Day six: In which arguments and picnics are had and a certain Frenchman makes his appearance in typical fashion.


Chapter 9

Breakfast the next morning was a leisurely affair. Arthur rose early, as he normally did, and made his way down to the town in search of breakfast. Alfred and Matthew found him sitting at one of the numerous benches in the square with the list in front of him, the names of those among them crossed out.

"Yo, Artie, where's everyone else?"

Arthur raised his head, looking at him absently. "Lukas and Vlad are over there' – he waved a hand vaguely in the direction of the market- 'getting breakfast for the children. I highly disagree with giving them pastries this early in the morning, but they seemed delighted with the idea. Matthias is with them as well. "

Alfred grinned. "Cool. Hey, did you say pastries? Mattie, let's go get some!"

Matthew's face brightened up at the idea. "I don't suppose they'll have pancakes anywhere, will they?"

"Uh, no. Sorry bro."

The Canadian looked crestfallen, but resigned. "I didn't think so. Oh well. Jam isn't nearly as good as maple syrup, but it's better than nothing. We'll be back in a few minutes, Arthur."

Arthur waved them off. "Go on then."

The two left, returning a few minutes later with a basket of warm goods. He offered it to Arthur, who took a roll.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Alfred asked brightly.

"What? Oh. Well, not much, really. Between everyone who's already here I should think we've caused enough of a disturbance by now. We just have to wait for everyone else to be drawn to us. As long as we stay more or less together as a group, I shouldn't imagine it'll take too long for them to find us."

"Cool! So it's vacation time from here on!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "If you consider this as such, yes. You know, I really wouldn't have expected you to take all this as calmly as you have done. That or you really are as dense as I suspect."

Alfred narrowed his eyes for a moment, but let it pass. "Y'know, Artie, you really need to learn to be nice. For real, dude. Would it kill you to like, not insult me for once?"

Arthur looked positively shocked. "Well, I, uh-" he stuttered. Trying to sort his features into some form of composure, he simply sniffed and looked away. His face was slightly reddened, however. Alfred seemed to take that as apology enough, and grinned at him.

"Man, I was just messing with you! You are way too easy to tease, dude."

This time Arthur did blush. Getting up, he swept past Alfred and walked off in the direction of the church, pointedly ignoring the American.

Alfred looked confused. "What'd I say?" he asked.

"You really are the dense one here, Al," Matthew said, a little sharply.

Alfred turned to his brother. "Not cool, bro. 'sides, if I am, you are too. Being twins and all."

Matthew let out a quiet laugh. "You got me there."

The others chose that moment to return from the store. Alexandru and Peter were both clutching pastries, looking incredibly happy at the fact that their mouths were smeared in crumbs and sugar.

Alfred chuckled. "Kids, you might wanna check yourselves." He tapped his cheek, grinning. The two boys beamed back guiltily, rubbing their faces with their hands hurriedly. "Sorry!" they chorused. Alexandru sucked on his fingers, not wanting to waste any of the sugar.

Vlad sighed and turned his brother to face him. "What have I told you?" he said, a fond smile on his face nonetheless. The little boy simply beamed at him. "It's yummy!" he explained. Vlad rolled his eyes at the boy, but drew him close and mussed his hair affectionately. Lukas did the same with Peter, ignoring the boy's protests at his uncle's ministrations, making Matthias smile at him. "Takes ya back, don't it Norge?"

Lukas looked up at him, then followed his gaze to Emil, who blushed deeply. "Don't say a word," the teen growled.

Lukas smirked at him. Emil turned away in a huff, refusing to acknowledge either his brother or the Dane.

On joint consensus, they decided to wait for the rest of the group to meet them. Feliciano, Ludwig and Gilbert found them after a few hours, Ludwig having apparently forced the others to join him on a morning run since there was 'no excuse to miss training, much less in a different world'. Feliciano smiled tiredly at them, but eagerly accepted a pastry.

"Yay! This looks yummy!" Ludwig sighed at his childishness, but didn't comment. He and Gilbert both took a roll from the basket as well, leaving it empty.

"Where are the others?" he asked sternly.

"Fratello is still asleep with Toni," Feliciano said between bites. "He's a really late sleeper if no-one wakes him up. Unless he's hungry. Then he gets mad."

"Of course," Ludwig muttered.

