Same Job, Different Time and Place [R-18]

“All day?” Arthur gawked. “Goodness… I’m sorry, I would have made the reservations if I’d had known it took you so long,” He could envision it now, spending hours at a time waiting for the American to get ready. It was no wonder they all looked fresh out of Hollywood here. He paused.

“What on earth could you possibly have to do to get ready?” he sounded genuinely confused, a tone of mirth in his voice as well.

For Arthur it was teeth, eyebrows, a shave, aftershave, hair and clothes. He didn’t wear cologne, mainly because he never had a reason to wear it. And it wasn’t as though a nice smell was going to make people ignore the sharp lines of his face and his eyebrows.

“I tidied my flat and read,” he answered with a small shrug. “I’m afraid that I haven’t done anything terribly exciting.”

Alfred laughed a bit and he shook his head, not wanting Arthur to be concerned over everything. "Don't worry about it, Arthur...!" He reassured. "It wasn't that bad at all!" So maybe he had to pay just a bit extra to get a nice suit in the cruise and maybe a bit of begging but he managed it after a while. Unlike Arthur, it was a lot easier for Alfred to spend time to actually get ready.

For Alfred, it was his teeth, shaving, after shave, his hair (which nearly had to be perfect), clothes (which were actually decent), a nice and long shower to ensure a clean body, cologne, polished shoes, and the list went on and on. The American believed in looking good for a date or whatever could be considered as a date and honestly...he was nervous because it has been years since his last one but would this even be considered as a real date?

He didn't know what Arthur thought about it but he supposed he would figure out later on in the evening. The younger man simply grinned and he shook his head. "I guess some people just take longer to get ready." He mused to himself but he knew that he had also spent a good amount of time cleaning up his rather messy flat. Who knew...?

"That's completely fine." He murmured off handedly as he focused on the streets in front of him. Arthur was certainly a good distraction from the road and he couldn't get himself too distracted. It was a good while later (about thirty minutes or so) when they finally pulled up to the harbour and Alfred could easily see the decent sized cruise ship that they were supposed to go on that evening. He smiled at Arthur. "Here we are." He announced as he stepped out of the automobile and started to head towards the cruise ship.

Finding the man in front who was keeping the guest list, Alfred simply smiled. "Two for Jones?" He asked as the man looked through the guest list and checked them off. "Go on in, sirs." He murmured and the American seemed relieved, soon stepping onto the boat. Honestly...he preferred aeroplanes or cars. He wasn't all that good with boats at times.

Arthur hadn’t been on a date for years, either. When he had last had a boyfriend, they rarely left the bedroom, except to drink and go to lectures. Thinking back, it hadn’t been a healthy relationship. Cigarettes, weed, alcohol, sex and guitar music all sounded very rock ‘n roll, but Arthur was (a little bit) glad to be out of all of it now. He was an adult; a mature, sensible –

“Christ,” his eyes bulged at the size of the boat they were to board. “That’s a big ship,” he said, intelligently so.

Arthur tried to regain his composure and climbed out of the car, following Alfred to the boat. He hadn’t ever seen a boat of that sheer size before. He had never lived near a port and so this was quite a shock for him. Of course, he’d heard of huge ships, seen things such as the S.S. Great Britain, but he had never seen anything quite so… pretty on a boat before.

He couldn’t help but blush at the name Alfred had given. Of course, it made sense. It was practical, and a reservation, after all. It just implied that they… well, that they were a couple. Or something of that nature.

Arthur just remained quiet, bowing his head slightly at the doorman. He was soon at Alfred’s side, trying not to grin too much.

“This is amazing, Alfred…”

Alfred didn't nearly have such an exciting life when he was a teenager and honestly, he was happy with what he was like. It didn't really count that he was just getting out of his teenager years and just recently became an adult. Certainly he had quite a bit of alcohol but he only ever did that in small amounts and while he tried a bit of underaged drinking, it never got to the point that it was potentially dangerous for himself. As for smoking, he tried it once and it just wasn't his thing (considering that he coughed up the smoke for quite a long time after the first time). Other than that, most of his teenage years were spent hitting the books in the library (and oftentimes sleeping on these very books and in that very library), designing and innovating, running about with his American football and trying to romance a few of the lovely ladies.

Not nearly as exciting but it was fulfilling yet now, he hadn't had the chance to even come close to anything like a date. It was just a bit more surprising that he was taking out his own boss yet one night with the man and Alfred knew that he couldn't just leave things be.

