"Come along, frog. If you insist on coming to school with me, you are certainly not going to make me late for classes. I pay far too much to go here to let my marks drop now. And for the millionth time, yes, you have to leave your clothes on. I don't care if they are itchy, or if they annoy you. We're in public, so you can't prance around nude. It's uncivilized."

Ludwig heard Arthur long before he saw him, an amused smile tugging at his lips from where he sat in the Atrium, Gilbert curled into his side as the blonde quietly read his book. Karma, he noted to himself with a satisfied little nod. Any trouble Arthur was having with his demon was his own fault for picking on Ludwig the day before, not to mention setting him up in the first place. Not that he was honestly complaining, even if his body felt more sore and well used today than it ever had before.

"Morning Arthur. Long night?" Ludwig questioned smugly, raising a brow at the others dishevelled appearance when Arthur finally reached them. Beside him stood a tall man with long blonde curls, and blue eyes envying his own. Francis, he assumed. Closing his book, he wound an arm around Gilbert's waist, stifling a laugh as he watched his agitated friend.

"You're damn right it was a long night! So first of all, this… this.. bastard wakes up, and what's the first thing he does? Takes the clothes I worked so hard to get him into off. Complains that they're too itchy and warm, and that he'd much rather be without. Can you imagine! He just walks around my house, stark frigging naked like he owns the place! Then, he calls me his cranky little bunny. In French. French, Ludwig. I am a proud Englishman, I will not have my good name sullied with such an embarrassing term!"

"Did you try bribing him to wear clothes like I told you too?" The blonde questioned calmly, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Bribing Gilbert to wear clothes with kisses is honestly the easiest way to get him to co-operate. He doesn't put up a single complaint."

"Like hell I did." A smug grin tugged at Arthur's lips, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Haven't let him kiss me yet. He says I'm his mate or some shit, and I'm inclined to believe it since I've seen how you and Gilbert are. But I'll be damned if I'm giving in that easily. I'm rather pleased that for once, my self control outweighs yours." Not that it had been easy by any means. Especially with the warm body cuddling into his through the night. He hadn't had much say in that matter, Francis had simply crawled into his bed and snuggled up to him, Arthur being far too tired by that point to argue it. He would never admit to tugging the other that extra bit closer when he was sure the demon was asleep, fingers brushing almost timidly through those long silken curls he'd been eyeing all afternoon. It was simple curiosity, he'd told himself. He just had to see if they really were as soft as they looked!

They had been.

"Francis! I knew it was you!" Gilbert all but squealed, hopping up from his mate's hold to hug onto his friend, nuzzling him happily. "God, how long has it been since I've seen you? Two centuries at least. Far too long either way!" Crimson eyes glittered with excitement as he moved back to his mate's side, before pouting up at the blonde. "You could at least not talk about us as though we aren't here! And I'd be more than willing to wear clothes, I just like having the excuse to get more kisses, and you sure as heck don't seem to mind." He huffed.

"Gilbert? Is that really you?" Francis's eyes widened in surprise at seeing his oldest and dearest friend, hugging him back without hesitation, patting the younger demons head. They'd grown up together, Francis looking after an orphaned Gilbert from a young age. "What are you doing on earth? Unless…" His eyes flickered to the tall man beside his friend, corners of his lips tugging upwards. Ahh, so Gilbert had finally found his mate as well. Francis was glad for that, he deserved someone who cherished him.

Gilbert simply flushed, giving a nod of affirmation and curling his fingers into Ludwig's as the German dipped his head to press an apologetic kiss to his lover's lips. "Sorry, Hasi. I didn't mean to talk as though you weren't here. And of course I don't mind, you know that." Ludwig soothed, thumb stroking over the back of the demons hand lovingly, eyes flickering to the man standing behind Arthur. "So you're Francis. Gilbert has told me a lot about you. It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Ludwig, his…" The blonde paused, trying to think of word to use. Lover? Boyfriend? "...mate." He finally stated, deciding to use the term Gilbert so frequently used. His eyes flickered to Arthur, a snicker falling from his lips. "Good luck with Arthur. He can be a little cranky, but he's otherwise harmless, his bark is far worse than his bite."

"Harmless!? My bark is certainly not worse than my bite, you bloody git! You make me sound like some stubborn dog!" Arthur complained, scowling at his friend. "Ugh, why are you all so intent on aggravating me today, is today annoy Arthur day and I just haven't received the memo?" He ranted, Ludwig simply rolling his eyes and checking his watch.

"Arthur, doesn't your class start in five minutes?" He questioned calmly, sitting back down beside his lover and winding an arm back around his waist, once more retrieving his book from his bag. "Don't you think you should be going? I know how you hate to be late."

"Thank God for class. At least for an hour I'll be surrounded by sane people." Arthur muttered, turning on his heel to continue on down the hallway, Francis close behind. He supposed in the end he deserved the teasing, but that didn't stop him from complaining about it. It was how their friendship worked, both constantly picked and pestered at one another, but it was all in good nature. They'd been friends so long that neither took any real offense at it.

"He seems nice." Francis finally spoke up from beside him, easily keeping up with the younger man. "I'm glad Gil found someone. He was lonely for a really long time." He mused, a slight smile tugging the corners of his lips upwards. "He cares about you a lot, that much is obvious. How long have you two been friends?" Pausing, he tapped his lip thoughtfully. "You know, as tough as you like to act, I think there is much more to you, mon petit lapin. Underneath, you're sweet and caring, even if you pretend you aren't." The demon sighed, dipping his head to brush a soft kiss across Arthur's head. Honestly, he was jealous of Gilbert. He and his mate were so close already, having fallen into a pattern of comfortable adoration already. He had the distinct feeling that with Arthur, it wouldn't be quite so simple. "You know I won't I push you, or rush you. I've already told you that. But you are my destined mate, and I'm yours. It'd be best if you come to terms with that sooner rather than later. Until you do, I'll work to prove myself."

The words were a little stunning to hear, emerald green eyes flickering over to glance at the demons face. How was it even possible for a creature from hell itself to look so sincere in his promise? Arthur supposed he wasn't wrong. He'd like to have that closeness, and it wasn't like Francis was the worst partner he could have. He was polite, even if he did enjoy making Arthur blush. And he hadn't pushed his limits. But it was hard for the brit, letting people in. He got awkward, and flustered easily, and then he pushed others away in an attempt to save face. Still, he supposed he could try.

As they approached the classroom, Francis continuing to ramble on, Arthur silently reached out and wound their fingers together.