The author has finally decided… finally: After nearly 3... Okay maybe longer month hiatus, I finally caught back on making a new story of "BFFF." I totally forgotten how tired/lazy I could be after working 2 jobs. I also totally forgotten how much I hate the real world. I came to a realization about myself… I can no longer deny it… I have no life. But that doesn't mean it's going to keep me from uploading USxUK wut-wut in duh butt goodness for you all. That's all that matters. Thank you all once again for the wait, and… I hope this story is gonna be awesome.
…well, see ya'll in a month. I'm joking! Hehe.
I hope.
-shout out and HUGE thanks to this chapter's proofreader: Sarah (thanks hommie)!
Axis Powers Hetalia © Himaruya Hidekazu (Okay, Hima-chan. There is someone else… *sniffles* it's… Normura! D8)
BFFF: Love Will Make it Certain
-01-
"Sir? Excuse me, sir?"
The dozing blond man stirred awake with a questionable moan as he felt something gently tapping his shoulder.
"Sir?"
Blue eyes slowly opened. Focusing his vision, the back of someone's chair was the first thing he saw. Trailing his eyes to the right, he saw a person peering behind the chair. It was a little girl who looked no older than four, staring at the man with big and curious brown eyes. The man tiredly smiled at her. Just when he was about to say hi...
"Sir, we'll be landing soon."
The man looked up, finally noticing the young stewardess standing over him. The woman smiled at him sweetly. Her clean navy blue uniform adorned around her perfect, petite frame. She was an adorable creature, but she wasn't the man's type.
"Oh," he said tiredly. "Here already?"
"Yes sir. Please fasten your seatbelt. We'll be there momentarily."
"Sweet," the man cried happily, putting on his seatbelt and tightening the strap.
The woman nodded and turned back to the aisle to tend to the other passengers.
"Oh, wait, wait," the man stopped her. "Could I get anoth-"
The stewardess turned to him with her arms crossed. "Sir, if you're asking for a hamburger, then I'm afraid to say that we're all out."
The man blinked. "Actually, I was gonna ask if I could get another bottle water to take with me," he said with a nervous chuckle.
The stewardess paused. "Oh, um... yes."
The man watched the woman walk down the aisle for his water. He smiled and turned back to the girl who was still staring at him. He grinned and winked at her.
"I really could go for another hamburger though," he said.
The girl only stared, pulling her Babar the Elephant plush close to her. She coughed a bit, her brown curly locks bounced as she did so, and turned back up front.
The man chuckled and relaxed in his chair. He reached into his shirt pocket pulling out a pair of glasses. He slipped them on, his slightly blurry vision now clear. He then leaned forward in the chair, reaching in the back of his pocket. The man pulled out his wallet and opened it excitedly. Inside he pulled out a small photo of a man with lighter blond hair. He was sitting at his desk, putting on a forced smile with tinted cheeks. He was wearing a green work jacket with a white button shirt underneath. The tall man wanted to take pictures of his coworkers that day, and he could tell the lighter blond wasn't up for it. He was going to make a collage to put it on the wall at the office. The lighter blond managed to swipe his photo before it could happen. It was the picture given to the younger man before he left. The closest thing he had to remember him by.
-"Um... there's something I want you to have."-
-"Haha! You didn't get rid of it?"-
-"I dunno why, but something told me not to. D-don't you bloody dare go showing that around to anyone. I only want you to look at it and think of me."-
-"You don't want anyone to know I have a smokin' hot boyfriend? To every person I see, I'll flash this picture in there face and say: 'This is my boyfriend Arthur Kirkland! And he came ten times!'!"-
-"...give it here, git!"-
-"I'm kidding! I'm kidding! Hahaha!"-
The taller man chuckled, remembering that day. That day his lover confessed to him. One of the most memorable moments of his life. He hated he had to leave then. If he had more time, he just wanted to take that man back to the bedroom and "celebrate" his happiness. Now he's coming back home. He didn't think it would be this soon.
...he actually didn't think he would come back at all.
I can't believe I'm almost home. I never thought I'd come back. Arty's gonna piss his pants when he sees me.
"Your water, sir."
The man turned to the stewardess and took his water. "Thanks again!"
"Mm-hm," the woman hummed before walking down the aisle.
The man put his water away and turned back to the picture. Seeing something moving out of the corner of his eye, he looked up, seeing the elephant plush peering behind the girl's chair. The man blinked then chuckled. Shortly after the girl's head also poked out, her huge eyes squinted with a giggle. The man made a face at her. The girl made one back, making a fish face with crossed eyes. Both laughed out, disrupting the other passengers. The girl's laughter died down as her mother nudged her and told her to sit back in her seat. The bifocal man also settled down, hating he got the girl in trouble. He adjusted his glasses before reaching up and turning the knobs of the air conditioning. He was oblivious to the annoyed glare his seat mate by the window was giving him as he sat back in his chair. He then noticed the little girl's hand was sticking out from behind the chair, and she was holding something. It was wrapped up nicely in paper with the airline's symbol designed on it. The man grinned. She was offering him her hamburger. Happily, the man reached out and took it.
