Chapter Six: Sorting It Out
A/N: Could it possibly be that I don't have anything to add here! No...no there's one thing...oh, but I'll put it at the end. Also, I hate having to ask but PLEASE review. I slaved over this story for a month, the least you could do (I'm looking at you lurking readers) is leave a small message saying "Oh wow, I like this story". It doesn't have to be anything in detail. Oh, and if you didn't know you don't have to have an account to leave a message. It'll simply come up saying "Anonymous".
Now for those of you who are reviewing (FrUk27 and 1silentmouse) I have a wonderful surprise in this chapter! Francis and Arthur finally advance their relationship! YAY!
Arthur awoke the next morning, his back to the Frenchman sleeping beside him. He instinctively, though unconventionally, found himself combing his fingers through the other man's hair.
After a few minutes he got up and changed, heading out to the market.
The Londoner slowly made his way around Borough Market stopping at stalls to buy fruits, vegetables and bread. He chatted with the farmers who came all the way out from the countryside to sell their goods and bought a Daily Courant. Sifting through the pages an article caught his eye, nearly making him drop the newspaper. The headline read: Mother Clapton's Molly House Raided.
Arthur shook, trying to set his head straight, but he was truthfully scared.
The old woman standing at a nearby stall looked at him, "What's wrong son?"
"Oh," Arthur looked at her, trying to swallow his nerves, "N-nothing."
The Brit went back to reading the paper.
At 10:45pm last night Sir John Gonson and his Society of Reformation of Manners entered a building on the South end of London where the sinful practice of Sodomy was taking place. The Mollies, men who dress in the fashion of women, were arrested as they tried to flee. The owner, Mrs. Clapton, was also arrested and taken to Newgate with the other eight criminals. All the offenders, save the owner, suffered injuries as they were beaten by some of the members of the Society. They are expected to face trial at the Old Bailey soon. The Mayor of London personally congratulated Sir Gonson and the group for their fine service in ridding London of such vice.
Arthur frowned, rolling the paper up and tucking it under his shoulder. He pondered how he would break the news to Francis. The Molly House that had been raided was the same one he and his roommate had visited a few weeks ago.
Walking back to his flat, a bag of groceries in hand, he found himself thinking of what would happen to the Mollies. Committing sexual acts with someone of the same gender was illegal; it was a capital offence. They would surely hang for it. The fact made him all the sadder.
He thought about Francis. There was no doubt the Frenchman had to leave. If the Society could find out about the Molly House what was stopping them from discovering Arthur's secret?
Arthur shook his head. What secret? He thought to himself, I'm not hiding anything. I just have this French roommate who just happens to think everything is beautiful. That's not odd…he IS French after all.
The Londoner suddenly remembered the day before. How he had felt about Francis' story, about the kiss, and this morning, the comfort of having the Parisian next to him.
"No!" He shook his head. That wasn't him, he wasn't like that and he'd make damn sure Francis knew it.
Opening the door he found Francis sitting on the bed, hunched over with his hair covering his face.
"F-Francis?"
The Frenchman kept his head down and said nothing. After a minute he finally spoke, "I know what happened to the Molly House."
"You do?" Arthur looked sympathetic. He wondered if Francis had caught a quick glimpse of the newspaper that revealed the bad news Arthur intended to share before he dropped his head.
"Of course!" Francis shot his head up, giving Arthur an annoyed looked, "I heard your neighbour's talking about it. Rather pleasantly I might add."
"Oh," It was Arthur's turn to look down. He felt rather embarrassed. He felt even more terrible knowing the worst was yet to come.
Walking closer to the Parisian, Arthur cleared his throat, "Francis, I need…to make something clear to you."
Francis finally looked up, "What?"
"What I said yesterday," The Brit continued, "I meant that. You really should go to the ambassador."
Francis stood up, "I thought we already solved that issue."
"We did," Arthur answered, "Sort of. I just worry that people might get the wrong idea about us."
The Parisian raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"I mean…yesterday." The Englishman rubbed the back of his neck, looking away, "It was rather strange for me…you know, because I'm not…I'm not like you."
The Frenchman narrowed his eyes, "You're not what? Homosexual?"
"Uh," Arthur threw his hands up, "I'm not trying to offend…"
Francis stood up, still looking angry. "Are you serious? Yesterday you seemed pretty enchanted by my story. You can't just stop being homosexual you know. I should know, I've tried."
The Brit blinked in shock, "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Francis waved a hand motioning Arthur to move back while he sat down on the bed again, "I mean I've tried to be…interested in women."
"Y-you have?"
"Yes!" The Frenchman looked back up at the Brit, "I have tried courting girls, I was even arranged to be married to one."
"When was that?" Arthur looked curiously.
"I don't know," Francis looked to the floor, "Last year. Why do you think I went on this trip anyway?"
