[fanfic] Wanderlust - 4
Title: Wanderlust
Part: Quatre
Characters: Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, assorted ‘Family’, ‘Friends’, and European Nations
Rating: Teen
Warning: Humor, Family, (slight) Romance, OC warning, questionable/suggestive language, unbetaed mind dribble
Summary:
When the Philippines and Vietnam discover Taiwan’s envy at their ‘worldliness’, the two older sisters take her on a trip through some of the most prominent cities in the Western World for the first time. This is a story of three sisters, several cities, the nations they meet, and a good dose of wanderlust.
Preview:
Francis chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t know when I’ll return. We just got here,” he replied to Alfred on the phone.
The younger blond let out a heavy sigh. “I see…alright, thanks…wait,” his head snapped up. “Did you say ‘we’?”
“Oui,” Francis smirked. “Did you not know? Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan are here.”
“What!? And you’re with them!?” Alfred choked out. “Wait, how long are you going to be there!?”
“What? I’m sorry, Alfred, I am afraid I cannot hear you! I am getting the static!”
“What? Francis!”
“I can only hear bits and pieces…!”
“Francis!”
“Alright, good-bye, Alfred!” The blond smirked as he pulled his phone away and turned it off.
.
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Wanderlust
Quatre
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own anything other than the plot and OCs. Even then, they’re not that creative.
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When Alfred was a child, he remembered Matthew talking about Francis’ home; a sprawling estate just outside the urban boundaries of Paris. However, in more recent years, the flashy blond had moved into the city and gotten himself a nice luxury flat. It was close to the big sights and a Metro stop was near. That made it the ideal place to stay when they were in Paris…whether or not France liked it.
Daniel looked at the neatly kept potted plants by the heavy wooden door as he shrugged off his backpack and let it land with a thump on the steps. Beside him, Alfred let out a heavy sigh and checked the watch on his wrist.
“I don’t think he’s here.”
“Why do you say that?” the brunette asked.
“It’s midday and if he knows that the girls are here, he’s most likely cornered them and is taking them around the city,” Alfred deduced as he narrowed his eyes. “That would be just like France.”
Daniel ran a hand through his hair and glanced at his brother. “Then what do we do? We can’t wait here until he comes back. We don’t even know when he’ll return.”
“Hmm…I’ll try calling him,” Alfred said as he reached into his pocket to pull out his phone. He searched through his phone until he found Francis’ number and brought it to his ear.
Australia took a seat on the steps and looked out towards the street. He let out a heavy sigh and placed his hand over his stomach. He was getting hungry. The small snack they had at the train station wouldn’t keep him satisfied the rest of the day.
“I’m getting hungry, Freddie,” the green-eyed Aussie sighed.
“I know, man, so am I,” Alfred agreed. He frowned and lowered his phone. “He’s not picking up.”
Daniel let out a groan. “I reckon we’re stuck outside.”
“Yeah…let’s get something to eat,” Alfred said. “I’ll send him an email. You know how addicted he is to email.”
“Is he?”
“He checks it way too often,” Alfred assured Daniel as his brother put his backpack back on. “Let’s get some lunch and look around. I’m sure he’ll be back later…then we can ask if he knows where Maria and the others are.”
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“What do you mean you’re lost!?” Maria exclaimed into her phone.
A pitiful cry came from the speaker as Vietnam rubbed her forehead and Francis scratched the back of his head. “I could have sworn she was right behind us when I showing you the fountain,” he told Anh Linh.
“It doesn’t matter,” the dark-haired nation replied, annoyed. “When Mei gets distracted, she wanders off.”
“Well, can you tell me what’s around you so we can try to find you?” Maria asked. They were standing on the top level of the Versailles gardens, just outside the massive palace. They were spending the day wandering the carefully manicured estate and were taking a brief break for lunch before returning to Francis’ self-guided tour, when they asked what Mei wanted to eat, only to discover that she was no longer with the small group.
A second later, Maria’s phone rang and Mei’s tear-filled voice poured out, exclaiming that she was lost. Anh Linh looked out towards the sprawling gardens and silently cursed her younger sister. It took days to fully see the garden and it would take hours, at the least, to find Mei behind all the maze of shrubs and trees.
“I can’t believe this…,” Vietnam grumbled.
Maria rolled her eyes. “Besides some bushes and a fountain, Mei! Those are everywhere!” she exclaimed. Another wail reached their ears. “Alright! Alright! What does the fountain look like?” There was a pause and Maria closed her eyes and let out a heavy breath. “It looks like some guy….”
“I will try to find some of the staff,” Francis said as he turned and began heading back to the palace. “And see if they can help find Mei.”
“Thanks, Francis,” Maria nodded. “Mei, stay where you are. Francis is going to get help and we’ll come look for you...your battery is dying? Mei? Mei, don’t cry-” Anh Linh watched as Maria pulled the phone back from her ear and frowned.
“What’s wrong?” the elder sister asked. Maria frowned.
“Mei’s battery died,” the Philippines replied. She looked back at the gardens and squinted. “I knew I should’ve held her hand the entire time.”
Anh Linh chuckled. “Well, we can always wait until night time and listen for her terrified cries.”
“Ate…,” Maria frowned.
“I’m kidding.”
“Ugh…well, I’m going to start looking. She couldn’t have gone far,” the tan-skinned nation said as she began to descend the stairs.
“Keep your phone on,” Anh Linh called. “If you find her and can’t find your way back, call me!”
“I will!” Maria shouted. Anh Linh looked at her own watch and sighed. She began to descend the stairs back into the to garden, heading in a different direction.
“Anh Linh!” a voice shouted behind her. “I have the staff in the gardens keeping an eye out for Mei!”
“Great! Maria just went to search that way,” Anh Linh said as she vaguely waved a hand in one direction. “I’m going to search the other!”
“Do you want me to come with-”
“No! You stay there and wait for them in case they return!” Vietnam barked. Francis winced.
“But what if you get lost again-”
“I am not going to get lost! Just stay there!” Francis sighed and ran his hand through his hair as he watched Anh Linh head in the opposite direction as her sister. He reached into his pocket and cocked his head quizzically as he saw an email in his inbox. Before he could check it, he received a phone call and brought the device to his hear. “This is Francis,” he greeted coolly. “Ah! You found her! Excellent! I will be right there!” He hung up and darted out into the garden.
Further in the garden, Vietnam let out a heavy breath as she walked along a path. There were several other tourists wandering the gardens, but she didn’t seem to pay them any mind. She looked around at the carefully tended shrubs and fountains, remembering a time when she and other colonies wandered through.
She chuckled to herself. Once, she had gotten so lost that she had fallen asleep next to one of the fountains, hoping that someone would find her. Someone did, and that someone carried her back to the palace in silence. No chiding voice for having wandered off or mocking laugh for having gotten lost…just a calm, gentle voice telling her to continue sleeping and that he would bring her to her room.
“This is the one,” Vietnam smiled as she walked down a path, between rows of trees. It was a modest fountain at first glance, that was a bit out of the way, but she had stumbled in and was tired. She had stood beside the fountain for a few moments, before finally sliding to the ground, and had fallen asleep.
Anh Linh tried to find the exact spot where she had succumbed to sleep all those years ago and looked down at the water pouring from the railing. Smiling, she dipped her finger tips into the cool water and smiled. How times had changed.
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“I’m sorry, Jie-jie,” Mei sobbed as she buried her face in Maria’s cleavage and clung to her. “I didn’t mean to get lost! I just saw something and thought I’d take a quick look, but when I turned around, you were gone!”
“It’s fine,” the Philippines sighed tiredly as she stroked the back of her sister’s hair. She looked at her phone and frowned. “I just wish I knew where Ate went.”
“Maybe she got lost, too?” Taiwan sniffled, still not releasing her sister.
“Francis,” Maria began worriedly as she looked at the tall blond man that stood beside them. He got off the phone and shook his head.
“None of the staff has seen her,” he reported. He looked at his watch. “I saw her walk in that direction, but I would have thought she would have returned by now.”
“It’s difficult to get reception in some of the areas. I can’t seem to get a hold of her,” Maria frowned.
“I will go find her,” Francis said. “Why don’t you two wait here? I will go and find her. I am sure she is not far.”