As if on cue, the two came walking up the street, Sebastian trailing behind them. He and Antonio looked as bright and happy as ever, a total contrast to Lovino's habitual scowl.

Seeing his brother with flakes of pastry around his mouth, Lovino marched up to him.

"So you all ate without us, bastard?"

Feliciano smiled guiltily at his brother. "You were sleeping, Lovi. And Luddy made us go for our training run. You could have come with us if you wanted!"

"Hell no. You better have something for me then." He pushed past him to where the now-empty basket sat on the edge of the fountain.

"Bastard." He turned to Antonio "It's your fault I slept in. Make it up and buy me something," he ordered.

Antonio smiled at him. "Loviiiii. What's the magic word?"

Lovino glared at him. "Are you stupid? That's for kids. Buy me breakfast, you bastard. I'm starving."

Antonio turned to Feliciano, his face nostalgic. "He used to do this every day when he was little. At least you don't jump on my stomach every morning now, hey Lovi?"

Lovino flushed darkly, scowling. "S-shut up, bastard!"

Feliciano turned to their youngest brother, giving him a look. Deflecting the tension, Sebastian threw an arm around his eldest brother. "Lovi, I'm hungry too. Let's go get something to eat, ok?"

Lovino did not look happy with either of his brothers, shaking the taller man off. "Alright. If it will shut you up, you little bastard. Toni, you're buying, got it?"

"Whatever you say, mio tomate."

The three walked off to the store, Lovino sandwiched between the taller men.

The day passed in general anticipation. The Nordics returned to the weapons shop Matthias had visited the day before, then went outside the town's walls for an impromptu sparring lesson with Peter. Needless to say, Arthur was less than thrilled at his little brother's eagerness, but grudgingly allowed it. After a while of Matthias showing off, Lukas shared a glance with Arthur, and the two made their way back to the church, stating that they would be in the library if anyone needed them.

Alfred and Matthew unsurprisingly went back to the stables. Surprisingly, Alexandru begged to go with them. After confirmation from Vlad, who wanted to return to the cave they had found him in to collect his things, they took the boy with them.

By the time Antonio, Lovino and Sebastian returned from the shop, the group had dispersed, leaving only Feliciano. Seeing his brothers, the little Italian ran over to them, throwing himself into their arms. Lovino side-stepped smartly, leaving Sebastian to catch him. He patted his older brother's back absently, used to Feliciano's outbursts.

"Loviiiii, he's bullying me again. I don't wanna do training!" he whined.

Lovino glared at Ludwig, who had placed a hand over his eyes in exasperation.

"What is your problem, you macho potato?"

Ludwig sighed. Gilbert, wearing an amused expression, laughed. "West is a stick-in-the-mud. He never skips training. Ita-cakes is just doing his routine complaining. It's all cool."

Lovino raised an eyebrow. "I didn't ask you, albino bastard. Feli, for god's sake, will you shut up."

Feliciano stopped whimpering immediately, proving that it was all crocodile tears. "I don't wanna run. Luddy, it's so nice today, can we just go for a walk instead?" His eyes lit up, and he stepped away from his brothers, clapping his hands delightedly.

"Oh! Yes, let's do that. We can get a basket, and some wine, and lots of food, and we can collect flowers. You can go and run and train and I'll lie on the grass and watch you. Can we, please? Please?" he grabbed Ludwig's arm, shaking it pleadingly.

Ludwig looked thoroughly exasperated. However, he could do nothing in the face of the others. Lovino was glaring, Sebastian and Antonio looked like they were a moment away from bursting into laughter, and Gilbert was as usual smirking at him.

"Oh, fine then!" he snapped. "I see I am outnumbered," he said acidly.

Feliciano beamed at him guilelessly, clapping his hands again. "Yay!"

Ludwig couldn't help but roll his eyes, his face softening. "Do you really hate training that much?" he asked quietly as the others began to drift off.

Feliciano tilted his head, thinking. "Sometimes? I'm really not as strong as you want me to be, Luddy. You don't seem to understand that. You're all muscly and brawny and amazing, and I'm…not."

Ludwig stared at him, shocked. "You shouldn't compare yourself to me, Feliciano."

