GerUk/GerEng Collection

Helpless

Author's Note: Based on the song "Helpless" from Hamilton because that song has such a GerEng vibe. Also Alice Au based because why not?

A royal ball was the last way Ludwig wanted to spend his night. He wasn't one for crowds, to begin with, add nobles from all over Wonderland and you had Ludwig's version of hell. But he really didn't have a choice in the matter. As the personal guard (in training) to the Crown Prince Arthur, he was required to be there and keep watch. At least Gilbert, his older brother, was there with him.

The two brothers watched as the Prince guided a young blond girl across the floor. For someone so short-tempered and stubborn, Arthur could be quite the charmer when he wanted to. He looked...happy, laughing and smiling as he chatted with the girl. So why did the sight make Ludwig's chest hurt?

As the song concluded, Arthur left the girl with a kiss on the hand before heading over to the refreshment table. His striking green eyes met Ludwig's blue as he passed. For a moment time seemed to stop until Gilbert brought him back to reality with a smack to the back. "Oooh, Luddy's got a crush on the Prince," He teased, ruffling his little brother's hair.

"Sh-Shut up."

"Wait, I got an idea!"

"Gilbert..." Ludwig's protest fell on deaf ears as Gilbert pulled just outside the door. "Gilbert the-"

"Shh, it won't even be five minutes."

That was a lie. It took six minutes. Ludwig was counting. He looked over himself in a nearby mirror. His hair had become a well-kept mess, his guard vest had been replaced with a blazer (how Gilbert managed that, he didn't want to know), and tying the whole thing together, a ribbon from one of the many flower arrangements sat around his neck like a tie. Considering the short notice, he didn't look half bad.

"Awww you look so handsome," Gilbert cooed, pinching his little brother's cheek.
Ludwig smacked the hand away with a growl. "What are you planning?"

"You'll see."

Gilbert took hold of Ludwig's arm and began pulling him back into the ballroom and towards the refreshment table where Prince Arthur still stood, sipping away at what Ludwig assumed was champagne.

"Go get him, lover boy," Gilbert whispered before giving Ludwig one final shove towards Arthur and disappearing into the crowd.

"Bru-"

"Ludwig?" Arthur asked, turning towards his guard.

"Ah...yes...Good evening your highness," Ludwig replied, perhaps a little too tightly.

"Deciding to join the party?"

Ludwig's cheeks reddened and his panic rose. He shouldn't have been doing this. He should be along the outer walls, overseeing the party and ensuring Arthur was safe, not schmoozing with the Prince over oeuvres.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by Arthur asking for a dance and wordlessly he accepted the extended hand.

He was never a dancer but with Arthur leading, he was gliding across the floor in time to the gentle waltz being played behind them. All worries from before melted away as Ludwig lost himself in the music and Arthur's eyes. He had never realized how green and shiny and downright breathtaking they were. Whoever Arthur chose to be his spouse would be so lucky to be able to look into those eyes every day. But that thought pulled Ludwig back to reality. Arthur would be betrothed by the end of the night and that broke Ludwig's heart.
"Something wrong?" Arthur asked, halting their dance.

"Uh...j-just...I'm not usually one for parties. I think I just need some air."

"Of course, this way." Arthur took his arm and guided Ludwig out to the balcony and into the cool night air. Above the stars twinkled among the inky canvas of the sky. It was a beautiful night, to say the least. But Ludwig was too occupied by how close Arthur was to him and how his heart was beating out of his chest to pay mind to anything else.

"It's nice to be alone like this," Arthur sighed, leaning against the banister, "I missed our conversations. You know? I was actually excited when I learned you'd be my personal guard. I'd be able to see you again, talk to you again, but I didn't expect you to be so serious and strict. Which is on me since you were always a stickler for the rules even as a child."

"What are you getting at?" Ludwig asked.

"Nothing..." Arthur's gaze fell to his feet. "Just rambling. But...I missed you...us like this."

Ludwig felt his cheeks heat up. Though he would be lying if he didn't admit he missed his friendly chats with the Prince, this kind of discussion was definitely against the rules. But it also made him feel unbelievably giddy.

"Ah...I see...So, uh how have things been going." Some small talk couldn't hurt Ludwig reasoned with himself.

Arthur shrugged. "Can't complain. This ball though...Not exactly a fan. I never was looking forward to this part about being next in line. I feel it's a pointless step really, but it's not like I can change that right now. Maybe when I am queen..."

Ludwig nodded. The rule did seem silly since the partner usually held less power than the queen so it didn't seem like there would be an issue with not getting married. But it was proper protocol so nothing could be done other than follow it.
"At least there is always Afonso," Arthur sighed, "I would rather be betrothed to someone I know without having to worry about romantic ties than a complete stranger with unknown intentions. Plus it would be unfair to the suitor to go in not knowing that my heart could never belong to them. Going with Afonso will avoid an awkward conversation."

"Do you like someone then?" Something in Ludwig's chest burned at the thought.

"Uh...w-well...yeah but..." The prince's hand inched towards Ludwig's, their fingers linking slightly. "I'm not exactly allowed to pursue him."

Ludwig's cheeks reddened as he realized what Arthur was getting at. "Oh," he said softly.

The prince leaned forward, brushing his lips against Ludwig's. Ludwig met him halfway, connecting their lips. Now, this was definitely against the rules. But as much as Ludwig was a stickler for them, he found himself not pulling away and instead wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist and pulled him closer.

He had been waiting for a moment like this since he saw Arthur in the rose garden all those years ago. Back then he didn't fully understand Arthur or their conflicting positions, but once Arthur started his schooling everything was made clear. Apparently, his feelings still lingered.

"Another benefit to marrying Afonso," Arthur murmured as they parted, "he knows I like you and we could...you know...have relations. How does that sound?"

An affair with the Prince? This was going way faster than Ludwig had anticipated. After a moment of mulling it over, he gently cupped Arthur's face and pulled him in for another kiss. "I-I think I could manage."

Arthur gave him a smirk. "Good. Now how about another dance?"

"O-Okay." And with that, Ludwig was dragged back inside and on the dance floor.