Francis felt a fog starting to roll over his brain as his heart rate picked up and suddenly he could feel the drink in his system. Merde, there was no way that potion was actually something...
But being alive as long as he had... maybe that was the reason he just knew. Francis wouldn't help the worry that ate away at him as with the last of his strength his thoughts raced and swirled with pure panic- Until a bizarre calmness stilled them and every irrelevant thought sifted until only thoughts of Arthur remained.
Staring at him now, the words of the Englishman sounded as if they were underwater. His voice was deep and each word perfectly articulated to pronounce his language perfectly. His hair was soft with the late morning light behind him.
...this... this can't be happening.
He tried to fight the effects of the apparently very real potion. If he had the energy to spare he'd be cursing that stupid American.
Francis' face was hot with embarrassment as his thoughts began to run wild. Francis sat, frozen in place with his unseeing eyes focused on the target of his affections as he tried to process these thoughts and reject them at the same time. He was failing.
Francis' vision skewed and he thought of the way Arthur's cheeks puffed when he got mad, the way his eyebrows furrowed with that typical scornful- Francis forced that thought away. That had never been cute, that had never been the appeal to arguing with the Brit. Non, never.
So now, according to this stupid love potion, he, France, natural enemy of England, was in love with Arthur.
Wasn't that romantic- Non!
He hated Arthur. He loved to torment him and that was a fact! So why the hell was he just able to fall in love with him, just like that? No, how could that be possible? The obvious explanation was magic bullshit, which seemed like a cruel irony because magic was just Arthur's specialty... wasn't that impressive- Non.
Speaking of Arthur, he poked Francis and with a jolt the simple action of the Englishman touching him made his heart skip a beat. But immediately after he pushed the thought away and calmed himself.
"Oh, are you too good to speak to me?" Arthur chided. "And here I thought we were civil now. Don't make your disdain so obvious."
Wasn't Arthur's voice lovely- Non.
A feeling of disgust at himself started to build as he realised he couldn't fight this, his own thoughts were betraying him as every second passed his will to fight weakened and he was horrified by his own acceptance. No, he was not a weak man by any means and yet here he was, just being washed out by the tide of some stupid potion.
When Francis didn't reply, Arthur clicked his tongue and raised his eyebrows as he glanced at Alfred, apparently to communicate distaste for the Frenchman... shocking Francis with a pang of pain sinking through his stomach because despite this being routine every time he came into contact with the Englishman... now it left him with an ache that made him want to put his head in his hands and sink under the table for... a feeling he was not familiar with at all.
And now Francis felt guilty for not replying to Arthur's earlier question. He couldn't help but internally beat himself up for not saying something in return and offending his soulmate-
"What?" Alfred asked obliviously. "Is there something in my teeth?"
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I do the right thing and stop by to say hello to those I know and naturally, I immediately regret it. Typical."
No, Francis wanted to act normal. He needed to play this off. But how could he do that when all his thoughts about acting normal with Arthur turned to his heart racing when he thought about Arthur at all.
If Francis had the capacity right now, he'd say something to Alfred. But everything was consumed by Arthur who was right there.
Non! Arthur?! Of all people. He laid his eyes on Arthur and now he's thoughts were consumed by the man. It wasn't natural or healthy. It was like there was a gravitational pull tethering him to the man, like how the moon dutifully orbits the earth...
Oh, that was how the potion worked. Love at first sight. Such a romantic concept... wasted on this tea-loving, pale man... This stubborn, arrogant... Francis' train of thought fell through his fingers like sand and just slipped out of hold.
Now that he had the idea about romantic thoughts... they started racing without his consent.
What if this is destiny? That was definitely such a romantic concept... surely the universe put Arthur in the right place at the right time, just as Francis took the love potion. Oh, doesn't that mean that Arthur was the one for him~?
Non!...
It's infuriating... it's flustering. Part of him is completely sold and part of him... it was so stupid but his red-coloured glasses of romance were skewing his thoughts on the fabric of reality if he was actually being swayed...
Why him? Why Francis? To teach him a lesson about love? He was the master at the talent of suave charm!
Speaking of charm... through those rose-coloured glasses... he could definitely see the charm... the gentlemanly charm... Arthur...
The drink in his stomach was churning. He could feel his heart racing with adrenaline all caused by just thinking about the handsome British man...
