[fanfic] Fathers of the Caribbean - One-Shot
Title: Fathers of the Caribbean
Part: One -Shot
Characters: OCPhilippines, America, Spain, OCMexico, Canada, England, France, Australia
Pairings: Spain x Papa-ness, England x Father-ness
Warnings: This story does not make sense: Complete randomness. Teen, some humor, N. American Trio Bromance (?), Unbeta-ed Mind Dribble
Summary: The twins snuck on board. The twins snuck on board and England was furious. How could he possibly loot the Spaniard's precious ships when America and Canada were distracting him? Luckily, his two 'sons' weren't the only children who had snuck aboard their father's ship.
Preview:
"I had enough to worry about with just a merchant vessel and your brother!" Antonio exclaimed. "If the king did not want to see him personally, then I wouldn't have even thought of bringing Alejandro on board! Now, you have snuck on board, as well!?" His face was red and his temples were damp with sweat. "Have you any idea the danger you are in!? It terrifies me, Maria!" the empire exclaimed, almost as if pained by the thought. Alejandro looked over at him, somewhat concerned that his father would have some sort of heart attack. "What if we're attacked!? What if there is a storm!? Or sharks! Or mermaids! And...and." The cabin began to sway and Antonio stumbled as his head began to whirl at all the terrifying possibilities. "And....Dios mio! I...I...need to sit down!"
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Fathers of the Caribbean
.One-Shot.
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own anything other than the plot. Even then, it's not that creative.
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The wood ship creaked as it sailed across the water, over the deep blue waters of the tropical sea.
Outside, shouts from the crewmen were given as orders were given. England closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
That was where he was supposed to be: outside, on the deck, with the warm sea breeze whipping through his hair and making the feather in his custom made hat billow. Instead, he was in the confines of his private chambers, pacing his room as his two teenage looking sons sat on a clothing chest at the foot of his luxuriously decorated bed.
"Tell me again?" he asked in a trembling voice, barely able to contain his fury as the two colonies sat there. Matthew looked rightly terrified after being caught red-handed, but Alfred, who was most likely the brains behind the operation, sat there beaming an innocent smile. "Why...why are you on my ship?"
"How can we not be!?" Alfred piped excitedly. Matthew let out a groan, as if asking himself why he had agreed to come with the southern colonies in the first place. "We've always wanted to come and see your ship, England! You're always talking about how exciting it is and how-"
"And how dangerous!" Arthur growled as he whirled around and stopped in front of the twins. Alfred cringed and Matthew grabbed on to his arm. "Do you have any idea how much peril you have put you and your brother in!?" he demanded.
Alfred wrinkled his nose, looking somewhat insulted. "Why do you think I'm the one who planned this?"
England threw his arms in the air as he began pacing once more. "Because you're always the one to come up with crack pot schemes that always get you and your brother in trouble!"
"He's right, Alfred."
"Shut up, Matt."
"This really tops it all, boy!" Arthur yelled, his face redder than the boys had ever seen. "Have you any idea what you've done!?"
"Umm...," Alfred seemed to think of a bit. His face looked hopeful. "Gone on an adventure?"
"Gone on a...," England choked out. He grabbed his eye patch and tore it off. "This is not a joke!" he yelled as he threw his eye patch on the floor. Alfred jerked his head back and Matthew buried his face against his brother's shoulders. "Do you know how dangerous it is out here!? We could be caught in a battle at any moment!"
"But you'll protect us, right, Arthur?" Alfred asked hopefully. "I mean, you're the best sailor with the best naval fleet in the history of the seven seas! Right, Matt?" He elbowed his brother, who gave a small, but still hopeful nod.
England faltered. Why did Alfred have to look so innocently idolizing? "Well...I...," he stammered as his eyes darted away. "I...I wouldn't say that is...completely true...."
"And if anyone shows up, the mighty empire will rise up and crush them!" Alfred insisted. "No one stands a chance against you, Arthur!"
The older blond couldn't help but chuckle, flattered. "Well...that is true," he admitted as modestly as he could. Alfred smiled widely as his 'father' softened up.
"And if the Spanish come, they'll be so scared, they'll hand over their gold and stuff as soon as they see you!" he asserted.
"Yes!" Matthew nodded. "There won't be any need for a fight!"
"A fight...," England's face immediately fell into a frown. His thick brows knotted together as he turned back to his sons with a stern expression on his face. "Wait a minute!" he exclaimed as his face reddened once more. "I see what you're doing here!" he scowled as he slapped Alfred upside the head. "You won't get off that easy, young man!"
"Oww...," Alfred grumbled as he rubbed his head. He shot his brother a glare. "Way to go, Matt."
"Sorry," the younger blond smiled weakly.
"That is it!" England exclaimed. "There is no way I am taking you two further out to sea! How you two managed to hide this long is beyond a miracle! I am having this ship turned around and headed back to port immediately!"
"No!" Alfred cried out. Distress finally making its way to his once excited face. "We've already come so far!"
"I don't care!" Arthur frowned as he snatched his hat up from the hook by the door. "I'd rather make sure you two are safe than bring you down to the blasted tropics with me where you could get blown to bits by the Spanish or...or...or become inflicted with some sort of tropical disease!"
"But Arthur-"
"No, buts America!" England told the colony firmly. "You and your brother are going back before something terrible happens!"
"Captain Kirkland!" a voice shouted outside the heavy wooden door as several thuds pounded against it. "The Spanish have arrived!"
England froze. His green eyes widened as he paled. "T...type of vessel?" he choked out, silently praying that it wasn't what he had initially hoped for.
"A merchant vessel, Captain!"
Arthur turned around and looked back at his charges. Matthew had a look of awe on his face, as if knowing he were about to see something amazing. Alfred...looked as if he had struck gold. His hands were in tight, excited fists in front of him and he was positively trembling with excitement as his bright blue eyes sparkled.
England crinkled his eyes. "Oh bollocks...."
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"Y cuando dijo no, es un no!" an exasperated brunette said as he paced in front of his bed. His hand was on the bridge of his nose, desperately trying to rub away the headache that had been caused. "Mi hija...mi hija en las ropas de hombres!" he exclaimed as he stopped and waved his arms distraughtly around him. "Alejandro, por que esta tu hermana en mi barca!?"
He turned his attention to the dark brown-haired young man was laying across his father's large bed, one arm resting tiredly over his eyes as he laid there tiredly. Antonio had been yelling for well over an hour since he had dragged Maria up and informed the empire that his Asian daughter had stowed away. Alejandro was tired of having to hear it. His well-pressed and tailored to fit naval uniform was missing its overcoat and slightly unbuttoned and now wrinkled after having to wrestle his runaway sister down in the galley below.
"Papa," Nueva España croaked out. "I didn't know she was on board." His younger sister, Las Filipinas, was sitting on a chair, facing the corner of her father's elaborately decorated onboard chambers, pouting. To him, she seemed far too old for a 'time out', but Antonio insisted she sat there and 'think about what she did' as he scolded her. "I put her on a carriage that morning to Acapulco to return her home! How was I supposed to know she'd pay my men to take her to Veracruz instead?"
He let out a heavy, annoyed sigh. If anything, he was also a victim of Maria's latest bout of 'wander lust'. His father had assured him when they were younger that it was just a phase and that Maria would grow out of it. She was a full grown colony now and he didn't see enthusiasm curb.
"Maria Isabela," Antonio frowned as he turned around and looked at the chair with his teenage daughter. "What were you thinking?" he demanded. "Dressing up as a man and sneaking on board one of these ships! Did you think that you wouldn't get caught until you were in Seville!?"
"Actually, I was hoping not to get caught at all," she admitted, almost cheekily.
Alejandro let out a pained groan as his father began yelling at her back about her unacceptable and dangerous behavior. "Do you know what is out here? Do you have any idea how unpredictable and unsafe it is! There are privateers and corsairs!"
"Those are the same thing, Papa," Alejandro pointed out.
"Mijo, please!" Antonio exclaimed. "I am trying to talk some sense into your sister!" He waved a hand towards Maria. "Mija, what do you have to say for yourself!?"
Maria remained on her seat. "You said it was safe," she frowned. "And that it was a nice, safe voyage back to España!"
Antonio's hand rose and gripped the sides of his thick, tied back hair, as if wanting to pull it all off in frustration. "Mija, I only said those things because didn't want you or your sisters to worry!"
"Si, Papa, that false sense of security worked well, didn't it...?" Alejandro murmured coolly.
"Callete, Alejandro!"
Maria looked over her shoulder, a scowl on her heart shaped face. "You said that it was a safe journey all the way to Seville and there was nothing to worry about! If you didn't lie about it, I wouldn't have come aboard!"
Alejandro rolled his eyes. She would've still come aboard and they both knew it. Spain, on the other hand, did not.
"I...I...," he stammered, feeling cornered. "What was I supposed to tell you!?" he exclaimed defensively. "That the route back is perilous!? That there are those who would do us harm? Do you want to hear about how your Papa faces danger every time he goes back to Spain?"
Maria stood up and looked at her father, her chin held high. "If you had told me the truth, this could have all been avoided!" she insisted. "You know I'm curious! And that I've wanted to go to the Peninsula for some time now!" she added defiantly. "We are already out this far, we might as well go the rest of the way!" she insisted.
Spain jerked his head back. "Maria, there are dangers in these water! That is why I never risked bringing you or any of your sisters through here!"
"What dangers? It is past the storm season! Puerto Rico said so!" she insisted.
"Were you not listening earlier!?" Antonio yelled. "Privateers! Corsairs - yes, I know they are the same thing, Alejandro!" He shot a glare at his son before the colony had a chance to correct him. "And pirates!" Antonio added. Maria sucked in a sharp breath. She knew what pirates were. She knew very well what they were. Antonio continued his rant. "You do not know how greedy and desperate those English dogs are! They are no better than the pirates and at times are better equipped with funds from their empire! They can shell the boat and sink it in minutes if we are caught and make one mistake!"
Alejandro stood up and crossed his arms over his chest, looking pointedly at his sister, as if to remind her of how much trouble she was causing. "Honestly, Maria...."
