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“Are you wearing perfume?”
"I wear a strong after-shave lotion.”The General loomed over him, eyes boring into his soul. Decay was all Grau could smell.
-✠︎-Major Grau took a deep breath, his uniform growing taut around his chest, before exhaling to keep his calm. He could feel eyes watching him. Eyes that are as blue as a mountain stream but as cold as the Russian front. They belonged to General Tanz, who stood rigidly across the hall of the party as General's Kahlenberge and Von Seidlitz-Gabler tried to make conversation with him. This whole party was thrown in his honour by Frau Von Seidlitz-Gabler who was also desperately trying to set up Tanz with her daughter. Of course Tanz would be the perfect match for a family of Generals, especially since Tanz himself is the perfect soldier. His record was clean for Nazi standards, which meant it was like a butcher's slab.Rumors and tales from the soldiers that conflicted Tanz’ person, he had no private life it seemed, married to his work. Some would say he was the perfect gentleman, who treated women with courtesy and offered a dying man the last of his flask. That was until you heard of his military operations, in which there was no honour. Lieutenant-General Wilhelm Tanz, Commander of the elite Nibelungen Division, was a monster. His favourite hobby was arson. In War, being shot was an occupational hazard and a corpse was not a good soldier, and in death had no value. Tanz would conduct barbarous military trials, with or without consent of his superiors, and in turn wherever he was, destruction would follow. City's turned into slaughterhouses, people lined up in the streets and Jews resorting to jumping out of burning buildings just to be shot, then the people who hid them next. Even if they didn't retaliate.
The word for this is murder, but in War that is a General's occupation. It never mattered to Tanz, he saw it as duty.
Now given this record along with the other two Generals, Grau could think that it was him who killed the prostitute. Though why would a man with such power kill a whore when he could give the order to flatten entire towns? There would be no sport in it. Perhaps Grau should try and ask General's Kahlenberge and Von Seidlitz-Gabler questions later when they weren't so engrossed with Tanz. It had to be one of them, he just had to dig for the answers.Sipping on a cognac, Grau studies the room. The beautiful architecture of the Polish palace was rich in colour and the sea of mainly grey uniforms were easy to spot but not ideal to pinpoint who. Dancing seemed to be the only thing worth doing if not for standing around, drinking and talking. Grau entertained the thought of asking a fräuline to dance but he was preoccupied with the Generals. Maybe he should've brought Engel, his Sargent, with him so that he could distract them. His boyish charm would have lowered their guards and how he could barter well until his lack of experience could start to show. No matter, he was handy to have and amusing to talk to.
A waiter walks by and takes his empty glass. Grau smoothes imaginary creases from his immaculate tunic, before turning to walk away from the party. There was no way he could talk to the General’s tonight, perhaps he should try tomorrow morning when they were hungover and cornered. Tanz not so much as he only drank water, so Grau would have to intercept whatever he was doing. The blurs of grey from the dance floor as he turned away, broke the feeling of being watched, bootstep’s thumping against the hardwood floor. Wandering into an empty hall that on one side had large windows that glancing out of only showed the pitch black of the night and few streetlights. The other side lined with large doors with carved frames of Polish craftsmen made centuries ago, Grau took the time to admire them as he walked.A chill ran down his spine, making the fine combed hair on the back of his neck stand up. He was no longer alone. Slowing his steps, he heard the echo of another pair paces behind him. For a moment, the Major was suddenly back in the wreck of a house, trying to sneak around so that he could survive the allies attack. Any moment he could be shot, from any which way, from some Brit or Frenchman. Coming closer, hunting him down, no longer the predator but now the prey. Grau stood frozen, unable to move as his surroundings started to look just like that ruined house. The feeling of someone behind him, looming over him and staring down at him.“Major Grau?”
An assault to his nostrils, the scent of decay.
Tanz.Grau takes a deep breath, forcing one of his charming smiles as he turns to look up at the General. It was like facing down a tank.“General Tanz. What a pleasure to speak to you without your usual crowd.”Tanz wore his usual frown, though the hint of a twitch in his lips, like a dog holding back its snarl, “Yes, quite.”“Do you wish to speak with me in private? If so, that would be wonderful as I do wish to speak to you.”“This business about a dead prostitute? We are at war, Major. What type of hound follows a bloodtrail into a slaughterhouse?”Grau's smile falters for a second, “Even in war, there is crime.”“Military operations take precedence over criminal operations.”
“There is justice to uphold within both, General.” Grau gazes into blue eyes, feeling himself get lost within them like a sailor who's ship had been sunk.“It is within both our duties to uphold the regime of the Third Reich and to Hitler. What is one whore to the countless bodies of our fallen comrades to the allies?” Tanz leans closer, lowering himself to Grau’s eyes, “You waste precious time dwelling upon that filth while I toil each and every day to rid the scourge of those dirty rats that hide in this city! I assure you, Major, I was accounted for last night.”“There is no need to get defensive, my good man.” Grau grins, seeing another twitch in Tanz' lips, “I am sure you were, but I need your statement and names of your orderlies to back it up. So why don't we find somewhere private and you can answer my questions?”Tanz straightens up, the frown on his face easing slightly in silent cooperation. Grau nods, turning around and spotting a nearby door that was hopefully open and empty. Though turning his back to Tanz felt like a predator was stalking him, about to strike, to shoot. Walking to the door, a makeshift coffin if need be, and trying the knob. It opens into darkness, Grau reaches for a nearby switch but finds a lampshade. The glow from it illuminated the baby blue walls and white painted skirting boards and pillars that have the same designs as the outside. It's thankfully not a bedroom, just a normal office with dark wood tables and plush chairs that only royalty could have.“Make yourself comfortable, General. This shall not take long.” Grau gestures to a chair but Tanz doesn't move, standing beside him.“You may ask your questions.”It seemed there would be no exchanging of pleasantries. Grau began, “Tell me what you did last night.”Tanz puffs out his chest, “I finished my duties by eight p.m. and went to my quarters that were given to me by General Kahlenberge and Von Seidlitz-Gabler had so graciously given me. By eight thirty my orderly had brought me my dinner, two chicken thighs with exactly seven pieces of small potatoes. Then he ran me a bath, though the temperature was four degrees too cold. Idiot boy. After which I went straight to bed and went to sleep.”This intrigued Grau, how could one possibly remember such things with precise numbers of what time it was and such?
"How sweetly the wolf speaks when cornered by a hound.”
Tanz’s frown darkens into a scowl, “I beg your pardon?”“I find it odd that you remember every detail, most people would just explain it normally. It makes me question if this actually took place or if you made it up.” Grau steps away, intending to circle the General."What a grand and intoxicating self-righteousness!" Tanz snarls, eyes following the Major as he paces around the room, “I gave you your answer and you doubt it?”“Not entirely, General. I merely insinuated that you are lying to see how you'd react.”
Before Grau can speak again, Tanz suddenly grabs him by the shoulder and shoves him back against the wall, pinning him there. Both of their scents mixed, a concoction of cologne and decay that made the Major's head swim along with the force of being shoved. Tanz’s face is twisted, his teeth bared like a wild animal, eyes narrowed. Grau tried to push him off, but the General was like stone and the act of trying to claw at his jacket seemed to outrage him more."Don't you dare touch me!”
“Get off!” Grau snarls back.
“If you want to be a hound so badly, you need a collar and chain.”
Tanz takes away one of his hands and reaches down to his belt, unbuckling it with a swift motion before pulling it off his narrow hips. Grau glares as it's brought up to his face, Tanz' other hand keeping him in place so the belt could be wrapped around his neck, being buckled and secured tightly. Tanz pulls back and keeps the end of the belt in his hand, yanking it towards him so that Grau has no choice but to stumble forward.
“Good boy.”
The only sound Grau could make is a strangled growl, the belt tightening around his throat. He forcefully makes himself breath through his nose as best he can as tears start to form in his eyes. Tanz grins at the sight.
“On your hands and knees.”Grau tried to lock his legs so that he could stand in defiance, but his back was hunched as the pull of the belt forced his knees to buckle as he dropped to the ground. The iron cross on his jacket will be fitting for his gravestone soon if Tanz doesn't get his way. This is humiliating, this is not befitting of a Major. He shouldn't be in this situation, but even at that it is less dangerous to be fighting at the front than this. A boot slides near his face, taking his chin so that it tilts up as Grau has to look up at Tanz. Now he knew why no soldier could get close enough to see the whites of his eyes.
“Lick it.”Grau's eyes widen, a moment of faintness as the belt gets tighter.“I said, dog, lick it.”Preparing himself, Grau swallows (as best he can) his pride and sticks out his tongue, eyeing up the boot that's in front of him. Craning his neck downwards, feeling the buckle dig into his adams apple like the tag of a collar, as his tongue licks at the leather. The texture is smooth, they've obviously been taken care of, but now they have some of Grau’s saliva on them for a new shine. Knowing Tanz' evident neat-freak tendencies, Grau starts to drag his tongue against his boot like a shoe shiner with a rag. Watching the lines of saliva stick and dry with every hot breath he takes, knowing he can't leave any streaks.
