HEY! Thanks for sticking with the story so far (hopefully it's not too bad) So, this took awhile, I've been quiet busy these past couple o' days (sorry) ;). It's a bit longer now then it was when it started out because I decided to put two chapters together…anyway, hope you enjoy!

Francis Bonnefoy

When I came to, the room was still swimming; an after effect of the magic.

Arthur was passed out in my lap against the corner of the couch. He must have pulled me up off of the floor before he passed out himself. There was something dark on his face though…right under his nose…

Blood.

"Shit," I cussed as I tried to focus on the clock above the office door. We'd been out for about four hours.

The house maid would have taken care of the boys, and started shopping late…Arthur needed serious help.

I sat up a little and shook his shoulders a bit, "Hey, mon cher. Wake up."

My head swam as I moved, but I had to get into our room and to the medicine cabinet in the bathroom; especially if I couldn't take him to the hospital.

I swallowed bile as I stood on shaky leg and held my head. Bending over to slip my arms under Arthur's neck and knees was harder then lifting his body off of the couch.

I stumbled down the hall, leaning on the walls almost the whole way, before practically falling through the door to our room. My vision was starting to go black around the edges again.

I tried to lay him gently into the bed, but it was too much. As soon as he was out of my arms my legs collapsed. I brought my head down to the mattress and tried to slow my ragged breath.

When my eyes could focus again I made my way slowly to the bathroom and filled a glass with water. I pulled down several bottles of pain killers and left them out for Arthur after taking two for myself. I didn't dare look at the reflection in the mirror. I had made that mistake the first time this happened and nearly fainted at the sight. I could only imagine what my aching throat looked like.

I lumbered back over to the bed and placed a cold face cloth on Arthur's forehead while whipping away the blood with a tissue. His irregular breathing was unsettling, but at least he was still breathing, for now.

I stretched out next to him and tried to keep my eyes open for when he would wake up, but my eyelids began drooping.

Soon I found myself falling into a deep dream.

[Arthur Kirkland]

I woke up with a jolt, not remembering falling asleep, and wondering where I was. The room I was in was familiar…it was mine and…

"Francis…" I tilted my head to look at him and instantly regretted it.

My vision became clouded as my head was filled with nauseating pain. My nose and chest burned and my fingertips were jumping with pins and needles.

I waited until the sensation dissipated before I sat up. My head pounded along with my heart, but I forced myself to stand. Slowly I stumbled over to the bathroom, just as my stomach started to heave. I covered my mouth before falling in front of the toilette. A jolt of fear ran through me as I began retching blackish-blue vomit.

It's getting worse…

I sat there breathing deeply for a few minutes, now fully awake, before I forced myself to stand.

I stood over the sink, swallowing pill after pill until my body was nothing more then a collection of vibrating fuzz. There was no pain because there was nothing there to hurt.

I slid back over to Francis, pausing at the foot of the bed. I swayed slightly as I thought.

I didn't mean to hurt him again, at least not this badly. His eye was swollen and already turning purple. He probably had a broken rib or three. He might even have a concussion, but the bruises on his arms and face were all I needed to see to force myself to keep moving until I reached the open spot on the bed.

I scooted closer to Francis then I was when I woke up and gently slid my arms around him.

I could feel his shuddering breath as he slept. I couldn't stand it any longer; I had to know how badly I had hurt him.

I slowly and hesitantly began undoing the buttons on his shirt…

Air hissed through my teeth as I gasped. One long, black bruise stretched up his side, from his waist almost to his underarm. There was one on his chest in the shape of an enlarged fist and one strange, star-like bruise was on his lower neck that looked like…

Fingers!

Tiers burned behind my eyes, but I held them back. I ran my fingers lightly over his bruises, being as careful with him as I could, but his muscles twitched and he woke with a groan.

"Francis I-" My words chocked me.

He inhaled and flinched, "No, mon cher it's all right."

