CHAPTER TEN: New and Improved Product

Christmas came and the two were forced to split for a little while. Alfred went home to his family, while Arthur met up with one of his brothers that also lived in America.

But, the two had plans to be together on New Year's Eve, into New Years day. Alfred was staying the night. Really, it was a harmless plan, and he didn't expect anything of Alfred. They were really just getting the hang of being together. But even the oblivious Alfred noticed their sexual tension. It was sort of obvious they wanted each other. Every time they kissed it became harder and harder to let go or pull away. It had almost happened already- they had been shirtless, tongues twisted together while trying in vain to undo the buttons on their pants- but they were interrupted by Arthur's phone. It was that Creepy CEO who ruined the mood. But tonight… it they kept going… Arthur could not think of a better way to welcome in the New Year.

Alfred arrived at 8:00 with a bottle of champagne and a kiss for Arthur. He looked nice in a classy button down with dark jeans, forever the appearance of perfection. But if there was one thing Arthur had to point out, it was that Alfred's cheery confidence seemed to be missing- instead, the younger man had on a shaky sort of grin. He looked, for lack of a better word, nervous.

Arthur didn't know why Alfred would be nervous, though. Did he think that Arthur expected sex tonight because he was staying over? He didn't think that was the case- they have attempted to sleep together before without any hesitation. Did he think that they were too serious? Arthur didn't think that was the case either. Alfred's lack of his normal attitude was getting to him in the worst way. The Brit wanted nothing more than to pour the champagne and start the fun early, but he didn't trust himself drunk and with a nervous Alfred around.

Through their dinner, they talked about everything and nothing, Alfred especially. Arthur had also noticed that when his boyfriend was nervous, he would babble endlessly. It was a bit endearing, but still his nerves bothered Arthur.

"11:55, huh?" Alfred noted, pointing to the clock above the Arthur's flat-screen.

"This year has gone fast, Al. And I have something to tell you."

Arthur did receive some interesting news today, it was worth sharing.

"What? Me too!" Alfred perked up a bit.

"You first-"

"No- please, Arthur, you go first."

"Okay. You were brought into this company to help me and the staff get things back on track." He paused. "Today, the last day of the year, was the day that the New York branch was evaluated to see if there was a change in profits. And there was. New York is doing better than ever."

Arthur took Alfred's hand. "I want to thank you for that. Without you here, I might have run this place into the ground. And I thought I didn't need you- I tried to get you fired, it sounds crazy now though."

Alfred smirked. "Really," He said. "Fired? I had no idea."

Arthur glared. "Don't be cheeky, I'm apologizing. What I mean to say is that the company is much better with you." He paused again. "And so am I."

Arthur could feel his face get red even as Alfred pulled him into a hug.

"11:58… Arthur, I am grateful for a lot of stuff. This job, my friends, my family. But, I gotta say that I am really the most grateful for you. You mean the world to me. So I'm glad that I'm here with you tonight. I really am."

The television in the background became filled with the shouts of a million people in Times Square.

10!

"So what I'm trying to say is that you mean the world to me."

6!

"And you're supposed to spend this day with the person you care about the most."

3!

"And that I can't really imagine anything better than right here right now to tell you"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Alfred grabbed Arthur by the shoulders and pulled him into an intense kiss. When they were done, with the ocean of cheers in the background, Alfred finally got to say what he wanted to.

"I love you, Arthur."

Arthur responded red-faced, but without hesitation. Then they were kissing again, and laughing like fools and drinking champagne like any couple in love was wont to do.

That night, Arthur was able to commit the feel of Alfred's body on him to memory, and how he made him feel absolutely adored as he made love to him. The feel of Alfred around him and inside him, how he kept his eyes connected to Arthur's and whispered his love over and over until they were done and spent. And then how they dove in for more. Arthur and Alfred would both call it one of the best nights of their lives.

END of CHAPTER TEN