After a few minutes, Grau is done and pulls back with his tongue sticking out still, glowering at the General above. Though he did not notice the saliva and spit that dribbled from the tip of his tongue that ran down his lips and onto Tanz' boot.The boot suddenly came full force into his chest, knocking the wind out of him along with the terrifying feeling of the belt digging into his neck it made him sharply inhale. Tears poured from his cheeks, the failure to breathe and the pain ebbing in his chest making it hard to see.“Vile mutt! I expect everything in my sight to be clean! That includes you, no matter what deprived situation you are in!” Tanz barks, leaning down so that he makes sure Grau can hear, “Now behave, start again with the other boot!”
The belt loosens and Grau takes large greedy grasps, coughing as his body recoils as if trying to shield itself but ultimately putting him back into the submissive position. There would be no point in trying to fight back, he didn't have a gun or even backup to help. He would surely be strangled to death if he tried anyway, so he just had to endure. So again, Grau blinks away tears and swallows his spit before lolling his tongue out and licking the other boot now presented in front of him. His heart thumped against his chest, in line with the waves of pain from being kicked like a prisoner. The memory of being injured while in his fight gunfight threatens to bleed through the blockage of his mind, Grau resisting the urge to gag and vomit (as that wouldn't help either) and focus on the disgusting task.
The taste of leather taints his tongue, it mixes with his spit. The thought of what these boots have been in, mainly blood, is sickening to think of. How many poor bastards had been kicked by these? Kicked with enough force to draw blood or dislodge teeth. The possibility of them being tracked in mud was plausible but unlikely, Tanz would not allow himself to be coated with even a spec of grime. Even if Tanz didn't kill the prostitute, Grau would have to find a way to arrest him for being a lunatic of sadistic ways, definitely finding a sexual thrill to humiliating and destroying others.
Tanz didn't even speak. That was the worst part. Degrading language was used sparingly and yet the silence of being watched for one wrong move was worse. Grau’s shoulders started to ache, his hands placed at his sides like he was back in the training camps and being made to do endless pushups.
“Your nails are clean. I expected as much. Perhaps that will make up for your rudeness to a General.”Grau didn't respond.In response, Tanz pressed his free boot into one of his hands.“When I speak with you directly, I demand an answer.” The boot leans heavier onto his fingers, threatening to break them at any moment.“Yes… General.” Grau mumbles, not looking up.“Speak up!”“Yes, General!”
“Good dog.”The pressure is removed from his hand and Grau could see a footprint indented in the skin, now red and throbbing. Tanz' grip loosens slightly as Grau closes his eyes to focus on getting his breath stable again. His head feels faint from the lack of oxygen, perhaps he will leave this room alive soon. There is no time to relax as Tanz suddenly puts his boot onto Grau’s crotch, the weight of it making him yelp in surprise and pain, his back arching.“Oh? Does that hurt?” Tanz smirks.“Ngh! Yes!” Grau chokes the word out.“Good.”The boot grinds down harder, Grau groaning as the pain starts to spread from his cock, jolting to his balls and making the muscles in his thighs twitch. Hold on, that's not just pain.Oh Fuck.He was getting hard. Tanz was studying his reaction like a hawk, eyes trailing lower to inspect his growing excitement. Grau bit his lip, trying desperately to think of something to stop this! Thinking back on the body of the prostitute, her body grey and lifeless as her stomach and womb had been cut open, ‘stabbed approximately a hundred times’ the coroner said. Blood everywhere. Grau couldn't even tell what was once her womb to the gruesome remains of what could've been her stomach and intestines. Butchered mercilessly, hopefully she had died due to the shock rather than blood loss. The vivid memory of the sight made his stomach turn but it didn't stop his erection and the painful feeling of Tanz grinding against it.
“Filthy little cockmongrel.”Grau groaned.Tanz resumed the motions, seemingly spurred on by the noises Grau had started to make. Panting like a wild dog while choking whenever the belt tightened. His vision starting to tunnel, tears stinging, as Grau subconsciously bucked his hips. Was Tanz touching himself while he couldn't see? Perhaps he didn't even need to paw at his own cock, maybe finding the act repulsive, but chasing the feeling of growing heat from the pain. The General definitely took pleasure in the pain and suffering of others, this time he'd face someone else who enjoys it too. You can't tame a mad dog either way.
Suddenly the grinding came to a halt, Grau hissing and trying to jutter his hips so that he could feel some friction to let him orgasm. Tanz growled from above, "Now, you will listen as I am giving you an order. You asked your questions and I answered them. Nothing else happened. I will return to this egregious party and you will clean yourself up before leaving with your tail between your legs while trying to find your missing goose. Am I understood?”“Yes, General.”But no release came. Instead Tanz removed his boot from Grau’s aching crotch and started to unbuckle the belt, causing the Major to cough and claw at his neck. There would be bruising, it felt tender, but they should be hidden by his high collar and if Engel thinks he got lucky with a lady instead of being a General’s bitch for the evening. Grau blinked, watching Tanz step away awkwardly to put his belt back on. So he was also aroused! His balls ached, his cock still standing at attention as Grau made sure no precum had stained his uniform. Thankfully there wasn't, so he blindly clawed around the air until his hand found the edge of a chair to stand up and regain control over himself.Tanz hadn't left the room yet, probably doing the same. The distant sound of music from the main hall echoed along with Grau’s slowly stabilizing breath. Bootsteps come closer until they stop right in front of him, he doesn't dare open his eyes.
The feeling of lips being pressed against his makes his body freeze. It's forceful, not at all tender, Grau even noting how they feel soft. He allows himself to be lost in the feeling, ignoring how wrong it feels after everything he's just went through.
There's something…dripping onto him. A wet sensation trickling onto his upper lip, and the strong taste of iron. Grau pulls away and opens his eyes to see that Tanz' nose has started to bleed. The General starts to breathe heavily and holds up a shaking hand to catch the drops so that it doesn't stain his uniform. The colour drains from his skin, eyes dilating at the sight of his own blood. Grau wonders what a mess is on his face, ignoring the urge to lick it off.
For a moment, there's a human side to Tanz. The one that his men speak of. This time he's embarrassed. The blood dripping down his lips and chin and onto his palm. Grau reaches into his pocket for his handkerchief before gently raising it to the General's face to dab under his nose.
Blue eyes were on him in a snap, almost like a cat that's eye's slit when aggravated then suddenly filling out in surprised calm. Watching as Grau carefully wiped around his mouth, making sure to clean his lips first before his chin. He also let it soak up the blood on his palm until returning to the General's nose, making sure to stop the bleeding. Even daring to raise his other hand to hesitantly take his cheek.And Tanz let him, leaning towards him. Grau kept the cloth under his nose so that it would catch the remaining blood that wasn't out yet and stop it. Grau cast his gaze up to Tanz again, locking eyes in an intense yet tender manner. From what he had just gone through, Grau seemed to forget in favour of gazing into such striking eyes and wondering what the General was thinking about.“Thank you.” Tanz whispered.Grau just nodded and took away the handkerchief and put it in his pocket. Blood didn't bother him. Neither of their uniforms were soiled by it. Though before Grau could move away or speak, Tanz took his cheek in his hand and carefully moved it closer to him as he leaned down. This kiss wasn't as forceful. It felt… caring, almost. Not quite. It was long like the others but this time not dominating.
It was fleeting. Tanz pulled away, leaving Grau stunned and gazing after him as he started to walk towards the door.
“I wish to see you again.”Grau could only nod.“What's your name?”“Gottfried.”Tanz blinks, nodding slowly before he finally opens the door and leaves. Leaving Grau alone with the fresh bruises now blossoming on his neck.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“There’s an envelope for you, Major! Must be from your secret fancy from that party!” Sargent Engel cheerfully declared when entering Grau's office.Grau blinked, his shoulders tensing. He forced a smile on his face, not wanting Engel to pry into his personal business. The young man already hounded him with questions the morning after the party, having spotted the bruises on his neck. The Major sat up straight, reaching his hand out for the letter as Engel handed it to him.“Thank you, Sargent. That will be all for today.”Engel huffed, “I see. Oh well, see you tomorrow, Major.”
Thankfully, he took his leave swiftly and shut the door behind him as Grau’s expression darkened as his eyes fell back down onto the plain coloured letter. ‘My Dearest Gottfried’ was written in immaculate cursive on the front. There were only a few who knew his Christian name and unfortunately Grau had a heart sinking feeling he knew who had sent this one. He hoped instead he would open it to reveal a letter from headquarters that he was going to be shot at dawn tomorrow morning, as it would probably be less painful than whatever was actually inside.
Begrudgingly, Grau opened it with his silver blade letter opener and took the paper from inside, holding it in one hand to read and discarding the envelope. The cursive caught his eye again but the wording of it confirmed his fear.
‘I hope this letter finds you quickly. I must see you again. I have found a hotel that isn't occupied by our forces so that we are not seen together nor arouse suspicion. I highly recommend you show up in civilian clothing, as have I. You will find me on the third floor, the room that has the number 13 on the front. I have told the reception that I am waiting for a visitor and you shall tell them that you are meeting an old friend. Do not come with any backup or the night will be cut short and so will your life. I await your arrival and shall hopefully see you soon. Yours, W.’
