Arthur was surprised at what looked like Alfred waving to them as the carriage pulled away, though he didn't wave back, he gave a heavy sigh as the carriage started down the road at a steady pace taking out a hanker chief.
"Ehh I thought we would never be able to get away." He folded his arms. "It will be good to be back at the manner. After breakfast we are going to go over some more etiquette though I must say, I am pleased you managed to stay out of trouble the whole time. Matthew then looked to Arthur.
"Fine big brother...hmph, let's go and get out of this Frenchy nation's house. Onward home!" After waving the carriage of Alfred walked back over to France, his stomach rumbled.
"Its breakfast time now! LETS EAT!"
He then started to make a dash to where he saw the chef walk out. Except he followed him all the way into the kitchen where he stopped short and looked around. It was much bigger than England's kitchen, and the smells were amazing. Lots of people were bustling about with hot steaming plates and it was simply beautiful. France watched the boy run from the foyer and into the dining room. He cocked his head, and was slightly confused. He knew his Matthew liked breakfast, but it was never to this extreme. He walked and followed the boy, expecting him to be at the table, but the boy had gone as far as to going into the kitchen. He waked in.
"Mon Petit...what are you doing silly?" He placed his hands on his hips, and smiled. "Come now, 'zat's where 'ze staff belongs, not little boys. Come with Papa, and we will eat."
He held out his hand and waited. Marquis had since walked into the dining room, where he usually stood by and watched, awaiting any command from his Master. He too found it strange with the child's sudden bouts of energy. While Matthew was a happy child, something was different. Alfred readily grabbed his hand, licking his lips.
"What are we having? Are we going to have it all? It smells so good I want the biggest plate!" He giggled and was eager to get into his chair and start to try all the wonderful and exotic foods, that he could smell from the kitchen. "What are we having for lunch and dinner! Will we have a afternoon tea too? What will we have then...and dessert can I have dessert too?" He started to ramble like he did when he was excited about something.
Seeing France's mansion fade away slowly, Matthew sat back in his seat and just sat contemplating how this was going to be. He had only been to England's house a few times, and it was while he was being held in his Papa's arms, so he wasn't really able to walk around. He looked back at England and nodded from the question
"Uh...yes...I just wish we had good breakfasts like France and Matthew." He wiped his nose on his sleeve, something he was sure Alfred would have done, and then looked back at Arthur. "So...my lessons, where will they take place big brother? Its nice outside...can we do it outside?"
England shook his head. He did not want his brother to be upset, and was sure the child was just feeling sorry for himself. The nation looked down at the boy, and simply smiled.
"Oh don't be that way, we will have a good breakfast too. One that will enclave good hearty grains and fruit, nothing so gaudy as France's. His breakfast's are always too sweet and turn my stomach. We will have a much better breakfast at home." England looked out the carriage window. "And regarding your lesson, I doubt we will have them outside. It looks like rain at home and besides, you will need the chalkboard and we cannot use that outside. It will be in the study as always Alfred, now sit still and do not wipe your face on your sleeve." He took out the handkerchief and started to wipe the child's nose.
France laughed as the two sat down at the table. Listening to the child ramble on, something came about with what the child had previously said. One of the wait staff brought over a plate of waffles, and placed them in front of France.
"Monsieur, blueberries or strawberries?" France looked up, and then nodded his head.
"Uh...both, um...hang on...Matthew? We never have tea 'ere. Your Papa likes his Cafe', and you drink hot cocoa. Why would you 'zay tea hmmm?" His blue eyes etched into the boys, slightly confused. "And as for lunch and dinner...I am not sure, Chef has not made me aware."
Alfred blushed a bit suddenly at the slip up, he had no idea France didn't have tea.
"OH! W-well that is what I mean Café'. Its just well, Alfred told me they have tea at his house with cakes sometimes. It sounded like fun! And would be like a whole other meal only between!" He nodded his head. "I liked Alfred, he has lots of good ideas and is very well behaved too!" He smiled putting in a plug for himself, not that it really mattered.
France cut into his breakfast and put a piece of the waffle to his lips, chewing he swallowed and then looked to the boy.
"Oui...while I don't really ever drink tea. 'Zometimes I do at England's, but I keep to my Cafe'. And with 'ze other meals little one, 'zey will be announced later. Its not like I am going to let you go 'ungry."
He set down his fork, and took a sip of his hot beverage. He looked to the boy's plate and saw it piled with many different foods. Shaking his head, he then responded to the nations' little comment.
"Alfred's behavior really surprised me though. England tells me 'e is a naughty little boy sometimes. I would 'ate to 'ave a brat like that, good thing my Petit one is well behaved." He winked and took another bite.
