Chapter 6: Once Again

Alfred rung Arthur's phone ever since the date. Whether it be his home or mobile, he left countless voicemails apologizing. Arthur had yet to respond. He had yet to tell Francis and Antonio his reason for ignoring Alfred which left them wondering and eventually nagging and begging for him to tell them. They could only assume their friend had a good reason for being so angry with Alfred, who, in their eyes, seemed like a gentleman. Alfred himself was quite confused and frustrated with Arthur, he believed Arthur was reasonable and would at least listen to what he had to say before storming off. Unless he had upset him before they arrived at Alfred's house.
He had spent time going over what he could have possibly done to Arthur throughout the date aside from spilling water and going so far as to come up with fake scenarios. He had become attached to Arthur, more so than he would have liked and he didn't want their relationship to end so easily. He didn't even realize that the rearview mirror could have belonged to Arthur, and if he had been able to explain it to Arthur it could have been resolved. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, starting to dial the phone again.

Eight rings before he was left talking to the voicemail again. He couldn't bare it any longer all he wanted was for Arthur to just pick up the phone and to say something. Anything, even if it was just yelling. He left his voicemail restating the usual message asking Arthur to call him back so they could talk it over. He glanced at his clock, it was 11: 35 which meant he had to be at work in less than an hour. He put on his jacket and walked out of his apartment, ready for work. He walked down his stairs, hopped onto his motorcycle and drove off towards Ludwig's garage. He arrived there just on time and would have been their earlier if it wasn't for the small detour he took because of his distracting thoughts of Arthur. No matter how much he tried to, Alfred couldn't get Arthur out of his head.

He walked towards Ludwig's office, and knocked on the door.

"Yes. Who vis it?" Alfred heard from the office behind a series of Italian giggles.

"It's Alfred. Is there anything you need me to fix?"

"Yes. I'll be out in a minute... Feliciano not here. I have to work." the German said, struggling with his Italian lover.

The door swung open and Ludwig looked at him with a frown, and documents in his hand. He scanned down the page then handed it to Alfred, "you still haven't finished that man's car. Mr. A. Kirkland, ja?"

Alfred sighed, he had been putting off completing the car, sure it would wreck his weekly salary but if he was finished with the car, then his relationship with Arthur would be through. He couldn't end like this. But this was his job, he had no other choice but to finish the car so Arthur would have to meet him. It'd be painful, he knew, Arthur would pay then drive off and never see Alfred again for the stupid reason of a rearview mirror. If only he had gotten rid of the mirror or if he put the pieces together this would have never happened. They'd be planning their second date hopefully, and Arthur would be answering his calls.

He trudged over to the car and stared at it. It was nearly done, all that was needed was the mirror was and a new paint job to smooth over the scratches. The glared at it, hoping his scowls would cause it to be destroyed again then he would have to call Arthur about it, and then he would have to listen to Alfred.

"How was your date?" a high voice rang behind Alfred.

He put on his best smile and turned around, prepared to lie. "It was great, that's for letting us come to your restaurant, Feliciano."

The Italian smiled back, but for only a moment, "what happened ve~? It's very noticeable when you lie."

Alfred let the facade drop, "Oh it is? The date went fine, it's just that Arthur - I must have done something, it's not his fault, to make him mad or something."

"Has he talked to you? When Ludwig gets mad at me I go over to his office with food and cheer him up ve~! Have you tried that?"

"Arthur would kill me if I went to his work, and probably call me a stalker," Alfred said. It was a good idea to see him at work, Arthur wouldn't be able to cause a scene or ignore him. "I have his shoes that he left at my place, though. I could go see him now!" A huge grin decorated Alfred's face as he hugged Feliciano, "Thank you, dude! Could you tell Ludwig I'll be back in an hour or two?"

He didn't wait for an answer and ran to the truck. There was barely any to no traffic at all, the only problem was he didn't know where Arthur worked. He said he had worked for the queen, so maybe in a castle? He scrunched up his face trying to remember the name of the place she lived, Ham palace? No, but it sounded familiar. Buckingham, that was it. He drove down the streets and stopped at a separate gate at the back of the palace. He climbed out of his truck with Arthur's shoes in hand and smiled at the security guards.

"Identification?"

"I don't have it on me, but I work for Mr. Kirkland. I'm here to drop his shoes off," Alfred said with confidence.

One of the guards went inside the door, leaving Alfred face to face with the other.

Arthur sat at his desk, going through papers and typing furiously on his computer. There was only a few more days until all the preparations had to be in and accounted for. He was about to send an important email to the florist when he heard a knock at his door.

"Yes?"

"Mr. Kirkland, there is someone at the back gate wanted to see you, says he works for you," a security guard said.

"Does he have an ID?" Arthur asked.

"No, but he says he has your shoes. Should we send him away?"

