[fanfic] the switch - 05
Title: The Switch - Chapter 05
Author: silentside
Characters: F/A/C/E
Note/Warning: Based on this very random update of the same title here and now few days later...orz
- Matthew masquerades as his Papa. epic~
- Pansy Francis is...pansy
00 - Prologue
01 - Don't Drink and Hex
02 - Make over
03 - For Your Own Good
04 - Don't Forget the First Rule
I love link baaaccks
Summary: In his drunken rage, Arthur placed a spell on Francis, causing him to de-age by half a millennia. However there is a side-effect: His son Matthew Williams matured 500 years ahead of his time. Hilarity and chaos ensue.
The Switch
{ Chapter 05 - Keep calm and act like Papa }
A/N: Derp slightly late update, I only have one brain and there are things that needed my attention 8| Also this is the part where I already included the scenarios (aka. the rough draft of this dribble here)
---
Matthew left Alfred a message that they'll be leaving for Francis's house early that day. Since his Papa would be staying for an indefinite time in his place, they would be getting some items he'll need.
And that he might need, Francis pointed out. Matthew's size is perfect for his suits, he can borrow them, if he doesn't feel going to the process of fitting and buying clothes in his favorite high-end boutiques. As Alfred borrowed the jeep by the driveway, their next option is Matt's red motorbike, to which the young Francis protested on riding, after the traumatizing incident from yesterday. Instead, the two took the train.
"Look up." Francis looked up, reminding him. They boarded during the rush hour and are standing in the middle of the coach. Matthew shifted uncomfortably at the stares he is getting. His height and tousled blond locks stood out in the crowd like a sore thumb. "Be confident! What's with that awkward look?"
"I-I'm still not used to this." He mumbled, holding his Papa close to him as the train stopped to load/unload more passengers. They will be getting off by the next stop.
"Well, you better start getting used to it, no?" He said out loud, enough for few passengers to turn their heads around. Matthew feels like shrinking, all 6 feet and 5 inches of him. "You are not plain looking or as loud like Alfred. You don't have to do anything to get noticed, because Papa, you are gorgeous! Your looks and your charm itself speak volumes!"
His little Papa is definitely enjoying his role as his 'son', tiptoeing and encircling his arms around his waist, looking at him endearingly with those round bright blue eyes. His words are sincere and Matthew can't help but be warmed and gently stroked his hair.
He blush a little, few of the onlookers smiled at them. "Merci...I mean...thanks."
"You're welcome" Francis snuggled, "And Papa? You also look good in zat black turtleneck sweater. You must wear zat kind of style often!"
And Matthew was once reminded again how nitpicky his Papa is when it comes to dressing him up.
"Y-yes."
---
It's not very often that Matthew gets to visit his Papa, since he doesn't stay in one in one place for very long. He doesn't recall entering a sprawling three-floor mansion, located in the city's high-end district. It is very spacious and classy, just like its owner.
Francis is quite eager to reach the living room, bouncing over the white sofa couch and heading to the adjoining bar area to reach the nearest phone. As he struggled to sit on a tall bar stool, he pressed the button of his answering machine.
He can hear Matthew following suit several feet behind him.
"You have 1,278 new messages." Came the mechanical voice in French.
"Hm, zat's a little above the average." He pondered, swinging his slender little legs impatiently by the stool as he proceeds to browse through all of them.
"Francis, I got a new secret video of West. You'll love it! I'll be sending it in a while. Kesesesese. Oh shi-..."
"Francis, you left your shirt on my headboard just in case you were wondering where it is. Romano saw it and threw a fit. I saved it before he could make a campfire out of it."
"It's Elizaveta. There's a new bar you might like. They offer 'yummy dishes', if you know what I mean. Tell me when you want to go there."
"You frog!"
"Francis, we have a meeting next week. You'd better wear your underwear then and please refrain from talking about birds and their nests unless you're REALLY talking about an actual bird. Thank you."
Francis heard a loud thud and a painful groaning sound.
"Oh dear!" he turned around to see Matthew having slipped on a white plastic mat on the floor. "Are you alright, cher?"
"W-what is this?" Matthew tries to stand up, but almost slipped once again. He wiped some sticky and chunky goop from behind his head, its brownish white in color and it stinks. He lifted up his shoe, and he felt he stepped on something far more questionable-and stickier. He felt like gagging.
"Oh! Desole!" Francis gasped, "I forgot that all three of us had naked twister the night before I went to ze party!"
"N-naked twister?"
"Oui, its ze game where you to try to reach for the numbers-"
"I know what twister is!" Matthew sputtered, "I don't want to know the naked part of it!" he looked extremely disgusted, stepping away immediately from the mucky part of the white mat. Bottles of beer and wine, burnt out tobaccos, some pieces of clothing, foil wrappers, littered the area. He does not want to know what those wrappers contained. "I need to wash my hair-Papa," Francis' attention is back to the answering machine again. "Where is the bathroom?"
"Oh, go straight ahead and it's on the first door to your right, just before ze large aquarium" Francis' tossed his hair as he continued to browse through the stream of messages. "Oh, while you're there, can you try calling the housekeeping? I need to have the mess in the living room cleaned!"
"You have a phone even in the bathroom?" Francis heard Matthew as he went ahead, shaking his head. "Papa, you are so unbelievable."
---
The housekeeping arrived and while the living room is being cleaned, Matthew have to catch up with his Papa, who, after browsing through his phone messages, set about gathering empty boxes while collecting items that he planned to take with them.
He never knew storage boxes came in deep brown sweet smelling leather with the familiar VL logos.
"Papa, this is impractical!" Matthew sighed, watching his Papa move like a little tornado, placing a sleek looking white lamp in a box, only for Matthew to take it out. "You don't need all of this!"
"But I will be staying in your place for an indefinite time!" his voice was muffled as he gathered some foodstuffs, wrapped in white towels. He tossed it in one of the boxes, as Matthew crouched near one, curiously taking out 6 pairs of sleeping eye masks. He lifted both his brows. Francis pouted, grabbing them from him and putting them back. "I might as well take most of my things with me!"
"But where are we going to put all of these?"
"In my ride of course, silly!" He answered, turning around and rushing upstairs. "You can choose what you think is best from the garage!"
"But you never let anyone near your cars!" Matthew called out, as Francis tossed about ten suits, still in their plastic covers and hangers, for him to catch. It all hit him on the face. "Ow! Papa!"
"Who said anything about you driving?" He peeked out from the railings, tossing another suit and a couple of plastic boxes, Matthew caught the items this time. "I have a chauffeur always on call 24/7! You are going to explain what haz happened and then we are good to go~!"
"Yeah, sure...that's nice." Matthew gathered the items that have fallen on the floor, "Papa, I don't need all these suits-"
"Oh but you will!" he called out, heading swiftly down the stairway with smaller boxes and a couple of bags. "You are going to wear them, especially when the need arises!"
"The need arises?" he looked at his Papa curiously and at the bags he has been carrying. "What's with the purses?"
"Ez not a purse, It's a satchel! I sometimes bring them in meetings, they contain important documents!" he argued, pacing at the floor quickly and into the living room, stacking his items in the storage boxes. He glanced at one of the open boxes "Did you take something out?"
"Yeah, I took out the wine bottles from there." Matthew watch his Papa's eyes widen. "Papa, you cannot drink wine or any form of liquor, not like that! Remember what happened during breakfast yesterday!"
"So what, I threw up just a little!" He pouted, placing his hands on his hips. He dug in his other boxes. "Fine! But did you take out my knife set as well? And my cooking pans? Because if you did-"
"No, I didn't take out any of your precious cooking utensils." Matthew answered, "But please, avoid bringing too many items, We might not have enough room for all of them!"
"Mm, let Papa worry about that later, fils." He double-checks the contents of the boxes. "As of now, do you have my suits?"
"Yes, I do." Matthew reached out for them, "Uh, about 10 sets of them."
"Good!" he called out, his voice echoing as he dug to one of his boxes. "Do you have ze white one, it comes with a burgundy..."
"Your favorite suit? Yeah, I have it here." Matthew raised the set, still covered in plastic. "What do you want me to do with it?"
Francis looked up, looking slightly flushed from all the packing. He smiled. "What else could it be? You are going to wear it, dear!"
"Like-right now?"
