The workshop was always noisy, hot, and cramped. It didn't matter how hard or fast Arthur worked. There was never a lack of work or jobs waiting for him every day. It was impossible to keep up with, but people who knew his work were patient. They were willing to wait for the repair to be done properly.

It was easier when he had help, but… Some things were just out of his control. Even if maybe it should have been.

Not that his attention should have been on his lack of help when he was working. It was too easy to get a cut or wound or even lose a finger. So far, Arthur had managed to avoid that, but it was never too late to get distracted and fuck up.

It was especially important that he keep concentration because he was getting low on spare parts and he couldn't afford to damage anything by accident. It would be one thing if he could go out to buy and scavenge parts. However that wasn't an option. Since someone had absconded with his airship.

"Now, Arthur, maybe it would be a good idea to step away from your worktable," that same someone said.

"Maybe it would be a good idea for you to leave," Arthur said, voice calm and even as he worked. "Before someone gets hurt."

"Oh, well…" His voice was cautious and he was keeping a mindful distance. Rightfully so. "Surely we can talk about this."

"Talk about what?" Arthur asked. He set down the wrench and turned his back on his project. He didn't look his "visitor" in the eyes, taking his gloves off and crossing his arms. "About how you hijacked my ship to go off thieving? Or maybe how you left me stranded on this island with no way to get supplies? Better yet, what about how you completely fucked me over?"

His visitor winced and laughed slightly. At least it was sheepish. "Erm… I wouldn't go so far as to say that. I did steal your ship, yes. But I didn't leave you with no way off. You have clients come by all the time."

"Client, yes! Not friends I can ask for a ride from," Arthur snarled. "Marceau, you fucking―"

"Ah, good. I know how to handle you when you're angry. Calm and stewing, not so much," Marceau said with another faint, sheepish laugh. He jumped when chucked a part at his head. Fortunately, it was (likely) just a scare tactic.

"Don't fucking try that shit with me! You're not going to fast talk your way out of this!" Arthur growled. "Where do you get off taking my ship to rob people?"

Marceau sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Arthur, please… What else would you expect? Honestly, did you really think I would stop?"

"You know why I'm angry, Marceau! Don't play innocent like you don't know what's going on!"

There was a silence between them. Arthur stood stewing and livid while Marceau hesitated in sheepishness. They had fought before, yes, but… Arthur had never been so angry with him. It was, in a way, their first major fight.

"Arthur… I'm sorry, but I did it for a good reason," Marceau sighed.

"And what good fucking reason did you have?" Arthur snarled.

Marceau's frown turned into a smile. "Ah, well, I thought you might like a gift, so I needed money."

"A gift?" Arthur droned with an unamused expression. "What the fuck are you going on about?"

Marceau's smile grew and he took a step forward on a chance. "Yes, a gift. Perhaps you forgot something?"

It was possible… Arthur had a tendency to get caught up in his own head for most of the day. Especially if he was working. But there was no good explanation that came to mind. "Marceau… Cut the shit."

He sighed and shook his head. Arthur didn't seem to grow any more violent, so he stepped closer again. "Arthur… You know, for all you skill and ingenuity… you are an airhead sometimes."

"Excuse me?"

"Cher… Love… Think for another second." He leaned forward, smirking a little bit when Arthur leaned back but didn't actually move. "What happened a year ago?"

After a moment, Arthur blushed and immediately wanted to kick himself. "I… I'm an ass…" he said with a grimace.

Marceau laughed and brushed some of Arthur's soot covered bangs out of his face. "Hmm… Maybe just a little bit. I can forgive you, though, if you will forgive me."

"…You still stole my ship, you twat," Arthur pointed out with a pointed look. "You could've asked first."

Whether it was the way Arthur talked or his refusal to give up that made Marceau laugh, he didn't know. Either way, the way his eye twitched was just cute enough for Marceau to tug on the goggles around his neck. "Arthur," he said, practically purring just to drive him crazy.

His expression twitched and he hesitated for a moment longer. "I… Ugh, alright, fine. Just don't do it again," he huffed. He was making an effort not to make eye contact with Marceau. The proximity still made him anxious. It was ridiculous.

"Hmm… Alright, I won't go off without warning," Marceau conceded. "So long as you give me a kiss."

Arthur wanted to knock that smirk off his face. It was just… so smug. Because, of course, he knew Arthur wouldn't tell him "no." He huffed and leaned forward for a brief kiss. It would be hard to get away, since Marceau had ahold of his goggles.

Marceau snorted at the chaste kiss. He pulled the goggles forward to give Arthur a deeper kiss. "Don't be shy. Arthur, come on," he snorted. "We've been married for a year."

"I know that," Arthur huffed, looking away.

"Do you, though?" Marceau snickered. "Because I think you might have forgot."

Arthur frowned at him, but he couldn't deny that. It was pretty obvious. "Alright, fine. Happy anniversary," he said, rolling his eyes. "So what is this gift…?" He had a feeling he may not want to know.

"Ah… It may or may not be a dragon egg."

There was a long pause before Arthur smacked him in the chest. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

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