes turned onto Eduard. The hunter met them head on and didn't look remotely guilty for all the damage he's caused let alone for harming his little brother. Sighing, he held his hand out to Ivan, "May I have the key to the cell?" The Russian quickly dug into his apron and handed over the bronze key. "Thank you."

He entered the cell and braced himself as Eduard launched towards him. Flicking his wrist, he sent the hunter flying back, "How rude. You, little one, please come closer." Lukas bent down so that he could be at eye level with Raivis.

Raivis trembled as he slowly made his way over to the faerie. He glanced back at Eduard in fear of punishment for doing as Lukas asked but a cool hand to his chin forced him away. The young blonde felt tears prick at his eyes again, "Are you going to kill us?"

"Do you understand that what you did was cruel?"

"Y-yes…"

"Then why did you do it?"

"I…I wanted for my big brother to like me." Raivis lowered his eyes to his broken wrist and held it close, his lips trembling, "I didn't want him to think I wasn't a man like him."

"What would your parents say if they saw you behaving like this," asked Lukas, though he had an idea of what the answer would be.

"We don't have parents. Eduard's always taken care of me—"

Emma gasped from the other side of the cell and rushed to grip the bars angrily, "That's not true. Eduard, you pig, what the kind of lies have you been feeding this child!" Turning to Raivis sympathetically, she said, "He used to leave you alone with the shoe maker when you were a baby. Toris stopped watching over you when he and Eduard had a falling out. Sometimes we all wonder what kind of boy you would've been if he had just let him keep you."

"A damn pansy," muttered Eduard under his breath. "What kind of self-respecting man makes shoes all day?"

Mathias huffed, "I don't know. What kind of self-respecting man harasses the ones they have so called feelings for just because they reject them? Then goes and hits their little brothers because their plans of murdering the one that did win their heart failed."

"And kills mother bears," added Emma as she thought back to Matthew's orphaned bear cub and the horrid bear rug Eduard liked to sit on at the tavern. She really hopped her brother and the others got rid of it.

"Alright, enough." Lukas placed a hand on Raivis' shoulder, "I'm not going to kill either of you but that doesn't mean I'm not going to punish you." He held onto the boy's broken wrist and healed it before reaching out to his cheek and healing that too. "You are going to work here from now on. I'm sure you already know Ivan. He's the head chef here and will be more than happy to take you on as his apprentice."

"How the hell is that a punishment," asked Natalya, "I work with brother every day and it is an honor to serve under him!" She openly glared at the trembling boy as Ivan reached into the cell and pulled him out.

"We are going to have so much fun. Right, little comrade," chirped Ivan while he placed a heavy hand on Raivis' head. The boy yelped and the cook immediately removed it, "I'm sorry. I tend to forget my own strength when I'm excited."

Raivis nodded slowly before turning to Mathias. He blushed in shame before running up to him and wrapping his arms around his midsection, "I'm so sorry!"

Blinking in shock, the Nordic slowly brought his arms up to hug the boy back, "It's ok, little guy."

"No, it's not! I was a real jerk to you and a lot of people. It's not ok!"

"You're still young, buddy. At least you've recognized that you were a jerk. Takes a real man to see that and admit it. There's still room for redemption yet." He wiped away Raivis' tears and grinned, "I'm sure you're going to try you're hardest, right?"

Raivis gasped at Mathias' words and actions, now understanding why Tino always defended his older brother with everything he had and more. The man wasn't crazy…he was just the best freaking brother in the whole world. He smiled back and nodded eagerly, "Right!"

"Tch," spat Eduard still unable to move from the bed. He winced when he was harshly lifted to his feet by an unseen force and brought towards Lukas. Ivan took that as his cue to take his new protégé with him so that he could familiarize himself with the kitchen.

"As for you," growled the faerie in annoyance, "you are old enough to know what you were doing was wrong. And even after Berwald showed you mercy you dared to attack him when his back was to you." With hands glowing a pale blue, Lukas reached out for Eduard's neck, "I should kill you for your attempt on my friend's life but both he and I would be disappointed in me so I'll spare you. However, I place a curse upon you that will only be broken when you learn to be a true man and learn to love another and earn their love in return."

"Is that all? That's easy, I'll just go into town and get one of Emma's stupid friends to—" the rest of Eduard's sentence was cut off by a deep croak. His eyes widened when he realized that it came from him and before he knew it the world seemed a lot larger. He opened his mouth to demand what had happened but another croak escaped instead of words.

