Thank you so much for the support! ^_^ This chapter was written in a bit hurried way so apologies for wrong spellings and wrong grammar.
CHAPTER V
LONGINGLY
"I wonder if I can be strong enough to even protect you."
It was a charming morning in the charming palace within in the walls of the little charming Spadian capital. The charming birds were charmingly singing outside as the charming sun bid its greeting of a charming new hello amongst the charming clear blue clouds. "How charming..." Arthur let out as he walked by the great hallways of this supposedly charming palace. What could be so wrong? Everything was charmingly peaceful and—The charming King of Spades was hardly around this bloody godforsaken charming abode!
Enough of this charming business.
He had enough of this. Arthur was furious and no matter how charming everything seemed to be, without the King explaining why he wasn't there at his promised time, he would continue to be bloody annoyed, worried, and frantic. The Kingdom of Clubs and Spades never did get along! What if that stupid King of his did something to the displeasure of the King there; he was sure war would break off anytime. And war meant trouble. And trouble meant his people suffer. And people suffering meant chaos. And chaos meant— Arthur didn't dare think about it right now. He didn't dare. He wasn't afraid... no, clearly, not. He was more than ready, knowing that the fates have sealed his life already the very moment they chose Alfred to be his King. He had all hopes in Alfred...but he didn't dare say it. The lad was learning quite faster than expected and for sure he would be a good King... but perhaps, he needed more time. His childish antics were uncontrollable at given times and if not careful, he was sure that his King would ignite a bloody conflict!
His hand made its way to his forehead as he seemingly massaged it to soothe his thinking mind. A sigh... "Alfred... where the bloody hell are you?" He stepped out into his garden of dominant blue roses and other flowers. Please flowers, calm his nerves. He needed a lot of patience for the moment that he'll see Alfred's cheeky grin and refrain himself from giving him another kick on the face like the last time. He just doesn't understand him at all! How does he find the time to meddle with him in his study when he had a lot of things in his schedule all the time? Has Yao been spoiling him? No, of course not. Yao had always given him full load of everything considering the number of things he needed to learn so then how... How does he find the time to meddle him and his work?! Arthur lightly shook his head and pushed his hair back as if to get his mind off of it. Like he could anyway...
These few months everything were noisy, fun and enjoyable- Oh hell, he learned to liked Alfred's company! He didn't know how but he wanted, no, craved his constant visits in his study, in his gardens, EVERYWHERE, despite denying it every time when asked. He had...well... grown fond of him and everything about him! There, he had admitted it. He liked him. He was this sudden burst of colour in his boring and dull life. There was nothing wrong with it, right? As long as it doesn't affect their partnership as King and Queen then it should be alright... It has to be! Or else he wouldn't know what to do... He'll be enduring everyday of his existence for the rest of his life since they were going to be together in one roof—No, they were already together in one roof!
Since when did he begin feeling this way? It was forbidden to grow fond of him-This wasn't some sick melodrama where everything was supposed to be tragic. His mind fell on something else, surprisingly... Tragic. Of course, how could he forget? How could he be silly enough to even think of growing fond of his King? He already saw a result of such taboo first hand.
"Arthur, she's gone...My most precious Queen is gone for the sake of this blasted kingdom-All because of the monarchy! Why! Why do the fates have to be so cruel?!"
To reduce a powerful King to go as far as to become nothing more but a broken hearted man who lost the love of his life-The fates were cruel. Not only that, the Kingdom which he ruled was reduced to a land of grief and sorrow but if he was to chose which was crueler above anything else, it would be the fact that the new Queen wasn't recognized by the King himself.
"Shit." He didn't like that at all. He took back his hand from the thorny blue roses to only see blood dripping from his pricked finger. Blood covered the blue rose's petals, leaving Arthur to frown and grow more worried of his missing King. Was this an omen? Yao had told him that he might have spent the night there considering that parties in Clubs may have grown a little wild and they were talking about the Kingdom that Elizabeta currently reigns. Everything was unpredictable with that woman around but somehow it tones down the worry enveloping Clubs.
