Sitting in a chair near the altar, Matthew nervously fidgeted with the white rose tucked in the chest pocket of his dark red suit. Today was the 16th August, not only the day when Francis and Arthur first became prisoners in the rest of the G8 nation's plans, but also the day of their wedding ceremony at the marriage registration hall. Matthew would have honestly preferred to wear a suit of a more modest colour but Francis wasn't having any of it and insisted the Canadian wore red. "I sink red will flatter you more zan any colour in zee shop," Matthew heard the French accented voice ring in his head when they picked out their suits weeks before. He only agreed because one, he wanted to keep Francis happy and two, he would have nagged Matthew to wear the suit until he surrendered. Such is the price of being a former colony of Francis Bonnefoy. He took a quick glance behind him in case Arthur and Alfred were ready to walk through those mahogany doors and down the aisle. Nothing yet but scanning the room quickly, he could see every other nation Arthur and Francis invited to their wedding. Some people were noisier than others, like Romano nagging Spain to stop being so affectionate to him and Arthur's brother's; Siôn and Callan bickering while the red haired Angus acted as a wall between them. Matthew turned his head to the front again, fidgeted with his fingers and this did not go unnoticed by Francis. "Are you all right mon ami?" He uttered quietly.
Matthew nodded his head. "Yeah. Just a little nervous, that's all."
"Well zhere is nosing to be nervous about." Francis patted the Canadian's shoulder. "Today is a day of celebration so just relax. It makes us look as zough you're getting married and not I," The Frenchman's reassuring smile bought one to Matthew's lips, calming him.
"All rise for the groom," The male cleric declared. The audience stood to their feet in a wave as Francis and Matthew did the same and turned back. That was Roderich's cue to begin Pachelbel's canon with the string quartet, consisting of Ludwig on the cello, Bella (Belgium) on the viola and Elizaveta and Feliciano on the violins. All eyes were on Alfred leading Arthur down the red-carpeted aisle. The Englishman was adorned in a dark green suit and Matthew could tell he looked comfortable in that colour, the same with Alfred in a dark blue suit. Anyone would think they weren't nervous like he was. As they drew closer to the altar, Alfred winked at Matthew as though to say everything will be all right to which the Canadian smiled, feeling somewhat comforted by that gesture. The music slowed and ended by the time they reached both Francis and Matthew. The Frenchman took his place next to Arthur and instinctively all their fingered intertwined in each other's hands. The cleric made his speech and there was a period where both Matthew and Alfred got out of their seats to bear the rings to which Francis and Arthur made their vows.
Then came the part where their confirmation of marriage would be sealed. The cleric asked both nations the one question they had the same answer for.
"I do," was their answer.
"Then by the power invested in me, you are officially bound by marriage. Congratulations!" The cleric finally declared. Applause filled the room as the happy couple locked lips in a kiss and Feliciano burst into happy tears.
It took everyone a while to arrive at a manor house, located far from the marriage registration office. The building was grand with a periodic marble exterior and inside was just as grand; cream walls decorated with oil paintings of country landscapes and potted plants on top of marble pedestals stood on the beige carpet. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling in all the rooms, including the dining hall. The round tables covered with white tablecloths were scattered around the wooden floor, leaving enough space for a dancing area as well as the DJ equipment to stand (which seemed to be the only unfitting thing in such a regal setting). As Arthur and Francis took their places at the only rectangular table near an unlit fireplace, Alfred picked Matthew out by his arm from the rest of the guests entering their designated tables, and dragged him a little way from the door.
"Mattie, are you going to do the best man's speech?" Alfred whispered, peering around to make sure no one suspected anything while entering the room.
"To be honest, I don't know what I can say. I've never done a speech for this occasion before." The Canadian looked awkwardly to the side.
Alfred shuffled his feet and turned to his brother. "Well if it's all right… can I do it? Give the speech?" At first, Matthew was hesitant, thinking the American might say something inappropriate, but after everything that's been going on he nodded his head.
"Sure, okay. Make sure you don't say something to upset anyone, 'kay?"
"Puh-lease!" Alfred let out a laugh. "A hero always makes sure everything works out in the end! Trust me!"
"That's what I'm afraid of," Matthew uttered out of his brother's earshot before he noticed he disappeared into the dining hall. Quickly, the Canadian caught up and sat in his designated seat next to Francis. Throughout eating the meal, Matthew couldn't help but dread Alfred's speech. If his speech was going to be anything like the ones at the world, G8 or any other meetings he attended, it was going to be absurd. He began regretting his courage leaving him and letting his brother take the role of speaking to everyone publically. Alfred was the one who didn't like the idea of Arthur and Francis getting married at first and for him to accept caused Matthew to suspect something wasn't quite right. But his thoughts were going to be confirmed sooner than he expected as the sound of the metallic fork dinging against the wine glass rang throughout the room. Matthew turned to the source of the sound coming from Alfred himself. Once the chattering diminished to silence, all eyes were on the American clearing his throat.
"Great! I have your attention!" He said cheerfully, not realizing Matthew had his head in one hand.