"Thanks," he whispered to her.
The girl pulled her arm back up before quickly turning back him with a huge grin. One of her front teeth were missing. She then turned back front.
The man sighed, looking down at the sandwich with a small smile.
"Heh, I usually get one of these half-eaten..."
00000000
~Freedom Unit Corporation~
"Hello, Arthur," Ingrid greeted warmly, seductively.
The Brit, in mid-walk out the elevator, turned to his left, seeing the hot female staring at him hungrily.
"Oh," he said, with a raised brow. "Hello, Miss Ingrid." He started walking again, looking at the woman over his shoulder, who was still staring. The Brit turned back up front, still feeling her watching him.
Odd...
"Hi, Arthur," greeted another woman, cheerfully.
The Brit turned to his right, a bit startled to see someone popping out of nowhere. "Oh, ah..." Arthur blinked, seeing it was one out of several women who rarely talked to him. "Hello there... Miss Chloe?"
The bashful young woman, pressing documents in a manila envelop close to her chest, giggled.
"It's Cole, actually," she said, brushing her ash blond locks behind her ear. "Close enough!"
"Oh, right."
She giggled more. "Yeah."
The Brit blinked. "Right."
"I was um..." Cole began, pointing over her shoulder, "gonna grab a bite to eat. Would you like to um... ah..."
"Oh, no thank you," the Brit answered, showing the girl his rolled up sack with his half eaten turkey sandwich inside. "I've eaten."
"Oh, right. Right," she said blushing. "Um, how 'bout a Danish pas-"
"Miss Cole," Arthur interrupted with an apologetic smile. "I really must clock back in. Perhaps another time?"
"Oh! Absolutely! Absolutely..."
The confused Arthur nodded before carefully backing away. "Alright then."
The blushing woman hesitantly waved, backing away as well. "Alright."
"Bye then."
She giggled bashfully. "Bye..."
The Brit turned his back to her, continuing his walk to his cubicle.
Very odd...
"Good afternoon, Arthur. You're looking nice today. As always..."
The Brit turned to his shoulder, hearing the compliment from another woman. "Uh... thank you?"
"Hey, Arthur," the Brit heard a few women say from afar. He turned to see three grinning heads poked out from a cubicle, flirtatiously waving at the Englishman. Arthur lifted a brow again, hesitantly waving at them. Before Arthur knew it, every women had their eyes on him since he showed up. Feeling uncomfortable with all the stares, he continued walking to his cubicle. That was until he heard a man's voice.
"Hey, hey, hey! Arthur, my man!"
Arthur looked up seeing Antonio coming out from his cubicle and approaching him. The Brit's eyes widened. "Oh, bugger..."
The Hispanic man grinned and gave the Englishman a good slap on the back, nearly making poor Arthur fall over. "Arthur, you lucky dog you," Antonio laughed. "I didn't think you had it in you, man!"
The Brit recovered, rubbing his hurting back, and stared at the man confusingly. "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked with a winced face. "Had what in me?"
"Don't act that way! Look around you."
Arthur did so, seeing the looks and grins from coworkers, mostly the women.
"The jig is up, Arthur," Antonio continued. "It looks like every cute lady in here got the hots for you."
"Beyond odd," the Brit muttered, turning back to the grinning Spanish man. "But why?"
Antonio chuckled with his arms crossed, and a shake of the head. "You're dating someone, right? Now that everyone knows, the girls want you. Bad."
The Brit rolled his eyes and snorted. "People still react to that even at this age?" he asked. "I thought that was for high school." He walked passed the man, but then paused. He turned back to him. "Um... how exactly did you all know that I was... dating someone?"
Other than Kiku, Heracles, and Brandy and the gang, the Brit didn't think anyone else knew about him and Alfred. But who else knew and spread it? Unless someone outside work came upon the "loud divas of Texas" known as Brandy, Chamise, Shonda, and Shea. Arthur could picture his lady friends cackling loudly about it at a restaurant, not caring if they were disrupting the customers from their dining. Not that the short blond would care if anyone found out he was gay, but having the entire staff find out would feel rather uncomfortable to him for some reason. Not to mention if they ever found out who his lover was. How can one react to see Arthur and Alfred together as real lovers? Become speechless, with their mouths agape, cringe, then laugh afterwards?
...then stare blankly, not believing it once they realized it wasn't a joke, that it was in fact true?
"We've all been suspicious about you these past few months, man," Antonio replied. "The glow, the sprint in your step, being friendlier to the customers more than usual... smiling more."
Arthur squirmed slightly, blushing from ear to ear.
"But also..." The Hispanic continued, before grinning and pointed over the Brit's shoulder, "your cubicle is what gave it out."