Near the bottom was the exact coordinates to the hotel, Grau knew that he could not refuse. Though something sadistic deep inside his chest was telling him to go, he wanted to go. What would Tanz do if he never showed up? Even in the letter he was threatening him! Or was that a ploy? Grau takes his lighter and clicks it open, igniting a small flame before gently putting it under the paper. It quickly lit and the black ink marred with the black ash until it was gone, making sure the envelope went to. No one needed to know about this. Engel didn't really know, he would've assumed it was a woman instead of General Tanz. If he was questioned, Engel would provide an ample alibi.
Turning to the window, he gazed out into the black night. Small dots of flickering cigarettes litter the shadows, giving away positions of the unseen patrolmen. They shine like stars before being snuffed out, causing Grau to stare into the darkness again.-✠︎-The bitterness of the cold blew through the streets as Grau buried his hands in his grey long overcoats pockets. His teeth chattering even though he clenched his jaw as he walked briskly to where the hotel was. Thankfully there wasn't much activity on the streets at this time unless it was a passing patrol or taxi, which Grau had made sure to take here. At least he was in civilian clothes to blend in if need be, hiding his face with a hat. It made him feel like a prostitute, hopefully not ending the same way the one he was supposed to be finding the murderer was. His footsteps crunched against icy pavement until they halted at the foot of the steps to the entrance. This was it. It wasn't fancy like the ones that the General's and other higher ranking officers usually stayed in but Grau didn't mind.
It seemed like his legs were frozen from the harsh weather as they didn't want to move. His heart thumped hard in his chest, making the blood surge through his veins to heat himself like a furnace. Grau stares up at the windows, his eyes drawn to one particular window on the third floor that had a golden glow from a lamp inside. Could that be where Tanz was waiting? Did he really want to see him for ulterior motives? Or was Grau marching straight to his grave. As his duty as Major, he would have to march in, even if that meant if he was the subject to Tanz’ sick desires. Grau reminded himself of his vow to the Fatherland and began up the steps.As per instructions, Grau told the receptionist about him meeting an old friend before she gave directions to the room. Making his way up the flights of stairs, the ascension to meet the devil himself. Time seemed to slow as the Major finally found himself at the third floor, turning to walk down the hallway as the doors passed like silent witnesses until the number 13 appeared on the last door. Grau hesitantly raised his fist and knocked.The door opened immediately and he came face to face with General Tanz, who's voice spoke in his usual monotone but with a hint of surprise.“You came.”“Yes. May I come in?”Tanz stepped aside to let him in. Grau's eyes scanned the room, noticing the wallpaper was decent and beige and the bed was the centre of the room and a door at the side for the bathroom. The curtains were shut at least. It was small, not cozy, and the presence of Tanz made it feel suffocating.
“Take off your coat.”
Grau brought his hands up to unbutton it as two hands gripped the shoulders and pulled it from his shoulders to reveal a black waistcoat and grey shirt. Tanz turned to put his jacket on a hanger, making sure to scrutinise it for any dirt. It gave Grau a moment to try and calm down, watching the General with apprehension. He noticed how he was dressed almost the same, just a different shade, how his hair was finely combed and how strikingly blue his eyes were- oh. He had turned around again.“Are you inspecting me, Major? Even in your downtime you never stop searching for clues.”“I was simply admiring your waistcoat.” Grau lied.The General's eyes narrowed slightly, the action causing Grau's muscles to tense in case he exploded like before. Tanz stalked forward with frighteningly quick strides."Show me your nails."
Presenting both hands flat in the air as if laying them on a table at school for a flogging, Grau held his breath as Tanz leaned down and inspected them. They were clean, never dirty as Grau usually wore his leather skin gloves and made sure to maintain his hygiene regularly. With an appreciative nod, Tanz leaned back."Satisfactory.”A thankful breath escaped from Grau's lips. His hands dropped to his sides, the ache of trying to keep them perfectly still resumed from the tips of his fingers and to his wrist. Tanz turned his attention to the table in the corner, pouring a bottle of brandy into two round glasses. The General paused, his face wrinkled in displeasure before he poured more into one glass so that it was the same level as the other.“I see that you are…quite particular with things.” Grau broke the tense silence.Tanz' head snapped up to glare at him, “Yes. I cannot stand anything being filthy or not to my satisfaction! I thought you knew this already?” He returned to eyeing the glasses.“I have, yes.” Grau resisted the urge to roll his eyes as one of his hands touched his neck, the reminder of it. The bruises were still visible and tender, but he kept them hidden by a high collar.“I didn't ask you here to discuss my habits.” Tanz says as he picks the glasses up and hands one to Grau, “I…”Both take a large gulp of the brandy.“Do you wish to get to know me? Personally, I mean.” Grau finishes it for him, “Why? What happened between us was definitely not normal. If any of our superiors were to find out both of us would lose our ranks and be put to death if they suspected anything more…intimate.”
“That won't happen.”
“How can you be so sure? This here could be taken like two forbidden lovers meeting!” Grau puts down his drink with a firm thud, “Is that why you wanted me here?”
The Major stared up at him, chest heaving in frustration. This whole situation was a complicated mess, as if to throw him off his job. Tanz sat down his drink as well before he brought up his hand and placed it gently on Grau's cheek. The feeling makes him shiver, his hand is cold like a corpse. Slowly, Tanz tilts his head as their lips connect, making Grau freeze. The sensation causes Grau to close his eyes, he hasn't properly kissed anyone in years. He didn't have a sweetheart back home and neither did the General as it seems. The kiss lingers, deepening as Grau allows himself to be engulfed by the feeling until Tanz pulls away.“I… I find I have few friends these days…”
Panting slightly, Grau feels that same blossoming sympathy he felt for the General before. He shouldn't, but he can't help it.
“You know it's not right.”
“I know.” Tanz' hand gently slides down to his tender neck, thumb pressing against it making Grau hiss, “But I don't care.”“I presume that means… you wish to have me?”“Yes. I want you to have me too.”The forwardness was appreciated by Grau. Even if it wasn't something he particularly wanted to do, he had to bite the bullet. That was until Tanz commanded him to take off his clothes and Grau found himself willfully unbuttoning his waistcoat as the General stripped in front of him, pulling his shirt off to reveal battle scarred skin. Scars from both bullets and shrapnel, and a slender athletic body with narrow hips. Tanz really was the spitting image of a war hero. Grau placed his own clothes in a neat pile beside the General's, noticing how he watched him with hungry eyes. His own body had scars too but not as much, though his build was more broad with a hairy chest. The two men stood and eyed each other up, both noticing their manhood, Tanz wasn't as big as his but Grau knew that this encounter wasn't just going to be penetration in one way.“I have…brought provisions.” Tanz nods to a small bag beside the bed, “You may use it to prepare me and yourself.”Grau walked over to it and crouched down, he felt vulnerable naked like this, he wanted to hide away from the General's gaze. The bed creaked, old and worn, as Tanz laid down on it and spread his legs in preparation. Opening the small bag, Grau spotted the bottle that had a light blue label on it but something silver glinted in it that caught his attention. A knife. He should've known. Forcing himself to calm, Grau grabbed the bottle and crawled onto the bed, popping the cap off and coating two of his fingers with the lubricant before placing the bottle on the bedside dresser as he started to prepare the General's hole.
Tanz didn't react, no noise, not even a twitch. His cock however was standing at attention with Grau’s face too close for comfort. Looking down the barrel of a rifle was less scary. Quickly pulling his hand away and positioning himself over Tanz, Grau waited for permission to enter as if he was a steward.
The General gave a curt nod and Grau pushed himself in. By then, Tanz suddenly came alive, his mouth opening to produce a long moan as if this was a relief, his hands came to grip at the Majors biceps, nails digging in and his thighs squeezing his hips. When fully in, Grau counted to ten in his head to let Tanz get used to it before he began to thrust and with each one Tanz moaned and panted, the most emotion Grau had seen from him. The sight of the General beneath him gave the Major a smirk of superiority, the warm feeling of him on his cock.
Eventually Grau leaned down to start kissing along Tanz’ strong jaw, giving kittenish licks around his lips until he found his mouth as their teeth clicked as they began to lap each other's taste. Grau's thrusting started to get more rough, wanting to feel Tanz moan.
“Du bist so eine schlampe für mich!” He growls, “Taking my cock so well~ I bet the other General's don't know how much of a whore you are for me!”Tanz lets out a mix of both a moan and a snarl, the gutteral noise coming low from his throat, “Fuck me! Harder!”
Instead, he slowed his thrusts. Tanz drags his nails across his biceps, clearly not happy about the change in pace. Grau smirks as he dips his head to his collarbone, giving it tentative nips.
“Nien! I said faster!” Tanz arches his back, his stomach heaving as he attempts to fuck himself on Grau's cock.“I won't until you say ‘please’.”
Another growl that trails off into a whimper before the General mutters.“What was that?”“Please.”“Good boy.”
