Whew, finally had some time to write! It's just a quick little thing, but who doesn't like big brother Francis and baby Arthur? It's my birthday tomorrow so I probably wont have much time to update, but this weekend I will get some updates on The Family Baby done definitely.

"Arthur, you need a bath mon petit! You're filthy!"

"No!"

"Get into the tub Arthur."

"No!"

Francis sighed in frustration, looking down at the tiny nation. Arthur had been long due for a good scrubbing in the bath. His body was covered with dirt, his hair was full of leaves and little sticks from the trees outside, and his baby feet were caked with mud.

Arthur happened to despise baths though. The water was often either too hot or too cold, and plus the soap made his nose itch. He liked being covered in dirt. Whenever he had a bath he always felt too clean afterwards.

"I'm giving you the count of three to get into that tub. If you don't then you'll go to bed without any supper," Francis threatened.

Arthur's lower lip stuck out. He didn't want to miss supper and go to bed early. That was no fun, especially since they were supposed to have yummy raspberry tarts for dessert tonight. This was a major dilemma. Should he get into the bath and endure being scrubbed down from head to toe, or should he go to bed early and miss dessert? Either way it was a lose situation since Francis would just make him take a bath in the morning.

Finally he made his decision and slowly climbed into the tub, green eyes saddened and filled with tears. Francis sighed as he observed the baby nation. Honestly, one would think that Arthur was being tortured or something by his expression.

"Arthur mon lapin, I just don't understand what's so bad about bathtime," Francis said, soaping up a washcloth and cleaning the dirt from his charge's face. "Being clean isn't a punishment you know."

The smaller nation only whined, inching away from the washcloth as it rubbed at his ears. The water was starting to turn a filthy brown from all the dirt coming from Arthur. Francis was certainly going to keep Arthur inside for the rest of the night. Usually after baths Arthur would run right back inside and proceed to get dirty all over again.

Once Arthur was no longer brown, Francis pretended to gasp in shock. "Oh my goodness, I almost forgot whose adorable face was under all that dirt!"

Arthur couldn't help but smile, but only a little bit! Lastly Francis worked on his feet, causing the child to kick and protest some more, mostly because he was ticklish there. Once the dirt was gone they began to sting, since they were covered from cuts from running about the forest barefoot.

"This wouldn't hurt if you actually wore the shoes I made you," Francis reminded him gently. Arthur liked that about Francis. If he wanted to make a point or tell him to do something, then he would do it with patience and kindness. Arthur had vague memories of his brothers just hitting him when he didn't do as he was told.

"All done?" Arthur questioned impatiently, wiping some water droplets from his face.

"Oui, all done," Francis agreed, holding out a towel. Arthur eagerly climbed out and into the towel. Francis bundled him up in it and lifted him up, carrying him out of the washroom and into their bed chambers.

A few minutes later Arthur was dressed in his nightshirt, his hair damp but towel dried for the most part.

"You were a very good boy during your bath Arthur," Francis praised him. "Are you ready to eat now?"

Arthur smiled from the praise and nodded, taking his big brother's hand and following him to the kitchen. Maybe baths were okay sometimes, as long as it made Francis happy.

MANY YEARS LATER:

"America, get into that tub right now young man!

"No Engwand! No bath!"

Fin

Hope you liked it!