Hello, my lovlies!

So after my hiatus, I am proud to announce that I am back! Yes, it is true!

I've been doing a LOT of art stuff on my DA, and I've been putting this chapter off for a long time... sorry...

But, I'm back! So be happy!

I hope you all enjoy!

Hetalia (c) Hidekaz Himaruya

Don't Lean On Me (c) Bringmemisery


Chapter 7 - Enterré Sous

Francis fell back onto the plush couch below him as he looked up towards the high ceiling. He noticed the ivory molding which held a series of intricate designs panning from one corner to the other. He never stayed long enough at Basch's house to take notice of all the small details.

Someone took the time to get all of that done – it must have been exhausting!

Francis took in a breath, his nostrils filled with the fluffy aroma of croissants. He smiled and turned his head to find Lilli with a tray of steamy loafs in her hands.

Francis sat up as Lilli place the tray onto the round coffee table in the center of the room.

"Mr. Francis," Her soft voice sang, "I made some snacks for you and brother once he arrives."

"Merci, mon chérie," Francis grinned, "you're much too kind."

"Don't mention it," She smiled, "is there anything else I can get for you?"

"I will be fine, thank you," Francis replied as he heard the front door open.

He glanced over, and both Basch and Roderich entered – a stern look settled on the Austrian's face.

"I am telling you," Roderich started, "If I do not get that stupid car of mine working by this weekend, I have no other choice."

"Just ride a damn bike," Basch groaned, "you swear like you can only rely on a car!"

"I don't want to be sweaty," Roderich sighed as his eyes met Francis', "what did Basch do now?"

Francis rose his eyebrow, "what are you talking about?"

"Well, why else would you be here?" Roderich adjusted his glasses.

"I invited him over," Basch grumbled as he lifted a croissant to his mouth.

"Does he behave at work?" Roderich asked as he sat on a different couch.

"Oui," Francis furrowed his brows, "Pardonnez-moi, but what does this have to do with anything?"

"Just wondering," Roderich crossed his legs, "he can be a bother some times."

"Hallo?" Basch snickered, "did you forget I am standing right here?"

Roderich sighed, "If you were not stuffing your face, then maybe I might."

Basch muttered something, but Francis could not make it out.

"Big brother?" Lilli spoke.

Basch pat her head, "Well, Mr. Roderich I'll have you know that I like to stuff my face."

Roderich made no rely.

Francis shifted, "Mon ami, what is it that you invited me for exactly?"

"Nothing important," Basch replied as he reached for another croissant, "I just felt a friendly get together sounded nice."

"Are you dying?" Roderich questioned.

Basch sighed, "Not yet, surprisingly. Why must you question everything I do?"

"Because you're stupid," Roderich smiled, then looked at Francis, "you look uncomfortable."

Francis shook his head, "Non, I am fine."

"You can yell at him if you'd like."

"He is not in any trouble," Francis ran his hand in his hair.

It was hard to explain the atmosphere in that moment. It wasn't that he felt unwanted, but Francis felt out of place. It was not every day that Basch invited him.

Perhaps something was wrong?

Francis loosened his necktie.

"Lilli," Basch said, "can you get us something to drink?"

"Of course," she replied as she turned away.

Once she was out of sight, Basch spoke once more.

"I need your help," he said in a low voice.

Francis blinked a few times, "With what?"

"Gil."

"Mein gott," Roderich moaned, "has he complained to you too?"

Francis felt his heartrate pick up, "what has he told you?"

"Not much," Basch crossed his arms, "the other night he was a mess. I tried to talk to him about it, but he gave me some crap story about having 'too much on his mind.' But he didn't explain much else after that."

"He's a baby," Roderich replied, "I think he's having a silly tantrum to get us to pay attention to him."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Francis differed, "Gil has been acting very strange recently. This is not his usual tricks; he might need to be checked out."

"Maybe he's dying," Roderich gasped.

"How long has he been like this?" Basch asked.

"A few days?" Francis shrugged, "ever since he told me about a dream he had, he's been like this."

Roderich stared at him, "What? That dream that he fell down the stairs?"

"Exactement," Francis nodded.

Roderich removed his glasses, "That was nothing more than a dream. I am telling you he just wants attention. Mein gott, he's even got Lizzie worried."