Slamming into Tanz so hard it makes the man under him shriek, Grau roughly fucks into him like there was no tomorrow. The sounds of flesh hitting flesh, droplets of blood running down his biceps as Tanz' nails rake into him. A burning low in his gut starts to build, spurred on by the moaning and the repetitive motion of plunging deep inside the General's tight walls. Grau continues at the collarbone, beginning to bite at it before moving to his neck.This would be payback for what Tanz did to him. Grau sank his teeth in, the skin breaking from the force and the tang of metallic flooding his mouth. Tanz’s neck pulsed beneath him, heartbeat pumping so fast that the blood just spurts out as Grau laps at it with his tongue. He could feel him shaking, the throat muscles spasming as Tanz gasps and swallows. Grau felt something wet and sticky coat his belly as Tanz had come and Grau continued snapping his hips hard until he spilled deep inside. Detaching his teeth, Grau pulled his head back as a string of both blood and saliva trailed from his mouth to Tanz' bite mark.“Du Mischling…”Grau could only chuckle at the insult.
“Pull out.”
He didn't want to but he was like a dog, so he began to gently pull himself out. His seed spilled from Tanz’ hole and the noise it made when he did was vulgar, especially as Tanz groaned.
“Do you wish for me to-”The force of being slammed onto his back and the back of his head banging against the cold frame of the bed cut him off. Tanz pinning him down with his hands clamped around his wrists, blood dripping from his neck down onto his chest.
“Look what you've done to me!”
Grau couldn't hold back a smirk, which enraged him even more.“Now I will have my fun.”He releases one of his hands as Grau assumes he's reaching for the lube but to his horror he brings back the knife. Trying to use his free hand to push the General off, Grau tries to move his head away from the weapon. Tanz smirks, the detached look in his eyes was the most horrifying. A sadistic conscious control over his actions and taking sexual pleasure from Grau's fear. HE was the one to kill the prostitute! Now the Major will die like her too. He must prevent this! He must seek justice from this maniac!“Nein- Nein! Wilhelm- STOP!”
The knife comes closer to his throat, sweat dripping from his forehead. Tanz didn't register the plea, more focused on his favourite toy that now delicately drags along Grau's neck, just under his Adam's apple. The cold press of the steel making it a chore to swallow just in case the smallest thing would make Tanz slit it.“General Tanz.” Grau sternly said, getting a flicker of recognition, “Put the weapon down. Please- I'll let you take me.”Tanz blinks, the knife’s point in perfect position to stab. Grau's heart practically stops as the silver reflects his face, brown eyes wide with alarm and breathing raggedly. It flashes with movement as Tanz finally brings it away but keeps it clutched in his hand.
“Do not be afraid. I assure you… I am in complete control.” The words sent a chill down his spine, “I won't kill you. Why would I ever want to cut that pretty throat of yours open?”Grau tilts his head as Tanz nuzzles the side of his face, peppering kisses against his cheek and bruised neck and purring. A tiny prick jolts him as Grau gazes down to where the full stinging is to see the knife piercing his skin on his belly. The sight of it made him feel sick, his body starting to sweat more and the taste of bile and blood residue had to be swallowed hard to prevent himself from throwing up.
“I know you like it.”
A whine leaves his lips, teeth clamped shut. The knife trails down to his navel and follows his abdominal trail until he could feel it scratching at his pubic hair. Tanz examines his cock, noticing how it's not hard before dragging the knife along the base, ghosting over the veins of his foreskin and to the top. Grau could feel it began to rise, damning himself for being into this. The feeling of extreme sharpness and cold against his glands made him shut his eyes. The thought of losing his manhood was too much to bear and he couldn't bring himself to witness it.
There is no pain, surprisingly.
“Open your eyes.”Grau grimaces, his eyelids opening with effort as he peeks down to where he hopes his friend was still there…and it was! Instead he saw the knife dripping with blood and a white substance.“Lick it.”His jaw aches as he opens his mouth, tongue lolling out and hesitantly licking at the mixed fluid. Metallic and bitter, Grau moans at the taste. Tanz watches with an ice cold stare, keeping the knife suspended in the air with stone-like solidity. Even when the knife is clean from it, Grau continues to dance his tongue dangerously over the curves of it then to the tip which cuts the tip of his tongue when it is suddenly removed.Unfortunately his torture wasn't over as Tanz flipped him onto his stomach, the cut on his belly staining the blanket and mattress. The knife pierced his flesh once again on his back, cutting and stinging in tiny marks like a prisoner carving numbers on his cell, like a butcher taking the fat off a piece of meat. He could feel the blood dripping down his sides but he refused to look, instead he shut his eyes hard enough to start seeing grey dots, determined not to pass out. God only knows what Tanz would do to him then.
A hand glides down his spine, the tiny cuts suddenly on fire as Grau bit back a scream. Tanz lovingly stroked him and tracing the marks with his fingertips before going lower to his arse and Grau snapped his eyes open as he felt the General rub something wet around his hole. He was using the blood as lube.
“Wilhelm- no, it won't work, it'll hurt-”He wasn't listening, maybe he wanted it to hurt.Two fingers were shoved in painfully without warning, at least Grau had the decency to wait. Tanz’ fingers stretched him out before he added another to test him. Grau could feel his cock rubbing against the sheets, precum leaking from it. That was until the fingers were removed and instead gripping his arse hard as Tanz forced his cock in fully, not even letting Grau take the moment to adjust to it. The extreme pain of it caused him to cry out, muffling himself by burying his face into the mattress. He hoped that it would not tear, the mortifying thought of having to go to medical to get it sewn back together flashed in his mind.Each thrust was painful like he was being split in half, his cock may not have been large but that didn't mean it didn't hurt. Grau felt tears fill his eyes and start to run down his face, the salty taste of them on his tongue made it seethe. The marks on his back began to itch and faster as Grau fought the urge to claw at them. Tanz fucked him mercilessly, the knife abandoned for now as he felt something wet lap at the cuts below his shoulder blades. Sucking and drawing the blood out of each individual cut, the sensation of it making his body start to tingle and his head dizzy.
Wet patches started to pool at the base of his neck, causing Grau to whine. There weren't any cuts there? There was no biting or cutting. Was Tanz drooling on him? Grau forced his head to move from the sheets, opening one eye to peer behind him. The sight of the General’s face bloody was frightful, as his nose had begun to bleed again, now dripping onto him. They were both covered in blood, the small of decay overpowering. The pain in his arse throbbing but with all the wounds on him, Grau felt numb.
Suddenly Tanz flipped him over again, the motions sending waves of intense pain throughout his body, especially his back and backside. Tanz began to slam his hips as hard as he could, Grau feeling his hard cock hit against his stomach. The knife came back into view as Tanz clutched it in his hand before it was brought back to the wound on his stomach and its point dug into the wound, the kneading skin breaking and blood pouring out as it lacerated. He'd stabbed him. He was going to die.Grau screamed out, his lungs cramping with the lack of air and effort as his throat started to go hoarse. Tanz tugged the knife out and threw it onto the floor, it clattered against the floorboards. Surely people had heard him screaming? Surely someone would break the door down and stop it? The pain was getting worse and Grau sobbed as Tanz snarled above him. The incision weeping as two fingers penetrated it and began to move around. His head felt like it was going to explode, the wound the most intense and his stomach twitching.
The relentless pounding and fingering started to overload Grau’s senses and the thought of bleeding out struck him. This is how he's going to die. He would be fucked to death and left to bleed out until he passed out and never woke again. His body would be found cold and like a pig's body in a slaughterhouse, Tanz probably will cut him open even if he had long past, letting his intestines spill out so that he could fuck him without resistance. What other cruel things would he do to him? Would Engel be able to find him? Would anyone find him? Maybe he should've agreed to go to the front, a death in the mud and dying to be remembered as a hero instead of being torn apart by a murderer would've been more preferable.Grau couldn't let out any other noise bar croaks as Tanz’ pace sped up, tears blurring his vision as his body started to grow flush. The pain spread from the wound through all his veins until he couldn't take it anymore and gave a pitiful cry as he finally passed out.-✠︎-The feeling of someone wrapping something tight around his torso woke Grau. He groans and the tightening stops. He was still alive, maybe he was found and brought to a hospital? His eyelids feel heavy as he blinks to clear his vision to find himself staring up at the ceiling… of the bedroom. Tanz looms over him.“Ah, you're awake, very good. I was afraid that you had bled out. I apologize for my roughness.”
The Major looks down at his body, noticing the bandage wrapped around him, Tanz had done that. There was also extra around where the wound that he fucked him was, there wasn't much bloodstains anymore that coated either of them or the bed. He had kept him alive.“Thank you.”Tanz came closer, sitting on the edge of the bed to look down at him with soft blue eyes, “You're mine. No one else can have you. My sweet Gottfried.”
Grau allowed himself to be kissed, his mind reminding him how wrong this was but he wanted it. This war was lonely and companionship was scarce. He closed his eyes again and wrapped an arm around Tanz to run his fingers through his hair.What a beautiful corpse he'd make.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Two years later, July 1944, Paris.
