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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jun 5, 2011 14:02:13 GMT -8
"I missed you as well," he chuckled, wondering just how many times they were going to say that to one another throughout the course of the day. Smile not fading he stepped back a step, just enough to look at Arthur. His expression shifted, fading into an adoring look at he looked at him. And here he thought Arthur could not get any more handsome.
Of course, looking at him so dressed up made Afonso feel as though he were under dressed. He had just pulled on the most comfortable clothes he had for traveling - plain brown pants, a white long sleeve cotton shirt and a dark green jacket pulled over it. He wasn't even sure he had packed anything proper to wear for a date in his bag, now that he thought back to it. He had been in such a hurry to leave...
Oh well, he would just hope Arthur wasn't expecting anything different. Taking the others hand in his own he leaned forward to plant a soft kiss against his lips, before pulling back.
With a glance to see if they'd garnered any attention amongst the many people wandering around the docks in case he saw someone he knew - thankfully he didn't - before he grabbed Afonso by the front of the shirt and gave him a proper welcoming kiss, lingering in the happiness that he could do that now without having an annoying australian embarrass him by wolf whistling.
"You look gorgeous, love." he mumbled, leaning close to Afonso's ear, unwilling to pull away just yet. It was like an addiction, being close to the other. He'd been away for so long, craved his presence so much that the thought of pulling away was the last thing in his mind. He'd needed this - felt so much calmer (and yet, so filled with energy somehow) in the presence of the portuguese man.
A soft laugh escaped him at Arthur's comment, wrapping his arms around the other tightly. "I look like I was hit by a truck." He murmured, but smiled at the compliment. If time could just stand still right now, if they could stay like this. Raising his hand he brushed his fingers against the Brit's cheek. Ah, but time could not stand still. Kissing Arthur's forehead before pulling away, he moved to hold his hand again.
"Come on, we can't stand here all day." As nice as that would be.
With a regretful sigh, Arthur did as he was told, pulling away - not entirely, it would be a while until he'd be willing to let go of Afonso's hand - with a smile. "I suppose. Though I certainly wouldn't mind." he chuckled lightly, running a thumb along the back of Afonso's warm hand. "But I suppose you came here to visit - and I did promise you a proper date."
Turning around, Arthur led the other along the outskirts of the city, over the many arching bridges that linked the outer parts of the city together. Partially because the view was spectacular, but also.. well, as beautiful as the city was, the Inner City was still a giant Red Light district. And... while he wouldn't mind doing that with Afonso - and here, he couldn't help the light blush that managed to grow up on his face and down his neck - a brothel certainly wasn't his ideal place to have that sort of encounter.
"It's just a bit further. I've booked a couple rooms at an inn as I'm hoping to keep you quite late and no ships come or leave the City past ten pm."
He wouldn't have minded either, though he didn't voice that sentiment aloud. Instead he allowed Arthur to lead him, using his free hand to hold onto the strap of his bag that was slung over his shoulder. His eyes drifted around curiously. He had always heard stories about the City, but he had never gone to it himself; though at the moment he was grateful that their date didn't seem to be going near the Inner City as... Well.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Arthur blushing, raising a questioning eyebrow. He was half tempted to tease him over it, but of course before he could Arthur spoke. Nodding he squeezed the others hand, looking ahead. "Honestly... If you wouldn't mind I had been thinking of stay maybe a couple days..."
He wouldn't be needed back at La Madre Maria anytime soon, right? But, what if Arthur hadn't planned to stay more then a day?
Eyes lighting up at the idea of having a couple of days with Afonso, Arthur turned and gave his hand a quick squeeze and a kiss to his cheek. "That's perfect. I... wasn't so sure what you could manage to get away with, but I certainly made plans for more than one day." He wouldn't say that plans for the second day may involve having a lie in, a breakfast together and taking the other to the doctor because he didn't look well, but that was something he would keep to himself for the time being.
But while his determination to make sure Afonso was well was there, there was also a quiet glee in him. He had the navigator for more than a day. He could spend more than a few rushed hours with him. There was no danger involved and neither of them was likely to be injured - so it was just them. The two of them. For a couple of days, relaxing together.
This was, to him, a form of heaven he'd never touched on before.
"I told Antonio I'd be gone for a while, so I can manage a few days." The whole notion felt incredibly foreign to him. They would be together for more then a few hours, for more then a day. The only other time that had happened was when Afonso had been sick, or after their last adventure together where they had both been hurt. This time though they would be fine, and unless a freak accident occurred, would remain uninjured.
Maybe having some time relaxing with Arthur would ease his headaches.
"It sounds like a plan then, spending the next few days together." Outright grinning he raised their link hands up, kissing the back of Arthur's hands.
Positively giddy, Arthur nodded breathlessly as he watched the man he'd fallen in love with smile and be charming while promising to spend days with him. Internally, at the back of his mind, he wondered what it would be like to spend the rest of his days with this man - would every day be this breathless happiness? Or would it dull with time?
Realizing that he was staring, he coughed and looked off to the side, face going entirely red with the embarrassment that came with realizing where his thoughts were leading. Honestly. Why would he think of marriage before he got to know the man - though something inside of him swore he knew him almost as well as he knew himself, but how could that possibly be?
"A-alright then." he turned, glad to see the inn he'd booked a room in - and despite the fact that he'd told Afonso 'rooms' he had paid the innkeeper to claim they'd double booked the room so he wouldn't have to ask Afonso to share a bed with him, if only for just sleeping in. He vaguely remembered waking up beside the man on that far-away hawaiian trench and wanted to experience it for real this time... not some day filled with the paranoia and fear of potential insanity. "It's just over this way..."
"You've gone red as a tomato," he teased, playfully nudging Arthur's shoulder with his own. Entirely unaware of what was going through his mind. Nor aware that he was holding similar thoughts. What would it be like to spend every day of his life with Arthur? Not as the captain of the Grim and the navigator of La Madre Maria, just as Arthur and Afonso? Looking away he felt his own cheeks heat, bushing the thoughts aside.
Nodding instead he followed Arthur to the inn, looking around. It would be nice to wake up besides Arthur in a bed this time, opposed to in a trench after so much pain and stress. Afonso couldn't help but feel bad looking back to that day. It had been his intention not to cause Arthur any stress, but in the end...
"How is your head..?" The question was asked before Afonso even registered it fully.
Managing to lessen his blush enough that he wasn't as "red as a tomato" as Afonso referred to it as, Arthur cleared his throat and smiled. "Completely checked out. Doctor says I'm as good as new and as thick-headed as always." Which was true - the mild concussion and the bruises and pain that came with the damage he'd done to his head was all cleared up, both Lily and the doctor she'd asked he go see just in case she was wrong had both agreed.
It had nothing to do with the fact that he might be going crazy. Hitting your head didn't give you multiple personality disorder. The doctor he'd seen had told him that he may have had temporary amnesia, what with the fact that he couldn't remember what had happened to him after wards, but... that wouldn't explain the waking up to find another him and talking to him... nor the fact that he felt he knew the guy despite the fact that he really shouldn't be able to talk to himself like that....
Thinking about it too hard would give him a headache. He chose to push it out of his head in favor of thinking of Afonso. "And your leg? All better?"
Nodding he kept his gaze ahead, readjusting his grip on his bags strap. "All better... Admittedly only because Anaïs and Antonio made me rest it..."
He would neglect to comment that by the time they had forced him to rest it, he'd aggravated it to the point where he could hardly put any weight on it. Relieved though to heard that Arthur was indeed alright he squeezed the others hand again, releasing a soft sigh. "I'm glad though... I've been worried."
