Summary:For the fifth day of @historical-hetalia-week . After his marriage, Austria talks candidly with his wife about their roles in the empire. This is not AusHun in a romantic sense; their marriage is political.
I decided to answer these questions in one post, I hope it’s okay. :)
So you guys are interested in Austro-Hungarian relations? Oh boy….Do you really want me to recite three books worth of history? Because let me tell you, half the history a normal Hungarian student learns in school is about Austria and us.
Let me summarize our relationship through the ages in a ‘short’ recap:
800-1000: first meetings between the two, Hungary being an invasive threat that had to be stopped
1000-1526: Austrians slowly get used to the Hungarian neighbours, but still see them as a threat to their existence - there is commerce forming between the two though
-1526: the year Austria decides to take claim of whatever is left of Hungary (he has been looking for an opening like that for a few centuries)
-1526-1711: Austria treats Hungary like any other underling of his — at one point (1529) Hungary is ‘kidnapped’ by Turkey but Austria gets her back (1686), Hungary has enough of both him and Turkey though and wants to be free (rebellions)
-1711-1848: Austria is willing to listen more to what Hungary has to say for her rights in the Empire but he refuses to grant many of her wishes (while he also promises lots of things and then goes back on his words) which angers her to the point of declaring independence (48-49 independence war)
-1849-59: Austria takes revenge on Hungary for her deeds with an iron fist, trying to get his control back over her but it only sours the relationship between the two even more
-1859-67: Austria realizes that his crumbling condition as an Empire weakened him and so he has no other choice but to seek a compromise with Hungary (ironically his greatest support in the Empire) so the two form a dual monarchy
-1867-1918: Austro-Hungarian Empire, golden age, cultural exchange, prosperity, etc., Hungarian people slowly warm up to the formerly hated emperor, “the romantic era” (as described by Austrian article)
-1918-1921: first world war, the Empire is unprepared for a modern war and quickly crumbles from the inside, the Entente decides to tear the two apart, Hungary realizes that it is necessary and accepts it (even fights for it) but Austria makes two desperate last ditch attempts to reclaim the Hungarian throne
-1920: Trianon for Hungary, Saint-Germain for Austria — both national traumas - Hungary loses all her former glory and part of her identity while Austria barely makes it out alive (that’s why he wanted to unify with Germany)
-1921-1955: second world war, Anschluss - Germany becomes Hungary’s new neighbour which freaks Hungary out, later Austria becomes neutral in 55 while Hungary gets taken by Soviet Russia
-1955-1989: relations are severed for the most part but Austria tries to help out Hungary in any way he can while still maintaining his neutrality (taking in Hungarian refugees in 1956, also accepting Hungarians who go to get work in Austria)
-1989-today: relations are back on track, social-economical exchanges, the two are very influental to each other in political issues too
Most Hungarians of today have a good opinion on Austria, but watch out because on national Holidays (march 15, oct 6) these same people will hate on Austrians a lot. That’s just how it is: we have a love-hate relationship.
So yes, I also think that he has a face that just demands to be kissed and slapped at the same time.
I personally love the country and it’s people very much! Thanks for the questions! ❤️
“I wish it wasn’t like this, but we can’t celebrate while the world is on fire.”
This year’s Friendship Day was delayed due to the current state of our neighbourhood as many of you already know. I’m greatly saddened by these news (and almost everything lately).
My only message for this day: Lets stay strong Polish brothers and sisters, and lets stay together. God bless Poland and Hungary.
(I usually don’t draw ships I don’t ship myself but I saw you put Japan and Norway in one sentence and this picture was the first thing my mind made up. XD)
So you guys wanted me to reflect on Norway and Hungary’s relationship….well here I am.
Except there is not much to say. T-T
We scarcely met in history, if ever, and diplomatic relations only exist between us since 1920 when Norway officially accepted the Hungarian state as an independent state. The two has developed economic and commercial relationship ever since and today even cooperate in environmental protection campaigns.
Hungarians do have an opinion on Norwegians though. We think that they are pretty open-minded, pragmatic, optimistic, and work really well in groups and trust easily. They think any problem can be solved in some way and are not aftaid to get to work and see it done. They are also pretty self-confident and know what they want. They are also very proud of their history and their independence.
In most cases, Hungarians always paint Norwegians in a positive light, like a model country, while also pointing out why we sadly can’t be like them but should try still.
So the main point is: Hungarians like Norway but they have a very idealised picture of him in their minds.
What do Norwegians think of us though? I haven’t found any info related to that so if there are any Norwegians out there, please share an opinion.
I hope I answered your question to some extent though.
A new year, another week of aushun prompts! This event will run for seven days, with the first six days having two prompts, one word prompt and one quote prompt to choose from.
Prompts
Day 1 (June 6): Cooking | “You do know the stove is on fire, right?”
Day 2 (June 7): Lazy Day | “I wish every day was like this.”
Day 3 (June 8): Wedding Day/Vows | “What if I’m not good enough?”
Day 4 (June 9): Protect | “It’s fine; it’s just a little scratch.”
Day 5 (June 10): Historical Event | “If we were human I wouldn’t mind growing old with you.”
Day 6 (June 11): Couples Costume | “I look ridiculous, can I please change?”
Day 7 (June 12): Moonlight | “It’s been a long day, let’s go to bed.”
Use the tag aushunweek2022 and @ this blog (hetalia-aushun-week) when posting your work. Be sure to check the rules pageandfaq page for more information, or send an ask if your questions are still left unanswered.
Reblogs are appreciated! They help to spread word about this event!
