When Arthur got back home he didn't know what to do. He was too anxious to sit in one place for long so he kept pacing back and forth with the same questions running through his mind. What were his parent plans, who was Alfred seeing, what his feeling for Francis were and more importantly what did Francis think of him. Deciding to get rid of some of his pent up energy, he decided to shoot some arrows. He walked outside to the shooting grounds and picked his favorite bow and grabbed a quiver full of arrows. He pulled back the string, aimed, and released with triumph as he hit his mark. Picking a different target each time, he shot until he had no arrows left. He grabbed a new quiver and continued to do this even when a servant told him it was dinner time. Only when it was too dark to see did he finally stop. When he stopped he realized how hungry he was so went down to the kitchen to get a bite to eat.
On the way there he overheard Alfred talking on the telephone. Curious as to what they were talking about, he put his ear to the door. "It will be better if we just tell our parents right away. Somebody is going to find out sooner or later. I feel that they would be more lenient if we told them instead of them finding out on their own. Alright. I'll give you some time to think about it. And hey, what is the worst my parents can do when they find out." Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, Arthur continued to the kitchen.
He found a plate of food laid out for him with a cup of tea which he figured Richard left out for him. After he finished eating he decided to go talk to Richard. He found him in the liberty reading a book to Peter. Rather than interrupt him he was content with listening to Richard read. After a while Richard stopped reading and waved Arthur over. "What is that you wanted young Master," Richard asked in a knowing voice. Seeing that Peter was asleep, Arthur decided to fulfill the reason he came there in the first place.
"I wanted to know if you knew what my parents are planning," he asked in a firm voice. Richard sighed and took off his glasses.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you the full details because I don't know them myself. But from what I can tell they're planning something big. Not only have they been trying to get closer to important families but they've been seeing important politicians as well. My guess is there trying to increase their power of influence. What they're planning to do with this I can't say. I do have one piece of advice for you though. If your parents try to get you to do something that is against your morals, don't do it no matter the consequence. I advise you to get some sleep. You have a long day ahead of you." Richard then picked up Peter and carried him off leaving Arthur with his brow furrowed thinking furiously. After a while he decided to follow Richard's advice and go to bed. When he got to bed Arthur fell into a dreamless asleep exhausted by the day's events.
Alfred was sitting in Arthur's room claiming that he was trying to help his older brother. Arthur believed he was just trying to get him mad. "All you have is suits and stupid sweater vests. Don't you have anything good in that closet of yours," whined Alfred.
Arthur threw a shirt at Alfred's head. "If you're going to complain so much then go away," he growled losing his patience.
"I'm here because I don't want my big brother looking like a fool showing up to a party with a sweater vest," said Alfred while pushing Arthur to the side to get a better look at his closet. Alfred picked a shirt and pants and threw them at Arthur. "Here, put these on and we'll see if you don't look like an idiot."
Arthur just grabbed the clothes and went into the bathroom to change. When he got back out Alfred inspected him. "Unbutton the top buttons on the shirt and take off the belt and you should be fine," said Alfred. After doing what he said Arthur fidgeted around until Alfred asked what his problem was.
"I just feel too casual," Arthur said while looking at himself in the mirror. Alfred groaned and hit his head off the wall.
"You're supposed to be casual; you're going to a party. Haven't you ever been to a party before," he asked wondering what was wrong with his brother.
"I've been to parties before just none like this," Arthur replied. "Well you're just going have to wing it I guess," Alfred said while hitting Arthur a little too hard on the back. Arthur had actually been to quite a few parties and he wondered slightly why he was anxious about this one. "It's because he's going to be there," he thought to himself. Oblivious to his older brother's spacing out; Alfred continued to give his advice to Arthur.
"The party starts at three but we want to be a little later that. We should probably take the Ferrari and not the limousine so we look cooler," said Alfred before he was interrupted.
"What do you mean by we," Arthur asked with tension in his voice.
"Of course I'm coming to the party. The hero has to be there to save you in case you get in any trouble. And this Gilbert guy sounds like he can throw a cool party so I want to go," said Alfred with a tone showing he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"Fine. Just leave me alone while you're there," said Arthur.
