Warnings for this chapter: Fruk, affairs, human names and a long Author's note at the end.
Special thanks to Jade, my wonderful editor.

I do not own Hetalia or the characters they belong to Himaruya as this is a work of fiction.

Chapter 2: Two of Spades
House of Spades
~An Afternoon Delight~

As if magic were in play, once the clock struck five in the afternoon a firm knock came to the door and Yao came before the Queen with a serious demeanor; his brown eyes intent and staring deep into the Queen's black soul hoping that his disapproval would shine through.
The next few words left his lips, almost as if it were painful, in a stoic manner.

"Your Majesty, the King of Diamonds is here to see you."

Arthur attempted to play it all as if it were unexpected and keep calm about it not to leave cause for alarm; however Yao knew how often these two met.

There was no denying how unsightly this was for the Queen to have such a dirty secret in the courts that Yao was fully aware of.
There couldn't possibly be so much political unrest that solely the Queen of Spades could tend to alone for such behavior to be excused and in Yao's eyes there was no excuse for affairs, even though he was aware of how the union between Alfred and Arthur had been forced from the beginning.
Also the multiple escapades of the Diamond King preceded him in the courts, so Yao knew full well what the couple was up to.

"Very well, I'll see him in my quarters. Oh! And Yao, see to it that no one disturbs us."

The Queen commanded, looking harshly at his pawn with unforgiving emerald eyes, his smile condescending.

Yao hated this for he knew that his King would have his heart broken if he were to ever accept what had arisen between these two,
but it was not his place to argue.
The King gave specific orders that the word of his Queen was as good as law and to trifle with the King's love would result in a hanging without another thought.

In Alfred's eyes, Arthur was absolutely perfect and he felt partly guilty for how current and past circumstances kept them apart in their union.
If Arthur was happy that's all that mattered to the King anymore.
Alfred confided in Yao more than others could know and it was his duty to protect the crown, even in matters of the heart.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yao bowed regrettably, wishing that he didn't have to follow such orders, but his King made his place clear.
He closed the door behind him, looking down at his feet and offered a pained breath of regret before fetching the Queen's guest.

The excitement of the scenario was getting to Arthur who was struggling with his nerves and seeking out a place where he could appear as casual as possible. His heart fluttered, his skin felt tight in anticipation for what was to come; something much needed.

This was hardly the time to act like a virgin, but there was always a rush that came with these secret trysts and several reservations that came along with them.

Surely such nervousness before each time Francis and Arthur met was due to the guilt he felt and not an unrequited love.
No, he loved Alfred too much to ever leave him.

As far as Arthur was concerned, they both held a need and they were willing to be used until they were s
topped or they both had nothing further to give. This wasn't for love's sake, no. This was for selfish reasons each kept to themselves for and yet they both already knew what the reasons were.

They were connected, much like hour hand and the minute hand, fated to continue until they were stopped fast.

Arthur waited in his bed, lying suggestively to greet his guest; Legs parted slightly, one arm propping up his head as he lay on his side.

Yes, this would do. The perfect subtle signal for one trying to convey: "I want you to ravish me". Perfect.

Arthur was startled from his own musings once the rapping came at the door, to which he quickly replied,
"Enter.", knowing full well who lay behind it.

The doorknob turned, offering a click once it was opened and closed once more.
Gentle footsteps meeting with the stone floors soon filled the room, echoing the unheard thudding of Arthur's heart against his own ears.
It was too late to stop what had been set in motion, far too late for it was already well past five.

"Well isn't this a delight?"

Arthur's guest said in a voice that was considerably unfairly seductive, low and yet bright, much like a musing from a Cheshire cat.
The way he walked with confidence with his head held up with pride, the charming smile that made truth appear dishonest and the way his flowing golden locks fell, it was all so very unfair.

The sweet, thickly scented bouquet of purple roses in his firm hand were no contest against his beauty and it seemed fitting that the King of Diamonds, of a people known for their wealth and extravagance was also as if not more beautiful than a fleeting bloom.

