CC101- HEY! I am sorry guys! It shouldn't have taken this long, but for those of you who didn't know, I was bedridden for a week and sick after. After that, I had finals but now they are all done! :) So enjoy the new chapter. As a treat, I am making all of these longer!
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia!
Unfortunately for Arthur and Alfred, if Kiku and Yao weren't going to wake them, someone else would. Frowning as the Jack of Diamonds kicked open the door, Vash stormed into the room. "Wake up! You rude hosts!"
Arthur, startled by the rude awakening, slipped off of Alfred and slid down to his knees, his face falling into his King's crotch shamefully. The King himself got startled so that he bucked the person he felt on him. Jumping up, Alfred assessed the situation. "What's going on?!"
"You two take a little post-sex nap when you should be hosting your guests!" The Jack of Diamonds scolded them, his face slightly red from yelling.
Arthur frowned as his cheeks flared, still on the ground. "W-we're not- we didn't-"
The King of Spades quickly helped his Queen off the floor. "How are we being rude? It seems to me that you're the rude on. Barging in on us! We could have been naked!"
"You two should have been more considerate of your guests instead of being a selfish, sexual couple!"
If Alfred had fur, it would have been raised up, like an angry feline trying to puff itself up. Thinking of the most brutal comeback, he saw Arthur's embroidery on the table; it gave him an idea. "At least I don't give my own sister a look of lust!"
Vash stopped in place, his face brightening only slightly. "I don't give her a look of lust! And besides, my sister is not the topic for your sexual adventures!"
Alfred smirked. "No, but it is the topic of your sexual adventures. Why not you run along and continue with your incestuous whims and leave us alone!"
The Jack glowered. "She is not related to me by blood in any way. I took her in to care for her myself, because she had no one else to take care of her. And furthermore, she's far too young still for me to be thinking of any sort of sexual acts with her! And if you want to keep the idea of the Four Deck Kingdoms Alliance, then you both should step up to the plate and take some responsibility in your hosting duties!" And with that, he slammed the door loudly and left the duo alone.
"Alfred Jones," Arthur scolded him once Vash was gone. "Whot did I tell you about fighting with the other kingdoms?"
"Well it not like you were going to do something! I stood up for us! He was the rude one!" Alfred protested as he turned around.
The Queen's eyes narrowed. "I wasn't going to say anything because even though he was rude, we don't have to give him the same in return. And whot you said about he and his sister was just as ill-mannered as he was! It's one thing if it's Ivan or Francis, since we don't get along with them naturally, but it's another if the person has done nothing wrong to you!"
"He just called me out for sleeping with my best friend! So yeah, I think he did at least one thing wrong!" Alfred stated, defending himself. "Why are you so pissy?"
Arthur tensed at the last question. "That doesn't mean you have to be rude, Alfred. And I'm not being pissy, I'm being logical! You shouldn't be rude to someone because they are the same to you!"
Alfred couldn't believe this. His blue eyes searched Arthur's shinning green eyes for something. "I can't believe this!" He turned around and walked to the door. "It's not my fault!" Yanking the door open, the American stormed through and slammed the poor door shut again.
The Queen glared at the King as the American left, and he started to organize the messy stack of papers that were on the cluttered desk, pulling on his favorite coat and his little hat as he did so. If he was required to be a good host, then he would be the best one that he could be, with or without the participation of his dear friend.
The Queen of Spades started to walk out the door. When he saw Liechtenstein female, he blushed a bit.
The Queen of Diamonds walked up to him, "Hallo..."
He forced a smile to appear, hoping it looked more natural than he felt it did. "Hello, my dear," he greeted her. "Is there anything I can do for you? Do want more embroidery patterns for your project?"
"Nein, I'm looking vor mein bruder. He got me a new dress. Have you seen him?" Lili asked in her soft and sweet voice.
"He just passed my room but I don't know where he went, my dear, I'm sorry. Have you checked with Antonio? He might know." Antonio was the Ace of Diamonds, as well as best friend to Francis. Although he didn't get along with Arthur and he was constantly perky and always smiling, he did care greatly about children, especially Lili.
The smaller Queen smiled, "Danke." She curtsied and walked off, wishing to find the Jack of Diamonds.
Arthur smiled as she walked off, and started for the room next to his. He gently knocked on it, hoping that no one was busy with something other than paperwork.
