They were the golden couple of the school, the one everyone talked about, gossiped over at lunch-something Arthur wasn't exactly fond of, but he could deal with it if it meant he and Alfred could hold hands during the school day, and even occasionally Alfred would sneak in a little peck to his cheek or hand. Arthur, naturally, would always start blushing and whack him or start babbling at him when he did so, but that was just his nature. Secretly, he loved the way Alfred would always blush and get nervous whenever he did one of those little shows of affection, and everyone thought it was absolutely adorable. Arthur had expected some hatred from the people at their school, especially from the girls that had always flocked after Alfred, or from the football team since he'd heard rumours of other schools and things that had happened there to homosexual couples, but other than a few side remarks, Alfred's coming out had gone over rather well. Arthur always attested this to the fact that it was simply too difficult to hate Alfred for anything at all, since he'd always been nice to everyone and helped people (part of that hero complex of his, something Arthur had always found endearing and a bit frustrating at the same time). Everything was going swimmingly, and they'd even gone on two (albeit awkward) dates. Alfred had a tendency to get very nervous whenever they did anything further than holding hands, even though he was the one who usually initiated contact. Arthur knew that they'd have to address that issue soon, and on their third date he finally brought it up, just as they were leaving the movie theatre after watching the newest superhero movie ("The Avengers", which Alfred hadn't shut up about for weeks and had finally dragged Arthur along to see). He was still chattering about it as they walked home, Arthur tugging his scarf over his nose against the cold air, his fingers entwined with Alfred's as they walked back toward his house. After several minutes of listening to Alfred yammer on about the superheroes, and how much he loved Captain America, Arthur finally cleared his throat, squeezing Alfred's hand and slowing to a halt. They were in front of a park, and it was a place that Arthur was fairly certain no one would be watching. His cheeks grew warm as he peeked up at Alfred through his shaggy bangs, squeezing his hand a bit,

"Do you mind if I…ah, k-kiss you?"

Alfred raised his golden eyebrows, his blue eyes seeming to sparkle in the moonlight as he looked down at Arthur, his cheeks pink from the cold. He looked absolutely adorable, right in that moment, and then his lips quirked up in a sheepish smile and he nodded, stepping closer to Arthur. Arthur's heart was hammering against his ribs, his hands sweating nervously, but he took a deep breath and cupped Alfred's cheek gently. He closed his eyes, leaning up, Alfred leaning in closer and meeting his lips halfway. The kiss was sweet and loving, and he could feel Alfred's heart beating just as fast when he rested his free hand on his chest. When they pulled apart he opened his eyes slightly, blushing when he noticed the absolute look of adoration on Alfred's face, his cheeks flushed red and a smile on his lips. Arthur cupped both of his cheeks, capturing those beautiful lips in another kiss, this one a bit firmer, and he felt Alfred's arms going around his waist to draw him closer. This time when they pulled away they were both breathing a bit heavily, and Alfred laughed softly, nuzzling Arthur's nose and resting his forehead against his so that he could look in his eyes.

"I love you, Artie."

Arthur blushed deep scarlet, but he smiled and pecked Alfred's lips sweetly, wrapping his arms around his neck.

"I love you too, you adorable, loveable fool."

That night was spent cuddled up together on Alfred's bed, chatting together and laughing. Arthur would occasionally play with Alfred's hair which would cause him to giggle and bat at his hand playfully. Alfred would then pin him down to tickle his sides which made Arthur laugh until he was gasping for air, when he finally called for surrender. Alfred just laughed, kissing his lips sweetly and ruffling Arthur's hair, causing it to stick up every which way, which Alfred found even more adorable and he kissed his ear, causing Arthur to go scarlet and push him off, tackling Alfred onto the bed.

"Git."

"But you love me anyway." Alfred replied cheekily, laughing as Arthur squished his cheeks, but there was a smile on his face.

"Yes…somehow." He added, sticking out his tongue, and Alfred just laughed, turning and kissing the palm of Arthur's hand.

"Clearly you love me for my charming personality and handsome features."

"Better stop or your head will explode from the size of your ego." Arthur teased, poking his nose, blushing deeply. "Besides, you're more cute than handsome."

"Am not!" Alfred said, his voice squeaking a bit and that caused him to blush deeper from embarrassment. "You're the one who's supposed to be cute! I'm a football player, I'm supposed to big strong and manly and handsome-"

Arthur silenced him with a kiss, chuckling when he pulled away and cupping his cheeks.

"Oh, believe me, you're all that. You're just also as adorable and still clinging onto your baby fat." He squished Alfred's cheeks to exemplify his point. Alfred pouted, causing Arthur to laugh again. "And the pouting is not helping your case, love."

Alfred's lip jutted out more, but then he realized what Arthur had said and pulled it back. Arthur laughed, pecking his lips again in apology, and after he pulled away he was surprised to feel Alfred's hands on his cheeks pulling him in for another kiss, this one a bit deeper, longer, and when they separated Alfred was grinning again, hugging him to his chest in a tight hug.

"Mmm I don't think I'll ever get enough of that."

Arthur blushed deeply, wiggling a bit in his arms, but he laughed softly and leaned up on his elbows to kiss him again, tweaking his nose when he pulled away.

"Me either, love."