"There," said Lukas with a proud smirk, "now your outside self reflects the same as your inside self. Oh! And you only have five years to find a way back…else you'll be stuck like this forever." As carefully as he could, he lowered the toad and watched as it desperately hopped away.

Watching Eduard squeeze out through the dungeon's window, Mathias sighed and pulled Emma close to him, "Do you think he'll be ok? Aren't there animals that like eating toads?"

Lukas eyed the Dane curiously, "You care? Even after all he's done?"

"Well, I'm mad, yeah but I don't wish him a cruel fate or nothing."

The three left the dungeon and went downstairs for a proper meal, "Whatever happens to him is nothing that he doesn't deserve."

~A year Later~

People bustled about the poor provincial town Tino once lamented being forced to live in. Now as he and Feliks walked through the crowd, the Nordic couldn't help but feel at home. He and his family had just gotten back from traveling all around France and a bit of Italy. They'd even gone to Lukas' domain where the queen was thrilled that their kingdoms would become allies for years to come. She gifted Tino and Peter with a rabbit that had black fur from his waist down that it did in fact look like it was wearing trousers, much to Tino's delight.

They would've traveled even further but the family agreed that they should return home for a bit. After all they still had a wedding to plan. So when they arrived, it hadn't been a surprise to find that Arthur and Francis were already bustling with cleaning the castle once again. The Brit had returned from the seaside with Alfred, now fiancé. Turned out that there was something special about the ocean that brought out the romance in Arthur.

And so, Tino and Berwald were shooed away to their room while Alice took Peter so that the couple could have some privacy. The pair took the time to plan out what they wanted for the wedding and now Tino and Feliks were walking towards Elizabeta's fabric shop so that they could pick out some fabric for his wedding suit.

"Ooh, like there it is," cried Feliks excitedly. He dragged Tino in and immediately went to the pastel blues. Tino glanced out the window and saw that some of the villagers were staring at him again.

He frowned, "Guess some things never change…"

"Let them stare, honey," said Elizabeta. She had her baby, Henry, in her arms as she walked up to her friends, "They're just jealous cause you're amazing."

"Holy Martin Luther! Is that…"

Smirking proudly, Elizabeta shifted Henry so that Tino could get a better look at him, "It is! Lilly's baby was born too; did you and Berwald already go see them?"

"We stopped by on our way back into town. Erik's such an adorable boy. Looks just like his papa but with his mother's eyes, ya know? We also stopped by to see if Mathias and Emma were in but the cottage was empty."

"They're at that inventor's festival thing. The guild asked your brother to judge the inventions."

"That's right!" Tino beamed happily as he recalled that his brother had written to him earlier that month. The letter itself was nearly illegible due to the blonde's obvious excitement but he was well versed in Mathias' penmanship. "But they'll be back soon, right?"

"I believe so. Emma told me that it only lasts a couple of days so they'll be back in time for your wedding."

Felik's pulled out a bolt of blue, "Found it!" He laid a pit over Tino and nodded to himself. "Yup, like this color is totally you. Now if I can just find some white…" Feliks muttered the rest to himself as he continued to look over the fabrics for the suit he was planning for his friend.

They paid for their purchases, or rather tried. Elizabeta insisted on them taking the yards of fabric free of charge. As a wedding present she had said with a wink, which pretty much let them know that there was in fact more presents to come. Tino thanked her before skipping onto their next errand.

Feliks grabbed Tino's arm, "Wh-who is that?!"

"Hm?" Tino followed the short blonde's finger and smiled when he saw who he meant. "That's Toris. He's a shoe maker."

"Toris," murmured Feliks as if testing the name out like a wine. His green eyes took in the shoe cobbler as the brunette pulled his hair back into a small pony tail and started to gently tap at the soles of a shoe with his small hammer. Tugging Tino along, Feliks grinned, "You're going to need some new boots!"

Somehow the fitting for new boots turned into playful flirting between the two men. Tino had tried to offer his opinion on the boots he wanted but that had fallen on deaf ears. Not that he was complaining. Not really. He made some signs to his shopping companion that he was going to go to the book shop which Feliks simply waved him ahead.