The door slowly opened and Isabel appeared behind the door. "May I help you my Queen?" Her long brown hair fell passed her shoulders to just above her breasts, it looked like she was ready to go on a...oh what did Alfred called those again...a-a hot date! Yes, that was it!
"Just checking to see if you need anything." He examined her up and down. "But by the way you're dressed, you definitely don't want to go to talk or know about work right now."
Isabel gave a flirty smile. "Are you hitting on me?" She asked teasingly. "Poor Rachel, to lose her boyfriend." The Ace of Spades brought Arthur into her room. "Well," she said as she winked. "I can't deny my Queen anything."
"N-no, I wasn't asking for that!" His feet were finally able to move, and he pushed himself away, scooting backwards until he made contact with the door. "I-I was just checking on you before I went to see the other Royal Deck members!"
Isabel laughed. "I jest, my Queen. I only want to talk to you."
The Queen sighed. "Thank the gods. I got nervous. I, ah... I just need to ask a question."
The Ace kneeled. "I am at your service my Queen."
"Well...I mean, it's nothing big, but...I was wondering if you've seen Alfred anywhere. I have to tell him something." 'To tell him I'm sorry...'
The Ace nodded, "Of course my Queen."
Arthur perked up instantly, emerald eyes filled with excitement. "Where did he go?"
"He went to prepare the dinner plans."
The Brit nodded; he would let him calm down first before confronting him and apologizing. "Alright, thank you. I'll be visiting the other Deck members if you need me. Whot did you want to talk to me about?"
Isabel frowned. "Well, I have heard rumors, my Queen. Nasty rumors to be exact. I want to double the guard at the Castle, take some soldiers from the Tooth with us."
"Rumors?" He directed the two of them to her bed so they could sit down. "Whot do you mean? Whot kinds of rumors have you heard? Who are they about?"
"Nothing for you to worry about," Isabel stated calmly as she sat down. "It's the usual but I would rather be safe than sorry."
"Because you mentioned it now, I demand for you to tell me what has happened." His eyes were cold and green, begging and ordering for an answer.
"There are rumors that battle ships are tearing though Club's coastline, bombing all who come near. It says they are coming south, to Spades."
Arthur tensed up visibly. "You can't be serious." He knew the words wouldn't be false. "I wonder why..."
"I don't know. The ships are almost at the coastline of Hearts. Another few months and they will be here."
The Queen dragged his fingers through his hair with a groan before standing. "When we get home, we'll raise the defense on our coastal lines. If we don't know who these ships belong to, they could be dangerous. If they attack, then we attack right back at them."
"We also need to send more troops to the west coast and more soldiers over all. We need to recruit and train them before we send them. I would start now."
"Agreed. I'll send a letter to the commanders at Seaport Watch by bird tonight; have them know so they can start recruiting the soldiers."
"I will inform Berwald and Tino after my dinner." Isabel said standing up.
Arthur nodded, and started to leave. "Hopefully, we can get this problem over with quickly."
The Queen swiftly made his way to the other members of the Royal Deck members. He had a rather nice cup of tea with Kiku and Yao, had a polite chat with Elizabeta, Roderich, and the Ace of Clubs, Vladimir, and a forced conversation with Ivan. Unfortunately, the doors to Ludwig's room was locked, as was the Ace of Diamonds, and Feliciano and Lovino weren't in their room, so he figured the Jack was with his King and the Ace with the other. He was about to see if Lili had found her brother yet when his mouth was covered and he screamed in shock, kicking to get away as he was pulled into a nearby room.
Arthur bit the hand covering his mouth.
"Merde!" An accented voice cried out, and the hand pulled away. Arthur slammed his elbow behind him, knocking into his opponent's stomach before he pinned the other down. "You Anglais are vicious!"
"You damn frog!" The Queen yelled. "Whot the hell are you doing, kidnapping me and taking me here?!"
Francis backed away and sat on top of the desk behind him. The room was completely empty besides the desk. "I only want to talk mon fere."
"Don't call me that," he growled. "And if you wanted to talk, you didn't have to drag me in here! You could have asked, arsehole!"
Francis poured some of Diamond's best red wine into two wine glasses. "Would you 'ave listened?"
The Queen eyed the wine glass warily. "No..."
The King handed him a glass. "I zought zough."
Arthur took the offered glass, peering into the depth of the liquid as if something would jump out at him at any second. "Is there anything wrong with this...?"
Francis took a long sip. "Nozing."