“Thanks, Francis,” Maria said as she pried Mei from her and took her arm. “We won’t move.”
The two brunettes took seats near-by and Francis looked out towards the garden. He narrowed his eyes, trying to see if he could catch a glimpse of a familiar Asian woman in green. Shaking his head, he let out a heavy sigh and returned to the gardens.
He passed by the numerous people wandering, awing at the symmetry. He walked down the Royal Greenway, headed for a particular fountain where he had once found a young woman sleeping beside. There were numerous other fountains in the gardens, of course, but he found himself heading for the direction of the Dome.
It was kind of plain in comparison to the larger ones with shining statues spouting out liters of water, but it allowed for less distractions. The hypnotic rush of the water and the spout that shot into the air was different.
He made his way through a grove of trees and released a heavy breath upon the sight. Anh Linh was leaning against the stone railing that surrounded the main spout. The water shot out of the top of the fountain and into the air, allowing for a cool spray during the heat of the midday sun. Lazily, she was running her hand over the water that came from the ring around the fountain, seemingly distracted.
Her dark pony tail whipped around her and Francis caught his breath as an old memory resurfaced.
He remembered running out into the garden, frantic and in search for a stray colony that had not returned with the others. His heart had slammed into his chest. What if she was injured? What if she had strayed outside? He worked his way towards the Grand Canal, but before he reached it, he found her.
Asleep by a fountain, her black hair falling over her as she leaned back against the stone railing. Her usual ao dai had been replaced by a more European dress and she looked out of place in it. Regardless, Francis remembered letting out a heavy sigh of relief as he found her. She was safe…just lost.
Quietly, he had made his way forward, trying to keep his footsteps on the gravel as quiet as possible so as not to wake her. He lifted the petite figure in his arms and began to carry her out. This time it seemed, he wouldn’t need to do so…but the relief he felt finding her was still there.
“Anh Linh,” he called out as he stood on one of the steps leading to the sunken garden. She snapped her head back and, it may have been a trick of the light, she smiled. Francis blinked for a moment. When he looked again, her expression was expectant.
“Did you find her?” she asked, getting to the point. Francis nodded, still assured that he had seen what he thought.
“Yes,” he smiled. “They are waiting for us by the palace for lunch.”
“Oh, good,” Anh Linh let out a breath of relief and made her way over, her feet crunching over the gravel. As she stepped beside Francis, he offered his arm.
“Shall I escort you there, Madam?” he asked.
Anh Linh narrowed her eyes at him. She looked at his arm suspiciously and then back at his smiling expression. Her shoulders slumped and she took a step closer. “Don’t tell Maria.”
He laughed as she put her arm through his. “By the way, you have not been to Mon St. Michel yet. Do you think you and your sisters would like to drive there tonight and then watch the sunrise on the beach?”
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“Where is he!?” Alfred lamented as he laid back across the steps to Francis’ house. Daniel was seated against the door, leaning back against it as he let out a heavy sigh. “He’s not answering his phone or responding to any emails!”
“What if he’s out of town?” Daniel asked, worried. They had come back to the house three times throughout the day, but Francis wasn’t there. After getting a late dinner, they had trekked back, only to find that the lights were still off in the windows. “We can’t stay out on his doorstep the entire night!”
“Okay,” Alfred conceded as he took at his phone. The battery light was red; he had enough for possibly one more call. “I’m going to call him one last time.”
Daniel nodded and Alfred brought the phone to his ear. He took a deep breath and crossed his fingers. One ring…two rings….
“Oh, no…,” Daniel groaned into his hands.
“This is Francis,” a voice responded.
Alfred’s face lit up as he shot up. “Francis!? Is that really you!?” he choked out, earning him an awestruck look from Daniel.
“Ah…oui, it is…Alfred?” Francis asked, confused.
“Oh, thank God!” Alfred wheezed with relief. “We’ve been trying to get a hold of you for ages! Where are you? Are you in Paris?”
“Actually, I am heading out of the city,” Francis replied. He paused for a moment. “If this is about your iPad charger, I have already looked. It is not at my house. Did you call Arthur to check?”
“Hmm? Oh, yeah…he has to, uh…get back to me. Anyway,” Alfred shook his head. “Do you at least know where the girls are?”
On the other end of the line, Francis furrowed his brows, confused. “The girls? What girls?”
“Never mind,” Alfred sighed, defeated. “We’re at your place and no one is here, so we have to start looking for a hostel before the police come and ask questions again.”
“Wait, you are at my place? At my house?” Francis asked. “What are you doing there? And are you talking about-”
“Sorry, Francis! My batteries dy-” Alfred’s voice was cut off abruptly and Francis frowned.
He scratched his chin, wondering why they had returned to Paris after just a few days.
“Francis, we want to stop by the hotel and clean up a bit before we drive down,” a voice said behind him. He turned around, from where he was leaning against the side of his car. The three sisters were coming out of a restaurant and walking towards him. “Is that alright?”
“Of course, of course,” Francis nodded. “We have plenty of time until the sunrise!” he beamed. “Come,” he said as he opened the back door for the girls. “And Mei, do not forget your spare battery for your camera. We have a nice road trip ahead of us!”
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It was a small, modest apartment in Kiev, but Matthew didn’t mind. He didn’t mind anything as long as he was in the presence of the sweet, blonde, and endowed Ukraine. She gave him an apologetic smile as they squeezed into the elevator with his backpack and a few bags of groceries they had stopped for. Her chest pressed against his.
“I’m sorry it is so tight in here,” she apologized, embarrassed.
“No, no!” Matthew assured her. “It’s fine! It’s no problem!” There was never a problem with her pressed against him. Never.
A small ding was heard and the doors to the elevator slid open. The two managed to make it out and Matthew followed Katya towards her apartment. She unlocked her door and pushed it open, one hand searching the wall for the light switch before the flat was illuminated. “I am sorry about the mess! I tried to clean ahead of time, but you know….”
Canada only smiled and nodded as he followed her inside. It was clean and neat with small little knickknacks on the shelves. There were small framed pictures of her brother and sister and the three of them together. He even spotted one with him it and at felt his heart soar.
“I like it!” Matthew beamed. “It’s very cozy! I wouldn’t mind calling this home.” He looked back at her and blushed as she did.
“Ah…thank you,” she said shyly as she placed her groceries on the kitchen table. “I hope you do not mind using my brother’s room. Natalya does not like it when I let others use her room.”
“Any room is fine!” Matthew assured her. “I'm just happy you’re letting me stay.”
“You are always welcomed here,” she assured him as she led him down the hall. She pointed out a door in passing. “That is the toilet,” she instructed. “And this,” she said as she stood beside another door. “His my brother’s room. Please make yourself at home while I put away the groceries.”
Smiling, Matthew let her step pass him and opened the door. A few seconds later, there was a slam and Matthew came rushing out, his smile faltering as Ukraine looked up from the table. Canada looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “You know,” he choked. “I think I’ll take the couch!”
“The couch?” his hostess looked distraught at the thought. “But it might be too small-”
“Non-sense! I like couches!” Matthew gave her a hopeful smile. “Besides, I’d hate to move…uh…,” he swallowed a lump in his throat. “Russia’s stuff.”
“Are you sure?” Katya asked. He nodded. “If you insisted. Then please have a seat and relax. I will get the meal started!”
Matthew nodded and put his backpack by an end table before wandering to the couch and taking a seat in its soft folds. He let out a content sigh as he sank into the comfortable piece of furniture and leaned back.
He went to check his phone when he noticed a missed call. He checked the time; it was already late where he was, but he figured the call came late, too. He called back and leaned against the couch, waiting for someone to pick up.
He was only a bit surprised when a French voice greeted him.
“Hello! Did you call?” Matthew greeted.
“Mon fils? Where are you and your brothers?” a familiar voice asked him.
“Al and Dan?” Matthew asked. He shrugged. “I don’t know where the other two are.”
“Quoi? What are you talking about? I just received a call from Alfred a few hours ago, but his phone was dying,” Francis seemed to frown. “I thought you were with him.
Canada let out a snort. “With them? They abandoned the plan the moment they found that the Philippines and Vietnam were in Europe!”