He could never let said man in on what was consuming him. Francis would never live it down. Arthur's teasing would only become cruel as his ego soared to new heights and his torment- Picturing his torment now, affected by this potion... Francis couldn't handle the thought. It would break his heart. There would be no sympathy for his condition, afflicted by this potion, there would be no maturity. Arthur would be a dick about it, that was...n't certain.
For his vulnerability, Arthur could show some in turn...
Maybe even... Arthur could look after him. Care for him. Francis was vulnerable so maybe Arthur would withhold his usually sharp tongue and step up as their relationship changed.
Francis was romanticising Arthur hard. What if this was just the push the Englishman needed to finally get past their frenemy relationship that had defined them for so long? Francis' vulnerability was the very thing they needed to bring depth to their rivalry and get past the masks they wore. Oh! The romance just writes itself~
Clarity kept coming to him, like beams of sunlight between clouds on a cloudy day, though Francis' would argue Arthur was the sun-
He didn't know how long this potion would be in effect and it scared him. He could be dealing with it for the rest of his existence... with no end in sight, no escape from his neighbour-
This was all Alfred's fault! Francis should've never tolerated the other's stupid nature!
His eyes were stinging and distantly, he could feel himself reach to wipe with a shaky hand. No, he was not crying over Arthur. Non.
Maybe it'll just wear off. That would be fantastic. No it wouldn't- His mind would be his own and would not be invaded by such overwhelming thoughts. He hoped they would stop soon because the thoughts were getting a bit much-
The man's lips. Arthur's lips looked so smooth. He wanted to trace his fingers over them lightly-
It's the love potion. That stupid potion. He wanted the effects to stop now because this couldn't be happening.
Clarity came to him again and Francis could feel himself hyperventilating... he wasn't the only one who noticed it. If Francis was drowning, the hand that tapped him on the cheek was the hand of a lifeguard here to save him. An angel pulling him from the depths...
With the contact on his skin, his vision cleared and Francis could see through rose-coloured glasses the Englishman's soft hand on the side of his cheek. It had been placed there delicately, instead of a harsh motion like a slap which would've been much more typical of their horrible relationship-
Francis could see stars. His own hand slowly reached to hold his lover's against his cheek as a whine escaped his lips. The clarity came back, only serving to torment him at this point as he realized the position he was in and a blush broke across his face, reaching his ears and turning them bright red.
This was... nothing like how he imagined. It shouldn't be him who goes red, he was the one with the skill to fluster others! And here he was becoming so flustered!
He couldn't hear what Arthur was saying, but he kept glancing away and turning from Francis and it broke Francis' heart. Someone else was speaking, but their voice was irrelevant because it wasn't Arthur's.
He was being pulled underwater again. Staring at Arthur, he couldn't move his eyes from the green ones holding him captive. Suddenly, the sailors of old jumping into dangerous waters for sirens was all too understandable. Romantic, even. Francis longed to drown with Arthur pulling him under... taking his breath away...
Clarity came and Francis tried to fight it off... then he realised that each moment of clarity came with less and less strength. He didn't want to fight it off. He was exactly the same, only completely obsessed with the British man and he couldn't fight the urge to show it.
Francis knew he was supposed to be in control of himself... yet he was all too happy to let it all go for the momentary satisfaction it brought.
That bizarre calmness swallowed him. It wasn't unlike becoming drunk and susceptible to accepting the most stupid of ideas because the consequences seemed... impossible to comprehend.
With his acceptance, reality came into focus and he could breathe. Though everything was still seen through the lens of those rose-coloured glasses.
"Ohhh!" Alfred made a sudden noise of realization. "I know why he's acting all weird. I just spiked his drink with this love potion that's actually a love potion. That's actually kinda funny, I just thought it was a joke but obviously, that's why he's acting all weird!"
Arthur turned to Alfred and fixed him with a blank stare.
"What?" Alfred said dumbly.
Francis didn't like that Arthur was giving someone else attention. He zoned in, eyes darting all over Arthur's stern expression as the other continued to lecture a shrinking American with only his eyes.
Francis knew the man was smart, a lovely quality of his, so he knew from the man's flushed cheeks and obvious adverting of eyes from Francis... he pieced together who the subject of this hypothetical love potion was...
But why should Arthur feel ashamed? Love was a beautiful thing and Arthur was beautiful.
Francis still had the man's hand pinned to his cheek so impulsively, he pulled it away and brought it to his lips, effectively bringing Arthur's attention back to him.
