Sorry for the delay, I'm not as inspired recently for some reason. :/
It happens. It's only been eight days since he started his little mission, and it happens. He's a little surprised because well, he'd assumed it would be more difficult to crack his grumpy guard's armour.
Turns out some people just surprise you.
If he rewinds, it goes something like this:
Towards the end of their little wander through the Modern Art Museum, Ludwig seems rather used to following Feli around. To be honest, Feli enjoys all the attention he is receiving far too much. Not only is the guard a rather beautiful choice of companion, but his questions are astute and well thought out.
By the time they reach the exit, Ludwig knows a lot more about installation art. He also knows a lot more about Italian cuisine, cat breeds, and collagraphing techniques.
There's a warmth in the evening air as they walk side by side through the small park. Feli's still talking a mile a minute about their latest topic of conversation - the different gradients of the sky throughout the day.
It's a favourite of his - one of those little things that he always seems to notice but never really talks about to other people. By this point, most of his dates are usually weirded out by the eccentricities of his conversation, but Ludwig honestly seems interested.
Ludwig says something about work soon. How could he have forgotten? The guard had mentioned that he would have to leave after their little visit.
"Oh Ludwig, I'd completely forgotten! That is sad, I was enjoying talking with you! I know it's a long shot but…well, do you have to go?" He asks. (Well, more like pleads. He even pulls his favourite 'I'm too cute to abandon' expression.)
"I can't I'm afraid. And I… I've been enjoying myself too."
Feliciano sighs a little and looks away, watching the way the warm light shifts over the surrounding trees. His insides flutter a little knowing that the German really does enjoy his company. In a moment they'll reach the road and the Ludwig will have to go.
"Feli, you could come. If you wanted to I mean. My boss won't mind at all and my shift's only two hours today because a coworker is sick. I mean…if you don't mind waiting? After we could go and um, get a drink or something?" He says, all flustered and gorgeous. The guard can't quite make eye contact with him.
On another note…did he just offer him a drink?
"That would be amazing! Oh my, if we are to go, I ought to know where you work. Aside from the museum. I can't believe I forgot to ask!."
"Oh um yeah, I forgot to tell you. Ugh, I work as a bodyguard for a club."
Feli can picture his grumpy guard standing menacingly outside a club. He can clearly imagine several underage teenagers being scared away by the German. And then he thinks about the German breaking apart fights with ease. At least, he assumes it would be easy for the guy, judging by those lovely, well defined muscles. Which leads to a whole new train of thought...
The guard looks at him curiously while he runs through his little thought processes.
"I was just thinking that you're even tougher than I assumed! But it sort of doesn't surprise me about the whole bodyguard thing I mean, you have the poker face and physique…" As he trails off he runs his gaze briefly over the German. Oh, he's positively stunning, this flustered. He wonders what would reaction he would get if let his gaze linger for longer, or maybe if he had the chance to run his hands over the german….how flustered would he get then? Or would he just respond by shoving at Feli roughly and running his own hands along the italian's body...
The German doesn't manage to say anything further as he leads Feli through the darkening streets.
The street lamps become steadily brighter and bathe his companion in a warm orange glow. The guard's gaze looks so soft when it's painted in such sleepy colours. Is he imagining it, or is that stern face less stern than it used to be? It could just be the lighting - it makes everything a lovely warm hue.
As they approach the nightclub area of town not much later, the buildings they pass become increasingly lively - they start to feel the throbbings of music and people's enjoyment. Before they reach the central hub of the night life in their city, they turn off a main road to a slightly more remote strip of clubs.
It's with great shock that Feli recognises the club they are approaching. He happens to be quite familiar with it.
The bar they are nearing is their city's best and most well known gay bar: "The Cockpit".
He stops walking and as a result so does Ludwig. He looks at him with a brow raised.
"Well, you didn't ask what kind of club, did you?" says the rather abashed German.
"I might have done if I'd thought you would work at this particular club out of all the clubs out there." Feli looks away. He's not sure he wants the German to see this side of him, they've only been talking for 8 days!
"Oh, I didn't realise you would, um, have any problems with it I assumed…look you can go if you want, I mean, it was a lot to ask you to wait for me for two whole hours."
"No, Ludwig, that wasn't what I meant at all! It's just, I'm familiar with this club. I used to come here a lot. I might recognise someone." Which is technically true.
The German turns to him, startled. They've stopped walking in the middle of the pavement.
"Oh, um, wow." He says lamely. He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly as he continues: "Well, I guess we should just go up and see what happens then. If you still want to wait, that is."
"Don't be silly. I'll have you know that I am an art historian and I obviously I am extremely tough. I can handle anything, so don't you worry."
Ludwig huffs out a soft, amused sort of snort.
"I'm sure you can, Feli. I'll just go and change round the back, but then I basically just guard the entrance for two hours. Tell the bartender you're with me and he should give you one or two free drinks while you wait."
"Ok, wow, thank you, Ludwig!"
"I'll be right there ok? If anything happens, just come and find me, and I'll-"
"Hey! I can handle myself! Besides you just offered me free drinks so I'll be perfectly happy inside."
"Ok, ok, I was just saying. I'm gonna go. See you in a bit!" Before he can depart Feli rests his arm along the guard's shoulders in a half-hug sort of farewell gesture. His close proximity makes the guard blush yet again and he revels in the feeling of power.
The German disappears round the back, leaving Feli to hover before the entrance, dreading what - or rather who - he may encounter inside. It's been a few years since he's been here, but he doubts much has changed.
He contemplates dawdling by the entrance, but the bodyguard on duty - who looks about to leave because Ludwig's about to replace him - glares at him in a way that says get inside already. He also realises it will probably look quite pathetic if Ludwig returns to find him still here. So he thinks about the free drinks, and a certain German, and just goes for it.
Reviews are love! Also n.b 'The Cockpit' was a name from the internet. I disappointed myself by not coming up with any good gay club names myself. May be a little while til next chapter? I dont really know, these things just sort of happen.