The Brit took a sip, talking only when he recognized the taste and he stated that nothing was wrong with it. "Alright. So you have me. Whot is it?"
The Frenchman looked him up and down. However it was not it normal look, the other looked...thoughtful, for lack of the better word. "I want to know about your relationship wiz your lover." He took a sip of wine and chuckled at his look of confusion. "Alfred."
Arthur felt his face grow hot with anger. "WE ARE NOT LOVERS!"
Francis chuckled. "Don't be ridiculous, cher. I 'eard Yao and Kiku chatting about you and Alfred in a razer...sexual position."
"When?" Arthur challenged.
"Before Vash yelled at you, when you took your nap. You were on top of Alfred, zey said, legs spread...you two were tired, oui?"
It took a second for it all to click. "You gits! If you are going to spread rumors make sure you have the whole picture!"
Francis laughed. "Zere was no spreading of rumors, dear, I simply over'eard zeir conversation. You should not 'ave been so defensive of ze topic."
"Alfred was comforting me! No more and no less!" Arthur stated.
"Ah, yes, penetration is always painful ze first time, but as I say to males, just give me twenty seconds and I will make it better."
The Queen of Spades threw the wine glass at Francis. "That is not what I mean and you know it!"
The King caught the glass. "Ohohon~ I am just teasing, mon ami, you do not need to be so offensive. I just want to know if you are lovers or not, zat is all."
Arthur rubbed his thumb and pointer finger against his forehead. The Frenchman always seemed to annoy him- no enrage him was a better word for it. "For the last time, no! We are not lovers!"
Francis sighed, stood up, and grabbed the Queen's hips, pulling them close to one another despite the shorter's cry of alarm and surprise. "You do not need to 'ide, mon rosbif. I know we 'ad our early child'ood romance, and I know I 'elped you discover your interest in men. But I can see in your eyes zat you feel for 'im strongly."
Arthur sighed and gave the King a harsh knee to where the sun doesn't shine. "I feel strongly because we are best friends!" Francis fell to the ground, and Arthur gave him one last glare before he left, slamming the door and heading to the main dining hall, where he had heard Alfred was located. He hoped this was true.
The Main Dining Hall at the Tooth was large. It had to be to accommodate all of the soldiers at once. It was simple, made of stone with the blue and purple theme of Spades. Alfred stood in the middle talking to Tino.
Tino was very kind and joyful to be around, always with a smile and a love for life. Many considered him too soft, but once he was seen at work, it was best not to get in his way, for he was focused on solely that and had a tendency to be rude if he was disturbed. He was also friendly with anyone he met, so Tino (since he was the only one able to see him, as Alfred had his back to him) waved enthusiastically when he noticed Arthur standing in the doorway.
Alfred turned to look at whoever Tino was looking at and then turned away.
Arthur winced, knowing he wasn't forgiven for what he had done. With a gulp, he started for the two; he would apologize for his actions, and leave. That was all he would do for now.
Alfred gave Tino a quick smile before excusing himself. He turned and brushed past Arthur.
Arthur went after him, and grabbed his coat, throwing himself in front of Alfred's path so he couldn't go past. "Alfred, I want to apologize."
Cold dark blue eyes glared at him. "Go away," Alfred commanded throwing Arthur away from him and continuing to his destination.
The older watched his friend walked off, a feeling of guilt overwhelming him. He must have really screwed up this time; he had to work this out with him like they always did. Despite his mood, he started to go after Alfred. "How about this: I need to apologize for my actions."
Alfred started to sprint and went down several hallways. Left. Right. Right again. Left. Eventually he ran into an open servant's room. Quickly, he went to the mirror and got into the servant's passages. Alfred shut the hidden door quickly. Using a match, Alfred lit a candle he hid in his pocket and went on his way.
Arthur was only able to catch up with him after the four turns. After that, when he discovered he had lost his friend, he fell against the wall. He was done. If Alfred wouldn't let him talk, then he would not. The Queen of Spades eventually stood up and walked to his usual sanctuary, the Library.
The Library really, truly was Arthur's only sanctuary to the rest of the world. He loved books in general: the touch, the feel, the smell, the sound, especially the story he loved. Everything a book held inside and out he valued to no end. He drowned in fiction and history, but specifically loved magic books. As a child, he was always tutored by his mother, but when she became ill after Peter's birth and eventually was too weak to teach Arthur, he was forced to teach himself. By now, he was on the average level of someone twice his age, and he was constantly learning new methods or spells or charms.
