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 :) the song 'All I Ask Of You', one of my absolute favourite songs in the Phantom of the Opera musical, is composed by the brilliant Andrew Llyod Webber and is used for the romantic atmosphere in the chapter :) it's practically their song! The food items in their banquet are sampled from the Plyvine Catering company 2011 Wedding menu package so I don't hold credit for them. As for the inspiration of their wedding cake, it's all thanks to Pinterest for their inspiration for rose-themed cakes :)
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 :) This chapter's setting takes place in the Gladstone Library suite as well as back at the Reading & Writing Room suite. 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. The song lyrics are written for atmosphere and are in italics :)
A Slight Warning: There will be a slight reference on the eve of the first anniversary of the September 11th attacks in this chapter. It was also referenced in my other story 'The Prince of the Roses'.
Author's notes: The wedding reception...now I have been to a couple of weddings myself so I'm writing partially based on my experiences as well as my imagination going on overdrive. Yay! I have managed to post it early so that you all can have more to read :) This will be the longest chapter I will have written for this USUK wedding story so far as I still have one more to go to officially finish this story :) Gosh I hope that this will be up to your USUK expectations. Please read on, my dears!
A Union Among The Roses
Chapter 4: The Wedding Reception
Alfred sighed softly as he slowly blinked his eyes open to get rid of the drowsiness plaguing him. He quickly slipped on his frameless glasses and reached for his iPhone resting on the bedside to check the time and was pleasantly surprised that he still had time to spare before the alarm would go off. He vaguely noticed that the hotel room was cast in a deep golden glow, signaling the early signs of evening approaching.
The rustling of the silken sheets and a pleasantly warm oiled body shifting against his bare chest caught Alfred's attention. He looked down to find Arthur still fast asleep, his golden blonde hair tickling his neck. The larger nation carefully propped himself up against the soft pillows so that he was half-sitting but still allowed him to hug the other nation close to him. Arthur looked very serene and handsome in his slumber, a rosy blush lightly tinging his pale skin. The sweet scent of lavender from the massage oil lingered around the British nation, pleasantly filling Alfred's nose as he cuddled his spouse closer to him. The American nation had to smile at the beautiful sight. Watching Arthur sleep was one of his favorite pastimes since this was when he could fully observe and admire him without the trademark scowls and frowns marring his face.
"Hmmm...uhm...Alfred..." Arthur sleepily mumbled and curled up closer on his chest like an affectionate kitten.
Alfred gently combed the messy yet silky locks on Arthur's head, looking down on him fondly, 'Awww! He's dreaming about me! How cute!'
And it appeared from the small yet noticeable smile on the British nation's face that he was having a very good dream. Alfred felt accomplished that his idea of a relaxing massage had created that serene look and allowed Arthur to have a restful sleep.
Alfred took his time admiring his Prince of the Roses in his beauty sleep, knowing that the alarm would soon do its job to wake the other nation. All the while, Alfred stroked the supine back and pressed kisses on the crown of tousled golden blonde hair, content with the rare peace and tranquility radiating in the current atmosphere of the hotel room. After a few minutes, Alfred's iPhone alarm finally activated, the gentle strumming of the ringtone breaking the silence. Arthur fidgeted within the larger nation's arms, groaning in his throat and his green eyes starting to blink open.
Alfred quickly disabled the alarm and brushed his lips against Arthur's as he pulled him closer to his chest, "Wake up, sleeping beauty. Had a good dream?"
Arthur sleepily nodded and returned the sweet kiss, "Yes, but a pity that it ended too soon, I'm afraid."
"How are you feeling, Arthur?"
The British nation's smile was as lovely as a rose in bloom and his green eyes twinkled in a rare warmth that took Alfred's breath away, "Very much better, Love. Thank you for the massage and for letting me sleep."
"Awww, anytime, Sweetheart. After all, you, my Prince of the Roses, deserve the best after all the hard work you've done."
"We're only halfway through, Alfred. Better not rest on our laurels just yet. We'd better get dressed before Matthew comes back to check on us..." Arthur reluctantly pulled away from his husband and pushed the sheets aside to stand up.
