"We'll Meet Again."
Chapter II - 1795, France
WARNING; 18+ / MATURE CONTENT
,, MAIN Pairing ; France x England [Hetalia],, Side Pairings ; France x Spain | Prussia x Hungary | Prussia x Poland | France & Poland
,, Tags ; Angst | AU - Napoleonic Wars | 19th Century | Historical Hetalia | Hurt no Comfort | Implied/Refreneced Character Death | Implied Sexual Content | Implied Genderfluid France | Crossdressing | Some of the dialogue is lyrics | Author's first languge is not English | Mental Health Issues | Past Male pregnancy ,, Words ; 4308
,, Summary ; “Even if I die.. We’ll meet again..” He started singing. “Francis..” Arthur said, losing his breath while letting out a quiet laugh. “Don’t know when, don’t know where..” Francis sang softly, putting his hands on Arthur’s shoulders. Arthur sighed and returned the gesture with his hands on his waist. “But I know we’ll meet again, some sunny day..” Francis said before gently leaning in, puckering up his lips. Arthur wanted to lean back in so badly. To feel Francis’ lips brush on his. But he put his finger on them. Francis Bonnefoy after very much siding with the wrong side of the French Revolution, had to pay the price of loosing all his memories from getting beheaded. He now is once again pushed into war and bloodlust during Napoleonic Wars aiming for change to be reunited with his love, but still dealing with who he left before.
Read here (REPOST) or on Ao3...
10.34, perfect time for a sweet treat brunch between two friends. Gilbert was tapping his foot on the rock slabs beneath. He chewed on a pen he was holding, scratching his head. He looked down at an empty paper.
“Mon cher ami,” Francis started after taking a sip of a coffee. He dipped his croissant in it, taking a bite, as a carriage passed them, taking Gilbert out of his focused state. As he looked up at Francis, he saw his smirk.
“Your chocolate is gonna get cold.” he said before putting the cup with fresh coffee back to his lips. He fixed his hair a little, enjoying the morning atmosphere of spring.
“Ugh, don’t interrupt me.” Gilbert said, narrowing his eyebrows.
“What are you even writing?” “Trying to write. A letter to Roderich.” “What for?” “We are at war but we still keep some sort of contact. Plus I like to rub in how much happier I am than he could be right now!” Gilbert said out loud, slapping his hands on the table out of excitement.
Francis shrugged it off, finishing off his coffee.
“Did you even start? Or is the ink invisible?" Francis teased with a giggle.
“Of course I didn’t dumbass. How do you start those things?” Gilbert murmured out his sharp teeth on his pen.
“Well, the best is to start with ‘Dear’ and someone's name.”
Gilbert nodded and started “Dear Roderich..” he muttered to himself writing, carefully, holding the pen a bit wonky.
“Great, next say who’s it from.” Francis instructed.
“IT’S ME! Aw.. aw… awosome..” Gilbert grumbled and crossed out the misspelled ‘awesome’. He passed the paper and pen to Francis and tapped it showing him to write it instead of him. Francis huffed and took the pen, with witty and sharp manner wrote ‘Awesome’. Gilbert immediately snatched the paper back.
“PRUSSIA!” he yelled out confidently writing ‘Preußen’. He sat there for a moment proud of himself. His eyes darted right back to the writing. He carefully placed each letter, misspelling a lot of words. He bit his tongue in the process. Francis rolled his eyes. He sometimes muttered to himself ‘Scheiße’ as he scratched out words.
“Gil, hot chocolate is not hot anymore.” He said sliding the cup to him with Gilbert's drink.
Gilbert took it, downing the whole cup. He put it back on the table with much force the left overs sprayed onto his paper staining it brown. He didn’t seem to care as it was only the part that already was written down and dry. He continued with his letter, the pen scratching against paper making Francis scrunch up his face. What a horrible sound – Francis thought.
After a few minutes of unpleasant scratches, Gilbert was done. He stuck the paper in Francis' face. Francis scanned through all the words sometimes tilting his head to even read through it.
