Author's Notes: Ciao bellas. Since it is finals week (really two weeks) I will be uploading more. My tests have actually been easy so far, but I will not jinx it because I still have my hard ones left. However, this story has been causing me a major case of writer's block, and what a better way than to overcome writer's block than to write? So, I have decided over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting some new stories, in case you are interested, BUT I WILL NOT BE LEAVING THIS STORY! Not yet, at least. Unless you want me to and you should know I definitely will. Or if you want me to just focus on this story and stop my crazy fantasies about ever writing different genres. Also, do not be afraid to PM me about which story you want me to write first. Of course, I am probably starting with Fogged Mirror, unless you do not want me to...Albeit (there's me using my favourite word again) the updates will be slower, but I urge you greatly to check them out when I do post them and to give me feedback! I feel bad that I am no even talking about the story, but that's karma for putting my author's notes on the top only. Thank you for all the support, especially my wonderous reviewers who are the most amazing people ever! Please, please, please follow my tumblr page: betweendreamsandrealityy! There's a bit of FrUkUs triangle thing going on, as well as a smudge of PruCan, but there will be more in upcoming chapters. Always remember to wear sunscreen, and I hope you enjoy! Since the story is in Hearts: Arrivaderci!

Warnings: Strong language.

Disclaimer: I do not own hetalia or Cardverse AU.

"Get up, fat ass," Arthur exclaimed throwing a red silk pillow at Alfred, who was currently hugging the blankets in a giant scarlet cocoon. Luckily, the bed was large enough to have both sleeping on it without another Great War breaking out between them.

"What for?" he asked stretching his arms after finally sitting up. He rubbed his blue eyes and sighed. Couldn't he have some rest? "I'm not King, why do I need to be at these dumb meetings?"

"It is tradition. Also, I would like to evaluate how you do."

He stumbled out of the bed, grabbing his glasses on the way, and pulled out his clothes for the day. "I don't see why it has to be this early."

Arthur shrugged not too pleased with the timing either. "We need to get in as much as time as we can. We only have a week to discuss an entire quarter."

He stripped himself of his nightgown and replaced it with a cream button down shirt, his purple cloak and trousers to match. "Touché."

"Do not say that Francis got you into that horrible language as well," Arthur muttered almost choking over Francis' name.

He rolled his eyes and began combing his hair with his long fingers. "What happened between you and Francis anyways?"

"It is none of your concern," he said with light pink tinting his cheeks. He cleared his throat before stating "just remember what you learnt."

"Yes, yes, mother," he said with a smug smile.

Arthur scowled and ignored the comment. "I bet the others are already waiting for us."

The two strode out of their bedchamber and down into the throne room, following for the loudest of voices, mostly Ludwig's, to facilitate the way. "How was last night?" Francis asked with a wink as the two remaining of the Spades' royalty entered.

"Sod off," Arthur muttered taking his respective seat in the square shaped court. Red tapestries hung from all sides, covering the clear glass windows hugging the ruby walls. Each side of the court represented a side of Cards and a spot for the Jokers in the middle.

"I thought you said this starts early," Alfred muttered impatiently seeing as nothing but faint murmurs echoed around the court. If there was one thing Alfred hated it was waiting. If there was one thing he hated more than waiting was getting up at the crack of dawn just to wait.

"Patience, my young King," Yao whispered sitting regally on his chair. "We must wait for the Jokers."

He slumped in his chair and exhaled warm air. "Oh, you mean the gray haired dick who took my brother away? Can't wait," he said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

"Just try and act respectful. As much as you despise him, he was supposed to be the King of Hearts."

Alfred cocked an eyebrow curiously. "What about Ludwig?"

"King Ludwig is his younger brother, aru," Yao said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Gilbert never wanted to be King, but his father refused to have Ludwig become King, seeing as he was not quote-un-quote apure royal. When Gilbert eventually took the throne, he attempted to kill himself, twice actually, before a Joker saved him. Since Jokers could not rule, Ludwig had to obtain the throne and I am guessing the Jokers thought this to be selfless and gave him the title of President."

"That's not selfless, it's just stupid," Alfred mumbled.

The large double doors swung open revealing three figures in the doorway. "The awesome Jokers have arrived!"

"Ja, Gilbert, just take your seat," Ludwig said monotonously. It was almost apparent that they no longer had a pleasant relationship with each other. Either that or Ludwig was more impatient than Alfred could ever be.

"Oh yeah! Everyone, this is Mattie my boyfriend. Mattie, this is the royal court."