Alfred eyed the British nation appreciatively at the way his lightly oiled skin seemed to illuminate in a heavenly aura against the sultry golden glow. Arthur went to the cupboard to retrieve their suits, which remained pristine on their hangers. It was fortunate that the older nation was a strict stickler for tidiness and presentation. Arthur wasted no time to start dressing up and Alfred followed his lead. A comfortable silence passed between the couple, save for the rustle of clothing while they changed. Arthur was straightening his cravat and the crystal rose pin for a final touch-up when Alfred hugged him from behind.
"Hey Arthur?"
"What is it, Alfred?"
"Can you help me with this bow tie?" Alfred indicated to the black silk ribbon around his collared neck, "Toris helped me with it earlier but I'm no expert in this thing."
"You really are hopeless," Arthur rolled his eyes but gave a wry grin as he expertly did up the bow tie and gave a gentle tug to make sure it was secure. He smoothed the lapels of his jacket and pinned the boutonnière back on to complete the outfit, "All done, Love."
"Thanks, Sweetheart," Alfred beamed. Just then, they heard soft knocks on the door. It must be Matthew. Alfred held out his arm to Arthur, "Shall we?"
Arthur linked his arm with the larger nation, "Let's go, Alfred..."
With Alfred and Arthur still a distance away, Matthew first approached Francis and Alice who were chatting amiably outside the closed doors to the suite. The French nation beamed upon seeing his lover and kissed his cheek in greeting, causing Matthew to smile softly at the sweet gesture.
"How is everyone in the the Gladstone Library, mon amour?" Mathew inquired.
"Our guests have settled down with the hors d'oeuvre and Antonio is playing some light tunes on the DJ station. Everything is fine, mon petit ange," Francis assured Matthew before turning to Alice, "Madame, you've been very marvelous with the floral arrangements...merci beaucoup..."
Alice kindly smiled up at the towering nations, "It's all my pleasure, dears. Arthur has been very kind to me and for being a wonderful customer in my shop..."
The echoes of Alfred's and Arthur's voices signaled their impending arrival. It was then Francis and Matthew noticed a wistful look present on the old woman's face as she observed the British nation lightly bantering with Alfred while they strolled with their hands interlocked with each other. Her eyes were serene and filled with reminiscing.
"Seeing them happy together like this reminds me of my own marriage with Harry before he passed away...the dear old rascal...I sure hope to see him someday soon..." her fist reached for her locket whereupon she gripped it lovingly.
"Madame?"
"I have been blessed with a loving family and have achieved many accomplishments during my journey. But in all my years, all I want is for Arthur to be happy the moment he stepped into my shop...look at that smile on his face...I feel so fortunate that I lived long enough to see it happen...I knew that there was something special about him...and well..all of you, actually..." Alice noticed the concerned looks focused on her and she lightly shook her head in apology, "Ah, please forgive an old lady's musings...I must be getting very senile and sentimental at my advanced age."
"Alice, I didn't know you're still here. I thought that perhaps you already left with Janet and Daniel." Arthur exclaimed exuberantly as he broke away from Alfred to grasp her hand and kissed the back of it, "I do hope that my companions haven't been too much trouble for you."
Francis and Matthew felt grateful at Arthur's intervention and the slight melancholic atmosphere dimmed down as they watched Arthur interact with the old woman reverently. Alice must had been one special mortal Arthur befriended...
"Oh no, I had a lovely time with them, Arthur dear. They are such gentlemen. All the roses are duly arranged in the suite as we discussed. Ah yes, before you and Alfred make your grand entrance, here's your wedding bouquet back. I kept the flowers all fresh throughout the afternoon," Alice said as she passed Arthur back the lovely roses.
"Thank you..." Arthur cradled the bouquet, "Surely you must at least have something to eat and we want to thank you for all that you done. Please join us tonight."
"That is very kind of you to offer, dear. But this is yours and Alfred's special day and I already had plans for tonight. Janet and Daniel are should be here anytime now to pick me up..." she peeked past Arthur and she beamed upon seeing the said couple heading their way, "Hello, Darling. Right on time as usual."
"Come on, Mum. You had a long day. Let's get you home so that we can all have supper together. Eloise is waiting for you," Janet gently guided her mother to her husband who took her hand. She turned to the four nations, "Thank you for looking after Mum while she's working. She's passionate about her roses and treats them like her babies."
