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Arthur panted as he made his way up the steeper portion of the hiking path. When he made it all the way up he stopped, having to take deep breaths, resting his hands on his knees. He could feel his legs burn and he knew he could no longer continue.
“Mathias- can- can we- take a breather.” He pants out, grabbing onto a tree to help lower himself down, he’s going to take a breather even if his boyfriend says no. Speaking of his boyfriend, the Dane turns around to look at Arthur.
“Whaaaaat, but we just started not even 20 minutes ago?!?!” Arthur throws his head back with a groan. To him it feels like it’s been longer. It's not like Arthur doesn’t like the outdoors, no he loves it. But he’s more of a sit down and enjoy nature kind of guy, not the moving type, especially when it comes to the fact his body is not as strong as Mathias’. Plus he has bad knees.
“Mathias- please.” He sees the dane frown but nod. With a huff Arthur falls to the forest floor, not really caring that his ass is going to be dusty. A sigh of relief comes from Arthur and he starts to massage his calves.
“I should take you out on runs more… maybe we should’ve done that weeks ago before going on a three hour hike.” The dane awkwardly laughs as he rubs the back of his head.
“... you didn’t tell me this was going to take three hours…”
“I wanted it to be a surprise!! It’s your birthday!”
“Worst birthday gift…”
“Harsh.” Arthur lets out another sigh, switching to his other leg.
“Apologies… But I don’t like hiking.”
“But you love nature!” the dane states, though that was true, again, Arthur likes to sit down and observe it. “And by hiking we get to explore it!! Walk through it!! Experience it!!” Mathias stands in front of Arhur with a big smile.
“Yeah, but I’d prefer walking if it was to sit down in front of a spot. Not a whole three hour hike where all we do is walk.” Arthur scoffs.
‘Well… you are sitting down right now. Plus we’ll take breaks! At least be glad I didn't bring you on the one that takes days to do.” Arthur’s face drops at the mention of that.
“Days…?”
“Yeah, Bornholm. It spans nearly 120 kilometers. It can take, I think, four days to a week. Don’t quote me on that.” Arthur just stares at the Dane like he’s in pain, despite the fact he wasn’t. Though just thinking about a hike that takes days he feels his legs burn as if he’s already walked it. “Don't give me that look! It’s really not that bad! Plus, I think there are places to stay on the trail too, so it’s not like we’ll be walking for days.”
“You say we’ll as if we’re gonna do it.”
“...”
“Mathias!”
“Whaaat! Sometime in the future! I have to get you prepared for that first.” Arthur groans again, dramatically laying his head against his knees. At least the good thing is that the future could be years from now. When Arthur looked up again Mathias had squatted down his face in Arthur’s. Not expecting him to be there Arthur falls back with a yelp causing the dane to laugh.
“Don’t laugh at me!! You were over there and then suddenly you’re in my face!”
“Sorry sorry!” Yet he’s still laughing. The Brit just pouts before he gently pushes the dane, causing him to fall backwards onto his ass making him laugh even harder.
“I was hoping that would shut you up.” Mathias laughs for a few more minutes before he stops, wiping his tears away.
“You love me.” Arthur looks away, his cheeks turning slightly red.
“Maybe.”
“Youuuuu lovvvvveeeee meeeeeee.” Mathias gets up, grabbing Arthur’s hands and pulling him towards him.
“I think you are insufferable.”
“Yeah well you love me so you have to deal with me.”
“Do i?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn. Can’t I return back to sender.”
“Nope~”
“Damn.”
“Don’t sound so disappointed sweetheart.” Mathias pulls Arthur into a side hug, the nickname earning a groan from the Brit.
“God, am I really stuck with you.” The two of them slowly start walking again, continuing on the trail like they were a few minutes ago.
“Yep! Forever!” Another laugh comes from him and this time Arthur joins in.
“Forever you say?” Arthur chuckles.”You promise?”
“I promise! I mean you’ve been stuck with me since at least 870.”
“True, and even now I want to get rid of you.”
“Noooooooo.” Mathias starts to relax all his weight onto Arthur. “Noooooooooooooo.” Arthur holds the Dane up as much as he could.
“Okay Okay! I’m kidding, I'm kidding. I do not wish to get rid of you!” Immediately Mathias stiffens again.
“I knew it!! Ah ha!”
“You bloke, I retract my statement.”
“Noooooo!!”
The light bickering continues for most of the walk, all fun. Though it did delve into comfortable silence as they neared the end of the trail.
“Yknow.” Arthur spoke, breaking the silence.” “This actually wasn’t all that bad.” Mathais smiled widely.
“See!! I told you! But that makes me happy to hear. I’m glad you liked it.”
“I didn’t say that, I just said it wasn’t that bad.” Arthur hums. He was too stubborn to admit but he actually did like it. Mathias knew this though, they’ve known each other too long for him not to pick up on things Arthur enjoys, especially since he knows Arthur is picky about many things.
“If you say so~” Mathias hums. “Oh- hey we reached the end of the trail.” He could see his car up ahead. “See you made it all in one piece, and you didn’t die.”
“Ha ha. I guess you're right.” They slowly make their way to the car. “Hey Mathais.” Arthur stops though, causing Mathias to stop too.
“Hm? What is it?” The dane asks, turning his full body to Arthur. And then he feels a pair of lips against his own. It was only a quick peck, but it definitely took the Dane off guard. “O-oh-“
“Thank you. I always enjoy our time together, even if I don’t say it.” Arthur being sentimental is such a rare occurrence, but he’s a little tired so it's coming out a little. Mathias smiles though.
“Of course. And I enjoy our time together too.” They continue to the car again, they put their hiking gear away. Doing a few more things before they are ready to head out and head home. Mathais opens the passenger door for Arthur, who thanks him as he gets in. Mathias then heads to his side, getting in as well.
“Happy Birthday Arthur, I love you.” A small smile creeps up on Arthur’s face as he looks out the window watching everything zoom by.
“I love you too.”