For The One I Love Ch. 6

Author's note: Finally, I update! So I figured I'd post this before I go away to my friend's party this weekend ^^ Not much to say here without spoiling anything, so just read and enjoy :3

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After standing around outside the restaurant and realizing what a complete idiot he was being, Arthur stepped inside. He saw the two out on the balcony and weighed his options. He could easily go grab a table inside the restaurant, far, far away from Francis and Jean. On the other hand, this could be his chance to finally meet Jean, regardless if Francis wanted him to or not.

He was still the country of England and decided it wouldn't be right for him to pass up causing France discomfort. So he asked the waiter to seat him on the balcony and followed after him, taking a seat at a table a few feet away from Francis'. He turned in his chair. He was sure Francis had told Jean lies about his life and most likely had said that the world meetings he went to were just "business meetings."

So he formulated a lie, that he was Francis' "colleague." He put on a fake smile and poked Francis' shoulder. "Francis, is that you, old boy?" he said. Francis turned, face paling and eyes widening.

What are you doing here? Francis mouthed to him, but Arthur ignored him as he noticed Jean's curious looks.

"Oh and you have company," Arthur stated as he stood up and bowed. "Terribly sorry to intrude. My name is Arthur Kirkland. I work with Francis."

Jean seemed to brighten up considerably. "Do you?" he said, his English flawless.

"Yes. Though I had no idea I would run into you here, Francis."

"I prefer to keep my personal life away from work," Francis hissed.

Arthur faked a laugh and put his hand on Francis' shoulder. France eyed it as though he wanted to burn a hole in it.

"So what do you and Francis actually do?" Jean inquired. "Francis never tells me anything."

"He doesn't? Are you two close?"

He held his breath. "Yes," the brunette replied without delay. "We're actually-"

"Jean is my lover," Francis said sternly, glaring at Arthur. Arthur wanted to speak, but the anger behind those blue eyes made him falter. "And I would really appreciate it, mon ami, if you could let us get back to our dinner."

"O-Of course…"

"Nonsense, why don't you stay?" Jean interrupted, causing both Francis and Arthur to look at him in shock. "Francis, he's all alone. It's the least we could do to offer him a place at our table."

"But-"

"Please?" Francis frowned but finally nodded, gesturing to Arthur to take a seat. Jean smiled and pulled the chair out beside himself. "It's a real pleasure to meet you, Arthur," he said warmly. "I'm Jean Dubois." He extended his hand for Arthur to shake.

Arthur blinked and slowly brought his hand up to shake Jean's. Francis looked very uncomfortable and watched them both warily. "Y-Yes, it's nice to meet you too," the Brit mumbled.

"So have you and Francis been friends long?"

"Oh he isn't my-"

"You could say that," Arthur said softly. Francis closed his mouth and stared at him. "It feels like I've known him for…for centuries, heh."

Francis was silent as Jean and Arthur continued to talk. By the time they decided to leave, Arthur was surprised to find that he had enjoyed himself so much. Jean was actually a pleasant man, albeit very trusting. And even though his initial plan had been to pass quick hateful judgment on Jean, he couldn't do that now. Not with Jean smiling and asking to keep in touch.

Francis looked beyond upset with the turn of events, but Arthur didn't care at all. Before all three parted, Arthur went into the restroom with Francis close behind. The Englishman was washing his hands when Francis roughly turned him around and shoved him against the sink.

"What do you think you are doing?!" he shouted.

"I think I'm washing my bloody hands," Arthur snarled back.

"You know what I mean, salaud."

"I came here by accident, in case you were wondering. How was I supposed to know you'd be here with your human?"

"He's not my-"

"He is, Francis. He's your human. You can call him whatever else you like, but it won't change the fact that you two are different in more ways than he can imagine."

"Shut up!" Francis shoved him further against the sink. "I love him."

Arthur snorted. "Really?"

"Yes! Jean means everything to me, but of course you wouldn't understand. You're a loveless bastard."

"I've loved humans before, frog. Don't you dare think you're the only one."

"Is that so? Have you loved a human the way I love Jean?"

Arthur pushed him away and glared at him. "How am I supposed to know how you love him?"

"I think of him whenever I am alone, I dream of his smile when I am sad; I cannot put into words how much he means to me."

"You sound lovesick," Arthur sneered. "He doesn't even know you're a country, Francis – his country. When will you tell him? When he becomes suspicious enough to ask?"

"S-Shut up."

"When he starts to notice how he ages and you don't?"

"Tais-toi!"

"When he is on his deathbed? Will you tell him then, Francis?"

"SHUT UP!" Francis spat, grabbing Arthur by the shoulders and lifting him up to shove against the wall. "Just…shut up," he snapped. "I know what I am doing."

"I highly doubt that," Arthur spat.

"Stay away from him."

He laughed. "Stay away? Even if you hate me, Jean certainly doesn't."

"Does it feel nice not to be hated for once?"

Arthur narrowed his eyes and pushed Francis away from him. "You need to end this, frog."

"Why? So that I may be miserable?"

He never had any sort of feelings for me to begin with. Why should I start believing if he lets this human go that he will magically start loving me? "Miserable?" Arthur repeated, noticing the tightness in his chest.

"Yes. You are a master at that emotion, oui?" Francis brushed off his suit. "Excuse me, Jean is waiting for me." He walked out of the restroom, leaving Arthur to lean against the wall. He silently went back to washing his hands and surprised himself by letting out a sob.

He blinked his eyes a few times and looked into the mirror above the sink. Tears were falling down his face and he had no idea why.