A/N 1: Mmmm. I love being on time.

Pairings
USUK
AsaFem!Kiku
AmeriFem!Can
PruFem!Can
SpaMano
USUkraine
FrUK

Alfred squeezed his eyes shut as his lip trembled. He gripped the steering wheel as tight as he could, making his knuckles turn white. It took too much concentration to drive after being so brutally rejected. His body felt utterly exhausted, but his mind was all over the place. He wondered what the meaning of his life was anymore. These last few years, his objective had changed from molding young minds to one man. He truly loved the students, but he almost didn't care how each kid's life turned out.

A car horn sounded from behind, and he opened his eyes. The suspended light in the middle of the intersection blared green. He sighed and stepped on the gas. Heartbroken and life shattering before his very eyes, Alfred didn't have a destination in mind. He drove mechanically without paying attention to his surroundings –which would scare any normal person.

He stopped the car and finally looked around himself. He was surrounded by small, run-down houses and rusty gates. The road was cracked and the paint faded. The grass in the gardens was a tangible replica of the darkened, gray sky. His car looked like a movie star's compared to the others that lined the streets. It was a place Alfred recognized, but he always hated coming here. Yet, it was the one place he knew he could always fall back on if needed. He just hoped Kat wouldn't kick him out upon seeing him.

Arthur sniffed and clenched his hands into tight fists. His head felt like exploding into a thousand pieces. He didn't want to go home, but he couldn't bear to stay in the school that reminded him so much of Alfred. So, he went to his car in the darkened lot and sat. His brain was flooded with images and memories that he hated and loved at the same time. The only thing breaking the silence was his slow breathing as he remembered the day that all hell broke loose. The day his skin felt on fire with pleasure, the day it felt so good to break loose, the day that wasn't supposed to happen. His body wanted more, despite how hard he refused it. His hand moved down his chest of its own accord. He tilted his head back as it wandered further, petting outside the cloth. He didn't want to think anymore. It hurt too much. He just wanted to feel as good as that last day. Arthur's breathing picked up, and he desperately clawed at his belt buckle. His hand slipped inside and stroked–

A shrill ring interrupted him, and he stopped immediately. What the bloody hell did he think he was doing anyway? And especially in the school parking lot? He hurriedly withdrew his hand and answered his phone, "Yes, hello. Arthur Kirkland speaking."

"Ah, you sound so stimulated, mon cher," a breathy voice whispered into Arthur's ear.

"Francis."

"Don't sound so disappointed, Arthur. I have a proposition for you, yes?"

He sighed and said, "Not interested."

Francis pouted, "But you ignore me all day. We are co-workers now! Humor me, won't you?"

Arthur had heard those words countless times before. Humor me. And he always had in the end. His face formed a pink hue as he remembered all the times he had given in to the French lilt and seduction. "I'm married man now, Francis! We're n-not in university anymore. You, you can't just expect me to-"

"Arthur, Arthur. I understand," Francis said, saddened. "But if you change your mind, the spare is in the mailbox, as always. Until next time." The line went dead.

Arthur, now slightly frustrated, started up his car and began the short drive home.

"Kat, I'm so sorry," Alfred's voice broke as rivers of lament ran down his face and stained his shirt. "I never wanted to do this. I never wanted to break your heart."

Kat, who had listened to the whole story, sat expressionless. She sighed and rubbed away her sympathetic tears, making her black makeup streak. "Alfred, I'm hurt. But I am happy that I finally got an explanation. She scooted closer to the distraught man and put an arm around his shoulders as he cried into his hands. "Arthur denies all the feelings?"

"Yes," Alfred whispered. "I'm starting to believe him, too. Why would anybody love me?"

"I loved you."

Alfred sighed and otherwise stayed silent. He didn't want to be cheered up. He wanted to be told what to do.

"Look, Alfie. I think you should try to forget the man. Even if he did feel something for you, he is married. To a woman, at that. You can't just go ruining marriages."

"It takes two for something like that," he mumbled.

Kat sighed, "Regardless of that fact, you'd still feel guilty. What about Sakura? I thought you liked her."

"She's a sweet woman." Alfred's voice was starting to lose its charming smoothness. It sounded duller with every word he spoke.

"Forget about him."

"I'll try. I really will."

Kat's hand started rubbing circles into Alfred's tense shoulders, and she rested her head near his. "Would you like some help?"

Alfred's head snapped over and gave Kat a death glare. He said, "Not on your life."

"All right, all right. Look, you know I work third shift, so gotta leave. I have to go in at 8:00."

Alfred looked at his watch. It was already 6:45 P.M.! He had been here for far too long. The American rose, thanked Kat, and left without another word.

Arthur felt like a stranger walking into his own house. His footsteps echoed throughout the infinite halls, and the hanging portraits seemed to glare at him. He had never felt so alone in his life. That is, until he almost ran into Sakura. He gripped onto her shoulders to steady her, for she was about to fall from surprise. He immediately released her and went to walk passed when she grabbed the sleeve of his shirt.

"Arthur," she said quietly. He looked back at his wife with dead eyes. "I need to know what I did wrong. It's killing me to see you like this every day."

Arthur humorlessly chuckled and removed her hand. "You did nothing wrong, my dear. I've just been having a tough time with work is all."

"Please don't lie to me," she said. "Your boss called me. Ms. Braginski wanted to know if anything happened to you in the past month. She said you weren't getting forms in on time, and you were acting more or less the same as you do here."

Arthur's head was filled with the picture of the smiling Russian he called "boss." Shivers ran up and down his spine in fright. If she knew, no doubt she would be confronting him in person any day now.

"Well? I thought we took a vow not to every keep secrets from each other, Arthur!"