The contrast of the flowers against the gold he wore brought more attention to himself than Arthur could ever care for.
Arthur could only pray that no one had seen those roses as Francis made his way to the kingdom of Spades.
The man in gold carried himself with pride, slowly making his way to the bed as his piercing cobalt eyes connected with those of emerald.

The way they looked at each other their eyes gave way to their hidden feelings;
Arthur held quiet excitement, waiting to be ravished, while Francis aimed to please and adore.

"A charm for a treasure."

The King of Diamonds sang, offering the roses once he was close enough.
He subconsciously wet his lips, noticing the subtle seduction that resonated from his lover's inviting position.

Arthur tried to seem as uninterested as possible, though the roses were lovely, keeping in mind the connotation behind the color. Roses had always carried a powerful meaning to Arthur and the color of a rose easily gave away what lay for them that evening and this evening.
Tonight they were a light shade of purple, deeper in color at the center.

'Purple,' Arthur mused; Francis would be passionate and affectionate tonight which could easily cause problems. Arthur knew he would have to keep his guard high for this evening in order not to complicate matters any further, but he wouldn't keep it from ruining his own self-seeking gratification.

"Lovely, place them in the vase." He ordered, both knowing this routine well.
Francis always brought Arthur luxurious trinkets from his lands, be it jewelry, gems or silks, but his most favorite were the finest roses that the whole kingdom knew of.
It had always been the best for Arthur.

Francis idolized the blond that lay on the bed awaiting him to make haste and tend to him.
It was a shame that the feelings would never be requited and Francis understood this well.
Their secret bond was complicated, taboo and even one-sided at best, but most importantly it was something selfish that would not be stopped so easily.

Their relationship was one that had been embedded into their pasts even before Arthur knew he was to be Queen of Spades.
They had spoken briefly in forced instances due to family ties to the crown that could not be helped or avoided so they had learned quickly that it was in their best interest to be allies. Arthur would never consider Francis as a friend if he could help it, but he had to admit that Francis was insufferable company that he didn't mind much of.

Though they were both aware of their roles, they were willing to forget about those roles in a night of curiosity in the rose garden.
A then awkward youth whose freckles disappeared against the bright rouge that formed on his fair skin as he fought to compose himself as Francis came unbearably close to him.

The summer air had made the aroma of the abundant blue roses sweet and complimented Arthur nicely.
It was well past the eve of his fifteenth birthday and the youth was already showing off his more adult appearance as time went on and it was well appreciated even in dusk's light.

"The roses are in full bloom tonight." Francis said with a smile, brushing his fingers against those heated cheeks.

"Yes, but I don't see what that has anything to do with me. Why did you call me here?
If Yao finds us, he'll sooner lynch us both-"

"I wished to compare your beauty with the roses. And as expected I was right, your beauty surpasses them."
Francis interrupted the rant he knew was formed out of discomfort.

"Oh please, spare me such stupid talk. If this is all you wanted then I'll be taking my leave."

Arthur said, swatting away Francis' hand and tried to rise to escape, but he was brought close and unable to escape that intent gaze.
Arthur held his breath, immobilized by such passion in Francis' eyes and had no choice, but to swallow hard as he is forced to look into the brightest blue eyes he has ever seen.

"Tell me, have you ever been kissed?" Francis asked the teen, smirking, his hold on Arthur's forearm still firm.

Arthur widened his eyes in shock as he eased back onto the stone bench in order to contemplate what Francis had just said. Francis knew he had the boy in his grasp; there was no need to hold onto him any longer as he joined him on the bench.

"Kissed?" Arthur asked as if it was a farfetched idea.
At first he seemed stunned, but soon his freckled nose scrunch tightly and the annoyed expression pressed through the flustered one he was failing at hiding.

"Of course not, that's absurd! No one will have my lips grace theirs on a whim."
Arthur said with an air of superiority, nose lifted in a less than dignified matter.

"What a charming sentiment based on love and those fairy tales you love so."
Francis said in almost in a pompous manner, trying to get a rise out of his short tempered friend.

"I don't believe in love." Arthur replied sharply, his eyes drawn back to Francis as his voice came as a whip though the tone seemed hopeless.

