Tip Things in Your Favor

The rest of Bar's week followed a similar pattern, eating lunch with Francesca and Gerard one day, and then Francesca coming over for dinner the next, until it was their day off again.

In the morning, he was eating breakfast with the other three. Claire, who he had spent the previous night in bed with, was sitting at the table eating in her underwear.

“Aren't you a little too comfortable?” Joan asked, looking at her.

“What? This is how I normally am around my own room.”

Joan sighed and hung her head back and forth. “Yes, but this is Bar's...”

“Does Bar mind?” Claire asked, looking over at him.

Bar looked between Claire and Joan, not sure how to respond. One of them's going to be mad at me...

He was saved, however, by a knock at the door. Claire hid behind her chair, while Belle went up to the door.

“Thank you,” she replied, taking a letter from, presumably, a courier.

Belle walked over and gave it to Bar, as Claire went back into the bedroom to put some clothes on.

Seeing it was from his parents again, he ripped it open to reveal a new letter:

Bar,

Your mother and I are happy to hear that you are and Francesca are getting along. If things progress well, please invite her to come with you when next you visit.

Father

After he finished reading it aloud, Claire shouted from the bedroom, “Next break is in a month, after fall semester's exams.”

“Well, hopefully this is over before then. If not, Francesca can just think of some excuse to not come,” Bar explained.

Belle asked, “Won't that upset your parents though?”

Bar shrugged, “So?”

Joan came up behind Belle, rubbing her cheeks lightly, “Have your parents actually seen Francesca? We could just dress up Belle like a noblewoman. She's not too old and definitely pretty enough.”

Belle blushed, “I can't-”

She was cut off by another knock at the door. Since Bar was closest, he went to get it.

Outside was Francesca, wearing a pink sundress, her hair down instead of in drills. “Francesca?”

Francesca nodded. “Yes...may I-”

The bedroom door opened, Claire coming out and sitting down at the table, resuming her breakfast.

Bar couldn't help but sigh. At least she has clothes on now.

Francesca raised an eyebrow. “So the rumors about you and the Dorm Mistress were true?”

Claire dropped her fork, now realizing Francesca was there after hearing her voice.

Seeing no point in trying to hide anything, Bar got out of the way so Francesca could enter.

Claire just awkwardly watched as Francesca sat down catty-corner from her.

Francesca motioned to Belle, who quickly grabbed the tea kettle and poured some for her.

Bar, deciding just to go along for now, sat across from her. “Why did you come over?”

Francesca took a sip of her tea. “I wanted to discuss how this week went. Do you think Gerard likes me?”

Bar looked down and weighed his options, trying to think of how to respond. If I lie and say yes, then things will end poorly. But if I tell her the truth, then our pretend courtship will end.

Claire decided to start eating again, trying not to draw attention to herself.

Bar looked back up at Francesca. “How do you think it went?”

Francesca replied, “I...I'm a little concerned. He seems to talk friendly to me, but it seems to be the same as he does with you.”

Bar nodded. “So you think he just sees you as a friend, not as a potential romantic partner?”

Francesca nodded back. “I need some way to break through that barrier.”

They then both hung their heads, thinking for a minute.

Hmm...what could show her intention here? Maybe... “What about physical contact? A lot of guys like that.”

Francesca blushed. “Just because you like it doesn't mean Gerard does.”

“True, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't. It would at least get your intention across.”

Francesca nodded at that.

After a few moments more of silent thinking, the silence was broken by Claire.

“Do you know what his future plans are? And how you could factor into them? If he can see a future with you in it, that could tip things in your favor.”

Francesca's eyes went wide, turning to Claire. “That's...that's brilliant!” She stood up, heading for the door, “I must go and talk to Carlotta.”

After the door closed, the four of them let out a sigh of relief.

Belle asked, “Do you think we're okay?”

Claire nodded. “She wouldn't risk exposing me or Bar right now, when she needs his help and is pretending to be courting Bar. We need to stay on her good side, though...”

Joan nodded. “I quite like her, actually. I hope she succeeds.”

Claire agreed. “Me too. I could see the determination in her face. It's very admirable.”

Asking the Question

The next few weeks passed as the last had for Bar, having lunch with Francesca and Gerard every other day, and on the off days, Francesca was coming over to dinner to talk. She was additionally bringing Becky, her maid, along as well after the others invited her.

At the current one, Claire (who was also joining since Francesca know about her and Bar's 'relationship') asked, “Are you ready for exams? They're next week.”

Bar nodded. “I think so. I've been studying basically every day.”

Claire looked at Francesca, who got a nervous expression and looked down. “I...I think so, too.”