"There's no finer rose connoisseur as your mother, Janet. It was an honour for us to bless our day with her beautiful roses. So thank you," Arthur said in high praise before walking to Alice and clasp her hand, "Take care, Alice."
"May you have a blessed marriage together, Arthur Kirkland," then Alice turned to Alfred and poked his chest, her eyes looking serious yet mirthful at the same time. She exclaimed her warning, "You take care and love him with all your being, Alfred F. Jones or you will have to answer to me!"
Alfred pulled Arthur close to him as he grinned and saluted her, "You got it, ma'am. A hero such as me never breaks his promises!"
"Very good. You gave me your word," Alice beamed. The same wistful look returned to her eyes as she looked at Alfred and Arthur...they were together as they should be and they looked so lovely among the roses. Her purpose for today had been fulfilled, "Goodbye, dears..."
With that, Alice and her family departed. Arthur couldn't help but feel something prickling in his heart upon Alice's greeting and the way she looked at him and Alfred. The manner in her gentle voice...it sounded so...final...
"Sweetheart?"
"Oh...it's nothing, Love," Arthur shook away the strange sensations and looked up reassuringly at Alfred who was gazing at him with concern.
"Well, the guests are waiting for you, mes amis...let's not keep them waiting," Francis opened the doors and gestured towards the luxurious interior of the suite. The other nations could see their guests already seated at their tables, chatting amiably as they shared hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Matthew went up ahead to announce their arrival.
"Let's have a great time, Sweetheart."
"Yes, let's do that, Love."
"Well...I'm quite happy at how the banquet went so far, Love," Arthur commented as he sipped his water after finishing the last morsel of his English Beef Sirloin dipped it in burgundy and mushroom sauce.
"I have to say that this actually tasted a little bit better than hamburgers any day, Sweetheart," Alfred said cheekily, earning a light punch on his shoulder.
"Oh, belt up...you enjoyed the food, admit it. Didn't I tell you that when vegetables are done the right way, they actually taste good? Don't think I didn't see you trying to sneak some spoonfuls from my own portion of potato and leek soup when I was briefly talking with Kiku and Heracles."
"Fine, you caught me...I can't help it that it tasted THAT delicious," Alfred pouted, making Arthur give an exasperated chuckle. Then the larger nation's face lit up with a grin, "But all that aside, aren't you glad that your stuffy lessons in dining etiquette hasn't been totally lost on me?"
Arthur leaned in to kiss his husband's cheek, "Well, I suppose have to give credit where it's due despite you trying to steal spoonfuls of my soup. But the most important thing to me is that you've enjoyed the food. It was hard to choose which courses would suit your palate and our guests. I had to make sure that there were alternatives to some of our guests that couldn't eat beef..."
"Well, from their reactions, they appear to be liking what you provided," Alfred wrapped an arm around Arthur's shoulders and kissed his temple, "You really did think of the best for our special day, Sweetheart."
Warmed by his husband's sincere words, Arthur leaned his head against Alfred's shoulder as he surveyed the scenery before them from their viewpoint at the head table. Arthur could practically feel his pride and ego of his native foods being stoked in his soul. Now they would think twice before saying that all British cuisine was bland and terrible in taste.
It would be a while before their guests would finish their main courses so Arthur decided to savour the beauty of the Gladstone Library suite that housed the grand reception. The lights from the bright chandeliers attached to the ornate high ceiling basked the surroundings in a golden glow, which gleamed on the strong marble pillars and the crystal facets of the vases scattered around the premises. They contained more wondrous bouquets of Alice's red and white roses and the flowers complimented wonderfully with the warm and elegant Victorian aura and grandeur the suite seemed to exude. The upper levels could be accessed by the gantry and Arthur could see the walls beautifully lined with shelves containing hundreds of ancient book replicas. Large windows interspersed with the shelves, which currently displayed the Thames River and the city landscape under the star-filled sky.
Just then, the couple saw Francis and Matthew talking with the catering staff chief before rising from their table and headed their way. Ah...that meant it was time to move their guests back to the Reading & Writing Room suite to begin the real festivities and to allow the catering staff to prepare the wedding cake and the desserts. Arthur could tell because Gilbert and Antonio were also getting up from their chairs to head for the adjoining suite.
