hello. i'm sure you have a lot of questions but i decided to publish this chapter for a bunch of reasons. feel free to skip if you just want to read lol.
1. hetalia is back. that's literally all it took for me to come back into the fandom. which leads me onto
2. i had this chapter sitting in the drafts since 2018. unfortunately, that was where i had the two hardest years of my life, where my final exams and transition to the final years of my secondary school took a serious toll on my mental health, not to mention factors outside of school. i'm doing much better now mentally, i've matured lots, and am now in university.
3. i reread the fic and realised i left it in a really awkward place, so i wrote it to become a better ending.
3a. yes there are rewrites coming along (rewrote chapter 7 + published it yesterday), and a sequel. if 2020 does its thing, this chapter can at least provide a relatively decent ending. once this story is clean enough, i'll be uploading it in huge chunks to AO3 - my AO3 is nyoengland - for archival purposes, but i will continue to post as much as i can to FFNet.
if you're an old time reader, thank you so much for sticking with what i feel is my magnum opus. even though there were so so so many problems (things i have to retcon badly), this is the one thing i've ever finished outside of a oneshot. i cannot thank you enough.
OK that aside, please enjoy the chapter. :)
as always, i do not own the selection nor hetalia. these belong to kiera cass and himaruya hidekaz respectively.
Alfred the king went to rest earlier than Alfred the husband.
It was a routine Arthur was used to even though they'd only been married for a few days at most – secretly, it was four days because Arthur kept a small schedule book that had it highlighted in blue – but most nights Arthur would find that Alfred had returned to their room faster than he had after their work was completed.
Since their rooms were next to each other's, (but they still chose to sleep in the same bed), Arthur was usually greeted by the sound of Alfred taking his shower before bed instead of his husband's warm voice. They'd share a short moment together before Arthur took his own, and Alfred would linger in wait for him as Arthur dried off and shuffled around for the lights that would cast their room in darkness.
Alfred always pulled Arthur in his arms, they'd whisper goodnight to each other, and the two of them would fall asleep immediately. Fates, Arthur knew that traditionally they should be focusing on activities of a more questionable nature, but after their wedding the sheer amount of work they'd had to do was too exhausting. Regardless, just having Alfred's childish snores caressing over his neck was more than enough for now.
As the two of them had expected, it had been a complete media whirlwind, before Arthur had learned to get used to the weight of the crown sitting on his head let alone the ring in his finger. Thankfully there were a dozen more people to interview, what with the other Primary Suit members remaining back for ten days, but Arthur still wasn't nearly as charismatic nor experienced as Alfred when it came to interviews. It was enough effort simply staying put together.
To his great relief though, with the completion of the Spadian Primary Suit, Matthew and Yao seemed to have had a lot of their official work distributed more evenly. On official reports that seemed like they were repeating the same three occurrences over and over again, and queries that challenged not only Arthur's knowledge but also his painful lack of experience, the thought of being an asset cheered him up somewhat.
Inbetween learning the ropes, starting to complete his duties and giving out press interviews, Arthur was also meeting new people. Yao had told him earlier on that they had discussed an internship with all the kingdoms, and they had all accepted the possibility – though he was expected to familiarise himself with all the other royalty before they left in a few days.
As a result, that was the monumental task that Arthur had to complete – and completed - this morning. He'd taken his breakfast in his room with Alfred, who was beside himself with worry whilst trying to give advice to him about his experiences with the royalty.
"Don't go to Clubs, I'll worry my butt off, you know that," Alfred had stammered, nervously shovelling soup into his mouth. "D'ya want me to come with you when you visit them? You know, with-"
"Alfred, I'll be all right, I'm just meeting a dozen of our closest colleagues. And I took your thoughts into account, but I'm the one who made the final decision, remember?" Arthur said, but his touch was soft as he placed down his fork and patted his husband's hair – Fates, he was still too giddy at the fact that he could call him his husband. "I know you'll understand."
"Still, thinking about you going away just for a few weeks makes me kinda miserable," Alfred said, giving Arthur his huge puppy eyes. "Maybe we could wait until next year, or something! I just wanna spend as much time with you until we have to focus full time on work."