Lieutenant-Colonel Grau strode, much like a proud peacock, his footsteps in rhythm like he's dancing to a silent waltz. The afternoon Sun bore down on the streets and made soldiers sweat in their uniforms. People averted their gazes when they appeared down the streets, but Grau paid no attention. He much preferred to see General's squirm in his presence, obviously hiding something. He would figure it out, it seemed like something was going on behind closed doors but for now Grau would wait it out before he would have the pleasure of hauling them out of their beds to arrest them, in the politest way possible of course.For this good mood he was in, Grau had a pleasant night before with his French friend. A dinner with lobster and wine to exchange knowledge of the General's and whatever evidence they had of the Warsaw case that he couldn't close two years ago as he was suddenly transferred away. Grau suspected a certain General to be the murderer but he could not produce the sufficient evidence nor how he came to that conclusion as perhaps his French friend would not be so…understanding. However, to reopen the case at the moment would not be a wise choice as Grau was currently on the trail of a plot by the General's that included Hitler. Though the only thing that stuck in Grau’s mind after the dinner was the Frenchman's words, "There's precious little worth dying for in this world, but there's a hell of a lot worth living for.”Patrolling on foot was not a usual occurrence but today was a beautiful day, so why not? There were usually no rest day's in war, especially for the Abwehr. Grau didn't care. He was not bothered as he walked, only soldiers who greeted him in orderly fashion that made Grau hold back a sneer. Rounding a corner, he spotted a large building with a small cafe in front with tables spread out down the garden part of the middle as only three men were there. One presumably a waiter while one sat drinking while another waited beside him. Grau decided to walk over out of curiosity, perhaps even practice his French.Though the man whom he spotted first made him stop in his tracks. There, in a pale grey suit one would almost mistake for a German officer's uniform, sat General Tanz. Those ice blue eyes locked with him in surprise. Beside him was a young man who looked between them, confused. Grau could not speak, couldn't find the strength to move. Here was the man he suspected of murder- the one he fucked countless times two years ago!
Tanz raised a hand, the mechanical courtesy of it as he waved hello and beckoned him over to join him. A cocktail party at an abattoir was more appealing than this, but Grau knew better than to defy this maniac’s wishes. Moving his legs like he was marching in a parade, then took a seat beside the General. The inner turmoil of meeting the monster years later after their dishonourable affair burned inside him. Grau's expression indicated that he was calm but inside he was thoroughly miserable. What made that feeling worse was the slight twitches at the sides of Tanz's mouth, he was smiling.“Major Grau.”
“Lieutenant-Colonel now.”“Excuse me, Lieutenant-Colonel. Well done.”“Thank you.”An awkward silence drops over them, the young man beside them trying not to stare with a face that couldn't hide surprise. Tanz noticed Grau watching him before barking at the poor boy without even looking at him, “Hartmann! See to it that Colonel Grau gets a drink. What would you like?”Hartmann flinched but waited for his answer.“Water. I'm on duty.”Tanz gave a sniff of contempt as Hartmann scurried off. Grau took a deep breath to calm himself, his chest rising and falling. The gentle breeze cooled him down from both the Sun and the tension between the two. Tanz flexed his gloved hands in a manner that reminded Grau of a cat flexing its claws.“Angry with me?”“No!” Tanz replied sharply, as if thrown off by the question, “I was at first when you suddenly disappeared. I thought you abandoned me.”Grau could feel his muscles tense. Abandoned him? Why was he speaking like a scorned lover? He hoped that the young man would return quickly but it seemed getting a glass of water was too long of a task, or else a break.“I was transferred and promoted by my superior which prompted an immediate move.”
“I see.”
The General wasn't looking at him, his eyes locked on his glass as he continued to flex his hands before slipping one down his side and under the table. Grau prepared himself for any touch to his thighs but thankfully none came.
“I did not expect to see you here. I knew your division had been moved here but what I meant was seeing you in public.” Grau began, trying to fill the silence, “I did not take you as a man who'd take time off.”“I was ordered.” Tanz answered, jaw clenching, “I was told to take a few days off to relax. As if I have time to relax!”“You are their best General, do you think yourself undeserving of a day off?”“There are no ‘days off’ in war, Gottfried. You of all men should know this!”A warm feeling in Grau’s chest bloomed at the mention of his name came from Tanz's mouth. Even if it was in a derogatory tone, it collided with the cold feeling of the General's presence, mixed with the hot rays of the Sun that made him sweat. The nausea that rose from his stomach however reminded him of how wrong it was. Preoccupied with his inner turmoil blurred his senses, the background noise dulled until a loud ‘click’ from beneath the table brought Grau back to reality. Tanz gazed at him with those ice blue eyes, snakelike with intensity as his hand stopped fidgeting. The other was still under the table and poised as if holding something pointed at Grau.
“Tell me, Gottfried.” Tanz's sickly sweet voice nonchalantly spoke, “Did you think about me when you were gone?”Grau’s eyes locked with Tanz’s. He hoped that they didn't widen enough to indicate fear even though his body went rigid with it. The General’s handsome face did not give away what he was truly thinking, could it be that he was being serious or perhaps a cruel joke? Whatever it was, Grau did not wish to test either theory. His mouth was dry, lips tight shut as he forced himself to swallow what little salvia he had which made his throat ache, psyching himself up to answer.But before he could, Hartmann, Tanz's newest slave, returned with the glass of water. The poor boy balanced it carefully in both hands like it was a bomb he was carrying, desperately trying not to spill it as he walked over before setting it down in front of Grau. The Colonel forced a kind smile to thank him, gratefully grabbing it with a gloved hand and bringing it to his lips to take a sip. The water broke his lips, cool and refreshing as it went down his throat. Grau couldn't stop himself from gulping it down.Draining the glass, Grau reframed from slamming it back down, breathing heavily. Hartmann stood behind them, waiting like a loyal dog next to its master. Tanz seemed to busy himself with bringing out his wallet to pay for the drinks but Grau knew he had slipped his gun away Though he did produce some bank notes and held them out for Hartmann to take.“Leave a tip.”
Hartmann took the notes, “Yes, General.”“When you return you will cancel any plans I have for the afternoon and drive Colonel Grau and I back to my hotel. Once there you will take the car around the back and clean it out before you are relieved of duty. You have no permission to disturb me under any condition unless it is from the Früher himself.”
“Yes, General.”Grau wondered if the boy could say anything else as he turned away to go into the cafe.“Forgive me for being so forward, but I do not wish you to slink back to your kennel. I'm sure whatever master of yours can spare you some free time? Especially with me.”It felt as if he was a prostitute, being picked up to do whatever the General wanted. A human life for sale. It was like the countless times before he was transferred, he just couldn't say no. Regardless if he wanted to or not.
“I suppose so.”“Good.”Tanz rose, his pearl grey suit immaculate and impatiently waited for Hartmann to return. Grau dragged himself up and stood beside him, his emotions raging within. Hartmann scurried back out and checked to see them standing before marching towards wherever he had parked the car. Tanz and Grau followed in silence. There was nothing they could discuss in public, personal or military. They had nothing in common and Tanz wouldn't entertain any small talk about the weather. The thought of being seen with him flashed in Grau’s mind. If Engel saw him walking with a suspected murderer, what would he think? Or worse, like a couple.All those times before were at night and without a driver, always alone in a hotel room or somewhere both would not be missed nor found. For what both felt the infernal complicated temptations but were at no liberty to succumb to them in public, Tanz and Grau bedded in the shadows. All men have their lapses, especially with a drink in them. Homosexuality was a crime to the Nazis and if they were found together would be the death penalty.
Hartmann brought the car round, jumped out and opened the door for Tanz to get in first before Grau. It was a light grey Bentley that looked to have been recently cleaned thoroughly, from the tyres to the leather seats. Once he was uncomfortably seated next to Tanz, Grau watched Hartmann close the door before jumping back in and moving the steering wheel so that they were back on the road. The engine purred gently as Grau watched the gothic architecture of Paris move by through the window.The sound of glasses clinking made him side eye what Tanz was doing to his left, to which he saw the General pouring cognac into two glasses. Grau sighed, reaching his hand into his jacket to his breast pocket so that he could pull out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. If Tanz was going to indulge, so can he. Besides, there was an ashtray in the back of the car.
In unspoken courtesy, Tanz handed Grau a drink while Grau handed him a cigarette before lighting it along with his own at the same time under his lighter. Puffing the smoke as the tips touched, flickering little embers as the flame outlined their faces in an orange hue. Lingering for a few seconds, Grau trailed his eyes upon Tanz’s sculpted features, pink lips, dazzling blue eyes reflected the dancing fire. Their cigarettes touch, gently bumping against each other as both men shift their lips. Grau snuffs out the flame with the cap and pockets it, Tanz doesn't move away yet as he breathes in the entwined smoke.
