Chapter 5: Their First Date

Alfred ate his burger, taking massive bites. It was his second one, and still his nerves were everywhere. He thought food, normally burgers would calm him down but it had surprisingly no effect. His leg bounced up and down rapidly and in an offbeat rhythm. During his lectures he couldn't focus and instead of taking notes he'd find himself drawing pictures of stick figures with unusually large and fuzzy eyebrows. Arthur did have thick eyebrows, he had noticed, but they weren't unattractive on him. To Alfred, it only emphasized his eyes more. Alfred paused, his leg had stopped bouncing and he had put down his hamburger, he couldn't stop thinking of Arthur's captivating green eyes. Arthur wanted to be Alfred's friend, but then Alfred had to screw it up and ask him on a date. He could have been happy as Arthur's friend, but he would always want something more. But, he knew that something would go wrong on the date, he would end up doing something stupid like he always did and ruin everything. He liked Arthur, he wanted this date to move smoothly and it was up to him to make this happen.

He got up and threw away the wrappers of his late lunch and headed towards his motorcycle parked across the school's parking lot. He hopped on it, putting on all the appropriate gear and started it up, exiting the school and heading straight back to his flat. He arrived earlier than predicted and walked into his flat. He turned to his answering machine and saw that he had several new messages. He threw his backpack on the couch and pressed the button to listen to them.
"First new message from (xxxx) xxx-xxxx on Friday November 10th at 1: 34 PM" voiced the answering machine. Alfred neglected to listen to the message, assuming it was from his family back home. He headed to the conjoining kitchen, opened his refrigerator and looked through its entire contents. There wasn't anything in it that he necessarily wanted, he had eaten most of the junk food it offered yesterday after he had called Arthur. He went back to the answering machine, looking lazily down at the numbers, waiting for the message from his mother to finish. It was just the same message she sent everyday - I love you, take care, do well in school. He'd have to call her back later and tell her about school and his recent assignments and maybe even mention Arthur. He deleted the message and went to the next one.
"Next message from (xx) xxxx-xxx-xxxx on Friday October 5th at 3:45 PM" Alfred froze. That was Arthur's number. Was he calling off the date?

"Alfred? It's me, Arthur Kirkland. I guess you're not home. I was wondering what kind of place we were going to. Is it formal or casual dress? Can you call me back when you get this, at my mobile please. Have a good afternoon." the message ended. Alfred's heart was pounding. He immediately picked up the phone and dialed Arthur's number. The call rang several times, each one slower, and he almost thought Arthur wouldn't pick up.

"Hello?"

"..." Alfred didn't answer at first, he couldn't formulate any good sentences.

"Hello? Alfred is this you?"

"Yeah," it was the only word he could muster out.

"Do you know whether it is formal or casual dress?

"What?" Alfred had sincerely lost his train of thought.

"The restaurant. Is it formal or casual dress? I don't want to be underdressed if it's formal. I don't want to humiliate you or anything."

"You wouldn't embarrass me." Alfred said remembering why he called Arthur to begin with."I-It's casual dress well... it's a bit formal so wear what you usually do."

"Are you sure? My sweaters aren't very formal."

"No. I like your sweaters they're very...I don't know, cozy looking."

"You're just saying that to be polite, aren't you?"

"I really mean it. I love your sweaters"

"Oh...really? Thank you. I'll be sure to wear one tonight. I will see you then, Alfred."

"Bye" Alfred said and hung up his phone. He at the digital clock on the phone, there was only two more hours until he would have to pick Arthur up. He had to take a quick shower and dress before he left. He darted towards the bathroom, and took a very fast shower. He dried off and opened his drawers and closet for something decent to wear. It didn't have to be formal, but it couldn't be one of his usual t-shirts, he had to impress Arthur. When he settled on an outfit, one he rarely wore, he looked through his shoes - sneakers, sneakers, and more sneakers. He couldn't wear sneakers, it wouldn't fit with his outfit. I have to have at least one pair of dress shoes. He pulled out everything on the bottom shelf of his closet, in the process pulling out a cardboard box of trash he kept. Old pictures, ratty socks, car parts, and lying on the top was a decapitated rearview mirror. He picked it up and stared at it. Wait a minute. This is... It was the mirror he ripped off a car one day, he didn't know why he kept it, it ended up in his lap when it came off and he never bothered to throw it away. Without a second thought he tossed it aside with the rest of his discarded belongings and continued his search for dress shoes.

He ended up with no dress shoes and having to wear his bright red sneakers with his outfit. He looked at his clock, he had about forty-five minutes until he had to pick up Arthur, just enough time to get flowers for him. He picked up the keys to his Ludwig's pick-up truck, he gave it to Alfred the day before so Arthur wouldn't feel too uncomfortable on a motorcycle. He drove to the closest flower shop and stared at all the choices, he should have asked Arthur beforehand what his favorite type of flower was. Alfred browsed the many options and decided to buy a bouquet of red roses with white roses in the center. He thanked the florist and left with a smile on his face, he was sure Arthur would like them. He jumped inside the pickup and drove off towards Arthur's apartment complex. He was even more ecstatic to learn he was exactly on time, seven o'clock precisely. He saw Arthur waiting on the front steps of his lobby in his usual get-up, a sweater and ironed trousers.
Alfred slammed the door of the truck and hurried over to where Arthur stood with the flowers in his arms. Arthur smiled, happy to see that his date had arrived and with flowers. "You bought these for me? Thank you, I wasn't expecting it. They're beautiful. I just hope they don't die before I can get them water."