The walk was short only five minutes at the most. As expected the Jacks were all inside reading. As this was the Tooth, many books were about styles of fighting.
Arthur started to search, hoping that there was at least one subject on his topic. He picked up two fictions and three histories and angrily stormed through the science and astronomy aisle, his mind referring back to his King, before he finally found the magic books.
There were only two shelves of books. Hopefully they would help. Arthur had a problem with his magic. Any spell he cast would backfire or not work. The Queen's clock allowed him to focus his magic better. Also several pieces of the attire all had magical properties to them.
Even though he had the experience of someone older than him, it was only in knowledge. He definitely needed to work on a few factors, such as concentration. He could summon elements easily- like water, fire, light, etc. - and he could create proficient-enough potions, but that was as far as he could master. He knew what they were, but he did not know how to perform them.
Arthur sat down at an empty table near the rear of the Library. He practically threw the books to the desk and opened the closest one to him, instantly delving inside into his own world.
By the time someone shook him, it was already dusk.
Arthur had gone through the two history books and a few of the magic- twice- before he finally stopped. He glanced up to see who had disturbed him.
It was Isabel. "My Queen! You must hurry! You spent too long reading, dinner is in ten minutes!" She whisper yelled.
He glanced out the window. "I suppose I have..." He took the magic books he had and put back the others. "Would you mind putting these back in my room, Isabel? I'll head over to the hall now."
The Ace just gave it to a servant to take. She ushered Arthur forward. "We must hurry. This dinner is in your honor by order of the King."
Arthur flinched, but he didn't stop walking. "I'm not sure I'd like to talk to him right now." Just as he had his mind cleared of the issue, Alfred was brought back. He had tried to talk to him, and tried to apologize, but his effort was ignored.
Isabel sighed, now speed walking beside her Queen. "I don't know what is going on between you two but keep it to yourselves for dinner. The other Kingdoms are here, no bad examples. Thank the King for honoring you, make small talk, and just don't embarrass Spades."
He huffed as they walked into the hall. "I wasn't planning on it."
The entire hall was filled as food and drink were passed around. Alfred sat at the thrown at the head of the room. The other royals were slightly below him in other chairs. Everyone rose from their seat as Arthur walked in. Isabel stopped at the door.
The Queen made his way to the end of the table, where Spades was currently located. "I apologize for being late," he sheepishly smiled, "I got caught in my books."
Alfred glared down at him. "I see. As the Guest of Honor, why don't you take your spot?" Said spot was right next to the King.
Arthur didn't give him a glance as he quietly walked to his seat and sat down gingerly. Yao, who was thankfully sitting in the closest seat besides the King, greeted him cheerily and started small conversation between them.
"You happy? Alfred order special food for you, aru." Yao stated gesturing to the food people were eating and then to his own plate: fish and chips with a bowl of curry on the side.
Arthur gazed down at his bowl and nodded, daring to look over to Alfred with a weak and (hopefully) pained smile. "Thank you."
Intense murky blue eyes looked over at him. "You're welcome. I hope you enjoy it." The words sounded forced and void of emotion
The Queen frowned, wondering what it would take for him to be forgiven or talked to again. He felt abandoned, as if a part of him was no longer beside him to help sustain him. He had witnessed the same feeling multiple times, had had the emotion drilled into him, and was even afraid of it due to childhood experiences. Loneliness, that's what it was: the very thing Alfred
Knowing he was risking a whole lot with what he was about to do, he stood up quietly and leaned over so that only Alfred heard and no one else; "If you do not remember, you promised to me that you would never have me feel loneliness again. I'm afraid to tell you that you are accomplishing that."
Clear blue eyes now looked at him. "Arthur, I am not abandoning you. I am simply trying to get you to see my side, which you are not on. It was you who made me feel lonely."
"The only side I'm on is my own. You were both at fault for whot you were doing but you both had a reason for your actions. That is where I stand."
Alfred started to glare at him again. "I am at no wrong. I defended you, I defended us. If I can't trust you with backing me up on this, how can I ever trust you with anything?"
"I thank you for defending us, as you say, but you did not have to be so blatantly rude. He did not have to mention our relationship. You are both at fault; there is no good in the situation. And if you didn't trust me, you wouldn't have told me that story, now would you?" Arthur was close to feigning illness and going back to the library to study. He didn't want to deal with this right now, whilst at the same time he didn't want to lose his dear friend and succumb to loneliness again.