That's right... he didn't have time to be fooling around with his feelings. He had a duty to do... He solely exists for Spades. Once he had become the Queen, it was like he was a person whose blood was his people. That was what every Queen of Spades had lived for and holding affections was out of the question. It was intolerable and—
His mind was drawn into a halt when he was suddenly tackled to the ground. He let out a groan of pain when his body had hit the ground but it seemed pointless since the grip around him only tightened even more. "UNHAND ME AT ONCE! I AM THE BLOODY QUEEN OF SPADES AND I COULD GET YOU KILLED WITH THE CRIME OF TACKLING A MONARCH! " What? Nothing is happening?! The one holding him didn't even flinch?! Where were the guards? WHERE WERE THEY?! They were the Kingdom of Power and they have the nerve to bloody let an unknown person inside the palace and tackle their Queen?! What was the world coming to? "THIS IS UTTER BLOODY HUMILLIATION!" Oh! He was ready to summon thunder and lightning here and he wasn't afraid to use it. "HEAR ME THUN-"
"Arthur, it's me..."
He blinked and stopped the spell, resolve vanishing immediately as his eyes grew surprised. He held off his response, 'Oh hello, me. You just tackled me to the ground, me. How do you do?' Arthur only closed his eyes. Only one person could be the holder of such a voice. "King?" There was only a light nod in response as he tightened his hold once more. Arthur let out a sigh of relief. So it was only Alfred. That was quite a surprise. He didn't expect him to jump on him and tackle him on the ground though he had to say he doesn't exactly mind it. Wait- The bloody wanker was right there and doing what? He had to explain why he was late! Right now! "O-Oi! Unhand me you bloody git! Unhand me at once, I say! What will other people think if they see us?!"
"Then let them see! Let them...fuck it...Let them see! I could care less right now. Just—"
"J-Just what?"
"Y-You're staying right here... right by my side. Nowhere else."
Alfred sounded so afraid, so desperate...so eager. What happened? Why was he like this? Arthur clearly had a lot of questions he wanted to raise but he couldn't seem to voice it out. All the annoyance seemed to have faded only to leave him with nothing more but worry. This wasn't Alfred... The King he knew would never be like this. Who dares do this to him? He looked at the clear skies as if bloody angry of the fates to whatever he had found out or anything that had tormented his King! He wrapped his arms around his back, soothing him of his worries most likely the unknown that he had come to know. As much as Alfred seemed protective... he had not seen Arthur being fairly protective amongst the people that he holds close. "Alfred?" That's when he felt Alfred get slightly heavier... and his grip loosened, making him sigh. Oh great. The fool has fallen asleep on him in the garden. Joy. Alright. Was this karma for admitting to himself that he likes him? Oh Fates, how fortunate.
"Your Majesties..." Arthur let out another sigh and looked up only to see Yao looking at them with one eyebrow raised. Really, fates! Was this really happening right now? "I did not expect this at all, aru. The garden of all places... Aiyah, have you got no shame? Whatever happened to the sacredness of the ritual?"
"It was so good I could hardly contain myself...More... Ahh...More... Happy?" Arthur asked monotonously as he stared up to the chuckling Knave and raised one of his hands. "Now, kindly help me before I die in pleasure..."
Yao took the extended hand and helped the Queen to at least sit up with him holding the King in his arms. Seriously... "If he fell asleep on you then that means he's very comfortable around you."
"Comfortable? Please... I'm quite sure that I wasn't born to become a bed."
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It took quite some time to move Alfred to his chamber and what proved to be the surprise of the situation was his deep in slumber. The King's chamber was just opposite of the Queen's with only a corridor of blue carpet to separate them.
