It was nearly midday and he was locked with in his office with a hangover that could rival any. All Arthur remembered was watching a play , he saw someone there..someone who was beautiful. playing the part of the princess. he had to remind himself it was probably a man and groaned at his own sickening feelings. He was drunk and he'd put it behind himself. the only problem was.. It was midday. 12 am.. the ball was in 5 hours. He still had to pick up the suits, make sure him and Alfred had full baths and still teach the boy! He grabbed his head wondering where that boy even was. He finally decided to leave and looked into the boys room. The lady sod was still sleeping. Arthur was about to yell but as he looked at the boys face without glasses he couldn't help but chuckle and smile remembering how cute the child had once been. So eager to learn and followed Arthur's every example.. there was one time where he would beg to sleep in the same room,wear same clothing and have the same hair even! Alfred was the light of Arthur life. He hated being hard on him but he had to teach the boy just what this life came with. Gently he shook Alfred awake. " Alfred wake up son. We have a busy day ahead of us."
It had been a lot of fun yesterday. When he got home he couldn't find Arthur so he just walked to his room, he stayed up for a bit to read one of his favorite stories before he went to bed. He had a wonderful dream, about him being princess of the ball and getting to dance with either the prince or fine gentlemen. Alfred smiled throughout the whole dream, but at a good moment he was awoken by someone calling his name. Slowly he blinked open his eyes and looked straight at Arthur's face. Great, back here. He didn't want to argue in the morning, so he simply said yes and sat up in bed, of cause was he half-naked but he didn't really mind so he simply stood up and went over to change to some clothes. He was still half a sleep, maybe because it had been a long night and he didn't really sleep until late. He found some formal clothes and put them on, turning to face Arthur again. "right, let's.. get going" he said and yawned wide. God he could still feel the bastards lips on his own, he tried to shake off the awful feeling.
Arthur was happy to see that Alfred was behaving so far. Maybe this day would go on without an incident! He turned his head away from his ward as he changed. Arthur ignored the thoughts crowding in his head and coughed. only turning back around when Alfred said time to go. He nodded and they headed down for lunch. Can't start the day on an empty stomach. Arthur knew not to bring up last night as well. To make up some amends he had the chef make Alfred's favorite for lunch. Steak. The ball would have a buffet and Arthur would have to tell him not to stuff his face then so better to let him stuff it now. " How did you sleep Alfred?" He asked happy to start their day off so well. Even if his head was still killing him.
As they sat down at the table, Alfred sat in silence. He was still very tired and he didn't try to hide this. And to be honest, Arthur didn't look like he was very well either. Probably stayed up late for some reason. "I slept alright. How about you?" he asked, just to be nice. Now he realized why Arthur looked like he was so tired, he had been drinking again, hadn't he? He did often, well he wasn't really alcoholic, but he often could caught the Englishman drink when they have had a fight. Sometimes he ignored him, other times he helped him to bed or was forced to take away Arthur's drinks. He shook his head slightly while waiting for their food. Tonight he had to go to the ball, and not as he had been in his dreams, but as a gentleman. He sighed for himself, this was really his only change to go to a ball as a princess, and yet he had to go as a gentleman a man of the court.
Arthur noticed how sad Alfred looked. He was worried about his young ward. " I slept fairly well..all things considered.." he mumbled the last part. It was clear on his face what happened last night so he didn't need to bring it up. " After lunch we'll go pick up the suits and I." He let out a large sigh " I've been doing some thinking. You've proven yourself on several occasions. You learned well no matter how stubborn you've been boy. You do not have to attend the lessons today. Just Promise me you'll behave at the ball and we can just relax before we have to get ready alright?" Arthur was trying to be civil about this. Alfred was a grown man now after all. He only pushed back because Arthur had been pushing him so hard. Maybe some leeway would help the boy ,no the man he reminded himself, act more his age.
Mean while in the castle Francis was nervous. Very nervous. After he returned home last night he remembered that the theater girl and Alfred, though they looked similar, still could very well not be the same person as Francis suspected. And that brought up a problem. He wanted them both. And they're both ,hopefully, be at his ball tonight. Then again there was always the possibility ,again hopefully, that his suspicions were correct and they were in fact the same person. Ah that'd be amazing. His heart was a rapid thinking about the time they spent together. Barely speaking but Francis felt it. They were meant to be. Still the thought that they could still be two separate people..that scared him. He needed to know. While the servants were busy with the cleaning and setting up. he'd sneak away again and hopefully meet Alfred in the market once more. After all. a lot of people are going to be there picking up their stuff and presents for the ball. Francis grinned at his plan. " I'm coming mon amour" He said to a rose as he plucked it. He'd figure this out. He had to.