“So you parted ways?” a confused Francis asked. Without waiting for an answer, he continued. “Then, where are you?”
Matthew felt his cheeks heating up. “Umm…I’m…uh….”
“Matvey,” Katya called from the kitchen. “Do you want something to drink?”
“No, I’m fine, thanks!” Matthew called over his shoulder.
“Oh…who was that?” Francis’ amused voice cooed.
“Ukraine…,” Matthew replied, flushed. “I’m in Kiev…at Katya’s flat,” he admitted.
There was a pause on the phone. “I’m proud of you,” France stated.
“Francis!” Matthew sighed. “Anyway, what did Alfred call about?”
“It seems he was at my house. I was going to tell you to go back and check under one of the potted plants. There is a spare key I have there in case of emergencies,” Francis said. He mused for a moment. “But knowing that I know that your brothers abandoned you…I cannot believe they would do that so easily! Especially since you three have been planning this!”
“I know!” Matthew agreed. “I mean, they didn’t even ask me. They just decided to go and dragged me back to Munich to take a train back there! If I didn’t decide to come to Kiev, they would’ve just dragged me around the whole time!”
“My poor boy…,” Francis sighed. “It is alright. Enjoy your time with Ukraine. I will take care of them. Remember to be safe.”
“I will, Francis.”
“In bed.”
“Francis….”
The Frenchman chuckled and told him good-bye before hanging up. He looked up at his rear view mirror, at the young women who were all leaning against Maria, who sat in the middle of the back seat. The three of them were asleep, with Mei clinging to Maria while Anh Linh used Maria’s shoulder as a pillow on the other side.
“Abandoning your brother…,” he shook his head as he moved his eyes back on the road. “Oh, Alfred….”
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“What do you mean you’re like five hours away!?” Alfred exclaimed, earning him several glares from half-asleep hostel residents. Daniel cringed and looked at his brother, worried.
“I think you should keep it down, mate,” Australia whispered from his bed beside America’s. “You’ll wake the rest of the dorm.”
“Fine,” Alfred grumbled. He was already on his feet, pulling up a pair of worn jeans and not bothering to buckle his belt or put something other than his white undershirt one as he headed outside. Once he was outside of the room, he continued talking. “Do you know when you’re going to be back, at least?” he asked as he ran one hand through his disheveled dirty blond hair.
He didn’t see the interested look of a few female backpackers as he passed them in the lobby on his way out.
Francis balanced the phone against his head as he carefully arranged a small platter of food they had brought along. He had laid out an old blanket on the damp, cold beach by the parking lot. The sun was barely rising and they were opting to have a quick breakfast on the beach. Maria had been concerned that they would get in trouble, only to have France assure her that it was fine.
A few squeals were heard towards the water. He looked up and saw Mei running barefoot from the water as she held her shoes in one hand. A few paces away, Maria was yelling
“Mei!” the middle sister shouted, looking annoyed. “Put your shoes back on and get back here! We’re going to eat!”
Francis chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t know when I’ll return. We just got here,” he replied to Alfred on the phone.
The younger blond let out a heavy sigh. “I see…alright, thanks…wait,” his head snapped up. “Did you say ‘we’?”
“Oui,” Francis smirked. “Did you not know? Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan are here.”
“What!? And you’re with them!?” Alfred choked out. “Wait, how long are you going to be there!?”
“What? I’m sorry, Alfred, I am afraid I cannot hear you! I am getting the static!”
“What? Francis!”
“I can only hear bits and pieces…!”
“Francis!”
“Alright, good-bye, Alfred!” The blond smirked as he pulled his phone away and turned it off.
“Francis! Francis!” Alfred shouted into his phone. He pulled it away from him and saw that the conversation was over. Letting out a low growl, he whirled around and stormed back into the hostel.
“Excuse me, pardon me,” Daniel apologized as he squeezed past a few female backpackers and made his way to his brother. “What did he say?”
“He has the girls,” Alfred frowned. “They’re at Mon St. Michel.” Daniel’s eyes widened. “Put on your pants, Danny,” Alfred said as he gave his brother a determined look. “We’re back on the road!”
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“And remember, you have to find the line at the side of the entrance to get in early, before the rest of the crowds,” Francis repeated as he handed Maria their museum passes for the next day.
“Yes, Francis, I know…you’ve told us several times already,” she sighed.
“You’re not going with us to the Louvre tomorrow, France?” Taiwan yawned. It had been a long day. They had driven back, taking their time. When they returned, they had dinner in the city and then Francis arranged for a slow, relaxed boat down the Seine River. Mei had all but exhausted her camera on the last leg of their day.
“I am afraid not,” France told her regretfully. “There is something I need to attend to tomorrow, I am afraid...but I will still pick you up here and drop you off at the train station tomorrow evening.”
“The tower won’t be the same without you,” Mei yawned.
“Thanks for the ride, Francis. Here,” Vietnam said as she dug into her purse and handed him a wad of Euro. “For the gas. I know how expensive it is here.”
Francis shook his head and handed it back to her. “It was my pleasure. I am the lucky man who was accompanied by three beautiful women today,” he chuckled.
“Take it,” Maria insisted. “You paid for all our meals and we took up so much of your time, it’s the least we can do.”
“Save your money, my dears,” he smiled thoughtfully.
“Francis,” Maria frowned.
“Take the money,” Francis smiled as he lifted his phone. “Or I will tell Spain that one of his hijas is hiding from him while she is in Europe.”
Maria’s eyes widened with panic. She snatched the wad of cash from Anh Linh’s hand. “Gimme!”
“Good girl.”
Vietnam rolled her eyes. “So, what are you doing tomorrow?” she asked the blond.
Francis merely kept the smile on his face. “Oh…just some things phone calls and arrangements with some of the other Europrean nations.”
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“But I was hoping they’d stay longer!” a female voice argued on the phone. Francis continued driving down a road, talking to the hands-free speaker system on his car.
“I know, Belgium, but I would really appreciate it if you just encouraged them to move on to the Netherlands faster than planned,” Francis repeated.
Belgium let out a low growl. “Francis, Taiwan and the Philippines were looking forward to visiting one of my fine chocolate shops.”
“Ma Cherie, I will make it up to you, I promise!” Francis pleaded. Belgium let out a heavy breath.
“Fine…but to make up for it, I want you to call Elizabeta and offer to have our sleepover catered by your finest chiefs!”
Francis beamed. “Consider it done!” Belgium hung up and Francis snickered to himself. As he pulled into the parking lot, his phone rang and he quickly pressed a button to pick it up. “This is Francis!”
“Okay, I did it,” an out of breath male voice reported dutifully. “Everyone from Berward to Heracles knows what to do.”
“Excellent work, mon ami! I would not expect anything less from you, la Prusse,” Francis beamed.
“Listen, Francis,” Gilbert admitted as he sat in front of his computer, in his room. “I’m all for this joke, but don’t you think it would be a bit safer for the girls to travel with America and Australia rather than have everyone make sure they don’t cross paths?”
“After what those two did to my poor Mattheiu!?” Francis choked, as if shocked. Gilbert rolled his eyes.
“Never mind,” the white-haired former kingdom sighed. “Alright, I have to go.”
“Don’t forget to keep this from Antonio!” Francis reminded. “You know how he is when it comes to his kids.”
Gilbert snorted. “Yeah…alright. Later, Francis.” He hung up and Francis turned of his phone.
He found one of his blond sons sprawled across the hard packed sand of the beach, before the towering monastery in the distance. Beside Alfred was his thick browed, brunette sibling. Both were staring blankly at the sky, as if expecting vultures to land at any moment and start pecking at their unmoving bodies.
Francis let out a small, evil laugh. “That is what you get for leaving your poor brother behind,” he mumbled.
It was sunrise once more and while he was sure the girls were on their way to the Louvre, he was once again at Mon St. Michel, only this time to find America and Australia. Silently, he wondered how long the two had been laying there.
He got out of his car and made his way towards the beach, stepping over their small pile of backpacks. “It is a bit early to try to work on your tans, oui?”
Alfred didn’t bother moving his head to look at Francis. “They’re not here, are they?” he asked.
“They left already,” Francis said, giving a vague gesture of his hand. “You two are late.”