Temporarily. Arthur gave him a look of sheer bewilderment before rounding back on Alfred.
"How the bloody hell would you get your hands on a love potion?!"
"Uhhhhhh," Alfred hesitated and glanced away, "am I in trouble?"
"He's molesting my hand- of course, you're in trouble!" Arthur was flustered and trying to pull his shaking hand back. Francis was torn between letting go and holding on tight. If Francis was of the right mind, he'd say something about Arthur's lack of 'infamous stiff upper lip'. But right now, if he were to think of Arthur's lips...
"This can't be happening," Arthur said sternly. "No. It isn't happening. This is a devious con orchestrated by the pair of you to humiliate me, isn't it? It's obvious because it's unbelievable. Francis? France? In love with me?"
Non! Arthur doesn't believe he can be loved! That's so sad, France can't let Arthur think that he's unworthy.
Is it really so unbelievable to think that previous enemies, current rivals could never fall in love? Where was his sense of romance? He could compare thee to Romeo and Juliet, perhaps the most infamous pair of lovers. Even if France should hate England, Francis would break through all expectations and do the impossible.
Before he could say any of that, Arthur turned to him, his eyebrows furrowed and his mind made up.
"I knew you were shameless, but this is a new side of you that I didn't know you had."
Francis could lean into the accuracy of the shameless label, but how could he when Arthur doubted him so? As if he would pull a prank about such a serious thing. Francis wouldn't let Arthur think such a sad thing.
He could hardly hear himself over his beating heart pounding in his ears, but Francis spoke, almost breathlessly.
"I love you. I'm absolutely, madly in love with you. I'll say it out loud as many times as you'd like to hear it but I need you to know I just can't control myself when I say these words. I love you."
A silence hung thick in the air. Alfred was cringing yet eating it up at the same time with a big grin on his face. Shit, it was just so entertaining. Too bad he didn't have any popcorn so he settled for sipping on his coffee.
Francis was tortured as he waited for Arthur to say something... anything in response to his confession. The potion wasn't making this any easier. Every second that wide emerald eyes bored into his felt like a pang of rejection. Every second made Francis want to jump up and kiss him so he could stop the silence and convince his one true love-
He couldn't tell if Arthur's silence was a good thing or bad. All Francis could keep doing was stare with as much conviction and try to convey his love through gaze alone.
Alfred broke the silence.
"So, does that prove it cus I mean what the fuck? I could never come up with a prank as fucked up as this. I feel like I'm on Mars right now cus this definitely isn't Earth."
Arthur must've been broken because he was still staring, mouth unmoving and eyes unblinking.
"This is absurd..." Arthur said after a moment of delay. "How can you be so genuine? I- I-"
There was panic in his gaze and Francis wanted to comfort him. The man who used to be his greatest rival- there's no way things can go back to how they were before... not after this. Francis could never let it.
"Because it is genuine. I genuinely love you and I'll do anything to make you believe that."
"I... I don't know what to say," Arthur's voice was full of disbelief. "This is most unexpected. I never thought... you'd actually say something like that... to me. Uh... do you really feel this way?"
Francis nodded with a ferocity that made his neck hurt. He held on tight to the Englishman's hand to convey the intensity of his feelings.
"It's true. I'm in love with you. I don't need you to accept but I can't keep my feelings in me. Amour is beautiful, just like you and I can't go without telling you."
Arthur was still, rigid and quiet. Francis could feel his heartbeat increase with the silence and his eyes became pleading. Arthur didn't see any of that, instead promptly turning to Alfred.
"We need to fix this potion issue."
"Uh, we?" Alfred questioned.
Arthur's free hand grabbed Alfred's ear and pulled.
"Listen here twit, you caused this, you help fix this. Understood?"
Alfred nodded with an annoyed face, his eyes meeting Francis' as if to communicate their usual distaste for the man's antics. Only this time, Francis wasn't on the American's side.
"God, do you even understand how humiliating it would be to be put in a position like this?" Arthur continued lecturing Alfred. "God forbid it happen to you, then we'd never hear the end of it. Now, the first thing I'd like to know is where did you even acquire a love potion."
"Ummmm, Elizabeta gave it to me..." Alfred admitted. "I'm guessing she knew what it was and all cus uh, yeah."
"And what makes you guess that?" Arthur asked pointedly.
"I mean, I thought it was just a prank and that she wanted to prank Francis and I'm all for pulling pranks so- hey, how does knowing where the potion came from actually help? Francis still has the hots for you, y'know?"
