Before The War Starts (FrUK)

Chapter sixteen

March 1, 1939
"A munitions dump exploded in Hirakata, Osaka, Japan. Early estimates put the dead at over 200 people dead, and almost 500 wounded," news was heard in the background as I waited for the next boat ride. I had some of my luggage with me, I had left the rest of my things at Francis's house since I planned to come back to Paris. Francis looked at me sadly as I pat his shoulder. We weren't allowed to be a couple in public, but our small touches meant a lot. "Write to me whenever you can?" He asked.

"Of course, I would not want to miss a day, darling," I smiled. "Screw it!" He shook his head as he pulled me in for a hug. "I love you, Arthur, and one day, we will live in peace...it was just bad timing," he separated from me and wiped his tears away. "You are going to make one hell of a soldier.... a sexy one too," he laughed, checking me out a little bit. "Francis," I laughed, picking up my things. He held the locket between his fingers as he looked at me about to board the boat.

"Wait! I have something for you!" He called. I suddenly stopped as he handed me something. It was a gold locket... "wow, "I smiled. I opened it, and there were pictures of us in it. "I love it, thank you," I smiled. I gave one more hug to him before finally turning around to board. The whole time he watched me, and I watched him. He looked heartbroken with every centimeter that was between us. "Goodbye, for now, my love" I smiled at the last time I would see him in person for a long time.

~third person pov~
As days passed upon Arthur's arrival in London, it looked and seemed different to be home. The first thing he did was enlist in the British army, which then he started a week later in training. As he did the training, so was Francis in France. He thought it would help keep him busy and not so hooked on his lover, who was miles away from him. The two lovers sent letters to each other every day, receiving them every other day.

"April 2, 1939
Every day I breathe, and it is you. I wake up every morning, and it is for you. I look at the still picture of your smiling face through my locket and wish I just had one second of it again. A month has already passed, but it has felt like an eternity away from you. My darling, I hope to see you once again.
~ Francis"

"April 10, 1939
I miss the sweet smell of your freshly baked bread in the morning. The sound of our kettle screaming while we lost track of time in the kitchen. The sound of you humming in my ear when I don't want to get up in the morning. However, the memories drive me to do good every day for you. I have gotten word from my brothers that the German army has increased twice its size. Will we ever be safe? God save the Queen.
~ Arthur"

The string of love letters continued for months on end. Over one hundred letters were sent. Both of them keeping every single one. Arthur and Francis never gave up.
"Arthur, you never want to go out. Don't you want to meet some cute girls while you have off?" A new friend of Arthur's called. "I think I will be fine," he smiled. He lay in bed as he stared at the locket some more. With his lover's face, he wished to kiss once more the soft hair he hoped to feel one day.

"May 15, 1939
The axis powers are getting stronger by the day. It scares me. I know it is worth it in the end. From the looks of it, there will be a possible war. I have no idea when or how, but the possibility is high. Please stay safe, my love. I do not know what I would do if I lost you
~Francis"

"May 25, 1939
As the month closes and the sounds of a possible war grow higher I start to think of all the things I should have done. Like eaten that snail. It looked gross, but I should have gone for it; I am sure I would have lived. When we see each other again, let's eat some together. If I do not own up to it, I permit you to force feed me. The thought of just being with you will put me at ease.
~Arthur"

Both pieces of training grew harder and harder, but no matter what, they tried to always write to each other. "Just three more months," Arthur thought.

"June 10, 1939
Isn't it wonderful? The king and queen went to visit America. I think one day I would like to visit America. Maybe one day we will go together. After training! We can take a trip there together
~Arthur"

"June 19, 1939
Japanese military authorities erected a live wire barricade around Tientsin's British and French concessions. Can you believe this, Arthur? The powers are trying to provoke us, and it might work. Unbelievable. Please stay safe, and write as much as possible while you still have the chance.
~Francis"

The last letter they wrote each month was about running away together to be married and living in peace. They knew not of what was to come. There was a war waiting around the corner, and they knew it was a matter of time before it would finally come out to strike them. Although, as each month passes, they are glad that there has not been a war yet. It keeps them hopeful for the future. The string of letters would have continued till the first of August. However, the two had a chance to meet again in July of 1939

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Thanks for reading so far ❤️
Next chapter will be the letter they sent each other in July, so be prepared to cry. Haha jk....unless?