Chapter 1
Arthur was a considerably cool guy. He used to be an excellent student, a former football player (which now, living in America, his annoyed self had to present as a soccer player), and he had always had rather a great life.
At the time, he was a handsome and very successful talk show host with a huge flat from which he could see New York perfectly. There’s no need to mention his fans loved him for his accent and his endless sarcasm.
However, Arthur himself was not entirely satisfied. His home felt… empty. There were many speculations about his personal life, but Arthur kept his private life a secret. It wasn’t a problem; there was not much to hide anyway.
Arthur preferred men. He had never tried to conceal that. But after a certain point of his life, he decided to stop randomly making out with guys- he decided it was high time for him to find the one.
Well, it wasn’t easy. He spent a lot of time looking and he was ready to give up.
Then, out of the blue, Arthur found him, discovering an entirely new kink of his along the way.
Arthur enjoyed morning runs. Headphones in his ears, the sun slowly rising… It pumped him up and kept him fit. He often ran through the Central Park, which had relatively fresh air compared to the rest of the city. It wasn’t the best, but it was definitely better than nothing.
That morning, the usual routine slightly collapsed when Arthur discovered he’d forgotten his headphones at home. It happened from time to time and it was not going to stop him, although music made things a bit more fun.
After approximately 5 minutes of running, with his feet lightly touching the surface of the pavement, he couldn’t ignore the heavy huffs behind him anymore. His pace was not unbearably fast, hell, people often outran him, yet someone was trying to keep up with him and was obviously terribly failing.
He sped up. Just a little.
Whoever was behind him got behind a bit, but soon managed to return to his previous distance from Arthur, who didn’t feel like running any faster, so he just rolled his eyes and maintained the speed.
The breathing got even deeper and suddenly it stopped with a thud and a couple of coughs.
Arthur could have ignored that, but he simply had to check on the person behind him, to make sure they were alright. He stopped and turned around.
On the ground, there was a blond, chubby guy, kneeling, with his hands on the ground and his head dropped down.
The Briton approached him and leant down.
“Excuse me, sir, are you okay?” He asked concerned.
The blond head shook yes, even though it didn’t seem like it at all as he was desperately trying to catch his breath.
Arthur knitted his eyebrows together. “Maybe you should stand up and walk around, that should help you to calm down and breathe regularly. It’s much better than to stop moving at all…”
The man tried to lift himself up, but his legs seemed too weak and felt like jelly. He nearly fell back down. However, Arthur helped him by supporting him, and only at that moment the stranger showed Arthur his face.
It was all red and sweaty, with his gaze fixed on the ground, while foggy glasses laid on his button-like nose. “T-thanks…” He let out among the breaths and finally glanced at Arthur.
His eyes were wonderfully blue and innocent, even through all the blurriness of the glasses.
Startled a little, Arthur muttered, “No problem…” He kept looking at this guy’s face, at his plump cheeks, plump, slightly opened lips, and those baby blue eyes; then shook his head lightly, mentally slapping himself. “I guess it’d be better for you to sit down…” He said softly and led him to a bench, where the boy gracefully plopped, while Arthur remained standing in front of him. He had to admit, it was pretty cute. “Take deep breaths, in with your nose, out with your mouth, alright?” He instructed.
The reply was a simple nod. Arthur took a chance to get a closer look on this “runner”, while he was trying to calm down.
He seemed quite young, a few years younger than Arthur… His hair was really messy and wet; there were few drops of sweat on his forehead. His plain, rather tight navy blue t-shirt showed his rapidly rising and descending chest. His belly was sticking out over the waistband of his trousers. His thighs touched each other, looking melted. He was wearing some short grey sweatpants, a bit dirty at the area of the knees, because of the fall, and a pair of shoes which was not meant for running.
“I’m… sorry…” The man - well, now Arthur wasn’t sure if man was the right word to use in describing this messy cutie - looked at Arthur in an apologetic manner.
It took the Briton a short while to understand what he meant. Arthur then gave him a reassuring smile. “Oh, there’s nothing to be sorry for. I would not have stopped running if I had not wanted to stop.”
“Alright then…” His breathing was more even now. He bit his lip. “I don’t usually… go running…” He said in an attempt to explain himself.
‘No shit.’ Arthur thought, amused, but stayed quiet, listening to what the stranger had to say.
“I was running, b-but I thought I was… too slow,” He took a deeper breath, “and then I saw you, and thought it could go better if I followed… but I don’t think it was a good idea… 'cause my legs kinda gave in.” He looked down, disappointed in himself.
