#portger

Rating: T

Relationship: GerFrukPort

Word Count: 770

Read on AO3

Arthur couldn’t breathe. Flames danced behind his closed eyes as he fought for air. His lungs burned, but as he blinked open his blurry eyes it wasn’t smoke that scorched them. He wasn’t even in the midst of the burning street. Instead, he was squished between two warm bodies; Afonso and Francis. It would have been a nice wake-up call that he really needed if they weren’t suffocating him.

Carefully, Arthur wiggled out of the embrace to catch his breath. He looked over to ensure his lovers were still fast asleep only to find one missing. Had Ludwig even come to bed after Arthur, Francis, and Afonso turned in for the night?

Well, it wasn’t like Arthur was going to be going back to bed anytime soon, his body still shaking from the nightmare before. He set off into the dark halls in search of his missing lover.

Ludwig sat hunched over the kitchen table, a collection of papers splayed out and a mug in his grip.

“Have you been up this entire time?” Arthur asked, leaning against the door frame.

Ludwig straightened. “What are you doing up?”

“I asked my question first.”

Ludwig peeked over his shoulder. “Maybe I have…Now what are you doing up?”

Arthur sauntered over to the table, taking a seat across from Ludwig. “Nightmare.”

“I see. Want to talk about it?”

“Not really. I barely remember it anyway.”

“There should be some tea left if you want. Chamomile.”

Arthur smiled, giving Ludwig a peck on the cheek as he passed by him on the way to the kettle. With a mug in hand, he joined Ludwig once again, this time sitting beside him so he could rest his head on Ludwig’s shoulder.

They lapsed into silence, Arthur watching lazily as Ludwig’s pencil scratched along the papers. He should have been telling Ludwig to get to bed, that the paperwork would be there in the morning. But he didn’t. He wasn’t ready to go to sleep, and he didn’t want to be up alone.

“You two should be in bed,” Francis rasped, appearing in the doorway with a half-asleep Afonso lagging behind.

“I’m almost done,” came Ludwig’s automated reply.

Francis scoffed, marching over to the table and snatching up the papers.

“Francis–” But before Ludwig could get another word out, two arms slunk around his neck.

“Vem cá, meu amor,” Afonso murmured into Ludwig’s hair, “You’ve worked so hard already. Just come to bed, and we can all cuddle.”

“And what are you doing up?” Francis asked, turning to Arthur accusingly.

“Couldn’t get back to sleep,” Arthur shrugged.

Francis pursed their lips, eyes narrowing, but they didn’t press the issue. “Afonso’s right, let’s get to bed. We don’t have to sleep right away, but at least we’re resting. Together.”

“Let us finish our tea first,” Arthur huffed.

Francis rolled his eyes but let them finish. As soon as the last drop was drunk, he was shooing both Arthur and Ludwig back to bed with the help of Afonso.

Arthur flopped onto the bed, Ludwig crawling in beside him more carefully. Afonso pressed up behind Arthur, holding just how he knew Arthur liked it: a bit of pressure around the waist, nose buried in the crook of the Brit’s neck so he could steal an occasional kiss on the nape. Francis slunk halfway on top of Ludwig so he wouldn’t be able to sneak off.

Arthur couldn’t help but smile slightly, warm and cozy with all his lovers.

Ludwig was the first to nod off. Good. He had been having trouble sleeping, working late into the night, and overthinking everything he still had to do once he finally did come to bed. At least now he was sound asleep, face finally relaxed.

Francis followed not long after. Ear over Ludwig’s heart, the beat sending him off. He always had such long lashes that mesmerized Arthur.

“You need to sleep,” Afonso mumbled against Arthur’s neck.

“Yeah, Yeah. I’m going. You need to sleep too.”

“Not until you do, meu coelho. Can’t have you up and stressing.”

A light blush spread across Arthur’s face. Afonso kissed up and down his neck turning Arthur’s limbs into goo. He didn’t know if he wanted to curse his Portuguese lover out because how dare he know all of his weaknesses or if he should inch a little closer and willingly melt in Afonso’s warmth.

But sleep gave him his answer: a quiet acceptance of the affection he so desperately craved and now got without so much as a word. It didn’t take him long before the warmth lulled him back to sleep.

Translations: Vem cá, meu amor = Come now, love

Because there is no content for them and they will not get out of my head I had to make some headcanons (i’d make a fic but I have so many projects already so I’m waiting to clear my plate before going onto another idea). 

