CHAPTER FOUR
He felt the wall for a light switch. The room was absolutely pitch black when they walked in after Arthur had unlocked the door. He was starting to have seconds thoughts about the whole situation, however. Was he really just going to let a stranger into his home like this? Apparently, yes. Light flooded the room quickly, and it seemed instantly warmer. The two males both walked inside hurriedly to get out of the cold. "Would you like some tea?" Arthur asked as he unwrapped his scarf and stepped into the kitchen. He could see Francis take timid footsteps into the home, surveying the room as he went. "Do you have any wine?" Was the response that spilled off his tongue. Wine? "Oh, I don't know. I haven't had wine in quite a while; let me check." The blond opened the fridge and searched its contents for a wine bottle.
"Your home is very nice," he heard the Frenchman say after a while. The only thing he could think to say in reply was, "Thank you." Francis stepped into the living room and stopped in front of the fish bowl. "You like pets, no?" Arthur glanced over at him. "Oh..." He frowned slightly."Yes. And I'm terribly sorry, but I can't seem to find any wine." He closed the fridge. That fish was one Alfred and he had picked out when they first got the house together. "That's Eddie," he said quietly, following Francis into the living room. "I've often forgotten to feed him with all that's going on, but I'm glad he's still alive at least." Arthur bit his lip as he picked up a can that read Fish Food, twisting off the cap and sprinkling some flakes into the bowl. "Monsieur, let me talk to you about something for a moment," the man said in his French accent. Arthur turned to face him. "Yes?" He asked. "I'm an aspiring inventor, no? And I can see that you look short on money, no?" He wasn't sure whether to take that as an insult or not. "I had an idea," Francis stated, his blue eyes shining excitedly. "If you help me sell my invention, I could give some of my earnings to you! Then, both of us would be happy." The green-eyed blond thought about it. He really, really thought about it, then asked, "And how might I help you advertise your product?" "You are to help me hand out papers and such. You're a nice man, and people like you. I can't speak English very well, and I look like a beggar. You're... You look like a nobleman." Arthur continued to frown. He didn't exactly like the idea, but he did need the money. Maybe he could find a different job? But no, this man really needed his help. He thought his invention was interesting, but maybe not worthy enough to be on every shelf of a store. "I'll help," he said unsurely. Nothing could go horribly wrong; he was just helping to advertise for a man's invention. For the first time in what seemed like forever, he'd made someone's face light up with joy. "Really? Oh, thank you!" Francis leaped forward and gave Arthur a tight hug, which startled him quite a bit. He hadn't had a hug in a while, it seemed. "Francis, please. Please, I can't breathe." The male immediately released Arthur, chuckling in embarrassment.
"Have a seat, will you? We can talk some more." They both grinned, taking a seat in one of the two green chairs in the middle of the living room. The chairs were facing each other, which made it easier for two people to talk. "Tell me a little about yourself, and I will do the same when you have finished," he said. "Oh, well," Arthur stammered. "I love cooking. And... Alfred..." Arthur trailed off, a distant look in his green eyes. "Tell me about Alfred," Francis said. "Oh, Alfred. He's the most wonderful man I've ever met, and I love him with all of my heart. He's funny, kind, a little dumb and slightly annoying... But I love him." They both smiled. Francis could tell that Arthur really loved Alfred. "I had a lover once," the Frenchman stated in a somewhat melancholy tone. "She left me for a life of freedom. You see, I am chained down by poverty, but she wanted to marry a rich man. I told her to go, and she did. I still miss her." The room was quiet for what seemed like an eternity. Both of them were going through issues that involved someone they loved, and they both could relate to each other. Arthur thought that maybe they could be friends. "I'm sorry," he finally said after a while. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Francis flashed a sad smile. "No, no! You are going through a harder time than I had to go through, honestly. I don't ever think she really cared. Besides, I have Belle," he replied. "Belle? Who's she?" "My cat. She's the love of my life." Though Arthur thought that was slightly strange, he decided not to make any comment on the matter. "I'd love to meet her sometime." Did he just invite this man back into his home? "Of course," he replied with a smile. "I know she would love to meet you. Belle is very sweet." There was yet again silence between the two. "Well," Francis finally said, standing from the chair. "I should be going. Thank you so much." Arthur got up and smiled in return, "Thank you for coming. I'll be looking forward to our next visit." He wondered if Francis would ever come back again. "Let's meet again soon, alright?" Arthur ushered him over to the door and opened it for him. "Goodbye, monsieur!"
The man said as he stepped out; he closed the door behind himself. Arthur couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. It was nice to have people around to talk to, but all he really wanted was to be alone for a while. He decided the get ready for bed since he was pushed far past exhaustion. He brushed his teeth and slipped into his night clothes, crawling under the cozy sheets of his bed. But no, they were much colder without the warmth of his partner. He missed Alfred. He missed him so much it ached. "Alfred..." Hot tears started to slip down his cheeks. "Alfred..." God damn him! "I miss you."