That morning, Gilbert and Arthur bonded at the kitchen table as Francis prepared breakfast for the three of them.

"So, drugs, hu?" Gilbert asked. "I've been there before, and I can't say it's a walk in the park getting clean. I'll tell you this, though. Those twelve step meetings and rehab centers didn't do shit for me. I've been there and done that."

"Gilbert! I hope you're not suggesting that Arthur doesn't get treatment!" Called the Frenchman from the kitchen stove.

"I'm not suggesting that at all!" The albino retorted. "What I am saying is, it was mind over matter for me. I stuck to a very strict schedule of doing activities I loved every day. It took a while for me to get into a good routine, but once I did I never broke it. Writing in my journal, working out with my brother weekly, and sticking to a strict diet made for me by France is what kept me level headed. I have been clean for four years now."

"Wow, that really does encourage me." Arthur praised. "I can't say I've had much luck. Well, it's only been about a week for me. The cravings drive me mad at night, and I had an episode the day before you came home. I cut myself because the cravings kept reminding me how dependent I was on them, and if I didn't get a fix soon, I would go mad."

Gilbert nodded. "Those feelings are very normal for the first few months or so. Come work out with my brother and I this weekend. Keeping your body in motion keeps you from sitting around and sitting around only makes bad habits like drugs even more tempting."

The German received a pat on the head from Francis. "Ah, making friends I see? I think you can learn a lot from Gilbert. He'd be a good mentor for you."

Arthur chuckled. "Yeah, I'll be sure to take up some of his advice."

"Oh, by the way, Gil, did you know that Arthur here hasn't celebrated Christmas in fifteen years?"

The albino nearly chocked on his drink. "What?! Blasphemy! We have to change that, Francy. I say we invite everyone we're close to here and have the biggest Christmas bash that'll be so loud, they'll have to arrest us!"

The Brit froze with fear. "W-well, having all of our friends over sounds nice, but let's try to keep the festivities legal, yes?"

"Boo. You whore." Gilbert complained. He grabbed Arthur's shoulders and began to shake him back and forth. "come on, please?!"

Francis smiled and shook his head. "He's not going to stop until you say yes, you know. I've dealt with his behaviors for twenty years, now it's your turn."

The poor man that was being shaken from left and right sighed heavily but chuckled at his new friend's behavior. "All right, all right. We can have your party."

Gilbert cheered with glee. "Whoo hoo! Awesome! But no dicks allowed, like Roderich. If he comes, we all pour champagne on him, strip him of his clothes and spank him until he cries."

The Frenchman gave his German friend a devilish smirk. "Well, then. I better remember to send him an invite. That sounds like heaven – for me, that is. By the way, Gilbert, it's time for you to get a job."

"WHAT?!" Shouted the albino so loud that the floor above him could hear his screams.

"Since you no longer have that rich, poofy boy toy of yours to support your ass, starting Monday we are going to work on your resume." Ordered Francis.

Poor Gilbert nearly cried. "B-but I'm too awesome to work, and I'm broken hearted!" He sighed when he looked over to his life – long best friend, who raised an eyebrow at him and placed a hand on his hips. "I've got no skills… I wouldn't even know where to start. I got no letters of recommendation, and I'd doubt my possible future employer would like to call the old strip joint I worked at for eight years for a reference. I was so hot back then…"

"Well, how about I take you to meet Alfred?" Asked Arthur. "He's a good Samaritan like that. He'll take anybody in need, no matter what their story. Maybe you could work the phones with me, and then I won't be so bored all day." He finished with a smile.

"I guess I could give it a try," The albino quivered nervously. "If I have someone to come with me, maybe?" He said and finished with sad eyes and a pout.

"Not a problem, I'll take you when I drive Arthur and myself to work tomorrow. Oh, don't forget, Arthur. We have brunch with my mother the day after."

Gilbert nearly chocked on his food, his eyes popping out of his head. "WHAT?! You two are a thing?!"

Arthur's palms grew sweaty, and he dropped his fork onto his plate.

Francis, however, appeared expressionless. His eyes darting from side to side.

'Nice save, Francis. Real nice.' The Brit thought to himself. He looked to the curly – haired man for safety, his eyes boring into him and pleading for him to talk first. Because, Arthur honestly wasn't too sure what to say.

Deciding to be an even bigger tease, Francis winked in Arthur's direction. "Well, Arthur. Are we?" He sang.

Last month, Arthur Kirkland would never agree to date Francis Bonnefoy. They were as opposite from each other as you could possibly get, and they argued just as much as an old married couple. But now, he would not be opposed to dating the man, but if he said yes, he would want to say yes only for the right reasons.

Francis had been nothing but good to him the past week or so, and Arthur would have to admit, he was growing rather fond of him. Nevertheless, he did not want to use the man as a crutch. He wanted to be his friend, yes, but he would be lying if he told someone that there were no feelings between the two.

"Well," Gilbert began. "I'm waiting." He said with a toothy grin. Gilbert chirped in response, as though he were adding his own two cents to the conversation.