"You said you wanted to understand England more." Arthur said matter-of-factly.
Francis choked a laugh, "Psh, I wanted to get away from my family, that's why."
Arthur bit his lip, feeling sorry for the Frenchman. He was having family problems too, but to a different degree.
The Parisian stood up, still rather agitated. "I probably should go to the ambassador as you said. I was really hoping to stay but I feel I may have inconvenienced you. I would hate for your neighbours to spread terrible rumours about you or something of that nature."
"My neighbours?" It had always been Arthur's biggest fear that his neighbours, not the brightest people London had to offer, would rat him out to authorities for something. One of his neighbours, who grew to dislike him because of his father – no reason, the man was a sheep following whatever the ruling class told him – had tried to sell him off as a thief but the university stepped in and gave testimony to his good character. Unfortunately, Arthur no longer had the university to hide behind.
"Yes," Francis admitted, "I've already heard them talking about us."
"They're what!" Arthur gasped.
Francis frowned, "For some time now they've been talking about us. I didn't want to say anything to you because I did not want to trouble you."
Arthur glared. He despised his neighbours and always looked forward to the day when he would make good money at the Old Bailey, allowing him to move away from these despicable creatures. Unknowing what was possessing him he shook his head, "Nonsense. Screw those damn twits and the toffs they kiss arse to."
Francis looked muddled, wondering what the Brit was getting at.
"You're staying here." Arthur stomped his foot, "And that is final. I won't have those wretched gits ruin everything good I have. Besides, the teachings of Enlightenment say we have control over our own bodies anyway!"
The Frenchman smiled, "That is good news. If you are ready to tough it out then so am I."
Arthur smiled back then remembered the bag of groceries in his hand. "Now you can make that dinner you've been promising."
Francis laughed, "Oui, oui, I will make something special for you, as promised."
)()()()()()()(
Sitting at the desk across from Francis, Arthur took a bite of stew and chewed it slowly, savouring the taste.
"This is incredibly good! What is it?"
Francis looked up, "Ragoût…well, sort of. There's no pig's-ear or lamb-stones or cock's-combs in it but plenty of vegetables, seasonings and little bit of wine."
Arthur blushed at the provocative word, nearly choking on a spoonful of mushrooms and anchovies. Francis couldn't help but laugh.
"I am glad you are enjoying my meal," Francis smiled sincerely, "Je suis très heureux."
Arthur blinked, "What does that mean?"
Francis continued to stare at the other with a soft smile, "It means I am very happy."
"Oh," Arthur continued to eat, "I'm rather happy too. One can't go wrong with good company and a good meal."
"Have you found an internship position yet?"
Arthur dropped his spoon, suddenly not feeling hungry anymore. He pushed his seat out and stood up, walking away from the desk towards the bathroom.
"Where are you going? Artur?" Francis stood up stiff.
"I'm just," Arthur paused, holding the knob of the door.
"You still haven't found one have you?" Francis looked dishearten.
The Londoner gripped the knob tighter. He leered at the Frenchman, "No! But so what? I'll find one! It's only a matter of time!"
The Parisian knew better, "Maybe you should consider leaving London too. It seems, unfortunately, your father's reputation is affecting you."
"But the university-"
"All the university cares about is money." Francis shook his head.
The Brit stared at the cold, wooden floor. He was ashamed to admit he couldn't find a position and, not wanting to believe there was nothing that could be done, blamed himself for his trouble. If I had gotten better grades, if I had put more effort into my internship search, if my letters of intent were clearer. But truthfully he had known all along why he couldn't secure a place under a professional lawyer…it was his father's reputation…now the family reputation. London was an unforgiving place. If one person messed up, all of your kin were doomed.
Arthur jolted when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up into calm blue eyes, "Francis."
Francis took the Londoner's chin in his hand. He brought his lips close to Arthur's and whispered, "N'inquiète pas. Je te soignes de toi."
"I don't…know…w-" Arthur speech was slow and hesitant as he was drawn into a gentle kiss. He could feel the liquid coated lips of the Frenchman pressed against his own. The stew was even better when the taste was coming from his mouth.
Pulling out of the kiss, Francis moved his hand from Arthur's chin to the side of his face. He tenderly stroked the skin over the Brit's cheekbone. He stared lovingly at Arthur's expression; he looked like an innocent, frightened animal. His eyes displayed shock, but also said he was waiting for more.
Francis couldn't stop himself this time; he leaned back in for another caress of the lips. To his surprise and delight the Londoner didn't pull away, slightly opening his mouth to let the Parisian in.
Arthur nearly lost his footing as he melted at Francis' tongue-work. He could feel the Frenchman's hands moving down his back, rubbing every inch of it. Those hands made their way down to his waist and around onto his buttocks. Arthur pulled out the kiss, feeling awkward. It wasn't normal for a man to have his hands on another man's ass and yet it made his loins tingle with excitement.