The American grinned as he heard the astonishment in the man's voice, laughing a bit. "There's a lot bigger ships out there but it's a pretty good size, huh?" He mentioned as he stepped onto the bush, soon looking around. He had heard good things about the cruise from his co-workers but he himself had never been on it. Well it was never too early to try it out at least.

The maître d' soon led them over to their table, a nice table near enough to the edge where they would have a good view of the city though they were always free to walk about. Alfred simply looked over at Arthur and while he knew that the other might not necessarily want to be treated as a woman...the American secretly considered this as a date and so he couldn't help but pull out his chair for him before sitting down on his own.

"You think so? I'm glad you like it so far." He murmured, admittedly rather flustered of being complimented but he was relieved.

Legal ages being different in the UK, Arthur had fallen into things like that at a young (ish) age. He definitely started drinking whilst under-aged, though. It was mostly to feel rebellious after going to an all-boy’s school with a strict idea of what he could and couldn’t do. He was never badly behaved during lessons, or seminars at university, but he wasn’t a good student. He would study hard and get good results but he was somewhat of a troublemaker sometimes. Somehow, he’d ended up being the Head Boy. Lord knew how. He hadn’t been popular. Drugs and sex became more prominent when he went to uni.

Of course, Arthur didn’t talk about it very much. He felt as though it was a very private issue, something that others didn’t need to know about. Particularly Alfred. If he could, he’d keep his past to himself for as long as possible.

He murmured a ‘thank you’ to Alfred before sitting in his allocated seat. It must have been difficult for him to get this reservation on such short notice. Arthur knew he’d have to make it up to him somehow. Perhaps next time – if there was a next time – he could pay and arrange the date? That seemed fair… yes?

“Y-yes, well… it’s different,” he cleared his throat. Alfred looked adorable, but he managed to resist looking at him for too long. He Arthur inspected the décor instead, admiring the design.

She was a beautiful ship.

Admittedly, Alfred hadn't even tried alcohol until he was the age of eighteen but at that time, he really couldn't enjoy any splendours from it. Yet now that he was older and he had sometimes went out to drink with his friends, he didn't find it to be as much of a taboo as before. During his high school years, Alfred had admittedly lazed off and he was absolutely horrid at subjects such as English and History (anything other than American history of course) but he received very, very good grades in maths and sciences. He wasn't that much of a hard worker but that changed when he got into university.

He didn't mind sharing about his past but honestly, there really was nothing to hide. He was considered as the 'golden boy', some would say. Carrying his looks from high school with a wonderful demeanour and all, everyone thought he would be able to go far in life. Alfred really was determined to go far in life.

Whilst it was difficult to grab this seat, enough persuasion and money seemed to go quite a ways. While he might be struggling with his necessities for the next month, it was worth it in the end. Or at least he hoped it would be worth it. Alfred looked over at Arthur, observing him for a moment and smiling a bit to himself before he looked around to admire the décor of the ship as well, running a hand through his blonde locks.

Soon enough, he looked down at the menu and started to think of what he wanted for the night.

Arthur had felt lonely for years, which was what he put his alcohol and drug intake down to. There had been a point when Arthur had been a chain smoker. Poor parenting probably had something to do with it, too, actually. His father had never really paid him any attention, and his mother was too busy shopping to think about five-year-old Arthur waiting at school for her to pick him up.

It was a miracle that he wasn’t in the gutter somewhere, really.

He repressed a sigh and decided to focus on the menu before him. Having not eaten since that morning, Arthur was quite relieved to be ordering food. It was only a matter of time until his blood sugar level crashed. He didn’t want to shout at Alfred, seeing as this was the first time they’d really sat down to talk to each other. Of course, they’d gone for lunch and things before, but Arthur had never really felt as though they had communicated in those situations. It had always been work-related.

Now, they were getting the chance to talk about more menial things like books and history. It gave Arthur such a feeling of pride to be able to sit opposite Alfred and know that they’d come together and that there were girls gazing at the American wantonly. It was brilliant.

“What do you think you’re going to have?” he was staring absently at the menu. He had no idea of what to pick.

In all reality, Alfred's parents were splendid parents. There was nothing horribly wrong with his family and he liked it that way. He liked being normal in this way, not having to worry about a father who got too drunk or a mother who was too busy working to ever pay attention to him. While his mother had been a huge part of the income for the family, she still always managed time for her two sons where she would set them aside and have fun with them whether it was a trip to the park or anything like that. They had raised him with the expectations that he would get everywhere and anywhere.