Arthur sighed, though there was no real exasperation in his face as he continued to stroke Alfred's hair. "Going now would be best, with the peace treaty and whatnot, and as a nation we're mostly united. Even though my magic is rough around the edges, all three kingdoms are strong. I'm sure that they would do their utmost to make sure I return home in one piece."
"...But Arthur..."
"I'm not disrupting tradition more than I already have," Arthur laughed, touching Alfred's pouting lip. "I'm aware of what I signed up when I married you."
That made Alfred stop grouching for a moment – his forlorn expression replaced with a childish gleam in his eyes, barely hidden by the frames of his glasses. "Ya sure, Artie?"
"Wha-"
"You know, all the romantic stuff I did isn't gonna stop just because we're married and all," Alfred said mischievously, springing forward to bring Arthur into a sudden embrace – judging by the surprise on Arthur's face, he clearly thought it had been just for the sake of courting. "I'm gonna do stuff that's tenfold – no, a billion times bigger and better to keep on making you super happy every day! Even when you're gone."
Oh, there's this thing too – it seemed like Alfred's personal mission was to make Arthur flustered at least twice a day. And it did work, to be fair, but over the months Arthur had learned what made Alfred tick as well.
Fighting back a blush, he responded in turn: "But Alfred...just being with you makes me feel elated every day, and you know this. Therefore, there's nothing else you need to do to make me feel that way."
The heat on Alfred's cheeks was unmistakable from their closeness. "I, uhh...Artie..." he stammered, mumbling over his words, feeling far too self conscious at a truth like that. Arthur fought back the urge to smile when Alfred detached himself, his face completely pink and mouth quivering.
"...that's...that's completely unfair!" he cried, putting his hands on his hips in frustration. "Off limits, yanno! You're not allowed to tease me!"
"But, Alfred," Arthur said, not so subtly mimicking his husband's earlier pleas and coupling it with an innocent expression, "I'm telling you nothing but the truth."
"Gosh, you're so mean," Alfred complained and folded his arms, though the embarrassment was showing up on his reddening ears. "Saying that kinda stuff when you know I'm already weak with you..."
"It's okay to admit it. If you don't mind though, I'll be continuing to finish my breakfast – oi, what are you doing? I...ahh, idiot...I understand you want to be honest, but let me finish eating at least, or there will be no more kisses for you..."
"Promise me you'll be safe out there?" Alfred breathed, nervousness written all over his face as he watched Arthur adjust his ivory neck piece. "If anything happens, you gotta call the hero. Promise?"
"I will, hero," Arthur said, though right after making sure he was pristine for the meeting he crossed the room and gently pinched Alfred's cheek. "But you must stop worrying – I believe Matthew will be there as well. I'm aware you have your own duties to attend to, like always." It may be a little embarrassing, but somehow it was sweet to see how married life had changed his husband.
"Yeah, but you're my biggest priority, and I guess I gotta say hello to the others to be nice," Alfred replied, though reluctant to let go of Arthur. "At least let me see you to the Drawing Room."
A little like old times, the both of them mused privately. Alfred offered his arm to Arthur with a boyish smile, his ring catching the light of Arthur's bedroom, and the two of them exited the floor and took the staircase straight upwards. Arthur still felt acutely aware of the various people watching as the King and Queen of Spades walked around and let his gaze wander, but Alfred only had eyes for him.
As soon as the two of them got there, it was possible to hear the bustling of the other royals. To his relief, Arthur could pick up Kiku's voice, and managed to make eye contact as soon as Alfred swung open the door.
Somehow, the room resembled a flock of brightly coloured birds that mingled together closely. In the time before Arthur and Alfred had arrived, the queens had clustered together and were speaking animatedly, their different heights standing out. King Ivan and Joker Katya were both getting food from the table that had been set up in the right corner, King Ludwig and Jack Roderich seemed to be discussing something important between them and King Francis and Ace Matthew were knocking back a glass of champagne with Jack Vash.
The familiar worm of apprehension made itself known once more in the seconds they appeared in the room. They seemed so close with one another, they had years of history, got to know each other so well...where could Arthur fit in with his awkwardness and prickly personality? He couldn't stay by Alfred's side permanently forever. It would be unfair – and some of the royals wielded far more power and knowledge than he would ever. How could he possibly be on good terms with them?
