hello hello everyone! it's 4:40 am and i'm slightly out of it but nvm.
i'm glad the reactions to the last chapter, ahah.
as always, i do not own the selection nor hetalia. these belong to kiera cass and himaruya hidekaz respectively.
From that night on out, Alfred and Arthur didn't see much of each other in the following few days.
Anna – rightfully so, the two of them agreed – was the first person in Cards to know of their engagement when she spotted the soaked couple entering Arthur's bedroom after her daily laundry run. Naturally, she was completely shocked at Alfred's presence and their unkempt appearance, but as soon as Arthur had whispered the reason her face had broken into a smile.
And she screamed at the top of her lungs as Alfred rushed into the bathroom, which was fortunate as not even a minute later two maids rushed in, brandishing a broom and laundry basket as their weapons of choice. After coming down from her hysteria Anna quickly reassured them that nothing was wrong, but the moment they were gone she broke out into an ecstatic babble.
"Oh Fates, Sir Arthur, don't tell me it's a joke," she said, words pouring from her lips in a torrent. "You can't do this to me, you're going to be sending me to an early grave!"
"It's not," Arthur said, taking her two satiny hands in his cold, wet ones, looking at Alfred who gingerly peeked out of the bathroom, flashing him a sheepish grin. "I wouldn't lie to you, Anna."
"My goodness, the two of you are going to send me into an early grave," she sighed, knocking her fist against her forehead. "All right. I guess he can come out of the bathroom, but Sir Arthur, can I lend your pillow for a while?"
"Umm…yes, definitely," Arthur said uncertainly, and watched her retreat to one of the sofas, picking up a light blue pillow and clutching it to her face. "Anna, are you O-"
"Fine, fine, everything's fine," she said, and took a deep breath. "Just need to get rid, uh, just need to lose some of these emotions."
Before anything else could happen, she buried her face in the pillow and let out a long, loud squeal of excitement that made Alfred duck back into the bathroom and Arthur wince as the two maids returned, their weapons looking more and more deadly by the moment as they advanced, carefully pressed black shoes and all.
"Are you going to stay tonight?" Arthur asked, tilting his head to one side as soon as he saw the bathroom door open and steam fill the cold room. He had been sitting in his desk and had been sucking on his pen, thinking exactly how to tell his family…
"Huh? Oh, uh, if you…won't mind me," Alfred said, one towel wrapped around his waist and the other covering his hair. "Miss Anna said it was OK when you were taking your bath, so…"
"I don't mind," Arthur said clearly, getting off his chair and meeting him, helping Alfred ease off his fluffy white towel – but frowned at the state his hair was in. "By the Fates, Alfred, have you ever actually fixed your hair by yourself?"
"Huh? Uh, not really, heh," Alfred said sheepishly to himself, watching his reflection in the mirror and looking at his hair, which had been matted to his skin save for his cowlick which stood as proud as it always did. "I guess you don't have a hair dryer?"
"Anna always did it for me," Arthur said – it was his turn to be embarrassed. "Back in the holding facility, I let my hair dry naturally, and as a child, we went without. I suppose it's a perk of being a male, as your hair dries a lot faster naturally."
"Mmm, okay, Your Highness," Alfred said, towelling off his hair and placing it over the sofa (now one pillow short). "Whatever you say."
"Put a shirt on, you idiot," Arthur chided affectionately, rifling in his wardrobe for one of his dress shirts. "I keep on stealing your clothing recently, I want to pay the favour forward."
"But I love ya in my clothes!" Alfred said, but gratefully shrugged the shirt off as he took a seat on Arthur's couch. "Even though it's like January, it's still kinda cold."
"Who's not to say that you won't look cute in my clothes as well?" Arthur said, grabbing ahold of Alfred's cheek and squeezing it a little. "Chin up. You too can be too cute for your own good."
Alfred beamed at him, eyes crinkling behind his fogged up glasses in such a dorky way that Arthur couldn't help but flop on his couch next to him and adjust them, toes curling at the way Alfred blushed as Arthur left a kiss on his nose and then rested his damp hair against his legs-
Wait. Wait wait wait, Arthur's mind supplied helpfully to him as he realized that the only thing separating his head and Alfred's…well. The only thing separating them was a thin towel, and that wouldn't be anything near the line of appropriateness. So naturally, he redirected his head to rest upon Alfred's shoulder – he could feel his shirt stick a little closer to his skin as a result of his shower.
"You know, Arthur," Alfred began, and Arthur's green eyes focused on the solemn expression on his own, the blue of his eyes in stark contrast to his glasses. "Up until just now, in the gardens…I was scared you were gonna leave. And I knew that I would be powerless to let you go. For me, that's not heroic at all…"
"You'll always be a hero to me." Arthur said, not realizing that the words had left his head and escaped through his mouth before he turned to Alfred, determination simmering in his eyes. "Little things like that…being human isn't anything to be ashamed of, Alfred. I want you to know that. I was a coward by writing that letter, if I'm going by your standards."
