Covent Garden, London

Francis checked the watch on his wrist nervously. Right, he was early by five minutes. Checking his reflection once again in the mirror, he climbed out of his car, and straightening his suit, leaned over to reach for the bouquet of bright, red roses and a small tin wrapped in blue, white and red ribbons.

Breathing in deeply, he muttered the words that Asgeir had told him would bring him luck. Well, hopefully he wasn't lying, Francis thought as he checked his pocket to make sure the pouch holding the two runes were still in it. Making sure that he had brought everything he needed, he set off towards the meeting point, remembering to put on his confident front as he wore a bright smile.

Arthur was already stood at the meeting point, there in perfect timing. Not really nervous, as he kept saying this was not a date, not at all, but this was also Francis. That also had cause for concern, hopefully he would keep his promise. He straightened his green suit tie and continued looking around for the other and checking his watch!

"That idiot had better not be late!"

Catching sight of his date, Francis picked up his pace and headed for him.

"Arthur!"

Hearing his name called, Arthur turned around to see the other heading towards him.

"Francis, you're on time. It's a good start at least!"

Francis flashed Arthur a bright smile.

"I try my best, Arthur." Francis said warmly, "Oh, and before I forget, I got you something." Francis handed over the flowers and the present. "I grew these flowers from my garden. I hope you like them. And the tin... well, it's a special blend of... of mint and lemon. I... I.. Well, I hope you like it."

Francis cursed himself mentally. How on earth was he reduced to such a state!? And he better not be blushing.

"T-thankyou, the roses are beautiful. My favourite."After admiring the roses he looked up and smiled! "And the tea, well, i'm sure I will, as long as it IS just mint and lemon!"

He then had to grin at the stuttering, " I'm sorry are YOU, Francis Bonnefoy stuttering.. Of all things?!"

Francis laughed at Arthur and said coolly, "I'm glad you like them, Arthur. And don't be silly! I don't stutter! Please, that's just not possible! It would be apocalyptic!" He said cheerfully, before turning around to check his face as he pulled out a mirror. He wasn't blushing? Good.

Quickly tucking it away and turning back to face Arthur, "Shall we go then?"

Arthur rolled his eyes and grinned, "Of course not, I was hearing things. Completely! Apocalyptic... really dramatic"
Of course he was, and what exactly did he turn around for! Oh well!

" But of course, let's go! Where are we going?"

"I was thinking of a trip to a bookstore nearby? I heard they have a new shipment of fantasy books." Francis said, hoping that Arthur would like it. Oh no, wait, a bookstore? That made his current attire too formal then! At least there was still dinner, he thought.

The bookstore, that definately caught his attention!

"Ah, I know which one you mean! Yes, let's go there first!" Arthur took off before the other to get to the bookstore, very interested in going there!

"Let's go!"

Francis laughed, running after Arthur. "Calm down, mon cherie! The bookstore is not going to grow legs and run away!" he said, catching up to Arthur.

Arthur turned his head and grabbed the other by the wrist, grinning,

"I am well aware of that, might as well get on with it though" He then continued to pull the other towards the other towards the bookstore! "Certain books to look for...."

Francis' eyes widened considerable as Arthur pulled him along. By his wrist. It almost made his heart beat faster. Almost. As long as Arthur couldn't feel his pulse.

But Arthur seemed so happy! He hadn't seen Arthur smile so much in a day before. If only he had his camera. Shaking his head out of his thoughts, he followed Arthur into the bookstore, panting lightly.

" Are you alright? Out of breathe already? Ha the day has only just begun"

With a small grin to the other, Arthur walked the bookstore, picking up books here and there that caught his interest! It seemed to be a lot!

Francis sighed a blissful sigh. It was like watching a little boy at a toy store, and it reminded Francis of... old times. Laughing gently, he walked over to Arthur.

"Shall I carry something for you, mon cher?"

" If you insist! Thank you"

With that he handed over four books with a grin, Oh this was fun, " There's just one more over there that I want, then i'll go and pay for them!"

Offering his hands out to take the books from Arthur, Francis nodded. Seeing Arthur smile to brightly like this made him feel a little generous...

"You know, go ahead and grab whatever you want. I'll pay for them."

Grabbing the last book he wanted and glancing at Francis.

"That's not necessary. I'll just pay for the books and we'll move on". With that he grabbed the other books and headed off to pay.. "Thank you though.."

Sighing lightly, Francis smiled at Arthur. "Sure, whatever you want then.*

Watching Arthur go off, Francis paused for a moment. 'Did Arthur just thank me?' Blinking slowly, a smirk spread on his face. Shaking his head, he headed out of the bookstore to wait for Arthur, and his loud laughter elicited several glances from others.

Paying for the books, a loud laughter from outside made him turn his head... well.....freaking weirdo. He walked outside with books in hand afterwards, looked around for crazy people, then headed back to Francis

"Where next?!" He asked, shaking his head.

"Well, are you hungry now? Or, do you have anything in mind?" Francis said, beaming at Arthur. Maybe he should go sneak off and get a camera when Arthur was off in the toilet. After all, he was being really adorable today.

Thinking about it now, the laugh oddly sounded like Francis. Oh god. Arthur gave him a suspicious look, and settled on going to get something to eat.

" I guess we can go eat now!"

Francis raised an eyebrow at the funny look Arthur shot him, but dismissed it, nodding his head. "I have a reservation at The King's Rose. Ah, but before we go there, I would like to visit the mall for a moment. Is that alright?"

"Okay that sounds good!" Arthur nodded, then raised an eyebrow also, "Why the mall? Something you want?"

Francis nodded. "There's something that I want to get, if you don't mind that is?"