"You're not serious, are you?"
"I'm tellin' ya, Matt, somethin's up. And I'm gonna get to the bottom of it."
"You realise those two statements kinda contradicted each other, right?" Matthew said flatly, resting his chin on the palm of his hand and looking very bored indeed. Somehow, the way his brother was acting seemed very familiar. However, it seemed that Alfred had found his lost enthusiasm and then some. That was something to be happy about, right?
"I'm gonna go Sherlock on this shit!" Alfred exclaimed with a loud bang as his hands slammed against the table; he seemed to be completely ignoring his brother's words. Matthew just sighed and held his head in his hands, despairing at his younger brother.
"Al, please."
"He regrets what happened! I know it!" Alfred had practically jumped out of his chair in his eagerness. His older brother on the other hand, had a less cheery disposition. Matthew adjusted his oval framed glasses with a small frown, as if fighting off a headache.
"Alfred, as happy as I am that you're bubblier than you have been recently, this is not the reason I'd like to hear from you for your change of mood."
"He said he missed me!" Alfred exclaimed with a heartfelt expression and a hand on his chest. It was like he hadn't heard a word Matthew had said.
"Did he apologise?" Matthew asked, leaning forward in his chair like a teacher who was quickly losing patience with a hard headed student. Alfred paused and sat down again sheepishly, not looking at his computer.
"… N-no. Not exactly." He admitted and Matthew sighed, sitting back in his chair again with folded arms.
"Then don't instantly forgive him." Matthew told his brother simply.
"But he obviously cares about what happens if he wants to fix it-"
"But he doesn't care enough to actually apologise." He pointed out. Alfred felt a flash of sudden anger and frowned.
"Why're you being all protective over me now? Before, you had no trouble with him at all. You specifically said that you felt no need to be protective!" Alfred snapped sharply but Matthew had taken on a sharp expression of his own.
"That was before he broke your heart, Alfred. I never want to see you like that again, do you understand? It was painful just to look at you so I can only imagine how much it hurt to actually be you." There was a pause between them and Matthew sighed. When he spoke again, his voice was a little more empathetic. "I don't want you to get your hopes up trusting someone who hurt you before. You'll just get your heart broken again."
"That's not gonna happen." Alfred said firmly. "I pushed too far back then. Not just him, but I pushed myself as well and that wasn't right. This isn't as black and white as you think it is and I actually want to try and figure this out." Alfred looked like he wasn't going to give an inch on the subject. If there was one thing Matthew knew about his brother, it was that Alfred was more stubborn than an ox and his head was harder than a cannonball. Alfred wasn't going to back down. "I'm not looking for an apology; I'm looking for an explanation. And I'll wait however long it takes." The two brothers stared each other down the best they could while looking at computer screens. Matthew eventually huffed as he glared at his brother.
"You're not gonna give this up, are you?"
"I never give up." Alfred replied with a strong determination in his voice.
"And if it goes wrong?"
"It won't."
"And if it does?"
"Then I'll deal with it. But at least I won't have to live my life always regretting that I didn't even try." There was another long silence before Matthew finally let his expression soften, grumbling to himself as he relaxed in his chair.
"Well. That's one good thing I guess." He shrugged. Alfred, already knowing that he'd won and technically had his older brother's approval to do as he pleased, grinned and tilted his head slightly.
"What's that?" Alfred asked. Matthew gave a small smile and shook his head fondly.
"At least we've got the old Alfred back."
'That's what he said but…'
Now that Alfred was standing in the men's underwear aisle, pretending to be interested in the seemingly endless selection of boxers and briefs in stock, when in reality he was just trying to sneak a peek at Arthur as he served customers on the tills… Everything proved much easier said than done.
With that in mind, Alfred didn't actually mind observing for once, even if his observations were just quick glances here and there. He noticed that Arthur still seemed a lot more subdued in comparison to how he would normally act around him; He still seemed lost in thought a lot of the time, as if something was weighing on his mind. However, this led Alfred to realise that Arthur didn't look nearly as apathetic as he had done when he had first seen him. Around a year prior –and realising that it had already been a whole year since they had both met was a startling thought- Arthur had seemed entirely distanced from most of the people around him; certainly with those who he didn't know very well. Alfred was just happy that he had even been able to scramble over that emotional wall Arthur had put up in the first place, even if it had eventually blown up in his face. Now, when Alfred looked at him, Arthur seemed so much more engaged with the people who were around him; both with the people he worked with, and even the complete strangers who he was serving. His small smile didn't seem as forced as it had been before; Arthur was always a brilliant actor, and while none of the customers could ever notice, Alfred had known Arthur for quite some time, and he knew a genuine smile when he saw one. The smile Arthur gave his customers no longer seemed like simply a polite gesture that he did because it was his job; it seemed a little more genuine now.
"Ya'rite,Yank?" A cheery, cockney voice sounded and made Alfred jump out of his skin. He spun round to see Henry, holding up his hands in apology and wearing a sheepish smile. "Sorry! Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." He said, chuckling slightly. Alfred took a deep breath, his hand resting on his chest as if trying to calm his own frantic heartbeat.
"Holy crap, dude." Alfred laughed a little despite himself. "Henry, that was not cool."
"Sorry! I didn't think you were away with the faeries that badly!" The redhead apologised again. Alfred opened his mouth with a small frown, about to ask Henry about the strange, childish phrase, but decided against it, bringing it down to cultural difference.
"Was I that out of it?"
"Oooh yeah." Henry nodded with a mockingly serious expression. "Thought we'd never get you back!" He chuckled as Alfred sheepishly ran a hand through his hair. Henry tilted his head and glanced to wear Arthur was standing at the tills. "Nervous?" He asked and Alfred looked at him in surprise before sighing.
"Yeah. I guess I am, a bit." Alfred admitted quietly.
"Were you able to talk the last time you came in?" Henry asked; it had been almost a week since that happened and he was worried that the two men were just stewing in their own nerves and worries at this point. Alfred shrugged one shoulder and made a small, uncommitted sound.
"Kinda? It wasn't really a conversation but… Yeah, I guess?"
"Oooh so you're plucking up the courage to sort it all out today?"
"Yeah but, well, he looks pretty bust right now."
"That's never stopped you before." Henry chuckled as Alfred's face turned a little red.
Henry was right. It wouldn't have stopped him before. Alfred used to trot up to Arthur quite happily no matter what the situation, and even though Arthur made a fuss about it sometimes, he seemed content enough after a while. Alfred looked over at Arthur, who was happily conversing with a woman, seemingly in her sixties; he scratched the back of his head sheepishly and looked at Henry again.
"Um, hey…" He stuttered, feeling very awkward. "I know it's weird to ask but… Is Arthur on fitting rooms at all today?" He asked, expecting Henry to give him a strange look but the redhead just hummed in thought and smiled.