It was a wonder why he ended up just being an assistant to the lead of the financial department or another in Chouchoute. A fashion company nonetheless. The exact opposite of what he studied for as a major.

Alfred actually had to make an effort of not eating that much so he wouldn't be too full for the actual meal. Though maybe he should eaten quite a bit so it wouldn't as much money in the end. Ah well, what is done is done. Either way, everything on the menu looked delicious and he pretty much wanted to eat it all though he knew that he would have to hold back if he didn't want to spend all of his income for that very month.

The American was rather ignorant of any stares going his way and instead he was focused on the menu and if not that, then at least his boss or the lovely décor of the ship. Soon enough, he finally smiled to himself. "I'm going to get a few of these things!" He pointed to different parts of the menu, not always knowing how to pronounce the names of the food on the menu.

He shifted around a bit as he settled back into his chair. "What about you...?"

Arthur quirked an eyebrow and shifted forward slightly to see what on earth the boy was pointing at. From the distance he ended up being from Alfred, he could smell his cologne. It was surprisingly pleasant, much less pungent than he had originally thought that a cologne would be. It was almost a sweet scent. Like sweets or caramel. He quickly sat back in his seat again, re-composing himself.

“Well, I suppose the Chicken Sorrento sounds nice.” He was achingly aware that roast beef was long gone for him. He wouldn’t be able to have any until he went home to his parents for Christmas, or when ever they invited him to stay. Not that he would want to go at all; especially not if he could be sitting somewhere similar to this with Alfred. If it worked. He had to keep reminding himself that they were not a couple yet.

He was used to one-nightstands but not dates after shagging each other senseless. He wasn’t at all versed in the etiquette.

“Perhaps we should get to know one another, Alfred…?” he averted his gaze, pretending to be concentrated on the menu. He almost began to look at the wine list, but then he remembered that not only would he make a fool of himself, but at a place like this they were going to be bloody expensive.

Alfred could no longer smell his cologne since his nose already got so used to the scent but he hoped that it wouldn't smell too bad for Arthur. He knew how it could be like sometimes. Accidentally put on too much cologne and it would do the exact opposite of what the intention was. He didn't want to drive Arthur away with how he smelt but honestly, it didn't seem as if Arthur minded at all.

The American soon nodded, smiling at the mention of Chicken Sorrento. That actually sounded really good though it was probably something he had no idea what it was other than the fact that there might be chicken in it. He might have to visit his family when Christmas break came in and even though he loved his brother and everything and wanted to visit him...he wanted to have some time during Christmas with someone else other than family. Maybe a lover of some sort. He had always wanted to do that... Cuddle in front of a fireplace, hot chocolate and maybe some warm kisses.

That would be nice.

Admittedly, Alfred wasn't used to dates after one-nightstands himself though at the same time, he was more used to a date first then a one-nightstand. Definitely not the other way around. It seemed foreign to him when he actually thought about it.

The assistant soon blinked and glanced up at Arthur in surprise before he smiled a bit, laughing softly. "Um...yeah, sure. What would you like to know?" He didn't really know how to start off discussions talking about himself or anything like that... Once he got into it though, he could talk for ages but he wasn't good at starting it off.

“Well, how about where were did you grow up? I can only assume that you aren’t from this area because of your accent, or rather, your lack of one.” To Arthur he just sounded like any generic American that he might see on television. Alfred definitely didn’t sound like a New Yorker; that much was all Arthur could distinguish.

“Personally, I was born in Winchester before I moved to Manchester,” it was then that he realised Alfred might not know these places. “I’ve lived in London for the longest amount of time though,” he cleared his throat. London, always a good place to start. Everyone knew where London was. As far as Arthur was concerned, if they didn’t know where London was, they weren’t worth talking to.

“And you have a brother?” he could faintly remember Alfred mentioning something about his brother at that team-building day. He’d made such a tit of himself in front of everyone. He could only hope that he wasn’t in trouble with his superiors. Losing his job in less than a couple of months would be embarrassing and look terrible on his résumé. After all, how else could he spend his days staring wantonly at Alfred’s arse?

Arthur shifted in his seat, starting to feel slightly uncomfortable at the amount of attention they were drawing to themselves. Arthur had never liked to stick out, and being watched was making him feel hot. He could almost hear the thought processes of other people around them. ‘Are they gay?’, ‘the cute one doesn’t look gay’, ‘are they brothers or…?’, ‘what the hell is that guy doing with that geeky guy?’, and so on and so forth.