As Arthur blew Matthew's nose, the little nation moaned slightly. He was beginning to get excited. He loved being outside. When he was done, he pushed the handkerchief from his face towards the nation, and then looked out the window, leaning forward watching the trees and the plains pass by.
"Oh rats! Going outside would have been delightful. Maybe another day." Turning back to the nation, he asked another question. "Um, Arthur? Um...how long till we get home? I don't want to wear this outfit, it is itchy, I think I got Matthew's house's cooties on me."
Arthur had to chuckle, at the child's question it was posed in such a funny way and he shook his head.
"It will take as long as it did to get here. Its the same route, and I don't blame you, I slept in these clothes all night it was not comfortable." He leaned hid head back. I will make sure we both get freshened up before breakfast, no need to come to breakfast in a rumpled mess. I am proud that you didn't complain more about your clothes little man, I know they can be restrictive, but you really did behave well. I am going to make sure a reward is in order at home for you!" He pat the child's head.
Alfred looked up, and was slightly gasping at what France had said about, well…him. He was not a brat, well at least not in his eyes.
"Ahh...ye-Oui…Oui" Alfred wasn't sure how to take that, but it didn't matter. He had food to eat and started to dig in stuffing his cheeks full of the waffles, compote, then forking more eggs in his mouth after dipping them in the cream cheese sauce and gobbling down the fruit salad. He was chewing and swallowing loudly but he knew how to eat without choking himself and washed it down with orange juice, it was all so wonderful all the flavors were amazing.
France saw this and suddenly gasped. He knew his little boy had better manners, and far better etiquette than Alfred. Slapping his hand to the table several times, he quickly got irate.
"Non, Non Matthew! 'Zat is not the way we eat at the table. You know better than to eat like a little piggie. You use your utensils, and wipe your mouth. Do you remember when you ate 'ze crepes and was choking?" He sipped his juice and then cleared his throat. "Tell me you don't want 'zat to 'appen again!" His said this with his eyes not leaving the child's.
Marquis stood close by in case the adult nation needed any help. There was something going on, and he was going to find out. Alfred gulped the chewed food and wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
"Oh its alright, I know how to do it without choking now. You just have to not breath!" Alfred laughed and picked up his plate that only had syrup and such on it and have it a lick and then held it out to Marquis. "MORE PLEASE!" He said with a sticky face.
Matthew perked up at the way Arthur was talking so nicely to him. He thought about it, and perhaps this nation Alfred bad mouthed so much wasn't so horrible, after all, he wasn't being that way to him. Still hoping not to seem sneaky, he had to keep up with the secret. He looked up, and nodded his head.
"Ooooooh a reward, what is it big brother? Is it something fun, and is it a toy? Matthew gets a toy all the time from France. Ooooh tell me what it is!" The boy got up from the seat, and walked over jumping up and down patting England's lap. Arthur winked at the boy.
"Nope nope...its a surprise, but I will give you a hint...its something sweet and is your favorite!" England looked lovingly down at his little brother, there was something different about him. There was a strange softness in the eyes, maybe he was just still tired from the night before and not as wired as usual. The carriage bumped along the road and England looked to see the manor up ahead and smiled. "Ah almost there."
"Oooooh, ugh, no fair Arthur, you always keep secrets from me." The boy pouted and crossed his arms over his chest leaning back into the seat. Knowing they were almost home made him feel a little better. Perhaps once they got there, he could give the older nation the slip and go off on his own. He started to drone on a little when suddenly he gasped and shouted out. "Kumajirou! He's left...at my...ooooh at France's house...and...ugh..." The boy was started. His most favorite toy which he never left behind was now at his house, lonely. "Oh no..."
France astounded by his little boy's new and horrid manners, looked over at Marquis. Shaking his head, he snapped his fingers and had the butler take the plate. Marquis walked over and took the plate, and then walked back over to France.
"Monsieur, do you wish me to retrieve anything else?" He raised an eyebrow. France wiped his mouth and nodded.
"Oui Marquis...while I am more than sure Matthew realizes his behavior right now, perhaps fetch 'is learning paddle. Just for me to keep by my side." Marquis took the plate and handed it to a maid, and then adjusting his glasses while nodding his head.
"Oui, very well my Lord." The butler walked away, and this left with just France and "Matthew".
"Matthew...your table manners are unacceptable. What 'as 'appened to you?"
Hearing the two converse and the mention of the "learning paddle" Alfred stiffened in his chair and flushed.
"Ehh...I am...a…a. I am a growing boy. I needed food really fast. I could feel myself growing and...um...I...Alfred showed me a faster way to eat!" It seemed the best way to explain bad behavior was to blame it on himself. Though he hated to do so, as it made him Alfred look bad. But right now it didn't matter. The point was that he needed to keep HIM, Matthew out of trouble.