Alfred clicked his tongue. "It seems we can't see eye to eye. Sit down and eat Arthur. I suggest we forget about it, we're both to stubborn to change."
Arthur chuckled and shook his head; "I tried apologizing, I did. I tried twice. You did not accept it. I will eat my dinner and then return to my room to rest. You won't have to worry about me or my presence for the rest of the night, my King."
Alfred waved him away like he would a servant. "I don't want an apology, my Queen. I want acknowledgment that I was right and had no fault." Then he turned and started to eat his meal.
The Queen stood up quietly from his seat, facing Alfred with a piercing glare that put fear into anyone it was focused on. "You say you want our relationship to be better; I'm trying. I try to apologize, but you're too fucking stubborn to focus on that." He sighed, and looked to the door. "Excuse me for leaving, but I refuse to sit next to a child whose words are trivial and whose mindset is the belief of the greatest. It's making me quite ill." Arthur started for the door, not turning around as he headed for his only sanctuary.
Alfred refrained from rolling his eyes. He was hurt that Arthur didn't see his side. The American obviously needed to be more selective of who he trusted.
"You two ridiculous aru," Yao frowned at the younger, blond male. "You both no see each other's side. You both hurt each other; it no good for good relationship, aru. If you care for him and friendship, you go after him. It right thing, aru."
"And just argue again? I am not sorry for my actions," Alfred stated truthfully.
The Jack let out a breath, and then grabbed Alfred's wrist while standing. Even though the King was bigger and stronger and the Jack was much smaller, Yao could be as stubborn or as strong as a bull. "You two so stupid," he mumbled, dragging the younger roughly down the hall to Arthur's room. "I no let you two go down big hill and crash, aru. You fix it or you no come out of room to dinner." When they arrived at their Queen's door, the Chinese male shoved the bigger in- no matter how much he struggled and shut the door before leaning against it with his body and a chair, leaving the two to the other.
Alfred stumbled into the Queen's room. Looking around, it seemed that Arthur wasn't there. He must be back at the library.
Arthur was in the washroom when he heard his door slam loudly. He had traveled back to his room to gather the books that had been dropped off and to wash up into something more casual. However, when he stepped out of the room and say his King standing there, he instantly froze. Yao was definitely at it again, trying to help them fix things for one another.
Not noticing his Queen was behind him; Alfred sighed and walked over to the bed. The King flopped down and rested his eyes.
Since they were no longer in the public eye, Arthur could finally let up the aggression he had held in out onto the person who had caused it. Quietly, taking one of the bigger books from the side table, he dropped it harshly on Alfred's stomach, pushing the air out of him. "You bastard," he growled, taking the book back and striding over to put it back in its place. "You are such a goddamn, lying child!"
Suddenly Arthur was thrown on the bed. When he opened his eyes, Alfred was on top of him. He got a strange sense of déjà vu. This was just like how America did it.
"I am not a child!" Alfred stated coldly, his voice low and husky.
Arthur's cheeks burned in embarrassment at his thoughts, but still managed to glare. "Then you're a fucking bastard that acts like one! I tried to apologize but you ignored me! But then you complain how you can't even trust me or how I made you feel lonely. Well look in a fucking mirror, because that's whot you're doing to me!"
Alfred flinched. "I don't want an apology!"
"Then whot the fuck do you want, Alfred?! It's been one year! The last time we had a fight like this, I left you! I don't want to leave you again, but if you won't accept my apology, whot am I to think of that? Do you not want me here?! Is that whot it is?! Have you been lying to me for the last year?!"
Alfred now looked terrified. "I don't want you to leave! You can't leave!" He wrapped his arms around Arthur and flipped them around. "You ARE NOT leaving me!"
"Then whot do you want me to do?!" By now, Arthur was frantic. "Alfred, you confuse me greatly. I don't...you don't want me to leave. But at the same time, your actions make me want to because you think I'm against you... I just need you to tell me...whot do you want from me?"
"I already told you. Just tell me that I was right and had no fault." Alfred repeated making sure his grip on Arthur was tight.
The older flinched at the tight hold, grabbing the other's hands to stop him. "And I already said that you're both at fault...I'm sorry, Alfred, I am, but I can't just blame one person. I see that you both are wrong. Not one person is right in this kind of situation."