Grau takes his cigarette out so he can take a sip of his cognac, the vibrant taste of fruit drips down his tongue. He spots Hartmann watching them curiously from the rear view mirror but as their eyes meet, Hartmann snaps his back in front. Tanz downs another glass of cognac, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows it down. A small dribble of the sweet liquid runs out of the side of his mouth and down the lines of his cheeks and chin. Tanz puts down his glass with a scowl, his gloved hand reaching up to wipe it away but stopping as he notices Grau watching. Instead, he lolls his tongue out to lick it away. The feeling of heat pooling down below makes Grau shiver in his seat. He downs his own and reaches for the bottle to refill both.The intoxicating smell of alcohol and smoke fill the air of the Bentley, bad enough for Hartmann to open the driver's side window. The bottle got lighter and lighter with each refill and the ashtray was full of cigarette douts. Grau couldn't make out where they were by now as the windows were fogged up, but the outside was darker than before. He didn't care about that, all he could taste was the fruity tang of cognac and Tanz's tongue as they made out in the backseat. Somehow they ended up like this once they finished off the provisions and needed something else to occupy themselves for the journey. Tanz explored the inside of his mouth like he was conquering new territory, Grau feeling his teeth nip at his tongue playfully. Gloved hands grasped at his jacket, yanking him down over him, pressing his hips against the General’s as the motions of the car jostled them to grind against each other.
Intensely kissing Tanz, Grau trailed his lips down his chin, jaw and throat as the man under him let out sharp moans until he suddenly went quiet. Grau paused, feeling the tension in Tanz's neck as he lifted his head up to see him glaring. Hartmann was watching them from the rear view mirror.“What are you doing gawking stupidly at us?! EYES IN FRONT AND DRIVE!”Hartmann jumped slightly but thankfully the motion did not jerk the steering wheel enough to veer the car. Tanz growled as his steely glare focused on the young man still. Grau gave him a kiss, making Tanz blink and return his focus back on him. Taking the opportunity to kiss his soft lips again, slipping his tongue in.Oh the noises coming from under him, the moaning around his mouth and vibrations from Tanz's throat. The General who kept the most rigid composure reduced to a cheap slut after a whole bottle of cognac. Grau felt like all the air in his lungs was being sucked out as his chest started to compress in his ribs, needing oxygen. Pulling away, he felt teeth nipping his lower lip with a smirk as Grau took large greedy gulps of air. Placing a gloved hand on his forehead to wipe the sweat away along with combing through his hair. Grau longed to take the constricting leather off so he could touch Tanz properly and hear him moan.
The General lay back, panting and running his tongue around his mouth as if trying to savor the taste of the Colonel. His breaths came in sharp spurts as his chest heaved against his pearl grey confines. As much as Grau wanted to tear those civilian clothes off him, he knew they were nearing their destination. He made sure to smooth his hair down and straightened his jacket. Tanz did the same, returning to sitting up like a statue with a disapproving expression as he intensely watched Hartmann.They arrived at the Hotel Excelsior by late afternoon, around twenty-nine past five, which Tanz took a note of in a small red notebook. Hartmann parked in front of the entrance and jumped out, opening Tanz's side door to let them out. Grau felt the air of the Parisian streets hit him so that his clouded senses cleared, sobering him up to the reality of this situation. The tall doors of the hotel reminded him of a cathedral’s, entering would mean no turning back. Soldiers guarded it like gargoyles, all watching eyes that made Grau feel judged and ashamed. Stepping inside to its lavishly decorated reception, Tanz didn't need to speak, the staff only nodded and bowed like medieval peasants. Their footsteps echoed in the halls upon plush carpet,hardwood floors, and stairs made from marble. There was a powerful smell of perfume that masked the toiletries and kitchen as they made their way up spiralling stairs that made Grau's calves start to ache. That was until Tanz led him down a hallway eventually and stopped in front of a door with the number thirty-three on it.Opening the door, Tanz stepped in and held onto the handle, smiling, eerily inviting. Grau stepped in and keenly looked around like a hound. The General’s spared no expense with Tanz's room, it was large with a King sized bed and a full beautiful bathroom in the side along with the first room they were in that had a table and chairs. It was like a house for royalty. The room was quiet, as if the hotel itself was holding its breath.
“Gottfried.”
Grau halted himself in the middle of the room, refusing to turn around.“Turn around.”
That was a command, Grau turned with such precision like he was in line back as a soldier on inspection.“This is the first break I've had in years. I didn't want it but orders are orders and they go for General's. I would normally have a speech but I've already used it on Hartmann…and he's not you. No. You deserve a better explanation.” Tanz’s eyes bore into him, his voice bearing such emotion Grau never thought he had, “I am glad for this. I have you again.”“I do not understand.”“What do you mean?”“Why do you speak like this? We barely know each other personally. For the last two years we've been separated and now you act as if we are lovers reunited!” Grau couldn't hold it in.Tanz tore his gaze away, immediately going towards the bar to pour himself a large drink. A brandy.“I often thought of you. You meant a great deal to me.”Grau scrunched his face in disapproval, “How?! We slept together a few times!”Tanz picked up his brandy with both hands and raised it eagerly to his lips and drank thirstily, closing his eyes as he did so. Grau noticed how he began to tremble. It seemed he would not answer truthfully and even if he did, it would be madness. This side of Tanz was human. Something that only the rumors and stories that his men would whisper. Once there was a young man who had not been through the horrors of war. A man whose nose only bled when it burst instead of whenever he felt dirty. The stories of what Tanz had gone through, from being ambushed by a mine and flung from his armoured car to almost drowning as a river current slammed him into rocks. Only moments of empathy show nowadays, his care for the starving children or offering a dying man his last cigarette.Grau knew he shouldn't feel sympathetic towards this monster. The guilt that crept up his spine and tensed his shoulders so hard it made them ache painfully. What was the reason for this sudden change in behavior? Grau was an inspector, he should try and piece it together. Perhaps Tanz is much like any other soldier greedy for life, with lust for the warmth of another body."Do you worry about me, Gottfried?"The question made Grau's chest tighten."Why do you ask?"Tanz relapsed into silence. A soft clink of glass as he poured himself more as he asked another question that he had asked before.
"Did you think about me when you were gone?"Tanz gulped down his brandy as he waited for Grau's answer with wide eyes. To answer truthfully was a death sentence. The only times Grau bothered to cast his mind to Tanz was to kick himself for not arresting him then and there and not getting into this whole mess- or even having sex with him in general.
"Yes. I did."A suspicion of a smile crept onto the General's lips. Tender.“Did you lay with anyone else?”This time he answered truthfully, “No.”
With that, Tanz’s grip on his glass tightened as it cracked before he dropped it. A crazed glint in his eyes as his smile twisted into a manic grin. Grau felt his heart stop as Tanz lunged for him, grabbing him by the jacket and inadvertently shoving him back against a mirror, shattering it. It's smaller pieces joining the scattered tiny shards of glass on the carpet like diamonds. Grau groaned at the impact before his eyes widened at the sight between his legs.“Bitte- Gottfried- I've waited so long- nghhh- your cock-” Tanz begged, kneeling over Grau's clothed bulge as his hands pawed at it.“Tanz! Was zum Teufel denkst du, was du tust?!”
“No! Bitte!” Tanz shrieked, “Let me- I need it-”Too late. Tanz had already clawed at his belt enough to unbuckle it before forcing his trousers down so that Grau's erection was freed. Grau cursed himself for being into it, having Tanz beg like a bitch in heat for him. The hot feeling of a salivating mouth took his cock entirely and as deep as possible before Tanz gagged, tears forming in his eyes. The sensation of the General's cheeks hollowing as he sucked his cock, how he moaned around it. Grau was starting to enjoy this until he felt teeth.“WILHELM!” Grau shouted, “Do NOT use your teeth or bite it off!”
Tanz stopped and tilted his head up, dragging his tongue along a vein that made Grau's thighs shake. By now he was looking up at him with glistening tearful eyes as the tip of his cock was half in his mouth still. Tanz tongue lolling out to give it kittenish licks that sent jolts of pleasure down it. Taking the tip of his cock in his mouth, Tanz returned to sucking at the sensitive tip before plunging his head down the shaft as Grau bucked his hips so that he choked. More tears spilled, trickling down Tanz’s cheeks and onto Grau's exposed skin. If he wanted it so bad, he could have it. It's what he deserved. If Grau couldn't arrest him then he'd just have to punish him in another way. How the Colonel hated him- hated all Nazi's! The General was a boot-licking whore of the früher that if asked to bark like a dog, he would've gotten on all fours and asked what breed.Grau narrowed his eyes, “Such a whore aren't you?”To his surprise, Tanz moaned.“Look at you, taking it like a Braves Mädchen.” His cock is warmly coated with more moans.
There was no need to wrap his hand around his head and yank his hair. He was already choking him with his cock and now he knew Tanz had a weakness for being degraded whilst being called feminine names. Grau closed his eyes in bliss, letting out a growl as Tanz continued to sloppily suck him off. He could hear him manually breathe through his nose with every downstroke so that he wouldn't gag. The familiar feeling of heat pooling deep in his gut starts to build up as wave after wave of pleasure starts to make his muscles spasm. Grau groans, throwing his head back as he snaps his hips hard into the back of Tanz's throat as he comes.
Expecting the General to jerk away in disgust and spit it out, Grau feels his cock grow soft as he instead swallows his seed. The air hits his spent cock as Tanz delatches from it to gaze up at him with half-laden eyes.
“Take off your clothes and get on the bed.” Grau told him, “Why don't you get yourself nice and wet for me?”
