Francis glanced back down at her. A warm smile gently lifted his cheeks, finding that he quite enjoyed her company. Especially when he was able to have a conversation with her without having to worry about her brother’s antics.
Elizabeth looked around quietly, letting out a faint breath. She seemed a little more at ease without her brother around, probably for good reason. Jack was…well. Wild, and that meant that she had to be even more careful so as not to seem wild herself.
After another handful of moments, Francis finally spoke again. Drawing in a breath as if the words took actual effort. “Perhaps we should begin heading back to our seats. The intermission should be over soon.”
Elizabeth hummed for a moment. "Oh, of course." She replied. "That sounds good." She smiled gently up at Francis, then returned her attention back to the hallway.
(Should we just timeskip?)
(Yeah, that’s a good idea. Maybe that night when Alexei bails on Jack? Then Francis can conveniently show up while on walk or something, awkwardly not knowing if or how to comfort him)
(:D yes perfect! Shall I handle that, or do you want to?)
(If you could that’d be great!)
(alright!)
Jack was pacing as he waited. Alexei hadn't shown up, and he was starting to think that the Frenchman wasn't ever going to show up at all. He chewed on his lower lip anxiously, stopping and looking around for the man.
(thanks!)
For a long while there was no sign of the Frenchman. In fact, it seemed the whole street was void of any pedestrians at all. They were all tucked away into their houses or late-night engagements. With the exception of, at last, a second man. A pair of heavy boot-clad footsteps turned the corner onto the street. Slow and measured, seemingly without any rush to be anywhere in particular.
(np!)
Jack looked up at the sound of footsteps, biting his lip a little and hoping that it was Alexei. He didn't know what he would do if it wasn't. He had…rather enjoyed the Frenchman's earlier company, and hoped for it again.
If it was Alexei, he must have completely changed his fashion from earlier. The man stopped a few paces away and cocked his head curiously at the sight of Jack. “Montague?” Francis. “What are you doing out here?”
Jack let out a disappointed sigh. "I… nothing, I guess." He replied quietly, wrapping his arms around himself and suddenly looking very small and very unsure of himself. He didn't meet Francis's eyes. He knew the judgement that would lie in them, and he didn't feel like seeing that again.
(ack- sorry I haven’t posted in so long)
Francis squinted back at Jack. There were too many possible reasons he could be out in the middle of the night, and one being the same reason as Francis. Otherwise he didn’t want to know. “Are you alright?” Not that he should be concerned, but he was supposed to be keeping an eye on him.
(it's alright)
Jack gave a humorless smile. "Perfectly alright. Why wouldn't I be?" he responded, still not looking at Francis. Alexei…Alexei must not be coming. His shoulders slumped faintly at the realization that he had been abandoned again.
“You look…” Francis searched for the right word, and when he couldn’t find it, decided to change the sentence completely. “You’re just standing out here alone. In there middle of the night. You have to admit that is a little strange, right?”
He raised an eyebrow slightly. "You're here too." he retorted, cocking his head as he looked at Francis.
Francis’s lips dipped into a frown. “I was taking a walk. Not just…standing in the middle of a street.” He shifted his weight from foot to foot, rather uncomfortable with the conversation. “How long were you out here?”
"It doesn't matter." he waved a hand vaguely, rubbing his face and sighing quietly. If Alexei wasn't coming, there was no reason to stick around.
Francis was quiet for a matter of moments before he spoke again. “I guess I’ll be on my way back. You can come with if you want. Or you can just continue to stand there.”
He shrugged faintly. Since Alexei wasn't coming, he supposed that he may as well head back. They were going to Paris the next day, after all. "Alright."
Francis only nodded in acknowledgment, wordless, as he turned to head back to the house. Listening for Jack’s footsteps behind him. It was late, and it’d be best to get as much sleep as he could before they were off to Paris. Heaven knew what kind of trouble Jack could get into there.
Jack followed Francis silently, still a little disappointed that Alexei had never shown. He didn't understand why not, either. They had both been looking forward to it…
Francis tucked his hands into his coat pockets. He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved Jack wouldn’t be getting into any trouble tonight, or feel bad for the man. He did look terribly disappointed from the brief glance Francis casted him.
Jack kept his eyes a bit downcast, not looking at Francis as they walked. He didn't understand why the Frenchman hadn't shown.
(Timeskip?)
(sure! to when?)
(Hmm maybe when they get to where they’re staying in Paris? I completely forget if that’s where Elizabeth is going to be dropped off for the boarding school or not)
(sure! Ehh not quite yet)
(Alright! Would you like to start or should I?)
(uhh idc, up to you)