GerUk/GerEng Collection

Spring Cleaning

Author's Note: So I've come to really like the headcanon that Arthur is trans, so assume from now on that Arthur is trans in my fics. This fic and the fic I plan on posting tomorrow specifically cover the fact Arthur is trans. 

It had been a gloomy, dreary day, raining off and on all morning. Arthur, however, didn't mind it so much. He had always loved the rain, especially the sound it made as it hit the roof and windows. Rain was one of the few things that still managed to calm him after all these years. Also, being stuck inside gave him an excuse to get some much-needed cleaning done as well as call Ludwig over to help (since he was such an expert cleaner).

Ludwig had offered to take the attic while Arthur focused on the main floor, which is how Ludwig found himself among countless boxes and antiques. He tried his best not to pry too much, but when he came across a rather large painting of Dylan and a mysterious little girl, Ludwig's curiosity got the best of him. Carefully, he pulled it out to get a better view. It was Dylan alright, but what had Ludwig puzzled was the young girl Dylan held. She had to be one of Arthur's siblings given her deep green eyes and bushy brows, but Ludwig only recalled Arthur saying he had one sister. This girl was not Niamh given the girl in the painting had blond hair instead of the Irish woman's dark red locks. The girl in the painting almost looked like–

"Where did you find that?" Arthur asked, voice grave. When Ludwig turned around to meet him, he found his lover very pale, lips drawn in tight and hands shaking.

"I-I'm sorry Arthur I just...I found it right here and...Sorry, I-I didn't mean to pry."

"It's alright love," Arthur sighed, gaze softening, "I..."

"What's the matter?"

"There...There's something I need to tell you."

Arthur took a breath and sank down to the floor next to Ludwig. His gaze dropped to his hand as he began fiddling and pulling at his fingers, trying to grasp at what to say. He hadn't done this in centuries. He felt like he was going to pass out if he was honest, but Ludwig deserved to know the truth. Now, only if Arthur knew where to begin.

Ludwig squeezed his arm gently, a sign that he was there and that Arthur could take his time. The Brit swallowed hard before starting:

"Well...I suppose I should start with the picture." Arthur pointed to the little girl. "That was me. I was...I was born a girl. W-Well, it was more like I was born in a girl's body because I never felt like a girl. Dylan says as soon as I could speak, I was saying I was a boy. He gave me some of Alastair's clothes, made me a few outfits of my own, and I was able to live life as a boy with the help of a few spells to fix my voice and such. There were also the tips I picked up from other people like me."

When Ludwig didn't reply, Arthur rambled on, "N-Nobody really knows about this. I started what I guess the modern people call "transition" really young, so it was an easy thing to hide, especially with the help of Dylan. I-I was hoping to just...keep it under wraps...forever I guess. If I'm being honest...I think I was most scared to come out to you."

"What?"

"I was scared you wouldn't see me as a man anymore and..." Arthur's hands were shaking violently now, and despite the calm face his jaw was tense, and his eyes remained almost unblinking. Worst of all, he was starting to ramble, talking himself in circles.

Eventually, Ludwig couldn't take it anymore, and he pulled Arthur into a hug. Arthur tensed at first, but at least he quieted. Then he squeezed back, practically clinging to Ludwig.

"I'm sorry," Ludwig murmured.

"For what?"

"Making you think you couldn't tell me."

Arthur pulled away and took Ludwig's face into his hands. "You needn't apologize," He assured Ludwig, "I'm sorry. I know you'd never hate me for this...I just... I don't know..."

Ludwig rested a hand on top of one of Arthur's and leaned into the touch. "It's okay. The mind can come up with some...crazy things. But thank you for telling me."

"Of course."

Arthur leaned forward for a quick peck. It was too quick for Ludwig's taste, so he pulled Arthur in for a longer, more passionate kiss that ended up knocking Arthur back with a laugh. Ludwig began to litter Arthur's neck with light kisses, making the Brit laugh even more.

"I think I'm done cleaning for today," Arthur said with a content sigh.

Ludwig smiled warmly. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree."

"Tea?"

"Yes please." Ludwig pulled Arthur up, and the two walked hand and hand back downstairs to the kitchen.