"Anytime you're ready, mes amis. It's time for the 'bride' to take center stage," Francis chuckled and ducked gracefully out of the way to avoid receiving a right hook into his face by a highly irritated Arthur.
After moving their guests back to the Reading & Writing Room which now had a DJ station set up with Gilbert and Antonio manning behind it, Francis announced into his microphone that it was time to catch the bouquet, making many of the female nations squeal with delirious delight. After much goading, Arthur reluctantly took his position on the podium as the small crowd of women corralled before him. He hadn't imagined that this single bouquet of roses could rouse such feral excitement of wanting to find out who was next to wed...so to speak. He also noted that there were a few other male nations joining in the game, having made out Feliks and Feliciano by their beaming faces and their respective lovers, Toris and Ludwig looking on with amused tenderness on their faces. Even Matthew decided to join in for the fun of it.
Francis gestured to Arthur with a wink, "Come now, mon lapin. It is time to part with your beautiful roses. Who is the lucky woman...or man to receive them?"
Arthur shook his head at the audacity of the situation but it was still a game and he hoped that the precious blossoms wouldn't be too terribly crushed during the ruckus that was sure to follow. Heaving a sigh, Arthur threw the roses up into the air. The British nation watched the participants comically scramble and trample over each other in an effort to catch the elusive bouquet. The flowers jumped and bumped into the air until they landed into the arms of a very unlikely recipient.
Lili bore a surprised expression on her delicate face when she suddenly found herself clutching Arthur's wedding bouquet. Elizabeta quickly dispersed the crowd before they would goad at Lili to give them the roses, knowing how timid the younger nation was and not wanting Vash to start loading his shotgun. The Hungarian nation smiled at her friend, complimenting at how lovely Lili looked with the roses. Vash looked on protectively, his face still as neutral as ever...although Arthur could've sworn he saw a small smile curling on the Swiss nation's lips to match the shy smile now gracing Lili's lips. Arthur watched as the two friends finally separated: Elizabeta to Roderich and Lili to Vash. The British nation looked on fondly as Lili showed the roses to her brother who stroked her head gently in return.
"It appears that Alice's roses are in good hands," Alfred commented and hugged Arthur from behind as they continued to watch Lili and Vash.
"I say the little dear deserved them...better to be her than anyone else..." Arthur agreed.
Just then, the creaking of the suite's doors caught their attention. The guests moved respectfully out of the way as the catering staff made their way to the podium. They were all carrying large silver platters filled with sliced fruits of beautifully arranged to resemble fully bloomed roses, bottles of Moët & Chandon rose champagne (provided by courtesy of Francis) and white, milk and dark chocolate rose bonbons and vanilla macarons topped with sugared rosebuds arranged on white porcelain tea trays. The staff headed to their stations and began setting up and distributing the sweets and champagne. Finally ending the edible procession was the highlight of the night, which was currently sitting on a sturdy trolley and carefully maneuvered by four staff members towards the podium where Alfred and Arthur stood. It was a beautiful 5-tiered Neapolitan wedding cake covered in velvety powder blue fondant and decorated with white, chocolate and pink rose swirl cookies filled with sweet buttercream. Their first name initials were monogrammed on the third tier in dark elegant font and a sugar art masterpiece of red and white roses rested pristinely on the very top. The audience oohed and aahed at the sight of the magnificent baked masterpiece while Matthew approached his brother and Arthur with two flutes filled with rose champagne and a silver cake knife on a tray. Roderich returned to the grand piano and started to play some light tunes to add more festivity to the atmosphere.
"Madames and Monsieurs, it is time for our newly-weds couple to cut the cake," Francis announced as he held his own champagne-filled flute. The French nation gestured to Alfred and Arthur who has poised the cake knife at the bottom most tier, "Alfred and Arthur, whenever you're ready."
Alfred covered Arthur's hand to help steady the utensil as they pressed the blade into the cake and successfully procured a slice and a pink rose swirl cookie onto a plate. Alfred fed Arthur his first bite of the sumptuous treat and gave the smaller nation the first sliced half of the cookie before they switched roles. The cake was delicious as they envisioned it to be; the right amount of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors blending together perfectly with the right amount of sweetness. The texture of the cake was soft yet wonderfully chewy and the rich buttercream melted on their tongues. They vaguely heard the cheers from their audience as Arthur busied himself to kiss away the crumbs decorating the American nation's smiling lips. Then they took their champagne flutes and stepped aside to allow the catering staff to take over in cutting the cake and distribute the remainder to their guests. Francis tapped his microphone to gather the audience's attention and raised his flute to the couple.
