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The sky was for once brighter than usual, clouds dancing along the stunning blue sky. People chatter about upcoming events with family or friends. The spring season, finally taking on its true nature.
A perfect day for Barry to meet with some diplomatic ties. A waste truly, meeting up for political gain seems like a waste.
If you were an economist, yeah sure but today the person of interest seemed different. Barry was excited for this political meet up. Being an officer he has to maintain a formal persona but it seemed it would melt away as soon as he saw the person.
Sitting by the Paine glass-window of the local tea shop, one of Westminster's finest.
Officer Barry Williams, sat patiently, waiting for the prussian to enter. His hair combed hastily in a rush of the moment. His uniform is neatly ironed. His eyes danced around the room, looking brighter than usual. His hands fidgeted with his cuffs.
Apparently the officer was late, he thought, until the doorbells chimed with a hopeful shimmer.
There he was, gracefully walked in with a disciplined stride. Brunette hair nearly combed in a side parting,his pale complexion making his moles look like ink sprayed above his lip and near his eyelids, which would nearly startle any passers-byers, had caught the eyes of a certain officer that day.His uniform ordained with high-ranking medals, silver threading and tassel hung from his shoulder to his chest button.
His dark blue eyes, scanning the area to find his accompanying officer. It didn't take him long to find the ginger. He would seem to stand out in a crowd of people.
The prussian gave a subtle nod and approached the Brit, stretching out his hand to shake his.
“Guten Morgen, Herr Officer Williams. Pleasure to arrange this meeting.” Karl spoke, his voice unusually warm.
“Ah! Good morning Officer Steiner!” Barry beamed with an unusual glow.
They both sat down, the table definitely seen better days but it didn't concern the two. Maybe Karl a bit but he didn't really care.
He noted the Brits' care-free attitude over such a serious topic. It was infectious at best, for a Prussian, known for their strict discipline. It seemed to fail him for the first time.
“So officer Williams, must we… errr arrange the defences?” Karl asked, struggling to form the words, he had learned English a long time ago.
Unfortunately 5 years without constant revisions of a language can make the blade dull.
“Oh, you mean about the organisation of the troops in eastern Europe? Am I right sir?” Barry replied back, patiently. He knew foreign company wouldn't be well versed in the language alone be this close to the meaning.
He was impressed by the attempt with the officer.
“Ja, yes Herr officer”Karl nodded back, feeling slightly embarrassed by the fact he needed some help with his English.
“So Officer, I haven't really got your name yet?” Barry asked, carefully going around the topic like a thing sheet of ice.
“Oh! Es tud me lad, errr.. My name is Karl.Karl Von Steiner” he stammered, looking away for a few seconds. Scanning the vicinity for any eavesdroppers.
“Oooo that's rare!, mates call me Barry! Lovely doing business” the Brit gave a wide smile. The gap between his front teeth gave a charming quirk. He extended his hand to close the deal with him. The small clusters of freckles on his hand showed.
Seeing the small gap between the officer's teeth reminded Karl that they are still human on the inside, the same blood,flesh and heart. Only divided by borders and diplomatic relationships.
It made Karl heart do a dangerous skip in beat. He felt a warm sensation in his chest. It seemed all too foreign to him.
“Its been a pleasure..” Karl said, avoiding direct eye contact with the Brit
“Sayyy, want to meet up sometime?” Barry mentioned, “ it's can be a walk orr whatever you'd prefer,” before he realised his request.
A faint redness appeared to his skin, feeling mildly embarrassed about the request.
“ITS FINE IF YOU DONT WANT TO! I’D UNDERSTAND THE EXTENT OF THIS RATHER SILLY-”
“Ja! It would be .. gud! Ja-gud” Karl interrupted Barry before back paddling.
“Oh- That's splendid! Near the Thames?”
“Ja, dann tschüss, wir sehen uns morgen", Karl said, giving a polite smile. Before getting up and walking out the door, glancing at Barry for a moment too long.
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Barry had arrived near the bridge, dressed in his usual uniform, this time it wasn't adorned with its usual medals or type shit.
He was waiting for Karl to arrive, unfortunately he seemed late… again. How can such a meticulously mannered officer be late?
