Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia, just the story.
Tino smooths out his pants as he checks himself over in the mirror. He's wearing a white outfit like usual, unless he dares to wear pink like his people but white has always been the color for the Joker Flushes. The long coat on him reaches to the middle of his calf, an inside coat for gatherings such as the Five Kingdoms Seasonal Meeting. His husband will wear a similar jacket but longer. Humming, he pulls his sleeves down and turns so he can see the back of his outfit. White can easily get blemishes so they always have to be careful. Tino's not clumsy but there are times he will tarnish his clothes and need new ones. He envies Matthias being able to wear maroon.
"You don't have to get ready so early," Berwald says as he enters the room.
"I know." Tino stares at himself for another second in the mirror before gazing at his husband's reflection. "I guess I'm eager to have our first meeting with nearly everyone here."
The King of Joker hums as he walks closer to his queen. He wraps his arms around the shorter man. "I'm glad you're full of energy," he mumbles into Tino's hair. He nuzzles his nose in the platinum blond locks. "But you should be careful." One of his hands snake their way up from Tino's midsection to his heart. He lets it lie there, staring into Tino's reflection. "How are you feeling?"
Tino smiles, grasping Berwald's hand over his heart. He pulls it up and kisses the palm of his hand. "I'm not weak today. I should be fine to lead some of the meeting." He lets his hand go and turns around, wrapping his arms around Berwald. Smiling up at the taller man, he says, "I hope you participate as well. Just a little. You don't need to say a lot."
Berwald cracks a small smile for his husband. "I will try," he promises, sealing it with a kiss. "Would you like to take a walk?"
With an hour to kill until the meeting starts, the Queen of Joker nods with a smile. He takes Berwald's hand and the leave the room. They walk slowly down the corridors, whispering sweet nothings to each other or speaking of plans for the future. Some maids and butlers pass by them, bowing in respect before going about their job. Tino acknowledges their helpers while Berwald keeps his eyes on Tino. The king could seem like a terrifying man but with the queen at his side, everyone knows he's gentle. He just lacks emotional twitches on his face.
When they feel they should go to the meeting hall, they head in that direction. Entering the room, they notice their pentagonal table nearly filled already. Diamonds, save for their still missing ace, is sitting on their side where a diamond is etched into the table. Everyone in Hearts sits on their side, even Gilbert who Tino believed would be a person to miss meetings like this. Maybe covers really shouldn't be judged solely on looks and little facts. The other two groups of Flushes are both missing two people but Tino knows they'll come. He takes his seat beside Berwald, smiling at Emil on his right before turning it towards Lukas and Matthias sitting to Berwald's left.
Each side of the table has a marking for the kingdoms that sit in front of them. The Flushes for Joker sit at the base of the pentagon. Their seats are arranged with the king in the center, queen and ace to the right with the jack and joker to the left. The other sides mirror this pattern, with Clubs having an addition two seats for the extra two jokers. All the kingdoms have a similar set up in their meeting halls specifically used for the seasonal meetings. Whoever is the host usually sits at the base of the shape.
Everyone mutters quietly within their group with some staying silent. Tino observes everyone with a smile, glad that it seems the Flushes get along well. He wonders where the other four could possibly be as the time ticks to their set appointment. Not long after this thought do the doors open to reveal the straggling four.
Alfred laughs with his brother while carrying Peter on his shoulders. Ivan walks a step behind Matthew, smiling. Tino takes in the group, finding it an interesting bunch. He knows Alfred and Matthew are brothers and have no problems with each other. Peter has always been outgoing so it's no surprise to the Finnish man that he's with Alfred. Ivan is the one that surprises him. He would think the Russian would steer clear of some people after everything Matthias said he went through. The again, with Matthew at the man's side, maybe the King of Clubs will be a better man than anyone can guess.
The four split up so they can sit at the respective sides. Alfred sets Peter down in his sit before taking his own. Matthew and Ivan sit down as well, Ivan seeming to dislike how his ace is on the other side of his queen. The groups keep speaking to each other for another moment before they hear Berwald clear his throat. A hush falls over the table and Tino stands.
"Thank you all for coming today," he starts. He smiles at everyone before continuing, "I hope that you have enjoyed your stay here so far. Did anyone make some new friends yet?" Some nods are his answer as he chuckles. "I know it's our first meeting with everyone so it's understandable if not everyone is a friend. We can at least be acquaintances. So, before we go straight into the meeting, I'd like for us all to officially introduce ourselves with our title. Since I am asking this, I will start." His smile brightens. "My name is Tino. I'm the Queen of Joker."
He glances to his left and Berwald sighs through his nose. "Berwald. King of Joker." As the queen had stated two days prior, he is one of very few words. This occurs only in front of a group of people. If someone can get him alone with them, he will speak more than just two or three words.
