The High and Mighty

11. The French Man's Smile

Francis was the first to leave the dining hall. The clothes he had been wearing was in tatters and he decided it best to discard the coat and hat. He had bandages wrapped around his forehead due to getting tossed through a window. Seeing the rage in Alfred's eyes left a sick feeling in the man's chest. He recalled a time when he was possibly angry, but mainly sad. Someone he cherished had burned to death.... The image would never leave his memories, nor would the feeling leave his heart.

Stopping in front of Alfred's room, he took a deep breathe before knocking. There was no response at first, so he knocked again, this time a little louder. Some shuffling could be heard and the knob turned. The noble blonde looked out, eyes still filled with rage and immense worry.

"May I come in Mr. Jones?" Francis asked kindly. Alfred opened the door wider before heading back to the chair he was previously on. He brought his knees up to wrap his arms around them and bury his face. The pirate was not sure if this was Alfred's way of shielding himself or to hide his puffy eyes due to crying. Francis stepped into the room and made his way to a chair near Alfred. He winced as he took his seat and took another deep breathe.

"What do you want...?" The young guy asked quietly with a muffled voice. Francis did not know exactly what he would say to the other. All he knew was that he had to say something. Perhaps anything would do, but he was struggling to find the starting point. His boot tapped the ground a few times as he laid back in the chair. The aching in his body was soon fading due to the remedies Yao offered.

"I am sorry that we could not protect you and Mathew. As angry as you may be with us, I think you are more angry with yourself. Tell me if I'm wrong," The blonde look straight at Alfred's small form. The young man clenched his fists for a moment then loosened. The silence dragged on indicating Francis was right. Though he had only known because he was angry at himself for not being able to protect the one he cared for dearly. "Do not worry. It is not too late. Mathew is alive and from what Feliciano said, he would be unharmed as long as we went to where Viktor requested. At least we have a chance to turn whatever his trap may be in our favor."

"It's hopeless isn't it... You're all injured and it didn't look like you all had any means to defend yourself against those monsters..." Alfred mentioned grimly. At this, the Captain let out a heavy sigh.

"Then I see that you do not care for your family one bit-" Francis stood up and was going to continue, but Alfred shot out from his ball and glared harshly.

"I care for my family! I would do anything for them!" He yelled.

"Then don't underestimate a pirates greed. We get paid as long as we protect you and take care of Ivan right?" The blonde smirked and placed his hand on his hip. "No matter what, we'll get the job done. Now that we got a little tastes of some action and blood, then we can plan accordingly. As much as I hate that damn bushy eyebrow idiot, he can come up with some pretty impressive plans that may have duped me once or twice."

"You mean Arthur?"

"Qui, that man may have his stupid times, but he also has his smarter than the average man times. Oh, but don't tell him I told you. He will never let me live it down..." he let out his final sigh before heading toward the door. "Tomorrow morning we will come up with a plan and execute it beautiful. If I am here, then we will be victorious with grace," Francis flashed a smile in the males direction. Alfred swore he saw the mans smile twinkle. With those words, Francis left Alfred's room, closing the door behind him. His walk was steady until he was half down the hall, in which he leaned against the wall panting.

"Headed back to the dining hall?" A familiar voice asked. He glanced up to spot Alice who was smiling at him. It was a tad bit creepy how unfazed she was at the whole ordeal,  it enjoyed seeing at least one smile during these grim times.

"Qui, care to help me back?" He asked with a weak smile of his own. She nodded and walked to him, placing his arm around her shoulders as well as wrapping her arm around his waist.

"Slow steps Captain, don't want your wounds to open up," she said softly. Francis was too tired for anymore words at this point. He was going to check on Tim, then would retire to a bed for the rest of the night. Alice remained silent the rest of the way to the dining hall, her smile not faltering.