Shaking his head with a smile, Tino went over to Matthew's book shop. To his surprise, Alfred was there as well and was tightly embraced with the book keeper. Frowning at the display, Tino cleared his throat.

Alfred pulled back but didn't let go. He grinned at the Nordic, "Hiya!"

"Don't hiya me. What are you doing with Matthew? He has a boyfriend you know and you have a fiancé." Tino crossed his arms, disapproval radiating out his every pore.

Both Matthew and Alfred exchanged looks before falling into a fit of giggles. Matthew was able to get his bearings together first, "It's not like that. Gilbert knows about him."

"Y-yeah," said Alfred in between his laughter, "And Arthur knows about him. It's not what you think, dude. Mattie here is my little brother."

"Can't you see the resemblance, eh?"

Tino blushed. Now that he thought about it, they did look awfully similar. Almost like—

"We're twins," offered Alfred after a moment of silence. He bent over to pet his brother's pet bear, "It had been a while since I last saw him, ya know? I mean sure I wrote to him so that he wouldn't worry about me but…after what happened to us and we were stuck as nick nacks…it was hard."

"I thought he'd forgotten about me." Matthew smiled sadly, "When he went to go work for the prince he said that he was going to try and get a job for me at the castle too but—"

"I'm glad I didn't! That crazy faerie would've gotten to you too and then you wouldn't have been able to get together with Gilbert. No, I'm glad things happened the way they did. It all worked out in the end didn't it?"

"I guess you're right…"

"Damn right I am." Alfred turned to Tino and grinned again, "Sorry, dude. Um, did ya want to buy something from Mattie?"

Tino blinked as he tried to remember why he came here. "Ah! I was actually wanting to ask Matthew something."

Matthew smiled, "What's up?"

"Um…well, ya see, during my travels with my family, I wrote a couple of stories for children. They're mostly the ones I came up with for Peter but I wrote them down and I was wondering…um, well if it's not too much to ask…"

"Would you like me to put them in my shop?"

"It would mean so much to me," said Tino happily. "If you don't mind that is…"

The shy blonde giggled again, "I don't mind at all. Hey! You should ask Feli to illustrate them for you. I'm sure he'd love that. Did you know that he's gotten to open up a studio for his artwork? Someone big from Paris has already commissioned a few. He even got a request from a king in the west…it's strange though cause he wanted for his lover to be painted as a merman."

"That sounds wonderful!" Tino hugged Matthew, "I'll be sure to congratulate him as soon as I see him. Thank you so much!"

"No problem."

Tino left the book store sometime later with a basket filled blank bound books for him to transfer his stories too. He walked by Toris' shoe shop and peeked through the window to see that the cobbler was fitting Feliks for a pair of boots. Giggling, Tino continued on until he found Berwald were he left him, still standing sheepishly outside the Beilschmidt's tavern with a few birds sitting on his shoulders.

"Oh, Teddy," breathed Tino. He walked up to his gentle giant and nuzzled against his arm, "Why didn't ya go in?"

Berwald slowly glanced down at his beloved, "Wasn't sure if I could."

"It's a tavern. People can come and go as they please. Now come on in before any more birds start using you as their post." He dragged his lover and was immediately welcomed by Feli and the Beilschmidts.

"Ve," cooed Feli as he pulled away from Tino, "How was your trip? Did you see any more faeries?"

"Nah but I did find bunnies who like to wear trousers. I even wrote a story about it!"

Food and beer was passed around while Tino energetically retold stories about his and his family's adventures. Ludwig was able to make small talk with Berwald and the prince found that the two had so much in common. One of them being their choice of life partners. Both Tino and Feli were eagerly discussing the illustrations for Tino's children's books. The Italian had pulled out his sketch book and was starting to sketch what Tino wanted.

"They're pretty remarkable, aren't they," said Ludwig. He refilled Berwald's stein with beer and topped his off as well. "I mean Feli also has quite the imagination. He likes painting everything so I guess it's important for him to have a nice one."

"Hn." Berwald nodded in agreement and looked at Tino's flushed face, "My wife is also very imaginative. Wouldn't have it any other way." Sipping the beer, his eyes widened at the taste before gulping the rest down. "Did ya make this?"

Ludwig smirked, "I did. The recipe for this brew has been in our family for generations. It's the best of its kind."

"Yeah." Berwald served himself another, "How long does it take for it to be made?"

"About four weeks but we have some barrels in the back that are in mid process."