“Mmm… keep talking to me like that.”“I won't ask again, slut.”
There's a flash of anger in Tanz’s face but the redness on it was obviously giving himself away along with the fact when he got up to remove his clothes, Grau could spot his erection. Hauling himself up and avoiding cutting his hands on the shards, Grau quickly took off his uniform and threw it on a nearby chair as Tanz took his time to fold and neatly lay them on the table. When he was fully undressed, Grau ran a hand over the scar on his stomach where he was stabbed by this freak two years ago when they first had sex.
The sight that beheld him when he walked over to the grand master bed was enough to make his cock start to swell again. Tanz laid on his back with his legs spread, his cock proudly standing at attention as he had apparently finished preparing himself.“Don’t worry. I assure you that I'm prepared. I want it to hurt.” His voice quiet and wanton.“Good. Bad girls need to be punished.” Grau smirked.Tanz threw his head back and gasped, his hand trailing down his belly as his fingers danced around his cock. Grau leapt onto the bed and grabbed his wandering head and pinned it against the sheets.“No. Don't touch yourself. I thought you were wet enough for me to take?”
A whimper came from beneath him, the sound going straight to his cock. Tanz wriggled under his grip and squeezed his eyes shut. Grau dipped his head down to his collarbone, dragging his tongue along it and feeling the skin prickle and shiver. Teasing his lips across the white skin of the General’s chest and taking a nipple into his mouth, suckling it. Tanz arched his back, moaning and writhing.
“Scheiße! You tease me too much, Gottfried!”Nipping at the nub, Grau’s mouth popped so he could speak again, “Imagine how better it would be to suck if they were full of milk~”“You- You mean if I was-”“Don't you want to be a good wife to me? Bear me children like a woman should.”
Precum began to leak from Tanz's cock as it dripped onto his belly and brushed against Grau.
“Then why don't you try now?” Tanz whispered as he spread his legs a little more.A spark ignited deep inside Grau at that. Getting into position, Grau held Tanz's thighs up so that he had better access to his hole as he slowly pushed himself in. A primal part of him took over as with every thrust, earning whorish moans, Grau closed his eyes and imagined the family he wanted. A son and a daughter. How it would be wonderful to no longer have to do dirty work for Nazi pigs, maybe pick up work as a private detective and return home at night to have the dinner waiting for him as his children ran to greet him at the door. Though he could never picture clearly his dear wife, for every time he tried he could only see Tanz.The sound of flesh slapping flesh fills the room along with grunts and moans. Surely a hotel as extravagant as this would not care and even if they did, they wouldn't dare complain. Grau couldn't care for the hour as he continued to pound into the General. Fingernails naked across his back, hard enough to break the skin so little droplets of blood ran down his spine. At some point, Tanz begged to be on top so Grau carefully moved so he was on his back as Tanz bounced on his cock. Grau held onto his hips, digging his nails in and creating little half crest marks on such delicate skin.
A chair moving from the other room caught their attention as Tanz slowed his moment, twisting his body to check while his arsehole clenched around Grau’s cock. An animalistic growl came from the General as Grau craned his neck to try and see- but all he saw was a blur of a man and a door slamming shut.Oh.
Hartmann had unfortunately walked in on them.Poor bastard.
As much as the embarrassment and fear of being caught would strike through Grau like a lightning bolt, he knew that the young man would not dare speak a word of it. Surely his time as Tanz’s orderly had taught him that. Drops of red appeared on his chest as Tanz's nose had started to bleed, something Grau had forgotten from their previous liaisons.
“Don't pay attention to him. You're mine.”
Tanz let out a noise that was a mix of a whine, a growl and a moan. With that, he resumed riding him as every bounce was no longer as rhythmic as the last, starting to become erratic. Tanz chased his orgasm as Grau started to help out as he positioned his legs more so that he could bounce Tanz manually. Eventually they both came, Grau burying himself deep inside as Tanz released upon his stomach. It seemed that Tanz has really been fucked tired, his shoulder’s no longer tense as he laid down upon Grau’s chest. When Grau tried to remove himself from the General, he was met with stubborn clenching and a groan. He gave up. Trapped.
The smell of perfume and stale blood that drenched the sheets, their sweaty bodies illuminated by the rosy glow of the bedside lamp. It was black outside now. Grau was impressed by how this took so long but also how it lacked more blood. Tanz nestled his head against his chest where he could feel Grau’s heartbeat. The Colonel managed to reach out to grab a sheet that had been tossed aside while they fucked and dragged it over them. Tanz wriggled uncomfortably as he finally let Grau pull out, leaking cum from his arse as he let out a small pathetic whimper.Tiredness spread through Grau's muscles, gently relaxing him into the plushness of the mattress underneath him along with the heavy warmth of Tanz on top of him. As shameful as this union was, Grau could not deny its allure. That was until Tanz started to speak, like he was half asleep but still conscious.“I remember a long time ago when I was just a soldier… I watched a man stagger across a field with his entrails hanging out… while desperately trying to escape enemy fire… He fell over. Wriggling like a worm in the dirt as he tried to get up but he became entangled by his own entrails…so he ripped them out… he screamed… oh I'll never forget it… He was the only person whom I ever loved… but when I got to him, he was beyond recognizing me… all he did was babble… his last words were a woman's name… a woman who I regarded as a whore.”
Grau’s stomach twisted at the memory of Tanz's past. The fear that poor soldier must've felt, dying in extreme agony. A wave of another emotion made his blood run cold as Tanz spoke again, this time even slower.“I want you by my side, Gottfried… Tell me you feel the same… and I'll have you transferred to my unit immediately.”Grau couldn't find the words. He just stared at the ceiling. By the time he thought he could, he realized that Tanz had fallen asleep on him. Even if he wasn't, he doubted that he could even answer. Grau instead reached over to the bedside lamp to turn it off so that it was fully dark, as if the shadows would hide him and comfort him.
One thing was certain: he found it impossible to sleep.
-✠︎-When Grau awoke he felt like shit. The night was restless and every sound or movement jolted him awake like he was on guard duty. Thankfully Tanz had rolled off him half way through the night, now laying on his side facing him. The tension from his body and face seemed to have vanished after their night together, even when Tanz slept he had a faint smile. Grau noted how outside it was dull, no longer pitch black but a dark blue hue as if the Sun was beginning to rise. Whatever the time was, Grau knew he needed to get out of here before Tanz woke up.
Slowly rising up from the bed, Grau gently put the sheet around Tanz. He crept around the side and crouched down to grab his scattered uniform, cursing himself for not putting them down all together. Quietly pulling his trousers up first before the rest, making sure to put his boots on last as they would make the most noise. Grau made his way to the door, pausing to make sure Tanz was still asleep, which he could tell as his breathing pattern was the same as last night’s.
Checking his watch in what little light he could, it was five thirty in the morning.Grau gently opened the door, hoping it wouldn't squeak as he slipped through the small opening before closing it. The hallway was quiet and the smell of perfume and breakfast filled the air. He sighed, beginning to walk down it to the stairs as he wondered where he would get his own breakfast before he was to get back to his new office for work.As he made it halfway down the stairs, he passed Hartmann. Their gazes locked. Grau gave him a smile but his eyes gave him a silent threat.
You can dig your own grave at your own expense, don't do it at mine.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

20th July, 1944, 1:22pm
“The die is cast- or whatever one says for such an occasion. We must act accordingly. How would a trip to the provinces appeal to you? I recommend the Lyons route. They have the best chefs in France down there.” Inspector Morand, Grau's French friend, calmly spoke.
What he meant by this, was that a coup d'état referred to by the name "Operation Valkyrie", had gone through and by now the news of the bomb had spread like wildfire to all military. Morand already got the news from one of his sources and immediately called Grau. Hitler was dead.“Later!” Grau impatiently snapped, “Wild horses couldn't drag me away from this case- let alone a cordon bleu!”“Think this carefully, Colonel, and don't take too long about it. Why stay here? The conspiracy has gone off to a good start and soon the Third Reich will fall. You'd only be in the way. It is unnecessary to stay and endanger yourself. I am offering you what I promised. You must get out of the firing line, as will I!”“Nein!” Grau stubbornly exclaimed, “I’m staying put! I beg you to as well. You must help me clear the Rue de Londres affair!”“My dear friend, don't you understand? This place is no longer safe for us! Perhaps twenty-four hours hidden away in Paris would help you calm down then we can figure out our next moves. I don't see why you insist on risking your neck for a relatively straightforward murder case!”“It's not just that! This woman was murdered- butchered- in the same way the last prostitute was two years ago in Warsaw!” Grau tried to plead his case, “This isn't just another sex crime, it's the same person, I'm sure of it! General or not, it's a mockery made at me!”“How can you prove it?”Grau paused. He never told Morand the real reason why he was so desperate to arrest the murderer. All he had was a secret. One that he did not think his friend would understand. Now was not the time to spill his guts, he had the bastard and he knew where he'd be after the attempt on Hitler's life. He did not have his friend’s support.“All I can ask of you is to find Lance-Corporal Hartmann.”“Do you think it was him?”“If he is still alive!”“He disappeared from General Tanz's service last night. All evidence points to him-”“IT CANNOT BE HIM!” Grau shouts. He takes a deep breath to compose himself, “Forgive me, my friend. Please. Trust me as I have you.”There's a moment of prolonged silence before Morand sighs from the end of the receiver, “Alright. I will send a search party out for Hartmann.”“Thank you.”“Colonel, may I say one last thing before I leave you?”“Yes?”“Don't go charging into the wolf's den because you think you found the blood trail. I know you love to play the bloodhound but now is the worst time to attempt any arrest while Germany is in emergency. I think I know you well enough by now to know that's what you want to do. My friend, remember my words from before, this War is not your end.”Grau holds the phone close to his ear, staying quiet as the words hit deep within his chest. The rage that he had bottled up started to burn, how he had let this go too far because of his shame. Though he had made his choice before the phone call. He hoped his friend would forgive him.