“Are you a moron?” he asked.
“What?? No!” Gilbert said, taking back his paper. He looked back at it, it seemed.. Fine. To Gilbert. The letters didn’t move in his eyes like they always were. He seemed to have trouble with keeping up with the lines in text, so his writing very much reflected that.
“Quel putain d'abruti…” Francis repeated, seeing Gilbert struggle so much.
Gilbert rolled his eyes. He knew Francis probably had cussed him out but he’s been used to it. He packed it up, carefully licking the side of the letter closing it. He passed it yet again to Francis.
“Can you write down the address??” He said tapping on the envelope. Francis reluctantly did when Gilbert told him so, and wrote down the street and city given by Gilbert.
“..London?” “Ja.” “Why?” “He’s hanging with Arthur, should be faster if it goes directly there.”
Francis rolled his eyes. Ugh. Arthur, he hated his guts so Francis returned the feelings. At least that’s what he thought. They went down to the post office, buying a stamp and sending out the letter. From that point Gilbert spared no time.
He dragged Francis to the nearby chariots, paying a good amount. When asked “Where are you heading?”
Gilbert confidently said, “Spain!” And got on with Francis.
They sat in silence for a majority of the first part of their road. Francis was just so entranced with the view of the streets of France. Every turn, every rock set on the road looked magnificent to him. It was his perfect mix of baroque and renaissance. Just what he loved. He waved to the pedestrians passing by, and saluted to officers.
His eyes caught a view of that commander, riding a horse, Napoleon Bonaparte. Wonder what he’s talking about. He clearly gave out orders to the army, moving the army. He managed to catch Francis before he would completely disappear from his view, and saluted to him too.
At the interaction Francis smiled, he must’ve noticed they’re dressed pretty similar. But he didn’t have time to say so to the general. Focus Francis, Spain. We’re going to Spain. Antonio. – he thought to himself and looked at Gilbert. He was taking a nap. Francis didn’t bother waking him up for now, just watched as windows, lanterns and open doors to lovely stores passed them.
The wooden wheels made thumping sounds on rocky streets. He looked up, the sun softly brushed his skin, but he knew it was nothing before they would enter the hot climate of Spain.
As they entered an area filled up with fields of wheat, flowers and trees, Gilbert slowly opened his eyes. The warm sun of the afternoon sneaked through his lashes making Gilbert rub his eyes. He sat up and looked at Francis who was delighted with countryside.
“Are we there yet?” “No, not yet.” he answered, not looking at Gilbert.
He looked in the same direction as Francis, trying to understand what he’s looking at. All he saw was some weeds, flock, and birds flying up in a group, coming back to their countries after winter.
“What are you looking at?”
“Enjoying the view.”
“Really? Sightseeing?? That’s stupid. You haven’t done that since..” Gilbert gulped.
“Since what?” Francis tilted his head, his gaze back at his friend.
“You and Arthur fell out.”
“Of course we did! He has probably been such an ass to–” Francis got interrupted by Gilbert.
“No, you didn’t listen to him.” As those words left Gilbert's mouth, something snapped in Francis’ mind. Another memory from before the revolution.
“We’ll meet again….” Francis started. Those simple words made Gilbert’s pupils widen. He took his arms.
“Don’t know where!” Gilbert almost screamed out of happiness. He looked at Francis with a big smile that showed off a set of spiky teeth.
“Don’t know where..” Francis sang, a bit nervous thinking he forgot it somehow.
“But I know we’ll meet again!” He then said with his hand holding his uniform tightly, as his heart was pounding in his chest at the memories almost becoming fresh.
“Some sunny day!” They yelled out in union, standing up from their seats.
“Sit back there! You’re gonna fall!” The man leading the horses that took them to Spain, yelled out.
They both giggled sitting back down. They continued singing together;
“And I will just say hello
To the folks that you know
Tell them you won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That as I saw you go
You were singing this song!”
Francis laughed. He did sing this, long before he lost his head. He smiled seeing Gilbert laugh with him, so genuinely in complete bliss. Gilbert missed him so much. Even that stupid song that he told him a million times to stop singing!