Bar had actually been helping Francesca after class while they were studying in the library. Her Language and Diplomacy were top notch, but she struggled with Math and History.

“So...are you going to ask him?” Joan asked, smiling. With all the meeting up they had been doing, they had gotten quite close with Francesca and Becky, to the point they could talk with them normally.

Blushing, Francesca nodded. “I'm going to do it tomorrow, since I don't want to spring it on him in the middle of finals week.”

Francesca was going to try and accompany Gerard back to his parent's place during the week-long break after finals. It wasn't a marriage contract, but if he accepted and was introduced to his parents, then they would definitely be at the 'courting' phase of a relationship.

Bar, however, had his concerns. While their lunches went fine (Bar actually enjoyed them, for the most part), he just didn't think Gerard was into her.

His three partners were very supportive of her, though.

“You can do it!” Belle said, holding up her fists and nodding.

Claire also nodded, although a bit less confidently than Belle was.

Francesca blushed. “Um...thank you for all the help. I feel much better about this than I did a few weeks ago.”

Bar's partners all smiled back at her, causing her to blush more.

Becky smiled and patted her head. “See, that wasn't so hard...”

The next day at lunch, the last they would have before finals week, Francesca wasn't talking as much as she normally did.

You're usually talking his ear off! At this rate he's gonna think you're not feeling well...

Gerard, however, didn't seem to notice, just filling in for her and talking instead.

“What about you Bar, ready for exams?”

Snapping Bar out of his thoughts, he took a second to respond. “Yeah, I think so. Well enough, at least.”

Gerard chuckled, “You don't seem too sure.”

After that, there was a few moments of silence.

Francesca took a deep breath. “Gerard...”

Gerard had just taken a bite of his chicken, and raised an eyebrow while he was chewing.

“You're going back to your estate over break, right?”

Gerard nodded. “Yeah, I'm sure my mom will throw a fit if I don't. I'm assuming you are too?”

Francesca took a moment to reply, but then said, “Actually, I was hoping I might accompany you, if that is agreeable.”

Gerard stopped chewing on his current bite. Then, he slowly turned his head to look at Bar.

What did I do!? She's the one who asked you!

Getting no response from Bar, Gerard, looked back at Francesca, who was blushing and looking at the table. “Sorry, Fran, I...think I'd like to visit by myself.”

Francesca grew redder, nodding.

After that, there was no talking, as the three of them just ate in awkward silence until the bell for the end of lunch rung.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

Back in class, the day finished uneventfully.

However, as Bar went to leave, Gerard turned to him.

Bar waited, looking at Gerard, who, unnaturally for him, seemed to be struggling for words.

Eventually, Gerard asked, “You're not with Fran?”

Bar looked, but Francesca had already left the room. I guess I at least owe an explanation. “No...our parents set us up on a date, but...neither of us were that interested. Then, it came up that she was interested in you so I figured I'd help her out a bit.”

Gerard gave a weak smile, nodding. “You're too nice, Bar.”

I am...well, was getting something out of it, too, so I can't be that nice.

Gerard shook his head. “She's nice enough, but...I'm just not feeling anything. You know what I mean?”

Bar nodded. “Yeah, I've had a lot of dates and meetups set up by my parents, and most of them turned out that way. Actually, maybe all of them...”

Gerard nodded. Snapping back into normal Gerard-mode, he smiled, “Don't party too hard on your day off, or finals won't go well!” he said, before taking off with a little salute.

“Yeah, you too...” Bar replied, before trailing off as he left.

Bar sat for a few moments, not sure what to do next. Shaking his head, he stood up, Still gotta study.

Walking to the library, he felt a bit weird not having Francesca with him. Of course, for the first couple months of classes, he had been alone or with Alice, so he figured he would get over it soon enough.

However, as he arrived at his normal table, he noticed Francesca's bag and books were already there. Just her bag and books, Francesca was nowhere to be seen.

Does she still wanna study together? I guess I don't mind, but...maybe she's in the bathroom. Sitting down and getting his books out, he began re-reading some of the language passages that might pop up on the exam.

A couple minutes later, and Francesca had not returned. Looking up, he saw a few people at the other tables, unsurprisingly given it was two days before finals started, but Francesca was not walking around or looking at books.

Bar shook his head. No, I can't be worrying about her, I have my own stuff to deal with.

However, a few more minutes passed, and Francesca had still not returned. Realizing he wasn't going to be able to focus if he didn't figure out where she was, he sat his book down and started walking down the nearest row.

After just a few moments, he thought he heard something in the corner of the room. Walking towards what he thought was the source, he saw Francesca hunched over, facing the wall.

