Chapter Text
SUNSHINE, AWAKES
He knew he would meet him on the way back.
A creature of habit, that was what Arthur truly was. With his left leg gliding over to the other side of his horse’s neck, Arthur suddenly found himself standing in front of a big pot filled with incredibly tiny flowers. The pot blocked off the entrance to Algernon's shop and the man had to crane his neck to get a glimpse inside.
Where could he be?
The shop looked glum and sullen, almost dead, without the uplifting spirit of Algernon in it. What a waste of his time this is, Arthur thought to himself, all because he wouldn't get to see him today.
“Tacitus!” A gentle voice spoke up, sounding exhausted. And Arthur perked up at that in an instant, his problems seemingly forgotten, and from behind the pot where Algernon was squatting on the floor, Arthur found him with a face red from exertion and his hands full with tiny flowers.
Despite the dusty look on him, he still made a pretty sight like he always did.
“You alright there?”
Arthur walked up slowly, brow raised at the name that Algernon called him and helping the man on his feet. He often forgot that Algernon called him that, or rather, that he had called himself that. More often than not, he regretted the decision. What he’d give for the man to speak his name.
“Hey.” Said Arthur casually, eyes filled with a rare mirth. Just being in his flowery presence shot small tingles up his arms, and he found himself unable to let go.
“Ah, you came right on time!” Chirped Algernon gleefully. He reached up to Arthur’s ear with long, graceful fingers and placed a small flower behind it.
Arthur wanted to move away, he really did, but he didn't dodge it in the end. It was worth it, because the smaller man beamed up so brightly that he couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. “Very pretty, Tacitus.” Complimented Algernon, head making a small bow to the side. Arthur only realised then that he was still holding him and quickly let go as if bitten. The suddenness of his action didn't go by unnoticed, but Arthur carried on.
Now with a flower stuck behind his ear, Arthur pretended to have moved away so he could give him the ingredients that he asked for. He would've told him why if there had been more space for him. He just wanted to stay a little while longer, hoping Algernon could understand.
This would be the last time he could see him.
“Here.” They both looked each other in the eyes as Arthur handed over the bird feathers, nails still crusted with dried blood, and Algernon beamed up even more. “Oh thank you, thank you, Tacitus! How wonderful, I’ll begin preparing right away!”
It was so right like this.
“T'is alright.” Said Arthur, with that drawled out accent of his, and he reached forward to give the man a small pat on the shoulder.
Algernon stopped as he suddenly remembered his manners, mouth shaping into a small O. “Come on, join me for tea inside, please.” He insisted, but Arthur was already backing away, slowly, his fingers showed the faintest of trembles running through them. “I can't, I have to go now. You be well, alright.” Arthur demanded he be.
“A cup of tea?”
He shook his head.
He left as fast as he had appeared, horse hooves disappearing into the distance of town with a solid click clack click clack.
He put the flower to dry in his journal that night and dreamt of galloping back to him.
Maybe another time, he thought, and carefully folded his journal shut.
I - Love Is a Cage for Poor Old Me