One Last Fairytale: So this is Love

Kiku stared at his own reflection in the full length mirror. For once, he felt quite uncomfortable wearing something so formal and attending something a servant like him was not allowed to.

After days of persuading from Natalia and weighing among his decisions, Kiku decided to attend the ball mainly because he wants to see Alfred whom he had not met years ago.

Speaking about Alfred, he felt something tugged at his heart. Not because he was going to see Alfred soon, but a pang of jealousy that Alfred is going to get married soon. He knew that he can never catch Alfred's eyes, he was just a mere servant, a slave to the upper class. But then, he couldn't help but wonder why it hurt so much whenever he thinks about seeing Alfred dancing along with a lady or marrying someone of the nobility rather than him. He understood that he and Alfred can never be together, this is not a fairytale and all he can do is to pray that Alfred find his very own happiness and rule the kingdom as a great ruler.

"Kiku, is everything ready now?" Natalia soon walked into the room, wearing a glamorous dress, just for the event tonight. Just yesterday, he followed along with Natalia's small troupe travelling to Main Hetalia castle. Natalia kept his identity low as he was soon escorted to the servants' quarter where he was too familiar with.

Natalia's eyes scanned through Kiku's attire before giving an approving nod. She then handed him a mask that somehow seemed to be made of ice crystals. "Just remember to wear this on and don't tell anyone your name, it's the rule of a masquerade ball." She reminded him.

Alfred paced up and down in his own room, his hand occasionally ran over his head only to find one of the stubborn hair refused to lie down like the rest of his sunny blond locks. He had given up trying to tame it after several attempts of brushing it down. He then went to get himself a good look by looking at the mirror, only to notice that his tie has been crooked. He tried to adjust it, but only caused it to go crooked even more.

"The guest had all arrive. Alfred, are you ready?" Arthur entered the room only to find Alfred fumbling with his shirt tie. Arthur seeing this just sighed in amusement and went up to help Alfred adjusted his tie. "Seriously, when can you fix your tie properly?"

"But I try already…" Alfred whined. Arthur looked like he was about to complain something but closed his mouth again, not in much of a mood to argue. Alfred took this as an opportunity to beg his father. "Dad, can I not get marry?"

"Alfred, how many times do you want me to say this?" Arthur scowled a little. "Your papa and I had spent a lot of planning on this. You can't just go against our back because of your selfish thoughts."

"But what if I enjoy the party but don't wanna get marry?"

"Alfred, you're almost eighteen, with a kingdom in hand. How can you handle a kingdom without a queen? People will think that you're not mature enough."

"But what if I ended up marrying someone I don't even like? And whose selfishness is it that give me so much unhappiness?" Alfred retorted. "And, dad, grandpa might think of you being immature because of running away with papa but you don't think so because you love papa and decided to go against grandpa."

"Don't bloody say a word about that fucking grandpa of yours!" Arthur finally snapped at the mentioned of his father. "My case is hell different, not your fucking business to meddle with!"

"But that's because I want to have a love story like you and papa, not just get married because of political reason." Alfred fought back. "I don't wanna get married just to be king, but I the person I married must also be the person whom I can love."

"Then that's the point!" Arthur yelled back, "Just fucking go to the ball and meet the guests by yourself. I'm sure you can at least find one among them all."

"But what if I don't?"

"Alfred, you're old enough to make your own decision and we won't go against your wishes even if the person you love is a poor peasant girl. Your papa and I just don't want you to suffer the pain we have been through." Arthur spoke with a stern voice. "Even if you're not interested to meet them, you should at least talk to them or dance with them for a while. It's what a prince should give the people a good impression."

Alfred bit his lip, whenever he tried to argue with his father, it always ended up with him being the loser. He heaved a defeated sigh before submitting himself, "Fine, I will meet the guests. But that doesn't mean I will find my future spouse."

Arthur nodded, though not fully agreeable on Alfred's statement but there was no other way he could persuade his son. That stubborn behaviour reminded him too much about his past self, like father like son.

The ballroom was on his finest regalia as night reached its peak. Towards the end of the room sat King Arthur and King Francis at the highest thrones, both in their finest suit and crown on their head. Alfred and Ivan sat on the princes' seat next to their parent. From the right side of the family sat High Princess Natalia who was from the North Kingdom along with Liech and Vash behind her seat and the Southeast family with their current ruler High Prince Antonio and the Bonnefoy twins behind the chair he's sitting. To their left is High Prince Gilbert of Western Kingdom and Prince Ludwig, Roderich and Elizaveta standing by his side.