"Let us give a big toast to Alfred and Arthur. They may have their ups and downs...I know...because I have seen and heard them. But as the nation of beauty and l'amour, I will say this: their love is strong and has always been. Look at them, they are simply manifique together as I am with my petit ange, Matthew," Francis chuckled and pulled Matthew close who shyly buried his rosy face against his shoulder, "Love is a priceless and blessed treasure that should be celebrated! To Alfred and Arthur!"
The guests chorused in kind, filling the suite with warmth and cheer. Arthur smiled up at Alfred.
"To us, Love..."
Alfred's flute chimed with Arthur's upon the gentle impact.
"To us, Sweetheart..."
The wedding cake, fruit platters and desserts were distributed, shared and consumed with cheerful smiles and pleasant conversations as the newly weds wandered around the suite to linger with their guests. Just then, the lights on the chandeliers dimmed slightly and the light tunes from the piano slowly ceased to silence. Arthur looked up to Alfred with a questioning look. The American nation shrugged back, looking just as puzzled as he was. Then Matthew approached the couple and took their near empty flutes from them. The Canadian nation had a gentle smile on his face and the couple noticed that they were standing in the centre of the floor, their fellow nations surrounding them. Francis reappeared with his microphone, his usual flirty expression replaced by one filled with strong sincerity.
"And now, Alfred and Arthur shall share their first dance together," Francis signaled to Antonio and Gilbert at the DJ station, "Play the song, mes amis."
Antonio nodded and fiddled the controls while Gilbert placed a thumbs up to Alfred with a smirk to match his gleaming red eyes as he turned up the volume. Arthur felt his breath catch upon hearing the first musical notes.
"He didn't...the bloody frog..." Arthur shook his head incredulously.
"He knew our song..." Alfred's face was positively glowing as he pulled the other nation close to him.
"No more talk of darkness...
Forget these wide-eyed fears...
I'm here...
Nothing can harm you...
My words will warm and calm you..."
Arthur adjusted one of Alfred's arms around his waist before intertwining his free hand with his. Alfred's grip around his waist tightened possessively and he leaned his cheek against the messy yet silky golden blonde locks. The two nations swayed to the orchestral music and allowed the sweet lyrics to wash over them both...
"Let me be your freedom...
Let daylight dry your tears...
I'm here...
With you, beside you...
To guard you and to guide you..."
"I couldn't forget the way you looked after me back in 2002 when I'm at my absolute lowest..." Alfred kissed Arthur's warm forehead, "You hummed the melody to me and...you brought me back..."
Arthur knew which day Alfred was talking about. After enduring nearly an entire year of forced silence and unwillingness to shed a tear after the dreaded attacks, Alfred finally broke down in his arms after experiencing one of his more terrible nightmares. Arthur had cradled him and soothed him with this very song...an old lullaby by in his colony days...in the hopes to calm him down. It worked and Alfred finally found the peace and the strength to progress through the first anniversary memorial service that would mark for the many services that would come in the future to this very day.
"It's the absolute least I can do to let you know that no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you, Love," Arthur's face was calm and serene with the same gentle smile on his pink face, pleasantly flushed from the alcohol circulating in his body, "I'm so proud of you for coming this far and becoming strong after overcoming those obstacles..."
"Thanks, Artie..."
"Say you love me every waking moment...
Turn my head with talk of summertime...
Say you need me with you now and always...
Promise me that all you say is true...
That's all I ask of you..."
And Arthur meant every word of it. The British nation's heart would swell with pride at the way Alfred held and proved himself after each catastrophe attacking his beloved homeland. Even his egotistical heroism and childish enthusiasm had their certain charms to them. But he supposed that the love he had for him had something to do with it. As he nuzzled against Alfred's silken clad chest, he hadn't imagined that he would be here many many years later to be held tenderly in those strong arms, having sunny smiles directed at him and being whispered sweet words in his ear by the nation he raised as his little brother...as his lover...as his fiancé...and finally as his husband...
