Ivan squirmed in his seat, staring straight at the jury. They'd come to a decision, but apparently it was close. Rumors were floating around the courtroom, but Ivan tried to focus on the matter at hand. Just a couple of words. He was ready to do…something. He wasn't sure what, but he was ready to do something if this went south. He took a deep breath at the same time as someone from the jury stood up, ready to announce the verdict.

"As for the case of Gilbert Beilschmidt," the person said clearly, "on the grounds of Dark Magic's control over his mind, we say not guilty."

Ivan couldn't help but sigh with relief. If Gilbert was cleared, then that meant there was a chance for Alfred to be cleared as well. Of course, he wouldn't be pardoned and of course this would come with its drawbacks. Nothing would be like it was before but still…At least Gilbert was alive.

"And as for the case of The Dictator," the person continued and Ivan felt a massive pit grow in his stomach. This time, Natalia was sitting next to him and held on tightly to his hand, "on the same grounds as well as his attempted protection of the citizens of this city, we also say not guilty."

Ivan nearly cried. He listened carefully to all of the formalities. Alfred wasn't pardoned from previous crimes and would have to atone for them, but that was to be decided later. Both Gilbert and Alfred were to be under constant supervision. And should either of them use Dark Magic again…it would be an immediate death sentence. They'd barely made it.

Ivan honestly wasn't surprised by how close Alfred's cell was to Gilbert's. In fact, it was just one floor above Gilbert's. Ivan honestly felt a little nervous as he stood with Arthur in the room. Arthur stood on a stool, tinkering with the same device that was being used in Gilbert's cell. A lot of the magic users that had been used for freezing Gilbert and Alfred apparently weren't pleased with how things were going, but at least now they could leave the city without any repercussions.

Alfred was just…sleeping. Like when they'd first met. It was weird. He didn't like it. Alfred looked peaceful asleep, of course, he always did. But there was just something unnatural about this sleep. Ivan was more than ready for him to wake up. Ludwig was probably feeling the same thing one floor down with Francis in Gilbert's cell.

"He should start waking up soon," Arthur mused as he got down, looking at Ivan. "I hope you're ready."

Ivan nodded slowly, looking at Alfred and almost hoping that he would just wake up now, back to normal.

Kill him

Ivan did know that Alfred had been frozen while not using Dark Magic, that much was clear. He just hoped that Alfred didn't use it while waking up on reflex. That certainly wouldn't bode well for him or the guards standing outside of the room.

"I'll be just outside," Arthur said. When Ivan gave him a confused look, he said, "I know you two would prefer to be alone. Well, mostly, aside from our cameras. I trust you can tell him all of the restrictions put on him now?"

"Thank you," Ivan said with a smile. "For everything you've done for him."

"Yes, well, I take into account the safety of this country and everyone in it when I make my decisions," Arthur said, walking towards the door. Ivan nodded to him as he left, the guards very obvious outside of the door. Ivan wondered how long Alfred would have to act with good behavior to get rid of them…

Alfred groaned and Ivan's smile only grew as he knelt beside the bed he was lying on. It was so relieving to see him waking up.

Kill him.

That voice, he could definitely do without…

Alfred slowly opened his eyes, sapphire locking with violet for a fraction of a second before Alfred moved too fast to see. Ivan stumbled backwards as Alfred's entire weight all but fell onto his torso. Alfred clung to him tightly, even his legs were wrapped around Ivan, who couldn't help but laugh, hugging Alfred back.

"I'm awake," Alfred muttered into his ear. "I'm alive."

"Yes," Ivan breathed out in relief. "You are."

"I won't tell anyone about the Dark Magic," Alfred whispered. "I'm sorry for making you use it."

"It was my stupid idea." Ivan shook his head. Alfred pulled back just slightly. He looked Ivan over, as if making sure that everything was really okay, and then happily kissed him. Ivan didn't hesitate to kiss him back.

"Okay, okay…" Alfred said carefully, slowly getting his footing back on the ground but keeping his arms tight around Ivan. "Drawbacks, there's gotta be drawbacks."

Ivan nodded slowly. "A few. For now, guards. 24/7. And you're not supposed to leave the Detainment Center."