As he looks at his King's state, he wasn't merely resting to get some sleep as well... something happened in Clubs and certainly, it wasn't something pleasant but not entirely as bad as he was thinking. Arthur doubted that it would be by sheer exhaustion that brought upon such a state. He was no healer like the Queen of Hearts or a comforter like the Queen of Diamonds but for sure, he knows if a particular person is exhausted or sick.
Spades has only been peaceful ever since his reign began and he would openly admit that he was glad it was. He wasn't boasting about it – It was hardly worth the talk since all he has been doing is mending Spades. Though the former Queen didn't die of any other cause than great age, it wasn't half as bad. He had seen how Spades was in war and for sure if there was tension between Clubs' King Ivan and King Alfred then, they should be ready for anything. As Alfred's Queen, he was to ensure that it wouldn't happen again. Who would want war between the Kingdoms which are supposed to be helping each other?
'Now, that's enough talk of that horrid war.' He shook his head and slowly walked towards the bed where the sleeping King was. That's right... Enough of the horrid war and thus, the focus should only be on the King at moment. He was young... Clearly naive but nonetheless, he was bright. As bright as the surprising sun that blinds people too much – Blinded him too much to lose sight of everything but him. He was like this sweet distraction that he wouldn't mind. He looked at the sleeping King for a moment. Certainly he wasn't the only one who grew to love his King... he'd seen it in every record and somehow it all ended in vain because in the end a Queen was a convenient excuse to set things right when one had mistaken. Arthur took his hand and held it softly. "Hey, Alfred..." Yes, he knew he was sleeping that's why he was talking to him. "Please be different to your predecessors..." He didn't know why he was saying this but he felt like he can tell him everything.
When Alfred opened his eyes, Arthur quickly let go of his hand and stood up. "G-Good to see you awake, King." I certainly wasn't holding your hand or requesting for your recovery. "Is everything alright?"
"Sorry... I couldn't get back on time. I got carried away in playing chess." Alfred said before closing his eyes once more as if gathering the strength to sit up yet Arthur pushed him back on the bed gently.
"Oh shut it. You should explain to Yao since you most likely ruined your schedule."
A chuckle escaped Alfred before looking his Queen with a smile. "Yeah but... "
"But?"
"Weren't you worried as well?"
His heart skipped a bit when he heard that and he only looked away, unaware that his cheeks light flushed. "Well, aren't you too full of yourself...?" He answered all smug with a combination of hands crossing as if defence for his heart against everything the King will say and do.
"I'm the King, remember? Aren't queens supposed to be worried about us?" A wink followed those words.
"You bloody Wanker! As if I'd be worried about a bloody idi-" A finger made its way to Arthur's lip, making him impossible to continue what he was about to say and only to stare at the smiling King.
"Artie-"
"Oh God, not that bloody nickname again! I have a bloody name! Ar-Thur! " Arthur protested as he shifted on his seat.
"Artie, do you remember what I told you a few months back about nicknames?"
"About what, you bloody fool?"Alfred only gave him a look as if saying, 'You know what I'm talking about'. Arthur blinked and tried to remember anything he said about nicknames. Fine, I'll call you Arthur but only if you don't speak your curses, okay? OH. Oh. So that's it. The queen of Spades couldn't help but run his hand over to his face. "I never bloody agreed to that!"
"But you did comply! It's enough to say that you've agreed!" Damn him and his negotiating abilities. Could he really be a former farmer or was he from some kind of gang who forces people to pay him money that wasn't worth it? "Sweetheart, I sure you wouldn't mind all the nicknames I will give you even the council room." Now that crosses the line. Arthur couldn't imagine him calling him by his disgusting nicknames! It may even imply something that wasn't supposed to be implied-It would ruin his name is seconds and knowing Alfred, he wasn't afraid on doing that! There was even one time when he called a minister by "Mr. Dime" because he wanted to raise tax among establishments in the capital. "Well?" The King again asked with a smirk.
"I comply. Happy?"
