Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia by the awesome Hidekaz Himaruya. All I own is my imagination, several OCs for this story: Alice, Eloise, Janet, Daniel and Harry as well as the overall plot to this USUK wedding fic :)

Story notes: Established USUK relationship, romance, some OOC (up to personal interpretation), fluff...and is a standalone sequel to my story The Prince of the Roses and linked to my Valentine's story Love Among the Moon and the Stars. In this story, I did some research on the Royal Houseguards hotel, which is where the joyous event is to take place and it sounded perfect :) Most of what I've written is based on the website and image research so don't take all I've written about it in face value.

Author's notes: It wasn't easy...but I've done it! Here it is! The big day is here! Alfred and Arthur have to get prepared for the ceremony...what happens? I feel very accomplished on how this chapter turned out :) Be ready for some lovely romantic fluff and sappiness, it's coming soon! Please read on, my dears!

A Union Among The Roses

Chapter 2: The Morning Preparations

Matthew nodded his head in satisfaction when he checked his most recent text message from Toris. It said that Alfred's suit was finished and he was on his way up with Peter who was going to be their ringbearer. Then he checked his suit pocket where he stored the delicate velvet rectangular box containing Arthur and his brother's wedding rings and felt a mild sense of relief that they were still safe. He felt satisfied that everything was going as planned...well...except for Alfred who was still attempting to tame his cowlick while trying not to blush as his fingers brushed against it. He had been at it close to a half hour after he showered. The Canadian nation rolled his bespectacled dark sapphire eyes before approaching his brother.

"Relax, your hair is fine as it is, brother," Matthew's soft and encouraging tone didn't seem to work its calming magic on the American nation as usual as the young nation cursed under his breath that Nantucket still refused to cooperate with him, "Leave Nantucket alone. It hadn't cooperated with you all this time and it will certainly won't today. Just want to let you know that Toris is adding some last minute touches to your suit and will be up shortly with Peter. Come on, since when did you become such a worrywart? Cheer up! It's your wedding day!"

"Fuck, stupid thing...fine, I'll leave Nantucket alone. Sorry...and thanks for telling me about the suit...it's just...I'm just so nervous, Mattie," Alfred acquiesced as he turned to his brother, his eyes filled with worry. Then he turned to sit on the freshly made bed before placing his face despondently in his hands, his elbows balanced on his knees, "I just don't anything to screw up today. What if Artie suddenly changed his mind and doesn't want to be married to me once he comes out to the altar?"

Matthew was caught between sympathy for Alfred's pre-wedding jitters and amusement at his abnormally worried and shy behaviour in fear of displeasing his beloved Arthur. He knelt before his brother and poked his forehead get his attention, causing Alfred to look up and stare at him. Deep sapphire blue eyes softened slightly at the unguarded anxiety written on the other nation's face. He certainly looked so much younger without his trademark glasses sitting on his nose. This would be one of the very few rare occasions that the timid Canadian nation would step forward and knock some sense into his normally hyperactive, abrasive and cheerful brother. Matthew stared sternly at the powerful nation and spoke in his most authoritative voice that was quite unheard of for his quiet character.

"That's utter and complete nonsense, Alfred F. Jones. Arthur loves you so much. If he didn't, he wouldn't have accepted your proposal and wore that rose gold engagement ring that I helped you choose after over four agaonizing hours. That was your unfounded fear talking to you, not your heart that has always told you how deep Arthur's love is for you. Now get up, stop worrying and put that stupid grin back on your face, Al!"

Alfred's eyes widened at the unexpected pep talk from his normally shy brother. But it did its trick as Alfred began grinning and immediately gave Matthew a noogie. The two brothers chuckled as Matthew playfully tried to pry away from the larger nation.

"I didn't know you had it in you to lecture me, Mattie. I thought I'm the cool one between us."

"You'll be quite surprised, Al."

Just then, three knocks pounded on the door. Matthew got up to answer it as Alfred began changing into a clean singlet and comfortable briefs. When the Canadian nation opened the door, he found Toris holding Alfred's suit and Peter rocking back and forth on his shoes, clutching a small antique chest close to his chest. The Lithuanian nation nodded in greeting with a small friendly smile to Matthew while Peter immediately rushed inside. Alfred's face brightened upon seeing Toris and Peter.

"Heya, buddy! You look just like a gentleman, Peter!" Alfred commented jovially, patting the micro nation's hair after momentarily taking off his trademark sailor cap.

"I can't believe that you're really marrying my jerky big brother, Alfred," Peter piped up as he placed his cap back onto his head, "I'll kick his butt if he's ever mean to you because I look forward to having you as my cooler and more awesome big brother."