There was this hetagame I was making (now discontinued i broke my computer rip) inspired from @backtothe60sfuture’sfic (idk how to use ao3 and commented its embarassing ignore that sksjdkk) who kindly offered to help out with the script and everything
Now, I show some of the work here because I have quite alot and tumblr keeps crashing whenever I try to add more lol TT
Anyways, you have to check them out and read their fanfics! They’re really amazing!!
It was a constant climb. A desperate attempt to get to the top of it. It was something full of slopes and pits and other unpleasant things. It was something that a lot of people hated, yet it was an undisputed fact. These were things that Gilbert knew yet never really paid too much attention to. No the Prussian nation preferred to go about life in a stubborn denial of sorts, never truly dwelling on the harsh realities that surrounded him and plagued him. It wasn’t that he thought he was above such things but rather if he did truly think of them and let them sink in and dwell in the corners of his mind he might never recover from it. And the Prussian couldn’t allow such a thing to happen. Not when there were other countries all too eager to destroy him and his people. Not when he had people who counted on him to be strong.
Not when the life of an innocent child needed him.
When something like that weighed on your mind, always preoccupying it and always making itself known. Allowing himself to be consumed by the depressing facts of the world he lived in wasn’t an option. So he never dwelled on it. Instead he focused on fighting and ignoring it, determined to stand strong enough to protect the person who had become so important to him. It was a change that many of his fellow nations noticed. A new side of the usually confident and joking Prussian, a side that was much more serious and more willing to lay someone out flat than he had been before. Yet it was expected in a way, becoming a caretaker for such a smaller person changed people.
It had been gradual the change. Slow yet steady on its course, more determined to smother the struggles that were presented. Like a trickle of water that had become a raging river it grew in Gilbert and made him less inclined to think so much about the negatives he was given. Strong and unmovable like a tree, the Prussian nation refused to give in. He continued on in his denial of the negative, he continued on even when it would feel like he was drowning in it. Keeping his head above the water and out of the harsh realities. Sometimes it would worry others how he handled things. Elizaveta being one of the few who worried. The Hungarian nation believed that her somewhat friend was going down a dangerous path with detaching himself from the reality of life somewhat. And many times she told him so, stubborn and hellbent on getting him to listen. She didn’t know the reason why he did it for a very long time. Until one day when she was sent by her leader of her nation to Prussia. It was during that visit that it suddenly made more sense.
Elizaveta had just arrived at the castle of the Kingdom of Prussia, being greeted by the staff that worked there. Once she’d settled in she’d began her search for the loud and obnoxious nation hoping to try and perhaps speak to him. She’d just entered the large courtyard, the sunshine warming the small garden and grass. As she went further into the courtyard she’d caught wind of laughter. Curious she followed it and finally found the source of the joyful sounds. Standing in the sunshine with a large smile on his pale face was Gilbert, his silver hair messy and his ruby hues shining with mirth. On his hip was a small boy who looked no more than seven. Elizaveta paused startled by the child’s presence. The small boy was smiling a small shy smile, his blond hair messy somewhat and his light blue hues shining with childish delight. On his small hand was a small yellow bird, chirping a small song.
As Elizaveta observed the two she began to take note of the boy. His body was surprisingly thin, and his skin looked a little bit pale. His cheeks were rosy yet the way he looked it didn’t seem really healthy. It was then she realized that the boy was most likely sickly in a way. A fragile child who was trying to make it to adulthood despite the ailment that plagued him. With light steps she drew closer to Gilbert and the mysterious child, as she drew near them she began to get a strange feeling. An instinctual feeling bubbled within her, making her attention go back to the child. Her sharp green eyes locked onto him again and a pang of recognition hit her. Centuries old that was practically printed into every country’s blood.
The child was a nation.
Suddenly things made a lot more sense.
“Hungary! I didn’t see you there! I wasn’t alerted that you were here.”
Gilbert’s voice snapped her attention to him. The Prussian was smiling at her, cocky and egotistical as she always knew it to be. But it didn’t reach his eyes. The bright red hues held a look of caution and uncertainty, almost as if he was waiting for her to try and go for the frail boy in his arms. It was a look she’d seen on a few other countries who had young nations of their own. It was a look of a guardian or parent, a look that was ever watchful and full of warning. Daring anyone to try something. A silent conversation passed between the two of them, before Gilbert finally relaxed a bit.
“You really should have more organization here Prussia. Then again you aren’t the most put together nation most days.”
Elizaveta said making Gilbert’s eye twitch at her cheeky remark. He looked like he was going to say something cheeky back when a small voice spoke up.
“Bruder…….who is she?”
The boy asked staring at the Prussian in confusion, uncomfortable with being around a stranger. Elizaveta smiled a kind smile at the child.
“My name is Hungary. I’m a friend of your big bruder little one.”
She said sweetly. The boy gave her an unsure look before shyly introducing himself.
“I’m Germany…..”
He said softly before letting out a small series of coughs. Elizaveta flinched at how harsh they sounded and Gilbert quickly took over.
“Alright I think it’s time for you to rest for a bit ja? I’ll take you to your room and meet you at lunchtime alright?”
Gilbert asked his voice smooth and gentle. It was a tone Elizaveta had never heard him use before. Germany gave his older brother a small pout, his expression saddened.
“Can’t you stay with me bruder….?”
Germany asked his voice small. Gilbert gave him a soft fond look, his own gaze full of guilt.
“I would love to kleiner Kerl, but I’ve got a few things I need to do first before I can join you. As soon as I’m done I’ll be right back ja? You can even have Gilbird with you to keep you company until I come back.”
Gilbert said earning a hesitant nod from the young nation. The small yellow bird in question flew up from his hands and onto his hair snuggling into it. Gilbert gave Elizaveta a small look.
“Do you mind if?”
He asked before being waved off by her.
“Go right ahead I’ll wait for you to come back.”
