GerUk/GerEng Collection

Two Loners at Christmas: Epilogue

     "Thank you," Arthur said softly as they turned onto Ludwig's street. Even though he was feeling a lot better since they were far from the fireworks, he still leaned on Ludwig, loving the closeness they now had. Sure his heart was fluttering like a bird in a cage, but the warmth emitting from the taller man made it worth it as the snow began to fall a bit harder.

     The pair suddenly came to a stop in front of one of the storefronts. It was a little antique store with multiple Christmas trinkets standing proud in the window. He looked over to the German, about to ask why they stopped, but he never got the chance. The blue eyes gazed intently at something in the shop. Following the gaze, Arthur noticed a lovely snowglobe that held a small cottage in the middle of a wood covered in snow. Upon further inspection, it seemed to play music as well from the turn of a bronze knob on the side. It was a lovely item, but he was shocked that someone as stoic and "manly" as Ludwig was interested in something so...delicate?

     Regardless, Arthur had finally found his gift. He shook himself from Ludwig's grip and began pushing him towards their destination, telling him to go on ahead. At first, Ludwig was reluctant, but eventually gave in to the determined man's antics. Once the taller man was out of sight, Arthur slipped into the little shop.

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     "What were you doing?" Ludwig asked as Arthur came in, bag in hand.

     "I can't tell you," he simply replied as he hung up his coat and scarf. "Unrelated question. Is there a spare room I can use for a minute?"

     It finally clicked. Ludwig knew exactly what Arthur was up to and it was very sweet of him to do this. He didn't have to, but considering Ludwig had just finished wrapping his gift for Arthur, he couldn't tell him no. So he let it slide and pointed the Brit to the guest room and gave him some wrapping paper. Arthur gave him a quizzical look, but took the paper and headed to work.

     Ludwig returned to the living room, straightening up everything as he waited. He eventually made it to the Christmas tree in the corner of the room. Under the traditionally decorated tree sat a box wrapped in bright red paper and a silver bow. Ludwig crouched down and played with the bow slightly, trying to get it perfect for Arthur. He didn't even realize when Arthur returned until the Englishman placed his own wrapped box under the tree.

     "So are we going to do this now or...?" Arthur asked, leaning against Ludwig.

     Ludwig felt his cheeks go warm for the hundredth time that evening. "Uh...s-s-sure. Ahem, I-I mean...I g-guess now is as good a time as any." He picked up the red box and handed it to the other. "Frohe Weihnachten Arthur!"

     Arthur's face lit up as he tore into the wrapping. Ludwig couldn't help but smile wide at the childish behavior of an otherwise proper man. And now he could call him his.

     "Oh...Ludwig you didn't," Arthur said as he held up a teacup from the tea set he had been looking at back at the market. He leaned over and placed a light kiss on the German's cheek. "Thank you, love." Ludwig felt his throat tighten and his heart beat fast at the action and words.

     As Arthur pulled away, he reached for the other box wrapped in green and handed it to Ludwig. "Merry Christmas! I-I hope you like it."

     Ludwig carefully took the present and just as carefully unwrapped it. He pulled out the snow globe that he had been looking at in the shop down the street.

     Before he could say anything Arthur had taken the globe and turned the knob on the side. "It plays music, see." The quietness of the room was filled with the soft instrumental of "Silent Night," one of Ludwig's favorite Christmas carols.

     "H-How did you know that was my favorite Christmas carol?"

     "I...uh...I didn't. I saw y-you looking at it so...it's a funny coincidence."

     "Danke," Ludwig chuckled, leaning over to give the Brit another kiss.

     That led to more and more kisses. On the cheek, on the forehead, on the hands, on the lips, anywhere they could reach (without going too far). As they kissed, Arthur brought Ludwig's hand to his hair. In turn, Ludwig ran his fingers through it, earning a laugh from Arthur.

     "Is it as soft as you imagined?" he asked as they pulled away.

     The German's face went bright red at the comment as he gave a timid nod.

Frohe Weihnachten = Merry Christmas  

Author's Note: Second part of this little story. I hope you enjoy and have a merry Christmas and happy holiday season!