France nodded his head, but still had his butler go ahead and get the implement anyways, just in case. He looked over to Ezme who was standing by.
"Ezme, please remove my plate, and please take care as to wipe Maitre' Williams face, it 'iz a god awful mess." Ezme nodded and took a clean cloth, wetting the ends with some water, and walked over to the little nation.
"Oui, come 'ere little one, this will just be a moment." She took the cloth to his cheeks, and face. Marquis arrived in the boy's room and went to grab the paddle. Taking it off the wardrobe, he then turned and walked back down the steps. Alfred meanwhile had a fit, and yelled out.
"I can do it myself!" Alfred said as he squirmed hating his face washed like that. Especially by some strange maid, he tried pushing her hands away and then grabbing at the cloth. "I can do it!"
When Matthew had shouted in the carriage, Arthur jumped at the shout and then looked at the boy.
"What? what is the matter?" He then frowned. "I told you not to bring any of your toys with you to Frances house because I KNEW you would lose them. I hope that just goes to remind you to listen to me when I tell you something." Arthur could only assume it was a small toy like a toy solider or something that Alfred had snuck with him in his pocket. Matthew sniffed loudly and shook his head, and held on to Arthur's pants.
"Um... Kumajirou is a bear that I...that Matthew has. And well, I like him so much Arthur, I wanted to keep him, but...I couldn't. It was Mattie's toy. I guess...*sniff* I guess I just thought I could have him." The boy walked back over to his seat and wept a little. Looking up, the carriage was being pulled into the circle lot. "Arthur...do you think we will go back to France's house? So I could play with Matthew?" He looked out the window while he said this. A man, most likely Hughes was standing by the door, awaiting the two. He had a straight face on, and was dressed to the nines.
"Alfred, Alfred. I told you that it is very rude to ask for another's toy that does not belong to you." He frowned and started to get out of the carriage and waited for Alfred. "And I doubt we will be seeing France or Canada soon. I only went over there because I had a meeting, and I try to stay out of Frances place as much as possible, trust me the farther you stay away from that frog the better." he paused as Alfred had not climbed out of the carriage. "Chop, chop Alfred...out of the carriage with you."
Matthew sat in the carriage and scoffed. He was going to miss his bear. Getting to the edge, he stepped down, and was greeted by Hughes who smiled at the child.
"Well hello there young Master...very good to see you this morning. I have breakfast ready, but we must prepare a bath for you first. Did you have a lovely time?" The butler held the child's hand, and Matthew pulled away. He was not in a good mood now that his bear was not with him.
"Not now Hughes...I don't feel like catching up...I am never going back there anyway, so what is the point!" He pouted and went to walk into the mansion, stamping his feet.
France stood up from the table, and became very upset at his child's actions. He was simply appalled. This was not how the child had been raised.
"MATHIEU! Stop it at once! You do not talk to 'ze maids in 'zuch a tone. Now please...let Ezme clean your face, or I can do it. Either way, you 'ave a dirty little face, and a bath will be in order next. A lovely bath with bubbles...doesn't 'zat zound nice?"
France calmed himself down. He did not want a terror filled morning right now, especially since he did start to feel the twinge of a headache from the wine. Marquis arrived back and set the paddle down beside France.
"As delivered my lord. Anything else?" France held his head, and then looked to his butler.
"Ah, Marquis, Merci...can you please get me some aspirin?" He smiled at his butler, but the bath question made the little nation very upset.
"NO! I don't want a BATH! Its too early! I only get a bath at night!" Alfred whined and still tried to avoid the wiping of his face from the maid and scooted from his chair to try and get away, like heck he was going to be washed up so early in the day. France narrowed his eyes. This was the last straw.
"Marquis...grab him...NOW!" France grasped the paddle in his hand, and had daggers in his eyes. Marquis nodded and ran to the child, grabbing the unruly child up in his arms.
"Oui Monsieur, I got him." France walked over to the butler holding the boy.
"Matthew...I don't know what 'as 'appened to you, but it is going to stop right now."
Arthur frowned at what America had said to the butler. It was such a strange thing to say. Must be right though. The child was still tired from staying up so late at France's. Arthur sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Never mind him Hughes, he is tired from last night, so am I prepare some seltzer and a bath for me as well and a fresh pair of clothing for both of us and a light breakfast." He ordered and went to catch up with the little one who looked to be distraught.
Hughes looked down at the boy who went into the mansion, bewildered, and then back at his own Master.
"Yes, of course my Lord. I will get that for you right away." He walked inside, and halted as he almost stepped into Matthew who was looking all around, in awe. Feeling a breath behind him, the little nation turned around, and looked at the butler.
"Er...um...doesn't it seem like a new place each time you walk in Hughes? Eh...heh heh." The boy looked down at the floor, rubbing his shoes against the tiled floor. Hughes looked down and shook his head.