Especially when he remembered how oddly Arthur had acted after hitting his head.
"Bah." Arthur smiled sheepishly, waving off the concern. "Nothing to be worried about. It rattled my brains a bit, but everythings back in order." Reaching up to brush a hand across Afonso's cheek and pushing a few wayward strands of hair away to dance in the wind, with a fond smile. "I am glad you're better. It was my carelessness that led you to get hurt and if it were something permanent, I wouldn't know what to do with myself..."
Realizing what he'd just said, he ducked his head, slightly embarrassed at the truthful words. If Afonso were hurt and not to recover... some part of his ached terribly at the thought.
"It was my idea in the first place," he pointed out, not able to keep himself from feeling guilty. Really, everything that had happened was his fault. It had been Afonso's idea in the first place. That guilt faded however when he registered exactly what Arthur had just said. A faint blush crossed his cheeks, his smile growing.
"I... I couldn't imagine what I would do if something had happened to you." He remembered the numbing fear that had washed over him when Arthur had fallen, when he had vanished under the water. When Afonso thought that he had lost the other for good. Even remembering it brought that fear back.
Seeing the fear in Afonso's face brought Arthur to attention. They weren't supposed to be thinking about sad things. They were supposed to be having fun, just the two of them together. Looking around for a quick distraction, Arthur heard music before he even saw the band playing. It sounded something like one of the irish dances that Saorise had tried to force him to learn when he was little and still open to dancing with an older sibling for fun.
"Come on!" he turned, grabbing Afonso by the shoulder. Letting himself be swept up into the music, he brought his new dancing partner around with a laugh and with a turn they were in the dance, moving along with the steps. It was easy, mostly just spinning around with your partner in a very easy jig.
"Wh-What?" Afonso stumbled his eyes going wide as suddenly he found himself pulled into a dance. Stumbling over his feet at first as he tried to fall into step with Arthur. It proved easier said then done, Afonso constantly looking down at his feet as he attempted not to step on the Brit's feet.
After a few passing moments though he got the hang of it, unable to keep himself from laughing as they spun. The fear forgotten temporarily as he looked at Arthur, so very alive.
The dance was addictive - even as he felt his breath come short the beat and pulse of the music dragged him along. And the fact that he had a very willing partner certainly helped. He could only wonder what Saorise would think of him if she saw him - would she laugh?
Telling himself she probably would, he rolled his eyes - and managed to catch the fact that they were nearing the inn he'd been staying at. "Aha!" he laughed, coming to a stop but giving Afonso one last twirl before releasing him from the dance steps. "Here we are, arrived safe and sound." Grinning madly at his partner, he took a bow.
Laughing he swayed dizzily as they came to a stop outside the pleasant looking inn Arthur had booked for them. Rubbing his forehead he attempted to stop seeing double of everything. "I didn't know you could dance."
Smile not fading he felt the world finally cease spinning. His head throbbed, as if to remind him of its presence. And as per usual he ignored it, opting instead to wrap on of his arms around Arthur's waist. "Where did you learn to dance?"
"Hmmm?" Arthur turned to listen as he opened the door to the inn and wrapped an arm around Afonsos waist to match. "Dancing? It was something I was required to learn as a kid. My sister took up the training specifically." Heading towards the reception while humming along to the music they just danced to. This was what he had been wanting to do with Afonso. Spontaneity. Having fun. And a dash of adventure because how could he not feel the adrenaline of going behind their respective crews - and in his own case, behind his own Monarch - to continue to see each other?
"Apparently she thought I'd never be able to dance - something about two left feet and no co-ordination." He laughed out loud. "Wonder what she'd say now?"
"Sister?" He titled his head to one side. Arthur had always mentioned having brothers, but this was the first he had heard of him having a sister. Chuckling at his words though Afonso leaned over to kiss his cheek as they entered the lobby of the inn. "She'd be surprised at how well of a dancer you've become, I'm sure."
"Mm... sister." he shook his head at the girl - no, the woman - he'd rescued a few months ago, only to give her a ship as quick as he could so he could get away from her again. "She's... a piece of work." Arthur rolled his eyes but blushed at the kiss just before they made it to the counter.
"Pardon me, but I'm here to pick up the keys to the second room I rented?" he smiled at the clerk who quickly took his name and went searching through the register as Arthur turned his attention back to his date. "You'd like her though." He wasn't sure how he knew that, but knew it he did, deep in his bones. Like magic.
"I'm sorry sir, but there appears to have been a mistake - the second room you rented has been... well, it's been rented out, sir." the receptionist look exceedingly worried and embarrassed over this. "And unfortunately we're all booked up..."
Pausing for a long moment, Arthur stared at the clerk before turning to Afonso looking sheepish. "E-er... fonso. Would... would you be willing to...?" he flushed unable to say the words.
"You've never mentioned having a sister before." He couldn't help but point out. Smiling a little at Arthur's comment. Deep down he had a distinct feeling he would like this sister of his too. Almost like he had already met her, which was odd as Afonso was pretty sure he would know if he had.
The clerk caught his attention, Afonso tilting his head to the side with a raised eyebrow. All the rooms were booked? That sounded suspiciously odd. He glanced at Arthur, seeing the flush that spread across the others face. He half wondered if this was some scheme of Arthur's. Ah, but why would he do all that?
"I don't mind." He shrugged, unfazed by the suggestion that could make.
Giving the other a faint, embarrassed smile, he turned away from the receptionist and headed for the stairs. "A-ah.. and to answer your question, I just... don't talk about my family much." Which was true - he thought about them frequently since he'd run away all those years ago, but he only talked about them sparingly.
Leading the other all the way up to the topmost floor where there was only one door to one room, Arthur stuck the key in the hole and listened as the door clicked and clanked before the gears inside unlocked the door. The room was spacious, with a twin sized bed, a couch overlooking the large window with the curtains currently drawn back to let in the warm sunlight.
Nodding he followed Arthur up the stairs to where the room was. He supposed that was right, Afonso had only heard Arthur speak about his family once or twice. Then again, he spoke more then Afonso ever did of his own family.
"It's a nice room." He murmured stepping into the room and setting his bag down by the couch. Before moving to stand by the window to see the view, stretching his arms above his head with a small yawn.
"Tired, dear?" Arthur came in behind him, shutting the door. "We have time for a nap before dinner if you want one." Smiling softly at the other, he couldn't help but just watch the other move about. And, in his opinion, any extra sleep the tired man could get would be welcomed.
"I'm fine." A nap sounded like a wonderful idea, in all honesty, but he had a distinct feeling that if he were to go to sleep he wouldn't wake up in time for dinner. Plus, he'd much rather stay awake and spend time as much time with Arthur as he could.
Heading for the small fireplace that was built into the room, Arthur was quick to stoke a small fire and hang up a pot to boil water over. "Tea then? I have a mind to just relax for a bit since it's too late to do much of anything before dinner."
Relaxing on the couch and reading a book, with just Afonso for company sounded like the epitome of bliss. No danger, no missions, no potential death. Just him, his date, a good book and tea with some pleasant conversation. And if Afonso managed to doze off in the meantime, all for the better.
"That sounds nice." Turning around he watched Arthur hang the pot up. Walking to the couch he took a seat, thinking for a brief moment. Then with a small grin he reached out, grabbing the back of Arthur's vest and pulling him into his lap. Yes, relaxing like this, the other in his arms and nothing weighing down on them, sounded perfect.
Maybe one day they could just live life like this.