"Oui! Right now!" He leaps up to his feet. "It turns out that the EU conference I'm supposed to be attending is this afternoon! I promised Allemagne I'll behave and stay fully clothed.. " he chuckled, "And there will be paperwork that will need my approval..."
Matthew found himself sputtering, "W-wait...I'm going to...?"
"Oui~"
"NO!"
"Why not?" Francis skipped forward, looking up at him with his large round blue eyes, his hands folded at the back. "My clothes fit you, you take after my handsome looks-" he smiled, "-it's a good thing I told you not to shave yet."
"Still-!"
"The meeting won't be long; it will just take an hour!" Francis persisted, inching closer to him. "All you need to do is sit quietly throughout the proceedings, pretend to listen and when Ludwig calls for me-" he pressed a small digit on Matthew's firm stomach. "You simply sign some documents. If they find you quite strange, just tell them you're not feeling too well. Oh, and don't forget to flirt and wink and touch people sometimes. They'll find it really strange if you don't do those."
"Papa!" Matthew exclaimed. "I couldn't possibly...!"
"Yes, you cannn~" Francis encircled his arms around Matthew's waist. "I will help you out. Just do this for your Papa, just this once~!"
"Well...it seems really important." Matthew shifted reluctantly, "Fine, I'll try to do it..."
Francis let out an excited squeal and embraced him tightly, reaching far enough to squeeze his buttocks. Matthew let out a surprised yelp and jumped, his little Papa giggling at his reaction.
Some habits just do not change.
"Now, you take my suit and change in the bathroom." Francis pushed him playfully forward as he held the suit close to his chest. "Then come back here and I'll help you prepare, agreed?"
"Agreed." Matthew mumbled, as he headed back to the bathroom. While his Papa isn't looking, he fished out his phone from his pocket.
---
Meanwhile, in the Kirkland residence...
Arthur nearly got thrown to the ground when the door behind him flew past his head.
"You-!" He scampered to his feet, turning around. Alfred stood at the entrance. "Have you ever heard of knocking?"
"I was knocking!" Alfred stepped inside, "You haven't responded for like 10 minutes and I thought something happened..."
"He must have cast a silence spell-" They heard the other Kirkland from downstairs, "that's why he didn't hear anything."
"No, I didn't!" Arthur argued, "I'm at the farthest end of the room-wait, did you send him here?"
"Yes, I did." Haydn replied, walking towards the staircase. "I'm concerned; you look a little pale a while ago."
"You know he will negate any possible spell if he enters this room!"
"True, that's also another reason why I sent him." He sounded amused as he walks back to the living room. Arthur can hear him say something in his native language, chuckling.
"Oh, so you do not trust me then?"
Haydn didn't reply and as Arthur silently fumed, Alfred tapped him on the shoulder.
"What?"
"Matt is on the other line!." Alfred showed him his phone, it's live. "He said they're in Francis's place and he is going to the EU conference because..."
There was a surprised shout. Alfred quickly held the phone close, "-whoa! Hey, Matt! You're breaking up! Matt!"
Then other line went dead.
"Dad?" Alfred watched as Arthur turns beet red once more. Not a good sign. He starts to run his hands over his scalp, muttering curses underneath his breath.
He inhaled deeply, "They're at the frog's place you say?"
"Yeah?"
"Let's head there, now!"
---
Even with his small size, Francis still proves to be a force to be reckoned with. Having followed his son to the bathroom and catching him on the phone calling Arthur, he tackled him on the floor, grabbed the phone and flung it into the trash can.
"Papa!" Matthew pries off an annoyed Francis from him. "Dad needs to know where we go!"
"You don't have to tell him everything all the time!" He shouted, stomping off towards the trash can, reaching for the phone. "You know how he reacts! From now on, I will be keeping this! Now, dress up quickly and I will be waiting for you in the living room."
"But-"
"No buts!" He fumed, as he stormed outside. "Get dressed now!"
---
Wearing and fitting threads in front of his Papa is still something Matthew has to get used to. He can't help but feel uncomfortable when he sees that mischievous spark in his eyes as he slowly turned around for his approval.
"It feels a little tight." Matthew remarked, lifting each arm, tugging the sleeves.
"But can you move and twist around? Bend over?"
He moved around a bit, "Yeah, pretty much I guess."
"Then it fits you just perfectly!" He jumped down from his sofa, dragging a cushioned chair towards Matthew. "A nice suit molds to your form, just like a glove!" he explained, "You are taller than me so it's natural to be tight in some areas, it will loosen up eventually!"
"Eventually?"
Francis perched on his chair, his face now level with his son's. "Ez made with a special fabric that allows stretching itself to fit. Its waterproof too~"
"Your suits...are waterproof?"
"Oui, oui...now let's get started!" he clapped his hands and pointed at a pair of heeled loafers at the far left corner. "You need to wear zat loafers, as they might wonder why 'I' grew taller, and then you can point out that ez the shoes!"
Matthew frowned a little; the heeled loafers have pointy tips. He can puncture someone's leg with it. He slipped his feet into them nonetheless and they fit perfectly.
"Now come to Papa and I will fix your hair!" Matthew rolled his eyes as he stepped forward, his Papa's dainty hands reaching for him. He pulled him close, taking a whiff of his hair's scent.
"Oh, you really are my fils~!" he sighed, stroking his long blond locks with his fingertips, caressing it. "You have my gorgeous blond hair, so silky smooth!"
"Papa..."
"Ah, right!" he looks up, "We will fix your hair a little!" He materializes a spray bottle with one hand, Matthew quickly stepped back. "This ez only a volumizer! It will give your hair that extra body!"
"Don't put too much! It will make me sme-"
"It won't make you less than a man!" Francis stomped his foot, spraying some on his head quickly. Matthew flinched but Francis is quick to muss his golden locks. "Now, your hair looks infinitely better!"
"And it smells funny." He grumbled. "I will be just be you for a day!"
"Hush! Now move closer, your clothes!"
Matthew sighed, moving forward so Francis' dainty hands reached his coat's collar, or rather HIS coat's collar, smoothing it out evenly.
"If you are going as moi in ze world conference meeting, you must look the part!" He exclaimed, trying to conceal Matthew's hair curl by tucking it delicately behind his ear. Frustrated that it wouldn't press down, he took out a comb and brushed it vigorously until it did. "Stop ze shaking! I'm fixing your hair, not squeezing your vital regions!"
"B-but..." Matthew sputtered, trying to swat his Papa's hand. "It hurts!"
Just when he thought that the worse was over, Francis starts to make a tch-tch sound, shaking his head disapprovingly. This did not bode well with Matthew. Before he could even react, his Papa reached for his maroon-colored polo shirt underneath, grabbed the collar, and gave it a quick pull on both sides, ripping it wide open down to his chest.
"Wahh!" Matthew screamed, stumbling backwards with his face flushing red. "Papa!"
"Now zats more like it!" He purred, tapping his chin thoughtfully, very pleased at what he was seeing from head to toe. "When you got ze assets, you flaunt it, no?"
"I'm going to look like a...pimp!"
"Non! This is much better than earlier!" He argued, planting both hands on his hips. "You looked like that stuck-up Englishman with my favorite shirt buttoned up to your chin! You are not going to a library!" He observed his son grumbling, attempting to fix the shirt's collar begrudgingly. "Now come, I still have yet to unshy you!"
"I've had enough unshying, thank you very much!" Matthew spat, "No accessories!"
"I won't give you any accessories!" He stomped his foot, "Just come!"
Matthew inched closer.
"Move cloooser!"
Matthew stepped forward, until his face and that of his Papa's were but a few inches close.
He giggled, "Excellent, now bend a little!"
Francis pulled off Matthew's glasses.
"Perfect!"
"No! Not that-hey!" Matthew gasped, immediately reaching for the glasses, but Francis quickly ducked and slipped them into his pocket. He jumped off the chair, giggling like an excitable child as Matthew reached out one more time. "Papa, give it back! It's not funny!"
"Nooon!" He skipped around him. "Don't be foolish, mon fils, you are not blind without them!" He stretched out his hand, "-how many fingers~?"
"Five! I can see that..." Matthew bends slightly and squinted, "but..."
"Then they will be with me until the conference is over!" He concluded with a sweet smile.