"He should be! What day is it today? Uhhh… Right at the end of his shift, I think." Henry told Alfred with a smile. "He's on fitting rooms four till five today." He said and Alfred nodded and frowned slightly in thought. It was quite a while away "Ohh, I see! You wanna talk to him properly so with him on fitting rooms, you can have a proper conversation! I get it!"
"Dude, can you not!?" Alfred hissed, his face turning bright red. Henry just chuckled and waved slightly.
"Well! I gotta get back to work! Go have some lunch and come back or something! Best of luck, I'm sure you're getting worked up for nothing!" And with that, Henry left and Alfred swiftly made his way out of the shop, choosing a route that would ensure that Arthur didn't see him.
Alfred took Henry's advice and went to a café for a couple hours, trying to calm himself down throughout his lunch. Although, it was clear to him that he was so nervous about even the thought of talking to Arthur again properly, that his usually large appetite was completely compromised. He just kept on thinking about how Arthur would react and what he would say and how Alfred would bring up what happened in June and whether or not Arthur would apologise or admit or even recognise what he did and how it affected Alfred and how he felt. Alfred had told himself that if everything went sour, then he would have to just cut Arthur out of his life. He really didn't want to do that. He really didn't want to. But if it came down to that, if Arthur really didn't even respect Alfred and his feelings that much, then he'd have no choice, right? That was the decision that Alfred made, but would he be able to go through with it? Alfred felt sick just thinking about it. Or, maybe he was just nervous. Either that, or something was wrong with his sandwich and he really shouldn't have chosen tuna salad…
By the time Alfred got the nerve to go back to see Arthur, it was already 4:30 and Alfred's legs felt like jelly. He didn't like conflict. He always tried his best to avoid it as though his life depended on it. But he wasn't going to back down now! Alfred wasn't the sort to give up easily, if at all. He would just barrel through and roll with the punches; no way was this going to beat him! As Alfred walked through the shop and towards the fitting rooms, he straightened his posture and walked with confidence, thinking that if he looked and acted and walked like a champion, he may fool himself into thinking it was true. Alfred was giving himself a pep talk the whole time, grabbing a random pair of jeans on his way so he had an excuse to be there.
'It's gonna be fine. You're gonna be fine. No way can this beat you. Arthur ain't that tough, he can't compare with your awesome confidence! And it's not just your confidence either! You're awesome! You're awesome, you're great, you're tough, you're brave, you're a man and you got this! You're completely and totally-'
"Can I help you?" Arthur's voice cut through Alfred's thoughts and stopped him dead in his tracks.
'-FUCKED.'
Alfred looked at Arthur with almost a look of surprise, as if he didn't expect him. It was half true; Alfred certainly hadn't expected the expression that flashed across Arthur's features. Arthur had a small smile on his face; it almost looked hopeful. Why was Arthur looking at him like that? Like he was anticipating something? They both opened their mouths at the same time but Alfred was the first to make a sound.
"Hey." Alfred said awkwardly. It sounded much more distant and standoffish than he had meant it to, and he could tell because Arthur frowned for a moment in confusion before his face fell slightly.
"Hullo…" Arthur replied, a little quietly. Alfred inwardly kicked himself but decided to move on and hopefully bring it back. He scratched the back of his head and awkwardly looked away, unable to look Arthur in the eye.
"Uh… You ok?"
"Um, yeah, I'm fine." Arthur's response was just as quiet as before and even a little more awkward than Alfred's was. "You?" Arthur still seemed hopeful for a conversation but Alfred unwittingly dashed his hopes, still keeping his gaze anywhere but Arthur.
"Yeah I'm good…" Alfred mumbled and there was a short silence before he presented the jeans. "Just this please." Arthur blinked in surprise, remembering that he was actually working and nodded.
"R-right, of course." Arthur stuttered and quickly fetched him a small plastic disk with the number 1 on it. He gestured weakly with his hand. "Go right through."
"Thanks." Alfred nodded and made his escape, turning away and going into the fitting rooms.
"You're welcome." Alfred heard Arthur call after him quietly.
Well, if that didn't make him feel like an asshole.
Alfred banged his head against the wall lightly to clear his head, cursing himself silently. He couldn't do this. He thought he was ready but he wasn't. He was nowhere near ready, what had even possessed him to think that he was ready to face Arthur about what happened? No matter what he tried to think, he just kept obsessing over what could go wrong. Would he never be able to trust Arthur again? Was he really that broken up about what happened? He couldn't even look at Arthur again? Alfred grit his teeth and clenched his fists, frustrated at himself for being such a wimp. Arthur was just a person. And Alfred knew that he definitely wasn't a malicious person either.
Maybe Alfred just wasn't as ready as he thought he was.
Arthur bit his lip as he tried to concentrate on his work, reorganising the clothes rail in the fitting rooms over and over again. Had he forced it too much? Should he not have said anything the last time they saw each other? But it had seemed like such a good opportunity to say something, so had he just been overthinking things again? Arthur groaned in annoyance and sighed. He hit the clothes rail in his frustration and made himself calm down. For once, he wasn't going to overthink things. For once, he was just going to go with it. Throw himself into the deep end and just bloody speak. Alfred would listen, right? He wouldn't really have a choice after all, if Arthur just started speaking; Alfred didn't seem like the type of person to just walk away, especially if it was important. Alfred would definitely listen.
…Right?
Thankfully, Arthur didn't have much more time to dwell on those thoughts. Alfred shuffled out of the fitting rooms and handed back the disk and the jeans with a mumbled thanks, turning away in one fluid motion. Arthur could tell that Alfred would just leave and not come back for God knows how long if he didn't just take the chance and say what he needed to say. He just had to get Alfred's attention; after that, he'd figure out the rest as he went.
"Alfred, wait." Arthur said suddenly, barely able to even catch his own voice, sounding a little desperate, which Arthur realised with some embarrassment. Alfred paused but didn't turn back; he couldn't bring himself to. Alfred looked at the floor and ran a hand through his hair with a sigh, shuffling his feet slightly.
"Yeah..?" Alfred mumbled. Arthur couldn't stand seeing him like that anymore. He was going to fix this. Even if it meant being vulnerable and admitting his wrong doings for once.
