Chapter 5: why you shouldn't trust doors

Regina followed Arthur down a dark hallway and into a simply furnished room where Alfred sat on a bed with his back facing away from the entrance. Arthur had left the door slightly open, and she pressed her eye to the crack, watching the scene unfold. Arthur walked across the room to where Alfred had sloppily thrown his suit jacket over a chair. He straightened the jacket while also taking his off, then sat on the bed, head resting on Alfred's back. "Are you alright?" Arthur asked softly.

"Yeah." Alfred sighed, and shifted so he was sitting on the edge of the bed, with Arthur's head on his shoulder, leaned forward and put his head in his hands. "I'm just not looking forward to the next four years."

"It would surprise me if you were. Honestly that crazy woman must have a death wish. Why else would anyone be so rude to the other nations, especially you?"

"I don't know, but if there is a god i'm going to be praying for the power of restraint so I don't snap soon."

Arthur laughed at that, and Regina stiffened up with rage. "How dare they talk about god! Especially with those disgusting actions at the ball earlier."

Alfred sighed, "at least I have you by my side through all of this." twisting his head, he placed a soft kiss on Arthur's forehead. Regina opened the door a bit more so she could get a better view.

Arthur blushed and whispered "I'll always be with you, my love." he cupped his hands around Alfred's face and brought his lips up to meet his. Alfred just sat there for a moment, seemingly not sure what to do, before his hands rose up to undo Arthur's tie. The kiss heated up, and within moments, both men were shirtless and kissing passionately. They fell back onto the covers with Alfred on top of Arthur, propped up on his elbows. Their lips separated, and Alfred whispered "I love you, Artie. I will love you until the end of time." Regina gagged in disgust, and rocked forward to get a better view. The door betrayed her, and it creaked loudly, opening just enough so that she lost her balance and fell into the room. Alfred froze, and sat up, listening carefully. Regina tried to control her breathing, but all that came out was shallow panting.

"What's wrong?" Arthur asked.

"I think," Alfred said casually, like you would ask about the weather,"we might have a spectator." Regina tried to flee the scene before they saw her, but Alfred got up and crossed the room in only a few strides, his expression making her throat close up in fear. He grabbed her by the arm roughly and pulled her to her feet, ignoring the small gasp of discomfort from his tight grip. Arthur's eyes widened. From his point of view, Alfred had pulled Regina, the same person he had told not to follow them, out of thin air. Regina cleared her throat, and with a glare at the guys, almost like they were the intruders, stated "I suppose you are wondering why I have chosen to interrupt your little meeting here."

"Oh yeah I was just wondering about that. Ya know, the little meeting we specifically told you to stay the hell away from. But now that you are here I suppose it will be entertaining to hear your excuses so carry on."

"I have CHOSEN to interrupt because-"

"Oh my god then was I imagining it when you almost fell through the door?"

"-Because I can not let this relationship continue any longer! You are in my house and as your boss, I order this to stop immediately."

"I'm sorry, what?" Alfred said sweetly, with a rather dangerous looking smile on his face. "You seem to have forgotten who you are talking to. Because I don't know if you noticed but… ah how do I say this… I don't have to do anything you say."

"I am the president of the United States!"

"I AM THE UNITED STATES."

Arthur meanwhile, had quietly gotten up and was now standing beside him, watching the scene play out like his own personal reality show. "Now i'm sure this can all be resolved if we just-" he started to say, but was cut off as Regina, in a fit of rage, slapped him in the face.

Her palm connected to Arthur's face with a sharp slapping noise, and Arthur stumbled slightly into Alfred's chest, eyes wide with shock and pain. Alfred immediately wrapped his arms around the smaller man, shielding him from his attacker. Regina stood, breathing heavily, face triumphant. She had finally, in her opinion, proven that she was not to be messed with. She was about to finish scolding Alfred when suddenly he raised his head, eyes burning. He moved so that he was standing in front of Arthur, and before Regina could even blink, he leaned in close to her face. She found herself gasping for air as he growled "Apologize now, and I will consider being merciful."

"I won't apologize for standing up for what I believe." Regina managed to croak out. His face contorted with rage, and he suddenly grabbed her collar, lifting her off her feet.

"Final opportunity to leave the post of president and I will be merciful. This is your final warning. Will you heed my warning?"

"What do you mean by that?" she gasped, painfully aware that her feet were dangling off the ground.

"I asked you a question, Regina Smith."

There was a flare of anger in her mind when he used her full name, and she rather boldly hissed "So did I, Alfred Foster Jones. Now let me go and answer. My answer is no." with those final words, she spat in his face. She regretted her action as soon as it was done, and her mind went blank with fear as Alfred dropped her. She scrambled back as Alfred, with eerie calmness, wiped off his face and slowly walked toward her.

"I see. Well to answer your question, merciful means that your death would have been quick." he drawled, before drawing back his fist and punching her in the face.