Здравствуйте everyone! I'm going to do another fic giveaway for a lucky random reviewer. This includes anonymous or FF users. Your reviews are all so nice and I really don't have the words to thank you all for it. Hopefully another update will do the trick? Also oh my gosh! The amazing MalkaC did a fanart for the story which you can find at her DeviantArt, which is Miyuki-85 or just delete the spaces here htt p : // miyuki-85. deviantart .com/ . Thank you so much! ;3; I am speechless. You guys are the best.

The room was dead silent. Benjamin was frowning ever so slightly and George hadn't moved in the slightest. Alfred bit down on his bottom lip.

"Pardon my entering without introductions Monsieur Franklin."

Benjamin managed a tense smile, "Bonjour to you Monsieur France. It is just Benjamin by now." The aged inventor walked over and gestured George out of his seat as politely as he could. "If you need us we'll be in the sitting room."

Alfred watched with an open mouth, face pale as he mentally begged George to stay and not leave him with the nation. Washington only offered him a nod as he was led out of the room. How-They-How could they? Alfred continued to stare at where they'd been a moment ago; hoping they'd come back and laugh off the joke they'd just pulled on him.

Instead he was left in the small room with only France. No delegates here. Alfred never dealt with these sorts of things by himself. The only diplomatic proceedings he'd been exposed to had been with England, and even then his role had been minimal at best.

"Non bonjour pour votre frère?" The voice was calm, much calmer than Alfred felt. He managed to swallow past the dry lump in his throat and watched as the finely dressed French nation stepped aside and sat across the table from him. The quaint home wasn't a proper setting for someone like Francis. Not when he was draped in silks and satins of rich colors, altogether exuding an air of refined wealth.

He snapped out of his staring and managed a pathetic, "B-Bonjour." His French was terrible, and to be honest he could barely remember any from the brief times he'd spent with Francis prior to the Seven Years War.

Francis fought to keep from wincing at the pronunciation of the simple word. The accent was horrendous. Clearly nothing good had come of Angleterre's raising the boy.

Things grew quiet once more, uncomfortably so for Alfred as Francis openly looked him over. The awkward adolescent from before had suddenly grown into a young man. Though there was still much growing to be done, and the uncomfortable fidgeting reminded him of how young Alfred still was.

"Ah, ma petite colonie, pourquoi êtes-vous ici?" Francis seemed almost casual in the way he spoke, but there was underlying frustration in his words – All of which were spoken in French, much to Alfred's dismay.

The first part was the easiest to translate, as Francis had called him that when he was younger, but the rest mostly flew over his head. Something about where he was?

Alfred frowned in unease, "I don't remember much French. Could we speak in English?"

A frown flicked across the French nation's face but quickly returned to the casual bored expression from before. "Of course Amerique." He tilted his head as he said so, "So what did you come to discuss with me?" His English carried a slight accent.

More restless movement. "I…" Why did all of his bravado, all of his enthusiasm seem to disappear the moment he was faced with the one person he needed to impress the most. Alfred's eyes moved from one spot on the table to another.

"You know what happened during the Revolution." Alfred began, glancing up to see Francis watching him closely. "Some of my, some men were trying to get French support…" He trailed off, and bit down on his bottom lip. This was so much harder than he had anticipated.

When Alfred had trouble continuing on Francis interjected, "And while we graciously sent over arms you still lost to Angleterre."

Alfred stiffened, the blunt insult making his face heat up. "Yes, and that helped. Y'know aside from everyone having to learn how to use the dang things since there weren't any French soldiers to teach 'em." His words drawled together somewhat, emotions getting the better of him.

Francis looked surprised at the outburst. "Do you think that would have changed the outcome ma petite colonie?" Long fingers splayed across the tabletop, and Alfred couldn't help but mentally compare his own cracked and dirt caked cuticles to that of the prim and proper nation.

