From the Ashes

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis glanced down at the necklace, held by two different hands that refused to let go. He concentrated on tugging Arthur's fingers off it, partly to avoid Arthur's eyes. Francis couldn't bear the despair and utter need he saw in them. He knew they were his undoing.

Because when Arthur didn't need him anymore, when Arthur found the strength to stand on his own, he would walk away again.

"Yes, I'm here," he repeated, his voice so low it was almost inaudible. His eyes were still on the fingers around the necklace. "Why don't you just put the necklace on the nightstand? That way, you won't risk snapping it while you lie down. I promise no one will touch it."

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

And as quick as it appeared, Arthur's expression fell again, his heart overcome and drowning in a pit of grief and pain.

He lets go of the necklace, slumping over.

"i-i can go." he murmurs, just as quietely. "i-i'm s-sorry--"

[Francis Bonnefoy]

It was almost cruel how Francis' most painful suspicions were confirmed so quickly. His hands dropped from the necklace (and Arthur's hand) to lie limply on his lap. Francis kept his eyes down.

"D - do you want to go?" His voice was small and soft.

He knew he should stop Arthur, citing that his injuries would worsen if he attempted anything, but Francis wanted Arthur to stay more than he should. It had been a long, heartbreaking month, and though it hurt to see Arthur again, Francis had to admit he was glad at the same time. But if Arthur really wanted to leave...

"I wouldn't recommend it," he continued tentatively, still staring at his hands. "You're not in any shape to do anything, and your enemy could have followed you here and might be waiting for you. I know this is the last place you want to be, but...I hope you stay. I won't force you, though."

Francis almost laughed bitterly; those were the same words he told Arthur before Arthur left him for the first time.

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

He trembles, and suddenly he's grasping at the other's hands and arms.

"i-i don't w-want t-to g-go--- d-don't make m-me g-go ---"

He whispers the next part, hating himself.

"y-you're s-scaring m-me-- i-i'm s-sorry--"

He doesn't think he could say it enough, even when Francis couldn't understand.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Francis looked up at Arthur in surprise. Francis was trying his hardest to care for Arthur the way he should; how was this frightening to Arthur? But Arthur was in no state to be aggravated by questions. Instead, Francis ignored his own confusion and patted Arthur's hand.

"No, no, don't apologize. You have nothing to apologize for." Francis swallowed with difficulty. "I won't make you go. You can stay here; you know you're always welcome here. I - I don't know what is scaring you, though. If you tell me, I might be able to fix it."

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

"Y-You-- y-you d-didn't say that t-the last time I-I was h-here---"

He shakes his head, trembling.

"i-it's a-all my fault, a-all m-my fault -- y-you're -- you're d-distant -- - i'm s-sorry, i-i'm so bloody sorry---"

[Francis Bonnefoy]

All of a sudden, it dawned on Francis: Arthur was used to Francis' affection and closeness, even when he didn't want it. The change in his demeanor - as demanded by the break in their relationship - was something Arthur was unfamiliar with. Of course it would alarm him, especially after tonight's tragic events.

Now Francis was truly stumped. How was he supposed to act now? Arthur needed him to be loving again, but only because that was how he knew Francis. The pirate was asking him to offer his heart again for him to take and break - again.

Seeing Arthur's state, Francis knew there was no question about it now.

"Don't apologize," said Francis, moving closer. Taking a deep breath, Francis plunged in and pulled Arthur into an embrace. "This was all a misunderstanding, wasn't it? I'll make it right. All of it - us, the children..."

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

Arthur hides away in the other's arms, still shaking, still trembling. He snivels, still unsure, still hurt.

"H-Help--n-no-- i-don't k-know a-anymore---" He whimpers. "Y-You t-think -- y-you're s-scared--"

Scared, scared even more than Arthur is. Arthur's just had his heart ripped out, but he wasn't as scared as Francis was.

He sniffles, hiding away.

"r-right h-how--"

[Francis Bonnefoy]

The way Arthur was burrowing into him felt more and more like Arthur worming his way back into Francis' heart. Francis knew that Arthur would nestle so deep inside that he would fill it, fill it, fill it, until he shattered it. What was he doing?

Francis gripped Arthur more tightly. "Of course I'm scared," whispered Francis. "I'm afraid for the children. And I'm afraid for you." Of you.

Running his fingers through Arthur's hair, Francis decided that Arthur had enough for the night. The man needed to rest as much as he could.

"But I'm not going to let that fear cripple me. You and the children need me to help you, and that it what I intend to do. Please, Arthur, go to sleep. I'll stay with you, I promise."

[Cpt. Arthur Kirkland]

He whimpers, because somehow gets the impression. He does. And it scares him still.

He shakes his head, now refusing to look at Francis.

"C-Can't--" He murmurs, voice hollow. He's terrified.