Matthew's legs suddenly grew weak. The problem would be how he would get it from Francis. Yesterday, he already had a hard time keeping him still in one place.
"You can do this!" He stepped forward and on his tiptoes, reached for Matthew's face with both hands and drew him closer to him. Blond locks dropped loosely to frame his face. "Have confidence in yourself-" He kissed him soundly on the lips and alternated on both cheeks.
"You are my boy! We are more similar than you think!" he re-assured him, running his slender fingers from Matthew's cheekbones and downwards to his rugged chin. "Look at you, resembling your old man ! I can't wait for a couple of more centuries and I could just kiss you all day!"
"Papa, you are so narcissistic." Matthew said flatly, slowly straightening himself up. "By the way, my eyes-"
"Ez not a problem. Try to avoid prolonged eye contact and...squint!" Francis was about to tap him on the rump but Matthew was able to step aside to avoid it. He chuckled. "Ez all in the lighting! Do you know that when you widen your eyes they do look a little blue, just like mine?"
"They do?" Matthew lifted his brows, "I...didn't notice that."
"Yes they do, especially when you're still a baby." He sighed, with a tinge of nostalgia in his voice. "Now, I will explain everything once you call the chauffeur! His number is on speed dial..."
"Uh, right..." Matthew said, "I informed the housekeep earlier, I think his name is Paul and he's been informed about the situation and is already waiting outside by the garage."
"That's good!" Francis exclaimed, and then looking up at the clock. "We don't have much time, you go ahead and tell him to take to you to the conference!"
"What about you?" He gestured at the half-packed boxes as his Papa headed swiftly towards the boxes. "And this?"
"I will take care of zat later!" He pushed a thick, slate gray satchel towards him. "This is important, there are papers need to be signed, you know my signature right?"
"Y-yeah I do."
"Good! And lastly, remember to respond in bits of French! European French, you still remember?"
Matthew adjusted the satchel by his shoulder. "Y-yes, I still know my French."
"And if you come across Antonio and Gilbert, do you know what to do?" He starts pushing him towards the other end of the room as they headed towards the garage.
"Uh-tell them I'm sick?"
"Non! You do not avoid them!" Francis exclaimed, "People will get suspicious! And besides, those two won't notice if something has changed in my appearance. They're smart like that~"
"W-what will I do then?"
"Well, I always greet Antonio with a slap and squeeze on his rump." Francis smiled impishly, "If you ignore that glorious ass, they'll definitely be suspicious." He opened the door, the chauffeur is already waiting, the color of the car matching Francis' suit. "Don't look at me like zat! You haven't tried it yet! His behind is so..."
"T-this is not about Antonio's behind!" Matthew argued. "It's the EU conference, wouldn't Dad be there? And he knows about thi-"
"Non! He and his brother have excused themselves from the meeting, you don't have to worry about zat!" He gave him one push and the chauffeur tipped his hat and opened the door to the car. "Take him to the conference! It's being held at the same hotel like last week. Make sure he gets there in time!"
The chauffeur quietly nodded and headed towards the driver's seat, as Matthew tries to adjust his vision without the glasses.
"Je t'adore mon garcon!" Francis called out, waving his handkerchief dramatically in the air as Matthew slowly but surely headed inside the car, almost hitting his head on the vehicle's roof. In minutes the car is speeding out from the driveway to the main road.
"Make Papa proud!"
"You..."
Francis was completely unaware that Arthur was already standing several feet behind him, having entered the house unnoticed from the entrance.
"What do you think you are doing?" He hissed, trying to catch his breath, his sudden presence making Francis jump a little. The effeminate blond turned around to face the Englishman with his surprised and confused round, blue eyes. Arthur could have been fooled with such feigned innocence; if this was the 900s.
"I'll ask you again," He breathed deeply, "What have you done to Matthew?"
"Oh, mon cher!" he giggled, flicking his wrist saucily much to Arthur's dismay. "I sent for my dear Mathieu for ze EU conference! I'm really needed there you see, but I cannot go in this form! Who else do you think could fill me in~?"
"That's for me to decide!" He snapped. "He is under the crown and cannot leave until he returns back to normal, and he..." His gaze shifted outside, he is already a little too late.
"Dad!" Alfred called out, Francis also didn't see him enter the house. "Use your teleportation magic or something!"
"I can't! It's not something I can do all of a sudden..." Arthur started to sputter, looking around the area, confused. "I..." He noticed the scattered clothes which he remembers belonged to his son. He turned back to Francis, looking ever so cool as a cucumber like nothing was amiss. It took a lot of will power for Arthur not to shake Francis violently, knowing all too well the unfair advantage.
"Hey, those are Mattie's glasses!" Alfred exclaimed, pointing at Francis' hand. "What are you doing with them?"
And with that, Arthur grabbed Francis' hand and dragged him inside.
---
You can do this, Matt. You can pull through. It is just going to be for a day.
Matthew took in a few deep breaths and slowly opened his eyes to the reflection in the small mirror in front of him. His amethyst eyes, he blinked. If he is not careful, they will notice he is not Francis.
He has to remind himself, when he reaches this stage in his life, he will really shave often.
"Monsieur Williams?" the chauffeur asked, "Are you alright? We are already here."
"Yes, I'm fine."
"There is a phone in the satchel." The chauffeur pointed out, "You can call me if you need anything else, or when you're ready to go home."
"That will be soon." Matthew grumbled. "I can't believe I got talked into this. I think I better get going."
"Good luck, Monsieur."
"Thanks."
They slowed down by the entrance and the valet opened the door. Matthew inhaled deeply once more, placing one foot outside, then another and finally stepping out of the vehicle.
He straightened himself up and adjusted the strap of his bag.
He will need all the luck to pull everything off.
---
Have confidence in yourself!
He strode at the hotel's corridor, trying to remember his Papa's mannerisms. Stand straight up, walk-no, strut-just like those models he sees in his fashion runways. It is something he tries to get used to, especially with his heeled pointy loafers. Look straight ahead, just try to go to the meeting without any distractions. He fervently hopes he does not come across a familiar face.
He must be quick. He tells himself again. But he doesn't have to show he is in a hurry. Everything his Papa does, he does it with sophistication and style-even if he is going to be late for a meeting. Will he apologize if he arrives late? No. He would rather tell everyone he had a grand time last evening which is why he woke up late and no one could do anything about it, they will need him to sign some important documents after all. Matthew has to remind himself not to be too polite.
"Ack!" he tripped forward, almost falling face flat on the floor. It's the weird loafers. He looked around and noticed a few passer-bys staring at him, some of them he swore, look like the other countries diplomats.
Relax, Matthew. Act like him.
What will Papa do?
He straighten himself up, dusts his slacks, feigning a frown, looking at the on-lookers ever so haughtily and lifting his chin up, proceeded to walk towards the elevators like nothing has happened.
It seemed like forever just going there. He grumbled internally. He passed by the lobby and saw a couple of familiar figures, which he is quick to sense as one of his own: one of them is a tall disgruntled man with thick auburn hair and even thicker eyebrows. His companion, smaller than him with a couple of inches, shared the same qualities, saved for the lighter shade of hair and a dash of freckles on his face.
Oh crap...
Matthew's eyes accidentally met his gaze. "Francis?"
It was his Dad's older brother, James. Matthew is also aware of the history he and his Papa had together. He remembers he is not to avoid anyone.
But by now the brothers, his uncles, are aware of what has happened. But to what extent, Matthew does not know. Alfred was only able to inform him that there were a lot of angry shouts, involving skirts and their Father's incompetency when they came to borrow some items in the older Kirkland's household.
"Not now, L'Ecosse~!" he said, dismissing the perplexed James with a simple wave, avoiding further eye contact. Look straight ahead.Matthew swallowed, nervously biting his lip and glancing on his side. Are they following him? They're not. Good. Because Matthew is very certain he can't fool either two.
He was quick to catch the elevator before it closed on him. He then quickly pressed the button, recalling the meeting will be held on the 16th floor. Matthew silently thanked the heavens that no one else he knows is on board.
*Ding*
He took a deep breath once more as he finally stepped out of the elevator. He can see some of the other nations are still outside the lobby and some have seen him already.
Oh, and don't forget to flirt and wink and touch people sometimes. They'll find it really strange if you don't do those.
