GerUk/GerEng Collection

Killing Me Softly: GerEng Songfic

Summary: German reporter Ludwig is new to the New York scene. Looking for his next story, he overhears someone talking about a new British artist making his New York debut. Many claim he will rise to fame in no time, so Ludwig decides to see if he is as good as they say.

Notes: "Killing Me Softly" and the above video are not mine. The video was accessed from the channel Megan Smith. This version is by Roberta Flack. Also I have never actually been to New York so sorry if it isn't completely correct :). Thanks for reading and enjoy!

     The sun was setting over New York and the bustling activity of night time would soon begin. A young reporter stared up at one of the many bright signs dawning the stores and restaurants of the street. He looked down at a small piece of paper in his hands. This was the place. A rising musician from Britain was said to be playing at a local New York bar (the one he was now standing in front of) tonight. Many people the reporter knew had said the musician had such an amazing voice and stage presence that audiences could not look away.

     And this was why the reporter was standing in front of one of the most popular bars in the city. He was not much for this kind of place of hangout, but this was for work. He hoped to get a small interview with the singer. To his surprise, when he entered the bar, there was a small table in front of the small stage that his story would be performing on. As soon as he sat down, a shaggy blond began tuning his guitar to the side. 'Perhaps this is him.' The guy must have realized he was staring as the musician asked, "Can I help you?"

     The reporter froze for a second, but gained his composure. "Yes. My name is Ludwig Belischmidt and I'm looking for Arthur Kirkland. Are you by chance him?"

     "Why do you want to know?" the other man asked defensively.

     "I'm a reporter for the "Rising Star" magazine. I was hoping to get an interview considering he is quickly becoming popular. If what they say is true, this would be the biggest story of my career."

     Ludwig was clearly losing him as the musician looked very unimpressed. He quickly added, "it would also benefit Arthur. We'd be getting his name out and such." The musician was quiet for a moment, one of his (large) eyebrows cocked up slightly.

     "I guess..." he finally concluded.

     And so, Ludwig would have his interview after the show. Arthur finished his set up and then waited at the side for his introduction. Ludwig's heart (for some unknown reason) was beating fast. Was it his excitement for the interview? Was it him looking forward to the performance? Or was it Arthur himself? Ludwig simply shrugged it off as the musician took to the stage.

     He strummed a few cords on his guitar, ensuring it was in tune. He began singing softly, his voice deep and smooth. As the song continued, Ludwig could not look away. It was sad, lonely, and one Ludwig could connect with. His brother had died years ago and he had been alone ever since. He tried making friends, but he often came off harsh and uptight, so no one really stayed. As he listened to the song, he couldn't help but feel he was understood. That this singer understood his struggle. But he knew deep down it was only an act, and that it probably meant nothing. That thought made Ludwig's heart hurt, so he pushed it down further.

     They were right, Arthur Kirkland was an amazing performer and had a captivating voice. You could not look away. Ludwig's heart began to beat harder to the point it ached. His face grew flushed as he felt everyone could hear it. Arthur was now looking at him, his green eyes shining bright under the stage lights. Ludwig wished for this to end as he felt completely embarrassed. Soon the song came to an end, but Arthur kept eye contact with the blushing reporter.

     They had to tear away from each other as the show had to go on. As he listened to the songs, Ludwig's heart continued to beat hard, but not as hard as before (he managed to calm down by not looking right at Arthur). He now felt a little more comfortable with the whole situation. Nerves and embarrassment aside, Ludwig felt this was the best artist he had seen (and he had seen many talented, rising stars). He would surely become very popular quickly and Ludwig would be lucky enough to be one of the first to interview him. But in that moment of listening to Arthur, he could care less about that fact.

     This went on for about half an hour, but soon enough, Arthur took his bow and the audience roared with applause. The show as over and it was time for Ludwig's interview. Arthur cleaned up what was his and then made his way over to Ludwig. He smirked, "so how did you like the show?"

     "It was amazing! One of the best I've seen."

     "Well, that's good. So chap, let's get this over with."

     "Do you not like getting interviewed."

     "I guess you could say that. They sometimes get too personal."

     Ludwig nodded, "I'll try not to pry too much." He gestured to the seat in front of him. They began the interview with a few simple questions: Where and when were you born? When did you start playing and/or singing? Who inspired you? The questions soon turned into conversations (and some got pretty deep). Ludwig learned that Arthur was born in London and was mainly raised by his brothers. Arthur learned that Ludwig was also raised by his brother in Germany . As the two became more comfortable with each other, Ludwig asked, "so... I really liked that first song. Did it mean anything to you? Or perhaps, it's more fit to ask why did you choose that song?"

     Arthur looked down at the table. He remained fairly silent. The air around the two became thick. Ludwig seemed to have over stepped on that one. He placed his hand over Arthur's, "Sorry. Is that a little too much. You don't have to say." Arthur looked up at Ludwig, his face a little shocked. Ludwig looked at him, and then their hands. 'When did I...I'm not making this any better,' he thought, his face growing warm once again.

     "I'm...I'm sorry. I'm...I'm ruining this aren't I?" Ludwig stuttered. He pulled his hand away, "I just....I... I knew that feeling...and I thought that you might too." Arthur pulled the German's hand back.

     "It's okay. You didn't know, and you are not ruining this. It's nice actually," Arthur explained, gripping Ludwig's hand. "This is probably one of the best interviews I have had, you don't push like others. That last question is a little emotional thought." Ludwig's face remained red as he squeezed Arthur's hand (perhaps a little too tightly). It was warm and soft. He didn't want to let go, but he was worried his hand was too sweaty.

     "Well!" Ludwig blurted as he stood up, "I have everything I need. Thank you for your time Mr. Kirkland." He began walking towards the exit, not daring to look back.

     "Ludwig! Wait!" Arthur called from behind. He grasped the other man's arm and turned him so they were face to face. "Perhaps we can do this again. As friends."

     This was too much for Ludwig anymore. His heart was going crazy and his head was foggy. He pulled out his card and handed it to Arthur and ran out the door and into the cool night. Arthur looked down at the card. "I'll take that as a yes?" he mumbled to himself. He picked up his guitar and left as well, his heart speeding up slightly at the idea of seeing Ludwig again.