“Let me tell you, it certainly was not. You shouldn’t run fast if you are a beginner.”
The boy nodded before asking a question, still avoiding the eye contact. “A-aren’t you that guy from the tv? Arthur… Arthur Kirkland?”
Arthur sighed. “Yes, that would be me…”
“Cool. I sometimes watch your show…” He said and nervously glanced at Arthur, then back down.
Arthur broke it. “Um, glad to hear that. And you are…?”
The guy looked up at the Brit as if he had done something unbelievable, and introduced himself. “I’m Alfred. Alfred Jones.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Alfred.” Arthur smiled at him.
Alfred gave him a small smile in return, it wasn’t clear if he was blushing or not, but his cheeks became redder, or so it seemed. “Same here.”
Arthur’s heart skipped a beat. He tried to keep his face straight, it would have been weird for him to smile all the time. This Alfred, he was still rather pink, he was damp from all the perspiration, not looking the best, and he certainly wasn’t a guy Arthur would choose to spend a night with, or to date, or to even hit on. Arthur felt a bit superficial. Alfred probably wasn’t the ideal of today’s beauty, but the more Arthur observed him, the more attractive he seemed. His smile was really sweet and innocent and he seemed soft and fluffy and warm and his eyes were just like that morning’s sky and Arthur felt like he could stare into them for hours… Although his green eyes were a bit more interested in the pudge Alfred had around his waist. He tried hard not to look though. Why would he want to anyway…?!
He decided to get to know Alfred. Maybe, just maybe, was there a chance for Alfred to be… the one?
“You should drink some water.” Arthur stated.
Alfred nodded. “Alright.” Then he frowned. “I- I don’t have any water here…”
It made Arthur chuckle. ”I can see that. I thought we’d buy some.“
The bigger one stood up carefully, only know realizing the feeling of dizziness that almost overwhelmed him once more. Luckily Arthur was right there, making sure Alfred would stay on his feet.
They started slowing walking away from the bench, with Alfred leaning against Arthur occasionally.
—
Alfred was standing by a pole, just in case he lost his balance, as he was waiting for Arthur, who insisted on paying for Alfred’s bottle of water himself. He felt really exhausted and confused. He wasn’t able to comprehend the other’s actions. Kirkland was really nice and he wasn’t mean at all, unlike on his show.
The Brit came closer to Alfred with two bottles and handed him one.
The taller one took it, thanked him and unscrewed the top before drinking half of it.
Arthur opened his too, smiled at the American’s thirst and had a few gulps himself. Then he handed Alfred a granola bar.
"Um, here, take this, it’ll help you regain some energy.” The look given back to him seemed unsure.
“Come on~” He said encouragingly again and Alfred finally grabbed it.
“You didn’t have to buy me anything…” He muttered, looking at the bar in his hand.
“Hey, don’t be like that, I’ve already said, I only do the things I mean.” Arthur gave him a strict glance.
“Well, you’ve just met me, that’s why I find it a bit… weird.” Alfred averted his eyes.
Arthur’s cheeks turned pink. It really was weird, but he couldn’t really explain why he was acting that way. “It’s just… Err…” He couldn’t explain himself. “Stop questioning all I do! I simply think people should be… N-nice! Nicer. To each other.” He stuttered with a raised voice, frowning.
Silence fell upon them once again. Alfred felt bad for judging Arthur’s behaviour just because of his appearance in front of the audience.
He tried to start at least a little chat. “So, um, you go running often?” He glanced at the shorter one.
“Yes, yes, I do. Almost every morning. It’s a nice way to unwind. All the stress from work drains a lot of my energy, and this basically keeps me sane.” He chuckled.
“Oh, awesome.” Alfred nodded. He had no idea about running. He had no idea about what Arthur might have been doing while not being on the screen. He had no idea what to say.
Luckily, Arthur probably noticed that and changed the topic. “What about you? I mean… What do you do?”
“I’m trying to draw… Like, my own comics…”
Arthur nodded. “Interesting. Kind of… So… you decided to take up running, huh? Trying to get fit?” He smirked.
Alfred’s expression was hard to read, but he felt uncomfortable explaining that. His eyes glazed over lightly. “Well… Eh…” He didn’t know how to reply. He didn’t know the answer himself.
Arthur soon realised this question was not particularly polite and tried to save the situation. “Never mind that…” He cleared his voice. “So, how’s your drawing career?”
“Not well. I’m a cashier now.” He muttered still feeling awkward.
