"Arthur's music is so detestable!" Francois cried.
Arthur looked down at the playlist on his phone. It isn't that bad, he thought to himself. While Arthur had moved on from his very famous punk era, his taste in music didn't change a bit! Since integrating with his European counterparts, after a period of splendid isolation, Arthur discovered so much more music. So much he hasn't even finished listening to all of it yet. Currently, he was taking a particular interest in Ludwig's music.
"Whatever, frog" he sneered. From the corner of Arthur's eyes, a smiling Dane appeared beside him. Mathias' wide smile rivaled that of Alfred's. Arthur wasn't sure whose smile worried him more.
"Hey Mr Britain, can I look at your music?" Mathias asked, pointing at Arthur's phone.
"I suppose so" he shrugged, passing his phone to the elated Dane. With wide eyes, Mathias skimmed through the phone. Francois looked slightly deflated, surprised that Arthur would let anyone look at his phone let alone Mathias.
"Arthur, are you a blacksmith? Because this music is all metal" Mathias laughed, slapping his knee. Arthur rolled his eyes, very punny Denmark, Arthur thought. Mathias laughed so obnoxiously loud, even Berwald winced slightly.
"I didn't know you were such a fan of Ludwig's music" Mathias teased, raising an eyebrow to Arthur who simply sighed. If it isn't Alfred taking the piss, it was Mathias.
"S-so what" Arthur huffed, folding his arms. Francois gasped and glided over. Leaning close to Arthur to whisper in his ear. Arthur felt Francois's breath tickle his skin. Arthur could have cringed.
"What is it about his music that you like so much, eh mon ami?" Francois asked, his tone teasing and playful. But also, maybe, a hint of genuine curiosity.
"Well... " Arthur began, his voice trailed away. Thoughts began to race in his mind, finding every reason he had. What reason would make him seem less weird? Is Arthur even weird and Francois just making him feel insecure? The banter stopped when Ludwig cleared his throat to interrupt them.
"It shouldn't matter why" Ludwig spoke, removing his glasses. Francois chuckled innocently and held up his hands.
"I'm just asking" Francois spoke defensively. Rising from his chair, Ludwig turned to face Arthur and gave the poor Brit a small smile. A blush dusted his pale cheeks.
"I must say, I appreciate your love for my music Arthur, it means a lot to me"
Arthur nervously smiled and swallowed. A sharp tight feeling gripped his chest. his heart pounded in his ears. Ludwig appreciated it? It wasn't irrational to Arthur but he was always under the impression that he never fit in with his European counterparts. Politics always kept Arthur from truly being apart of their things and he hated that. However, it went deeper than mere politics. It was personal. Arthur was always drawn to Ludwig. If it wasn't that they shared a love of beer, it was his exterior. He was strong, well dressed, and the most attractive man he'd encountered in a long time.
"Oh er, its nothing really I just... like the sound and..." Arthur failed to finish his sentence, embarrassed to explain to the man himself why he admired his music. Taking his phone back from Mathias, Arthur recomposed himself. For a final jab, Mathias leaned towards the flushed Brit.
"Is it his macho manly accent or his macho good looks?" Mathias smirked, his face wore the biggest shit-eating grins Arthur had ever seen. With a huff, Arthur turned his head away from Mathias and went to take his seat for the meeting. Mathias cackled at his victory over Arthur, a cackle Arthur had heard before.
When the meeting concluded, Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. Other people gathered in little groups to talk and mingle. Stuffing his documents into a briefcase, Arthur turned on his heel and began to make his way out of the meeting room. Arthur couldn't bear to sit with those loud buffoons any longer. Francois's smug laughter echoed in his ear. Eyebrows furrowed, the lonesome Brit pressed on.
"Arthur, you seem to be in a hurry" A familiar voice called out. Arthur stopped in his tracks and turned to face the source of the voice. Carrying a stack of files, Ludwig followed him. The suit he wore looked brand new and freshly tailored. Arthur swallowed. He couldn't help but stare. Even his shiny blond hair was slicked back without a strand out of place.
"Oh right well, I don't want to get caught in traffic you see" Arthur stammered, prickly heat rose in his cheeks. It felt hot all of a sudden. Ludwig raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"You're too predictable Arthur" Ludwig approached Arthur in long and confident strides. Arthur didn't realise how tall Ludwig was until they were only a few inches apart. Arthur stiffened. Ludwig leaned towards Arthur's ear. The fragrance Ludwig wore tickled Arthur's nose. The desire to bury his face into his strong and warm chest crept up inside of him. Stop it! Arthur scowled himself.
"Why don't you come to my place sometime, we can listen to music together" Ludwig muttered into his ear. Arthur's heart stopped. Before Arthur could muster up a response, Ludwig spoke again.
"It's pretty aggressive so I hope you can take it" his voice low and husky. Arthur almost melted on the spot. Arthur knew what he was all about, thanks to Feliciano's blabbermouth. Grip tightening on his briefcase, Arthur swallowed.
"I can take it" Arthur responded in a small voice, wary that Francois may overhear. Still looming over Arthur, Ludwig smiled.
"I'm sure you can, Herr Britain" With that, Ludwig leaned back from Arthur and strode past him. Arthur still couldn't move, his heart was racing. Did Ludwig ask him on a date? What did he agree to? Arthur scratched his head gingerly. What a bizarre conversation. Slowly, Arthur continued to walk. He felt elated but also extremely confused. Why did he have to be so cryptic about it? Many questions flooded Arthur's mind but nonetheless, he was rather chuffed. A smile broke onto his face as he picked up the pace and left the nations. Arthur swore he even started whistling.
Around the corner, not far from where Ludwig bumped into Arthur, Ludwig leaned back against the wall. Breathing deep, he calmed himself down. The palms of his hands sweated profusely. Did I really pull it off? Ludwig asked himself. Feliciano's advice did work, Ludwig made a mental note to owe him a favour for that. Feeling a burning heat in his undoubtedly red cheeks, Ludwig made his way to the closest pub for a much-needed beer.
Back in the meeting room, Mathias handed Tino a twenty Euro note. In a huff, Mathias folded his arms as Tino wondered what to buy with his winnings.