"Get up! Get up, get up, get up! C'mon, you big sleepyhead. Up!" Alfred yelled as he repeatedly beat Arthur's chest. Arthur groaned and waved him away. The couch creaked under him as he shifted into a more comfortable position. Alfred huffed and turned to Matthieu. "Alright, time for the big guns," he said. He took a few steps back and grabbed Matthieu by the wrist. Matthieu dropped his bear, letting it rest on the ground beside him. His eyes were wide and his lip trembled as if he were about to cry.
"I don't t-think this is a good idea," he said.
"It'll be fine. You aim for his legs, and I'll get his tummy. Okay?" Matthieu hesitated for a moment before nodding. Alfred let go of him and got into a starting stance. "We'll jump at three. One…" he said. Matthieu tried to copy his pose. "Two…" He took a deep breath and held it. "Three!" Alfred leapt forward and slammed straight into Arthur's chest. Matthieu remained frozen in place, too scared to jump after him.
"Alfred, how many times have I told you not to do that? Besides, Francis is still trying to sleep," Arthur said.
"Um, actually, he left for work already," Matthieu replied.
"Oh. Still, let's try to keep the noise level down," Arthur said as he stretched his arms over his head. Alfred nodded and rolled off the couch.
"I want a big pb&j for lunch with extra crunchy peanut butter and pringles in the middle. Oh, and I want a soda. A big one, like at the movies!" he said. Arthur sat up and rubbed his eyes. Was it lunchtime already? He checked his phone. Sure enough, it was nearly two in the afternoon.
"How about this: let me get dressed, and then I'll take you both to the grocery store. You can pick something for lunch there," he said. Matthieu nodded and toddled off to get his shoes. Alfred grinned. He started jumping around and yelling about all the things he wanted to buy. Arthur patted his head. "You'll get more snacks if you're quiet," he said. Alfred nodded and pressed his pointer finger over his lips. "Good. Now, get your shoes on," Arthur said as he went to find his wallet. Alfred nodded again and krept over to the door. He pulled on a tiny pair of sneakers that were sitting on the shoe rack. He fiddled with the laces for a solid few minutes before finally managing to make a loose knot.
"I'm ready," he whispered.
"Hold on," Matthieu said. He grabbed his teddy bear off the floor and dusted it off with his hand. "There. Now I'm ready." Arthur pulled on his jacket.
"No time to waste, then. Let's go," he said. He held open the door for the kids and made certain to lock it behind them.
It was just after seven when Francis decided to close the Salon for the night. He'd had a busy day for once, and he was ready to spend some time relaxing on the couch. But he knew that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. Dinner needed to be made, Mathieu needed a bath, the dishes needed to be done, and the whole apartment could use a cleaning. He brushed back his hair with a sigh. It was then that he realized that, while in a state of exhaustion, he'd walk right past his door. He shook his head and sighed again. Maybe he could get Arthur to do some of the cleaning and go to bed early. He turned around and got to the right place. When he walked in, the whole place was nearly spotless. The table was set for one, and the smell of freshly cooked bacon filled the apartment. The dishwasher was running, and the drying rack was empty. Francis shut the door behind him and leaned against it. He stood there silently for a few minutes and wondered if he was dreaming. His brain was so jumbled with thoughts that he didn't notice Arthur staring at him. Arthur came over and tapped him on the shoulder, breaking the trance.
"You alright?" he asked. Francis looked up at him and smiled.
"Oh, I'm doing wonderfully. Thank you so much," he said. He pulled Arthur into a hug.
"It's not that big a deal. Matthieu wanted pancakes, so I figured I would make breakfast for dinner. I made some extra for you, if you're interested." Arthur broke the embrace, only to be pulled back with a kiss on the cheek.
"I'd love that," Francis said. His voice was hushed and his gaze was soft. Uncomfortably soft. Arthur blushed and pulled away again, this time rushing over to the stove before Francis could go after him. He turned off the oven and pulled out a stack of pancakes and a few strips of bacon.
"Here we are. I kept them nice and warm for you." He set the leftovers on the table and took a seat. Francis sat across from him and dug in. The pancakes were a bit burnt, but he was tired enough that he didn't really care. It was the bacon that really made his stomach churn. Despite the pleasant smell, the taste and texture were both terrible. He swallowed and set the half-eaten strip down. Arthur glanced at him. "Good, right?" he said.
"The pancakes are lovely. I'm not really a bacon person, but I admire the gesture," Francis lied. He wiped his face with a napkin and got up to put the rest of his meal in the garbage.
"Uh, before you go, could I have a word with you?" Arthur asked. Francis put his plate in the sink and sat back down.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"It's nothing, really. I just need a bit of advice. I got a call from Kiku, and It's been on my mind lately."
"What did he say?"
"Well, I didn't answer it, and he didn't leave a message. He might have just hit a wrong button or something, but I can't help but feel like I should call back." Francis sighed.
"Well, I can't stop you, but remember that you split for a reason. If he wants to get back together, make sure to give it a lot of thought." Arthur nodded.
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." He stood up. "I think I'll go for a walk. Just to clear my head, you know?"
"Alright. I'll probably be asleep when you get back," Francis said as he headed towards the bathroom. They exchanged a quick goodbye before Arthur left the apartment and walked around to the back of the building. He leaned against the wall and took his phone from his pocket. After a bit of hesitation, he called Kiku's number. He held the phone to his ear.
"Hello?" Kiku said. His voice sounded a bit shaky, though that may have been Arthur's imagination.
"Hey, Kiku. I was just returning your call. I know it's been a while but…" he trailed off, unsure of what to say.
"I understand. Look, I'll get right to the point. I miss you. I made an unforgivable mistake, I know, but believe me when I say that it will never happen again. Arthur bit his lower lip. "I'll do anything if it means you'll stay with me. We don't have to live together anymore, we could take a break and come back, or whatever you want," Kiku added.
"No. I've been thinking a lot, and… I don't think the whole cheating thing was our only problem. We've been growing apart lately, and, to be honest, I-" Arthur hesitated for a moment. "I don't think it would have worked out, anyways. I'm sorry." A long stretch of silence followed. Arthur could hear only the beating of his own heart as he waited for some sport of response. Tears were starting to form in the corners of his eyes.
"R-right. I'll leave you alone. Goodbye, Arthur," Kiku said. He sounded like he was choking back sobs. Before Arthur could say a word, the call ended. Arthur took in a long breath. He held it for what felt like an eternity, trying his hardest to stop himself from crying. As soon as he let his mouth open, he began to sob. He held his hand to his forehead as tears ran down his face and neck. It was finally over. He would probably never see Kiku again, and if he did, they would act like strangers. He sniffled and wiped his eyes. Somehow, despite the situation, he felt a rush of relief. The overwhelming feeling of loneliness was still crushing, but he at least didn't feel completely terrible. He took in a deep breath, put his phone in his pocket, and started walking back to the apartment.