When the clock ticks... (UsUk Cardverse AU)

Chapter 6 - When the clock ticks

By the time the two returned to the ball, a few individuals had already left, seemingly tired or not feeling the need to stay. As they passed, those who left said their farewells to the prince before taking their leave. Alfred immediately went to take Arthur to the buffet table in excitement. "Have you tried this chocolate?! It's so cool dude!" He exclaimed, smiling energetically at the other.

"Excuse me?" Arthur asked, at first believing that he had heard incorrectly "chocolate?" He asked again. "I'm sorry but, what is that exactly?" He questioned curiously, noticing how the other gestured to some brown looking sweets. Before he could even speak again, Alfred had grabbed a piece of chocolate and shoved it into the poor farmer boy's mouth.

"Eh?!" He exclaimed almost in disbelief, watching the other's reaction "oh man! You've never had chocolate before?!" He questioned with a shocked face, after finding out that fact, for quite some time, the taller male kept pointing out different sweets and treats, eating them and sharing most with Arthur as he laughed at the other's shocked reactions to the tasty food.

Arthur couldn't believe the tastes of the foods that were being shoved into his possession. They were so delicious, full of flavour he had never experienced before. Like magic. After a while, he turned his attention to those that were dancing in the middle of the ballroom, smiling subtly in a fond way but he didn't mention his desire to do the same. However, it seemed the energetic blond had caught onto the longing glint in those forest green eyes of Arthur's and proceeded to take his right hand, walking forward to lead the way to the center of the ballroom "E - Eh?" Arthur asked, shocked "Y - Your Highness, we're both guys, we shouldn't -" he exclaimed but it was too late for Alfred to be convinced otherwise. The other had pulled the smaller blond male to him as the music switched to a soft, slow and sensual sounding song, the two naturally swaying in time and rhythm with each other.

"What did you say?" Alfred asked in a teasing way, a smirk on his face "all I could hear was nonsense coming out of that pretty mouth of yours" he added, one hand calmly resting on the waist of Arthur's, the other hand holding Arthur's casually. "Let us share this moment, I promise that you won't regret it" he then said, his voice oddly serious compared to that silly tone of voice he had just moments before. Arthur blushed softly, the pink tint appearing on his cheeks, complimenting his appearance well. Not only was this an endearing moment to share, but the poor farmer boy was beyond embarrassed. And yet, he couldn't take his eyes off of the other. But maybe that was a good thing.

Their dance continued on for a couple of minutes, the two swaying together so naturally that it seemed destined. The way they became entranced with the other also overwhelmed them in a soft and relaxed kind of way. It was a nice feeling to say the least. Nevertheless however, the song came to an end and the two broke apart, Boeing to each other politely. That was when reality hit Arthur and that pink tint deepened in embarrassment of having becoming mesmerised by the prince. Alfred felt the urge to lean forward and kiss the other's hand politely however, he ended up resisting the urge. He didn't want to seem desperate or in any way, suffocating to the farmer. Instead, he merely flashed a proud smile.

"Thank you Arthur, I've really enjoyed tonight" Alfred spoke after a couple of seconds. "It's getting rather late unfortunately...want me to walk you out?" He questioned him politely "the ball wasn't meant to go on for too long and when the clock ticks...it'll all be over" he said, though he seemed disappointed.

"Then perhaps we can stay in each other's presence until the tick of the clock, your highness?" Arthur responded rather nicely. He had enjoyed today. He had enjoyed the ball, definitely more than he thought he would. He wouldn't mind waiting until the very end if he was able to spend it with Alfred.

"Indeed, I would like that a lot, Arthur" Alfred responded fondly. Definitely over the moon with what the other had suggested.