"But you came to see me, in the end," Alfred murmured, but his head raised somewhat from its previous, drooping position.
"We're together now," Arthur replied, taking one of his calloused hands and cupping it with his own. "However…it speaks to me, the fact that you'd let me leave if I wanted to. Some others would force someone to stay just because they held power over them, but you didn't. You think of me as an equal, and you think that about everyone else in the palace. That's what makes a hero, not some caped fool jetting around saving the world."
"O – oh," Alfred said, red tinting the space around his nose as he ducked his head. "You really think so?"
"I know so, that's why…that's why I allowed myself to love you," Arthur admitted shyly, subconsciously shifting closer to him, an action Alfred reciprocated. "After all the horrible people Erin dated, after I got to know you, I knew that my heart had fallen for a good man, a good king."
"With an amazing queen helping him out," Alfred smiled, his other hand joining Arthur's clasped together hands. "Even as a kiddo, I always knew I'd have a super cute queen. You're even better than someone I'd imagine in my wildest dreams."
"Y-You flatter me so," Arthur stammered, but he watched the way Alfred's eyes softened and he held Arthur closer – Arthur could smell a hint of his scent on Alfred's skin, and it was intoxicating. "You mustn't look away from me now, Your Highness,"
"Nah, I wouldn't think of it, my queen," Alfred said, diving in to press his lips against Arthur's lightly. "I know I've been completely stupid over these eight months…but, thanks for letting me fall in love with you. It means a lot."
"Show me, tell me, that this is all real," Arthur said softly, before they lost themselves to one another once again.
The next person Alfred and Arthur had to find during the next morning was Yao.
"No, I'll go find Matthew," Alfred reassured after Arthur volunteered at first. "Is it OK if you call your family first? Since I, uh, promised them that they'd hear from you."
"Yes, please send my best wishes to him," Arthur said, picking up Alfred's shirt from where it lay on the chair – Alfred had taken his for the day, even though it was a little tight and short on him. Never mind… "But…I want to talk to Emma and Alfonso later."
"…yeah, that's who I wanted to tell next," Alfred said, his clearly overjoyed mood taking a beating. "I just guessed that you didn't want to, since you told me before that you want to stay friends."
"No, I can't run away from it," Arthur insisted, his thick eyebrows furrowing for a moment. "It would be best this way."
"Okay, I trust you," Alfred said gently, but continued. "We might want to walk separately towards Yao's office, to avoid gossip before the actual announcement – you know where he is? I'll open the door for ya when I get there, so wait for a bit."
"Yes, naturally," Arthur said, leaning a little on his tiptoes as he kissed Alfred's chin, feeling a hint of blond stubble before bidding him a small farewell – even though he was leaving him for around five minutes at best, the pain of leaving his fiancé felt too strong for him to handle.
Gah, and the mere word fiancé! It seemed almost impossible to Arthur that Alfred would be the one to call him that, Arthur thought as he walked to the study in a brisk trot. And he called me 'Your Highness'…
Perhaps the transition would be easier than he thought? Previously he'd always been daunted by the transition from holding facility kid to royal, but especially now it was happening, it didn't make it any more difficult.
However, with Alfred by his side…Arthur allowed himself to daydream somewhat as his feet dappled down stairs to Jack Yao's study – and waited patiently at the first floor for Alfred's arrival so he could unlock the door for him.
Last night almost hadn't felt real, and it was only this morning that Arthur allowed himself to dream about their married life. Waking up to Alfred's sleepy eyes and gentle smile in the morning…taking walks together in the gardens, reading books to him with Alfred's head against his lap-
No, no, no, Arthur thought internally, blushing madly – drawing a perplexed stare from one of the two guards standing at the front of the doors that led to the royals' suites. It's so embarrassing…I'll think about it later when I can. But for now, until the moment I see him down that aisle, I must put it to the side…
"Erm, Sir Arthur, Jack Yao's just cleared you to go inside," the guard said, clearing his throat and motioning for Arthur to go through the doors.
Arthur nodded once and slowly made his way – he felt a pang when he passed Matthew and Alfred's empty bedrooms, but the pull towards the queen's suite was even more intense as he knew that one way or another, that room would become his in time. Barely being able to resist another peek as if to find out whether it had changed since the New Year, Arthur soldiered on, hand trembling only a little as he opened the door to Jack Yao's study.
"…yes, of course. I'll start pre – oh, hello, Sir Arthur," Jack Yao said, breaking apart from the conversation to swivel around and face Arthur, who had just gingerly come in the room. "Do come in, and congratulations on winning the Deciding."
"T-Thank you, Your Highness," Arthur said, bowing once before catching Alfred's – and Matthew, surprisingly enough – eye. "I can still hardly believe it myself."
"Ah, I see," Yao said, and there was a hint of humour in his voice as he turned around in his chair to face the two brothers, as if looking for their word, something Arthur knew could only be communicated through their strong bonds. "Perhaps…I was not as surprised as I would have been when Alfred ran into my study, Matthew in tow this morning to announce something very pleasant indeed."
