Chapter One
"You look like a lost puppy when you do that. It is pitiful."
Arthur looked up from his intense staring to see Francis set down his lunch tray right across from him.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here? Go away, you frog!" Arthur said sharply, pushing Francis' tray away from him. "I don't like you, you don't like me- Hey!"
The frenchman had moved his lunch back and seated himself across from Arthur. They were in their high school's cafeteria, a rather old building but was still large enough to comfortably fit all the students into it. Terraville High had been in the town for who know's how long, but as it was the only high school in the small town, everyone went to it and knew about it.
"So why are you sitting here anyway?" Arthur sighed as it became clear Francis wasn't moving anytime soon.
"You've been staring at Alfred a lot, hm?"
"Just because we knew each other as children doesn't give yourself the right to judge what I do!" Arthur spit, his face red.
Francis just rolled his eyes. "I am not judging you mon ami. I am here to help you."
"You bloody git- Wait. Help me?"
"Why of course! You're bumbling moves will never win the heart of someone like him. You need expert advice."
"You're no expert; you're just French!"
Francis gave Arthur a withering look and sighed melodramatically. "Mon ami, I can get more girls in an hour than you've gotten in your entire life."
"But I don't like girls. So clearly-"
"Arthur. Ta bouche. Just let me help you. You've been crushing on this guy for what- a year now? More? And you haven't even made a move." Francis shook his head in disgust. "You are an insult to love."
Arthur scowled, knowing what Francis had said to be true. "Fine. I'll take your stupid advice."
"You don't even have to thank me- No, all I ask in return is that you admit that you can't cook and that my cooking is far superior to yours."
"What! No way! Your French food can suck my-"
Francis cut Arthur off. "Do you want my help or not?"
Arthur's scowl deepened and he looked away. "Fine. But only if your plan actually works."
The other teen smiled winningly and then suddenly stood up, grabbed Arthur's arm, and dragged him out of the cafeteria, their food left on the table.
"You cannot be serious." Arthur stared at the poster on the wall that Francis had dragged him to. "No. Bloody. Way."
Francis made a tsking noise. "It is perfect! Now, before you stomp off, let me explain why you should- Hey!"
"No-ooo." Arthur shook his head, forcefully removing Francis' hand off of his arm. "No way in hell. See, this is what being French does to you. It addles your thoughts, makes you do crazy things... I am so done with you!" With that said, the bushy-eyed teen stormed away, leaving a sighing Francis behind.
"Mon ami, if you would just listen..." Francis shook his head disappointedly. He shot one more glance at the poster before walking away, muttering under his breath. "If you would just listen... The swim team isn't that bad."
*Ta bouche= Shut up.
*Mon ami= My friend