"So, let me get this right. You lost your passport, deliberately, so that you'll stay in the US, although you basically hate every aspect of the country… not that I can't relate to that… and now that you've been here for a while you want to go somewhere else?"
"I only hate the way most of the people act, the transportation, smog, and the lack of french spoken here! And there are reasons I can't go back to France."
The two were in line at a starbucks close to Arthur's apartment, having the first civil conversation they'd ever had. The conversation wasn't exactly the epitome of chivalry however, and there were people slowly inching away from them.
"And, in my defense, cher, you've lived in this country for three years, and you still believe that England, out of all countries, is a superior country." Francis waved at something invisible as if proving a point, and cocked his head. Arthur sighed and rubbed his temples.
"I know that English isn't your first language, but you should know that is not a defense." Arthur retorted, "Please keep in mind I am permitted to live in this country, while you aren't."
"I am very much permitted to live in this country. Except for the whole law thing."
"Well, that's a problem." Arthur muttered sarcastically.
"You're an illegal immigrant, Francis."
"Your attractiveness should be illegal."
"Flirting does not change the fact that you need to go back to France." Arthur stuttered. "Also, I'm very much a male."
This cheese eating surrender monkey is definitely not flirting with me, this is just a figment of my imagination. I do not want him to flirt with me, that is not what I was just thinking. Conversation over. Thought Arthur, as he imagined how disappointed his father would be to find his second-youngest son hoping to be in a relationship with a man.
"Amour does not have a gender, cher." Francis blew a kiss at Arthur. Arthur rolled his eyes at the frenchman, and tried to think of a good retort, but settled for a disgruntled expression.
Ah, shit. He is flirting. And I'm okay with it, surprisingly.
"So, where are you planning to stay today? Forecasts say it's going to rain from 8:00." Arthur changed the conversation topic deliberately, feeling the tips of his ears go red.
"It's still 3:00, I'm going to be fine." Francis replied, oblivious to Arthur's dilemma.
"No, you are not. Are you planning on building a house in five hours?"
"I might not be building a house but I can spend the night in a mcdonalds or a starbucks."
Arthur laughed cynically.
"And here I thought you french were a picky bunch."
"We can discuss eating habits of my people later. See? The waiter's waiting."
"You don't call part-time workers at Starbucks waiters, Francis."
Francis ignored Arthur's comment and ordered a got a latte mocha concoction that Arthur couldn't pronounce. Arthur ordered a black coffee.
Soon after the duo finished ordering, they went back to bickering like before.
"If you're so worried about where I'm going to stay, why don't you let me join you in your "oh so comfortable" apartment?"
"Why don't you join me then?"
Francis gasped. Arthur groaned. Spur of the moment, Arthur tried to say, but before he knew what was happening, Francis was hugging him.
"Thank you." Francis whispered tearfully, and Arthur didn't have the heart to say no.