"Queen Arthur, there you are!" Out of the blue, a voice piped up – Queen Lili, her face brighter than the chandelier that hung in the middle of the Drawing Room, was moving towards him. "I'm so glad you're joining us tonight."
"Um, of course," Arthur stammered, not quite sure how to respond other than bowing to her once. "It's a pleasure to be introduced, Your Highness. A-And it's nice to meet all of you again as well."
Trying to ignore his stomach doing flips as he watched the other royals congregate around him, he focused on the warmth of Alfred's hand holding his – until it was gone. Fighting back the panic in his throat, he saw Alfred peeking outside of the entrance, mouthing something, probably words of encouragement.
They maintained eye contact until the view of Alfred's face was closed out by the door, then Arthur took another breath to steel himself for the evening that was to come.
"I hope we did not frighten you away at the wedding," Ivan said mildly, smiling– the action was a little unsettling, but Arthur couldn't understand why Alfred hated him so. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Queen Arthur."
"Not at all, you were all very kind-"
"We saw from the news coverage in our country that you met Queen Kiku before, how did that happen?" Jack Roderich's tone was inquisitive, not piercing, and Arthur felt his shoulders relax. "It seems like an excellent story to tell."
"The two of us met before in a holding facility in Hearts, and became friendly there." Kiku came up next to him and nodded, and that gave him even more reassurance. "That's how we met-"
"Wasn't that just like how Feliciano was introduced, Ludwig?"
"As a matter of fact, Vash, yes-" "Yes, he came from there," Both the Hearts Ace and King spoke at the same time, then made awkward eye contact. A small ripple of laughter went around the group. "I see. It's good to have things in common."
"You say as if we do not have so many," Katya said, covering her mouth as she laughed. "I feel as if all of us could fit in any other kingdom if we really tried."
Francis chuckled at her comment, mirth lighting his expression "Oh, I wouldn't last a day in Clubs if I tried. As Lili says, my old bones are too fragile."
"Papa, you know that's not what I said...and you're only twe-"
As a slightly embarrassed father rushed to shush her, Arthur couldn't help but crack a smile. Even though he might be young and inexperienced, and completely naïve to the realities of inter kingdom relations he felt as if he could attempt to learn the rules in an environment like this.
"So, Queen Arthur," Ace Matthew said in the midst of the din, possibly concerned that the conversation would divert from one of the important topics that they had discussed before, "Have you been giving thought to as to which kingdom you would like to accept an offer of internship with?"
"Yes, I have," Arthur said, slipping his right hand into his inner pocket and pulling out a piece of parchment. Here goes nothing.
"Can I request a private audience with the King of Diamonds, please?"
"Well first of all, I'm honoured, not to mention a little surprised," Francis said, as soon as the two of them were largely alone – Vash and Lili were on the balcony outside. "Do you truly wish to pursue our offer?"
Arthur replied with a small nod, eyes darting downwards to the bullet points he'd prepared. "I've spent quite some time researching even before my coronation about the various countries, and I would like to accept your offer of internship, as I believe that it will bring our kingdoms closer as well as give me a well needed insight to becoming a better royal."
"Just out of curiosity, if you would let me – why not the other kingdoms?"
"I've lived in Hearts for several years, and am already well acquainted with the Queen. As for Clubs," Arthur continued down his notes, though he was much more nervous with this part, "I believe that even though our relations are rocky at best, Jack Yao has significantly better expertise, as well as any potential disasters that might happen at my hands could have a severe effect-"
"Is there something else?" Francis interjected, his expression carefully neutral. "I do not wish to offend, Queen Arthur, but...there seems to be something else."
"..." Should I mention the thing with Alfred? Deciding it was probably not the best of ideas to not tell the complete picture to a king whose offer of aid he was attempting to accept, Arthur decided to. "I'm sure you're aware that my king does not have the best of relationships with Clubs."
"I see." Francis replied. His expression became contemplative, the room remaining silent for awhile, before he continued to speak. "In that case, I must ask – is this wholeheartedly your decision, or one wholly influenced by your king? I did not sense any malice coming from you when you interacted with any of the Clubs Primary Suit, but I would like to just make sure. You understand that the invitation extension can just be relegated to tradition, correct? I am more than happy to retract our invitation if you do not truly want to spend your month with us."