Alfred nodded, however once Arthur told him that they didn't have to study today he's eyes widened "really?" he asked happily. That meant he had the whole day to do nearly everything he wanted! Or well considering that they still had to go to the marked to fetch their suits but, that was it, wasn't it? "Thank you, Arthur!" he thanked and smiled wide. It's been a long time since Arthur had let him off the hook just like so. Well considering that he was the one that told him that he absolutely had to study today or else he wasn't allowed to go. During lunch he ate happily, eagerly to get their things done so he could hang out with Matthew. yesterday had been a bit rushed, he still wanted to get a better look at the dresses and hear how the play went and everything. Arthur had even ordered steak for him, somehow he could feel this was going to be a good day. Arthur was sorry about yesterday, and surely made up to it today. As he was finished eating lunch, which he was rather fast since steak was his favorite dish, he sat in silence waiting for Arthur to finish up. "So.. you have been to this kind of things a bit more than I have. Or well I have never went but I was wondering. Why does the prince have this many? And what importance is there that the court shows up? Other than making a good impression, that's for sure!" he said, quickly getting on the good side of Arthur, or well he tried. he didn't want to ruin the day after all, or being lectured again yesterday had been awful enough.
As both of them finished eating he got ready to leave the house for another trip to the market. The faster this was over the better.
He was more then pleased at how happy Alfred was at the news. It was like the day got brighter then. Arthur felt more at peace then. His ward asked a question then. He had to think on it. "Surely I had told you already. The prince is looking for a bride. Or well His mother is looking for him a bride. This is to be the last one though. I heard he made a deal with his mother. The prince is a fan of love. True love. He's a romantic but he should know that for a court life it's impossible. In this life you marry for status. Go to event like this for status. He made a deal if he does not find true love this time he'll have an arranged marriage." Arthur was more of a hand maiden to the queen knowing such information. Not that he minded. The other lords and ladies could call him a pet. but A pet is better then a jester. He had her grace's ear after all. He almost hoped his Alfred would find a lady to court as well. Arthur had took a vow to be married to his queen,well more his country, to earn her graces but even as it's only a figure of speech he could not marry any one else because of it. Still he'd like to see his ward have one night of fun and have a smile. "Ah the time is upon us. " He said putting his napkin down. He did not each much but like he planned Alfred had more then finished his meal. It was fine. " After we pick up the suits I'll return home to finish up some last minute business. You can do what ever you like until I come to collect you. I assume you'll be with Matthew so I'll meet you at the theater when it's time to clean and dress for the ball. " With a grin they were off in the carriage to the market place. He'd give Alfred a steady allowance to get whatever, even gave him free range to get dirty since they'd be doing a full bath tonight before the ball.
As they were ready to leave, Alfred left the house and together they went to the Marked. Of course they got the finest transport, because god forbid them walking. However he didn't mind, at least not today, today should be a good day and all negative thoughts should leave his mind. He could do that! He smiled at the thought and watched the people as he drove by. Children were playing, some were even making their own little play for one anther. He could recognize some of the kids from yesterday and a smile was plastered on his reached the marketplace. Alfred was way more energized than he was yesterday, so of course he was smiling, happy, and loud as he used to be before Arthur had started all these lectures. They walked past a flower shop that was literally selling flower crowns and just to make fun he put it on and said "i'm the prince of the flowers." he laughed and put the crown back in it's place before excusing himself to the florist.
Arthur was in just as pleasant a mood as Alfred, perhaps the old boy was rubbing off on him. He even laughed a bit at the flower crown joke. He went as far as to buy it and put it back on Alfred and bow mockingly. They Had a pleasant laugh from it. He missed this. They were acting like the friends they once been. When had things changed so dramatically between them? He thought and was sad when he realized the answer. The Ambassador position. He looked towards Alfred who seemed to be dancing with some children calling him flower prince as well. Arthur smiled. Maybe he'd just return them home to England after tonight. Alfred hadn't been there since he was a child. He surely must know of his roots there. Arthur did not want to give up his position here but he felt home sick now. It'd do them some good to get away from the pressure of their standing. He sees that now. " Alfred After the ball We should talk again..as equals. That's what we are now. I shouldn't treat you like a child any more. I'm going to collect the suits now. Have fun lad." to his surprise he got a hug from Alfred and he happily accepted it before excusing himself to collect the suits.
