Something that Eric could never begrudge England for was the weather. Having been a mortal in Scotland, the grey skies and rain were more comforting than irritating. As long as he wasn't caught in a surprise downpour or anything.
The others in the office didn't like the rain much. Grell whined about her hair, Ronald complained endlessly about his lawnmower rusting, and William glared out the window as if blaming the weather personally for his incessant foul mood. Alan was the exception. Whenever the rain started up, he'd step outside and breathe in the fresh smell, murmuring about how he wouldn't need to water the garden that day.
One of his little forays outside coincided with Eric's smoke break, on a particularly stormy day. It wasn't windy, thank goodness, but the sky opened up as if it was the second global flood - Eric had been joking all day about building an ark. He watched over the tip of his glowing cigarette as Alan raised his umbrella and stepped out into the shower, grinning, unaware he was being watched. On an impulse, Eric followed under his own umbrella, putting a hand on Alan's shoulder and making him jump.
"Nice out, innit?" the blonde started, smiling down at his startled junior.
"W-well," Alan replied, returning the smile as he realized who it was, "The flowers like the rain. I do as well, I suppose. It just...rejuvenates everything." He took off one glove and held a hand out from under the umbrella, letting the water run over his fingers and looking contemplative.
Eric watched, always mystified by Alan's strange habits. Out of nowhere, he blurted, "Ever been kissed in the rain?"
Turning back to him and looking confused, the brunette hesitantly answered, "...No, actually."
So Eric did.
I enjoyed writing this one. Made it a little longer for Apricot5, who seems to be my biggest fan. ^^;
Also, damla22.02: "can you write some sad ones too? Please :D" ...Ask and you shall receive. You just wrote my next prompt for me.