Matthew waved awkwardly at the each of the royals. Alfred hated to admit it, but his brother did look much healthier. His small frame was replaced with one fuller than Alfred ever remembered him being. His pale skin and pastel eyes glowed with radiance as well as his luscious, wavy hair. His violet eyes gazed around the room until they locked upon Alfred's. He stood there and smiled uncomfortably before taking his respected seat beside Gilbert and Peter.

"What the fuck?" Alfred whispered to Arthur through his clenched teeth. If Gilbert had not introduced him, it was possible he would have gone unnoticed as it was a knack of Matthew's to just seem to disappear.

"Watch your language," he lectured worrying one of the other nations, especially Clubs or Hearts heard him. He sipped the tea placed before him by Tai in a transparent glass teacup. "You should be happy for Matthew."

He frowned. "You don't know what it's like to have your brother turned into a Joker when he's the only one left!"

"You really are a moron aren't you? Peter is my brother. He was supposed to be Queen, but was on the verge of dying."

"And you're happy for him!"

"I am pleased he is not dead, and is very successful; so yes."

"Arthur! Alfred! If you do not mind, we are trying to begin our conference," Ludwig yelled sternly. Without the two realizing, the meeting began well over a minute ago.

"Sorry," the two muttered into their hands shamefully.

"Well then, our kingdoms have been prosperous thanks to…" the King of Hearts rambled although Alfred's mind began to wander. He couldn't help but wonder what Matthew had been doing, and how he has been doing, without him.

The conference ended surprisingly early, which gave more time for mingling before the festivities planned for that night began. "Hey Mattie," Alfred said approaching his brother awkwardly.

Matthew wrapped his arms around Alfred's muscular body. "It's been so long," he said through streaming warm tears.

"I thought I'd never see you again," he said trying hard not to let any of the brisk droplets to fall from his eyes. Arthur would scold him if he found out about this, but it was worth it for Matthew.

"Gil had to pull a couple of strings to get me here, but I'm so glad he did!"

Tentatively he asked "and you two are…?"

"Currently dating, yes," he said wiping his tears with his black sleeve, the colors of the Jokers. "Are you and Arthur?"

Flatly, he replied "you know about our predicament."

"That does not mean you two do not have real feelings for each other, am I wrong?"

"Maybe I do…but that's not the point! I know he will always put his country before me, and that is the way an effective ruler should rule." Even if Arthur miraculously had true feelings for him, he would never admit it.

"Don't you notice how longingly you look into each other's dilated pupils?"

He pictured Arthur's beautiful green orbs mirroring the suns rays when he would tend to his rose garden. "Maybe but-"

"But nothing!" Matthew interrupted and threw his hands into the air frustrated. "You like him, and he obviously likes you. Why not tell him? It would be a perfect time."

He looked down at the Clock. The longest gold hand pointed to the painted two. "No time is greater than the present," he said with a strained smile.

He ruffled Alfred's sandy blonde hair. "That's the brother I know."

The two walked off, guided by the Clock, out of the throne room to a small courtyard. How typical, he thought to himself. The courtyard was much like the garden Arthur worked on at the castle, except entire garden was painted with a magnificent scarlet instead of a simple sapphire. A tall oak tree stood in the center raining down heart-shaped leaves, just as the Spade tree did back in Spades. From the arched doorway, he could suspect two different voices talking to each other. "My dear Arthur," a thick French accent said smooth as silk. "How could I sit patiently and watch as my beloved gets married. It is all too much to tolerate."

"Over here," Matthew whispered tugging his twin behind a red Hearts bush to spy on the two.

Arthur's harsh English accent asked "how many times do I have to tell you, I do not decide these things?"

"A thousand times will not convince me," he said overdramatically. "I was willing to give up my throne for you! How can you marry someone you do not love?"

"For your information-"

"Do you love him?" he interrupted sincerely.

Arthur looked into his hands that held his Clock. "I don't know. I don't want to be rejected."

"Then why not be with someone who is sure to love you."

Arthur remained silent.

He placed a hand on Arthur's knee. "You know that I will love you, non?"

Silence.

"Only if you let me," he said leaning in close to kiss Arthur, their bodies just inches apart.

"I'm feeling a bit woozy. I think I'll go back to my bedroom," Alfred said with tears welling in his eyes as he ran back inside the castle.

Arthur pulled away from Francis. "I am sorry, I cannot do this."

He quickly gathered his stack of papers in his hands, before a hand stopped him. "I hope you know that I understand. Could I ask why?" he asked, frankly, a bit hurt.

He stared into Francis' ocean of blue eyes before stating "I am sorry, but I love Alfred."

To Be Continued...