"Look, Alfred, I-" Arthur stammered. Alfred looked just as tense but Arthur kept going anyway. All at once, all of Arthur's thoughts and regrets that had been building for weeks and even months flowed out like a dam breaking, but he tried to keep his thoughts clear. He needed to be articulate so Alfred would properly understand how Arthur felt when he apologised. "About before… What happened, I-… I really am sorry." Arthur said softly. His words were clearly heartfelt. Almost pleading. "I didn't mean what I said. Any of it. I don't know what possessed me to say any of that. I…" He took a breath, trying to figure out his words and calm himself. "I-I was angry and tired and stressed with myself and I know that's not a valid excuse. There is no excuse that justifies what I said, and I know that I broke your trust and I know that it was wrong and… I-I feel terrible for it and I will understand completely if you want nothing more to do with me." Arthur cleared his throat, feeling a distinct lump that he couldn't swallow down. He didn't want to lose Alfred as a friend, but he knew that Alfred had every right to choose that outcome. At least he would know what Arthur really felt about the situation. "I just wanted you to know that… What I said was entirely uncalled for and- and I know that I hurt you and I really am sorry… It was no way to treat a friend." Arthur said softly, his eyes never losing focus from Alfred. There was a silence and Arthur cast his eyes down for a moment; he only lifted his head when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Alfred was looking at him with a somewhat sad, studying expression. Something clicked in Arthur's brain and he spoke again, slower and with a sincere expression, finally able to look Alfred in the eye. "It was no way to treat a friend, Alfred." He repeated softly. "And I deeply regret every word that I said. And I wish… I wish I could take back every single word that caused you harm."
There was a long, heavy silence between them as Alfred let the words sink in, just looking at each other. Alfred's eyes darted over Arthur's face, trying to figure out his expression. He wasn't lying. That much was clear. Arthur really regretted what happened that much? He really knew that he'd hurt Alfred, and he really felt bad about it?
He openly admitted that he was wrong, and apologised. He openly recognised Alfred as a friend, and wanted to treat him as such. Alfred felt himself smile a little, his brow still furrowed upwards but his heart felt like it was trying to dance its way out of his ribcage.
"You really mean that?"
"Of course I bloody well mean it!" Arthur snapped, almost back to his usual self. "Do you really think I wouldn't care that I-!?" Arthur cut himself off as his eyes widened. He quickly clenched his eyes shut in embarrassment and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sorry, sorry." He said a little more calmly. "I just…" He trailed off with a huff and Alfred couldn't help but smile a little wider.
"It really meant a lot to you, didn't it?" He asked, almost in bewilderment.
"Of course it did." Arthur said immediately, folding his arms and looking away at a random part of the wall so he could avoid Alfred's now obvious gaze. It was strange how he'd wanted Alfred to look at him for so long; now that he finally was, the gaze was piercing. He spoke a little softer, so Alfred could tell that he was being sincere. "I had genuinely hurt my friend to the point of you physically avoiding me. Why wouldn't I care?" Arthur's face was a little pink; it was clear to Alfred that the Englishman wouldn't usually do this sort of thing unless he actually cared about the person involved. And it was very obvious that Arthur cared. A lot. His expression said it all, really. Contorted into a painful look; all downcast eyes and upwardly furrowed brows with a heartfelt tone of voice. It had all affected him as well. He must have been just as scared as Alfred had been. Regretting everything that had happened between them and blaming himself.
All at once, every cloud in Alfred's personal sky faded and overwhelming sun shined into every part of his body. Alfred grinned and took a sudden step forward with open arms, making Arthur jump slightly and look up at him with a confused frown. Alfred stopped mid step, arms frozen where they were; his eyes were wide and his smile was a little tighter, realising his embarrassment.
Shit.
Alfred was about to go in for a hug.
Alfred stood, completely frozen as Arthur stared at him. Would that be going too far? After all, he couldn't really help it. He was going for it before he even realised; it really meant a lot to him!
A few seconds felt like an eternity before Arthur rolled his eyes and looked away again.
"Oh, go on then! I know you're dying to!" He huffed, sounding irritated but Alfred saw that the man's face was a distinctly deeper shade of red than before. Alfred bounced on the balls of his feet happily and grabbed Arthur, pulling the rather disgruntled man into a tight bear hug. Arthur could feel his face heat up considerably, and not just because it was squished into the American's rather impressive chest either. Despite trying to hide it, Arthur smiled to himself softly. He had finally apologised. He had finally made it all okay again. And above all else, he had finally made Alfred smile again, just like how he used to before the whole mess started.
Arthur wasn't happy for much longer; Alfred squeezed him even tighter and even started nuzzling him as he chuckled. Arthur gave a breathless yelp, tapping Alfred's arm repeatedly in an attempted sign to let him go.
"Alright, alright!" Arthur gasped. "Stop trying to break me in half! I've already apologised!"
"Oopse." Alfred chuckled sheepishly and let Arthur go, taking a step back to give the Englishman some air. Arthur cleared his throat stiffly and tried to will his face to return to its original colour.
"So… Do you forgive me?" Arthur asked hesitantly. Alfred just chuckled and put his hands on his hips with a grin, striking what he thought to be a very heroic pose.
"Well, after a speech like that, how can I not?" Alfred smiled but Arthur just fiddled more.
"And, we can just… Move on from this whole thing, and everything will go back to how it was before?" He averted his gaze, worried that Alfred was just being nice or something else would go wrong or that he was being too childish. Alfred practically read Arthur's mind and smiled softly.
"Well, you're sorry, right?"
"Yes. Extremely." Arthur told him, again with not even the slightest hesitation. "And I'll apologise as many times as you want me to. I was wrong, and I-"
"It's fine, it's fine!" Alfred smiled happily; he knew he was blushing but he didn't care. "I forgive you, it's fine. Don't freak out so much." He chuckled. "I'm sorry too. I knew something was up but I still… Ah… I shouldn't have been so afraid to talk to you and stuff." He gave Arthur a meaningful smile. Arthur looked down sheepishly for a moment but then suddenly looked up, catching Alfred by surprise.
"Oh! I just remembered!" He said quickly and checked the clock on the wall. "I have time." He mumbled to himself before catching one his fellow employee's eye and calling them over. "I've got to pop upstairs quickly. Stay here, okay?" He told Alfred, who nodded, looking a little amused.
"No problem."
"Promise you won't run off?"
"What're you, five? I won't go anywhere, hurry up." Alfred laughed and grinned as Arthur actually pouted before trotting over to his colleague and mumbling instructions to them before dashing out of sight.
Alfred stood awkwardly with the employee he wasn't familiar with. He almost wished that he'd been stuck with someone he knew, like Henry or even the French Manager; but on the other hand, they both would have demanded information about what just happened and would most likely tease them both for it. Unlike Alfred, Arthur wouldn't be able to escape the teasing and leave the shop until the end of his shift; even then, he probably wouldn't hear the end of it for a long time.
Arthur soon came back into view, carrying a small bag. He thanked his fellow worker and sent them away; he then stood awkwardly for a moment before reaching into the bag and taking out a small, neatly wrapped box. Alfred stared at it even after Arthur held it out to him. There was another silence.
"This is the part where you take the box, Alfred." Arthur said firmly, clearly embarrassed.
"Why did you-?"
