A/N: It's snowflower90. I decided to write this story after an idea I had. I just love the FACE family. The story takes place in an AU, so I am sorry if the characters are out of character. In this AU, the adoption system works differently. So, yes I know that it doesn't match our worlds. I will be introducing Arthur's and Francis's jobs in a future chapter. Yes, you will find out why Francis refers to Arthur as Angleterre. I hope you enjoy.


Chapter One: The Black Sheep and the Frog

"State your name for the record."

"Arthur Kirkland."

"According to the application, you wish to be the legal guardian over Alfred F. Jones, whose current age is 3 years 6 months."

"Yes, your honor," Arthur's emerald eyes blazed. He was determined to get Alfred out of the system and into a permanent placement. Such a young, adorable child shouldn't have to live being bounced from home to home.

"Do you know the special requirements this child comes with? He must not be separated from his twin brother. His brother has already been approved to be under the care of some other person. How would you respond to having to live with and assist in raising Matthew Williams and his legal guardian?"

"I will do whatever is needed for Alfred."

The judges whispered to each other and nodded. "Arthur Kirkland, the courts have decided. You have been approved to be the legal guardian to Alfred F. Jones. Living arrangements under the specified guidelines will be delivered to you by tonight. You will be picked up and taken to your new living-quarters in one week's time. Get all of your affairs in order Mr. Kirkland before the week is up. You will meet your new son and his brother the day after you move to the new house with the other guardian."

"Thank you, your honors," Arthur brushed his bushy blond bangs out of his face and turned to leave.

Just as he reached the door, he heard the female judge say, "Good lick on your future, Mr. Kirkland."


The car pulled into the driveway to a two-story suburban house. In the morning sun the house seemed to be an off white, possibly cream color. The yard was a decent size and had a lot of trees that were already starting to change color, despite it only being early September. Arthur found that he quite fancied the looks of this place and couldn't wait to get settled in.

"Mr. Kirkland, your things have been delivered and all of your bags are in the back. The case worker will be here later to see how you and the other guardian are settling in and give you more details about tomorrow."

"Thank you," Arthur said and stepped out of the car to grab his bags.

"Good luck, Mr. Kirkland," the chauffer said as he pulled out of the drive way.

The British man slowly made his way to the house as he took in the scenery. It was quite a lovely view. On either side of the multi-colored, bricked pathway were flower boxes. The brick walkway was very colorful with the bricks being red, dark yellow, brown and grey.

Arthur thought that this was quite the house and couldn't wait for Alfred and Matthew to join him. He grabbed his bags and walked up to the door. The handle turned with ease and the door opened to reveal a hallway and a staircase. To the left there was a large doorway that led to what looked like a den or living room. The blond, British man peeked into the room. Light was pouring through the large windows. It seemed to cover every object in the room. There were a couple couches and Arthur's tea table on one side and on the other was piles of boxes. On the south wall there was a magnificent fire place that Arthur knew would serve the household well in the winter.

Just as Arthur turned around, he saw the blond locks and bright blue eyes he had come to associate with annoyance. The two young men locked eyes. One grinned while the other glared.

"What are you doing here, frog?" Arthur asked accusingly.

"Oh, Angleterre. Your words are like a knife." The French man held his chest acting like he had been stabbed straight through the heart. "I am being attacked in my lovely home."

This is my new home. Not yours," Arthur said. Then it struck him like a brick falling from the sky. How could this be happening? "You're not by chance Matthew's new guardian, are you?"

"Oui. I am going to raise petit Mathieu to be as kind and gentle as his papa. Did they not tell you that I am his guardian?" Francis looked at Arthur with a curious expression.

"No, they bloody didn't. Let me guess, you knew all along." Francis nodded. "I am going to need a word with those people."

"Angleterre, it really isn't that bad," Francis tried to convince him.

"NOT THAT BAD!? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RAISE A SUCCESSFUL CHILD WITH A FROG LIKE YOU?"

Just as Arthur was expressing his dislike of the situation, a young woman walked through the front door.

"Mr. Kirkland is there a problem," the brunette questioned.

"Who are you?" Arthur snapped.

"My name is Amanda. I am the twins' caseworker. If there is a problem I am sure the courts can retract your guardianship and place them under someone more agreeable to the current situation." The woman stuck her hand into her bag and pulled out her notepad. "So, is there a problem, Mr. Kirkland?"

"I am sorry, miss. There is no problem. Just a slight misunderstanding." Arthur let the tension in his shoulders relax. He heard his French rival snicker behind him.

"Good. I would hate to displace little Alfred again just because his current guardian can't handle the living situation." Amanda pushed passed Arthur. "Now, Mr. Kirkland, Mr. Bonnefoy, please come with me."

When everyone was seated at the dining table, Amanda explained what was going to happen over the course of the coming week. "Tomorrow around two o'clock in the afternoon I will be here to deliver the twins. On Wednesday, the twins have a doctor's appointment for a checkup. You will need to be at the clinic around nine in the morning with their adoption papers and medical records. I will come on Friday to check and see how things are going. Here is a list of things you will need before tomorrow." She handed each of the men a paper. "The list on the back is things that need to be done to the house by tomorrow as well as by Friday. It is all safety measures for the little ones. Alfred is known for getting into trouble. Just last week he was found in the garage because his current caregiver didn't have the proper doorknob protectors."

"Oh my." Francis and Arthur said in unison.

"Well, that is all I have for you today. I will let you two prepare for tomorrow." Amanda stood up and headed for the door. "Good-bye, gentlemen." Arthur and Francis said their farewells to Amanda, then sat and stared at each other.

Arthur's green eyes closed and he let out a sigh. "I think we should come to an agreement to at least tolerate each other for the sake of raising the boys."

Francis nodded, "For the boys."


A/N: Hope you liked the first chapter. It is just an idea I had.