"Stop calling me that," Alfred's jaw clenched tightly, "and of course it would have!" They had been so close to convincing other European nations to help. But then Saratoga had gone horribly wrong and too much had been riding on that one battle. Not long after General Horatio Gates was captured and the Americans lost one of their best commanders, and in the long run, the war.

With a quirk of one brow Francis spoke, "That is what you are Alfred." A pause, "Unless you've somehow won independence when no one else was watching?" The question was malicious, yes, but Francis was in no mood for games.

Alfred's chair squeaked loudly as he stood to his feet. "I came to ask for help!" He didn't sound desperate, no siree.

"Non."

Alfred blinked, and stared at the seated nation. "What?" All his energy from a moment ago vanished at the one word. He slowly sank back down into the chair, eyes wide and nearly in tears at the outright refusal.

"Perhaps you considered what will happen if, non when Angleterre discovers you're here?" There was a dangerous glint to his eyes as he spoke. "He will be livid." Not that Francis cared for the island nation's feelings, but he did not wish to have all that fury directed at him.

Back to the fidgeting. "That's why I'm here though, well sort of. I didn't know who else to go to, and because if I hadn't then George would have been hung." Or worse. As if on cue Washington walked into the kitchen and picked up the glass of iced tea he had been drinking before.

"Excuse me." He offered politely, before exiting the room again, with both his and Benjamin's drinks.

Francis watched the tall, broad shouldered American General leave before turning his sharp gaze back to Alfred. Such a young boy, childish in his admiration of the man, but then again…Francis sighed softly as he thought of his own Sun King.

"Amerique, you must give others faith in your strength before they will needlessly enter a war. One that seems to have ended. "

Alfred frowned, "Before there was Trenton, and even Princeton but you still wouldn't help." He cringed at the way his voice cracked. Of all the people he'd considered for help Francis had been first and foremost. Not only because of his longstanding rivalry with England, but because Alfred had missed the French nation. The ideals of France's people seemed to be similar to that of his own.

"You speak of Enlightenment, of people free from their chains." Alfred plowed right on ahead, words running together. "Is that all just some-Some facade? I thought you supported those ideals." Alfred mentally patted himself on the back for using the word facade in a sentence. Plus it was a French word, double points.

Francis turned his gaze to Alfred, and seemed to be considering what he had said, "Ma petite colonie ideals are nothing but whispers on the wind if there is no one there to support them." He raised one hand and cupped his chin in thought.

A nation built on ideals. It would have been laughable were Alfred not seated in front of him with a determined fire in his eyes. The thought of Rosseau and Montesquieu's writings helping to form a new nation almost brought a smile to his lips.

This had potential. Perhaps it would even be a lovely experiment. Alfred's voice tore him from his thoughts.

"We're going to do this, with or without foreign help. Somehow, it'd just..." Alfred sighed and ran a hand through his already tousled hair, "We..." Alfred didn't know how to put it into words, just why he needed France's support in this. Aside from the obvious.

The lost look on the colony's face, along with his attachment to the philosopher's ideals made Francis seriously consider offering aid. He smiled, "You have grown much since I last saw you." Alfred looked up in bewilderment.

"Do you remember?" Francis watched the nation for his reaction, curious to see if he held any resentment towards the French and their role in the Seven Years War.

Alfred visibly relaxed. "For a while I thought you were going to actually reach Philadelphia. George loves to go over the battles, says he learned a lot from the French Generals." Which was true, but Alfred was grateful of the opportunity to bring it up to Francis.

The compliment had the intended effect as Francis' smile widened. Francis didn't hold a grudge against the American colonies and their involvement in the Seven Years War, much at least. "Ah, but ma petite colonie you have yet to convince me that this time will be different." He returned to the issue at hand with remarkable grace. Then again, it was Francis.

Some tension returned to Alfred's shoulders and he nodded, "I have proof this time." Francis looked at him skeptically as he continued speaking, "I do! Better than Princeton and Trenton combined." Alfred smiled, in the carefree and open way that was charming in its naivety. Had Angleterre taught him anything? The boy was far too easy to read, but it was refreshing.