Francis grinned and pulled the two tightly together so that their fronts were locked together, "I can feel you, Artur."
"Well obviously," Arthur fired at him, confused to the purpose of this gripping hug, "It's hard not to when you're pressed against someone this close."
"That's not what I meant," The Parisian purred in his ear.
Arthur felt his whole body get hotter. He suddenly noticed his hardened erection throbbing as it was held against Francis.
The Frenchman guided the Brit back against the door before pulling their bodies apart. He took a moment to examine the figure in front of him before placing a hand Arthur's stiff cock.
The Brit froze at the exotic touch.
Francis winked, "Since you liked my story so much; why not play it out?"
"Fr-…I…uh…" Arthur was at a loss for words. He didn't have much time to think as an intense wave of pleasure rushed through his body. He nearly buckled when Francis started to rub his bulge rhythmically. Arthur grabbed onto the arm that kept pulling up and pushing down. Logical thinking cried for this to stop, while bodily ecstasy begged for it to continue.
"Do you remember what happened next?" Francis gently placed his forehead symmetrical to Arthur's.
Arthur could barely squeak out a response, still transfixed on the desire for more.
The Frenchman relieved the other momentarily, stopping his work to give up the answer. Only instead of saying what it was he intended to show it. Getting down on his knees he unbuckled the Brit's pants pulling it all down.
"W-wait!" Arthur's comprehension skills were rapidly returning. He lost them again as Francis took him in whole. Breathing harder he grabbed onto the Parisian's hair while his cock was sucked slowly but firmly. Arthur shut his eyes, trying to relax himself as he felt himself getting higher.
Francis deep-throated him twice before taking the hardened dick out of his mouth. He grinned internally noticing the Brit peep open an eye to see what was coming next. He rubbed the tip of the shaft while licking it from its base to the top and back again.
"F-fr-…I'm…" Arthur managed to squeeze out a broken statement, speaking in a pitch higher than usual.
"Good." Francis knew what the Brit was telling him. He swirled his tongue around the slit at the top of Arthur's erection before swallowing him again; waiting for the orgasm. When it came he took it all in, leaving Arthur wide-eyed and surprised.
The Brit blushed hard seeing his mate gulp down his seed. He didn't know whether to feel angry, concerned, apologetic, or flat out disgusted. His legs finally gave in as he slid down the door onto the ground.
Francis crawled up, placing a soft kiss on the Londoner's lips, "You taste good, Arthur…for an Englishman."
"You…you said…"
Francis grinned, "I have been working extra hard so that I could say it right for you."
"Oh," Arthur whispered, "Good…"
The Frenchman pushed a messy chunk of hair out of the Brit face as he fell asleep against the door. He frowned and spoke softly to himself, "I hope everything will work out okay. I don't want to lose everything that is good right now either."
End Notes:
~Yes, the Society for Reformation of Manners delt the blow to one of, if not THE, most famous Molly House in London at the time, owned by "Mother" Margaret Clap. A funny thing to add to this would be that it is thought that the term "Molly House" was named after Ms. Clap because the short-form of Margaret is "Molly".
~People weren't ALWAYS hanged for being sodomites. If it was a small one-time thing (and consentual) then they were often tossed in the pillars. Only in cases where the act was continously done (like in Molly houses) was a death sentence imposed. As for forcing someone I'm not too sure since it could fall under sexual assault which, to my recollection, was not a death sentence. XD Don't quote me though.
~A "toff" is a derogatory term for someone who is like an aristocrat or presents themselves as being superior to others.
~Oh God...I am REALLY going to go through the teachings of Enlightenment? I'll try to summerize it by saying that during the 18th century there was this movement called "The Age of Enlightenment" or "The Age of Reason". The term wasn't actually used until the mid 18th century but it's philosophy arguably dates back to the 1630s with René Descartes (the I think; therefore I am guy). Every nation used the movement to fuel it's own ambitions. France used it, for example, to push forward it's Revolution while Russia and Prussia used it to solitify the rule of their leaders and Germany used it to heighten it's sense of nationalism, especially in the middle class. Since English enlightenment thinkers tended to focus on the individual and liberties they were often ignored by politicians. John Locke, an English enlightened thinker, argued that "every man has a property in his own person: this no body has any right to but himself" in his Second Treatise of Civil Government (1690). This was often used as a defense by those who knowingly committed acts of sodomy.
Translations:
~"N'inquiète pas. Je te soignes de toi." means, "Do not worry. I will take care of you."
AND FINALLY,
Visit the website for the Toronto Zoo. A new polar bear cub was born recently and they're accepting applications for names. I've already suggested Kumajirou. I think the more people who request the name, the more likely it is to be chosen. So head over and do that! Just type in "Toronto Zoo" in google. I'd give you a link but...hyperlinks and fanfiction don't seem to like each other.