"What?" I looked up at him shocked, "How can you say that? You must have a bloody concussion. It's the only explanation for this delusion of yours. I-I nearly killed you this time and I-"

He pressed his hand against my check and began moving his thumb back and forth, wiping traitorous tiers away with the motion.

"You should not be the one comforting." I whispered into his hand.

He leaned closer, showing visible effort not to flinch, "Then comfort me."

I looked up to find cold challenge in his blue eyes, something I hadn't seen there in years. I wouldn't let myself live if I didn't take it and rise to his challenge, who in their right minds would give up to him?

Crap that was mean!

I took a shallow breath, emptying my mind, and slipped my arms carefully, slowly, around him. I never broke eye contact, even though I wanted to, and watched has his hard, blue eyes softened and melted into a rush of emotion.

I touched my lips against the bruises on his stomach and felt him shiver. Then I made my way up; his chest, neck, chin and eyes.

"Do you feel better or do you need…?" I asked as I began summoning a healing spell in my head.

His eyes widened with intrigue, then fear as he reached and flattened my lifting hair back against my head, "No, mon cher. I can heal without magic."

I quickly canceled the spell, feeling the tug of need and power deep within me, but pushing it aside, "I'm sorry, I just-"

"Shh. No more talking. You're supposed to be comforting me."

I narrowed my eyes at him. In a split second a smile had bloomed on his face and he winked at me.

My breath hitched and I was suddenly extremely aware of how close we were. His eyes closed as he tried to pull me closer. He was squinting against the pain it caused. I took the opportunity and stretched up closer to his face.

When he opened his eyes there was barely any room left between us to breathe. My whole world shrunk down to this room, to two people and even further still to two deep abysses of blue.

My mouth closed in around his as light as a feather, but as I tried to pull back, Francis tugged on my lower lip. He pulled me back to him and he deepened the kiss. Yet I started diving deeper still, tasting him and drinking in his very being.

I must have pressed too hard against him because he suddenly pushed me off and gasped in pain.

I slid away quickly, feeling a bit dizzy, "Francis, are you ok? I'm sorry; I lost control or…something. It was a mistake and-"

"Don't Angleterre. You'll hurt me more…" He closed his eyes and rolled onto his back.

My heart raced and I began to ramble, "No, I didn't mean it like that. I meant, well it felt good for me…but maybe it didn't for you, because…and I wasn't sure what would…I mean I knew what was happening, but you maybe…what I mean is-"

He pressed his finger over my mouth, stopping my words, "You miss understood Angleterre. My bruised body couldn't…respond the way it wanted to. I caused my own pain by trying to react to you, but it's not your fault."

I lifted myself over him, being careful not to make myself too dizzy, but I had to close my eyes anyway to stop my vision from swaying. I held myself above him and tried to keep my weight off of his chest, "I truly am sorry, Francis. I won't…I don't ever, want that to happen again."

He sighed, "Help me sit up, Arthur."

"What? I don't think you should-"

"Just do it. If you're ok sitting up, then I will be to," He said as he began to push himself up anyway.

I pressed my hands against his stomach and back, trying not to hurt him too much as I spread my fingers apart.

He grunted only once before I got him up against the headboard. I couldn't help but think that he would heal so much faster if I used my magic…

I was pulling away when his hand slipped over mine on his stomach, "Where do you think you're going, Angleterre?"

He grunted at the movement, but was able to pull me closer to him, "Francis, what the-"

"No, I want to talk now," He leaned his head back and took several breaths.

I nodded, feeling a bit light headed and warm. I also felt my face flush red as he tightened his hands on my hips. He began to slowly pull me closer to him until his mouth was touching mine.

I tried to pull away, but he held me steadily in place. I mumbled against his mouth, "You're not talking."

He shook his head slightly and mumbled back, "I'm saying everything."

I apologize for any confusion surrounding names, they are the way they are for a reason, don't worry, but thank you for you're insight. I appreciate the help and comments from you guys ;). I'll try to get the next chapter up soon -.-'