"I had enough to worry about with just a merchant vessel and your brother!" Antonio exclaimed. "If the king did not want to see him personally, then I wouldn't have even thought of bringing Alejandro on board! Now, you have snuck on board, as well!?" His face was red and his temples were damp with sweat. "Have you any idea the danger you are in!? It terrifies me, Maria!" the empire exclaimed, almost as if pained by the thought. Alejandro looked over at him, somewhat concerned that his father would have some sort of heart attack. "What if we're attacked!? What if there is a storm!? Or sharks! Or mermaids! And...and." The cabin began to sway and Antonio stumbled as his head began to whirl at all the terrifying possibilities. "And....Dios mio! I...I...need to sit down!"
Antonio held his arms out to steady himself as his yelling finally took its toll and made him breathless and dizzy. His legs began to wobble and Maria reached to steady him. Alejandro quickly reached his side and grabbed on to one arm. "Sit, Papa."
The older man nodded vaguely and took a seat at the edge of the bed. Maria bit her lower lip guiltily as she stopped before the empire, her head downcast. "Papa, I'm sorry...."
Antonio shook his head. He rubbed his temples and furrowed his brows as he tried to concentrate. "We're going back," he stated firmly.
Maria's eyes widened. "What!?" They were already three days out. "But-"
"No! You are going any further!" Antonio lifted his head and met her with a stern frown. "You are going back to Nueva España, back to Acapulco, and then back Las Filipinas, Maria!"
"Papa, what about the schedule?" Alejandro frowned.
"I don't care about the schedule, we have to send your sister back!" Antonio snapped. "She is in far too great a danger her! Considering Kirkland," he spat out the name with disgust. "And his sea dogs have been plaguing these waters more and more. The chances of running into them are-"
"Ah...Antonio? Antonio, mon ami?" a French voice seemed to purr from the other side of the door. Alejandro wrinkled his nose at the sound of Francis' voice. The Frenchman was hitching a ride with them back to continental Europe. They would've said no, otherwise, but there were issues that needed them to 'be friendly' to the rival nation. "I know you are spending quality time with your children, but...we have a slight problem on our hands."
Antonio ran his hand down his face. "What now, Francis?" he grumbled. He didn't need this.
"The English have come for a visit."
Green eyes went wide. "No...," he mumbled. He shot up from his seat and looked from Maria to Alejandro and back. He grit his teeth and swore. "Stay here!" he ordered as he stormed towards the door. Despite his words, Maria automatically made a move to follow him, only to feel a hand clamp on her shoulder.
She winced and looked back at her frowning brother. "Maria...," he said in a low, warning voice. She smiled weakly.
"Umm...lo siento?" she offered.
"Sit," he ordered firmly. Maria, defeated, took a seat on the foot of her father's bed. Alejandro stood in front of her, his arms cross over his chest as he frowned. "I know you wanted to come along, but did you have to sneak on board! You have no idea what kind of trouble you are causing!"
"But it's not fair!" she defended as she looked up at him and scowled. "I never get to go anywhere anymore unless it's to your house! I can't even go to Kuya's!"
"That is beside the point!"
"I just wanted to go to Spain, too!" Maria said as she bit her lower lip and looked away. Her older sibling let out a heavy sigh and ran his hand through his hair. He had caught her scrubbing the deck, dressed as a man. Had she not screamed when she stumbled upon a dead rat, he never would've given the scrawny deck hand a second glance.
"Mi pequeña, mi amor...," he sighed tiredly as he knelt down in front of her and grasped her hands. "I know you want to go to Spain - and some day you will! But not this time."
"Nueva, it's not fair," she insisted as her lips trembled. "I want to go with you and Papa!"
"I'm sorry, but it's not about being fair."
The door flew open and the siblings looked over their shoulders as a distraught, half-horrified-half-furious Spain stood at the doorway. "It's not fair!" he exclaimed, almost childishly. Alejandro rolled his eyes. Wonderful, now his father was throwing a tantrum, too.
"What is the problem, Papa?" he asked as he rose to his full height.
"Alejandro, my boy," Francis said as he appeared behind their father. "I suggest you take your sister below deck, where it will be safer."
The brunette narrowed his eyes and frowned. "Why?" he asked as his sister rose behind him. He held his arm out to keep her safely behind him.
"The English have arrived," Antonio wheezed. He let out a dramatic cry and flung himself against the door. "It is not fair! Of all the times when I actually clash with that pompous browed bastard, it is now!"
"Papa," Maria began as she stepped forward.
"Alejandro!" the older man said as he straightened up and stopped himself from pulling his teenage looking daughter into one his unyielding "papa hugs". "Do as Francis says and take her down to the galley!"
The brunette was hesitant, but nodded. "Come, Maria," he ordered as he grabbed her hand and proceeded to drag her out the door. Maria stumbled past her father, feeling even worse as the look of pain met her eyes. He probably wouldn't look so worried if she had just boarded that damn galleon back to Manila.
"Alejandro," their father called out as just as they were out the door. He untied his sheath from his thick belt and tossed it to him. "Protect your sister."
The male colony nodded. "Si, Papa." He caught the sword and Maria followed him down the steps, to the deck below.
Francis casually remained leaning against the railing outside of the door, watching the Antonio's family drama with interest. "You did not give Maria a sword?"
Antonio scowled. "Proper girls do not fight!" he reminded the blond proudly as he shoved past. "Also, seeing her with weapons gives me flashbacks...muy terrible...." He looked over the railing and watched as Alejandro led his sister down the steps. As soon as they were safely below deck, Antonio looked out at his crew.
"We cannot afford to have them attack our precious cargo first!" he barked. "Sink that browed English bastard! Prepare the canons!"
Not far away, another green-eyed man narrowed his eyes as he peered through his telescope. "Damn...damn...damn!" Arthur yelled.
"I don't know about you, Matt, but that didn't sound like a proper Englishman to me, did it?" he heard Alfred pipe up smugly behind him.
"Alfred!" Arthur barked as he turned his head towards the steps to the quarter deck, where he was situated. Both twins were outside of the room. "I told you to stay inside!"
"But all the fun is out there!" Alfred told him, as if it were completely ridiculous to stay inside.
"I've never seen a naval battle up close," Matthew admitted. "Will there be long range fighting or short range?"
"Captain Kirkland! They're loading their canons!" a voice yelled.
"Long range!" the twins chorused excitedly. "Matt, we should go up to the crow's nest and -"
"No!" Arthur growled. "You two go and stay hidden! I don't want that Spanish pig to lay a hand on either of you!"
"But Arthur, we can help!" Alfred said earnestly. "You've been giving Matt all those fencing lessons and I'm great at getting things to explode!"
"No exploding!" Arthur ran his hand down his face. "Listen, you two! You either return to the room or I will have my men tie you to the base of the mast below deck!"
The blond twins went quiet, as if contemplating it.
"There were windows his room!" Alfred exclaimed. He shot past his brother and Matthew followed eagerly behind him.
"Stay away from the windows!" Arthur cried out.
"Captain-"
An explosion sounded across the water as a canon ball broke the water surface near the English ship.
"The Spanish are attacking!"
Arthur gritted his teeth. "Yes, I gathered that...." He clenched the hilt of his sword and mulled over his choices. Another whistling canon ball slammed close to the ship, barely missing it, but rocking the boat. "Hold fire!"
"What!?"
"Captain!"
"First mate! Send out the signal!" Arthur yelled. As much as he hated having to swallow his pride and allow Carriedo to get in some near-hits, making sure Alfred and Matthew were safe mattered more. "I wish to speak with the scoundrel!"
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"I don't get it," Matthew frowned. He looked at the grandfather clock in Arthur's room. "It's been twenty minutes. I haven't heard anything. No canons...no yelling...."
"I don't like this," Alfred frowned as he sat down on a settee and rubbed his chin. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the wooden floor. "We should've heard something by now...."
"Alfred," Matthew piped as he stood up. He furrowed his brow. "I...I think we've stopped."
The older blond lifted his head. He rose to his feet. Other than the sway of the waves, it didn't feel like they were moving much. His eyes narrowed as he stomped across to Arthur's windows. "What is going on?"
"Wait!" Matthew cried out as Alfred prepared to pull the curtains open. "Arthur said to stay away!"
"It's not as if a canon ball is going to go through!" Alfred rolled his eyes and grasped the curtains. With a firm tug, he pulled it aside and allowed his eyes to go wide. Behind him, Matthew's jaw dropped.
Right outside of Arthur's chamber's windows was the side of another ship. And from the name on the side - a Spanish ship.
"Wow...," the twins whispered. As soon as Alfred shook himself out of his revelry, he began unlatching the window panes.
"Alfred!" Matthew protested, only to be waved dismissively at.
"If you're not going to join me, you can stay here," Alfred grinned as he pushed one window open and climbed on to the sill. He carefully stuck on leg out and gave his brother a daring look. "Stay here and be bored...I'm going on that adventure we came for!"
Not five minutes later, Matthew cursed himself for having been caught in his brother's plans once more. The ships were so close because there were planks that connected the sides. Something must've been going on that involved boarding another ship - peacefully. As a result of the ship's closeness, it was an easy matter for Alfred to simply leap from Arthur's window and land on the ledge protruding from the hull of the Spanish ship.
He quickly worked his way, pasted against the side of the ship, until he reached a set of windows and slipped through one that happened to be open. He then stuck out an arm and waved for his brother to join him.
It took Matthew twice as long. First, he nearly slipped on the ledge. Alfred had grabbed him and quickly clamped his hand over his brother's mouth to quiet him before threatening to 'dump his body in the ocean' if he didn't stay quiet. By the time they reached the comfortable looking cabin, Matthew was ready to kiss the solid wooden floor.
They would not stay there for long.
"No," Matthew stated firmly as Alfred tip toed to the chamber door and placed his hand on the handle. "We are not going outside!"
"Just a peak," Alfred grinned.
"What if they see us!?" Matthew asked in panic. Clearly, this was the biggest mistake they've ever made. It was just that Alfred hadn't realized it yet. They would get caught, he just knew it. The Spanish would find them and then punish them...and he knew what the Spanish were capable of.
"They're not going to see us," Alfred assured him. "If they do, just speak Spanish."
"I speak French!" Matthew exclaimed.
"Ugh...you are so useless," Alfred sighed. "I wish Alejandro were here...." He mumbled as he carefully jiggled the door open and peeked outside.
To his surprise, it wasn't crawling with Spanish sailors. It was crawling with Spanish sailors and several English privateer crewmembers. The atmosphere was tense and he could tell that each side was watching the other. Above them, on the quarterdeck, Alfred could hear voices talking. He craned his neck and managed to catch a few words.