Getting Together

It starts out with GerFra and PortEng getting together

PortEng has been together for awhile, like centuries (though there has been some breaks during that period)

GerFra is newer, having only gotten together in like the 80s or 90s

It’s obvious though to Ludwig that Francis isn’t over his crush on Arthur and if Ludwig is honest, he got his own little crush on Arthur after all. Then of course, Francis can’t deny Afonso is attractive despite having a bit of a rival type relationship with him and Ludwig just has a thing for guys with long hair so he also finds Afonso hot. Basically both are down bad for PortEng

But they are open and honest with each other and are able to vent their frustrations to each other. Like they’re over at one their houses after a meeting and Francis is moaning about how Arthur and Afonso are both hot and how he just wants to be sandwiched between them (with Ludwig being there somewhere of course). Ludwig doesn’t really complain until you get some drinks in him and then he’s gone, being almost as dramatic as Francis about it. 

On PortEng’s side, Afonso has always known Arthur’s first love was Francis and that Francis was Arthur’s first kiss. He also knows Arthur is still down bad for Francis even though Arthur tries to deny it. Again, though he sees Francis as somewhat of a rival, he can’t deny he’s never thought about how kissable Francis’s lips are. 

Then there is Ludwig. Both Arthur and Afonso agree that basically anyone attracted to men has to admit Ludwig is attractive. Arthur got to know him quite well in the 70s and 80s and finds him to be a good drinking buddy. But he admits that sometimes he wishes that he would have tried to be more back then (him and Afonso were on a break during that period). 

Afonso is the first one to come up with the idea that maybe the four of them could try dating

Francis proposes they try flirting with Afonso and Arthur and basically drop subtle hints they’re interested in them

Ludwig decides to attempt to flirt with Arthur since he has a more personal connection with him compared to Afonso and they’re both kind of awkward so Ludwig feels more comfortable approaching him. Unfortunately, Ludwig isn’t the most experience with flirting in general and certainly not “subtle” flirting, so he ends up being a bit to forward and Arthur immediately catches on to what he’s trying to do

Francis sets his sights on Afonso. Of course Afonso being a romance nation picks up on it and begins flirting back and they make a slight competition out of it and in the end they end up furiously making out just as Ludwig and Arthur walk over to them.

Ludwig is flustered by the display and Arthur gives an approving whistle. While they wait for the two to finish, Arthur takes Ludwig’s hand. Ludwig tenses a bit in which Arthur whispers: “Is this okay?” and Ludwig nods. 

Francis and Afonso eventually pull away and smile at each other before smiling at their lovers-> Francis squeals at Ludwig and Arthur’s linked hands, giving Ludwig a peck on the cheek as a reward for roping in Arthur 

General Headcanons

Ludwig does not know how to handle three people flirting with him and complimenting him. He expected it from Francis and Afonso, but he is surprised at how flirty and forward Arthur is. Frankly they are all a little shocked by how far Arthur will take it. But Ludwig loves every minute of it, though it's also a bit overwhelming

Francis and Afonso will occasionally do each others hair when the four of them are just hanging around, watching a movie or tv or something

Both Francis and Afonso love to paint/sketch Arthur and Ludwig and they’ll put them in so many different poses. Arthur pretends to be annoyed but he secretly likes it. 

Afonso and Francis spoil Ludwig and Arthur with food while Arthur and Ludwig spoil Afonso and Francis with baked goods

They are all super affectionate when in private/with close friends and family. Arthur and Ludwig are both touch starved and try to act like they aren’t but Francis and Afonso have learned just how to get them to drop that act and just melt into whoevers embrace they're in

That being said, Afonso and Francis are not bothered by PDA and now that they’re all together, they have a partner they can be overly affectionate with while Arthur and Ludwig have a partner that is more than content just holding hands and keeping the more mushy stuff for private settings

They all love when Arthur reads aloud to them 

They all love when Ludwig shows his strength/uses it on them (ex. Carrying two of them at once) 

They all  love when Afonso sings to them. He’ll even play the guitar.

They all love when Francis cooks their favorite foods, especially when they're down. Afonso won’t admit it since cooking is one thing the two of them have competitions on, but he does find comfort in Francis’s cooking when he’s too down or sick to cook himself

Afonso and Arthur love to make music/sing together though a lot of their music tastes don’t overlap. Francis and Ludwig love to listen in on these little “concerts” even joining in sometimes (Fran on piano, and Ludwig–if they can convince him–will sing). 