“We took the wrong train,” Daniel mumbled. “And had to go back.”
“Ah,” Francis nodded. “I was concerned,” he told them as he crouched down and squatted beside them, looking oddly out of place in his casual coat and slacks beside two sand encrusted backpackers. “So, I came to pick you up.”
“Where did they go, Francis? Did they leave?” Alfred asked pathetically.
Francis nodded. “I’m afraid so,” he held back his smile. “Come…I’ll take you two back to Paris and you can get some rest at my flat.” He patted Alfred on the shoulder. “And when you wake up tonight, I will treat you two to a nice, hearty meal after the last of my errands today.”
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“Come on!” Maria urged as she tugged at her sister’s arm. “This is our last stop and then we have to meet Francis at the hotel so he can take us to the train station!”
Vietnam remained rooted in her spot. “I don’t want to go.”
“Ate!” Maria frowned. “You’re going to disappoint Mei!” She whirled around and looked at their younger sister. “Mei! Show her!”
Mei nodded and instantly wiped the energetic smile on her face. It was quickly replaced by a look of heart break. Large brown eyes were glistening with unshed tears as pink lips pouted.
“Why…why don’t you want to go up with us, Jie-jie?” she stuttered tearfully. Anh Linh crinkled her eyes. Every fiber of her body told her it was simply a ploy meant to guilt her into going up the tower with them. “I wanted to come here with both of you….” It was a ploy, but it was working.
Anh Linh turned her head away, refusing to be drawn into her sister’s sad face. “Fine! I’ll go!” she grumbled.
“Yay!” The Philippines and Taiwan gave each other a high-five before looping one arm around each of Vietnam’s and heading towards the elevator that took them to the observation level on the Eiffel Tower.
“I can’t wait to get a picture. I’m going to email it to Andy and Yao-ge-ge and Yong Soo!” Taiwan smiled, almost sadistically at the thought of making Korea jealous.
Anh Linh merely sighed. They stepped into the elevator. Anh Linh looked away, not feeling comfortable watching them ascend. She could hear Mei being impressed beside her and comments about wishing she had taken her camera out, but the ride to the level was quick.
The doors open and the occupants of the elevator stepped out. Mei zoomed out, going towards the edge immediately to start taking pictures of the city. Anh Linh took her time and followed. She lingered by the side. It was an excellent view, but she wasn’t fond of heights where she could plummet to her death.
“Ugh…,” she wrinkled her nose at the sight of the ground beneath them and looked elsewhere.
“Ate, it’s not that bad,” Maria chuckled as she stood beside her sister and looked out at the city. “The view is great!”
“As long as you don’t look down.”
“Ate….”
“I didn’t need to come up here.”
Maria chuckled and nudged Anh Linh in the ribs with her elbows. “When will you have to a chance to ride his tower, you know?” she grinned.
Vietnam didn’t crack a smile. She didn’t glance at either sister as she replied coolly. “I already have.” Beside her, Maria’s eyes widened. “I told you,” Anh Linh repeated. “I was young and stupid, and to be clear, Sakda's tower satisfies me better.”
“Ew,” Mei spat out beside them. The two older sisters turned to where Taiwan seemed to have been forgotten standing right beside them. She brought her camera closer to her body and turned around. “I didn’t need to hear that.”
The youngest brunette marched away and the Philippines sighed. “Well…we’ll be out of France, soon.”
“It’s fine. I’ve already come to terms with France,” Anh Linh admitted. Maria began to smile. The tan-skinned island nation nodded her head and looked out towards the landscape.
“I’m happy for you,” she said softly. The two remained leaning against the railing, taking in the view for a few moments longer. “Ate,” Maria finally broke their silence.
“Hm?”
“Were you serious when you said that Thailand is better?”
.oOo._____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo.“This was a great trip,” the Filipina beamed as she tiptoed and kissed him on each cheek. “Thank you so much for all your help, Francis.”
“It was my pleasure,” he assured her as he returned the kisses and allowed her to step back. This was his last errand of the day. While America and Australia were sleeping in his flat, taking their much deserved rest after their fruitless quest for the three Asian women, he had picked them up at their hotel and was taking them to the train station.
“I will be sure to tag you on all the pictures when I get home!” Mei beamed as she hugged him. Francis chuckled and kissed the top of her head.
“I cannot wait to see all your fabulous photos, Taiwan,” he said. Maria waited for her youngest sister by the entrance to their train car.
“Come on, Mei. We need to find our seats!” she urged as she ushered the younger islands into the car.
Francis turned his attention to the last remaining sister. Anh Linh was standing a bit away and when she realized he had turned to her, she took a deep breath and walked forward.
“I can only repeat what Maria as already said,” the eldest told him as she stopped in front of him. “Thank you for your hospitality, France.” She extended her hand to shake his.
His blue eyes softened. “You know, Anh Linh, whether or not you believe me, I assure you that I have always cared for my colonies; if not as a nation, then as a man,” he told her softly. His hand wrapped around hers slowly, making her blush as his fingers slid between hers. “It was a pleasure seeing you again.”
Her eyes darted away from his face as she nodded and mumbled out a hasty ‘same here’. She began to pull her hand away and Francis smirked.
“Ma Cherie,” he said as his hand tightened around hers and pulled her closer. Alarm could be seen on her face, but that didn’t stop him. “That is not how we say good-bye.”
From the train, Mei gasped and covered her gaping mouth with a hand as she watched France dip her sister back and seal his lips over hers. His mouth seemed to consume Vietnam’s as wide, dark eyes stared at him in horror. Her face was reddening as his hold around her slim body tightened.
“Oh my God,” Maria groaned as she stood behind Mei and watched the dramstic open-mouthed kiss earn the attention of bystanders on the platform. She ran a hand down her face, exasperated.
On the platform, Francis tilted her back up and pulled away, a cavalier smile across his face. “There,” he beamed. “I hope that Thailand still lives up to you expectations now.”
A slap rang through the station and moment later, Anh Linh was storming into the cart, an infuriated glare on her face as she turned to the nearest attendant and demanded they get the train moving. The attendant shrank back as he scrambled to close the door behind the angry nation.
The train jerked to a start and Anh Linh reached her sisters.
“Bye, Francis!” Mei waved from the open window.
“Enjoy the rest of your trip!” he waved from the platform. “Au revoir!”
Anh Linh lifted up a small hand and gave a tiny wave back. “Au revoir,” she smiled slightly. “You perve.”
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Omake Postcard #4
To: Mexico
From: The Philippines
Estimada Nueva:
Todos donde miro, estan hombres muy…deliciosos. Mmm-hmm…mi tipo: Alto, moreno, y muy, muy guapo. Esta una fiesta para mis ojos! Estas celoso? :P Estamos en Francia ahora, pero en poco dias, vamos a ir al norte y despues a Alemania y Austria. Tenemos una sleepover con Hungria y otras mujeres de Book Club. X3
Hungria dice que vamos a tener strippers. :D (Jajaja…I’m kidding…o no?) Entonces, vamos a ir al sur y visitamos Feli y Lovi y muchos hombres Italianos. Que bueno…estoy lamiendo mis labios ahora…los hombres…y gelato…Mmm….El gelato en sus cuerpos…derrite bajo el sol…esperando para me a lamerlo….
Uh…where was I? Anyway, I hope you like the card of France’s Eiffel Tower! ;D
Besos,
Tu Querida Maria
PS - Te amo - por favor no dile a Papa que estoy aqui!!! POR FAVOR!!! D:
PPS - Dile a Ana que voy escribir una carta para ella, tambien, si recibe lo primero. Tu la conoces….=_=;;
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A.N. - Thank you very much for reading! As you can see, the girls are making their way north. Next up, along with Belguim, the girls head to the Netherlands, who finds interest in the adorable little Mei…much to Maria’s horror. Al and Dan continue their fail!stalking and France starts an all-European game of keep away (from Al and Dan).
Hope you guys are enjoying the fanfic! I’m going to try to mention actual places of interest, in case any of you ever get the urge to go there. If you’ve been and have recommendations, let me know! :D FYI - If you use Google translate for the Omake Postcard, some things will come out wrong. I think that goes without saying.
Thank you all again for reading!