"And I'm guessing there's actual repercussions if I leave this time?" Alfred smirked. Ivan raised a brow. "What happens if I don't behave?"

Kill him.

"Depends on how bad it is," Ivan said. "No one wants to use any more resources on you. And if you use Dark Magic…"

"Makes sense," Alfred mused. "I'll, uh, make sure it doesn't get that far."

"Me, too," Ivan said.

"So, with good behavior?" Alfred asked.

"Maybe we'll get lucky and you'll only need me to guard you again," Ivan offered.

"Because that turned out so well the first time," Alfred teased and Ivan scoffed. "What? You have to admit you're a bit of a push-over. You let me do pretty much anything I wanted."

Ivan raised a brow and Alfred smiled sheepishly, pulling away slowly.

Kill him.

"Anything else I need to be aware of?" Alfred asked.

"Gilbert has pretty much the same restrictions as you," Ivan said. "Both of you are under a microscope now, so I highly suggest you don't try bending the rules anymore. I'd prefer not to go through yet another trial for you."

"Aw, you went through a trial for me?" Alfred smiled. "Wait, like a real trial? And people actually went in my favor?"

"Are you that surprised?" Ivan asked. "You were the one claiming you were helping the world a thousand years ago."

"Yeah, but I know no one else views it that way." Alfred shrugged. "I've wanted to see what a real trial is like since I've heard of them…Like actual people other than nobility deciding shit for you? Revolutionary. Seriously, anything else I need to know?"

Kill him.

"Nothing really comes to mind," Ivan said. "Though I highly doubt most of society is going to be willing to just accept you."

"Never expected them to," Alfred chimed. "But there's nothing else? Nothing about not being able to see you again? Nothing about…I don't know…paying for the people I killed in the past?"

"As far as I know, it looks like a thousand years is long enough to pardon you," Ivan said carefully.

"Yeah?" Alfred asked, raising a brow. "I mean, they were all assholes, so I don't really mind."

"Legally pardoned," Ivan said. "Again, not everyone is going to agree with what you did."

"That's their problem, then," Alfred said with a small smirk. He leaned in for another kiss, which Ivan accepted. "You said Gilbert was cleared, too. How'd ya spring that?"

Kill him.

"It appears that the board likes you more than they let on," Ivan said. "Arthur especially seems quite fond of you."

"Never would have guessed," Alfred said. He kissed Ivan again, this time harder, deeper. Ivan stumbled back a few steps, but kept his ground easily. Alfred pulled away slowly, both of them breathing heavily. He kept his voice low, hooded eyes looking right into Ivan's. "So here's a question for you. Real test of love here. How does your Dark Magic feel about me?"

"It's pretty insistent that I kill you," Ivan mused.

"And how are you feeling on the mental stability front?" Alfred asked, his smile growing with each second.

Kill him.

"Pretty solid," Ivan surmised. "Especially now that you're awake."

"Good to hear," Alfred chimed, kissing him again. It was a few minutes before they broke for air again. "I am sorry for forcing you through that…"

"It was my decision," Ivan pressed. "I have to deal with the consequences myself. You can help if you want to, but not because you're obligated to."

"I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm already gonna be Gilbert's life coach." Alfred snickered. "What's one more pupil?" He looked at Ivan with a long, happy sigh. "Thank you for making sure I woke up. I…uh…honestly didn't expect to."

"Do you know how hard it was for me to go a few days without you constantly annoying me?" Ivan asked with a small smirk. "I don't think I'm very well equipped for silence anymore."

"Well, once I get out of here on good behavior, I'll be sure to make sure at least your nights are far from silent," Alfred said cheekily. Ivan hit him lightly over the head, but both of them fell into a fit of giggles.

Kill him.

"I look forward to it," Ivan said simply, kissing Alfred's cheek.

Alfred opened his mouth to say something, but the door opened behind them and they were quick to stand side-by-side, looking at who was coming in.

"Yeah, like we don't know what you two were doing in here," Gilbert snorted in the doorway, looking at them with a raised brow. When he got a good look at them, however, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped. "Holy shit, no way."

He knows.