"Ahem, alright little one, such strange talk. Go on upstairs and I will be up shortly to give you a bath, and change your clothing. I must take care of your brother first. Go now." Matthew gulped and nodded. He quickly looked to the stairs...the bedrooms had to be up that way.
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck and sighed, he was looking forward to a hot bath and working that crick out of his neck, and to get rid of the hangover headache. He walked into the foyer and paused as he saw Alfred just standing there at the bottom of the stairs.
"Come on hurry...you will feel much better once you bath and get out of those uncomfortable clothes.
Jumping slightly at the sound of Arthur, Matthew turned around, and looked at the nation with a little bit of fright. He had no idea where the room was, and this would be slightly difficult for him to accomplish.
"Um...okay, okay Arthur, jeez..." He put his hand to the railing, and walked up slowly. The stairs were long and winding, trailing up to a long hallway. He got to the top of the stairs, and stood looking around again. As he stayed there, he saw one of the maids walking down the hall. She smiled and waked closer.
"Ah, Master Alfred, good to see you little one. I just washed your linens, and some clean clothing. I put them on your bed. I believe a bath is in store for you." She smiled, and then went to walk away. Matthew stopped her.
"Uh...um..." He wasn't sure of her name, so he just said words. "Um...can you help me pick out an outfit for when I get out of the bath?" He stuck out his lip, and hoped this would work. The maid looked down.
"Well yes, but your outfit is usually picked out after your bath." Getting nowhere, the boy pouted and jumped up and down.
"I want to do it now, please? Now, now, now!"
Arthur was making his way to his own room when he heard stomping and shouting, he sighed heavily, and went towards the direction of the tantrum, it was no mystery as to who was throwing it.
"ALFRED...what is the meaning of this? Is it so hard for you to simply go to your room and do as you were told?. I know you must be cranky from lack of sleep but that is still no excuse for you to throw a tantrum."
America felt himself grabbed and started to swing and kick his feet, overwhelmed by the unpredictability all around him. Inwardly he was upset because he didn't know what to expect and strange people were grabbing him telling what to do. It was unsettling and was leading to his current meltdown.
"NO! NooooOOO!" He cried out and wriggled to get away. Shaking his head, France walked over to the butler and reached out his arms, grabbing the little nation into his own grasp.
"Non, Non little boy. You know better 'zen to get out of a bath, especially 'zince you 'ave never 'ad a problem before. Perhaps you did not get enough sleep, and are cranky. I 'ave just 'ze thing to fix a cranky little boy."
He held the child in his arms, and walked over to the head chair. He pulled it away from the table, and sat down, placing the child face down across his lap. And since the nation delivered spankings on the bare, he pulled up the child's night shirt, and pulled down the little panties.
"Alright Matthew, you know what happens next..." He put an arm around the boy to hold him and waited until the child was aware of what was happening.
The real Matthew turned back to the England, and gave him a glare.
"What? Arthur...I...I just want help with my outfit. I want to pick it out now, and I want...I want the maid...her..." He pointed to her, still not knowing her name, and pouting. "I am not throwing a tantrum. I am not a little brat like..." The boy stopped what he was saying. France had always called Alfred a brat, and he was acting just that way. Still though, he did not care, he just wanted to do his own thing. "Never mind...fine...let's go take a STUPID BATH!"
Arthur frowned and not saying a word took a step toward Alfred and grabbed him up by the arm and started to pull him down the hallway to his bedroom on the right, he didn't say anything at first, he didn't know where to start, yes the child was probably over tired but he could not let that go, he sat on the edge of Alfred's bed and pulled the child over his lap.
"That will be quite enough of that young man, seems you need a refresher in your manners lesson." He then tugged down his shorts and without waiting time started to smack his little bottom with his open palm.
Alfred gasped as he was now staring at the floor in an all too familiar position, but the floor was different and so was the lap, he let out a sudden hollering yelp as he felt his bottom was now exposed and bare, Alfred was never one to take a spanking quietly and started to sob even though he had not even been struck yet.
"NO NOO NOO PLEASE DON"T! AHH I'm SORRY PLEASE DON'T! I'm NOT MATTHEW!" He screamed in a panic now, the fear of being spanked pushing the truth out of him.
France lifted the paddle letting the first smack hit the boy, hurrying and making it clear, but then stopped. He held the paddle high in the air and stopped. Looking down with wide eyes, he pulled the boy upright with the nightshirt trailing down, and gave the child a strange look.
"What? What do you mean you aren't Matthew? Are you trying to be funny with me little one?" Holding the boy upright, France was not in the mood, and held his arm still tightly around the boy, and continued to smack the boy's covered bottom. "You 'zay a lot of things, but this is ridiculous!"