The Elusive Mr. Kirkland

9

The two chatted almost like old friends once the awkward air dispersed between them. Alfred spoke of his youth in America where he spent most of his time working away on a farm, choosing to pick up the hobby of horseback riding in his free time. Arthur listened tentatively, unsure of how much was truth and how much was exaggeration. Nevertheless, he was captivated.

The American's eyes glittered in rememberance as he told his stories, as if he were hearing them the first time and not from his own mouth. Whenever Alfred would slow, unsure if Arthur was still listening, Arthur would give him a reassuring smile.

Tracing a finger around the rim of his glass while resting his chin on his propped up arm, Arthur questioned Alfred's logic. "But if you enjoyed your stay in America so much, why come here?"

Alfred's smile grew. "I don't know. It's like... ok look." He pointed to an old radio behind the bar. "What's that?"

"... a dusty radio." Arthur stared at the radio with little interest. "Is there a point to this or did you have enough alcohol and you seriously didn't know what it was?"

"Shush. Hear the music?"

"That's kind of the purpose of having a radio in an establishment, so yes, I do." Arthur folded his arms, unsure of where this was going.

"No matter how much you like the music, wouldn't the same tune get old after awhile? Boring? Wouldn't you want something new, something exciting?"

"Yes... I think I know what you mean." Arthur turned his attention from Alfred back to the radio. Same old tune... something new, exciting. Alfred was the new that he'd barely come to know. He wasn't like the others of England, he had a youthful spark to him that could make any occasion seem like an adventure.

"Exactly." He glanced over to the bartender, making sure his attention was elsewhere. When he was certain he wouldn't look over, he leaned over the counter, stretching his arm towards the radio. With a quick turn of the knob, the radio changed from its quiet melody into something more upbeat, setting the mood for the rest of the night.

A/N: ok, not gonna lie, I lost motivation to write this although I still have plans for the plot- that's why this update was so short. This is the only thing I had written since the last chapter. But over 500 reads and 70 votes?! Tysm! Voting keeps me encouraged :)
Anyways, it would be nice to know if people actually want me to continue it? I think I might abandon this story but I don't want to stop if people like it
Ty for reading! ♡♡