Alfred was quick to shush him, but Gilbert had already drawn the attention of the guards as well as Ludwig, who was right behind him. Arthur as well looked concerned.

"What?" Arthur asked suspiciously.

"I…uh…can still hear the voice," Gilbert said slowly and Alfred groaned.

"Voice?" Ludwig asked suspiciously and Gilbert shrugged with a smile. There were even more guards outside, no doubt following Gilbert, but it seemed like at least he and Alfred could move around two floors of the Detainment Center. Either that or Ludwig was really good at convincing people.

"Hey," Alfred whispered into Ivan's ear. "Do you think you can do something to the camera in here? Like a fake feed or something? So that we can talk in private?"

"I can see," Ivan said carefully.

Gilbert easily talked his way past Arthur, as casual as before this mess and he and Ludwig were in the room with them in no time, the door closed behind him.

"One second," Ivan said, carefully aiming a spell at the camera. They would no doubt be heavily watched just in case, but he could use a filter of some kind. His use of Dark Magic had at least lifted him of the restrictions on that contract, so he could do anything he wanted to any of the equipment in the building. Before long, he had it set up on an inconspicuous loop of them talking about the fight. Hopefully…

"Are we good?" Alfred asked carefully.

"For a few minutes, I'm sure," Ivan nodded.

"You got the camera covered?" Gilbert asked. Ludwig seemed slightly uncomfortable with the idea of messing with the camera but didn't say anything. Ivan nodded again. "How the fuck did I not notice you using Dark Magic?"

"What?" Ludwig snapped, looking at Ivan in shock.

"At least I did not lose my mind," Ivan said simply.

"Yeah, well, we can't all be fucking perfect," Gilbert grumbled. "Are you serious? You've got enough fucking magic under your belt."

"What's in the past is in the past," Alfred said. "Can we move on?"

"It was your fault I tripped, wasn't it?" Gilbert asked.

"Yes," Ivan said carefully.

"Well, then, thanks, I guess," Gilbert said, arms crossed over his chest.

"Hey, I was the one that tore out the immortality," Alfred protested.

"And broke it," Gilbert pressed.

"It's not like I can't make another one," Alfred whined. "If I wanted to."

"My Dark Magic can't even do that," Gilbert huffed. "What the hell is up with you?"

"Abnormally high physical compatibility," Alfred said proudly. Gilbert just scoffed. "Okay, look, whatever, we don't really have a lot of time, so let's move on. Why are you up here, anyway?"

"I don't know, wanted to say thanks." Gilbert shrugged. "Maybe get some answers to some questions. Like can I trust this fucking voice in my head?"

"Depends," Alfred said. "The part telling you to kill your brother? Not so much?"

"What?" Ludwig asked.

"Relax, Lud, I've got that covered," Gilbert said.

"It doesn't really lie, I don't think it knows how," Alfred said. "So as long as you know what you're doing, you can listen to it as much as you want. You…feeling confident with it?"

"You think I can't handle it?" Gilbert asked.

"You already proved you can't," Ludwig said stiffly and Gilbert gasped dramatically, a hand over his chest.

"My own brother!" Gilbert shouted. "You don't believe in me!"

"Dude, at least I have a few years between now and the last time I lost it," Alfred said. "You've got, like, a day."

"Yeah, well, it's not like I could even use it again, even if I wanted to," Gilbert said. "It doesn't look like either of us are leaving his place anytime soon."

"Great to get to know each other," Alfred said with a smirk. Gilbert raised a brow.

"Hell, getting to know The Dictator might be pretty fucking cool," Gilbert admitted.

"Name's Alfred, if you haven't heard," Alfred said. Hopefully, the rest of the world could catch onto that quickly, though Ivan doubted it.

"I trust you can help him with keeping it under control?" Ludwig asked.

"I'd be happy to help," Alfred said, "but it's ultimately up to him. I can give all the tips I want, but it all depends if Gilbert's willing to use them."

"Well, it's not like we have that immortality, right?" Gilbert asked. "I'm not very keen on the death sentence, you know?"

"Please don't tell me that's you're only reason," Ludwig said and Gilbert beamed up at him.

"Don't worry, Lud! You don't have to worry! I'm awesome, I can handle this!"