Arthur's eyes narrowed and turned to where his work station was. On the floor, he noticed a trail of red rose petals down the aisle, leading to his private cubicle. Growing curious, Arthur carefully followed the trail, ignoring the amused stares and grins from the others. Once he made it over to his station he paused, dropping his closed coffee cup and lunch sack, eyes widened, jaw dropped, and face flushed. He couldn't believe what he saw before him.
"Bloody hell," he breathed.
Arthur's entire cubicle was filled with red roses, from his desk to the floor. It was like a floral shop. His nostrils was suffocating with the sweet smell of the bloomed flowers.
"Bloody hell," he repeated.
So many. Too many... but how many...?
"It's ten dozen," Antonio standing by Arthur said, as if he knew what the Brit was thinking. "That's what the delivery guys said how many there were. This lady friend of yours must really got it bad for you!"
Arthur looked around. Everything was filled with so much red, the Brit couldn't find the computer. His face tinted a dark shade, a little embarrassed, and pleased. Only one person was responsible for all this, and if the Brit ever saw them, he would be sure to bop them a good one. The short blond sighed then broke into a warm smile.
Antonio was right though. This "lady friend" definitely had it bad for him.
Stupid git...
He then spotted a white envelope nestled in one of the flowers. There was cursive writings in the middle that reads 'To Arthur.' Careful not to trip, he cautiously walked over to the note. He finally made it over to his desk and picked up the letter. He pulled out the note and began reading silently to himself.
'Today makes 120. Each rose count the day I've been thinking about you, wanting you, and love you...
-AFJ'
The Brit's smile had widen, his face grew a deeper shade of red. This was a moment he would never forget.
"Stupid git..." the love stricken Brit murmured, reading through the note again and again... and again... and again... and-
"Uh, Arthur?" Antonio spoke, tapping his shoulder.
"Hm...?" the Brit hummed, with love in his eyes, paying his focus on the card.
The Hispanic chuckled, pointing over Arthur's shoulder from behind. "Aren't you going to answer that?"
Arthur's phone was ringing. "Oh..." the Brit blinked turning back to his desk, searching for the phone through the jungle of roses. Placing one of the vases to the side, he spotted his dark gray phone. He picked it up as he pulled out his chair and sat.
"Thank you for calling Freedom Unit," he said dreamily, staring down at the note once again. "This is Arthur..."
"Yes, Mr. Arthur," the person on the line, who was a man replied. He too had an British accent. "I was calling to see if you can help me with something."
"Not a problem, sir," the Brit replied while logging on his computer. "What can I help you with today?"
"Well, I've been thinking about this person who is ever so far away from me. And I was wanting to call to tell them how much they drive me bonkers in love."
The Brit blinked. "Um, sir," he said, "are you here calling about your Freedom Unit credit card? Or is there someone here you're trying to contact?" Arthur figured, the caller was transferred to the wrong person. It would happen every once in a while. Each staff had their own transfer number and most were pretty close to each other. The Brit often had Kiku's transfer number (45309) mixed with Feliciano's (45390).
"Actually, I was trying to contact a man by the name of Mr. Arthur Kirkland," the costumer answered. He then chuckled. "He has the same first name as you. That's rather funny now, isn't it?"
Arthur blinked some more. "I'm Arthur Kirkland," he said.
"Really now?" the caller piped by surprise. "It's a small world after all."
The Brit frowned. "Quite," he said. "May I ask who's calling?"
"Oh, terribly sorry. You want to know my name?"
"Yes, sir," the Brit answered dryly. "Your name."
"Yes, well... my name is Senoj Derfla ."
The Brit made a face. "Senoj Derfla?" he said. "That's a rather strange name."
The caller laughed. "Quite," he replied. There was a long pause before the caller continued in a husky tone.
"So, Mr. Kirkland... you're the chap that I've seen pictures of from your Facebook page? You sound as delicious as your sweet keister. I've spend countless hours getting myself off on your pictures, but it's not enough. I actually was hoping I..." the caller paused with a sexy chuckle, "get a taste of the real deal..."
Arthur grunted angrily. He was getting tried of this practical joke. "Look, if this is someone in the office pulling a prank, this is rather childish."
"This is no joke, love. I'm being quite serious."
"I'm hanging up now," the Brit spat harshly.
"Not interested, I see?"
"Not in the least. I don't even have a bloody Facebook."
The caller hummed humorously, pretending as if he was disappointed. "You did say your name is Arthur Kirkland, now, did you not?"
"There are a million people whose name is Arthur Kirkland! You obviously have the wrong fucking one!"
"I bet you're ten times as adorable, Mr. Kirkland. That potty mouth of yours sounds dirty enough to shove anything inside, if you know what I me-"
"Alright, you know what?" the small blond hissed slamming his fist on the desk. His entire face was boiling red and his breathing staggered. Prank or not, Arthur was getting sick of this man. "I've had enough of your shit! Don't call here again, or I will call the police to have them trace this call! And what the fuck kind of name is a Senoj Derf..." Arthur paused.
The caller snickered.
Arthur leaned back in his chair, placing a free palm to his face. Seconds later, he laughed.
