Klein Liebe (3b/7)
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One thing that many of the Nation-peoples enjoyed was that while they did have to fiddle with their government affairs every now and then, for the most part, they were able to do whatever it was that they wanted. Some spent most of their time at home enjoying the quiet life that modern society somehow managed to present upon them. Others would busy themselves with human work, going out and getting a job just to keep themselves occupied.
For some, they actually started their own business. Francis was a prime example of such.
The little trio stepped into the small café, a light chiming noise ringing above their heads as they walked in. The smells of coffee and tea and the slightest hint of vanilla wafted around the building in a pleasant chorus of aroma’s. Francis smiled as he made his way to the counter, greeting a few of the customer’s on the way. Gilbert seemed to relax a bit ( for some reason, the smell of coffee always helped ease his nerves. It was much like a substitute beer for him. )
A bright and cheery face suddenly popped up in front of Gilbert and Matthew. “Mi Amigo!” And suddenly Gilbert was pulled into an over exuberant hug. Antonio laughed brightly and slapped him on the back a couple of times before pulling back. “What’s goin’ on? You haven’t been to work in a few days!”
Gilbert momentarily kicked himself in the arse for forgetting just exactly who he worked with. Antonio that nosy bastard…
“…Uhm…Matthew was…” Gilbert frowned and glanced down at the child by his side. Matthew seemed to be at a loss as well. How exactly would you go about explaining that you skipped work because a magic spell went bad and turned your lover into a child?
“Wow!” And suddenly the answer presented itself as Antonio looked down at Gilbert’s tag along. “Dios mio, is that Matt!?” The Spaniard crouched down to eye level with Matthew who instinctively flinched back.
“O-oui. Hello, Antonio…” Matthew mumbled.
Gilbert growled slightly and stepped in between the two. “Antonio, shouldn’t you be uh…running the register or something?”
“Ha ha, No. Francis gave me cleaning duty today. What a bummer, huh?” The brown haired man shook his head slightly and stood up again. Gilbert and Matthew silently wondered how the Spaniard seemed to think the whole ‘Mattie’s a kid now’ thing was completely ordinary. He hadn’t even asked anything about it. And apparently he wasn’t as he suddenly turned around and bounced off. “I’ll talk to you later, Gilbo!” He called before he disappeared behind the cashier counter and into the back of the café.
Gilbert stood there for a moment looking to be at a loss for words before he finally had the mind to move. He walked forward, and took a seat at a table that Francis had just finished setting up. The Frenchmen had set down opposite Gilbert while Matthew had told them politely that he was going to go talk with Romano and Antonio. The old friends nodded and Matthew gave them a quick smile before running off.
“So Arthur said that he’d look for a solution for the problem, yes?” Francis asked, gaining his former charge’s attention.
“That’s what he said. But apparently it may take a while.” He said. The Prussian shifted rather uncomfortably in his seat.
“And how have you been handling this? Everything is going well I presume…?” Francis looked over at Gilbert to watch his face fall. “Or is that a non…?”
Gilbert sighed heavily, folding his arms on top of the table. “It’s…ah…different.” He said slowly. “Definitely a big whoop in the ass if I ever felt one…” Francis raised his eyebrows in question. “How would you feel if your lover suddenly turned into a kid!” Gilbert said, flailing ever so slightly.
Francis smiled calmly and Gilbert suddenly cringed. One thing he had learned in the past was the Francis’ love life was a bit of a touchy subject. Not for the fact that he, the embodiment of France, couldn’t find love…but that he did and had lost that very love of his life to the flames. Gilbert had learned early on that bringing up any memories of that fabled woman in knights armor, Joan, was a bad idea. The Frenchmen waved a dismissive hand, however, and politely brushed off the comment. “I wouldn’t be the least bit deterred.” He said simply. “After all, love knows no bounds. Isn’t that the famous saying?”
Gilbert nearly gawked at him. “N-no bounds…? He’s a kid Francis! That’s gotta change something!”
“But he wasn’t before.”
“But he is now!”
Francis frowned and propped his head up on his hands. “And why is it that you have to change just because he looks a little different?”
“Speaking of ‘little’,” Gilbert ground out. “Have you not seen the size of him? He looks like an eight year old.”
“Answer my question, Gilbert.”
The Albino narrowed his eyes and huffed, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not saying.”
“Oh? And why not?”
“Because it’s not awesome. It’s cheesy and you’ll laugh at me.” Was Gilbert’s response.
Something glinted in Francis’ eyes and he shifted forward. “Tell me what it is, Prusse.” He said quietly.
Gilbert seemed to sink into his chair. “I…” The words suddenly died in his throat and he struggled to force them out. “I’m…scared, actually…” He glanced up to gauge Francis’ reaction, but the blonde man merely sat quietly. “I’m scared…that I’ll hurt him.”
( continue... )