There was no doubt that the Revolutionary War had irreversibly changed everything between them. They had both said it in their wedding vows, proving how much impact the war had on them as a painful memory that was never to be forgotten. The Revolutionary War still pained the elder nation's heart to some degree and had caused horrendous illness in the past. But through Alfred's own pained tears, passion and conviction, he had changed his perspective on what this day meant for them and at least now in this day and age, he could truly smile and laugh with Alfred to celebrate the day that broke their bond as brothers and reforged into one filled with intimacy and love...
'Perhaps...the Revolutionary War did have its hidden blessing...'
Arthur leaned up to kiss the golden cheek, his hand clasped in his partner's tightening...not wanting to let go.
'Otherwise...I wouldn't have known how much Alfred loved me as more than a brother...or that he would give me so many promises that kept my faith in him...and in us...'
"Let me be your shelter...
Let me be your light...
You're safe...
No one will find you...
Yours fears are far behind you..."
The American nation looked down at the other nation the moment he felt the hand squeeze within his own and the fleeting kiss on his cheek. He found his large heart warm at the adorable sight of Arthur pressing close to him and his breath catch upon seeing his usually cynical face filled with such tenderness and love flooding his deep green eyes. The superpower nation reciprocated the silent signs of affection by kissing the pale forehead and tightening his embrace.
Alfred recalled the golden days when he was a tiny colony under his care. He always had those happy and tender looks directed at him during those times Arthur visited him. Then as he grew up into the body of a young man...so did his feelings he had towards him. Added to his fiery spirit to be free from the shackles and the ferocious need to prove himself to his mentor that he was a man and no longer a child, he tore himself away from Arthur...and it was the hardest and most heart wrenching decision he had to make. But it was necessary to attain his freedom and independence.
"All I want is freedom...
A world with no more night...
And you always beside me
To hold me and to hide me..."
But freedom came at a price. It was then he found out he was truly alone. And no matter how much he worked to become the powerful superpower he was today and basked in the sunlight of new horizons to finally see beyond the world he grew up as a colony, his thoughts would somehow...one way or another, drift back to Arthur who by then had decided to distance from him. Even when they became allies, Arthur had not once smiled at him and reverted back to his sarcastic and cynical demeanor. It hurt but Alfred soldiered on. The drifting thoughts would make his feelings towards his former mentor he kept buried in his soul intensify. And so he kept them hidden under his sunny demeanor as well as petty fights and arguments with Arthur, only for the longing and sadness to resurface when he tried to clear out his storage room on a few unsuccessful occasions...that until that fateful confession in Arthur's rose garden in the 80s.
But in the end, it was all worth it and now his meaning of freedom wouldn't count without Arthur beside him.
'And now I'm here...loving Artie as I dreamed it to be...so that I can protect him and be there for him like he has for me when I was little...so that he doesn't have to be strong all the time...' Alfred reflected with a small smile on his face, 'So that Arthur will always know that he does matter to me all the time..."
"Then say you'll share with me
One love, one lifetime...
Let me lead you from your solitude...
Say you want me here beside you...
Anywhere you go
Let me go too...
That's all I ask of you..."
By then, the lights softened further to send the suite in a shadowed yet sultry atmosphere. The two nations remained wrapped in each other's arms, standing still on the carpeted floor. The majority of the guests took the opportunity to take pictures and videos of the couple, especially Kiku and Elizabeta. Several others opted to join the dance floor to slow dance with their partners. But Alfred and Arthur were oblivious to their audience. All they cared was their love and warmth cocooning them.
"Hey, Arthur..."
"Alfred?"
The bespectacled blue eyes shone brightly like starlight as Alfred leaned in to kiss the crown of Arthur's head, his voice low and soothing as he spoke into his ear, "I love you...I love you so much...I know it sounds cheesy but I have to say it as many times as I can to make my voice stay in your head...letting you know that this hero will never leave you and will always need you..."
Alfred grinned triumphantly and fondly at the awe flooding his husband's face. It was moments like this he was proud of his ability to surprise the British nation. Then he saw it: the telltale sign that his words had touched the usually cynical and uptight nation.
"Y-you idiot..." Arthur's voice was soft and without bite as the tears adorned his eyelids, making his green eyes look like dewed jewels.