The caller also laughed.
The Brit pulled his hand away, shaking his head. "You got me," he chuckled.
"I did," the caller replied happily, British accent completely gone. "I was hoping, I'd get you long enough to make you blow your top. Mission accomplished!"
Arthur reached out rotating one of the porcelain vases. "If you weren't so damn cute, I'd hang up on you." The Brit grinned, leaning in, and inhaling one of the fully bloomed buds.
The caller chuckled. "Thank God my mom was hot."
Arthur smiled. Then he blinked, feeling he was being watched. He turned his chair around, looking out his cubicle door. He watched a few of his coworkers staring. They jumped, getting caught and turned back to their work.
"Do you like them?" the caller asked the Brit.
Arthur turned back to the roses on his desk. "I adore them," he answered sweetly. He blinked again. He looked up at his cubicle walls to see a few heads poking out, staring. Each startled head ducked down like a wave.
"And the card?"
The Brit turned to the card and picked it up. He read through it once more. "I love it," he answered. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The Brit sighed happily.
/"I truly miss you, Alfred.
"I miss you, Arthur."/
The Brit blushed from hearing each other confess at the same time. Both he and the American on the other line then chuckled.
"One hundred twenty days," Arthur murmured. "Has it really been that long? It feels like forever."
"I know," the American replied. "I miss you a lot, Arthur. I miss your touch, your eyes, your face, your body..."
"Stop it," the Brit said with a grin.
"I miss your smile the most," the American continued. "Are you smiling now?"
Arthur blushed, grinning wider. "No," he lied.
Alfred laughed. "You're a bad lair."
"Oh really?"
"Normally when you say 'no' you put forceful emphasis on that word."
Arthur blushed more. The git was right.
"Also I can tell you're blushing because you have a shortness of breath."
"Ah..." the Brit gasped.
Alfred snickered. "Wanna know how I know that I can tell when you're horn-"
"S-stop that!"
The American laughed out.
"You nasty little devil," the Brit said with a smirk. Then his eyes narrowed. "How can you tell exactly...?"
"The tone in your voice changes slightly. A little deeper. You usually breathe out some words."
"Alright, now you're just creeping me out," the Brit replied blinking by surprised while the man on the other line cackled. The tiniest things Arthur would do that he wasn't aware, Alfred knew. As disturbing as it was, Arthur thought it was sweet. "What... other little things you know about me?" he asked.
"When you're excited about something," the American answered, "your seem lighter when you walk. Like you could float at any second. It's amusing to watch."
"Well, I'm glad I can be entertaining for you, git," the Brit replied, sticking his tongue out at the phone.
The American snorted a laugh. "Wish I can taste that nice tongue of yours right now," he said.
Arthur cupped his mouth shut. He stood from his chair, peering over his cubicle walls. "Honestly," he said nervously. "Are you watching me from afar? My cubicle's not ridged with spy cameras is it?"
"No, but we should try that next time. When I'm on my lunch break, I could eat a sandwich while watching you getting off underneath your desk on my laptop."
"Alfred..." the Brit groaned rolling his eyes while hearing his lover laughing. "You're impossible."
"You can't hang up on me," the American teased. "I'm too cute. Remember?"
"Yes, but you're also holding up the line. I have clients who need my assistance."
"But I'm one of your regular clients aren't I?"
The Brit chuckled. "Alfred, the only time you call needing help with something, it's always you asking me if I'm wearing any underwear today or not."
"No, no," the taller man said humorously. "I'm serious. It's not gonna be the underwear question this time."
"Alfred, I really have to go, love. I'll call you after wor-"
"Come on! This is gonna be awesome! And it's really important. Pretty Pleeeeasssseee... with sugar on top?"
Arthur rolled his eyes. Every time the git would call, he would find everything in his power to stall their conversation. The Brit sometimes wondered why their long distance relationship couldn't be normal like other couples. Mostly more mature. Giving in, Arthur sighed, throwing up a hand.
"Fine," he said. "And what can I do for you today, Mr. Jones?"
"Turn around."
Arthur paused, heart fluttered, body trembling. If he didn't know any better, he thought he heard his boyfriend very close other than over the phone. As careful as he could, as if who or whatever was behind him would vanished, he turned his chair around slowly. When finally turning all the way, he saw a tall figure standing outside the doorway. There before him was a handsome short blond man, wearing a blue button down casual shirt with a white shirt underneath. The blue shirt was tucked underneath loose jeans, and he wore black converse shoes. The man had one hand in his pocket, and the other was holding an iPhone. He lowered the phone, cocked his head to the side slightly, the light hitting the glasses he wore which caused a glare, followed by the man's sweet smile.
"What's up?" he greeted quietly, warmly. The Brit's phone slipped from his fingers when he realized his lover was standing there before him. He just sat there, stunned, surprised, happy. He was having trouble budging.
It had been one hundred-twenty days...
"Al..." was all the Brit's cracked voice could get out.
