Arthur and Francis continued walking the vacant streets of London. The sun slowly began to set. "It's starting to get dark, Angleterre.", Francis informed him. "I'm aware. We need to find shelter.", the Brit seemed weak to Francis. He worried about Arthur. He knew this entire situation had to be quite a weight on the Brit's shoulders.
"Angleterre…Are you alright? You look pale.", Francis asked him. "I'm just tired is all. Don't worry about me, Frog. I'm a former pirate, remember?", Arthur flashed him a weary smile. "Oui, That's correct.", The Frenchman returned the smile.
Couple hours later, The two stumbled across a sturdy home in a small, quiet neighborhood. "That house looks safe enough to stay for the night.", Arthur pointed at the house. "But to be sure, we must secure it.", Arthur pulled out his handgun and slowly approached the house. Francis followed close behind.
Arthur opened the door carefully. He stepped inside the abandoned house and searched every room thoroughly. "Everything is clear. We will stay here tonight.", Arthur removed his jacket and threw it over a chair. Francis silently sat down, unsure of what to say. Arthur just paced around the dark room, lost in thought.
"We need some light, Angleterre…", Francis finally broke the silence. The Brit stopped pacing and agreed with the Frenchman. After a bit of searching, he managed to find some candles and a lighter. He scattered the candles throughout the room and lit them.
"There.", Arthur said as he lit the last candle. He finally sat down on the couch and tried to relax. "Well, I'll let you have this room, so you can get some rest. I'll sleep in another room.", Francis said as he rose from the chair. "No…We must stay together just in case an infected attacks.", Arthur informed him. Francis nodded and sat back down.
"How will I ever fix this mess?", Arthur ran a hand through his blonde hair. Francis got up and sat down next to the distressed Brit. "I know you will be able to. Don't give up now, Angleterre.", Francis placed his hand on his back and started to rub soothing circles.
"I think this is too much even for me, Francis.", Arthur sighed. Francis' eyes saddened. "Nothing is too much for a former pirate.", The Frenchman said, trying to cheer him up. Arthur smiled slightly, "I suppose so."
Francis was happy to see him cheer up a little. He always loved to see the Brit's smile. "Good to know you agree.", Francis nodded. Arthur continued to smile and shook his head. He leaned back on the couch and let out a yawn. "I'm tired, but I'm too tense to sleep.", Arthur groaned.
"I know a way that can help you sleep.", Francis added. The Brit eyed the Frenchman suspiciously. "Frog…This is no time to be a bloody perv.", he huffed. Francis crossed his arms. "I take offense to that! I'm trying to be considerate not pervy. I was only going to suggest a neck and shoulder massage to relieve the tension, but whatever.", he scowled.
Arthur sighed, "I apologize. I'm just so frustrated and stressed right now.", he told him. Francis uncrossed his arms. "I accept your apology. Now turn your back towards me so I can start the massage.", he ordered Arthur. He nodded and complied to the Frenchman's request. Francis turned to face his back and placed his hands on both Arthur's shoulders. "Ready?", he asked and Arthur just nodded quietly in response.
The Frenchman began to knead his shoulders gently. Arthur made a grunt of disapproval. "It will get better. You're very tense, so try relax and leave the rest to me.", Francis assured him. Arthur trusted him and relaxed. He continued to rub Arthur's shoulders and after awhile he let out a sound of approval
Francis smirked and he massaged all of the tension from hid shoulders. Francis then proceeded to his neck and continued the massage. Arthur could feel his tension melt away with Francis' touch. Arthur could feel himself become drowsy. Francis truly had a talent for this.
After a few more minutes passed, Francis finished up the massage. "Well how do you feel now, Angleterre?", he asked. Arthur stretched. "Great. The massage was heavenly.", he turned around to face Francis. "I was glad to help.", Francis smiled. "I'm truly grateful.", Arthur told him and he let out yet another yawn.
Francis chuckled. "It seemed to do the trick. Get some rest, Angleterre. I'll stand guard tonight while you rest.", he informed him. "But…", Arthur's sentence was halted by Francis' finger on his lips. "It's no problem. I don't mind. You really need your rest. Leave it all to me.", he winked at Arthur.
Arthur knew how stubborn the Frenchman was and he handed him his handgun. "Alright. Just be careful, okay?", Arthur ordered Francis. The Frenchman nodded and took the gun from him. Arthur lied down on the couch and fell asleep instantly. Francis took the Brit's jacket off the chair and covered him up. Francis smiled at his sleeping face. 'I will protect you, Angleterre. Even if it costs me my life.', he thought as he cocked the gun. He walked over to the door and stood guard for the rest of the night.