"Listen to me, you pompous git," England hissed. "This is not some sort of trick! I wouldn't risk my arse coming on board your filthy, rat-infested-"
"This is a custom made merchant vessel!" a Spanish voice cut him off sharply. "If anyone has a filthy, rat-infested ship, it is you!"
Alfred nodded his head knowingly. He carefully closed the door and looked back at Matthew. "Well?" the younger blond asked.
"Arthur's above us talking with the Spanish," Alfred said. He grinned. "Hey...shall we look around?"
Matthew seemed hesitant. Looked around the bedroom. Numerous items were on the wall. Everything from a large cross to paintings of numerous colonies. He was able to recognize Nueva España, but that was all. He heard a creak and turned around.
"Alfred! Get out of there!" Matthew hissed as he saw his brother opening a large armoire. Inside were coats, capes, and various uniform pieces along with some cutlasses and guns. Alfred's eyes were wide. He reached in, despite his brother's order, and picked up small, shiny golden box. "Alfred!"
"Matt...look at this...," Alfred said. He lifted the top and saw a row of things that were rolled up in brown, dried plants. "What do you think they are?"
"I think that I can't look with he is looking at us!" Matthew said, glancing nervously at the image of Jesus on the crucifix above the bed. Alfred raised an eyebrow and shook his head.
"Fine," he said. "I think they're cigars...." He closed the box, but not before taking a few as souvenirs. He then proceeded to wander the room, looking and touching everything he could, all while Matthew stood nervously by the window they had snuck into, quietly pleading that they should leave.
"Alfred...I think they're done talking!" Matthew said as he leaned closer to the window.
"You tea drinking swine!" one voice yelled.
"You...you...you tomato addict!" another countered.
Alfred snorted. "Uh...no...they're going to be at it for some time." He reached an empty space on the wall and leaned against. "Do you think he has treasure in here somewhere?" Before he could cross his arms, he felt the panel behind him shift and he jerked upright. He turned around and let out a gasp as he saw the opening in the wall. "Matt...."
"Shhh!" Matthew said in a low voice, as he listened to the conversation. "I think Arthur is trying to argue a cease fire...huh...that voice sounds familiar...Is that Pere?"
Alfred was already moving the panel aside. "Please...," he snorted as he peered into the dark hole that seemed to be going straight down. Carefully, he maneuvered his way into the small opening. "What would Francis be doing he-RE!"
The last syllable had been all but screamed out. Matthew whirled around and yelled. "Alfred!" he cried out. He shoved himself from the window and rushed across the room, not caring about how loud his footsteps were as he ran for the open panel. "Alfred!"
"I'm...uh...okay!" he heard a voice from darkness that the panel led down into. "Stay up there, Matt!"
"You need to get out!" Matthew cried out. He began looking around the room for something to throw into the shaft and pull his brother out with. "I'll get a rope! Bed sheets! Something!"
"Just go back to the ship, Matthew!" Alfred ordered, sounding much more serious than normal. Matthew's frantic dash around the cabin came to a stop. His eyes crinkled up. That didn't sound like happy-go-lucky Alfred.
"Alfred? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine!" Alfred snapped. "Go back to the ship, Matthew! Now!" Something was wrong. The younger colony could sense it.
"I'm coming down there!"
"No!"
"You can't stop me!" he insisted. He was shaking as he stepped into the panel.
"Matthew, no! You're going to-"
"Ah!" The blond plummeted down. He let out a shrill scream as he saw his life flash before his eyes. He would really miss his bear, he decided. So terrified was he that he didn't even realize he had landed on top of a soft, warm body.
"Get off! Get off!" someone was screaming in Spanish.
"Matt! You idiot! I told you to go back to the ship!" Alfred yelled at him. Matthew opened his eyes.
"I'm alive...," he whispered, shocked. His hands arms stopped failing. "Oh, my God! I'm alive!" He nearly cried in relief.
"Get off of me!" Alfred growled. Matthew felt a quick kick at his side as he let out a groan and rolled off. His eyes barely had time to adjust to the faint light. All he could make out were the sounds of struggling and Alfred grabbing on to someone - the other person he had landed on - and pinning them to the ground. "Don't move!" he ordered as he straddled the smaller person. Whoever he was holding down was kicking and desperately trying to move their arms. "Or I'll-"
The sound of metal was heard and Matthew sucked in a sharp breath as he saw the glimmer of a blade press against Alfred's shoulder. "Or what, Gringo?" a low, annoyed voice asked.
The person Alfred had pinned had stopped moving and the blond slowly lifted his head. He narrowed his eyes as he made out the displeased face and black wire glasses of Nueva España. "Jandro?"
"Get off, Gringo," Alejandro ordered. "Slowly."
Alfred frowned and didn't move. "He drew a knife on me."
"Si, she'll do that," Alejandro rolled his eyes. He tapped Alfred's shoulder with the sword. "Off. Now."
"Alfred," Matthew called over nervously.
"Oh...Mateo, you're here, too. Buenos dias," Alejandro greeted properly, though kept his eyes on the man unknowingly pinning his sister between his legs.
"Uh...bue...buenos dias," Matthew mimicked nervously. Alfred carefully moved back and off the forth person. As soon as their legs were free, the smaller being was up and running behind Alejandro. When they were seemingly safe, Nueva España finally put his sword back.
"What are you two doing here?" He frowned as he shot them both glares. "You know this is a Spanish ship!"
"Hey, you guys fired at us first!" Alfred pointed out. He shot a glare at the shorter person behind Alejandro. "And he had a knife to my neck!"
"I was only defending myself!" a voice hissed.
"I didn't even do anything!" Alfred argued as he took a step forward. Alejandro tried to hold back his sister, but the shorter brunette easily rounded him and stepped in front. Behind Alfred, Canada gasped.
"Alfred...," he muttered.
"Not now, Matt," the older blond said. "You can at least apologize!"
"I am not apologizing for anything!"
"Alfred...."
"I said not now, Matt! Someone has to teach him that you can't just point a knife at people!" Alfred exclaimed.
"Alfred, she's not a man!" Matthew exclaimed out loud.
"What?" The blond looked over at his brother, confused. Matthew looked away, his cheeks reddening as he pointed towards the girl.
He blinked and looked from her admittedly feminine face, past her neck and to the top two unbuttoned buttons of the white work shirt that had come undone in their scuffle. Try as she might, covered only partially by a silken undershirt, were two mounds.
Alfred stared, his blue eyes wide as Matthew frantically looked from one frowning face to the other. Before either of the four could say something relevant, Alfred opened his mouth.
"Oh my God," he mumbled. "You have breasts."
The female colony's face immediately lit up with indignation as she backhanded him across the face so hard, that the sound of the slap echoed across the wooden confines of the room.
"Why did you slap me!?" Alfred cried out as he rubbed his flaming red cheek.
"That was for looking!" she hissed as she tried to cross her arms over her chest.
"What!?" he exclaimed as he looked back at her unbuttoned top and made a vague motion with his free hand towards them. "I was paying you a compliment!" Another slap sounded and Alfred cried out. "What was that for!?"
"That," Alejandro growled as he shook his stinging hand. "Was for continuing to look!"
"Then tell her to button it up!" Alfred argued as he rubbed his other cheek. He shot them both glares. Hot headed Latin blood indeed....
"I can't! You ripped off the buttons!" Maria yelled.
"You did what?" Alejandro asked in a low voice. His dark eyes narrowed and Alfred shot him an annoyed glare.
"Wait! I accidently pop open her shirt, but she tries to kill me and I'm the one who's in trouble?" Alfred demanded. "What is wrong with everyone!?"
"No one said you could grab me!" Maria hissed. "I had to defend-"
"Maria, callete," Alejandro snapped as he held his hand out. He narrowed his eyes and looked overhead. "They're going to hear you."
"Good!" Maria insisted, her voice growing louder. "Then Papa can arrest them for boarding the ship and attacking me!"
"I wasn't attacking you!"
"Maria, it'll only cause more problems," Alejandro frowned. He looked back at the other two. "Can you two make it back to your ship without being seen?" he asked.
Matthew nodded gratefully. "Yes, thanks, Jandro!"
"I still think she should apologize for nearly stabbing me," Alfred grumbled.
"I would if I could," Maria glared back.
Alfred narrowed his eyes, taking in the sight of the messy-haired, wrinkled clothed, flushed face young colony. Perhaps he was catching something from Arthur, as under the dim lantern light, Alejandro's charge seemed.... "You're lucky you're cute."
Maria's eyes widened. Her flushed face became even redder at the compliment as it took her by surprise. She didn't notice Alejandro scowl or Matthew run his hand down his face, exasperated. However, she did notice that the blond in front in a new light.
"Well," she stammered, trying to sound proud and somewhat insulted. "You, too!" she countered stupidly.
Alejandro gritted his teeth. "Maria...." He grumbled.
"Your name is Maria?" Alfred caught. She nodded. "I'm Alfred."
"Guys!" Matthew shouted as he grabbed his brother's arm and pulled him back "Alfred! Listen!" the younger blond said as he tried to meet his brother's face. "I think she's cute, too!" he said, his cheeks also pink. He suddenly didn't want to feel felt out. Alejandro shot him a glare, as well - the traitor. "But we need to go!"
"Okay, fine," Alfred finally agreed. He looked at Alejandro. "Thanks for not reporting us."
"Just leave," the brunette replied dully.
Alfred nodded. Matthew was already beginning to climb up the side of the wall, towards the room they had come from. The older blond looked at the petite, black haired colony.
"Maria," he said. She looked at him, still blushing. Alfred daringly shot forward and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Matthew nearly fell back as Maria's face turned a heated rust color. Alfred continued to smile cheekily and Alejandro screamed.
"Gringo!"
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"I should just sink your ship now!" Arthur roared.
"Not if I sink yours first!" Antonio countered.
Francis sighed heavily and lifted his hands to rub his temples. So much for England's 'talk'. "Do not provoke him, Angleterre, he will do it."
"You won't dare let him," Arthur sneered proudly. Francis lifted his head and threw him a confused look.
"What are you talking about?" He had nothing to do with whatever water battle the English and the Spanish were having.
"Your boys are on that ship!" Arthur yelled. As soon as the words left his mouth, he silently cursed himself. That was not something he had meant to say. Across from him, Antonio furrowed his brows and Francis' face paled.