After Gilbert and Ludwig had left, and Ivan had returned the camera to normal, Alfred and Ivan simply settled on the couch. For a while, they talked about nothing in particular. Alfred asked for some minor details on the trial, the weather, Ivan's friends and sisters. Ivan was more than happy to supply answers. After a while, Alfred lounged on his back, head on Ivan's lap as Ivan played with his hair. They sat in silence for a short while and Ivan happily hummed an old song he knew.

It was peaceful.

Kill him.

Mostly.

The door opened and Alfred didn't bother sitting upright as they looked at who it was this time. Ivan was almost afraid that the guards would tell him to go home, but they hadn't yet. It was Matthew, who bounced on his feet, slightly conflicted, holding onto an envelope.

"Well, look at that," Alfred said, "if it isn't my own flesh and blood. Come to congratulate me on not dying?"

"I lied," Matthew said simply, straight to the point. He was, no doubt, not allowed to leave the city any time soon because of Alfred. He was still technically responsible for his actions, even if he couldn't do anything about them. But he only seemed mildly irritated now. "About Amelia."

"What?" Alfred asked, sitting upright.

"She left this for you," Matthew said, looking at the envelope. It looked like he was debating about actually giving it to him. "The only reason I'm giving it to you is because it's what she would've wanted. I don't really care about you."

"Fine, yeah, sure," Alfred said, not taking his eyes from the envelope. "She left me a letter?"

"Yeah," Matthew said tightly, tossing it at Alfred, who easily caught it, clutching onto it tightly. "We've been using magic to keep it in good shape. She…really believed that you would wake up some day. She did care about you. A lot."

"Thanks," Alfred said with a soft smile.

Matthew turned on his heel, leaving the room. Alfred's smile turned into almost giddy as he stared at the envelope, but he didn't make a move to open, just staring at the blank paper around it.

Kill him.

"You should open it," Ivan said reassuringly. "I can leave if that would be better for you."

"No, no, stay, it's fine," Alfred said, his hands carefully opening it and revealing parchment inside it. It was, no doubt, a thousand years old, but it looked meticulously well cared for. Alfred trembled slightly. Ivan kissed his temple, which seemed to calm him down, at least a little.

"When you're ready," Ivan said. Alfred nodded, licking his lips. He was nervous. Not that it said bad things or because she scared him. But it was a message directly to him from her. Her last words to him. Ivan almost felt like he was trespassing on a personal moment, but Alfred had told him to stay…

Alfred slowly pulled out the parchment and unfolded it. The handwriting was incredible, though the language was old enough that it was hard to understand. Ivan was used to this, however, in his history studies. He knew a quick spell that enabled him to read any language, no matter when it was created. Looking at the words again, he could tell that each letter was chosen with care and written with even more.

Alfred,

It's been a few years since they took you. I'm still not sure how they could have, but you couldn't have gone down without a fight. Allen and the others fought valiantly to keep up what you worked so hard to make, but it was all dismantled eventually. I was separated from them months after they took you. They might have gone against your advice and used Dark Magic, but I doubt they could have made your immortality. I worry for them.

I discovered a few weeks after they took you that I was bearing a child. Those were the months I missed you the most, when I wanted so dearly to write this letter but couldn't find the words. I would stare at the parchment for hours, but all that would appear on the page were my own tears. But this isn't your fault. It's never been you that made me cry. If only they could have seen what you were trying to accomplish, maybe they would have helped you.

It appears that they have no intention of harming me, despite my connection with you. Perhaps its sexism, perhaps its mercy, I'll never know. I've been left in peace, but sadly everyone seems to know me and our child. He looks just like you and he's a little devil just the same. Though I highly doubt he'll be treated well. With all these similarities, I hope you don't mind that he also bears your name.

I refuse to allow him to grow up accepting the lies they're telling. They call you a dictator (a new word they've fashioned), a ruthless killer. The man I knew did not want to rule like a king, did not kill without founded reason. You do not deserve the shame they are bestowing on your name. Nor does our son. He will know of the hero you truly were, the leader you were, and the kindness I knew in your heart.