Part: Quatre
Characters: Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, assorted ‘Family’, ‘Friends’, and European Nations
Rating: Teen
Warning: Humor, Family, (slight) Romance, OC warning, questionable/suggestive language, unbetaed mind dribble
Summary:
When the Philippines and Vietnam discover Taiwan’s envy at their ‘worldliness’, the two older sisters take her on a trip through some of the most prominent cities in the Western World for the first time. This is a story of three sisters, several cities, the nations they meet, and a good dose of wanderlust.
Preview:
Francis chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t know when I’ll return. We just got here,” he replied to Alfred on the phone.
The younger blond let out a heavy sigh. “I see…alright, thanks…wait,” his head snapped up. “Did you say ‘we’?”
“Oui,” Francis smirked. “Did you not know? Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan are here.”
“What!? And you’re with them!?” Alfred choked out. “Wait, how long are you going to be there!?”
“What? I’m sorry, Alfred, I am afraid I cannot hear you! I am getting the static!”
“What? Francis!”
“I can only hear bits and pieces…!”
“Francis!”
“Alright, good-bye, Alfred!” The blond smirked as he pulled his phone away and turned it off.
.
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Wanderlust
Quatre
By DamageCtrl
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own anything other than the plot and OCs. Even then, they’re not that creative.
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When Alfred was a child, he remembered Matthew talking about Francis’ home; a sprawling estate just outside the urban boundaries of Paris. However, in more recent years, the flashy blond had moved into the city and gotten himself a nice luxury flat. It was close to the big sights and a Metro stop was near. That made it the ideal place to stay when they were in Paris…whether or not France liked it.
Daniel looked at the neatly kept potted plants by the heavy wooden door as he shrugged off his backpack and let it land with a thump on the steps. Beside him, Alfred let out a heavy sigh and checked the watch on his wrist.
“I don’t think he’s here.”
“Why do you say that?” the brunette asked.
“It’s midday and if he knows that the girls are here, he’s most likely cornered them and is taking them around the city,” Alfred deduced as he narrowed his eyes. “That would be just like France.”
Daniel ran a hand through his hair and glanced at his brother. “Then what do we do? We can’t wait here until he comes back. We don’t even know when he’ll return.”
“Hmm…I’ll try calling him,” Alfred said as he reached into his pocket to pull out his phone. He searched through his phone until he found Francis’ number and brought it to his ear.
Australia took a seat on the steps and looked out towards the street. He let out a heavy sigh and placed his hand over his stomach. He was getting hungry. The small snack they had at the train station wouldn’t keep him satisfied the rest of the day.
“I’m getting hungry, Freddie,” the green-eyed Aussie sighed.
“I know, man, so am I,” Alfred agreed. He frowned and lowered his phone. “He’s not picking up.”
Daniel let out a groan. “I reckon we’re stuck outside.”
“Yeah…let’s get something to eat,” Alfred said. “I’ll send him an email. You know how addicted he is to email.”
“Is he?”
“He checks it way too often,” Alfred assured Daniel as his brother put his backpack back on. “Let’s get some lunch and look around. I’m sure he’ll be back later…then we can ask if he knows where Maria and the others are.”
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“What do you mean you’re lost!?” Maria exclaimed into her phone.
A pitiful cry came from the speaker as Vietnam rubbed her forehead and Francis scratched the back of his head. “I could have sworn she was right behind us when I showing you the fountain,” he told Anh Linh.
“It doesn’t matter,” the dark-haired nation replied, annoyed. “When Mei gets distracted, she wanders off.”
“Well, can you tell me what’s around you so we can try to find you?” Maria asked. They were standing on the top level of the Versailles gardens, just outside the massive palace. They were spending the day wandering the carefully manicured estate and were taking a brief break for lunch before returning to Francis’ self-guided tour, when they asked what Mei wanted to eat, only to discover that she was no longer with the small group.
A second later, Maria’s phone rang and Mei’s tear-filled voice poured out, exclaiming that she was lost. Anh Linh looked out towards the sprawling gardens and silently cursed her younger sister. It took days to fully see the garden and it would take hours, at the least, to find Mei behind all the maze of shrubs and trees.
“I can’t believe this…,” Vietnam grumbled.
Maria rolled her eyes. “Besides some bushes and a fountain, Mei! Those are everywhere!” she exclaimed. Another wail reached their ears. “Alright! Alright! What does the fountain look like?” There was a pause and Maria closed her eyes and let out a heavy breath. “It looks like some guy….”
“I will try to find some of the staff,” Francis said as he turned and began heading back to the palace. “And see if they can help find Mei.”
“Thanks, Francis,” Maria nodded. “Mei, stay where you are. Francis is going to get help and we’ll come look for you...your battery is dying? Mei? Mei, don’t cry-” Anh Linh watched as Maria pulled the phone back from her ear and frowned.
“What’s wrong?” the elder sister asked. Maria frowned.
“Mei’s battery died,” the Philippines replied. She looked back at the gardens and squinted. “I knew I should’ve held her hand the entire time.”
Anh Linh chuckled. “Well, we can always wait until night time and listen for her terrified cries.”
“Ate…,” Maria frowned.
“I’m kidding.”
“Ugh…well, I’m going to start looking. She couldn’t have gone far,” the tan-skinned nation said as she began to descend the stairs.
“Keep your phone on,” Anh Linh called. “If you find her and can’t find your way back, call me!”
“I will!” Maria shouted. Anh Linh looked at her own watch and sighed. She began to descend the stairs back into the to garden, heading in a different direction.
“Anh Linh!” a voice shouted behind her. “I have the staff in the gardens keeping an eye out for Mei!”
“Great! Maria just went to search that way,” Anh Linh said as she vaguely waved a hand in one direction. “I’m going to search the other!”
“Do you want me to come with-”
“No! You stay there and wait for them in case they return!” Vietnam barked. Francis winced.
“But what if you get lost again-”
“I am not going to get lost! Just stay there!” Francis sighed and ran his hand through his hair as he watched Anh Linh head in the opposite direction as her sister. He reached into his pocket and cocked his head quizzically as he saw an email in his inbox. Before he could check it, he received a phone call and brought the device to his hear. “This is Francis,” he greeted coolly. “Ah! You found her! Excellent! I will be right there!” He hung up and darted out into the garden.
Further in the garden, Vietnam let out a heavy breath as she walked along a path. There were several other tourists wandering the gardens, but she didn’t seem to pay them any mind. She looked around at the carefully tended shrubs and fountains, remembering a time when she and other colonies wandered through.
She chuckled to herself. Once, she had gotten so lost that she had fallen asleep next to one of the fountains, hoping that someone would find her. Someone did, and that someone carried her back to the palace in silence. No chiding voice for having wandered off or mocking laugh for having gotten lost…just a calm, gentle voice telling her to continue sleeping and that he would bring her to her room.
“This is the one,” Vietnam smiled as she walked down a path, between rows of trees. It was a modest fountain at first glance, that was a bit out of the way, but she had stumbled in and was tired. She had stood beside the fountain for a few moments, before finally sliding to the ground, and had fallen asleep.
Anh Linh tried to find the exact spot where she had succumbed to sleep all those years ago and looked down at the water pouring from the railing. Smiling, she dipped her finger tips into the cool water and smiled. How times had changed.
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“I’m sorry, Jie-jie,” Mei sobbed as she buried her face in Maria’s cleavage and clung to her. “I didn’t mean to get lost! I just saw something and thought I’d take a quick look, but when I turned around, you were gone!”
“It’s fine,” the Philippines sighed tiredly as she stroked the back of her sister’s hair. She looked at her phone and frowned. “I just wish I knew where Ate went.”
“Maybe she got lost, too?” Taiwan sniffled, still not releasing her sister.
“Francis,” Maria began worriedly as she looked at the tall blond man that stood beside them. He got off the phone and shook his head.
“None of the staff has seen her,” he reported. He looked at his watch. “I saw her walk in that direction, but I would have thought she would have returned by now.”
“It’s difficult to get reception in some of the areas. I can’t seem to get a hold of her,” Maria frowned.
“I will go find her,” Francis said. “Why don’t you two wait here? I will go and find her. I am sure she is not far.”
