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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Dec 11, 2011 14:27:58 GMT -5
Francis frowned, reaching out to hold Arthur still gently. The pirate was clearly trying to fight his headache, and something Francis that inspired his admiration and increasing worry.
"I believe it's only a little past sunrise," said Francis slowly. His eyes raked over Arthur concernedly. "It's all right. You're in no shape to leave yet."
Francis patted Arthur's hand reassuringly. "Whatever it is, I'm sure that it will wait for you."
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Dec 11, 2011 14:40:24 GMT -5
Arthur just frowned, holding Francis away from him. He looks at him as though he's mental for daring to touch him like that. "That would be my crew, who yes, they do, but I keep a tidy time limit. If I am not there they will come looking for me. For some reason, the only time they've been forced to do that as of late is whenever you're involved." He mutters. He forces himself out of bed, and stands up.
"I don't know what you're on about, you're in a bloody worse state than me." He remarks, moving to pick up his sock and jacket."
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Dec 11, 2011 15:17:43 GMT -5
Francis wanted nothing more than to leap out of bed and do everything he could to stop Arthur and make him stay, but Francis knew better. Arthur would fight him if he had to, and even if Francis persuaded him to remain, the pirate would resent him forever.
Much as Francis wanted Arthur to stay, he wouldn't be able to stand it if Arthur hated him. So Francis watched Arthur dress, unaware of the pained expression on his own face. All he could feel was something inside him throbbing and collapsing.
"Do you remember what I said last night?" he finally asked softly. "Is this your answer then?"
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Dec 11, 2011 15:25:11 GMT -5
Arthur blinks, and straightens up.
"You do realise how bloody much I drank last night? The last thing I remember is bandaging you and then next thing I know I've woken up in your room, again. So I don't have a bloody clue what you're on about, and either way, whatever it is, you're being ridiculous."
He straightens up, wincing at his headache, and looks around as he places his hands on his hips. He frowns.
"... Where the heck are my boots?"
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Dec 12, 2011 14:09:46 GMT -5
Francis sighed quietly, casting his gaze down to the sheets covering his lap. The fact that Arthur had bandaged Francis himself should have pleased Francis, but instead, it confused him.
"The butler must have taken your boots to clean them," he replied softly, "while you...while you helped me."
Francis lifted his face to look at Arthur again. "I don't understand you," he whispered with a hitch in his voice, "and usually, I wouldn't worry, because I can with time. But you're not willing to give me that, are you? Time, I mean."
He took a deep, shuddering breath. "I asked you last night whether you would truly, wholeheartedly prefer not to see me again and pretend nothing ever happened involving us. Because if that is what you truly wish, I will do you that favor."
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Dec 12, 2011 17:00:35 GMT -5
Arthur can only stare. There's an unsure expression in his eyes, which is obvious. He doesn't understand either. Especially himself. ... Would he not prefer to see Francis again? All Francis seemed to do was cause him trouble and get in his way.
But then...
He suddenly laughs, as though amused by something. It hurt his head doing so, but he ignores the pain. He looks at Francis.
"... Why don't you understand me?"
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Dec 12, 2011 20:03:46 GMT -5
Francis tried not to feel slighted by Arthur's apparent amusement, but it stung slightly. Narrowing his eyes, he tilted his chin up unflinchingly to meet Arthur's stare.
"The only reason why I don't understand you is because you don't let me," he answered. "I've seen you - every side of you - but you don't want me to see you as a whole. I can see what you need, but you're not acknowledging it...you're not letting yourself want it."
Francis' gaze softened and he considered the pirate for a long moment. "Do you hate me, Arthur?" he dared to ask. "Do you see something in me that makes you refuse what I want to give? Would you rather it be someone else that cares for you?"
He held his breath, wondering if he was going to regret what he had asked. There was a part of him that didn't want to know the answer.
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Dec 13, 2011 14:04:17 GMT -5
All Arthur could do was frown at the other, his expression dropping.
"... You've not seen everything of me." He snaps, a very insulted look in his eyes. He sighs, and his expression seems a little meek, as though what Francis has just said has took a tone with him.
"... Now I don't understand. What the hell do you mean I'm not letting you see 'myself as a whole'. What the heck do I need? Why the heck can you 'see' it? I don't know what you mean. I don't understand."
He's growling but he turns away and clutches his head for a moment. There's a say.
"You know what I hate about you? How quickly you seem to have come to the conclusion that you need me. That you 'want' me. It's... It's... bloody insane. I'm a pirate, attachment is the worst thing anyone can do." He glares. "Emotions are something we can't afford and surely you bloody know that. I don't get you! Who do you think you are, thinking you can claim you know me when I have only properly met you twice? It's stupid! I've never taken my defences around anyone when conscious of it! I can't afford to have this happen! I...I-I... I just.... Why?! What are you doing?! Tell me!"
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Dec 13, 2011 18:49:02 GMT -5
Francis trembled slightly as he watched Arthur crescendo from harsh anger to confused frustration. Francis was at a loss now; he had thought he had made his feelings clear, on more than one occasion, but Arthur still claimed ignorance.
"Does there have to be a specific timetable for falling in love?" His voice was rising steadily. "Would you have preferred if I arranged it according to schedule? That is impossible, Arthur! I have come to feel what I do now, regardless of the time or who we are or whether I want to. Do you think I planned on this?"
Francis stood abruptly, hoping he looked indignant enough. But instead, his expression was stricken. He didn't know whether he wanted to hold onto Arthur or to hit him more.
"No matter how much you pretend otherwise, I know you now. All of you. All the rough parts and the sweet. And I know you need someone who truly cares about you, even if you don't admit it. That's what I want to be."
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Dec 13, 2011 19:02:05 GMT -5
Arthur stood there for the longest moments, just staring at the other, eyes wide. They weren't particularly shocked or outraged; just frozen.
Then his lips slowly crack apart, and he chokes out a laugh. A laugh that sounds almost feeble and scared. His expression switches, to that of disbelief -- but the cynical façade has gone, and he looks almost upset. As he speaks, he tightens further and further in on himself, clutching at his own arms and shirt.
"...I... How can you... How can you even hold such feelings... especially so... s-so... quickly. You... idiot, need to get your stupid heart checked out, need to just get yourself checked out..." There's the laugh again, more deranged, cracking. His eyes aren't matching it. "I 'need someone caring for me'... Hah, as bloody if. As if... As if.... someone like me. As if anything could have feelings that quickly, especially for someone like me..." He spits, suddenly marching and exiting the room, his features turning hard again.
He can't take it any more. He needs to get his boots and go. This was just all an utter failure, utterly stupid.
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