Guests started filling in the room, all in their finest suits and dresses, face hidden behind masks of various colours and design. One by one, they introduced themselves in front of the royal families. Alfred could barely paid any attention to all those boring introductions. His sky blue eyes darted all around the ballroom, those whom he once met when he was young were now all grown up, just like him and he could barely recognize them.

Once the introduction session were finally over, music started to fill the hall and people began to pair up and dance among themselves. Francis quickly whisked Arthur into the dance floor, followed by Roderich and Elizaveta with the guest followed soon. Alfred's eyes wandered off the room, noticing Natalia dancing with a certain young man, Ludwig spinning in the dance floor with a small brunette man in his arms. Antonio was dancing too, with someone (a man or a lady?) he didn't recognize.

"You should join the party and dance with some of the ladies." Ivan suggested helpfully.

"Thanks, but I don't think I really like this." Alfred said with disgust. "I feel like I'm getting dizzy."

"But at least show some manners in front of our guest?" Ivan nudged. When Alfred did not make a move, he decided to just ignore the young prince and join the crowd instead. He walked into the crowd and pull one of the court ladies into a dance.

Alfred decided to just run off when his parents were not looking but suddenly one of the lady appeared next to him and said in a voice that seems so fake.

"Good evening, your highness." She greeted him awkwardly. "I was like, thinking, would you care to have a dance with me?" She tried to dazzle him with a smile but all the makeup she was wearing make her face looks plastered.

Alfred wanted to run away, to turn down her offer but he can't. If not, his father will gone through the roof and he will be in big trouble. With a sigh, he stood up and danced along with the annoying lady.

Kiku sneaked into the ball when the dancing ceremony began. The moment when he stepped into the room, one of the man noticed him and asked him for a dance. Kiku pondered and agreed, why not get some fun since he had the time of his life? The man swept him into the dance floor and he almost got lost in the crowd but managed to get a hold of it (Natalia has given him some dance lesson before that), thankfully his clothes didn't obstruct much of his movement.

There is a change of music and the crowd began switching partners while dancing. Kiku found himself being twirled before he changed his partner. To his surprise, his partner was quite tall that he felt so much inferior being towered by that man. The man stared at him with eyes he could not comprehend, which was hiding behind the mask. Kiku felt his blood went cold, but felt a sense of familiarity at the same time.

"H-Hello?" Awkwardly, he decided to try to speak up with the man. When the man did not speak, he took it as a cue to continue, "H-Have we m-met before?" Still, there's no reply. Thankfully, it was time to switch partner and he was again being swapped off by some other people.

The party had just go on for half an hour but Alfred already had enough of it. Those ladies who were trying to catch his attention were getting on his nerves. All of them are the same, trying to fake their personality and sugar coat him with sweet words in hope that he will make them his spouse.

"You're so handsome, Prince Alfred. Aren't I'm a perfect match with you?" One of the girls would say followed by the other who hair (Alfred swear) would have gone haywire, "Oh Prince Alfred, how lucky am I to dance with you." And then another with a bit too much of mascara, "Don't listen to them, I'm way better than them and I will take good care of you when you marry me."

He started hating it already! These young ladies are going to make him crazy. He was about to retire himself from the dance floor and leave for some private moment when he suddenly noticed someone that caught his eyes.

At the corner of his eyes over a distance away, he saw a person with short black hair, wearing a blue mask that has ornament that somehow resembles ice crystal dancing with certain man. He could not tell whether that person was a man or a lady. And that light blue clothing that person was wearing look so… unique to the eyes, as if he was flying. Alfred couldn't help but felt himself attracted to that person and vowed to get close to know more about that mysterious guest.

With caution, he led the lady into the midst of guest, waiting for the perfect opportunity to switch partner. Slowly, he led the girl close to that mysterious person. When the music signals the right time, he quickly shifted his partner. But his luck ran out, he ended up being dancing with another lady. He whipped his head around, only to see that person being whisked away by some other people. He mentally cursed himself while having to endure the entire dance party again.

Ivan was enjoying his time dancing with some ladies when suddenly comes to a time to switch partner. At a change of beat, he found himself paired up with a young man in a light blue kimono. At the first glance, his blood froze. No, it can't be… It can't be him, right?

