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

Alfred just smiled a bit though he could definitely hear noise from the background yet he decided not to question it. He really couldn't expect Arthur to stay away from social situations for two weeks just for him. He had faith in the man of course! Though he still hadn't said that he actually missed him or anything...so he decided to say it instead.

He glanced out of the window as he watched various cars pass by along the street and then at the side of his bed. He knew that he was being a bit clingy but dammit if he didn't miss the other man already. He smiled a bit as he just cradled the phone close to him.

"I'm doing alright. Ludwig is working me so hard! I barely even had a lunch break!" He exclaimed, more than ready to complain about Ludwig. "He's always ordering me around and he seems more than happy to make me run around until I can barely move my legs anymore!" He huffed and soon sighed a bit. Alfred smiled a bit despite everything though he hesitated for a moment.

"I miss you." He whispered into the phone, still cradling it close.

Arthur could only smile as the other complained. He couldn’t help but wonder if Alfred had talked about him in this way when he’d first started the job at Chouchoute; he hoped not. He worked the American pretty hard, but he gave him lots of ‘playtime’ – it wasn’t as though Arthur forced him to work every second of the working day. He couldn’t help but laugh at Alfred’s final statement.

“Oh really…? Goodness me, Alfred. I would have thought that all those hours spent at the gym would have worked at least some of your muscles, hm?” he was teasing – his way of trying to be affectionate with subtlety.

When Alfred whispered to him, he felt his face grow hot and turn red. Despite the thousands of miles between them, it was still an incredibly intimate thing for him to admit, particularly in such a hushed voice. Arthur was incoherent for a few moments, heart racing in his chest.

“A-ah…” he swallowed, trying to make himself say it. “I…” God, the moment had passed, hadn’t it? “You, too…” he cringed, although he meant it. He didn’t want to linger on the subject. “I hope that you won’t be tired for when I get back,” he continued, picking up on his previous jab. “I have a few things in mind for what I’d like to do to you which will involve the use of your legs.”

Alfred was worked hard in the beginning and maybe he complained a bit but at least he wasn't nearly as strict as Ludwig. Just being around Ludwig was tiring in itself and at least he could kiss Arthur once or twice to help comfort him. That would have just been awkward with Ludwig. He couldn't help but pout a bit as the other teased him though he was definitely aware that it was just teasing.

"Of course it has! I was just tired...b-because I spent the night before doing all the weights and stuff!" He proclaimed though they both knew that it wasn't true. He was just trying to come up with an excuse though he also knew that they really didn't mind. He was just trying to protect his dignity, no matter how little he actually had. He soon smiled a bit more, soon laying down on the bed as he got comfortable.

Admittedly, he really didn't know what to make of Arthur's reply though he decided that he should just be glad that the other returned the sentiment. Instead he simply smirked at the comment, laughing a bit. "Mm, maybe. Or maybe you'll get the work out with your legs instead though...I wouldn't mind using my legs for you either." He laughed a bit though also teasing.

“Of course,” Arthur smirked, mirth in his tone. “Working so hard in the gym that the next day you can hardly move – not necessarily up there in my top ten of intelligent things to do,” he joked, beginning to walk about a bit whilst on the phone. The Australians behind him had faded to background noise. He was pretty certain that none of them were listening to him anyway.

“After last time? I don’t think so. You will be the one spreading them, dearest. But perhaps you might be able to persuade me otherwise, eh?” he chuckled and walked straight into someone.

That ‘someone’ happened to be his superior over there. Shit.

The man grinned down at Arthur. “Who’re you talkin’ do, mate? Your girlfriend?”

“My partner, yes,” Arthur lightly corrected but it went un-noticed.

“Let me talk to her! Oi, guys, Kirkland’s got his girlfriend on the phone!”

Arthur flushed red again as he was approached by the rest of the team. He spluttered a bit, avoiding their grabby-hands and sprinted away. He pressed the phone to his ear, now being laughed at by several of the Australians.

“Just don’t have a wank, alright?”, “I bet that she has massive tits!” they jeered, finding it all too hilarious.

“Sorry,” Arthur apologised to his boyfriend, slightly out of breath now that he was away from them and on some random street that he didn’t recognise. “They can be a bit… friendly.” Friendly was definitely the wrong word to use there. “When we talk tomorrow, I promise that I won’t be surrounded by hooligans.”