Ludwig thought Francis was pushy with getting him to take breaks, but now he has three men breathing down his neck when he over works himself. At least he gets three times as many cuddles when he finally does stop to rest

This is late because Oliver (vocaloid) happened. Maybe that’s why this turned out a lot more sadder in the beginning than I originally planned. Anyway happy birthday to Francis, you get depression.

Almost forgot to mention Fran uses he/they pronouns thus I’ll be switching between the two. 

Rating: T

Relationship: Gerfrukport

Word Count: 1229

It had been a long day. Longer than usual it seemed. His bosses had seemed keen on giving him extra work today despite it being his birthday while they were off celebrating. At least he got let go early and could return home and just bury himself under the covers of his bed until the day was over.

Perhaps Arthur was right. They really were a masochistic to pick today of all days to be their birthday: a day of mixed feelings, filled with joy, but also despair. So many good people lost over the years to make Francis who they were; to make their nation like it was. And yet so many still suffered, and all Francis could do was sit idly by. Cooped up in his office with meaningless paperwork only meant to make them feel as though they had a say in matters, watching from afar as history unfolded around them. With each year immortality just seemed to be gaining more and more cons.

His legs felt heavy as he climbed up the stairs leading to his front door. Fumbling with his keys he managed to get the door open. What he expected to see was an empty house, but instead, he found light emerging from his kitchen.

Soft voices echoed through the empty hall. One laughed while a deeper one hushed them. There was a grumble from another voice and the sound of thumping as someone came closer. Two green eyes and a mop of messy blond hair peeked out from the kitchen. Arthur turned back to whoever else was in the kitchen, hushing them before finally exiting.

“You’re early,” Arthur noted. Was that bitterness in his voice? Francis bit back any venomous retorts that wanted to spill over. They were tired, and in a bad mood, so they didn't need to go at it with Arthur and end up being insulted (seriously or not). Their mind was doing a perfectly good job at that on its own.

Francis ignored him, brushing past Arthur and into his study. He could figure out whatever was going on in the kitchen once he put his work bag away.

“What’s the matter with you?” Arthur asked, voice still somewhat harsh, but Francis could hear the hint of concern. How very Arthur.

“Tired. You know how work is.”

Arthur hummed in understanding.

As Francis shoved their bag onto a nearby shelf, two hands came to rest on their shoulders. The Frenchman let out a sigh when Arthur began to rub at the tense muscles below their suit jacket. Arthur placed a loving kiss on the back of Francis’s neck. “You should take tomorrow off. Give yourself the whole weekend to recuperate. Less you throttle someone.”

Francis let out a choked laugh. “I’m not you Angleterre. I plan my revenge carefully and quietly with patience.”

Arthur scoffed, pressing a little harder into Francis’s tense shoulders. What was probably meant to be a punishment turned out to feel quite pleasurable, loosening a very tense area. “God your tense.”

Francis just gave a half-hearted hum.

Arthur rested his head on Francis’s shoulder in defeat. “Remind me to tell Afonso to give you a proper massage after dinner.”  

“Are all of you here?”

“Yeah. We wanted to surprise you with dinner when you arrived home. But with you getting home early, we’re only halfway done.”

A ghost of a smile made its way onto the Frenchman’s face. “That’s sweet of you all.”

“It was Ludwig's idea since we weren't quite sure what to get you."

"You better not have been let anywhere near my stove."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "I was in charge of cutting the vegetables. But I would have been just fine on the stove, I'll have you know."

"Sure sure. Whatever you say mon lapin."

Arthur gave him a light slap. “If you are done insulting me after all the trouble I went through for you, Lud and Afonso are waiting for us in the kitchen.”

Francis turned around and pecked his lover on the lips. “Of course lead the way.”

—

Francis wasn’t allowed to lift a finger when they entered the kitchen. Ludwig was very adamant about that. Which is how Francis found himself perched on a bar stool as their three lovers ran around mixing various ingredients for various dishes. After cutting the vegetables, Arthur started preparing a simple cake for dessert while Ludwig focused on some sort of soup. Afonso was preparing what looked like ratatouille before moving on to the main dish of blanquette de veau.

“So…” Ludwig began, “How was your day?”

Arthur almost dropped the tray he was grabbing. He turned to Ludwig immediately, shaking his head harshly, gesturing for him to get off the topic.

Francis gave him a tight-lipped smile. “It was…not that great if I’m being honest.” He rested his head in his hand, the weight of the day returning. “But at least I can spend the rest of it with you three.”

