theroughtoughcreampuff:

“Bruder, please, I’m not an idiot. I know what it means–” Ludwig shook his head, looking mildly exasperated, before a hint of a smile appeared on his features once again, “Oh, but I’m sure it won’t stay that way for long. You’ll go back to being ridiculous soon enough.” It was obvious by his tone that he was teasing, but somewhere in the back of his mind it registered that this was what had been missing. He’d needed this for a long while.

“Me? Ridiculous?” Gilbert gave a ridiculous gasp. “Frankly, Ludwig, I am offended that you have such little faith in my ability in being serious.”

Ludwig snorted, "I guess you can be serious sometimes, but I'll never know when those times are. You always seem to find a way to kid. Especially at the strangest times." Though he didn't mind it. In fact it was pretty much the opposite.

Smile For A Good Time | François + Ludwig

monsieurguillotine:

Ludwig’s expression shifted from one of slight confusement to one of contemplation as he considered Francois’ response. Music. Feelings. He supposed he had some sense of what he meant though the concept was very foreign. 

Maybe it was an artist thing, maybe it was just whenever the-- what was it? Inspiration?-- struck. It seemed to be a strange way of going about things, depending blindly on something as abstract as feeling, but comforting in a way.

“That makes sense. It’s something of an outlet for you, I suppose?” At the mention of his brother he nodded once, “We’re in contact. Your family doesn’t like to read?”

theroughtoughcreampuff:

“Bruder, please, I’m not an idiot. I know what it means--” Ludwig shook his head, looking mildly exasperated, before a hint of a smile appeared on his features once again, “Oh, but I’m sure it won’t stay that way for long. You’ll go back to being ridiculous soon enough.” It was obvious by his tone that he was teasing, but somewhere in the back of his mind it registered that this was what had been missing. He’d needed this for a long while.

Really, Antonio should have known not to let himself leave his house without finishing his morning routine. In all actuality, he should have gone to work late. They would have understood–he gets high reviews from customers, not to mention his boss actually enjoys his company. They would have understood.

And so, with a heavy heart, Antonio spent his break in a place he vowed to never step foot in.

The men’s public bathroom at his own work.

Not only was the anxiety of not having a dick eating at his throat, he just so happened to be in the only stall without toilet paper. What a massive fucking let down, considering he just took a giant shit. He cleared his throat a couple times, peaking his head down to see shoes under the stall next to him. Fuck.

“… Uh. Sorry, I know this is super weird and a little distasteful, but you wouldn’t happen to mind flinging me over some toilet paper, right?”

@justasuperspyassassin

You see, Ludwig wasn’t actually going to the restroom. He was… well, let’s just say this was a great spot to quietly gather intel in a spot nearby the area where he needed to search. So here he was, casually sitting on the closed toilet seat and waving around his phone in an attempt to get better service. Or… that was what he had been doing until he heard a voice beside him.

It was a little surprising since for one, it didn’t exactly sound like a guy, but hey, he knew a few men with higher voices. Secondly, well, he wasn’t the most well versed in proper social etiquette, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t normal to have a conversation through the stalls.

Oh well, the guy needed some help. It wasn’t like handing him some toilet paper would hurt either of them.

“Er, sure,” He fiddled with the lock on the toilet paper holder before picking it and pulling the roll off before holding it out under the stall divider.

In hindsight maybe he shouldn’t have hacked the lock and just given the guy a good amount, but what was done was done.

Smile For A Good Time | François + Ludwig

justasuperspyassassin:

“Mhmm, very astute. Watercolors are lovely for soft, emotional paintings, its more like they’re an impression of the artist’s will on paper rather than some spun creation.” François drank again, mulling over his words.

Painting had been a surprise to him. Oh, Asgard had art, but its magic, it’s technology, had gone beyond paint and brushes centuries ago. It had been such a revelation to acquire such a small, quiet, physical activity like that. It wasn’t the soothing rasp of the whetstone on blade, the routine of arrow on string.

“Abstract art, aahh,” he tilted his head back, eyes unfocused. “It’s like the watercolors, an impression of feeling and thought rather than concrete form. Usually I find a song or some soothing noise and paint to that, paint my feelings, the feelings the song evokes, that sort of thing.”

“Ah, voracious, I wasn’t much of a reader in my youth, but as I got older, I read more. My family wasn’t big on such things. Do other people in your family like to read?” he asked.