"I tried to convince him that it was nothing," Francis folded his arms, "but apparently that hasn't done a thing. Arthur believes that Gil may have had some sort of prémonition."

"Premonition?" Basch asked.

Francis nodded as he realized Lilli walking their way.

She placed a few glasses before them.

"Big brother," she said, "I've read stories about that kind of stuff."

"Sister, those are just stories."

"But brother, isn't anything possible? Maybe Gil is sensitive and he's picking up on something?"

"Well, 'sensitive' is right," Roderich pinched the bridge of his nose, "he's just acting like a fool."

"But it could be possible, Mr. Roderich," Lilli continued.

"Arthur believes the same," Francis pitched in, "but how can we know for certain?"

"We can't," Roderich stated as he lifted his mug from the table, "all we can do is just either assume he's lost it, or he . . . picked something up. Though I still don't think that is the case."

"Maybe we can," Basch responded as he brought his finger to his mouth, "but of all people, why would Gil pick up anything?"

The group waited in silence before Francis answered, "Arthur and I could not figure it out either. But according to him, he believes there could be someone else who may have had a dream as well."

"Why would he think that?" Roderich questioned.

"Arthur truly believes Gil saw something, so he thinks that by finding another person with some crazy dream it will rule out. Arthur even told us the same day that he too had a bizarre dream which tied in with Gil's. But he thinks someone else did too."

"Have you found anyone else?" Lilli asked.

Francis shook his head, and a quick knock came from the door.

Basch groaned as he walked over.

Roderich chuckled, "Gilbert is messing with our heads."

"Mr. Roderich," Lilli said, "did you have any dreams?"

"No, I did not. Even if I did it would not matter. A dream is nothing more than our imagination. They don't give us anything other than garbage."

"Dreams aren't so bad," Lilli protested.

"When you're a lucid dreamer like me," Roderich stated, "you realize the truth. Oh, Gilbert is such a child."

Francis heard steps come from the door, and then felt arms wrap around his neck. He held his breath for a moment before he recognized the golden rosary that had fallen onto the brown arms around him.

"Antoni," he smiled, "what are you doing here?"

"I came to pay a visit," Antonio laughed.

"You have five minutes," Basch's voice rang, "then get out."

Antonio released Francis and laughed once more.

"You think I'm joking," Basch crossed his arms, "I am not afraid to drag you out myself. I've shot people away from my property—don't think I won't do it to you."

"Amigo, no need to be so crazy. I just wanted to say 'hola' to my bestest amigos in the whole world!"

Roderich chuckled, "you're not counting me, are you?"

"Well, you are my amigo, aren't you?"

"Am I?" Roderich sipped his coffee mug.

"Antoni," Francis broke in, "how did you know I was here?"

"Well," Antonio smiled, "I went over to your casa, pero your hermana told me that you were out here. So aquí estoy!"

Francis tilted his head "Did you need to tell me something?"

Antonio's eyes darted up, "there was something, pero I can't remember what. . ."

"Then leave," Basch grumbled, "I was in the middle of a very important discussion before you showed up."

"Lo siento," Antonio laughed, "It really was importante. Maybe it will come again later?"

Roderich sighed, "It's like your memory gets worse with each passing day."

Not even a second later an unexpected tapping caused the room to grow silent. It was like something was tapping on glass. The group scanned the room for a few moments, and once more the tapping began.

Francis furrowed his brows, "Basch, is that a bird?"

"What? A bird tapping on the window?" Basch questioned.

Roderich laughed, "Apparently there are creatures that want your attention."

Francis opened his mouth to speak but Antonio's shriek silenced him. He shot a glance at his wide-eyed friend.

"A-Antoni?" Francis asked.

"How?" Antonio replied, "How did he know I was here?"

"Who?"

Antonio lifted his finger, "Him."

Francis glanced over and noticed a window on the far wall; a man's face was pressed against the glass – a face Francis had seen a few times before.

"Who is that?" Basch yelled.

Antonio laughed, "That's Jesus. . ."

"Who?"

Francis watched as his friend approached the window, and propped it open.

"Hola, Señor!" Jesus shouted, "como estas?"