"Great. That's a good start…" He groaned in his head and waited for his cue to stop Alfred from causing a crisis at the wedding.
"As you all know, today's a really special day for the happy couple sitting with us," Alfred took a quick glance at Francis and Arthur, who smiled at him before Alfred faced his audience again. "August 16th of 2011: That day was a day of a huge decision, that the rest of the G8 members made after we sent Francis and Arthur home to cool down from another one of their arguments. August 16 of 2011 was the day Francis and Arthur first woke up in the concrete cell Ludwig had built especially for them." At the mention of his name, the German sunk into his chair a little as his cheeks flushed a light shade of red.
"We've listened to their squabbles and fights but after a few days locked inside, they formed an alliance just like old times. It was another alliance they were reluctant to make but it was mainly to get back at us. It just proved they can work together when they want to. Of course, that wasn't a choice they made themselves. Ludwig along with Feliciano, Kiku, Ivan, Matthew and myself hoped to force Arthur and Francis to being friends so we wouldn't have to listen to them fight anymore. They could have stayed as enemies and fight all the time and never imagine this day to come, but they didn't. Arthur and Francis chose to make the effort and get along. It was amazing how decisions were made inside such a confined space together. They chose what to talk about and what to do together but whether falling in love was one of them, who knows."
"We couldn't listen in on half the stuff those guys said or did because they destroyed the camera and listening devices but I bet that they made a lot of decisions in there. Some were small while others were like huge like getting married. I have to admit, I wasn't exactly happy about it for personal reasons but I remember making a choice like that once. One that would upset a lot of people but in the end, it worked out for the better in more way than my main goal. I accept that if Arthur and Francis wanted to be together then by all means, they can be each other's heroes. Whatever choices they make, I suspect that everyone hopes both Arthur and Francis will live happily as long as they're together." Alfred raised a glass of bubbling champagne and turned to the couple. "I raise a toast to choices, and hoping no matter what happens, things would always work out for them. To the happy couple!"
Cheers and glasses clinking together chorused around the room. Matthew couldn't help but smile at Alfred after his speech. A feeling of inspiration fuzzed inside him as well as the urge to hug him, thanking him for understanding and acting mature about the marriage. Now the food wouldn't leave a bitter taste in his mouth. It was only a while later that Gilbert (who happened to be the owner of the DJ equipment) summoned Arthur and Francis to the dance floor.
"All right people! It's zat time of celebration vhere zee happy couple vill now do zee honours of zee first dance! Come on! Don't be shy!" Gilbert demanded on the microphone.
The Frenchman turned to Arthur with a grin. "Allonsy Art'ur, just like we practiced."
"Don't treat me like a lady you cheeky sod! I'm a man too!"" The Englishman gave his hand to Francis anyway and followed him to the dance area. Alfred and Matthew's eyes followed their former guardians, and watched them get into their starting position as a piano quietly began to play through the speakers.
"When the rain is blowing in your face
and the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love."
Everyone crowded around the dance area observing the slow and tenderness from the happy couple's movements. Matthew and Alfred smiled before the Canadian leaned his lips near his brother's ear. "When did you come up with that speech? What you said was really good."
"I kinda thought about everything that went on with Arthur and Francis and then that reminded me of when I wanted to become independent," Alfred started. "It was a big choice to fight Arthur and free myself from him just like those two decided to marry each other. In a way, I have them and you to thank for today happening."
"Oh?" Matthew blinked in confusion. "How so?"
"If Francis hadn't had gave me a really good reason not to give up my dream of leaving Arthur, if Arthur pulled the trigger on the gun when he had the chance, and if you didn't give me that lecture to stop being an ass… we wouldn't be here watching those two dance. And they wouldn't have seen how much they really loved each other."
Matthew stared at the American dumbfounded. Not only had he said something provocative but he was also right. Arthur would have grown too powerful and died like the Roman and Holy Roman empire. The cell would not have been created as no arguments would have taken place and most of all, there would have been no celebration on the 16th August. Matthew beamed at Alfred and opened his mouth to say something when a loud zipping noise interrupted Adele's version of 'Make you feel my love'. The guests turned their heads to Gilbert, each other and back again wondering why the song suddenly cut out. Francis and Arthur stopped their dancing and broke apart, staring in the direction of the DJ stand.
"Yo Gilbert! What gives!?" Alfred demanded with a scowl. The Prussian's answer came in form of singing from the speaker. Mischievous grins raised on Francis and Arthur's lips as they posed and clapped to the offbeat.
"Rah rah rah ah ah!
Roh mah roh mah mah!
Ga ga ooh la la!
Want your bad romance!"
The two nations began rolling their arms in a circular motion for two beats on both sides during the first two lines again twice. For the last two lines of the verse, they marched crossing each other before pointing to everyone at the line, "Want your bad romance".
"I want you ugly, I want your disease.
I want your everything as long as it's free
I want your love. Love, love, love!
I want your love."
