A/N: Saw this prompt on a blog for rp ideas and it kind of ran away with me. I've been meaning to write a Prumano chapter fic for a while, so I'm finally getting around to it.

Thanks to damtoti for betaing!

Gilbert scowled at the windows, hating winter more than usual. It was cold, and at four in the afternoon it was already getting dark. It wasn't like he wasn't used to it, having grown up in Germany, but it was irritating for someone who wanted to get out and do things as often as he did. He wasn't so weak that he'd be bowled over by a little cold or anything, but he wasn't stupid enough to raise the risks of getting one either.

Deciding that the better option here would be to just grab a beer and watch reruns of Survivor, he shed his jacket and made his way to the kitchen. Everything was going according to plan until, on the way back to his overstuffed armchair, he happened to glance out the window.

Oh, that was new. The windows of the apartment across the street were lit up, revealing rooms crowded with cardboard boxes. Normally Gilbert wasn't the type to pry in things that weren't likely to concern him, but anyone would be curious about a new neighbor, right?

Since the windows of the next room revealed roughly the same view, he made his way slowly through the doorway and flicked on the TV, still watching for any signs of life. There didn't seem to be anyone in the street or any trucks in the process of being unloaded, so maybe the inhabitants were just out getting something to eat.

At that moment, Gilbert's stomach chose to remind him that it had been hours since his last meal. He didn't want to leave in case he missed the newcomer's return, so he had to either get takeout or stick with something from the freezer. Neither sounded too bad as long as the food was warm, but after the day he'd had, Gilbert wasn't looking forward to having to do more work just to fill his stomach. Takeout, then.

Keeping an eye on the windows, he grabbed his laptop and pulled up the page for the Chinese place around the corner. Even as he ordered, he could hear his brother's lecturing tone in his mind. Ludwig always worried too much, but Gil would be lying if he said he didn't appreciate it. Neither Ludwig nor their father were particularly affectionate, so to Gilbert, those concerned lectures were about equivalent with a big hug from his little brother.

There was a little smile on the blond's lips as he hit the button to submit his order, then looked up again and froze.

There was movement in the apartment across the street. Gilbert stood and crossed to the window, trying to get a better view. It looked like a man, and the German wondered if he was the only one there. From here, the short brunet was all he could see. The apartment was directly across from him, so he could see inside clearly.

The man stood in the doorway, hands on his hips, and surveyed the room. He was well dressed, though his tie had been loosened and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a hint of lightly tanned skin. His dark hair shone under the light, and as he ran a hand through it, a wayward curl bounced wildly.

As Gilbert watched, he entered the room and began to search through the boxes. For some reason, the blond watching still couldn't bring himself to pull away. Then the man bent at the waist, pawing through some of his belongings, and Gil's brain short-circuited.

Oh, he was in love.

Anyone with a body like that—specifically an ass like that—couldn't possibly be single. Even as what little hope he'd started out with waned, Gilbert's interest skyrocketed. No one else had come into view, making Gilbert wonder if he was new in town. If he was, maybe the German still had a chance. Of course, that would mean getting the guy's attention and getting to know him and then wooing him…It sounded like a lot of work, but based on looks alone, the payout was probably worth it.

He watched the other man a bit longer, telling himself he was just trying to figure out if there was anyone else living there. Unlike Gilbert's shabby little one-bedroom apartment, the place across the street was surprisingly classy for the neighborhood. It had to be a lot of room for one guy, and yet, there had been no activity except the brunet he could see.

His thoughts—and observations—were cut off by a knock at the door, making him jump and spin so fast he nearly fell over. Right, his food. He'd been so caught up by his curiosity that he'd almost forgotten about his order. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his wallet and hurried to the door, quickly exchanging his food for a handful of cash and returning to his bedroom with the loot. This time, instead of relying on the light of the TV, Gilbert actually flicked on the overhead light.

He set up his chair so he could still watch the activity across the street, but paused when he realized the brunet he'd been watching was now at the window. The sudden flood of light seemed to have caught his attention, and now he was staring back at Gil. Neither moved for a moment, but then the brunet crossed his arms and let his eyes wander over the German in what was clearly an appraising manner. Gilbert couldn't help the cocky grin he could feel spreading over his lips.

