#suuk

    “Who was that?” His friend doesn’t even look up from the book in his lap as he replies.

    “That’s Sweden. Berwald. We’re practically brothers.” He waves his hand dismissively. “He’s painfully shy, which would explain why he didn’t stay very long when he saw you. He probably wants to ask me a question that can wait. If it were important, he would have asked me to leave the room. But since he didn’t we don’t have to worry about it. Let’s continue with the spell.” Lukas reaches across him and picks up a sage incense. “Disgusting. But it’s better than using actual sage, and it works nearly as well. I’m upset we couldn’t find any Thyme, that would have been the best option.” He rolls his eyes heavily. Arthur can’t help but think that looks like a health hazard.

    “I wish we could do a normal cleansing and be done with it.”

    “Don’t we both! But the necklace has a lot of strong energy attached to it. I wouldn’t feel safe without a protective circle.” He nods slowly, not really focusing on what he’s saying. He’s distracted by an image in his mind’s eye.

    “Berwald has pretty eyes,” he watches Lukas’ head snap up, and realizes too late he said that out loud. “My deepest apologies! I wasn’t meant to actually say that. Only think it.” His friend stares at him for a long moment, expression carefully neutral. He shifts uncomfortably, thinking he made him upset. Then, he grins.

    “You think he’s cute, don’t you?” Arthur feels himself flush, and he turns his head away.

    “What!? Don’t be ridiculous! Of course he’s not cute!” He shakes his head vigorously, trying to convince himself just as much as he’s trying to convince Lukas.

    “You’re blushing! You do think he’s cute!” He gets a vicious glare sent at him, and laughs. “Fine, fine. We don’t have to talk about it right now. But I am introducing you two. He could use a friend. He recently went through a breakup that’s been rough on him.” He feels bad for thinking it, but he can’t help but focus on the fact that Berwald is single.

~

    Arthur has come to the conclusion that Berwald is absolutely adorable. It’s been seven months since they first met, and he’s only fallen harder for the man. But he’s not dared to say anything about it; he’s still hurting from his breakup. Which is probably what led him to what he’s doing at the moment. He takes a deep breath, and tosses a single strand of Berwald’s hair into the spell jar. He seals it, and places it in the hole he’s already dug. It’s all biodegradable material, including the container, so he doesn’t have to worry about digging it up later. It’s a healing spell jar, but only using good wishes and nothing forced. Forcing Berwald into getting better before he’s ready isn’t something he wants to do, but he sees no harm in something that’s going to help him, if he's willing to let it. He hopes it works.

~

    Five months later, Berwald stumbles into Arthur’s living room at three in the morning. He had been writing a letter to confess his feelings when it happened. The universe must royally hate him. “Berwald,” he says cautiously, afraid he might startle him. He closes the door behind him quietly, staring at him the whole time. He’s obviously drunk.

    “C’ll me B’rry.” Arthur furrows his brows in confusion. The Swede suddenly advances on him, wrapping his arms around his waist and burying his face into his chest with a near-silent sob. He brings his arms up, and carefully hugs him.

    “Alright, love. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? At three in the morning.” He watches Berwald look up at him, eyes filled with… He’s not too sure what the emotion is, actually. His stomach fills with dread. He’s been able to tell what he’s feeling through his eyes for nearly a year. The fact it’s so unintelligible now concerns him to no end. “Berry?” He practically whispers.

    “Jag älskar dig, min vackra häxa.” Arthur blinks a few times, confused. He’s unsure what was just said, but there’s so much sincerity behind it. It makes his heart ache. Then, he feels lips on his. It takes him a moment to register the touch, and by the time he does he’s backed against the wall. The kiss is desperate and needy, almost feral. As much as he wants it to continue, he forces himself to pull away and place his hands on Berwald's shoulders, keeping him from going back.

    “Even though I would love to make out, I have to know what you said.” He flinches heavily when he realizes what he’s said.

    “Nej, don’t d’ th’t.” He brings his hands up and cups Arthur’s cheeks with them. “I w’nt t’ m’ke out too.” The corner of his mouth twitches up, into an awkward smile. “I l’ve you, m’ beaut’f’l w’tch. C’n I k’ss you n’w?” The Brit stares at him in shock. After a moment, he nods. He can’t find it in himself to speak just yet. He’s too surprised.

    Berwald shrugs the hands on his shoulders off, and steps close once again. He presses their lips together, but it's gentle this time. Almost fearful. Arthur wraps his arms around his neck to reassure him, and it works. He deepens the kiss, and it quickly gets heated. He pulls away with a gasp when he feels a hand in his hair. “B-Berwald,” he murmurs breathlessly. “I’ve loved you for-”

    “Eight and a h’lf m’nths, b’t been int’rested ‘n me s’nce you f’rst s’w me.” His eyes widen.

    “Lukas told you! I asked him not to.” Berwald chuckles, and kisses his nose.

    “You are c’te wh’n you g’t ups’t. He t’ld me b’cause I w’nt t’ h’m hyp’rvent’lating. I… real’zed I h’ve feel’ngs f’r you. I w’s afr’d you d’dn’t th’nk of me l’ke th’t. S’ he h’d t’ reass’re me. I c’me str’ght h’re.”

    “Ah. So you were drinking because you thought I didn’t love you back.” A nod. “Well, you couldn’t have been more wrong. I love you so very much. I’m so happy you love me back.” He pecks his lips, smiling brightly. “Now let’s get you to sleep. We can discuss this further in the morning.”

    “Mm m’ybe you’re r’ght. I l’ve you, m’ l’vely m’gic w’rker.” He kisses him once more, then walks toward the bedroom, knowing Arthur won’t be opposed to sleeping together.