A/N: Last short chapter with some adorable dorky fluffy goodness~ Much love 3
London was his home. He felt so much better immersing himself within the familiar surroundings rather than back in Blackpool. He even welcomed the bitter chill that the rain brought today, anything to make him forget that awful sunburn he was only just seeing the last of.
Arthur had no ulterior motive when he left his flat. He ambled about the streets, briefly wandering into shops and pausing by the Thames for a moment or two to watch the boats pass by, when he decided he would visit his favourite bookstore. After making his way through tight crowds and looking as if he had jumped into the Thames when he was there, Arthur shrugged off his sopping coat and headed inside. The warm air hitting his face was a luxury.
He waved to the owner, who he had come to know very well, before being allowed to hang his coat up to dry as he searched the aisles.
The shop today was rather full, and Arthur felt no surprise as this was not only his favourite place, but also quite popular to locals and strangers alike. He manoeuvred his way around people until he reached the back of the shop where the fantasy books were ordered by author's last name. Yet, before he could lose himself in wondrous fiction as he would have liked, a loud voice resonated through the entire building, disrupting Arthur's content mood.
"Jeez, it's freakin' torrential out there!"
Arthur froze. That voice was far too loud and boisterous and foreign to be a mere overexcited Londoner. That voice was far too familiar.
The blond craned his neck to peer around one of the shelves and saw a tall, darker blonde, looking bulky in a ridiculously large leather jacket with glasses askew and dripping. He stepped out of the aisle and gingerly made his way up to the man, clearing his throat audibly.
"Pardon me, sir..." he started, but drifted off when the other looked at him with the most captivating blue eyes he had ever seen.
"Do I know you, man? Never seen you 'round be-" he paused and a huge smile broke out onto his face. "No freakin' way, dude! There is no way- you ain't that Arthur guy, are you?"
Arthur sheepishly smiled when some people turned to look at the commotion, some with amused faces and others with a look of irritancy. He glanced towards the American who was undoubtedly Alfred.
He was not nearly as anxious as he thought he would be, come this situation.
"Yes, I am." he confirmed, forcing his voice not to waver.
A surprised and undignified noise came from Arthur when Alfred threw his arms around him in a too-tight embrace, and he spurted out nonsense until he was let go and able to breathe. Without getting the chance to speak, Alfred motioned for him to follow outside, to which Arthur frowned at but nevertheless retrieved his damp coat and returned to the wet weather. Once outside, he found Alfred bouncing on the spot.
"Wow, am I lucky! Never thought I'd catch you so soon, huh? Ha, this is awesome!"
Arthur made a noise resembling to that of a drowned cat. He probably looked like one too. "Could we possibly take this elsewhere?"
"Whoa, you sound even more British in person."
"English." Arthur corrected without missing a beat.
"Eh, same diff. Hey, you wanna go get a coffee or, y'know, tea?"
Arthur found himself unconsciously nodding and walking alongside Alfred throughout the streets of London towards the distinct and cosy aroma of a coffee shop.
Arthur awoke to a pair of warm lips against his cheeks along with the feather-light tickle of dark blond hair. He opened his eyes and saw Alfred hovering over him with a broad smile.
"Mornin' sweetheart." he said gently.
Arthur let the pet name slip and lazily sat up, making a noise of approval when he was offered a hot mug. Even this early in the morning, he managed to wordlessly thank Alfred with a small smile, though he couldn't help but add:
"The way I like it?"
"The way you like it." his partner nodded. "And I did you some toast too."
"Cheers, love," Arthur said when a plate was passed to him. "What's the occasion?"
Alfred feigned an offended pout. "What, I can't make my husband breakfast in bed without an excuse?"
"Knowing you, most likely not."
"Aw, boo."
Arthur reached over and ruffled up Alfred's hair, smirking when he inched away with a cautious and amused grin. Then he all but leapt off the bed and vanished from the room for a meagre few seconds, before returning with a small box. After making himself comfortable again beside Arthur, he opened the box and waved about a piece of dishevelled paper.
"Hey Artie, remember how we met?"
Arthur frowned for a moment. "I believe I do. Why?"
"You remember how I said we were destined to be soul mates? I mean, I don't want to say I told you so, but-"
Arthur cocked an eyebrow, his expression daring Alfred to continue.
"... I told you so!"
Alfred laughed as Arthur opted for using their pillows as a weapon against him.