"But I do. You're tall and strong, and you can run for ages without stopping. You're really clever and you can get everyone to stop fighting when you yell at them. I can't do anything. I'm small and weak and everyone thinks I'm stupid and can't do anything. I can't run the country without Lovi and I laugh too much and eat too much pasta and I run to you for help too much and you think I'm annoying." He ran out of breath and stopped, staring up at the tall blond with a hint of tears.

Ludwig was struck speechless. "Y-you…that's completely wrong" he said eventually. "You should not compare yourself with anyone else. Yes, you are not athletic, but that isn't everything. You paint beautifully, you sing like an angel, and you cook brilliantly. I know I get annoyed with you sometimes, but you should know that it is just because I worry about you. I am truly sorry if I have ever made you feel inferior with my actions." He looked down at the Italian, his face drawn and serious.

Feliciano stared up at him for a moment longer, almost frightened. Then, like a cloud passing over his face, he beamed at him, his carefully crafted smile back in place.

"Ve? That's good. But you do think I eat too much pasta, I know you do."

Ludwig blinked, his face twisting in confusion. "W-well, I suppose. You cannot win a battle with carbohydrates."

Feliciano giggled. "No? I could throw potatoes at the enemy, wouldn't that work? It would surprise them, and then we could run them over with tanks. The last ones didn't work, but I can always make more. I'm sure the next ones we make will be really good!"

He turned around, thinking.

"Ok, lets go! Let's see, we need food, and wine, and a basket. They don't have pasta here, so we'll have to get rolls and bread and pastries and cakes and fruit. We should ask if anyone else wants to come, although I really want to watch you by myself. Lovi won't want to come 'cause he's mean and he'll be with Toni. Sebastian could come, I suppose. Arthur and Alfred and Mattie are away, and they have the bambinos with them. Gil can come with us, obviously. I don't know about the others. Let's hurry, Luddy, come on!"

Ludwig could only follow after him, thoroughly confused. Feliciano had deflected the conversation as though it had never happened. As usual, he was no closer to understand the little Italian. Shaking his head, he walked forward to where Feliciano had run on ahead.

After procuring the necessary items, they left the town. Sebastian had tagged along, as Feliciano thought. To his surprise, Lovino had agreed to come as well, and so Antonio followed, carrying his guitar. He had bought a roll of paper and quill as well, saying that he could use the time to write some music since he rarely had the chance.

They walked for the next few hours, in relative peace. Gilbert and Antonio chatted together, discussing the 'good old times' as they called it. Lovino feigned boredom, but listened all the same. Ludwig frequently rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation as some of their more outlandish exploits, while Feliciano and Sebastian laughed.

They stopped for lunch a few miles outside the town. The sun was high in the sky, beating down warmly and taking away the slight chill in the air. Now that they had time to notice it, they could see the flowers and butterflies flitting between them. Gilbert started rambling about frame rates and graphics conversion, which the others ignored.

Feliciano set the basket down, drawing out a large blanket and spreading it over the grass. Sebastian helped set out the food and wine, then sat down, staring out across the landscape happily.

After being called several times, Lovino stomped over to his brothers and sat down roughly. "I heard you the first time, you bastard," he complained.

"Then you should have come!" Feliciano retorted, smiling.

"Whatever. Give me that, I'm starving." He tore a roll out of Feliciano's hands, who pouted.

Antonio took the opportunity to lay out the roll of paper he had purchased. He began humming softly, drawing long lines on the paper to make a rough music notation. Soon, he had a few bars set down, his face set in concentration.

Gilbert eventually stopped his examination of the landscape and came over to sit down, throwing himself down on the blanket.

"This is the life. We should do this more often, don't you think? Huh, Luddykins?"

Ludwig didn't seem to have heard him. He was staring at Feliciano, who was humming along to Antonio's playing as he passed the food around.

"Brilliant. I've lost out to love. Revoked status as adored older brother. I see how it is. Go on then, Luddy. Keep staring at Ita-cakes. One day you'll even man up enough to tell him how you feel!" he said quietly. Antonio looked up at him, not pausing his singing, although his eyes crinkled with laughter.

Ludwig turned to him. "Did you say something?" he asked.

"Nope! Nothing! Nothing at all!" Gilbert snickered, his face the picture of innocence. Antonio couldn't hold back a peal of laughter. Ludwig narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but didn't question it. He turned away from the two, going back to watching Feliciano.

"What's so funny, huh, bastard?" Lovino demanded.