She said kindly earning a small sincere smile from the Prussian before he went off towards the castle to put Germany on bedrest again. It was only later when the two were finishing their business and Gilbert was getting ready to go back to his little brother that Elizaveta finally addressed it.
“You know I was really starting to worry about you. You seemed to be so out of it and unwilling to dwell on things too long. I thought that you were finally losing it but now…….it makes sense. Your brother Germany, you’re doing this so you can be strong for him ja?”
Elizaveta asked knowing she hit the nail on the head when Gilbert gave her a small narrowed look. The Prussian didn’t answer her right away, instead remaining silent for a moment. The Hungarian nearly snapped her neck when she snapped her head up when Gilbert finally spoke.
“Ja, if you must know. I can’t afford to dwell on things. Germany needs me to keep going forward and keep fighting. If I give in and let it finally get to me………I just can’t risk it. Not when it comes to him.”
Gilbert said sincere. Elizaveta gave him a searching look, her green eyes filled with concern. She understood what he was saying. With Germany’s current state if Gilbert let himself think of the negative and harsh realities of the world he might let it consume him. And if that happened then it could very well be his downfall. And if Elizaveta had to take a guess if Gilbert fell then Germany would fall with him. It was something that she understood well having raised Feliciano with Roderich herself. Yet at the same time she knew that what Gilbert was doing wasn’t good for him in the long run. Detaching himself from all the negative things and putting himself into a denial of sorts wasn’t exactly a healthy thing to do. Especially since he was a nation who would live for a very long time. It would come to a point where if he didn’t face these things at one point or another it’d build up and eventually come to a head.
Elizaveta knew that and she knew that deep down Gilbert knew it too. The Prussian despite all her jokes about him not being too bright was actually incredibly smart. He knew that basically avoiding all the bad things that he faced and that effected him wasn’t the best idea. Yet at this moment in time it was necessary and as much as Elizaveta hated it she couldn’t fault him for it.
“Just……please don’t push yourself to the point where you can’t come back from it. That’s all I ask. Can you promise me Gilbert….?”
The Hungarian nation asked using his human name to let him know just how serious she was. The Prussian looked at her, his expression unreadable before he finally answered her.
“I’ll try Elizaveta.”
The Prussian nation said his tone quiet. While it wasn’t a promise she’d take it. Because if there was one thing she’d learned from all the years of knowing Gilbert it was that he’d try and he’d give it his all.
And that was all she could ask.
~~~~~
It was funny how roles could become reversed given the right circumstances. The role of caretaker could become the caretakee and vice versa. The role of being the strongest helping the weakest could become the role the weakest needing support after shouldering so much. It was a thing that happened in life, when the roles were given to others. It was this fact that put Ludwig in the position he was in now. Once a long time ago he was a small nation just like every nation that ever existed. However unlike them Ludwig struggled a lot more than them. A country desperately trying to grow and stabilize itself, Ludwig would often become extremely weak and ill. Many of his earliest days of his life were spent in a bed where he’d fight just for the right to live. It was during those times when he’d be unable to cope that his older brother Gilbert would be there.
As a child, Gilbert was like a being that lived in his own plain of existence. Many times throughout Ludwig’s childhood he’d be in awe of the older nation who seemed untouchable by the world and it ruthlessness. While Gilbert was a silly and sometimes immature man, the Prussian nation was reliable when the young German truly needed him. Gilbert was the rock that stood firm against the storms that life through at them, refusing to let the harsh realities that happened to them bring him down. The Prussian would always face them with a confident smirk and a burning determination that was unshakable. Gilbert in Ludwig’s young eyes was the strongest person he knew. He was his protector, his shoulder to cry on, his caretaker and his role model. He was someone who Ludwig wanted nothing more than to be like him. To be strong and confident and ready to take whatever life threw at him head on.
But like many children he slowly but steadily grew up. Becoming stronger and less sickly. Soon Ludwig began to stand on his own, began to be able to fight his own battles without Gilbert shielding him. And with this came other things. As Ludwig grew he began to notice things that were once hidden from him. Flashes of exhaustion and sorrow, glimpses of anger and desperation. Small bits and pieces began to come together for the German nation, the once near perfect picture of his older brother becoming more realistic. Gilbert who was once a perfect being in his childish eyes had now begun to become more clearer. His older brother while confident on the surface was someone who could be shaken up just like everyone else. He too was someone who was effected by the curveballs that life, was someone who could be dragged down by the negatives of life. Someone who could cry and get angry or frustrated or sad. Someone who could bleed and feel pain and grieve. Gilbert was someone who was entirely human just like Ludwig and it was this life changing enlightenment that Ludwig began to ask himself.
Who was looking out for Gilbert?
Who did Gilbert have to lean on?
Just how much did he shoulder all by himself?
Did he have anyone who could be strong and protect him just as he had done for Ludwig?
It was these questions that made Ludwig watch his older brother more, that made the picture of Gilbert Beilschmidt become more clearer and understandable to him. And he noticed a rather unsettling habit his older brother had. When things got to be overwhelming, when the negatives became too much and the world began to crumble around him, his brother would ignore it. He would bury it deep within and force himself to keep going even when it would be more than understandable if he broke down. Ludwig’s brother had this nasty habit of ignoring the obvious problems that plagued him and instead burying his head in the sand. Putting himself in a denial of sorts to function. And seeing it scared Ludwig. Because if his big brother was avoiding things like that then how was he actually handling everything? It was a fear that made the German become watchful over his older brother. A fear that began to become concern and then a determination. A determination that he’d carry with him for the rest of his existence.
He would become stronger so his older brother wouldn’t have to be.