...and there he was. Alfred was back.
"I was gonna surprise you after work, but I couldn't wait. I had to see ya," Alfred grinned as he slipped his phone in his back pocket. His eyes and smile had soften. "You look good."
"Ah..." Arthur breathed, speechless. "Y...yes. S-so do you."
The American chuckled at his boyfriend's behavior. "So," he began, "how should we do this? Shake hands? Hug? Kiss? Do the 'Ricky-Ticky-Tick-Tock Da-'"(*)
The Brit sprang from his chair, knocking over several of the vases on the floor as he dashed over to the taller blond. With a bright laugh, he cried out, "You fucking git!" and leapt towards him, wrapping his arms around the man's neck and his legs around his waist.
Alfred laughed out in reply, circling his arms around his lover tightly, making sure he got a good whiff of the Brit's wonderful scent before setting him back down. Arthur broke the hug half way, not believe the man was right there in front of him. It was too good to be true. But there he was. In his arms. Handsome as he always was… looking a little sleep deprived to Arthur, but he still had his cheerful smile and glow.
"My god," the Brit murmured, shaking his head, staring up at the taller one. "Fucking when? How long?"
"Just a few hours ago," the younger blond replied with a grin. "A few coworkers almost gave me away when I showed up. I was lucky to keep them quiet before they shouted my name from afar."
The git had it all planned. After he arrived from the airport, he called the floral company and ordered the roses. He gave them specific directions on what he wanted done. He then told them not to bring it to the address until he called them back. He knew when Arthur was on his lunch break he would call him first. Sure enough, the Brit did. He told Arthur he had to make an important phone call, dialed the floral company, and gave them the okay. The taller blond called his lover back, grinning ear to ear, knowing Arthur was in for a huge surprise after lunch.
"This whole time while we were on the phone you git?" Arthur said, playfully smacking Alfred in the back of the head. "I should kick you in the tonker for-"
"Um, gentlemen?"
Both blonds paused when they heard a person clearing their throat to get their attention. In unison, they turned their heads to a brunette with his arms crossed.
Roderich. The boss.
"Oh," Arthur murmured turning to Alfred who was grinning. He turned back to the Austrian. "Mr. Roderich. Look, it's," He turned back to the cheesing American, then back at the Austrian. "Alfred's here."
"I can see that," the Austrian replied, not sounding the least bit interested.
"I heard the little commotion all the way in my office." He turned to the former employer. "Good to see you again, Alfred."
"Heh," the taller blond replied, still having the Brit in his hold, "Same to you, Rod."
The manager took one look at the hugging blonds. He hummed, cleared his throat, and adjusted his glasses. "Do I get one also?" the Austrian asked sarcastically.
Alfred laughed. "If ya want," he joked.
Awkward Arthur slowly, very slowly pulled away from his boyfriend after getting looks from not only Roderich but the amused coworkers as well. "Um," the Brit stammered, blushing. "This is uh, we're-"
"Shall I put you back on the schedule, Alfred?" Roderich asked, cutting off Arthur.
"Oh, um," Alfred chuckled lightly, slipping both hands into his pocket. "Not quite yet." Arthur blinked, eyes soften, disappointed from that answer.
"So, you're just visiting?" he asked.
"Yeah," Alfred answered, sounding just as disappointed. "I'm just here for the weekend. My flight leaves Tuesday."
Arthur sighed, but then looked on the bright side. He would get to spend time with the git. Even if it's just for four short… extremely short, quick days, he would be sure to make it all count.
"It is good to see you are doing well," the boss pointed out, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "But don't disrupt my coworkers." He turned to Arthur.
The Brit blinked, looking like a deer in front of headlights.
Alfred let out his usual hearty laugh. "Hey, I work here too."
"Not if you're temporary not on the schedule." Roderich pulled his hand away and walked pass the couple. "Go and greet your friends, Alfred, but don't get too comfortable."
"I won't!" Alfred grinned, waving at the Austrian walking back to his office.
The two blonds watched as their boss closed his office door.
Arthur glared. "He's in a jolly mood," he murmured.
Alfred turned to him and grinned, nudging him playfully. "He's probably jealous," he said.
"Really now?" the Brit replied, grinning back. "Jealous?"
"Well, there are a lot more responsibilities as manager right?" the taller blond smirked with a wink. "We work hard also, but we get to have a little fun on the side."
"Watch it," Arthur warned with a blush. "Really, now, git. You just got here."
"But it's true. If some of us are lucky we might be able to fall asleep or sneak out of the office all day without getting caught. What did you think I was talking about?"
The Brit blushed more. "Those attempts aren't as bold as what we've done."
"Oh!" Alfred beamed. "You mean se-"
The Brit took a huge step toward the taller man, cupping his mouth shut with both hands before he could finish the sentence. "My god! Shut your potty mouth, git!"