The rest mimic the King and Queen of Joker, stating their first or full names with their title. When everyone has spoken, Tino nods approvingly. "Very good. It's nice to be acquainted with all of you." No one can hate Tino. He's too kind a man to do anything wrong purposefully. Everyone thinks this as they watch him continue leading. "Now, usually I ask for anyone to share some good news before we dive into the serious conversations. Just one thing from each kingdom. It doesn't have to be anything all of you have experienced." He sits down, waiting for someone to speak up.
Silence befalls them as everyone glances around. No one wishes to be first, not even the ones who have been here longer. Tino understands it's very possible that nothing has happened since the missing Flushes returned. If no one speaks, he'll either share his own happy news or slide right into the formal discussion.
Francis sighs as he raises a hand. "I'll share something." He grins as attention is on him. "I'm sure most of you have heard already but my kingdom is creating a new fashion line for our clothing. I've abolished the law which keeps us from wearing any color but our kingdom's color. I've made sure that no one wears another kingdom's color, though, so we don't get confused."
"That's rad, man," Alfred responds with a grin. "I'm excited for that. Hopefully, you'll send some lines our way. It gets boring wearing similar clothes everyday."
"Tell me about," Gilbert agrees. "There's a lot more shades to ever color than what we see on the people. And to be honest," he grins as an idea pops into his head, "if we all wanted to wear colors of other kingdoms, we could also wear a patch of some kind to keep us identified as a certain citizen."
Feliks nearly jumps out of their seat, hands flat on the table as they stare at Gilbert. "Oh my god, I totally get what you're suggesting! We can make sashes with the different colors and patches for people to wear. It would, like, be so cool to change up everyone's attire so they're not the same anymore."
"Of course, if people prefer to keep their same clothes, that's okay," Francis adds with a smile. "There's no shame in not wanting to change."
"That's marvelous." Tino leans forward a little. "I see that you have already started the change as most of you are not wearing yellow."
"Honey, gold, yellow, and tan can only go so far." Feliks smirks as they show off their orange top matching well with some brown pantaloons. "Orange is definitely a fun color, too. If anyone wants in on this new line of clothes, we can discuss it more with our trades."
"Oh! Speaking of things to trade," Peter leans over the table himself as he pipes up, "Alfred's been thinking of creating a carpentry business in Spades. Like, for tables, chairs, cabinets, and stuff."
Matthew blinks before smiling wide. "Really, Al?"
The American laughs a little, bashfully rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. I mean, I'm not going to be the main head since I'm king and all, but I'm going to pull together some people who already work in that field. I'll help them, of course, but only when I'm not busy."
Arthur snorts. "Like you've actually taken your position seriously."
The Canadian Ace chuckles as his brother glares at the ashen-blond. "I'm glad to hear that. You've always enjoyed whittling the left over wood or carving designs in our furniture back home. I'll definitely request some things from you in the future."
"I'm not that amazing, but thanks, Mattie." Alfred chuckles.
"I'd very much like to see the skill set you have either way," Ludwig says as he looks at the King of Spades. "I'm good at machinery and never thought of carving. They're both a form of art, though. I might ask for some pieces as well."
With two good things out there, only three left need to be shared. Everyone mumbles about the previous two topics before Tino asks if there are any other announcements. Gilbert hums as he waves a hand.
"It's probably nothing, but I recently was given a chick to take care of. An awesome one." He grins. "The farm family who gave it to me are really nice, so I'm planning to work with them when I'm not needed by the others. That's okay, right, Luddy?"
"Of course," his brother replies instantly without hesitance.
"What's its name?" The Queen of Diamonds sits up so she can see Gilbert.
The platinum blond German grins. "Gilbird." He ignores the snorts from Antonio and Francis who hold in their laughter. "He's back home holding down the fort, but if you'd like to meet him, I can always get him and show him to you later."
"Okay." Lilly shyly sits back in her chair with a small smile.
Elizabeta smiles at the only other female in the room, happy that the Joker of Heart would do something so small for her. "I guess I can share some news from our side," she begins as she glances at everyone. "Roddie and I are officially going to be married soon."
"Oh my goodness, congratulations, Liza!" Tino perks up at the beautiful news. "Do you have a set date?"
"Not yet," she answers while grinning at her fiancé. The Austrian's cheeks are red as he frowns at her. She giggles. "I'll let everyone know when it is all planned. I'll also invite everyone to come if they can."
"I'll be sure to come," Lilly says with certainty. She smiles happily at her friend. "I'm glad you're able to marry now, Elizabeta."