“Ah, I see… I know this isn’t very polite, but I have to ask… How old are you?” He tilted his head, hoping he hadn’t crossed any lines.
“19. You?”
Arthur blinked few times at him. Al was younger than he had hoped. He did have those soft cheeks giving him a bit of a baby face though. “Ehm, me? I’m- I’m 25…” He replied in a murmur. He almost felt a bit too old next to Alfred, who just nodded in reply. But his blue eyes widened suddenly.
“Do you know what time it is?”
Arthur checked his watch. “It’s 7:40.”
Alfred seemed a bit worried. “I’ll be late… I… I gotta go…”
The Brit sighed and looked down, disappointed. “Oh…” Then he got an idea and just as Alfred was ready to turn and walk away, Arthur grabbed his hand, pulling him a step closer, and their eyes met. It was now or never. “What would you say about having a coffee with me sometimes?” Arthur asked with a
flirty smile.
Alfred appeared mesmerized. He just stared at Arthur, whose face looked even better in real life than on tv. He shook his head lightly, up and down in an agreement.
“Wonderful!” Arthur’s smile turned into a grin. He took his phone out and with a few clicks handed it to Alfred. “Just type your number in. We’ll talk later, since you’re in a hurry.”
Alfred wasn’t sure about that, but whatever, he thought as he left his number in Arthur’s phone.
—
In the evening, Alfred was sitting on his bed, looking at the wrapper of the bar Arthur had given him. He ate it on his way to work, already being late.
Many emotions varied in his mind as he stood up and started walking in his room.
He simply couldn’t believe it. Did Arthur flirt with him? More importantly, why? Maybe Alfred misread the situation…
It wasn’t like he was particularly self-conscious, but embarrassing himself in front of Arthur made him feel that way. He was polite, charming and attractive and Alfred didn’t understand it. His eyes were a bit mysterious and intimidating. Every time he saw Arthur Kirkland’s show, he seemed like an asshole.
Yet when he was looking at Alfred, his entire face expressed much softer feelings.
Alfred turned to his phone.
Still nothing.
What if it was just some kind of a nasty joke? He was, after all, a comedian, Alfred thought. Maybe something for a new sketch…
He sighed and went to the kitchen to make dinner. Well, to put it into his microwave. He was a bit too tired to cook. Soon, when he started eating a plate of lasagne, Alfred’s telephone rang. He jumped from the chair to his feet and ran to check it. It was a new number he couldn’t recognize, which meant it might as well have been Arthur!
“Hello?” He asked after picking up.
Alfred melted internally when he heard Arthur’s voice on the other side of the phone. “Hi, Alfred!” Briton’s voice seemed cheerful. “I was wondering if you’d like to meet someday soon. I don’t know when you have time, so I decided to give you a call.”
Alfred squealed mentally. So it was actually real..? There was still a bit of doubt deep inside of him, but he ignored that. “Oh, hey Arthur! Well… I’m free practically every evening… I don’t really have… plans.” He cleared his voice. What a bore. Alfred never did anything, that much was true. Anything important. He played video games, watched something, or doodled a little… But his social life was practically non-existent.
“I see… Does this mean you’re free tonight as well?”
Was this going where Alfred thought it was? “Yeah, pretty much?”
“Very well then, what would you say about having a coffee with me? Or maybe a cake, hmm?” Arthur purred.
“Sure, um… Okay.” Alfred replied, not so sure.
“Brilliant! See you at 7, I’ll send you the address to a great café. Bye!” The Brit replied happily.
As they ended the call, the American lied down and eyed the ceiling, staring at it with mixed feelings.
Chapter 2
Arthur was sitting by a table near some windows, in a small café, waiting for Alfred to arrive. He was excited to meet the adorable American again. He was slightly late though, it made Arthur worry. The boy didn’t seem very comfortable around Arthur. But who would’ve ditched Arthur?
The last thing he wanted was to scare Alfred away or to force him into any kind of relationship. Friendship or more. If it hadn’t worked out, he would’ve had to deal with it.
As the door opened, and Alfred walked in, looking around, the Brit’s worries were gone immediately. He waved at the younger one and checked him out.
Alfred’s hair was less messy than this morning, although there remained a cowlick stubbornly sticking out; he was wearing a dark, loose, greyish t-shirt with a shield of Captain America on it, a pleated red and black shirt over it, some dark jeans… Alfred almost seemed like a different person, and all his curves were hidden under the clothes.