Arthur cringed and Francis felt his stomach drop from the rejection but his heart didn't stop beating all the same. His beating heart would only stop when Arthur's did, or if the man outright rejected him. Until then, Francis was a romantic optimist.
"Elizabeta... I'm not even surprised. Of course she's behind this! As for your question, knowing where it came from can help me figure out how to reverse this."
Francis can hear what they're talking about, but he's not really taking any of it in. He's just listening to Arthur's smooth and confident voice. He looked at Arthur and he could feel his brain just switch off as all he could focus on was how the man was so attractive and well put together and how his skin looked so smooth and- Francis was living in the moment. Arthur's hand wasn't enough to hold...
Francis blinked and tried to reign the thoughts in, but it was a losing battle when Arthur was standing right there in front of him. Francis didn't know how much longer he could go without doing or saying something in this potion-induced state... he needed to have Arthur.
He wasn't thinking, yet his arms were moving. Francis had no idea what compelled him to do it... though the explanation was evident with his intentions. He watched his own hand as he reached out, almost in slow motion as he closed the distance between him and Arthur. He was losing control of himself, not just his thoughts but also his actions. He couldn't do anything to stop what was already in motion, nor did he want to. As time went on his stomach absorbed more and more of the potion and it felt like hot sludge was pumping through his veins and puppeteering him.
Francis reached out and threaded his fingers through Arthur's soft hair, completely satisfied that it was as soft as he had imagined.
Arthur's skin immediately flushed. It was bright red and Francis' hand lowered to cup his cheek, relishing in the feeling of warm skin just at his fingertips. His fingers twitched as he lightly brushed against the side of Arthur's face...
Words mumbled past his lips before he even knew he was speaking.
"You're... you're very hot..."
The effect wasn't immediate and with hindsight, Arthur was probably too shocked to have moved. But even delayed, Arthur still reacted by jumping back and spluttering.
Francis mentally cursed as the pang of rejection rang through him. He had only meant to absentmindedly comment on the warmth at his fingertips... but now he realised the choice of his words had a double meaning that explained his love interest's fluster. And now he was watching Arthur embarrassingly stumble over his words in an attempt to stutter out a response.
Meanwhile, Alfred was just watching, eyes crinkled with hidden laughter that was surely only hidden in order to prevent distraction from the scene that was playing out before him.
Arthur was trying his best to look composed... despite his pale composition betraying how flustered he really was. When he spoke, his voice was forcefully even and measured.
"Don't say things like that."
Francis couldn't move his eyes from Arthur's face, his vision like a tunnel with nothing existing beyond his magnetic focus. The urge to tease came back, a familiar instinct, one that now consumed him completely. He needed Arthur's attention on him and he needed to make him react. Their banter was the only thing he yearned for at this moment and it was the only thing that itched his brain with amusement.
"Oh really? Angleterre, you can't take it when I tell you how hot you are?"
Their usual teasing had always been a comforting habit, only now there was a new twist to it... It had always been for Arthur's reaction, and now that Arthur's eyes were on his Francis was happy. Well, more than just happy... he was warm with the fire of passion.
Arthur huffed and glanced away, his face reddening further. But it was a more familiar shade of red, one that came with their usual teasing... even if clenching fists weren't typical until the pair were ready to trade blows.
Oh, Francis' mind was in the gutter. Arthur was just so easy to fluster, it was adorable and endearing and only motivated Francis to say the things on his mind.
But more than say, as France, the nation of romance, he knew that actions spoke louder than words and found himself stepping forward towards Arthur with a playful smirk on his face. All he wanted to do was continue to tease, continue to shower Arthur with attention. Francis just couldn't help it, he was starting to enjoy this more than he could've ever imagined.
"Oh, lighten up Angleterre. You know I'm only teasing~"
Arthur looked constipated. It was a horrible look on such a handsome face and Francis wanted to change that. He stepped closer to the man, relishing in the electricity that came from his own body as he stared into emerald eyes as he waited for a response. Their teasing was always a game, like tennis, hitting a ball back and forth with vigour. He knew Arthur, despite the change in context, wouldn't ignore their teasing.
Even if every word Francis said, he was saying it from the heart.
But Arthur just shook his head abruptly, made some annoyed noises of disbelief and closed his eyes.
"The love potion, dear God this is becoming a problem. We need to focus on the solution for this situation... I think I know the best solution for it."