"What are you doing here?" Antonio's eyes darted back to the group.

It was then that Francis stood up.

There was no reason to scream like that, however. . .

Of all places, how would his associate know to look here?

"Jesus," Antonio said, "why are you here?"

Jesus smiled, "Hola, Francis! Oh, Señor! Who are the little blonde ones? Son lindos!"

"What are you doing here, Jesus?"

"Francis," Jesus smiled, "are you working today?"

Francis shook his head, his eyes shifted over to his irritated friend.

Jesus wailed, "Man, I wanted to see you there in your cute uniform! Oh well, maybe Gil will be there!"

"Monsieur," Francis walked closer to the window, "why is it that you are here?"

"Oh, I am here because I need to talk to Señor Carriedo!"

"Qué quieres, Jesus?" Antonio sighed.

"Señor, I lost José in the fields!"

Francis tilted his head, "how do you lose someone in a field?"

"No sé! I think he fell in a snake hole."

"Jesus," Antonio replied, "he's too big to fall in a little hole—"

"No!" Jesus interjected, "there are some big, mysterious holes all over. The snakes are trying to rebel against my confetti attacks!"

"Dios mío," Antonio groaned, "You are out in the field to work, Jesus. Not terrorize the snakes."

"But, the confetti!" Jesus whined.

"Why don't you call José?" Antonio asked.

"He didn't answer!"

"Then call Miguel, or Javier. Tell them what happened, and go find José."

Jesus looked at Francis for a moment, then smiled, "Okay! Adiós, Francis y Señor! Y cute blonde children, and that other guy!"

With that, Jesus ran off and Francis looked once more to Antonio.

"Antoni?"

Antonio glanced up, "how did he know I was here?"

"Maybe he asked someone?"

"Who? No one is at my place. . ."

Francis shrugged, "Maybe he made a good guess?"

"Seriously," Basch cut in, "who the hell is that guy, and why did he call my sister and I cute?"

"Oh!" Roderich chuckled, "Maybe he has a crush on you?"

Francis held in his laugh as he noticed anger consume Basch.

The fact that this man would come all this way out to find Antonio was kind of . . . bizarre to say the least. If there wasn't anyone home, there would almost be no way of this man knowing Antonio's whereabouts.

Perhaps Jesus found Lovino somewhere and asked?

Or someone else maybe?

But then again, why didn't he call instead?

Why make the trip out here?

Francis looked over at Antonio.

He could have called, too.

"Antoni? Why didn't you call me to tell me what you wanted?"

Antonio looked over to him, "I would, but for some reason I can't find my phone. I think I left it somewhere back home."

Francis stroked his chin, "maybe that's why he came out here looking for you?"

"What? 'Cause I wasn't answering?" Antonio shook his head, "that guy always seems to know where I am. It creeps me out!"

Roderich laughed, "Wonderful. Basch's admirer is Antonio's stalker."

"Will someone answer me?" Basch yelled, "Who is he?"

"Just some guy who works for me. No importa."

"What the hell was he doing here, exactly?"

Roderich laughed once more, "He probably wanted to ask you out."

Basch groaned, "You're messed up, Edelstein."

Francis leaned against the couch.

"Excuse me?" Lilli's voice rang, "would you like me to get you something, Mr. Antonio?"

"Señorita, you're much too kind, but I think I will be fine. I know your hermano doesn't like my company anyways."

"I see nothing wrong," Lilli looked over to Francis, "do you, Mr. Francis?"

Francis smiled, "I am with him constantly, so his company is never a bother."

"He isn't bothering here either," Lilli smiled as she turned to her brother, "is it okay if he stays a little longer?"

Basch groaned, "I don't see why he should, but if you really insist. You have five more minutes."

Antonio laughed as he took a seat on the couch Francis had been on moments before. The Spaniard leaned back, and sighed.

"Hey, Frankie?"

"Yes?"

"How is Al holding up at Arthur's place?"

"So far so good, I think," He replied, "they bicker a bit, but I think they're managing."

"That's good," Antonio yawned, "as long as they don't kill each other, that's all that matters."

"Who are we talking about now?" Roderich questioned.

"Arthur's little Americano," Antonio replied.

Roderich titled his head, "Is that the child Gil told me about?"

