A/N: I think I should stop trying to give myself a deadline, seeing as I'm constantly breaking them anyway. I'm so sorry you had to wait so long again ;_; *bows head in shame*. But thank you so, so much for reviewing, they really make my day and help me get off my lazy ass! Stroopwafels for all of you to show my appreciation! *showers you all with the stuff*
Warnings: More talking and failed plot. And as promised in the last chapter, more shirtless Gilbert and awkward flirting! Enjoy :D
Johan still had a little trouble believing his eyes. But there he was, standing in the doorway, that cocky grin plastered on his face.
"Well? Are you gonna invite me in or just let me stand here all day?" Johan finally snapped out of his daze. "Huh? Oh, yes, of course. I'm sorry. Come on in." Gilbert entered the shop and closed the door behind him before he turned to face Johan. A little apologetic smile replaced the grin when he took a closer look at him.
"You look like shit." He said, reaching out a hand to gently touch the bruise. He knew his punch would leave a mark, but he hadn't expected it to be so big. Johan looked like he just came back from an underground, illegal cagefight.
"Don't tell me you only came back to insult me," he replied with a smile, trying to hide the flinch that got on his face .
"I don't understand you, you know that? How can you still smile at me after what I did?" He removed his hand from the bruise, noticing Johan flinch despite his efforts to hide it.
"You had every right to punch me, I shouldn't have assumed you wouldn't mind me kissing you just because we hit it off well. And I'm smiling because I'm glad I get to see you again. I was afraid you would leave town without giving me the opportunity to apologize."
Gilbert gave him a little nod. "Ah, I see. And you know, it's not entirely your fault you kissed me. My awesomeness has that effect on people."
"I'm sure it does."
"But still," he said, shifting his gaze towards the floor, "I apologize for punching you in front of everyone."
"Please, you don't need to apologize. I'm sorry for putting you on the spot like that." He replied as he lifted Gilberts chin up a bit so they could look each other in the eye. His smile never faltered, and Gilbert felt himself getting a little weak in the knees.
"Apology accepted. I'm glad that we could settle this so quickly. I was afraid I would have to go all out before you would forgive me." He said with a smile. Johan raised an eyebrow at that.
"All out, huh? My, my, I'm intrigued. Is it too late to revoke my apologies?"
"I'm afraid so." He said, that cocky grin getting back on his face.
"Damn my forgiving attitude."
Johan's hand was still gently gripping Gilberts chin, and Gilbert found himself not minding the physical contact at all. He could stand there all day and stare at Johan's smiling face, but that would have to wait. They still had some unfinished business to attend to. He removed Johan's hand, holding it in front of his chest. "I know I showed up a bit too early, but if you don't have any other business to tend to right now, would you mind finishing the tattoo?"
Johan pretended to think hard about it before he answered. "Will you punch me again if I told you that we could fill the time with you showing me what you would have done if I wasn't such a kind, forgiving person?"
"I knew I shouldn't have brought it up. But yes, I will. And hard too. I'll even drag you outside so the entire block can see it."
"Heh, I see. Oh well, can't blame a guy for trying. It's against my policy to get my ass kicked more than once a week, so I guess I can finish the tattoo, since you asked so nicely. This way, please," he said as he walked further inside the shop.
"You really are too kind," Gilbert replied, trying to hold back his laughter as he followed him.
Gilbert found himself tightening his grip on the handles of the chair again after feeling the sting of the needle. He had hoped it wouldn't hurt as much as the first time, but his body decided otherwise. Taking a few breaths to empty his mind and ignore the pain he stole a glance at Johan. He was working on the crown at the moment, inking it with a golden color.
"Since we didn't get to complete our game last time, mind if we continue?"
"Not at all. It was your turn to ask something, so go ahead."
"Okay. I would like to know how smoking with a Maori chieftain inspired you to become a tattoo artist yourself."
"Wow, you actually remembered the smoking. I'm impressed." He said with a smile.
"Us architecting engineers have to pay attention to the details, you know. They can make or break a design. So tell me, what happened in New Zealand?"
"Well, I was travelling the country and met a Maori who invited me to his village. I stayed there for a while, earning my keep by helping around the place. And on one fine evening I was smoking with the chief during a barbeque, when I noticed he had a new tattoo on his arm."
"If I remember correctly Maori people tend to have a lot of tattoo's. What was so special about that one?"
"It was a tattoo that I designed."
"So you designed a tattoo without even knowing it? How did that happen?"
"Gilbo, stop interrupting my awesome story before I tape your mouth shut." He said, trying to sound angry.
"And miss hearing me say how unbelievable you are once you get me in your bed? I don't think so," He said with a smirk.
"Touché, haha. And you will be saying it, trust me," he said, winking. Choosing to ignore Gilberts scoff he continued his tale. "The chieftains son was a great help to me during my stay, and as a little thank you I told him I would draw him whatever he wanted."
"And you drew him a naked woman with a killer rack, am I right? Of course I'm right." Gilbert was grinning like a madman, and Johan tried to not smack him upside the head.