Alfred smirked even more at that, deciding to ignore the joke and instead focusing on the other's...well... Either way, it was definitely nice to hear that playful side of Arthur. It was definitely something that he missed though fortunately enough if they continued on talking with each other during the lunch break, then he would at least be able to cling onto that aspect of Arthur.

Instead he laughed at the other's comments. "Oh? Was I a bit too rough? Can't handle a second go?" He joked though he smiled a bit more. "Maybe I wouldn't mind spreading my legs for you though." He said, voice low as he shifted around on the bed to get himself comfortable.

Soon enough he heard voices near the phone and he couldn't help but be somewhat surprised by the comments in the background. Were those Arthur's co-workers over there in Australia or something? They sounded like a rather...jolly group. He couldn't help but redden though when he heard the Australians' comments and he swallowed, his whole face red as he just kept the phone close to him, hoping that one of the Australians wouldn't pick it up.

"U-Uh...that's fine...!" He laughed a bit, trying to act as if he was cool with it though he was definitely on the more flustered side now. Instead he smiled and nodded eagerly. "Y-Yeah...! No worries about it though. As long as they don't come around and steal the phone!"

“Don’t worry,” Arthur ran his fingers back through his hair, somewhat exasperatedly. “They’re only kidding. They won’t do anything,” he assured. Although he wasn’t certain of it. He could only hope that they wouldn’t actually run up and rugby tackle him; they’d probably knock him out if they did that.

“So… you’re doing well then, aside from being tired?” he was still a little out of breath. “Oh, and as for what you said before all of that – that sounds lovely to me.” Arthur’s breathing began to return to normal. “I’m not sure how much longer I can talk to you before I have to go back to work. He didn’t want to stop talking to Alfred, but he knew that it was unavoidable. He’d have to get off of the phone at some point. At least the company was covering his phone bill for the duration of his visit.

“I really… I can’t wait to come home,” he admitted, quietly. Although, ‘home’ was in various different places for Arthur; England was his home but Alfred, with his inane grin, sunshine personality and beautiful blue eyes, had made him feel completely welcome in New York, at his side. There was nowhere else that he would have preferred to be.

Alfred just smiled a bit at that and nodded though he knew that Arthur really couldn't see the action. Despite that, he wasn't deterred in the slightest. If only they could use Skype though at the same time, he was certain that the only times that they could really even talk was during Arthur's lunch break and he knew that he probably wouldn't be able to use Skype then.

Which was rather unfortunate considering how much he just wanted to see Arthur's face.

"Yeah, of course I'm doing well." He murmured, still smiling a bit, laughing a bit at the other's add on though he didn't think about it too much. They could definitely discuss it when Arthur was more alone without the Australians around him. "Don't worry about me, Arthur! Go do some work, don't let me hold you back." He mentioned though he really, really didn't want to let Arthur get off the phone. Especially since he had been waiting for this phone call for about two days now.

"...I can't wait for you to come back home." He smiled a bit, closing his eyes.

Arthur felt butterflies tickle his insides; he cracked a lop-sided grin. Alfred made his stomach do incredibly unruly things – and his heart would beat like a drum. He pursed his lips, trying to recompose himself after that endearing comment. He so wished that he could kiss the daft sod.

“You, my dear, are a soppy bastard… although, I suppose that I must be, too.” He sighed softly, staring up at the blue of the sky (not a single cloud in sight). “I promise that when I call you tomorrow, I won’t be surrounded by escaped lunatics. “We’ll have a proper conversation, not just a brief catch up. Okay?”

Arthur could see some of his co-workers coming to find him.

“I should go… I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

Alfred wondered what the other looked like on the other side of the phone and he truly, truly wished that he could at least make him smile once even if he was on the opposite of the world from him. It really was painful, not being able to see his expressions because that was one of the things that he truly loved but he knew that he would be able to see them again in about two weeks. He would be able to touch Arthur soon, kiss him and hold him close and tease him and the like.

Glancing around the bedroom, he realised that maybe he should start putting some of Arthur's things together with his. He would definitely appreciate him organising for him! It wasn't as if he was going to try looking through all his valuables and the like! He just wanted to have it all ready for Arthur. Maybe he'll do that tonight instead and work on it more tomorrow evening.

"Your soppy bastard." He said with a small grin. "Sounds great. Proper conversations are great." He said, more than happy to know that he would have a proper conversation with the man soon enough.

"Alright, I'll speak with you tomorrow, Arthur. Have a good day." He said before bringing the phone away so he could hang up. Now all he needed to do was clean up and then head off to bed.