Alfred blinked in surprised as he listened to Arthur and he laughed a bit. "You got me with Winchester. I have no idea where that is in England. All I know is that it's a city in northwestern Virginia!" He exclaimed, smiling. "Though from Manchester all the way to London? That's pretty far considering England and everything." He murmured, musing to himself and soon the waiter came, wondering if their order was ready.

Alfred paused for a moment to give the waiter his order before looking back at Arthur with a small smile on his lips as he continued on speaking. "I've always wanted to visit England though. It seems like a pretty amazing place if I say so myself." Honestly, it really did. He always wanted to go. Honestly, the only places out of the country he had ever been was both Canada and Mexico, which were pretty cool places but he wanted to go across the pond and explore there!

"As for myself, I was born in Virginia." He grinned. "A small town actually but it was really nice. You know, New England and all that but then I ended up travelling around a lot like to Texas, California, Florida and honestly, we never really stayed in one place that long. Virginia has always been one of my favourite places though!" He paused for a moment and he laughed a bit. "Then I moved to Massachusetts for a while for university but then I found myself here a few years back in New York City for my job opportunity." He explained.

"And yeah, I have a twin brother named Matthew. Actually he lives in Canada." He mused to himself. "People always mistake him as me though." He laughed a bit at the thought though honestly, no one ever mistook him as Matthew, always the other way around. "What about you? Do you have any siblings?" He asked, rather curious actually.

Honestly, Arthur was most likely not in trouble with his superiors. It was a team-building day but that in no way meant that he was going to lose his job. Especially when Arthur was very capable in his working position and so what if he didn't do well with social stress? That was no reason to fire him or anything.

Alfred didn't notice any of the attention on them as he focused primarily on Arthur. In all honesty also, he really didn't care of what they thought. If they thought that they were boyfriends, that was fine with him. Brothers was also fine. He really didn't care what they thought. Instead he simply smiled and hesitantly reached out to lightly squeeze Arthur's hand with his own. "Hey, don't be too nervous. It's just me."

Just as he’d predicted. Arthur didn’t bother explaining where it was.

“Yes, I suppose that it is quite a distance… I haven’t really thought about it before.” It certainly wasn’t the furthest he’d travelled, considering that he now lived in the US. It was probably the furthest he’d ever moved. Arthur had been all over the world thanks to his parents’ wealth.

He uttered his order to the waiter before returning his focus to Alfred, eyebrow raised. He couldn’t help but wonder if Alfred was just saying those things as a form of flattery. Whether it was faux or not, it did work it’s charm, considering that Arthur was extremely patriotic.

“Then I will have to show you some time,” he was trying to not let the stares bother him as he listened to Alfred talk about himself. “Those are quite a lot of states, lad.” Luckily, Arthur was quite familiar with all of the places Alfred had listed. To be allowed to live in the US, he’d had to take a test. He could still remember a lot of what he had revised for the said test.

Twins. It wasn’t something Arthur had really considered. He had merely assumed that Alfred would be the youngest of the two and his brother had been doing something science-y to inspire Alfred to do the same. But apparently not.

“Ah, yes. I have a younger, brother called Peter.” He didn’t like Peter at all. “I think that he’s about thirteen now.” He hadn’t really tried to keep up with his age, seeing as his parents always reminded him when Peter’s birthday was coming up. Arthur was somewhat jealous of Peter for receiving more attention than he had as a child. Peter had been babied and was still a baby in Arthur’s eyes.

Suddenly Alfred was holding his hand and Arthur blushed deeply. He stared down at the tablecloth fixatedly but didn’t make the effort to pull away from him. He secretly enjoyed the comforting touch.

“People are staring, Alfred,” he mumbled, as if it would bother him.

Alfred wasn't very well versed when it came to the cities in England but who was he to really care? It was hard enough to keep track of all the countries as well as the cities in each country. Something like Winchester was hard for Alfred to really keep track but ah well. He would look it up later on a search engine or something like that.

In all reality, the boy certainly did have a leaning towards England out of many countries aside from those in North America. While Spain and France were just fine, the fact that England well...spoke English was extremely helpful and it had some pretty amazing culture. Though in all honesty, Alfred was rather the patriotic man himself.

Once again, he really did pay no attention to the stares directed their way. Alfred smiled a bit as he leant forward. "I've also lived in Hawaii! Actually my family has a summer home over there. It's pretty amazing. Great beaches and all." He grinned. His family were rather well off but that didn't mean they would share any of the wealth with him. They believed in him working hard for his wealthy and honestly, he believed the same thing.