"I see." Digging through his satchel, Berwald took out a huge leather sack of gold and gave it to Ludwig, "I'd like some for our wedding next month. That's all I have on me now but I can get you the rest soon."

Had it not been for the fact that Ludwig was strong, he was sure that he'd spill the coins from both shock and well…shock. "Y-you want our beer for your wedding?"

"If it's not too much trouble."

"Of course not! I mean, it would be an honor to brew beer for our prince." Ludwig couldn't contain his excitement as he ran, fast walked, over to his brothers and cousin to tell them the good news. Ever since Eduard's disappearance, a few of the regulars hadn't been into the tavern which had made business rather slow. But things hadn't been terrible, though. New patrons would visit every now and again and even brought their families now that it was safe enough to.

The Beilschmidts got rid of all the stuffed creatures and gave them a proper burial in the forest with the help of Lukas who had taken residence in the woods again. When the order was set, Berwald and Tino went to Lovi's bakery to place anther order, this time for a cake.

Antonio's excited congratulations had made Berwald retreat to himself, which in turn had frightened Lovino due to his stoic face. But the Spaniard had simply smiled and patted his husband's head, "We should make it a tres leches cake. It's very yummy, have you had it, your majesties?"

"M-majesties," stuttered Tino. He hadn't thought about what marrying Berwald would mean for him in terms of titles. He glanced at his love as he tasted a bit of cake Antonio offered him, his blue eyes lighting up at the taste. Tino smiled. His teddy hardly acted like a prince but then he'd never met one outside his imagination so what did he know.

Shaking his head fondly, Tino tried some of the cake too, "Ya don't have to call us that. We're your friends so there's no need for formality. Right, Teddy?"

"Hn."

The rest of the month went by in a blur of decorations and preparation. Invitations were sent out and freshly stitched suits slumbered in wardrobes waiting for their special day to arrive.

And arrive it did.

Guests from all over the kingdom flocked back to Berwald's castle for his wedding day. At the reception, Tino and Berwald were all but attached at the hip as they greeted their guest. Berwald seemed at ease but his husband could tell that he was still a little shy with talking to everyone. Tino ran his hands up and down his arm to sooth him and prevent him from tugging at his hair. Together they made their way back to their table to hear Mathias give his speech. Mathias had given the prince his dutiful big brother speech before embracing him, "But now I'm going to be your big brother, too! Isn't that amazing?!"

Gritting his teeth, it was all Berwald could do not to shove him off. Mathias met well but he always found a way to annoy the daylights out of him. But for Tino's sake he tried his best to get along. Emil and Lilly arrived as well with their little bundle. As promised, Lukas had blessed the child at birth. His gift had been that of art and already little Erik was showing promise of artistic talent.

Emma rubbed her swollen belly as she and her family and friends watched the wedded couple enter the ballroom. Matthew hugged Gilbert's arm and bit back a smile, "I knew he'd find someone."

"Hm," said the German. He watched as Berwald entwined his fingers with Tino's and did the same with his shy boyfriend, "How did ya figure?"

"I guess you can say that I was as certain as the sun rises in east."

Chucking, Gilbert kissed Matthew's temple and hugged him tight, "You're something else, birdie. I love that about you."

Francis sighed blissfully, "Le' amour." He caught sight of Michelle. The head maid winked at him and playfully teased his nose with her feather duster before disappearing around the corner. He chuckled mischievously and was about to join her but Arthur intercepted him with a handshake.

"There you are, Frog," he said cheerfully, "What do you say? Should we let bygones be bygones?"

"I don't see why not." He reached out and shook his friend's hand.

"Ah, don't they look happy?"

Glancing at Berwald and Tino dance their first dance as husbands, Francis nodded, "They do, mon ami. I told you he would break the spell."

Arthur chuckled, "Nice try but I believe I told you."

"No, you didn't. I told you."

Bushy brows furrowed in anger, "You most certainly did not, you paraffin headed pea brain!"

"Shut up, y-you—," Francis paused only to pull out a glove and slap Arthur across the face with it, "You overgrow pocket watch!"

"How dare you!"

Having wondered what was taking Francis so long, Michelle peeked from around the corner and sighed at the sight of her lover fighting with Arthur. She tugged on Alfred's sleeve, "Should we pull them apart?"