The young man looked up at him. Though his eyes were hidden behind the mask, Ivan felt a pang of nostalgia in those eyes. "H-Hello?" The man greeted nervously. "H-Have we m-met before?" By hearing his voice, his suspect was being confirmed. Why is he here?

Before he can said anything to the man, the beat change again and he changed partner again. This time, his partner being Gilbert. "Hey, how long have we last seen each other?" The High Prince of Western Kingdom was wearing a black tailcoat with a silver mask on his face.

"Oh, it's only you, Gilbert." Ivan said with disinterest as the two continued to dance.

"C'mon, how can you ever forget the awesome me?"

"I don't forget you. Just that it stirs up the bad memories."

Oh, so he still remembers Yao. Gilbert thought to himself and tried to find a way so that he can Ivan can leave the dance hall. "Say, if you're feeling bad. Why don't let's have a drink?"

"Da, sounds like a good idea." Ivan smirked a bit and the two sneaked out from the group of crowd to where the food are served. Ivan picked out the best red wine and pour a glass for each of them. The two began to sit down and started drinking while idly chatting. It feels good, for Gilbert. He can finally meet and talk with Ivan again. He barely remember the last time they had their last conversation. Smiling, he turned around to see his brother was still on the dance floor with his lover. So, West has already found someone he love.

While Ivan remained calm on the outside sipping his drink, in actual he is not. After meeting with that boy in blue kimono, he remembered those days where he was happy. He remembered that one and only boy whom he loved. He was Ivan's caretaker and they grew up together. Eventually, they fall in love and decided to run away so that they can have their own life. But then, before they could even fulfilled their dreams, tragedy happened and the boy left him heartbroken.

And he knew that it was too painful to fall in love again, because even if there is true love, it won't revive your beloved from death and you'll end up being all alone again. He was worried about Alfred. If that young man ended up worming into Alfred's heart, then Alfred will ended up with the same fate like him, being all alone and sad in the future. He was not going to let that happen, he don't want his younger brother to suffer the same fate as him.

Alfred has finally retired from dancing after unable to take those pesky ladies anymore. He walked to the balcony and gazed far away into the sky. The night was clear today, with a full moon and countless stars illuminating the night sky. It was a beautiful night, but things aren't just going right. He just can't find the right person, the person whom he will be happy with.

Looking up into the sky once more, he noticed one of the stars shining brighter than the rest. When young, his father told him that when you wish upon a star, your wish will come true. He didn't quite believe in this but when a person was desperate, he will do anything in hope for the better. "I wish to find the person whom I meant to be with. I asked for nothing, but just happiness."

Suddenly, someone knocked him hard on his back. "Ouch, w-who was that?" Alfred asked as turned around.

"S-Sorry…" That person apologize and Alfred recognized as the person whom he was trying to dance with just now.

"Uh, it's alright." Alfred could feel his face heated up and his heart began to beat rapidly. What's wrong? It's not like he had this feeling before. He finally get a good look of that person. Other than his (he judged from that person's voice) face, he looks small and petite. His skin was pale and unblemished, almost porcelain like.

"Are you Prince Alfred?" That person asked him timidly.

"At your service." Alfred said with utmost politeness, "would you like to dance with me?"

The man shook his head a little while smiling. "I would like to but I just don't like the crowd here."

"Then let's go elsewhere." Alfred said, offering his hand for the young man to hold. "I know somewhere where we can have our time alone."

Kiku never thought that he would really meet up with Alfred face to face. By the time when he realised it, it was too late. Luckily, Alfred didn't seemed to recognize him. It also surprised him that Alfred spoke so politely that he couldn't deny the prince offer.

He looked at the hand Alfred had offered him while hesitating. Slowly, he nodded his head and smiled a little, stretching out his small hand to take Alfred's.

Alfred then led him back into the ballroom but he did not pull Kiku into the crowd of dancing couple, instead he found Alfred taking him down a secret stairway that led them to the castle garden.

Everything in the garden was almost the same like the last time he worked here. The pond where they usually play was still there, as still as ever like the night reflecting the moon in the sky. Once Alfred made sure that no one was around, they sat down near the pond under the tree while enjoying the night breeze.

"Is there something bothering your mind, my highness?" Kiku asked gently once they calmed down a little.

"There's no need to call me your highness or Prince Alfred, just Alfred is enough." Alfred told him before gazing off into a distance. "My parents had this event in hope that I will find someone as my future queen." He explained, though Kiku already know most of it. "But I'm not interested in getting married."