He couldn't help but laugh when Arthur actually bought the flower crown for him. That wasn't really what he expected, but he didn't mind. It made him smile wide. As they walked he end up talking to some kids who were playing around, they started talking, they asked what the flower crown was for, he starting telling them the story of 'his people' the flower people, and how he was the prince. Some of them just rolled their eyes others stood at place and listened to his story as if it was true. He then picked up one of the kids and told him "one day, you too will be something big. I can feel it!" he laughed and spun the kid around before he sat him back on the ground again. He played a bit with the kids before he was stopped by Arthur who started talking. As he did so the kids left again, laughing and happy. Alfred stood still to listen to what he had to say. He was 99% that this had to be a dream, Arthur.. Arthur would actually treat him as an equal and not a little kid anymore! He couldn't help but hug the brit before he ran off to meet Matthew. How he was going to tell him everything. However he stopped not short after, a small shop that sold clothing, for both men and women. His eyes got caught on a beautiful dress. If he wasn't going to wear something like this, he would sure let his wife do so. Not that he had a wife, nor the intentions to seek one right now, but if things continued like they are now he would never really be able to wear dresses again. He told his goodbyes and continued on his path, still with the flower crown on his head, and smile bright.
The market was loud and filled with lots of people, Still A laugh caught his attention. Francis looked at the source seeing Arthur and Alfred laughing together. He did not know their relationship other then lord and his ward but it was good to see Alfred happy. The smile he'd seen it before and damn if he wasn't more an more sure he knew who Alfred was. Either way he waited til the Englishman left. He was going to talk then but he'd just watched Alfred a bit. The man looked at a certain shop. With a certain dress. It was lovely. After Alfred moved on he went in buying it and sending it to the castle. It'd make a great present if his loves were one in the same. After that he followed Alfred to the theater. Which only really helped to confirm his theory. He watched Alfred and Matthew talk before pretend he knew nothing. " ah my dear Matthew I wanted to talk to you about any more.. oh hello Alfred correct? I didn't know you knew Matthieu here." He smiled. Matthew was watching him he knew it. Every stare told him that the other knew what he knew. " Oh Hello Francis. I didn't know you knew Alfred?" The young mans voice obviously filled with distrust.
Alfred continued to the theater and quickly found Matthew. he told his friend everything that happened. That he was woken up later than expected, which lunch Arthur had ordered for him and how they talked. he left out no details. he even slip in a "if Arthur always acted the way he did, he would be a husband, for whoever wins his love. But as he says 'he's married tot he queen'. But really, it was amazing!" he then proceeded to tell his friend about what happened at the marketplace and why he had a flower crown on his head. He told his friend how Arthur promised to treat him as an equal! Ah he was so happy, he just didn't know where to stop, but his story was cut off when a voice called for Matthew. He watched the stranger from yesterday enter the room, a stupid smile plastered on his face. Was he following him? He had seen him more than once now, and in 2 days! "he's the guy I walked into yesterday, remember?" Alfred simply answered, not really answering Francis's question. How did he even know his name? As far he could remember he never told anyone his name. Had Arthur went out yesterday to tell everyone what and 'awful' ward Alfred was and that's why this guy knew his name? No, Arthur wouldn't even go anywhere near this man. "I'll let the two of you talk in peace then. I should also catch up to Arthur again, he's probably dying to see my try the new suits. " he mumbled before getting ready to leave. He would probably come over again later, but he had no business with this man 'Francis'.
"Please" Francis called out gently catching Alfred's hand. " Do not run. I did not mean to interrupt. It Is Moi who is out of place here. Please forgive me. He is your friend after all. Monsieur Matthew I only wanted to give you my donation" He let go of Alfred when he was sure the other wasn't going to run off so quickly again. He handed Matt the money. Thousands in gold that'd get the theater back up to where it had once been and more so. He turned back to Alfred " Sorry to have caused so much trouble." Though the prince really did not want to leave, he hated the thought of frightening off Alfred more and took a bow before leaving.