"You...you...my son!?" Francis yelled. "You brought my Mathieu with you!?" He looked absolutely affronted by the very idea. "What kind of horrible father are you!?"
"Me!?" Arthur flushed with indignation. "For your information, they snuck on board!"
"How can you not know!?" Francis demanded.
"You know how sneaky Alfred can be!"
"Mon Dieu! I cannot believe this!"
"And you've been out to sea for how long now?" Spain smirked. Francis shot him an equally displeased smile. It was all well and good when it was just the two of them, but now the twins were involved. His twins.
"Antonio, you are not one to talk," he snapped. "Your daughter cross-dressed and snuck on board!"
"Francis!" Antonio choked as his tan face reddened with humiliation.
"Cross-dressed and snuck on board!?" Arthur laughed. He smirked wickedly. "Who's the terrible father now, Carriedo?"
"Both of you!" Francis snapped. He turned back to Arthur. "Where are the boys now!?" he demanded.
"On the ship!" Arthur yelled. "That's why I came here - I wanted to avoid any battles until I got them back to shore!" He locked eyes with Antonio. "And I am sure now, since your cross-dressing daughter is on board, that you will concede to my request."
Antonio scowled. "I suppose I have no choice for the sake of my daughter."
Francis narrowed his eyes. "Both Alfred and Mathieu are in your ship, you say?" he asked as he stepped out towards the railing and craned his neck.
"Of course, you frog! Where else would they be!?" Arthur hissed.
"Gringo!" a familiar voice echoed from the galley of the ship, startling some of the crew men as Antonio's face paled.
"Alejandro!" the Spaniard yelled worried.
"What's a 'gringo'?" Arthur asked, confused. Francis snorted.
"Your son."
"Nueva, no!" Maria's voice screamed. Spain let out a horrified yell and heroically leapt over the railing.
"Mija!!!" he cried as he landed hard on the wooden deck and darted to the galley.
"Wait!" Arthur yelled as he scrambled after him.
Below deck, Alfred let out a yelp as he ran around in circles, desperately trying to avoid being caught and beaten by his southern neighbor.
"My sister! How dare you kiss my sister!" Alejandro screamed, red in the face. "I'll kill you, Gringo!"
"Bro! Bro be reasonable!" Alfred pleaded ad as darted behind some wine barrels. "It was a chaste kiss! A chaste kiss!"
"Nueva!" Maria cried. Her brother wasn't listening. She looked at Alfred's brother. "Do something!"
"Do what!?" Matthew cried back, frozen in his place.
Alfred swept past them. He skidded to a stop and threw the two apologetic looks. "Sorry, guys," he said. He grabbed his brother's arm and tugged him forward. "Jandro! Look!" The brunette rounded the corner just as Alfred shoved Matthew forward, forcing him to kiss Maria on the other cheek.
"Pinche!" the raging sibling yelled. Maria's face headed up even more so as Matthew tore himself away, his pale face also red, as he apologized profusely.
"Run!" Maria shouted as she shoved him away. "Run now!"
"What?" He looked over his shoulder and saw the tan-skinned North American now storming towards him. "Ah!"
The doors to the galley flew open, filling the area of light as a shadowy figure rushed down the stairs. "Maria!" Spain shouted. "Alejandro!"
"Papa!" Maria yelled.
Before she could say more, Matthew and Alejandro pointed to Alfred just a few paces away. "He started it!" they shouted. Alfred slowly turned his head towards them and narrowed his eyes. Everyone always blamed him....
"Started what!?" Francis said as he climbed down behind Spain.
"Maria? Mija," Spain said as he knelt down in front of Maria and put his shaking hands on her shoulders. Her face was read and she looked ready to cry. Clearly, something had gone horribly wrong. "Mija, what's wrong? Tell Papa what that stupid English spawn did."
Maria bit her lip, looking hesitant. Alejandro decided to answer for her. "He grappled your daughter to the ground!"
"Nueva!" she looked at him, horrified.
"Alfred!" Arthur frowned.
"I thought she was a boy!"
Matthew nodded. He wasn't sure what came over him and he was sure that he would pay for it later, but he added to the fire. "And then he kissed her!"
The last thing he remembered before Antonio Carriedo nearly went insane and chaos broke out, was Alfred's paling face and Francis nodding approvingly with "well done, mon fils. Well done."
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Somewhere in the "Aussie Fics"-verse...
"It was a miracle we made it out of the canon bombardment alive," the blond sighed. "Your dad was pretty much handcuffed to the bedpost for most of the trip back to the colonies. I had to keep holding that cold piece of cloth against his swollen eye."
"How'd he get the swollen eye, Uncle Mattie?" Leste asked.
"Ah... Jandro punched him for kissing Maria," Matthew smiled weakly. "Again...on the lips."
Alfred had later insisted that 'it was completely worth it'.
Australia could feel his ice cream melting on his hand and as he stood at the doorway to the triplet's room, staring with disbelief at Matthew - formerly innocent seeming Canada - as he finished telling the 'bedtime story' to Maria's precious triplets and Leste. He hadn't expected the blond to show up, but after a drunken phone call by Arthur to 'get his arse to the Philippines and explain himself', the blond had shown up terribly concerned that morning.
Things he had learned since that morning included: Canada was an accepted member in America and Mexico's little North Americans Love Maria Club. He could get away without glares with giving her a greeting hug and a kiss on the cheek.
He had also learned that Matthew shared a 'past' and 'present' with the black-haired female nation, as well. Australia couldn't help but be bothered with the knowledge that he was clearly left out.
"And that's how we first met your mother," Matthew beamed.
"Uncle Mattie, you kissed Ate Ria, too?" Leste asked as her eyes sparkled. Matthew could only blush guiltily.
"I knew I couldn't trust you," Mindanao grumbled. Matthew laughed weakly and slipped off the side of the bed, where he had been sitting.
"It was an accident, really," Matthew insisted weakly. "Um...well, I said I'd help you guys go to bed. You all should turn in now."
Leste was getting the twin sized bed to herself while her male counter parts were camping out on the floor on well padded mats and pillows. "Grandpa will be coming in later," Leste assured him as she left a space on the bed for her grandfather to sleep in, just in case. "Thank you for the story, Uncle Mattie! Goodnight!"
"Goodnight, kids," Matthew turned off the light and made sure the small nightlight in the corner was on before closing the door. He turned around and saw his younger brother standing dumbly in the hall, over a puddle of melted ice cream. "Dan!"
"It's not fair," Daniel muttered incoherently. "I can't catch up...I try so hard and yet...."
"Are they asleep?" Antonio beamed as he reached the top of the stairs.
Matthew quickly nodded and offered him a bright smile. "About to. I think Leste is waiting for you." The older nation dressed in sleepwear, complete with a night cap on, nodded brightly. He let out a yawn and gave them both nods.
"Goodnight, you two," he acknowledged. Matthew had always been his favorite of England's spawn. It wasn't difficult to see why. The door closed behind him and Canada looked back at Australia.
"Bro?"
"I...I think I should get some rest," Daniel said as he slumped away.
"Okay. I'm going, too. It's been a long day," Matthew said. He gave his brother a pat on the shoulder and began heading down the hall. "Have a good night, Dan." Half to his room, Daniel paused.
His brows furrowed as the realization struck him. He turned around. Where was Matthew going? The other room at the end of the hall was -
"There you are," Alfred's annoyed voice greeted as the door opened.
"Close the door, you're letting the cold air out!" Alejandro's voice chided from within.
"I had to put the kids to sleep," Matthew defended weakly as he stepped into Maria's bedroom. Daniel's mouth dropped. "Sorry." The door closed.
This. Was. Not. Happening.
"Daniel?" a confused voice asked behind him. He turned around, feeling numb. A set of dark brown eyes looked at him curiously. He almost didn't believe his eyes. "Are you alright?"
His green orbs widened. "Maria!?"
"Shh...the kids are sleeping," she warned as she looked over his shoulder. "Yes...what are you doing standing here? And...did you get melted ice cream on my floor?" she frowned.
Australia wasn't paying attention to his abandoned ice cream. "Wait...what are you doing here?"
She narrowed her eyes and looked at him strangely. "This is my house."
"No, I mean...here!" Daniel struggled to say. He winced, feeling stupid. "I thought you were in there!" he said, pointing to her bedroom.
"Hmm? Oh, we were running low on beds," Maria smiled weakly. "And my room has the biggest and the most room, so the guys are sharing."
Relief seemed to flood him. "Oh, thank God!"
"Anyway," Maria smiled sweetly as she lifted a hand and began wiping his ice cream stained one with a handkerchief. "I hope you don't mind sharing, either."
His face reddened. What did she just say? His heart skipped a beat. Was this it? He was tingling all over. Was this what he was waiting for? He almost couldn't breathe. Were all those years pining away and the last few days worth it? Yes.
"I don't mind at all, yea!" he choked, almost too eager.
"Good," she smiled her warm smile and Australia melted. This would be the most memorable night of his life.
An Hour Later...
"The poor girl got kicked out of her room!" Arthur exclaimed as he laid beside his brown-haired son on the pull out sofa-bed. "Can you believe it? You'd think those three who've known her so long would at least offer to take the couch, like true gentlemen would!"
"Ye...yea....," Daniel whimpered pathetically as he clenched the top of his blanket to his chest and stared at the painting ceiling above them.
"Oh well," Arthur smiled proudly. "At least you and I were considerate enough to give up the remaining guest room to Maria and sleep in the living room."
Daniel tried to hold back the cry of disappointment. Truly, this would be the most memorable night of his life thus far...but he honestly wished it weren't.
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A.N. - Hi! Before you get your hopes up: I haven't returned. I'm just getting out some pre-convention jitters through writing before I get a pre-convention ulcer. I always get kind of nervous before cons, even though I've done this whole Artist Alley thing before.
Also, you can probably tell I watched PotC last weekend. I liked it. :D Hehehe...I have one more day before the con...so I'm still kind of nervous. It is also why my story above makes absolutely no sense and is all over the place from Papa Spain and England to an unrelated Australia cockblocking. Still...I may write another...QUICK - first person to comment gets a freebie one-shot request - any pairing! No promises, but the next time I get bored, I'll at least have something to work with.
