Disclaimer: Everything here belongs to somebody else, I'm just borrowing.

Author's Notes: Something that was just begging to be done. Do enjoy.

-

Notre Cent Mille Ans

It's because he turned around just then, Albert knows, that he noticed Franz slipping the dark blue twisted vial into the folds of his jacket. Franz hadn't slept well after his father died, and so when Albert had invited him to stay over, Franz would creep into his room and drip tiny measures of the clear liquid into a glass of water and down the cup as quickly as he could saying I'm sorry Albert this will take a minute without actually saying anything, with big brown eyes that Albert understood because this was Franz d'Epinay, this was his best friend.

(And so when Franz reached out Albert reached back and allowed Franz to pillow his head against the younger's shoulder and even when eyes contorted or lips tightened during fitful bouts of half-sleep Albert did not, would not, could never move.)

It takes him three seconds to realize what the vial means, another three to stop his heart from shattering, and another twenty seeming years to figure out what in hell he was supposed to do and why hadn't he seen this coming, why hadn't he noticed Franz's quick acceptance of the duel and fatalistic tendencies. Do you want to die, he thinks, watching the blond gather up a few more bottles of the most expensive wine in the house, laughing and grabbing Albert's arm saying come on let's do this right and though he smiles back (thinks he is smiling back), Albert can't think of anything that's remotely funny at the moment. The boys were supposed to get drunk on the eve of Albert's sixteenth year and first duel to the headiness of victory. This was not supposed to be neither a eulogy nor a farewell. The damned fool.

This is my revenge, Franz. You cannot do this for me.

That's when, back at the atelier, Franz pouring liberal libations into long stemmed wine glasses, Albert points out towards the window, Franz turns around, and the brunette switches their cups.

---