Be Well, My Darling (Fruk)

Chapter 3: The Axis

1937

"Thank you all for listening to the British Broadcasting station! On todays news, Mr. Italy has joined an alliance with Germany and Japan! This triple alliance is being called the Axis Power—"

"HE DID WHAT?!" I shouted. I dropped my cup onto the ground, and everyone stared at me. Everyone around was listening to the news. How was this the first time I learned about this? "What's going on!" A small voice spoke. I looked down to my side, seeing the young princess beside me. "No need to worry; I have this all under control!" I smiled. I smiled at the young Elizabeth, but I knew there was only so much I could hide.

This needed to be discussed immediately; how was I supposed to watch for them if they kept growing their alliance? At least I could count on Francis to be here for me. "Mr. England? You have a phone call!" Someone spoke. It was one of the servants. They had snapped me out of my worry. "Oh? Who is it?" I asked.

"I am not sure, but they said they are your...and I quote, "best friend in the entire universe! Yay!" End quote..." he spoke. I groaned, hearing the ridiculous message that was delivered in a monotone. "Ah, how splendid," I told. He smiled at me and walked away.

Fantastic!

What on earth could that idiot want?

I quietly left the room I was in, walking toward the phone room. That idiot doesn't know how to send letters? Why does he constantly call me? I hope telephone lines get slower; this was ridiculous.

"Yes? What do you want?!"

"ARTHUR! How lovely it is to hear your voice! Or rather, unlovely, you sound grumpy all the time—"

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?!"

"Ah! So eager! I like it! Well, ignoring the obvious situation with the axis, I think you and I should stay close. Their leaders are a bit scary; it reminds me of Napoleon, so, please? Do me the honor of not being a dick and being nice! Pretty please...I will do anything you ask! Even if they are sexual favors—"

"NO, THANK YOU! I will be fine without that. We are allies, so you don't need to ask if I can protect you; I would do it anyway!" I spoke in a duh tone. I rolled my eyes and began to rub circles on the desk below me. "Darling, I wasn't asking you to protect me, but since you are offering, what a splendid idea!" He cheered. Grrr! This manipulative idiot! I closed my eyes, wishing he were here so I could punch him in the face.

"Is this all you wanted to talk about?"

"Huh? Of course not. Must I keep reminding you that you have my favor, and I enjoy our talks..."

"Liar! What else do you want?"

"Arthur, calm down. You are surprising me today! Do you plan to cater to my every need? If that is the case, it can not be helped; I have one last request!"

I groaned once more and rubbed my temples. "What is it?" I asked. I could hear him giggling on the other side. It made my heart melt. I found myself smiling as I waited for him to speak. I didn't forget the feelings that I once had for him, but things really were different. I only felt that way because there were so many things going on. That is what I like to keep telling myself, at least.

I find myself constantly fighting against gaining those feelings back. However, it doesn't help that he treats anyone with this kind of attention. When he does it to me, it feels like he only does it to get what he wants, and I am the fool who constantly gives it to him. He did have a special place in my heart, but it must be platonic.

I don't want people to get the wrong idea. Since we had run into problems in the past for merely being close, if people found out we had kissed or even had sex, there would be outrage. Even from that night many years ago when we did have sex. We were drunk; it did not mean anything and has been left this unspoken thing we have.

"I want to see you again...it's been a year. You constantly say you are busy, but I miss you terribly. Am I only allowed to keep calling you? We are so close, aren't we? It makes me sad,"

I smiled at what he said and stayed silent. If he kept doing this to me, I would have no choice but to regain that affection. Even if he didn't feel the same way, I would be trapped for eternity. "Arthur?" He spoke softly.

"We will, soon...I promise...with everything going on, I have to do important things. I promise you, one day, we will get food together. Or maybe you can cook for me?" I smiled. I looked up at the ceiling and felt my heart beating. This was fine! I was fine! Everything was fine!

"Arthur?..."

"Yes...?"

"You are making me sad. However, I am willing to forgive you, eventually!"

"Oh, really?"

"Yes! And do you want to know why?"

"Sure, tell me..."

I smiled once more. I could hear him breathe out as if he were defeated. I was sure that I drove him mad all the time. I knew he only wanted to be friendly with me, but I was too difficult. I never let him get a chance. I knew I was only doing it to keep this barrier between us, mostly for my sake. I didn't want to be heartbroken. I knew where this path led; I had seen it between many nations. It was not a path I wanted to go down. Thinking back, I'm sure even younger me also adored him. I was sure I loved Francis when we were children.

"It's because hearing your voice is enough for now. I adore every aspect of you, my dear friend. Please don't make me sad by avoiding me. I request your presence and nothing more. To be at the same distance as you would make me very happy. I believe that it would make you very happy too! However, for now, I am content hearing your sweet voice...do I make myself clear? Or do I need to go over there without your permission and show you?"

I rolled my eyes at what he said and laughed. "Oh please, you love to mess with me. I'm sure the only reason you call is that you are bored with nothing else better to do. I will see you when I am available. I'd prefer that so that I could give you my full attention. Isn't that what you want? My attention?"

"Well, something like that—"

"Precisely, and you will get it when I have time, so please be patient. Please...you will drive me crazy! Then, I will drive you crazy!"

"Darling, I say this in the truest way possible. With all my affection and care, but you already drive me crazy."

This guy...

"But, you are right; I will be patient. Be well, Arthur. I look forward to listening to you again," he spoke. I smiled once more, nodding. Despite knowing he would not see. "Be well, my darling..." I spoke, whispering the last part.