Alfred blinked muffling behind the Brit's mouth, glasses crooked. He blinked some more trailing his eyes side to side to see the coworkers preoccupied, but not from their work. Confused looks. Amused stares. Shared snickering. The office brought their focus on Alfred and Arthur.
The Brit pulled his hands away from the American and turned to his fellow Freedom Unit team.
"What the hell are you bloody people staring at?" he asked.
A smile spread across Alfred's face. "Yeah. You act as if you never seen a couple reuniting before."
The office grew quiet.
Arthur's face paled and slowly turned his head to the grinning American.
Suddenly Antonio laughed.
"You better not let Arthur's girlfriend hear you say that, my friend," he said. "She's got Arthur wrapped around her finger."
"Huh?" Alfred said with a smirk, placing a hand underneath his chin. "Does this explain the flowers then?"
"Si. Intenso love!"
"Ahhhh..." the American turned to the blushing Brit and winked. "What's she like?"
Arthur looked around noticing all the curious looks from the other coworkers. He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms.
"Well if you must know," he began, playing along. "She's a happy go lucky and loud mouthed blond who takes the joy of being nosy, wanting things done her way, and enjoys eating everything in sight." Arthur turned to the chuckling coworkers before turning to Alfred who pouted. It looked disgustingly adorable to the Brit. Arthur then smiled at him, adding, "...aside from all that... she's the best thing that ever happened in my life." The Brit heard a few of the female coworkers giggle while others sighed dreamlike. He turned back to Alfred with a wink.
Alfred grinned.
"She's must make you really happy," Antonio said, smiling.
"Indeed," Arthur replied with a flushed face. "She does."
"Bueno! Keep that smile on your face my friend." The Spanish grinned patting the Brit on the back before walking back to his cubicle. "You'll have the ladies crawling to you in no time!"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Uh, one is enough for me. Thank you."
The American chuckled before looking up. He grinned, waving. "Hey, Kiku! Heracles!"
The Brit turned seeing the small Asian and the slow pace Grecian coming out of the elevator. He smiled and turned to Alfred. "Go and say hello to them," he said. "I'm going to my cubicle."
The American grinned. "I won't take long," he replied, before he leaned in, giving the shorter blond a quick soft peck on the cheek.
The Brit paused stiff.
Alfred pulled away with a sweet smile. "Be back," he said before going over to Kiku and Heracles.
The red face Brit turned to the others to see if they saw what the American did. Luckily, it appeared that the team went back to work. Sighing he went back to his cubicle. He picked the vases that he mauled over earlier and placed them to the side so he could have a clearing for the taller blond. He sat back in his chair and went to work... which was being love struck. His boyfriend was here. How was he was suppose to stay focus on his tasks? Seriously... Alfred was here. The love of his life returned from god knows where. The Brit was going to be sure to fix Alfred a hearty meal fit for a king after work, pamper him, and fuck each other for countless hours until Arthur's ass would be so raw, he couldn't sit properly for a whole month.
Of course it would be worth it.
After hurrying Arthur's customer off the phone, he gathered his documents, continuing to "work" while waiting for his git to return. As he was gazing through the papers, they suddenly turned into a pair of hands, growing bigger before Arthur's eyes. It didn't take the Brit long to realize that someone behind him cupped his eyes closed. They were warm, and they had the git's scent.
"Guess who?" the intruder asked with a chuckle.
Arthur grinned. "What do I win if I guess correctly?" he asked.
"Hmmmm," the person hummed. "How 'bout a victory screech?"
Arthur snorted. "Don't you dare, Alfred!"
"That's correct! Victory screech!" With that being said, the American pulled his hands away from the Brit, flung his hands over his head, and made a horrific high pitch squeal so loud, the whole office grew quiet.
Arthur turned his chair around and quickly struck the taller blond in his stomach. Of course Alfred didn't budge from that weak blow, but it did stop his cry before he snickered at the look the Brit was giving him.
"Are you trying to get your arse kicked out of here, wanker?" Arthur asked with annoyance.
Alfred only grinned as he went over to the desk. He moved a few of the vases to the side before sitting, facing his lover.
"If I do, I'm taking ya with me," he said.
"Sorry, but I rather keep my job, thank you very much," the Brit replied as he took his computer mouse, scanning though documents on the monitor.
Alfred pouted. "That's so not cool," he muttered.
"Honestly, Alfred. Don't make that face. It makes me want to put a bib on you that says 'I'm not retarded. I was born this way.'"
Alfred pouted more. "Totally not cool," he said.
Arthur's lips were quivering, and his shoulders slightly shook. He was surprised on how well he was doing on keeping his laugh in. Even though the American was the humorous one in the relationship, the Englishman also had his share of jokes and tease. The Brit paid his focus on his work as his boyfriend sat quietly on his desk. From the corner of his eye, he watched Alfred pull one of the roses out of the vase, slowly rotating it with his fingers, and being careful not to prick himself. He wondered how much the git paid for them. It was really sweet and romantic, but he didn't have to do it. Seeing him show up was enough to make Arthur's day. Unfortunately, the burger lover's presence was keeping him from his work task. He had to be sure to contact the people that would be interested in having a F.U. credit card, help the clients who have questions about their card, and touch base with the ones with their outstanding balances.