They all begin speaking more about the spread of news so far shared. Tino smiles as he decides to tell his own bit of good news. "As for our good batch of news, our little dog Hana just gave birth to five healthy pups a few weeks ago. She's doing well and happy to be a mother."
"That's amazing!" Eliza claps her hands together happily. "I hope the father of the pups will stick around. I know you keep some wild dogs around that wander off."
Berwald hums. "He will be loyal." The darkness in his eyes frighten the other kings even when he calms down. "Now, discussion."
Lukas nods and stands from his seat. "During our usual meetings we like to keep track of the normal processes. Trades, taxes, traveling. We also mention upcoming treks we take since there is a chance of going through another land. We discuss that for permission so no one thinks we are invading."
"Shall we start with what we already have on the table?" Francis asks. "Trades with the new clothing we are making and even for Alfred's upcoming carpentry business."
"Yeah, it'll be important to discuss what we should plan out," Alfred adds. "There will be a lot of travelling expenses for any stores that will hold our items. We don't want anything to be too pricey since not everyone is loaded with money but still."
"Of course." Tino nods. "And among that will comes the taxes for shipping, am I correct?"
"We don't need to have a large tax for that," Feliks pipes up. "There should still be a small percentage for it but in regards to our clothes and accessories, I might be the delivery person."
"That'll be too much just for you, Feliks." Francis shakes his head. "No, it's fine if paid travels drop items off at the different stands and stores."
The meeting goes on from there. Everyone offers up some form of trade they can make in exchange for other items being received. Ivan suggests that his kingdom could send different kinds of wood to Spades for Alfred's business. Ludwig doesn't have much to offer but is willing to try creating different items from metal. Hearts has a mine in their mountain where ores surface. Blacksmithing is something he hasn't done but he can learn it if need be. Some jewels he finds will go to Diamond for their accessories and even Spades for decorations on different furniture, like vanities.
After they agree on the many items for trade, they switch into taxes. The new Flushes learn the amount of taxes each kingdom has, all being around the same. It's a small percentage but still enough to be a crimp for some families. Taxes are worse with businesses but so far no citizen has complained. They agree to keep it at the same number unless changes need to be done. No one wants to increase their taxes only for their people to become unhappy and move away from their kingdom.
As for traveling between kingdoms, Matthias states him and a friend are the only ones from Joker who usually do besides peddlers. He states how him and his bud keep an eye out on the world outside of the Five Kingdoms. Sometimes they learn new things from other lands and bring the knowledge back. Mat has been doing this for several years now and always had permission from one of the other Flushes if he needed to stay somewhere besides Joker. They all chat over this and decide that the other jokers should do the same.
"Only if Peter is accompanied by someone," Arthur demands. "He's still a child. He shouldn't be traveling the world alone."
Before Peter can argue, Tino speaks in agreement. "I agree with that request." He smiles apologetically at the pouting boy. "I'm sorry Peter but Arthur is right. You are still merely a child. You shouldn't be out there alone. Maybe with Matthias or another joker, but never alone."
"Fine," he grumbles, slouching into his chair.
Some small chuckles ripple through the table. "While we're on this subject," Francis grabs everyone's attention again, "may I request that anyone travelling be on the search for our missing Ace?"
"Oh yes, please," Lilly agrees. "While I am happy to have our king, we are still not whole until they're found."
"Of course," Matthias answers with a grin. "I'll be sure to send any clues I find on my journeys. I mean, we've all be trying to keep an eye out but we've been mainly focusing on filling the gaps in each Flush." He glances at Tino with a thought before refocusing on Diamond. "You'll be the first to hear anything about your ace if and when we find them."
"Thank you," both King and Queen of Diamonds say.
The rest of the meeting goes by in a flash. All the usual topics get lightly touched on before Tino rises with the decision to dismiss everyone. He thanks all the Royal Flushes there for their time and participation before they all may leave. No one heads out immediately since some still have plenty of things to speak about with others. He grins as he watches the different Flushes mingle. Nodding to himself, he believes this was a triumphant meeting with nearly everyone together for the first time. After he takes a moment to himself, he goes over to the Queen of Clubs and Diamonds for further conversation on Eliza's wedding plans.
?
Lukas darts out of the meeting hall when all Jacks are finished speaking. Out of the five of them, Feliciano is not the ideal advisor to have for Hearts, but knowing how his queen would react, he keeps his comments and thoughts to himself. They have only just met so maybe the Jack of Hearts will be more active over time. Still, Lukas believes that if a person is born into a position, they should follow it through without total failure.
Sighing, the Norwegian tucks the thoughts away in the back of his mind. He shouldn't be judging so quickly on someone who is different from himself. Vash, Roderich, and Yao are all dependable to Jacks. Maybe if they helped Feliciano along, he would get better. For now, Lukas needs to worry about what will come next after the meeting.
