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. Thereâs 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 wasnât 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 wasnât 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 wasnât the best, but it was definitely better than nothing.
That morning, the usual routine slightly collapsed when Arthur discovered heâd 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 couldnât 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 didnât 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.
âExcuse me, sir, are you okay?â He asked concerned.
The blond head shook yes, even though it didnât seem like it at all as he was desperately trying to catch his breath.
Arthur knitted his eyebrows together. âMaybe you should stand up and walk around, that should help you to calm down and breathe regularly. Itâs much better than to stop moving at allâŚâ
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. âT-thanksâŚâ 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, âNo problemâŚâ He kept looking at this guyâs face, at his plump cheeks, plump, slightly opened lips, and those baby blue eyes; then shook his head lightly, mentally slapping himself. âI guess itâd be better for you to sit downâŚâ 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. âTake deep breaths, in with your nose, out with your mouth, alright?â He instructed.
The reply was a simple nod. Arthur took a chance to get a closer look on this ârunnerâ, 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.
âIâm⌠sorryâŚâ The man - well, now Arthur wasnât 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. âOh, thereâs nothing to be sorry for. I would not have stopped running if I had not wanted to stop.â
âAlright thenâŚâ His breathing was more even now. He bit his lip. âI donât usually⌠go runningâŚâ He said in an attempt to explain himself.
âNo shit.â Arthur thought, amused, but stayed quiet, listening to what the stranger had to say.
âI was running, b-but I thought I was⌠too slow,â He took a deeper breath, âand then I saw you, and thought it could go better if I followed⌠but I donât think it was a good idea⌠'cause my legs kinda gave in.â He looked down, disappointed in himself.
âLet me tell you, it certainly was not. You shouldnât run fast if you are a beginner.â
The boy nodded before asking a question, still avoiding the eye contact. âA-arenât you that guy from the tv? Arthur⌠Arthur Kirkland?â
Arthur sighed. âYes, that would be meâŚâ
âCool. I sometimes watch your showâŚâ He said and nervously glanced at Arthur, then back down.
Arthur broke it. âUm, glad to hear that. And you areâŚ?â
The guy looked up at the Brit as if he had done something unbelievable, and introduced himself. âIâm Alfred. Alfred Jones.â
âItâs nice to meet you, Alfred.â Arthur smiled at him.
Alfred gave him a small smile in return, it wasnât clear if he was blushing or not, but his cheeks became redder, or so it seemed. âSame here.â
Arthurâs 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 wasnât 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 wasnât the ideal of todayâs 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 morningâs 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 anywayâŚ?!
He decided to get to know Alfred. Maybe, just maybe, was there a chance for Alfred to be⌠the one?
âYou should drink some water.â Arthur stated.
Alfred nodded. âAlright.â Then he frowned. âI- I donât have any water hereâŚâ
It made Arthur chuckle. âI can see that. I thought weâd buy some.â
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.
â
Alfred was standing by a pole, just in case he lost his balance, as he was waiting for Arthur, who insisted on paying for Alfredâs bottle of water himself. He felt really exhausted and confused. He wasnât able to comprehend the otherâs actions. Kirkland was really nice and he wasnât 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 Americanâs thirst and had a few gulps himself. Then he handed Alfred a granola bar.
"Um, here, take this, itâll help you regain some energy.â The look given back to him seemed unsure.
âCome on~â He said encouragingly again and Alfred finally grabbed it.
âYou didnât have to buy me anythingâŚâ He muttered, looking at the bar in his hand.
âHey, donât be like that, Iâve already said, I only do the things I mean.â Arthur gave him a strict glance.
âWell, youâve just met me, thatâs why I find it a bit⌠weird.â Alfred averted his eyes.
Arthurâs cheeks turned pink. It really was weird, but he couldnât really explain why he was acting that way. âItâs just⌠ErrâŚâ He couldnât explain himself. âStop questioning all I do! I simply think people should be⌠N-nice! Nicer. To each other.â He stuttered with a raised voice, frowning.
Silence fell upon them once again. Alfred felt bad for judging Arthurâs behaviour just because of his appearance in front of the audience.
He tried to start at least a little chat. âSo, um, you go running often?â He glanced at the shorter one.
âYes, yes, I do. Almost every morning. Itâs a nice way to unwind. All the stress from work drains a lot of my energy, and this basically keeps me sane.â He chuckled.