"I'm sorry, Sakura. I've just been thinking too hard lately," Arthur said, scrambling around his head for an excuse.

"About?" she pouted.

"W-Well… About our marriage," Arthur stuttered out. Sakura's face took on a surprised look. Was Arthur going to divorce her?

"No, no, love. Nothing bad it's just," he took in a deep breath, "we're married, and I'm almost thirty two years old. Don't you think we should finish settling down?"

"Oh. You want," she whispered, "to have a child?"

Arthur raised his eyebrows. Is that what it sounded like he wanted? He was merely trying to suggest that they move to one of their home countries! He knew that Sakura didn't really care for living in America. He only wanted to be as far away from Alfred as possible. He didn't want any more slip ups, for Sakura's sake.

"Oh, Arthur! Why didn't you say so sooner?" she exclaimed. "I have to call Mother!" she shouted before running to the kitchen phone.

Arthur couldn't think. He wasn't much of a children person. Was he seriously ready for a baby? That would mean he would have to–

He suddenly remembered what he was about to do in the privacy of his car. His cheeks flushed as something down below twitched. For fuck's sake, why? Why did he have to be so goddam horny? Arthur made a grab for his keys and ran back to his car with a set destination in his mind.

Arthur checked his watch. It read 6:15 P.M. After a quick check in the school's office –which, if he was caught would cost him his job– he started searching for a certain house. By the time he found what he was looking for, the dreary sky started its path to night. The Briton slinked up the stone path and slipped his hand into the iron mailbox. The key that was left specifically for him dug into the palm of his hand as he gripped it. However, he found he had no need for it. The door was suddenly flung open.

"Mr. Kirkland?" said a quiet voice. "What are you doing here?"

"A-Ah, Madeline!" he said, pulling at the edge of his collar

"Maddie."

"Yes, of course. Is your father home tonight?"

"Yeah, one sec," she said before calling "Dad!" over her shoulder. A moment later, Francis showed up wearing a silk robe.

"Ah, Arthur. So you did decide to show up," he smirked. "Do come in. Ah, Madeline. Would you mind going out tonight? Thank you, darling." He hadn't waited for her answer. Francis pushed the slight girl out with a wad of bills and the keys to the Ford Fiesta in the driveway. As soon as the door was closed, Arthur was pushed up against the door and roughly kissed. He reveled in the attention his body was getting. Everything Francis touched felt good. Not the kind of good Alfred had caused. No, that was just plain amazing. This kind was different. It was familiar and aggressive.

Arthur's pants were suddenly around his ankles, and Francis was gripping his manhood. He let out a groan of satisfaction. As he watched the Frenchman took in as much as he could, Arthur couldn't help but imagine someone else. Someone with shorter hair, fogged up glasses, and a loving smile. His heart dropped to his toes when he realized what he was doing.

The Frenchman looked up at his temporary lover. The man had silent tears and was shaking like crazy. "Arthur?" Francis questioned.

Arthur pushed away the other man. He couldn't do this. It didn't feel like he was cheating on Sakura anymore. It felt like he was betraying the charming man that invaded his dreams every night. He choked on a sob and reached for his discarded clothing. "I can't do this, Francis," he whimpered.

"But we have already started! Why come at all if you were just going to deny me in the end?" Francis pouted. "Come on, Arthur. It's just one night." Francis reached for Arthur's hips again.

"No, Francis. It's much bigger than that. So much bigger," he shook his head.

"Oh, you know I am," Francis winked.

"You disgust me," Arthur sneered as he slammed the door to leave.

Alfred set down his red inked pen and sighed. He had been trying to grade his ever growing stack of papers, but he really didn't feel like it. All he wanted to do was forget all that had happened in the past month. He wanted things to go back to normal.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard someone frantically knocking on his door. He looked through the peephole and immediately started fumbling with the chain and lock. The door flung open, revealing Arthur with his blond mop of hair and sparkling forest eyes.

"Alfred," he moaned in misery, "I'm so sorry!" He stood completely still with his eyes on the floor and opalescent cheeks shining.

Alfred had never seen something so beautiful before. All he wanted to do was wrap up the Brit in a bear hug and cuddle and kiss away the sorrow. He reached out and patted him on the back, despite his heart egging on more. "It's okay, pal. Shit happens, eh?"

"W-What?" he stuttered out. "No, Alfred. I'm seriously sorry for everything that happened."

The American's face darkened in a fit of feigned rage, "Yeah, me too." Arthur's dejection plainly showing on his face, Alfred couldn't help but try to ease the pain. "Look, why don't we just forget everything that happened?"

"I want to be with you," Arthur mumbled. His face grew a darker roseate hue. He looked up and said, "Please, Alfred." He wrapped his arms around Alfred's shoulders and buried his face in the hollow of his neck.

Alfred didn't move. It was taking all his willpower and sense of justice to stay still. In his dead voice he echoed Kat's words, "Heroes don't ruin perfectly good marriages, Arthur. You said it yourself. It's not fair to Sakura."

Arthur's world felt like his world crashed around him. The embrace he was giving wasn't being received. He thought of Sakura and her happiness, and he choked on his next words of begging. Instead he said, "You're right. We should just go back to normal."

"Right," Alfred said determinedly. He unwrapped Arthur's arms and took a step back. He could literally feel his heart cracking a little more with every inch of space in between them. "I'll see you tomorrow," his voice cracked as he said this, on the verge of tears. The door slammed shut before the first could fall, however.

A/N 2: Yeah, a bit short, eh? Sorry about that. Make sure to check out the SpaMano BONUS chapter. Thanks for sticking with me this far. I have no idea what to do next with it. Heh heh. */sweat