If Ludwig became stronger, became better than the child he had been then he could help Gilbert. He could protect Gilbert and help him shoulder the burdens that he carried. So Ludwig did just that, he grew strong and became sturdy as a nation. His once frail and sick ridden body became big and strong and full of muscle. He got smarter and better so he could help his brother out more. And as the years passed Ludwig became a well known nation and at the time it seemed that everything would be okay. However life was always a struggle, it always had those horrid moments that threw you down the slope you were currently climbing and taking you back a good few thousand feet backwards. And it was one of those moments that nearly ruined Ludwig’s life. He could still remember it, the day when Gilbert had been called before the world leaders of the time. He had been forced to stay behind while Gilbert went alone, leaving Ludwig anxious and frustrated. It was that awful meeting that made the German nation nearly fall apart.
It was the meeting that made the great Kingdom of Prussia no more.
When he’d first heard it he hadn’t wanted to believe it. He didn’t want to believe that the world could be so merciless, so cruel to make the country of Prussia disappear. A sick prank of sorts, but one look at the hallowed expression of his brother and Ludwig realized that it was real. His brother was no more, Gilbert was no longer a country. The information had devastated him. People like him and his brother needed their nations, their nation, their people, their cultures and beliefs and hopes were what kept them alive. And to have all of it be taken from them…….
It was a death sentence.
Ludwig at the time didn’t truly realize just how important it was, and Gilbert his stubborn overprotective older brother hadn’t bothered to tell him. Instead Ludwig had to find out in the most horrifying way possible. It had been a normal day in Germany, just a simple, peaceful day. Ludwig had been in his office doing his paperwork while Gilbert was in the kitchen making lunch. The two brothers hadn’t spoken about what had happened, instead leaving it to hang. Gilbert had gone somewhat quiet, his enthusiasm and confidence half hearted after he had been given the news. It had been a month of Ludwig giving Gilbert concerned and worried looks while Gilbert pretended that everything was okay. As Ludwig grabbed the next document to begin signing and filling it out for his boss the sudden loud sound of metal and glass hitting the floor startled him. Wide light blue eyes snapped towards his door, his heart sinking. He didn’t even think about it, only acted. The large nation ran out of his office, rushing towards the kitchen where Gilbert was. His heart pounded in his chest as he ran, his mind going into a panic.
‘Please, please don’t be hurt please!’
He begged coming up towards the kitchen entranceway. Turning the corner Ludwig stumbled into the kitchen and felt his heart drop. Passed out on the floor surrounded by a few broken plates and pans was Gilbert.
“Scheisse! Prussia!”
The German said his tone full of panic as he made his way to his unconscious brother. The Prussian was extremely pale, more so than usual. His chest rose and fell in a shallow way, and his pulse felt weak and unstable. Rasping wheezes could be heard as Gilbert breathed making Ludwig tremble a bit. He didn’t know how he knew but something deep within told him what was happening.
'He’s dying…..’
The thought whispered making Ludwig’s lungs lose all of their air. Looking down at his older brother Ludwig felt his heart twist at the sight of him. Gilbert looked so small and fragile in his arms, almost like a small child. His presence which made him seem larger than life was snuffed out. Ludwig felt his throat tighten and he held his brother closer to him as if having him close would protect him.
“Prussia bruder please don’t die, I can’t do this without you……I just got you back please don’t leave me big bruder……Gilbert……”
Ludwig begged his voice choked. His eyes began to burn as he received no response from Gilbert. The silence was what finally made the German break. Tears flying down his cheeks Ludwig clung to his brother his body trembling as he tried to keep himself together. It had been centuries since he’d cried like this yet once the tears started they wouldn’t stop. He couldn’t help but feel like a helpless child again, calling out to Gilbert to make it better. Even after all this time Ludwig still needed his older brother. No matter how big he’d gotten nor how strong he was always going to need Gilbert. Yet he was losing him and it was destroying him. As Ludwig cried his silent tears his mind began to think about his childhood. A memory hazy came into his head. He had been small yet he was starting to ask questions. One of those questions where why his big brother worked so hard. Elizaveta had been the one to answer it.
'The reason your big bruder works so hard is because he’s not only trying to keep himself standing but you as well.’
'But why would he do that?’
'Because you are apart of him, you get your strength from him and his nation. It’s what’s helping you fight against your illness. It’s something we nations do for our loved ones, if we’re big enough and strong enough we share a bit of ourselves to them.’
'Share ourselves?’
'In other words we share our life force with them.’
The memory faded and a feeling of hellish need filled Ludwig. Looking down at his brother he grabbed him up, pulling him into his arms and picking him up off the floor. Tucking the dying nation close to his chest Ludwig raced from the house and out into the world a destination in his mind. There was a way he could stop this, a way he could keep Gilbert here and keep him safe as his brother had done for him all those years ago. It was his turn now to keep his older brother safe, it was his turn now to be the strong one for the two of them. He could do it, he was no longer that defenseless child. No now he was strong and he was able to finally fulfill his desire.
He could finally be there for Gilbert.
That day the German nation had nearly destroyed his boss’s doors at his office, practically begging and somewhat threatening the older man to sign Gilbert onto the German territory. That day Ludwig gave a part of himself to his older brother. No longer was Ludwig the country of Germany. Instead he was West Germany, and Gilbert had become East Germany. Two parts of one nation, unable to live without the other. That day Ludwig had saved Gilbert’s life. And from that day onwards Ludwig has stuck with the older nation ever since. The event of nearly losing his older brother had shaken him and he refused to leave Gilbert alone. So they moved in together, where the German could keep a watchful eye on the other and vice versa. And it remained that way ever since. The roles reversed now. Instead of Gilbert being the strong one it was Ludwig who took the role. And the younger nation didn’t mind it one bit. As long as he was able to keep Gilbert around he’d take the role with zero compliant.
