Chapter Text
Six couples, six marriages: can they find love at first sight?
Our experts, Héderváry Erzsébet, Ludwig Beilschmidt, and Matthias Køhler, paired the most compatible candidates and are confident in their choices and ready to intervene and guide the couples towards a brilliant marriage.
Follow our host Laura Janssens on the most anticipated search for love on television: Married at First Sight.
Arthur makes a face at the commercial, as two of the couples happily vouch for the show, yet finds himself enthralled by their enthusiasm and can't stop watching.
The guy named Feliks sounds happy as his partner looks at him with the most smitten stare on his face. They were the first same-sex couple on the show, and Arthur secretly watched it all. The couple had their ups and downs, but decided to stick around, and after two years are still together. It seems the experts, whoever they are (because only one is a therapist, the woman being an expert of some kind of personality thing, the other man a Danish celebrity who Arthur thinks is only there to increase the views), know what they're doing.
He looks at Alfred playing with his Legos on the ground like a big kid, not the teen that he is, then at his messy kitchen and empty house, and feels a pang of loneliness.
This is stupid; he's young, fit, and quite capable of getting a date, isn't he?
No.
He's a little off-putting, blunt, guarded and too busy and preoccupied to even try to meet someone and date. He doesn't want to make Alfred meet someone only to get attached and watch them leave. Speaking of, why is Alfred so silent?
Arthur drops the towel he was wringing on his hands and looks around in search of his little tall terror, and here he is on the phone.
“Alfred! What have I told you about using the phone without me? Who are you even calling this time? Will I have a cosmic bill for someone in Korea again, mister?” Arthur narrows his eyes at him and Alfred keeps ignoring him.
“No, it's for my dad. He's lonely, and I really want—oh, he's here; I'll hand him the phone.” Alfred says, then almost shoves the phone on his chest with a strength that surprises him.
“What's this?”
“It's for you. Answer.” Alfred presses and cautiously he places the holder on his ear.
“Hello?”
“Eh, am I talking to an adult this time?”
“Yes. Who is this?”
“Ah good, I'm Carlos from Married at First Sight. We would love to have you here, but we do need proper information to enrol your participation.”
“What?”
“Please, please! I saw you watching that show, and I want to be on TV. My friends will be so jealous!” Alfred begs, and he gives a sigh and thinks that it's not as if they'll call him or anything, so he gives them his information, replies to some questions, and proceeds to think about Alfred's punishment.
Teenagers are indeed a handful.
.
Gilbert laughs, shows him a squiggly paper where he noted down the information, and Francis turns to Antonio, who's looking a little mischievous himself.
He's not very sure what to think, but maybe it's not a bad idea to enroll in this program. He's seen all the seasons, loves weddings, and he surely would love to meet someone and fall in love, but isn't it a little strange to meet someone through a television show instead of meeting them across a room, their eyes meeting, their hearts speeding up as they feel a pull that brings them together?
“Where did this come from?” Francis curiously asks, shaking himself off his daydream, and Gilbert immediately makes a fake stern expression.
“You're not getting laid. It's sad.”
“It's been months since you had someone.” Antonio agrees, and he blinks and thinks about it, and surely it hasn't been that long, has it?
There was the chef, but that was two years ago, and he can barely recall their love making. Oh, the pretty guy in the pub-wait, that was a disaster and they didn't even get to the good part. What about the florist lady who he took out to eat and ended up eating her out in the backrooms? No. That was after he was dumped by the German officer who Francis gave his number to prevent a speeding ticket.
Francis pales, realising that it's been almost a year and he didn't even notice, but he's been so busy with Matthieu and work lately, surely it's not as if he lost his touch.
He gives them a shrug and grins at them, just as mischievously trying to hide his nervousness.
“Okay. I'll be the best husband on the whole show!” Francis grins with a wink, and Gilbert’s face falls.
“Aren't you mad?”
“Why? This is the perfect opportunity to show off my work.” Francis admits, and Antonio nods enthusiastically as Gilbert grins.
“That's my Franny!”
.
Surprisingly, they are both called to participate in the program, Arthur perplexed and gloomy, Francis cheerfully happy.
They both speak to the specialists after signing several contracts, disclosure agreements and agreeing to begin right away. They have no time to prepare at all for the interviews and find themselves sitting on a couch as the host talks with them privately on different days but following the same motions.