“Thanks, Francis,” Maria said as she pried Mei from her and took her arm. “We won’t move.”
The two brunettes took seats near-by and Francis looked out towards the garden. He narrowed his eyes, trying to see if he could catch a glimpse of a familiar Asian woman in green. Shaking his head, he let out a heavy sigh and returned to the gardens.
He passed by the numerous people wandering, awing at the symmetry. He walked down the Royal Greenway, headed for a particular fountain where he had once found a young woman sleeping beside. There were numerous other fountains in the gardens, of course, but he found himself heading for the direction of the Dome.
It was kind of plain in comparison to the larger ones with shining statues spouting out liters of water, but it allowed for less distractions. The hypnotic rush of the water and the spout that shot into the air was different.
He made his way through a grove of trees and released a heavy breath upon the sight. Anh Linh was leaning against the stone railing that surrounded the main spout. The water shot out of the top of the fountain and into the air, allowing for a cool spray during the heat of the midday sun. Lazily, she was running her hand over the water that came from the ring around the fountain, seemingly distracted.
Her dark pony tail whipped around her and Francis caught his breath as an old memory resurfaced.
He remembered running out into the garden, frantic and in search for a stray colony that had not returned with the others. His heart had slammed into his chest. What if she was injured? What if she had strayed outside? He worked his way towards the Grand Canal, but before he reached it, he found her.
Asleep by a fountain, her black hair falling over her as she leaned back against the stone railing. Her usual ao dai had been replaced by a more European dress and she looked out of place in it. Regardless, Francis remembered letting out a heavy sigh of relief as he found her. She was safe…just lost.
Quietly, he had made his way forward, trying to keep his footsteps on the gravel as quiet as possible so as not to wake her. He lifted the petite figure in his arms and began to carry her out. This time it seemed, he wouldn’t need to do so…but the relief he felt finding her was still there.
“Anh Linh,” he called out as he stood on one of the steps leading to the sunken garden. She snapped her head back and, it may have been a trick of the light, she smiled. Francis blinked for a moment. When he looked again, her expression was expectant.
“Did you find her?” she asked, getting to the point. Francis nodded, still assured that he had seen what he thought.
“Yes,” he smiled. “They are waiting for us by the palace for lunch.”
“Oh, good,” Anh Linh let out a breath of relief and made her way over, her feet crunching over the gravel. As she stepped beside Francis, he offered his arm.
“Shall I escort you there, Madam?” he asked.
Anh Linh narrowed her eyes at him. She looked at his arm suspiciously and then back at his smiling expression. Her shoulders slumped and she took a step closer. “Don’t tell Maria.”
He laughed as she put her arm through his. “By the way, you have not been to Mon St. Michel yet. Do you think you and your sisters would like to drive there tonight and then watch the sunrise on the beach?”
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“Where is he!?” Alfred lamented as he laid back across the steps to Francis’ house. Daniel was seated against the door, leaning back against it as he let out a heavy sigh. “He’s not answering his phone or responding to any emails!”
“What if he’s out of town?” Daniel asked, worried. They had come back to the house three times throughout the day, but Francis wasn’t there. After getting a late dinner, they had trekked back, only to find that the lights were still off in the windows. “We can’t stay out on his doorstep the entire night!”
“Okay,” Alfred conceded as he took at his phone. The battery light was red; he had enough for possibly one more call. “I’m going to call him one last time.”
Daniel nodded and Alfred brought the phone to his ear. He took a deep breath and crossed his fingers. One ring…two rings….
“Oh, no…,” Daniel groaned into his hands.
“This is Francis,” a voice responded.
Alfred’s face lit up as he shot up. “Francis!? Is that really you!?” he choked out, earning him an awestruck look from Daniel.
“Ah…oui, it is…Alfred?” Francis asked, confused.
“Oh, thank God!” Alfred wheezed with relief. “We’ve been trying to get a hold of you for ages! Where are you? Are you in Paris?”
“Actually, I am heading out of the city,” Francis replied. He paused for a moment. “If this is about your iPad charger, I have already looked. It is not at my house. Did you call Arthur to check?”
“Hmm? Oh, yeah…he has to, uh…get back to me. Anyway,” Alfred shook his head. “Do you at least know where the girls are?”
On the other end of the line, Francis furrowed his brows, confused. “The girls? What girls?”
“Never mind,” Alfred sighed, defeated. “We’re at your place and no one is here, so we have to start looking for a hostel before the police come and ask questions again.”
“Wait, you are at my place? At my house?” Francis asked. “What are you doing there? And are you talking about-”
“Sorry, Francis! My batteries dy-” Alfred’s voice was cut off abruptly and Francis frowned.
He scratched his chin, wondering why they had returned to Paris after just a few days.
“Francis, we want to stop by the hotel and clean up a bit before we drive down,” a voice said behind him. He turned around, from where he was leaning against the side of his car. The three sisters were coming out of a restaurant and walking towards him. “Is that alright?”
“Of course, of course,” Francis nodded. “We have plenty of time until the sunrise!” he beamed. “Come,” he said as he opened the back door for the girls. “And Mei, do not forget your spare battery for your camera. We have a nice road trip ahead of us!”
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It was a small, modest apartment in Kiev, but Matthew didn’t mind. He didn’t mind anything as long as he was in the presence of the sweet, blonde, and endowed Ukraine. She gave him an apologetic smile as they squeezed into the elevator with his backpack and a few bags of groceries they had stopped for. Her chest pressed against his.
“I’m sorry it is so tight in here,” she apologized, embarrassed.
“No, no!” Matthew assured her. “It’s fine! It’s no problem!” There was never a problem with her pressed against him. Never.
A small ding was heard and the doors to the elevator slid open. The two managed to make it out and Matthew followed Katya towards her apartment. She unlocked her door and pushed it open, one hand searching the wall for the light switch before the flat was illuminated. “I am sorry about the mess! I tried to clean ahead of time, but you know….”
Canada only smiled and nodded as he followed her inside. It was clean and neat with small little knickknacks on the shelves. There were small framed pictures of her brother and sister and the three of them together. He even spotted one with him it and at felt his heart soar.
“I like it!” Matthew beamed. “It’s very cozy! I wouldn’t mind calling this home.” He looked back at her and blushed as she did.
“Ah…thank you,” she said shyly as she placed her groceries on the kitchen table. “I hope you do not mind using my brother’s room. Natalya does not like it when I let others use her room.”
“Any room is fine!” Matthew assured her. “I'm just happy you’re letting me stay.”
“You are always welcomed here,” she assured him as she led him down the hall. She pointed out a door in passing. “That is the toilet,” she instructed. “And this,” she said as she stood beside another door. “His my brother’s room. Please make yourself at home while I put away the groceries.”
Smiling, Matthew let her step pass him and opened the door. A few seconds later, there was a slam and Matthew came rushing out, his smile faltering as Ukraine looked up from the table. Canada looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “You know,” he choked. “I think I’ll take the couch!”
“The couch?” his hostess looked distraught at the thought. “But it might be too small-”
“Non-sense! I like couches!” Matthew gave her a hopeful smile. “Besides, I’d hate to move…uh…,” he swallowed a lump in his throat. “Russia’s stuff.”
“Are you sure?” Katya asked. He nodded. “If you insisted. Then please have a seat and relax. I will get the meal started!”
Matthew nodded and put his backpack by an end table before wandering to the couch and taking a seat in its soft folds. He let out a content sigh as he sank into the comfortable piece of furniture and leaned back.
He went to check his phone when he noticed a missed call. He checked the time; it was already late where he was, but he figured the call came late, too. He called back and leaned against the couch, waiting for someone to pick up.
He was only a bit surprised when a French voice greeted him.
“Hello! Did you call?” Matthew greeted.
“Mon fils? Where are you and your brothers?” a familiar voice asked him.
“Al and Dan?” Matthew asked. He shrugged. “I don’t know where the other two are.”
“Quoi? What are you talking about? I just received a call from Alfred a few hours ago, but his phone was dying,” Francis seemed to frown. “I thought you were with him.
Canada let out a snort. “With them? They abandoned the plan the moment they found that the Philippines and Vietnam were in Europe!”