Alfred and Matthew's face were aghast in surprise, as everyone else was while Francis and Arthur performed the rhythmic rite of movements constituting to the words. "Those dudes planned this the sneaky bastards!" Alfred's still wide; Matthew had to nod in agreement. This was the second time Arthur and Francis had planned the unexpected surprise and had the desired effect, although some of the other nations began to cheer and squeal with encouragement.
"I want your lovin', I want your revenge
you and me could write a bad romance!
I want your lovin', all your love is revenge
You and could write a bad romance!"
Matthew had to admit he was impressed with how they followed the chorus routine from the Lady Gaga video to perfection. He wondered why they were sometimes unavailable to contact anyone; it must have taken weeks to perfect the choreography. He figured it might have been Francis' idea since Arthur wasn't the sort of person to want to burst into what seemed like a spontaneous dance. His father figure must have struck up a really good deal for Arthur to go along with it.
"I want your love
and I want your revenge.
I want your love
I don't wanna be friends!"
"J'veux ton amour
et je veux ton revenge.
J'veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends!"
During the middle eight parts, Matthew (along with a few other guests) could tell their movements became more sensual, like they got caught up in their own world, especially during the parts sung in French. Passion could clearly be seen from the way Francis and Arthur stared lovingly into each other's eyes. No matter what direction they moved their bodies; their gaze was the only thing they kept locked. The way the dancers focused intensely on just themselves mesmerized Matthew until Lady Gaga began her last chorus, breaking Francis and Arthur's eye contact and snapping the Canadian out of his trance like state. He turned his head to see most of the other nations clapping in time to the music and singing along to the words. Others still stared in shock.
"Rah rah rah ah ah!
Roh mah roh mah mah!
Ga ga ooh la la!
Want your bad romance!"
After clapping the last verse, Francis and Arthur bought themselves into an embrace and froze for a few seconds, panting. An enormous applause erupted from around the dance area as the couple locked their lips in a kiss. Another smile beamed on Matthew's face, seeing his former guardians together really filled him with pride. As everyone else fought for a space on the dance floor and jived to the next song, Matthew noticed the married couple escape to the outside patio through the giant doors. He stared at the exit for a few seconds before deciding he needed some fresh air and followed them out.
The coldness smacked Matthew's face but he didn't mind since he was used to it. He watched Francis and Arthur looking over the gardens with different coloured flowers choreographed in neat, various sections. The Canadian didn't dare open his mouth because in truth, he didn't want to interrupt their time with one another. Francis and Arthur together was a comfortable image in his mind and he didn't want to spoil it by barging in without their consent. But that was soon short lived when Francis turned around and spotted the Canadian observing them. "You wanted to get away from zee crowd aussi?" He asked as Matthew approached them and nodded his head.
"Yeah, kinda," He answered in his usual timid way, scratching the back of his head. "Your dance, I mean… you surprised us again."
"It was Francis' idea and I wasn't going to go along with it at first. However, he made me an offer I simply couldn't refuse." Arthur smirked in the Frenchman's direction.
"What sort of offer?" Matthew glanced between the two of them.
"If Art'ur went along wiz zee spontaneous dance," Francis raised his hands and twitched both pairs of index and middle fingers signifying quotation marks, "I'd let 'im top me on our 'oneymoon."
"Oh," The Canadian's cheeks blushed to a shade similar to the maple leaf on his national flag. "That's how you convinced him papa."
"So long as 'e doesn't disappoint me, I'll keep to my end of zee bargain," Francis glanced back at Arthur and weaved his fingers into his hand.
"Oh you will as long as you're on my boat," Arthur grinned and checked his watch, his emerald eyes widening suddenly. "I'd say it's time to take our leave for our honeymoon love."
"Zen we shall bid everyone adieu and be on our way," The couple made their way towards the door before stopping in front of it and looked back. "And Matthieu?"
The Canadian stopped for a moment. "Y-Yes?"
Francis and Arthur gave him a warm smile. "Merci for making zis day possible for us."
"We really are grateful to you and everyone else who made today wonderful."
Matthew blushed lightly and giggled. "You're welcome."
And he along with everyone else followed the married couple to outside the manor where a black Jaguar awaited them. After slipping into the car, it slowly pulled away while Arthur and Francis waved goodbye through the back window. Matthew could help but keep his smile from earlier on the patio, even as the vehicle disappeared around the corner.
!
This chapter took a lot longer than I expected it too! Mainly because so much was going on in real life and I've just been so busy!
Originally, I never intended for the spontaneous dance to happen for Francis and Arthur but after watching the awesome wedding dance video on Youtube, it had to be done. My reasons for the following songs are as follows:
Make you Feel My Love – Adele version: I think the song is more like someone promising they'd love and protect the other from harm and comfort them when they need it. That's the sort of thing that happened in both 'Two Countries One World' and this story between Francis and Arthur.
Bad Romance – Lady Gaga: When I was looking for a song that I can imagine them dancing to, songs I considered maybes eventually lead me to this one. I laughed while writing the dancing part mainly because it seems out of character for the both of them (especially Arthur). Plus I think the lyrics… kind of make some sense in terms of their… spontaneous relationship.
Anyways, there will be one more chapter before I can officially wrap this up so for now, review, comment and let me know what you think.