"You don't?" Francis asked, almost puzzled by the statement.

"Well, not on the likes of me at least." The sandy blonde said softly, sadness over taking his voice.
A quick glance at Francis' intense gaze and he soon realized that for once he was being taken seriously.

"Well, I don't know what they have planned for me here quite yet,
but I do know that all my studies have been taking emphasis on the roles and duties of the court as of late.
As if they're trying impose these ideals upon me."

Arthur explained, continuing for Francis was far too intrigued by this topic.

"The teachings state that there are roles that only we can fulfill and we must do so in order for the balance in this world to exist.
We are already tied down by our fate and must learn to embrace them for the sake of future generations.

Which means that love is just a silly notion, a dream for those in our position.

We'll never get to marry for love and it's just a waste of time to continue dreaming of such childish things.
It's better this way in the end for royalty and those that serve them are truly married to their Kingdom, to their people."

Francis knew Arthur spoke truth. He would be subjected to marry a young, meek girl he had not had the pleasure to know even though his heart burned for another.

The memory of a woman he truly adored was to be ignored as if she had never captured his heart, for she was only the daughter of a farmer.
All Francis knew of his bride-to-be was that she was not fully prepared for her role as Queen and that his Jack, who had just begun his duties, was her elder brother.

Granted the boy was deadly serious about his job, his immaturity shone in how easily Francis would escape from under the fair-haired Jack of Diamonds. And even though Francis was able to remove himself from the situation a bit longer, there was no denying the realities that came with the burden of taking on his role; never marrying for love.

But now that he had Arthur in his prospects, it was so much easier to forget the love he could never have with someone to simply amuse him in the time being.

When Francis gazed in sorrow-filled forest eyes it was easier to leave behind his resentment and make it his goal to make Arthur his own.

He knew they had their roles, but in his mind there wasn't anything stopping them from pursuing their duties while being with the one they truly adored. Francis appeared cool and collected; he knew this could end at any moment and he wanted to take advantage of this moment.

"Well then, if you don't believe in foolish fairy tales about love then sparing a kiss would not be too much to ask, would it?"

"Of course not!" Arthur spoke out of turn, all reasoning tossed aside and he would pay for it.

"Well then, it's just a kiss after all, isn't it?" He asked, brushing fingers over those plump lips that had never known the lips of another.

Oh how he hated when the flamboyant bastard was right!

Francis really had a point and had ensnared Arthur in his own words yet again and he had to hold true to his pride.
Arthur cursed to himself for making such a mistake as he gulped back his fears.

In his heart he knew that this was something sacred he had been keeping for the one he loved, but his pride meant so much more to him at this moment.
To lose face and turn back on his word in front of Francis was unthinkable.

He was unsure of what to do, his heart was beating faster and time seemed to stand still as Francis came closer.
And as he tried to flee, he was captured and taken in closer by those hands to Arthur's burning cheeks.

"Allow me to lead you and just do what feels right." Francis whispered against the youth's lips.

Arthur complied, his body stilled and so did his breath as those lips met with his own.
Francis'eyes had fallen shut, his lips pressing and his tongue working to part such stiff and tight closed lips.

Arthur still was unsure, but the feeling wasn't so awful, but not nearly what everyone made a kiss out to be. It wasn't so special after all and it made him question if saving his purity was even worth it if it would be like this kiss was.

Arthur's apprehension was evident, but Francis could sense what he wanted, so he stopped kissing back with such force to still his mouth and to let Arthur have at his curiosity.

In truth, Arthur was unsure if he could kiss back properly, but he realized in that moment that some things were better off learnt as they happened.
His tongue met with the other and he began to challenge him in return, coaxing a surprised moan.

It sounded pleased and made Arthur smile to himself as he continued to mimic those same ministrations that Francis used on him, diverting slightly and fumbling just a tad before he realized he needed to tilt his head as Francis did so.

Francis almost wanted to leave a snarky comment about how he must have made a rather good instructor, but decided against it for he had enjoyed this more than anticipated and wanted to leave room for potential opportunity.