Alfred nodded dumbly, just glad he liked them and guided Arthur to the passenger seat then situated himself in the drivers' side. He turned the car on and drove off to the restaurant. Pulling into the restaurant's driveway, he parked his car and him and Arthur got out, taking the flowers with him. The moment they stepped in they were greeted by Feliciano's laughter.

"Alfred it's good to see you! This must be Arthur. It's good to see you again. Ve~ what nice flowers, Romano will get you some water to put those in."

"No," a grouchy voice said behind Feliciano. He looked exactly like him, only with darker coloring and a scowl on his face, "You do it, I had to do most of the cooking while you were with that German bastardo."

Arthur knew that glare, he had often seen the boy with Antonio. It was his Italian boyfriend, Lovino, who never stopped yelling at Antonio. He couldn't blame Lovino, Antonio was pretty irritating at times. Feliciano took the flowers from him,

"Si fratello, come this way. We picked a special booth in the back, I think you'll like it ve~" He led them to the back of the restaurant, past the people dining and talking in the main section and to one of the spread out red booths. "Here are your menus. A waiter will come back for your orders."

"He seems like a real nice chap," Arthur commented, skimming through the menu.

"He is, he always brings food around and I don't think I've ever seen him in a bad mood. He really balances out my boss," Alfred laughed. Arthur nodded and took a piece of bread from the small basket positioned at the center of the table. Alfred twiddled his thumbs under the table, searching for anything to start a conversation, "...So, what's your favorite flower? I wasn't sure which ones to get."

"Actually it's the rose, the bouquet you got. Although many people are quite fond of the rose so it probably wasn't that difficult to choose."

"Oh good, I thought I'd mess up or something and the lady there suggested roses."

"They're exquisite, I've never received flowers from anyone before."

"Really? Not even that Tom guy in the market?" Alfred asked, "he was kinda a jerk, if you don't mind me saying that."

"Haha! No. I've never received any roses from him. I guess he is a bit a jerk" Arthur laughed. "So you're going to University?" Alfred nodded in reply "What are you studying?"

"I'm try to get my M.D. so I can be a doctor"

"A doctor? Doesn't it take about 8 years?"

"I skipped a few years," Alfred paused, he didn't want it to come off as boasting to Arthur, "I guess I knew a little more than my classmates, but it's not like it matters or anything. I'm just happy to be almost done with school."

Arthur felt guilty, he never pictured Alfred to be studying for a M.D. and was completely surprised by the fact that he was smart enough to skip years. "That's fantastic, Alfred. Really it is, you should be proud."

Alfred looked down at the menu, "Yeah...so what are you getting? I'm kinda in the mood for pizza, but they make really good spaghetti. I think I might get both." England smiled, Alfred's constant eating had amused him, he hadn't met anyone before him who could eat so much food and still be hungry. He proceeded to browse the menu and decided on Eggplant Parmesan while Alfred decided on the spaghetti, pizza, and lasagna.

The date went better than Alfred planned, he hadn't touched on a subject that Arthur disliked nor offended him. Arthur kept in a pleasant mood, and talked about their common interest of European football, he even shared part of Alfred's pizza, though he was sure the American could finish the three dishes himself. Alfred would talk about Florida and his family, leaving room for Arthur to talk about growing up in England, it was strange for them to hear about growing up in another country even the small details shocked them such as the weather and television shows and jokes. They were so engrossed in their conversation they hadn't noticed the waiter's presence taking their dishes and placing the bill on the table.

"I insist I pay," Arthur reached for the check, but Alfred quickly grabbed it from him knocking over a glass of water onto Arthur's front soaking his shirt and pants. Alfred was completely mortified, he knew something bad would happen and of course it had to be when the date was going so well. He just drenched his date in ice cold water and he took Arthur's silence as a horrible sign. However, rather than upset Arthur was in shock, it happened so fast he hadn't actually realized what happened until he saw Alfred's traumatized face. He took a napkin from the table and tried using it to absorb all the water in his sweater but it was completely unsuccessful. Alfred paid the bill and gave it to the waiter nearby. He quickly stood up and shrugged off his warm jacket and placed it on to Arthur's shoulders.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to - I just wanted to, never mind. I could get your shirt dry cleaned if you need it, I feel really bad, dude," Alfred apologized. Arthur wasn't angry, he was a little peeved that his clothes were wet especially when it was so cold outside but he couldn't blame Alfred for trying to be a gentleman. He was actually quite charmed by him and would even consider going on another date.

"I know, you can come over to my place and I can give you some clothes to change into. It's not too far from here and I can't just let you freeze like that, English weather is like the coldest thing ever if you hadn't noticed," Alfred said.