Anyway, have fun. To my fellow United States-ians, enjoy this upcoming 3 day weekend (for most of us anyway). :D
Part: One -Shot
Characters: OCPhilippines, America, Spain, OCMexico, Canada, England, France, Australia
Pairings: Spain x Papa-ness, England x Father-ness
Warnings: This story does not make sense: Complete randomness. Teen, some humor, N. American Trio Bromance (?), Unbeta-ed Mind Dribble
Summary: The twins snuck on board. The twins snuck on board and England was furious. How could he possibly loot the Spaniard's precious ships when America and Canada were distracting him? Luckily, his two 'sons' weren't the only children who had snuck aboard their father's ship.
Preview:
"I had enough to worry about with just a merchant vessel and your brother!" Antonio exclaimed. "If the king did not want to see him personally, then I wouldn't have even thought of bringing Alejandro on board! Now, you have snuck on board, as well!?" His face was red and his temples were damp with sweat. "Have you any idea the danger you are in!? It terrifies me, Maria!" the empire exclaimed, almost as if pained by the thought. Alejandro looked over at him, somewhat concerned that his father would have some sort of heart attack. "What if we're attacked!? What if there is a storm!? Or sharks! Or mermaids! And...and." The cabin began to sway and Antonio stumbled as his head began to whirl at all the terrifying possibilities. "And....Dios mio! I...I...need to sit down!"
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Fathers of the Caribbean
.One-Shot.
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own anything other than the plot. Even then, it's not that creative.
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The wood ship creaked as it sailed across the water, over the deep blue waters of the tropical sea.
Outside, shouts from the crewmen were given as orders were given. England closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
That was where he was supposed to be: outside, on the deck, with the warm sea breeze whipping through his hair and making the feather in his custom made hat billow. Instead, he was in the confines of his private chambers, pacing his room as his two teenage looking sons sat on a clothing chest at the foot of his luxuriously decorated bed.
"Tell me again?" he asked in a trembling voice, barely able to contain his fury as the two colonies sat there. Matthew looked rightly terrified after being caught red-handed, but Alfred, who was most likely the brains behind the operation, sat there beaming an innocent smile. "Why...why are you on my ship?"
"How can we not be!?" Alfred piped excitedly. Matthew let out a groan, as if asking himself why he had agreed to come with the southern colonies in the first place. "We've always wanted to come and see your ship, England! You're always talking about how exciting it is and how-"
"And how dangerous!" Arthur growled as he whirled around and stopped in front of the twins. Alfred cringed and Matthew grabbed on to his arm. "Do you have any idea how much peril you have put you and your brother in!?" he demanded.
Alfred wrinkled his nose, looking somewhat insulted. "Why do you think I'm the one who planned this?"
England threw his arms in the air as he began pacing once more. "Because you're always the one to come up with crack pot schemes that always get you and your brother in trouble!"
"He's right, Alfred."
"Shut up, Matt."
"This really tops it all, boy!" Arthur yelled, his face redder than the boys had ever seen. "Have you any idea what you've done!?"
"Umm...," Alfred seemed to think of a bit. His face looked hopeful. "Gone on an adventure?"
"Gone on a...," England choked out. He grabbed his eye patch and tore it off. "This is not a joke!" he yelled as he threw his eye patch on the floor. Alfred jerked his head back and Matthew buried his face against his brother's shoulders. "Do you know how dangerous it is out here!? We could be caught in a battle at any moment!"
"But you'll protect us, right, Arthur?" Alfred asked hopefully. "I mean, you're the best sailor with the best naval fleet in the history of the seven seas! Right, Matt?" He elbowed his brother, who gave a small, but still hopeful nod.
England faltered. Why did Alfred have to look so innocently idolizing? "Well...I...," he stammered as his eyes darted away. "I...I wouldn't say that is...completely true...."
"And if anyone shows up, the mighty empire will rise up and crush them!" Alfred insisted. "No one stands a chance against you, Arthur!"
The older blond couldn't help but chuckle, flattered. "Well...that is true," he admitted as modestly as he could. Alfred smiled widely as his 'father' softened up.
"And if the Spanish come, they'll be so scared, they'll hand over their gold and stuff as soon as they see you!" he asserted.
"Yes!" Matthew nodded. "There won't be any need for a fight!"
"A fight...," England's face immediately fell into a frown. His thick brows knotted together as he turned back to his sons with a stern expression on his face. "Wait a minute!" he exclaimed as his face reddened once more. "I see what you're doing here!" he scowled as he slapped Alfred upside the head. "You won't get off that easy, young man!"
"Oww...," Alfred grumbled as he rubbed his head. He shot his brother a glare. "Way to go, Matt."
"Sorry," the younger blond smiled weakly.
"That is it!" England exclaimed. "There is no way I am taking you two further out to sea! How you two managed to hide this long is beyond a miracle! I am having this ship turned around and headed back to port immediately!"
"No!" Alfred cried out. Distress finally making its way to his once excited face. "We've already come so far!"
"I don't care!" Arthur frowned as he snatched his hat up from the hook by the door. "I'd rather make sure you two are safe than bring you down to the blasted tropics with me where you could get blown to bits by the Spanish or...or...or become inflicted with some sort of tropical disease!"
"But Arthur-"
"No, buts America!" England told the colony firmly. "You and your brother are going back before something terrible happens!"
"Captain Kirkland!" a voice shouted outside the heavy wooden door as several thuds pounded against it. "The Spanish have arrived!"
England froze. His green eyes widened as he paled. "T...type of vessel?" he choked out, silently praying that it wasn't what he had initially hoped for.
"A merchant vessel, Captain!"
Arthur turned around and looked back at his charges. Matthew had a look of awe on his face, as if knowing he were about to see something amazing. Alfred...looked as if he had struck gold. His hands were in tight, excited fists in front of him and he was positively trembling with excitement as his bright blue eyes sparkled.
England crinkled his eyes. "Oh bollocks...."
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"Y cuando dijo no, es un no!" an exasperated brunette said as he paced in front of his bed. His hand was on the bridge of his nose, desperately trying to rub away the headache that had been caused. "Mi hija...mi hija en las ropas de hombres!" he exclaimed as he stopped and waved his arms distraughtly around him. "Alejandro, por que esta tu hermana en mi barca!?"
He turned his attention to the dark brown-haired young man was laying across his father's large bed, one arm resting tiredly over his eyes as he laid there tiredly. Antonio had been yelling for well over an hour since he had dragged Maria up and informed the empire that his Asian daughter had stowed away. Alejandro was tired of having to hear it. His well-pressed and tailored to fit naval uniform was missing its overcoat and slightly unbuttoned and now wrinkled after having to wrestle his runaway sister down in the galley below.
"Papa," Nueva España croaked out. "I didn't know she was on board." His younger sister, Las Filipinas, was sitting on a chair, facing the corner of her father's elaborately decorated onboard chambers, pouting. To him, she seemed far too old for a 'time out', but Antonio insisted she sat there and 'think about what she did' as he scolded her. "I put her on a carriage that morning to Acapulco to return her home! How was I supposed to know she'd pay my men to take her to Veracruz instead?"
He let out a heavy, annoyed sigh. If anything, he was also a victim of Maria's latest bout of 'wander lust'. His father had assured him when they were younger that it was just a phase and that Maria would grow out of it. She was a full grown colony now and he didn't see enthusiasm curb.
"Maria Isabela," Antonio frowned as he turned around and looked at the chair with his teenage daughter. "What were you thinking?" he demanded. "Dressing up as a man and sneaking on board one of these ships! Did you think that you wouldn't get caught until you were in Seville!?"
"Actually, I was hoping not to get caught at all," she admitted, almost cheekily.
Alejandro let out a pained groan as his father began yelling at her back about her unacceptable and dangerous behavior. "Do you know what is out here? Do you have any idea how unpredictable and unsafe it is! There are privateers and corsairs!"
"Those are the same thing, Papa," Alejandro pointed out.
"Mijo, please!" Antonio exclaimed. "I am trying to talk some sense into your sister!" He waved a hand towards Maria. "Mija, what do you have to say for yourself!?"
Maria remained on her seat. "You said it was safe," she frowned. "And that it was a nice, safe voyage back to España!"
Antonio's hand rose and gripped the sides of his thick, tied back hair, as if wanting to pull it all off in frustration. "Mija, I only said those things because didn't want you or your sisters to worry!"
"Si, Papa, that false sense of security worked well, didn't it...?" Alejandro murmured coolly.
"Callete, Alejandro!"
Maria looked over her shoulder, a scowl on her heart shaped face. "You said that it was a safe journey all the way to Seville and there was nothing to worry about! If you didn't lie about it, I wouldn't have come aboard!"
Alejandro rolled his eyes. She would've still come aboard and they both knew it. Spain, on the other hand, did not.
"I...I...," he stammered, feeling cornered. "What was I supposed to tell you!?" he exclaimed defensively. "That the route back is perilous!? That there are those who would do us harm? Do you want to hear about how your Papa faces danger every time he goes back to Spain?"
Maria stood up and looked at her father, her chin held high. "If you had told me the truth, this could have all been avoided!" she insisted. "You know I'm curious! And that I've wanted to go to the Peninsula for some time now!" she added defiantly. "We are already out this far, we might as well go the rest of the way!" she insisted.
Spain jerked his head back. "Maria, there are dangers in these water! That is why I never risked bringing you or any of your sisters through here!"
"What dangers? It is past the storm season! Puerto Rico said so!" she insisted.
"Were you not listening earlier!?" Antonio yelled. "Privateers! Corsairs - yes, I know they are the same thing, Alejandro!" He shot a glare at his son before the colony had a chance to correct him. "And pirates!" Antonio added. Maria sucked in a sharp breath. She knew what pirates were. She knew very well what they were. Antonio continued his rant. "You do not know how greedy and desperate those English dogs are! They are no better than the pirates and at times are better equipped with funds from their empire! They can shell the boat and sink it in minutes if we are caught and make one mistake!"
Alejandro stood up and crossed his arms over his chest, looking pointedly at his sister, as if to remind her of how much trouble she was causing. "Honestly, Maria...."