“Sleep well,” he concluded with a smile. He exhaled slowly, hanging up just before he was slapped across the back to be informed that it was time to go back to the office to continue working (as much as he didn’t want to).

The next few days for Arthur were pretty mundane, pretty similar. There were meetings that he would attend, training session that he would have to lead and even days when he would have to miraculously write a motivational speech and talk to various employees to enthuse them about their work. Arthur had been quite lousy at it, actually. It was difficult for him to be inspiring in any way other than his motto about work: no pain, no gain.

He had called Alfred when he could manage to slip away at lunch but none of their conversations were really that long. He would suddenly get approached by someone and have to abruptly say goodbye, much to his joy. He missed Alfred terribly, as much as he had planned not to. Feeling both tired and lonely, he felt like it was almost natural to agree to go out to the pub with a few of his colleagues. For some strange reason, he felt much freer whilst amongst them as a group. They made him forget about the formality that he was used to.

So, his night out was fun. He got chatted to by a pretty girl, given a free drink for being a ‘newbie’ and managed to drink himself into a stupor. It was amazing that he’d ever even managed to make it back to hi hotel. He was currently lying face down on his bed when he realised the time. He should probably call Alfred. It was a Friday night still in New York, though. Perhaps Alfred would have done the sensible thing and gone out with his friends? He really hoped that Alfred wasn’t moping.

He dialled his boyfriend’s number and pressed the phone to his ear. “Hello, lovely,” his voice was low, scratchy from the night before.

Alfred had decided that night to clean up everything that he could and to start reorganising everything. He really didn't take much notice of anything in there until the next day during the evening. Arthur's and his conversation got cut off short due to someone just suddenly popping by and he soon began to put Arthur's clothes in the dresser. Yet as he was moving Arthur's possessions so he could leave more room in the flat, he soon came by a few pictures that belonged to the other.

He knew that he really shouldn't look at them but he really couldn't help himself. At first he saw a few photographs of Arthur and his family and he couldn't help but smile a bit at the sight. Despite everything, he still kept those photos... It was kind of sweet in a way? As he continued to look through the photos though, he couldn't help but frown as he saw what he assumed to be ex-lovers of Arthur's.

Why...did he keep these photos? Well he shouldn't really worry about it...they were just photographs after all...but was Arthur trying to hide this away from him? Why would he try to hide it away from him?

Throughout the week, he decided to keep quiet about the subject. He didn't want Arthur to know that he had seen the photographs and he continued to carry on the conversations to the best of his ability yet it was becoming increasingly hard considering how short the conversations actually were. Yet soon enough Friday night came and he was at least pleased to have a call from Arthur though there was still that lingering doubt deep inside of him.

"Hey, Arthur!" He exclaimed as he answered the phone, smile ever so wide and he made certain to turn the photos upside down. "How is everything?" He asked though he couldn't help raise an eyebrow. Was the other tired or maybe he had a rough night? Well either way, he was just happy enough to hear from the other. He honestly always couldn't wait to hear from him.

“I feel horrible,” Arthur admitted with a guttural laugh. “Had a bit too much to drink last night,” he rolled on to his back, staring up at the ceiling. He was starting to get hungry. He’d missed breakfast in the hotel that morning and was paying the price for it. He closed his eyes, finding the light coming from the window to be much too bright for his liking.

“How are you?” he asked. “Is Ludwig still making you work so hard that it feels as though you’re going to lose your legs?” the Brit smirked to himself. “Sorry that I’m calling a bit later than usual. I didn’t wake up at first… so, how come you aren’t out with your mates?”

Alfred was quite the socialite, after all. Surely Alfred went out more often than someone like himself? But then again, Alfred didn’t really enjoy drinking as much as he did, didn’t he? He rubbed lazily at his eyes, starting to contemplate if he should go out at some point.

Alfred couldn't help but frown a bit at that and he knew that he shouldn't be all too surprised that the other was drinking but he was always worried. He knew what the other was like when he was drunk. Did...he think of him at the very least? Hopefully he did...but there was always a possibility that he completely forgot about him. He just gave a strained chuckle, smiling a bit to himself.

"Well, make sure to treat that hangover soon. Nah, things aren't going way too bad with Ludwig now though he's still working me over like hell." He said, laughing a bit as he stretched out on the bed.