Alfred's hands didn't relent. "Vash insulted you! I would ruin our honor if we didn't retaliate!"
"Alfred, someone will always insult another! Sometimes, we can stop it if we catch the person in the act. But you can't stop everyone. And you can't let little things like that from happening. Sometimes, you just have to let it go if not badly insulted."
"Arthur!" Alfred commanded," You have no idea what it means to be important! You weren't a commoner! To be raised up and still people insult you?! The King and Queen deserve respect for what they do and for someone to insult them?! To me that hurts more than any wound."
"I had to learn that someone will always dislike you no matter who you are! People from other kingdoms or our own- even the Deck Council! Good and evil go hand in hand. There are times when one prevails over the other, but they are always there. And I don't know whot it feels like to be important because no one has ever treated me in such a way, and I know that, I tell myself every day...and I don't need my closest person telling me that.
Alfred sighed. "Arthur I am sorry you feel that way. You are important to me and Yao! But I am not sorry for my actions."
Arthur removed the hands of the taller from his sides with an exhale, eyes staring straight into the beautiful blue. "I am... I don't like fighting with you...I hate when we can't act mature...and I'm sorry for everything I've done."
Alfred cuddled Arthur. His heart gave happy flutters as everything was now in the past. Arthur was his again. "…I am sorry for running away and being an ass..."
The Queen gave him a sweet smile, finally, and relaxed in the warm embrace.
It was silent before something interrupted them. That something was Alfred's stomach. The rumbling filled the quiet air.
Arthur laughed, the sound light and joyful as if nothing had happened between he and Alfred. "We didn't eat that much, did we?"
"No we didn't," he admitted.
He grinned with a satisfied hum, and rested his head against Alfred's shoulder. "I don't feel like moving though..."
Alfred pondered their problem, "...Magic?"
"Too lazy... Where's Yao?"
"Locked the door and left."
"Hm..." He whistled a few notes, and smiled at the three fairies that entered. "Would you lovelies mind going to grab some food for me and Alfred?"
"...Who are you talking to?" Alfred asked looking around.
"Oh, just a few friends of mine, nothing to worry about." The three fairies fluttered over to Alfred, twirling around him and laughing. One of them found an interest in his hair and started to roll around, eventually gripping Nantucket.
Alfred simply released one hand and waved it around his head. "Is it windy in here?"
Arthur watched the one that was dangerously dancing in his king's hair. "Ah, not exactly, no...just be careful." The fairy floated into the air, smoothing out the rest of the caramel locks and started to stroke the single strand quickly. "Don't move your hand towards your cowlick."
Alfred looked at him funny. "Why not? It's bothering me."
"I know, just...hold still, yeah?" Arthur carefully reached for the king's hair, lifting the fairy by her waist and bringing her from his hair. "Don't touch that, luv, it's not comfortable."
The other two fairies smiled and giggled before taking their friend's arms and leaving in a puff of smoke.
The Queen sheepishly chuckled. "Sorry, the fairies had a liking to you."
Alfred shook his head. "As long as they bring me food..."
"They will, I promise. But be careful when they arrive with it; I think they're jealous."
"Why?" Alfred asked, curious about Arthur's fairies. The smaller would always talk about them, what they did every day, how healthy they were, and just about the magical creatures that seemed to surround the Queen of Spades. Personally, the American didn't like to admit that they were real but he had been proven wrong before. (read: several times)
"Well there are a number of them in Spades, and they get all excited because I see them. Many people used to however the Sight seems to have vanished. They are friendly, but when I'm with you, they tend to get upset..."
"I see." Alfred smiled, "I am awesome, so of course they want me to see them!"
The Englishman chuckled. "Of course. They have a liking to your eyes mostly, but that's the first I've seen one of them attack your hair like that."
The King smiled wider. "It looks great, they just like the style."
Arthur smiled. "Alfred..."
At that point, the fairies appeared with a single plate of spaghetti and two forks. The Queen frowned, but when he started to question them, they disappeared. He showed Alfred.
"They only brought one plate..."
Alfred sighed, "That's what we get for not going ourselves.
"At least we have two forks." Arthur placed the spaghetti on the table and looked for the wine they would drink. "Red or white wine?"
"White, I despise red wine." Alfred got up and went over to the food. "Looks good."
"They pick the best when requested." The older placed two fancy glasses and a bottle of white on the table, before taking the seat Alfred pulled out for him. "Thank you, dear friend."