Nursing his drink, Ludwig took a hearty swig in the hopes that the alcohol would magically distract him from François’ thigh pressed up against his own. It had been a while since he’d felt the touch of another but even then, he had never been quite good at handling himself in such a situation.

“Feeling? I wouldn’t think- think that feeling had colors or- Well, unless you’re talking about blue being…” Ludwig trailed off, perplexed as to what exactly François meant by ‘painting his feelings’. It was a strange concept, and not something he was sure he’d ever really understand, but then again, if that was what he enjoyed who was he to judge?

It really was fascinating just how passionate about art François was. The way he spoke of it as if it were his lifeblood, what kept him moving along through the years. There was a small part of Ludwig that wished that he could relate to such a feeling, but he quelled it silently.

He took a moment to respond, swirling his drink absentmindedly, “Gilbert, my brother; he likes to read, or he did. When we were kids.”

justasuperspyassassin:

“Oh look, I already drove you insane.” Gilbert said, his tone blithe before he laughed hollowly, in accompaniment with the mystified expression that he currently had on his face. He wasn’t entirely sure why, but the laughter began to actually catch on, seeping into his tone as he continued to speak.

“Listen Ludwig, I know I can, admittedly, be pretty funny.” He joked. “But this is serious..”

Ludwig smiled sheepishly and brushed his hand across his forehead. He really was cracking this time around; in front of his brother at that. He didn’t need to have Gilbert worrying about whether or not he was insane because he… He wasn’t? Or wait. Isn’t that what insane people usually thought? Okay, well, he, at least, hoped he wasn’t insane, and even if he was Gilbert still didn’t need to worry.

“Sorry, Bruder, I just-” He shook his head in disbelief, “We’re- I’m actually doing this.”

“Yeah, you’re a real boy ” Gilbert flashed him a crooked smile. “Hey wait- does this mean I’m your conscience? Because oh boy are the tables turning..”

"I think you would be the voice of reason in this situation, but-," Ludwig snorted quietly, "You were never the most logical when it came to certain subjects, and I expect you haven't changed." He paused and gave his brother a funny look, "But. The tables are turning?"

Smile For A Good Time | François + Ludwig

justasuperspyassassin:

“Something like that,” François replied, spreading his legs so their thighs pressed tighter together, but no leaning towards him. “I was using oil paints for a long time, but I’m learning how to work with watercolors now, and it’s both frustrating and exciting. I love portraits, or abstract things.”

Ludwig was not a very talkative man, was he? Then again, nerves could do that to a person, and François had long ago banished nerves to situations that actually needed it. Like the idea of Heimdallr deciding he needed to be brought back to the All-Father for trial.

François sipped his drink, and grounded himself in the present. “Good, solid hobbies. I love to cook as well, but I tend towards the stove rather than the oven. What sort of books do you like to read?” He was dearly hoping the answer wasn’t “picture books” or “engine manuals”. It had happened. 

Then again, maybe he had never been allowed to explore the possibilities? Child soldiers like this? There was no way he was anything but, considering his awkwardness coupled with the amount of blood on his hands.

“Oil paints are beautiful, but I would have to agree. Watercolors have a different effect. You can get a more… magical er, vibe? It's, like you said, more spur of the moment because of the way the paint works,” Or so he'd been told by the books.

He'd never really tried his hand at painting as the extent of the art he did were rough sketches of people, places and things for missions, and in all honesty, most of what he knew was thanks to books. But on the subject of portraits he would have to agree with François. People were always interesting, and though he was no artist, he could appreciate how different and striking each person could be from the next.

“Portraits are always fascinating to see,” He nodded, trying to avoid focusing on the warm body so close to his own, “Though I never really understood abstract art. How do you do it?”

Now that he was talking about something he sort of knew about it was easier for him to relax. Thank god François wasn't too intimidating because otherwise he knew he would be even more of an awkward, blundering mess. He could relax like this. This he could get used to.

“Just. Whatever I could get my hands on,” No way in hell he was admitting to reading romance books, and besides, it was true. He'd never been picky as a child when it came to books. They had really been the only friends he'd had.

@justasuperspyassassin

As far as post-test celebrations go, Anita’s gotta consider this one pretty lackluster. Her friends have all bailed for one reason or another - work, writing reports, studying for yet another test - and now she’s sitting at her big old circle table all alone, only her lukewarm caramel macchiato to keep her company. Still, she didn’t come all this way to congratulate herself for making it through her first batch of midterms by being bored. Something’s gotta give. 