âOh, awesome.â 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. âWhat about you? I mean⌠What do you do?â
âIâm trying to draw⌠Like, my own comicsâŚâ
Arthur nodded. âInteresting. Kind of⌠So⌠you decided to take up running, huh? Trying to get fit?â He smirked.
Alfredâs expression was hard to read, but he felt uncomfortable explaining that. His eyes glazed over lightly. âWell⌠EhâŚâ He didnât know how to reply. He didnât know the answer himself.
Arthur soon realised this question was not particularly polite and tried to save the situation. âNever mind thatâŚâ He cleared his voice. âSo, howâs your drawing career?â
âNot well. Iâm a cashier now.â He muttered still feeling awkward.
âAh, I see⌠I know this isnât very polite, but I have to ask⌠How old are you?â He tilted his head, hoping he hadnât crossed any lines.
â19. You?â
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. âEhm, me? Iâm- Iâm 25âŚâ 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.
âDo you know what time it is?â
Arthur checked his watch. âItâs 7:40.â
Alfred seemed a bit worried. âIâll be late⌠I⌠I gotta goâŚâ
The Brit sighed and looked down, disappointed. âOhâŚâ 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. âWhat would you say about having a coffee with me sometimes?â 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.
âWonderful!â Arthurâs smile turned into a grin. He took his phone out and with a few clicks handed it to Alfred. âJust type your number in. Weâll talk later, since youâre in a hurry.â
Alfred wasnât sure about that, but whatever, he thought as he left his number in Arthurâs phone.
â
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 couldnât believe it. Did Arthur flirt with him? More importantly, why? Maybe Alfred misread the situationâŚ
It wasnât 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 didnât understand it. His eyes were a bit mysterious and intimidating. Every time he saw Arthur Kirklandâs 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 sketchâŚ
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, Alfredâs telephone rang. He jumped from the chair to his feet and ran to check it. It was a new number he couldnât recognize, which meant it might as well have been Arthur!
âHello?â He asked after picking up.
Alfred melted internally when he heard Arthurâs voice on the other side of the phone. âHi, Alfred!â Britonâs voice seemed cheerful. âI was wondering if youâd like to meet someday soon. I donât know when you have time, so I decided to give you a call.â
Alfred squealed mentally. So it was actually real..? There was still a bit of doubt deep inside of him, but he ignored that. âOh, hey Arthur! Well⌠Iâm free practically every evening⌠I donât really have⌠plans.â 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.
âI see⌠Does this mean youâre free tonight as well?â
Was this going where Alfred thought it was? âYeah, pretty much?â
âVery well then, what would you say about having a coffee with me? Or maybe a cake, hmm?â Arthur purred.
âSure, um⌠Okay.â Alfred replied, not so sure.
âBrilliant! See you at 7, Iâll send you the address to a great cafĂŠ. Bye!â 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 cafĂŠ, 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 didnât seem very comfortable around Arthur. But who wouldâve 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 hadnât worked out, he wouldâve had to deal with it.
As the door opened, and Alfred walked in, looking around, the Britâs worries were gone immediately. He waved at the younger one and checked him out.
Alfredâs 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, Arthurâs attire didnât resemble the morningâs 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.
âHey!â Alfred beamed standing next to the table.
âWell hello.â Arthur gave him a smile in return. âHave a seat, please~â
The American pulled a chair opposite to Arthurâs and sat down. âSo⌠How was your day?â He seemed nervous.
âOh, it was sort of tiring. I had to meet way too many people andâŚâ He rolled his eyes. âIt was unbearable at some points. I looked forward to this meeting though. I hoped you would have no plans.â He winked at Alfred with a playful smirk, then turned the conversation to the American, whose cheeks turned slightly pink. âHow about your day?â
âWell⌠I feel really tired. Some customers were so annoying. And my legs and arms hurt. So it kinda sucked.â He sighed.
Arthur knitted  his eyebrows together, his eyes showing empathy. âPoor thing⌠Donât worry, itâll pass soon.â He thought about asking for the reason behind Alfredâs attempt to run, but decided to let it be for now.
Al was startled by the smallerâs attitude. He expected some teasing.
Arthur didnât even search through the cafeâs offer. âOrder whatever youâd like. Itâs on me.â
Quietly, Alfred turned his head towards the menu, thankful for Arthurâs 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. âWould you like anything else?â He asked, tilting his head questioningly. âThey have amazing cakes here. Feel free to pick some.â
There was doubt in Alfredâs face.