So far so good. Matthew smirked at the sight of the Italian brothers as he passed them by. Feliciano waved and greeted him, while Romano glared. He winked back and complimented how cute Feliciano looked, just like he knew how his Papa would do it.
"Ve, your voice sounds a little strange~!" Feliciano exclaimed, as he followed him, much to the annoyance of his dark-haired brother. "Big brother, are you sick?"
Matthew coughed a little, "Oui~! Caught a little cold at the party last night, but this ez nothing!" he exclaimed, trying to modulate his voice. Feliciano is now beside him. Reluctantly, he took out his one free hand and glided it discreetly towards his waist, making his eyes heavily-lidded. The sultry expression will dim the actual color of his eyes. "There is nothing big brother Francis can handle~"
"Huh? But the after party was the other night!"
Matthew let out a nervous laugh, trying to imitate his Papa's mirthful laughter. "Ah, is that so? I see then hmm..." He saw the door and the poor blond decided to slowly drop the act, releasing his hand from Feliciano's waist as he headed towards it. Matthew can see Romano's face several feet behind them, as red as a ripe tomato and sputtering a string of profanities.. "-I will talk to you later, mon cher. For now, important matters are at hand, au rev-!"
Blagag.
Matthew accidentally hit his face on the door.
Damn it, he really needs his glasses.
He can see Feliciano's eyes widen and from a distance he heard Romano snort. Other nations who happen to be around the corridor stopped, surprised to see what have just happened. This is the second accident to happen to him this day and the conference room is just a feet in front of him.
He resisted the instinct to feel embarrassed, no, he must press on, just act like his Papa.
He smiled, straightening his blond locks, "Pardon moi, but I haven't had proper sleep as of last night~" and he winked. Matthew didn't wait for them to respond; he opened the door and quietly slipped inside. The conference is about to start.
Matthew searched for his Papa's name plate.
It's beside Ludwig's.
---
The meeting proceed to go on well, if not, almost without incident that, Ludwig finds himself glancing suspiciously now and then beside the flamboyant nation who looked so bored, detached with his surroundings, scribbling notes on a leather bound organizer.
Matthew will steal quick glances now and then, finding the look so unnerving; Ludwig's piercing blue depths seem to search his very soul, as if he is trying to discern that the one sitting beside him is not Francis at all. He never felt so naked in his life.
"I am not feeling well." He feigned a tired sigh, to answer Ludwig's suspicious look. Matthew followed it with a smile and briefly touched the other blond nation on the shoulder. "Oh cher, if this bothers you, I promise not to behave next time."
Ludwig is quick to brush it off. "Nein."
"Non?"
"You haven't taken out the documents yet. We are waiting."
"Oh!" Oh, yes those documents. Matthew gave himself a mental kick on the head. He laughed lightly and took out a brown folder containing the important documents his Papa is referring to earlier. He handed it out to Ludwig.
"-you haven't signed it yet."
"Ah, of course!"
Matthew browse through the documents, the fine written details are faintly blurred and he have to squint closer to the paper to the portion where he have to sign. He hesitated for a moment. In the name of god's green earth, what the bloody hell is he doing? What if they figured out he is not Francis Bonnefoy? Does not that constitute as an act of forgery? How does that even work with nations? But Papa did give him the authority but there is no...
Ludwig let out a cough, breaking Matthew's train of thought. He nervously took out his pen and taking a deep breath, slowly and surely signed with his Papa's signature. He quickly handed it over and watches as the taciturn blond signed as well. It seems to feel like forever until he handed it back to him.
"What ez this?" he blinked in surprise as Ludwig handed more paperwork.
"These will require your approval." Ludwig replied curtly, "Your boss have already read and approved of the policies, all you need to do is sign them."
"All of them? Right now?" Matthew's eyes widened, not expecting he would sign that many.
Ludwig gave him a look like it's the most obvious answer in the world. Matthew frowned and nodded, taking the papers. "Oui...fine, if that's the way it should be."
"Is there something wrong?"
"Didn't I told you earlier that I'm not feeling well?" he replied irritatingly, signing each document carefully, making sure that each is identical to what Matthew remembers.
"You are leaning too close to the paper, Francis." Ludwig pointed out.
Matthew just replied by chuckling softly, while internally wishing that everything will be over immediately.
That's because I cannot see properly. He grumbled, signing the last document and arranging everything neatly before handling them back to Ludwig. There, he said to himself, letting a small sigh of relief as he leaned back to his chair, folding his fingers in front of him. He have done what he came for and he can't wait to drop the act and go home. Ludwig didn't think twice of scanning through the documents and put them all neatly in one envelope. In a few minutes, the meeting was adjourned and one by one they took their leave.
Matthew glanced at the area across him, squinting. The area where his Dad and his uncle should be sitting to represent the United Kingdom is vacant. Matthew regretted glancing towards that direction when he saw the familiar auburn-haired nation once again. James sat up with a start and Matthew saw him looking surprised as he slowly mouthed his Papa's name.
I really need to get going. He said to himself, standing up quickly and packing his things. He placed the strap of the satchel over his shoulder and swiftly, he headed out of the conference room.
---
Matthew was barely half-way towards the elevator when someone's hand heavily clamped down on his shoulder.
He looked irritatingly at his side and realized it was Gilbert, with a silly grin plastered on his face.
Oh god, why does it have to be now.
"Bonnefoooy!" He drawled, encircling his arm over Matthew's shoulders, pressing some of his weight against him as they walked. "You didn't respond to my calls! You got me worried! I thought you weren't attending the conference!"
"I almost didn't." He responded, "Ez the after party, I have a little too much. Now, If you don't mind, I'm not feeling well and-"
"Well of course, you aren't." and Gilbert pulled him close, bringing one hand to his head, giving him a noggin. Did he even understand what he is trying to say? "-not until we all hang out! This time, it's gonna be at my place! I call Antonio!" and he released him, heading towards his comrade who is standing few feet away from them. "Heey, Antonio!"
Antonio is facing the opposite direction, apparently reading a message in his phone.
"Well, I always greet Antonio with a slap and squeeze on his rump." Matthew remembers his Papa's advice. "If you ignore that glorious ass, they'll definitely be suspicious."
Gilbert greeted Antonio the same way he did to Matthew, hooking his arm over his shoulders.
Slap...Antonio's behind...
Matthew bit his lip as he approached closer, it felt like everything have centered on this moment. If he does not do it, they wouldn't believe he is Francis.
'Smack!'
He gave the round firm tush a quick squeeze, before drawing his hand out in disgust. Antonio quickly turned around.
"Francis, hola!" he beamed at him. Matthew cannot believe it, His Papa was not joking when he was told how oblivious the Spaniard is.
"Well, bonjour~" Matthew smirked, trying to mask his disbelief. He tried to strike a conversation, remembering the phone messages he overheard earlier. "I heard you have my shirt?"
"Si! It's back in my house; do you want to get it now?"
Matthew nodded curtly, trying to conceal his eagerness to leave. Yes, he would want to go to Antonio's house and get the shirt, only because the Country of Passion happens to always stay near where Papa's place is. He can call Paul, tell him to meet him there and excuse himself from the party or whatever it is, Matthew does not know how LONG he could keep up pretending to be Papa.
Gilbert let out a loud guffaw that nearly made Matthew jump. "What are you saying, mein freund? To my place first!"
They all turned to him with expectant expressions clearly written in their faces. More on, they look like they're about to seize someone's vital regions, Matthew shuddered, noting Gilbert's mischievous grin. His Papa would never turn down the company of his long-time comrades.
He has no choice.
He forced his smirk a little wider, even if he feels like dying a little inside. Just for tonight, he will just have to get through this, tonight.
"Well, what are we all waiting for~?"
"Alright! Kesesese..."
"Hey Francis, you seem rather taller today..."
"Ez the new shoes~"
===
TO BE CONTINUED of course
- Alfred negating spells = well, he is an unbeliever. And based on my own experience, unbelievers tend to break the atmosphere needed in summoning spirits etc.
- NO, we won't have much BTT shenanigans after this 8T (It will take a whole chapter lool no.) But I will write re-caps of what they did do...and stuff.
- I made Matthew waay taller than his Papa. Even way taller than Prince William. Yeeeahh.
