Warning: This story in the coming chapters will contain Yaoi, some of which will be hardcore. Yaoi is boy x boy love. If you are not into that, do not read or complain. You have been fairly warned.
This story and Axis Powers Hetalia depicts people and persons as the direct personification of that nation/country, so if this concept bothers you, this might not be the right story for you.
This story is set in modern times.
APH Rose Glasses
A fully naked Frenchman woke up to the soft warming rays of dawn, refreshed and feeling absolutely fabulous. Francis Bonnefoy, the embodiment of France, stretched languidly on his black satin sheets and climbed out of his huge bed to fling open the window, taking in his beautiful city, his capital, his heart, Paris. He looked out at his breathtaking full view of the Arc of Triomphe in the West and the Place de la Concorde in the east. Saluting the Arc, Francis lit a cigarette and leaned over his balcony to look down at the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Named after the Elysian Fields, Greek heaven, is was considered and named the "La plus belle avenue du monde, the most beautiful avenue in the world. Where else would Francis's home possible be? Like many other countries, Francis had many, many homes across his land, but this one was truly exquisitely unique and one he just had to stay at, whenever he was in Paris. Taking in the breathe of the city, Francis exhaled blue smoke and thought, "There is truly nothing in this world like springtime in Paris. I may just have to go on strike for the entire season."
The nation finished his cigarette and tried to decide if he wanted to go out to a café for breakfast or make his own. He felt vivacious though, so the café was opted for, and he could share his beauty with all being the generous soul he was.
Francis had a huge studio style apartment that took up the entire top of a high building right on the Avenue. It had been custom renovated(of course), and was filled with art. The main area of the apartment was one large room with sections separated off by pieces of art creating 'rooms'. The living room was separated from the bedroom by a long abstract metal sculpture of running horses while the kitchen was separated from the living room by hanging pieces of painted silk. All different styles and kinds of art flowed and mixed together in a dance of orderly chaos that was not , surprisingly, unpleasing to the eye. Everything flowed with each other, a Picasso hung next to a Caravaggio, Greek pottery stood next to a odd abstract something or other sculpture, though oddly nothing clashed or was lessened by the other. The only two truly separate rooms were the bathroom and Francis's dressing room. The bathroom was a huge affair of black and white marble tile that held a huge tub that could easily fit four people(but had had more than that in it) and a double sink with sparkling chrome fixtures. Francis's dressing room was also equally if not more amazing. Rows and row of clothing hung on long numerous metal racks while the walls were lined with compartments for shoes, jewelry, belts, sunglasses, hats, and everything else one could possible dress a body in. One corner of the room was specially set up with a dressing bench and a semi-circle of tall mirrors.
Francis got ready for his arrival upon the world by running his fingers down the rows of clothing waiting for something to call out to him. What called loudest was a pair of dark blue leather pants made out of some sort of reptile and expertly dyed. He paired them with a slinky baby soft black, just begging to be touched, long sleeved shirt and a pair of matte black designer shoes. He picked out a pair of metallic blue D&G sunglasses and after some thought, grabbed a black leather suit cut jacket. He finished the ensemble with a long flowing red silk scarf. As Francis dressed, he felt a feeling, a slight pressure, of one of his own kind near by. Someone, another nation, had entered his country. He wondered vaguely who it might be and hoped it was a petite Italian coming to visit, as long as he was not here to ask for his art back though.
Francis hit the Avenue and stopped at a nearby café to break his fast. He decided to sit outside to enjoy his flaky buttery croissant and fresh coffee, so that he could do one of his favorite things, people watching. He was surprised to see someone he recognized out of the many faces though. It was Eduard von Bock, the personification of Estonia. His relations with this nation were minimal at best, and though Francis recognized him, he actually knew very little about him. Eduard was dressed casually in a light green polo shirt and brown cargo pant with sneakers, all topped by a green military style jacket. He carried a black messenger bag over his shoulder and appeared to be lost judging by the expression on his face. Francis watched him, a little disappointed in discovering who was visiting his country. Eduard took out what appeared to be a large phone and started to tap on it. After a couple of minutes, he headed confidently off in a certain direction, leaving Francis feeling perplexed. He had a phone as well, a small slender silver thing that was all the rage and was also currently off. Francis decided to follow him and hurried after Eduard, slipping on his sunglasses, going incognito(of course).