Matthew waited for the prince to get his royal ass out. the moment he saw Alfred and Him together Matt could tell he knew. He was furious! but also concerned. He was glad Alfred was thick headed, his friend wouldn't know that the prince knew his secret..specially since he didn't know Francis was the prince. To think though that ,that man would accept Alfred so readily... Matthew silently found himself looking at Alfred who seemed to be deep in thought and despite how mad he was earlier Al definitely had a blush on his face. " you like him." Matthew said simply smiling from ear to ear. He knew his friend better then anyone else.
He was ready to leave, but was stopped dead in track by Francis taking his hand and held him in place. He wanted to leave, if they had to speak he had no reason to stay. But he did so. Most because the other had a good grip on him and he didn't want to use violence to get free, that would just make him look scared, and he wasn't scared of the other. He watched as the other gave Matthew a lot of golds. He must have a good fortune to be able to pull something like this off, even he had been trying to help Matthew and the theater for a while, but he would never be able to give him this much. He said nothing, just watched the man giving Matthew the money and bow to him. Wait, bow? Who the fuck would bow? He shook his head and thought a bit about it. This had been the same man as yesterday, right? The.. the man that kissed him, twice. He blushed a bit at the thought. No what was he thinking! it was a man after all. Something quickly caught his attention back, Matthew words. Never had he been this fast to come with a comeback "what? No! Nono! Not at all! He's just nice, that's all! Not to mention... he kissed me twice now" he said and held his hand. "it's weird, dude! It's very weird! There's something wrong with this man, I tell you! Acting like he own everything and everyone and that he can just do what he pleases" he said, trying to hide, both for himself and for his friend, that he might like the man a bit. but he barely knew him.
'He kind of does own everyone and everything. ' Matthew Thought to himself chuckling as he swung his arm around Alfred. "Ah Young love in the air~" He tease messing up Alfred's hair and chuckling. He noticed that Francis has dropped his royal ring on the ground!..a part of him wondered if that was intentional. either way he swooped it up and handed it to Alfred. " He dropped his ring Alfred. Go give it to him. If you're not scared by your crush i mean. " He grinned knowing Al wouldn't turn down the chance to be a hero. and He saw the glint in his friends eyes that he really wanted to. " I can't do it. I have to open the theater tonight for the kid remember?" Matthew left Alfred with the ring and ran off to the stage.
Francis left and was at the bakery where he and his love first met. He chuckled and held the rose he wanted to give Alfred when he noticed his ring was missing. He tried to think when he'd lost it , his thoughts turned to the last time he had it and he recalled he must of lost it when he grabbed Alfred's arm. Perhaps there was a chance that the other would return it and they would actually talk. He laughed and wrote a note attached to the rose and tole the baker to give it to the man he was with the other day. The baker knew who he was and of course took the order seriously. Francis strolled off then sitting on the rocks near the ocean where he told Alfred to meet him in his letter. "soon mon amour."
Alfred tried to dismiss Matthew, he wasn't in love with Francis. He was a weirdo after all, going around and kissing strangers, weird as hell if you asked him. However when Matthew handed him the ring, he smiled, so he did have a change to meet this Francis again. And well Matthew had a good point in why he couldn't go. He took the ring, well anything to be a hero! he said and waved away Matthew's arm before he took his leave. "And I don't have a crush on him, Matt. He's a stranger to me!" he said before he ran outside. He had an idea where he would be able to find Francis. Or well it was the only place he really knew of. The Bakery from yesterday, and if he wasn't there he could keep the ring and hand the man it tonight? He talked about going to the ball, right? He stormed off to the bakery. From outside he couldn't see the man, and as he walked inside he got a bit sad, he wasn't here. He took a look at the ring. Was he married, was that why he had a ring? However when he was about to take his life the baker handed him the rose Francis had left. He took the rose, a bright blush across his face. There was a note, telling him where he could meet him, tsk so difficult. Anyhow he thanked the baker and took his leave. As he reached the place he looked around, looking around confused as he couldn't really find the man. The rose he had put in his flower crown, it stood out comparing to the other flowers, but needless to say, it was beautiful.