With a surprised noise, Arthur suddenly found himself sitting on Afonso's lap, being cuddled of all things. It took his brain a moment to catch up with the rest of his body and when it did, he went bright red for the second time that day. He didn't mind it - Afonso was warm and comfortable and smelled absolutely wonderful. Pressing an almost shy kiss to the underside of his new chairs chin, Arthur leaned against that strong chest and closed his eyes with a sigh.
Without a doubt now, this was love. He wanted to just stay there, forever. Arthur didn't care about the Queen, he didn't care about being a pirate or being free. Sitting there seemed to distance him from his worries over his missing family members, or what he crew was up to or all the matters out there. The world stopped outside the room they were in. Just the two of them.
"This is... This is alright, right?" He questioned, pressing a kiss against the top of his blond locks. Afonso had half expected Arthur to shove out of his arms. So he couldn't help but feel surprised when Arthur settled against him, even kissed him. Still he couldn't help but wonder if it was really alright, his arms remaining looped loosely around Arthur's waist.
Maybe... Maybe for just a few days he could just forget that they were pirates of enemy ship, with countless of duties. Maybe for this trip they could just pretend nothing existed by them.
"More than alright." He mumbled contentedly, relaxing with his worries washed away from him. "S'pretty damned close to perfect." Chuckling softly, Arthur leaned an ear against Afonso's chest and listened to the steady thump-thump of his heart. It was amazingly soothing, and Arthur couldn't help but drift along to the hypnotic sound.
"Almost hate to ruin it to get the tea though..." he sighed, sparing the pot of water on the fire a glance. It wasn't boiled yet. Good. He didn't want to get up.
"Mmm, that'll be upsetting when the time comes..." He murmured, his eyes slipping closed as he rested his cheek against the top of Arthur's head. He felt his worries fading away, even the near constant throb of his head faded. He never wanted to move again really, not if it meant letting Arthur go.
Without even realizing it he had begun drifting off, his arms loosening around Arthur. He hadn't even realized he had begun drifting off until the other shifted (most likely to get the tea) waking Afonso with a jolt.
Cursing himself internally as he'd shifted enough to get rid of the crick that was forming in his neck, Arthur came to realize that he'd woken Afonso up. Damn. He'd been hoping that the other would be able to get some sleep and he'd gone and ruined it. Curling closer, Arthur decided that the tea could go screw itself. The fire would burn out and the water would evaporate but he was comfortable and Afonso could use the sleep.
"Forget the tea. I want to be greedy and stay here..." he said softly, turning and propping his legs up on the couch beside the portuguese man so he was sitting sideways in his lap. "You okay with that?" he asked, closing his eyes and hoping he didn't sound too selfish.
"Mmm, yeah." His eyes slipped shut again, a content sigh escaping him as he buried his nose into the choppy locks. A soft smile remained on his face, he had been hoping to be able to just stay like this. Even if it was only for a little while longer.
For the first time in a long while Afonso felt like everything in the world was alright. Any fears and anxieties melting away as they laid there; and again, he felt himself drifting off without realizing it. Maybe a short nap wouldn't hurt.
Arthur hadn't even heard Afonso's reply, he'd dozed off himself and only came too when the last beams of sunset hit him directly in the eyes. Blinking himself into awareness, Arthur lifted a hand to block the annoying rays of the sun, and wondering where he was for a short moment. Short because he was still in Afonso's lap and it was fairly easy to remember from that.
As he'd predicted, the small fire had burnt out and the water had all evaporated, which would have been a shame if he'd already put tea in it. Thankfully he hadn't, and with a sudden feeling of refreshment - that nap had been just what he'd needed, being up so late and getting up so early with his nerves to meet Afonso again - he sat up straight and kissed his love on the lips, long and lingering. "Wake up, dreamer. If we get a move on, we'll be right on time for dinner."
What had to have been at least an hour felt like a blink to Afonso. All to soon he was drifting back into consciousness, both Arthur's kiss and voice breaking through the black veil of sleep. With a small groan he squeezed his eyes shut, hugging Arthur even closer. Burying his face into his shoulders. A childish "five more minutes." mumbled out, even though he knew full well he would need to get up. Arthur had made reservations after all.
Chuckling softly under his breath, Arthur gave him one last quick kiss. "You can have your five minutes. Or..." and here he hesitated, unsure of what Afonso's response would be to the invitation. "Or you could join me for a quick shower. Whichever it is, I'll be in the bathroom." he stood quickly, blushing horribly as he dashed off without waiting for a response from the other.
Once ensconced in the bathroom, he was quick to strip and turn on the shower, keeping the water temperature at something just short of burning hot.
That made Afonso open his eyes, wondering if he had dreamt what Arthur had just said. Seeing the hurried exit into the bathroom though, there was no doubt he hadn't. A blush spread across his face as he rubbed the heel of his hand to his eyes. For a moment he sat there, unsure exactly whether or not to take the offer. Then he stood up, walking over and pausing outside the bathroom.
In the end though, he couldn't bring himself to open the door, returning to the couch and trying to will his cheeks to stop burning.
In the end, Arthur felt like he'd embarrassed himself by making the offer as he showered alone. Quickly drying off and putting his clothes back on, he stepped out with a fond smile on his lips, not allowing himself to think on it. "Your turn, dearest." He placed a quick kiss on Afonso's cheek, before flopping languidly down on the couch.
"I.. Um..." He ducked his head, cheeks still warm as he imagined how Arthur had to feel. Had he been expecting him? Flushing still he mumbled a small 'sorry' before getting up to take a quick shower. Once done he dried off, pulling his clothing back on and walking back out with his soaking wet bangs hanging in his eyes and a towel around his neck.
While Afonso was in the bathroom, Arthur let the smile slip for a moment, wanting to smack himself for being too forward. Sure... Renato would have been the type to jump on that sort of invitation, but he had to remember not everyone in the world was a raging pervert like that man was... and that Afonso and he didn't know each other all that well.
As Afonso came back into the room, water dripping from his hair, Arthur turned to him and smiled, beckoning him over. "I'll dry your hair for you, if you want." Slipping up onto the back of the couch, he patted the seat in front of him, more than willing to take the time to have an excuse to at least touch the other, even if it was just drying his hair.
"Really?" He blinked, not having anyone offer to dry his hair since he was a little boy. Smiling he took the offer seat, pushing the bangs out of his eyes. Really, he was in need of a hair cut, his hair had already grown down to his shoulder-blades. Shifting uneasily, he glanced back at Arthur, before ahead. "Um, sorry... Again."
"Hmm? For what?" Arthur asked, knowing what he was meaning, but wanting to give Afonso that potential out so neither of them got any further embarrassed. Setting the towel on top of Afonso's hair, he gently rubbed as much water away as he could, relishing in the feeling of the other man's soft hair.
He wondered what kind of shampoo Afonso used to be able to have hair that soft.
He tried to glance up at Arthur, but the towel obscured his vision. Instead he looked down, picking at loose thread on his shirt. "You know why..." He mumbled, because Arthur had to know. With a sigh though he realized that maybe it was better to just drop it. "Nevermind."
Hopping off the back of the couch to where he'd put his comb in the bathroom, Arthur came back and gave the wavy locks a quick run through with the brush. "Don't worry about it, darling." Placing a soft kiss on top of the somewhat-dry hair, Arthur leaned down to rest his head on Afonso's shoulder. "Ready for something to eat?"
"Sim... I mean yes," he smiled reaching his had up to give Arthur's hair a playful ruffle before he stood. Bending down to grab his bag and sort through it for something to tie it back up with. "Where are we going anyways, if I'm allowed to know? Or is it secret?"
