It was yet another birthday, and to Arthur, it was meaningless. Hundreds of them have gone by and it was pointless to celebrate it at this point; however, the other nations seemed to disagree. Throughout the day he'd received six birthday cards (including an amateur drawing from Peter) and an overly colorful cupcake from Alfred. Surprisingly, there had been no sign of Francis, and he was expecting some sort of cheesy yet romantic gift like he does every year. By the end of the day he'd grown tired of of everyone's cheerful 'happy birthday's and was ready to flop onto the couch and just go to sleep. Once he was home, the first thing he noticed was a wrapped gift sitting in front of the door. Attached to it was a note that said, 'From Francis' followed by hearts and a few obscene drawings. With a sigh Arthur picked it up and began to unwrap the gift as he stepped inside.
"Peanut brittle? The hell, Francis?" he grumbled once it was open. He was still sick to his stomach from the sugary cupcake, but the tooth-rotting snack also tempted him. So he took a seat on the couch and pried the can open.
Not seconds later did a huge toy snake leap out of the can, followed by a loud shriek. "FRANCIS!" Furious, Arthur kicked the can across the room. He stormed over to his phone to call his French boyfriend and rant to him, but was startled yet again by a tap on the shoulder. "You called?"
Arthur spun around and nearly fell backwards onto the table. "Damn it Francis, you're just trying to give me a heart attack, aren't you?" he snapped. "Why weren't you at the meeting today, anyway?"
"I was busy." Francis shrugged. "Did you enjoy your present?"
"If by present, you mean cardiac arrest."
"Have you read the note attached to the snake?"
Confused, Arthur turned back to the limp snake he'd dropped onto the carpeted floor. He was even more suspicious now, but he grabbed it by the tail and tore off the small note stuck to its face.
"Will you marry me?" it read.
Arthur went silent. Once his shock was clearly visible, Francis slipped an arm around his waist. "Do you really think I'd give you a cheap prank for your birthday? Of course I'd have to add a little twist on it as well!" he spoke, his voice just above a whisper.
"Maybe, but I… I never expected this! Francis, I love you so much…!" He tugged the other by his shirt and brought their lips together. "Of course I'll marry you, dumbass… Might as well spend this infinite life with someone I tolerate."
"I tolerate you too, Arthur." Francis chuckled in response, bringing their lips into yet another kiss. "And I love you more than anything."