Francis hummed to himself softly as he sat on the rock. He was watching carefully for his love to show up. He did not want to miss him for he knew this area may be hard to find for someone who has never came here before. To his amusement he did not have to wait long before the sun caught the golden hair. The prince chuckled at the flower crown. " A beautiful crown for a beautiful prince" He said out loud to gain Alfred attention. When they locked eyes he noted the blush and waved the younger over to his spot. " I knew you would come mon amour. I love the new addition to your crown It suits you so very well. As if made just for you." He chuckled knowing his teasing was getting to the boy though even if he acted mad, Francis knew. Alfred had the heart of a princess, the mind of a hero and the soul of a rose. He wanted everything, he wanted to know everything. He Knew he was long past gone in love with this man he barely knew. It didn't matter to him. He wanted to spend he rest of his life learning everything.
Alfred's attention was caught by someone telling him how beautiful his crown was. He looked at the man, and yes true enough it was Francis. A small blush escaped him 'no Alfred, you're just here to deliver the ring and then go home! Arthur must be worried' he thought to himself as he walked over to the blonde man and sat down beside him, quietly listening to his words before he himself spoke "you dropped your ring" he mumbled and gave the other his ring back again. He mumbled something to himself, was this a wedding ring? If so why the hell did the man act like he did? "Thanks, I really love the rose" he replied with a smile, however he tried to hide it. This felt weird, wrong, but at the same time right?
"Ah yes, my Grandmother's ring. I hold it very dear thank you so much for returning it." Francis's hand lingered on Alfred's and he took the ring. He hoped his face showed how he felt. He knew he was staring intensely. How could he not look at this blushing face. It was positively stunning to look at. Reluctantly he did release the hand though to know Alfred enjoyed the rose was great news. He gently hummed in acknowledgment. " I do so enjoy our time together. No matter how fleeting you have left an indention in my heart. I think about you a lot. More then you could know. To say you've stolen my heart is an understatement. You've enraptured my entire being. And you did so , so flawlessly you yourself did not even know. It must seem weird to hear such things from a stranger. But I feel like I want to spend an eternity getting to know you. " He couldn't help himself at that point he had let his heart out on his sleeve. " You do not have to answer me. But I will see you at the ball tonight right? Then everything will become clear and I hope..well Moi wishes at least. You will understand and give me a proper chance."
Well that answered his question, it was his grandmothers ring apparently. "you're welcome" he answered with a soft smile. Alfred could feel the others hand on his own, and it took a while before Francis released his hand again, well to be honest he didn't min them holding hands, wait what? Of course he did! He was a man, and he couldn't just let- his thought was stopped by Francis who spoke up once again. He couldn't say he expected that, he was taken back at what the Frenchman was telling him. It was a bit weird to hear those words from a stranger. They barely talked, and they just met like.. 2 days ago, "I'm sorry? Francis I'm part of the court I can't just.. you can't just tell me such kind of things. And really I know nothing about you, don't get me wrong but why.. why should I spend time with you at the ball tonight? I will be going, but as part of the court, as Arthur's ward. Though I have a feeling you might know this?" he asked, or not really asked just pointed out. He didn't know how to react to this, it wasn't anything he had expected at all, sitting here beside a stranger that told him he loved him more than anything and would thereby spend the rest of his life with him. Anyone would react like Alfred did! "I.. I probably have to go. Thank you for the rose" he mumbled to himself and was getting ready to leave. This was awkward and weird, he didn't wanna hurt Francis' feelings but, how did Francis even expect Alfred to react?
Francis felt his stomach drop a bit, but of course he should of expected it. This was very sudden and the other certainly seemed surprised but his blush had told the prince other wise. He was quickly to wrap his arms around Alfred to not let him leave. His grip was firm but not tight. He knew if Alfred honestly wanted to he could get out. They both were frozen for a moment it seemed to go on forever but faded faster then a candle. " I know court life better then you think Alfred. I do not expect an answer right away. I only ask for a chance. A chance to show you just how dear you've become to me in so little time. You're a blooming rose. Shy hiding in your petals. I want to show the world how beautiful you'll be when you've blossomed." He turned the other around as he spoke. He could see the conflict in Alfred's eyes. Years of being Arthur ward had tainted him obviously. " I do not want to cage you, only set you free and hopefully walk under your shadow as you fly. Just one chance. tonight. At the ball. No yes or no. only time to get to know you before everything is set in stone. " Francis's practically was begging here for just a moment. At the ball He'd reveal who he was. he's show Alfred that he'll accept every side of him. the one in the dress and the one not. He had lot to give. and he finally knew who his heart belonged to.
