Morning came with little fanfare other than the sound of the train's breaks screaming to a halt. Arthur had been awake for some odd hours, and watched as the shift in weight jostled the other man in his car awake. Francis looked like hell.
"We're going to be most of the day yet. We're just stopping here to refuel. We can leave the train but with or without us it'll move on in two hours." Arthur said blandly, shifting his legs to get up.
Francis didn't say anything but followed him out into the cool morning. The train station they'd stopped at seemed to be in the upper Oklahoma Territory. Inside just as few people as anywhere else stood amongst the ill kept ruins. If it weren't for shipping Arthur doubted there would be any trains coming south in the first place.
"Hungry?" Arthur asked off-handedly.
"I suppose." Francis didn't sound very enthused.
As much as Arthur didn't like him he really couldn't blame him either. "I'll go see if I can find some food. There's usually a stand somewhere around stations."
Arthur left Francis to do whatever it is he needed to. It didn't take long to find food. And older woman had set up shop at a repurposed front desk. Lucky for him she was selling more than just produce. He figured some bread and apples would suffice for the trip north. After paying Arthur had looked around briefly but found no sign of the other man. It was more than likely Francis had already made his way back onto the train.
Sighing, Francis rubbed his eyes. He felt no better than he did the night before. His sleep was superficial and often interrupted by the jarring of the train or someone's late night bathroom break. Everything felt dull, including him. His senses seemed fuzzy at the edges and he could barely bring himself to speak if it didn't matter. If it were possible a drink would be wonderful.
"I was right, you are here. Well saves me the trouble of finding you then I guess." Arthur said as he opened, and then closed the compartment door behind him.
Francis only watched blankly as Arthur arranged his bag next to the spot he'd eventually sit down in. He had offered and apple, but the Frenchman refused. Most of the train ride was spent in this quiet. It was nearing afternoon before Arthur could even get Francis to eat.
"You know whatever funk it is you've got yourself into is going to have to end sometime soon." Arthur stated matter-of-factually.
"Oh? And why would that be?" Francis' tone was flat, but upticked at the end in curiosity.
"Where we're going it's more than likely we'll be greeted by an extremely talkative Italian and I'd rather you not put him off. If course that's if we're lucky."
"And if we're unlucky?"
Arthur ripped a piece of bread off of his small loaf with his teeth and chewed a few times before speaking. "His brother will be there too. While he's harmless he's not exactly fun to be around."
"Well then, cheers to lady luck?" Francis was only joking, but Arthur raised his loaf of bread slightly as a silent sign of agreement.
When the train finally pulled into it's destination it was almost seven. With a little resourcefulness Arthur had managed to hitch them a ride. Which wasn't long granted, but the walk would have been taxing at best. All Francis knew is they were headed to Beilschmidt Auto, wherever that was.
Beilschmidt Auto turned out to be a small body shop at one of two corners leading down a small rural road off of the highway. While Arthur entered the building, Francis took in his surroundings.
Across the two lane highway a large cornfield stretched between a small home and a hotel. The front building of the hotel was small, painted dark green. The hotel rooms behind it were condensed into one long building with no more than maybe twenty rooms. The outside of this building was unfortunately painted bright pink. It almost hurt to look at. A sign near the road read "Michigan Motel" over a rounded mitten and chipped with age. Next to Beilschmidt Auto another building fared little better than the motel. The glass windows were dark, and the only thing that would hint to what might have gone on inside at some point were faded yellow letters on the front saying "Dew's Pizza & Subs". Everything down the road was mostly trees, but a road here and there along with a few larger buildings could be spotted in the distance. Arthur came out from the shop again.
"Not here. Guess we'll have to go to the house." Arthur announced.
"House?" Francis questioned. He hadn't seen a house as they pulled up.
Arthur only led him around the property and through a tall wooden gate. Beyond a small concrete lot cracked and overgrown with weeds, a house stood in between trees. As they neared the house Francis found it in better shape than he expected. A small plot of land behind the house served as a garden and various wind chimes stood still in the afternoon air above the porch. The white painted stairs creaked underneath the men's weight. A well worn wooden porch swing sported several lap pillows and a tin cup sat forgotten on the railing next to it. Arthur knocked a couple times and a faint voice could be heard on the other side. The door opened up and a short man with auburn hair and a bright smile greeted them.
"Oh! Arthur! It's been forever. Come in." He said happily and moved to usher them into the house.
The house itself was modest inside and the smell of food almost seemed to surround them. Francis found it small and unlike any place he'd ever experienced, but it easily felt like home. The brunet lead them through the house to the kitchen table. He insisted they sit while he made them coffee.
"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself did I?" The man asked, approaching Francis and offering his hand. "My name is Feliciano Vargas."
"Oh, Italian. Makes me feel a little closer to home. Francis Bonnefoy." Francis took the offered hand and smiled warmly at the Italian.
Feliciano smiled at the pair before starting to work on the coffee. "So, why are you here so suddenly? You usually send a note or call."
