One More Meeting (Arthur and Francis)

[Francis Bonnefoy]

His last ball having been a complete catastrophe (a Ruthian invasion, extensive property damage, seventeen nobles injured, one noble kidnapped, and one irate military officer), it was no wonder that Francis' social life had been quiet of late. He had withdrawn from the public eye for long months to repair his mansion, recover from his injuries, and make private house calls to ensure that the injured were going to recover as well.

But the city's social scene was becoming restless, and insane rumors flew around about Francis' disappearance. Once again, Francis' position was at stake, and it would take a spectacle of enormous proportions to secure it again. Francis was still drained from the disaster, but knew he could not give up. Not now, when he was closer to his goal. Not now, when he knew someone else was counting on him.

So Francis gave the public their spectacle. He spared no expense for his White Ball and invited every famous name in the city, no matter how little he cared for them. There was only one person he ever wanted to invite, but Francis couldn't risk contacting him. Before the ball even opened, Francis resigned himself to a joyless, wasteful evening.

Yet he couldn't deny that the music was lovely, that the guests made a lovely picture in their white finery, and that the ballroom was inviting. When the orchestra played the first strains of a waltz, Francis found himself a partner and stepped into formation.

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

It had to be said, Francis suddenly knew how to impress the public. Many of the people gathered in crowds, mostly the women, hushed and commented on how grand it was, and how pleasant Francis looked and how everyone looked.

Of course, it was silly to think that Arthur would miss out on something like this. After all, while he had no gained an official invite, he was always welcome. No one expected any one of danger to be at this ball, especially with the extra security that Francis had made sure to back up. Arthur was dressed in finely tailored clothes, noble clothes, something that no one would obviously expect a pirate to be wearing. They were having too good a time.

Arthur, of course, couldn't remain the Ball as an unknown noble, relatively keeping to the shadows. He was here to see the host of course, but he couldn't run up without having to introduce himself to everyone surrounding Francis at the time (And Francis was constantly surrounded at this time, naturally. He still was the desired man of many young girls hearts, and as of recently, there was something that spiked daggers into his own every time Arthur had to witness someone pushing themselves upon him -- and how flirtatious Francis naturally was. ) Also, it was unlikely that he wouldn't be spotted by some of the more suspicious and intelligent nobles, or at the least regarded suspiciously. So he had to approach Francis in the most inconspicuous way possible.

So as the waltz started and everyone found their partners, the dance started. It was a waltz whereupon halfway in the dance everyone swapped partners. Sometmes the men danced together, which wasn't unusual, and usually had quite a reaction from some of the young female nobles.

Which is why before anyone else could step in line with Francis, a certain blonde haired male took position, leading Francis around the dancefloor. He smirks, his green eyes twinkling slightly in a highly boyish fashion.

"Slightly disappointed in the lack of an invitation, Bonnefoy."

God, he'd missed him.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

The lackluster of the waltz brightened with the splendor of holding a familiar form in Francis' arms. Francis knew the feel of that body against his, knew the sparkle in those green eyes too well. The ball suddenly felt magical, the way it should be.

But Francis couldn't betray his surprise and elation - too many eyes were on him. All he could do was smile at Arthur.

"How else was I supposed to lure you here?" said Francis smoothly, without missing a step. "You would have to attend to pry it from my hands."

As they slipped into the heart of the whirling dervish of dancers, Francis' eyes softened. The shield of white cloth and outstretched arms allowed him to caress the pirate's cheek.

"You know you never needed an invitation."

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

As they danced among the others, Arthur just rolls his eyes. However his cheeks tinge in colour.

"I know," he remarks, allowing his own expression to soften for a moment. However, a moment later and they were under the preening eyes of the other nobles, so his mask falls back into place.

"Best be careful," He remarks. "You have a lot at stake tonight, and being seen with an unknown or rather minute noble in terms of who you usually mingle with."

[Francis Bonnefoy]

At that moment, Francis couldn't care less who he was seen with. It was his ball, and he could damn well talk to whoever he wanted to. And that person was dancing with him.

But Francis knew that Arthur was right. One careless move and everything would collapse on his head. He shook his head, staring at Arthur in amazement.

"How is it that you can drive me insane and make me see sense all at once?" His grip on Arthur tightened slightly. "You are a wonder of the world."

As they returned to their original formation, Francis could sense that the dance was winding down. It had been entirely too short a song, and Francis was tempted to call out to the orchestra to play on.

"Are you staying?" Francis tried not to hope too much. It should be enough that Arthur had attended. Yet he still couldn't help feeling a little forlorn that Arthur might have to go.

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

The song slowly comes to an end, and Arthur gently pulls away from the other. As he does so, he gently bows, almost looking like he was about to kiss his hand. However, he pauses above it. There's a small smirk.

"... I'm here as long as my services are required, Lord Bonnefoy~" He remarks, before turning away, strolling off into the crowds before anyone can notice him too much.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis was left to stare after Arthur, discreetly craning his neck to follow Arthur's movements. But it was no use, as Arthur was swallowed by the crowd and effectively disappeared.

All Francis had was a throng of nobles, most of them young women, pressing against him to vie for his next dance. He wanted to shove them away and hurry after Arthur, but knew he couldn't. Instead, he was absentmindedly accepted a dance from a starstruck girl who looked to be much, much younger than he was.

But he couldn't concentrate on the next dance, which was a lively gavotte, and he went through the steps half-heartedly. He needn't pay full attention to his partner, who seemed dazzled enough. Francis furtively scanned the crowd for that familiar blond head, but Francis knew it would be near impossible to locate him. If Arthur did not want to be found, then no one could.

He sighed, thanked the girl for the dance when it was over, and wandered away from the dancers. Francis no longer desired to dance, not when his head was full of the pirate.

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

Some time later, a noticeable crowd has gathered among the main floor. Upon closer inspection, it was noticeable that a circle had formed near the orchestra, and that within it were a few of the more confident, younger nobles, dancing.

Arthur was among them, but had slicked back his hair in the meantime between seeing Francis before and now. He'd be less likely to be suspicious, if he looked completely dressed appropriately.

He's dancing with a few people, general waltz and jive, people coming in and dancing, before exiting the circle. Arthur remains the whole time, making it evident that he was the one to start it.

Soon, it has the attention of the whole hall, and the circle expands to extend the whole floor.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

It was not until the circle of enthusiastic dancers filled the dance floor that Francis noticed. Curious, he approached the edge of the excitement. In the midst of it all was Arthur himself. He knew that figure anywhere, even with the neat hair and tailored clothes

Francis gaped. What in the world was Arthur doing, being so conspicuous? He was bordering on ostentatious, and with that smile, Arthur was desperately irresistible. Francis glanced around, a little worried. If Arthur was recognized...

Francis pushed his way into the dancers, catching Arthur's shoulder. He had to raise his voice a little to be heard, and he glanced about warily for eavesdroppers.

"What in heaven's name are you doing?"

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

Arhur turned his head, and practically beamed when he saw Francis. He didn't response to him, more than aware that everyone had their eyes on both of them, now that they were obviously centre of attention.

"Ah! Bonnefoy. You must join in. Dance with me? Sure as host, you must show off your skills and why they're superior?" He questions, holding out a hand, moving into the centre of the circle. There were still dancers around the edges, but they started to slow down and mingle out, as everyone focused their attention onto them. The orchestra slowed it's music, preparing to alter it.

All eyes were on them. Arthur still had that cocky look about him, but there was a sincerity underlying it.