Author: Anonymous
16th of November, 2014 - Same Old Lang Syne
Arthur was positive that his heart skipped a beat when he saw his back, that same old romance novel cliché. That same golden hair, those same broad shoulders, and that same relaxed but undoubtedly proud way he carried himself. Positive that it was who he thought he slipped up behind him in the produce section, tapping him on the shoulder and clearing his throat.
When Alfred turned he looked simply confused for a moment before his eyes flew open wide, his grin wide as always. "Arthur?!" He turned to hug him and managed to drop his basket, his groceries spilling and a can of beans landing right on his foot. He yelped, but they ended up laughing as they gathered things up and finished their shopping together with a few words shared.
By the time they both stood outside in the cool air with their bags there was an embarrassed silence as they both tried to come up with what to say, each just as reluctant to leave as the other. "Hey, uh…" Arthur had quickly turned to see what Alfred would say, but his sentence was left unfinished as he just started into the parking lot and waved for Arthur to follow.
They ended up in his car, both with a drink and the heat cranked up as they tried to think of where to start with catching up and stave off the cold outside. So much had been missed. Finally Alfred started with that same way of rambling that Arthur had missed of him. He'd gone to school, gotten himself an alright job; it paid the bills, kept him warm and dry. He started to say he was with someone, but that thought petered off for a moment with only a sheepish smile as explanation, leaving Arthur to wonder if he was or wasn't.
"I've seen your name around," he told Arthur, saying he must be doing well. Arthur said he loved the reactions of his crowds, but the traveling was awful. He told Alfred that the years had been kind on him, his eyes that same lovely blue and while he received a smile in return he wasn't sure if that was doubt or gratitude hiding in those baby blues.
They drank a toast to the days they'd shared, so innocent and full of wild dreams, leaving them blanketed in silence for a time before Alfred looked over. "I've got work," he admitted, "I should probably be going." Arthur, reluctant as he was to leave, nodded and reached for the door. It was best he go anyway before things were spoiled by lingering too long. Before he'd managed to actually get out of the car he was surprised with a kiss, barely a moment to return it before Alfred had leaned back again, his expression hidden by the dim lighting of the car.
Arthur watched him drive off with a sigh, slipping his hands in his jacket pocket as he adjusted the hold on his bag, only to frown as something met his hand. He pulled out a receipt, thinking it would be his own, when instead it was Alfred's. He was confused until he noticed something scrawled on the back. 'Whenever you're in town again' was scrawled hastily, a number below it. He had to wonder when Alfred had had the chance, but he decided not to question that just now. Making his way to his hotel, he carefully tucked the paper in his pocket, knowing he had a call and some plans to make tomorrow.