"I'm glad to hear it. But hey, take it easy on Artie, okay? It's his special day as well as mine. So be nice to him when he comes out. He is still your big brother. He does care for you even though he's a grumpy old man. You'd want to show everyone how grown up you are taking care of our rings so do them proud, kiddo."

"Fine, I won't do anything bad to Arthur...but it's only for today and for you, big bro," Peter grinned before finding a comfortable seat on the plush bed.

"The suit's all done, Toris?"

"I did as you asked, Mr. Alfred. I'm pleasantly surprised with the design that you asked it to be tailored in," Toris commented with a smile as he laid the covered object on the bed carefully and began to uncover the protective bag to show the precious contents to Alfred, who was briefly looking at the frameless spectacles in its shiny case. The three nations watched Alfred's eyes soften and his lips curling up in a small grin...unlike the last time the American nation saw it, the nostalgia was tinged with happiness instead of sadness it once brought...

"Help me with this, will you? I want to make sure it looks perfect for Artie..."

"Gladly, Mr. Alfred."

Matthew respectfully stood aside and positioned himself by the window, watching the steady crowd of the guests heading into the hotel's entrance. Then he thought of his amorous lover, Francis, causing his cheeks to tinge in a rosy pink blush. If Francis had been very caring and nurturing to him when he was his colony, he was certainly very loving and romantic to him as he was now. Like his brother, the couple agreed to spend the night apart to help their respective grooms and Francis had made some rather lewd promises on what they were going to do when they would be alone after the wedding. But he shoved the thoughts aside...there was always a time and place for them and it was certainly not now. The French nation should be with Arthur and Kiku right now in the dressing room near the Reading & Writing Room where the reception was to take place.

'Speaking of which, I wonder how Arthur is doing now?'

Kiku sighed in relief after managing to escape the nearly crowded Reading & Writing Room suite. The guestbook was filled with congratulatory messages and the seating arrangements for the ceremony and reception were finalized with Heracles' help. Kiku felt grateful having his koibito with him. Heracles was a hard worker when he had a task at hand and it was kind of exhilarating to see his serious side every now and then. After leaving Heracles to allow him to have a quick shut-eye before the ceremony and being assured by Elizabeta and Ludwig that they would manage the crowd before the grooms were to make their appearance, Kiku thanked them and immediately left. He needed to check on his friend, Arthur to make sure he was ready for the altar. The Japanese nation received his answer when he made out a heated conversation between Arthur and Francis coming from the other side of the dressing room door.

"Mon dieu! Hold still, Arthur! Otherwise, I won't be able to fix your collar properly."

"How am I supposed to stay still when I don't know the bloody hell what you're doing to me being blindfolded for God's sake?!"

Kiku chuckled behind his hand as he opened the door and stepped inside. Closing the door behind him, he continued watching the two European nations bicker, wondering to himself how Western culture could still baffle him to this day. He quickly glanced at one of the smaller mirrors to quickly inspect the smart dress suit he was wearing. He wasn't quite accustomed to this type of clothing but he would wear it to honour his friend's special event. Right at this moment, poor agitated Arthur was indeed blindfolded as the French nation took his time to dress the younger nation. Francis had tailored the English nation's suit and he insisted that Arthur was not to see it until he was completely dressed up. He made doubly sure that Arthur was facing away from the room's full length mirror to add to the effect.

"Ah Monsieur Kiku, you're back. How are the guests settling in the suite?"

"They're already in their seats and seem to be fine. Francis-san. Elizabeta-san and Ludwig-san have volunteered to watch over until you and Alfred-san are ready for your entrance."

"Kiku! Thank God, you're here!" the said Japanese nation composed himself at the sound of Arthur's urgent voice, "Please tell me the frog's not doing anything stupid to me. I'm not really in a dress, am I?"

"Don't worry, Arthur-san. Francis-san hasn't done anything and it's a suit, not a dress," Kiku reassured his friend before addressing the elder European nation, "Francis-san, I think it's best to not keep Arthur-san waiting. Are you nearly done?"

"Don't worry, Monsieur Kiku. I just need to straighten the lapels...and voila, mon lapin! All done!" Francis flicked his perfectly golden coiffed locks triumphantly at his accomplishment before chuckling at Arthur, his blue eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"About time, you frog!" Arthur groused before he was carefully turned around and directed before the mirror with Francis pushing him from behind, "What are you up to now?"

"And now...the reveal!" like a professional magician, Francis removed Arthur's blindfold with a flourish. He smirked upon seeing astounded awe flood the younger European nation's once exasperated face, "What do you think, mon lapin?"

