The Writer and The Café

Chapter Eleven

Alfred stared at the brit in shock. A date. He couldn't believe it. He and Arthur were going on a date. "Yeah. Thanks dude," he said softly as a smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up with happiness and excitment.

A loud ring erupted from the kitchen making Alfred jump and remember the food in the oven. He ran to the kitchen and slipped on the pot holders before he pulled the pot out of the oven and smiled when he saw that it was in beautiful shape. Smiling brightly he placed it on the top of the stove. Alfred took the gloves off of his hands and tossed them onto the counter before fixing their bowls.

Arthur sat on the couch with his face in his hands as he groaned in embarrassment. He was unbelievably happy that he and Alfred were slowly moving out of just being friends and onto something a bit more. His heart was beating so fast Arthur felt as if it was going to burst. The brit never thought he would have gotten this far with Alfred.

Hearing foot steps Arthur removed his hands and looked up to find Alfred carrying two bowls with spoons. He sat down and handed Arthur a bowl with a bright smile. "I hope ya like it Artie."

"I'm sure I will Alfred." He said quietly as he took the bowl and didn't look into Alfred's eyes.

Seeing how awkward and nervous Arthur was acting troubled Alfred. He didn't want to call the outing a date if it made the brit this way. "Arthur we don't have to go out tomorrow if you don't want to."

Arthur turned to him with wide eyes and shook his head worried now. "No. I'd love to go out tomorrow. Please don't say that." He became worried now that Alfred didn't seem to want to go into the city.

Alfred bit his bottom lip as he felt guilt gnaw at his chest. He nodded and went to focus on the food in from of him instead of worrying and over thinking things. "I understand. I'm sorry about that Arthur. But anyways you have to try this Sheppards pie! It tastes awesome!"

Thanks to the bright smile on Alfred's face Arthur couldn't stop the soft giggle that left his lips. He took the bowl from Alfred's hands and and leaned back into the couch ready to try it as it cooled. After a few minutes he took a bit and felt the wonderful taste spread across his mouth.

"I wish you could always cook for me Alfred," Arthur hummed in satisfaction as he swallowed the bite in his mouth. "This is absolutely fantastic."

Alfred's mood felt so much better as he heard those words and he got to work on eating his own bowl. The past few weeks he had gone out and looked all over London and the neighboring towns to get information for his book. He had actually finished it already and had sent it in to his brother for final editing and checks. Alfred wanted to spend as much time as he could with Arthur while he still had the chance, even though his brother wanted him to come back to the states.

"Thank you dar-" Alfred was cut off as he heard a loud crash coming from his bedroom. He put his bowl down and quickly ran to his bedroom to find Freedom and Biscuit on the floor hissing at each other with a broken lamp beside them. As he sighed in annoyance Alfred swatted his cat softly and picked him up, tossing him onto the bed away from Biscuit.

"Is everything okay?" Arthur asked worriedly as he entered the room. He noticed the broken lamp with his cat beside it and immediately felt guilt fill his chest. "Oh Biscuit," he grumbled angrily as he picked up his cat. "I'm sorry Alfred. I'll give you the money to replace it."

Alfred only chuckled and shook his head as he grabbed the bedside trash can and started to pick up the broken glass. "Don't worry about it. I rarely used it and I bet freedoms fat self knocked it over."

Still feeling bad Arthur nodded and left the room and walked out to the balcony where he lightly tossed Biscuit onto his own. He watched he walk inside before going back into Alfred's bedroom. Without a word he bent down and started to help Alfred clean up the lamp and after a few minutes it was gone.

"Thank you." Alfred patted Arthur's shoulder as he lead him out of the room and back to the living room. "I won't be living here too much longer so I don't really need a new lamp anyways," he said nonchalantly but felt the sadness in his voice.

Arthur froze at those words and stood just behind the couch. He didn't think Alfred was leaving so soon after jus arriving in England. "R-Really?" He choked out softly as he felt his eyes begin to water. After finally getting close with the American and thinking he even had a chance his heart was still going to break.

Hearing Arthur's pained response Alfred turned around and quickly walked over to him. Placing his hands on the top of Arthur's arm he massaged them carefully trying to sooth him. "What's wrong Arthur? Please tell me what's going on?" He pleaded as he noticed the tears in the brits eyes.

He closed his eyes and shook his head not wanting to sound pathetic to Alfred. "I-It's nothing. I think I need to go now."

Alfred felt his heart being torn apart and instinctively pulled Arthur into his chest and held him tightly. "I'm not sure what I did wrong Arthur but please don't hate me," he begged as he felt his eyes water not wanting to lose him.

Arthur sniffled softly into Alfred's chest and began to weep. "I'm don't want you to go." He hands clung to Alfred's shirt as he began to shake lightly. Knowing he may never see Alfred again Arthur decided to just be honest and admit what feelings had grown onto him over the past few weeks. "I love you."

As he heard the words Alfred couldn't believe it. He pulled Arthur from his chest and saw his cheeks wet from his tears. Wiping them away he tilted the brits chin up so Alfred could look into his bright green eyes he came to love so dearly. "I love you too Arthur," he said softly he before leaning forward and closing the few inches of space between their faces, locking their lips together for a sweet kiss.