Eduard led him to the Musee de Louvre, the Grand Louvre, one of the world's largest and most famous museums. Francis nodded in approval, and followed him in. There, Eduard just wandered around, it seemed aimlessly. He would stop to carefully read the information cards presented with all the art and exhibits but would barely look at the art itself, something that bothered, no infuriated the Frenchman.
"Why bother going to the most beautiful museum in the world and not truly see anything in it?", Francis thought, frowning at the unaware nation. As he watched Eduard, he noticed he seemed to have an odd habit of taking out his weird phone and keep tapping it. Francis really had no idea what he was doing. Eduard finished his meanderings to sit out side the Café Marly and took out a laptop from his messenger bag. Francis was speechlessly, "To come to the most magnificent displays of art and ignore it all to type on one of those infernal machines!…..I think not!".
An angry Francis stormed up to Eduard, startling him." What do you think you are doing here?", France said in icy cool tones that would normally strike fear into the heart of any nation(at least in Francis's mind).
Eduard just gave him a polite smile and empty eyes as he looked at him over his glasses. "I asked you at the last World Meeting in Austria, if it would be all right to come visit your capital.", he said calmly. Francis stared back at him slightly confused at the response. Eduard continued, "You were flirting with the coffee barista at the time, so you may not remember, but you did say it was alright."
Francis vaguely remembered the conversation but vividly remembered the coffee barista, smiling at the memory of her. Francis shook his head trying to re-focus and waved his hand in a dismissing manner at Eduard "No, no mon ami, I mean what are you doing sitting in a café staring at a computer when you should be soaking in all this fantastic beauty.", Francis explained, gesturing at the cafe around them.
Eduard blinked in surprise. "Oh, well, I already walked through the museum. I only came here because it was suggested to my by one of my teachers that I should broaden my curriculum beyond technological sciences.", he said dismissively.
Francis sighed heavily and dramatically placed a hand to a pained forehead "You have broadened nothing, mon ami. You have been presented a feast, have only taken a nibble, declaring yourself full and have only ended up insulting the chef."
Eduard appeared to consider the statement, "I apologize but I don't really know any thing about art. I was thinking about taking one of the tours though….", the Baltic started to say.
Francis interrupted though appearing very determined about something "I will be your guide then!"
Eduard stared at the fired up nation, "I don't want to inconvenience you…", he said slowly.
Francis interrupted again, firmly stating, "This is not a matter of convenience, mon ami. This is a matter of national pride. I can let you leave here without truly experiencing Paris!".
"But I only came to see the museum.", Eduard said perplexed, causing Francis's jaw to drop.
"Mon Dieu. I have a lot to teach you.", Francis sighed heavily.
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Eduard was surprised at the current turn of events as Francis himself showed him around the Louvre, lecturing him about the beauty and sensuality of art. Francis was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher though he did tend to wander off on tangents when talking about artists he personally had known, or more accurately the artist's models. "Who do you think the Mona Lisa was smiling at so mysteriously, mon ami?"They spent most of the day in the Louvre, breaking only for a quick luck at a café where Francis lamented that lunches used to be a more languid affair, lasting up to two hours.
"Though if you still want a real lunch, I know some villages out in the country that still do it right.", said Francis, "What are you doing?". The nation couldn't help but comment as a curious Eduard started pulling up regional maps on his Smartphone. Eduard explained the concept and use of smart phones something that left Francis feeling confused and perplexed. It was Eduard's turn to be horrified when Francis confessed he did not own a computer.
"It seems I have a lot to teach you as well. For helping me out today, I will come over some time soon and help get you set up with a computer.", Eduard said with a small smile that could only be termed as shy. He almost choked laughing though a minute later when Francis told him that he still sent messages to Spain by his bird Pierre.
