Drinks Are On Me
Pairing: England/Prussia
Arthur is in dire need of some refreshment. Gilbert is willing to provide.
~o~
Arthur could feel the music droning on and on inside his head, creating a dull ache that probably wouldn't leave until the early hours. He sat slumped over the bar, cradling a glass of whiskey in his left hand, right hand fisted into a ball and tucker under his chin. He wished he could ignore the harsh neon lights occasionally flashing into his peripheral vision, not at all helping in what his friends had called "a fun night out". Yes, he had needed some time to relax after work, but this could hardly be called relaxing. Especially since the others were already swinging away on the dance floor, leaving him behind to tend to himself.
Arthur begrudgingly lifted his cheek from the sticky countertop to take another sip of alcohol, feeling it burn in his throat. At least he wasn't cold in here, one look outside confirming that it was still snowing. Another look was blocked off by a sudden pair of red eyes jumping in the way.
"Hello, stranger," the other chuckled, drawing a grim smirk from the blond. "I don't believe we've met before."
"Shut up, Gilbert," Arthur sighed. "I'm not in the mood for games."
"Who says this is a game?" the albino asked innocently, slipping onto the chair next to his. "I just noticed you were a bit down and decided to come keep you company. Isn't that nice of me?"
"Oh yes, very nice, taking pity on me," Arthur snapped with a sarcastic bite to his tone.
Gilbert's mouth twitched into a grimace, but then he bowed his head, leaning in. "Okay, that came out wrong. Let me start again. Can I get you something to drink?"
Arthur paused, tilting his head at the side so he could better look at the other. "I already have a drink," he pointed out, raising his glass.
Gilbert seemed momentarily perplexed, then quickly shook his head and started over. "Yeah, you do, but I mean, is there anything I can get you?"
"Gilbert?" Arthur asked, something beginning to dawn on him. Something about Gilbert's behaviour tonight seemed both out-of-character and oddly refreshing, as if he actually wasn't thinking about himself for once (not that he was that egocentric, but he did like to boast).
To Arthur's greatest surprise, the other began blushing. His grin became slightly more sheepish as he quickly looked away, scratching at his nose. "I uh… No, you know what? Never mind. I can see I'm interrupting. I'll be-"
"You know," Arthur interrupted the interrupter, a secretive smile creeping onto his face when the other immediately stopped to look at him. "I'd almost say you were trying to flirt with me."
Gilbert's blush intensified, but he tried to quickly laugh it off. "What? Come on Arthur, why would I ever-"
"And I'd almost say I'd let you," Arthur finished his sentence, smirk smug as he waited for a reply.
Gilbert's mouth was still opened to finish his rant, but his eyes widened when he heard the verbal confirmation that yes, he hadn't imagined the growing interest coming from both sides over these last few weeks, and that something nice was blooming between the two high school friends, and yade yade yade.
His eyes lit up as he grinned even wider, leaning in again. "So, can I get you anything or what?" he asked excitedly, very pleased that his flirting had "worked" (as if Arthur had put in zero effort).
"Depends," Arthur laughed, eyes hooded as he quickly threw back the rest of his whiskey. "What can you give to me that I want?"
Oh, Gilbert had lots of stuff.