“So you parted ways?” a confused Francis asked. Without waiting for an answer, he continued. “Then, where are you?”
Matthew felt his cheeks heating up. “Umm…I’m…uh….”
“Matvey,” Katya called from the kitchen. “Do you want something to drink?”
“No, I’m fine, thanks!” Matthew called over his shoulder.
“Oh…who was that?” Francis’ amused voice cooed.
“Ukraine…,” Matthew replied, flushed. “I’m in Kiev…at Katya’s flat,” he admitted.
There was a pause on the phone. “I’m proud of you,” France stated.
“Francis!” Matthew sighed. “Anyway, what did Alfred call about?”
“It seems he was at my house. I was going to tell you to go back and check under one of the potted plants. There is a spare key I have there in case of emergencies,” Francis said. He mused for a moment. “But knowing that I know that your brothers abandoned you…I cannot believe they would do that so easily! Especially since you three have been planning this!”
“I know!” Matthew agreed. “I mean, they didn’t even ask me. They just decided to go and dragged me back to Munich to take a train back there! If I didn’t decide to come to Kiev, they would’ve just dragged me around the whole time!”
“My poor boy…,” Francis sighed. “It is alright. Enjoy your time with Ukraine. I will take care of them. Remember to be safe.”
“I will, Francis.”
“In bed.”
“Francis….”
The Frenchman chuckled and told him good-bye before hanging up. He looked up at his rear view mirror, at the young women who were all leaning against Maria, who sat in the middle of the back seat. The three of them were asleep, with Mei clinging to Maria while Anh Linh used Maria’s shoulder as a pillow on the other side.
“Abandoning your brother…,” he shook his head as he moved his eyes back on the road. “Oh, Alfred….”
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“What do you mean you’re like five hours away!?” Alfred exclaimed, earning him several glares from half-asleep hostel residents. Daniel cringed and looked at his brother, worried.
“I think you should keep it down, mate,” Australia whispered from his bed beside America’s. “You’ll wake the rest of the dorm.”
“Fine,” Alfred grumbled. He was already on his feet, pulling up a pair of worn jeans and not bothering to buckle his belt or put something other than his white undershirt one as he headed outside. Once he was outside of the room, he continued talking. “Do you know when you’re going to be back, at least?” he asked as he ran one hand through his disheveled dirty blond hair.
He didn’t see the interested look of a few female backpackers as he passed them in the lobby on his way out.
Francis balanced the phone against his head as he carefully arranged a small platter of food they had brought along. He had laid out an old blanket on the damp, cold beach by the parking lot. The sun was barely rising and they were opting to have a quick breakfast on the beach. Maria had been concerned that they would get in trouble, only to have France assure her that it was fine.
A few squeals were heard towards the water. He looked up and saw Mei running barefoot from the water as she held her shoes in one hand. A few paces away, Maria was yelling
“Mei!” the middle sister shouted, looking annoyed. “Put your shoes back on and get back here! We’re going to eat!”
Francis chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t know when I’ll return. We just got here,” he replied to Alfred on the phone.
The younger blond let out a heavy sigh. “I see…alright, thanks…wait,” his head snapped up. “Did you say ‘we’?”
“Oui,” Francis smirked. “Did you not know? Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan are here.”
“What!? And you’re with them!?” Alfred choked out. “Wait, how long are you going to be there!?”
“What? I’m sorry, Alfred, I am afraid I cannot hear you! I am getting the static!”
“What? Francis!”
“I can only hear bits and pieces…!”
“Francis!”
“Alright, good-bye, Alfred!” The blond smirked as he pulled his phone away and turned it off.
“Francis! Francis!” Alfred shouted into his phone. He pulled it away from him and saw that the conversation was over. Letting out a low growl, he whirled around and stormed back into the hostel.
“Excuse me, pardon me,” Daniel apologized as he squeezed past a few female backpackers and made his way to his brother. “What did he say?”
“He has the girls,” Alfred frowned. “They’re at Mon St. Michel.” Daniel’s eyes widened. “Put on your pants, Danny,” Alfred said as he gave his brother a determined look. “We’re back on the road!”
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“And remember, you have to find the line at the side of the entrance to get in early, before the rest of the crowds,” Francis repeated as he handed Maria their museum passes for the next day.
“Yes, Francis, I know…you’ve told us several times already,” she sighed.
“You’re not going with us to the Louvre tomorrow, France?” Taiwan yawned. It had been a long day. They had driven back, taking their time. When they returned, they had dinner in the city and then Francis arranged for a slow, relaxed boat down the Seine River. Mei had all but exhausted her camera on the last leg of their day.
“I am afraid not,” France told her regretfully. “There is something I need to attend to tomorrow, I am afraid...but I will still pick you up here and drop you off at the train station tomorrow evening.”
“The tower won’t be the same without you,” Mei yawned.
“Thanks for the ride, Francis. Here,” Vietnam said as she dug into her purse and handed him a wad of Euro. “For the gas. I know how expensive it is here.”
Francis shook his head and handed it back to her. “It was my pleasure. I am the lucky man who was accompanied by three beautiful women today,” he chuckled.
“Take it,” Maria insisted. “You paid for all our meals and we took up so much of your time, it’s the least we can do.”
“Save your money, my dears,” he smiled thoughtfully.
“Francis,” Maria frowned.
“Take the money,” Francis smiled as he lifted his phone. “Or I will tell Spain that one of his hijas is hiding from him while she is in Europe.”
Maria’s eyes widened with panic. She snatched the wad of cash from Anh Linh’s hand. “Gimme!”
“Good girl.”
Vietnam rolled her eyes. “So, what are you doing tomorrow?” she asked the blond.
Francis merely kept the smile on his face. “Oh…just some things phone calls and arrangements with some of the other Europrean nations.”
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“But I was hoping they’d stay longer!” a female voice argued on the phone. Francis continued driving down a road, talking to the hands-free speaker system on his car.
“I know, Belgium, but I would really appreciate it if you just encouraged them to move on to the Netherlands faster than planned,” Francis repeated.
Belgium let out a low growl. “Francis, Taiwan and the Philippines were looking forward to visiting one of my fine chocolate shops.”
“Ma Cherie, I will make it up to you, I promise!” Francis pleaded. Belgium let out a heavy breath.
“Fine…but to make up for it, I want you to call Elizabeta and offer to have our sleepover catered by your finest chiefs!”
Francis beamed. “Consider it done!” Belgium hung up and Francis snickered to himself. As he pulled into the parking lot, his phone rang and he quickly pressed a button to pick it up. “This is Francis!”
“Okay, I did it,” an out of breath male voice reported dutifully. “Everyone from Berward to Heracles knows what to do.”
“Excellent work, mon ami! I would not expect anything less from you, la Prusse,” Francis beamed.
“Listen, Francis,” Gilbert admitted as he sat in front of his computer, in his room. “I’m all for this joke, but don’t you think it would be a bit safer for the girls to travel with America and Australia rather than have everyone make sure they don’t cross paths?”
“After what those two did to my poor Mattheiu!?” Francis choked, as if shocked. Gilbert rolled his eyes.
“Never mind,” the white-haired former kingdom sighed. “Alright, I have to go.”
“Don’t forget to keep this from Antonio!” Francis reminded. “You know how he is when it comes to his kids.”
Gilbert snorted. “Yeah…alright. Later, Francis.” He hung up and Francis turned of his phone.
He found one of his blond sons sprawled across the hard packed sand of the beach, before the towering monastery in the distance. Beside Alfred was his thick browed, brunette sibling. Both were staring blankly at the sky, as if expecting vultures to land at any moment and start pecking at their unmoving bodies.
Francis let out a small, evil laugh. “That is what you get for leaving your poor brother behind,” he mumbled.
It was sunrise once more and while he was sure the girls were on their way to the Louvre, he was once again at Mon St. Michel, only this time to find America and Australia. Silently, he wondered how long the two had been laying there.
He got out of his car and made his way towards the beach, stepping over their small pile of backpacks. “It is a bit early to try to work on your tans, oui?”
Alfred didn’t bother moving his head to look at Francis. “They’re not here, are they?” he asked.
“They left already,” Francis said, giving a vague gesture of his hand. “You two are late.”