Eduard's day did not end after the Louvre much to his amazement. Francis insisted on taking him on a walking tour of Paris. What surprised Eduard even more as they walked around Paris was how nice it was to be with Francis. Eduard had never really talked to Francis before except in passing polite business conversation. At meeting, Eduard considered him a flake as best as distraction at worst, always disagreeing and fighting(sometimes it seemed for no reason) with England. Actual being with the flamboyant nation, though was entirely different matter. Francis glowed in the heart of his city, and Eduard could not help but to admire him. The Frenchman effortless walked through the crowded streets, talking the entire time, with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other(though Eduard was not sure when or how he had acquired it).
Eduard had always heard the saying "Stop to smell the roses." but until now, he had never met anyone who actually did just that. Francis had stopped at a flower vendor to select a truly perfect specimen of a red rose which he casual tucked behind his ear. Eduard was amazed by how natural it looked on him. He knew if he had done something similar, people would just stare at him and ask him why he was being so weird. They stopped their tour late in the evening to eat at a little hole in the wall restaurant that Francis knew and dined on Escargot a la Bourfuignonne, tender lapin, and succulent grenouille.
After diner, unperturbed by nightfall, Francis resumed his walking tour taking them to the Obelisk of Luxor at the center of the Place de Concorde, the largest square in Paris. There were street performers of all kind and wandering musicians playing anything and everything, giving the night a surreal feeling to Eduard. Francis wandered among them, sometimes singing in a beautiful tenor voice along with them. Grabbing Eduard's hands in his own, Francis started to dance with him around the square, still singing sweetly. Eduard let him, his eyes never leaving Francis's face. They finished their impromptu dance laughing, and out of breathe, as they sat down on the edge of a nearby fountain. They sat there and watched the vibrant night life of Paris under the light of a full moon.
"It's breathtaking.", thought Eduard, as he turned to look at Francis. He ended up staring, mentally repeating, "It breathtaking."
Francis looked truly beautiful leaning back against the fountain, looking up at the moon and stars, his silky gold hair throw back over his shoulders, his blue eyes sparkling from streetlight and starlight. Francis caught him staring and gave him sexy silky smile. Eduard closed his eyes in embarrassment only to snap them back open when he felt a soft warmth on his lips. Francis kissed him softly at first, skillfully deepening the kiss as it continued. Upon parting from what Francis considered to be a perfect kiss, he noticed that Eduard seemed unaffected by it in the least. Francis was shocked and a little embarrassed. A kiss that sensual had seemingly no effect on the Baltic. Eduard just blandly stared back at him with a polite smile like they had just been discussing the weather.
"I must be losing my touch." Francis said, giving an unruffled Eduard a hurt look.
"No, it was nice. I'm just not surprised is all. It is kind of expected due to your personal tendencies.", Eduard said in a sterile tone, like he was giving a business report.
"Nice….Expected…Tendencies….", Francis repeated back to himself mentally. Something about the way Eduard said that made Francis feel very upset and insulted. He stood up quickly and gave Eduard a stiff bow, "I will bid you au revoir then from my expected tendencies.", he said icily. Stunned at Francis's sudden departure and tone, Eduard watched the angry Frenchman leave the square and disappear into the crowd. Eduard wondered to himself what he had done to anger Francis. Not knowing where he lived in the city, Eduard resolved to apologize to Francis for whatever he had done the next time he saw him.
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So at the next World Meeting, Eduard looked for Francis, only to be avoided or ignored. Whenever he got an opportunity to talk to him, Francis would start a random conversation with closest person to him. Arthur was starting to avoid Francis altogether after the third time that happened. Eduard had finally caught sight of Francis returning to his room and the Baltic rushed to catch him. Just as he reached him though he was suddenly blocked by Ivan, who caught him and Francis off guard. "We vill talk, I think,da?" said Ivan, as he loomed menacingly over Eduard. Eduard just gave him a placid smile and empty eyes. Despite himself, Francis was impressed. He knew countries that would have already pissed themselves in that same situation.
"Sorry Ivan, I must decline. I already have a meeting set up with Francis and I don't know when I will be available next." Eduard said lightly, with a polite smile.