"I had enough to worry about with just a merchant vessel and your brother!" Antonio exclaimed. "If the king did not want to see him personally, then I wouldn't have even thought of bringing Alejandro on board! Now, you have snuck on board, as well!?" His face was red and his temples were damp with sweat. "Have you any idea the danger you are in!? It terrifies me, Maria!" the empire exclaimed, almost as if pained by the thought. Alejandro looked over at him, somewhat concerned that his father would have some sort of heart attack. "What if we're attacked!? What if there is a storm!? Or sharks! Or mermaids! And...and." The cabin began to sway and Antonio stumbled as his head began to whirl at all the terrifying possibilities. "And....Dios mio! I...I...need to sit down!"
Antonio held his arms out to steady himself as his yelling finally took its toll and made him breathless and dizzy. His legs began to wobble and Maria reached to steady him. Alejandro quickly reached his side and grabbed on to one arm. "Sit, Papa."
The older man nodded vaguely and took a seat at the edge of the bed. Maria bit her lower lip guiltily as she stopped before the empire, her head downcast. "Papa, I'm sorry...."
Antonio shook his head. He rubbed his temples and furrowed his brows as he tried to concentrate. "We're going back," he stated firmly.
Maria's eyes widened. "What!?" They were already three days out. "But-"
"No! You are going any further!" Antonio lifted his head and met her with a stern frown. "You are going back to Nueva España, back to Acapulco, and then back Las Filipinas, Maria!"
"Papa, what about the schedule?" Alejandro frowned.
"I don't care about the schedule, we have to send your sister back!" Antonio snapped. "She is in far too great a danger her! Considering Kirkland," he spat out the name with disgust. "And his sea dogs have been plaguing these waters more and more. The chances of running into them are-"
"Ah...Antonio? Antonio, mon ami?" a French voice seemed to purr from the other side of the door. Alejandro wrinkled his nose at the sound of Francis' voice. The Frenchman was hitching a ride with them back to continental Europe. They would've said no, otherwise, but there were issues that needed them to 'be friendly' to the rival nation. "I know you are spending quality time with your children, but...we have a slight problem on our hands."
Antonio ran his hand down his face. "What now, Francis?" he grumbled. He didn't need this.
"The English have come for a visit."
Green eyes went wide. "No...," he mumbled. He shot up from his seat and looked from Maria to Alejandro and back. He grit his teeth and swore. "Stay here!" he ordered as he stormed towards the door. Despite his words, Maria automatically made a move to follow him, only to feel a hand clamp on her shoulder.
She winced and looked back at her frowning brother. "Maria...," he said in a low, warning voice. She smiled weakly.
"Umm...lo siento?" she offered.
"Sit," he ordered firmly. Maria, defeated, took a seat on the foot of her father's bed. Alejandro stood in front of her, his arms cross over his chest as he frowned. "I know you wanted to come along, but did you have to sneak on board! You have no idea what kind of trouble you are causing!"
"But it's not fair!" she defended as she looked up at him and scowled. "I never get to go anywhere anymore unless it's to your house! I can't even go to Kuya's!"
"That is beside the point!"
"I just wanted to go to Spain, too!" Maria said as she bit her lower lip and looked away. Her older sibling let out a heavy sigh and ran his hand through his hair. He had caught her scrubbing the deck, dressed as a man. Had she not screamed when she stumbled upon a dead rat, he never would've given the scrawny deck hand a second glance.
"Mi pequeña, mi amor...," he sighed tiredly as he knelt down in front of her and grasped her hands. "I know you want to go to Spain - and some day you will! But not this time."
"Nueva, it's not fair," she insisted as her lips trembled. "I want to go with you and Papa!"
"I'm sorry, but it's not about being fair."
The door flew open and the siblings looked over their shoulders as a distraught, half-horrified-half-furious Spain stood at the doorway. "It's not fair!" he exclaimed, almost childishly. Alejandro rolled his eyes. Wonderful, now his father was throwing a tantrum, too.
"What is the problem, Papa?" he asked as he rose to his full height.
"Alejandro, my boy," Francis said as he appeared behind their father. "I suggest you take your sister below deck, where it will be safer."
The brunette narrowed his eyes and frowned. "Why?" he asked as his sister rose behind him. He held his arm out to keep her safely behind him.
"The English have arrived," Antonio wheezed. He let out a dramatic cry and flung himself against the door. "It is not fair! Of all the times when I actually clash with that pompous browed bastard, it is now!"
"Papa," Maria began as she stepped forward.
"Alejandro!" the older man said as he straightened up and stopped himself from pulling his teenage looking daughter into one his unyielding "papa hugs". "Do as Francis says and take her down to the galley!"
The brunette was hesitant, but nodded. "Come, Maria," he ordered as he grabbed her hand and proceeded to drag her out the door. Maria stumbled past her father, feeling even worse as the look of pain met her eyes. He probably wouldn't look so worried if she had just boarded that damn galleon back to Manila.
"Alejandro," their father called out as just as they were out the door. He untied his sheath from his thick belt and tossed it to him. "Protect your sister."
The male colony nodded. "Si, Papa." He caught the sword and Maria followed him down the steps, to the deck below.
Francis casually remained leaning against the railing outside of the door, watching the Antonio's family drama with interest. "You did not give Maria a sword?"
Antonio scowled. "Proper girls do not fight!" he reminded the blond proudly as he shoved past. "Also, seeing her with weapons gives me flashbacks...muy terrible...." He looked over the railing and watched as Alejandro led his sister down the steps. As soon as they were safely below deck, Antonio looked out at his crew.
"We cannot afford to have them attack our precious cargo first!" he barked. "Sink that browed English bastard! Prepare the canons!"
Not far away, another green-eyed man narrowed his eyes as he peered through his telescope. "Damn...damn...damn!" Arthur yelled.
"I don't know about you, Matt, but that didn't sound like a proper Englishman to me, did it?" he heard Alfred pipe up smugly behind him.
"Alfred!" Arthur barked as he turned his head towards the steps to the quarter deck, where he was situated. Both twins were outside of the room. "I told you to stay inside!"
"But all the fun is out there!" Alfred told him, as if it were completely ridiculous to stay inside.
"I've never seen a naval battle up close," Matthew admitted. "Will there be long range fighting or short range?"
"Captain Kirkland! They're loading their canons!" a voice yelled.
"Long range!" the twins chorused excitedly. "Matt, we should go up to the crow's nest and -"
"No!" Arthur growled. "You two go and stay hidden! I don't want that Spanish pig to lay a hand on either of you!"
"But Arthur, we can help!" Alfred said earnestly. "You've been giving Matt all those fencing lessons and I'm great at getting things to explode!"
"No exploding!" Arthur ran his hand down his face. "Listen, you two! You either return to the room or I will have my men tie you to the base of the mast below deck!"
The blond twins went quiet, as if contemplating it.
"There were windows his room!" Alfred exclaimed. He shot past his brother and Matthew followed eagerly behind him.
"Stay away from the windows!" Arthur cried out.
"Captain-"
An explosion sounded across the water as a canon ball broke the water surface near the English ship.
"The Spanish are attacking!"
Arthur gritted his teeth. "Yes, I gathered that...." He clenched the hilt of his sword and mulled over his choices. Another whistling canon ball slammed close to the ship, barely missing it, but rocking the boat. "Hold fire!"
"What!?"
"Captain!"
"First mate! Send out the signal!" Arthur yelled. As much as he hated having to swallow his pride and allow Carriedo to get in some near-hits, making sure Alfred and Matthew were safe mattered more. "I wish to speak with the scoundrel!"
.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.
"I don't get it," Matthew frowned. He looked at the grandfather clock in Arthur's room. "It's been twenty minutes. I haven't heard anything. No canons...no yelling...."
"I don't like this," Alfred frowned as he sat down on a settee and rubbed his chin. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the wooden floor. "We should've heard something by now...."
"Alfred," Matthew piped as he stood up. He furrowed his brow. "I...I think we've stopped."
The older blond lifted his head. He rose to his feet. Other than the sway of the waves, it didn't feel like they were moving much. His eyes narrowed as he stomped across to Arthur's windows. "What is going on?"
"Wait!" Matthew cried out as Alfred prepared to pull the curtains open. "Arthur said to stay away!"
"It's not as if a canon ball is going to go through!" Alfred rolled his eyes and grasped the curtains. With a firm tug, he pulled it aside and allowed his eyes to go wide. Behind him, Matthew's jaw dropped.
Right outside of Arthur's chamber's windows was the side of another ship. And from the name on the side - a Spanish ship.
"Wow...," the twins whispered. As soon as Alfred shook himself out of his revelry, he began unlatching the window panes.
"Alfred!" Matthew protested, only to be waved dismissively at.
"If you're not going to join me, you can stay here," Alfred grinned as he pushed one window open and climbed on to the sill. He carefully stuck on leg out and gave his brother a daring look. "Stay here and be bored...I'm going on that adventure we came for!"
Not five minutes later, Matthew cursed himself for having been caught in his brother's plans once more. The ships were so close because there were planks that connected the sides. Something must've been going on that involved boarding another ship - peacefully. As a result of the ship's closeness, it was an easy matter for Alfred to simply leap from Arthur's window and land on the ledge protruding from the hull of the Spanish ship.
He quickly worked his way, pasted against the side of the ship, until he reached a set of windows and slipped through one that happened to be open. He then stuck out an arm and waved for his brother to join him.
It took Matthew twice as long. First, he nearly slipped on the ledge. Alfred had grabbed him and quickly clamped his hand over his brother's mouth to quiet him before threatening to 'dump his body in the ocean' if he didn't stay quiet. By the time they reached the comfortable looking cabin, Matthew was ready to kiss the solid wooden floor.
They would not stay there for long.
"No," Matthew stated firmly as Alfred tip toed to the chamber door and placed his hand on the handle. "We are not going outside!"
"Just a peak," Alfred grinned.
"What if they see us!?" Matthew asked in panic. Clearly, this was the biggest mistake they've ever made. It was just that Alfred hadn't realized it yet. They would get caught, he just knew it. The Spanish would find them and then punish them...and he knew what the Spanish were capable of.
"They're not going to see us," Alfred assured him. "If they do, just speak Spanish."
"I speak French!" Matthew exclaimed.
"Ugh...you are so useless," Alfred sighed. "I wish Alejandro were here...." He mumbled as he carefully jiggled the door open and peeked outside.
To his surprise, it wasn't crawling with Spanish sailors. It was crawling with Spanish sailors and several English privateer crewmembers. The atmosphere was tense and he could tell that each side was watching the other. Above them, on the quarterdeck, Alfred could hear voices talking. He craned his neck and managed to catch a few words.