Alfred stood frozen in place when Francis wrapped his arms around him. What should he do, force himself free and tell Francis to leave him alone? He couldn't do what Francis told him, Arthur would never let him be with a man, let alone a man like Francis. Of course Alfred didn't know what position Francis was at, but Arthur was very strict about these kind of things. He remember one time he flirted with a girl, Arthur had lectured him a week about what a gentleman would and not do and how young Alfred still was. He could feel Francis' breath on his neck, how he actually wanted to stay and see what Francis wanted to show him at the ball. But could he, really? He was turned around so he faced Francis, he looked him in the eyes but then at the ground. He couldn't stay, he had to leave "Francis, I can't, okay? Arthur would never let me, and it wouldn't even matter if he did, would it? I'm sorry. I will see you at the ball, but.. I can't promise anything. I- um.. I really have to go now"
Francis look sad, there was still a small chance at the ball when he shows Alfred who he was. He ran a gentle hand through Alfred hair. " Mon amour. I understand. I do. Tonight we will see what happens. But just in case. All I ask of you." He stepped a bit closer there they're body's met. He wrapped his arm around the younger's waist and showed his love with actions. " One last kiss then?" He hoped it wouldn't be but if it should he'd treasure it forever. He didn't take this kiss like the others..no. He could see the other wanted to kiss him. " Just one" He whispered. Still he would respect if Alfred decided not to. After all Francis just wanted to show him how much he loved him already.
The theater was nearly done and being set up for the big play tonight. Thanks to the princes's donations they couldn't actually give a large play for free for everyone not just the kids who aren't going to the ball. Matthew was busier then ever at this point, it didn't stop him from noticing when Arthur arrived looking for Alfred. Matthew was going to cover for him but he knew the time and Arthur's rage so he told him that Alfred went to the baker shop. He could see how annoyed Arthur was already as he left. Matthew was worried about his friend. If he wasn't at the baker shop Arthur would just get more and more enraged. His duty to the theater called tonight though. He hoped Arthur calmed down.
He let Francis run his hand through his hair, such gentle hands. He was shocked when the man stepped closer to him, but he didn't really try to push him away, it wasn't because he minded. He didn't mind that Francis loved him, he didn't mind that Francis would want to spend more time with him, he just couldn't himself, because of reasons. He stopped to look Francis in the eyes, a kiss? Right here and right now? What if anyone saw them, he wasn't really sure this was a good idea. But, could one kiss really hurt? No not really, and there wasn't anyone around at the moment so.. "One, and only one!" he said and looked the man serious in the eyes. Why was he doing this again, to a stranger nonetheless. "But um.. I haven't really.. kissedanyonebefore" he mumbled in a whisper, trying to shy away. Or well he did last night but that was during a play, plus Francis didn't know it was him.
"Only one." Francis repeated knowing he'd make this kiss count. He'd put all his feeling into it. He chuckled knowing that it wasn't quite true that this was Alfred first kiss but in a way he knew it was. It was his first concious kiss. One where parties weren't acting. " Just one mon amour. You'll do fine~" He cooed, his fingers gentle in tipping Alfred's head for their lips to meet slowly. Like dealing with a frightened animal Francis was smooth. Bringing them together. It was a sweet kiss, a small one that grew big. He felt that same pleasent sensation when they kissed on stage and that cemented in his mindthey were truely meant to be together no matter what. Francis wasn't sure how long they kissed only that he was glad Alfred finally let himself enjoy it.
Arthur on the other hand decided he had the worst timing in the world. The baker was more then happy to share where his ward had run off to. It took Arthur awhile to find this hidden place, following the unmistakable voice of his ward. He couldn't hear anything but as he got closer he was witness to, something terrible. HIS alfred was kissing a man! The brit was stunned, sitting there frozen as he watched the two. It felt like hours before his mind raged. " ALFRED FRANKLIN JONES" He shouted at the top of his lungs.
