**I used a lot of research for this chapter because my knowledge on drugs is literally next to none XD So, I hope my research is good for this chapter as I used some information directly for different websites.

Also, I know I post about 1000 words at a time but I do this because it's like a goal for me in a way. I do have a busy career life and I try to make a goal to write 1000 words in a certain amount of time that is convenient for you all. But, the only reason I have been writing so much is because I am on holidays! Also, thank you for your kind words, your support. And, as always, enjoy! ; ) ***

Work hadn't been as difficult as Arthur had anticipated that day. In fact, it went rather smoothly as that snob of a Frenchman, Francis was sick. Therefore, he had the entire day to kick back and relax, no bullying necessary. That night, he thought he'd treat himself to the free bag of coke that Ivan had given him the previous evening. Because he didn't have any troubles throughout the day, he had enough energy to go to the grocery store to buy himself some baking soda. The baking soda was the key ingredient to make crack out of the cocaine powder.

Arthur was quite excited to experience the quick and very intense high that was awaiting him. Though he was a heavy heroin user, he loved the visions that the rock drug provided for him. Sometimes, he would even take both drugs at the same time if he was in an awful mood and needed to get completely wrecked. The cocaine powder began to make those lovely crackling sounds that Arthur longed to hear after a full day's work. Better news, he even managed to sell a bag of Ivan's coke on the way home from work. That only left him with a couple more to sell, and he could easily pull that off by the end of the week.

His hallucinations weren't too bad that night. Mostly something about a bunny, a unicorn, a fairy, but no Francis. Thank God, no Francis. Arthur was startled for a split second as he was awoken by his faithful alarm clock. He needed coffee, because he felt like shit. Just like he had every other morning before this one. The Brit tried to force the thoughts out of his mind that he could be drinking his morning beverage with someone else and eating a full home cooked meal instead of stale cereal from two months past.

Since it was cold, he grabbed one of his thicker scarves before heading out the door. Ivan gave it to him last year after one of their more wonderful encounters. 'That man has a thing for scarves.' Arthur chuckled to himself. Though he did not have someone to enjoy the morning with, the scarf would always serve as a reminder that he could always seek Ivan out and never be alone at night. Sure, the Russian may have been fond of torture, but he was also tender with Arthur as well. In a strange sense. Nevertheless, Ivan was still someone he could go to instead of sleeping alone.

Since he had some time to kill, he wondered if he could make another sale this morning and take another bag of coke off his hands. Since it was still early, some people had to still be out from partying the night before. Today was starting to look brighter already.

It was a crisp morning breeze, one of Arthur's favorite times of the year. He loved the winter because all of the aggravating bugs had died, his bangs would not stick to his forehead in an awkward fashion, and his clothes did not look like they were drenched in sweat. He made a quick stop in the alley that he and Ivan would usually meet up during the late evening. Of course, the Russian wouldn't be up now, he'd be asleep but even if he did run into the man, Arthur could let him know that everything was looking up with the drug sales.

Arthur's usual from turned into a hopeful smile when he came across a man that looked just as wrecked as he did after a night of heavy drugs or alcohol. He motioned for the man to come closer to him. "Hey, friend. I can fix you up today if you need anything."

The other man flinched in response, but quickly approached the Englishman. "H-hey, what do you have to sell there?"

Perfect. The man already seemed interested to buy and he had no idea what Arthur had to offer yet. "I got a gram, a teener, and a ball." Replied the blond with a smile.

The man's eyes lit up with joy. "Ah, coke today, I see? Well, I did spend a lot last night on some drinks, but I still want to treat myself so I'll go with the teener today."

"Nice. That'll be eighty, please." Arthur responded as he took the bag of white powder out of his hand and exchanged as soon as the stranger handed him the eighty dollars. "Pleasure doing business with you." Before he left for work, he added "Take care of yourself."

He sighed. If only the same could be said about him. Lost in thought, he accidentally bumped into the last person that he ever wanted to see on this planet before or after work hours.

"A-Arthur? What just happened between you and that man?"

"Francis! It's not what it looked like!" Arthur answered in absolute horror.

The Frenchman shook his head. "I'm sorry, my Angleterre, but I can't let this one slide. I'm going to have to not only bring this to Alfred, but to the police as well. Yes, I might hate you, but I'm doing this for your own good, not out of hatred."

Before Francis could react, Arthur fell to the ground and clasped tightly to Francis' ankle. "Francis, please don't! I know what I do isn't right, but I do it for survival! I got nothing. No family left, I live paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet, and I need to sell these drugs just to live. Please, just don't do this. I'll do anything you want me to do."

The look on Francis' face was not malicious, but clearly confused. "I should have taken a different route to work today. But, fine. I won't turn you in to the police and I won't tell Alfred but you are going to tell him eventually on your own terms. In the meantime, no more drugs, no more alcohol, and whatever else you might be doing on the streets that I just don't want to know yet. If I have to put up with you, Arthur, you are going to get cleaned up whether you like it or not. It won't be fun for you, but it might be for me. It better be if I have to take care of your ass."