The Little Things

⭐️Thirty-Three⭐️

     There were times when Arthur had to take a few seconds to remind himself that he couldn't treat Francis the way he used to. This was one of those times.

     Francis had himself locked in Arthur's room. It wouldn't have been too much of a problem, if Arthur's keys weren't locked in the room as well.

     "Francis... will you please unlock the door...?"

     "No. Can't."

     "I know that you can... you're the one that locked it in the first place.... So, will you please unlock the door?"

     "No."

     Arthur sighed and sat down, facing the door. "What's wrong...?"

     "No."

     "Francis...."

     "No."

     "Francis please."

     "No."

     "Francis... unlock this door or I swear-!"

     There was a soft click from the lock and the door swung open.

     Francis was immediately in Arthur's lap. He hid his face in Arthur's chest, his entire body shaking from fear.

     Arthur wrapped his arms around Francis and stayed silent.

     About thirty minutes passed before Francis broke the silence. "Art...?"

     "Hmm?"

     "C- can't... can't...."

     Arthur tilted his head. "Can't what?"

     Francis lifted his head, the look in his eyes broke Arthur's heart. "Can't... can't...." His nose scrunched up and he groaned in annoyance, knitting his fingers into his hair. "Can't!"

     "Hey... hey... calm down...." Arthur placed his hands on Francis' and slowly worked on trying to get the Frenchman's fingers out of his hair. "It won't do you any good, going and getting all worked up like this...!"

     "CAN'T." Francis roughly pushed himself away from Arthur, just to be pulled back by Arthur's arms. He howled angrily and started clawing at Arthur's face. "Le' go! Le' go!"

     "I can't let go of you while you're like this, Francis." Arthur tried to dodge Francis' hands, only succeeding in avoiding about half of the attacks.

     "Le' go!"

     Arthur quickly grabbed onto Francis' arms and glared at him coldly. "Stop." His eyes softened and he sighed, after hearing Francis whimper. "I'm sorry.... I know... I'm not the best person to be looking after you.... But, we're stuck with each other, alright? So will you please try and just... work with me...? Because I am trying. I'm trying so hard to not mess this up. Trying so hard to not mess you up...." Arthur's eyes glistened. "You are... no... were... you were an amazing person... in you're own annoying way. Then I broke you.... I broke you... and... I don't know if I can fix you.... But I will try. I will try my hardest. And... I need you to try your hardest too, my love. Because, I can't do this alone."

     Francis almost looked stunned. "Art...." His eyes flicked around and he lowered his arms, clearly deep in thought. "Try... try.... Yes..." Francis met Arthur's gaze, "trying."

     Arthur let out a breath of relief, a small smile made its way onto his face. "Thank you."