“Oi! West your dinner is going to get cold! Get your workaholic ass out of your office before I come in there and drag it out!”
Gilbert shouted through the door making Ludwig pinch the bridge of his nose. Taking his reading glasses off Ludwig called out.
“Ja, ja I’m coming. I’ll be down in a second.”
He said already starting to put his paperwork away.
“You better or you’ll regret it.”
Gilbert said semi jokingly before the sounds of his footsteps leaving the doorway faded. Ludwig finished putting his paperwork and began to make his way out of his office. Life was a struggle, it made things difficult and made people face cruelties whether they wanted to or not. It could be terrible and could drag you down and smother you. But even though it did this, it was also full of good things as well. It was precious and it was beautiful yet painful at the same time. Yet no matter what form life took Ludwig Beilschmidt would continue to move forward and fight through it. After all he learned from the best and even though he had his own struggles, he was still the strongest person Ludwig has ever known.
As long as Gilbert Beilschmidt was there then Ludwig could do anything.
*Beilschmidt boys make me feel so many things y'all don’t understand I love these brothers so much. I was trying to go for a Gilbert centric mindset in the beginning but then I got Ludwig in there and they basically ruined what coherent thoughts I had shshdhdh. Lowkey big sad that there’s not a lot of fics involving these boys being bros like they’re wonderful and I’ll die on this hill. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!!*
Warning: Arthur and Lovino’s mouth, my boys likes to swear. As well as possibly incorrect fashion designer things.
~~~~~
Being a fashion designer was no cake walk Arthur had come to learn. Ridiculous hours and having bosses who would completely toss your projects if they deemed them not up to stuff. Running yourself into the ground and if you weren’t lucky, you sometimes got stuck with a stingy boss who would make up every excuse in the book to not pay you what you deserved. Yes being a fashion designer, especially a struggling one was no easy feat. It was a vicious cycle that Arthur had found himself in. For the past few years he’d been struggling, desperately trying to make a name for himself despite everything in the world seemly trying to make it impossible. The grumpy man had been stuck in this situation for quite sometime and it was slowly wearing him down. From putting his blood, sweat and tears into his works only to have his insane boss completely scrap the projects. However Arthur still held on despite being at his limit, desperately holding onto the hope that his efforts would finally bare fruit at some point.
And today it seemed as if his prayers were heard.
The company that Arthur was working for was finally getting some attention. But not just any kind of attention oh no. They were getting attention from agencies that specialized in models who displayed newest fashion trends and clothing. Vargas Modeling/Fashion agency was one of these parties that were interested. They were known for making the newest trends and making small time fashion designers become big. And Arthur Kirkland was determined to try and make a good impression on these people. The Englishman looked through his sketchbook of designs making sure he had everything that he needed as he sat at his work station. Bright and elegant drawings greeted him, full of future designs and clothes that he had been working on over the years. Having counted the papers and seeing that they were all there he let out a small sigh of relief. With gentle hands he placed the book down on his desk before going to grab his scissors and beginning his design for the day.
The sounds of the fabric being cut and placed on his mannequin were soothing to him. A pin cushion was strapped to his wrist and a needle was placed in his mouth as he worked, getting lost in it. Even when his job was utterly ridiculous he wouldn’t trade the making of his designs for anything. Seeing his once mere ideas coming to life made him feel a sense of happiness. Knowing that he could create something out of pieces of cloth and thread was addictive in a way. Arthur was so focused on his task that he nearly stabbed himself in the hand with his needle when the office door burst open. Standing at the door was his boss, a short older man who was extremely unpleasant. Mr. Henderson was his name and he was one of most cheapest, stingiest people Arthur had ever had the displeasure of working for. The man seemed to glare at the room around him, taking in all of his underpaid workers with a sneer. With the sounds of his expensive shoes clicking on the hard floors Mr. Henderson stared at each worker’s designs with a critical eye.
“You call this a dress? Pathetic I’ve seen dish rags with a better presentation.”
Mr. Henderson said to one person, a Hungarian woman named Elizaveta. The young woman seemed to glare at the old man, her bright green eyes full of barely hidden restraint.
“Of course Mr. Henderson, I’ll do better next time.”
Elizaveta said her tone sickeningly sweet. Mr. Henderson just grunted not seeming too interested nor concerned about whether or not he’d upset her. Once Mr. Henderson moved away from her Arthur glanced over at her with a small look. The Hungarian looked back at him seemingly understanding what he was trying to do and gave him a small nod and a tight smile. Mr. Henderson continued on his rampage, saying nasty things to each and every worker. Arthur bit back the urge to snap at his boss, no matter how much he wanted to. All to soon it was Arthur’s turn at being in Mr. Henderson’s sights. Cold eyes stared at Arthur’s piece. The Englishman had been working on a suit, the coat being a nice warm red color with a cream colored shirt underneath it. It was still within its beginning stages having been barely pieced together. Mr. Henderson gave this coat and shirt a burning look, his eyes full of disgust.
“You call this a suit Mr. Kirkland? This looks like it belongs in a circus! Honestly after being here for two years one would think that you would have learned a thing or two! Throw it away and try again!”
Mr. Henderson snarled before moving on. Arthur felt his hands shake with barely contained anger and frustration. It was like this every time Arthur’s turn came up. It was almost as if the old man was personally out to get him. Mr. Henderson returned back to the entranceway of the work room, a disappointed look on his face.
“I honestly can’t believe none of you have managed to come up with something better than these pathetic excuses you dare to call clothing! The Vargas Modeling/Fashion Agency will be here anytime this week and this is all you have to offer them??? Inexcusable and unacceptable! If I don’t see any improvements by the time the agency gets here I will personally fire each and every one of you in this room.”