"But isn't it tradition that a crown prince must be married before claiming the throne?" Kiku asked knowingly.

"Yes, but it's just that… If I want to get marry, I should at least find someone whom I love and be loved back, not just get married out of political reason, it won't be a happy marriage." Alfred said.

Kiku felt something tugged at his heart but he refused to show it. "Then, have you found someone you like?"

"No…" Alfred replied blandly. "There are either too annoying or too much to my taste." He said.

"It seems like you're quite picky." Kiku commented.

Alfred chuckled a little as he gazed afar. "Well, it's how love works. They said that love has no principle. And I guess it's true after all. Just like how I met you just now and I already felt something different on you."

What Alfred said made his heart skipped a beat, Kiku felt something hopeful tugging in him. "How do you mean? I'm being different?" As an answer, the prince reached out both his hand to hold Kiku's face so that they are looking at each other eye-to-eye. Kiku could feel his face heated up being so close to Alfred.

"You just reminded me of a friend. A friend whom I will no longer meet in the future." Alfred said softly. He released Kiku from his grasp and continued to gaze at the sky. "It was years ago when we were children and we would spend time playing together, and my brother too. But then, when my brother died. I was so sad that I shut him out and never see him again. By the time I realised what I had done, he was gone already."

"Are you still sad about it?" Kiku asked, using his sleeves to wipe the tears that were going to spill out from his eye.

"Of course, I cannot forgive myself for hurting him. If I was given another chance, I would apologize properly to him and treat him nicely again." The prince stood up from where he sat and approached the pond. "This pond… is the place where we usually play together when we were young. We would throw stones at the lake monster and splashed water among each other."

Kiku stood up as well and went to stand by Alfred's side. "If you're honest in your heart, perhaps he will heard you. Even if he did not come back, he was glad that you had finally let the past go. He must be wishing for your happiness all the time."

"I guess you're right." Alfred mumbled, Kiku turned back to admire the flower bush in the castle garden, its view can never compared to that of the North Kingdom. Alfred watched this young man walked around the garden like he has been here before. He wanted to know who this man was, wanted to know his name and take of his mask to see his true face. "Do you like the flowers?"

Kiku turned back and nodded his head as a reply. "It has been a while since I saw such a beautiful bloom." His hand unconsciously reached out to stroke a rose which was on full bloom.

The prince's eyes trailed the young man's elegant body. The light blue kimono he was wearing has the mosaic pattern of butterflies imprint on it, adorn with a matching blue sash. To him, this man was like a butterfly, elegantly fluttering among the endless array of flowers and moonlight, his pale skin tone illuminate in the dark, raven strands of hair reflecting the moonlight at different angle. He was so beautiful, for a man; beautiful, as if dancing amongst the flowers under the moon. It was sight to behold, just so much like him, he thought. Something clenched hard in his chest and he tried to fight the pain. What is this feeling? It's as if he wants to make this young man as his, only his, a strong feeling to protect him.

From the ballroom of the castle, there was a stench of melodious music flowing out to the garden. A gentle breeze blew over, sending leaves and flower petals twirling in the wind. On instinct, Alfred offered his hand in front of Kiku and made a small bow. "Will you dance with me?" he asked.

A small blush formed on Kiku's cheek. Sheepishly, he smiled and accepted Alfred's hand as Alfred led him to an empty space and began to waltz with him. As they danced, Kiku could feel nothing but emptiness beneath his feet, as if he was floating with Alfred, his prince charming. He really wished that this was real, being together with someone he loved but then he remembered that he was here just to see Alfred being happy. After that, Alfred would marry someone else and he will return to the North Kingdom as a servant again, where he will never be able to see Alfred again. It was sad but true, how he wished that this was a dream where he won't wake up.

By the time when the music stops and they finished their dance, it was almost the end of the day. "What time is it now?" He asked Alfred. The prince just shrugged, "Dunno, might be almost midnight already since the music had stopped playing." Then, it stuck him. Natalia had reminded him that it's best that he return to his chambers before midnight to avoid unwanted trouble (because he actually sneaks inside the ball and must not let people discover his identity).

"I'm sorry, Master Alfred." Kiku suddenly let go of Alfred's hand, he didn't even realised that he slipped his words. "Please excuse me, I have to get going now." He said as he tried to sprint back into the castle but Alfred got hold of him.