"I bought it soon after you left actually…" Arthur mumbled, prodding Alfred's chest with the box, prompting him to actually take the damn thing. The Englishman scrunched up the carrier bag he brought it in and fiddled with it, casting his eyes down. "The fourth of July. It was your birthday, wasn't it?" He said quietly. It was more of a statement than a question. Alfred stared at Arthur and then at the box in his hands as Arthur shifted uncomfortably. "You were going home for your birthday and you wanted to celebrate but I threw it all back in your face, didn't I?" His voice was solemn and guilty. Alfred was amazed that he had figured that out; then again, Arthur was good at that sort of thing. "I wanted to make it up to you." Arthur continued but soon trailed off. There was a short silence before Alfred smiled and spoke in a teasing tone.
"And it wasn't just to bribe me into liking you again?" He smiled a little wider when he heard Arthur scoff softly.
"Well, I thought it might grease the wheels a tad." Arthur smiled a little and Alfred was suddenly just as much of a smitten schoolgirl as he had always been. "Open it then. It's late enough as it is." Arthur tried to make his words sound dismissive but he was obviously watching carefully from the corner of his eye, paying close attention to Alfred's reaction. Alfred smiled and carefully undid the wrapping, commenting on how nice it was and smiling when Arthur looked away with a scoff and obvious blush. Alfred grinned when he saw the box.
"A Captain America mug?" He chuckled, feeling downright giddy. Arthur nodded and fiddled with a jacket on the clothes rail.
"I remember you said he was your favourite, right?" Arthur mumbled. To his horror, Alfred started laughing. "What? What's so funny!? Don't tell me you already have that one!" His worry only made Alfred laugh more and the American shook his head.
"I don't have it. Sorry, it's just-" He snickered again and grinned. "I was just thinking of finally buying myself one of these! This is the exact one I was looking at! It's like you're physic!" He laughed and Arthur bristled. It was true that he had bought the gift partly out of guilt and to try and pave the way for their repaired friendship, but it was also out of a simple desire to actually buy a gift for his friend; to see him smile and to show that despite how he acted, he actually did care about Alfred. To see the American have such a positive reaction, and to see him acting like his old self again, with the same old grin he always had, Arthur couldn't be happier. Of course, he couldn't let Alfred see how happy he was. God, no.
"Well, you don't have to be so-"
"I love it! Thank you!" Alfred grinned happily and Arthur promptly shut his mouth, feeling a little too thrilled about the man's reaction to the gift.
"W-well. Um- No problem then. I am rather good at picking gifts, so of course I knew that would be perfect!" He puffed his chest out a little proudly, speaking curtly as though he was above the situation. "It's not like, I agonised over it or anything. It was a very easy and quick decision." Arthur nodded once as if to accentuate the point and Alfred snickered again, knowing that Arthur was most likely lying; he could just imagine the man looking through web page after web page to find just the right gift. It was a mental picture that cheered him up even more. How many days did Arthur bring the gift to work with him, just on the off chance and hope that Alfred would come see him? Alfred found himself laughing, a thousand times happier than he had been in a long time.
"Thanks, Arthur! I'll use it a lot!" Alfred grinned and Arthur cleared his throat with a nod.
"Yes, well. Y-you better."
Alfred was both happy and disappointed that he decided to leave soon after; he just didn't want anything to go wrong and ruin such a perfect resolution to the problem that had been hanging over him for months. As soon as he got home, he ran to the kitchen and placed his new Captain America mug at the very front of cupboard where he kept glasses and cups. The complete child that he was, Alfred had been grinning the whole way home, so much so that is cheeks had started hurting. None of that mattered though.
"HE DOESN'T HATE ME!" Alfred cheered loudly, throwing his hands into the air and laughing. He needed to make noise; he needed to run around, he needed to blow off some steam somehow because for the first time since the end of June, Alfred felt practically weightless. Nothing was nagging at the back of his mind, nothing was worrying him and it was the most liberating and fantastic feeling in the whole damn universe. Alfred had to settle for dancing around his house with music set to the highest volume. He'd apologise to the neighbours if they complained, but until then, Alfred was on cloud nine. And it was fantastic.
Arthur spent his evening in a much more dignified manner. However, he did catch himself, on numerous occasions, smiling softly to himself or chuckling every time the image of the American's excited grin or understanding smile came into his mind. It was almost alarming how often it did come to mind. Arthur couldn't ignore just how happy he was with the entire situation. He couldn't have asked for a better reconciliation.
Maybe now he would be able to rebuild those bridges that he had so harshly burnt down. But then again, maybe he hadn't destroyed them to the extent that he thought he had. Alfred had been incredibly understanding. As soon as Arthur apologised and explained himself, the American had just forgiven him without a second thought. He had simply welcomed Arthur back into his life with open arms, even though Arthur had treated him so horribly and even though he had been so frightened and cautious around him before. But had he really expected anything else from a man like Alfred? Regardless, Arthur wouldn't be so cautious anymore. What was wrong with having a friend? Especially one like Alfred, who's entire being just flowed with friendly smiles and kind understanding? There couldn't have been a single thing wrong with it. Not in the slightest. Arthur found himself thinking more on his actual feelings for the American, and just how deep they may have travelled, but he wouldn't dwell on those thoughts. Not for the moment in any case. He hadn't broken Alfred's trust. He hadn't ruined their friendship and he hadn't destroyed any hope for the future.
It was almost funny how one of the first bridges they rebuilt, was over something silly that had brought them closer just a year before.
Halloween.
Alfred walked into the shop, crowded with parents and children, rushing about for costumes and the staff dressed up with charity boxes and promises of raffle draws. He chuckled to himself as he looked down the line of cashiers, ignoring all of them but one.
"Aw, man, that's weak." He scoffed and made his way over, not even bothering with the pretext of buying something, as at that moment, Arthur left the tills with a bundle of clothes, seemingly going to put them back in their rightful place. The American trotted over and grinned.
"Happy Halloween, kitty cat!" He snickered and Arthur groaned, slowly getting on with his work. Arthur had gone very minimalist with his costume that year apparently; still dressing in his uniform, but decorating his head with pale orange cat ears, and Alfred could see the glint of the same fangs he had used the year prior, whenever he spoke.
"Please never call me that again." Arthur said flatly, no bite to his words whatsoever. It seemed he wanted to look like he was actually working because Arthur made a point of not looking up at him, keeping his gaze strictly on the clothes in front of him.
"You kinda put less subtlety into this year's costume, huh?" Alfred chuckled happily and held back his laughter when Arthur clicked his tongue, showing off the fangs.
"Can't win them all I suppose, can you?"
"Are those the fangs from last year?" Alfred asked, leaning to the side slightly so he could get a better look at them. The Englishman wasn't going to fool him this year! Arthur straightened his back and closed his eyes, baring his teeth proudly.
"That's right." He said and looked down to his work again. Alfred frowned slightly. Arthur's eyes seemed much brighter than usual; in colour, that is. Was it just his imagination? He shrugged it off and smiled again.