“Can you speak a little about yourself, Mr. Kirkland?” Laura Janssens, the beautiful ex-model and actress who hosts the program, asks, and he nods, his arms crossing and eyebrows furrowing in thought.
“I suppose I'm not very skilled at such things…”
“Just present yourself to our viewers. Your name, age, what you do, and such.”
“Well, I'm Arthur. I am a teacher at London Academy in Edgware. I’m thirty-three years old and have a son named Alfred after our first king.” Arthur says after clearing his throat, looking quite smug and pleased with the information he revealed, and Laura blinks at him, expecting more information, but he keeps watching her formally, and she clears her throat.
“Do you enjoy history?” She presses, and he nods.
“Yes, I consider myself a scholar, and it's also my area of expertise.”
“Could you tell us more about your hobbies or perhaps things you enjoy? Arthur looks down in thought, shifts a little, and finally replies.
“I like reading, embroidery, cooking, gardening, and being with my son. Lately he's been more interested in video games, so I'm trying to learn a little about them, but I can't move my fingers fast enough and always die. He finds it hilarious but it's becoming boring for him and I'm not sure if I can keep up… at least we have music to bond over… I guess...” he trails a little thoughtfully, and she blinks up at him as he waves her off despite her silence.
“Besides, I want him to have a good balanced life and not rely on technology too much, so we try to go camping once in a while, build him up a little, you know?” he asks, and she nods as he seems to realise where he is. Looking flustered, he becomes silent, and Laura can't really make him talk much more about himself.
Meanwhile, Francis has no issues talking about himself.
“I am Francis Bonnefoy; yes, I’m French and living here in London at the moment. I have a boutique called Beautiful Moments, and I design all the clothing and make sure that it's the best outfit for all the memorable moments of life.” Francis says with a wink, and Laura chuckles at him, just as charmingly as Francis.
“I am thirty-four and have a son called Matthieu. He's the most beautiful boy and my pride and joy. He's very smart, caring, thoughtful, and skilled, and the other day he made me pancakes because he wanted to surprise me. Isn't he the cutest mignon ?” Francis continues to gush about his son for a long time, making the crew speed up his ramblings, as Laura laughs and, amused, stares at the camera redirecting the conversation once more.
“Well, I suppose I am a lover of life, or rather everything that makes life worth living, you know? Beauty, passion, connection. They are after all the essence of existence, non? To create, to feel, and to love!”
“I see, and what are your hobbies, Mr.Bonnefoy?” She asks and he waves her off.
“Please, just Francis. You make me feel old.” he chuckles and she nods.
“I love cooking; it's a whole experience, and I often host dinners at home for my friends. I find that meals are the best bonding experience of all, and it never fails to interest a person. After all, full belly, happy heart, isn't it?” he chuckles and she nods in agreement.
“You are indeed a very interesting man, but what are some of your flaws?” she presses and he touches his chin with a finger in thought.
“I am prideful, with moments of stubbornness, and perhaps naiveté, but I do know life can be quite cruel. Still, I truly believe in life, and even if my actions falter, my heart is true. Listen to me waxing poetics again, forgive me. I suppose I would like to find someone to enjoy life with me. Life is fleeting, and I simply want to make it worthwhile.” he says and even the host seems a little infatuated by his charms.
The next interview is made by the personality coach Héderváry Erzsébet, who asks several questions about them, their way of thinking and acting, their goals and values, and nods to herself while keeping the conversation light.
“What are some of the difficulties you face in life, Mr. Kirkland?” she asks, looking incredibly interested by his closed off posture and expressionless face.
“I think I'm a little difficult… I prefer to be alone most of the time…” he says with some weariness and self-awareness, and she nods at him with an earnest expression as he struggles to sit still.
“I quite value my independence, but there are moments—fleeting, mind you—that I would like to have someone who won't leave, you know? I'm very responsible, and although I may look like I don't care, I find that I care a lot about the people I hold close to me. I would give my life for my son without question, but I find that I would also do it for my best friend and even my brothers if the need arose, not that they would care about it…” he looks gloomy at the thought then shrugs.
“I am a prideful man. It may be my biggest strength and flaw, actually. It keeps me going but also prevents me from asking for help when I need it the most, perhaps… bloody hell, I'm sounding like a sentimental fool, am I not?”
“Not at all. I think that you are quite self-aware and capable. Those are good traits to have.” she says and he looks at her with something less indifferent in his face.
“I guess.”