Kiku's reaction was more composed but his dull dark eyes seemed to brighten and his polite smile widened as he made his way to his friend.

"You look good, Arthur-san," Kiku complimented sincerely before turning to Francis, "I must say that you have done a most commendable job, Francis-san."

The British nation was wearing a 4 piece suit black suit with matching black polished Oxford shoes. It possessed an elegant design, which fitted his slim physique beautifully. The suit's peaked lapels and burgundy cravat were lined with gold filigree embroidery. The deep emerald green of his silk vest brought out his eyes and contrasted well with the colour of the cravat. He frowned at Francis who perched his chin on one of his shoulders and winked at him.

"Well? What do you think, Arthur? Isn't it wise of you to leave the design to me?"

"S-Shut up!" Arthur averted his eyes from the French nation, not wanting to admit that...yes...Francis was quite a skilled tailor, "Still looks a bit showy to me..."

Francis chuckled. He knew that this was as close to a compliment as he could get. After all, Arthur hadn't made an effort to undress himself.

"And now, since you are the 'bride' in this union, Arthur," Francis started, causing Arthur's face to go red and sputter indignantly. Kiku chuckled behind his hand again, "I must add one last touch to make you look magnifique!"

"Oh please enlighten me," Arthur replied sarcastically.

"Come on, mon lapin. You should be feel grateful that I am lending you my beauty expertise. After all, this is for your Alfred, non?"

Arthur sighed in defeat. Francis did make an effort to make him look good for the day...and yes...it was all for Alfred. In addition, he knew that Francis wouldn't stop pestering until he got his way. In the end, he relented.

"Fine, if you make me more into a girl, then I'll kill you for the humiliation and I can't promise Matthew that you'll be back alive..." Arthur threatened.

"Believe me, mon lapin. If I did want to make you look more like a girl, I would've forced you to wear a tiara and a veil with your suit...which I did not. You won't regret this..." Francis retrieved a small velvet box from the dresser and opened it to show Arthur what was inside. Nestled on the black cushion was a cravat pin featuring a miniature deep red crystal shaped as a fully bloomed rose and set with miniature gold plated leaves and a delicate gold chain. It was indeed a masterpiece. Francis carefully took the pin out and reverently fastened it onto Arthur's cravat. Then he smoothed out the fabric, letting Arthur look at himself again in the mirror, "It suits you, Arthur."

"But...this is one of your prized trinkets," Arthur looked at the other European nation suspiciously, "Why are you letting me wear it?"

"I am the nation of beauty and l'amour, Arthur. This is your special day with your Alfred. You deserve to let your 'unrefined' beauty shine. After all, I am beautiful all the time. So for today, I shall be out of the spotlight, mon lapin."

Arthur had to smirk at Francis's unusually thoughtful gesture and delicately caressed the beautiful rose pin sitting pristinely on his cravat, glittering under the room's lights. He decided to let the 'unrefined' insult slide by...in all truth, Francis truly acted as an older brother figure that his other siblings failed to be, which was why they weren't present for the event. Arthur would never admit that to Francis...but he was sure the older nation knew that by his acceptance of the rose cravat pin...

"You bloody frog..."

"And I trust that you'll take good care of it, non?"

"You have my word as a gentleman. I'll return it to you once the reception is over."

Just then, there was a knock on his door and Kiku went to answer it. The Japanese nation opened the door wider once he saw who it was and a tiny smile warmed his pale face.

"Alice-san. Arthur-san was expecting you," Kiku greeted the old woman and he saw a little girl peeking from behind her skirt shyly, "Hello there, little one..."

"Oh Alice, Eloise! You're on time as expected," Arthur exclaimed, looking away from the mirror.

"Arthur, dear. You look marvelous in your suit! Look, Eloise. Doesn't Arthur look dashing?" Alice gently coaxed the little girl to come out and the nations noticed that she was wearing a pretty cream coloured sleeved frock with embroidered silk rosettes at the collar with matching Mary Janes, making her look beautiful for the occasion. A head garland of deep red and white rosebuds completed her look. She appeared to be carrying a bouquet of deep red roses sprinkled with baby's breath tied with a royal blue satin ribbon and a small white woven basket dangled from one of her lace covered arms. It was filled with red and white rose petals and a small sprig of flowers nestled in the delicate pile. Ah...that must be Alfred's boutonnière...

"Ah! Don't forget about big brother Francis," the French nation joined his companions and smiled charmingly at Alice as he kissed her hand and winked at the little girl who blushed and inched closer to her grandmother, "Bonjour, madame and to you too, mademoiselle..."