"Listen to me, you pompous git," England hissed. "This is not some sort of trick! I wouldn't risk my arse coming on board your filthy, rat-infested-"
"This is a custom made merchant vessel!" a Spanish voice cut him off sharply. "If anyone has a filthy, rat-infested ship, it is you!"
Alfred nodded his head knowingly. He carefully closed the door and looked back at Matthew. "Well?" the younger blond asked.
"Arthur's above us talking with the Spanish," Alfred said. He grinned. "Hey...shall we look around?"
Matthew seemed hesitant. Looked around the bedroom. Numerous items were on the wall. Everything from a large cross to paintings of numerous colonies. He was able to recognize Nueva España, but that was all. He heard a creak and turned around.
"Alfred! Get out of there!" Matthew hissed as he saw his brother opening a large armoire. Inside were coats, capes, and various uniform pieces along with some cutlasses and guns. Alfred's eyes were wide. He reached in, despite his brother's order, and picked up small, shiny golden box. "Alfred!"
"Matt...look at this...," Alfred said. He lifted the top and saw a row of things that were rolled up in brown, dried plants. "What do you think they are?"
"I think that I can't look with he is looking at us!" Matthew said, glancing nervously at the image of Jesus on the crucifix above the bed. Alfred raised an eyebrow and shook his head.
"Fine," he said. "I think they're cigars...." He closed the box, but not before taking a few as souvenirs. He then proceeded to wander the room, looking and touching everything he could, all while Matthew stood nervously by the window they had snuck into, quietly pleading that they should leave.
"Alfred...I think they're done talking!" Matthew said as he leaned closer to the window.
"You tea drinking swine!" one voice yelled.
"You...you...you tomato addict!" another countered.
Alfred snorted. "Uh...no...they're going to be at it for some time." He reached an empty space on the wall and leaned against. "Do you think he has treasure in here somewhere?" Before he could cross his arms, he felt the panel behind him shift and he jerked upright. He turned around and let out a gasp as he saw the opening in the wall. "Matt...."
"Shhh!" Matthew said in a low voice, as he listened to the conversation. "I think Arthur is trying to argue a cease fire...huh...that voice sounds familiar...Is that Pere?"
Alfred was already moving the panel aside. "Please...," he snorted as he peered into the dark hole that seemed to be going straight down. Carefully, he maneuvered his way into the small opening. "What would Francis be doing he-RE!"
The last syllable had been all but screamed out. Matthew whirled around and yelled. "Alfred!" he cried out. He shoved himself from the window and rushed across the room, not caring about how loud his footsteps were as he ran for the open panel. "Alfred!"
"I'm...uh...okay!" he heard a voice from darkness that the panel led down into. "Stay up there, Matt!"
"You need to get out!" Matthew cried out. He began looking around the room for something to throw into the shaft and pull his brother out with. "I'll get a rope! Bed sheets! Something!"
"Just go back to the ship, Matthew!" Alfred ordered, sounding much more serious than normal. Matthew's frantic dash around the cabin came to a stop. His eyes crinkled up. That didn't sound like happy-go-lucky Alfred.
"Alfred? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine!" Alfred snapped. "Go back to the ship, Matthew! Now!" Something was wrong. The younger colony could sense it.
"I'm coming down there!"
"No!"
"You can't stop me!" he insisted. He was shaking as he stepped into the panel.
"Matthew, no! You're going to-"
"Ah!" The blond plummeted down. He let out a shrill scream as he saw his life flash before his eyes. He would really miss his bear, he decided. So terrified was he that he didn't even realize he had landed on top of a soft, warm body.
"Get off! Get off!" someone was screaming in Spanish.
"Matt! You idiot! I told you to go back to the ship!" Alfred yelled at him. Matthew opened his eyes.
"I'm alive...," he whispered, shocked. His hands arms stopped failing. "Oh, my God! I'm alive!" He nearly cried in relief.
"Get off of me!" Alfred growled. Matthew felt a quick kick at his side as he let out a groan and rolled off. His eyes barely had time to adjust to the faint light. All he could make out were the sounds of struggling and Alfred grabbing on to someone - the other person he had landed on - and pinning them to the ground. "Don't move!" he ordered as he straddled the smaller person. Whoever he was holding down was kicking and desperately trying to move their arms. "Or I'll-"
The sound of metal was heard and Matthew sucked in a sharp breath as he saw the glimmer of a blade press against Alfred's shoulder. "Or what, Gringo?" a low, annoyed voice asked.
The person Alfred had pinned had stopped moving and the blond slowly lifted his head. He narrowed his eyes as he made out the displeased face and black wire glasses of Nueva España. "Jandro?"
"Get off, Gringo," Alejandro ordered. "Slowly."
Alfred frowned and didn't move. "He drew a knife on me."
"Si, she'll do that," Alejandro rolled his eyes. He tapped Alfred's shoulder with the sword. "Off. Now."
"Alfred," Matthew called over nervously.
"Oh...Mateo, you're here, too. Buenos dias," Alejandro greeted properly, though kept his eyes on the man unknowingly pinning his sister between his legs.
"Uh...bue...buenos dias," Matthew mimicked nervously. Alfred carefully moved back and off the forth person. As soon as their legs were free, the smaller being was up and running behind Alejandro. When they were seemingly safe, Nueva España finally put his sword back.
"What are you two doing here?" He frowned as he shot them both glares. "You know this is a Spanish ship!"
"Hey, you guys fired at us first!" Alfred pointed out. He shot a glare at the shorter person behind Alejandro. "And he had a knife to my neck!"
"I was only defending myself!" a voice hissed.
"I didn't even do anything!" Alfred argued as he took a step forward. Alejandro tried to hold back his sister, but the shorter brunette easily rounded him and stepped in front. Behind Alfred, Canada gasped.
"Alfred...," he muttered.
"Not now, Matt," the older blond said. "You can at least apologize!"
"I am not apologizing for anything!"
"Alfred...."
"I said not now, Matt! Someone has to teach him that you can't just point a knife at people!" Alfred exclaimed.
"Alfred, she's not a man!" Matthew exclaimed out loud.
"What?" The blond looked over at his brother, confused. Matthew looked away, his cheeks reddening as he pointed towards the girl.
He blinked and looked from her admittedly feminine face, past her neck and to the top two unbuttoned buttons of the white work shirt that had come undone in their scuffle. Try as she might, covered only partially by a silken undershirt, were two mounds.
Alfred stared, his blue eyes wide as Matthew frantically looked from one frowning face to the other. Before either of the four could say something relevant, Alfred opened his mouth.
"Oh my God," he mumbled. "You have breasts."
The female colony's face immediately lit up with indignation as she backhanded him across the face so hard, that the sound of the slap echoed across the wooden confines of the room.
"Why did you slap me!?" Alfred cried out as he rubbed his flaming red cheek.
"That was for looking!" she hissed as she tried to cross her arms over her chest.
"What!?" he exclaimed as he looked back at her unbuttoned top and made a vague motion with his free hand towards them. "I was paying you a compliment!" Another slap sounded and Alfred cried out. "What was that for!?"
"That," Alejandro growled as he shook his stinging hand. "Was for continuing to look!"
"Then tell her to button it up!" Alfred argued as he rubbed his other cheek. He shot them both glares. Hot headed Latin blood indeed....
"I can't! You ripped off the buttons!" Maria yelled.
"You did what?" Alejandro asked in a low voice. His dark eyes narrowed and Alfred shot him an annoyed glare.
"Wait! I accidently pop open her shirt, but she tries to kill me and I'm the one who's in trouble?" Alfred demanded. "What is wrong with everyone!?"
"No one said you could grab me!" Maria hissed. "I had to defend-"
"Maria, callete," Alejandro snapped as he held his hand out. He narrowed his eyes and looked overhead. "They're going to hear you."
"Good!" Maria insisted, her voice growing louder. "Then Papa can arrest them for boarding the ship and attacking me!"
"I wasn't attacking you!"
"Maria, it'll only cause more problems," Alejandro frowned. He looked back at the other two. "Can you two make it back to your ship without being seen?" he asked.
Matthew nodded gratefully. "Yes, thanks, Jandro!"
"I still think she should apologize for nearly stabbing me," Alfred grumbled.
"I would if I could," Maria glared back.
Alfred narrowed his eyes, taking in the sight of the messy-haired, wrinkled clothed, flushed face young colony. Perhaps he was catching something from Arthur, as under the dim lantern light, Alejandro's charge seemed.... "You're lucky you're cute."
Maria's eyes widened. Her flushed face became even redder at the compliment as it took her by surprise. She didn't notice Alejandro scowl or Matthew run his hand down his face, exasperated. However, she did notice that the blond in front in a new light.
"Well," she stammered, trying to sound proud and somewhat insulted. "You, too!" she countered stupidly.
Alejandro gritted his teeth. "Maria...." He grumbled.
"Your name is Maria?" Alfred caught. She nodded. "I'm Alfred."
"Guys!" Matthew shouted as he grabbed his brother's arm and pulled him back "Alfred! Listen!" the younger blond said as he tried to meet his brother's face. "I think she's cute, too!" he said, his cheeks also pink. He suddenly didn't want to feel felt out. Alejandro shot him a glare, as well - the traitor. "But we need to go!"
"Okay, fine," Alfred finally agreed. He looked at Alejandro. "Thanks for not reporting us."
"Just leave," the brunette replied dully.
Alfred nodded. Matthew was already beginning to climb up the side of the wall, towards the room they had come from. The older blond looked at the petite, black haired colony.
"Maria," he said. She looked at him, still blushing. Alfred daringly shot forward and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Matthew nearly fell back as Maria's face turned a heated rust color. Alfred continued to smile cheekily and Alejandro screamed.
"Gringo!"
.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.
"I should just sink your ship now!" Arthur roared.
"Not if I sink yours first!" Antonio countered.
Francis sighed heavily and lifted his hands to rub his temples. So much for England's 'talk'. "Do not provoke him, Angleterre, he will do it."
"You won't dare let him," Arthur sneered proudly. Francis lifted his head and threw him a confused look.
"What are you talking about?" He had nothing to do with whatever water battle the English and the Spanish were having.
"Your boys are on that ship!" Arthur yelled. As soon as the words left his mouth, he silently cursed himself. That was not something he had meant to say. Across from him, Antonio furrowed his brows and Francis' face paled.