"Very~"
It was the wisest choice. Wait- They weren't supposed to be talking about damn nicknames or curses! They were supposed to talk about why Alfred was late! The sun was already setting and they have still yet to know what happened in the coronation of the Clubs' Knave. "So... Happened in Clubs?"
The smile vanished almost immediately as the Alfred closes his eyes. There was a momentary silence before he spoke, "I got into a fight." Did he hear that right?! His King got himself into a fight with the Clubs? Arthur paled as his mind numbed upon the mere thought. "And with their Knave too..." Dear Fates! Arthur's chair fell backwards as he stood up, aguish in his face as he stared up to his King. How foolish of him to believe that he was a King that would change how he thought of everthing- In the end, the queen was nothing more but a person to sacrifice to erase the faults of their Kings.
"D-Do you have any idea of what you've done? Do you know how Spades strives to get up from such instances that were brought by war? Of course, you don't... How could you even know, right?!"
"N-No! Wait, Arthur you don't understand!"
"What do I not understand?! You and your crazy and foolish antics! Oh, I understand them- All of them! "
"Listen!"
"I don't bloody need to! The next thing I know, you're just like one of them! You're just going to bloody sacrifice me like what the former Kings did to their Queens!"
This is what scared him the most. The sheer thought horrified him and for sure, this was the first time that he'd spoken about it. Arthur was surprised when Alfred wrapped his arms around him. "You're not going anywhere—Blasted it! You're not going to be sacrificed! You hear me! NOT IN MY REIGN." Alfred said sternly as he held his Queen tightly in his arms like he was going to be stolen away from him.
But Queens are to be sacrificed all the time.
Ivan's words rang up to his mind as he held Arthur. Every word of that statement was wrong and he wasn't afraid to voice it out. "Listen... I was just asked by the Club's knave for a little duel. Nothing more...Nothing less. It was for entertainment." Alfred explained as he slowly lets go of Arthur and held his hand. "I told you, I'll do my best to bring a job well, Arthur. The guy was kind enough to ask and I was kind enough to agree. After that, King Ivan asked me to play chess with him. We talked about our philosophy in life and I got a little carried away- That's the reason why I'm late. No war... No anything. Believe me. I wouldn't do anything to endanger the Kingdom, most specially you."
Arthur was speechless. He was the one stupid and careless. How shameful. Was his trust in him that shallow? He was the Queen... He was supposed to be the one who had the most trust in him yet he was the one with almost nothing. "A-Apologies." He said as he looked away. What else could he say? It wasn't fair... Alfred could let out those words easily. If only he knew what he did to him. This King always made a mess out of his mind.
"Apology accepted." Alfred said that understandingly as he looked at him with a soft smile.
A long silence followed that. A silence that both of them seem to not mind as it wasn't as cold as the one shared by anyone. The silence was pure understanding and it seemed to have numb the both of them yet in a comforting way. Alfred was there. Arthur was there. The misunderstanding was drawn into a halt as if words weren't necessary to understand each other this time. Arthur even wonders if this was because he was Queen and Alfred was King. Was becoming partners like this? Whether it was like this or not, certainly, if he was asked, then he would say he doesn't mind it at all. He felt that Alfred was not the child that had entered the palace via fate... He was a King chosen by fate and now... He seemed to be the perfect man for the job. Maybe with him... Spades can see a new Era of the peace and tranquillity he had given his court. "How long are you going to hold my hand?" Not that he minded but still...
"Eh? Opps! Sorry! Didn't thought you mind! Ahahahahaha-"Alfred let out as he pulled his hand back to rub the back of his neck. Arthur wanted to be angry but it seemed like his efforts were futile. He will always be this innocent King who doesn't need to know everything of the world.
"Yao has been teaching you well. It seems like you know more of Spades now."
"Yeah... I know more than I wanted to know and I, certainly, am not one to succumb to it all." He trailed off before looking at Arthur once more. "I had a feeling you wouldn't tell me what a Queen does so I went on ahead and found out for myself and you know what?"
