Chapter 12 – Their Brand New Life Together

Francis looked at himself in the mirror of his bedroom and smoothed his suit down. His blonde hair was combed and pulled back into a loosely ponytail. His usual aftershave was spritzed on and the box was in his jacket pocket. He checked the time and took a deep breath. He had ten minutes left to prepare himself before he picked up Matthew to take him out to the little restaurant that they had spent on their first date...with his son and Arthur.

He checked himself in the mirror once more and then left the room. Alfred had gone out with Arthur so that he wouldn't ruin the night. Francis came down the stairs, grabbed his keys, locked the house up, hopped into his car and drove off. After ten or twenty minutes of driving, to Francis it seemed longer; he arrived at Matthew's house. He pulled up on to the drive and turned off the engine. He got out of the car and walked up to the door. With every step that he took, Francis felt his heart beat rapidly. He had to calm down or else he would faint and he didn't want that. Especially for tonight, he didn't want Matthew to remember this night as where he had fainted.

When he reached the door, he knocked and waited for Matthew to open the door. When it did, Matthew stood there, wearing his beautiful suit. He looked perfect. Francis could feel his breath hitch; he just hoped that Matthew didn't take notice but he did.

"Are you okay, mon cher?"

"Oh, o-oui, Mathieu, I'm fine."

"Well, if you're sure."

Francis smiled at his lover. He hoped to god his voice wasn't shaking as much. Matthew smiled back and stepped out the door. They walked to Francis' car and Matthew hopped in. As Matthew slid in the car and buckled up, he turned to Francis as he climbed in.

"So, where are you taking me? What makes tonight so special?"

"You'll found out in due time, cheri. I wish I could tell you but it would ruin ze whole evening."

Matthew pouted. "Awww, no fair."

Francis chuckled. He slid on his belt and drove away from the drive and to the restaurant.

Matthew looked round at the restaurant. He couldn't believe that Francis had taken him to the cute little restaurant that Francis and Arthur had taken him and Alfred for the birthday. He only hoped that there wouldn't be a repeat of what had happened in the bathroom last time. Knowing Francis there would be.

A waiter came over and led them over to a small table. It was near the table that they had sat on that night. Matthew smiled fondly at the memory of how Francis had nearly spoon fed him most of his meal.

After eating most of their meal with a couple glasses of champagne, Francis gazed at Matthew with a loving look that he had often given Matthew on numerous occasions. Matthew smiled back, before sipping his champagne.

"Mathieu?" Francis asked.

"Oui, Francis?"

"How long 'ave we known each other?"

"Oh, about several years; since we met at that the school's parents' night. Why?"

"Well, I...I don't know how to say this. But Mathieu, ever since I met you zat night at ze pub, you sitting zere all alone, and I just wanted you to love me, as I 'ad for so long...and I'm so glad zat the feeling was mutual. I really do what to take you to Paris wiz me one day and maybe we will really soon."

"F-Francis, where are you going with this?"

"Mathieu..." Francis stood up and walked over to Matthew's side and knelt down. Matthew's eyes widened. No, he couldn't be! Matthew glanced around and saw a few people glancing over to them. He glanced back at Francis only to find a velvet box containing a silvery hand with a red Maple Leaf embedded in.

"Oh, my god, Francis...is this...a proposal?"

"Zat it is, ma cheri. So, will you do me ze great 'onour of being my husband?"

Matthew blinked and let a smile spread across his face. "Oui, I will mon amour."

Francis grinned. As the whole restaurant clapped, Francis took out the ring and slipped it onto Matthew's third finger. Matthew gazed down at the ring on his finger and looked up at the Frenchman. His fiancé! He leaned in and kissed Francis. They soon drew back and Francis whispered in his ear.

"Shall we see if zat restroom is free, mon amour?" he asked, with a chuckle.

Matthew blushed and playfully slapped him on the chest.

Central Park was cold and slightly dark with only the street lamps that glowed like fireflies. A few people were only walking around, the lake was beginning to melt and little water flowed on under the bridge. Arthur and Alfred were standing on the bridge looking out as the trees began to bloom again.

"It's so lovely how it gets this time of year." Arthur commented fondly, as he gazed around.

"It really is. It's so amazing how we humans forget the beauty of this world and yet destroy it."

"It is!" Arthur said. He tucked the scarf around his neck and smiled at Alfred, who was still looking out at the park. "You all right, Alfie?"

Alfred jumped, as though shaken from his thoughts and looked over at Arthur. "Yeah...I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Arthur asked, titling his head. "You don't sound like it?"

"I'm great, babe, don't worry about me."

Arthur smiled and pulled the American close to his body and kissed him on the cheek. He could feel Alfred's cheeks warming up. Arthur couldn't help but feel as though his Alfred was being a little jumpy and nervous. But if Alfred said he was fine, then he was fine.

"Arthur..." Alfred said, after a long period of silence.

"Yes, Arthur..."

Alfred looked towards him; his big blue eyes startled and seemed almost frightened. "Marry me."

There was a silence broke only by the people walking behind them and the taxi horns going off along the main street. After a few minutes of silence, Arthur straightened up and stared at his lover. "Excuse me?"

"Marry me, Artie." Alfred repeated, sounding a little desperate.

"Alfred, what the devil are you talking about?"

"I love you, Artie and I know you love me. So, marry me."

"Alfred, you imbecile! That is not the right way to propose!" Arthur growled. "Typical American just getting straight to the point! Alfred, has your father ever taught you the right way to propose? Have you never seen the way they do it in the movies?"

"Well, I've seen it done at baseball and hockey games." Alfred replied, with a simple shrug.

Arthur sighed exasperatedly. "For goodness sake, look this is how you do it!" And he bent down and grabbed hold of Alfred's hand. "Alfred Jones, from the moment I met you I knew there something right about you. I knew you were the one, the one who brought light into my world. You gave me a second chance. I thank you for that, Alfie. We love each other very much and I know you want to spend the rest of your life with me – judging by that ludicrous attempt of a proposal you must have been."

"Hey!"

"But I love you, my brave, brave idiot and I must ask you to marry me and become my one and only love."

Alfred smiled and nodded. "Yes, yes I will."

"Good." Arthur said with a smile.

He stood up and kissed Alfred. Alfred then took out of his pocket a golden band and slipped it on Arthur's finger. Arthur smiled and gazed at it fondly in the lamp light. He looked down at his lovely Alfred. "And that is how you do a proposal." He said smugly.

Alfred rolled his eyes and kissed his fiancé as a way to shut him up.

Yes it was going to be a fine life for the four of them. A new way to start their life; a new beginning for them.

A/N:

Hello and welcome to the last chapter of Don't Talk To Strangers. Sorry if it seems a little short this chapter and it feels rushed. I'd like to thank you all for reading, reviewing, favouriting and following this story and I hope you all enjoyed it. Thank you again. I will be starting a new story tomorrow for those who are interested. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Reviews are love :)

M.S.P.

Xxxx