The man seemed to approve of what he saw, though he expressed it only as a shrug that wasn't entirely disapproving. Gilbert didn't know anything about this guy, but he'd take that as a good sign. He waved, but the man just looked away, his cheeks coloring. If that wasn't adorable, Gilbert didn't know what was.

Gilbert thought about motioning for him to come over, figuring they could start getting to know each other, but the brunet was already turning away and disappearing into the depths of the apartment again. Gilbert sighed and flopped into his seat, cracking open a plastic container stuffed with Lo Mein.

Every few minutes, Gilbert's gaze would return to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of his new neighbor. Somehow he always missed him, but each time he looked, something now had been put in place. The first time, the bed had been made, then an Italian flag had been hung over the headboard, and so on. Gilbert got the impression he wasn't very tidy, judging by the way he left boxes strewn around when he'd finished with them, but he wasn't going to complain.

A few times, he thought he might get up and offer his services, but how was he supposed to communicate that through the window? He wouldn't exactly call himself lazy, but it sounded like too much trouble anyway. Still, if he saw him on the street or something, he wouldn't hesitate to strike up a conversation.

The night wore on, and finally Gilbert stood and turned off the TV. The Italian's lights were still on, and this time, Gilbert could see him crouching next to the bed as he pawed through a box. At first, when he pulled out a towel, the German was disappointed, but then he realized that meant the man would have to get undressed.

Okay, now he was starting to sound like a voyeur. Maybe he could get the man's attention and get him to close the curtains? As much as he didn't want to, it was the right thing to do, and if he ever did get to date the cutie, hearing that Gilbert had spotted on him probably wouldn't do much to help their trust along.

Reluctantly, he waved wildly, darting across the room to flicker his lights a couple times. It seemed to work, because when he returned to the window, the other was watching him again, hands on his hips.

Gilbert mined closing the curtains, giving a thumbs up as a way to communicate that he only had the other's best interests in mind. He expected another blush and for the curtains to be thrown shut quickly, but the Italian surprised him. Instead of panicking, he smirked and began to undo the buttons of his shirt. Gilbert watched, entranced, and when he finally shrugged it off his slim shoulders, the blond let out a breath he hasn't realized he'd been holding.

Well, if he didn't mind...

He continued to stand by the window as the other shed his slacks as well, leaving him in only a pair of boxers. As he turned, Gilbert realized he couldn't even complain about that scrap of modesty-that particular pair showed off that fantastic ass of his very well.

He waited a few moments after the Italian had disappeared before he moved. He headed to the kitchen, filling up a glass of water and standing by the sink as he palmed himself through his jeans. It had been a while since he'd gotten laid, and the free show was more than appreciated.

Imagining the Italian in his room, stripping the way he just had, Gilbert unzipped himself and slipped a hand into his pants. His eyes fluttered closed as his fingers wrapped around his shaft, and he imagined that it was that beautiful brunet instead.

He leaned heavily against the counter, his lips parted slightly. Soft light spilled through the doorway from the other room, but the kitchen itself was dark. Part of Gilbert couldn't believe he was already getting off to the new neighbor, someone he'd only seen for maybe five minutes total, but lust overrode rationality.

He moaned, bucking his hips slightly as he imagined those full, smirking lips curling around his length. Something about the newcomer seemed cocky and self-assured, making Gilbert almost desperate to see him on his knees. His mind helpfully provided an image of the Italian's backside, tightly clothed in black spandex, and a whine escaped him. His hand moved faster, erratically now. If only he could march across the street and fuck the smaller man into the mattress.

He reached out and snatched a paper towel at the last minute, unfazed by its abrasive surface as he cupped the head of his dick with it to catch his load. He didn't have the best morals, but cleanliness was one thing he insisted on keeping up with. Catching his breath, he tossed the paper towel into the trash and zipped himself up before returning to the lit room. Feeling satisfied and slightly boneless, he slumped into his armchair and grabbed what was left of his dinner to finish it off.

A glance at the apartment across the way told him the lights were off now. He felt a flicker of disappointment, but was reassured by the thought that he would probably see a lot more of the cute brunet in the near future. Someday he'd get his number too, and then they would really be able to hit things off. Dumping the empty containers from the takeout, he stripped down to his boxers and hopped into bed. Things were definitely about to look up.