He was certain that if he ever took a test for living in the United Kingdom...he would completely and utterly fail. At least he wasn't really planning anything like that.

Alfred just smiled at that. "Yeah, Matthew is only a few days older than me but he wanted to do things that would help others. He was like the opposite of me! He was always so quiet and reserved and he wasn't all that good in science! He preferred English and History as subjects during school." He didn't know why he was talking randomly about his brother but ah well... He raised his eyebrows at that. "Oh, thirteen? That's pretty cool." So Arthur had a brother also though there was quite a bit of an age difference between Peter and Arthur it seemed.

When Alfred was holding Arthur's hand, he couldn't help but feel slightly calmed with everything. He wondered if the Englishman minded him holding his hand but he decided not to question it, especially since he didn't seem to make any effort in pulling his hand away.

"So? Does it bother you?" He asked as he didn't even spare a glance in the peoples' direction. "It doesn't bother me. I like this."

“Hawaii? Goodness,” Arthur raised his eyebrows. He’d never been there, and could only assume things about the place that he had seen in films. But he knew that it was a beautiful place… that and it had been attacked during the Second World War. “It’s lovely there, I’m sure.”

Arthur had only gotten to the place he was now thanks to his uncle. It was him that had encouraged Arthur to get his act together and to make money of his own. He was taken on as his apprentice and things got better for him. It was what had taught him to keep his head held up high, and to act confident. It was how he’d signed a lot of contracts.

It was also the bane of his life as he clearly didn’t enjoy it. It was always a job, not his career.

So, Matthew was his step-brother, or half-brother…? He furrowed his brow, trying to work that one out as Alfred kept talking.

“What does Matthew do, then? Is he a doctor – oh, no I suppose that you would have to be a good scientist to have that profession.” He pursed his lips, not saying anything more about Peter. Stupid, ungrateful brat that he was. Arthur had been fourteen when Peter was born, and become more bitter ever since. Before Peter, he had believed that his parents loved him deep down but upon seeing his mother dote upon Peter whereas he had been raised by nannies, it removed any good thoughts that he previously had, had about his parents. They were bastards.

He was still flushed pink, hunching over slightly (which ruined his naturally good posture). He didn’t like being watched, not since he’d tried amateur dramatics. Lord knew how much of a mistake that had been.

“I-it doesn’t bother you…? At all?” it surprised Arthur, having half-expected for Alfred to whip his hand away upon the stares. So the boy liked voyeurism, who would have guessed? He sighed heavily.

Alfred grinned at the other's interest in Hawaii and he soon nodded. "Yeah, it's actually really cool over there! I love the beaches there and the weather, it's really nice especially compared to New York! Y'anno?" He smiled. "If you ever find time away from Chouchoute, you should visit. I mean, you're in America after all. Might as well visit probably the most beautiful place in all of America!" He hummed happily and he couldn't help but wonder...just how nice it would be to be there with someone he really liked.

Just out on the beach, resting in the sun together and simply enjoying the sights and the tropics. It sounded like bliss. Unfortunately, he was stuck in this horrid work setting as he tried to pay off his debts from university. He really wished he didn't go to such an expensive university from the very beginning. Maybe he should have taken two years in a community college.

Being an assistant wasn't the job of his dreams though. In fact, it was rather the opposite. Some of the people were cool there but he would much rather leave New York City for a better job anytime though...admittedly....he did quite enjoy being around his new boss. Yet it made him feel guilty, especially after what happened last night.

He couldn't bring himself to regret it but at times, he was wondering if what he did was really the right thing.

The American laughed a bit at the mention of his brother and he shook his head. " Nah. He really does have the heart to do so though." He soon shrugged. "And I think he's majoring in Psychology or something. I never really kept track." He smiled, a bit more strained. Okay, so he was horrid at keeping up with his brother but it really wasn't his fault that Matthew seemed to be able to be forgotten so easily all the time..!

Admittedly, Alfred was the loved son out of the two brothers. He got most of the love and attention though that didn't mean that Matthew was unloved. His parents still gave the older boy some attention and love but Alfred just demanded it more when he was growing up. Even now, Alfred was the kind of man who loved attention on him.

Noticing the pink flush on Arthur's cheeks, the assistant simply smile at his boss. "Of course it doesn't. There's nothing wrong with being a bit...affectionate, right?" He murmured the last part more hesitantly, just in case it was wrong in Arthur's view.