"No, I truly do want to spend my internship in Diamonds if you would have me," Arthur said quickly. "It's just...I would like to keep Alfred-his thoughts in mind. But yes, this choice is firmly mine and mine alone. After evaluating all the pros and cons of each kingdom, it would be an honour to accept your invitation."
Francis watched him quietly, his mouth remaining in a frown for a few more moments before it sprung into a beam. Arthur wanted to squint – why did all the Diamonds have such bright smiles?
"That's decided, then! We are happy to accept. When would you like to start?"
"In a month, starting on the fifteenth if that's all right?" Arthur said, reading over the date he'd written on his notes.
"Yes...that may be a tight fit, however that works for us. It's decided then," Francis sang, then waited for Arthur to stand up before bowing once. "It's a pleasure, Your Highness. Let us break the good news to Vash and Lili, hm?"
Alfred seemed much more excited over the announcement than Arthur did.
"Matthew did really well when he went over for his internship," Alfred grinned, throwing his arms over Arthur as soon as he came out of the bathroom to his shock. "I'm suuuper proud of you, sugar!"
"You didn't really do anything," Arthur chastised, but kissed his cheek. "Now that's over, I'm absolutely exhausted. We should get some rest for tomorrow, where I'm sure we'll be subjected to more talks."
"Actually, I finished one early with Hearts," Alfred beamed, holding Arthur's hands and closing the door to his bathroom. "Well, it's up to your liking, really."
"Hm? But I thought you didn't really feel very comfortable with them, with Gilbert's condition still not completely up to par," Arthur said, smiling weakly. "Are you sure you're all right with King Ludwig?"
"It wasn't the easiest, but...it went all right," Alfred said. "Since we're kings and stuff, there's that sort of formality stuff that got us through it. But I've arranged us to go over with them next week."
"Next week?" Arthur exclaimed, unable to stop his mouth parting in a large o. "But why would we need to go there so soon?"
Alfred walked Arthur to the bed, before dashing off to his untidy desk and scrabbling around for a few moments whilst Arthur took off his bathrobe and put on his usual nightwear – a pair of woolen pants for the winter, and one of Alfred's shirts. By the time he'd finished buttoning the last one, he'd looked ahead to see Alfred brandishing a notebook of some sorts.
"You said you were gonna go with the Diamonds on the fifteenth of next month, right? That leaves us enough time to go to the Fates in Hearts!" he cried, and Arthur noticed when Alfred stopped waving the book that there was a few circled dates in bright blue felt pen – then all of a sudden, he seemed to deflate a little, back into the bashful boy he'd teased before congregation with the other royals, cheeks flushing. "For...you know. A child. Maybe. If you want."
"A child?"
"You know," Alfred blushed, "Like the blessing stuff that could make us be able to have a child. It might be too soon, but I was thinking and stuff...I would be able to protect you throughout the whole process when the going gets tough, you know? Or you could be with me if stuff goes wrong, if you want me to carry the baby, or-"
Arthur simply beckoned Alfred to come to where he was, with the notebook in his hands. As soon as he was within arm's reach, he embraced him, kissing the crown of his head. Alfred's cheeks only grew redder; when had Arthur had him wrapped around his finger?
...I know when, but when did it start becoming like this all the time?
Remembering Arthur's angelic form coming down the aisle to meet him, Alfred felt as if he'd be able to start figuring that one out.
"Next week," Arthur murmured, holding him close with his left hand and gently tapping the date on the calendar with the other. "That sounds like a plan, my darling. Thank you for asking."
"Anything for you," Alfred said dopily, turning off the lights next to their bedside before he moved forward for a kiss. Arthur met him halfway, all warmth and tingles and adoration contained in one small movement. "Always, Arthur."
They barely noticed the notebook as Arthur tucked him in, resting his chin between Alfred's neck and shoulder and shutting his eyes. Even though becoming a queen was as overwhelming and strenuous as he'd expected, it was all worth it when it meant he got to remain at Alfred's side, come what may.
"Goodnight, Alfred. I love you."
"Goodnight, Arthur. I love you, too."
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