"They still look really cool."
"Thank you." Arthur smiled and sighed. "Though they're not really having the same effect as last year."
"Why's that?" Alfred asked, tilting his head. Arthur looked up at him with fluorescent green cat eyes.
"Well, they're overshadowed a little by the contacts." He said casually but Alfred jumped out of his skin and shot back in shock.
"JESUS CHRIST, ARTHUR! Can you not!?" Alfred yelped, clutching his hand to his own chest in an attempt to stop his heart exploding. Arthur just grinned widely like the cat that caught the canary and laughed. Once he calmed sown, he gave the American a look of sympathy; it was far too easy to tease Alfred, but damn, if it wasn't fun to do!
"Still the best reaction I get by far." Arthur chuckled, patting Alfred on the shoulder lightly, consoling him as Alfred pouted like a child, still settling down. "You're a fun one to tease. I'm surprised you don't have a heart attack every Halloween with how easily you get scared."
"Oh trust me, I was pretty close there!" Alfred laughed and playfully shoved Arthur's shoulder, who chuckled and got back to work. "Damn, you never quit, huh? That really got me! Have you given anyone a heart attack yet?"
"Not quite so brilliantly at you." Arthur chuckled with a smile. "Children find it infinitely amusing and adults usually just jump slightly, then laugh or look at me like I'm dirt on their new shoes." He shook his head and Alfred frowned, clicking his tongue.
"Harsh." He mumbled and Arthur nodded.
"The elderly don't mind though. They think it's creative and oddly charming." He chuckled, remembering some of the reactions he had received that day.
"Yeah, they would." Alfred scoffed in a playful tone. "I'm surprised you haven't killed any of them yet."
"The day is still young." Arthur shrugged, making Alfred burst out laughing.
They talked for a while, comfortable and casual, but Arthur couldn't wander around the shop with him carrying a pile of clothes forever. When the time came, and Arthur was holding the last item he had to return to its rightful place, he stammered hesitantly. Alfred could just imagine the ears on top of the man's head drooping down in his nervous awkwardness. It was an adorable image.
"Um- Just a question." Arthur cleared his throat, walking slowly. "Are you free at all on the 5th?" He asked. Alfred grinned and replied without even thinking.
"I'm American. I'm always free, baby!" Alfred laughed as Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned.
"You impertinent twat, why am I even doing this?" Arthur muttered to himself as Alfred laughed and sighed. "Yes. Rather. But, the 5th in particular?" Arthur asked again.
"Of November? Yeah, sure, I guess. Why?"
"Well…" Arthur rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, cursing himself for stammering so much; what he was doing shouldn't have been that hard, right? "I remember you saying you, um… you've never been to- uh-… A-a Fireworks display?" Arthur looked at Alfred awkwardly, who looked back at him in surprise. "F-for bonfire night, I mean." He added quickly.
"You remember that?"
"Should I not?" Arthur said in a defensive tone and huffed. "Look, they're holding a display on the 5th and seeing as I haven't been to one in years, and you've never been at all, I thought I'd let you tag along." Arthur grumbled quickly, acting all stuffy like he usually did. "It's not like it's specially for you or anything. There's no point in going alone so if you can't go then I won't bother." He folded his arms and added stiffly. "It's purely for my benefit." There was a short silence.
"Oh, man!" Alfred grinned happily. "Well, I can't ruin your night by not keeping you company then, can I? But that sure is kind of you, Arthur! Letting me tag along and all!" Alfred couldn't help but laugh. Arthur really was adorable sometimes. Alfred had barely seen this side of him until now.
"Oh, belt up." Arthur grumbled, hiding how pleased he actually was. "I'm regretting this decision already."
And so, on the 5th of November, Alfred bundled up in multiple sweaters and his favourite jacket –A WW2 style bomber pilot jacket. Best purchase he ever made. Worth every penny. Alfred was infinitely glad that he'd finally decided to take it to England the last time he went back to America. The jacket was familiar and just felt like home to him- and headed out of his house, grabbing a small box on the way out. He had a little trouble finding the park, even though Arthur's directions had been detailed, it turned out Alfred simply had a terrible sense of direction with anything remotely new. That being said, he still got lost in the high street when walking through town sometimes. Alfred shook his head in despair for himself and sighed, looking around at the road signs.
Thankfully, it was only a short while later that he saw large signs advertising the fireworks display. Alfred grinned and followed their directions, parking by the road a little ways from the gate; it seemed a lot of people were already there. Alfred found Arthur standing by the entrance, just as bundled up as he was, wearing a black trench coat and a dark scarf; the lower part of his face was hidden by the woollen scarf doubled around his neck, like he was trying to bury his entire face in it. The night air was pretty biting after all, Alfred wasn't surprised. Arthur just glared weakly when the American called out to him and hurried over.
"Sorry I'm late! Did I keep you waiting long?"
"Yes, you git! What part of 'seven O'-bloody-clock' did you not understand!" Arthur snapped, quickly shifting around in his coat and scarf in an attempt to get warm. Alfred decided to be cheeky and even had the nerve to wink at him.
"A Queen is never late, everyone else is just early!" He said happily with a proud grin, like he had just said something witty and clever. Arthur stared at him in silence as the wind gently whistled past them.
"Right." Arthur said flatly. Why did he suggest this? "I'm choosing to ignore the fact that you just called yourself a 'queen'."
"Well, if ya think about it-"
"I know." Arthur cut across him sternly, but his tone was ruined by the strong blush on his face as he averted his eyes. Alfred just chuckled, the cheeky bastard. "And instead…" Arthur let out a heavy sigh. "Did you honestly just quote 'The Princess Diaries'?"
"'The Princess Diaries two', to be exact!" Alfred said with a bright grin. Arthur curled his lip in disgust, barely hidden behind the scarf.
"God awful film. I don't know why Julie Andrews sullied herself with that tripe." He muttered, shaking his head.
"Buuut you recognised it." Alfred pointed out, grinning from ear to ear. "Which means you've watched it." There was another silence.
Ah.
Well. He had him there…
Arthur turned his back on Alfred to hide how red his face was and made his way into the park.
"God awful film." Arthur muttered again, pulling his scarf up over his nose when he heard Alfred's loud and cheerful laughter from behind him. Why on Earth did he suggest this?
Walking around the festivities was actually much more pleasant than Arthur had anticipated. It really had been too long since he had been to a fireworks display; seeing families and couples rushing around and having fun was simply a lovely atmosphere to be a part of. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Alfred really get into the spirit as well. The American tugged him this way and that, just like a child, grinning happily the whole time.
"When do the Fireworks start?" He asked excitedly. Arthur supressed a smile as he raised an eyebrow at him; he was such a child.
"About half an hour." Arthur told him, checking his watch. Alfred didn't seem very happy at all.