"Of course you're allowed to know - you're also allowed to say no if it isn't to your tastes." he took that hand gladly, so very grateful that he didn't ruin the whole evening by being too forward. "There is, to my surprise, a japanese restaurant on this island that serves food in those wonderful traditional booths. So we'd get some privacy, so long as you like Japanese and don't mind sitting in 'seiza' for at least part of the night."
"I... Don't think I've actually ever had Japanese food." He blinked, surprised that a restaurant like that would be here. Lacing his fingers through Arthur's he gave the linked hands a playful swing, grin not fading. It did sound marvelous though, then again, they could go someplace that sold food that Afonso hated and he would be content if he was with Arthur. "It sounds like it will be fun. Lead the way."
"Well then, it should be a treat." Arthur grinned as he lead the way down the stairs and back out onto the streets. The musicians from earlier must have vacated as twilight set it and there was a lot of foot traffic - unsurprising, considering that the City only really came alive after dark when the main attraction opened up.
But, nestled in a quieter area away from the main road was a small building with the traditional tapered roof that so many saw when they went on vacation to tourist traps in japan. Sliding open the door, the two were greeted almost instantly by a graying asian lady in a very prim and proper kimono of dark blue with a dark red sash. "Welcome. You must be Kirkland-san and de Silva-san. You're table is ready for you." she smiled politely and bowed her head.
Looking around he was amazed how many people were coming out now that the sun was setting. Then again, knowing the main attraction of the City didn't begin until night, he shouldn't be surprised. When they stopped outside a traditional Japanese looking house he snapped back to attention.
He glanced at Arthur, before at the woman and briefly wondered if he should bow his head in response to the woman.
Bowing back whether it was respectful or not, Arthur smiled back at the lady, whose time he had occupied quite a bit in the last few days. The older lady - who was the owner of the restaurant - had a passion for tea and embroidery that nearly matched his own, and the two of them had spent much time after he initially reserved one of her private rooms with tea and needles in hand.
The lady smiled behind a faintly wrinkled hand, before turning with a gesture for them to follow her. In the back, where it was warm and the lighting was low enough to see by and that was it, there was a private booth. Sliding open the bamboo door, she gestured them inside.
Bending down, Arthur began tugging off his first boot before realizing that Afonso didn't know anything about japanese food or traditions. "Boots off, love. It's considered ban manners to enter one of these with your shoes on." Before continuing to pull off his boots.
Lucky Arthur had stopped him, as Afonso had been about to step in with his boots on. Smiling sheepishly he bent down as well, tugging his boots off without losing his balance and setting them down besides Arthur's before following the woman inside. Though he couldn't help but pause, worried he would inadvertently do something to offend her.
Glancing at Arthur, he felt incredibly out of his element suddenly. At least though he had someone by his side to keep him from doing anything stupid.
With a comforting squeeze to Afonso's hand, Arthur stepped inside and looked around. The low table sat in the center of the small room, lit with candlelight and small sconces on the wall. There was a soothing water art wall at the back behind glass, small waterfalls falling amongst rocks in a perpetual shower.
Stepping up to the table, Arthur knelt down on a pillow in the proper 'seiza' position. Patting the pillow beside him for Afonso to take, he asked quietly for sake and water, which sent the older lady off silently to fulfill his order and sliding the door closed behind her.
"So, love... want to play a game with me?" he grinned as they were left alone together.
Looking around the room he took in how just... Nice it was. He looked at the water art that hung on the wall. It was only when Arthur asked him a question that he turned his head. Walking back to the table he took a seat on the pillow besides him, trying his best to imitate the 'sieza' position Arthur had taken.
"A game?" He raised an eyebrow, curious as to what type of game he could mean.
"Mhm~" Arthur leaned forward, resting an elbow on the table. "Well... I was thinking. I... I care about you a great deal, Afonso." he flushed faintly, tracing the wooden whorls on the table with a finger. "But, I've come to realize that, well... I don't particularly know much about you. I have guesses, and I certainly feel as though I've known you forever... but I can't even name your favorite color, or know your birthday."
He cleared his throat, knowing he'd been rambling unconsciously. "So... I was thinking. Would you like to play twenty questions with me?" He looked up, almost shyly behind his bangs, sheepish smile on his lips and hoping that this offer wasn't rejected. "Because... I would really like to get to know you."
Twenty questions? Afonso listened to Arthur ramble, and he couldn't help but agree with everything he said. He was right, despite how much he cared about the Brit, how much he felt as though he'd known him all his life... He only knew a handful things about him. Smiling he reached out, grasping the hand that had been tracing the wooden whorls.
"That... Sounds like a very good idea actually." He admitted, rubbing his thumb against the back of his hand. "I'd actually like that a lot. I want to get to know you as well."
Relieved, Arthur smiled, squeezing the hand that held him. He'd finally get to know Afonso - not from a moment where they were in danger and running for their lives, but as two normal people who were in love and wanting to share with each other. "Ah... alright then. The rules of twenty questions are than any question goes and if you don't want to answer something, you can pass - but you have to answer another question. Would... would you like to go first?"
"Sounds fair." He murmured, before tilting his head to the side as he tried to think of a question to ask Arthur. There were countless of questions he wanted to ask him. From simple ones like 'what's your favorite color' to 'why did you become a pirate' or anything else. There were so many things he wanted to know. Maybe though he should start out with a simple question. "Well, when is your birthday?"
"April twenty third." Arthur replied easily, smiling slightly. Start off with easy ones. As he opened his mouth to ask his own question, the door slid open, a tray with two glasses of water, two small cups and a warm bottle of sake was placed on the table. The lady placed two menu's beside them and informed them softly that she would be back soon to take their orders before leaving them in peace.
While glancing over the menu, Arthur finally got to ask his question. "When is yours?"
April twenty third, Afonso tucked that information away for later on. He would have to make sure that he'd have something for Arthur on that day. Smiling at the lady who entered and picking up the menu curiously. It was then that Arthur asked his question, and without missing a beat he replied. "June tenth."
His countries national holiday, and he really couldn't help but find that strange after everything that had happened. Taking a sip of his water he thought of what his next question could be. "Hmm... So, how many siblings do you have?"
Pouring them both a small cup of sake, he pushed one within arms reach of Afonso before sipping at his own. "I'm the youngest of four." He answered before going into more detail than necessary. "My oldest sibling is my brother Dylan, followed by my only sister, Saorise. Then there's Emrys and then me."
Pausing to think over what he wanted to ask, he traced a bit of condensation on the glass of water. "What do you like to do in your free time?"
Whistling at that, he tried to imagine being the youngest of four. Especially from the little bit he had heard from Arthur. Taking the cup he took a sip of the sake, unable to keep himself from coughing at the sharp taste. Immediately he grabbed his glass of water, taking a large sip before being able to answer Arthur's question. "I..." Of course he flushed in embarrassment glancing away. "I either look over maps or well... Write and read poetry."
And when Antonio had discovered that he had teased him relentlessly. Thinking again he set his glass down, hoping his next question wouldn't be too forward or prying. "Why did you decide to become a pirate?"
Well, that answered his question to whether they had anything in common. Arthur loved poetry and loved reading the classics, especially British poetry. "Ah... well, it's a bit of a long story..." he pondered on how exactly to start - and how much he should cut out before he started.
"I... didn't originally intend to be a pirate. I ran away from home to may my way in the world as a merchant. It just so happened that the crew I joined got attacked by pirates. I was made a prisoner and... well, technically I was made a slave." he said remembering his past with a faint wince. "And after about three years of doing that... the captain offered to let me join the crew or stay a slave. So I joined, rose in the ranks and got my own ship." he shrugged, as if it was all really that simple. Taking another sip to of sake to old memories, Arthur glanced back up at Afonso.