Gaze flicking through the faces of the other patrons, she thinks she’s finally found it in the order line. There’s a man stuck midway, looking completely ridiculous with his slick hair and the way he just seems to tower over the undergrads he’s stuck between in line. The awkward expression plastered on his face is just the icing on the cake.

Target spotted.

Shifting to get a better view, Anita tucks one leg under the other on the cushy bench and props her head up on the hand not leeching warmth from her coffee. After a moment of pointed staring, Anita begins her first round of attack - wrinkling her nose up and squinting at the stranger, trying to make her face as ridiculous as possible. 

And now, she waits.

Ludwig, as per usual, was feeling uncomfortable as he stood in line for his coffee. Normally it wouldn't be as bad since he could usually engross himself in strategizing or hide behind his phone, but today his phone had decided to die and everyone surrounding him just so happened to be almost a head shorter. He probably stuck out like a sore thumb next to so many small people.

As he glanced awkwardly about for some sort of distraction he felt someone staring at his back. Immediately going into high alert he twisted in the line and… his gaze landed on a girl making some very interesting expressions. And she was looking right at him? Weird. He had to be mistaken. He didn't even know her.

Swallowing he glanced to the counter and then back at her. Should he say something? Maybe she was trying to get his attention?

justasuperspyassassin:

“Oh look, I already drove you insane.” Gilbert said, his tone blithe before he laughed hollowly, in accompaniment with the mystified expression that he currently had on his face. He wasn’t entirely sure why, but the laughter began to actually catch on, seeping into his tone as he continued to speak.

“Listen Ludwig, I know I can, admittedly, be pretty funny.” He joked. “But this is serious..”

Ludwig smiled sheepishly and brushed his hand across his forehead. He really was cracking this time around; in front of his brother at that. He didn't need to have Gilbert worrying about whether or not he was insane because he… He wasn't? Or wait. Isn't that what insane people usually thought? Okay, well, he, at least, hoped he wasn't insane, and even if he was Gilbert still didn't need to worry.

“Sorry, Bruder, I just-” He shook his head in disbelief, “We're- I'm actually doing this.”

Smile For A Good Time | François + Ludwig

Ludwig felt a shiver shoot down his spine, and something like nervous energy bubbled up inside of him. Yet despite his apprehension there was something almost comforting about the other’s presence. It was nice to know he wasn’t here for information or to wait for a target. He was here of his own accord. He was here because wanted to.

Still the air kiss caused the same reaction as before and Ludwig barely managed a mute nod. After a few moments he regained control of his mental facilities and remembered to breathe. Right, right, no need to act like a teenager getting their first taste of freedom. He was a grown man. He could handle himself.

Making sure to not settle into his defensive expression Ludwig nodded and willingly followed the other, happy to be in the presence of someone who actually wanted to be around him. Almost smiling he tried to concentrate on something other than their looped arms and exhaled. He could do this. He wouldn’t screw up.

“Of course, it is yours to take when you wish, and… I like beer, but I’m good with whatever,” A pause, “Thank you, François.”

Fair enough, though François would have preferred an actual drink preference. Still, good German beer was easy enough. They got to the bar and he ordered, a German beer for Ludwig, and a strawberry daiquiri for himself. When their drinks were ready, he grabbed them and nudged Ludwig towards a little two-seater booth. 

“Come sit, mon cheri, and it’s no problem, I swear.” He slid into the booth and set their drinks down. “So, when you’re not, presumably, beating people up or killing them for money, what do you like to do? I like to design houses, though they are all theoretical of course, and I like to practice watercolor painting.” François offered, hoping to get the ball rolling on this date.

Ludwig reacted to him, which soothed some feathers, but made him impatient all the same. He wanted Ludwig to have a clear and vocal interest in him now, not later.

Ludwig carefully slid in beside him, finding it hard to avoid being flush against Francois’s hip, so he settled somewhere on the edge of the seat. No need to crush the man who’d so kindly offered him drinks and easy company. Still feeling somewhat nervous, he took his glass and cupped it between two hands. He could handle conversation. This he could do.