"Hm?" Alfred took another bite from his burger and shook his head, "Nah, let them tire themselves out. It shouldn't take long. Besides, nobody's really paying attention to him." Not to mention that Arthur tended to get really needy after a fight with Francis and he was more than happy to cuddle up to his grumpy clock. Alfred grinned, "Tale as old as time."

Elsewhere in the castle, Peter climbed up onto the counter in the kitchen. "Hey," he chirped at Raivis. His legs kicked out happily when the blonde turned around to acknowledge him, "Don't cha want to come to the ballroom? Everyone's out there."

"I…I don't think I'm allowed," said Raivis. He put away the last of the dishes and sat on a stool. The older boy had quickly learned that Peter was a tenacious boy who, no matter how much Raivis had tried to sway him, had managed to befriend him. It was his self-proclaimed mission to help rehabilitate him and make him a good boy. So far he liked to think that he was on the right path to redemption. Mathias and Tino had forgiven him at least as had their friends.

"Why not?"

"I'm a kitchen boy."

"So? Papa and Mama love everyone so they won't mind if you come along."

Raivis made a face at his soiled clothes, "But I'm dirty."

"It's ok! Come on, I'll give you some of my big boy clothes. That's what Feliks calls them 'cause he made them for when I'm taller which, at the rate I'm going, isn't going to be all too soon." Peter jumped off the counter and tugged Raivis along, "Come on!"

"I-I'm coming."

They paused when a giant toad hopped into their path. Raivis hid behind Peter. It's strange blue eyes held anger and for some reason it was directed at him. Peter smiled, "It's ok. It's just a toad."

"But it's mean mugging me."

"Aww, it's just 'cause it's cranky that no one wants to touch him. My mama says that you can get warts if you touch a toad so you have to be careful. He says that toads don't always get the love they deserve because of that."

"That's...actually pretty sad."

"Yeah, but it's ok." The young prince took a dish towel and caught the toad before letting it out near the stream that ran behind the kitchen. "There. He should be happy with all that water and moat flies." He shut the door before the toad could get back inside and tossed the towel away. "Now let's go get you those clothes."

Down stairs Tino and Berwald took turns leading each other in their dance while Feli put the finishing touches on his painting of them dancing amongst their guests. He was about to sign it when Erik snatched his paint brush from the Italian's hand. Lilly gasped and tried to take it away but Feli simply giggled, "It's alright, bella, I have more." Ludwig smiled at his lover and rubbed his shoulder as he turned to their sovereigns.

Peter and Raivis managed to make back to the party in time to see Tino and Berwald dance by them. The young prince smiled happily, "They're going to live happily ever after, aren't they, Alice?"

Hugging her little brother, Alice nodded, "Of course, dear. We all are." She wrapped her other arm around Raivis and grinned at him, the boy returning a shy one before accepting the warmth of her hug. They all glanced up at the peel of Tino's giggles. Berwald had lifted him up and was spinning him around in his own burst of joy. "Song as old as rhyme," she murmured to herself.

For the prince, the world had evaporated leaving only himself and Tino. Their child and puppy stood with their friends as they watched the couple bring their dance to an end. Gently cupping Tino's rounded cheek, Berwald boldly dipped his head down to bring their lips in for a kiss. His beloved gave a pleased hum before wrapping his arms around his neck and kissing back.

Tino pulled back only enough to be able to meet his husband's eyes, "Are you happy, Teddy?"

"Yes," said Berwald immediately, "very." He blushed when Tino nuzzled against his nose, "Are you?"

"The happiest I've been in a very long time!" Running his fingers through Berwald's hair, he gasped, "Are…Teddy, are ya purring?!"

"Nh!"

Warmth spread through Tino's being and he buried his face in his gentle giant's chest, "I love you."

That same warmth spread into Berwald and his embarrassment subsided. Smiling to himself, he held his little love close, "I love ya, too. Hm, wife," he added as a gentle tease but Tino only nodded.

"And you're my husband. My sweet teddy bear of a husband."

Peter chose that time to slip in between them, "Papa, Hana wants to dance with you and I want to dance with Mama." He handed the small Maltese over to his father while he tried his best to get Tino to pick him up, which of course the Nordic did effortlessly.

"And you're my adorable son," chirped Tino happily as he danced with Peter beside Berwald and Hanatomago. The rest of the guests took this as their cue to join in around them with their own dance partners.