"W-Wait! Why such the rush? Where are you going?" Alfred poured questions on him as he grabbed hold of Kiku's wrist. Kiku turned back to face him, he then made a brave move by planting a kiss on Alfred's cheek. "It's getting late. I need to go back. We will meet tomorrow." With that, he released himself from Alfred's grip and ran back into the castle, leaving Alfred dazed on the spot.

Arthur and Francis were surprised that Alfred was not in the ballroom when it was time to bid the people for the night, which they were going to give him a lecture later. The rest of the royal family returned to their respective chambers with a rather dreamy state. Ivan couldn't help but noticed that Alfred appeared to be happier than he normally was during that night before going to bed. He could only hope that Alfred had found someone he loved.

Alfred definitely didn't have any feeling for that mysterious young man. He never had much thoughts of the man in blue kimono, ice crystal like mask and short black hair. To him, that man just resembled the person he once loved but that love can never return back to him. There's no way he can love another person because the only person he loved is Kiku, the servant who accompany him since young, and that person is gone forever. Still he found himself drawing towards the petite young man.

The next night was the same as usual. Alfred danced around with the ladies who went around showering him with fake praises and wooing in hope to captivate him. He can even remember how he can endure all of it. But what disappointed him is that he never saw the man from last night again.

Ivan was drinking at the dining table while Gilbert watched over him in worry like a mother hen. Ivan did not seem to mind at all, he had taken up drinking over the years when Yao died in hope to drown his sorrow and forget the painful past.

"Ivan, you shouldn't spend all your time in drinking. It's not good for your body." Gilbert said as he took the body of alcoholic drink out of Ivan's reach.

"I don't care. I just wanna drink." Ivan said in an almost drunken state. Gilbert shook his head. "Why don't let us go out and have some fun?" Crimson red eyes can been seen quirking behind the black mask.

"Sounds like a good idea…" Ivan said as Gilbert went to help him up and adjusted his mask which was askew.

By the time Alfred retreated from dancing, it was almost midnight already. Part of him wanted to run away back to his chambers to call it a day but his heart was still tugged with hope to see that mysterious man in beautiful kimono made of silk. His parents were still dancing among the crowd, so does Natalia and Ludwig.

A hand suddenly rested on his shoulders. He gasped, remembered that this was his hand. He whipped around and found himself facing the mysterious man from yesterday. "Hey." He greeted.

"Sorry for coming late." The man made a bow before correcting himself. "I hope you enjoy having some company when I'm not around."

"I won't enjoy this event at all if you weren't by my side." Alfred said.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" The small man asked while lacing his fingers with Alfred's.

"I don't know. But shall we share some private moments?" Alfred asked him as he began to lead Kiku out of the ballroom.

"I'm fine with it." Kiku flashed him a dazzling smile as he let Alfred walked him to their destination.

As they walked, Alfred took his time observing the small man. He was wearing an ornate violet robes with floral patterns design on it. He even wore a matching pale pink mask that somehow resembled butterfly wings. The only thing that hasn't changed was the blue sash he still wore from yesterday night. Alfred did admit to himself that it was such a beautiful sight for a man. Whenever he walked, Alfred would imagine a pair of butterfly wings sprouted out from his back fluttering gently in the air as the wind whipped up cherry blossom petals like a storm, so tranquil, so magnificent…

They walked out from the ballroom and entered through some secret hallway to avoid being noticed by the servants. Alfred led Kiku to a room that was located at the very end of the hallway. There are no lights here, just dust that coated every corner as if it was forgotten by time.

Alfred opened the door and turned on the lights before gesturing Kiku to enter. Kiku did as what he was told and was amazed by how the inside look.

It's a music room. A large chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling illuminate every corner of the space. Albeit how dirty and dusty the outside look, it looks clean, not even a single dust can be spotted. In the middle of the room was a grand piano that shines under the chandelier's light.

Alfred went to sit on the piano bench, gesturing Kiku to sit next to him and began playing it. Kiku sat and listened intently to the melody Alfred delivered to him. He had never been exposed to music or some relaxation activity, so considered him quite lucky that Alfred was performing before him.

After a while Alfred stopped playing, but the music continued to fill around the space as if someone was controlling the piano. Kiku watched as Alfred stood up and held his hand before him. "May I have this dance with you again?" Kiku blushed a smile before taking Alfred's hand. Together, they began to sway to the music again.