Arthur got up from his desk and followed the guard, "no that won't be necessary."

Francis did always tend to forget his ID, and if he had Arthur's shoes then there wasn't a doubt he would have to let the Frenchman in. After running from Alfred's apartment, Arthur left his shoes there and Francis had offered to get him a replacement pair to comfort him. He hadn't expected the frog to follow through since he never had before. They arrived at the guard house waiting for them to bring in Arthur's visitor. Arthur was impatient he needed to finish his plans, and Francis was taking his sweet time.

The doors opened and to his surprise the Frenchman didn't enter but instead in his place was Alfred. Arthur was shocked. The last thing he would expect would be for Alfred to come to his work, to Buckingham Palace. He was at first rather bewildered but he soon became embarrassed by the American's bold appearance.

"Leave us," Arthur said to the security guards, "I'll take care of this." The two security guards left the room one after another.

"What are you doing here, Jones?"Arthur crossed his arms.

"Arthur I-I brought your shoes. You left them at my house and-"

"Thank you, you may leave them at the door on your way out."

"But I wanted - "

"At the door."

"This is ridiculous! Why can't you let me explain my part?"

"I've already heard your excuses I-"

"Dammit Arthur! Just let me explain and then you can decide whether or not you'll forgive me."

One of the guards opened the door, "Do you need him to leave?" Arthur was pissed at Alfred and wanted him to leave but deep down inside he knew he should listen. He made up his mind, he would listen to what Alfred had to say and then he'd ask him to leave. He couldn't have the American wandering around his work, and his excuse would probably be a predictable one "I didn't mean it" "I'm sorry". Something Tom would said to him often and he would forgive him.

"No it's fine he isn't bothering me." The guard nodded and left the room. "Fine. You may explain."

"I never would have imagined you were the one driving that car. When we were on that date I was enjoying myself and had a lot of fun. I know you're upset at me for taking off your rearview mirror and keeping it, but I just fell on my lap and I forgot to throw it away. If it means that much to you I'll attach it back on and pay for the cost of the repairs. It wasn't a comment on your driving, hell I drive like a homicidal maniac." Arthur couldn't help but laugh. "you don't have to say anything now, but call me if you have the time, I hope you can forgive me." Alfred left the room, dropping the shoes at the door, without giving Arthur a chance to speak hoping to avoid any rejection.

Arthur gaped at him. He hadn't expected that sort of apology, of course he wasn't used to apologies in general. He was relieved, in a way, that Alfred had no similarities with Tom and had turned out to be the gentleman Arthur had always thought he would be. He walked over and picked up his shoes, he was entirely persuaded to forgive Alfred, but he didn't have the best judgement. He would have to discuss it with Francis and Antonio. He'd have to return to his work for now. He walked into his office and sat back in his chair. It's going to be hard focusing on my work. It was very difficult for Arthur to continue his work without thinking of Alfred or about what he'll say to him. He now felt extremely stupid for being angry in the first place. Alfred deserved better.

The end of the work day approached and he could already see Francis leaning on his parked car outside waiting for Arthur. He hurriedly packed all his things in his briefcase and hurried out the back gate. Francis got into the drivers' side and he could see Antonio sitting in the passenger's seat.

"What took so long, amigo? You know we have pub night tonight."

"Oui! Why are you so slow?" said Francis while fixing his hair in the middle rearview mirror. Arthur got inside the car looking a little uneasy, he didn't know how to explain his situation without looking like a jerk.

"I know...I was just thinking about the situation with Alfred," Arthur admitted.

Antonio turned around, "I thought you forgot about him?"

"He came to the palace today to drop off my shoes"

"What? Ze palace? Zat was very a bold move. Aw! But ow romantic. oh but ze security, 'ow did 'e manage zat?"

"It doesn't matter. He apologized to me, but I'm not sure about it. I don't know what to say to him."

"Well you haven't actually told us the entire story amigo." Arthur dreaded this part. He knew he'd have to tell them and he knew they wouldn't be very happy. During the entire journey to the pub plus the first few minutes they had arrived Arthur had told them about everything. Most of it told with a red face and in mumbles.

"You were angry because he had your rearview mirror? That's stupid. I thought it was because he tried to do that with you or something."

"No, no. He would never - are your minds always in the gutter?" Arthur asked.

"Oui, but so is yours. Et you're wondering if you should forgive 'im? You should, ze poor homme must be zinking 'e did somezing terrible to you!" Francis said.

"This just proves how touchy you can be around men. Ever since Tom. We told you to stay away from him." Antonio spoke taking another sip from his drink of tequila.

"I see. He asked me to call him, I was thinking I should. Now? Or when I get home?"

"I zink now, before you become completely pissed like you always do, mon ami. Et we want to listen." Arthur pulled out his phone, tempted to lie and say it was out of battery. He went outside then dialed Alfred's home number and pressed talk. He waited what seemed like forever for Alfred to pick up, when he did Arthur's heart stopped.