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As he listened to Gilbert's cackles he remembered himself coming up with this melody to ease everyone's nerves before any major event happening that could get him killed. He sang to Gilbert, Antonio and.. Arthur. Oh, he messed up with him. He remembered. In his office, 1783.
Francis was walking around explaining to him the revolution as Arthur just survived one too. They were discussing what’s gonna happen with Matthew and Alfred now since they’re independent. Where would they get their funds? What's the future gonna bring to them? And worse, what is Francis gonna do about the appraising of the poor French society. That’s why he was with Arthur there, discussing.
“Francis.. You have to side with the revolution. You’re gonna get yourself killed dammit!” Arthur said standing up with his hands supporting himself on his desk.
“Mon chéri,” Francis said gently, making Arthur look up at him. He smiled as their eyes met. That made a slight shade of pink appear on Arthur’s face. “you’re saying nonsense.”
Francis took his hand away, turning around from him to pick up a rose from a vase Arthur had. Arthur sighed slumping back on his chair. His face in his hands, woeful thinking about Francis’ future, their future.
“Nonsense?! NONSENSE?!” Arthur shook his head. “I know what’s gonna happen Francis! I– I don’t want us to.. Fall apart again.”
Francis went quiet. “This was then, now is now. And it was your fault.” he said coldly.
“I know, I already apologised.. But you knew how I felt! It was different! I had to!” Arthur yelled out standing up. “Do you want to put me through what you got through?!” he yelled out, stomping to Francis.
“Non, mon chéri.” Francis admitted fidgeting with a rose petal.
“So?! Please Francis, listen to me! Don’t side with aristocrats! They’re never gonna win!” “With me on their side?? Puh-lease. No one's gonna get hurt. You survived your revolution.” “It was different!” Arthur was screaming, trying to get Francis to change his mind.
“Non, it’s the same! You just don’t believe in me!” Francis screamed back tossing the rose on the floor and stomping on it.
Arthur went speechless. Whatever he said was not getting into his head. He huffed, his expression turning dark. Francis took notice of that and tucked hair behind his ear.
“Even if I die.. We’ll meet again..” He started singing.
“Francis..” Arthur said, losing his breath while letting out a quiet laugh.
“Don’t know when, don’t know where..” Francis sang softly, putting his hands on Arthur’s shoulders. Arthur sighed and returned the gesture with his hands on his waist.
“But I know we’ll meet again, some sunny day..” Francis said before gently leaning in, puckering up his lips. Arthur wanted to lean back in so badly. To feel Francis’ lips brush on his. But he put his finger on them.
“Please don’t.” Arthur said, turning his eyes away.
“Pourquoi?”
“I don’t want to make the pain even greater when you’re gone.” Francis took his hands off Arthur’s shoulders. He looked at him, his eyes full of anger.
“Bâtard!” Francis yelled out before slapping Arthur across the face, and hurrying out the doors. Arthur didn’t believe in him. How could he. He gave him everything! He’s not stupid! ‘Arthur I trusted you, I was there with you I–’
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“Francis?? Hallo? Francis? Wake up!” Gilbert shook him, trying to take him out of his thoughts. “Aufwachen!!” Gilbert yelled out.
Francis took a deep breath, some pollen getting in his throat making him cough. He grabbed his chest, getting pollen out of his lungs.
“Phew, you were completely like in your thoughts for some time, I thought you passed out!” Gilbert said, smiling at Francis staring at him with those big magenta pupils of his.
“Oui oui I just..” Francis said, trying to get himself in a proper position. “Arthur.. He..” He tried saying.
“Ohh.. So it was about him huh? Well who knows maybe you will meet again.” “Oui but.. He was right.” Gilbert rolled his eyes. “Of course he was.” “You knew?” Francis turned his eyes from his knee caps to Gilbert's face.
“Ja! But.. We all knew there was no way to stop you. If Arthur didn’t manage, neither I nor Antonio could.” Gilbert said, looking down. “We tried. We failed. But you’re back! We really met again!”