If he recalls, King Berwald will be traveling to the Kingdom of Hearts with some requested packages. Not packages. Animals. It seems Berwald is being too kind again, just sending off four wild dogs he's been caring for with someone he just met. Lukas shakes his head as he makes for the secret passage that will quickly lead to the open space where the dogs are.
As he repeats the descriptions and names for each dog, he notices Matthias down the hall. The Jack of Joker freezes up, tempted to turn and find the other passage in the castle so as not to encounter the annoying man. Instead, he finds himself studying the rigid posture of the other man as he taps his foot against the floor. His arms are crosses, finger also tapping against his upper arm. The Joker looks nervous about something.
Lukas steps closer to the wall, going behind the tapestry with that passage he was looking for. He stays at the hidden entrance, eyeing the Dane through the small open sliver. He watches Matthias, waiting for whatever he was anticipating. Soon enough, he hears a familiar rip further down the hall. Mat jerks as he gazes down the hall.
"Finally! Glad you could make it," Lukas hears the Dane say to whoever just appeared. He loses sight of the man but can still here him. "We can't talk here."
"I can't be here for too long, Matthias."
The reply surprises Lukas as he feels he's heard the voice before but can't place where. He listens more to the little he can hear.
"I know you can't, but today's kind of cutting it close. Let's go to our regular room. Shouldn't be too long of a chat."
"Matthias, my report-."
"Ah-ah-ah! The castle walls have ears," the Joker whispers loud enough for Lukas to still hear. "Come," another ripping sound comes down the hall, "let's go."
Before he has the chance to lose them, Lukas comes out from behind the tapestry and quickly goes to the corner. He turns and he watches the tail end of a black cape flap inside Matthias's white portal. He rushes over but it closes up before he can see whom the Dane is with. Several thoughts race through his mind as he wonders what that was about. His previous task is all but forgotten as he turns back around in search of his Queen.
Is Matthias holding secret meetings with outside people? He doesn't remember other citizens in Joker having the power to open portals. Not unless they're chosen to be a Joker themselves. What kingdom are the representing if that's the case? All seats for Jokers are filled. He knows Matthias didn't open that first portal so something is not adding up.
Lukas doesn't exactly burst into the meeting hall but he quickly enters. His eyes scan the many faces still there, thankful when he sees Tino. "My Queen," he beckons for Tino's attention as he walks over, "I must speak with you."
"Why, whatever is the hurry, Lukas?" Tino's smile disappears as he sees the urgency on the Norwegian's face.
"There is something I need to discuss with you. In private." His eyes glance at the other two queens. He nods in respect to them. "Pardon my rude interruption."
"No, no! It's okay." Elizabeta smiles reassuringly. "Go ahead, Tino. You'll know where to find us." She takes Lilly's hand and they exit the room, chatting as they do.
Tino waves at his friends before focusing on Lukas. "Should we change rooms as well?"
"Preferably, yes."
"Very well. Come." Tino guides the Jack of Joker from the meeting hall toward his office. When they are both inside the room, he closes the door. "Now, what is wrong?"
Lukas closes his eyes, preparing himself with what he will say. He won't admit it, but it hurts to think that his supposed destined person could be a traitor to their beloved kingdom. He shares with Tino what he witnessed and heard. Tino's eyes widen with each word that slams an accusation down on Matthias. He silently takes in what Lukas is saying even after he's done speaking.
"I do not believe he's a traitor," he soon states. "And I have heard from him how there are some sparse citizens who have gained the skill our Jokers have. He's gathered them up as his own little unit. He uses them as intelligent gatherers. Maybe it was one of them you heard him speaking with."
"What kind of intelligence cannot be spoke aloud in the castle?"
That question makes Tino pause in more thought. "I do not know." He clenches a hand and rests it over his chest. "But I believe that Matthias would never betray us." He locks eyes with Lukas, smiling sadly. "You should, too."
Lukas's hair stands up on the back of his neck. His face tinges with pink as he nods, eyes on the floor. "If that's what you believe, my queen." Maybe he jumped to conclusions again. "Forgive me for taking up your time. I will now gather the dogs which King Ludwig will be adopting from King Berwald." He excuses himself, leaving the Queen of Joker alone.
As he walks down the hall, a determined thought comes to him. Whether or not Matthias is a traitor, he will keep a closer eye on the man. Even if he dislikes being around the Dane, he'll suck it up just to make sure nothing goes amiss.
Notes: This is not beta-ed so there might be mistakes.
Ciao: Thanks for reading, lovelies! I hope you enjoyed the update! R&R.