I know you'll awaken, I just don't know when. Or where. For your sake, I hope the world has forgotten the cruelties and lies. I hope that the world is what you hoped to craft, whenever you return. They could not have killed you, of that I'm sure. Though I doubt I'll live long enough to see you come back. What I wouldn't give to see your face again…But our son is the closest I will get.

For as long as I can, I will encourage him to keep this letter. And I hope that he can continue that as a tradition. He seems to like me more than the idea of you, so maybe I can convince him to do it for me. But it's for you. I hope that when you return you can find the same love and hope that you carried around me. Do not allow the passage of time to interrupt your dreams.

I miss you so dearly and I hope that you are not burdened by this pain, or any. This world deserves you more than it knows, Alfred. Maybe the passage of time will give it the chance to realize that.

I love you, Alfred. Please take care of yourself and remember that your Dark Magic does not control who you are.

Amelia

Alfred was trembling again. He had been since he started reading the letter. Ivan carefully stroked his arms and back, hoping to soothe him. Listening carefully, Ivan could hear his breath catch and come out uneven. Ivan continued humming as Alfred reread the letter multiple times. He gripped onto it tightly, but was careful to make sure it didn't rip. Amelia had known a different Alfred, but at the same time he was very much the same. Ivan could definitely see what Alfred liked so much in her. And from what else Alfred had said about her, she seemed to have been a perfect match. She was willing to fight with and for Alfred.

And she believed in him even after he was gone.

"Even after I left her alone," Alfred said in a shaky voice that broke several times, "she didn't care." Finally, tears slipped past his guard and he made sure that the paper was far away from any chance of getting wet. "She still…loved me."

Kill him.

Ivan nodded, continuing to hum. It seemed to be helping, at least he hoped it was. Alfred seemed to melt into his touch, all but collapsing back onto him, but Ivan just smiled lightly. Alfred smiled up at him through his tears. He quickly turned himself around, tightly hugging around Ivan's waist. Ivan continued stroking his back. Alfred trembled as he cried. This was perhaps the best prize Alfred had gotten for all of his hard work in getting Gilbert back to normal. And it came from not just Amelia, but Alfred's own family. They'd actually held onto the letter for this long just to get the last message to Alfred.

"Sorry," Alfred said as he pulled apart, smiling shyly at him. "That was…uh…weird…wasn't it?"

Kill him.

"Of course not," Ivan assured him. "No need to apologize. Amelia seems just as amazing as you described her."

"Yeah." Alfred smiled, looking over the letter again. "She was fucking awesome."

Ivan moved forward and ruffled Alfred's hair lightly, kissing his cheek. Alfred laughed slightly, kissing Ivan's lips before he moved backwards too far. They smiled at each other, the letter between them.

"Thanks," Alfred said. "For everything. I think, all considering, she would've approved of you."

Ivan chuckled. "I'm glad."

Alfred let out another laugh, kissing Ivan again.

"Me, too."

Okay, and main story done! Been waiting on that letter for a while, damn! Pretty much all the loose ends are wrapped up now.

For now we got the big, sappy ending y'all were waiting for. Dark Magic sure knows how to kill the mood, though, doesn't it? Oh, well, it was cute, and Gilbert's back to normal, too. So that's cool.

And I know I said I'd write an epilogue but literally any and all inspiration for that went out the window the second I got back to school after spring break. So I will have to leave you with this. I mean, it still ended pretty swell.

If you wanna know how the epilogue was gonna go: Alfred was able to get out after a few months on "good behavior" but he still had be under constant surveillance by none other than Ivan. Natalia helped, too. Gilbert has to live at the Detainment Center still, but he's allowed to be among the world now. He wound up getting a job at the coffee shop with Kiku and the others, since that's the only place that would really hire him. Feliks, Toris, and the others kind of came to terms with the fact that Alfred is The Dictator, but they're still not comfortable with him. Alfred planned on going to Ivan's school, working out a plan on learning how to read fast enough to hopefully get in next semester (but who knows if they're going to accept someone like The Dictator). Ivan's Dark Magic is going smoothly, no problems or instances, but he is learning a lot with Gilbert while Alfred teaches them both.

And they all lived happily ever after. The end.