Also if you guys have pixiv, this has been in my mind every time I write pansy francis
>> ghei link is ghei <<
Author: silentside
Characters: F/A/C/E
Note/Warning: Based on this very random update of the same title here and now few days later...orz
- Matthew masquerades as his Papa. epic~
- Pansy Francis is...pansy
00 - Prologue
01 - Don't Drink and Hex
02 - Make over
03 - For Your Own Good
04 - Don't Forget the First Rule
I love link baaaccks
Summary: In his drunken rage, Arthur placed a spell on Francis, causing him to de-age by half a millennia. However there is a side-effect: His son Matthew Williams matured 500 years ahead of his time. Hilarity and chaos ensue.
The Switch
{ Chapter 05 - Keep calm and act like Papa }
A/N: Derp slightly late update, I only have one brain and there are things that needed my attention 8| Also this is the part where I already included the scenarios (aka. the rough draft of this dribble here)
---
Matthew left Alfred a message that they'll be leaving for Francis's house early that day. Since his Papa would be staying for an indefinite time in his place, they would be getting some items he'll need.
And that he might need, Francis pointed out. Matthew's size is perfect for his suits, he can borrow them, if he doesn't feel going to the process of fitting and buying clothes in his favorite high-end boutiques. As Alfred borrowed the jeep by the driveway, their next option is Matt's red motorbike, to which the young Francis protested on riding, after the traumatizing incident from yesterday. Instead, the two took the train.
"Look up." Francis looked up, reminding him. They boarded during the rush hour and are standing in the middle of the coach. Matthew shifted uncomfortably at the stares he is getting. His height and tousled blond locks stood out in the crowd like a sore thumb. "Be confident! What's with that awkward look?"
"I-I'm still not used to this." He mumbled, holding his Papa close to him as the train stopped to load/unload more passengers. They will be getting off by the next stop.
"Well, you better start getting used to it, no?" He said out loud, enough for few passengers to turn their heads around. Matthew feels like shrinking, all 6 feet and 5 inches of him. "You are not plain looking or as loud like Alfred. You don't have to do anything to get noticed, because Papa, you are gorgeous! Your looks and your charm itself speak volumes!"
His little Papa is definitely enjoying his role as his 'son', tiptoeing and encircling his arms around his waist, looking at him endearingly with those round bright blue eyes. His words are sincere and Matthew can't help but be warmed and gently stroked his hair.
He blush a little, few of the onlookers smiled at them. "Merci...I mean...thanks."
"You're welcome" Francis snuggled, "And Papa? You also look good in zat black turtleneck sweater. You must wear zat kind of style often!"
And Matthew was once reminded again how nitpicky his Papa is when it comes to dressing him up.
"Y-yes."
---
It's not very often that Matthew gets to visit his Papa, since he doesn't stay in one in one place for very long. He doesn't recall entering a sprawling three-floor mansion, located in the city's high-end district. It is very spacious and classy, just like its owner.
Francis is quite eager to reach the living room, bouncing over the white sofa couch and heading to the adjoining bar area to reach the nearest phone. As he struggled to sit on a tall bar stool, he pressed the button of his answering machine.
He can hear Matthew following suit several feet behind him.
"You have 1,278 new messages." Came the mechanical voice in French.
"Hm, zat's a little above the average." He pondered, swinging his slender little legs impatiently by the stool as he proceeds to browse through all of them.
"Francis, I got a new secret video of West. You'll love it! I'll be sending it in a while. Kesesesese. Oh shi-..."
"Francis, you left your shirt on my headboard just in case you were wondering where it is. Romano saw it and threw a fit. I saved it before he could make a campfire out of it."
"It's Elizaveta. There's a new bar you might like. They offer 'yummy dishes', if you know what I mean. Tell me when you want to go there."
"You frog!"
"Francis, we have a meeting next week. You'd better wear your underwear then and please refrain from talking about birds and their nests unless you're REALLY talking about an actual bird. Thank you."
Francis heard a loud thud and a painful groaning sound.
"Oh dear!" he turned around to see Matthew having slipped on a white plastic mat on the floor. "Are you alright, cher?"
"W-what is this?" Matthew tries to stand up, but almost slipped once again. He wiped some sticky and chunky goop from behind his head, its brownish white in color and it stinks. He lifted up his shoe, and he felt he stepped on something far more questionable-and stickier. He felt like gagging.
"Oh! Desole!" Francis gasped, "I forgot that all three of us had naked twister the night before I went to ze party!"
"N-naked twister?"
"Oui, its ze game where you to try to reach for the numbers-"
"I know what twister is!" Matthew sputtered, "I don't want to know the naked part of it!" he looked extremely disgusted, stepping away immediately from the mucky part of the white mat. Bottles of beer and wine, burnt out tobaccos, some pieces of clothing, foil wrappers, littered the area. He does not want to know what those wrappers contained. "I need to wash my hair-Papa," Francis' attention is back to the answering machine again. "Where is the bathroom?"
"Oh, go straight ahead and it's on the first door to your right, just before ze large aquarium" Francis' tossed his hair as he continued to browse through the stream of messages. "Oh, while you're there, can you try calling the housekeeping? I need to have the mess in the living room cleaned!"
"You have a phone even in the bathroom?" Francis heard Matthew as he went ahead, shaking his head. "Papa, you are so unbelievable."
---
The housekeeping arrived and while the living room is being cleaned, Matthew have to catch up with his Papa, who, after browsing through his phone messages, set about gathering empty boxes while collecting items that he planned to take with them.
He never knew storage boxes came in deep brown sweet smelling leather with the familiar VL logos.
"Papa, this is impractical!" Matthew sighed, watching his Papa move like a little tornado, placing a sleek looking white lamp in a box, only for Matthew to take it out. "You don't need all of this!"
"But I will be staying in your place for an indefinite time!" his voice was muffled as he gathered some foodstuffs, wrapped in white towels. He tossed it in one of the boxes, as Matthew crouched near one, curiously taking out 6 pairs of sleeping eye masks. He lifted both his brows. Francis pouted, grabbing them from him and putting them back. "I might as well take most of my things with me!"
"But where are we going to put all of these?"
"In my ride of course, silly!" He answered, turning around and rushing upstairs. "You can choose what you think is best from the garage!"
"But you never let anyone near your cars!" Matthew called out, as Francis tossed about ten suits, still in their plastic covers and hangers, for him to catch. It all hit him on the face. "Ow! Papa!"
"Who said anything about you driving?" He peeked out from the railings, tossing another suit and a couple of plastic boxes, Matthew caught the items this time. "I have a chauffeur always on call 24/7! You are going to explain what haz happened and then we are good to go~!"
"Yeah, sure...that's nice." Matthew gathered the items that have fallen on the floor, "Papa, I don't need all these suits-"
"Oh but you will!" he called out, heading swiftly down the stairway with smaller boxes and a couple of bags. "You are going to wear them, especially when the need arises!"
"The need arises?" he looked at his Papa curiously and at the bags he has been carrying. "What's with the purses?"
"Ez not a purse, It's a satchel! I sometimes bring them in meetings, they contain important documents!" he argued, pacing at the floor quickly and into the living room, stacking his items in the storage boxes. He glanced at one of the open boxes "Did you take something out?"
"Yeah, I took out the wine bottles from there." Matthew watch his Papa's eyes widen. "Papa, you cannot drink wine or any form of liquor, not like that! Remember what happened during breakfast yesterday!"
"So what, I threw up just a little!" He pouted, placing his hands on his hips. He dug in his other boxes. "Fine! But did you take out my knife set as well? And my cooking pans? Because if you did-"
"No, I didn't take out any of your precious cooking utensils." Matthew answered, "But please, avoid bringing too many items, We might not have enough room for all of them!"
"Mm, let Papa worry about that later, fils." He double-checks the contents of the boxes. "As of now, do you have my suits?"
"Yes, I do." Matthew reached out for them, "Uh, about 10 sets of them."
"Good!" he called out, his voice echoing as he dug to one of his boxes. "Do you have ze white one, it comes with a burgundy..."
"Your favorite suit? Yeah, I have it here." Matthew raised the set, still covered in plastic. "What do you want me to do with it?"
Francis looked up, looking slightly flushed from all the packing. He smiled. "What else could it be? You are going to wear it, dear!"
"Like-right now?"