âUm⌠I donât want anyâŚâ 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.
âWhat?â Arthur asked casually.
Alfred shook his head and glanced down. âNothing⌠I just⌠didnât want a cake.â
âOh, you certainly didnât; you were drooling because of the variety of teas they offer here.â Arthur rolled his eyes, fighting a smirk.
The American widened his eyes. âI was what?! Gosh, I didnât even realize that⌠Those cakes must be really good and- Iâm so sorryâŚâ He gave the other apologetic puppy eyes, blushing.
Of course, Alfred wasnât 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.
âDonât worry about that.â 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. âWell, arenât you going to eat it?â He grinned shortly and took a fork.
Alfred couldnât decide. He did want the cake, but then Arthur could assume he was just a greedy pig just like everyone else did. He didnât want that to happen, he didnât want him to think anything, in fact, so he grabbed his fork too, but cautiously, giving Arthur a crooked smile. âEhm, yeahâŚâ He pressed the fork into the cake, slowly cutting through it.
Arthur was already chewing a slice. He wasnât very keen on cakes, but it seemed to make Al more comfortable if he had a piece too. That made him realize - 'Alâ sounded pretty cute.
âDo you like it?â 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 Alfredâs appetite. On the other side of the table, Alfred tried to keep calm, but noticing Arthurâs 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 couldnât 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, âArenât you going to finish it?â
The American glanced at him, insecure. âI donât think soâŚâ
âThis is on me, donât you think itâs quite rude not to finish?â Arthur gave him a firm look. He didnât mind that, honestly, he simply wanted Al to continue eating, for whatever reason. It felt strange. But in a good way.
âWellâŚâ Alfred frowned thoughtfully.
This person didnât seem to be judgmental because of his looks so far⌠Moreover it probably truly wasnât so nice of himâŚ
âIâll finish it.â He replied and picked up the fork again, eating slightly faster this time, a happy glint in his eyes.
Arthurâs lips curled up just slightly as he drank his tea calmly, watching Alfredâs sort of childish and oddly charming excitement.
âWould you like to finish my cake? Iâm afraid I canât do soâŚâ He asked when the American finished his own.
Narrowing his eyes, Alfred nodded. âAlright, I guess⌠I wouldnât want for it to go to wasteâŚâ He muttered, applying the same logic to finishing Arthurâs cake. It would be rude, had he not finished.
Arthur smiled warmly. âGood. Here~â He pushed the plate with a third, if not a half of the cake left on it.
âThanks.â 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 Alâs 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 wasnât 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 Arthurâs intense stare, his blue eyes widened; he blushed and bit his lower lip, glancing away.
âW-whatâs wrong? Why are you giving me that look?â He asked unsurely.
âIâm just⌠EhmâŚâ Now his cheeks were burning. He couldnât simply say the truth. It was too soonâŚ
He stayed quiet, his eyes pinned on the pavement. âForget it. What were you going to say?â
Alfred turned back to him, with a bit of worry in his eyes, then started. âI just⌠wanted to ask if you want a hot dog⌠'Cause that stand over there is open and maybe Iâd have one, b-but itâs pretty late so I guess itâs not a good idea so never mindâŚâ
The Brit threw a glance at Alfred. âWhy do you think itâs not a good idea? I donât think one hot dog canât do much damage.â 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.
âSo, would you like one or not?â
After biting his lip, Alfred gave him a slight nod. âY-yeah⌠but-â He answered quietly.
Arthur turned on his heels and went to buy a hot dog. Al took it with, âThank you- you didnât have toâŚâ.
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.
âWhy exactly do you act so awkwardly?â He looked at Alfred, tilting his head. âI get it, weâve just met, but still.â
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.
âWhat do you mean?â The other asked.
âYouâre so shy.â Arthur stated.
âWell⌠That⌠I donât know⌠I guess I have my reasonsâŚâ
âI donât suppose youâll tell me much more, huh?â
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 Alfredâs figure attractive as much as the rest of him, which he couldnât 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 everyoneâs 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- OhâŚ
It all made sense. Despite Alfredâs 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 pushinâ?
Seeing that chubby boy stuff himself today made him feel almost arousedâŚ
But of course, he did love the Americanâs shyness and his smile as well⌠He needed to get to know him better.
Much better.Â