Alfred nodded and sat down in his own chair. "Of course, my Queen."
Arthur smiled and the two dug into their food in a silence that was rather comforting. The meal was very enjoyable, and eventually they gave small talk of what they had been doing when they weren't together. Arthur explained how he had learnt how to do a few spells without backfiring, and he was excited to finally try them out. Alfred talked about his training with the guards
"Could I perhaps try training with you?" Arthur asked. "I'm not strong like you are, but I'm fast, and I can also practice some magic as well."
"I don't see why not. But you have to get up early!" Alfred warned.
The Queen shrugged. "That's fine. You know how to wake me up in the morning, yeah?"
"Scream and yell?" Alfred suggested.
"Unless you want me pissed, then you may do that. That means you don't remember." A few months back, Alfred had decided to pull a prank on Arthur while the latter was taking a nap. The Queen had revealed that he was most ticklish around his neck area (but he had left out the fact that it was also his somewhat erogenous zone when kissing). It was funny at first, since Arthur had woken up immediately, but Alfred was left with a bruise the size of Arthur's knee on his temple for a while.
"Then how can I wake you? You sleep like a rock! I couldn't think of anything else to do!" Alfred complained.
Arthur blushed and laughed. "Do you remember a few weeks before my birthday, when I was napping and you decided to wake me by tickling me...?"
The American rubbed his temple at the memory. "How could I forget?"
"I didn't think you'd actually be there waiting..."
"I wanted to see your face! It's cute like that!" Alfred retorted.
The Queen laughed. "Well it's certainly cute to see your face too!"
"Hurt and injured?"
"No, Alfred, sleeping!"
"Oh!" Alfred eventually said. "Is the food to your liking?"
Arthur nodded with a small smile. "I was always a fan of pasta. It's simple and not too hard to make. Maybe I should try making it for us some time."
"I will be hiding in Clubs!" Alfred exclaimed quickly.
The Queen kicked him under the table. "Hush, you! I'm not that bad of a cook!"
"And Francis is the angel of chastity."
"And you're a virgin," Arthur sarcastically argued back, swift to respond to Alfred's smart-ass retort.
"The very personification!" Alfred quipped with a smile.
"Exactly! You've never shared a bed with someone else before."
"Nope!"
"Your innocent mind is equal to a child's."
Alfred raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't go that far."
"Hm...true, that's my fault." He tapped his fork against the plate in thought. "Never kissed a woman before?"
Alfred winked at the other male. "Sorry, only men!"
The drink that Arthur had been taking a sip of was soon out of his mouth with loud coughs and a mess of spit and wine. He doubled over to the side, clutching his stomach as he tried to regain his breath.
The King quickly got up and rushed over to his Queen. Alfred thumped his back. After about a minute, the older finally sat up. "You..." He shook his head laughing.
The taller stood back. "Yesssss..?"
Arthur shook his head. "Nothing."
"Nooooo! Tell me!" Alfred whined sitting back down.
Arthur chuckled. "You're very unexpected, to be honest. It brings a bit of interest and laughter."
Alfred shrugged. "I like to be random."
"You're good at it as well."
"Thank you," the younger said looking out the window. It was dark outside; the waxing moon shimmering in the night sky. "I think it's time I left."
The Queen frowned., "Oh...alright."
Alfred tried the front door but it was still locked. Sighing he went over to the mirror in the closet for the second time today. "Good bye, Arthur."
Arthur smiled weakly. "Good night..." He trailed off as he noticed where Alfred was going. "Where are you going?"
Alfred looked confused. "To my room, why?"
"But...how? You can't-" Arthur stopped talking. 'The passages that were meant for servants. Of course! How could I forget?!' "You're using the servants' passages..."
"Yes, they are all connected," Alfred said knowledgeably.
The emerald eyes narrowed, if only slightly. "Weird...you seem to know much about them..."
Alfred smirked. "I have been walking these passages for greater amount of time than you think."
"Hm..." He wondered just how many passages their own castle had, and how well Alfred knew those. "Interesting..." He smiled. "You'll have to bring me around them someday.'
Alfred winked. "Maybe…" With that he went out into the mysterious and dark passages and shut the mirror door behind him.
CC101- Okay so finally done!
Dear Fangirl,
That my dear is for later!
Love,
CC101
Dear Person,
I promise it does!
Love,
CC101