"Oui! Right now!" He leaps up to his feet. "It turns out that the EU conference I'm supposed to be attending is this afternoon! I promised Allemagne I'll behave and stay fully clothed.. " he chuckled, "And there will be paperwork that will need my approval..."
Matthew found himself sputtering, "W-wait...I'm going to...?"
"Oui~"
"NO!"
"Why not?" Francis skipped forward, looking up at him with his large round blue eyes, his hands folded at the back. "My clothes fit you, you take after my handsome looks-" he smiled, "-it's a good thing I told you not to shave yet."
"Still-!"
"The meeting won't be long; it will just take an hour!" Francis persisted, inching closer to him. "All you need to do is sit quietly throughout the proceedings, pretend to listen and when Ludwig calls for me-" he pressed a small digit on Matthew's firm stomach. "You simply sign some documents. If they find you quite strange, just tell them you're not feeling too well. Oh, and don't forget to flirt and wink and touch people sometimes. They'll find it really strange if you don't do those."
"Papa!" Matthew exclaimed. "I couldn't possibly...!"
"Yes, you cannn~" Francis encircled his arms around Matthew's waist. "I will help you out. Just do this for your Papa, just this once~!"
"Well...it seems really important." Matthew shifted reluctantly, "Fine, I'll try to do it..."
Francis let out an excited squeal and embraced him tightly, reaching far enough to squeeze his buttocks. Matthew let out a surprised yelp and jumped, his little Papa giggling at his reaction.
Some habits just do not change.
"Now, you take my suit and change in the bathroom." Francis pushed him playfully forward as he held the suit close to his chest. "Then come back here and I'll help you prepare, agreed?"
"Agreed." Matthew mumbled, as he headed back to the bathroom. While his Papa isn't looking, he fished out his phone from his pocket.
---
Meanwhile, in the Kirkland residence...
Arthur nearly got thrown to the ground when the door behind him flew past his head.
"You-!" He scampered to his feet, turning around. Alfred stood at the entrance. "Have you ever heard of knocking?"
"I was knocking!" Alfred stepped inside, "You haven't responded for like 10 minutes and I thought something happened..."
"He must have cast a silence spell-" They heard the other Kirkland from downstairs, "that's why he didn't hear anything."
"No, I didn't!" Arthur argued, "I'm at the farthest end of the room-wait, did you send him here?"
"Yes, I did." Haydn replied, walking towards the staircase. "I'm concerned; you look a little pale a while ago."
"You know he will negate any possible spell if he enters this room!"
"True, that's also another reason why I sent him." He sounded amused as he walks back to the living room. Arthur can hear him say something in his native language, chuckling.
"Oh, so you do not trust me then?"
Haydn didn't reply and as Arthur silently fumed, Alfred tapped him on the shoulder.
"What?"
"Matt is on the other line!." Alfred showed him his phone, it's live. "He said they're in Francis's place and he is going to the EU conference because..."
There was a surprised shout. Alfred quickly held the phone close, "-whoa! Hey, Matt! You're breaking up! Matt!"
Then other line went dead.
"Dad?" Alfred watched as Arthur turns beet red once more. Not a good sign. He starts to run his hands over his scalp, muttering curses underneath his breath.
He inhaled deeply, "They're at the frog's place you say?"
"Yeah?"
"Let's head there, now!"
---
Even with his small size, Francis still proves to be a force to be reckoned with. Having followed his son to the bathroom and catching him on the phone calling Arthur, he tackled him on the floor, grabbed the phone and flung it into the trash can.
"Papa!" Matthew pries off an annoyed Francis from him. "Dad needs to know where we go!"
"You don't have to tell him everything all the time!" He shouted, stomping off towards the trash can, reaching for the phone. "You know how he reacts! From now on, I will be keeping this! Now, dress up quickly and I will be waiting for you in the living room."
"But-"
"No buts!" He fumed, as he stormed outside. "Get dressed now!"
---
Wearing and fitting threads in front of his Papa is still something Matthew has to get used to. He can't help but feel uncomfortable when he sees that mischievous spark in his eyes as he slowly turned around for his approval.
"It feels a little tight." Matthew remarked, lifting each arm, tugging the sleeves.
"But can you move and twist around? Bend over?"
He moved around a bit, "Yeah, pretty much I guess."
"Then it fits you just perfectly!" He jumped down from his sofa, dragging a cushioned chair towards Matthew. "A nice suit molds to your form, just like a glove!" he explained, "You are taller than me so it's natural to be tight in some areas, it will loosen up eventually!"
"Eventually?"
Francis perched on his chair, his face now level with his son's. "Ez made with a special fabric that allows stretching itself to fit. Its waterproof too~"
"Your suits...are waterproof?"
"Oui, oui...now let's get started!" he clapped his hands and pointed at a pair of heeled loafers at the far left corner. "You need to wear zat loafers, as they might wonder why 'I' grew taller, and then you can point out that ez the shoes!"
Matthew frowned a little; the heeled loafers have pointy tips. He can puncture someone's leg with it. He slipped his feet into them nonetheless and they fit perfectly.
"Now come to Papa and I will fix your hair!" Matthew rolled his eyes as he stepped forward, his Papa's dainty hands reaching for him. He pulled him close, taking a whiff of his hair's scent.
"Oh, you really are my fils~!" he sighed, stroking his long blond locks with his fingertips, caressing it. "You have my gorgeous blond hair, so silky smooth!"
"Papa..."
"Ah, right!" he looks up, "We will fix your hair a little!" He materializes a spray bottle with one hand, Matthew quickly stepped back. "This ez only a volumizer! It will give your hair that extra body!"
"Don't put too much! It will make me sme-"
"It won't make you less than a man!" Francis stomped his foot, spraying some on his head quickly. Matthew flinched but Francis is quick to muss his golden locks. "Now, your hair looks infinitely better!"
"And it smells funny." He grumbled. "I will be just be you for a day!"
"Hush! Now move closer, your clothes!"
Matthew sighed, moving forward so Francis' dainty hands reached his coat's collar, or rather HIS coat's collar, smoothing it out evenly.
"If you are going as moi in ze world conference meeting, you must look the part!" He exclaimed, trying to conceal Matthew's hair curl by tucking it delicately behind his ear. Frustrated that it wouldn't press down, he took out a comb and brushed it vigorously until it did. "Stop ze shaking! I'm fixing your hair, not squeezing your vital regions!"
"B-but..." Matthew sputtered, trying to swat his Papa's hand. "It hurts!"
Just when he thought that the worse was over, Francis starts to make a tch-tch sound, shaking his head disapprovingly. This did not bode well with Matthew. Before he could even react, his Papa reached for his maroon-colored polo shirt underneath, grabbed the collar, and gave it a quick pull on both sides, ripping it wide open down to his chest.
"Wahh!" Matthew screamed, stumbling backwards with his face flushing red. "Papa!"
"Now zats more like it!" He purred, tapping his chin thoughtfully, very pleased at what he was seeing from head to toe. "When you got ze assets, you flaunt it, no?"
"I'm going to look like a...pimp!"
"Non! This is much better than earlier!" He argued, planting both hands on his hips. "You looked like that stuck-up Englishman with my favorite shirt buttoned up to your chin! You are not going to a library!" He observed his son grumbling, attempting to fix the shirt's collar begrudgingly. "Now come, I still have yet to unshy you!"
"I've had enough unshying, thank you very much!" Matthew spat, "No accessories!"
"I won't give you any accessories!" He stomped his foot, "Just come!"
Matthew inched closer.
"Move cloooser!"
Matthew stepped forward, until his face and that of his Papa's were but a few inches close.
He giggled, "Excellent, now bend a little!"
Francis pulled off Matthew's glasses.
"Perfect!"
"No! Not that-hey!" Matthew gasped, immediately reaching for the glasses, but Francis quickly ducked and slipped them into his pocket. He jumped off the chair, giggling like an excitable child as Matthew reached out one more time. "Papa, give it back! It's not funny!"
"Nooon!" He skipped around him. "Don't be foolish, mon fils, you are not blind without them!" He stretched out his hand, "-how many fingers~?"
"Five! I can see that..." Matthew bends slightly and squinted, "but..."
"Then they will be with me until the conference is over!" He concluded with a sweet smile.