Mr. Henderson thundered before disappearing from the room. The workers stared at the door in disbelief before harsh, panicked whispers broke out.
“He doesn’t mean that does he? Surely he’s joking!”
A Spaniard named Antonio said unable to believe what he’d just heard.
“Mr. Henderson can’t do this isn’t it illegal???”
Another worker a Taiwanese woman named Mei said looking downright furious at the audacity their boss had. Other voices continued to talk amongst themselves, some of them disbelieving and others ready to just call it quits. Arthur just stared at the door, his whole body frozen as he tried to get himself back to together. The Englishman and his fellow workers were snapped out of it by Elizaveta who quickly brought order to the impending chaos.
“Enough! We will worry about this when we cross that bridge! Right now we have to do our best and show that old jerk that we are more than capable of making wonderful things! Now let’s get back to work!”
She said scanning the room with a stern look. Shortly after the people began to go back to their designs, though their hearts weren’t as into it as before. Mr. Henderson’s words and threats had made them none too enthusiastic to continue. Yet in this world were jobs were necessary they really didn’t have much of a choice but to suck it up until a better opportunity presented itself. Arthur stared at the coat he was working on, it’s warm red color now looking somewhat small and not as good as he’d first thought. The British gentleman gripped his fabrics tightly, wanting nothing more than to scream when a familiar hand grabbed his arm gently.
“If it’s any consolation, I think your suit coat and shirt are absolutely wonderful Arthur.”
Elizaveta said her tone sincere. Arthur gave the Hungarian a small look before sighing softly.
“Thank you Elizaveta. I think your dress is rather lovely as well. That old git doesn’t understand talent when he sees it.”
Arthur said making Elizaveta smile.
“If that’s the case then it applies to your work as well.”
She said sweetly. Arthur just turned away not really in the mood to argue on it. Elizaveta gave Arthur a gentle squeeze before going back to her work station and continuing on her dress. The Brit took a deep breath and began his own work, wanting nothing more than to take his coat and shirt and go home.
‘Just a little bit longer Arthur old boy, soon you’ll get out of here.’
~~~~~
Arthur ran through the busy sidewalk, trying desperately to get to his destination. Pushing past the people without straight up shoving them over. It’d been a few days since the unpleasant meeting with Mr. Henderson and the Englishman had been working non stop on his new project as well as the project that he’d been told to get rid of. Days of nothing but working overtime and desperately trying to get it done and ready to present it to the agency. Days of sleeping barely at all and working himself to the bone. All in the hopes that he would be able to wow the agency and finally get away from the place he was stuck in.
Only to completely mess it up by sleeping in due to his alarm not going off.
“Fucking hell of all the bloody days for me to cock up!”
Arthur hissed under his breath furious with himself. This was possibly his one chance and he was going to screw it all up. The Brit was so busy scolding and berating himself for his carelessness that he didn’t notice the man stepping out into his path. Arthur collided with another person, their bodies tumbling onto the cold sidewalk due to the momentum of Arthur’s running. The papers that were safely in his sketchbook went flying, scattering around them. The Brit sat up with a pained groan, trying to ignore the pain of his body.
“Ah-! I’m so sorry sir! I wasn’t watching were I was going! Here let me help you-”
A voice thick with an Italian accent said. Arthur blinked and turned his attention towards the voice to see that it was the other man who he’d ran into. Bright auburn hair and a strange curl covered a handsome tanned face. Amber hues full of worry stared at him, seemingly unconcerned about his own tumble onto the pavement. He looked a few years younger than Arthur, and he was the most attractive man he’d ever seen.
'Bloody hell he’s like a model…..’
Arthur thought stupidly. The Italian man waved a hand in front of his face, making Arthur snap out of his stupor.
“Oh Dio are you alright? You don’t have a concussion do you?? You did hit the sidewalk pretty hard..”
The man said his tone filling with more concern. Arthur felt his cheeks burn in embarrassment and quickly retorted.
“No-! No I’m fine I’m the one who should be apologizing, I was the one running!”
Arthur said mortified by his behavior. He felt like an awkward teenager instead of a grown man who was twenty three. The man gave him another look obviously not believing him. Arthur didn’t pay him any mind though, scrambling at picking up his sketches and designs. He refused to make eye contact with the handsome stranger. Just as he went to reach out and pick up another sketch a tanned hand beat him to it. Arthur’s eyes snapped to the other man who was now offering a smile as he handed it to him.
“Here let me help you, it’s the least I can do for not paying attention.”
He said with a closed eyed smile. Arthur felt his already red cheeks burn more, his brain short circuiting at the smile.
“Lord have mercy he’s even more attractive when he smiles.”
Arthur thought only to hear a chiming laugh near him. The man was now looking at him amused.
“Ve, so I’m more attractive when I smile si? Well grazie bella.”
The man said giving him a small smirk. Arthur felt his embarrassment go up when he realized that he’d actually said it out loud.
“Oh my God I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize that I’d said it out loud! For fuck sake what’s wrong with me???”
Arthur said nervous and mortified by his actions. The Italian just watched him, slightly taken with this scrambled man in front of him.
“It’s alright bella, I don’t mind if it’s from you. In fact I find it rather flattering that you think so highly of my smile. Would you perhaps like to join me for a morning coff-”
The man began to ask only to be cut off by a loud swear from Arthur. The Brit had remembered that he was running late and was already getting back onto his feet, clutching his messy sketchbook to his chest.
“Fucking hell-! I’m late I’ve got to go! I’m sorry mate!”
Arthur said already running again to try and get to work. The Italian let out a startled noise and shouted out to him as he himself got to his feet. But Arthur was too far away at this point to hear him, instead running full speed down the sidewalk and disappearing into the crowd. Leaving the handsome man behind on the pavement.
