GerUk/GerEng Collection

Things are Changing

HWS Rarepair Week 2022 Day 4: Historical

Author's Note: This takes place in 1920s Berlin which became a hotspot for queer nightlife. Though I don't think they'd be together during this period, it does make me soft thinking about Ludwig taking Arthur to all his gay bars and clubs so I decided to write a fic about.

The street was bustling with both locals and tourists alike hopping from bar to club to bar again to see what the nightlife had to offer. Drinks, entertainment, and passion were overflowing. It was hard to believe that such a straightlaced, stoic Ludwig could personify such a lively and sexual nightlife. Then again, through the few years of dating him, Arthur had learned that the German nation was full of surprises.

"And that one is called Eldorado," Ludwig explained, pointing to a club that sat on the corner. A beautiful woman with a sparkling fan was plastered on the front of the building with the name Eldorado above her. "A lot of famous people and artists stop there," Ludwig went on.

"Ah yes...I think I've heard whispers about it among the closeted writers of London."

"Would you like to go in?"

Arthur looked over the club again. A long line had formed out of the door with people coming in and out nonstop. Too crowded for Arthur's taste, and he knew Ludwig felt similarly. "No. Let's keep looking." Arthur took Ludwig's hand, and the two continued down the street.

Eventually, Ludwig pointed to a small bar situated between two larger clubs. "It's small but really cozy, and Gilbert knows the owner, so I could probably get us some good drinks for cheap," Ludwig noted.

Arthur looked it over. It was a plain brick building with cool lights flooding out of the small front windows. Everywhere but there seemed busy, which seemed perfect for the two of them. Maybe they could try a bigger club/bar when they were less sober. "Let's go there," Arthur agreed, already pulling Ludwig over by the arm.

The outside was deceiving. Inside, though small, was all a buzz. Couples of all kinds had taken to the dance floor while others chatted among drinks. On the stage at the very back of the room stood a singer dressed in drag along with a band dressed in crisp suits regardless of gender. In the left corner, Arthur spotted two women kissing and giggling, in the right, two men swayed to their own tune without a care in the world. The scene in front of him filled him with immense joy. He didn't have to hide anymore, Ludwig didn't have to hide anymore and they could love each other freely.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Ludwig, red-faced and staring at him with so much love that it made Arthur's heart burst. The German looked away awkwardly upon being caught. "W-We should grab a seat," he said with an awkward cough.

"Good idea."

They ended up finding a table for two right next to the dance floor, and soon enough, they started their drinking spree.

Once they were both a little tipsy, Arthur had convinced Ludwig to go dancing with him. It was uncoordinated and messy, and Ludwig was a little too stiff, but they managed, swaying along to the music. A few songs later, Ludwig was looser, their steps were a little more coordinated, and both had matching grins on their faces. Then a slow song came on, and Ludwig froze.

"What's the matter, love?" Arthur asked, thumb brushing against his lover's cheek, "We were having such a good time."

"I just...I don't...I–"

Arthur stood on his tip-toes, placing a quick peck on Ludwig's lips and shutting him up before he started rambling. Without another word, the Brit placed one of Ludwig's hands on his shoulder and grasped the other hand with his own. Soon Arthur was leading Ludwig in a slow dance, head resting on the German's shoulder. Ludwig made a surprised noise, but as Arthur began humming, he relaxed, letting himself be guided. He still stared at Arthur, however.

"What?" Arthur asked, reluctantly lifting his head from its position on Ludwig's shoulder.

"Nothing just...I'm really happy...a-and you look nice."

Arthur flushed, though his grin only widened. Before Ludwig knew it, Arthur pulled him down by his collar and smashed their lips together in a heated kiss. They pulled away for air--only for a minute--before going in for another, this time with more tongue. When hands (Arthur's hands) started to wander, Ludwig took it as a sign that they should probably head home.

"Maybe we should continue this in private," Ludwig whispered in Arthur's ear. The Englishman shivered slightly.

"Okay," came the breathy reply.

The two collected their coats, bid the bartender goodnight after paying for their drinks, and took off into the night hand-in-hand. "Did you have a good time?" Ludwig asked as they made their way back to Ludwig's car.

"Mhm." Arthur turned his gaze wistfully at the sky. "It's...It's nice you know...Not to have to hide as much anymore. To have more public spaces to go to and be able to dance with the man you love. To kiss him and not have to be scared of getting arrested or...even worse..."

Ludwig wrapped a loving arm around his shoulder. "Hey...It's okay now. Things are changing and I have a feeling it's going to continue going uphill from here."

Arthur gave him a sentimental smile. "I never coloured you to be such an optimist darling."

"I'm just full of surprises," Ludwig chuckled.

A quiet settled over them, though the high of their night out still remained. Maybe...Just maybe Ludwig was right. Things were changing. It was obvious after seeing that bar. Perhaps he could finally tell Ludwig that...

"Uh...Ludwig? I have something to tell you."

Ludwig quirked a brow. Arthur rarely used his name unless it was serious. "What is it?"

All of Arthur's previous confidence dissipated as he looked into those shining blue eyes. What if things hadn't progressed far enough. Ludwig may have been gay, but that didn't mean he would accept him. If anything, it might mean everything they built would crumble.

"Arthur?" Ludwig called gently, hand coming to rest on the upper part of Arthur's arm. Arthur shook his head; he wasn't ready to lose this. Ludwig would find out eventually, just not today.

"I-It's nothing...I just...I would love to come again. Maybe try another club or bar next time."

Ludwig didn't look fully convinced, but let it go with a quick peck on his lover's forehead. "Of course, we can. Now let's go home."

Author's Note: Arthur wanted to tell Ludwig he was trans at the very end, but he didn't feel ready yet. He's worried Ludwig won't see him as a man anymore and thus wouldn't be attracted to him (Don't worry Ludwig is cool with once Arthur works up the courage to come out).
Websites/Videos I used to learn about the 1920s Berlin Queer Scene:

https://www.advocate.com/books/2016/7/19/peek-inside-berlins-queer-club-scene-hitler-destroyed-it

https://www.npr.org/2014/12/17/371424790/between-world-wars-gay-culture-flourished-in-berlin

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7300631/Berlin-Nazis-German-capital-liberal-hub-thriving-gay-scene-1920s.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ef4lptWIIA