Arthur nodded and followed Alfred into his car. It wasn't until they left the parking lot that Arthur realized he was being asked to come over Alfred's place. He was unbearably nervous. He hadn't been at in this kind of situation in a while and wasn't sure where it would go. He liked Alfred but couldn't see themselves going that far on their first date, it had happened with Tom and he regretted it. His breathing hitched and mistaking this for shivers Alfred turned on the heat to full blast which only made things worse for the poor Englishman.

"Annnnnd," Alfred dragged out while turning the corner, "we're here!"
It was a standard building, about 7 stories high and made of old brick and twisting iron railing. Alfred parked the car.
"Wait here I'll hold the elevator so you're not cold" Alfred said darting toward his elevator, pressing the button and waiting by it. Arthur pulled the jacket closer and looked towards Alfred but instead spotted a familiar looking motorcycle parked right next to the car. He squinted to get a better glimpse of it in the dim lighting and recognized it. It was the same motorcycle that ripped off his mirror, the cyclist lived in Alfred's building. Alfred quickly returned and without warning he picked Arthur up, shut the car door and ran into the elevator. He put Arthur on the floor and pressed a button. Arthur stood still in the corner of the elevator while Alfred hit the button to the 4th floor. He stared at the sleeves of the jacket trying not to look at the American, he couldn't want to take it to this level on the first date, could he? No, Alfred was better than that and probably had good intentions, Arthur reassured himself and gave Alfred the benefit of the doubt. Alfred turned to look at Arthur in the midst of his thoughts, he was never more captivated by anyone. Arthur's face was beautiful, his eyes were gorgeous, his eyebrows were adorable, and his lips were trembling from the cold of the water and the unheated elevator. Alfred took two steps towards Arthur, gaining the quivering Englishman's attention. Arthur stared into Alfred's eyes and Alfred stared back into Arthur's until without noticing they had been only a few centimeters apart. A blush spread across both of their cheeks and instead of closing the distance Alfred ruffled Arthur's hair and pecked his cheek. Arthur had wished for more.
The elevator doors opened and Alfred unlocked the door to his flat. Arthur had almost expected it to be a mess of a place and wasn't surprised when he saw papers lying near the computer, popcorn littered in front of the television, and dirty clothes everywhere.
"Sorry about the mess, I wasn't really expecting company." Alfred laughed nervously and kicked some of the clothes under the couch. Alfred headed towards his room motioning Arthur to follow him. Alfred walked towards his closet and pulled out a dozen shirts and pants until he could find ones that could properly fit Arthur's small figure.
"Here," Alfred said handing Arthur the clothes "You can change in my bathroom if you want."
"Okay. Thank you Alfred" he said and walked into the bathroom. He contained a laugh at the clothes Alfred had given him, a large shirt with the American flag printed across it and baggy sweatpants. He hastily put them on and walked out of the bathroom, his wet clothes folded and held in his arms. He searched for Alfred but he was nowhere in sight. He went to look in the front room when he nearly tripped over a hard metal object. He cussed and looked down to see a car part. He didn't think much of it a first, seeing that Alfred had worked in a car shop but with a closer inspection he saw that it was a rearview mirror. He picked it up and looked at it. That's funny it looks like... He suddenly realized it was same rearview mirror he was missing, the same model and color. Not only did he find the mirror in Alfred's room he also stumbled upon the brown leather jacket with a white 50 printed boldly on the back. Alfred was the motorcyclist? That- that bloody arse hole! He kept this just to mock me didn't he?
"Arthur have you finished changing?" Alfred asked blindly walking into a furious Englishman's fit.
"You arse! What the hell is this?" Arthur exclaimed, showing the mirror to Alfred, "Did you just keep this to mock me? Maybe fit in a nice pun about my driving skills? Or is this some kind of revenge on your classmates? Can't take it out on them so you take it out on me?"
"What are you..? That was your car? I didn -"
"You didn't know? Of course you didn't, you're the bastard working on my bloody car how could you not know! I know you Americans have a cruel taste in humor, but you've taken this joke too far, Jones."
"Arthur, don't be like this. You know I didn't me-"
"Sod off," Arthur brushed past Alfred, "And it's Mr. Kirkland to you."

He heard Alfred's footsteps coming after him, so he sped up running through the flat and down the lobby. He heard Alfred calling after him, not far behind, he ran out through the front doors of the lobby, too consumed with the rage of being duped to care about how he appeared. He stormed into a convenience store across the street and hid in the unsanitary bathroom. He wanted to cry but he knew it wasn't the right place to do it. He pulled out his phone from his the pocket of his drenched pants and called Francis.

"So 'ow did it go?"

"P-Pick me up now." Arthur demanded, his voice already breaking. He gave the Frenchman his location and waited until he arrived. When he had, Arthur jumped into his car and let out his pent up sobs.

"Mon ami! What 'appened?"

"I liked him Francis, I truly did but he-" Arthur was cut off by his own crying.

"Oh non. Mon petit caterpillar what did he do?" Francis inquired but Arthur would not tell, they remained quiet and Francis did not try asking again. Instead he quietly dropped Arthur in front of his flat and waited until he saw the light turn on in Arthur's flat.