~~~~~
Mr. Henderson was not happy.
In fact he was furious.
The short and stout man was bright red in the face, invisible steam coming off of him as Arthur burst through the doors. He’d been extremely late unfortunately and his boss was laying into him in front of all his coworkers.
“TARDINESS IS UNACCEPTABLE! ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE SUCH IMPORTANT CLIENTS COMING IN! I SWEAR TO GOD YOU ARE THE MOST USELESS WORKER I’VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE OF EMPLOYING-”
Mr. Henderson roared, his face slowly turning purple from how loud he was being. Arthur just stood in front of him, gritting his teeth and biting his tongue. The last thing the Brit needed was to lose his own short temper and lose any chance of getting his work noticed. Arthur noticed the pitying and sympathetic looks he was receiving from behind the boss’s back as he got chewed out.
“IF I DIDN’T NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK I WOULD FIRE YOU THIS VERY MINUTE-!!”
Mr. Henderson shouted only to be interrupted by the shrill ringing of his cellphone. The man yanked it from his back pocket and nearly broke the poor thing with how harshly he opened it.
“WHAT?!?………Oh I see……..very well I’ll be down.”
Mr. Henderson said before slamming the cell closed.
“The Vargas Modeling/Fashion Agency is here. Get your ass to your work station and don’t you dare embarrass me Mr. Kirkland. The rest of you get back to work!”
Mr. Henderson barked before storming out of the room to go and greet the Agency in the main entrance and check in desk. Arthur scurried to his work place trying to calm down the raging storm of emotion he was feeling. His hands shook and his stomach rolled with anxiety as he tried to get everything in order. He was just getting his sketchbook in order when he froze dead in place. Arthur’s heart dropped as he realized that one of his designs was missing. He swore drawing the attention of Elizaveta and Antonio who were closer to him.
“Que? Is something wrong Arthuro?”
Antonio asked his light green eyes curious.
“Arthur is everything okay?”
Elizaveta asked concerned by Arthur’s outburst. The Englishman looked up at the two, his dark green eyes filled with distress.
“My sketch! It’s missing!”
Arthur said nearly panicked as he began to search his desk for the missing paper.
“Your sketch? How did you lose it you rarely let that book out of your sight!”
Antonio said dumbfounded by the information. Arthur losing something was almost unheard of around the studio.
“Are you sure it’s missing? Where was the last place you’d seen it?”
Elizaveta asked trying to help her coworker out.
“I had it in my sketchbook! It was there this morning right before I-!”
Arthur began to explain before stopping dead in his sentence as he remembered the incident from earlier. The Englishman let out a loud groan and slammed his head against his desk startling his two coworkers.
“Arthur???”
Elizaveta asked sounding startled while Antonio just stared at him. Arthur let out a series of mumbles making the Hungarian and Spaniard exchange looks.
“Amigo we can’t help you if we can’t hear you.”
Antonio said trying to get Arthur to speak up. The Brit lifted his head from his desk and spoke again.
“This morning I was running late and as I was trying to get to work I’d ran into someone. I must have lost it during the collision….”
Arthur groaned upset with himself for not getting his sketch. Today was just not his day.
“You ran into someone? Did you catch a name? Maybe you can get it after work today?”
Elizaveta asked making Arthur shake his head.
“No I didn’t get his name. All I got out of him was his stupid face and his stupid attractive smile-”
Arthur began to grumble before Elizaveta stopped him.
“Attractive? Oh my so you ran into someone.”
The woman said her tone sly. Antonio let out a small snicker and Arthur’s head snapped up.
“No-! I mean yes-! I mean maybe-?!?! Bloody hell I don’t know that’s not what’s important right now!”
Arthur sputtered his pale freckled cheeks slowly going red. Antonio let out a whistle while Elizaveta gave him a cheeky smile.
“Oh sure Arthur~”
Elizaveta said teasingly before growing somewhat serious. Placing a gentle hand on Arthur’s back she gave a small comforting pat.
“I’m sure that you’ll find your sketch Arthur. If nothing else I know that you’ll make an even better one.”
The Hungarian said earning a hum of agreement from the Spaniard. Arthur gave the two of them small thankful looks before dropping the conversation. As the trio went back to their tasks Arthur began to think of the man he ran into that morning. He thought of his warm amber hues and his dazzling smile and his smooth voice. The Italian was an absolute catch and Arthur still couldn’t believe that he’d managed to interact with someone like that.
'Knock it off Kirkland, you can’t get distracted by a handsome stranger. You’ve got to focus.’
His conscience said stern. The Englishman shook his head, causing his messy blonde hair to sway with the movement before focusing on the outfit in front of him. It was the suit that he’d first worked on only more complete. The Brit was just adding the last few details to it before he’d consider it finished. Arthur had just got the thread through his needle and was stitching the last of the design into the sleeve when the studio doors opened making him and his coworkers pause in their work.
“And here’s where we make our designs and clothes. As you can see our fashion designers are hard at work to make only the best of the best.”
Mr. Henderson said his voice sweet and full of fake pride. The sleazy man stepped further into the room, leading a small group of people into it. Arthur’s gaze landed on them and quickly took notice of how fashionable and lovely they all were. A man with amethyst hues and dark brunette hair was in the front of the group. His face was pale and his chin had a small mole on it. A strange curl stuck out from his head and a pair of thin glasses sat on the bridge of his elegant nose. Beside him was another man with dark brown hair and tanned skin. He had hazel green eyes that were narrowed and a frown was firmly placed on his face. A strange curl also stuck out from his hair on the left side. Arthur felt his heart skip at the scary deja vu he suddenly had at the man’s appearance. He looked scarily like the man he ran into that morning only more sour looking. The man’s gaze turned towards Arthur having felt his staring. A nasty glare bore into his head making Arthur quickly look away. Finally catching sight of the third person who was with the group Arthur about dropped his needle and thread in shock.