Their kiss continued for a while longer until Arthur suddenly ripped away from him without warning. Francis wondered at first what had transpired, but one look at all of the desperate gasps and it was evident Arthur hadn't been breathing properly.

"You breathe through your nose." Francis stated rather matter of factly,
acting unphased as he watched the young man turn a deeper shade of red.

"Oh just silence yourself, will you!" Arthur snapped, wiping the corner of his mouth as if it would make what had just happened disappear.

Francis offered a chuckle, finding Arthur far too adorable for his own good.

"You weren't bad, a natural really. In fact, if you'd allow me to, I'd love to do it again."

"As if I'd let you. I never said I'd be willing to do it again."
Arthur scoffed, shooting daggers at him.

"Well then, I suppose I'll have to do with the satisfaction of knowing I took those virgin lips from you." Francis replied.

Something about those words made Arthur feel resentment, anger and shame.

His lips wouldn't be all that he would take with him,
romantic dreams of being with the one he loved were swept away and it made him wonder if he'd be better off not holding onto childish ideals such as keeping the rest of himself as he had previously had done with his lips.
All Arthur could do was glare at Francis and fight off his furious blush.

Yao called out for his young ward, while the Jack of Diamonds finally exited the maze into the garden in search for his King.

Francis covered the other's mouth with a hand and brought another to his lips, winking at the younger one with that ever so confident gleam in his eyes.

Arthur never thought this incident would ever occur again and yet now, here they both were acting like two young lovers hidden in the thick bloom of roses, hiding behind the backs of their respective partners and their courts.

Now Francis and Arthur were both experienced at kissing and other things, which both men had intentions of partaking in this evening in secret.

This was an act that had gone on far longer than they had ever anticipated, but it was not something they were so easily going to let fade into obscurity. This 'give and take' relationship based upon their needs was far more important as it hinged on how desperate they were for each other and tonight Arthur was truly craving satisfaction.

Francis leaned in close, pulling the sunset orange overcoat from his shoulders and letting it drop as Arthur brought his left arm about Francis' neck, forcing him closer.

They shared a greedy kiss, tongues battling for dominance in each kiss, determined not to waste another moment without having him all to himself for his own pleasure. Tongues sliding against each other in velvet sweeps, teeth mindful not to share their bite, but still to press enough to tease.

In the frustration of the moment, Arthur offered a pleased moan, eager to move things along for it had been past five for far too long.

A/N:

Back in the old French courts affairs in nobility occurred quite often enough that it is still known in French culture.
As a noble woman, if your husband did not return from work from five pm to seven pm it was assumed that they were meeting their lover.
And even though the wives knew that their husband had a lover it was a silent rule that they were not to say anything to their husbands or anyone for that matter regarding the matter.

This concept actually inspired this fanfiction as a whole and originally was going to be titled after that term in French, but alas I forgot what it's called. If anyone could let me know in the reviews or pm me that would be wonderful!

-I'll be posting twice next week since there will be a smut fic next weekend and some people aren't comfortable smut
so I'll give you the option to skip it and basically summarize what happened in the preceding chapter if anything plot relevant occurs.
I'm also debating about taking off a weekend in return for the extra posting, probably for when school gets too stressful. Sound fair?

I'm also concerned of losing all this progress here, due to bans on smut so I'm debating if I should post the smut here and risk getting banned or posting it on tumblr (same user) in a tag.

We'll know by next weekend. I'm applying for an Ao3 account, so that wait is expected to be long.=w= So tumblr may have to suffice in the mean time.

Also to those wondering why is this tagged as USUK even though there's FRUK at the moment, I left in the warnings at the beginning of this that there would be FRUK and if you read the description of the story it in itself basically foreshadows what's going to happen and even in this chapter there were some context clues to further indicate what sort of relationship they had.
I just don't want to give everything away just yet; we still have a long way to go after all!

So USUK shippers stay with me! This is simply the catalyst for the rest of the story!

and I'm offering flash backs to further explain how everyone's relationships are intertwined and how they began.
With so many pairings- I swear this fanfiction is a multishipper's dream! That's right more ships will appear in this fic.

~sorellanutella~