Alfred was going to drive, but he was kicked out by Arthur saying that he actually wanted to make it to the party in one piece. While they were driving Arthur took the chance to ask a question that he had wanted to ask for some time. "Are you going to tell me who you've been dating or do you plan on keeping it a secret," he asked while looking at Alfred out the corner of his eyes.
Alfred tilted his head to the side where Arthur couldn't see his face before he answered. "I'm sorry but I just can't tell you yet. I will tell you someday so don't worry," he said lacking his usual cheeriness. Deciding that it would be best to drop the conversation, Arthur let the rest of the trip remain silent.
When they got to the Beilschmidt manor they could hear music playing behind the mansion which led them to the actual party. Arthur was surprised to see that the party was smaller than he originally thought it would be. It looked, to him, that only Gilbert's personal friends were there which made him even more curious to why he was invited. Just about when he was wondering what to do, Gilbert saw them and walked over to them with a girl in tow. "I didn't expect you to bring a friend, which is cool because then there are more people here," said Gilbert with his cocky grin.
"What's up! My name is Alfred and I'm his brother," said Alfred while grinning back.
"This is my girlfriend Elizabeta. The guy with the eyebrows is Francis's friend that we were talking about earlier," Gilbert said with air quotes around the friend.
Before Arthur could complain about being labeled as Francis's friend he was interrupted by a squeal. "You two are going to be perfect together. Make sure they don't meet till I get my camera," said Elizabeta as she ran off to the mansion. Arthur just stood there, slowly realizing why Gilbert invited him to the party in the first place.
"While Elizabeta is getting her camera I'll introduce you to some other people here," said Gilbert. While walking with Gilbert, Arthur learned that the guy Lovino was yelling at earlier was Antonio. He also saw Ludwig, Feliciano and Lovino there as well. "Hey Roderich, where's your boyfriend Vash?" Arthur turned around and saw Gilbert talking to a man with chocolate brown hair and glasses.
"H-he's not my boyfriend," Roderich stuttered with a blush creeping up on his face.
"So you haven't gotten the nerve to ask him out yet. If you wait any longer Elizabeta might get impatient and set you two up on your own," Gilbert said with a smirk on his face. Before Roderich could retort Elizabeta appeared with her camera in her hand.
"Go and get Francis. I want to take pictures of these two as soon as possible," said Elizabeta jumping up and down with excitement.
Before Arthur could complain Gilbert already ran off to get Francis. He tried to run away but Alfred grabbed a hold of him to stop him. "Let go of me you git," said Arthur trying to get out of Alfred's grip afraid of what was going to happen. "No way! I want to see what's going to happen," said Alfred while laughing his head off.
"What is it that you wanted to show me, Gilbert." Arthur froze when he heard the voice and instantly recognizing it as Francis's. When Francis came into view he had a look of shock on his face. "What is Arthur doing here," asked Francis in a tone of disbelief. He didn't get his answer as Alfred pushed Arthur into Francis. Francis reflexively caught Arthur and then Elizabeta instantly took a picture of the scene before her. Arthur pushed himself out of Francis grasp and immediately started yelling at Alfred.
"Why the bloody hell did you do that," he shouted at Alfred. Alfred just laughed at his brother's obvious embarrassment. At the same time Francis was arguing with Gilbert.
"When did you invite him here and why didn't you tell me," he asked Gilbert with a slight blush on his face.
"Because I thought it would be nice to invite your boyfriend to my party," said Gilbert with a sneer on his face.
"We are not dating," shouted Francis and Arthur at the same time.
"Relax you two it was just a joke," said Gilbert with a face that said otherwise. Arthur just simmered wondering if he should go home even though his parents were making him stay. "Well now that's over with the beer and food are over there. If you need anything just find me," said Gilbert while walking away with Alfred probably planning something devious. Arthur walked over to the beer and took one. While he was drinking it Feliciano came over to him.
"Hey! Your Kiku's friend Arthur! Want to play a game with us," asked Feliciano sweetly. Arthur just nodded and followed Feliciano figuring he could at least try to be social.
After playing the game for a couple of hours, Arthur was feeling a bit tipsy. But what else would you expect from playing a drinking game and his low tolerance of alcohol. Deciding it would be best if he wasn't standing, he sat down on bench. After a while Gilbert came towards with his massive grin that Arthur started to label as trouble. "Everybody is gathering to play a game and you need to join us," said Gilbert not giving Arthur a chance to say no as he dragged him towards where everybody was standing.