“Do you feel like people don't take the time to see the real Arthur?” She presses with a soft voice and he shrugs.
“I think people only see the sharp parts of me, and I don't really expect people to really understand me, but I’m just like everyone else… at the end of the day, I want to give my son all the love and care and perhaps find someone to share the small parts of life I've always had to enjoy alone…”
Erzsébet looks very pleased with his words and smiles at him as he reddens and shifts in embarrassment.
Despite Erzsébet's progress with Arthur, Francis, despite his compliance and constant talk, is much harder to get to know, and she seems to thread a little more carefully to open him up.
“Would you say you're a giving person?” she asks and he shrugs, nonchalantly.
“We are all giving people. We want to love someone and see how our presence makes an impact on the other.”
“Not quite, Mr. Bonnefoy.”
“Well, we should. What is life without love? An empty vessel sailing through the sea of loneliness?” he asks and she perks up.
“Are you lonely, Francis?” she asks, using his name for the first time and he tenses up before giving a smile that holds something less cheerful.
“How could I be with my beautiful son and friends?”
She raises one eyebrow and he seems to deflate a little.
“Everyone wants to find someone to enjoy life with. Life can become dull if you're by yourself, but I wouldn't say lonely. I rarely have time for such with my son and work. I'm sure you understand how busy life can be.” he says and she nods at herself looking much more pleased than before.
The next specialist is the therapist, Ludwig Beilschmidt. He's a stoic man who intimidates both candidates a little, and unlike Erzsébet he finds that making Francis speak about himself, his job, and his beloved son, is useful as he keeps noting things down as he speaks.
“Non, non, you don't understand. I had to make that wedding dress from scratch and it had to please the bride, the mother of the bride, the maid of honour and they all wanted different things. Matthew was the true genius who said a ribbon would be cute and he solved the issue. I just put it all together. How he knew this would be a good solution I don't know but he's my life saver sometimes. He's so perceptive it's uncanny. I was not like him at all when I was a child.” Francis gushes looking very thoughtful and Ludwig gives a hint of a smile.
The problem is making Arthur, who looks uncomfortable, talk. Their conversation is stiff and awkward until the German asks about his son. Only then does Arthur open up, his expression softening as he speaks of his little terror, the joy of his life. Overall he doesn't say anything and the staff is unsure of what to show the public so they completely ignore the footage despite some jewels the crew add just for fun.
“He broke his foot and jumped on me like a tick!” Arthur says in bafflement as if that single fact still haunts him. “I swear I don't have a clue where he got all that energy from, but I know his bad behaviour is all from my brothers. I was a delightful child.”
.
Matthias Køhler is the celebrity and as such is in charge of the honeymoon, the spots, and experiences and finds himself speaking about several things with Arthur, who quite enjoys exploring and getting dirty but has to tone it down with Francis, who, while enjoying sports and not minding extreme experiences, hates the idea of being somewhere without his amenities and comforts.
“I need my bathroom and my hair products, and I hate bugs. Last year I found Matthieu in the middle of a mud puddle playing with worms. Worms.” He stresses with a despairing face, and Matthias blinks as he drapes himself on the chair and holds his chest. “I had to grab them with my bare hands. It was traumatic. I still have nightmares about them eating mon petit fil.” He sniffs dramatically, and Matthias can't help looking at the camera, breaking the fourth wall because the boy is not little, and it surely is an exaggeration.
“I would like to see Turkish fabrics. I wouldn't say no to a Bahamas vacation either, I'm too pale nowadays and I miss a good day of doing nothing and swimming in the sea. Oh, somewhere with a spa, maybe I could be rather intimate with my partner in such a place, no?” Francis says with a leer.
Arthur's replies are very different and Matthias looks almost deviously pleased by them.
“I would rather be in some cold place and explore the natural beauty of the world. Norway perhaps. I would also enjoy Romania. There's a magical route I've read about in a book about medieval dark magic and vampiric forces that's connected to Dracula's castle.” Arthur says looking happy for the first time.
Nevertheless, they are both called again and again and soon receive the confirmation call with some surprise and shock.
“Oh, of course I'll be there. Merci.” Francis says and before anything else he loudly calls Matthieu to give him the grand news.
“Matthieu! Papa is going to marry!”
While Francis becomes really enthusiastic about the show, preparing his best outfits and preparing everything as soon as he's called, much to his son's horror, Arthur despairs, holding his head in his hands and blaming Alfred for this situation.