The sky stretches into hues of yellow and blue, the evening sun dancing near the horizon. Barry has waited well over a few hours.
Of course he wouldn't come.. he didn't want to reject me in the inn, let's just go home Barry.
Saddened by the realisation that Karl didn't want to see the Brit he slowly walked away. Head slightly lowered. He didn't expect much, he just wanted to see if he could make friends with the officer. He seemed lonely.
His selfless demeanour tried to justify Karl's choice until he saw a confused man standing near a grand white building.
There he was, Karl Von Steiner in his unmistakable uniform. His hair combed neatly, too neatly. His uniform up to the mark and his face scrunched into a confused expression. Making his moles come closer together.
“Ah yes! Officer ..Ba-Williams! I must apologise, I was busy with an… er-err ERRAND! an errand.” Karl said, waving at the Brit. He could recognise the man by his vibrant red uniform. It reminded him of poppy flowers.
But he could never get the name right.
“Karl, what are you doing at a random Manor ? How did you manage to wander off so far?” Barry looked concerned, but he couldn't help but smile at the attempt to look busy.
Karl's stubbornness flaring up,”Nein! I'm not lost yet, the kind man had asked me to help him”,he said pointing at the entrance.
“Mate, the residents have moved to another place ages ago.” Barry said, masking a chuckle with his hand.
Karl's face lit up with embarrassment and stubbornness again.”Oh… well what are we doing here lets go then”, the prussian spinned to his feet and walked off expecting Barry to follow
“Mate, it's really not a big deal if you forgot the city, it's a new place for you!” Barry said, his voice soft, making Karl feel the heat creep up his neck.
“No it's my mistake really, officer Williams” Karl blurted out, hiding his face so Barry won't see the blush creep up slowly.
Barry knew Karl's stubbornness won't go away if he kelp pushing the narrative.
“Say Karl, I'll draw out a map for you, if you're ever lost in London or Westminster. It will help you with your stay here for a few weeks!” Barry said, pulling out his handkerchief and a pen he had in his pocket from an earlier meeting.
Karl looked at the Brit explaining the street and the routes to the diplomatic places, so he wouldn't ever show up late again. Karl was trying to pay attention to the routes but he couldn't help but stare at the Brit. The way his eyes lit up when mentioning a route he liked. How Barry's emerald eyes reflected off the street lamps.
Once done Karl tried to remember the route, and thanked Barry once again.
“Well, hopefully you show up on time tomorrow then! Do you remember the road back now?” Barry dusting his hands, looking like he finally finished an assignment
“Well.. let me see…maybe..” Karl replied, trying to remember the road, while looking at his newly made map. Don't get him wrong he knew the road back, but something in him wanted to get with Barry more than walking alone.
“Well then, let's get moving before I get hungry again!” Barry chuckled, patting Karl's back before he started to walk, guiding Karl, hand in hand.
Karl noted the warmth in Barry's hand, scared with accidents and what nots. Yet it felt soft, caring even. Karl couldn't help but walk with him too. Making sure to trail a few steps back. He likes the warmth, a stark contrast to his usual cold hands.
He didn't pay attention to the Brits conversation. He stopped paying attention when Barry was saying when they turned the street.
The night was cold. The sun had gone hours ago and the streets were empty. Karl wanted to tell Barry of things that would have his head on a stick. But he decided to not tell yet. At least not in this state of his mind.
The once sharp and flawless officer is now being guided back by an accompanying officer.
When they reached the place, Barry patted Karl's shoulder. Signaling that he must go now.
“Been a lovely walk mate! Now don't get lost again, I can't always be the one to find you here in this big city!” Barry laughed, before waving off and walking back.
Karl, feeling grateful for Barry's help at such a time, felt obligated to repay him back.
Before Barry could walk off, Karl had grabbed Barry's wrist. Pulled him back spinning him on his heels. Before Barry could protest a light hearted comment. Karl had pulled him for a small kiss on the cheek. Before entering the building. Whispering a thank you in German, before vanishing into the darkness of the building.
Barry stood there confused but strangely happy. He was happy to help Karl at any time, even if it meant he would have to walk with him in the freezing night.
At least he got what he wanted indirectly.