Arthur was increasingly aware that his palms were beginning to feel clammy. He couldn’t understand how a boy, who had never been in a relationship with a man before, could feel comfortable enough to hold hands. Not that it didn’t feel nice (and it would feel nicer without people staring, he was sure) but Arthur had never been one for public displays of affection. He was a very private man and liked to keep his relations to himself. Which ironically, he would probably have to do if he could make it work with Alfred.

He could imagine it; the mornings lying in bed together before work, the smell of coffee and tea mingling in the stale morning air… oh, wouldn’t it be lovely? And the sound of doing all of that on (what Arthur considered a tropical) beach, sounded even better. He kept his thoughts to himself, however.

“Yes… it’s kind of you to offer,” he forced a small smile and found himself moving closer, as if Alfred would protect him from disapproving eyes. And then Arthur felt like an utter pansy. Since when had he cared what people thought of him?!

“A psychologist?” Americans and psychology – it was something that Arthur would never truly understand.

He looked down at their hands, intertwined and comforting. He was happy to have his hand held. Really, truly. “Sorry, I’m just not used to it, that’s all,” he mumbled, still a rosy red colour in his face and ears.

Alfred was always rather comfortable when it came to being in the presence of public. He had no idea why but it just came easily with him. Even if the man he was with was technically his boss and not only that, but also a male. Yet what mattered was that no one around them knew what their relationship actually was and he couldn't give a damn of what else they thought when it came to him taking Arthur out on a date.

If Arthur really wanted to call it a date... though that might just be him having high hopes.

Alfred had always wanted to spend lovely mornings with someone and considering that he was always together with Arthur, both in the workplace and soon maybe out, he really couldn't bring himself to think that he would want otherwise. Maybe he was still confused with his emotions, from the night before but his eyes had opened. He was starting to see Arthur in a different light. A lovely light in fact and he knew that he shouldn't think of him in this way but he couldn't help it.

Not for the first time, his heart and desires went against logic and reasoning.

The assistant noticed how the Englishman scooted a bit closer though he simply leant in, responding to the gesture because honestly, he found it rather sweet. Alfred soon nodded at the mention of a psychologist.

"Yeah, something like that." He chuckled a bit. "It's a pretty popular job amongst Canadians, I think. Matthew really likes it. I mean, I think it's pretty cool but I would rather be dealing with other stuff like technology and all." Alfred didn't move his hand away at all and soon enough, the cruise ship started to move away from the dock.

Alfred gazed at Arthur's rosy cheeks for just a moment before looking out at the side to see the edge of the city start moving away from them. He kept their hands grasped together.

“What are you insinuating about Canadians, Alfred?” the Brit chuckled softly and then nodded. “I think you’d be good at that,” he agreed and then added, in a teasing tone, “Which is of course why you are working in an office. The ideal place for a young mind.”

So, not only was Matthew a few days older, but he was also Canadian, and not American… how mindboggling. He chose not to question it, lest he was prying too deeply. Perhaps he was a step or half brother? Who knew? Who cared? Alfred was perfect with or without siblings.

He was soon distracted by the boat moving, drifting away from the city – or along beside it, at least. It was stunning. He looked back at Alfred, catching his gaze briefly. He’d caught Alfred looking at him. He quickly looked away again, still flushed. He tried to calm himself. It didn’t mean anything. Alfred could have just been looking in his general direction… but he secretly hoped that wasn’t true.

Arthur gave his hand a gentle squeeze, looking out to the darkness.

“You’re quite the romantic, aren’t you, lad?” he said in a hushed voice. The boat, the flowers, the scenery… God, it was like being in some Hollywood-esque romantic comedy. Alfred being the romantic, Arthur being the idiot. Or at least that was how Arthur felt currently. He’d never dated anyone who was into ‘soppy romantic drivel’, as he might once have called it. Now that he was there with Alfred, hopelessly smitten, he was beginning to re-think the whole concept of romance.

Another thing to think about was if Arthur could be romantic and not fuck it up. He was sure that he could dazzle Alfred with poetry and sonnets, but Alfred didn’t strike him as that kind of guy.

Alfred chuckled a bit at that also, keeping his gaze over the edge of the cruise ship where he could see the city go farther and farther away. It was absolutely amazing and he had been here long enough to know that they were actually starting to approach Ellis Island. He could see the Statue of Liberty in the distance and he knew that by the time they reached there, the sky would be filled with beautiful oranges, yellows and reds like every New York sunset. Yet he knew that it would be even more breathtaking with the Statue of Liberty standing proud, representing America and welcoming immigrants to the Land of Opportunity.