"Hey, come on, Sweetheart...don't turn on the waterworks again..." Alfred teased gently as he thumbed a damp cheek.
"Say you'll share with me
One love, one lifetime...
Say the word
And I will follow you...
Share each day with me
Each night, each morning...
Say you love me..."
"Only you can reduce me to this and see me like this, Alfred..." Arthur confessed with a wry grin, allowing Alfred to continue thumbing his wet cheeks, "Only you can break me..."
Arthur trailed his arms until they snaked around the taller nation's neck. He shuddered when he felt Alfred's arms wrap around his waist in return.
"I didn't mean to make you sad, Artie...I'm sorry..." the younger nation's voice quivered and Arthur heard a soft sniffle accompanying the statement. Arthur pulled back to find Alfred's face pulled in a soft yet confused frown...no...such solemn looks were unbecoming of him. The British nation had to straighten his facts out...
"You blooming fool...I'm not finished yet. Out of sadness, there's happiness...out of pain, there's healing. That's what you've done to me. You've broken me, yes...but you've also healed me and gave me happiness," Arthur tilted Alfred's chin, making sky blue to meet emerald green. The British nation brought a large hand to rest on his chest where his heart was thumping madly, "There's no one I trust my heart and my soul with than you, Alfred..."
"You know I do..."
Arthur's face turned slightly grim and Alfred hated that look...it only meant that the older nation was tapping into some of his self-deprecating thoughts.
"As I said before, I have given you everything I had when you were growing up..." Arthur's eyes were dim, "I can only hope that you wouldn't tire of me too easily especially since our relationship has grown deeper today..."
"No, stop Arthur...stop saying those things. I will never tire of you...it's my turn to give everything back and more for what you've done for me," Alfred leaned his forehead against his, his bespectacled eyes blazing with conviction, "I need you always...I may be independent...but I still love and cherish you with all my being."
Alfred turned his hand on Arthur's chest so that he linked the smaller hand in his, their wedding bands glittering in the lights.
"We're together now after much hardship and strife. We can finally have a happy ending just like those couples in the Hollywood movies," Alfred proclaimed proudly, his smile growing and turning bright as sunshine, "After all, the hero gets the girl in the end and it's his job to sweep her off her feet."
"What the! Don't compare me to a girl, you imbecile!" Arthur hissed with a red face and shoved his chest half-heartedly, "You make me sound like a trophy..."
"Awww come on, Sweetheart. I didn't mean it that way. Ok what I said didn't come out the way they should...but the whole point is," at least, the melancholy glow was gone from the green eyes he admired so much. Now Alfred had to choose his words carefully to diffuse the indignant angry glare on the British nation's face, "All those promises I made earlier. I won't stop to make you believe in me and our love. I finally have you love me the way I dreamed it to be...and I'll never let you go and I won't repeat the same mistake of leaving you alone..."
The stern expression on the smaller nation's face noticeably lessened and he pressed his cheek against Alfred's shoulder. Alfred nuzzled against his husband, feeling the golden blonde locks tickling his chin.
"Love me...
That's all I ask of you..."
"Then I'm going to hold onto every single word in those promises you made in your vows, Alfred..."
"Count on it, Arthur," Alfred pulled Arthur close, "All I ask is for you to love me back...just like you said to me at the altar earlier..."
"Well now, you are certainly very easy to satisfy, Love..." Arthur felt his nose bumping against the other nation's.
"I'm not satisfied just yet, Sweetheart...having you in my arms isn't enough..."
Arthur's blush intensified under the deep sky blue stare, "What is it that you want now?"
"For starters, I want more kisses..."
Arthur felt his cheeks, temples and forehead sprinkled by light pecks before his lips were captured, leaving him breathless.
"More hugs and cuddles..."
Alfred proved his point by embracing Arthur close. He smiled when he felt the shorter nation returning the gesture.
"Alfred..."
"And...more of you...in bed...for the rest of the night...you promised me, remember?"
"Yes...I did. You are a greedy child, Alfred...I have spoiled you too much in your youth..." Arthur shook his head in resignation.
"But that doesn't mean that you don't like the idea of me kissing, cuddling, hugging and loving you, right?"