"Arthur? You really called!" Alfred practically shouted into the phone, "Have you thought about what I said?"

"Yes, I want to say I'm sorry I overreacted it was silly of me to. I'm willing to look past everything if you are."

"Of course I am! A million times, you have no idea how happy I am now, I would hug you right now if I could. Are you busy this week?"

"Unfortunately yes, I have to finish up and supervise a shipment of arrangements coming in"

"That's okay, work is work."

"I don't think I'll be too busy on monday." Alfred suddenly had a brilliant idea.

"I'm almost done with your car, you could come over and pick it up then and maybe" Alfred's voice quieted, "if you're up to it, we could plan another date."

"Yes. I would love that."

"Okay. I'll see you then."

Arthur woke up an hour earlier in order to pick up his car, he determined if the bus was on time he would arrive at the shop precisely on time. He put on his favorite sweater and carried a bag of Alfred's borrowed clothing. He walked out of the lobby and ran to the bus stop just as it pulled up. The bus ride was short, shorter than he had hoped for and he was nervous. It was mostly his own fault for the fight between them and he was sure Alfred knew it but was only acting kindly. The bus dropped him off only a block from the shop, an easy distance to walk. He approached the garage and could see Alfred leaning against a railing talking and laughing to the Italian restaurant owner he had seen on the date. He was absolutely handsome looking, wearing a plain white shirt and covered in car oil.

Arthur forgot the reason he initially came to the car shop. He took a deep breath preparing himself for his confrontation with the American. Even though they had talked it over on the phone it was still very awkward. Arthur collected himself and started over to where Alfred stood. Alfred saw Arthur approaching him and smiled.

"You made it!" Alfred smiled. He pat Arthur's back and led him to where his car was, "I fixed her up as fast as I could. See, it's even got your old rearview mirror!"
Arthur smiled, "Thank you, it looks brand new." Alfred grabbed a clip-board with some papers on it and brought to Arthur. Arthur looked it over. He was confused.
"Alfred didn't the cost of the repairs cost more than this?"
"Yeah but the repairs for the rearview mirror was taken out of my pay," Alfred replied nonchalantly.
"Alfred. You didn't have to do that. I'll pay you as compensation."
"Please don't. I was happy to pay for the damage," Alfred looked at Arthur with a gleam in his eye. Arthur gave him a broad smile, Alfred was extremely considerate. Arthur decided not to press on the matter any longer, he knew no matter how hard he would try Alfred would still insist on paying.
"Arthur?" Alfred called looking up at Arthur who handed him back the clip-board.
"Yes?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to go somewhere this Friday? I-If you're off of work."
"Yeah I'm off where'd you want to go?"
"Have you ever been to the London Eye? I have two Fast Track tickets..."
"The London Eye? I can't remember the last time I ever went on that. I'd love to go."
"I was thinking we could go on and get something to eat afterwards."
"That sounds great, fantastic actually," Arthur was excited and couldn't wait.

"Did you want me to pick you up?"

"No I don't want to trouble you plus I haven't driven for a while and I should probably get back into the habit of it."

"Okay then I'll meet you there. Let me just show Ludwig the paperwork and I'll see you off." Alfred knocked on his boss's door.

"Come in." Alfred entered the room closing the door behind him. Arthur was glad he had confided in his friends and decided to listen to them. He couldn't wait until him and Alfred would ride inside the London Eye, it would be very romantic. He leaned against his car and stared at floor, smirking at the thought of Alfred's kindness. Arthur had never been treated so nicely before and knew that all Alfred's words came from his heart. He was so deep in thought that hadn't seen Alfred coming out of Ludwig's office.

Alfred leaned against the car next to Arthur, wanting to say something about the date. He was glad Arthur had accepted his apology and even more thrilled when they had agreed to a second date. To know Arthur had forgiven him and that he was willing to continue their relationship lifted a weight off his chest and he couldn't help but have a goofy smile on his face. His excitement for it was building up and he didn't think he could contain himself. He wanted to hug Arthur, to express his feelings but he couldn't articulate it through words.

"Arthur?"

"Yes? I was just thinking-" Arthur began but his words were cut off when Alfred had moved his head close to Arthur's making their heads only a few centimeters apart, startling him. Alfred looked into Arthur's eyes waiting for the understood approval to close the distance. Arthur closed his eyes and moved slightly closer. Alfred proceeded to take the initiative and tilted his head until their lips finally touched. It was short lasting, both awkward to feeling but the intimate touch of the other lingered on them. They quickly pulled apart, both blushing red. Arthur smiled softly, he was very new to this but the short kiss with Alfred felt right. As if they fit together. His mind was a jumble of thoughts and couldn't concentrate on the right words to describe it. He positively sure of one thing, Alfred was perfect for him.