"What!? You kidding!? Why did you tell me to get here so early!?" He whined and Arthur swore he just saw Alfred, a grown man, actually stamp his foot. Arthur sighed and shook his head.
"It's not all about the fireworks. They'll light the bonfire before they light the fireworks, and also I thought you might want to actually walk around for a while. There's food, entertainment, and these." He gestured to a stall a little ways from them in a casual manner. As soon as Alfred saw what it was, he gasped loudly.
"SPARKLERS!" He cheered and grinned widely at Arthur like he'd just been given £1000 in cash. "Arthur! Can we get sparklers!?"
"You are a child and I worry about you." Arthur replied flatly.
"Yaaaaaaay!"
Watching Alfred waving a sparkler around was like watching a kitten playing with a toy or it's tail. It looked like he was having an attack but it was just really endearing. The man looked like he was having more fun than the children. Arthur chuckled to himself; he was perfectly content to just watch but apparently, Alfred wasn't having any of it. He ended up chasing Arthur around with the sparkler while Arthur tried to escape him, weaving this way and that and yelling at the overgrown child, trying with all his strength not to swear at him loudly while children were around.
Alfred was awkwardly munching on a toffee apple when he saw a large crowd gathering. He nudged Arthur, who also had an apple, and pointed to the gathering.
"Are the fireworks startin'?" He asked as he chewed his apple.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." Arthur scolded on instinct and followed Alfred's gaze. "No, it's still too early. They're probably about to light the bonfire." Arthur's smile widened a little. "Let's go have a closer look."
Alfred followed Arthur as they wove through the crowd, finding a spot close to the front and working their way over, trying not to bump into too many people. Arthur was watching the large, unlit bonfire with such anticipation that Alfred found himself looking more at him than the actual attraction. The small, expectant and even excited smile on Arthur's face made Alfred's stomach flip.
When the flames slowly crackled to life and bathed the night in gorgeous warmth, Alfred saw Arthur's whole face light up; the man's eyes practically sparkled like a child's. He was really enjoying himself. Being there, watching the flames dance and rise higher across the bonfire, bundled up as much as he could, was something that made him genuinely happy. Alfred snapped out of his daze when he heard Arthur let out a rush of air as he spoke.
"Oh…" He breathed, not taking his eyes off the bonfire. "Look at that." Arthur spoke barely above a whisper, grinning happily and completely in his own world as he pulled his scarf down, letting Alfred see just how widely he was smiling. Alfred felt himself blush and quickly looked over to the flames to stop himself from staring; it really was beautiful. The fire was powerful and wild and yet completely in control and dignified, in its own way. It held him like a spell, powerful and warm and glorious. Alfred's face heated up even more, realising that everything he just thought was the perfect way to describe the man standing next to him, even if a little flowery in his choice of words. Arthur was completely unaware, but Alfred cleared his throat and laughed to make himself feel more at ease.
"You really like bonfires, huh?" He grinned at Arthur as the man tore his eyes away from the fire to glance up at him. "Are you a pyromaniac or something?"
"Wh-!?" Arthur bristled and huffed, frowning at Alfred to hide his embarrassment. "Sod off! I am no such thing!"
"Oh my God, you totally are, aren't you!?" Alfred grinned wider and Arthur sputtered, failing to give a proper response quick enough, so he settled for hitting Alfred on the arm, who just flinched, still grinning.
"I am not." He said firmly. Arthur voice then softened as he averted his eyes, looking back at the bonfire and clearly still embarrassed. "There's just something… Beautiful about fire. It's soothing to look at, I can't really explain it." He murmured and Alfred caught himself staring again. The American cleared his throat and nodded, looking at the dancing flames.
"No, I get it." He mumbled sheepishly, pulling the collar of his jacket closer to his neck in an attempt to hide how red he knew his face was. "I know exactly how you feel. I-it's kinda hard to look away." Alfred finished, too afraid to look back at Arthur in case he was looking back at him. He saw the Englishman shuffle slightly out the corner of his eye and heard the man clear his throat.
"Yes. Um- Quite." Arthur said awkwardly and Alfred couldn't help smiling, closing his eyes and shaking his head fondly. Arthur must have heard him when he started laughing under his breath because his voice sounded much more embarrassed when he next spoke.
"Oh for goodness sake, what is it now?" Arthur demanded. Alfred just looked back at him with a lopsided grin.
"You're so British it hurts." He laughed, the fondness clear in his tone. Arthur's face went bright red and he smacked Alfred's arm again before turning back to the fire, glaring weakly with his arms folded across his chest.
"S-sod off."
Arthur soon calmed down again. Looking at the fire helped; there really was something soothing about it. It was warm and magnificent in how it sprung to life and shone so brilliantly it was almost impossible to take your eyes away from the brilliance of it. It demanded attention with its lavish beauty and Arthur was more than happy to give it. It was beautiful, it was gorgeous, and Arthur loved it. He found himself smiling softly and he breathed out a contented sigh, shifting his weight slightly towards the man next him.
Arthur caught himself abruptly and ended up stumbling, bumping into Alfred, who held out his hands in case Arthur lost his footing and fell.
"Woah, dude, you okay?"
Arthur didn't answer; his eyes wide in surprise. He had just been about to lean against Alfred. Just randomly. Just lean right against him like he was a pillow. What the all-loving hell? It just seemed like the natural thing to do; why did it seem like a natural thing to do? Thankfully, Arthur had stopped himself before actually going through with it and of course he ended up looking like an uncoordinated twat for it. He hadn't expected the American to catch him, he certainly hadn't expected to see the man looking just as startled and confused as he did when he glanced up. Somehow, it made his heart skip a beat. They both looked at each other for a moment once Arthur found his footing again; he noticed Alfred's cheeks were pink –he reasoned it down to the cold air- and he was looking at him with a searching expression, probably wanting to make sure that he was alright. Of course Alfred would do that.
'Good God, it should be illegal to look that handsome…' Was definitely something that Arthur was not thinking! And he most certainly wasn't thinking about how utterly gorgeous the man's face looked illuminated in the warm glow of the fire.
"You okay, Arthur?" He heard Alfred ask worriedly. "Are you dizzy?" There was another short silence between them. Arthur's eyes flickered down to Alfred's lips for a moment before clearing his throat and turning away.
"M-maybe. I'm not sure. Sorry." Arthur mumbled stiffly, clearing his throat after noticing how tight his voice sounded. "Maybe I should move away from the fire for a while. Th-the fireworks will probably start soon anyway." He swiftly left the bonfire behind him, telling himself the heat had simply got to him and that was all. Any other possibility would be too worrying to think about at that point. Alfred followed after him and trotted up to walk beside him; Arthur could feel the man's eyes on him as they walked.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Alfred asked hesitantly and Arthur frowned, not looking up.