However, Arthur’s attire didn’t resemble the morning’s one either. He tried to pick something more elegant compared to that sporty outfit, something he felt better in- a maroon sweater hiding everything but a collar of his creamy shirt, and a pair of beige trousers. Then again, Arthur always wore something similar to it, if he had a chance.
“Hey!” Alfred beamed standing next to the table.
“Well hello.” Arthur gave him a smile in return. “Have a seat, please~”
The American pulled a chair opposite to Arthur’s and sat down. “So… How was your day?” He seemed nervous.
“Oh, it was sort of tiring. I had to meet way too many people and…” He rolled his eyes. “It was unbearable at some points. I looked forward to this meeting though. I hoped you would have no plans.” He winked at Alfred with a playful smirk, then turned the conversation to the American, whose cheeks turned slightly pink. “How about your day?”
“Well… I feel really tired. Some customers were so annoying. And my legs and arms hurt. So it kinda sucked.” He sighed.
Arthur knitted his eyebrows together, his eyes showing empathy. “Poor thing… Don’t worry, it’ll pass soon.” He thought about asking for the reason behind Alfred’s attempt to run, but decided to let it be for now.
Al was startled by the smaller’s attitude. He expected some teasing.
Arthur didn’t even search through the cafe’s offer. “Order whatever you’d like. It’s on me.”
Quietly, Alfred turned his head towards the menu, thankful for Arthur’s hospitality and after some time decided for a caramel latte, which he ordered. Arthur had a cup of green tea.
As they were waiting for their drinks, Arthur glanced at Alfred, whose eyes were still fixed on the menu. “Would you like anything else?” He asked, tilting his head questioningly. “They have amazing cakes here. Feel free to pick some.”
There was doubt in Alfred’s face.
“Um… I don’t want any…” He murmured with an unsure tone.
What a bad liar, Arthur thought and decided to step in. As the waiter brought their steaming cups, Arthur ordered two pieces of cheesecake, for which he received a puzzled glance from the American.
“What?” Arthur asked casually.
Alfred shook his head and glanced down. “Nothing… I just… didn’t want a cake.”
“Oh, you certainly didn’t; you were drooling because of the variety of teas they offer here.” Arthur rolled his eyes, fighting a smirk.
The American widened his eyes. “I was what?! Gosh, I didn’t even realize that… Those cakes must be really good and- I’m so sorry…” He gave the other apologetic puppy eyes, blushing.
Of course, Alfred wasn’t drooling. However, his reaction revealed he truly wanted something sweet to bite on. Arthur smiled lightly, satisfied.
He was also partially feeling mushy on the inside because of the way Alfred stared at him.
“Don’t worry about that.” He replied quietly and hid his face in a mug. The effect the pal had on him was incredible.
As the cakes were laid on the table, Alfred unsurely looked at his one.
Briton placed his mug down, ignoring his a bit burned and aching tongue - the tea was still hot which he did not realize until it was too late (he had to play it off in a cool way) - and focused on Alfred. “Well, aren’t you going to eat it?” He grinned shortly and took a fork.
Alfred couldn’t decide. He did want the cake, but then Arthur could assume he was just a greedy pig just like everyone else did. He didn’t want that to happen, he didn’t want him to think anything, in fact, so he grabbed his fork too, but cautiously, giving Arthur a crooked smile. “Ehm, yeah…” He pressed the fork into the cake, slowly cutting through it.
Arthur was already chewing a slice. He wasn’t very keen on cakes, but it seemed to make Al more comfortable if he had a piece too. That made him realize - 'Al’ sounded pretty cute.
“Do you like it?” Arthur asked, leaving his fork resting against the plate, while the other started eating his piece in a slightly increasing speed.
It seemed interesting that the Briton was oddly satisfied with Alfred’s appetite. On the other side of the table, Alfred tried to keep calm, but noticing Arthur’s eyes watching him, he became even more insecure. Halfway through the cake, he dropped the fork, reddening.
Arthur was baffled. The guy stopped eating? Maybe he was full. No, that couldn’t be. It was a half of a piece of a cheesecake! And Alfred was able to eat much more, Arthur reckoned. Realising where his thoughts had gone, he shook the awkward ideas off and asked, “Aren’t you going to finish it?”
The American glanced at him, insecure. “I don’t think so…”
“This is on me, don’t you think it’s quite rude not to finish?” Arthur gave him a firm look. He didn’t mind that, honestly, he simply wanted Al to continue eating, for whatever reason. It felt strange. But in a good way.
“Well…” Alfred frowned thoughtfully.