"I'm not insinuating anything, Arthur." He replied back, a fond smile on his lips. "And come on. The office is a place for old people." He teased. It certainly felt like it was filled with drab and boring people all the time. Sometimes he wished there was even more excitement in it.

Indeed Alfred was looking back at Arthur when their gazes caught and honestly, he couldn't really care for anything in Arthur's direction than the man himself. He was much more important than anything else right now. More important than the food cooking in the kitchen or the cruise ship they were on and even the scenery. This dinner was for him and he wanted to make that a point. Though he couldn't help but redden slightly as his hand was given a gentle squeeze.

"It's not a bad thing though, right?" He asked, teasing and smiling brilliantly, blue eyes lit with amusement. He was quite the romantic though he seemed to be rather daft at times. He would do anything to have his date have the time of their life whether it was with beautiful roses, a candlelit dinner, anything that he could manage he would try just to make them at least smile. While he certainly was a bit too optimistic at times, sometimes that was just what was needed.

Just a bit of happiness and optimism.

"New York City is beautiful from a distance...isn't it?"

“Old people?” he grinned in return. “Do I look old, Alfred?” he quirked an eyebrow. He didn’t expect an answer. In fact, he’d rather not know in case he did look old. Good God, that would be mortifying to hear on a date. “But, yes, I can definitely see you working somewhere more suitable for your skills than in a dull office job.” There was a piece of Alfred’s hair that was bothering him that he desperately wanted to put back in place but he restrained himself.

Those blue eyes were just so beautiful. He couldn’t accept that Alfred Jones, the American beauty, had been looking at him like that. Like a love-struck puppy. Oh, that he wished he could believe it was true. It just didn’t seem probable or even possible for someone like Alfred to like him.

“Being a romantic? Of course not, lad,” he rolled his eyes slightly. “I’m sure that women have fallen head-over-heels for you.” He cringed a little bit – he was being a hypocrite, really. Arthur had promised himself that he wouldn’t easily fall for someone again, let alone want to have a relationship with them but now here he was, with Alfred. If they could call themselves ‘together’.

He sighed quietly and tried to focus on the view rather than stare at Alfred whose lips were round and soft, and kissable. He glanced back at the said American, allowing his gaze to linger for a few moments longer this time to be able to truly enjoy the spectacle that was Alfred. Jesus Christ, all he seemed to be able to think about nowadays was Alfred.

Alfred, Alfred, Alfred.

He fiddled anxiously with the bottom of his shirt, with his free hand. He didn’t want to give in easily, and seem easy. That was the opposite of what he wanted to do. Although, he had to admit that he was slightly relieved that he hadn’t had to answer any probing questions… however, he had asked him some personal questions. Perhaps Al simply didn’t care? Maybe he was just romancing Arthur to keep him sweet for the next few weeks, to help him experience gay sex.

He sincerely hoped not.

Alfred grinned back at Arthur and he waggled his eyebrows teasingly. "Nope. You look pretty damn old," Actually, he really didn't think he was that old. In fact, he was only a few years older than himself but he leant forward closer to the other, a small smirk on his lips. "But it turns me on, you sexy cougar." He continued, laughing a bit before he dragged off, cheeks reddening as he realised just what the hell he just said. Fuck...! H-How embarrassing...!

This was a date! Wait, it was only a date if Arthur wanted it to be a date! It was...he didn't even know anymore but he could believe he just said that and actually meant it! He decided that he should go off topic from his honest slip up as he looked away from Arthur in embarrassment.

"Yeah. But we already discussed this. I'm gonna get a pretty cool job once I paid off a good amount of my loans." He smiled at Arthur, cheeks still red before he glanced away. There were many times where he didn't think he was that handsome though there were plenty of women who seemed to think otherwise. Alfred just rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Hey, I don't know about 'em. I mean...it's not often that I take people out on dates...if at all..." He hesitated before swallowing. He was hoping too much. Arthur probably didn't think of this as a date but maybe a way to ease the tensions between them from last night. That would have been awkward but he knew that he kind of wished the opposite. It's been a while since he had really done anything romantic with anyone else and though he had never done it with a man before, nonetheless his own boss, he couldn't help it.