“I… Bake and read,” Ludwig coughed awkwardly. Wow, he’d never realized how boring his life really was. That was actually kind of it. Training and missions took up most of his time. Extracurricular activities were limited to only a few things because of the strict environment he lived in, and those two things happened to be some of the only he’d managed to have approved and readily available to enjoy within the narrow slots of time he had free now and then.

Welp. When in doubt turn the conversation to the other person. It was usually less awkward when you asked about others’ hobbies since people tended to relax when you let them talk about what they love. Well, except in his case. It seemed like he was doomed to remain in a constant state of flustered confusion, but then again, he wasn’t really complaining if he kept meeting people like the man beside him.

“So, you’re an artist?” Ludwig shifted so he could face François and better carry on a conversation, “What sort of things do you like to paint?” He really, really hoped he was doing this right…

The Changing of Leaves

He followed behind silently, making sure to stay a few steps back before stopping at the other’s side. A soft smile graced his lips as he looked at the menu.

“They have real good applejacks. Good with coffee if you like it black. Their frappes are good too if you have a sweet tooth.” Either the man beside him liked coffee as bitter as possible, or he was the type to get the girly kind with whipped cream and sprinkles on top. Something was making Theo lean towards the girly drink was the other’s preference even though he would order the bitter coffee. Masculinity probably too fragile with this one. Either way, he pried his eyes off the menu and dug for his wallet in his coat pulling out his card, waiting for the other to decide something.

Surprisingly enough Ludwig did like his coffee as black as night and just as hot, but Theo had been right to some extent. He was an avid supporter of cake eating and a lover of confections; the more chocolate and the fluffier the better. Apple was good too though. That was something he could appreciate.

Ludwig was trying to choose an item to order whilst simultaneously sneaking looks at that beautiful, angelic smile on Theo’s face- Cursing his inability to maintain a respectable composure Ludwig took a few controlled breaths before responding.

“I’ll get a coffee, and the applejacks sound good. Maybe I’ll get one of those as well,” He risked a look in the blond’s direction before posing his inquiry, “And for you?”

Mei relaxed a smidge (but only a smidge!) as she heard a rather average man’s voice over the phone. The man seemed friendly enough, and was rather polite. That is fine, this is fine. 

“Oh it’s no problem! I am glad that I was able to help. You should really tell your friend not to go around and steal other people’s personal items though! He can get arrested for doing that!”

The girl let out a slow breath, lowering the shoulders she had been bunching up during her small scolding. 

“But I am fine, and I made sure Ludwig is fine as well. May I ask whether Ludwig has a person responsible for him other than you? Or could I ask for anything background wise?”

Mei glanced at Ludwig, teeth worrying her bottom lip. She still couldn’t quite trust the story here, but she was comfortable that Ludwig wouldn’t be a threat to her in the immediate future or something.

“My sincerest apologies, Miss. As I said before, he does know better,” The man sounded genuinely concerned and apologetic, “It’s reassuring to hear you’re alright, and what would you like background wise?” The man seemed to sigh on the other side of the phone, but it was barely audible.

Ludwig couldn’t exactly hear everything they were saying, but hopefully the girl had the sense not to ask anymore questions. Wasn’t it against social etiquette to ask about people’s personal lives without knowing them well? Or was social etiquette tossed out the window after almost mugging someone and then discreetly hacking into their phone without their knowledge? 

Oh well, he wasn’t too worried. There was no way for her to realize he’d done so without her searching all his pockets which he was fairly positive she wouldn’t be doing anytime soon. He did have a lot of pockets in weird places for good reasons.

Smile For A Good Time | François + Ludwig

Ludwig nodded, still in a dazed, flustered state from the kisses. Turning to leave he quickly moved towards the direction of where he needed to go. Now with the other man out of his line of sight, Ludwig regained his composure and jogged off. He thought he had a fair chance of winning.

Nine minutes, forty-six seconds and seventy-eight milliseconds later Ludwig stepped into the bar, hurriedly scanning the crowd for François. After searching for a minute or two he was near ready to give up and accept his victory, but just at that moment his gaze latched onto the familiar figure of the blond. With a quiet sigh he acquiesced and acknowledged defeat. Straightening back up he marched over to where the other stood. Unfortunate, but it wasn’t a huge deal.

And that was when it hit him. Just as he was about to speak the specifics of the prize came back to him causing him to go a lovely shade of red. Haha, well, fuck. Fidgeting with his hands he cleared his throat. That he could worry about in a few seconds.