Francis was gentle, very gentle, it was just a kiss but he took his time it was a small kiss at first, soft and passionated. It felt weird to him, not kissing someone, but knowing it was a man. However he didn't want to break the kiss. It felt like time literally stopped, oh how he had fallen, fallen for a stranger he barely knew, fallen for a man, fallen.. for this.. this wonderful person. He closed his eyes and let himself enjoy the kiss instead of just standing there all stiff. He lifted his arms as if he was about to take the others hands, but he was stopped by someone shouted his name. In a second he broke the kiss and turned his head toward the person, this.. wasn't good. Arthur. Fuck, Arthur, oh god, what should he do. A flash of horror crossed his face. What should he say, what should he do? Ah he was trapped. He couldn't even tell Arthur that it was forced, because it would have been easy to see that it wasn't. "Oh, Arthur" he finally mumbled, his voice shaking. One kiss, one kiss had caused this, he still didn't know what Arthur wanted to tell him, however he knew it wouldn't end good. Quick he loosened himself from the other grasp and walked a few steps away. Should he walk toward Arthur, or stay still? Should he try to explain or just, leave it for now? "I'm.. Arthur.." he stopped himself, what was he about to say? He could explain? What was there to explain exactly. Oh fuck this just wasn't good.
Every thing was still. Francis breath was caught and he felt like everything was going to be ruined. He couldn't let Arthur see him, everything would be worse. " I don't want you to get into mroe trouble. I'll talk to you tonight. I love you" He whispered to low for Arthur to hear them from where they were before he left themalone. He felt terrible. One word from his mouth would of calmed Arthur or pissed him off more. The two did hate each other after all. He had to leave for Alfred's sake. He hoped the boy would understand and blew a final kiss even though he was too far away at this point already returning home to finish getting ready for the ball.
Arthur on the other hand was focused on one thing, sure he was pissed who ever kissed his ward ran off but he was so very angry at Alfred. He stalked towards the younger like a lion out for the kill. " Alfred. What in heavens name are you.. How could you be so..so IMMATURE! I put my trust in you and you turn around and do something as impure and sinful as. UGH" He spat in disgust. " You are coming home right now and you are goign to pack. I may have to attend the ball for political reasons but you will stay and think of what you have done. Tomorrow morning we will board a boat back to england. Where you can get away from these disgusting people once and for all!" He didn't listen to any of Alfred's protest just grabbing his wrist hard enough to bruise and pulling him towards the carriage. Arthur was strong when he needed to be and found it easy to move the scared boy the way he wanted. He made the driver go fast. the moment they'd get home he'd lock the windows and doors before leaving. Alfred will learn what he has done is wrong! and never should one. He didn't even finish that thought just hurrying inside with Alfred the moment they got back. He had servant keep watch after locking the windows and handed Alfred a suitcase to pack. " I don't wish to hear any excuses." He said to stop whatever his ward was about to say.
Alfred stood still. He felt betrayed, the one who swore to 'love him' just left him! How was he ever going to explain it to Arthur. If Francis had stayed maybe.. maybe they could get to know one another, maybe Arthur wouldn't get as pissed as he was. Oh good god, he had never in his life felt this scared, not even when Arthur caught him stealing his wallet; and back then he could have been dead! "Arthur, please. Please let me.. please listen!" he begged as the Englishman took his wrist and dragged him toward the carriage. This was bad, Alfred felt close to tears, however he didn't cry. He wasn't the type of person to cry. His heart stopped for a second as Arthur told him they were going back to England. But he loved it here! This were like a home to him, he had friends here as well, friends such as Matthew, he knew a lot of the kids around and.. Not, not Francis he left.. But everyone else! "But Arthur, we can't just.. We can't leave! My friends" he begged in a low whisper, knowingly that Arthur didn't even care. Of course he didn't, why should he? Alfred had done something against his rules, kissed someone outside of marriage even, and then it was a man! He couldn't go more against the rules than that. He sat in the carriage and looked at the ground, trying to figure out what to say, but the whole situation was just so awkward too awful for him to even think. The ride was over within what felt like seconds. There was no reason to beg anymore, Arthur made up his mind. They reached home and he was locked in his room with a suitcase, only being told that he had to pack his things, and that he wouldn't even be able to explain himself. "Arthur.." he managed to say before the Britt closed and locked his door, as he had locked all doors and windows. "FUCK YOU!" Alfred called, knowingly that Arthur could hear him, but also knowing that Arthur didn't care at the moment, he was apparently too angry to even reason. This was it, wasn't it? He thought to himself and managed to drag himself over to his bed, sitting down he started crying, for the first time in many, many years he actually cried.