This person didn’t seem to be judgmental because of his looks so far… Moreover it probably truly wasn’t so nice of him…
“I’ll finish it.” He replied and picked up the fork again, eating slightly faster this time, a happy glint in his eyes.
Arthur’s lips curled up just slightly as he drank his tea calmly, watching Alfred’s sort of childish and oddly charming excitement.
“Would you like to finish my cake? I’m afraid I can’t do so…” He asked when the American finished his own.
Narrowing his eyes, Alfred nodded. “Alright, I guess… I wouldn’t want for it to go to waste…” He muttered, applying the same logic to finishing Arthur’s cake. It would be rude, had he not finished.
Arthur smiled warmly. “Good. Here~” He pushed the plate with a third, if not a half of the cake left on it.
“Thanks.” Alfred smiled back and dug into the piece, sipping on the sweet coffee occasionally.
The Brit looked into his tea, still wearing a small smile.
After Arthur paid for the order, they left the place and went out for a walk. Slowly, they were strolling through the streets, having a little chat every now and then. The topics differed and were usually followed by a moment of awkward silence. Arthur noticed Al’s cheeks turning pink rather often, especially when he complimented Alfred, even though it was just slightly. He found it adorable.
He glanced at the other, while the American wasn’t looking his direction, his attention caught by something little in his surroundings. Arthur admired his features, emphasised by the lights of the street lamps shining through the darkness.
They were soft, almost a bit feminine… From a side, his nose was pointed up a little, creating a little curve. His cheekbones were hidden by the softness and a few strands of hair covered his ear, the one Arthur could see. Gosh, Alfred was simply beautiful. The Briton wondered if he had any idea.
Alfred turned back towards the smaller one abruptly, as if to say something, too quickly for Arthur to react. Or maybe the Brit was too fascinated to notice fast enough.
Nevertheless, Al noticed Arthur’s intense stare, his blue eyes widened; he blushed and bit his lower lip, glancing away.
“W-what’s wrong? Why are you giving me that look?” He asked unsurely.
“I’m just… Ehm…” Now his cheeks were burning. He couldn’t simply say the truth. It was too soon…
He stayed quiet, his eyes pinned on the pavement. “Forget it. What were you going to say?”
Alfred turned back to him, with a bit of worry in his eyes, then started. “I just… wanted to ask if you want a hot dog… 'Cause that stand over there is open and maybe I’d have one, b-but it’s pretty late so I guess it’s not a good idea so never mind…”
The Brit threw a glance at Alfred. “Why do you think it’s not a good idea? I don’t think one hot dog can’t do much damage.” He murmured.
The taller one looked away immediately in complete silence.
Arthur let out a sigh, wondering what was wrong with the other and stopped near the stand along with Al.
“So, would you like one or not?”
After biting his lip, Alfred gave him a slight nod. “Y-yeah… but-” He answered quietly.
Arthur turned on his heels and went to buy a hot dog. Al took it with, “Thank you- you didn’t have to…”.
Then they sat down on a bench, Alfred was munching on his hot dog, and Arthur was sitting by his side. After some time, his curiosity reached its peak.
“Why exactly do you act so awkwardly?” He looked at Alfred, tilting his head. “I get it, we’ve just met, but still.”
In the middle of taking a bite, the American glanced at Arthur with the hot dog in his mouth. He looked down, took a bite and quickly swallowed.
“What do you mean?” The other asked.
“You’re so shy.” Arthur stated.
“Well… That… I don’t know… I guess I have my reasons…”
“I don’t suppose you’ll tell me much more, huh?”
Alfred just shook his head and took another bite.
They parted soon, since it was rather late and each went his own way.
Later that night, Arthur found himself on his bed, thinking about what had happened.
He kept thinking about Alfred. His thoughts were full of that boy. The more he pondered about him, the more puzzled he became. He found Alfred’s figure attractive as much as the rest of him, which he couldn’t comprehend.
The truth was, his eyes often wandered to men who were kind of bigger, but Arthur had always thought it was normal, that they caught everyone’s attention.
What he truly pushed away was they seemed attractive to him. That was hard to admit. It was not a usual occurrence. However, they seemed so soft and warm and- Oh…
It all made sense. Despite Alfred’s pretty face and a so far lovely personality, the Brit enjoyed his love handles too. Maybe that explained why every single relationship so far, with those toned guys, had failed to last. Maybe he finally knew what he needed.
He frowned- how did the phrase go? A bit more cushion for the pushin’?
Seeing that chubby boy stuff himself today made him feel almost aroused…
But of course, he did love the American’s shyness and his smile as well… He needed to get to know him better.
Much better.