Love, Name in Lights

Francis Bonnefoy, at your service. I am 26 years young and a drama major. Someday I hope to make it to Broadway, but for now I'm just a waiter. Dependent Human!Francis blog for the Appletalia RP group.

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

"Do you really want to know Bonnefoy? My taste of music back then is not for the faint of heart" His eyes darkened a light smirk appeared on his lips as he gave his company a glance, "So a flashy show child? I’ve had experiences of that. Not particularly pleasant hence why I rebelled. Dressed tip to toe in lavish clothing that I didn’t ask for. How bitterly nostalgic," He commented as he finished off his meal.

"Ah I guess I should ask you," He said nervously after their brief conversation, he scratched the back of his neck and eyes flickering around the busy store, "Never mind I shall ask you later," His face went momentarily rosy at the thought of what he was going to ask the Frenchman. He couldn’t do it with so many people around him.

[waitingforbroadway]

"Try me." He chuckled and took a sip of his coffee. "I guess you could put it that way. They're not bad people...no, they just enjoy their money a little too much. Much more than I care for it, I'm happy to be making my own living, getting by without their handouts. I only asked them for money once when I helped my friend and his brother move here so they wouldn't have to return to Germany with their mother."

Francis raised an eyebrow as Arthur started to ask something, but decided against it. He nodded and didn't press the matter. "I should give you my address so you can stop by like I suggested. When we go back to your shop, I'll write it on one of my business cards for you."

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur rolled his eyes at the others reaction, not expecting such a drastic reaction, “You’ve yet to show any different Mr. ICannotControlMyUrges,” He said without a glint of remorse. The Brit was as stubborn as usual in terms of realizing that his words hurt the feelings of those it was directed to. Arthur thought about the question as he ate his meal. His memories of being a child

"I read as a child. I was not too keen on going out too often," He said avoiding the fact he didn’t have many friends as a child, "During secondary and high school, I suppose I had a rebellious stage so I used to play guitar but that’s nothing you need to know about. I just immersed myself in fiction," He pondered as he progressed with his meal.

"How about you?"

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis rolled his eyes and scoffed. "You can't hold that night against me, I was drunk and so were you. Aside from that, what have I done to you?" Frustrating, Arthur was completely frustrating, but for whatever reason, Francis didn't want to give up. Giving up would mean it wasn't worth the effort, but it was to him.

"Ah, I see. The guitar though, why don't I need to know about your rebellious stage? You know how I love music." He shrugged. "Well...I grew up with everything I could ever want. Everything, that is, except freedom. If I wanted something, my parents would buy it. But I was expected to attend their parties, mind my manners, look good for the guests and smile." He shook his head. "Sometimes, I was expected to play the piano at their parties." Truth be told, Francis hadn't really had friends to speak of himself.

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

"Matthew?" He said to himself, he was pretty sure he knew someone with that name. With Francis’ invitation to his place, Arthur rose an eyebrow in curiousity, the last time he was at his place was when he pretty much passed out that night on his birthday. His memory of it was vague, "It’s been a while I suppose but what makes you think I would go into the home of a pervert like you," He hissed quietly so that only the other would hear. He wasn’t particularly rejecting the idea of visiting Francis’ place again- he didn’t want to accept such an offer.

He sighed once again, “You’re nothing but trouble to me Bonnefoy. You want to know more about me? Then fire away some questions- bare in mind if you ask any unnecessary questions I will not stop at beating that snide face of yours,” He threatened with a scowl, “Get it frog?”

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis sighed and pushed back some of the fringe that had fallen in front of his eyes. "I'm not a pervert..." He whispered to Arthur. "I am many things, but not that." He rested his head on his hand as he frowned and glanced off to one side. "You always think the worst of me."

He turned back toward Arthur. "I remember you telling me before we met in person that your parents preferred your brothers, so I won't ask about your family. But...what were you like as a child? What did you like to do in your spare time?" Francis was trying, but it was hard to know what kinds of things to ask.

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur held a hand infront of Francis’ face to halt him before he spoke any more, “Please stop right there, this actually isn’t the right place to have an emotional sob you idiot. It’s still daylight as well as it’s busy as hell here,” He used his other hand to massage his temple to stop himself from reacting to what was being told to him. He wasn’t even sure how to react to such an obvious confession.

"Look I’m sorry for what happened that night but you must mistaken me for someone else," He shook his head in denial, "Even if you were here serious, I don’t know… We know heck all about one another. Most sane people have stages to stuff like this you know. You can’t go proclaiming your so called love so nonchalantly," Arthur wasn’t sure what he was saying but he really had no idea what to say. After letting out his miniature lecture he didn’t way for a reaction as he busied himself to seating his light meal.