Matthew's legs suddenly grew weak. The problem would be how he would get it from Francis. Yesterday, he already had a hard time keeping him still in one place.
"You can do this!" He stepped forward and on his tiptoes, reached for Matthew's face with both hands and drew him closer to him. Blond locks dropped loosely to frame his face. "Have confidence in yourself-" He kissed him soundly on the lips and alternated on both cheeks.
"You are my boy! We are more similar than you think!" he re-assured him, running his slender fingers from Matthew's cheekbones and downwards to his rugged chin. "Look at you, resembling your old man ! I can't wait for a couple of more centuries and I could just kiss you all day!"
"Papa, you are so narcissistic." Matthew said flatly, slowly straightening himself up. "By the way, my eyes-"
"Ez not a problem. Try to avoid prolonged eye contact and...squint!" Francis was about to tap him on the rump but Matthew was able to step aside to avoid it. He chuckled. "Ez all in the lighting! Do you know that when you widen your eyes they do look a little blue, just like mine?"
"They do?" Matthew lifted his brows, "I...didn't notice that."
"Yes they do, especially when you're still a baby." He sighed, with a tinge of nostalgia in his voice. "Now, I will explain everything once you call the chauffeur! His number is on speed dial..."
"Uh, right..." Matthew said, "I informed the housekeep earlier, I think his name is Paul and he's been informed about the situation and is already waiting outside by the garage."
"That's good!" Francis exclaimed, and then looking up at the clock. "We don't have much time, you go ahead and tell him to take to you to the conference!"
"What about you?" He gestured at the half-packed boxes as his Papa headed swiftly towards the boxes. "And this?"
"I will take care of zat later!" He pushed a thick, slate gray satchel towards him. "This is important, there are papers need to be signed, you know my signature right?"
"Y-yeah I do."
"Good! And lastly, remember to respond in bits of French! European French, you still remember?"
Matthew adjusted the satchel by his shoulder. "Y-yes, I still know my French."
"And if you come across Antonio and Gilbert, do you know what to do?" He starts pushing him towards the other end of the room as they headed towards the garage.
"Uh-tell them I'm sick?"
"Non! You do not avoid them!" Francis exclaimed, "People will get suspicious! And besides, those two won't notice if something has changed in my appearance. They're smart like that~"
"W-what will I do then?"
"Well, I always greet Antonio with a slap and squeeze on his rump." Francis smiled impishly, "If you ignore that glorious ass, they'll definitely be suspicious." He opened the door, the chauffeur is already waiting, the color of the car matching Francis' suit. "Don't look at me like zat! You haven't tried it yet! His behind is so..."
"T-this is not about Antonio's behind!" Matthew argued. "It's the EU conference, wouldn't Dad be there? And he knows about thi-"
"Non! He and his brother have excused themselves from the meeting, you don't have to worry about zat!" He gave him one push and the chauffeur tipped his hat and opened the door to the car. "Take him to the conference! It's being held at the same hotel like last week. Make sure he gets there in time!"
The chauffeur quietly nodded and headed towards the driver's seat, as Matthew tries to adjust his vision without the glasses.
"Je t'adore mon garcon!" Francis called out, waving his handkerchief dramatically in the air as Matthew slowly but surely headed inside the car, almost hitting his head on the vehicle's roof. In minutes the car is speeding out from the driveway to the main road.
"Make Papa proud!"
"You..."
Francis was completely unaware that Arthur was already standing several feet behind him, having entered the house unnoticed from the entrance.
"What do you think you are doing?" He hissed, trying to catch his breath, his sudden presence making Francis jump a little. The effeminate blond turned around to face the Englishman with his surprised and confused round, blue eyes. Arthur could have been fooled with such feigned innocence; if this was the 900s.
"I'll ask you again," He breathed deeply, "What have you done to Matthew?"
"Oh, mon cher!" he giggled, flicking his wrist saucily much to Arthur's dismay. "I sent for my dear Mathieu for ze EU conference! I'm really needed there you see, but I cannot go in this form! Who else do you think could fill me in~?"
"That's for me to decide!" He snapped. "He is under the crown and cannot leave until he returns back to normal, and he..." His gaze shifted outside, he is already a little too late.
"Dad!" Alfred called out, Francis also didn't see him enter the house. "Use your teleportation magic or something!"
"I can't! It's not something I can do all of a sudden..." Arthur started to sputter, looking around the area, confused. "I..." He noticed the scattered clothes which he remembers belonged to his son. He turned back to Francis, looking ever so cool as a cucumber like nothing was amiss. It took a lot of will power for Arthur not to shake Francis violently, knowing all too well the unfair advantage.
"Hey, those are Mattie's glasses!" Alfred exclaimed, pointing at Francis' hand. "What are you doing with them?"
And with that, Arthur grabbed Francis' hand and dragged him inside.
---
You can do this, Matt. You can pull through. It is just going to be for a day.
Matthew took in a few deep breaths and slowly opened his eyes to the reflection in the small mirror in front of him. His amethyst eyes, he blinked. If he is not careful, they will notice he is not Francis.
He has to remind himself, when he reaches this stage in his life, he will really shave often.
"Monsieur Williams?" the chauffeur asked, "Are you alright? We are already here."
"Yes, I'm fine."
"There is a phone in the satchel." The chauffeur pointed out, "You can call me if you need anything else, or when you're ready to go home."
"That will be soon." Matthew grumbled. "I can't believe I got talked into this. I think I better get going."
"Good luck, Monsieur."
"Thanks."
They slowed down by the entrance and the valet opened the door. Matthew inhaled deeply once more, placing one foot outside, then another and finally stepping out of the vehicle.
He straightened himself up and adjusted the strap of his bag.
He will need all the luck to pull everything off.
---
Have confidence in yourself!
He strode at the hotel's corridor, trying to remember his Papa's mannerisms. Stand straight up, walk-no, strut-just like those models he sees in his fashion runways. It is something he tries to get used to, especially with his heeled pointy loafers. Look straight ahead, just try to go to the meeting without any distractions. He fervently hopes he does not come across a familiar face.
He must be quick. He tells himself again. But he doesn't have to show he is in a hurry. Everything his Papa does, he does it with sophistication and style-even if he is going to be late for a meeting. Will he apologize if he arrives late? No. He would rather tell everyone he had a grand time last evening which is why he woke up late and no one could do anything about it, they will need him to sign some important documents after all. Matthew has to remind himself not to be too polite.
"Ack!" he tripped forward, almost falling face flat on the floor. It's the weird loafers. He looked around and noticed a few passer-bys staring at him, some of them he swore, look like the other countries diplomats.
Relax, Matthew. Act like him.
What will Papa do?
He straighten himself up, dusts his slacks, feigning a frown, looking at the on-lookers ever so haughtily and lifting his chin up, proceeded to walk towards the elevators like nothing has happened.
It seemed like forever just going there. He grumbled internally. He passed by the lobby and saw a couple of familiar figures, which he is quick to sense as one of his own: one of them is a tall disgruntled man with thick auburn hair and even thicker eyebrows. His companion, smaller than him with a couple of inches, shared the same qualities, saved for the lighter shade of hair and a dash of freckles on his face.
Oh crap...
Matthew's eyes accidentally met his gaze. "Francis?"
It was his Dad's older brother, James. Matthew is also aware of the history he and his Papa had together. He remembers he is not to avoid anyone.
But by now the brothers, his uncles, are aware of what has happened. But to what extent, Matthew does not know. Alfred was only able to inform him that there were a lot of angry shouts, involving skirts and their Father's incompetency when they came to borrow some items in the older Kirkland's household.
"Not now, L'Ecosse~!" he said, dismissing the perplexed James with a simple wave, avoiding further eye contact. Look straight ahead.Matthew swallowed, nervously biting his lip and glancing on his side. Are they following him? They're not. Good. Because Matthew is very certain he can't fool either two.
He was quick to catch the elevator before it closed on him. He then quickly pressed the button, recalling the meeting will be held on the 16th floor. Matthew silently thanked the heavens that no one else he knows is on board.
*Ding*
He took a deep breath once more as he finally stepped out of the elevator. He can see some of the other nations are still outside the lobby and some have seen him already.
Oh, and don't forget to flirt and wink and touch people sometimes. They'll find it really strange if you don't do those.