Francis snapped out of his drifting thoughts when Alfred got up and began to rummage through a bag that looked just as rural as the rest of him. "Ah ha!" Alfred had found what he was looking for and returned to the table.

He slid a rather fat envelope across the table to Francis, smiling all the while and eyes bright as he watched the French nation take it with a degree of hesitancy.

"Am I to open this now?" Francis asked with a bemused look. The boy was extremely excited about all this, nearly bouncing in his chair as he watched with anticipation.

Alfred nodded his head, "Mhm."

Without needing further encouragement Francis turned it over and arched one brow at the wax seal pressed on the envelope. It was assuredly not that of Angleterre's. Interesting.

He took one of the clean knives off the table and slid it through the seal easily enough. Alfred watched as Francis pulled out the papers and began reading over them, eyebrows slowly rising up on his forehead as he did so.

All was quiet except for the occasional crisp sound of papers being moved. Alfred held his breath, waiting for Francis to finish reading the documents before he would say anything. Francis finally set down the last piece of paper and Alfred exhaled softly, having nearly chewed a hole through his lower lip as he waited.

Neither said anything. Francis slowly began to fold the papers and neatly tucked them back in the envelope. After that was done he turned his serious gaze back up to Alfred.

"The signers, they are the same from your Declaration of Independence?" Francis asked the question softly, and Alfred nodded.

"Well most all of them. Five are missing." His voice was even quieter as he recalled the reason those five couldn't sign, with the exception of one still alive somewhere in the states. He shook his head and looked up to Francis, hope evident on his face. "Will you help?"

A twinge of American sympathy reminded Francis of just how his people felt. They were already enamored with Monsieur Franklin, and the simplicity of the American colonies seemed to amuse them and catch their fancy at the time.

Francis had to be certain that it wasn't their sympathies clouding his judgment.

"I can't promise anything just yet." Alfred's face fell at the comment. Francis smiled at the obvious disappointment on the young colony's face, "I will bring this letter to my advisers, and will speak with you once we reach our decision." He rose to his feet and walked over to Alfred's side.

One hand gently settled on his shoulder, "But mon petit I would much prefer if you and your," he paused, "delegates would accompany me."

Alfred's head tilted back so he could peer up at Francis with a frown. "You mean stay wherever it is you're staying?" He didn't seem too keen on the idea. The French nation forced his smile to be reassuring.

"It would be best I think." He chuckled as he watched Alfred's face display a multitude of emotions. "There are enough extra rooms, and in fact your Monsieur Franklin can speak on my behalf." He plucked at Alfred's elbow and guided him to his feet.

The two walked into the sitting room where George and Ben were playing a game of chess, speaking amiably in hushed voices. Benjamin had his back to the door, but George could see them enter and straightened in response.

Ben turned in his chair and looked up with a smile at the two blonds. "Are you all finished?"

"Hardly Monsieur Franklin!" Francis winked good-naturedly before continuing, "Which is why the three of you should come to the Versailles until this is settled."

George by this point had gotten to his feet and was helping Benjamin up from his chair as well, who fussed and waved the younger man off. "Well then! I suppose I'll just grab some things before we go. Alfred would you mind?"

Alfred visibly looked relieved to leave the room as he walked side by side with Benjamin to go get whatever he needed before they left.

This left George alone with Francis who was unabashedly eyeing the General. In a deadpan voice George spoke, "I was much more impressive before being locked up in a cell for some months."

Francis kept his smirk from turning into a laugh at the General's boldness. "I apologize for staring Monsieur Washington." There was no sincere regret in his words. The man was terribly remarkable to look at, much like his Amerique. "It is not often I meet the man who is paramount to so many rumors."

George seemed taken aback at the thought of being the subject of rumors. Just as he thought to ask what sort of rumors, Benjamin returned with Alfred carrying a few bags. He didn't seem at all upset by being the inventor's packhorse, but he did make a face when George smirked in amusement.

Francis shook his head. "Let's be off then." He was thankful of the dark, because it meant that there'd be less potential witnesses. The less who knew of the American's presence, the better.