Alfred simply licked his lips a bit and soon enough, the cruise was passing by the Statue of Liberty and hell, the sunset was absolutely gorgeous. The statue was lightly silhouetted by the light behind it as the sun sank down past the horizon but it was still as magnificent and gorgeous as it always was.

"So, tell me a bit about yourself...especially since I've been answering so many questions." He hesitated. "When's your birthday?" He wanted to know...

At first, Arthur had been pretty damn insulted. But then… had he just heard that correctly?

He stared at Alfred for a moment, a whiter shade of pale before having to control himself to try not to laugh in an unsightly manner. It wasn’t often that Arthur laughed so much; it was clearly a talent on Alfred’s part. He raised his eyebrows and quickly turned back to him, whispering into his ear, smug.

“You aren’t so bad yourself, boy.” His face felt a little warm (yet again) but he felt more comfortable, somehow. He still had sex appeal. Fantastic. He was almost tempted to nip Alfred’s ear but decided that he had no excuse to, not in public and not without alcohol. Maybe Alfred really did just want him for a nightly-type of relationship?

“I think it’s sweet…” he trailed off, clearing his throat. He turned his attention to the Statue of Liberty. He gawked slightly, marvelling at how stunning it looked against the amber of the sky. It was like nothing he’d ever seen before. And it was bloody massive. It was possible to make out various lines of the statue where it had been cut and shaped by Frenchmen so many years ago.

Arthur was still in awe when he was asked the question. He turned back to Alfred, now also able to gaze fondly at him; the flame-coloured sky reflected wonderfully in his already golden hair. Alfred looked so warm.

He still had not let go of his hand and Arthur could feel his heart fluttering.

“My birthday is on the 23rd of April,” he murmured. Not that anyone had really cared. His parents hadn’t, at least.

Alfred was horrified of what Arthur's reaction was going to be for a moment until Arthur actually leant forward and whispered to him. He....did...he...did he really whisper that to him!? He honestly thought that if anything, Arthur would have sputtered and denied it and maybe even get a bit angry at him. Yet Alfred's cheeks were burning red with embarrassment and fluster.

The Englishman certainly did have sex appeal and he knew that from last night but that wasn't the reason why he was here with him! If he wanted sex again, he would have gotten the man completely pissed before whisking him away towards the flat again yet no... Instead he took him out on a nice dinner and he was just hoping for the best. If not something new between them and not even sex, then at least as friends.

"A-Ah...thanks." He mumbled, absolutely flustered and honestly, he hadn't been told that a lot and he certainly had never really been called boy before either.

Finally pulling his face away, he glanced back at the marvellous sight of the Statue of Liberty. Honestly, it truly was magnificent. It always gave Alfred so much pride as an American to look upon the statue nearly every day yet to see it up so close was definitely a different experience in itself. He just wished he could bring Arthur up to the crown so he could look down at the sight of New York City. That would have been amazing.

Alfred soon looked back at Arthur, noticing the golden hue of everything around them and it truly was beautiful. The American couldn't help but smile just a bit more when he heard the man's birthday. "April 23rd. Huh? I'll keep that in mind for when it comes." He paused before grinning more. "Mine is on July 4th."

Soon enough, the food came for the both of them as the waiter placed down the platters in front of them. Everything looked delicious and it smelt amazing.

“You’re welcome,” Arthur replied smoothly. He couldn’t help but smirk to himself upon seeing that he’d made Alfred go pink. It was endearing, not to mention an ego-boost after being ridiculously flustered. Now all he wanted to do was stare at Alfred, at those lips, at those eyes hidden behind glasses… but food was put in front of them.

He begrudgingly pulled his hand out of Alfred’s grasp so that they could eat. He placed his hands on his thighs, beneath the table, attempting to remove some of the sweat subtly. He was so nervous, it was like he was fifteen all over again.

“You don’t have to,” he shook his head, picking up his knife and fork but he waited patiently for Alfred so that they could mutually, silently agree that it was alright to start eating. Arthur was getting quite hungry by that point, having not really eaten all day. “The 4th of July?” Why was he not surprised?

The food looked so good; he continued to wait.

“So what else is there to see in New York?” he asked, watching the Statue of Liberty as it drifted by. American pride, all in one statue. Although Arthur was living in the US now, he was pretty certain that he was never going to feel like he belonged. He was English, and he knew that he was always going to stick out, he wouldn’t become a well-adjusted New Yorker. It just wasn’t in him. London. That was his home, where he had made his name. It seemed so far away.

He began to look a little crestfallen, still looking at the monument.