"What?"
"I found out you're crazy."
"BLOODY WHAT?!"
"Artie, you are one crazy person to even be as calm like this! Imagine, having a King like me- inexperienced and utterly clueless about everything- and still, you're as calm as ever and even talking to me? Arthur, when I read what a Queen is obligated to do, I swore to the fates, you are crazy for even trusting me!"
"May be I am... but I don't regret it."
"Neither do I."
"Hmm?"
"I don't regret trusting you as well and there's no way in hell that I'll sacrifice a crazy person like you."
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"Alright! I regret it now! Why do we have to do that?!"
"Because it's necessary. Weren't you the one complaining about being easily exhausted and how near to death you feel?"
"B-but-"
"But what?!"
"Are you sure you're not just doing this because you just li-"
Arthur had enough explaining everything to his pulled the King's necktie to him and captured his lips in a kiss. Like the child he was and much to Arthur's dismay, Alfred was one to push him back by the shoulder. Cheeks tainted that would rival a cherry's redness as his eyes were detailed with confusion. "Dude, I wasn't finished talking!"
"Finished or not, you're pale as a sheet of paper Also you're not listening to my explanation!"
"Dude, can't we talk this o-"Another kiss. Then followed by another and another. Arms soon found its way unto Arthur's waist and Alfred's shoulders. After numerous kisses shared both of them stare upon each other, eyes both a shade darker than their original colour. When did kisses became this addicting? It was like their lips were made for each other-thus each brush of each other's lips sent shivers to their spines in either delight or intrusion. Arthur found himself lost in this sensation- He felt like he was being eaten alive by a hungry beast and what's worse was, he was letting him! What was happening? Why was he getting away like this? Isn't this supposed to be just a ritual done by the King and Queen to provide the King his necessary energy? Did he gave the flowers too much of his magic today to the point that he himself was running low? What his mind knew and what his body crave doesn't seem to match- Could it be that this wasn't just mere infatuation he held?
A sudden pang of pain was what Arthur felt and that made him stumble back. "ALFRED, WHAT THE HELL?!" He let out as he covered his mouth. His tongue... was bit and for sure it ruined his trail of thought and his bloody resolve on helping him.
"Kisses, Arthur, KISSES! Kisses are special and by Special, no tongues involved!"
"Special?! You, bursting in my private chambers in the middle of the night because you say that you're going to die, expected me to bloody kiss you in a special way?! Alfred, you're King of Spades, the least you could do is bloody get in the mood so we can perform the bloody ritual!"
"What mood?! What Ritual?! I don't understand what you mean!? And why does my feeling of death involved kisses?!Do you normally kiss people who is about to die?!"
"Alfred, you bloody idiot, of course I don't!" To think he thought Yao had inform him of such only to find out that he had left an specific information in the dark. Yao was one evil person to leave this part of education to him of all people. "Why do you even think I just kiss people randomly and people about to die, why would I bloody kiss them?!"
"I don't know! Because you want to-?" Fates, save him and give him strength. Give lots of patience for if not, he might kill his own King and skin him alive before letting the vultures eat him above the tower! Arthur rubbed his temples in clear annoyance. Alright, they've gotten themselves in a pretty weird situation again which seemed to be part of Alfred's daily life. "Arthur, are you mad?"
Who wouldn't be? "Yes, if it's obvious but I can't have you doing something you don't understand." Arthur took in a deep breath and let himself fall on the comfort of his bed. "Well... do you feel better than before?" he asked as he puts an arm over his head.
Alfred sat on the bed beside him and nodded. "Yeah... I feel better so that's the effect of the ritual you were saying?"
"Yes."
"Tell me more of this ritual..."
"It's a ritual done by Kings and Queens. To make it simple, I have the energy you need to use the Kingdom's gift namely, time manipulation. If not given to you, you'll grow weak. To get this, we need as much body contact as possible. A kiss would subdue it... but intimacy in the bedroom is the best way. Do you understand?"
