Breaking point (F.A.C.E) [Under Editing]

CH 17: First Encounter (edited)

It was a perfect morning for the small family, Francis had made breakfast for his family, and Arthur washed the dishes while humming a cheery tune. Both Alfred and Matthew sat side by side with their hands intertwined together under the table as they finished up their breakfast. Right now Francis was in the living room taking a call to receive a job to provide for his family, as for Arthur, he was to go to his first job today meaning Francis was going to be left alone with the children.

After breakfast Arthur hurriedly rushed to his room and skimmed through his closet deciding which outfit to wear for his first day at his job, he was going to be helping at the city hall taking calls and helping solve public matters. Though the only thing he worried about were his children, it wouldn't be the first time leaving them, but he remembered the terrible things he had done. Leaving them with Gilbert out of nowhere probably left them a bit more cautious and afraid and that worried him wondering how they would behave without him around. "Mon amour," Francis called from down the hall.

Arthur sighed and grabbed a nice button up shirt and slacks before responding to his lover's call. "Yes, love?" he replied with a faint blush, Francis walked into the room with a charming smile. "I'm so proud of you, you have your first job today. Don't be afraid, I'm sure you'll do extremely well." He walked over to Arthur and rested his hand against his flushed cheek. "I-I need to get ready." Arthur stammered and turned away. Francis chuckled quietly but then sighed allowing his smile to falter. "I don't think Alfred is happy.." He mumbled catching Arthur's attention.

Arthur's heart clenched with pain. "...I understand..." He muttered. "It's my fault he's like that, I left him. I think I may have harmed him in an emotionally painful way." Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat. "And Matthew as well." It was getting hard to breathe for him, but Francis had quickly noticed and instantly pulled him into a tight embrace weaving his fingers through Arthur's hair. "Calm down amour." He whispered.

Arthur took a breath a shudder ran up his spine worrying Francis greatly. "I can never forgive myself for doing such things to my....our children." He whimpered leaning against Francis' chest. "Do not beat yourself up like this!" Francis demanded with a frown causing Arthur to flinch at his sudden outburst. "I'm sorry." Francis apologized quickly. "It's just...I can't bear to see you suffer like this. The past is the past, today is what matters. The children are safe and well." Arthur looked at Francis. "You can change the future by what you do today in the present." Francis smiled at him.

Arthur's heart swelled with astonishment. "Francis, will it be okay if I take Alfred with me?" He asked. "I'd want to take Matthew too, but I see that you two have grown apart lately." Arthur's statement made Francis' heart drop. "A-ah well.." Francis stammered. "Francis I will not let you suffer either," Arthur said in a firm tone startling Francis. "O-okay, thank you amour." He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Arthur's own. After sharing the love-filled kiss Arthur got dressed and Francis helped comb his hair so that no hair stuck out in a messy way. "If anything goes wrong immediately call me," Francis instructed. "Same goes for you," Arthur said.

Francis chuckled. "Of course." After Arthur was fully prepared they both walked to the living room where both boys were playing with the little toys Arthur had bought to keep them occupied, he didn't want them to play outside due to the events that had happened that left him traumatized. Alfred looked up at his parents and pouted when he saw Arthur all dressed up. "Dad..." He mumbled glumly. "Alfred, Matthew." Arthur sighed. "I don't want you both to be upset, and Alfred." He turned to face his pouting son. "Yes, dad?" Alfred asked.

Arthur smiled. "Would you like to go with me?" he asked curiously, Alfred instantly lit up. "Yeah!" he nodded his head frantically up and down, but suddenly realizing that his brother would be left alone left him uncertain. "What about Mattie?" he asked anxiously. "Francis will stay with him," Arthur reassured Alfred turned to face his brother. "Will it be okay?" he asked him. Matthew faced his other father who stared at him with dull blue eyes. "...yes I'll be okay with papa." He mumbled bashfully and dropped his gaze to the ground.