“I guess that’s what’s most important.” Francis admitted with a weak smile. He played with a strand of his hair.
“You regret what you said, don’t you.” “Oui.” He said with a very heavy heart.
“Well Arthur’s not pleased with you but.. Keep your head up I guess. We can’t just go back in time. Just move on, we’ll work this out.”
“..How did you suddenly become so wise on the matters of relationships?” Francis chuckled knowing where he’s gonna take Gilbert with that.
Gilbert blushed his ears even being painted with a shade of red. “Das geht Sie nichts an!” He yelled out, crossing his arms.
“C’monn you know I won’t let this go.” Francis batted his lashes looking up at Gilbert, gently biting on his lip.
“..Well.. Elizabeta..” “I knew it.” Francis said, suppressing a laugh.
“I DIDN’T EVEN FINISH!” Gilbert yelled out, covering Francis’ mouth. He breathed in, and breathed out trying to control how embarrassed he felt with Francis’ cheeky smirk. He closed his eyes.
“It’s not a relationship, I think. I sent her out some letters while on my way here and well before I left..” Gilbert started getting more red with a pout engraved on his face. “It was none of your business.
Francis had the biggest smirk on his face looking up from his lashes at Gilbert.
“That’s all I’m telling you, perv.”
“What? Are you scared?” Francis giggled while saying.
“No. No I’m not scared I’m doing fine, and whatever I have going on is none of your business.”
“Uh huh.” “It’s really not important.”
“You sure ‘it’s not important’?” Francis asked with a playful tone.
“Not important to you.” Gilbert finally said out loud. “I know. But you can’t blame me for being curious.”
“Then stay curious.”
With that, Gilbert cut their conversation short. Francis looked out at the fields they passed. It was getting warmer and warmer, which was an indicator they were pretty close to entering Spain. The border patrol fortunately recognised them, knowing Antonio is expecting visitors. They moved on, singing various songs that their armies sang. They laughed together as the sun slowly passed after hours of travel. They’ve managed to find a quiet place to stay with a bar.
The two entered the tavern, sitting together. Francis ordered a glass of wine and Gilbert a beer. Francis was looking at his wine slowly disappearing while Gilbert downed a whole glass of beer in one go.
“Ah! I wish it was the same as they make it in Prussia.” Gilbert smacked his lips remembering the taste of beer in his country.
“You didn’t even taste it.” Francis said, noticing how fast the glass got empty.
“Nein, I did. You just never properly had a glass of beer!” Gilbert laughed, his cheeks gaining a slight blush. He ordered another one, this one going a bit slower with his drinking.
“Mm Gil?” Francis sipped down more of the sour-sweet taste that brought a nice warm feeling in his throat.
“Ja?” “Why are we going to get Antonio?” “I told you, allies.”
“We don’t need to go there to know we’re allies, a letter would’ve worked. So what’s the real reason?” “Mh..” Gilbert growled out, watching the foam go from one side to another as he moved the glass in his hand. “I missed him. Our group. We missed you Francis.”
“You two?”
“Ja, despite everything, it’s not the same when you’re gone..” He said and gulped down the beer till he saw the bottom of his glass. “We know you will come back! But.. 3 years is still a lot.”
Francis put down his glass looking into Gilbert's eyes that were looking at the floor.
“And I feel like I can’t lose my friend again. Not when Holy Rome is in danger too. I don’t think my heart would take that.” “But you have Elizabeta, right?” “Even if I have her,” Gilbert said with a smile that quickly got wiped off by a frown. “She can’t replace you. Romance cannot replace platonic feelings like that, it’s just not the same bond.”
Francis took a moment of silence listening to Gilbert. He now felt even worse. With revolution he left behind not only Arthur but his friends, he cherished them so much and he just left them.
He mentally beat himself up for being so stupid. Everyone told him what to do but he never listened. At least Gilbert forgave him for what happened, for losing his head. Would Antonio also forgive him so easily? He was getting lost in his thoughts and turned back to Gilbert who was taking a nap. Well that amount of beer must’ve been enough.