"Yes, dammit!" He snapped. A silence fell over them both and Arthur's expression instantly changed. This was exactly how the problem had started in the first place. Arthur wasn't going to make the same mistake again. He forced himself to look up, working through his awkwardness and smiled softly. "I'm fine, Alfred. Really. Don't worry about me, okay?" When Alfred just looked at him in silence, Arthur could tell that old doubts were rising in the poor man's mind; so, Arthur tried to ease his worries. "I think the heat from the fire was a bit much." He explained, half lying, to the best of his knowledge. "I'm okay, I just- yeah, I think I got a bit dizzy. But I'm alright." Arthur smiled and Alfred seemed to relax a little.
"Okay… If you're sure. But tell me if you feel dizzy or sick or anything 'kay?" Alfred offered him a lopsided smile. "We're both supposed to be havin' fun, right?"
Arthur smiled and nodded, leading Alfred to what he deemed as a good place to watch the fireworks. Of course Alfred would say something like that, wouldn't he?
Alfred noticed Arthur shivering as they stood, waiting for the fireworks; the man had his hands in his pockets and his shoulders hunched, seemingly trying to bury himself deeper and deeper into his coat and scarf.
"You cold?" Alfred asked and saw Arthur roll his eyes.
"Your powers of perception are phenomenal." He replied flatly and smiled slightly when Alfred just chuckled. "That's the problem with fires, you see." Arthur explained in a joking tone. "As soon as you move out of the immediate vicinity, you're instantly cold again."
"Well that sucks." Alfred nodded in understanding, watching Arthur shiver again and pull his scarf up just under his nose.
"Doesn't help that the cold goes right through me anyway." Arthur chuckled.
"Dude, you should have put on more layers."
"Well, obviously, I know that now. Thank you, Alfred." Arthur scoffed and shook his head with a smile. Alfred looked at him for a moment before smiling brightly. The next thing Arthur knew, something warm and slightly heavy had been draped over his head, shoulders and back. The Englishman realised that Alfred had given him his jacked and looked up at him like he'd just grown a second head.
"Wh-"
"You were cold." Alfred smiled.
"But I-"
"This'll make you warmer."
"But you-"
"I'm wearing 3 sweaters, a t-shirt and a vest. I'm fine!" Alfred just grinned happily. Arthur knew the man wasn't going to budge on the subject and sighed, moving the jacket to hang around his shoulders and pulling it close to keep himself warm. And it did indeed make him feel much warmer, especially since Alfred had been previously wearing it and the American was apparently part radiator. Arthur blushed and pulled his scarf up over his nose, mumbling a small thank you to Alfred and waiting for the fireworks to start. Alfred felt a little colder, with the biting breeze around them, but it was nothing he couldn't handle; besides, seeing Arthur blush like that and wearing his jacket, like they were high school kids going steady for the first time, made him feel like he couldn't care less about the cold night air.
As Alfred smiled at Arthur, there was a small hissing sound, and something flashed across the sky in Alfred's peripheral vision. He whipped his head round just in time to see a burst of exploding colour, lighting up the sky with a thunderous bang. Alfred gasped happily and grinned, his eyes lighting up like the sky in front of them. All at once, the sky exploded with stars and streams of colour, the dark night erupting in crashes of continuous thunder.
"Woah!" Alfred exclaimed and laughed happily as a multi-coloured firework exploded with an almighty bang, lighting up half the sky. Arthur stayed silent, watching Alfred with a soft smile that was hidden beneath his scarf; the man looked like a child on Christmas day. Arthur suddenly felt an almost overwhelming fondness for the other man, seeing him so overly excited about something like fireworks. Being able to find joy in the little things like this was nice. Arthur, seemingly all at once, came to terms with the fact that he was indeed, very fond of Alfred; not for things like blisteringly smooth and suave charm or-
"Holy crap nuggets did you see that one!?" Alfred laughed loudly, flashing Arthur a bright grin before looking back to the bursts of colour in the sky, pointing to thundering claps of shining colour. "That one was awesome! They better have more of those! Holy balls!"
Arthur scoffed. No, it certainly wasn't Alfred's sophistication –or rather, lack thereof- but rather for the strangely endearing charm that he had. Alfred didn't have to try, he was just naturally charming in how he acted; Arthur had known that from the beginning. He'd just never really accepted it before. Maybe it was time that he did? Arthur smiled and looked out at the sky, watching the night burst into brilliant colour as he pulled Alfred's jacket a little closer around him. He ended up laughing along with Alfred as he overreacted to each firework, smiling and teasing the American for being such a child. Alfred obviously denied such claims with an incredibly childish pout, which made Arthur laugh all the more. This was nice.
This was natural.
When the display was finally over and the two men had decided they'd had quite enough of standing around in the cold, they both headed out to the entrance and stood a little ways from the gate, the other visitors slowly filing out to go back to their cars and return home. Arthur and Alfred on the other hand, stayed a while longer and chatted about this and that. Both of them had come in their own cars so, although neither of them said it, they both wanted to spend a little more time with each other before they went back home on their own. It was another half hour before they decided it might be a good idea to head home. Arthur shrugged off Alfred's jacket with a nod and a small smile –even though secretly he didn't want to, he'd become too used to the pleasant warmth- to return it.
"It's a great jacket." Arthur commented.
"I know right? It's my favourite. It's so much better than my big puffy coat so I decided to bring it over here. It was staying at home in America for a while."
"Oh, I see. Well, it's very nice. Thank you for letting me use it."
"No prob! It does it's job!" Alfred grinned happily and Arthur scoffed softly. Alfred happily rummaged through the pockets of the jacket before taking out a small box, wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper.
"Seeing as this might be my last chance, here!" Alfred smiled handing the box to Arthur, who took it out of habit, looking rather confused.
"What's-"
"Christmas present!" Alfred grinned. Arthur raised an eyebrow in distaste.
"Alfred, I know you like holidays and all, but it's November." Arthur told him flatly. Alfred just laughed.
"Yeah but I'm going home for Christmas this year! I have the money and the rest of my family don't." He chuckled. "Don't wanna leave them all missing me."
"Oh. Oh, yes, of course." Arthur smiled slightly and looked down at the box. He should have expected as much. "So this is for me?" He asked with a smile.
"No, it's for the pope. C'mon, open it moron!" Alfred scoffed and chuckled happily as Arthur eyed him disapprovingly.
"You're cheeky today, aren't you?" He muttered under his breath fondly and unwrapped his present. He couldn't help but laugh when he saw it.
"You like it?" Alfred grinned.
"It's an egg timer!"
"Yeah! They're really useful!" Alfred grinned wider. "I remember you said you always got distracted so you burnt food all the time, right?"
"N-not all the time." Arthur flushed slightly and Alfred chuckled before continuing.
"You seem like the kinda guy that likes practical gifts so I thought you might have use for something like that." He smiled brightly and Arthur laughed again, shaking his head fondly.