He opened his eyes, but avoided Francis' gaze, looking past the Frenchman as he seemed to think of his words carefully... Francis' eyes fell to the man's lips, holding onto what he could say next.
"The only solution I can think to try... is..." Arthur shuddered a reluctant breath. "...Is to return the love..."
Alfred lost his shit.
Francis was ecstatic. He couldn't contain the rush of joy that flooded through him, seizing his heart and-
Holy shit, this love potion was making him an absolute wreck. But at least it was working in his favour.
"Oh I love this," he said sweetly, tightening his hold on Arthur. "I cannot think of a better idea."
"Wait, isn't that stupid?" Alfred spoke up. "Cus you'd have to love him to make him stop loving you and then he'll stop loving you? Man, this is kinda confusing. So what? You just kiss him and it'll stop?"
Francis didn't care, he was eating this up, more than ready to woo Arthur to make him fall in love with him.
"This situation cannot possibly be more of a mess..." Arthur let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing a hand on his forehead and leaving a red mark from the force behind the motion. "This love potion could be extremely complicated and convoluted or... or it could be embarrassingly simple. The solution could simply just be to return the love. I just deducted knowing that it came from Elizabeta that the answer could be the easy solution-"
"Oh yeah! Cus she thinks you guys- well, you know what she thinks."
Whenever an argument between Francis and Arthur broke out at a world meeting, Elizabeta couldn't keep to herself about her thoughts about the reality of their relationship. Francis did have a little respect for her romantic worldview and ability to see love everywhere, even if at times she was outright delusional.
"Indeed," Arthur sighed. "This is one way to make me swallow my ego..."
"Love itself is so simple, I know that must be the right answer," Francis said supportively.
"Still, isn't it funny that now you gotta suck this up and..." Alfred's laugh trailed off as the cogs in his brain start turning. "Huh. Wait... oh shit. OH SHIT. Arthur, I've got you worked out!"
Alfred jumped up and slammed his hands on the table.
"I know exactly why you're happy to have this as the solution and why I was given the potion to begin with! You ALREADY love Francis, don't you? And since Elizabeta knew that, she gave me the potion to try and get you two together!"
Now Alfred was questioning what he thought he knew. He couldn't be right. Or maybe he was because Arthur's eyes were wide open and he was spluttering... but not denying it. His face was the reddest it had ever been and he was breaking out in a sweat.
"Wait, for real?!" Alfred's voice rose with excitement. "Holy shit no way!"
Arthur ignored Alfred, instead slowly turning to look at Francis with a loss for words as apprehension consumed him and a mix of anxious emotions swirled in his eyes.
Francis couldn't smile any wider and his heart was racing in his chest.
"Have you loved me all this time, my sweet Angleterre?"
Love prevails, Francis didn't care to cure the potion at all, not when the way he felt about Arthur was surely no mistake. They both loved each other and that was all that mattered.
"No! No." Arthur's voice was hoarse. "Bloody hell no!"
Everything about Arthur was coming undone as he gave in to being flustered. His mouth moved but nothing came out as apparently he couldn't articulate a defense. The silence spoke volumes and Alfred's grin grew wider and predatory.
"Ohhhh you so do! You liiiike him~" Alfred teased.
"Admit it, you love me," Francis insisted. "You've loved me this whole time, haven't you?"
"Not this whole time!" Arthur snapped before going rigid... because that was a confession. Now he couldn't deny it.
"Just- just recently..." Arthur composed himself and brought his stern voice back. "Not that it means a thing. I've been confused lately and that doesn't mean anything."
"Well let me clear up your confliction, non?" Francis breathed, pulling Arthur a little closer.
Art looked constipated and red... but Francis wasn't hearing 'no'.
"Look, there's nothing to admit. I'm not in denial about anything." Arthur said with finality.
"I can see you're putting walls up," Francis spoke. "Just know that love conquers all and no matter how long it takes I will worm past your defenses."
"And just like that, I'm no longer confused," Arthur leaned away. "You disgust me you sap and I can't think of anything more intrusive."
"Your heart says otherwise, doesn't it Angleterre?"
Francis couldn't be more thankful for this potion and absolutely relished in the situation. Seeing Arthur embarrassed and flustered like this... it wasn't until now he could adore it to the fullest. It was a wonderful thing, seeing Arthur blush under Francis' attention and he intended to make it last as long as he could. He continued to stare at Arthur, taking in the sight of him as he did his best to enchant the man with his own eyes.
