|
|
Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Oct 11, 2012 17:29:35 GMT -5
The wisest course, after hosting what became one of the city's biggest and most scandalous debacles, would be to retreat from the public eye. It was just as well, since Francis needed to recover from a potentially fatal wound.
After overseeing the repairs to his mansion and calling on the victims of the attack on his home, Francis thought he would like a little peace and solitude for now. It was with great haste that Francis packed up and proceeded to his country mansion, where he hoped a few weeks of manual labor in the family vineyard and minimal social events would relieve him.
But even in his haste, Francis did not forget what had become his most prized possession of late: the cloak Arthur had offered him, so many months ago, in the forest so near to Francis' country home. He kept it with him, despite the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions the cloak's owner left him with.
Luckily, he had arrived at the vineyard just as the harvest season was beginning. He immersed himself in hard, satisfying work during the first week, forgetting everything he felt during those sweet hours in the day. It was at night that those thoughts returned, filling his sleep with dreams of the pirate captain.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Oct 17, 2012 17:03:57 GMT -5
Arthur sat on a branch, watching the Noble.
He'd originally gone to the Manor in the city, but finding no actual life in it except for the stationary servants, he'd managed to come to the conclusion that the other had retreated here.
Arthur doesn't know how long he's been watching the other, but it's... almost... entrancing, isn't quite the word, but .. calming. He could watch the other for hours.
Eventually, though, he sighs and looks towards the other. A moment later, he jumps down from the tree, slowly approaching the other. He looks away.
"Hello."
|
|
|
|
Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Oct 17, 2012 17:26:31 GMT -5
Francis had only finished filling a wooden vat with freshly-plucked grapes when he was so startled he nearly fell into the vat himself. As he steadied himself against the side of the vat, he took in the sight of the pirate, confirming that yes, he was indeed present, here, in front of Francis.
"Oh..." He swallowed. For his extensive experience in romance, he had no idea how to greet a the object of his affection when said object was considered Francis his creditor. At best.
"How did you find me?" he asked instead, straightening. He realized that his attire was patched, worn, and stained. It was mortifying and unattractive. He edged toward the vat, putting the container between him and Arthur to hide his unkempt state.
"I didn't tell anyone. Only the servants knew."
|
|
|
|
Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Oct 17, 2012 17:48:33 GMT -5
Arthur blinks at the other's actions, and he'll admit, he feels a little reproachful. He's unsure how to respond. He takes notes of the other's embarassment, and tilts his head slightly.
Odly, Francis had never appeared so homely and happy in his life to the Pirate. He didn't see unkemptness and distaste, but instead sincere passion and ...truthfulness. He gives a slow nod.
"I've been here before, remember? I.. came to your manor in the city, but I discovered that it wasn't as... full as it usually is. I could guess if you were within the city I would've heard gossip, so I decided to try here just in case, and I was right."
At that, he smiles; a fully genuine smile.
"I wanted to see how you were patching up; I can see you're doing brilliantly."
|
|
|
|
Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Oct 17, 2012 22:24:52 GMT -5
The smile on Arthur's face, so sweetly genuine and aimed at him, disarmed Francis completely. He felt unsure what to do again for a moment, then regained his bearings.
"I see." Francis lowered his eyes, instead directing the intensity of his gaze into the hill of grapes before him. Did Arthur need something from him badly, then, if he traveled all the way to the country? Francis hated the thought. He would have loved to imagine that Arthur came to see him for the sake of it.
"That's very kind of you," he said instead, finally lifting his eyes to meet the pirate's. Under the afternoon sun, they glowed, almost catlike. Francis couldn't pull his gaze away.
"What can I do for you?" Francis stepped away from the vat gingerly, trying not to think about how awful he looked. After signaling to one of the workers to take care of the new batch of grapes, he led Arthur to the manor. He itched to clean up and change, but with the estate being expansive, the way back was quite a walk.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Oct 18, 2012 14:13:17 GMT -5
"Like I said, I wanted to see if you were healing up. I, er."
He cuts himself off, shaking his head. He folds his arms. Defensive. He makes a side glance at the other, unsure whether to actually just let himself go for once or keep his normal demeanor.
He can't help himself.
"Er. You still have my coat."
He hides his expression, as though it would betray him to his normal thoughts.
|
|
|
|
Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Oct 18, 2012 16:43:44 GMT -5
Of course. Francis guessed that Arthur wanted something from him; he knew only something urgent could persuade Arthur to see him. But it was a blow to hear it confirmed. He tried to ignore the pang of disappointment in his chest and focused on the path before them.
"Is that all?" asked Francis, trying for a lighthearted tone. "Or is that your way of admitting you missed me?" It was much easier to be cheeky about how he felt than to be blunt. Arthur already indicated before that Francis' openness about his feelings repelled him. Hence why Francis had waited until the last moment to tell Arthur the full passion he felt for him and had left Arthur's ship immediately after.
He glanced up to smirk at Arthur, but realized it probably looked more like a tentative smile. Sighing inwardly, he lapsed into silence, trying not to think about how close their hands were.
|
|
