THE RED STRING OF FATE...
Chapter 21 part1
Arthur noticed the following days later that Francis was treating him like a fragile glass- no arguing & taunting. He concluded that something must have happened that evening to bring on such a change in Francis. Arthur would have confronted the Parisian about it but he noticed that these following days, Francis didn't avoid him that much (though he looked guilty for some reason). Hence, not wanting to upset that equilibrium that was now established, Arthur decided to keep it to himself.
Now in class, since their teacher Friedrich had to meet the Principal, the whole class was busy lazying around, even though they were given specific instructions to study. Gilbert, Antonio, Francis and Arthur sat as a group at the back. They all were discussing what they did over the weekend when Arthur finally stated, "You know, it's not fair," and then he pointed to Francis, "Why is that you get to wear pants, while we are stuck with wearing dresses."
Francis chuckled slightly, "I hope that you don't have these kind of conversations when you are in crowds."
Arthur punched Francis's arm, "Don't try to change the subject- in the final show, our manly pride will be at stake while you get to go scot-free. That's freaking not fair."
Francis propping his chin on his fist and gave a cheeky smile, "Well, I can't help it. My role is Petruchio... Besides, wearing tights and puffy shorts is hardly a fashion statement. So nobody wins here."
Gilbert then responded, "But I do understand what Artie means. Our cast members especially the boys believe in solidarity. You wearing the male costume is like kicking us in the nads." Francis sighed, unable to believe that he was going to say this, "D'accord, do you have anything in mind that I can use to appease the boys around."
Antonio's face brighten, "Oh, I have an idea. Toris's birthday is coming up and it's a costume-theme-birthday-party." Catching Antonio's enthusiasm, Gilbert replied, "I get where you're going with this. And I've the costume perfect for Francis."
Gilbert took out a piece of paper, and wrote down his selection. When both Arthur & Antonio saw what he wrote, they started to snicker. Then finally when the paper was passed to Francis, his eyes widened. Crossing his arms with the smile wiped clean off , Francis declared, "Oh mon mince alors! You all are so uncouth. You think I'll agree to such a thing?"
The silver-haired teen smirked, "Unless you want to be ragged on by the boys at the end of the show. I suggest you do it to 'appease' them." Francis covered his face while the other three were trying to stop themselves from roaring with laughter.
When he wiped the tears from his eyes, Arthur noticed Feliks standing near the door. With a tired expression, the Student-Vice-President walked in his direction. Arthur groaned, "Don't tell me... Is it that again?"
Feliks nodded, "Yup, it's that again."
The Brit, scrunching up his face, "Dammit. Why doesn't he just give up." Feliks rolled his eyes, declaring "Hello, it's him, we're talking about."
Arthur sighed. Getting up from seat, the Emerald-eyed boy looked at the other three, "I'll be right back. If the teacher asks where I'm, just tell him that I've gone to the infirmary," and left the classroom with Feliks.
Gilbert & Francis looked confused as ever, with the silver-haired teen saying, "What was that cryptic conversation all about?" Francis shrugged his shoulders, replying he had no idea.
Antonio however, with so much clarity on his face, stated, "The Lion went to save the Dragon from the Bear." Both Gilbert & Francis stared at Antonio wondering whether he was infected with whatever Feliks & Arthur had. Antonio continued, "Don't tell me that you haven't noticed- everytime Ivan tries to get close to Yao, Arthur rushes to pull him away."
Gilbert pondered for awhile, "Yeah, I did notice it but I didn't think much of it since everyone needs to be saved from Ivan."
Francis inquired, "Do you think Arthur has feelings for Yao and hence he doesn't like anyone getting close to him."
Gilbert snickered, "Heh, maybe. I know Arthur is totally cool with the idea of boy-love."
That statement intrigued Francis, "Really? And you know how?"
Gilbert started stuttering, "I...just do, cause...I'm awesome...That's how." Trying not to bring any more extra attention to himself, Gilbert cleared his throat and then said, "Though you say come from the country of amour, Arthur is the true advocate of love."
Francis, raised his eyebrow, alittle miffed that his position as a lover is being threatened, asked his crimson-eyed friend what he meant. Gilbert answered pointing to the students, "Ask anyone who has been helped finding their partner, and most of time, his name would come up. Alot of people go to Arthur when it's concerning their love-life. He is just that good." When Francis inquired whether Gilbert calling Arthur as Cupid wasn't a joke, Gilbert flatly replied, "The awesome me never jokes about anything that concerns love."
Antonio however didn't buy it, "That was only until recently. I bet Arthur found your destined one, didn't he?"
The moment Antonio said that, Gilbert blushed. Francis kept staring with disbelief, "Est-il possible?... You're finally in a relationship?"
Gilbert threw a glance at Antonio, "How are you so perceptive when you aren't even aware of your environment half the time?"
Antonio chuckled and then said, "It comes and goes... So, who is the lucky person?"
They both stared at Gilbert who was silent for awhile. Then he put a proud look on his face and said, "I've come to care for this person very much. So, even if you've a bad opinion about it, I wouldn't give a flying f*ck." Both Antonio & Francis were stunned since they rarely heard Gilbert talk like that. Finally Gilbert said, "Arthur had me realize that Matthew is the one for me."