Alfred had both his eyes locked on Kiku as they danced to the music. His eyes, they looked so distance yet so close. Can it be? Is this young man really the one designated for him? He realized that he had fallen for this young man, even that he just met him just yesterday.

So, this is love… Alfred mentally thought to himself. The love he was looking, the person who meant to be with him…

"I enjoy a great time with you." When they parted, Alfred still held onto Kiku's right hand as he helped him back to the chair.

"You know, I usually don't attend to these kinds of activities." Kiku said, "It's because that I'm just a servant and servants are only allowed to stay in the background, not to attract attention."

A tinge of familiarity hit Alfred, isn't Kiku a servant too? Or can this be a coincidence? But then again, he remembered that the invitation mentioned that all young men and ladies of different classes are invited, so maybe he is also one of the servant in disguise of something.

"At first, I don't want to come here because it always reminded me of some painful memories of the past." Kiku continued to explain, unaware that he was slipping things off again. "But then, my mistress persuaded me to attend. And I guess she is right after all, I have met you and I am really happy. There's no other way I can enjoy my life like this."

A surge of protectiveness flooded Alfred's mind. He wanted to make this young man happy and protect him from the unhappiness he has been through. If his parent approved, he would ask for this man's hand in marriage and take him under his wing.

"This young man," Alfred gestures, kneeling down in front of Kiku and facing him eye-to-eye. "May I know your name?"

The moment when Alfred asked such question, Kiku panicked slightly in the mind but kept his composure calm. "S-Sorry, but I can't tell you that." He said calmly.

"S' okay, there's nobody here. You can tell me." Alfred said in hope that the man will tell him.

"No, I can't." Kiku stood up abrupty, his face flustered. "Tomorrow is the last day of the ball, you will find out eventually." He quickly distance himself from the prince. "It's getting late, I have to go. See you tomorrow." Hastily, he ran out of the music room and down the hallway before Alfred can even gave chase.

Alfred heaved out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair, "Why am I so impatient? I must have scared him." He was about to leave when he suddenly noticed something being left on the piano bench. He picked it up to discover that it was a fabric made of silk… No, isn't this the blue sash that man was wearing just now. Did he forgotten it or left it on purpose? Just then, he noticed a piece of note attached to it…

As late night crept in, Ivan escorted Gilbert back to his own room. "I have a lot of fun with you just now." Ivan said grinning like a child, though Gilbert noticed some lies in it but can't place it where.

Gilbert rolled his eyes as he opened his room door. "Perhaps it was you who have fun, not me." He said sullenly. "I expect that you behave better as a prince."

Ivan had the nerve to ignore him and continued putting on his fake smile. "It's Alfred who should succeed the throne, not me. So I'm not in a hurry to get married. After all, the person I love is dead already and there's no point in marrying another."

"You still don't understand, do you?" Gilbert heaved a sigh in defeat. "Anyway, I will see you tomorrow." With that, he slammed the door shut.

Ivan wandered on the hallways alone. It's pretty late now and the lights in the hallway were dimmed but Ivan could care less. His thoughts soon wandered to Alfred who was searching for his future spouse. How can this be?

When Gilbert asked Ivan out, he agreed and the two princes walked out of the ballroom to head out of the garden. Ivan suddenly took notice of Alfred walking along with that mysterious young man in a kimono from yesterday. He seemed to be having a good time being with that man. It can't be! Of all the eligible teenagers, it had to be him?! That's absurd, Ivan told himself. Memories of the painful past flashed before him and it tore his heart whenever he thinks about it. No, he's not going to let Alfred go through the same thing he's been through. He has to do something…

On the third night, Alfred sneaked out from the ball when it was almost midnight time. He's going to receive another lecture from his father for sneaking out for the third time in a row while supposing to bid the guest goodnight but he will explain to them later. What matters now is finding about the mysterious man whom he fell in love with. Alfred hated to admit what he feels towards the man, though the person whom he should actually fall in love was Kiku but he couldn't deny what he was thinking when being around that small man.

Slowly, he took out the blue sash the man has left at the music room on the last night. He took a while to admire how soft and smooth the material is, like it's something familiar to him. There was a note being attached to the fabric.

My prince,

Please forgive me for my behaviour towards you on the dance. I didn't meant to attract your attention or get you into trouble but there's something troubling me.

If you truly love me, please meet me at the centre of the garden around midnight.