The smell of brewing coffee was strong against the other smells coming from the stove but it wasn't overpowering and only added to the feel of the house.
Arthur leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. "Well I was down below the Southern Border to pick up burn salve for Alfred and this man here," he motioned his head towards Francis, who felt slightly wounded for some reason but said nothing, "hired me to take him to New York. I don't think much will come out of it but better safe than sorry so here I am for rounds. Got some recently but if anything does go down I don't think it'll be enough."
Feliciano only hummed a reply as he started to stir a pot on the stove's range. He seemed content, but in a way Francis didn't understand. Arthur seemed to understand better and looked on at the Italian fondly. As if he was a mother who got to watch her child achieve something they'd always dreamed of. When the coffee maker finally stopped dripping two mugs were pulled out of a cupboard and filled. Francis took the mug with a smile but he doubted he would like it much. His palette wasn't used to painfully common foods.
"Now that you know why I'm here, I might as well ask my own questions." Arthur said after he sipped from his own cup. "How are things going? With Ludwig I mean?"
Feliciano laughed. "Not much differently than the last time you asked! He tries to be so considerate to me and I think it's to his own fault. If I were meaner I'd say he was dumb."
"He needs to buck the fuck up in my opinion. If he honestly hasn't noticed and you're not going to tell him, he'll spend forever running around in the dark." Arthur took another sip of his coffee and rubbed the warm surface of the cup almost thoughtfully.
The Italian stopped what he was doing and leaned against the counter, arms folded. "I don't even know if I did tell him he'd be ready. Ludwig wants to protect me and make sure he's not doing anything pushy. Which I do appreciate! I don't know... Maybe I'm no better because I feel the same. Either way it's going to come out in it's own time and I'd rather it be on his schedule. I'm patient."
Now Francis was wondering who exactly this Ludwig was. He had absolutely no problems admitting Feliciano was very attractive. But it was interesting to wonder who this man was, what he would look like next to the Italian. How do they fit together?
"Not to sound like a booze hound, but I haven't had a drink in months. You got anything?" Arthur asked out of the blue.
Feliciano smiled, which seemed like the only thing he ever did. "Figured you would ask. We do, but I wish we didn't." He moved across the kitchen and opened another cupboard to pull out a large mason jar. He handed it to Arthur before returning to the stove.
Arthur shook it briefly and looked at it. Seeming satisfied he opened the jar and poured some into his coffee. He screwed the metal top back on.
"I'm not picky so this should be fine." Arthur said.
"I don't like the idea of Gilbert going out and buying the stuff." The brunet frowned for the first time.
Francis concluded that this man would look cute doing absolutely anything. Ludwig was a lucky man.
"I wouldn't worry if I were you. It's not the buying that's the dangerous part, it's the selling. I pray for the poor bastards that get stuck with that job." Arthur told him.
Feliciano sighed, "But still. Imagine all the immoral things that go into it!"
"Feliciano, I'm a bounty hunter. I literally kill for money and you willingly let me into your home. You cannot get more immoral than that without being completely smashed a couple times a month. How I manage I will never know. Believe me they're saints in comparison." Arthur said as he leaned back in his chair. "Stupid," He paused to take a drink, then lowered it to the table again. "But saints."
The three sat without saying anything for quite some time. None of them found it felt awkward. Francis briefly thought the feel of the home in general kept pretty much anything from being uncomfortable. Their coffee mugs had been refilled for a second time before the sound of heavy footsteps alerted them to newcomers.
The front door opened and two men stepped into the house. One was tall and muscular, blonde hair slicked back. His shirt was black, but showed obvious signs of dirt and sweat. The other man was shorter and pale. His hair was white in places it didn't have oil or grease staining it. Francis was almost startled by his dark red eyes. He'd never met anyone who looked like that man did. Arthur stood up and met the taller man halfway.
"Ludwig." He said and offered his hand.
"Arthur." Ludwig gripped Arthur's hand firmly.
"Lemme guess Birdie isn't here is he?" The pale man asked, voice loud and tone unapologetic. His blonde companion seemed unfazed.
Arthur looked at him with annoyance. "No. Unfortunately I didn't have time to pick Matthew up on my way here." There was slight emphasis on Matthew's name.
"I'm really sorry to just show up like this. But I wanted to pick up some more rounds before my next job. Speaking of," Arthur turned towards Francis, who stood up and approached. "This is Francis. He's the reason I'm here."
Francis held out his hand hesitantly to shake each of the men's. "Francis Bonnefoy. Arthur here has been gracious enough to escort me to the New York Territory."
Ludwig nodded at Francis as he let go of his hand. He seemed like a strong and silent man. Which almost made comedic sense to Francis. If opposites really do attract, Feliciano's feelings made sense.
Ludwig turned to talk to an excited Feliciano and Gilbert stepped up to talk to Arthur and his ward.
"We can get you some rounds. But it's getting late. You can stay tonight if you want. We only have one extra bed though, so you guys can work that out on your own." Gilbert said.