"So... I'll just use you to get the energy I need to not grow weak?"
"That's just cruel!" Alfred let out and certainly the tone on his voice was quite demanding, no, angry. It was enough to make Arthur's hand fall on the bed from his head and look at him with a surprised gaze. "Arthur, you'll just agree to that? Being used like that by someone you don't love because fate says so?"
Ah, there he was. The same King who had always been kind enough to say those words. "All for spades as they say... Once you've become a monarch, you don't exist for yourself anymore. As queen is this something that is required of me-" How could he ever tell him that he wouldn't mind being used by him? That he loved him? The real cruelty in this was giving your affection to someone who is too oblivious to know it.
"The fates require us to much when they basically just want their own way done and fulfilled." Alfred answered and sighed, as if knowing he cannot argue further with what his Queen said. "Arthur... I refuse to use you in such a way. My mother always told me that intimacy should only be done by those who are inlove with each other and as far as I'm concerned, that's not the case in our situation."
So... Alfred didn't want him. He should have known that at the very least. He wasn't exactly desirous and neither was his attitude so why expect this idealist to just comply with the rules when he doesn't? It hurts but he had expected it. They did say love came with a price and that was being hurt. Wait... why does he feel like he was just dumped?! He just failed to make himself desirous- like any queen fails to do at first try but then again, he could use that as reference! What? Reference for future experiences? What was he applying for a job or something? "That means you love someone, right or am I wrong and you just prefer women?" Those words stung like hell but Arthur felt like he needed to ask that question.
"You could say that..." If only Alfred knew how much Arthur's heart sunk. Arthur suddenly wanted to vanish as his heart seemed to have grown weak. "And no, as much as it sounds weird, I prefer both men and women so doing it with a man doesn't really bother me."
Now that was a bit of a relief but still it stung even more. "What is this someone like?"
"That someone... is like a really pretty flower who is always covered by thorns. "
"Like the rose?"
"A blue rose—The ones in your garden, Arthur." Alfred lay down beside him and both of them lay there facing each other. Of course, Arthur found this quite awkward so he only shifted a bit but to anyone it would seem like he moved to give Alfred some space. "Oh?"
"Yup. That person is like covered with so many thorns but I'm someone who doesn't mind getting pricked anytime if that means getting close to that person."
"Well what do you know... King Alfred of Spades certainly has a way with words." Arthur chose this time to tease him instead and there it was - that cheeky grin he adores ever so much.
"That's how love goes, right? When you love someone you just want that person as close as possible to you. Like, that person becomes the air you breathe or something and it hurts for that person to be away even for just a second."
"You just earned yourself a medal for explaining what love is..." Arthur said chuckling before looking at the ceiling. He just couldn't look at him anymore because if he did, he'll just regret even more.
"It'll be better if you're the one to give me that medal," Alfred trailed off before chuckling, unknown to Arthur, he had his gaze fixed upon him. "'Cause it'll be nicer that way. The Queen of Spades awarding me with a medal and everything."
"Oh hush. I'll be giving you a good lump on the head and for sure that person you speak about would laugh at the situation."
"I've got a pretty good idea that the person we're talking about would also give me a lump on the head."
"Then well both give you a lump of the head and maybe even laugh at you."
"Oh- How harsh! I'll have two lumps on the head!"
Both of them laughed but Arthur clearly had no reason to but he kept laughing any way. What was he doing? Talking about this just deepens the wound in his heart brought about by not being good enough for the King.
"Hey, Arthur..."
"Hmm?"
"If you found someone you love... make sure to tell me, okay?"
"Oh? Why?"
"I'll asked him for a duel and make sure that person suffers a good punch in face."
Arthur laughed at the thought that he'll ended up punching himself if he told him right now. "Then I'll be greatly sad. The person I love would have bruises..."
"Nah, I have a feeling that you'll laugh."