As soon as Gilbert mentioned that, Antonio inquired, "Matthew as in our junior, Matthew?" followed by Francis who asked, "Matthew as in the mignon garcon who kept bringing you cakes, Matthew?" continued again by Antonio, "Matthew as in Alfred's brother, Matthew?"
Getting irritated by their questions, Gilbert exclaimed, "Which other Matthew is there in our school? And could please stop bringing Alfred up whenever Matthew is concerned. Matt has his own unique traits- he is excellent in hockey, baking & sewing. Plus he is the smartest kid in his batch."
Now it was Francis & Antonio who were silent for awhile. Gilbert started fuming, 'If they turn out to be a couple of homophobes, I swear to Gott, they'll wish they were never born!'
Finally Francis said, "Congratulations, mon ami. I'm so happy for you." Antonio shared the same sentiments, "Si! After all those years of chasing Lizzy, you've finally settled for a good hombre."
With his anger subsiding quickly, Gilbert said, "Tonio, I hope that's a compliment." Antonio who was now smiling more than ever, replied, "Por supuesto... Now I need to have a talk with Arthur."
Francis, looking at the Spaniard's face, inquired, "Why? Do you want to ask him out?"
Antonio stared at him for abit, 'I've never heard him sound this way. He sounds possessive. I wonder why' and then smiled, "No, I want him to help me win Lovino's love."
Gilbert, not surprised by Antonio statement "Is that why you've been following him all these years. You love him?". Antonio replied "I just discovered it. I wanted to ask Arthur for help before but I wasn't sure whether he would... Now, knowing that he helped you to be with Matthew, I'll more confident that he'll help me as well".
While the other two chatted, Francis was in his own world, 'Arthur must really love Yao. Well, Yao has a good soul... Arthur is talking to me now but later when he finds out about me, how would he react?'
Arthur scowled while walking down the school hallway. He had a hard time separating Yao from Ivan, 'Can't that guy take a hint. Yao doesn't want to be near him,' but before he could rant anymore, he was pulled into a nearby classroom.
Being tugged so hard, Arthur felt like he came out of the washing-machine. With his senses returning, he recognized the room he was in, 'Hold on, this is the same classroom where YongSoo and Matthew declared their love for their respective soulmates,' and when he turned to see who pulled him in, he thought, 'Ah, yes, I was right in assuming that this place is becoming my temporary-counseling-room.' There in front of him was a fidgeting Antonio.
Before Antonio could say anything, Arthur said, "Let me guess, you've come to declare that you have fallen in love with Lovino." Antonio had such a shocked look on his face with his mouth in a perfect 'o' that Arthur wanted to laugh- of course, now that he is slowly believing in his ability again, Arthur could make quick guesses.
Antonio finally spoke, "You know when Gil said you were good, I didn't realize you were this good." Arthur was surprised when Antonio mentioned that, 'Gil has been boasting about me, so I can take it that his relationship with Matt is going really well.' Then Antonio continued, "Yes, I fallen madly in love with Lovino but I'm not sure whether I'm compatible with him. If I am, what advice can you give me?"
Arthur smiled, "You both are compatible." Holding Antonio's hands, Arthur asked "Antonio, do you trust me?" Antonio nodded. Again Arthur asked, shaking his hands hard, "Do you really trust me?" This time, Antonio nodded just as hard. Arthur replied, "Then go and tell Lovino that you LOVE him."
If Arthur were to describe him right now, he would say Antonio's an open-book, because the Spaniard just made the perfect 'huh'-face. He let go of Arthur's hands and questioned in perplexity, "Just tell him? Just like that?" Arthur nodded in affirmation, but Antonio wasn't convinced by that advice, "Claro Que No! If I do, then he'll hit me with that Gargoyle that he is making."
Arthur sighed and later spoke in confidence, "You said you trusted me. Antonio, this is the best advice I can give you- go to him right now and tell him you love him." Antonio was unsure but asked whether he should do it right now. Arthur replied, "Yes now. Go as fast as the Spanish Armada but I assure you'll be more successful than the Armada. SO GO NOW." When Arthur shouted, Antonio nodded and ran.
Normally Arthur wouldn't give such a advice like that to a guy chasing another guy but this time, he knew he wasn't making any mistakes -
When Arthur came to give papers concerning Goblins to Lovino, he saw Antonio standing in the Art-Room. He would have greeted the Spaniard but he had an odd look on his face. Figuring that Lovino must have banned Antonio from entering the Art-Room, he thought it was best to leave Antonio for awhile thinking that maybe that was what his friend wanted. While he was discussing to Lovino about the Goblins, he noticed that Lovino had a look-of-yearning. Turning to see where he was looking, he noticed that he was looking at Antonio's back.
Thinking that he was reading too much into it, Arthur shook his head. But after Antonio left, Lovino started sniffing his fingers and then he smiled, taking to himself, "Antonio sure uses alot of cologne." Surprised by what the junior had just said, Arthur was going to ask whether he wanted to be paired with Antonio, then realized that he was prying, and stayed silent. He noted to himself that would only do it if Lovino asked. But he didn't, so Arthur decided to drop it.
Now, knowing that Antonio feels the same way about Lovino, this would be the fastest pairing Arthur has ever done.
As soon as Antonio left, Feliciano was standing near the door, Arthur smiled to himself thinking that this room really was his counseling-room and then beckon him to enter the room, proceeding to complete to discussion what they hand over the phone the previous time.
x
A/N: Francis is hardly teased, so I figured it should be time.