"Likewise, dear," Alice smiled before turning to Arthur, "Ah yes, Eloise has your wedding bouquet. Go on..."

"For you, Mr. Arthur," Eloise said as she held out the flowers to Arthur who accepted them graciously, "You look like a really handsome prince with the pretty roses..."

Arthur felt his heart warm at the girl's sincere compliment...then he felt his face soften and his eyes crinkle softly as he gazed at the roses because it briefly reminded Alfred's reverent nickname for him as the Prince of the Roses. He pressed his nose against the deep red flowers...they were pleasantly fragrant as they should be. He smiled back at Eloise.

"Thank you, Eloise. The flowers are lovely," Arthur said and kissed the little girl's hand in thanks as a gentleman would, making her giggle softly. He turned back to Alice, "And the floral arrangements for the ceremony?"

"They're all ready. And we'll be there to make sure that there will be fresh ones provided for the reception, dear."

"Thank you. You are truly a dependable spirit."

"I think we should quickly go and see Alfred to give him his boutonnière to brighten his suit before the ceremony starts. I'll make sure Eloise is back here on time so that she can fulfill her duty as flower girl."

"All right, we'll wait for Eloise's return, Alice. Take your time."

After Alice and Eloise departed and searched for Alfred, Arthur and Kiku fell into an easygoing conversation, exhanging news about their respective countries and continuing their discussion over the latest teas they sampled. Francis felt slightly out of place so he politely gave them space to talk. The French nation took comfort in his thoughts of his beloved Matthew...that sweet shy blessed being that made his heart full of l'amour that could last many lifetimes. He chuckled to himself when he visualised the rosy blush covering the innocent face when he whispered to him all the lovely things he would do to him on their bed after the wedding...ah his Matthew...so darling and naive...and so responsible too, especially concerning his brother.

'Speaking of which...I wonder how is Matthew doing with Alfred now?'

"All done, Mr. Alfred!" Toris declared triumphantly as he smoothed the dark material over his friend's shoulders, "It fits you perfectly!"

"Thanks, Toris. I owe you one, man," for the final touch, Alfred slid in his socked feet into his polished black dress shoes, "Hey, Mattie? Peter? What do you think?"

"Wow! You look even cooler than usual, Alfred!" was Peter's enthusiastic reply.

Matthew turned back to his brother and his smile widened at what he saw. For once, Alfred looked dashing and smart...his sheepish and shy grin and the frameless glasses sitting on his nose added the suave effect...if anything, he would've looked like the perfect Disney prince of every girl's dreams. The Canadian nation was certain that Arthur would be pleasantly surprised with what he would see when they would meet at the altar.

"Mattie?"

Matthew realised that his brother was uneasy about his lack of response. He nodded approvingly with a reassuring grin, "You look great, Al. Arthur's going to fall heads over heels all over again once he sees you."

Just then, a knock sounded on his hotel room door and Toris indicated that he would answer it. The Lithuanian nation opened the door and allowed the guests to enter. The other nations turned to the newcomers and Alfred beamed to see who they were.

"Alice! Eloise! You're here!" the American nation embraced the laughing old woman and smiled at Eloise, "Wow, you look like a princess, little lady!"

Eloise giggled shyly and hid behind Alice. She waved cutely at Peter who came down from his perch on the bed to curiously look at the young girl.

"My goodness...if only I were years younger, I would've married you on the spot in Arthur's place," Alice joked with good humour, making Alfred blush sheepishly with a warm chuckle. The old woman gently pushed her granddaughter towards the American nation, "Don't you have something to give to Alfred, dear?"

Eloise nodded and approached Alfred who knelt down at her level. She took out the boutonnière from her basket and showed it to him. It was a simple yet tasteful floral arrangement of two burgundy rosebuds and baby's breath tied with a miniature royal blue satin ribbon. Then the little girl carefully pinned it on Alfred's left lapel of his jacket.

"For you, Mr. Alfred...just want to let you know that Mr. Arthur looks just like a prince when Grandma and I saw him and gave him his bouquet," Eloise said after she did her task.

"Well, Arthur is my Prince of the Roses, Eloise...thank you for the flowers, sweetie," Alfred winked at her as he stood up.

"Well, I better bring Eloise back to Arthur so that she could mark his path with her petals. We'll see you later, Alfred dear and a pleasure to meet all of you."

After they left, Alfred found Matthew and Toris flanking his sides and Peter standing before him, "Is it time already?"