"Like hell you do.", thought Francis as he huffed to himself and considered leaving the Baltic to the wolf, until he noticed that Eduard's hands were shaking, clenched tightly into fists behind his back out of the Russian's view. His posture, facial expression and tone gave nothing away, not a hint of what he was feeling, but his hands were shaking uncontrollable. After a moment, Francis realized that the other two countries were waiting for him to respond.
Francis rallied beautifully under the combined stares, "Pardon moi, I was lost in thought. I was trying to remember whose room we were meeting in."
"Yours, I believe.", Eduard said smoothly, sidestepping Ivan to stand beside Francis. "If you will excuse us." Eduard said, nodding a good bye to Ivan as the two proceeded quickly to Francis's room.
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When they arrived, Francis threw himself into a nearby chair and started to open a bottle of wine he had left out for himself on the table. "You took a big chance, mon ami. I was seriously considering just leaving you there." Francis intoned as he poured his wine. He looked up to ask Eduard if he wanted a glass but ended up staring at him instead. Eduard was leaning heavily against the wall, with his eyes tightly shut, his hands still clenched. Francis got up, concerned for him, and went to stand beside him.
"Eduard, mon ami, are you alright?", asked Francis, gently placing his hand on Eduard's trembling shoulders. Eduard slowly opened fear filled eyes and nodded. He let out a held breathe as his shoulders slumped in relief, finally unclenching his hands. Francis saw that they were bloody from Eduard's nails digging deep into them. Francis clicked his tongue in surprised concern and gently took Eduard by the arm. He sat him down and went to the bathroom to retrieve a first aid kit. Gently taking Eduard's hands into his own, Francis started to disinfect the small crescent moon shaped wounds and wrapping them in clean bandages.
Eduard watched him and sighed, "I'm sorry…..for everything. I know I insulted you somehow in Paris. Thank you for not leaving me with Ivan."
Francis rolled his eyes. "It is fine , mon ami. It is not like I have not earned my reputation, but just so you understand, I kissed you because I think you are cute, not just because you were there.", he said. Eduard grew incredible still. Francis glanced up from his careful administrations and was surprised to see Eduard's face was glowing bright red. This from the man who had not even reacted in the slightest to a full blown kiss from Francis and a veiled threat from Ivan.
"Mon Dieu, what is it?", Francis asked, feeling a bit concerned.
"You think…thought I was cute?" Eduard asked softly.
"Well, yes. I still do.", Francis answered honestly, getting an even redder reaction from Eduard. Realization dawned on Francis as he stared up into Eduard's face. "Has no one ever told you that you are cute before?"Francis asked, hazarding a guess. Eduard just shook his head, unable to speak.
Francis stared at the Baltic, thinking deeply to himself. No, I guess no one has. Eduard got kind of got lost among so many other more beautiful nations. His dark green eyes were not the bright shifting green of England's, nor had the warm glow of Spain's, or the ancient wisdom of Greece's. Eduard's blond hair was not the silken gold of Francis's own or Canada's, or the sunshine gold of America's. Even in height, he was not overly tall like Russia or Sweden, nor was he cutely petite like the Italians or Japan. He did not stand in personality either, not being crazy, flaky, or just plain weird like Prussia, Latvia, Poland, or Russia.
But….he was sweet and he was gentle. He was inquisitive, open-minded, and intelligent. Francis stared up at the odd quiet country as a feeling seeded itself inside of him. Gently touching his face, Francis removed Eduard's glasses and set them down on the coffee table. He gently ran light fingertips from his temple down to his jaw finishing at his throat. Eduard trembled under his feather light touch but made no move to stop it or leave. Francis continued to lightly touch Eduard's face, exploring it, outlining the shape of his ears, the contours of his lip, the curve of a cheekbone all the while smiling softly to himself.
"Open your eyes, mon amour. Don't be shy.", Francis whispered silkily.
"What are you doing?" Eduard asked in a trembling soft voice as he met Francis's sparkling sapphire blue gaze. The Frenchman got up smoothly from his kneeling position to climb on top of the stunned Baltic, straddling him, and effectively caging him in the chair with his own body. Francis's knees dug into the soft cushion on either side of Eduard's hips, while one arm curled around his neck to run skillful fingers through short blond hair. The other arm stayed busy trailing lines up and down a slender chest.