Ludwig’s lips drew into a line. He looked as though he wanted to say something else, but with a slight shake of his head, he focused on the soup once more. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Don’t worry mon loulou,” Francis assured him. “You didn’t know.”

The four lapsed into an awkward silence. Even Afonso’s humming stopped as he looked towards Arthur for an inkling as to what to do next. The Portuguese man never did like the quiet, especially this kind.

“So,” Francis began, changing the topic, “Whatever got into you, Ludwig? Taking off work for little old me.”

The Frenchman smirked–ever so slightly– as a lovely blush crept up Ludwig’s neck. “Ah…W-Well…” Ludwig stuttered out, “You see…You’re very special to me and…I would do anything for you so really this is just a small little thing.”

Francis smiled his first genuine smile of the day. Ludwig, though he struggled to find the words sometimes, was always honest and straightforward. It never failed to send Francis’s heart a flutter. “How sweet. You’re very special to me too. You all are.”

Afonso and Arthur shared a bashful smile while Ludwig ducked his head, pretending to be very focused on his cooking (and not trying to hide his embarrassment).

“Glad to hear it,” Afonso said with a grin. As he crossed to check on the veal, he wrapped his arms around Francis’s neck and placed a kiss on the back of their head. His hands lingered on his French lover’s shoulders for a moment when he pulled away. “God, you’re tense.”

“Funny. Arthur said the same thing.”

“Massages are in order I think,” Afonso announced as he made his way over to the oven, “For all of you. Ludwig’s been stuck at his desk for far too long as well.”

It wasn’t long before Afonso was humming again, and conversation began to flow. With each word, each light chuckle from Afonso, each half-hearted grumble from Arthur, and each warning from Ludwig, Francis could feel his worries of the day leave him.

YAY!!!!!!

Gosh work has been a bitch especially today with debit being down (and it looks like it will be down until Monday). And I've still got two more days until my next day off. At least I go on vacation soon. Sorry for the rant lol. It's been a day for the past few days.

This. This makes me feel better!

Obligatory OTP Asks

1.Who would end a heated argument by defending their actions with ‘because I love you!’ ?

I think they all would do it at some point depending on the situation though Afonso and Francis would be quicker to get to that point. It takes a lot of pushing and arguing for Ludwig and Arthur to admit that (Arthur takes the most to get to that point).

6. Who would beg the other not to leave? Who has to leave to protect the other?

Arthur definitely would be one of the ones to leave to "protect the others." I put quotes because depending on the period, he'd not just leave to protect him, he's scared of being loved and would take it as an opportunity to run from his fears instead of facing them.

Francis would definitely be the one to beg them not to go. In stressful situations he hates to be alone and he probably would not know when or if he'd ever see his lover(s) again.

Ludwig and Afonso could swing either way depending on the situation, though I think Ludwig would lean more towards begging them not to go because he has been alone for so long and now he's surrounded by so much love. He doesn't want to lose any of them.

15. Do they always say 'i love you' before leaving?

Yes absolutely. Francis makes them. Arthur acts like he hates it, but each time one of them says 'I love you' Arthur melts.

29. Who is more likely to jump in an elevator? Who freaks out?

40, 42 and 43 if you didn't already answered them 👀

YESSS!!! THANK YOU ALL FOR GIVING INTO MY NEW OBSESSION!

Okay...

Ship Asks

40 - Any special memories? Do they have a special place they like to go to?

Gosh...There are so many, but I’ll focus on memories of all four of them together.

There is of course the confession. They look back on it fondly. They laugh at how blunt Ludwig couldn’t help but be, the way Francis and Afonso made flirting a competition, etc. And it all lead to them getting together and being happier than they ever had before.

It’s happened a few times where they all ganged up on Ludwig to get him to rest. Boy often overworks himself, but he’s got three boyfriends who will not let this kind of thing slide. When they all came to him the first time and demanded he go to bed, Ludwig realized just how much they all loved him. Not even his stubbornness or frustration could bring them down or make them give up on him. They all piled on top of him in bed showing that they weren’t mad, just concerned and Ludwig is really touched.

There was the time Ludwig helped Arthur prove to Francis and Afonso he could bake. Baking was one of the things Arthur and Ludwig would do together during the 60s-90s when they’d occasionally hang out. Francis and Afonso, knowing Arthur’s track record in the kitchen all too well don’t trust him near a stove unless under strict supervision. In this case Ludwig is suppose to be that supervision. But Ludwig sits back and lets Arthur do his work only getting involved as a taste tester. In the end he blows away his other two lovers and they trust him to at least bake.