"No, smartass, you're wrong. Unlike you the chieftains son is a well-mannered, polite gentleman. And his mother would kill him and me as well if she found out. He asked me for a tribal drawing of the kiwibird, put it on his wall, his father sees it and likes it so much he has it tattooed."
"And thus your first unintentional official tattoo was born. Cool. How did it feel?"
"I don't know, it was kinda unreal. But I was also honored that someone would like my doodles so much that they would have it put on their body like that."
"Understandable. Was it then that you decided to become a tattoo artist?"
"Not immediately. I didn't really think about it until some of the other members of the tribe came to me and asked me if I could design something for them as well. I did as I was asked and lo and behold, about a week later everyone had my doodles on them. And I remember thinking to myself; if I can get a whole village to wear my designs, why not a whole country? Hell, why not the whole world? So when I was back in Amsterdam I went to a tattoo shop and asked to become an apprentice. After three years my teacher retires and leaves me the shop, and I've been Amsterdam's Tattoo King ever since." He finished. Gilbert gave a little nod at that.
"So that's how it went, huh. Interesting. But I still can't help but think it's kinda weird."
"What's weird? That I haven't ravished you yet? Cause I've been kinda wondering that myself." He said, leaning over Gilbert to grab a little wet towel to wipe the blood away. Gilbert felt his face heat up again. What is it about that guy that gets him so worked up every time he gets close?
"I… you… out of all the… You kept those away from you just so you could hover over me, didn't you?"
"Those lovely crimson eyes don't miss a beat, do they," he said with a grin as he leaned over him again to throw the bloody towel in the trashcan. "They're even prettier when you get angry!" He was laughing now, and Gilbert felt his anger disappear. Johan is an attractive guy, but when he smiled, or laughed in this instance, his rough features seemed to soften, making him look almost as good as… Dare he even think it? Almost as good as Gilbert himself. Letting out a sigh he poked Johan's forehead, pushing him back.
"You, sir, are a horny idiot. If you weren't busy with that needle I would have kicked you."
"As long as you kiss it better afterwards you can kick me anytime you want." He ruffled Gilberts hair, earning a glare and some German swears. He would have received a slap on his hand too if he hadn't removed it before Gilbert could reach him. "Anyway, back to our game of Q&A. What do you think is weird?"
"You, for one."
"Hey!"
"Don't pout, dear, I prefer to see you smile." He said with a wink, flashing him a smile when he noticed Johan blushing again. "And as to what's weird. You're obviously a very talented artist, otherwise your teacher wouldn't have left you his shop. Why didn't you do something with your artskills sooner?"
"Well Mr. Smoothtalker, that's easy enough to answer. I did it for the money." He answered after he willed his blush away.
"The money?"
"The money." He replied with a nod. "Art is a tricky, insecure business. Let's face it, 9 out of 10 artists don't make enough to live by. I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, and I know I'm good at it. Unfortunately talent alone is not enough. You also need a lot of luck to make it as an artist, and I'd rather not rely on something I can't control."
"That makes sense. Architecture and mechanical engineering wasn't my first choice either."
"You wanted to study something else?"
"To be honest I didn't want to study at all. Back when I was a kid I wanted to be a footballplayer. I had it all planned out too."
"Really now?"
"Yup. I was going to be discovered by one of the scouts from Bayern München, become their star player, win the Bundesliga, transfer to a big club in England or Spain, win the EC and WC with the national team, marry a golddigger and retire by the time I'm 30." He said with a smile.
"Haha, that doesn't sound half bad, Gilbo. What stopped you?"
"I don't know if you can tell by looking at me, but I'm kinda short and skinny for my age."
"Hmm. You are a bit on the slim side, but other than that you look fine. I think you could have made it." He said as he looked him over a bit closer.
"Hey, my eyes are up here, pervert," he said with a smirk as he noticed Johan's gaze was fixated on his abs. He continued his tale after Johan gave him a sheepish grin. "And maybe I would have made it if I wasn't made of glass back then."
"What do you mean?"
"I won't bother you with the details, but as a kid I had weak bones. Every four months or so I was in the hospital because I had broken limbs and what not. Eventually they gave me some medication to improve the strength of my bones, but by the time I was done with the treatment I was already too old to become a professional player."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you still have problems with your bones?"
"No, thankfully. And by that time I didn't want to be a footballer anymore anyway. Gramps' stories about Prussia and the Order had impressed me so much that I wanted join them and spread the word myself. And if I couldn't do that with my awesome dribbling skills on the field I would do so with some equally awesome buildings."
"And thus Gilbert the Prussian Architect was born."
"Yup. In the end Gramps did manage to teach me some fighting moves, giving you this nice body you're currently staring at instead of continuing with the tattoo."
"Hey, I'm just checking to make sure the colors are okay before I continue. I can't let you walk out of here with a sloppy tattoo, what will the people say?" He said with a wink. "And your Gramps did a fine job teaching you. Not a lot of people can land a hit on me."
"And yet I can't help but think it wasn't all just Gramps' teachings that allowed me to hit you."
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't caught off guard by your kiss."
