Loved by the Island, Smitten by the Boot

Ch 4

"I've everything I need with me." Arthur said as he stepped inside Feliciano's home around early afternoon. "Really all I need now is the kitchen." The two hugged, Feliciano kissing both of the Brit's cheeks before he led the way inside. As he walked in, Arthur tried to take in as much of his house as possible. The Italian brothers definitely had a sense of maximalism, pictures and artwork all over the walls and little knickknacks strewn on every possible surface. Arthur can't blame them, he's the same way. In fact most countries that had gone through a depression ended up like this. The walls were a warm orange with creamy white accents and it permanently smelled like heavily of a combination of butter and onion and homemade sauce. Overall it was really warm, inviting, and gave Arthur embarrassing fantasies of spending lazy afternoons in the arms of an Italian lover. The kitchen itself definitely gave Arthur a cozy sort of vibe. Everything felt like it had come straight from a grandmothers home! Oh he really liked it.

"Ve, what's on the menu?" Feli asked as he shuffled about nervously. Arthur grinned. He knew he had a certain reputation when it came to cooking so he thought of a perfect solution.

"Well old friend, I've recently come to remember that you've never had the pleasure of experiencing my baking, which I'm quite good at if I do say so myself." This definitely confused the other man. He tilted his head as another 've' escaped his mouth. "So today I was thinking of perhaps making something sweet, like cupcakes. Or a cake. Or a pie. Really I brought all sorts of things for all them, I didn't know which you'd prefer."

"But..." Feliciano started as he plopped down on a stool by his island-counter. "Aren't, eh, scones baked?"

"Yes. But! But...they're different."

"Eh, how so?" Arthur paused, right as he was taking out one of the many things he brought.

"Well because...scones are an...original recipe..." His shoulders slumped and Feli pretty much instantly knew his excitement had gone from 100 to 0. Feeling bad that he was the cause of this emotional roller coaster he jumped up and hurried to Arthur, hugging him tightly. You know, like he's prone to do. Arthur was definitely taken aback and it took him a second to hug back but he did. Even if his heart beat was reaching a terrifying new speed.

"I'm sure whatever pastry you make definitely won't kill me!" Ah, Feliciano. As loud-mouthed as ever. Arthur frowned, rolling his eyes, before letting go and proceeding with his preparation. How could he stay upset when such a ray of semi-obnoxious sunshine right there. Meanwhile Feliciano had zoomed out the room and ran into a pantry, coming back out with a nice full bottle of wine. "We can drink while we hang out today! Isn't that fun!!" The Brit bit his lip. That'd definitely be fun and it'd definitely ease some of his nerves but...

"No thanks, love. I'm a bit of a wanker when under the influence." Arthur finished unloading his supplies, clapping his hands. "Thank you though."

"Ve, come on Arturo~" Feli grinned and poured two glasses. "I know you like my wine~" He took Arthur's hand and placed the wine glass in it. "Per favore?" Arthur sighed deeply and agreed. He'd spread one glass throughout the night and it'd be fine, right? Yeah. He looked down at the red wine and took the smallest sip possible, thankfully Feliciano didn't complain.

"Now if there isn't any other shite in our way, I'd very much like to begin baking." The Italian giggled and motioned for him to begin. He had has chin perched on his hands as he held himself up with his elbows on the table. He was looking up and watching Arthur with those beautiful golden brown eyes of his, although obscured by him having them half closed, their beauty shone through.

"I think I'd die for him." Arthur thought to himself, blushing like mad as he began adding ingredients into a giant mixing bowl. Christ was he moving fucking fast, faster than his empire had grown and fallen. They were on their second date already! Not that either of them had explicitly said anything about a date but it was rather obvious and Feliciano isn't that oblivious. He had to have a hunch especially since he kept looking at Arthur like that. And what even was going fast anymore? They were both hundreds of years old, time meant nothing to them anymore. It was a miracle if they remembered their own birthdays. So maybe this wasn't even moving fast? Maybe Arthur was missing some kind of clue or signal that Feli was super interested and his fears are keeping him from allowing him the pleasure of knowing sweet sweet Italian love (thank god no one could read his mind). Feliciano began saying something and Arthur looked up and the familiar glint of surprisingly glossy chapstick blinded him momentarily. His body practically turned to jelly. How could he be so smitten?