"Yeah probably," Antonio shrugged, "he's cool. Kinda weird though, but cool."

Francis laughed, "You're kind of weird, yet people still are around you."

Antonio stuck out his tongue, "He's a different weird."

Lilli took a seat beside Antonio, "It's probably because he's not from here. If you went to where he's from, people would probably say you're 'weird' too."

"My sister has a point," Basch picked up another croissant, "plus he's a kid. Most kids are strange."

Roderich crossed his legs, "that's why you act the way you do!"

Basch's eyes darted towards Francis.

Francis shrugged, "I don't know what you want me to do."

Antonio laughed, "The two of you fight like a married couple!"

The two exchanged glances, and both Antonio and Francis laughed.

"Is your five minutes up?" Roderich asked.

"Ja," Basch nodded, "I think it is."

"Hey," Antonio held up his hands, "I mean no trouble. I'm only speaking the truth!"

It was Lilli's turn to laugh this time. Francis noticed her brother's eyes fall onto her.

"Don't encourage him," Basch demanded.

"But brother, don't you say it's better to tell a painful truth than a comforting lie?"

Basch groaned, "It's times like this that I really wished you didn't listen to every word I say."

Francis smiled as he pulled out his cell phone.

It was almost noon.

Arthur should be home from his class soon.

Maybe it was almost time to wrap things up?

He looked over to Antonio and opened his mouth, but Lilli cut him off.

"What was that friend of Mr. Arthur's name again?"

"Alfred," Antonio replied, "pero a lot of us just call him 'Al.'"

"How do they know each other exactly?"

"If memory serves me right," Antonio responded, "they met when they were younger, I think."

Lilli's blank face caused Francis to join in.

"You're half right, Antoni" he replied, "When Arthur was younger he studied over in the Americas. To be entirely honest, there were a few of us who did. It was a special foreign exchange program that allowed us to experience school life out there. While we were there we met Alfred and his brother, Mathieu. Of course they were a bit younger than we were, but we were all roughly around the same age."

"Frankie, I didn't know you were an exchange student!"

"Strange," Francis sat beside his friend and smiled, "I could have sworn you and Gil were in the same program. . ."

Antonio remained silent for a few moments before he replied, "Oh! I was out there! I completely forgot!"

Roderich sighed, "And my point has been proven. Your memory is terrible."

"It was a long time ago!" Antonio cried, "Like, I was really young. But, I wasn't out there for very long."

Roderich laughed, "You should have stayed there."

Antonio sighed, "Frankie, how come everyone hates me?"

Francis shook his head, "You're just easy to mess with, Antoni. Don't take it personal."

"Mr. Antonio," Lilli asked, "how come you weren't there for very long?"

"Because I finished my schooling out there. All of us eventually did. Frankie was the first to finish since he's un viejo. Then me, Gil, and Arturo. And like Frankie said, we met Al and his hermano. And Arturo really got along with them, pero because we were all stupid kids, we kind of. . . .well."

"We separated them," Francis replied, his heart pounded, "It was stupid. We were stupid. We didn't think anything would happen, but we were wrong."

The rest of the group remained silence as he continued, "Mainly, I separated them. I was very jealous that Alfred and Mathieu got so much of Arthur's attention. So, I tried to . . . take them from him. I tried to make myself better than Arthur in any way that I could, but there is not a day that goes by that I do not regret what I did."

"Me and Gil backed Frankie up," Antonio added, "Pero, we really did hurt Arturo badly. And to be completely honest, we all didn't think he'd ever speak to Al, or us again."

"Wait," Roderich interrupted, "He was only mad at the American?"

"Oui," Francis nodded, "Alfred was the only one we somehow managed to convince. We got him to believe that Arthur was being too clingy and protective over him. So he retaliated, and the two of them got in such a terrible argument. It was ridicule."

"And, he's living out here now?" Basch questioned.

"To be honest," Antonio replied, "we're probably as surprised as you are."

Francis sighed, "I thought the two of them would never speak again. But, if Arthur forgave us, doing the same for Alfred wouldn't be much different."

"Makes sense," Lilli said, "and it seems that Mr. Alfred forget him, too."

Francis nodded, "I'm glad for that as well."