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis cringed a little as Arthur stopped him. He honestly didn't care of it was daylight or busy. He sighed softly and went back to his cup of coffee. "No...I knew it was you. But you're right, most people do have stages...and that's why I tried not to kiss you...but I got a little too drunk and forgot the thing I had told Matthew...friends first." He laughed softly, but there was little humor in his voice. "I gave him advice I couldn't even follow."

He shook his head and ate the food he'd ordered for himself. Arthur was so difficult, but if there was even the smallest chance, he wanted to try it. "I want to know you better, Arthur. Do you still know where I live? I would love it if you would drop by sometime. Just to talk, maybe have dinner. I'll even make sure I have plenty of tea on hand for you."

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur was currently suffering an internal overload, he wasn’t sure how to react to whatever words were coming out of Francis’ mouth. Never had such flirtatious been aimed at him in a such a serious way. He stared at Francis, “that dreadful English charm…” He repeated slowly to ensure he actually heard correctly. The hand on the Frenchman’s shoulder was slowly lifted off as the Briton moved sank into his chair as he took a sip of his tea, “So you liked it huh…”

Once it finally processed completely in his head. Whatever amount of tea in his mouth was forced into the wrong tube causing him to cough violently. Hands covering his mouth as his reflex acted up. Despite choking on a nice cup of tea, Arthur was somewhat thankful for it as at that point of time as he was able to cover his now bright red face. Recovering as he wiped his mouth with a piece of cloth, “Jesus christ, you really speak your mind don’t you,” He faced to the side to avoid eye contact with Francis or to let him see his face fully, “God why did I even bother asking you,”

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis quietly nodded to him, though alarm quickly crossed his face as Arthur began choking on his tea. He watched the other man to make sure he was going to be okay, then relaxed as the coughing ceased. He shrugged a little and took a sip of his coffee. "What can I say? I'd rather have things out in the open..."

He folded his hands on the table as he looked at Arthur. "Mon Dieu, I've never been so afraid. The one time it matters most...I do not know what to do or what to say. But...I feel alive when I'm with you. I know it might sound silly..." It was his turn to look away. "The moments before we sobered up, I remember feeling so happy..."

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur blinked at Francis for a couple of moments before dropping the spoon into his cup and blankly stared at him, “So… you wanted to kiss me? I see…” His face still with confusion, “You know I’m male right? A healthy stable man right?” He furrowed his eyebrow with a wavering smile. Arthur continue to deny the Frenchard’s more or less confession to him as he placed his hand onto the other’s shoulder.

"Bloody hell, you got me good there buddy haha!" He gave a light hearted laugh tightening his grip on the Frenchman’s shoulder, "There’s no way in hell you would want to kiss me right?" Through his denial, his cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Why would anyone want to kiss him anyway? Why was he happy to hear it coming out from the bearded man.

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis was quiet as Arthur spoke to him. Of course he knew the other was male. It didn't matter to him whether Arthur was male or female, he liked the person, not their physical sex or gender. He blinked as he felt Arthur's hand on his shoulder and cocked his head to one side as he saw the color in the Englishman's cheeks.

"I did want to kiss you, and I do know that you are male. My ex-boyfriend is male, I don't think that's an issue for me." He grinned slightly at him. "Why wouldn't I want to kiss you? I like you, Arthur, even when we're fighting. You're handsome and you have that dreadful English charm." He winked playfully, then ran his finger around the edge of his cup as he turned away again. "Forgive me for saying so, but...I liked it. Kissing you."

[my-bloody-deactivated20150107]

Source

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

"It’s odd yet homely at the same time, it reminds me of London at times. Not as nippy though," He let out a genuine chuckle. An astonishing feat considering he was as stiff as a board less than half an hour ago. It was one of those strange effects Francis had on him. He was comfortable with his company- though beating the man’s face in was just as appealing to him at this moment.

With the arrival of their drinks Arthur swirled his spoon in the cup, “So… Wjy did you do T-that you know, that night,” plucking up the courage to finally ask the question that has been on his mind ever since the incident, “I mean we were both intoxicated so it was definitely and absolutely a misunderstanding r-right?”

[waitingforbroadway]

Maybe it was just something about major cities that were also big tourist attractions. Maybe there was something that connected New York City, Paris, and London, who knew. He smiled as he heard Arthur's chuckle, it was nice to hear. He was grateful when their drinks arrived and he had something to do with his hands.

The question caught him off guard while he was stirring his coffee with vanilla cream and sugar. He had thought this probably would come up at some point, but he wasn't sure how Arthur was going to handle it.

"Well, it is true that we were intoxicated...I didn't intend to kiss you that night, not at all." He paused to take a sip of his coffee and lamented the lack of any alcohol in it for what he would have to say next. "But...I absolutely wanted to kiss you. The alcohol silenced the part of my brain telling me to not..." He lowered his eyes and gazed into his cup.