“We took the wrong train,” Daniel mumbled. “And had to go back.”
“Ah,” Francis nodded. “I was concerned,” he told them as he crouched down and squatted beside them, looking oddly out of place in his casual coat and slacks beside two sand encrusted backpackers. “So, I came to pick you up.”
“Where did they go, Francis? Did they leave?” Alfred asked pathetically.
Francis nodded. “I’m afraid so,” he held back his smile. “Come…I’ll take you two back to Paris and you can get some rest at my flat.” He patted Alfred on the shoulder. “And when you wake up tonight, I will treat you two to a nice, hearty meal after the last of my errands today.”
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“Come on!” Maria urged as she tugged at her sister’s arm. “This is our last stop and then we have to meet Francis at the hotel so he can take us to the train station!”
Vietnam remained rooted in her spot. “I don’t want to go.”
“Ate!” Maria frowned. “You’re going to disappoint Mei!” She whirled around and looked at their younger sister. “Mei! Show her!”
Mei nodded and instantly wiped the energetic smile on her face. It was quickly replaced by a look of heart break. Large brown eyes were glistening with unshed tears as pink lips pouted.
“Why…why don’t you want to go up with us, Jie-jie?” she stuttered tearfully. Anh Linh crinkled her eyes. Every fiber of her body told her it was simply a ploy meant to guilt her into going up the tower with them. “I wanted to come here with both of you….” It was a ploy, but it was working.
Anh Linh turned her head away, refusing to be drawn into her sister’s sad face. “Fine! I’ll go!” she grumbled.
“Yay!” The Philippines and Taiwan gave each other a high-five before looping one arm around each of Vietnam’s and heading towards the elevator that took them to the observation level on the Eiffel Tower.
“I can’t wait to get a picture. I’m going to email it to Andy and Yao-ge-ge and Yong Soo!” Taiwan smiled, almost sadistically at the thought of making Korea jealous.
Anh Linh merely sighed. They stepped into the elevator. Anh Linh looked away, not feeling comfortable watching them ascend. She could hear Mei being impressed beside her and comments about wishing she had taken her camera out, but the ride to the level was quick.
The doors open and the occupants of the elevator stepped out. Mei zoomed out, going towards the edge immediately to start taking pictures of the city. Anh Linh took her time and followed. She lingered by the side. It was an excellent view, but she wasn’t fond of heights where she could plummet to her death.
“Ugh…,” she wrinkled her nose at the sight of the ground beneath them and looked elsewhere.
“Ate, it’s not that bad,” Maria chuckled as she stood beside her sister and looked out at the city. “The view is great!”
“As long as you don’t look down.”
“Ate….”
“I didn’t need to come up here.”
Maria chuckled and nudged Anh Linh in the ribs with her elbows. “When will you have to a chance to ride his tower, you know?” she grinned.
Vietnam didn’t crack a smile. She didn’t glance at either sister as she replied coolly. “I already have.” Beside her, Maria’s eyes widened. “I told you,” Anh Linh repeated. “I was young and stupid, and to be clear, Sakda's tower satisfies me better.”
“Ew,” Mei spat out beside them. The two older sisters turned to where Taiwan seemed to have been forgotten standing right beside them. She brought her camera closer to her body and turned around. “I didn’t need to hear that.”
The youngest brunette marched away and the Philippines sighed. “Well…we’ll be out of France, soon.”
“It’s fine. I’ve already come to terms with France,” Anh Linh admitted. Maria began to smile. The tan-skinned island nation nodded her head and looked out towards the landscape.
“I’m happy for you,” she said softly. The two remained leaning against the railing, taking in the view for a few moments longer. “Ate,” Maria finally broke their silence.
“Hm?”
“Were you serious when you said that Thailand is better?”
.oOo._____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo. _____ .oOo.“This was a great trip,” the Filipina beamed as she tiptoed and kissed him on each cheek. “Thank you so much for all your help, Francis.”
“It was my pleasure,” he assured her as he returned the kisses and allowed her to step back. This was his last errand of the day. While America and Australia were sleeping in his flat, taking their much deserved rest after their fruitless quest for the three Asian women, he had picked them up at their hotel and was taking them to the train station.
“I will be sure to tag you on all the pictures when I get home!” Mei beamed as she hugged him. Francis chuckled and kissed the top of her head.
“I cannot wait to see all your fabulous photos, Taiwan,” he said. Maria waited for her youngest sister by the entrance to their train car.
“Come on, Mei. We need to find our seats!” she urged as she ushered the younger islands into the car.
Francis turned his attention to the last remaining sister. Anh Linh was standing a bit away and when she realized he had turned to her, she took a deep breath and walked forward.
“I can only repeat what Maria as already said,” the eldest told him as she stopped in front of him. “Thank you for your hospitality, France.” She extended her hand to shake his.
His blue eyes softened. “You know, Anh Linh, whether or not you believe me, I assure you that I have always cared for my colonies; if not as a nation, then as a man,” he told her softly. His hand wrapped around hers slowly, making her blush as his fingers slid between hers. “It was a pleasure seeing you again.”
Her eyes darted away from his face as she nodded and mumbled out a hasty ‘same here’. She began to pull her hand away and Francis smirked.
“Ma Cherie,” he said as his hand tightened around hers and pulled her closer. Alarm could be seen on her face, but that didn’t stop him. “That is not how we say good-bye.”
From the train, Mei gasped and covered her gaping mouth with a hand as she watched France dip her sister back and seal his lips over hers. His mouth seemed to consume Vietnam’s as wide, dark eyes stared at him in horror. Her face was reddening as his hold around her slim body tightened.
“Oh my God,” Maria groaned as she stood behind Mei and watched the dramstic open-mouthed kiss earn the attention of bystanders on the platform. She ran a hand down her face, exasperated.
On the platform, Francis tilted her back up and pulled away, a cavalier smile across his face. “There,” he beamed. “I hope that Thailand still lives up to you expectations now.”
A slap rang through the station and moment later, Anh Linh was storming into the cart, an infuriated glare on her face as she turned to the nearest attendant and demanded they get the train moving. The attendant shrank back as he scrambled to close the door behind the angry nation.
The train jerked to a start and Anh Linh reached her sisters.
“Bye, Francis!” Mei waved from the open window.
“Enjoy the rest of your trip!” he waved from the platform. “Au revoir!”
Anh Linh lifted up a small hand and gave a tiny wave back. “Au revoir,” she smiled slightly. “You perve.”
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Omake Postcard #4
To: Mexico
From: The Philippines
Estimada Nueva:
Todos donde miro, estan hombres muy…deliciosos. Mmm-hmm…mi tipo: Alto, moreno, y muy, muy guapo. Esta una fiesta para mis ojos! Estas celoso? :P Estamos en Francia ahora, pero en poco dias, vamos a ir al norte y despues a Alemania y Austria. Tenemos una sleepover con Hungria y otras mujeres de Book Club. X3
Hungria dice que vamos a tener strippers. :D (Jajaja…I’m kidding…o no?) Entonces, vamos a ir al sur y visitamos Feli y Lovi y muchos hombres Italianos. Que bueno…estoy lamiendo mis labios ahora…los hombres…y gelato…Mmm….El gelato en sus cuerpos…derrite bajo el sol…esperando para me a lamerlo….
Uh…where was I? Anyway, I hope you like the card of France’s Eiffel Tower! ;D
Besos,
Tu Querida Maria
PS - Te amo - por favor no dile a Papa que estoy aqui!!! POR FAVOR!!! D:
PPS - Dile a Ana que voy escribir una carta para ella, tambien, si recibe lo primero. Tu la conoces….=_=;;
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A.N. - Thank you very much for reading! As you can see, the girls are making their way north. Next up, along with Belguim, the girls head to the Netherlands, who finds interest in the adorable little Mei…much to Maria’s horror. Al and Dan continue their fail!stalking and France starts an all-European game of keep away (from Al and Dan).
Hope you guys are enjoying the fanfic! I’m going to try to mention actual places of interest, in case any of you ever get the urge to go there. If you’ve been and have recommendations, let me know! :D FYI - If you use Google translate for the Omake Postcard, some things will come out wrong. I think that goes without saying.
Thank you all again for reading!