Author's note: I love writing all these different interactions with the happy couple. And I especially love jealous!Arthur. This chapter obviously takes place much later in the future when Arthur and Ludwig are finally a couple. Also at this time, they're sharing an apartment together. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 11: 'Socialites'

Their first social gathering as a couple was when Gilbert invited them to his apartment (technically it was Francis') for a little get together. Francis and Antonio were glad to see them and Arthur was forced into hugs and kisses from his old friends until he noticed Francis smiling and swooning over Ludwig.

"My goodness, you have grown into a very handsome man," he was saying. Arthur felt his temper rising. Francis laid a hand on Ludwig's arm. "Yes, very nice." Arthur clenched his fists. Francis' hand traveled down to Ludwig's butt, causing the taller man to jump and blush. "Very nice." Arthur stomped forward and shoved Francis away with a glare.

"Hands off, frog!" he hissed, standing in front of Ludwig.

Francis recovered from the shove with a smile. "Oho? What is this? A little jealously?"

Arthur continued to glare at him. Ludwig put a hand on his shoulder and he slowly calmed down. Francis and Antonio were staring at them curiously now.

"Oh, did I forget to tell you guys?" Gilbert said from the couch. "Lud and Artie are dating now."

Francis and Antonio blinked. "Really?" Antonio said. "Congratulations!"

"Well if I had known that I wouldn't have made such inappropriate moves on you, chérie," Francis said to Ludwig. "Can you forgive me?"

Ludwig nodded and felt Arthur wrap his arms around him protectively. He felt oddly pleased. He led them towards a chair to sit down in and pulled Arthur onto his lap, the older man still glaring at Francis.

"Arthur, you can stop looking at me as though you wish to skin me alive," Francis said with a roll of his eyes. "I made a mistake, oui? Do not hate me for it."

"I'm still deciding if I'll forgive you or not," Arthur snarled.

"Ludwig, be a dear and call off your guard dog."

"I am not—"

"Arthur," Ludwig said softly. "He apologized."

The Brit pouted but sighed. "Fine. Sorry, frog." He snuggled against Ludwig, daring anyone to say anything.

Gilbert stood up from the couch and made a face upon seeing them sitting together. "Right…anyway. I'm glad we could all get together like this again. It's been way too long!"

"It has," Francis agreed. "Although you live with Tonio and I, so it technically hasn't been long for us."

"Ha ha, Francis."

"You two are so cute!" Antonio suddenly gushed at Ludwig and Arthur. Both of them turned crimson. "You remind me of me and my Lovi."

"Feliciano's brother?" Ludwig said suddenly. He was friends with Feliciano and had been for years but they'd lost touch after graduation when Feliciano moved back to Italy.

"The very same," Antonio smiled. "He says he hates me but I know that's just how he shows affection!"

Arthur quirked a brow. "I see. Well…congratulations, I guess."

"Ahhh, sweet love," Francis cooed. "My loins adore it."

"Keep your loins away from us," Arthur sneered.

"I'm alone, in case anyone was wondering," Gilbert said proudly.

"I thought you liked that Elizaveta girl from your work, brother?" Ludwig said with wide eyes.

"Well I do and she's totally into me, she just doesn't know it yet, but she's so hung up on this other guy in the office and he's such a prick."

"I…see."

"Yeah, her loss, right?"

Francis pat his shoulder sympathetically. "If you are lonely, you need only call me and I shall slip into your room and—"

"Francis, dude, no. Stay the hell away from my room."

They all laughed and Arthur found he had actually missed being around everyone like this. He cuddled closer to Ludwig, who blushed but wrapped an arm around his waist. The five of them talked and laughed long into the night until Ludwig noticed the time and figured he and Arthur should head back home.

"I know you have work in the morning," he said to his protesting boyfriend.

Arthur blushed but nodded, mumbling his goodbyes. Antonio hugged him and almost didn't let go had Francis not peeled him away to bestow two kisses on his cheeks. "Take care, Sourcils," he winked. "I hope we shall see you again?"

"Maybe," Arthur said with a grin. He and Ludwig waved to them as they walked out the door towards Ludwig's car. "That wasn't as horrible as I thought it'd be," he muttered.

"It was interesting," Ludwig added, getting in on the driver's side.

"I honestly didn't think I would have missed those idiots so much."

Ludwig smiled a little. "You're happy we went then?"

"I guess." He shrugged with a smirk. "Also, I'm…sorry I got so jealous earlier. Usually I don't get like that but Francis just makes me so mad sometimes and I—"

Ludwig rested his hand on Arthur's. "It's all right. I understand, Arthur."

"O-Oh. Well." He cleared his throat nervously. "Shall we head home?"

With a nod, Ludwig started the car and they made the somewhat long drive back to their apartment, still holding hands.