Midnight Buzz

3 Confronting Affections

Francis added a change to that routine. He became pleasant, useful company; and at first, Arthur was a little bit scared about that. But with them only hanging out at the coffee shop, and not having any other obligations together, he did find comfort in knowing that he had dispensability on his side if he wanted to make a sudden exit.

Arthur wasn't like that, though. But with a developing closeness, he felt himself growing more and more attached to Francis; and that horrified him. He was scared of his kind actions having harsh consequences, and he was trying to keep things strictly platonic. But, deep down, he knew he really did want more with his favorite barista.

Francis sat down with him more frequently, and even fixed himself his own coffee a few times during his shift. They would talk, and laugh, and smile in total contentment over conversation. There was a sense of domestic peace to Arthur. He declared that his mornings weren't true mornings without Francis to admire in front of him as he drank his cold coffee.

Through their conversations, silence was more than welcomed. When the quiet would dawn upon them, it was content, but there was electricity in the air during it. That feeling of attraction and suspense made Arthur's heart pound.

He would look across the table when he thought Francis wasn't looking, and they'd meet eyes. Bright smiles would creep onto their faces as eyes danced across the face across them, observing and indulging in any aspect they could find in the other.

It was exhilarating, the silence brought on a feeling of natural draw and desire. It was wonderful and addictive, yet also absolutely terrifying, all at once.

It started when Francis let his eyes wander down to Arthur's lips, grinning warmly when he saw the flesh part into a smile. Arthur was lucky that his gaze was so focused on his grin, that the growing heat to his face was ignored. Or, so he believed.

Then, Francis started to use his phone, checking his texts and emails. Unbeknownst to him, he was avidly being admired across the table. He didn't notice for a day; but the very next, he looked up because of a flickering light, and saw Arthur with the most dazed and attentive expression on his face. Eyes drawn to his mouth, brows gently furrowed out of thought; mouth pursed as he bit on his lower lip.

Francis suppressed a flattered smile, utterly surprised by the intimate expression he found by mistake on his companions face. He stared at Arthur's eyes, gaze dancing across his face for some form of response, holding his breath. How could he have possibly missed out on such a view?

It took Arthur a concerning amount of time to process the changed smile, eyes lazily taking their time to travel up to see Francis in full, feeling no need to rush his indulgence in such a sight. Meeting eyes, he tensed immediately, but caught on just as quick; refusing to let it show.

The gaze held by the two was pure lightning and electricity, if it had any way of being captured by an exchange of looks.

The feelings Arthur bared for Francis only remained, and strengthened, through the anticipation and hope for more moments like the exhilarating conversation through only eyes. So much was conveyed, but so little was said; it drove Arthur mad.

Which is why he was simply staring at the text notifications, past midnight, from Francis, in complete shock.

What could Francis, the man of his current unexpressed affections, want at this hour? Arthur quickly thought of numerous events that could transpire over a few messages, and though each and every one pleased his longing for the other man; they all also brought a sense of concern.

He gave into a sigh and reached a hand up, pushing his hair back, as he unlocked his phone and read the two messages received from "francis."