𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞

》Chapter 11《

Current date: 11/25/1899
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"Arthur?!" I said, my tears flowing out freely. "Don't cry, darling, it ruins your pretty face.." he said weakly, wiping away my tears. "You're real, right?! I can see you...I can touch you..!" I asked, cupping his face with my hands. He smiled, though it was so small.

"Oh my god, Arthur!" I hugged him, sobbing into his shirt. "Oh Arthur, I missed hearing your voice and seeing your dumb smile...I missed them so.." my words were cut off by my sobbing. He shushed me, gently stroking my back. "You have nothing to worry about anymore, I'm here.." He told me. His words were so comforting. All I could do was sob. I missed him so much and I was so happy to see him awake again.

For the next few hours it was just me and him in comfortable silence. Just like that day before the masquerade. It was so comforting. Just to be in his presence without saying anything.

I fell for this man and I fell hard. "Darling, why are you still crying?" Arthur rasped. "Oh Arthur, I went through the worst days of my life without you...I couldn't sleep for days. That night...it kept replaying in my sleep..Odette's sobs, the gunshots, you being in pain...they echoed...they always echoed...it wouldn't stop...I screamed for it to stop!" My words spewed out of my mouth as I cried into his shirt once more. "Madison.." he brought me into his bed. It was big enough for both of us. I cried into his side as he held me.

Eventually, I felt myself finally giving in to my body's desire to sleep. It felt so alien at first but relaxing.

It was the first time I slept peacefully in days.

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Current date: 11/29/1899
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"You sure you don't need any more rest, Arthur?" I asked him as we both walked out of the hospital together. "Madison, trust me, I got all the rest I needed while I was at the hospital." He states, taking my hand and leading me to the carriage. "Though I can't wait to sleep in an actual bed." He jokes, causing me to laugh. At least he's still the same frivolous man I know. "Madison, you're crying again." "Arthur, I'm just...so happy that you're okay.." I said, smiling at him.

The whole ride home, I felt like I was on cloud 9. I was so happy he was okay it felt unreal. I hadn't let go of his hand. He was the most precious thing ever, I couldn't lose him again.

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"Oh my god, Madison, Arthur!" Odette screamed, trapping both of us in a hug. "Odette!" I yelled, surprised. "How's divorce life been?" I asked her. "Oh, I've been so much more at peace ever since Marcél was put behind bars. I don't think he'll be out of there for a LONG while. Besides..I got to know that guy I was telling you about a lot more now!" It felt good seeing Odette's genuine smile and not the forced one she always wore. "Oh. My. God. You have to tell me everything!" I said, walking behind the counter with her.

"He IS kinda cute, do you think I should ask him out?" She asks me, her smile not fading. "Whaaat? Girl, he should be the one asking YOU out!" I told her, grabbing my uniform from the back. "Gotta play 'hard to get'!" I continued, putting my uniform on. There I was, gossiping with Odette like we were girls still in highschool.

"Oh, Madison, you know that's not me!" She laughs. "I knowwww, I'm just fuckin' with you. Being honest though, I think you should just be yourself. You're a really nice person and I'm sure Tadashi would just love you!" I told her. "You really think it'll work?" She asked me. "Positive. Now, go up front, I'll meet you there." She walks away, leaving me alone in the back.

Suddenly, I felt myself being pulled back, a cloth being placed up on my mouth and my nose. I struggled in the person's arms, trying to free myself, desperately trying to make some kind of noise for help, but to no avail. I felt myself slowly falling asleep, and too weak to continue fighting back, my eyes grew heavy and closed.

"Nighty night, little lady."