GerUk/GerEng Collection

Heartbreak and Ice-Cream

Summary: High achieving student Arthur Kirkland hasn't been seen in days. Ludwig, growing concerned for his friend, goes to check on him.

Notes: Sorry this took so long, but I had some writer's block. This story is based on prompts from AphDrabbles and B. elphie on amino (thank you again!) as well as the steps from this website: https://www.boredpanda.com/how-to-care-for-little-sad-person-john-saddington/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic. Also, mentions of previous FrUk.  
Thank you for reading! 

     "Arthur? Are you okay?" Ludwig stood at the door of his classmate Arthur's house. He had been missing class, which was way out of character for the Brit. Ludwig had taken it upon himself to find out what was going on. So there he stood. In the hall of the small apartment building that was only a 10-minute walk from the university, they both went to. No sound could be heard from behind the door.

     15 minutes of knocking and shouting did not get Ludwig anywhere. He didn't expect anything less though, Arthur was pretty stubborn after all. But so was Ludwig. "I'm not leaving without seeing you," Ludwig called. He heard some thumping and muffled grumbles. The door finally opened to reveal a red-faced, puffy-eyed Arthur. Ludwig was taken aback at Arthur's disheveled appearance. 

     "What?" Arthur hissed.

     "Arthur, nobody has seen you in days." 

     "Good."

     Ludwig let out a groan. "Can I come in?"

     "No!"

     "Arthur."

     "Ludwig"

     The two were left staring at each other, neither willing to back down. Ludwig was the first to speak again, "What's the matter? You're upset and this is causing issues in your life."
"It doesn't matter Lud. None of it. Just leave me alone." At this point, Arthur was weakly trying to push Ludwig out. Ludwig grabbed his arms, making both their faces go red for a brief moment. Ludwig stammered as he tried reaching for what to say next. "Francis and I broke up," Arthur whispered. 

     Francis and Arthur had been dating since high school. Although the Brit acted as he didn't truly love Francis, it was clear to everyone how much they cared for each. 'No wonder Arthur was so upset,' Ludwig thought, 'those two were inseparable.' Ludwig released Arthur's arms, "Do you want to talk about it?"

     "Not really," he sniffed. The two stood in silence for a few minutes. "but maybe some company wouldn't be so bad," Arthur said.

     The two entered Arthur's apartment, making their way to the living room. His apartment was small but cozy. Arthur led Ludwig to the couch and turned on the T.V. The two were quiet for a while as Arthur didn't want to talk and Ludwig was not good with comforting. Ludwig looked around the room awkwardly. He noticed an empty bottle of rum on the coffee table. Ludwig (for his own sake) convinced himself that it was finished over a matter of weeks. Frankly, the whole room was a mess.

 
     Ludwig began to clean up the garbage and blankets that were tossed everywhere. "What are you doing?" Arthur asked as he noticed Ludwig.

    "Cleaning up."

    "But you're my guest. I can't...you can't"

    "Then come help me. Perhaps it'll be good for you."

    Although Arthur spouted out a few more protests, he eventually complied. What originally was only supposed to be the living room turned into the whole apartment.

    "Well, at least it's spotless," Arthur said as he collapsed back onto the couch, flipping on the T.V. Ludwig nodded, taking a seat next to him. And once again, it was quiet. Ludwig's mind began racing with what to say next. This situation was delicate and he was very inexperienced. But it felt wrong not to say anything. Perhaps actions would be better? But what?
Having the brilliant idea of searching online for an answer, he took to his phone. Most of the answers and WikiHows he got involved talking, which Ludwig wanted to avoid. So he kept scrolling. 

    Arthur glanced over at him, but turned back to the T.V., not having the strength to care.
Eventually, Ludwig found something. Something that didn't involve talking. He read over the steps. Step one lay a blanket out. Okay, not too bad, he could do that. Step two, pick up the sad person and lay them on the blank. Ludwig looked over at Arthur, his face growing warm at the thought of picking him up. Ludwig shook his head at the thought and turned back to his phone. 'Perhaps just wrapping a blanket around him will work,' Ludwig thought.

 
    He read the rest of the steps. Snacks, drinks, and movies, good. Hugs, that might be more difficult. Putting his phone down, Ludwig picked up a blanket from the near-by chair and wrapped it around Arthur. Arthur looked up at the German, confused by his actions. Ludwig gave him a quick hug, before rushing into the kitchen to get snacks and drinks, not making a sound.
Once in the kitchen, Ludwig took a few deep breaths. His heartbeat fast and his face felt hot (once again). He tried to focus on getting what he needed.

 
    He returned to the living room, his feelings in check and ice cream and water in hand. He offered (a shocked) Arthur a bowl, which Arthur hesitantly took. The two took their first bite. "Good?" Ludwig finally spoke.

    "Mint Chocolate Chip is my favorite, so yes."

 
    "So, do you want to watch a movie or something?"

    "Why not. How about some Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Good for a laugh I guess."
Ludwig shrugged and went over to the rack of movies. He popped it in, then settled down next to Arthur. 

     For the rest of the afternoon, the two watched movies, ate ice-cream, and just enjoyed each other's company. Eventually, it got late and Ludwig had to go home. Arthur walked Ludwig to the door. "Will you be in class tomorrow?" Ludwig asked before leaving, "Or will I have to come back here tomorrow?"

     Arthur gave a small chuckle, "Although I would love that, I think my grades will suffer if I don't go back."

     Ludwig gave a small smile, "Well goodnight." He began walking away.

    "Wait, Ludwig!"

    He stopped and turned to look at Arthur once again. "Thank you," Arthur mumbled. Ludwig nodded and went on his way again. Arthur lingered for a moment at the door, but eventually went back inside.