Admittedly, he really didn't even think about socialising with his friends today. He certainly had friends since he was a social butterfly but he was more eager to actually talk to Arthur that night, especially since it was the beginning of the weekend now. "Well...actually, I just wanted to really talk to you. It's been a while since we've had a nice conversation without anyone bothering us...you know?" He said with a small smile, leaning against the phone a bit.

He just wished that he could have Arthur there with him right now.

Arthur chuckled quietly, “I will.”

He was glad to hear that Ludwig wasn’t being such a slave driver. Perhaps Alfred had proved his worth and shown that he could do a good job? Who knew. Ludwig continued to confuse him despite having known him for a few months now. He knew that he was romantically involved with the leading designer at Chouchoute, Feliciano Vargas (though he only knew that because the Italian wasn’t exactly very good at being secretive about it – he’d received a phone call from the Italian before when he was clearly in bed with his lover, he’d even said his name but Arthur somehow thought that Feli didn’t think that he could hear him). In a way, it was nice to know that even someone like Ludwig could find happiness. It made him hopeful for himself and his prospects with Alfred.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that.” He began to smile at the final comment, “Yes… it has been a long time, hasn’t it? You shouldn’t give up your evenings for me, darling though I must admit that I am rather flattered.”

Alfred was rather glad that Ludwig was actually being a bit less strict now but he was still much harder than Arthur. He really, really just wanted to have his lover back in New York so he wouldn't be worked as hard. He felt sorry for any of Ludwig's assistants.

He really wasn't aware of Ludwig's and Feliciano's relationship but it was probably best that he really didn't know in the first place. No need for an assistant to get his nose into where it didn't belong. He soon smiled a bit to himself, cheeks a bit red though he couldn't help but hesitate slightly.

"Well...you know...you're my boyfriend and boss of course." He said with a small smile. "You're my first priority." He continued and he knew that was definitely the case though he wouldn't admit that he forgot that he really even had a social life. He was just always around Arthur so much that he was used to not being as much around with his friends. Not only that but he was just always so tired after the work day.

"Maybe I'll go out later but if not, I'm happy enough talking with you here." He said before he glanced over at the faced down photos. ...He shouldn't be thinking about it...

“You’re too good to me, Alfred,” Arthur said with a sigh. He rolled again, lying on his side so that he faced away from the hotel window. “You should be out with your friends. Or you could, you know, invite over that… uh, what’s his name? Um… sounds like a car,” he was mumbling to himself, trying not to think too hard about it.

“Honda. That one. He’s your friend, isn’t he? You should have invited him to play video games or something,” his eyes slid shut. “The world shouldn’t stop because I’m not there.” Arthur’s head was beginning to pound; it felt as though his brain was swelling and throbbing against his skull, about to burst from the pressure. He tumbled out of bed and to his bathroom. He grabbed a small glass from the countertop and filled it with water from the tap, taking a long drink from it. “You should at least do something. Staying proactive is important,” he nodded. He looked back through to the bedroom and furrowed his thick brows.

“I… I really want you to be –”he stopped himself before he couldn’t outright admit that he missed him. “I just want you to be happy…”

Alfred definitely knew that he should hang out with his friends and the like but he just wanted to have a long conversation with Arthur. He was still more important to him than almost anybody in New York City and he just wanted him to know it. It didn't mean that he was particularly starving himself from social interaction. He was still rather friendly with his work mates at the work place and honestly, he never really had the time considering that he was always working and just so tired afterwards.

Maybe he could hang out with them during the weekend...if that wasn't so weird. Maybe they just had better things to do rather than hang out with co-workers. He just laid back on the bed with a small frown.

"Yeah, it doesn't matter though. He's busy today so I couldn't go out with him tonight anyways. Don't worry about it, Arthur." He tried a smile even though he knew that the other couldn't see it. "I'm fine. It's just one night. I promise I'll go out tomorrow during the day time and return back tomorrow night." He promised. He hesitated for a moment when he heard the other's words and he let out a sigh.

"Talking with you makes me happy enough, Arthur. Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself." He promised, rubbing at his eyes a bit as he tried to rid of the sleep. He really wanted to change the subject to something a bit more lighthearted.

“Hmm,” Arthur hummed in response. “Somehow, I don’t entirely believe you but if you want to stay in, then that’s your choice.” He turned on the tap again, getting himself some more water. Once he’d gulped that down, he began to wander about, feeling better than he had done a few minutes before.