"I'm returning the question to you, dear. Why did you become a pirate?"
His eyes widened throughout Arthur's story, and almost immediately he regretted asking the question. And to hear him tell it so easily, Afonso looked away, not even realizing he'd been asked the same question for a moment or so. Frowning thoughtfully he leaned back on his hands, recalling how he had met Antonio.
"I didn't intend to become a pirate. I was just traveling, exploring anywhere a ship would take me, mapping out areas or updating older maps. Then one day I was lost in a rain forest and I ran into Antonio and some of his men. They were lost too, and when he realized I knew how to read maps he offered me the job as a navigator for La Madre Maria. I just... Kind of took it." He blinked, looking at the ceiling for a moment. Looking back at it, it was odd how quickly he had accepted the offer. Along with the fact that well... "I'm surprised he didn't think I was crazy." He mumbled in afterthought, before looking at Arthur with a smile.
"Favorite author? I remember seeing a couple of books when I stayed on the Grim."
Muffling a faint snort as best he could, Arthur kept his derogatory words towards the spaniard captain held tight behind his teeth. Afonso never liked it when he insulted the man and tonight he was on his best behavior despite his low opinion of that particular man. Especially as he could remember something about Afonso feeling so happy that be believed him to be a good navigator - and that apparently his own crew mocked his abilities. No good captain would allow that sort of thing.
.... not that he was going to even think about his own men and how they mocked him quite a bit. They got punishment for every infraction. Sort of.
Coming back to the present to catch the next question, Arthur smiled as it was one that he could answer easily. "Arthur Conan Doyle. I positively adore all the Sherlock Holmes books." He even had a copy of all of them hidden away in his room for when he felt the need to relax and not get drunk - something that didn't happen too often anymore.
"What's your favorite food?"
Afonso honestly was a bit surprised that Arthur hadn't said anything in regards to Antonio. Generally he would at least say something (most often something negative). The smile that had been on his face grew ever so slightly at that. Arthur wanted to say something, he could tell just by looking at him, but he was holding it in. Something that Afonso appreciated greatly. He'd always felt odd in the past because, while Arthur was right sometimes to call Antonio an idiot, the Portuguese man felt a bit protective. Like an older brother, meaning he really hated when anyone talked negatively about the Spaniard.
Listening his answer he nodded to himself. He'd always heard of the author, but had never read any of his works. Maybe he should try it now. Taking a sip of water, answering the question without missing a beat. "Codfish, especially my Grandmothers."
Smiling fondly he set his glass down, about to ask his question when the old woman returned with their food. Taking his plate, and thanking her, he couldn't help but stare helplessly for a moment at the chopsticks, then his meal. "... How... How do I use these?" He glanced at Arthur, before adding on. "And that wasn't my question."
Laughing out loud, Arthur scooted around the table and leaned over Afonso's shoulder. He could have tried to show him by example, but to be frankly honest he wasn't the best at using them either and could only really grasp them properly when he had them in hand. "Like this..." he reached out and, using both his hands, positioned them in Afonso's. "And then you use them like this." Guiding the others hand to pick up some food, he brought it up to Afonso's mouth. "Say 'ahhh'" he chuckled, giving the other a quick peck on the cheek.
He hadn't been exactly sure what Arthur was up too when he scooted around the table, only realizing it when he took hold of his hand. Watching him position his hand, and focus on remembering that this was the way to hold the chop sticks he couldn't keep himself from snorting at Arthur's comment. "I'm not five." He replied, but did open his mouth with a simple 'ahh', allowing Arthur to guide the food into his mouth.
Taking a moment to chew and swallow he turned his head, kissing Arthur's cheek. "Favorite color?"
Laughing softly to himself, Arthur claimed one last kiss - this one to the lips- before he shuffled back over to his side of the table, with an expression of a cat who'd gotten the cream. "Hmm... that's probably the toughest question you've asked all night, luv." he pondered that as he took a bite of his own meal. "Well... don't laugh at me when I say this... but I believe my favorite color is brown."
Shrugging and unable to help the small flush on his cheeks as he remembered way back when he was younger all the teasing he'd gotten from declaiming that as his favorite. Blushing brighter still, he couldn't help his next question from being blurted out. "What shampoo do you use? It smells wonderful..." And from all the times he'd gotten closer to the other and caught a whiff of something spicy and yet fruity, he had to know. It was... very attractive.
"That is the toughest question?" He had to laugh at that. Really? He'd asked Arthur about his siblings, about why he became a pirate, but his favorite color had been the hardest one. Smiling softly he tried to pick up another bite of his meal, failing only a little bit as Arthur answered it. Though it caused him to raise an eyebrow, why would he laugh at that? Brown was a fine color.
The next question caught him off guard. Blinking he looked at Arthur, prepared to ask him to repeat himself until he saw the adorable blush. "My... shampoo? Ah, I don't know the bran or anything but it's coconut scented." The second the words left his mouth his cheeks flushed, eyes darting downward. "I, um... What's your favorite type of music?"
"Hmm..." he cleared his throat as he looked down at his food, trying to wish his blush away. Coconut? Then some of what he smelled was Afonso's own scent and... drat. The blush was back en force, even as he tried to hide it behind a sip of water.
"M-music, huh?" It was rather amazing to him how he could be calm and confident while holding the others hand and feeding him, but just asking what shampoo he wore would get him all red faced and flustered. "It would have to be that new rock music that's come out recently. I... really like the electric guitar."
Scratching his cheek as he finally managed to will his blush away, Arthur looked back up at the other and smiled sheepishly before covering it up with a mouthful of really good food. "Umm... have I... am... am I the first person that you've ever dated?" Even if theirs was an extremely long distance relationship, Arthur was rather curious in a 'this may hurt' kind of way.
Honestly, a fond look cross his face as he gazed at Arthur, just a simple question could turn him into a blushing mess. It was endearing, really. Afonso had to resist the temptation to just reach across the table and pinch Arthur's red cheeks. Leaning back on his hands he shifted positions, sitting cross-legged.
The question though made him pause. His eyes drifted upwards towards the ceiling, thinking back to his life before he'd joined La Madre Maria, and lord that seemed so long ago. Shaking his head he returned his attention to Arthur with a sheepish look. He'd never actually dated before, when he had been a teenager most of his time had been spent in libraries, or just by himself. "No one. You are, well... You're the first person I've ever dated..."
Looking away shyly he shifted again, his hands rising to fiddle with his ponytail. "Fa-Favorite sport?"
Arthur couldn't help it - he glowed. He couldn't begin to believe how lucky he was. Afonso's first. He'd been the first to catch the mans attention. Not even bothering to hide the silly grin on his face, he paused for a moment, eating another portion of food. It made him glad that he had some experience - well... not in dating per se. He was just as new at that as Afonso. Renato certainly didn't care for the whole dating thing and they were living on the same ship so it never had mattered.
"Sport, huh?" he didn't even have to think about that one. "Football, for certain. I used to play it at home." Putting down his chopsticks, he reached for the sake, not drinking it, but swirling it about in its cup as he considered his next question. "How about.... what do you like most about yourself?" Because Arthur liked so much about him - he'd like to know what the portuguese man thought himself.