Antonio took his hand off the guitar to ruffle the younger's hair. "Nothing, Lovi. Nothing yet."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Antonio motioned to Ludwig, seeing Feliciano now lying beside him, eating grapes upside down. He lifted one to Ludwig's lips, pressing gently against his mouth, laughing at the Germans' stoic refusal.

Lovino's eyes went dark with anger.

"Bastard! Get the hell away from him!" he yelled.

Feliciano jolted up when he heard Lovino's angry words, but relaxed again, tuning him out.

"Don't ignore me, you stupid little idiot. Sit up or don't come crying to me when you get a stomachache."

"But this is comfy, Lovi," Feliciano's voice floated over, completely ignoring his brother's anger. "It's so nice here. It's sunny, and warm, and we have good food and wine and there's so many flowers and everything. Just enjoy it, si?" He closed his eyes and snuggled into Ludwig's side, smiling up at him sweetly and laughing at the faint blush darkening Ludwig's pale cheeks.

Lovino rolled his eyes. "Simplistic bastard," he muttered. He opened his mouth, obviously about to start yelling again. Antonio took the opportunity, reaching over to plug him with a mouthful of bread, effectively shutting him up.

Lovino glared at him, but couldn't respond. He chewed furiously, his face dark in an angry blush.

"What the hell, bastard!" he fumed.

"Lovi, don't yell. Feli is right. It's a lovely day, with lovely food and lovely friends. Just eat your lunch, alright? No arguing today, or I will get angry." Antonio's voice was mild, but held a veiled threat of something dark and dangerous.

Lovino's eyes widened in surprise at the tone. He sputtered for a moment, his face beet red, then, surprisingly, did as he was told. Antonio smirked at him, making Lovino flush further. He turned his head away sharply, concentrating on eating.

They ate the rest of the food leisurely. Feliciano curled up on the blanket, falling asleep quickly as he usually did. Ludwig covered him with his jacket, then reclined beside him, one hand placed protectively over the little Italian. Antonio and Gilbert talked quietly, discussing the music he was writing. After some persuasion, Lovino lay down as well, soon snoring quietly. Sebastian had wandered off to inspect the flowers, standing a little way off and staring into the distance with a bland expression.

Once the elder Italians had awoken from their siesta, they packed up, returning to the town once the afternoon began to grow cool.

They found the others back at the fountain, having recongregated.

"Oh, good, you're back," Arthur said. He sounded a little tense, making Feliciano tilt his head in concern.

"Is everything ok?" he asked.

Arthur pursed his lips. "Most decidedly not," he replied. He jerked a thumb behind him, refusing to turn around.

The others followed his pointing, looking across the market.

"Ah. I see."

There, chatting to a stall owner, was Francis. Although his back was turned, he was unmistakable, his longish hair tied back with a ribbon. He wore a resplendent blue tunic with tight brown trousers and white stockings with knee-high dark leather boots, and looked every inch the aristocrat.

Gilbert whistled quietly. "Woah, how come Franny gets to be all posh when me and Toni are slumming it? Way to go, eyebrows."

Arthur glared at him. "I've told you, I don't have any control over anyone who wasn't a player. If you wish to blame someone, blame him. You know as well as I that that fancy frog has always had a taste for stupid clothes. That look didn't suit anyone then, and it certainly doesn't now."

Antonio smiled softly. "We have all made many mistakes in fashion, Arthur. Or do you not remember ruffs?"

His voice held a wicked lilt, making Arthur glare and cross his arms angrily. He turned away from them, his head high, ignoring them.

Unbeknownst to the group, Matthew and Alfred had been conferring with each other quietly, or as quiet as Alfred could ever be. They reached a conclusion, and Matthew stepped forward, walking towards the stall. He didn't get very far, however.

Francis had obviously finished his conversation with the stall owner, as he turned away, waving a hand in polite farewell. As he did so, his eyes fell on the group.

His face went through a range of emotions, from surprise, shock and disbelief, then widened in realisation. He strode forward strongly, grabbing Arthur by his collar. The Englishman stiffened, his hands raised defensively in front of him.

"I-I can expl-"

He was cut off by Francis hugging him tightly. Eyes going wide with shock, Arthur stood stock still for a moment before coming back to himself and shoving Francis away.

"What the bloody hell was that for, you damn frog?" he cried.