“So, what have you been up to aside from work?” he tried to scavenge for conversation to make. He couldn’t exactly think properly and he was getting hotter and hotter by the second. He opened the doors to his (miniscule) balcony and wandered back inside again. “Hang on for a moment,” he placed the phone on to the bed and stripped himself of his vest. He picked up the phone again, “Sorry – it’s bloody hot here. It’s like being in a sauna.” It wasn’t doing his hangover any good. He could feel his stomach churning.

“The beach here is beautiful… I haven’t been able to go yet but I might visit a bit later when I know I won’t get sunburnt.” Thinking about it (despite the fact that Arthur easily got sunburnt and he didn’t like being seen in his swimwear), he would have liked to have gone to the beach with Alfred some time. To be able to watch his lovely boyfriend rise up out of the water like in a James Bond film. Water clinging to his hair and his body as well as a thin sheen of sweat from the sun; stupidly white teeth and small freckles. It was his mouth water a little.

Alfred just smiled a bit at that, knowing that he won the argument for the time being. He really doubted that he would go anywhere within the two weeks but maybe he could allow some time for Kiku. After all, they were rather close to each other. In a friendly way of course! "Mm, trust me! I'll go out with Kiku later."

He thought about it for a moment before he shrugged though he continued on forgetting that Arthur couldn't see his movements. "Oh, nothing much. Usually I'm just passing out in bed after work. Ludwig really tends to work me hard. But it just became the weekend so maybe I can wander around and find something to do. After all, it's NYC! What isn't there to do over here?" He said with a small smile. He paused in his words for a moment as Arthur put down the phone for a short time before raising an eyebrow.

"Is it really that hot? ...Sounds pretty nice. At least compared to the cold up here." He said with a small laugh though at the moment, his mind filled with images of Arthur stripping off his clothes. Alright, he couldn't help himself. Not when the other was mentioning just how hot it was and the very thought of it made Alfred shiver visibly.

He couldn't help but smile at the thought of the beach, really, really wanting a beach at the moment. "Oh, really? That sounds really nice actually." He murmured softly, just thinking about the beach. "Well, better have fun while you're there in Australia at the beach. I wish I could go but the beaches over here are pretty damned cold." He joked a bit though they both knew that was very, very true. Especially during the winter time. A trip to Hawaii sounded really, really nice. Wonderful beaches, always warm and the like...no scary Australian spiders or fish roaming around everywhere. Just perfect.

Alfred snickered a bit at the thought of Arthur being sunburnt. He could imagine it.

Arthur chuckled quietly, “I suppose so. I’m sure you’ll find something to do.”

He idly scratched at his chest; the sweat was starting to make him itch uncomfortably. He would have to have a shower once he’d said good night to his boyfriend. Shower, then get dressed, then eat and go for a stroll. It sounded rather pleasant, actually. Arthur had always loved exploring new places.

“Yes, it is. It’s summer here, if you haven’t forgotten. I fear that I’ll get heat exhaustion at some point when I’m in my suit,” he rolled his eyes. He really hoped that wouldn’t happen. It would be incredibly embarrassing – not to mention degrading in front of the people that he was training. They would probably find it hilarious. “It won’t be long until winter disappears now, eh?” he tried to re-assure Alfred. He could hear him laughing about him being sunburnt and seethed a little.

He didn’t bother to voice his irritation.

“Well, perhaps in the summer we could drive down to somewhere a bit warmer? Like a, um, holiday.” His cheeks were pink – from the heat or what he just said, he wasn’t sure.

Alfred smiled a bit at that and he hummed. "Yeah, no worries. I didn't always have you around! I can handle myself." He assured though honestly, he really enjoyed spending more time with Arthur more than anything.

He really didn't have any plans of hanging up soon though he knew that the company was paying a rathe large bill for an international call. Yet he really, really didn't want to hang up on Arthur soon. Not when he would be just left nothing to do right afterwards though he was beginning to wonder if the other really wanted to talk to him for that long. After all, he had a lot to do in Australia. It was a brand new place and honestly, who would want someone to cling on them for the whole day and prevent them from exploring? He knew that he certainly wouldn't want that.

"Didn't you pack any normal clothes that you can wear for today?" He asked, leaning more against the mobile as he hummed softly. He really, really couldn't wait for winter to end. It was much too cold and despite his figure, he was definitely a man who hated the cold. More so than a lot of people around him. He wanted the warm Hawaiian or Florida sun instead of the lack of sun that New York always seemed to have. Though the other's reassurance definitely placed him in ease for the time being.

At least the flat had an heater.