Smiling sheepishly he pushed he picked up another piece of food. Glancing at the glowing Arthur though made the sheepishness of his inexperience fade slightly. However, at the mention of football, well, it was Afonso's turn to practically glow. Smiling one of the widest smiles he'd probably ever worn in front of Arthur. "You play football!? Ah! We'll have to play together sometime!" It had been far too long after all since he'd actually played. Five years at least. The closest he had gotten was just passing a ball around with Antonio once or twice.
Flushing at the surprised look he received for his outburst, he ducked his head reaching out to take a sip of his water when the next question caught his attention. Blinking once, then twice, he looked at Arthur, before looking upwards in thought. He'd never thought about it. After all, the notion of picking something he liked most about himself was... Well it sounded a bit conceited.
And to be perfectly honest... Nothing did stick out. He was just average at most. Setting his chopsticks and glass down he began fidgeting with his ponytail in that nervous habit he had. "I don't know honestly..." And he couldn't help but cringe at that. "I like my eye color?"
Feeling incredibly awkward he thought quickly, asking the first question that came to mind. "Do you have any pets?"
Nodding happily in return, Arthur could only imagine what it would be like, the two of them playing what was basically a national sport to Arthur... of course, him mind traveled further, imagining what the portuguese man would look like. Quickly forcing his mind away before it traveled too far along the lines of seeing the man flushed and sweaty, Arthur focused back on their little game.
"A pet?" he asked, remembering back to when he was young. "I don't now, but I used to raise whole litters of rabbits. I know that my mother squirreled away at least one picture of me covered in rabbits." his fond tone belied the fact that remembering his mother and family left a rather bitter feeling in his heart. His mother had passed away shortly before he'd run off and the loss of the lady had been a hole that couldn't be filled by any of his family members.
"How about..." a small smirk pulled its way onto his face as his eyes danced with potential laughter. "What is the most embarrassing moment of your life?" He didn't mean to keep asking such odd questions, but they were important to him none the less. And if Afonso wanted to know his, he'd be more than willing to bring it up.
For some reason the idea of little Arthur surrounded by rabbits seemed... Just suiting. And adorable. He half wished he could see the photos. He doubted Arthur would have any, and if he did he probably would never let Afonso see them. So he would just have to imagine it for himself.
The small smirk was the first thing to make him nervous, and when Arthur finally asked his question, Afonso couldn't help but stare. His most embarrassing -? His cheeks heated up as he became suddenly interested in attempting to pick up a piece of sushi. He could feel Arthur's eyes on him though, and he knew he couldn't get away without answering. Cringing he glanced up again, before away. "Don't laugh?"
He wasn't sure how he would deal if Arthur laughed at him. Taking a deep breath, he kept his eyes down, refusing to look at Arthur just in case. "I... Well...." He trailed off before taking a deep breath. Oh just out with it! His face felt like it was on fire. "Oh Deus... When I was in high school one day I was suppose to sing a solo and well... I got so nervous I couldn't move or speak or do anything."
Wincing again at the memory, and the laughter that had followed when one some of the less than kind students began yelling taunts and cruel words at him. Shaking his head, and the harsh, embarrassing memories aside he forced a weak smile back on his face. "I... Think it's only fair I ask you the same thing."
Reaching across to grasp Afonso's free hand, Arthur gave it a squeeze and a softer smile. He could only imagine the trauma of what had happened and while he thought it was adorable that the man had gotten so embarrassed in front of a crowd, he could certainly relate. "That's understandable..." he trailed off, thinking back. "And truth be told, it's hard to pick just one moment. I've made a fool of myself many a time..."
Bringing his chopsticks up to his chin, Arthur tapped them against it as he stared off in thought. "I think... the most embarrassing would probably be when I was little, again. I've told you that I have three siblings... well - they certainly liked to tease me. And since I was puny I could hardly fight back. I remember Dylan picking me up one day and between him and Emrys they stuffed me into the most ugly frilly dress I didn't know we owned. Saorise did my hair and make up and it was horrendous. I didn't think I'd ever live it down because they always called me their 'fairy princess' after that."
Blushing lightly, he gave Afonso a sheepish smile. "I guess I did live it down. They stopped calling me that a few years before I ran away from home."
Giving the poor man a bit of a break since his last couple questions were highly personal, Arthur asked a much simpler question. "Are you a night owl, or a morning person?"
Looking up when Arthur's hand took his, Afonso gave a stronger smile this time, returning the squeeze as he listened to Arthur's story. And suddenly he was internally grateful he was an only child. Though at the same time he couldn't imagine older siblings doing that to the youngest, it just seemed unnecessarily cruel. His blush fading he raised their linked hands up, pressing a soft kiss against the back of Arthur's knuckles in a reassuring way. "Your siblings... They sound like such a mean-spirited bunch... I hope their a bit kinder now..."
And lord was he eternally grateful for the simpler question. Even if it made him release a small bark of laughter. "These days? I suppose I'm a night owl. Though not by choice." He shrugged lightly, using his free hand to pick up his glass to take a sip of water. "I used to be a morning person; always up with the sun."
Thinking of another question now, he set his glass down, before smiling. "What are your dreams?"
A faint blush creeped back up over Arthur's ears at the kiss to his hand, the faint thrill he got whenever Afonso kissed him shivering through him. "A bit I suppose..." he replied rather breathlessly, putting down the sake that was in his free hand, willing to blame his light headed-ness on the alcohol.
"My... my dreams?" he didn't have to think too hard on that one. "I want to be able to find my family again and, oh, I don't know - either settle down or explore or... or just spend time with those who are important to me..." and if he had been blushing before, he was much brighter now.
"Um..." Well. In for a penny, in for a pound. And he was already bright red and embarrassed so it wasn't like he'd be doing something new. "What... what's your idea of something romantic?"
He smiled softly at the others dreams. Settling down and exploring, spending time with those important. It sounded nice; and similar to the thoughts Afonso tended to have in the future. Tilting his head to the side and the question, a almost mischievious smile tugging at his lips.
Pressing another soft kiss to the back of the Brit's hand he contemplated how to answer. Then a kiss against Arthur's wrist, where his pulse was. After anothe moment he begun to speak, murmuring against the others skin. "Romantic eh? A dinner under the stars sounds nice, with nothing but the stars and a few candles for light." He hummed in thought. "Then just sitting there together, holding each other and just speaking about nothing important. I'd..." He flushed slightly, but pushed forward. "I'd recite poetry for you, maybe. If you wanted. Or point out the constelations with you. And we'd just sit there until the candles had melted down..."
Smiling, though a bit sheepish now he wondered if maybe that had just been well, corny. Or if Arthur would find it all sily. Not wanting to wait to find out, he continued speaking. "If you could, would you give up piracy and live a normal life..?"
Arthur felt as though all the blood was rushing to his head while his heart stuttered painfully in his chest with each kiss pressed to his hand. Yes - Afonso was right. That did sound incredibly romantic and, above all, something he would look forward to pulling off in the future.
His question; however, made Arthur pause. If he wasn't a pirate? He'd... well. He hadn't thought about that in a very long time. "A normal life?" he repeated thoughtfully as his face cooled slightly. "Well... I know this may sound odd... but I would love to be an actor... or teach theatre. Even though I never got much of an actual education when it came to the arts, I've certainly picked up enough to see it as a bit of a passion."
Picking up another sushi deftly, Arthur used the moment to get control of himself again. Honestly, Afonso could just look at him some days and he would blush brightly - it was something he wished he could control a bit better. "Alright then..." he cleared his throat, coming up with another random question. "What are the three most important things that you want to do in your life?"