Francis laughed huskily in amusement. "I am trying to seduce you." "But….why?", he asked an astounded Eduard. Francis did not answer. Instead he tilted Eduard's head back and gently, almost reverently, placed his lips upon his in a almost chaste kiss that ended with the barest flick of the tongue. Eduard gasped and tried to move back but was trapped by the chair and Francis. "I want to taste you. I want to hear what you sound like when you come. I want to know the most intimate parts of your body. I want to feel you move beneath me when we make love. I want to do this because I like you.", Francis said softly into Eduard's ear as he pressed hot lips to cool skin on and around his delicate pink ear.
Eduard closed his eyes and grew incredibly still beneath Francis. Eduard truly hated himself or a least a part of himself for what he was about to do. He went to his inner center, and tried to focus.
Eduard seemed to have shut down under Francis's touch, something that bothered him. Eduard's blush faded, his breathing slowed, and when he opened his eyes, they were carefully blank. Eduard gently but firmly pushed Francis out of his lap and retrieved his glasses from the table. Francis was shocked, "Relax, I'm not going to bite…..much anyway.", Francis joked lamely. Eduard just gave him a polite mild smile in return. Francis recognized it, realizing it was the same smile used before on Ivan and in Paris.
"This is his fake face. The one he uses to hide behind.", Francis thought, as he said aloud, "But why…..?".
"I have come to a decision.", said Eduard, "I do not want to be just another one of your conquests. I have been used before and I…..I am better that that. I want more than that."
Francis caught Eduard's chin with his graceful fingers and gently stroked his jaw line. "But I could make love to you all night.", Francis purred, not one to give up so easily.
"I am worth more that one night.", Eduard said softly, as he stood up from the chair. Francis stepped back and considered him for a moment. He finally just shrugged and retrieved his bottle of wine from the table.
"You can stay here and sleep on the sofa tonight if you want to avoid Ivan. If you want to sleep in the bed though, my offer is still open.", Francis said lightly as he left the room.
Eduard was gone in the morning. Francis shook his head and sighed. Something was bothering him, and it was not the fact he did not get laid last night.
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The World Meeting had ended and the nations were making their preparations to leave, at least most of them anyway. Eduard sat by himself in the deserted common room area staring at nothing, and thinking repetitive thoughts. He could have been with Francis, if only briefly.….But now…. Eduard was pretty sure that Francis would never speak to him again unless he absolutely had to at a meeting. The thought saddened him. He tried to distract himself from thoughts of Francis's silky lips and memories of Paris in the spring and was failing miserable. He buried his head into his hands and tried to focus, and regain inner balance.
"I could go study something I guess." Eduard thought sadly. Sighing, he opened his eyes to see a bouquet of yellow, orange, and pink roses in front of him. They were being held by a smiling Frenchman. Eduard looked up in surprise, which turned to shock when Francis sat down next to him.
"Pour vous, mon amour."said Francis as he offered the bouquet to him . Eduard accepted them somewhat awkwardly, unsure of what to do. No one had ever given him flowers before, but also, they were not Francis's usual red roses. Francis leaned over to place a kiss upon his cheek.
"So when you come by again, I am going to take you to my chateau in Alsace. It has the most fantastic view of the Vosges mountains. I also have some truly exquisite wine put away there and know a few restaurants that you would love." Francis said with a sweet smile.
"W-What are you doing?", Eduard stammered. Francis grinned at him and threw an arm around his shoulders to drawn Eduard near.
"Well, you said you were worth more that one night, so I think it should be blatantly obvious. I will see you this weekend then. I have a plane to catch. Till next time, mon amour." Francis said as he placed a tender kiss on Eduard's lips as he got up to leave.
Eduard looked up the meaning of roses and blushed deeply, glad no one was around to see his reaction. Pink meant admiration and gentle love. Yellow meant friendship and promise of a new beginning. Orange meant desire, excitement and adventure. Eduard was not sure what the future held for him, but he was certain that it would contain wine and roses.