#this is the fjrst thing ive written in a non-list form in a very long time lmaooooo ayeeeeee

[wherearemyglassesbro]

Sometime in the 30s-40s I think..? (inspired by @ask-mr-biscuit !!!!) (this will not be accurate at all it’s far too late at night for me to actually care about editing or anything so this is as good as its gonna get lmaoooo)

Tap tap “You called me in, sir?” Arthur stood somewhat awkwardly in the doorway, unsure of whether or not if he should step inside. Thankfully he was waved in before he could think about it too much. He’s been in plenty of government offices before, this one was new. People cycle in and out so often around here that Arthur can hardly keep track of who is who or who works in what building. They all have the same hardwood floors and red rugs, it’s rather hard to tell the difference at times.

“I’ve been expecting you, Mr. Kirkland, it’s a shame I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you one-on-one like this before. Please, sit, we have an important matter to discuss”

Arthur did as he was told...Ugh...he always did what he was told. He crossed his legs, finding himself feeling almost nervous. He wasn’t due for a scolding...His family wasn’t in danger or pulling public stunts...His children were fine as far as he knew. What? Why was he here? At five o’clock on a Thursday? Important matters are handled earlier in the day, right? And not on a Thursday, Thursdays are the most boring day of the week- Shit- What did he say?

Arthur shook himself from his thoughts “I’m sorry sir, can you repeat that?”

“Mh, I said we should get this over with quickly. If I’m being honest I have no clue why I’m the one handling this in the first place but, this is an issue of your public image”

“My...My public image? As far as I’m concerned, I haven’t done anything worth noting lately”

“No, you’ve behaved very well lately-“ he had to suppress a scowl at that comment. ‘Well behaved’? What was he? A Pomeranian? “-The higher-ups are not a fan of your frequent trips across the channel” Now was the time to scowl

“I don’t understand. How do my travels impact my image? Or what I reflect back here? I am beyond respectful while visiting other countries, I rarely ever make a scene of any kind-!”

“Arthur, let me put this in simple terms for you. You have been spending far too much time in Paris as of late. And when you aren’t there, that pompous frog hops his way over here to plop himself down in London. Having a good relationship with the French is fine, it’s tolerable, but having you cuddle up with Bonnefoy like that is almost ridiculous”

Arthur could barely comprehend what this man was saying to him. This stupid buffoon! Who did he think he was? He and Francis have been around longer than this man’s entire bloodline! Who is he to talk to him like this? “I don’t think my travels or my friends are any of your business-“

“We would like for you to associate less with Bonnefoy and spend more time with more valuable nations such as Jones or Williams. And Braginsky too, we need to better our relationship with the Russians they could be useful allies in the future even though they’re-“ before he could even think, his hand slammed down on the dusty desk he sat in front of, a stack of folders wobbling dangerously

“Excuse me? This- My relationships are not political in any way! I choose to spend time with my friends and family! I don’t want to play Russian roulette with that fool just because it will make you happy! How would you like it if-!”

“That’s quite enough” with a heavy sigh, the man slid a folder across his desk “I honestly don’t have time to sit here and argue with you, Arthur. There. Inside of that is everything the higher-ups want from you. It is purposely emphasized that you will not be permitted to go frolicking around France like a loon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to pick my daughter up from her ballet lessons”

Arthur snatched the folder and, quite rudely he’ll admit, stomped out of the office. He flipped through the pages upon pages of instruction as he made his way through the halls and out to the parking lot. He found himself laughing angrily as he read ‘travels will be monitored’ ‘must have permission to leave the UK’ ‘overseas trips will be approved only if a chaperone is attending as well’ ‘Arthur I. Kirkland will not go to France’ ‘Arthur I. Kirkland will keep minimal contact with Francis J.C. Bonnefoy until further notice’. He couldn’t tell if it was funny or not. Funny or tragic. He’s worked so hard to repair his relationship with Francis, not that they’re glued to eachother’s hips or anything of the sort...Things have been tense for a little over a decade. Personal fights and political junk, all of it manages to get in the way constantly.

As he drives home, he finds himself thinking of rose perfume sprayed on pillow cases...Expensive shoes clicking on the kitchen floor...Wine corks popping...Warm hands holding his own...The glow of candle light...A loving kiss before bed...He’s never felt such a truly deep connection with someone before...And just as he’s finally allowing himself to feel, to explore these feelings, his bosses ground him like a disobedient teenager. He laughs to himself again, a little louder, a little more pitiful, a little more hopeless. Arthur dreads calling Francis to tell him that he’s no longer welcome in London, that he better not have already bought ferry tickets, that he better drive himself back to Paris in the morning. Arthur doesn’t register that he’s crying until he’s finally within the walls of his own house. He sinks down into his favorite chair, letting out a pathetic groan, wiping his face on his sleeves. As he was taught long ago, he allows himself five minutes to cry, to be angry, but when that time is over he will simply move on. He’ll do as he’s told no matter now much it hurts. That’s just what he has to do, it’s his duty as a nation. His duty to his people and government...He just has to put on a happy face and wait.

(may be part of something bigger in the future...???? don't get your hopes up ;) ;) ;) y’all know ill procrastinate ;) ;) ;) )