(CONTINUED IN THE NEXT PART)
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jun 5, 2011 14:12:24 GMT -8
Once again he couldn't help but think to himself how adorable Arthur looked while blushing. A thought he tucked away with only a slightly amused smile. He continued to watch the other, idly stroking the back of Arthur's hand with his thumb. For a moment he wondered if he'd asked the wrong question, but thankfull Arthur continued speaking. An actor or teacher? There was something oddly fitting about that. He wondered if maybe one day that could come true... Afonso wouldn't mine seeing Arthur on stage.
The question brought him from his thoughts of the Brit on stage. For a moment he was at a complete loss of just how to answer that. Three most important things he wanted to do with his life. With an almost wistful sigh he let go of Arthur's hand, leaning back on his own as he tilted his head to look at the ceiling. "Honestly, I never thought about it before... Three things huh?" Afonso blew at the long bangs that fell in his eyes. He knew one important thing very well, and it made him flush. His eyes glanced towards Arthur, a shy smile on his lips. "One important thing I'd like to do is maybe just settle down. I love traveling but it becomes tiring, y'know?" A short laugh escaped him. "I never even intended to be a pirate..."
Shaking his head he thought over what the other two things would be. He'd have to get back at Arthur for giving him a tough question. "I'd like to learn how to ice skate? Ah, I guess that wouldn't seem important to most but..." He shrugged his shoulder, sitting up properly and picking up his glass of water. "Thirdly I..." He trailed off, taking a sip before continuing in a soft tone. "I'd like to know what it's like not to have deja vu and head aches every day..."
Afonso remained silent, looking anywhere but at Arthur. Generally he played his head aches off as something he was used too, but deep down they were starting to unnerve him, to worry him. He shifted again, feeling suddenly vulnerable. "U-Um, what's your idea of a perfect day?" Settling down. Surprising how that was something they both wanted to do more than anything else. Arthur could imagine it in his head, living in a small house with a big garden in the back, spending lazy days there and seeing those he cares for whenever he wants. His mind saw Afonso there with him and the two of them would be so much happier than they were right now at sea, chasing down the legendary treasure and trying to keep from being killed.
It was too bad that it was a fantasy right now. Arthur knew he wouldn't be able to settle just yet. There was too much to do - he had to find his siblings and, to a much lesser degree, figure out what his own monarch was up to because something just wasn't sitting right with him... and, of course... there was no point in dreaming of settling down if he was as crazy as he feared he was. Seeing the portuguese man once in a while was wonderful. But what if he was dangerous when he lost time? He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he hurt Afonso.
Snapping out of his quickly depressing thoughts, Arthur realized he missed the second part of what the navigator was saying and just managed to catch the last bit. His depression turned to worry - deja vu? Headaches? That didn't sound good at all. Arthur's determination to take him to a doctor grew wordlessly as did his thoughts on making sure the other got lots of rest.
"A perfect day? Hmm...." Arthur trailed off in thought, his fantasy coming back up into his mind and with a little embarrassment, he decided to share it. "Well... up until a little while ago, my idea was a bit different. But now... now I'd like to spend a day in a garden with a good book, a bottle of something refreshing and... and, well. You." He cleared his throat self-consciously.
"And now that I've thoroughly embarrassed myself... what do you think is the most important thing in your life?""Me?" He couldn't help but echo, though his smile slowly grew. Who would have thought they would both have similar thoughts of the future. Afonso wondered if they would be able to have such a day at some point in time. Maybe one day... Maybe when they had both finally given up their lives as pirates. And that would definitly mean it was far off in the future. A soft sigh escaped him, yes there was too much going on before either gave up the life of piracy.
The question drew him out of his thoughts. What was most important to him. Well he didn't need to think long on that. "The people I love."
Grinning still he leaned forward, kissing Arthur's cheek just in case he didn't know that he was one of those people. "Hmm, what is your most cherished possession?" Honestly, if he smiled any wider for any longer, his face was going to start to hurt. It was amazing how those few words and that one action could bury all his doubts and fears back down in his mind. The unspoken words of 'I love you' were there, they always were, but they were so comfortable to him now that he didn't have to think about it - the small reminder was just that. A reminder of something he already knew.
"Oh, that's an easy one." he answered as he reached into his pocket. Pulling out Afonso's compass, he held it up in the air between the two of them. "This is the most important thing I've even been given. More than any map pieces or expensive gifts." And it was, truthfully. He kept the compass close to him at all times, made sure nothing happened to it. The fact that it came from Afonso made it more precious to him than those glowing gems that would lead a person to a giant pile of treasure.
"If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?" Arthur thought of this question for himself a lot - he'd been a traveler for so many years and seen so many places, that there were few places that he wanted to see or return to himself. The sight of his compass made Afonso's eyes widen in surprise. Despite knowing that Arthur still had it, he'd hadn't thought that he would keep it on his person. His hand subconciously rose to where the gem piece still hung around his neck, close to his heart. Much like it often did when he thought of Arthur when they were apart. a tiny flush crossed his face as he looked down. "I-It's just some old compass..." He found himself saying despite himself. But he was still smiling, touched by the fact Arthur carried it with him.
Trying to quell his blush he thought over the next question. Anyplace hm? Looking at the table he thought of everywhere he'd gone in these past few years. There were so many but... He shook his head, a tiny chuckle escaping him as he glanced up at Arthur. "I'd... Like to go back to Portugal honestly. Even just for a little while."
Afonso wasn't sure why but he'd been missing his home country quite a bit lately. It was strange really. Shaking the thoughts from his head he thought over the questions in his head, and hoped Arthur wouldn't mind him asking the next question. "What's your biggest regret?" "It may be 'some old compass to you, love, but its 'the compass Afonso gave me to keep for him' to me." Arthur's lips twitched up into a teasing smile instead of the bright smile he'd worn before.
But that wasn't enough to keep his smile from fading as he was faced with the next question. It was something he didn't need to stop and think about. His biggest regret had been plaguing him for years. "... that would have to be running away from home when I was young." And something he'd always wondered about. "I was gone for so many years... and when I came back, everyone was gone. I can't help but think that... maybe if I hadn't run off and been kidnapped by pirates if my siblings would have still been at home and... be the disfunctional family we've always been."
He rememebered the day that he'd proudly come home as a Captain of a ship after only five years to find their home abandoned and dusty. Was it because of him? Or did they leave because of something else? He'd have to find them to know. And finding four people in all of the world had proved to be... nearly impossible. "What... what about you? What do you regret the most?" The question was dragged out of him before he could take it back. He didn't want to be too depressing but... it had to be asked. Seeing Arthur's teasing smile fade made him immediately regret asking the question. He listened quietly, reaching his hand out to take Arthur's hand again and squeeze it in a hopeful reassuring manner. "Well... You never know, maybe you'll find them. I'll help you look for them if you want."
He'd do anything to help him. He could only imagine how Arthur felt, not knowing what had happened to his family. Afonso had no real siblings but... But he could only imagine how he would feel if Antonio or Anais just vanished while he was gone.
The return question made him pause, thinking over his life. What was his biggest regret? His mind drifted back to before he left, to the days before he left his home and he would hide himself away in books because he was afraid. Afonso wasn't sure if it was a regret but. "I haven't always been very truthful with others... Before I left home I'd hide away because-" Because he was afraid he was going crazy. Afraid of what people would say if he shared his dreams. Afonso shrugged helplessly. Even now he wasn't completely honest with others. "... I guess now I regret that. Not being honest."