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Their walk was brief and silent, to the nearest coffee shop. It wasn’t like Arthur was going to say anything, a part of him wanted to bolt it as far as he could away from the Frenchman yet another part was content in staying by his side. The mix of emotions was driving him bad- he didn’t really need that sort of internal conflict during a work shift. Once seated they ordered their drinks, Arthur ordering an his own meal in addition to his tea.

"This place is cozy during the winter," He gave a sigh as he still avoided eye contact with Francis, "It’s my first Christmas away from my own country. Time goes by," He stared out into the streets of new york continuing the small talk. Honestly they really don’t know each other in a personal level.

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis walked along with him, not saying a word. There was so much he wanted to say, but he didn't dare. Not when Arthur was willingly going to a cafe with him after the last time they'd been together. He sat at the table with Arthur, then ordered his coffee and something light to eat as well.

When Arthur spoke, he nodded even if the man was avoiding eye contract. "It is indeed..." His gaze followed his companion's out to the streets. "It's a strange feeling, isn't it? And as lovely as Paris is...there is just something magical about this city during this time of year...I cannot explain it."

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur contained the smile on the tips of his lips when Francis accepted his invitation- at least Francis did not detest him, “Right… Give me a few minutes,” He placed the rose he had been holding back into the casket before removing his apron and alerting the other worker about his break. Jotting down his order he walked past the Frenchman without hinting him to follow- He didn’t want to seem as excited as he was (For absolutely no reason)

"I only have a thirty minute break so I’m going to grab something nearby," He pointed towards a small little cafe nearby. God why was he so nervous, it’s just a friend, it’s just coffee with a friend.

[waitingforbroadway]

If only Francis could read Arthur's thoughts. He would tell him that he could never detest him, no matter what had happened between them. Francis nodded to him and waited for him to go tell his coworker. He tried not to smile as widely as he truly wanted to at that moment. As he saw Arthur walk past him, he quietly followed after him.

Francis glanced at the cafe Arthur had pointed out to him. "That's perfectly fine with me." He hadn't come out expecting to go anywhere but the flower shop, but he couldn't pass up this opportunity. It wasn't as if he'd eaten much of anything at home anyway.

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur’s calm face was betrayed by his frantic beating heart. God why was he reacting like this, he wasn’t some high school girl being noticed by her crush Jesus Christ. He perked up when the order was set. Odd something similar was mentioned by Gilbert not too long ago. Must have been a coincidence.

"S-sure, shouldn’t take too long but I’m going on break now so I’ll let the other worker know or… would you rather wait until the end of my break and we can get a coffee or something," His voice was rushed and quiet at the invitation. His free hand scratching the back of his neck before realizing what he had just said. Quickly interjecting before the other could reply, "Actually forget about it, it’s bloody weird to ask something like that from you ha ha," He forced another laugh out to lighten the really tense mood as he turned away and started to power-walk towards the rose caskets. Feeling more or less embarrassed.

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis just watched him quietly, arching an eyebrow curiously at the invitation. Arthur hadn't let Francis reply, but it was still out there in the air. He blinked for a moment as he realized he was acting flustered. Was that a good sign or a bad one? But he had asked, Francis noted. He smiled a little and followed him a small distance.

"If you really meant it, I wouldn't mind going to get a coffee with you. The roses can wait since he won't be getting off work until well into the night." He really hoped Arthur wouldn't truly back out of it now that he'd said it. Gilbert would understand, he would just drop the roses off at his apartment tomorrow.

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

Arthur felt a pang in his chest at the reply he had gotten, the voice had gotten accustomed to now so dry of emotion and the frenchman’s usual flamboyancy. His grip on the rose tightened as he tried to control the tone of his voice “I must have been too busy to notice so it seems, apologies,” He trailed off. He had to control his emotions, for one he was still in his work place, and secondly showing weakness was never the Brit’s personality and lastly Arthur was panicking. He wasn’t expecting to see Francis ever again yet alone in such a situation (He was looking after the shop alone until his break)

He took a deep breath and turned to face the Frenchman. For a moment their eyes met and Arthur could see the state of the man. The Brit himself wasn’t in his top form himself but Francis had the bad end of the stick. Emerald eyes quickly looked anywhere but at the man infront of him, “So… How can I help you,” His eye looking down at the single rose in his own hands, fiddling with it occasionally.

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis hadn't really expected anything out of the encounter. It was enough to see him, even if it hurt more than the months of absence had. What more could he do? He had told this man he loved him, kissed him, and had been rejected. The only thing that helped was that Arthur had not tossed him out of his store the moment he realized it was him.