“Fran, are you-”

Francesca turned around, and Bar could see she was crying. Doing her best to suppress it, but crying nonetheless.

“B-Bar...” she said, before turning around and burying her face into his chest. She then started crying harder, her voice muffled by Bar's chest, his school jacket becoming wet with her tears.

Trying not to cry himself, Bar gently put his hands on her shoulders, trying to reassure her.

“I...tryb...so...harb....” she got out between sobs, still suffocated by Bar's jacket.

“I know you did...” Bar replied, gently patting her head.

After a few minutes, Francesca's sobs were subsiding, until her breathing returned to normal.

“I'm...sorry...” she said, putting the bottom of her fists on Bar and leaning against him, she looked away embarrassed. “Look at me, crying like a schoolgirl...”

Bar shook his head. “It's nothing to be ashamed of.”

Wiping her face, she tried to re-compose herself. “Well, let's get to it then.”

“Get to...” Bar said as she helped her to her feet.

“Studying,” Francesca replied succinctly.

“Are you...saying you're still going to try and win Gerard over with your grades?”

Francesca shook her head. “No, it would just be a waste of all my effort, and yours, for that matter, if after all this I failed my semester finals.”

Not having any argument with that, Bar followed her as they went back to their table.

Immediately grabbing her math, she asked, “Can you help me the accounting work again? I think I mostly have it, but I'd like a second pair of eyes on it.”

Bar nodded, sliding her paper over. She definitely bounces back quickly.

End of the Semester

The next day, while Bar was studying, the group was discussing the visit back to the Champagne estate.

“Bar, I think I should stay here,” Joan said.

Bar was a bit taken aback. “But...”

Joan shook her head. “Belle can accompany you. And I know you enjoy her company,” she said with a sly grin.

Belle smiled and blushed, looking down.

“Well, yes, but...”

“According to Dolly, these breaks are big business for the tavern, so I'm gonna go work every every day. She said I could possibly earn ten gold over the break.”

Bar's eyes went wide, “Isn't that normally what you make in a month?”

“If I'm lucky,” Joan nodded.

“Well, okay...”

Claire 'hmpf'd. “At least you have the option, I'd get thrown out of the estate.”

“Are you not...nevermind...” Bar said, but stopped when Claire scowled. As she had made known previously, she did not like her own family.

“Just focus on studying. Everything is for naught if you can't graduate and get a good job.”

Bar sighed, nodding, and went back to his book.

Finals week went by in a blur for Bar. He would wake up, go to class, spend all day on exams, punctuated only by lunch (he was back to eating with the class boys every day again), followed by studying with Francesca in the library (he was still helping her with her weak subjects). Then eat dinner, go to bed, and repeat.

Eventually, the last day of finals arrived.

“Alright, pens down everyone!” Miss Renee said, denoting the end of their history exams.

Bar let out a sigh as she came around to collect their exams.

“So, how'd you do?” Gerard asked, grinning.

“I think well,” Bar said, truthfully. There had been only a couple questions he wasn't sure of, and even then he had been able to make educated guesses.

Standing up, Gerard nodded bye to him, “See you after break.”

Bar nodded back, grabbing his bag and heading out.

He started habitually making his way to the library, but partway remembered he didn't need to study for the time being (even with his newfound conviction, he wasn't that studious), and instead turned to head towards the dorms.

As he did, he felt something grab his jacket.

Turning around, Francesca was there, looking down.

After a moment, she looked up at him, “I just wanted to thank you. For everything, I mean.”

Bar nodded. “It wasn't a problem. I mean, I benefited too.

Francesca nodded, before turn and walking towards the girls dorms.

Well, it was worth it while it lasted. I'll have to figure out what to tell mother and father now... As he kept walking, he thought about the fun conversations she'd had with him and his partners. I guess I could always invite her to dinner in the future, too.

Going over to the dorm, Claire was already there.

“Don't you need to patrol?” Bar asked, although chuckling a bit.

“No! It's my night!” she said, doing her claiming stake sit on him as soon as he sat down.

“I can't eat like this...” Bar said.

“I'll just feed you,” Claire explained like it was normal.

Bar decided to just let her have her way, since they wouldn't be seeing each other for almost a week after he left.

Joan asked, “Did you see Francesca?”

Bar nodded. “Yes, she seemed...fine. At least confident she had done well.”

Belle smiled, “That's good. I hope she'll be okay.”

The others nodded in agreement.

After dinner, Claire was rearing to go. “Come on! I'm not waiting any longer!” she said, pulling him towards the bedroom.

Bar waved bye to Joan and Belle as the bedroom door was closed once he was inside.