Alfred's cheeks reddened a bit at the mention of possibly driving down somewhere that was warmer. "A-A holiday?" That...actually...sounds really nice." He murmured, barely being able to contain the joy in his voice.

“Of course I did,” Arthur frowned a little. “I’m not a moron. I just… it’s important to look smart whilst you’re working and good first impressions are essential in this industry. I couldn’t have them all thinking that I’d let them slack off, could I?” he sat on his bed, feet a small way away from the ground. It was a ridiculously high bed. He couldn’t help but wonder why.

“Yes, a holiday. Just… just you and me. I don’t know the geography of America that well, but I’m sure that you might have some suggestions for where we could go,” he cleared his throat. “That, or we could fly somewhere.” A part of him wanted to show Alfred Britain, but it wasn’t particularly warm there even in the summer. It was a shame, really. “Anywhere.” So long as they were together, Arthur wouldn’t mind where they went. He still couldn’t believe that he’d suggested it, though.

“Not that I’m suggesting Australia as a location but… you’d really like it here.” The sky matches the colour of your eyes, he thought to himself. “I,” he paused and then finally managed to make himself say it, “I wish that you were here with me.”

Alfred didn't really like where the conversation was going for a moment and he swallowed thickly. He didn't want to leave the impression that he thought that Arthur was a moron. He was completely aware of his habits and the fact that he wanted to look more formal and smart in front of the new workers so he wouldn't really have been surprised if he didn't stock too much in more casual clothing. Instead he just smiled a bit. "Of course not, Arthur. You certainly don't let me slack off." He said as a small joke.

Honestly though, he really, really enjoyed the thought of possibly being able to go somewhere with Arthur. "Well, there's plenty of places to go in America. You know like Florida near Miami or California or even Hawaii." He suggested, humming a bit though in all honesty, he would actually really like to get out of the country. He never really was given the chance to do it and it would have been nice. He smiled a bit. "Yeah...but anywhere sounds nice. Maybe...we can think about it later. We have plenty of time until summer comes."

Alfred reddened a bit at that and he closed his eyes, trying to imagine Arthur near the beach in that lovely Australian sun. The sight was beautiful. He really, really wasn't expecting Arthur to say that though.

"... I...wish I was there with you also." He whispered softly. "It's unfair."

“Hmm,” he hummed, trying to prevent any further discussion. He wasn’t angry with Alfred, but he didn’t want to be, either. It wasn’t worth risking.

“That’s true. We have a few months to think about it.” So, there it was. Not even five months of dating and they were already living together and discussing holidays. I seemed much too bizarre. Arthur couldn’t complain though, seeing as he had been the one to suggest it. He just wanted to spend some quality time with his boyfriend. The sex appeal (and Arthur’s sexual frustration) was probably a huge help to the whole idea. Alfred in swimming trunks on the beach was gorgeous.

But hardly appropriate when they were so far apart. He couldn’t act on such thoughts. He wandered from the bedroom on to the balcony, staring out at the city. It was stunning. Absolutely stunning. A part of him felt as though he could get used to all of it.

“Well, I’ll have to come out here again in a few months to check that they have made some progress. Perhaps I will be able to convince the company that your presence is vital if they want me to come back,” he sneered a little at the thought. He would be abusing his position a little, but who cared?

It really was bizarre thinking that they weren't even that far into their relationship and yet there they were, living together and now planning a holiday. Alright so maybe the living together part was completely unexpected but he felt as if they progressed a step further in their relationship because of it. Alfred couldn't help but wonder just what Arthur would do once he got the money back that could help him find a new place. Would he simply move out and they would have to live apart again? How long would it be until Arthur actually started to think about those thoughts? Did he actually want to live with him?

It wasn't as if Arthur had much of a choice in the matter. Alfred was just kind enough to give him a place to live.

Yet where could they go for vacation. There were so many ideas rushing through his mind but he really couldn't decide on what he wanted just right then. Maybe somewhere new and exciting for summer? They would have a good break from work around that time period so they could use it to enjoy themselves. Alone...it sounded really, really nice. Without having to worry about work or waking up the next morning bright and early. He assumed that Arthur wanted it also considering that he was the one who suggested it in the first place.

Alfred really, really wished that he could touch the other though, feeling him and hear him with just more than a simple conversation. He was just aching for more but their distance was making it increasingly hard for them to actually do this. The American couldn't help but smile a bit at the other though.

"Well, trying wouldn't hurt at the very least. It would be nice if I could come there with you in a few months time...I really could prove to be useful there for you."