The small group left the house with Benjamin trailing behind as he double checked all the locks. Francis smiled at the driver who remained perched atop the carriage. Truly good service was so hard to come by nowadays. It was a pleasant change to have such a patient and dedicated driver who knew what to do without being told twice.

Alfred along with the two Americans got into the carriage as the driver placed Benjamin's things up front with him. He nodded to Francis who exchanged a few words in French with him before he too got in the carriage with the others.

It had taken more resources and men than Arthur was pleased with just to get information on how Alfred had managed to break General Washington out of his prison. Though he supposed in the end it had been worth it since he'd been led to a rat's nest of rebels hiding right under his nose.

A man named Gabriel had been picked out by loyalists for his odd behavior and suspicious activities. Arthur had been ready to dismiss the claims until he'd visited the man's tavern for himself. Multiple people gathered there to complain about British rule and the loss of the revolution. Some even spoke of starting a new war!

The audacity of the colonists was sickening. Arthur hadn't wasted a moment in shutting down the tavern and taking the conspirators as prisoners. The owner had been stubborn and had the gall to act insulted when his loyalty to the crown was questioned, but the man never outright voiced his support for British rule. He was clever and danced around a direct answer.

Eventually though, as all men do, he broke. Arthur was not pleased to hear that he had helped plan to break out Washington, and even less so when he discovered Alfred had been sneaking out and had visited the tavern before.

The last useful bit of information he managed to gather from the traitor was about a ship and the docks.

Which was where he found himself standing at the moment, gazing out into the ocean. Arthur couldn't risk leaving the colonies to search out Alfred. Much as he might like to have a word or two with the boy, and oh did he ever. Gloved fingers curled into fists as he stared across the waves.

No, he'd bide his time and wait. Alfred wanted to stir up trouble one last time it'd seem. Arthur would be forced to show the boy that he did not know whom he was dealing with. He sighed to himself. This was not how it was supposed to happen. He had hoped to win Alfred back to him with a firm, but affectionate kindness.

"Bloody Yanks." Arthur voiced his frustration aloud as he turned and began to stride away from the docks and toward the horse that was waiting for him. British officers on horseback themselves waited just a little further down.

Instead he was forced to be the tyrant that Alfred was always blathering on about. He had coddled the boy far too long, and now he had to deal with a petulant teenager. Arthur pulled himself into the saddle and briefly pressed fingertips to his forehead.

Was he to blame for all this? Instantly he answered his own question.

No.

While he might have favored Alfred and spoiled the boy more than the other colonies, that was hardly enough to result in this sort of behavior. He looked at the General nearest him and gave a nod.

Shouts rang out in the quiet of the early morning as the officers and infantrymen made their way into the city. Arthur closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh salty air from the sea. Soon the crisp smell would be tainted with that of smoke, and Arthur wanted to hold onto it for just a bit longer.

So many potential historical notes in this one I don't know where to begin. Frenchies back then had this strange infatuation with Americans. Franklin was quite popular with the ladies, and I can only imagine how they'd have reacted to George being around. Oh lala. Also in this AU I strongly believe France would have made good on offering muskets to the Americans, but beyond that support – Nil. Also European muskets do have varying differences in structure/make to that of American models. Colonists had a hell of a time getting used to the darn things. Without French guidance, that'd have made it even more frustrating.

Ah and France's beloved Sun King. Louis XIV of France. There's too much about this guy to even condense into a little note. He pretty much made Versailles as important a palace as it is today. Among lots of other things.

Trenton and Princeton were two interrelated battles during the war. Trenton involved the crossing of the Delaware River, and both were wins by Washington. They were widely considered 'lucky wins' by foreign nations at the time, hence why they didn't win over foreign support. Saratoga was the battle in which General Horatio Gates won foreigner's faith in the American cause. In this story it didn't go so well and Gates did not survive the failure. Le sad. Wooh okay notes done!

Thank you in advance for any wonderful reviews.