Yours truly

That person did not specify his name, maybe he wants to tell Alfred personally when it was the right time. Still, he wants to know about that mysterious young man and is not going to lose him anymore. Quickening his pace, he ran as fast as he could towards the garden.

It was five minutes before midnight when Alfred arrived the heart of the garden. He instantly recognized the man who had his back faced to him. The prince has to hold back his breath at what he saw, that man was wearing a plain silvery while kimono. In the faint moonlight, it appears as if he was shining in the night.

Two nights of interacting with the prince gave Kiku hope to be reunited with his prince charming. Alfred has expressed to him about his love towards his childhood servant which added another push for Kiku to get closer with Alfred. Soon, he realized that his feelings for Alfred is true after all. He did love Alfred, with all his heart and soul. And tonight, he's determined to tell Alfred everything.

Alfred coughed abruptly, which caused Kiku to whip his head towards his direction. "I received your message. And as promise, I meet you in the centre of the garden." The prince said handing the sash and the note back to Kiku.

"I'm glad that you came." Kiku smiled sheepishly. Alfred looked as handsome as always. He was wearing a navy blue tailcoat with a matching sea blue mask that seems to reflect the moonlight, which lightened up his sky blue eyes even distinctly.

"I came for you. Does that mean you will love me too?" Alfred asked as he flashed a childish grin.

"Not yet until you prove it to me." Kiku said, a cunning smirk spread across his face. He turned back calling out for Alfred, "Come and see this." Curiously, Alfred stood next to him and found himself standing in front of various flowers forming a heart shape.

"D-Do you remember this place?"

He searched back his past, trying to find traces of this place. But all he could remember was the night when he was presented to a maze made up of flower path. "I don't remember exactly, but I remember seeing a flower maze. A servant presented it to me."

Kiku smiled a bit at Alfred's answer, but he's not done yet. "Do you love what your servant presented it to you?"

"It may be simple, but I like it." Alfred smiled at him. "But then, if I had a choice, I love that servant even more than his present." Kiku perked up at what he had mentioned. "Do you really love that servant?"

Alfred nodded, a sad smile appeared on his face. "When we were young, we were friends and would spend time playing together whenever he was not working. But then, I shunned him away. By the time I realized my mistake, he was gone."

"What will you do if you were given another chance?"

Alfred sighed, why is this man asking about his other love interest? Is he putting him on a trial? Anyway, Alfred knew better to be honest rather than making up stories. "I want to find him back, apologize to him and shower him with love, perhaps more than before. Then I will propose to him and ask for his hand in marriage."

"T-That's… Really nice of you, Alfred…" Kiku said, somehow glad with Alfred's answer.

"Anyway, it's your turn now." Alfred suddenly spoke up. "Why are you meeting me here? Why are you asking me about my previous love while you act like you know everything? Tell me, who are you?"

On the cue, the clock suddenly stuck twelve in the midnight, meaning that the three day masquerade party has officially ended. Kiku chuckled a little before saying, "I guess it would be better if we see each other eye to eye rather than doing all the explanation."

Alfred perked up a bit, "Are you really going to tell me who you are?"

"The masquerade party is over, so we can take off our mask and see each other for the first time." Kiku said with a sly grin. "Why don't we took off each other's mask and make another introduction of ourselves?"

"Okay, if you say so." Alfred grinned back. He then bent down to reach the silver mask which the young man was wearing while Kiku did the same in undoing Alfred's mask.

Time seems to stop the moment when the masks were removed. "Master Alfred, it's a pleasure to see you again." The man, with his mask finally removed made an elegant bow before the prince while all Alfred could do was stare in disbelief.

It took a while for Alfred to recompose himself as he reached his hand to touch Kiku's cheek. "It… It can't be… Is it you, Kiku? Is this a dream?"

Kiku smiled up at the prince and reply, "You're not dreaming, Master Alfred. It's me, Kiku. I have come back for you."

Memories of the past flooded in his mind, remembering those times where he would play pranks on the little servant boy while the boy just let him be. No matter how much time he called Alfred 'master', Alfred would correct him to call him by just his name. He remember the night when they first shared their kiss in the garden and the day he first became a hero by saving the servant boy and bought him a beautiful piece of sash. It was until Mattie's death, he shut himself in his room and banished the boy from his side.

Kiku then felt Alfred's strong arms circled him and he was being carried by Alfred. "You have finally return, Kiku." He murmured before crashing their lips together. "I have been waiting for this day, to meet you again and to ask for your forgiveness. I'm so sorry for yelling at you, and I promise I won't do that again."