“I’ll get this monster if it's the last thing I do.”-✠︎-Lieutenant-Colonel Grau sat in the front passenger side seat with a determined look in his dark eyes. They had left Paris and its beautiful city to speed down a narrow country road in the direction of the Corps Headquarters. The closer they got, the more guard stops they had to stop and show papers for. Then being allowed entry and repeating the process every few miles. Every ‘Heil Hitler' started to make Grau grit his jaw hard enough that he could bite through iron. The driver never spoke and Grau was thankful he wasn't the talkative type as he was not in the mood for idle chat. Instead, the Colonel kept his eyes in front and prepared for the sight of Headquarters that was nearing any time soon.There was a tight knot deep in his stomach, one of anxiety. Every breath he took was to calm himself not just from the possibility of throwing up but from the chance of igniting his temper. The knowledge of dangerous tanks, armoured cars and soldiers with machine guns were not the source of his fear, for they were just weapons to be used by spineless swine. It was Tanz he was scared to face down. Tanz was the personification of war, cruelty, uncontrollable and full of bloodlust. It was said when a soldier saw the whites of his eyes, it would be the last thing he ever saw. Tanz was christened a nickname by one of his men- General Totentanz, Dance of Death. Hitler's Saint Michael.The final narrow turn brought Grau from his thoughts as the shape of a large fortification of a castle bore down upon them. The final checkpoint halted them and Grau shoved the papers in the soldiers face, heiled Hitler and before he knew it the car was slowly creeping in as the driver was wary of the amount of tanks that were preparing for what seemed to be an offensive attack. Rows and rows of both them and armoured cars were lined up at the front, soldiers swarming them with provisions and crates upon creates of bullets. This was Tanz’s prized Neubeugen Division. Wherever their master went they followed like loyal dogs. The only entrance in was also the only way out, men were blocking off any other exit they could possibly see. Grau could spot soldiers in full battle uniform in steel helmets and belts adorned with grenades, checking their machine guns.
Grau jumped out of the car once it was parked near the bridged entrance, marching towards the large gates. With ease he reached the G.O.C's desk, where he found Tanz, sitting there in full battle order except for a steel helmet as he wrote furiously onto a piece of paper. He wasn't expecting a cordial greeting as he stood by the open doorway, but the slow head tilt Tanz did as his facial expression fell from a scowl into a warm smile."You've come…”
"I'm not interested in what you wish to say-""You truly want to be at my side.""Last night there was another murder."Tanz’s smile dropped. His eyes widened and twitched as Grau stepped closer to the desk, looking down on him.
"A woman who was brutally torn open in the Rue de Londres. I must ask you where you were last night between midnight and 3 am."For once, the General was silent. Grau couldn't help but smirk. The realization that he has finally caught him. Two years ago he knew, even if didn't have the evidence, he didn't need it. Getting to know Tanz, albeit personal in a different way, was what gave him away. Along with the knowledge that the red strip of his uniform was all Grau had to go on at first- A General. Tanz's mouth twisted into a snarl as his blue eyes narrowed up at him."Kindly don't smirk at me, I forbid it!"“I will ask you again, where were you between-”The General stood upright and towered over Grau, lowering his head to snarl, "This is absurd! The Reich is in danger and here you are babbling nonsense about trivialities! I don't understand your attitude!"The Colonel stood his ground, “For such a high and mighty General, there is no reason to get so upset! However, you fail to answer my questions about your whereabouts last night!”"Colonel Grau!” Tanz snapped, "Earlier today someone attempted to assassinate the Früher! I suspect that a small group of traitors that consist of lowly officers were at the bottom of it. That should be your main priority. Do your duty accordingly."Attempted?! So the plan didn't succeed. Though that was not Grau’s current priority.
"I am doing my duty accordingly." Grau snapped back, “My duty consists of murders that have happened and not just attempts.”This angered Tanz more, “Why bother me about the murder of some French tart?!”“As I suspect that you did it!”“I did no such thing!”Both men grew closer with each roar, face’s getting more red and teeth being bared like feral dogs. The noise of soldiers outside ceased, stopping what they were doing to listen into the argument. They'd never heard their superior's yell like this before.
"It was exactly the same as the murder two years ago in Warsaw! You were one of the suspects and this proves it was you again!""You have no evidence!""I don't need evidence, Tanz! I know it was you!""You are accusing me of a murder with no evidence, that is treason!"
"Then how do you explain your driver's absence from your duties this morning?! How do you explain where you were last night?! You also seem to forget that two years ago, you brought me bodily harm in a manner that was almost identical to the murders of the prostitutes! You let slip about your hatred for them! Does this ring any bells in that thick skull of yours?!” Grau let it all out, this was his evidence.
Tanz’s body shook with rage, a slight change in the lines of his face that indicated that Grau had struck a nerve. How he had let his guard down and now faced the consequences of his actions. Grau wanted to smirk but his teeth were gritted hard.
"When the Fatherland calls us, you don't respond, instead you are preoccupied with the fate of some whore?! How dare you interrupt my work at such a pivotal point in time! Who do you think you are?!""I am Inspector Lieutenant-Colonel and I am about to arrest you for the murders of two prostitutes due to your refusal to make a statement in your defense!”
Tanz's eyes glinted like glaciers, his chest heaved with each animalistic pant. Composing himself for a second, he began to speak again, laced with venom.
"Colonel Grau. At this moment I am the embodiment of the Früher's will. An attack on me is an attack on Greater Germany, and anyone who tries to hinder my work automatically stands revealed as an enemy of the Third Reich. I will go further, anyone who threatens me must be trying to destroy the sacred ideals of our great nation!"Grau felt all the air in his lungs escape as he choked, "Ridiculous!""No, true! This is why I have no choice but to have to arrest you, Grau. You will leave this room a prisoner. You have shown yourself to be an enemy of the people and thus in a state of national emergency, there is only one penalty."Hard bootsteps came into the room as two soldiers entered and immediately grabbed Grau by the arms, one reaching down to his belt to take his gun off him. The Colonel struggled, their grips only tightened. Tanz watched on with resignation."Take him away.”“Nein! Get your hands off!” Grau cried out as they harshly dragged him out of the office.Attempting to drop to his knees, Grau tried to slam his boots into the hard floor to halt himself but the two soldiers only hauled him back up with a grunt. No, he had gotten this far! With all his might, Grau kicked himself up and threw his head back before bringing it back sharply into the face of one of the soldiers who immediately lost his grip to hold his nose. The other yelled and scrambled to try and grab Grau with his free hand but was too slow as the Colonel swiped at his legs as he fell to the floor, leaving Grau free to run back to the desk.The sound of a gun being brought out and cocked to his side as he reentered the office where an orderly sat outside by the radio, pointed his gun at Grau, getting ready to fire.“HALT!”Tanz's voice echoed as the gunman froze, his finger off the trigger as he waited for an order. The General watched with disapproval at his men but his eyes betrayed a hint of admiration as he looked at Grau.
“I see I have to do everything myself! Put your gun away. Leave us.”The gunman did as told, putting his gun back in his belt and trotting out of the room. Tanz stalked back into his office, Grau following as punctual as Death. The tension high, heartbeat racing as Tanz stared out the window to the courtyard full of his men, preparing for battle. Grau forced himself to stand tall as his chest heaved with each breath.
“Why weren't you with me last night, Gottfried?”His voice was small, upset.Grau couldn't answer.Tanz turned slowly to gaze at him over his shoulder, his blue eyes glinting with…tears. Walking towards him and placing his cold hands against the sides of Grau's face, thumbs on his chin so he could tilt him up.
“I do not wish to imprison you. I am giving you another chance. My offer still stands. Just say something.”Silence. Tanz’s mouth trembled as tears rolled down his cheeks. He leaned down but Grau avoided his attempt at a kiss. That was the final straw. Grau distanced himself from the General, watching as Tanz’s hand went to his belt and produced his gun, pointing straight at him."Ich Liebe Dich, Gottfried."

BANG!
-✠︎-
RECORDING FROM AN INTERVIEW BY INSPECTOR MORAND TO SUSPECT K. HARTMANN. BERLIN 1956
Morand, “Can you tell me what happened on the 18th of July, 1944 between General Wilhelm Tanz and Lieutenant-Colonel Grau?”
Pause.
Hartmann, "I'd tell you, but you won't believe me.”