Mathias glanced over at Lukas before taking Emma's hand in his, "Aren't you going to dance, Lukie?"

The Faerie narrowed his eyes in annoyance, "Don't call me that. And no, I'm fine with just watching." Mathias shrugged and followed his wife out to the dance floor. When he was alone, Lukas allowed a small smile and lifted a hand out, "You can come down, you know."

A hawk flew down from his perch on the window to the faerie's hand and watched the royal family with golden eyes. It cooed, 'Ya did good, pest.' Trilling again when Lukas ran a curved finger down its feathers, the hawk smirked, 'I'm sorry, I meant, prince.'

"You both did good," said Lukas after a while. His smile grew bigger and he let the hawk fly up to his shoulder.

After the reception, Berwald and Tino saw their guests off. The Nordic made Emil and Lilly promise to consider the possibility of moving closer while Mathias promised, much to Berwald's dismay, to visit every day. Emma winked at the prince in silent assurance that she would keep the eldest Nordic entertained and out of his hair. When she led her husband away, Feli took their place and hugged Tino tightly.

"Please don't forget us," whispered Feli.

Tino hugged back and pulled Matthew in as well, "I won't. Believe it or not, I kind of found myself missing our little poor provincial town while we were away." He motioned to Berwald who was busy sharing a last pint with Ludwig, Roderich, Lars and Gilbert. "Not to mention I'm happy that he's opening up to more people on his own. He likes them; they don't tease him like the nobles did."

Both Feliciano and Matthew widened their eyes before the blonde asked incredulously, "Nobles teased him? The prince?" To their surprise Tino giggled.

Something dark ran though his eyes but it was gone as soon as it came, "Yeah but they learned quickly not to after I gave them a little talking to. Nobody makes my sweet Teddy Bear feel bad about himself on my watch."

After their goodbyes, Tino and Berwald retreated back to their home to put Peter to bed. Their son was curled up next to Raivis fast asleep with Hanatomago draped over them. The couple exchanged glances before straightening both boys on the bed and tucking the blankets securely around them. Tino kissed them both on the forehead and whispered a goodnight.

That wouldn't be the first time they'd tuck both boys in. As time would have it, Raivis found himself more and more included in their family time. One of his personal favorites was story time in the library by the fire. He and Peter would curl up next to each other with a cup of Ivan's hot chocolate.

"Did you finish writing the story yet, mama," asked Peter as he eyed the bundle of pages in his father's hand.

Tino smiled, "I have. It just needs a title."

"I'm sure you'll think of something, Mr. Tino," said Raivis with a small yawn. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and slouched against the couch.

"Are ya sleepy?"

"Mhmm…"

Setting his story down on his table, he got up and held out his hands to both Peter and Raivis, "Then let's go brush and put you two to bed, kk?"

Peter rubbed his eyes as well and bit back a yawn, "Mama, does your story have a happy ending?"

Nothing could keep Tino's chest from feeling ridiculously warm nor the smile from spreading on his lips, "The happiest." He lightly squeezed their hands and tugged them along.

Berwald glanced down at the stack of papers Tino left behind and smiled at the first page. It would seem that his husband was having a more difficult time coming up with a title than he was letting on. The words Tale As Old As Time and Song As Old As Rhyme were crossed out. He thought for a moment before picking up the pen and dipping it in ink and writing out in neat cursive his suggestion.

"Teddy Bear," called Tino.

"I'm coming," he responded. He set the pen back in it's well and followed after his beloved.

"What were you doing?"

"I've wrote down a suggestion for your book."

"Oh? I'll be sure to look at it in the morning then."

"Hn."

The small family went to start their night time rituals. Alice brought up warmed milk with peppermint for the boys to drink before bed while Francis made sure that all the candles were put to rest. Arthur went into the library to set it back as it was for the next day. He gathered the books and put it on the desk next to Tino's story. Alfred walked in to coax his fiancé to their own room but not before putting out the fire in the fireplace.

Everything was right in their castle. And despite the presence of magic no longer surrounding their home, something stronger still coursed through its veins.

Love.

The dying embers of the fireplace cast a soft glow over the drying ink on the front page of Tino's story like a final blessing. In the morning he would see Berwald's neat cursive and kiss him for the wonderful idea. Because it wasn't just his story. Not really. It was their story. The story of a beauty and the beast.