So far so good. Matthew smirked at the sight of the Italian brothers as he passed them by. Feliciano waved and greeted him, while Romano glared. He winked back and complimented how cute Feliciano looked, just like he knew how his Papa would do it.
"Ve, your voice sounds a little strange~!" Feliciano exclaimed, as he followed him, much to the annoyance of his dark-haired brother. "Big brother, are you sick?"
Matthew coughed a little, "Oui~! Caught a little cold at the party last night, but this ez nothing!" he exclaimed, trying to modulate his voice. Feliciano is now beside him. Reluctantly, he took out his one free hand and glided it discreetly towards his waist, making his eyes heavily-lidded. The sultry expression will dim the actual color of his eyes. "There is nothing big brother Francis can handle~"
"Huh? But the after party was the other night!"
Matthew let out a nervous laugh, trying to imitate his Papa's mirthful laughter. "Ah, is that so? I see then hmm..." He saw the door and the poor blond decided to slowly drop the act, releasing his hand from Feliciano's waist as he headed towards it. Matthew can see Romano's face several feet behind them, as red as a ripe tomato and sputtering a string of profanities.. "-I will talk to you later, mon cher. For now, important matters are at hand, au rev-!"
Blagag.
Matthew accidentally hit his face on the door.
Damn it, he really needs his glasses.
He can see Feliciano's eyes widen and from a distance he heard Romano snort. Other nations who happen to be around the corridor stopped, surprised to see what have just happened. This is the second accident to happen to him this day and the conference room is just a feet in front of him.
He resisted the instinct to feel embarrassed, no, he must press on, just act like his Papa.
He smiled, straightening his blond locks, "Pardon moi, but I haven't had proper sleep as of last night~" and he winked. Matthew didn't wait for them to respond; he opened the door and quietly slipped inside. The conference is about to start.
Matthew searched for his Papa's name plate.
It's beside Ludwig's.
---
The meeting proceed to go on well, if not, almost without incident that, Ludwig finds himself glancing suspiciously now and then beside the flamboyant nation who looked so bored, detached with his surroundings, scribbling notes on a leather bound organizer.
Matthew will steal quick glances now and then, finding the look so unnerving; Ludwig's piercing blue depths seem to search his very soul, as if he is trying to discern that the one sitting beside him is not Francis at all. He never felt so naked in his life.
"I am not feeling well." He feigned a tired sigh, to answer Ludwig's suspicious look. Matthew followed it with a smile and briefly touched the other blond nation on the shoulder. "Oh cher, if this bothers you, I promise not to behave next time."
Ludwig is quick to brush it off. "Nein."
"Non?"
"You haven't taken out the documents yet. We are waiting."
"Oh!" Oh, yes those documents. Matthew gave himself a mental kick on the head. He laughed lightly and took out a brown folder containing the important documents his Papa is referring to earlier. He handed it out to Ludwig.
"-you haven't signed it yet."
"Ah, of course!"
Matthew browse through the documents, the fine written details are faintly blurred and he have to squint closer to the paper to the portion where he have to sign. He hesitated for a moment. In the name of god's green earth, what the bloody hell is he doing? What if they figured out he is not Francis Bonnefoy? Does not that constitute as an act of forgery? How does that even work with nations? But Papa did give him the authority but there is no...
Ludwig let out a cough, breaking Matthew's train of thought. He nervously took out his pen and taking a deep breath, slowly and surely signed with his Papa's signature. He quickly handed it over and watches as the taciturn blond signed as well. It seems to feel like forever until he handed it back to him.
"What ez this?" he blinked in surprise as Ludwig handed more paperwork.
"These will require your approval." Ludwig replied curtly, "Your boss have already read and approved of the policies, all you need to do is sign them."
"All of them? Right now?" Matthew's eyes widened, not expecting he would sign that many.
Ludwig gave him a look like it's the most obvious answer in the world. Matthew frowned and nodded, taking the papers. "Oui...fine, if that's the way it should be."
"Is there something wrong?"
"Didn't I told you earlier that I'm not feeling well?" he replied irritatingly, signing each document carefully, making sure that each is identical to what Matthew remembers.
"You are leaning too close to the paper, Francis." Ludwig pointed out.
Matthew just replied by chuckling softly, while internally wishing that everything will be over immediately.
That's because I cannot see properly. He grumbled, signing the last document and arranging everything neatly before handling them back to Ludwig. There, he said to himself, letting a small sigh of relief as he leaned back to his chair, folding his fingers in front of him. He have done what he came for and he can't wait to drop the act and go home. Ludwig didn't think twice of scanning through the documents and put them all neatly in one envelope. In a few minutes, the meeting was adjourned and one by one they took their leave.
Matthew glanced at the area across him, squinting. The area where his Dad and his uncle should be sitting to represent the United Kingdom is vacant. Matthew regretted glancing towards that direction when he saw the familiar auburn-haired nation once again. James sat up with a start and Matthew saw him looking surprised as he slowly mouthed his Papa's name.
I really need to get going. He said to himself, standing up quickly and packing his things. He placed the strap of the satchel over his shoulder and swiftly, he headed out of the conference room.
---
Matthew was barely half-way towards the elevator when someone's hand heavily clamped down on his shoulder.
He looked irritatingly at his side and realized it was Gilbert, with a silly grin plastered on his face.
Oh god, why does it have to be now.
"Bonnefoooy!" He drawled, encircling his arm over Matthew's shoulders, pressing some of his weight against him as they walked. "You didn't respond to my calls! You got me worried! I thought you weren't attending the conference!"
"I almost didn't." He responded, "Ez the after party, I have a little too much. Now, If you don't mind, I'm not feeling well and-"
"Well of course, you aren't." and Gilbert pulled him close, bringing one hand to his head, giving him a noggin. Did he even understand what he is trying to say? "-not until we all hang out! This time, it's gonna be at my place! I call Antonio!" and he released him, heading towards his comrade who is standing few feet away from them. "Heey, Antonio!"
Antonio is facing the opposite direction, apparently reading a message in his phone.
"Well, I always greet Antonio with a slap and squeeze on his rump." Matthew remembers his Papa's advice. "If you ignore that glorious ass, they'll definitely be suspicious."
Gilbert greeted Antonio the same way he did to Matthew, hooking his arm over his shoulders.
Slap...Antonio's behind...
Matthew bit his lip as he approached closer, it felt like everything have centered on this moment. If he does not do it, they wouldn't believe he is Francis.
'Smack!'
He gave the round firm tush a quick squeeze, before drawing his hand out in disgust. Antonio quickly turned around.
"Francis, hola!" he beamed at him. Matthew cannot believe it, His Papa was not joking when he was told how oblivious the Spaniard is.
"Well, bonjour~" Matthew smirked, trying to mask his disbelief. He tried to strike a conversation, remembering the phone messages he overheard earlier. "I heard you have my shirt?"
"Si! It's back in my house; do you want to get it now?"
Matthew nodded curtly, trying to conceal his eagerness to leave. Yes, he would want to go to Antonio's house and get the shirt, only because the Country of Passion happens to always stay near where Papa's place is. He can call Paul, tell him to meet him there and excuse himself from the party or whatever it is, Matthew does not know how LONG he could keep up pretending to be Papa.
Gilbert let out a loud guffaw that nearly made Matthew jump. "What are you saying, mein freund? To my place first!"
They all turned to him with expectant expressions clearly written in their faces. More on, they look like they're about to seize someone's vital regions, Matthew shuddered, noting Gilbert's mischievous grin. His Papa would never turn down the company of his long-time comrades.
He has no choice.
He forced his smirk a little wider, even if he feels like dying a little inside. Just for tonight, he will just have to get through this, tonight.
"Well, what are we all waiting for~?"
"Alright! Kesesese..."
"Hey Francis, you seem rather taller today..."
"Ez the new shoes~"
===
TO BE CONTINUED of course
- Alfred negating spells = well, he is an unbeliever. And based on my own experience, unbelievers tend to break the atmosphere needed in summoning spirits etc.
- NO, we won't have much BTT shenanigans after this 8T (It will take a whole chapter lool no.) But I will write re-caps of what they did do...and stuff.
- I made Matthew waay taller than his Papa. Even way taller than Prince William. Yeeeahh.
Also if you guys have pixiv, this has been in my mind every time I write pansy francis
>> ghei link is ghei <<