"You...you...my son!?" Francis yelled. "You brought my Mathieu with you!?" He looked absolutely affronted by the very idea. "What kind of horrible father are you!?"
"Me!?" Arthur flushed with indignation. "For your information, they snuck on board!"
"How can you not know!?" Francis demanded.
"You know how sneaky Alfred can be!"
"Mon Dieu! I cannot believe this!"
"And you've been out to sea for how long now?" Spain smirked. Francis shot him an equally displeased smile. It was all well and good when it was just the two of them, but now the twins were involved. His twins.
"Antonio, you are not one to talk," he snapped. "Your daughter cross-dressed and snuck on board!"
"Francis!" Antonio choked as his tan face reddened with humiliation.
"Cross-dressed and snuck on board!?" Arthur laughed. He smirked wickedly. "Who's the terrible father now, Carriedo?"
"Both of you!" Francis snapped. He turned back to Arthur. "Where are the boys now!?" he demanded.
"On the ship!" Arthur yelled. "That's why I came here - I wanted to avoid any battles until I got them back to shore!" He locked eyes with Antonio. "And I am sure now, since your cross-dressing daughter is on board, that you will concede to my request."
Antonio scowled. "I suppose I have no choice for the sake of my daughter."
Francis narrowed his eyes. "Both Alfred and Mathieu are in your ship, you say?" he asked as he stepped out towards the railing and craned his neck.
"Of course, you frog! Where else would they be!?" Arthur hissed.
"Gringo!" a familiar voice echoed from the galley of the ship, startling some of the crew men as Antonio's face paled.
"Alejandro!" the Spaniard yelled worried.
"What's a 'gringo'?" Arthur asked, confused. Francis snorted.
"Your son."
"Nueva, no!" Maria's voice screamed. Spain let out a horrified yell and heroically leapt over the railing.
"Mija!!!" he cried as he landed hard on the wooden deck and darted to the galley.
"Wait!" Arthur yelled as he scrambled after him.
Below deck, Alfred let out a yelp as he ran around in circles, desperately trying to avoid being caught and beaten by his southern neighbor.
"My sister! How dare you kiss my sister!" Alejandro screamed, red in the face. "I'll kill you, Gringo!"
"Bro! Bro be reasonable!" Alfred pleaded ad as darted behind some wine barrels. "It was a chaste kiss! A chaste kiss!"
"Nueva!" Maria cried. Her brother wasn't listening. She looked at Alfred's brother. "Do something!"
"Do what!?" Matthew cried back, frozen in his place.
Alfred swept past them. He skidded to a stop and threw the two apologetic looks. "Sorry, guys," he said. He grabbed his brother's arm and tugged him forward. "Jandro! Look!" The brunette rounded the corner just as Alfred shoved Matthew forward, forcing him to kiss Maria on the other cheek.
"Pinche!" the raging sibling yelled. Maria's face headed up even more so as Matthew tore himself away, his pale face also red, as he apologized profusely.
"Run!" Maria shouted as she shoved him away. "Run now!"
"What?" He looked over his shoulder and saw the tan-skinned North American now storming towards him. "Ah!"
The doors to the galley flew open, filling the area of light as a shadowy figure rushed down the stairs. "Maria!" Spain shouted. "Alejandro!"
"Papa!" Maria yelled.
Before she could say more, Matthew and Alejandro pointed to Alfred just a few paces away. "He started it!" they shouted. Alfred slowly turned his head towards them and narrowed his eyes. Everyone always blamed him....
"Started what!?" Francis said as he climbed down behind Spain.
"Maria? Mija," Spain said as he knelt down in front of Maria and put his shaking hands on her shoulders. Her face was read and she looked ready to cry. Clearly, something had gone horribly wrong. "Mija, what's wrong? Tell Papa what that stupid English spawn did."
Maria bit her lip, looking hesitant. Alejandro decided to answer for her. "He grappled your daughter to the ground!"
"Nueva!" she looked at him, horrified.
"Alfred!" Arthur frowned.
"I thought she was a boy!"
Matthew nodded. He wasn't sure what came over him and he was sure that he would pay for it later, but he added to the fire. "And then he kissed her!"
The last thing he remembered before Antonio Carriedo nearly went insane and chaos broke out, was Alfred's paling face and Francis nodding approvingly with "well done, mon fils. Well done."
.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.
Somewhere in the "Aussie Fics"-verse...
"It was a miracle we made it out of the canon bombardment alive," the blond sighed. "Your dad was pretty much handcuffed to the bedpost for most of the trip back to the colonies. I had to keep holding that cold piece of cloth against his swollen eye."
"How'd he get the swollen eye, Uncle Mattie?" Leste asked.
"Ah... Jandro punched him for kissing Maria," Matthew smiled weakly. "Again...on the lips."
Alfred had later insisted that 'it was completely worth it'.
Australia could feel his ice cream melting on his hand and as he stood at the doorway to the triplet's room, staring with disbelief at Matthew - formerly innocent seeming Canada - as he finished telling the 'bedtime story' to Maria's precious triplets and Leste. He hadn't expected the blond to show up, but after a drunken phone call by Arthur to 'get his arse to the Philippines and explain himself', the blond had shown up terribly concerned that morning.
Things he had learned since that morning included: Canada was an accepted member in America and Mexico's little North Americans Love Maria Club. He could get away without glares with giving her a greeting hug and a kiss on the cheek.
He had also learned that Matthew shared a 'past' and 'present' with the black-haired female nation, as well. Australia couldn't help but be bothered with the knowledge that he was clearly left out.
"And that's how we first met your mother," Matthew beamed.
"Uncle Mattie, you kissed Ate Ria, too?" Leste asked as her eyes sparkled. Matthew could only blush guiltily.
"I knew I couldn't trust you," Mindanao grumbled. Matthew laughed weakly and slipped off the side of the bed, where he had been sitting.
"It was an accident, really," Matthew insisted weakly. "Um...well, I said I'd help you guys go to bed. You all should turn in now."
Leste was getting the twin sized bed to herself while her male counter parts were camping out on the floor on well padded mats and pillows. "Grandpa will be coming in later," Leste assured him as she left a space on the bed for her grandfather to sleep in, just in case. "Thank you for the story, Uncle Mattie! Goodnight!"
"Goodnight, kids," Matthew turned off the light and made sure the small nightlight in the corner was on before closing the door. He turned around and saw his younger brother standing dumbly in the hall, over a puddle of melted ice cream. "Dan!"
"It's not fair," Daniel muttered incoherently. "I can't catch up...I try so hard and yet...."
"Are they asleep?" Antonio beamed as he reached the top of the stairs.
Matthew quickly nodded and offered him a bright smile. "About to. I think Leste is waiting for you." The older nation dressed in sleepwear, complete with a night cap on, nodded brightly. He let out a yawn and gave them both nods.
"Goodnight, you two," he acknowledged. Matthew had always been his favorite of England's spawn. It wasn't difficult to see why. The door closed behind him and Canada looked back at Australia.
"Bro?"
"I...I think I should get some rest," Daniel said as he slumped away.
"Okay. I'm going, too. It's been a long day," Matthew said. He gave his brother a pat on the shoulder and began heading down the hall. "Have a good night, Dan." Half to his room, Daniel paused.
His brows furrowed as the realization struck him. He turned around. Where was Matthew going? The other room at the end of the hall was -
"There you are," Alfred's annoyed voice greeted as the door opened.
"Close the door, you're letting the cold air out!" Alejandro's voice chided from within.
"I had to put the kids to sleep," Matthew defended weakly as he stepped into Maria's bedroom. Daniel's mouth dropped. "Sorry." The door closed.
This. Was. Not. Happening.
"Daniel?" a confused voice asked behind him. He turned around, feeling numb. A set of dark brown eyes looked at him curiously. He almost didn't believe his eyes. "Are you alright?"
His green orbs widened. "Maria!?"
"Shh...the kids are sleeping," she warned as she looked over his shoulder. "Yes...what are you doing standing here? And...did you get melted ice cream on my floor?" she frowned.
Australia wasn't paying attention to his abandoned ice cream. "Wait...what are you doing here?"
She narrowed her eyes and looked at him strangely. "This is my house."
"No, I mean...here!" Daniel struggled to say. He winced, feeling stupid. "I thought you were in there!" he said, pointing to her bedroom.
"Hmm? Oh, we were running low on beds," Maria smiled weakly. "And my room has the biggest and the most room, so the guys are sharing."
Relief seemed to flood him. "Oh, thank God!"
"Anyway," Maria smiled sweetly as she lifted a hand and began wiping his ice cream stained one with a handkerchief. "I hope you don't mind sharing, either."
His face reddened. What did she just say? His heart skipped a beat. Was this it? He was tingling all over. Was this what he was waiting for? He almost couldn't breathe. Were all those years pining away and the last few days worth it? Yes.
"I don't mind at all, yea!" he choked, almost too eager.
"Good," she smiled her warm smile and Australia melted. This would be the most memorable night of his life.
An Hour Later...
"The poor girl got kicked out of her room!" Arthur exclaimed as he laid beside his brown-haired son on the pull out sofa-bed. "Can you believe it? You'd think those three who've known her so long would at least offer to take the couch, like true gentlemen would!"
"Ye...yea....," Daniel whimpered pathetically as he clenched the top of his blanket to his chest and stared at the painting ceiling above them.
"Oh well," Arthur smiled proudly. "At least you and I were considerate enough to give up the remaining guest room to Maria and sleep in the living room."
Daniel tried to hold back the cry of disappointment. Truly, this would be the most memorable night of his life thus far...but he honestly wished it weren't.
.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.____.oOo.
A.N. - Hi! Before you get your hopes up: I haven't returned. I'm just getting out some pre-convention jitters through writing before I get a pre-convention ulcer. I always get kind of nervous before cons, even though I've done this whole Artist Alley thing before.
Also, you can probably tell I watched PotC last weekend. I liked it. :D Hehehe...I have one more day before the con...so I'm still kind of nervous. It is also why my story above makes absolutely no sense and is all over the place from Papa Spain and England to an unrelated Australia cockblocking. Still...I may write another...QUICK - first person to comment gets a freebie one-shot request - any pairing! No promises, but the next time I get bored, I'll at least have something to work with.
Anyway, have fun. To my fellow United States-ians, enjoy this upcoming 3 day weekend (for most of us anyway). :D