Francis looked immensely relieved. "Thank goodness I found you. I was so beginning to worry. I woke up this morning and suddenly realised that I had no idea where I was. I can only assume this has something to do with you?"

Arthur rolled his eyes at the Frenchman's characteristic outburst. "Why does everyone always assume it's my fault?" he asked crossly.

"Because it usually is," Gilbert answered blandly. "Hello, Franny. 'sup."

"Bonjour, Gil. But, if you please, explain what is going on, Angleterre."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "I've said it far too many times already. Must I repeat myself every time we find someone else?" he asked sharply.

The group merely exchanged looks.

"Your problem, dude" Alfred said. "'sides, you've got it down by now." He laughed loudly, although no-one else did.

"I'll tell him," a quiet voice stated.

Everyone turned to face Matthew. Francis' eyes widened at the sight of the two.

"Matthieu? Alfred? You are here too?" Stepping forward, he took each of their arms, steering them away.

"Since you will undoubtedly do it in a more civil manner than Angleterre, will you please explain to me what is going on?"

"Well, it's like this." Matthew explained the situation, Alfred cutting in occasionally. Francis listened to them both, his face serious.

"Well, I see. Arthur, you really must learn to control your magic. What if something had happened to the boys? Or to anyone?"

Arthur glared at him. "I made this for them, if you remember. And it was rather because you weren't around, I might add." His eyes flicked to Alfred and Matthew, then back to Francis.

Francis eyes turned hard. "That was not my fault, Angleterre, and you know it."

The two stayed locked in a heated glare until Matthew stepped between them. "It really doesn't matter why or how you did this, Arthur. We just have to concentrate on finding everyone else."

His quiet plea made the two turn to him, surprised. Francis' eyes softened.

"Oui, of course, Matthieu." He turned back to Arthur. "I suppose you have at least some idea of a plan for this?" he asked archly.

Grimacing, Arthur crossed his arms. "Of course," he shot back.

"Hey, Artie, can we move this to the inn? Cuz I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty hungry." Alfred looked questioningly at him.

"What?" Arthur looked around them. It had grown late, the shadows deepening. "Oh, it is rather late. I suppose it is time for tea. If we can continue this in a more civil location?" he addressed Francis, who nodded.

"Oui. If you can find such a place here" he snubbed. Arthur merely rolled his eyes, refusing to reply.

They made their way to the inn. To their surprise, Matthias, Lukas and Vlad were there already, Peter and Alexandru tucking in to bowls of stew.

"When did you guys get here?" Alfred asked, shocked.

"They left before Francis came, but you didn't see," Matthew said quietly. "Good evening, everyone."

Lukas nodded at him. Matthias waved at them, holding a mug up at a dangerous angle. "Hey guys! You gotta try this stuff, it's amazing!" he cried.

Lukas grabbed his arm and brought it down roughly. "Shut up, you idiot," he muttered. The two boys looked up at the group briefly, Peter offering a wide smile before returning to eating.

After dinner, there was the usual discussion on who they had yet to find, as well as discussing sleeping arrangements. It was decided for the time being that there was no reason not to have the same arrangement as before; Lukas and Arthur had enough funds to keep a room for several days, and it was unanimously agreed that the children came first for beds and rooms.

"So, before we go, remember, meet at the fountain no later than an hour after sunrise" Arthur said once the discussion was done.

A groan ran around the table at the early hour, but no-one really contested it. With that decided, they called an end to the day.


A/N Yay! Francis is here! FACE fam is finally all together again! Now, I deliberately made it vague as to what the pairings are here, since although I initially intended to have USUK, that leaves poor Francis all on his lonesome. So after discussing it with my sister (who hasn't read this chapter yet, the poor thing is swamped with essays and presentations, boo hoo) I've decided on FRUK. You'll have to wait and see who Alfred ends up with, mwa ha ha. It's all in hand now though. I've finally decided on all my pairings. I do aim to show all characters, so if at any point I have forgotten anyone (not Mattie, I love him too much. Him and Lovi, as if you can't tell) please give me a shout and I'll work them in. I definitely know where I'm going with this now, so I have it (mostly) worked out.

That's all for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now, onwards to the next! One more and we're in double digits! Hurrah!

Up next: Arthur asks for Matthew's aid in tracking down a salesman, and the Germanics have a fraught family reunion.