Shit... this wasn't as fun as having the git here. He would rather make an exception of going with Alfred if he got kicked out for being disruptive after all.
"Blimey, I hate this job," the Brit murmured to himself.
The American turned to the smaller blond. He held the end stem of the rose before holding it out and gently brushing the red bud across Arthur's cheek. He watched the Brit shiver from the contact. He silently continued trailing the flower underneath his chin, a few petals broke off landing on the Brit's lap. Alfred grinned, trailing the flower to the other cheek.
The Brit shivered more. "Alfred."
The git made no reply. He moved the rose down to Arthur's slightly exposed neck.
"Alfred."
"Hm?" the taller blond said, lightly tapping Arthur's nose with it.
The Brit glared up at him from the corner of his eye.
"Stop that."
Alfred continued tapping his nose with the rose. "I'm bored," he said.
"Help me with these calls if you're bored."
Alfred made an annoying whine, finally pulling the rose away. "That's beyond boring. Let's get outta here. Plus I'm hungry."
"Alfred," the Brit said, turning his chair around to face the American, "are you implying that I should ditch work?"
"At least have one of the guys here finish off your tasks so you can have the rest of the day off."
"There's no one here who will be stupid enough to work on someone else's tasks, git."
Alfred chuckled, taking the rose and tapping it on Arthur's nose once again. "Yes. There. Is," he said in rhythm with the tapping bud on the tip of the Brit's nose.
Arthur turned a full shade of red, remembering doing that small favor for the busty coworker Ingrid that day she was feeling ill... or so she said. The Brit grunted brushing the rose away from his face.
"For the last time. She wasn't feeling well, and I didn't mind helping."
Alfred grinned wider. "Oh, I know."
This time it was Arthur's turn to pout as he glared at Alfred who gave him a flirting wink.
For two lovers like Arthur and Alfred, some things never changed.
The Brit sighed and turned to his desk. He pulled out his drawer and fetched his car keys. He had been meaning to give Alfred this if he ever returned. He was hesitant to talk to him about it over the phone. But now that he was here, then maybe...
"Did you drive here?" he asked while pulling one of the keys off the key ring.
"Yup," the American replied happily. "It's a rental. My old girl's still in the storage."
After the Brit's second attempt, he finally got the silver key off the ring. He shyly handed it to Alfred.
The taller blond blinked looking down at it. "What's this?" he asked.
Arthur turned back to his computer, going over his client's information. Keeping his cool, but his cheeks were rosier than all the flowers put together in that tight space cubicle.
"It's a bloody key," he answered. "The hell do you think it is?"
"Uh, yeah," the American said with a chuckle and a shrug. "But where does it go to?"
"You canceled your contract from your apartment, right?"
"Yeah."
The nervous Brit clicked the computer mouse a few times. It suddenly felt a little slick. Arthur then knew that his palms were now sweaty.
This was a stupid idea! What the bloody hell am I thinking?
Alfred, meanwhile, was a little confused with his lover's behavior. Why was he asking about his apartment? The taller blond blinked by realization.
"Oh! Well, I was going to reserve a hote-"
"No," the Brit cut him off, still staring dead at the computer.
"Well, I'v-"
"Don't waste your money on those fucking bed bug infested places."
Alfred blinked some more. He looked down at the key again. It looked new. Brand new. It was glinting brightly from the lights above them. It nearly blinded him. Alfred suddenly opened his mouth, coming to another realization.
Is this a spare key to his apartment?
Alfred turned to his lover whose face was still glued to the computer screen. The American was fully convinced. It had to be a spare. What else could it have been? That's what most couples do when they love each other.
Arthur wanted Alfred to move in with him.
The American's eyes soften. "Arty-"
"Take it before I bloody change my mind," the Brit interrupted again, still not looking up at him. "Keep it as long as you want. You can use it as many times as you want. I insist."
Alfred looked down at the key again, nestled in the palm of his hand, then back at his boyfriend. He was touched, pleased, happy... but sad. He loved this British man from head to toe, every strand of hair on his head, mole, old scar, and wrinkles on him. How would he be able to fly back Tuesday without storming down the aisle of the plane, violently maul the flight stewardesses, and head straight to the cockpit, demanding the pilot to turn the plane back around? He wasn't sure when he would see him again. Another four months? A year? He didn't know. All he knew was that he couldn't stay with him. Not yet anyway.
The taller blond closed his eyes and sighed, holding the key out to the Brit.
"Art-"
Before Alfred could get anything out, Arthur reached out his hand, and made the American close his palm with the key still at tow.
The Brit turned to him, staring him dead in his eyes. He squeezed Alfred's fist tighter.
"Alfred," he said quietly, "I'm giving you this key because you are my boyfriend. And however bloody long it takes, whenever you come back, my home is your home... no matter how many times I move, I'll just keep making you a spare key. Keep it..."
