Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia
Side note: I'm sorry for not updating in almost a month, but I am very busy because I work all the time, and sometimes when I do have free time I don't have the inspiration to write anything. So I managed to write this for you, to show you all that I haven't abandoned you!~
Please enjoy~
Chapter 7
Arthur had not seen or heard from Francis in a good few days, and he was getting worried. The Parisian boy had not left his room since that spur of the moment kiss that sent everything spiralling out of control, and Arthur was deeply afraid that Francis was now scared of him. The vampire would never hurt Francis, but he had shown too much of his true nature and frightened him, and Arthur hoped that one day Francis would open his bedroom door and let him in.
Arthur left trays of food outside Francis' room so the poor boy would not starve, but most of them came back with only a couple of things missing; a bread roll or maybe a piece of bacon, but other than that the food was practically untouched. Arthur wanted more than anything to see him, to hold him and apologise. But the vampire doubted whether Francis would ever let him near him again.
XxX
Two years later, and sixteen-year-old Francis stood at his bedroom window, looking out at the acres of land stretching out over the hills. He had never been sure where Arthur's land finished and someone else's land began, as Arthur never let him outside to explore. But he had barely seen or heard from Arthur recently, as if his guardian was deliberately avoiding him. He always left the house at night and did not get back until the early hours of the morning, and Francis knew he was seeing someone and didn't want the Parisian boy to find out.
Jealousy stabbed at his heart at the thought of Arthur being with someone else, but Francis had to remind himself that Arthur was, or at least should be, nothing more than his guardian, and that the Englishman had every right to go out and find love. But that didn't mean Arthur had the right to prevent Francis from doing the same thing.
So before he could think it was a bad idea, the French boy opened his window, climbing out and scaling down the trellis of vines that decorated the side of the house and therefore served perfectly well as a ladder. As soon as his feet touched the soft, lush grass, Francis felt a buzz of excitement. He was out of the house. He was free. He could go wherever he wanted, and Arthur would be none the wiser.
Breaking into a run, Francis headed for the forest that Arthur absolutely forbade him from going near. Francis didn't care now, his guardian clearly didn't care about him and Francis wasn't going to wait around for Arthur's attitude to suddenly change. He disappeared into the dense forest, fuelled by adrenaline and utter glee as the fresh air made him a little light-headed, and before long he had to stop and catch his breath whilst leaning against one of the trees.
The forest was immensely beautiful, and Francis loved how the sun slipped through the gaps between the large leaves and danced along the forest floor, which was a carpet of auburn and brown. The smell of fresh nature was almost overpowering, and the sounds of birds chirping in the trees, far out of Francis' sight was a beautiful melody to add to the picturesque scenery of the forest.
But a twig snapping brought Francis out of the serenity of the place, and he whirled around, met with vibrant green eyes, and his heart stopped in fear.
"It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you…" came an unfamiliar voice, and a boy similar to Francis' age, or maybe a few years older, emerged from the trees. He had the same eyes as Arthur, but he had unruly brown hair and tanned skin, and he wore a goofy smile that disarmed Francis immediately. His words held the lilt of a Spanish accent, and Francis stared at him for a long moment, unsure whether to run or stay. Arthur had warned him never to interact with strangers, as they could be dangerous. But this boy did not seem dangerous in the least; he had no weapons, and he was taking great care not to startle the Parisian boy.
When Francis said nothing, the boy smiled. "I am Antonio, I live in the village. But you don't, do you? I've never seen you before. What's your name?" he was confident and talked a little quickly, but he was clearly just a friendly, bubbly person and Francis returned a shy smile.
"Non…I don't live in the village." He clarified, not disclosing where he did reside though, as he knew it would anger Arthur. After a moment's hesitation, he smiled a little more. "I'm Francis."
Antonio grinned, extending a hand and shaking Francis' energetically, before tilting his head in curiosity. "What are you doing out here? It's not safe to be in the forest by yourself, that's what my mamá says."
Francis raised an eyebrow, surveying him. "Aren't you in the forest by yourself?"
Antonio smiled. "Not anymore~"
Francis felt strange about this boy. He was so nice and friendly, and he was the complete opposite of Arthur. The Parisian boy slowly found himself relaxing in Antonio's presence, and they sat on a tree stump together, chatting happily.
"So what are you doing out here?" Francis asked him, and Antonio reached into his pocket, pulling out some berries folded in a piece of cloth.
"My mamá sends me to collect berries for her~" he said, offering Francis one. The Parisian boy took one, popping it into his mouth and humming as it was sweet and juicy.
"They are nice." He commented, and Antonio grinned, putting the berries carefully back into his pocket. "What about you? What are you doing out here?"
"Me? Oh…I was just…" Francis hesitated, trying to think of an excuse. "Exploring…" he said with a shrug.
Antonio raised an eyebrow at him. "On your own? Don't you have any brothers or sisters to come with you?"
Francis shook his head. "Non, it's just me." He said a little sadly, as he was very lonely sometimes and he often wished he had a friend or someone just to talk to.
Antonio looked at him incredulously. "and your parents just let you go out on your own in the forest?"
Francis nibbled his lower lip, blushing faintly. "Not exactly…I don't have any parents – just my guardian…and he doesn't notice if I'm gone."
This made Antonio pity him somewhat, and he stared at him a moment, before beaming. "Well, why don't you help me pick some berries, si? I promise it is fun!~"
He sounded so chirpy that Francis couldn't resist, and he nodded, letting Antonio haul him off his feet as they foraged for berries together, laughing and chatting in the peaceful forest.
XxX
That evening, Francis seemed very chirpy, and Arthur could hear him singing in the kitchen even though the vampire was in his study. The sound was beautiful, and Arthur felt his body stir in response to that enchanting sound, as he could picture the attractive boy twirling around the kitchen with that incredible smile dancing on his lips.
The mere thought of it made Arthur growl and clench his fists, as now that Francis was of age, all Arthur wanted to do was claim him, whether Francis wanted it or not. But the human part of him was afraid of upsetting the boy, and fought as hard as it could against the lustful vampire part, so it was safer just to keep his distance.
But the thought of Francis being so happy made Arthur happy as well, as he wondered if maybe Francis had finally forgiven him for that night. Maybe he would be willing to reconcile, and perhaps…try it again?
Arthur growled again, wanting the Parisian boy so badly, but he stayed firmly sat in his chair, glaring at his desk. He would have to wait, let Francis come to him. Surely he would, for Francis sounded so inexplicably happy, and only Arthur could possibly be the cause of it.
A/N: So a new love interest has made itself known, but what will come of it?
Please review and let me know what you think of Antonio's involvement, and what will Arthur do if he ever finds out?~
Love you all x