"You're very right. Thank you, Alfred. That's very sweet of you."
"Make sure you use it so you don't burn your house down!"
"Sod of, Alfred. Go home." Arthur chuckled and smiled.
Alfred walked Arthur to his car, as he had been parked closer than Alfred had been; they said their goodbyes but then Arthur remembered something.
"Alfred, when do you leave?" He asked and Alfred tilted his head.
"Next Friday, why?" Alfred replied and Arthur thought for a moment before nodding to himself.
"Alright. Wonderful. Visit the shop on Thursday, if you can. Alright?"
"Huh? Why Thursday?"
"Can't you make Thursday?"
"Uh… No, I can make it."
"Good. Then be there. Between four and five, if you can."
"But I-"
"Just do it Alfred!" Arthur huffed and shook his head. "Now go home! You've been standing in the cold for far too long and you don't want to be sick over Christmas." He smiled as Alfred whined but ultimately agreed. They then said their farewells and got into their cars, heading home for some well-deserved rest. Arthur, making plans in his mind, and Alfred, just feeling rather confused about why Arthur wanted to see him before he left.
Alfred hadn't expected it, but when he went to visit Arthur at work the day before he left for America, he received one of the nicest surprises he'd ever received. Arthur had been manning the fitting rooms and seemed to be keeping an anxious eye out for Alfred, because as soon as he caught sight of him, he ducked behind the wall and was holding a small plastic bag by the time Alfred walked over.
"Hey, Arthur." Alfred greeted happily and looked down at the bag. "What's with the bag?"
"What do you think?" Arthur rolled his eyes and held out the bag stiffly. Alfred took it and noticed it was heavier than he expected it to be.
"Artie, you already got me something, you didn't have to-"
"That was a late birthday present and you got me something so of course I was going to return the favour." Arthur cut him off huffily. He seemed a little tired, the poor guy. "Besides, I didn't really buy you anything, as such." He added, looking much more sheepish.
Alfred frowned in confusion for a second before reaching into the bag. He pulled out a medium-sized jar, which was full of beautifully decorated Christmas themed cookies; colourful presents, snowmen with tiny hats and scarves, candy canes, Christmas trees and baubles. Each one had amazing detail; he could hardly believe they were actually edible. He looked up at Arthur in awe.
"Did you…?" He trailed off and Arthur looked away sheepishly.
"They're a little brown…" He mumbled. "I still left them in a little too long. Even with the egg timer."
"You made these!?" Alfred exclaimed in disbelief. They looked like something a professional would make. "They look effing amazing!" Arthur blushed under the praise and shrugged.
"I've always been better at the decorating then the actual baking. I-it didn't take that long." He chuckled slightly. Alfred looked at him again, feeling his chest tighten almost painfully with fondness for the Englishman. He could tell that Arthur had poured his heart and soul into his gift; it probably took a lot longer than he would admit.
"Can I try one now?" He asked excitedly and Arthur's face flushed bright red.
"Now!? Um- I didn't really think you'd- um…" He stammered awkwardly. He had wanted Alfred to take them away so he wouldn't see his reaction to tasting them, in case they were bad. "If-if you want to, I mean, then…" Alfred, who had already opened the jar, instantly took one and popped it in his mouth, much to Arthur's horror. "I-I'm not the best cook so I'm sorry if they-"
"It's awesome!" Alfred told him with just as much excitement as before, his eyes sparkling. Arthur just blushed more with the added praise and nodded.
"Yes. Well. Um- rather. Th-thank you, then, I guess? Um…" Arthur facepalmed in embarrassment and quickly folded his arms across his chest. "I knew you'd enjoy them, even if they were bad. You seem to have a real sweet tooth so, y-yeah. Um- M-merry Christmas and- yeah."
"Thank you Arthur!" Alfred grinned brightly and put the jar back in the carrier bag. "I'm totally taking these to America with me! I think you lied about being a bad cook!"
"Sh-shut up!" Arthur snapped weakly, knowing his face must have been bright red. "Just-! Just go home and pack already!"
"Aw man! How did you know I hadn't even packed yet?" Alfred laughed loudly as Arthur sputtered and whacked his arm.
"You bloody moron!" Arthur scolded. "Go home and pack! How bloody useless are you!? Can't you do a thing on your own!?" Alfred just laughed and grinned, knowing that Arthur didn't mean it and was just worried about him.
"Thanks again, Arthur! This is awesome! I want more when I come back after Christmas!"
"M-more!?" Arthur bristled and whacked him again. "How dare you! Feel lucky that you're getting those!" He growled through Alfred laughter and huffed; he looked away and folded his arms. "So… No sudden appearances on Boxing day this year?" He asked, surprised at how strangely disappointed he sounded. If Alfred noticed, he thankfully didn't comment on it.
"Not this year, sadly. But hey! We should totally get together for New Years or something! More fireworks! Woo!" Alfred cheered and Arthur couldn't help but smile.
"Right, right. Now go on. Sod off before you get me fired." Arthur told him and Alfred grinned, opening his arms.
"Bring it in, Artie! You're not gonna see me for a while. I know you'll be mad with grief!" He snickered and Arthur scoffed.
"Mad with joy is more likely." He sneered teasingly and let the man scoop him into a crushing bear hug, just to humour him. "Alright, alright, get off. That was just out of spirit for the season. Don't expect any more hugs after… Well, ever." He smiled as Alfred chuckled happily and they parted ways.
"Have a good Christmas, Arthur!" Alfred called.
"You too, Alfred. Have a good time." Arthur called back, watching the American leave with a fond expression.
There was a short silence before Arthur heard a smooth French voice behind him; his manager glided past, carrying a small pile of boxes.
"Well! It certainly is nice to see you two back together, isn't it?" Francis cooed happily, chuckling as he passed. "So happy to see you both worked through your lover's tiff."
Arthur stuck out his foot and tripped him.
Happy HalloweenChristmasNewYearHolidays! o7o
I do apologise for not updating this story more often X'D I'm now in university and the course is incredibly intense, leaving very little time for writing. However, I made a goal to update again before New Years and I made it by the skin of my teeth! XD Thank you all for an absolutely wonderful year and I love you all from the depths of my heart. Your support for the characters, reviews, comments, opinions and observations with everything included in this story really keep me going and inspire me to keep writing. I did an extra long chapter for you all to make up for lost time XD I'm sorry for being so slow, but I hope you enjoy this chapter and all have wonderful holidays. (Lets try and finally get these boys together by the end of 2015! XDD)
Speaking of New Years; should I write them hanging out, or just skip a couple months like I usually do? X'D Give me your thoughts!
I love how Arthur and Alfred have developed over the course of this story so far and I owe it to you all for sticking with me. Thank you very much again and I hope we all have a brilliant upcoming year! Much loves!
-Lolo