"Yeah, sorry about that."
"Don't apologize, I happened to like that kiss. The punch afterwards not so much, but the kiss was great." He said with a smile before putting the final touches on the tattoo. "Et voila, it's done." He wiped the blood away and reached for the mirror, showing Gilbert the results. Gilbert took the mirror from Johan's hands, taking a good look at the tattoo. It was perfect. The Eagle was exactly as he imagined it; fierce, strong, ready to take on anything on its path.
"I… I don't know what to say. It exceeds my wildest imagination."
"And Johan van der Meer delivers again, haha."
"You sure did. I don't think I can ever thank you enough for this. But thank you. Thank you for helping me fulfill my promise."
"It's been my pleasure, believe me. Think you can sit still this time while I bandage you up?"
"Heh. I'll try. But I'm not promising anything."
"I guess I can always tie you down if you don't behave."
"Just get the bandages, you horny bastard."
"Henk! Henk, get your ass out here! I think they're coming out of the shop!"
"Dammit Sanne, shout some more why don't you. I heard you the first time."
"Did I miss something?"
"Not yet, Maarten. I wonder what they'll do now."
"People, shut up! I can't hear them!"
"They're not even out the shop yet, of course you can't hear anything!"
"Shhhhh! It's starting!"
Johan closed the door behind him and turned to face Gilbert, giving him a little plastic bag with a supply of new bandages.
"Well, I guess this is it." He said, rubbing the back of his head.
"I guess so." Gilbert answered, fidgeting with the bag behind his back. "Uhm, Johan?"
"Yes, Gil?"
"Would you… I mean, if you're not… uhhh…" Queue the blood going straight to his cheekbones.
"Yes?"
"What I'm trying to ask is if you'd…" Oh man, not good. He knew his face was about as red as his eyes right about now. Why wouldn't that damn question pass his lips?
"For crying out loud! Johan you jackass, just kiss him already!"
"Henk! Way to ruin the mood you oaf!" Sanne seethed as she smacked him on his shoulder. Johan buried his face in his hands as he shook his head.
"Oh come on, like they didn't see us staring."
"Believe it or not Henk, but I really didn't notice you guys were even there."
"Of course not, you were too busy undressing that guy with your eyes."
"Maarten! How can you say such a rude thing!"
"Ouch! Come on Sanne, I know that look. I use it all the time on you."
"You have some interesting friends, Johan."Gilbert said as he turned his gaze from the café towards Johan, trying not to laugh.
"If only they would keep their noses out of my business. Maybe I should relocate the shop."
"And walk another 5 blocks to find the next bar? I don't think so." Henk shouted back as he tried to stop Sanne from smacking Maarten again.
"Hahaha. Oh man, this is priceless. I'm really glad I got to meet you, Johan. Thanks for making me laugh."
"Anytime. You should smile more. It suits you."
"You sure know how to sweettalk a guy, don't you?"
"It's a gift." He said with a smirk. "I guess it's farewell then, huh?"
"You make it sounds as if we'll never see each other again."
"I'd rather not get my hopes up. I mean, you're probably goin-"
"Oh my." "Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" "Wohoo! You go, Johan!" "Actually, I think it was the other guy kissing him first." "Really? That's good too. You go, white-haired guy!" "Sanne, why are you taping them?" "Oh, for no specific reason. Teehee."
Gilbert put his arms around Johan's neck after breaking the kiss, pulling him a little closer. "Go out with me." He whispered in his ear.
"I'm sorry?"
"I want you to go out with me tomorrow, Johan. I don't want this to be a farewell."
"Okay, just to make sure; you want to go on a date with me."
"Very much. Tomorrow."
"Good, I thought I was hearing things. I'd love to go out with you."
"Perfect. Is 7 PM be okay for you?"
"Fine by me."
"Good. I'll come pick you up tomorrow. Make sure you're ready." He kissed him again before picking up the plastic bag and making his way towards his hotel, waving at everyone. Johan and the crowd at the café waved back until Gilbert was gone behind the corner. Johan made his way towards the café, where Sanne captured him in a hug.
"Oh my God, Johnny! You're going on date! I'm so excited! We're going shopping tomorrow, that tattoo artist look is so last season."
"Sanne, he IS a tattoo artist."
"Not during a date he's not! Who are you calling, Johan?"
"Denise. Looks like I'll have to take her up on her offer after all."
A/N: OMFG I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS TOOK ME SIX MONTHS. MY PLOTBUNNIES HATE ME.
Sorry. I apologize a thousand times for making you wait this long and giving you this… this… whatever it is. There was too much talking going on. But the ending made up for it, right? Right? Right.
So yeah, next chapter will be the date, and it'll be fun :D. And since I'm pretty much done with the background stories it won't take forever again this time. But don't believe me on my word, it's no good. I'll probably be distracted again ;_;. After the date you'll get the epilogue and then the story is done! If you're lucky it'll be finished before the end of this year! Yay!
OMG everyone is so OOC in this. I'll try to change it later, I don't want to keep you guys waiting any longer.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and once again reviews are always appreciated! Thank you!