Never Let Go

"Arthur! Arthur, wait up!"

Trying to ignore the frantic calls behind him, Arthur picked up his pace. Weaving through the crowded hallways, he chanced a glance backwards, only to see the person he was trying to avoid a mere arms length away.

"Hey, didn't you hear me calling your name?" Alfred reached out for Arthur's elbow, but Arthur jerked out of his grasp and walked away. "Wait, don't be like this!"

"Leave me alone," Arthur said through clenched teeth, but if Alfred heard him, he decided not to listen.

"Come on," Alfred pleaded, hovering at Arthur's shoulder, keeping pace with him as he navigated through the halls. "Let's go somewhere quieter and talk, at least?"

"I have a class to get to," Arthur retorted, "and I don't want to talk to you."

"After school, then. I'll meet you by the main doors." Alfred's voice softened. "Please, Arthur?"

Arthur scowled. After a few moments, he gave a small, tight nod. Alfred brushed his fingers against his shoulder before leaving, a timid smile on his lips. Arthur just glared at him, skin tingling where it had been touched, until Alfred turned away and vanished into the crowds.

Arthur waited by the heavy wooden doors to their school, anxiously checking his cellphone. The bell signaling the end of the day had only rung a few minutes ago and the school was still alive and noisy.

"Hey."

Arthur stiffened at the pair of arms that crept around his waist. He pulled away, spinning around and hissing fiercely, "What do you think you're doing?"

Alfred turned away, a sad look on his face, and mumbled quietly, "Sorry. I miss you, that's all."

I miss you too, Arthur wanted to say. So much. Instead, he pressed his lips together and said nothing. He led the way over to a secluded corner of the corner, where the bustle of the halls faded away.

The two of them stood there in a deafening silence. Arthur glanced at Alfred every once in a while, but quickly looked away whenever he saw the other turning towards him.

While he was busy staring at the ground, Arthur felt something brush against his fingers. When he didn't react, Alfred gently took hold of his hand and pulled him closer.

"I really am sorry," Alfred said quietly.

Arthur closed his eyes and leaned forward, letting Alfred take some of his weight. He breathed in the smell that was so uniquely Alfred and had to fight the urge to wrap his arms around the other's waist and never let go.

"I'm sorry too," Arthur murmured, his voice muted. "I was being utterly unreasonable last night."

"Nah, I was the one being a jerk. Forgive me?"

"Always," Arthur promised.

"Hey, look at me."

Arthur met Alfred's eyes hesitantly. Alfred smiled and pulled him even closer for a kiss, their lips just brushing at first until Arthur made a small impatient noise. Alfred laughed and pulled away.

"I love you, Arthur."

Arthur wrapped his arms around his boyfriend tighter. "I love you too."

A/N - This was for Sweethearts Week over at usxuk on lj! Hope you enjoyed!