[Speedfic Prompt 5] Just You and I
Title: Just You and I
Genre: Romance
Word Count: 1,280
Rating: G
Summary: Cardverse. With the Inter-Kingdom Games over, England and America finally share some quiet moments alone.
For usxuk's Olympic Village Speedfic challenge. The theme was "kiss goodnight".
Please forgive any mistakes and rambley-ness, this hasn’t been edited yet!
This actually taks place in the same universe as my submisson for the first prompt of the writing Torchbearer event, but two weeks later. Fee free to check out the first half!
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Though there were plenty of parties just getting started for the evening, America had to admit he was bone tired. For an entire two weeks, he had been working over-time, acting as host to the Inter-Kingdom Games on top of his regular duties as king. His mornings had begun early, grabbing a quick breakfast before dashing to oversee an event, cheering on his team and awarding medals to the victors, then rushing back to the palace for meeting with his councilors. Only to have to run back to the arena for even more events shortly after. And acting the gracious host to all of the foreign dignitaries visiting the capital; he had tried to pass this particular duty to his Queen and Jack, as they were better at all of that stuffy junk, but the notables usually insisted upon seeing him. Just one of the great things about being king, he supposed.
But even with the three of them - England, China, and himself- dividing these duties, they had been run absolutely ragged and had seen little of one another the entire duration of the Games, except in the morning and before bed. America had also made it a point to attend the matches that the other two were competing in, and had been bursting with pride to drape a gold medal around China’s neck, and presenting his husband with gold and silver. But even then, he had had to leave shortly after for another event. So while America loved a good party, especially after two weeks of spectacular performances from his team, he had to decline. Ever since opening ceremonies, all he’d been able to do was drag himself up to his bedchambers and crash upon their bed, no energy for cuddling or catching up. All he longed for right now was a pillow and his husband in his arms, and he’d be content for a week with nothing else.
But now, now he could finally make up for all the lost time, and it was with a cheery heart -and, admittedly, a weary body- that he trudged upstairs to the bedchamber he shared with England. His husband was already waiting for him when he arrived, casually flipping through a book and sipping a cup of evening tea as he reclined on their expansive bed, his deep blue dressing gown loosely tied. America cracked a warm smile and bent down to greet him with a kiss, which England accepted eagerly.
“Mm, good to finally have you back.”
The king smirked and dove in for another, slowly melding their lips together again.
“Same here.”
England closed his book shut with a snap and set it on the bedside table, sinking back into his pillows.
“Ugh, it was fun and all, but I am glad it’s over. Our schedule should be a little packed this week, catching up on things, but we should be back to normal soon.”
“Good.” America groaned. He sauntered over to his chest of drawers and pulled out his nightclothes, making a quick job of stripping out of his formalwear from closing ceremonies and tossing them over his shoulder.
England smiled to himself and sipped his tea, reclining back and enjoying the view. He had seen his share of nice bodies over the past two weeks, but none could ever top America’s. He may not be especially lean or muscular, but he was content with his own body and he fit well in England’s arms. And it felt wonderful to be held in America’s, as his previous occupation as a blacksmith had left him with strong, toned arms that felt as if he were being embraced by an oversized teddy bear. And his broad back and shoulders… No, no, England was quite content with his husband, thank you.
Once he was re-dressed, America climbed in to bed beside his Queen and snuggled close, throwing his arms around England’s waist. He toyed with the ties of England’s dressing robe lazily and sighed as he felt his husband run his fingers through his hair. It was moments like this that America cherished, away from all of the politics and the paperwork, just relaxing with the man he loved. When they were alone, England was less rigid, more calm and open. He could be himself and they were granted rare moments way from the prying eyes of the public and councilmembers. He knew their citizens meant well, they just wanted the best for their beloved Queen, but England was a private person and didn’t like sharing details about his personal life - particularly about his love life with the king.
He hummed to himself in thought and traced his fingers over England’s side.
“Hey, what do you think about taking a vacation?”
The fingers in his hair faltered. “Wha- now? I don’t think-“
He rolled over onto his back and peered up at the Queen’s puzzled expression. “Nah, ‘course not! I mean later, after everything dies down. You deserve it! And China too, you’ve been working your asses off. “
England sputtered and brushed back the bangs from his husband’s forehead. “You have as well! The whole bloody kingdom has.”
The king smiled softly. “Yeah, but how many had to train up a new king? Got married? What about sorting out all of that stuff with China and Zhongghuo? And this is while putting up with political crap and planning for the Games. All in 4 years. And I don’t know about before I got here, but you haven’t had an actual vacation since my coronation. You need to take a break, Sweetheart.”
England flushed and furrowed his brows, mumbling beneath his breath. America couldn’t help but laugh and leaned up to give him a kiss.
“Just think about it, we can figure out the details later.”
He heaved himself up to sidle in under the blankets on his side of the bed, and England turned over to face him, leaning on his elbow.
“If we do go on holiday, I’m choosing the location.”
America perked up. “Ooh, where do you want to go? Somewhere…. romantic?” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “We never did have a real honeymoon.”
England snorted and laid his head against his pillow. “Somewhere peaceful, though I imagine I’ll be hard-pressed to find any peace with you around. And what are you saying, ‘romantic’? You wanted to invite China, didn’t you? And I think Canada has deserved some time off as well. I believe it would be very romantic with the two of them hanging about.”
The younger blonde waved a hand airily, “Details, details! We’ll figure it out when we get there. I just need something to look forward to before I head back to my desk in the morning. “
“Then you can fantasize about our romantic honeymoon holiday while you trudge through your paperwork, love.” The Queen smirked, and his husband stuck out his tongue in response.
England chuckled and raised up on his elbows, leaning down to bring their lips together tenderly.
“Good night then, dearest. Sleep well.”
“’Night.”
After blowing out the candle on by his bedside, America rest his head against his husband’s chest, lulled by the strong steady beat, and thanked his lucky stars for the wonderful people he had in his life and for all the opportunities he had been given. But most of all, he felt unbelievably lucky to have England there at his side, with all of his strength and his love. It was the greatest feeling, as if carrying a little personal flame within, and it provided all the strength and encouragement he needed. With England, he knew that the future of Spades would be bright indeed.
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Note: “Zhongghuo” is another name used for mainland China (if this isn't right, please tell me so I can fix it!). In this universe, the 3 territories within the kingdom of Spades are named after older or different names for China, America, and the UK, since the original nation names are kept for the characters.