The taller man smiled warmly. That was what he wanted to hear. If Arthur was willing to wait for him for as long as he lived, he could now leave Tuesday with no regrets. With a relieved sigh, Alfred lifted his fist with Arthur's hand still placed on top. He leaned his head and pressed his lips on the Brit's knuckles. His blue orbs flashed opened, staring at the blushing Englishman.
"You're awesome, you know that?" Alfred murmured on the Brit's hand.
Arthur flashed a warm smile. "Well, I hope so. It took me ten seconds to come up with that speech."
Alfred grinned. "New record! Great job!"
"I love you, git."
The American chuckled, kissing the Brit's hand once more. "I love you too."
The Brit sat up slightly in his chair, stretching out his neck as if he was leaning for a kiss. He paused and hesitated.
The American grinned. "If you're not ready to spread the word to the others, I'll understand," he murmured.
The Brit snorted. "Caught or not. I've been missing these lips for one hundred twenty days. I'm not going to wait a hundred and twenty more." The Brit leaned his body closer to the American who was meeting him halfway. Alfred carelessly tossed the rose he was holding in his hand and used it to cup the Brit's warm cheek. Arthur closed his eyes, waiting to take the plunge, before he winced in pain when he felt his cheek being squeezed and tugged.
"Ow! The bloody hell?" The frowning Brit opened his eyes and saw the American not looking at him, but at something else.
"Heh! Hey!" the taller man said rather loudly as if he got caught doing something. "I'm almost done! I'm just giving Arty here my Grandma's famous cheek squeeze."
The Brit brushed Alfred's hand off his hurting cheek and turned to his cubicle door, stunned and embarrassed to see Roderich standing outside with his arms folded once again.
"Mr. Jones," his deadpanning voice said.
The taller blond blinked. "Yeah?"
"Leave. Now."
"Eh, gotcha."
The boss glared at the Brit. It was the "get your ass to work look." Arthur didn't hesitate and went back to his computer. Roderich turned and went back to his office.
Alfred shivered. "Wow. He is in a good mood today," he said before turning to Arthur. "How's your cheek?"
The Brit turned his chair to his lover. "I've been through worse pain," he replied, rubbing his sore face. "You better skedaddle before he returns with a piano over our heads."
The American smiled at him before holding up his index finger, wriggling it back and forth.
Arthur blinked, looking confused.
"C'mere," the taller blond quietly ordered.
The Brit used his feet to drag the chair closer to the American enough for Alfred to cup the Brit's chin, lean in and press his lips against his cheek. Arthur's whole body heated up with just that simple kiss to the cheek. He closed his eyes and sighed in bliss. It was good enough.
The American pulled away slightly with a smile before giving him another peck. "Feel better?"
Arthur turned to him and grinned. "Quite," he answered.
"Awesome."
Arthur pulled away and turned back to his work. "Right, then," he sighed. "Oh, before you go, what do want to eat tonight?"
"Ah, no way!" Alfred objected. "It's time for me to cook you something. Remember?"
Arthur blinked. "But aren't you exhausted? It's really no trouble."
The taller blond shook his head. "I said I would cook for you next time. I really want to."
The Brit looked doubtful, visioning the kitchen table filled with hamburgers, fries, pizza, onion rings, candy, and other greasy and fattening junk food that would possibly make Arthur die before he could reach thirty.
"Could we settle for something inspired by Chef Ramsey and not Ronald McDonald?"
"Don't worry! I'm gonna whip up something that's a thousand times better than their dish! I already told ya I know what I wanna cook for ya! When you come home this evening, you're not gonna recognized the kitchen!" The American hopped off the desk and walked toward the exit.
The Brit blinked and turned his chair, watching his love leave. "Where are you going?" he asked.
Alfred turned back to his lover while walking backwards. "The grocery store," he answered. "Want anything?"
"No, I'm fine."
"You most certainly are, babe!" the git teased, holding out both his index fingers at the Brit, clicking his tongue twice, and winked. "I'll call ya!" With that, the young blond jogged off, saying bye to the others on his way out.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Blimey."
Happy about this chapter? *shakes head* Neither am I. I hope I get back into writing, because it feels like it's been so long. I'm also working on the second chapter of "Recipe for Love" slowly but surely. Thanks for taking the time to read, guies!
~See dem stars~
1. The American chuckled at his boyfriend's behavior. "So," he began, "how should we do this? Shake hands? Hug? Kiss? Do the 'Ricky-Ticky-Tick-Tock Da-'"(*) (Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are like the Gods of comedy (in my book anyway). At the time I couldn't get into their first show on Adult Swim Tom Goes to the Mayor. The one scene I liked in one episode is where they were doing this random "Ricky-Ticky-Tick-Toc" dance. Can you fuckin' imagine America and Britain doing that dance with Germany in the background going: "WTFITS?"? Classic, man! Classic!
stay tuned and be safe!
-Hoggy