continued from [ here ] @killedarlings
francis feels a sharp pang right in his chest, a physical manifestation of the emotions swirling within him. The heat in his chest intensifies, matched by the rapid pounding against the inside of his rib cage. although surprise doesn't register on his face, it consumes every corner of his mind.
when oscar calls his name in his endearingly cute tone, francis's facade wavers, his tweed suit suddenly feeling a bit constricting. every muscle in his body tenses, and tightens, thoughts wondering to many nights spent with his head between his knees. damn it. his hand instinctively moves to his hair, brushing back imaginary blonde strands from his face—a nervous twitch betraying his composed exterior.
" of course you did, " francis responds with a hint of disappointment, his words tinged with a mix of admiration and uncertainty. he wonders if louisa's unwavering conviction is a sign of delusion or genuine confidence—a question that lingers in his mind, ego leaning towards the latter but logic suspecting the former.
a shadow passes over his blue eyes as oscar closes the distance between them, his presence offering little comfort but instead deepening the sense of unease and turmoil within francis.
" i know exactly where it is, " francis says in a low tone, the sound of louisa's footsteps fading as she leaves them to their privacy. despite the air of despair that cloaks francis and hangs heavily across his shoulders, he refrains from moving his hand, half-expecting this moment to be a dream or a glimpse of heaven.
--- ---- -- ------ -- -----. why couldn't he have both? it's there he moves his hand, pulling back with the depths of his heartbreak evident despite the stoic way he stands, " and so do you. i would have died with it in my pocket. "
the rest needs not said, and he pauses for a handful of seconds to take a few steps back towards the window. " or maybe there's a reason you bring that up as the first thing to say to your once dead lover. "