When finally Arthur had asked him if he could help, he remembered Gilbert's call. "My friend has to work beyond closing hours all this week, so he sent me to pick up a bouquet of red and white roses for his boyfriend." Did Gilbert know Arthur? He specifically sent him to this shop. 

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

[englishintrovert]

His body stiffened upon recognition of that voice, he could tell who it belonged to even in a busy club. The same voice he denied he loved. Arthur let out a forced chuckle, “You’ve gotten the wrong person sir,” Hoping he would no longer need to interact with the man he had ignored the various messages and any kind of contact or relation with for months. He refused to move to face the other guy but it seems he was convincing no one.

The air around the shop suddenly felt suffocating, Arthur cleared his throat, “Err… How are you Francis,” His voice stringed with nervousness. His fingers intertwining with the roses in front of him.

[waitingforbroadway]

Francis didn't bother replying to Arthur's denial, he knew it wasn't true. Though now in Arthur's presence, anything that he might have wanted to say flew right out the window. He hadn't been expecting to see him here, of all places.

When Arthur spoke again, Francis let out a short, almost bitter, laugh. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "I wish I could tell you I've been well, but...then I would be lying." If Arthur were to look at him properly, he might notice the bags under his eyes or the dullness of his hair. He had tried to get over his heartbreak, but more often than not, something would remind him of Arthur and tear at his heart again. "You never answered my messages...it's good to see you again..."

[englishintrovert]

A normal day at work;

Arthur shuffled the newly arrived roses in their caskets, moving them into display. It was approaching his lunch break from his usual afternoon shift, his eyes shifting to the crowd of tired school commuters hurrying home. I’m lucky I get to stay cozy in here The florist thought as he peaked at the clock. His busy schedule from university to his job didn’t particularly allow him to eat healthy meals during the day, though he wouldn’t consider himself to have been eating anything particularly healthy ever since- Arthur shook his head to dismiss any thoughts. No I shan’t think of unnecessary thoughts He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Especially with his blog post earlier in the week, he’s constantly reminded of those skilled warmed lips- No, not again Kirkland. 

The bell on the door rung indicating a customer as well as snapping the Brit from his thoughts, “Ah good afternoon” He called out to the figure he couldn’t make out as he wasn’t looking at the direction.

[waitingforbroadway]

Flowers were the last thing on Francis's mind, but his friend needed his help so here he was. Gilbert had called him to give him the address and just which kinds of flowers to get for Matthew. If he didn't adore the both of them, he probably would have spent his day off wrapped in blankets in front of his newly purchased television set. How he'd rather be in his nice, warm apartment, than through the cold, bitter New York streets.

When he finally reached the flower shop Gilbert had told him about, he went inside and heard a familiar accented voice. He shook his head, no it couldn't have been him. Too often had he been hearing Arthur's voice in his head or seeing him in random places. But as he came closer, it seemed less and less of an illusion.

"...Arthur?"

[waitingforbroadway]

[Text: Frenchie] Hey, I need you to do me a favor. I'm stuck at work until late in the evening. I wanted to get some flowers for Mattie, but the flower shop will be closed before I can get there. My schedule's like this for the rest of the week. Can you help me out?

[Text: Gilbert] Ah, I suppose if it can't be helped, give me a call with the details.

[waitingforbroadway]

[Message on his voicemail] Hey Frenchie. Where have you been? I keep calling, but you never answer. I came over and knocked, but you never answered the door. You're making your awesome bro here worry. Please return my call, Francis. If something's wrong, we can talk about it, okay?

Francis listened to the voicemail and sighed. He really should take Gilbert up on the offer, but it was embarrassing. After he'd told Gilbert to fix things with Matthew...after he'd spoken to Matthew about going slow (though the boy hadn't listened). His heart was broken and he missed talking to Arthur, he missed seeing him, he'd even welcome a fight with the Englishman. He loved Arthur still, but how could he face the man now?

He looked at the picture he'd taken of them and had uploaded to his new phone. Francis was unable to stop the flow of tears that welled up.

"Arthur..."

[waitingforbroadway]

Interlude

Francis wasn't feeling well. Ever since he'd left Arthur's apartment, there was an emptiness inside him that just wouldn't go away.

"I really messed up...I scared my little English rabbit away...now he may never want to see me again."

He let out a shuddering sigh as he tried not to cry again. Crying wouldn't help him at all. After a minute or so, he felt one of his cats jump on the bed. The Scottish Fold moved over to curl up beside him and began to purr. Francis uncovered his eyes and looked over at his cat.

"What's this? Sir William is gracing me with his presence?" He smiled a little and reached over to gently stroke the normally aloof cat's fur. "...merci, mon chat..."