"Am I that cruel to you?"
"Very cruel, Arthur and in more ways that you can ever imagine."
"Trust me... You're pretty much crueler. "
"Can you do me a favour?"
"You just called me cruel and now you want me to do you a favour?" Arthur looked at him with an amused smirk. " Alfred, what the hell are you thinking?"
"Oh common, I'm not implying the whole kiss thing..."
"Then what are you implying?"
"A song... "
"A song?"
"Yup, that song you sing in the gardens..."
"Bloody hell, Alfred. It's the middle of the night and how the bloody hell do you know that?!"
"Yao, remember?"
Blasted knave. And there he thought being friends with him since childhood was an advantage. It just proves that friendship can be quite harsh when wanted to be. He tells the King he knows how to sing but doesn't inform him of the bloody ritual. Arthur gave Alfred that stern look that meant, 'I'm not going to sing.'
"Please~ Pretty please~ Artie~! Please~ It's a pretty song... It's calming and-"
Again, the nicknames. Damn him. He keeps calling him names whenever he curses. "Be honest. Do you live just to annoy me?"
Alfred grinned and pulled him by the waist so their faces where a centimetres apart. "Well, I can always try. Just one song to send me to sleep~"
Arthur pushed his shoulder as if to gain space but it proved futile. "Who do you think you are to just bark orders at me?!"
"Last time I checked, I was the King of Spades."
Oh he was good. DAMN HIM. Arthur sighed knowing he wouldn't stop until he gets his way. It was always like this whenever Alfred was involved. It wasn't Yao who spoils him- It was hands down Arthur who would spoil him! Maybe it was because he had that innocence or maybe it was because he was childish- Arthur doesn't know for sure but nonetheless, it's a weapon he could use against Arthur and win.
"Don't laugh, okay?"
"Who said I was going to laugh? Common, Arthur, please sing~"
"All right...wait- what are you doing?"
Arthur stared down on Alfred who had used his arm as a pillow. He raised an eyebrow at this. Why was he like a child now? Where was that person who just said those amazing things about love a few minutes ago?
"Preparing to sleep..."
"You're going to sleep here-?"
"Yup."
"But Alfred-"
"It's lonely sleeping alone so for once let me sleep here."
"Fine."
Oh well... It still doesn't change the fact that he was going to sing no matter what... Arthur took a deep breath and slowly he began the song. A song that he himself had composed for someone precious like the man he was with right now.
"We came together from so far away.
You can never return to the days
of your childhood laughter."
His mind clearly fixed that this was a song that this King of his would never understand and just listens for the sake of the song. Alfred had his eyes closed upon the start of the song so Arthur expects him to be asleep after the chorus-
"I love the world of your smiles,
I want to be by your side... only that.
I forgot how much love hurt."
He blinked a bit when Alfred tightened his grip on his waist but pretended to not pay heed to it. It did successfully make his cheek burn as he struggled a bit with the closeness. He instead tried to sooth his little worries by resting his hand on the King's locks, trying to play with it and get his mind off of the embarrassment he feels and settle his crazy beating heart.
"Time goes by,
Even though the stream of time changes us,
I can even remember the things I lost and the dreams I had
when I hold your hands.
Always, I am by your side."
Ah, those last words of the song... the King had seemed to have fallen asleep. Even if this King has already someone he adores he'll just stay by his side. He was staying there not because it was written by the fates... but because he wanted to. He caressed the King's face...Whenever he looks at that peaceful face, he couldn't help but just... melt- if that was the correct word to describe it. The thought about his weak body came to cross his mind. Perhaps the reason why Alfred didn't want to use him was the fact that he was awfully sensitive to everything... No that was silly but if it was really the case then. "I wonder if I can be strong enough to even protect you."
To be continued...
Lyrics from: Yume No Tsubasa (the tone for it to be a lullaby is for Lost Wings: watch?v=LlW6F8JiMBY)