Claire pushed him over to the bed, jumping on top of him, and...holding him tightly.

“I'm going to miss you,” she said after a few moments. “You better not forget about me.”

Bar chuckled, “How could I forget about you!?” he said, giving her a kiss.

Claire blushed and kissed him back.

“Besides, you'll have Joan here.”

Claire nodded. “That's true. We can plot what we're going to do to you once you're back.”

Bar pretended to be scared. “Oh no! What are you going to do to me!?”

Claire laughed haughtily, “Hehehe, it'll be a surprise...”

After a few more moments of hugging, Claire said, “Okay, sex now!” and pulled off his shirt.

Quickly undressing, Claire wrapped her legs around him, sliding herself onto his shaft. “Go go go!”

Bar grabbed her waist, thrusting rapidly while Claire moaned in pleasure. After just a couple minutes, Bar emptied himself inside her as Claire leaned against him.

“Let's...lay down...” Claire barely got out as she tried to catch her breath.

Gently laying her down with him, she snuggled up into his chest.

After a couple minutes, Claire broke the silence. “I feel bad for Francesca.”

Bar took a second to adjust to the conversation, but then smiled, “She'll be okay.”

Claire nodded. “I know, it's just...I can understand. I had crushes on guys during Academy. Although, I never even talked to most of them...and I don't think they really looked my way.”

Bar shook his head, holding her close to him. “Don't worry about stuff like that...”

Claire giggled, “Now that I have you, I can look back at it and laugh, but...well, it hurt back then.”

“Well, even though our agreement ended, I was still thinking of inviting her and Becky to dinner occasionally, since you all got along so well,” Bar explained.

Claire smiled, “I'd like that.”

The next day was the weekend, and one day before Marley would be picking him up to bring him to the Champage estate the next day. Because of that, he was having a date with Joan. However, Joan had just wanted to go shopping in town, so they were currently at a household goods store.

Joan was inspecting the price on some washing soda.

“Is this really what you wanna do on our date?” Bar asked, chuckling.

Joan smiled, “Anything with you is a date.”

Bar blushed a bit, causing Joan to giggle.

“Besides, we're going to stop at Dolly's after this.”

Bar did a double-take. “Are you...sure? Aren't things awkward between you and Dolly right now?”

Joan smiled. “Yes, that's why.”

After they finished shopping, they walked arm-in-arm to Dolly's. When they got there, it was just after opening, so there were no other customers.

As they came in, Mio came up to them. “Oh, here's the lovebirds. You two on a date?”

Joan smiled and nodded. “Yes. We'd like the corner, if that's available.”

Mio pointed, “As you can see, it is,” and beckoned them to follow her over. After sitting, she went to get them drinks.

While Mio was gone, Dolly came out of the kitchen. She blushed and started to turn around, but Joan waved her to come over.

As she got up to them, Dolly's eyes were glued to the table. “Err...what would you like to order?”

Joan giggled. “What are we, strangers?”

Dolly looked up at her, then at Bar, and blushed.

“Don't you have something to say to Bar?” Joan said.

Dolly blushed further, “I'm sorry...”

Joan sighed. “Why are you apologizing...”

“Because! I didn't know!” Dolly pleaded.

“I already told you, it's fine. If anything, it's Bar's fault...”

Bar was getting more and more confused. “Umm...

Joan turned to Bar. “Bar, are you still interested in Dolly?”

Bar blushed a bit. “Yes...”

Dolly blushed even harder, covering her face. “Why are you interested in little old me? I'm not worth anything...”

Bar shook his head. “I already told you, I think you're beautiful. And...well, I like that you own your own business. I thought it would be a helpful addition to the family. Assuming you want too, of course.”

Dolly went from blushing to being confused. “What!? I mean, aren't you a noble? How much value does a tavern have?”

Oh, guess I should explain that. He, with some help from Joan, explained their 'Plan' of leaving the nobility. At some point, Mio had brought over four drinks, and all of them were sitting around the table until Bar finished.

“What in the blazes...” Dolly said.

Mio was uncontrollably laughing. “Haha, you're throwing away your nobility so you can marry your maids!”

Joan threw a glare at her.

Mio held up her hands, “Oh don't get me wrong, it's very romantic, but you have to admit, it's pretty crazy.”

Joan blushed and nodded. “Yes, I told him the same thing...”

Dolly seemed to be thinking.

“Dolly?” Bar asked.

Dolly blushed. “Alright...”

Joan smiled, and Bar blushed. “Alright?”

Dolly shouted as if giving in, “Alright, I'll marry your noble ass! I'm not so stupid to deny the chance of a lifetime. You better not be fooling me though...”