“I'm not going to expose myself on television! I am a respected member of the academy. I have a reputation, and this is all Alfred's fault!” Arthur bemoans, and Kiku Honda tilts his head with impassive dark eyes.
“Wouldn't it be a good opportunity to get out of your comfort zone? You keep complaining about being stuck in a rut, and if I may say so, you are lonely.” Kiku says, and Arthur nods, looking up at him.
“The honeymoon is usually in a nice place. I could go to Greece, Romania or Norway.” Arthur reasons, and Kiku gives a hint of a smile.
.
The crew surrounds Arthur as he tells Kiku the news, and while it's all fake because Kiku already knew, Arthur thinks that it's interesting to do this thing twice and get the same reaction. Kiku nods, congratulates him, and Arthur asks him to be the godfather, making Kiku give him the biggest déjà vu because even his solemn expression is the same.
“I would be honoured.” Kiku bows.
Arthur feels a little lonely at these moments. His family doesn't get along; he only has one single friend, a kid, and won't have anyone else for him in the wedding. The thought makes him gloomy and uncomfortable because now everyone will know how miserable he truly is. He hopes the other person won't see it as a reflection of him, but he knows he will and will probably judge him, dislike him, and it will be awful.
His mood sours, and he regrets agreeing to do this even if Alfred has been really excited about it all.
“You think you are ready for this?” Kiku asks, breaking his thoughts, and he nods, deeply unsure but refusing to show it.
“Yes.”
“Arthur, I trust you, but are you thinking about yourself in this?” Kiku presses, and he swallows hard and gives a small shrug that's more telling than anything else.
“Of course. It would be nice to have someone by my side for once.”
“That doesn't sound very convincing.” Kiku presses, and he lashes out in defensive anger and embarrassment.
“Want me to say that I will fall madly in love? You know that's stupid. Real life doesn't work like that.”
“You could give the other person a chance.” Kiku states, and he nods because he will. If he's already here, he's willing to at least see where it goes and try to make it work. If it doesn't, it's okay; he doesn't have high hopes anyway.
“Maybe.”
“I'd like you to be happy for once.” Kiku says in an uncharacteristic display of emotion, despite his closed expression, and Arthur finds himself touched and reddening against his will.
“Thank you.”
.
The three friends are gathering in Francis' house, several snacks and beers, or wine, on the table, and Antonio has an arm around Francis' shoulder in curious happiness.
“Are you really doing it?”
“Oui! And we'll fall madly in love and—"
“Yeah, right.” Gilbert interrupts.
“Don't be so cynical, Gil. They matched us, so there is a chance that they're perfect for me.” Francis says, looking very optimistic and confident, and Antonio nods at him before disentangling and grabbing a beer.
“I agree that this is promising.”
“See?” Francis looks at Gilbert with teasing arrogance.
“Fine. I know this was my idea, but I just don't want to see you hurt…” Gilbert admits, and Francis jumps on him and hugs him.
“Awww, he's worried for me.”
“He'll be fine, and he will finally stop barging into our houses unannounced.” Antonio points out and Francis pouts, letting his whole body drop onto Gilbert, who doesn't look concerned with his lack of personal space.
“I didn't know you had company!”
“At least you could have left!” Antonio says with a grin, and Francis makes a face.
“I had ice cream! It would melt!”
“He slapped me and thought I was cheating with you.” Antonio looks a little peeved now, and Francis raises himself in a defensive posture, his arms raised.
“I spoke to him and cleared the misunderstanding.”
“You proposed a threesome.” Antonio exasperatedly says, and Francis shrugs with a grin.
“Two out of three were naked, and I was sad. It was a unique opportunity.”
Antonio laughs despite his annoyance, and Gil interrupts them before they continue their argument.
“Hey, will you finally marry dressed like you wanted?
Francis nods clapping his hands in delight and Antonio's expression shifts into shock.
“Really? Are you doing that on television?” Antonio asks as Francis' smile becomes sinister, and Gilbert starts cackling so hard he trips and almost falls down.
.
Several couples go through the same motions, and the specialists look a little concerned at what they saw from all the couples before Matthias looks at Erzsébet.
“These two look promising.”
“Yes. They are the most compatible couple but also the most different. I do understand why Ludwig vouched for them, but this could either be very good or very bad depending on how open they truly are to the experience.” Erzsébet explains to the audience, and Matthias nods with a big grin.
“It will be a blast either way.”