So I guess this is my first story on FF. Reviews welcome! It's a slightly different take on the Soulmate Watches AU.
XxxxX
Arthur looked down at the slim plastic band wrapped around his wrist. Though he didn't really understand the science behind it the band supposedly reacted to the 'spark' you felt the first time making contact with your true soulmate. No countdown, no indication of gender, eye colour or first words. It could happen at any time or any place.
It didn't matter to him, he thought, reaching down to stroke the soft blonde hair on Alfred's head. The fool was sleeping again, stretched out in the sun spot on the couch like a kitten. He felt a strong warmth in his chest looking at the man's face.
He already loved this man, it was stupid to think that one day he would meet someone, feel some electricity and forget all about him.
He looked at himself in the mirror hung over the mantelpiece. He was already 37, most people who made it that far without finding 'the one' had given up already as well. He hair was a sandy blonde a slightly pale shade than Alfred's. He face was now slightly more lined and creased than when they first met.
"I'm Arthur, KING OF THE BRITTONS" He slurred out over the wooden bar. "Can I buy you a drink?"
The crying blonde face softened slightly with a chuckle at the drunken man's antics. "Don't think I've ever been offered a drink from a king before. I'm Alfred, Alfred F. Jones."
"Why are you crying Alfred Alfred?"
It had been the one year anniversary of Alfred meeting his soulmate, a man who died of Leukemia shortly after they met. As someone who'd never met their soulmate he couldn't understand the pain he felt. Even now, ten years later Alfred still cried on that day. Today.
"Alfred," he shook the man's shoulder gently "It's about time to go"
"Wuh, ah, thanks for waking me babe." He leaned up and planted a light kiss on Arthur's lips.
They donned their coats, Alfred always looked so good in his bomber jacket. It hugged his muscles and beautifully framed his ass.
Arthur's earrings clicked lightly as he coupled his overcoat with a wool hat. He was mostly past his punk days now, but he wouldn't feel himself without the small circles of metal adorning his ears.
"You'll need this" He told Alfred, shoving his latest knitted hat into the man's hands.
The taller blonde pulled the fuzzy mohair knit onto his head "Ready?"
He looked nervous, he would never really be ready.
"Hey Kiku, I brought Arthur with me again, hope ya don't mind." He knelt by the gravestone. A small picture of the stoic man was displayed at its peak, he was handsome with neat dark hair and soft brown eyes.
Arthur awkwardly stood to the side, looking away from the headstone. This was time he thought Alfred would need for himself.
"Hey love, I'll give you a minute alone and get you a coffee?"
Alfred smiled weakly at his boyfriend, Arthur always understood. "Thanks"
The frosted grass crunched underfoot as he headed towards the cemetery gates. He could still see the beige mass of Alfred hunched over by the stone as he turned out onto the street. There was a coffee shop just five minutes walk down, it also made the best home blend earl grey tea.
The was a gentle jingle of the doors bell when he stepped inside.
"Pretty cold isn't it," the Barista smiled at him, "What can I get you?"
"One large mocha and an earl grey to go, cheers"
He tapped his card against the reader and took a seat in the small shop. It had a homely feel, wooden furnishings with soft, worn leather seats. As the only customer it could almost have been his living room.
"Your drinks sir"
He took the warm waxed paper cups into his hands, sipping lightly from his tea. It tasted perfect. He turned back to exit the shop, hearing the little bell ring.
Before he could step aside the figure barged into him. A shock charged through him as he fell to the floor, spilling freshly boiled tea down himself.
"Shit, that burns" he said lifting up the cup to look at his 'assailant'. The lanky white haired man was just staring at him in disbelief. "Aren't you going to apologise?"
The man still said nothing, his red eyes bore strange holes into Arthur, he was astounding attractive to him. Chiseled jawline, with lips that curled into a wicked smile.
The man reached down to the floor and picked up two small strips of plastic. "I can't believe it's you"
Arthur felt his eyes widen. This man, surely he wasn't.
"Awesome! Finally my soulmate!" The accent was foreign, probably German? He was pulled to his feet. "Barista, can I get a replacement for these drinks and a double espresso?"
Arthur was shoved into a seat opposite the man. He was so energetic that Arthur hadn't manage to get a single word out. Just as the man was about to open his mouth again Arthur put his hand up. "Sorry mate. This is a mistake. I have someone else."
He left swiftly with the remainder of his and Alfred's drinks, not pausing to look at the dejected German. He made it to the door when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Wait! Please. At least take this." The hand moved as scrunched piece of paper dropped into is coat pocket. Arthur carried on out of the door, faintly hearing the man call out his name; Gilbert.
Alfred was already waiting for him at the gate when Arthur returned. "What happened to you?"
"Spilled my tea," he grumbled, it wasn't exactly a lie. He doubted the brownish stain would ever come out of his only white shirt. He pressed the mocha into Alfred's cold hands, thankfully he'd not managed to spill much of it. Red puffy rings lined his bright blue eyes, he had been crying. "Come on pet, we'll freeze if we stay here."
He took Alfred's hand and guided him back through the streets back to their house. Cautiously wondering if the man would notice the lack of his plastic soul band on his wrist.