Work Text:
Arthur was at least semi-aware of Ludwig’s feelings towards him. Almost from the very beginning.
For decades, he had been feeling eyes on him. Two piercing blue eyes, misted with awe. It was only natural, Arthur thought. After all, he was a great empire, young nations were going to look up to him. Especially someone like Ludwig, who was obviously trying so hard to prove himself.
But did he have to stare all the time?
At least he tried to be discreet. Looking away quickly whenever Arthur turned to him. Side-eyeing him at meetings. Peeking around corners or over the shoulder of his brother.
Didn’t change that it was a bit unnerving.
But then, everything changed in the Christmas of 1914. At that point, Ludwig had grown beyond just a wide-eyed, young nation to a thorn in Arthur’s side. Despite the intensity of the situation, the peace of that night resulted in friendly feelings.
Which is why he was now sitting in a not-so-underground gay bar in Berlin watching Ludwig dance from guy to guy with drunkenly flushed cheeks and unkempt hair. It was Ludwig who had suggested he check out the growing queer nightlife bursting in his country, and Arthur--either out of obligation or just loneliness--decided to do a little weekend getaway. Though he hadn’t planned to pester Ludwig by inviting him.
Turns out he didn’t have to. Out of all the bars in the city, Ludwig just happened to go to this one.
Would it be rude to approach him? Would it be rude not to? After all, Ludwig was the one to first give him an idea. Perhaps he could buy him a drink as thanks.
Maybe he could even offer him a dance.
Arthur shook his head at the thought, heat bubbling under his cheeks.
Perhaps it was better just to act as if he hadn’t spotted Ludwig. Arthur was awkward, Ludwig was even more so, and with how up in the air their relationship was after the Christmas Truce, surely it would only be even more awkward.
He was so lost in thought, he didn’t realize the two piercing blue eyes that had fallen on him. Nor that Ludwig had started stalking towards him.
It wasn’t until he felt something against his arm that he jumped, whirling around to find Ludwig. The stench of alcohol practically pulsed off him.
“You came,” Ludwig said simply, voice low and gravely.
“Of course. Ahem. I-I mean, it seemed interesting, and I had a free weekend so…”
Ludwig leaned in close, their noses almost touching. Arthur leaned back, heart thrumming in his ears.
“Ludwig…” he breathed, “You’re uh…A little drunk. Maybe we should get you.”
For a moment, clarity blinked into Ludwig’s eyes. He pulled back, cheeks redder than they were before. “I’m sorry…Sorry. I-I don’t know what came over me.”
If Arthur was being honest, Ludwig looked rather cute, all blushy and bashful. But that swaying caused some concern.
“Come, sit down,” Arthur instructed, gently tugging Ludwig towards the barstool next to him. “We’ll get some water in you, and you can sober up.”
Ludwig slumped onto the table, burying his face in his arms. He mumbled something, but Arthur couldn’t catch it over the chatter and music.
“What was that?”
Ludwig raised his head, having his chin rest on his arms instead. “I don’t care what people say about you, you’re very kind Arthur,” he repeated.
Perhaps Arthur had a little too much to drink himself the way the room suddenly seemed to be spinning as ‘kind’ slipped from Ludwig’s lips. His throat seemed to choke itself as he searched for a reply.
A pained smirk crept in. “Don’t let me fool you, Ludwig. You’re too smart for that.”
“But–”
“I’m selfish, cruel, and bloodthirsty and…” He swallowed thickly, stomach hollowing out. “A-And proud of it.”
Ludwig squinted. “That may have been true. But…A completely selfish and bloodthirsty nation wouldn’t have played a game of football with the enemy or talked him through his fears or cared for him when he got too drunk to stand.”
Arthur paused for a moment. What could he say to that? Why was he here?
“You’re just drunk,” Arthur murmured, brushing Ludwig’s bangs out of his foggy eyes. “You really shouldn’t be looking up to a man like me. If anything, I should be looking to you. I really meant it when I said you have a good head on your shoulders, especially compared to older nations like myself. Don't waste your love and admiration.”
Ludwig gave a half-hearted hum, eyes drifting closed. Arthur gave an amused huff before shaking Ludwig’s shoulder.
“Come on, mate. You need to drink your water and get home first before you fall asleep.”
After ten minutes of trying to get an inebriated and sleepy Ludwig to tell him his address, Arthur decided just to take him back to his hotel. He’d give Ludwig the bed while he slept in the armchair. Hopefully, the hangover wouldn’t be too bad.
As he half-carried Ludwig to the lift, he thought back to how Ludwig called him ‘kind.’ So much for proving to Ludwig that he really was selfish and not worth his time. But now was not the time to have an identity crisis. Getting Ludwig to a place where he could sleep safely was all that mattered.