"Almost, brother, I just need to transfer the rings to Peter's chest. After all, it's his responsibility as ringbearer to make sure the rings are safe. Come here, Peter," Matthew motioned for Peter to come closer to him as he took out the ring box from his pocket. The young nation opened the chest lid and watched Matthew carefully fasten the sparkling intertwining white and rose gold bands onto the silken hooks on the satin cushion to prevent them from sliding. Matthew looked at Peter seriously, "Take good care of them, Peter."

"Of course, I will," Peter promised as he closed the lid securely, "Are we going or not?"

Matthew grasped his brother's shoulder with a smile on his gentle face, "Our little friend has a good point. Let's get going, you don't want to keep Arthur waiting, don't you?"

"Yeah...Artie...Artie's waiting for me...I guess there's no turning back, guys..."

Alfred took a deep breath before he opened the door, flashing his grin at his fellow nations.

"I'm ready!"

"I'm back, Mr. Arthur..." Eloise announced as she entered the dressing room once again, clutching her basket close to her, "Grandma is joining Mummy and Daddy at the altar."

Arthur noticed the nervousness marking the young girl's face. The British nation knelt before her and tilted the child's chin up.

"Eloise? What troubles you, my dear?"

"I got little butterflies in my tummy and...I'm scared that I won't sprinkle the petals just right..."

"Hush now. You'll be great out there. So don't you worry, poppet. Just imagine that you're a little fairy of grace and beauty dancing among the flowers, spreading your magic and happiness wherever you go," he watched the little girl's face brighten with a smile as she allowed her imagination to calm her down, "Can you do that for me?"

"Of course, I can, Mr. Arthur!" Eloise promised.

"Do you feel much better, Eloise?"

"Much better, Mr. Arthur. Thank you for calming the butterflies in my tummy. I don't feel them anymore."

"Now that our little belle has returned, we should get going," Francis helped Arthur stand up, "It's not everyday one gets married."

"Wait. There's something I wish to pass onto Arthur-san before we continue."

"Of course, Monsieur Kiku. We still have some time."

"Arthur-san. You and Alfred-san have been very good friends to me in your own unique ways even though we had been enemies before. I am truly happy for you and Alfred-san and I would like you to accept this en-musubi omamori to signify an auspicious start to your union."

Arthur watched in fascination when Kiku pulled out the said charm. The British nation had seen them before on his trips to Japan whenever Kiku took him to those festivals in the temples. Unlike the other colorful and modern designs he had seen before that were targeted to young people, the presented omamori had a more traditional and subtle feel to it with the kanji character for love calligraphed on the delicate beige paper dotted with pink cherry blossom petals. Arthur felt himself touched by the thoughtful gesture: Kiku was blessing his marriage and the sincerity was clear on his normally expressive pale face.

"Here..." Kiku stepped forward to place the paper charm into one of Arthur's front suit pocket before smoothing it out to prevent any more wrinkles from forming. He smiled at the fellow island nation, "May you both have a glorious marriage, Arthur-san."

Arthur found himself softening at the kind gesture. Holding the bouquet securely in one arm, he used his free arm to pull the Japanese nation in the briefest of embraces, knowing how skittish he was with hugs even after doing it for years of being friends, "Thank you, Kiku. That's very thoughtful of you. I hope that you and Heracles continue to stay together. He's good for you, you know."

Kiku bowed, a slight flush coloring his pale cheeks, "Thank you for your kind words, Arthur-san. My koibito will be most pleased to hear it from you."

Francis held out his arm to Arthur, "It is my job as your fellow best man and big brother to give you away to Alfred, non?"

Arthur rolled his eyes exasperatedly but accepted the French nation's arm, "Just this once...I'm glad that it is you next to me...big brother..."

Francis leaned down to plant a platonic kiss on the other nation's forehead, "Anytime, mon lapin. Now come, let's not keep them waiting. Lead us out, little belle."

Kiku stepped aside to let his fellow nations and the little flower girl step outside the dressing room first. After straightening his suit one more time, he took a deep breath and closed the door behind them...

To be continued... (next: the Wedding Ceremony)

Author's notes: Yay! Second part done. I always felt that Francis cared for Arthur in his own way and vice versa so it's fitting that Francis would be the one to give him away :). Now I will have to make sure the third part will really be a great unforgettable union for both Alfred and Arthur, which will be posted on Valentine's Day :) Just so you know, the Reading & Writing Room is an actual wedding venue and is located in the Royal Horseguards Hotel. In the next chapter, I will base the description on the website photos I researched. Until next time, reviews are the best motivation I can ask for, please and thank you, my dears!