Joan whispered to Bar, “Take her upstairs.”

Bar shook his head, whispering back, “No, I'm on a date with you!”

“I'll still be here later,” Joan whispered, kissing his cheek.

Dolly asked, “What are you two-” but stopped at Bar stood up.

“Come on Dolly, let's go,” he said, pulling her up.

Dolly blushed, looking at Joan, who nodded.

Upstairs, Dolly jumped on Bar immediately, almost knocking him over. Dolly was crying tears of joy. “You kept me waiting too long...”

Bar looked down. “Sorry, it's been...busy.”

Dolly chuckled, “Haha, I understand. I'm sure I'm your last-”

Bar held a finger to her lips, before kissing her. “None of that.”

Dolly, overcome with glee, pulled down his pants and started stroking his member.

“You too!” Bar said, pulling off her top and unhooking her bra. Licking her nipples, he massaged her breasts, causing her to moan.

“Oh you rascal,” she teased, pushing him onto the bed. Sliding off his shirt, he pressed her breasts against him and made out.

At that point, Bar was at full attention.

Sliding off her skirt and panties, Dolly jumped up top of him, slipping his member in.

“Oh, Bar...” she moaned, hopping up and down.

Bar grabbed her flopping breasts, squeezing them tightly, causing Dolly to moan again. Feeling himself coming, he grabbed her waist, slamming himself up into her, spurting out multiple times.

As Dolly trembled in his hands, she fell over onto him breasts-first.

They both laid there, catching their breath.

“So, when's the ceremony?” Dolly teased.

“Err, probably not until I graduate...” Bar replied, nervously laughing.

Dolly laughed, “Haha, that's what we originally agreed anyway!”

Meanwhile, Joan was talking with Mio.

“You're really okay with that?” Mio asked, nodding to the stairs.

Joan nodded. “Yes. I like Dolly, so it's fine. And I agree with Bar, I think having a business could help give our family a solid foundation.”

Mio nodded, then sighed. “I'm kinda jealous...”

Joan giggled. “You don't have someone?”

Mio grimaced, “Just the tavern regulars...”

The next morning, Bar was helping Marley load the carriage.

“Good to see you Joan. You not coming?” he asked.

Joan shook her head, “No, I'm going to be watching the dorm while he's away.”

Marley gave a sly smile, knowing that was normally servant speak for 'I get to relax while my Master is away.'

Of course, she's actually going to be working...Bar suppressed a sigh.

“And good to meet you...”

“Belle,” Belle replied, smiling giving a slight bow. “I look forward to working with you.”

Marley nodded back, before turning to Bar again, “But Master...our Lord and Lady were so happy you were bringing a girl along,” he said, chuckling. “By the way, where is this lass Master Bar?”

Bar looked down embarrassed. “Ah, actually Marley, she and I-”

He was cut off by a shout from down the path. “Sorry I'm late!”

They both looked over, and there was Francesca, wearing a white sundress, and straw hat on her head being kept on by her hand, drills fluttering in the wind. Behind her was Becky, pulling along a wheeled trunk.

As she got near, she leaned over grabbing her knees, breathing heavily.

Belle seemed surprised, although Joan just smiled as if not surprised at all.

After a moment, Bar asked, “Fran?”

Francesca smiled at him, “Will you help me up?”

Bar helped her up into the carriage. After putting the trunk in the back, Becky gave him a bow, before following in after.

Marley elbowed him in the side, “Master...she's gorgeous! You lucky dog...”

Bar just blushed and awkwardly nodded, before climbing into the back of the carriage, followed by Belle.

Fran just smiled at him, not saying anything.

After Marley had taken off, he checked to make sure he was (probably) sleeping, or at least not paying attention, before turning to Francesca.

“What are you doing!?” he asked.

“What do you mean? Aren't we in a courtship?” she said with a smile.

“But...” he checked Marley again, “But I thought that was over, since Gerard...” he trailed off, not wanting to upset her.

However, Francesca merely shook her head. “I didn't feel like going back to the Nantes Estate, and I figured this was the least I could do for all the help you gave me. Especially with the finals.”

After a moment, Bar nodded, “Well, alright, I'm not going to deny the help. Honestly, it will make this trip a lot easier.”

Francesca giggled, “I guess I get to see if you're parents are really that bad.”

“Well, they'll like you,” Bar replied, shaking his head.

Francesca blushed a bit, grabbing the brim of her hat.

Becky coughed, “Miss, you're going to muss up your hair.”

Francesca took off her hat, patting down her hair. “We're just in the carriage, anyway...”