Auburn hair with a curl on the right side of his head, tanned skin and a handsome smile. Bright amber eyes full of warmth and curiosity.
It was him.
It was the man from this morning.
Arthur felt his heart stop as he realized that the man he’d ran into, the man who he’d said had an attractive smile to his face, the man he’d left on the sidewalk in his haste to get to work was the man who was a representatives for the agency.
'Jesus Christ I fucked up so badly.’
The thought whispered in panic as Arthur tried to calm himself down. Mr. Henderson’s voice drew his attention as they made their way around. The three representatives looked at the different clothes and designs each one having different reactions to them.
“Oh look how lovely this dress is! Don’t you think so Roderich???”
A chipper Italian voice belonging to the handsome stranger said. The elegant man, Roderich looked at the dress and gave it a critical look.
“It’s impressive. You’re incredibly talented.”
Roderich said his voice thick with an Austrian accent. The answering thank you was sweet and somewhat shy as Elizaveta took in the praise. It continued on like this with each of them praising different works and such. The angry looking Italian, who Arthur heard be called Lovino had taken a liking to Antonio’s designs if the gruff it’s alright said anything about it. Mr. Henderson let them look, obviously not agreeing with what they were saying.
“They have done a splendid job but they’re still learning how to do the business. But a little practice will do them wonders.”
Mr. Henderson said offering a fake smile. It made Arthur want to hurl his pin cushion at him.
“Ve, I really like this one. It’s rather beautiful.”
A voice said close to Arthur making the Englishman jump slightly. Turning to his side he met the amused gaze of the man who he ran into. The Italian was looking at him and his suit, a gentle hand holding one of the sleeves.
“I shouldn’t be surprised though given that your sketch was just as wonderful.”
The man praised making Arthur’s face break out into a blush at the praise.
“I….uh thank you…Mr…..?”
Arthur said fumbling slightly with his thread. The man gave him a small smile and held out his hand.
“Vargas. Feliciano Vargas. Co-owner of the agency.”
The man Feliciano said. Arthur slowly shook his hand, his throat dry.
“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Vargas.”
He said politely trying to ease his racing heart. Feliciano gripped his hand and shook it. Mr. Henderson cleared his throat drawing Feliciano and Arthur’s attention.
“Yes Mr. Kirkland here is one of our beginners here, a novice if you will.”
Mr. Henderson said his tone professional and stiff. Arthur bristled at the man’s tone hating him even more. Even when Arthur was praised the nasty man had to find some way to make it crummy. Feliciano gave Mr. Henderson a searching look not taking too kindly to it either. However he didn’t say anything, in fact it was completely taken care of by his brother who from the moment they’d stepped in the place had been slowly getting more and more irritated.
“For fucks sake you’re a cynical old bastard aren’t you? You say these people are beginners but it’s obvious that they’re not. No beginners can make the things they can make.”
Lovino snapped obviously fed up with the fakeness of it. Mr. Henderson blinked in shock his eyebrow twitching slightly.
“Oh? I didn’t realize, my apologies Mr. Vargas-”
Mr. Henderson began before he was cut off.
“Honestly this is absolute bullshit. From the moment we’ve stepped into this dump it’s been quite clear that your workers aren’t happy and that pisses me off.”
Lovino said his tone angry. Arthur could only watch as the other Vargas brother tore a new one into his boss not seeming to care. Mr. Henderson’s fake niceness was slowly beginning to crack, his own voice becoming snippy and irritated. The workers watched in awe as their boss was put in his place, enjoying the view. Finally it all came to a head as Mr. Henderson exploded. After that the fight was taken out of the workplace, Lovino and Mr. Henderson’s voices raising down the hallway. Once they were gone Roderich addressed the room.
“Since my boss is currently busy at the moment I shall let you all know that you are all incredibly talented. The Vargas Modeling/Fashion agency would be more than happy to have you all in our employment program should you choose.”
The Austrian said making the room explode in happy and excited voices. Arthur felt his jaw drop slightly at the new job offer before a throat clearing drew his attention back to Feliciano. The Italian smiled at him and held something out to him.
“You forgot this when you ran away this morning Mr. Kirkland.”
Feliciano said chipper as Arthur took the paper from his grasp. It was the missing sketch that he’d been looking for.
“Ah please, call me Arthur. And I apologize for running away so quickly, I was in quite the rush. Anyways thank you for returning my sketch.”
Arthur said blushing lightly. Feliciano grinned at the sight.
“Arthur, it suit you bella. Since I returned your sketch I’d like to ask you something.”
Feliciano said his eyes full of amusement and slight nervousness. Arthur felt his heart skip a beat as he was pinned by those eyes.
“Would you perhaps like to join me for a morning coffee sometime? I’d love to get to know a lovely man such as yourself.”
Feliciano said shimmying a bit as he waited for Arthur’s answer. The Englishman stared at him in shock before shyly smiling at him.
“I’d love to.”
Arthur said making Feli beam with happiness. It was that day that Arthur finally got out of the place he was in. From then on the Englishman made a name for himself and his fashions, and fell in love with Feliciano along the way, and years down the road as he sat by his beloved husband’s side in front of their garden Arthur couldn’t help but feel like all of the things he’d went through was worth it.
*Oh Dolly Parton how you make a gal wanna quit her job of working 9 to 5 shsgsgsg. Here’s the second prompt for EngIta week! I wasn’t expecting to write this much and the story is kinda wonky in certain scenes but I tried my best to make it make sense sgsvdvdbdn. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!! And @engitaweek2022*