"Ooohhh how embarrassing Arthur you loooove him," Alfred sang as he watched on.
Arthur made a strangled, cut off noise as he hit Alfred over the head in response.
"You are not helping! Neither of you are helping!" Arthur turned to Francis and gave him a withering glare. "For the love of god, would you stop looking so damn pleased with yourself about this? You're curing my own affliction with the smug look on your frog face"
Francis chuckled, his smug look ever-present but he did soften it a little, just for Arthur's sake.
"Oh, but where's the fun in that Angleterre? I'm loving every second of this. Knowing that you've been harbouring feelings for me this whole time... oh, it's wonderful. Words just cannot describe how I'm feeling. It's like the purest romantic poetry, how can that not touch my heart?"
"Yeah but you only think it's wonderful cus of this potion," Alfred said bluntly with an amused voice.
Francis shrugged, letting the words roll off his back. He was just going along with whatever his heart told him to do and was there really anything wrong with that? Whatever it told him to say and do, no part of him wanted to hold back. Regardless of how he got here, he was going to make the best of this situation and chase after his desires.
"Before the potion did you actually like him?" Alfred added. "Cus, dude, that's so cruel. Arthur, you gotta return the love or whatever to cure it but when you do Francis is gonna bully you so hard."
Arthur's face fell into line after hearing that, everything suddenly becoming so much more controlled and reserved. His guard was back up and Francis' heart shivered.
"I hate to say it but you're right," Arthur had a hint of disappointment and fear in his voice. "Maybe I did... Forget the easy solution, we should see this through the proper way-"
"Non! Who cares how this would change if I didn't drink that potion! Despite the influence, what I'm feeling is-"
"Manufactured by magic." Arthur tensed his hand and threw it up in frustration. "God, where are my ethics? I'd be taking advantage of you-"
"I want you to take advantage of me~" Francis licked his lips and narrowed his eyes suggestively.
"Disgusting." Arthur said pointedly before continuing. "No, despite our usual arguing, this crosses a line."
"They were never just arguments? Were they?" Francis inquired.
"Yo dude, there's no way they just were," Alfred added like it was obvious. "Everyone thought you were like an old married couple... except one of the toxic ones I guess. You know those old people who have nothing good to say about the person who's supposed to be the love of their life? Like, don't they know divorce is an option-"
"That's not helpful and irrelevant-" Arthur was cut off when Francis grabbed him by the shoulders and forced him to listen.
"I'm sure of it. Without the potion, I would feel the same way."
Alfred made a noise of surprise, like he was watching a TV show with a plot twist while Arthur's mouth was pressed in a thin line, eyes full of hesitation. But Francis could see the hope, even when narrowed on him with a sense of set disbelief.
"You're just saying that because of the potion. Elizabeta's going to hear an earful from me, that's for sure. Maybe I'll have to send you back with a potion of my own..."
Francis let out a breathless chuckle as he let his arms run around Arthur's shoulders and stared into his eyes, forcing him to see the truth in the Frenchman with an irresistible intensity. Because he was telling the truth. Objective or subjective, he didn't know.
"Arthur, I don't know how I didn't see it before. Deep deep down, my true feelings haven't changed. The potion only amplified them. Perhaps I would've been more shy about it, but my feelings would have stayed the same regardless."
Arthur didn't say anything for a moment, only staring into Francis' eyes... Francis thought this would be the perfect moment and yearned to dip the man as he kissed him-
Arthur's face twisted.
"I don't believe you! Surely, this is the potion otherwise I would've remembered some instance that gives this ludicrous claim some plausibility. You've made it very clear how you felt about me for the past, well, shall I say, eternity?"
Francis shook his head and leaned further into Arthur's personal space, basically hanging off him as he eloped the man in a hug and leaned to touch his forehead on the Brit's. He rolled his eyes fondly.
"And you made it very clear how you felt about me, though evidently you feel completely different. Is it really so hard to believe I was doing the same?"
"I- yes!" Arthur's voice was almost shrill, but he didn't move from Francis' reach. "Because you prattle on about love and romance, you have no reason not to act on any impulsive and stupid feeling you claim to have. So if you really felt this way, there would've been some indication before you were drugged out of your mind."