"Now that everybody is here it's time to explain the game. We're going to have a treasure hunt," shouted Gilbert as if it was the most awesome idea ever. Arthur frowned wondering where Gilbert was going with this.
"Everybody will split up into pairs and have an item to find," chimed in Elizabeta. Arthur then figured out where they were going with this.
"The teams have already been chosen. The teams are: Ludwig and Feliciano, Antonio and Lovino, Gilbert and Elizabeta, Francis and Arthur, and I'm with Roderich," said Alfred with a cheery grin on his face.
The only thing Arthur could do was give the traitor a death glare. He then noticed the three of them smiling in his direction which creeped him out. Everybody went with their partner and given slips of paper with what they were supposed to find. "The first person to find their prize gets an awesome award," shouted Gilbert as the teams went off to search for their items. Arthur looked down at his paper and saw that they had to find an acacia flower.
"It would be in the garden," said Francis as he was reading over Arthur's shoulder. Still embarrassed about earlier, Arthur just nodded and followed Francis towards the garden.
After they've been walking for a while it finally hit him how dangerous of a situation he was in. He was alone with a guy that he might have feelings for and he was drunk. He learned from experience that when he was drunk his behavior was erratic. Hoping to avoid a catastrophe, Arthur was a bit anxious to find the flower and be done with the treasure hunt. "I'm sorry for what happened earlier. Gilbert is a bit of a practical joker and likes to play tricks like that," said Francis breaking the silence of the garden.
"I get it. My brother is the same way," said Arthur trying not to say too much. After this there was more silence as they both looked for the flower.
Arthur then saw the flower and picked it. Just as he was walking over to Francis to tell him that he found it, he tripped over a rock. Francis then caught Arthur for the second time that night. "Are you okay," asked Francis with concern in his voice. Arthur was never able to figure out what prompted him to do what he did and probably never will. When he looked up at Francis he kissed him. While he kissed him a million thoughts of what Francis would do ran through his head but he never expected what happened next. Francis pulled Arthur closer to him and kissed him back.
After they broke their kiss each of them stood there, neither knowing what to say. Just as Francis was going to say something they were interrupted by Elizabeta. "Shoot! I already missed it," she pouted. Francis and Arthur both turned around and saw her with her camera in her hand. Arthur's face started to turn a bright shade of red and wanted to disappear.
"Everybody is going inside so it's best that we do as well," said Elizabeta still disappointed that she missed the show. She then followed Arthur and Francis on the way back with her camera ready hoping that something else might happen.
When they got into the mansion Elizabeta ran off presumably to tell Gilbert and Alfred what happened. They were than noticed by Antonio who called them over towards where everyone else was watching TV. Arthur and Francis then sat awkwardly next to each other not being able to say what they really wanted to say with everyone else around.
When everybody else was going to home Arthur was shouting stuff about unicorns while a slightly drunk Alfred watched him. "Who let Arthur near the alcohol should have to deal with him," said Alfred slightly wishing his brother didn't act so crazy when he got drunk. He then sighed realizing none of them would be able to drive themselves home tonight. "Hey Gilbert! Mind if we crash at your place tonight," said Alfred showing how tired he was. Gilbert didn't even skip a beat before he said it was okay. Alfred and Gilbert then tried to carry Arthur upstairs to a guest bedroom, but failed because they were both too drunk. Francis then walked in the room and offered to do it himself.
While being carried up the stairs Arthur mumbled stuff about not letting the fairies get any beer. After Francis managed to drag him up the stairs and situate him under the covers, he fell asleep. Smiling at the sleeping Arthur, Francis kissed him on the forehead. "Rêves doux," Francis whispered. He then closed the door leaving Arthur to sleep.
A/N: Rêves doux means sweet dreams. I managed to write this entire chapter in one day so I'm proud of myself. This chapter is longer so I hope it makes up for last chapter not being that good. Fun fact: the acacia can represent concealed love which is the reason I chose it for their item to find. This chapter also shows you some of the other pairings that I like. They won't really show up that much in the story if at all.