A sheepish look crossed his face as he looked at Arthur before away. "I guess that's a silly thing to be my biggest regret... Sorry... Mm, but um, do you miss your childhood?" Squeezing the hand holding his, Arthur managed a smile. "Thank you, 'Fonso. That means a lot to me." It made him wish once again that he wasn't trying to find his family from a memory from years ago. Who knew how much his siblings had changed since then. Did they look the same? If they looked too different, Arthur was terrified of walking past one of them and not being able to recognize them. Trying to describe what he remembered so faintly to another would be hard, but he was willing to try. Anything that could help him find them. He needed to apologize.
"I... well. I both miss and don't miss my childhood. I miss it in the sense that I wish I could see my family again but... we fought a lot. My siblings and I. And us against our father. So I guess I'm content with the memories and... and maybe finding my family again someday."
Wanting to get them back on a lighter note, Arthur paused and finished off the last of his sushi as he thought. "How about... if you could have three wishes for anything in the world, what would they be?" Nodding at the words, not letting go of Arthur's hand. He wondered what Arthur would say if he admitted he was jealous of the fact he had siblings, even if they didn't always get along and were now missing. He was confident that Arthur would be able to find his siblings though, and he would help him as much as he could.
He was grateful for the more light hearted question though. He tilted his head to one side as he thought over various things he could wish for. Well, the first wish he would make was clear in his himd. "First I'd wish for that perfect day of yours... It sounded nice."
But what would the other two be? That made him pause thoughtfully, before speaking up. "Secondly..." He'd wish for the headaches to go away, but Arthur was probably tired of him mentioning them. Or even worried that he kept bringing them up. Afonso shook his head, looking at the Brit with a soft expression. "Honestly I have no idea. I'm content with just that one wish. Maybe if I had too I'd wish for more sweets. Toni's always stealing mine. And then heh, use the third wish to have you two get along."
The last wish was said with a teasing smile, Afonso reaching his free hand out to give Arthur a playful little nudge. "Similarly, if you could do one thing, anything, what would you do?" Arthur opened his mouth to reply when the door slid open and their hostess came to collect their empty plates. "Are you ready for dessert, sirs?" she asked, quirking a perfectly styled eyebrow. The Brit nodded and she bowed her way back out, leaving fresh glasses of water and tea for them.
"That... is another tough one. There's so much I wish I could do." he chuckled lightly, thinking over the many things he wanted to say. "I suppose the most farfetched thing I want to do is send a message to everyone I love to come meet me somewhere so I can retire to some nice piece of countryside and let them come to me."
And if only life were that easy. To keep things light hearted, Arthur asked teasingly, "What kind of crazy things do you dream of trying someday?"He chuckled picking up one of the fresh glasses of water. If only life were so easy that Arthur could do that or anyone really. It would make so many things easier. Smiling at the teasing tone Arthur took for his question he set his cup down before holding his chin in mock thought. "Crazy things huh?"
Countless things ran through his mind. Different sorts of dreams he could try. From flying or telling Antonio the truth (that was crazy enough). Or maybe... A tiny blush spread as he glanced at Arthur. It was funny how close they had grown, how much Afonso had grown to love Arthur in such a short amount of time with only a handful of meetings and countless radio conversations when they had time. And yet Afonso found himself wondering what it would be like to just live the rest of his life with the British Captain. Like a married couple.
The notion made his face warm. He took another sip of his water to distract himself, wondering whether to admit such a thought outloud. But Arthur had been honest with him... It was only fair. "Would settling down and getting married count as a crazy thing I dream of?"
He met Arthur's eyes, hoping he understood that Arthur was the one he dreamt of doing such a thing with. Trying to dispel the embarrassment he continued speaking, asking the first question he had. "If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?"Bright red and rather speechless, it took Arthur a long moment to control the thudding of his heart in his chest. Filling up that moment with a long sip of tea, he finally managed to shake his head. "I... I wouldn't count that as crazy in the future. But it'll do." Marriage. It was odd that the idea of something so normal to the rest of the world would be so odd for them. Settling down. Getting married. It was expected of a noble such as himself.
Which reminded him that he still hadn't gotten around to telling that to Afonso - that he, a famed pirate, was a high class noble, a spy and a sorcerer. The idea of getting married, spending the rest of his life with someone, with all secrets shared... that sounded like a dream. A wonderful dream.
Pausing for a long moment, Arthur decided for himself. "Fonso... I love you very much. I trust you, but... there's things about me that I haven't told anyone. And well... if I tell you them... can I trust you to keep them, even if these secrets don't agree with you?" And really, that's what it came down to. What kept him from bending down on one knee and out and out proposing here and there, despite their lack of history together. He led three lives. And if Afonso couldn't understand them and live with them... if he lost the other because of the spying or worse, because of the magic... he was afraid it would crush him. For a long moment Afonso wondered if maybe his reply was something he should've kept to himself. Especially when Arthur remained quiet, and even when he did reply Afonso really did feel like he should have kept that thought to himself. Looking away he fiddled with the glass, waiting for him to speak again.
He only looked back up when Arthur spoke again. A small, almost amused, smile formed as he thought over what he had said. He had his own share of secrets that he had kept to himself. But what secrets could Arthur have that would push Afonso away from him? He couldn't see anything. Shifting closer to Arthur he leaned forward kissing him. When he pulled away he rested his forehead against Arthur's as he thought over his words. "I would take any secret you trusted me with to my grave Arthur. I'd accept each one... And well, even if I didn't it wouldn't stop me from loving you or wanting to be with you..."
Sliding his eyes away he took a deep breath. "And... I could trust you with my secrets? Even if they are ones you wouldn't agree with?" Resting his head against Afonso's shoulder, Arthur took a calming breath, then another. He could trust the other. He knew this implicitly. He just had to admit to everything, and that was the problem. "I think you'll find that its easier for me to keep secrets than share secrets, love."
He knew that it would take him a long time to admit to everything. So... maybe it was best to start with one and work his way up to the worst stuff. Tilting his head so he could look Afonso in the eye, even at such an awkward angle, it was just a matter of asking his last question - and he couldn't believe the game was over already - before he admitted to what was, to be honest, the smallest of his secrets.
"Okay... I know this sounds like a rather odd question for my last question but this is a relevant question, let me assure you." licking hervous lips, Arthur steeled his nerves. "Do you.... do you believe in magic?" Chuckling at the remark he smiled down at Arthur, kissing the top of his head. "Well, we can work on your sharing hm? No rush."
He continued smiling when Arthur looked him in the eye, even if it was at a bit of an awkward angle. The last question made him pause. Magic? Afonso had use to believe in it as a child. As he got older though. He wondered why Arthur would ask him the question, especially using his last question to ask it.
The look in his eyes though made Afonso feel that maybe the question was more important to him then it would seem. But he didn't want to lie. "I use too, when I was younger. As I got older though I stopped. But." He paused for a moment, before chuckling. "After everything I've seen? I wouldn't be surprised if magic really did exist." Well then. Arthur would have crossed his fingers if he could, but he needed his hands. "I'm glad that you're so open minded then." he sighed as he sat up, flexing his fingers as he decided on a spell. "Because it's very true - there is magic in the world. And... I happen to be a practicing sorcerer."
It was out. He said it, but instead of relief, he merely felt uneasy as he proved what he said to be true with a simple muttered cantrip, turning his hot cup of tea into a solid block of ice. "Does... does it bother you?" he prayed that it didn't, because if Afonso couldn't stand the smallest of his secrets, their dreams and wishes would all come crumbling down before they could even build up to it.(so if you were wondering if this thread were dead, nope. It's, in fact, only about half over  ;;; *goes back to writing it with Lily*)
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;;; *goes back to writing it with Lily*)