The Elusive Mr. Kirkland

3

Arthur huffed, lessening his temper but keeping it evident that he wanted to leave. He had no business being here anyways, it was nothing more than a show put on to keep the peoples' noses turned elsewhere. Francis made sure of it.

Alfred followed Arthur's lead, bettering his mood immediately and slapping on a smile. He lifted his glass in his direction. "Frechie! I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost in your own home or somethin'."

Arthur pushed Francis' arm off, realizing his own hesitation to do so. Alfred appeared to notice this as well as he watched francis' arm like a hawk... or eagle, rather... as it went from his own shoulder to Francis' side. He shoved his hands in his pockets, starting to play with the fabric of his gloves that rested inside. He had no intention on engaging in this conversation.

"Non, it's not that big~ but it is quite large, isn't it?" He sighed dramatically, winking at Arthur. "It gets quite lonely here."

Alfred continued to watch as Arthur rolled his eyes, annoyed. Perhaps he acted this way with everyone? "Ha! No need to start anymore rumors, Bonnefoy. Loneliness isn't... terrible. It's bearable if you can find comfort in yourself."

"True, if you can learn to love yourself, you yourself shouldn't be a dreaded companion. Especially if yourself is all you have. No money to your name, no solid living... right Alfred?"

Alfred's face paled and he brought up his glass to his face, taking a long, way overdone drink as he nodded curtly. He had no clue what he did to warrant this personal attack on him, he wasn't even sure if that was what to call it.

"And how does the suit I sent fit you? It's quite handome, oui?" He purred almost wickedly, making his way over to Alfred's side and setting a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah... thanks. You really didn't have to. I could've... yeah." Francis had sent him the suit because he knew he couldn't afford to buy one this fancy himself. He insisted on it. Who would he be to turn down such an offer?

Something clearly was going on beyond his relatively low understanding, so he decided this was the time to back out and take his leave. Arthur sympathetically nodded in his direction, seemingly reading his thoughts and giving him permission to leave. "I gotta jet. My brother Matthew is going to be here to pick me up soon, and uh, I have a few more girls I haven't had the chance to take up their hand and dance with yet. See you tomorrow morning?"

"Of course. Enjoy yourself mon ami, this is a night to remember afterall!" He smiled and put a hand on each of his shoulders, kissing his cheeks traditionally.

Alfred waved to the two and headed outside to the front despite what he said about wanting to dance. He could feel the striking, watchful, green eyes stare at his back as he left, waiting for the chance to say what couldn't be said with him there.

Arthur mumbled to Francis, "what great hospitality you have."

Francis laughed heartily, fully aware of his actions. He hooked his arm with Arthur's and led him to a private room upstairs.