Francis and Arthur exchanged a brief look. Arthur just shrugged. There really wasn't much for him to protest. A bed for the night is better than no bed. Even if he had to share it with Francis, who personally didn't care either.
"Oh! Before I forget. Gilbert," Arthur started. Gilbert raised his eyebrow with interest. "Matthew had a message for you." Now he was really interested. "He told me to tell you he loves you."
Now, no one who ever knew Francis claimed he was a master with love. Many in fact had stated quite the opposite many times. But when Gilbert's eyes lit up and a genuine smile graced his features, Francis knew that Matthew's message meant the world to him. The poor fool was in love and way over his own head.
Later that night, after dinner had been served and the dishes long done, Ludwig had retired and Arthur sat in the living room with Feliciano. Francis and Gilbert sat at the kitchen table still, talking like old friends. The dynamic between them was in more than one way pure energy. Gilbert seemed to never tire. And Francis almost always found a way to acquiesce to his mischief without spurring it on. It was like they were teens again. Years that weren't so far away as they seemed but still were filled with far off memories of stupidity and skulking around. If someone had told Francis that he would one day befriend someone not only from the Territories, but someone much lower in class than him he probably would've laughed. But, there are first times for everything he supposed.
"So, Feliciano obviously isn't related to you and your brother. How is it you became acquainted?" Francis asked.
"God. It was a long fucking time ago. At least it feels that way." Gilbert said and nodded his head slightly at the memory. "Well, it might've been three...four years ago? It was really late and I looked out my window at the garden for some fucking reason." Gilbert threw his hand up in the air for effect.
"And I saw something move. At first I thought maybe a deer or something was eating the plants. So I was like "fuck that" and I ran downstairs and told Ludwig to get the gun. I mean if it was a deer why pass up on the meat you know? So we're both out in the dark and the closer we get we realize that holy fuck it's a person. Feli was just sitting there holding a carrot and looking at us like we were grim reapers. Lud's a big softie so he insists we take him in. Feli was apparently fired from his job and kicked out of his apartment or whatever. He never really explains it to us when we ask even now. So we offer him a place to stay. Now he helps out around the house and the workshop to earn his keep here. That's about it." He finished.
He took a sip from the cup he'd filled with moonshine. "What about you? What's up with you and Arthur? Neither of you seemed too pissed about having to share a bed." He asked.
Francis smirked. "I'm afraid whatever it is you suspect is nothing but your imagination my friend. I personally have no qualms about sharing my bed with a fairly handsome man. But Arthur is not one of my biggest fans. I assume it's simply his mere utilitarianism that moved him to accept fate. I'm simply paying him to take me to New York. That's it."
Gilbert didn't ask why it was Francis needed to be in New York. He honestly didn't really give much of a fuck either. "To every fool a purpose I guess." was all he said before announcing he was off to bed, and suggesting Francis do the same. Advice he followed shortly after finishing his own drink.
"So you can find him, non?" The woman asked, towering above him. She had refused to sit.
Ivan wasn't intimidated. This woman was witty and definitely had enough man power behind her to get her out of trouble, but there was no use getting involved with her past what she asked of him.
"I do not lie. If I say I can find him I will." He replied coolly. Out of the corner of his eye Ivan saw Yao shift from one foot to another cautiously. "I keep my promises."
"Hmm. Well I'd hope so. Quite a shame if I put up all this money and I get nothing." She sneered.
Ivan smiled at her pleasantly. "I'll have someone out as soon as possible. After all, it is what you are paying me for."
Note: Ok, I decided i'd break my own rule this once. I've gotten so much support for this fic and I am so glad for it. So! Merry Christmas lovelies! I hope you all like this chapter as much as I do. Things here and there I still see need fixing up but writing is my hobby and I'd rather a chapter go up imperfect than spend months trying to make it absolutely perfect (impossible btw).
But other than that, Beilschmidt Auto, the Motel, and Dew's are all based on a real place in my hometown! There's a literal "cross" of highway where if you faced the road between Dew's and Beilschmidt's, it'd lead to my middle and high school. And behind you would be the cornfield and the motel. Yes, the motel is bright pink it's an eyesore. But you can imagine after 7 years of seeing it every day I've seen every possible beauty in it so of course I feel a sort of nostalgia towards it! Though I did take some liberties with Ludwig's house. In real life it isn't hidden by more than a tree but it always looked very homey and like it should be someone's hidden haven. If I recall correctly the owner's son was a friend of my sister's.
And sorry for any half-drawn moonshine references. I have no idea how to make the stuff and at this point I'm running 100% on Lawless and Moonshiners tbh. Though I am sure shaking it and looking at the bubbles (somehow) helps you determine it's proof! Feel free to correct me because if things in the story go as planned I will definitely be delving more into the actual making and supposed distribution of moonshine simply because it's interesting as hell.
Ok enough rambling thank you all so much for supporting and reading this fic it means so much! Look out for chapter 5 someday in 2015! I have some personal projects in the works but I will work as hard as possible to get chapters out.