"Uh, guilty as charged," Alfred said sheepishly, and laughter echoed around the room – Arthur looked at Matthew's clear eyes and saw some of the old cheer come back, giving him a touch of hope. "But I'm glad that things turned out how they did."
"You can sit down, Arthur," Matthew said quietly, patting the seat of the sofa next to him. "Since you're going to be part of the Primary Suit now, you have the right to organize your own marriage."
"T-thank you," Arthur said uncertainly, but by the way Matthew dipped his head in some form of comfort, he was reassured that Matthew would eventually heal. The moment he sat down, Alfred linked his hand with his own, giving it a little squeeze.
"First of all, can we make a call to my family?" Arthur said.
"PLEASE, TELL ME THIS IS REAL LIFE," Erin shouted the moment Arthur told her of the news, fingers twirling in the cord that held the phone in Jack Yao's study. "Arthur James Kirkland, you've made so many worrying calls I don't know who to trust any more."
"It's true," Arthur said, unable to contain his laughter. "Alfred and I are getting married."
"YES!" Erin shrieked, causing all four of them in the room to wince. "Allistor, PACK OUR BAGS, WE'RE LEAVING…"
"What? What's happened?" Arthur could faintly hear the tinny sound of his brother's voice in the background. "Ohy, Erin, Dylan's supposed to go for his nap now, what's with the ruckus-"
"Arthur's just been proposed to, oh, happy day…" Erin sighed over the phone. "We've a royal wedding to attend, sir."
"He – eeh?" Allistor sputtered, and Arthur could hear the snatch of the phone as Allistor went on the line. "Hey, Artie! Is she telling porkies again?"
"No, no," Arthur said, giggling with the mere absurdity of the situation. "It's true. Alfred proposed to me last night."
"Huh. I see," Allistor said, trailing off, and for a few tense moments Arthur clutched at the phone, the silence frightening him a little. What if Allistor denied his blessing and Arthur couldn't-
"Well, congratulations, little brother. Although I'm not quite sure how he convinced you, but I'm happy for you. But, er, I don't suppose that I could talk to your fiancé for a bit?" Allistor aid with a small chuckle.
"Umm…I think so, yes," Arthur said gingerly, handing the phone over to Alfred and standing a little closer towards the desk.
"Now listen up, you little punk," he heard Allistor's voice, and buried his head in his hands – how much more embarrassing could it get? Next his brother would singlehandedly attempt a siege on the castle…
The phone call continued on for a little longer before Alfred straightened up, not unlike how a soldier would, and nodded ferociously, chin bobbing and a very serious expression on his face as he passed the phone back to Arthur.
"So. I just threatened to personally break into the palace and wring his neck if he ever did anything to hurt you, but that's past the point," Allistor said casually, and Arthur huffed – he knew it. "Keep in touch, OK, Art? We'll see you soon."
"When everything's been sorted out, I'll let you know," Arthur said, placing down the phone before sharing a perplexed gaze with Alfred. "Um, please don't worry, Allistor's mostly joking. I hope."
"All right, Sir Arthur. If it's all right with you, let's start discussing the official announcement…tonight, if that's all right with you?" Jack Yao said, carefully placing the phone back in it's cradle.
"I mean, if Alfred's all right with it, I'm all right with it as well – what do I have to do to prep for tonight?"
"Well…"
"Are you sure you want to go forward with this?" Alfred asked, tilting his head in concern. "It's gonna be rough."
"I have to it, for everyone's happiness," Arthur said solemnly, and Alfred noticed with a fond smile how Arthur insisted on holding his hand. "And I know I can do it, with you at my side."
"That's great," Alfred smiled, but knocked first on the door.
"Emma? Hey, it's me…I've got something to say right now. Can I come in?"
hmm. gonna be an interesting chapter next week, i bet.
we've got replies this week, thankfully!
replies
vivadragnire - took the words out my mouth, two threes and all, haha.
guest - ahh thank you! it really means a lot ;v; it's very humbling to hear it's your favourite fic!
winchester stilinskikitsune - aaa that's so lovely to hear! i'm thrilled to know that you're invested ;)
CFAA - it's cold here in HK too, so i feel you. i hope you get better - and i'm glad you think that, muahaha.
russia says hello - i love those spicy hot memes. and i hope a week's processing was enough! they are definitely coming next chapter so please stay tuned for that.
mi chan kizanami - i think the readers collectively let out a sigh of either 'FINALLY' or 'about time author smh', haha. it's one of the fluffiest scenes i've written in a time so i'm happy you liked it!
skirivijaya - the action's definitely dying down for a bit, yep. we'll have to see about gilbert, though...
symphonylane - great, we'd definitely be happy to have you play. and don't worry, i get you! thank you very much tho :D
hearthorse11 - ma'am stop being so relatable lmao, we're going to be the same people if we're not careful...
reviews, favourites and follows are what will keep me writing, so please go ahead and leave them!