Then there was the time Francis was have rough day with work and the politics in his country and his three lovers showed up to surprise him. Afonso cooked for them, Lud and Art baked him his favorite dessert and they spend the rest of the night cuddling watching cheesy romance movies and/or crappy reality tv. He’s surprised they were able to tell he was struggling, then again Arthur always knew him best and probably made plans with the help of the other two. He’s touched none the less and having them there makes everything a little bit better.

There was the time they all went out sailing. Afonso hadn’t been in awhile and Ludwig had never properly sailed anywhere so Francis and Arthur are more than happy to arrange something. It was a surprise for Afonso and he was elated. It brings back memories of his time with Arthur on the sea, it’s strange but nice to have Francis on their side this time, and it’s also nice to teach Ludwig a thing or two about sailing. 

There is also the time they finally convinced Ludwig to sing with them. Arthur and Afonso were strumming on their guitars when Francis joined in with his piano as he usually did and they finally pulled Ludwig in when Arthur started playing one of the many songs they’d listen to in the 70s and 80s. The three were amazed at how good Ludwig actually sounded. He was a little rough around the edges from inexperience but still beautiful. In the end it was a fun jamming session that they all treasure dearly. 

Lastly there is their first night spent all together. Ludwig is still too nervous to take things to the next level and everyone is cool with it so they just watch movies,  Francis makes them all get facials and even paints his lovers nails while Afonso paints Francis’s. It’s a pretty relaxing night over all and would set the tone for how most of their Friday nights would end. 

There are probably many more, but these are the first that come to mind for me.

Special places? Well there is Arthur’s garden. It’s nice and serene plus Arthur is very proud to show it off when he can. The sea/beach because 3/4 of them have a deep connection to it, spending a good chunk of their teen years as pirates/sailors and Ludwig is just happy to see his lovers happy. Francis’s mansion in Calais because it’s spacious, far from the hustle and bustle of a big city, and right next the beach. It’s a nice place to relax.

42 - Do they let each other get away with things that would normally bother them?

Definitely, especially in the case of Ludwig. Ludwig comes off as a very serious, stoic, no nonsense type of person, and he is to an extent. But he’s also so soft towards those he loves. As long as his lovers aren’t doing things that will get them hurt he’ll let them get away with things and help them clean up the eventual mess and uses it as a teaching moment.

Arthur also let’s his lovers get away with certain things. In most cases these actions are things Arthur wants deep down so that helps (ex. affection, being spoiled, etc.).  In cases where things will blow up in his lovers faces, he’ll also use it as a lesson (or in the case of Francis laugh in his face). 

Francis and Afonso love to spoil their lovers so of course they’ll get away with things. Francis may question Arthur and Ludwig’s fashion choices, but he’ll let it go most of the time and reason that they look cute in anything. It takes a lot to bother Afonso, so lover or not, it’s hard to bother him in general. 

43 - Do they talk often? What about?

Welp I answered PortEng here

but

GerFraPortEng!!!

I love them so fucking much. I've only shipped them for what? A month? But they're already my OT4. It's a combination of my 3 most beloved Arthur ships: GerEng, Fruk and PortEng

Just...ugh Port and Fran being similar enough in their approach to romance allows them to get all the affection they want any time. Like Lud and Art prefer to be discreet about their affection in public which mildly annoys Fran and Port, but now that they are all together, Port and Fran can be as affectionate as they want with each other while respecting the other two's wishes. Also, they got a friendly rivalry going on and that seeps into their flirting.

Ludwig and Arthur, like Port and Fran are a a lot similar and thus can have a better understanding of each other. It's nice to have a lover that's content just holding hands in public and nothing more. They have similar tastes in music. They are two men who enjoy their quiet time and who can find comfort in each other's awkwardness.

Ludwig just being loved on and flirted with by these three pretty men and not knowing what to do with himself. Again, like for Arthur and the BFT, touch starved Lud getting triple the cuddles like he deserves. And like, he's so inexperienced, but he's got 3 experienced lovers who guide him through the complications that are relationships.

We got childhood friends to lover with Fran, Art and Port.

Enemies to lovers with fruk

Rivals to lovers with PortFra

My dude...You have no idea how excited I was when I saw this. A million thank yous

Ship Asks

11. - Do they celebrate holidays? Anniversaries?

Of course they do! Since they're all European they have similar if not exactly the same holidays. In cases like Christmas, they may celebrate a day or two before while spending the actual holiday with their families.