One More Meeting (Arthur and Francis)

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Against his instincts, Francis stayed away from Arthur for the rest of the evening. He made no gestures even in thought about him, and easily evaded questions about his dance partner. Yet Arthur occupied his thoughts every second of every minute.

He began to wonder if Arthur really meant his invitation. Francis spent the rest of the ball conjuring up different scenarios about why Arthur would leave early and Francis waiting for the whole night for him. He couldn't help it.

Francis was only too glad when the guests began to trickle out and soon enough, he was called to officially close the ball. He could not recall his closing speech, only that his last word was met with cheers and merriment.

When the last of the guests had left and the servants had finished their cleaning duties and departed for bed, Francis made one last round to make sure he was the only one still out and awake.

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

A violin would start playing from the balcony. A soft melody, but quite simple. Arthur was stood upon Francis' balcony, making note of his invitation still in waiting.

He'd waited until everyone had gone, and climbed up to Francis' balcony -- yep, climbed. Romeo and Juliet, indeed.

Arthur waits until he hears Francis open his bedroom door before turning around, a soft smirk on his lips. He points the bow in his direction.

"Shall we dance?"

[Francis Bonnefoy]

As Francis, satisfied that his house was safe and asleep, made his way to his bedroom, he had to fight the urge to hurry. He was practically bursting with anticipation when he slipped in quietly, only to freeze when he found Arthur.

There. In his bedroom. With a violin. Looking as if he belonged there all his life.

Francis nearly turned into a puddle on the floor. Instead, he stepped forward, almost daintily, and took Arthur's hand.

"You do me the greatest honor," he whispered.

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

There's a soft smile, and Arthur gently places the violin down, and brings Francis' close to him. They don't really dance per say, but it's more of a soft sway, holding each other close.

Arthur leans forward and closes his eyes, resting his chin on Francis' shoulder. He's just enjoying the soft movement and the smell and the warmth of Francis beside him, and he feels himself blushing along with it. It was almost the deciding factor.

Now or never, he thought.

As they 'dance' a little more on the balcony, Arthur raises his head and brings the Noble's closer to his, before leaning forward so that their cheeks are touching. They could stay like this all night if he wanted to.

"You gave me three words, the last time we duly parted." He breathes against the other's ear. There's a slight pause.

"I now have my answer."

His lips gently move away from Francis' ear and he draws back, taking a long glance at those eyes again; those sea-blue eyes, which spelt of home.

He definitely knew, now.

Their noses softly touch, and after a breathless pause, Arthur leans forward.

And captures Francis' lips in his own.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

It couldn't be possible that one gentle movement knocked all the air from his lungs more than a devastating impact would, but that was how Francis felt. The world spun and narrowed into Arthur, into what they were sharing in that instant.

Almost immediately, Francis responded, wrapping his arms around Arthur - his Arthur now - delving and drowning into him. He refused to let go until he grew dizzy from lack of air, and even then, Francis kept the pirate in his arms.

"Oh..." Francis gasped, his face warm and his lips tingling. "Arthur."

He reached up and touched Arthur's lips, lost for a moment. Then he slid from the embrace and took Arthur's hand. Slowly, he led Arthur from the balcony and into his room.

Everything, everything that had happened had led to this. Silently, Francis put out the lamp on his bedside, leaving them with only each other to find.