Chapter 11
Enjoy!
/ / / /
Arthur was sat with his head resting in one hand and his legs crossed, he was sat in the room they used for the conferences, at the long table. He watched rather amused as Ludwig berated Keith and Kyle for their little stunt the night before. He was also now aware of the curious side long glances at his clothes but Ludwig didn't mention them and for that Arthur was grateful. Ludwig was a decent chap, he didn't judge.
Feliks gained his attention from outside the door, waving at him through the window. Arthur couldn't help but grin; Poland was a right little devil. He was brilliant for a night out on the town- but his preferred drinking partners where the bad touch trio. It saddened him that he would have to be on his guard from now on, they were only after sex, after all...
He didn't want something like that anymore. He couldn't take another heartbreak like that. Arthur wanted commitment, waking up with someone who adored him, doing all the things couples do like dates and sweet moments...
But, friendship comes first in this situation.
`Do you want to come out tonight` Feliks mouthed with a mischievous grin.
Arthur contemplated it for a moment.
`Who is coming?`
`Dunno yet, probably the usual crowd`
`Sure why not` He shrugged and Feliks disappeared from view.
Yes, friendship deserved to come first. Especially with people like Feliks who had been there from the start.
He snapped out of his revere and returned to watching Keith and Kyle twitch with impatience during the lecture.
"Germany old chap, I do think the poor love's have had enough. They wont do it again; I've made sure of that. Be a little bit more understanding, they're just kids and jumped the gun a bit." Reasoned Arthur, it was obvious how fond he was of the boys.
They were only trying to help. Perfect little loves that they are.
"Even so, tying people up is not the way to find information" said Ludwig sternly, trying not to show how much Arthur's fondness for his kids melted his heart. Or how much the clothes bothered him... He had never seen this side of Arthur before, it was fascinating and exciting to find out he wasn't as stiff lipped as he appeared.
"Well, I tried boys. I have to go- I promised to meet up with Francis for lunch. Cheerio."
"Bye Mum!" they chorused and Ludwig grumbled at them.
/ / / /
Lunch with Francis was always frustrating. They were in a lovely little café, the same one they always went to and Francs always insisted on choosing for both of them. He had found it bothersome at first but the food was always good so complaining wouldn't do any good.
"Mon cheri! I'm glad you could shake off your adoring followers for little old moi!" Smiled Francis, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh save it frog, the only one who tried to ambush me was Feliciano. Lovino got him for me though, he's a life saver." Said Arthur tiredly.
"Ohohohon, little Lovi? Well, if anyone can control that little tiger it's him." Mused Francis.
"..." Arthur wasn't sure how to respond.
"Ah, mon cheri don't mind moi. Sit down and have some tea, it's just how you like it"
Arthur snorted but sat down anyway. He took a sip of his tea, smiling lightly.
Francis smiled, he knew Arthur liked it. He knew Arthur best after all! If it wasn't for Joao... Well, he would be Arthur's closest and oldest friend!
"Ah, how is your little problem anyways? You know how much I love your love life" He smirked, crossing his legs and leaning closer.
"Little problem? Oh, you mean that the world wants to shag me." He snorted derisively.
"Hmm, who do you think has a chance then?"
"A-a chance... W-well..." Arthur stuttered and frowned, thinking about it sincerely.
"Don't rush mon cheri, think it over." Said Francis encouragingly.
"Well... I like the way Lovino was quite open about his attraction to me... So, I suppose he is at the top of the list..." Said Arthur slowly and thoughtfully.
"Tres magnifique! Keep me informed mon frere." Francis said with a dazzling smile.
"I believe I will." He said, a smile slowly forming in return.
Yes, maybe it was better off they stayed friends... BEST FRIENDS of course, Francis wont be second to Joao, not anymore. Also, he would love to help Lovino's plight and finally get Antonio off his back about romantic advice...
All he had to do was be there and that was enough for Arthur; it was sad really... Arthur deserved more and Francis couldn't give it to him.
/ / / /
Arthur waded through the crowd of people in the pub to where Feliks was sat with Gilbert and Lovino. Huh, odd. Lovino didn't usually come along...
"Hey Fee, Gil" He fist bumped Gilbert and hugged Feliks.
"Hiya Art" beamed Feliks.
"Hey Artie" chuckled Gilbert. Quite obviously checking him out but Arthur didn't mind- Gilbert did it to everyone indiscriminately and unabashedly. He could respect his openness.
"Hey bastardo" said Lovino nonchalantly.
"Lovino" he responded nodding back before sitting next to Feliks and ordering a beer.
/ / / /
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!
Hey bastardo? How lame could he get! Ugh! He knew his social skills were sub par but he was always great with the ladies, so why was he a dick in front of Arthur!? It just wasn't fair...
"So how is your little fan club anyways?" chuckled Gilbert, nudging Arthur with his shoulder.
"Awful! I swear it's like Feliciano has memorised my routine!" Groaned Arthur, taking a swig of the beer.
"Aww that's like totally adorable!"
"Nah, its annoying when partners get clingy." Grinned Gilbert.