"Not until the reception is officially over, Love. I'm afraid you will need to be patient if you want me to fulfill what you want me to do, especially that final request," Arthur firmly said and then chuckled when Alfred pouted in disappointment, "However..."
Arthur combed through the silky sandy blonde hair as he gazed up at the powerful nation he raised and loved. The pout disappeared and a hopeful grin took its place, "However, Artie?"
"However...I don't mind having you indulge me a few kisses and several hugs here and there..." Arthur acquiesced and tilted his head up to peck the wandering lips of the American nation, "If you behave for the rest of the reception, I will fulfill what you want and more once we're alone, my hero..."
Alfred caught the sexy glint in his husband's eyes and a small smirk curling on his lips, making him look like the sneaky and conniving pirate he was centuries ago...his heart thumped just a bit faster in excited anticipation and fanned the need to please the older nation.
Alfred returned the smirk, the glint matching in his bespectacled blue eyes, "That, I can do, my Prince of the Roses..."
"Good. Now...didn't you say something about sweeping my feet off, o romantic fool?"
Alfred's chuckles were rich and joyous as the younger nation picked up his surprised spouse to twirl him around before locking him in a passionate kiss, the last verses of their song matching the sweet music fading to its end.
"Anywhere you go
Let me go too...
Love me...
That's all I ask of you..."
"Finally! I thought they'd never leave, Artie...why do you have so polite and see them off?!" Alfred growled impatiently as he pinned a disheveled Arthur onto the bed, kissing and biting the exposed neck while relishing the surprised mewls and moans from the nation beneath him, "Now you're all mine for the rest of the night."
"Alfred, slow down! I...ah!" Arthur writhed upon feeling the tingling kisses and nibbles traveling across his collarbone as he felt his shirt and cravat torn away from his body, "Well thank God, I returned the rose cravat pin to the bloody frog otherwise he would've charged me for losing it."
"Come on, this is time for loving! I want those kisses, cuddles and hugs you promised me," Alfred pouted.
"Oh fine, come here, you big baby..."
"Don't you mean your sexy husband, Artie?"
"Shut up and kiss me, wanker..."
Arthur carefully pulled down the larger nation and kissed him languidly while Alfred made sure not to put his full weight on him as he settled between his legs and supported by his elbows. Alfred had already taken off his shirt, vest and jacket off, leaving his muscled torso and shoulders to be caressed by the British nation's wandering hands.
"Your stature is absolutely sinful, Alfred," Arthur murmured as Alfred pulled away from the kiss, "At times, I can't believe how much you've grown..."
"And it's all yours, my Prince...only for you..." Alfred winked before concern shone in his eyes upon now seeing how truly worn and tired the elder nation was, "Hey...you okay?"
"It has been a long day for us both...I guess the adrenaline has finally worn off now that everything is over...I'm just glad the ceremony and reception went through without incident. But I'm fine, Love," Arthur reassured his husband while he stroked the muscular golden arms, "What is it you have in mind?"
Alfred gently kissed Arthur's temple. He deduced that the older nation was likely to last a round so he would have to make it last...but how? Then his bespectacled eyes fell onto the used bottle of lavender massage oil left on one of the bedside tables. Arthur followed the younger nation's gaze.
"Alfred?"
"I'm thinking...why don't I give you another massage?" the powerful nation trailed his hand to the buckle holding up Arthur's pants, "This time, I'll be more thorough...I'll make you feel good, Sweetheart..."
"Hmmmm...I like it...you are strangely considerate tonight, Love..." Arthur purred, pulling Alfred even closer and using his legs to intertwine with his husband's. His smirk was reminiscent of one worn by the Cheshire Cat and his green eyes darkened with lust.
"Just lie back and relax...let me take care of you for the rest of the night...my Prince..."
"Alfred...yes..."
To be officially concluded... (next: the First Day of the Honeymoon...)
Author's notes: And I leave it here for your imaginations on what they did the rest of the night :) wow, I had fun writing this and now the final chapter is in the last stages of drafting and just needs to be edited. I thought it would be great to end it in the next chapter to get a glimpse on what their honeymoon plans and what they did to spend the night together after their marriage (as much as the rating allows anyway). I am also thinking to add an epilogue too but the plot is still in the making for now. Please let me know what you think in a review please? Until the final chapter coming out next week...adieu for now, my dears!