“Er, well, it seems as if you’ve won.”

Startled, François jerked a little at Ludwig’s voice. He had been looking for him so hard that he had missed him. So embarrassing. A little pink, he gave Ludwig a smile. Then he kissed him on the cheek in greeting, careful not to touch skin.

“It seems that I have, mon lupe, we should celebrate with drinks.” He whispered into Ludwig’s ear. Pulling back, he looped their arms and re-directed them to the bar. “I’ll buy you anything you want.” He slanted a look up at him, “within reason, of course.”

“Do you mind if I decide to cash in my prize later?” He asked coyly. While François very dearly wanted to kiss the life out of his mysterious assassin, he also wanted to do it in private.

Ludwig felt a shiver shoot down his spine, and something like nervous energy bubbled up inside of him. Yet despite his apprehension there was something almost comforting about the other's presence. It was nice to know he wasn't here for information or to wait for a target. He was here of his own accord. He was here because wanted to.

Still the air kiss caused the same reaction as before and Ludwig barely managed a mute nod. After a few moments he regained control of his mental facilities and remembered to breathe. Right, right, no need to act like a teenager getting their first taste of freedom. He was a grown man. He could handle himself.

Making sure to not settle into his defensive expression Ludwig nodded and willingly followed the other, happy to be in the presence of someone who actually wanted to be around him. Almost smiling he tried to concentrate on something other than their looped arms and exhaled. He could do this. He wouldn't screw up.

“Of course, it is yours to take when you wish, and... I like beer, but I'm good with whatever,” A pause, “Thank you, François.”

“Joining the army was also dangerous, and I still managed that fine!

Crap, that was a bad example. Gilbert clenched his jaw briefly, trying to scrape together a way to get out of the hole he’d just dug for himself. “My POINT being that we both know how to handle ourselves, and I don’t want you to stay there for my sake, okay?”

“But Gilbert you’re free now. You should… You should stay that way.” You have a chance to find happiness where I don’t think I do. “There’s Elisabeth, and… And whoever else your friends with. We won’t be just risking ourselves. It will include anyone you care about as well.”

He paused, processing the first thing he’d said, “… Bruder please. We both know you got lucky once. That doesn’t mean it’ll happen again.”

“But Ludwig.” Gilbert whined, suddenly childish in his cajoling. “You being free and stuff would make me happy,”

Ludwig’s expression tightened in pain. He was so, so torn. He wanted his brother to be happy, but-

“…It’s better to be alive, right?” Then again, was it? Being dead might be better than never being happy… Maybe.

“Not always.” Gilbert was back to being deadly serious faster than one could blink. His jaw set in place, brows furrowing as he looked Ludwig directly in the eye. “If you stand for nothing, then you dont fall for anything. But I guess I cant force you, can I?”

He gestured to the door, looking pointedly at Ludwig as though daring him to leave. “If you want to go back to them so badly, then go right on back and stay there.”

Ludwig visually tensed. Maybe he should leave. No, Gilbert was right he really, really should leave. It would be… Safer, if not easier, for both of them. Pushing his chair back he moved to stand, then stopped.

His brother’s steely gaze had caught him once again, and he slumped back into the chair, folding his hands in his lap and leaning forward. He took a deep breath and looked back to his brother, “We’re going to get ourselves killed, but you’re right.“

“I can’t hide forever.”

"Exactl- wait, really?” Wow- Gilbert had expected it to take a little more convoncing than that, even that Ludwig might just have walked put there and then! But, by some, strange stroke of luck things had finally started going his way, and thus far that streak didn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

Gilbert softened, his shoulders slumping slightly as though a great weight had been lifted from him. He patted his back. “Well- welcome home, bruder.”

Ludwig was still looking serious as, at least to him, he'd just made the most important decision of his life, but at his brother's touch he relaxed slightly, seeming to release most of the tension that had been building up during their conversation. With a shaky exhale Ludwig placed a hand on his forehead and smiled. Oh god, he was really leaving. He was doing this-

Without really knowing how else to react Ludwig began to laugh. It'd been so, so long since he'd last laughed, yet here he was, sitting across from his brother and actually laughing.

Well, no matter. It seemed as if he'd have to start getting used to strange occurrences, and in all honesty, he didn't think it'd be a bad thing either.