"Maybe I didn't want to scare you away," Francis retorted, his breath fanning the fine hairs on Arthur's face. Francis found his fingers reaching to play with the Englishman's hair. "What we had was special... if I made you uncomfortable I would've lost your attention, non? I'd rather die than do that..."
"Uh," Alfred's voice interrupted as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, eyes focused on the closeness of the pair. "Is this pay gorn?"
"Huh?" Arthur blinked and turned to look at Alfred with annoyance, something Francis shared because the American interrupted.
"Don't look at him," Francis demanded, maybe pleaded. "Look at me."
"You'd like that, wouldn't you perv?" Arthur was clearly out of his element here and reacting to anything that would bring back a sense of normality.
"Yup, this is definitely say gex. Ew guys got get a room..." Alfred interrupted again. "Fuck, I wish I had some popcorn right now."
Arthur went to turn his head again and say something to Alfred, but Francis grabbed his chin and forced the man to keep his eyes on him.
"Would you take a risk for me?"
Arthur let the question hang, before speaking with hesitancy.
"An... educated and calculated risk."
That was a yes. Francis' heart skipped a beat.
"Kiss me and return the love," Francis spoke, his lip almost on Arthur's cheek. "That's the only way to find out if the potion."
"I suppose... at least that way you can't string me on should it wear off..." Arthur cautioned. "Just..."
Arthur pressed his lips together but didn't say anymore. Francis couldn't have that. He reached for Arthur's hand and pulled it tightly to his chest.
"Anything. Tell me."
Arthur looked conflicted like he was actually weighing up talking it out against telling Francis to sod off.
"If it wears off and you hate me," Arthur finally said. "Do not bring this up. Ever."
Francis laughed gently, still holding Arthur's hand with one hand while the other reached for the Brit's warm face. He was cute when he blushed but Francis just wanted to put the man's fears to rest.
"I'm serious, I want that in writing!" Arthur fretted.
Francis couldn't be any closer to him and yet Arthur wasn't shoving him away. Francis moved his arm from Arthur's face to the small of his back before pushing him even closer and breathing in everything that was him. Arthur jerked in surprise and his hands grabbed at Francis' shoulders but did nothing else.
Being so close, Francis can feel all the effects of Arthur's pulse quickening. The man was definitely flustered, especially now that their mouths were only inches apart and Francis' breath was all over Arthur's face. He was struggling to maintain his composure... his attempt to keep it together was barely there.
Arthur couldn't argue if he was breathless... oh how Francis longed to take that man's breath away and leave him weak and wanting more...
"Can I kiss you, Arthur?" Francis breathed.
Arthur's eyes were searching, Francis didn't know what for but it made him nervous. But there was something besides nerves vibrating in him. He couldn't help his excitement, his anticipation and fantasizing. Francis had no concept of the future now, it felt like he was in a thick fog alone with only Arthur to focus on. But he did have one desperate hope and that was once the potion wore off... everything would change forever. That the future was just as romantic and bright as he imagined it would be under the effect of the potion.
Because suddenly the relationship he had with Arthur now wasn't enough and there was no way he could go back to how things were before. Francis just hoped he'd agree with himself now once Arthur's love fixed the potion.
Francis held his breath as he waited for Arthur to make a decision before he passed out from lack of air. It would be perfect to say that to Arthur with the implication that you take my breath away, but the butterflies in his stomach had wormed their way into his throat and mouth and he didn't want to say anything lest the flap of a butterfly's wing scare of Arthur from the best decision of his life. With the stakes as high as they were now, Francis didn't want to make the wrong move and ruin what he so desperately wanted.
Arthur didn't answer. He never did. At least not with a verbal reply. His eyes fluttered closed as if he were too afraid to see the outcome as he leaned in and pressed his lips against the Frenchman's. It was just a peck, unsure but pleading as he took a moment to keep his lips in place before pulling back and opening his fearful eyes.
Francis finally breathed out and his eyes lingered on Arthur's. Apparently, his lack of verbal confirmation bothered the man.
"So?" Arthur demanded, his tone on edge and guarded.
Francis let his actions do the talking. He needed to remove Arthur's uncertainty entirely.
Francis leaned in suddenly, pushing Arthur into a dip as Francis met his lips again. This time, this was no cautionary peck. This time, Francis dutifully convinced Arthur that he meant exactly what he said, love potion or not. Maybe he didn't have these thoughts before the potion but now his mind had been opened up to the possibility of a deeper desire he didn't even know about.
