It felt as though you were being ripped in half. 

Upon fleeing that dreadful scene, you plunged into a whirling world of contradiction. Regret and heartbreak propelled you down the bright hall to some unknown destination. All the while, hope and pity dragged you down, pulling you back to that dim hotel room. You passed door by door with no true escape.

You hugged yourself and rushed along the rows of rooms, each holding a friend, someone to vent to. 

That's a horrible idea. The gossip would spread like wildfire.

 Tears blurred your view as the feeling of helplessness consumed you. 

Right now, I have no one other than Allistor. One end of your mouth curled into a bitter sneer. Who am I kidding? He didn't even try to keep his promise... Do I matter to anyone?

"Is everything alright, love?"

Not him. I can't hide anything from him. 

You dabbed at your eyes with a sleeve and took a shaky breath. 

Just try to pass him. 

You willed yourself to crack a wooden smile and met Arthur's concerned expression. 

"I am absolutely fine and am having a super day. You must be having a great day too." 

That. was. awful. Internally, You muttered off a few select words for yourself and tried to conjure up a better smile. 

Arthur thrust up one of his fantastic eyebrows. "Well, I have been having a nice day, though I haven't had my tea quite yet. Would you like to join me?"

His eyes were soft, though his voice made the request a little more commanding. There was no use hiding something from him.

Your shoulders collapsed under the weight of your anguish and you shamled into Arthur's suite as he held the door. 

Of course, he had selected the room with rich, green wallpaper and soft settees with sunny yellow cushions. A plentiful amount of sunlight filtered into the room and warmed you. Other than the differing color scheme, the suite was laid out exactly like yours. As you sunk into the fabric, you realized you were still tightly clutching your dress, now, less like a dazzling emerald and more of sickening jade. 

Arthur strode briskly into the kitchenette, and, after some clattering and clinking, had produced two warm cups of tea, still giving off wisps of stream. You pushed yours away gently. The whirling vapor reminded you and made your heart squirm.

"Now that we're settled," Arthur began, "tell me what's  on your mind." 

There was no point in refusing what you needed so desperately to do. "Arthur, I don't know what to do about Allistor. He's stressed, and I think it's got him back to smoking. I don't want to nag him or make him unhappy. I don't want to push him to do anything. I just- I... I don't want to lose him."

Arthur's face dimmed and he leaned back on his seat, placing the tea down with a uncomfortable 'clink.' "(Y/n), I wish I could give you some magic potion that would turn my brother into a proper gentleman, but, in my experience, sorcery can only do so much."

You sighed deeply, and Arthur continued. "There are things that will make a relationship, so to speak, and things that will break it. You have made it very clear that this habit of this is unacceptable, and as far as your part goes, you can only support him in turning away from it. He is the one that has to made a decision."

"That choice has already been made." Your teeth clenched as you flashed back to that bathroom door. "Quitting has to be hard. It has to be, but I know Allistor. I know he is stronger than anyone else I've met. If anyone could do it, it's him. He just doesn't seem to have the same confidence." 

Arthur frowned his sad frown and ran a finger along the rim of his tea cup. "He's always been so sensitive behind all that brashness. My brother has so much heart, I fear there is no room for brain."

You gave a small laugh, and somehow Arthur managed to tease out a little of the tension. "Just don't let emotion make you forget just how much you're loved, my dear."

The anger slipped away just as fast as it had come, and you melted into an exhaustion. "Thank you, Arthur. I don't know what I would do without you."

Turned his gentle, green eyes towards you, and there was something still so sad in them. His gaze drifted back to the ground and he murmured, "Nor I without you."