"I won't blame you, Alfred. I-It's just that… I'm so happy to see you again."

Alfred smiled and kissed him again. Kiku opened his mouth so that Alfred could slid his tongue inside and their tongue engaged in a dance. Laying Kiku down on the grass, Alfred began to plant kisses on Kiku's cheek, forehead and neck. As gently as ever, he began to undo the clothing on Kiku until he was nothing but bare.

Kiku shivered a little when he laid naked on the grass before Alfred as the cold night air prickled his skin. He hasn't got used to this, but he's not uncomfortable. He watched as Alfred began to plant love marks all over his body.

So this is love, Alfred thought to himself. So this is what makes life divine. I'm all aglow. And now I know it. He began undoing his shirt, revealing pack of muscles as the results of vigorous training he has been through. Kiku blushed at the sight of it, he was nothing in comparison but a fragile twig.

Alfred reached his hand at Kiku's entrance, pausing for a moment to get his permission. With a weak nod, Alfred inserted the first digit into his tight entrance, causing the smaller man to hiss a little in pain. Alfred kissed his cheek as an attempt to comfort him and inserted a second one. Kiku could feel nothing but bliss as he felt something hit the bundle of nerves that excites him. It was pain, but yet, pleasurable.

It was then when he realized that Alfred removed his fingers and was replaced by something even bigger. Kiku gasped a little as he tried to take in Alfred's large member.

Alfred smirked a little and he began to playfully tease Kiku's throbbing member, earning a pleasurable moan from the small man. He soon found Kiku's pleasure spot and began hitting it and Kiku winced a little as he twisted and dug his fingers into Alfred's arm. As pleasure sparks was reverberated in his body, Kiku was confirmed that his love for Alfred is returned, he has found the love he has been yearning for, his own prince charming. So this is love, he thought to himself. My heart has wings and I can fly…

"Kiku, marry me…" Alfred moaned as he thrust himself deeper, "I can't stand without you by my side. I don't want my life to be unhappy just because of getting marry to some noble ladies." The key to heaven is all mine and I have to do it right.

"What if the people don't approve your choice?" Kiku asked, moaning in pleasure when Alfred hit his pleasure spot.

"Then let's runaway. I won't quit until I make you mine." He reached out his hand to pick a single rose that was not too far away from them and presented it to Kiku. "It's a promise, 'kay?" Kiku smiled and accepted the flower from Alfred, I'll touch every stars in the sky. "I will be waiting for you as you promised…" So this is the miracle I have been dreaming of.

And so they spent the entire night doing their nightly activities over and over again until they were too tired to even move an inch. Kiku soon found himself lying among the flowers and grass with Alfred sleeping above him. The warmth radiating from the prince's muscular chest gave him comfort and kept him away from the cold. So this is love, he thought to himself again as he snuggled himself at Alfred's chest before drifted off to sleep.

xXx

And so, Alfred and Kiku had finally met and they fall in love. Awww… n_n Happy Belated Birthday America! After I finished the previous chapter, I was planning to continue writing my other novel when I realized that July is coming, that means America's birthday is coming! With that in mind, I started writing this chapter in hope to be posted up on Alfred's birthday, but I'm still a bit late. Anyway, I hope you all will like my present for America.

I think I might need some help here, mind giving me some advice or suggestion? I was thinking that whether I should post some omake featuring other pairings like GerIta, Spamano etc. or should I just continue to complete the story and come back with these side stories once the main plot is finished. I need your review in here. So please tell me what you think about the story arrangement, I would appreciate it a lot.

Do you think that Alfred can finally get his Happily Ever After? If you read through the chapter again, it seems like Ivan was not really happy about this. What will he do to break their relationship? Oooh, I'm so sadistic right now to make Ivan bad. Muahahaha…

I guess you are all familiar with this chapter's title, do you? The title is called So This is Love based on the popular Cinderella movie in 1950. I do a bit altering with the lyrics part, hope you all like it.

And last of all, here's the list of the characters' age at the present time:

Age List 2 (at time of present day story)

Francis - 43

Arthur - 41

Antonio -45

Ivan - 25

Gilbert - 26

Elizaveta - 44

Roderich - 44

Vash - 43

Liech - 38

Ludwig - 20

Feliciano and Lovino - 19

Natalia - 19

Kiku - 19

Alfred - 18