When they break apart, they're breathless. But Francis can see that Arthur was now convinced and his eyes had an earnest sparkle to them.
"Oh... I suppose this changes everything," Arthur chuckled, nervous and out of breath and tenderly hopeful.
"It's a welcome change, isn't it, mon cher? One I'm personally looking forward to. Now we can be a whole lot more honest with each other..."
"Don't act all wise and sappy now," Arthur scoffed. "You're nothing but talk-"
"You know how to shut me up," Francis invited.
Arthur hesitated, as if questioning reality before leaning in, pushing his lips into Francis' again. He only broke away when he was interrupted by the sudden and sharp noise of Alfred clapping.
Arthur glared at the younger, definitely more obnoxious nation who stood from his chair just to give them a standing ovation. Francis couldn't help but chuckle, especially when Arthur told the American to sod off very vigorously and creatively with a bright red face. Alfred just took it with a laugh.
"Okay okay, have fun sucking face or whatever, I'm going to play Pokemon Go or something," Alfred sent them some finger guns and winked. "Later homos."
"Alfred, we're all bi!" Arthur fumed, still flustered by how his day turned out.
"Yeah yeah representing or whatever," Alfred waved a dismissive hand. "I'm just being supportive!"
Arthur sucked in a breath to argue more-
"Let him leave," Francis spoke into Arthur's neck, breathing in his scent. "At least then I have you all to myself..."
"You'd like that, wouldn't you perv?" Arthur reacted, as he always did.
A look of mischief crossed Francis' face, not that Arthur would've been able to see the smile stretching across his face.
"And you would too," he retorted. "Be honest, Angleterre."
"Yes," Arthur cleared his throat, but Francis could feel the hot flush come over the man. "I suppose I should take you on a date now."
"Non," Francis was offended. "I am the guru of romance so I must insist that I take you out and show you a good time~"
"Well, I confessed first-"
"Non, I did-"
"Under a love potion, arguably duress," Arthur countered. "Now let me take you out."
"Fine, I concede," Francis gave it, but it was hardly a loss. Regardless of who led the date, the situation was a win-win. He threaded his fingers into Arthur's hand and stepped back, pulling on the man.
"Lead the way. But I will woo you on the next one," Francis promised teasingly.
"Fine. We can alternate," Arthur said, his voice sounding just a little strangled, no doubt from the whole inversion of their usual dynamics. "Lord knows how I'll go mad if things go your way all the time."
Francis hummed in agreement as he pulled Arthur along, hand in hand as he thought about their first proper date.
･ﾟ* :･ﾟ
Across the street, loitering on a bench, Elizabeta and her co-conspirator fistbumped.
"You're so devious..." Elizabeta squealed as she watched the new lovers walk off. "I can't believe they're finally together! I'm so setting one of these photos as my new background. They're so cute!"
"If they find out, I'm not taking all the credit," Matthew added, heavy on the sarcasm because if they found out... anyone involved with the potion would have an earful, regardless of how everything turned out well in the end or not.
"Why be like that!" Elizabeta said. "They should be thanking us! I can't believe this worked out so well!"
"I don't think they'll thank us... even if we just helped point out the obvious and proved they could make a good couple."
"And everyone thought it was just a reach," Elizabeta huffed. "Even I thought it was just romantic, wishful thinking and everyone thought I was crazy for thinking that! But I guess you're right because it must be fate that Arthur was the first person he saw! That worked out so much easier than making him jealous. This just proves that they're made for each other!"
Both jumped when someone approached them.
"Oh hey guys, what's up?" Alfred asked, leaning on his brother's shoulder, just to be annoying. "You won't believe what happened."
Elizabeta and Matthew exchanged a knowing glance and Alfred's eyebrows furrowed.
"...Wait... what are you guys doing together- shit! I know what's going on!
Are you guys going to kiss too!"
"Never change, Alfred," Matthew smiled with amusement as he turned to watch Arthur pull Francis into a florist. No doubt he was about to tell the man all about the language of flowers while handing him a bouquet... and probably get into a debate about said meanings in their different cultures.
Elizabeta bolted up straight as an idea came to her and her crazy eyes met Alfred's.
"I'd rather it if you kissed... hmm, how do you feel about your rival, Russia~"
Alfred flinched back and reacted as soon as he understood just what was going on.
"Hey, what the fuck? Dude, NO!"
Matthew sighed, sitting back further on the bench. "Never change, Elizabeta."