He softly put his arm over his shoulders, hugged him at the waist and went up to a room filled up with hay and beds where they could spend this night.
Francis laid Gilbert out on the bed, ruffling his hair before laying beside him. He moved closely to him listening to Gilbert’s heartbeat. His arm was on Gilbert's side, and through sleep Gilbert put his arm on Francis’ head. That made him close his eyes, drifting off to sleep.
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07.23 am, Francis’ eyes fluttered open as he felt something wet, dripping onto his arms. As he opened his eyes he noticed it was Gilbert's mouth fluids. He immediately jerked up smacking Gilbert’s chest for him to wake up.
Gilbert almost fell off the bed from the slap, waking up with a quiet shout.
“Why’d you do that?!” Gilbert said, rubbing his eyes.
“Look at my sleeve! Gross!” Francis showed his soaked sleeve from Gilbert’s saliva.
“Oh hush. It just happens.” “It’s still disgusting!” “Let’s just get a snack and get back on our way to Antonio. We’ll probably be able to arrive in Madrid in the evening.”
And so they did what Gilbert’s plan said. They grabbed a quick breakfast before the road, as they knew it would take them several hours to get to the Palace where Antonio was spending most of his time these days. They hopped back in the chariot on their way to Zarzuela Palace, where they expected their friend to be waiting.
Francis watched the changed atmosphere in the fields and trees and flowers – it looked quite different then the French one. He watched farmers work on fields, tending to their herd and various types of wheat. Rocks thumbed from time to time against wheels, creating a nice atmosphere with the fresh rays of sunshine. He enjoyed the sights of nature.
They struck up small conversations, nothing as serious as they did on day one. They were light hearted and calm until Francis changed the topic.
“What do you think England’s gonna do?” “..I don’t know. Nothing good knowing the British, and Arthur.”
“They’ve been at war with America recently, it can’t possibly be this bad.”
“We’ll see. Just because they lost a colony does not mean they’re not strong.”
“True..” Francis looked at their shoes shining in the sun. He directed a ray onto Gilbert's face to annoy him. “Hey, quit it!” Gilbert said covering up his eyes to not get attacked by the sun in his sensitive eyes. Francis laughed, putting his legs back under the seat.
“..Gil?” “Ja?” “You think I can fix it with Arthur?” Gilbert had to think. Would he? “Ja, probably. If Antonio forgives your stunt with the aristocrats, why not Arthur.” “He’s not as laid back as we are.” Francis rolled his eyes.
“Yeah but we’re your friends, he isn’t.” Francis blushed. There was truth in what Gilbert said, they were his friends and they knew him differently than Arthur. Still, his question was more on Arthur's personality rather than his relationship.
“Is there anyone else we could have as allies?” Francis asked suddenly.
“Kein Idee.”
“Huh.”
Francis thought. What other countries were there. Was someone missing, needing him? “Gil, you remember Feliks?” Suddenly the personification of Poland came to Francis’ mind.
“..Jaa…” Gilbert said very awkwardly. Francis looked away disappointed.
“I know what’s with you, but I think.. I think I’m gonna try to bring him back.” “..In your dreams Francis.” Gilbert scoffed.
“Mhh..” Francis snapped his fingers on another idea. “What about Ivan?” “Ivan?” Gilbert repeated. “Oui! He seems like a good candidate.
“Dunno.. I wouldn’t trust him as much. He could be on Arthur’s side already.”
“You don’t know it.” “But I suspect it. This time don’t make fetal mistakes.”
Francis slumped back on his seat.
“If you say so.. What if checked on him? You know, talked to him and stuff. Could be fun.”
Gilbert hissed a little.
“Do whatever, just don’t get in trouble again.” “I won’t.”
And they went back to the very light topics. Discussing what the best alcoholic drink is, what season is best, etc. They’ve decided white wine is pretty good and that late spring is probably the best there can be. The quiet shimmers of bugs freshly awakening from their sleep during winter filled the air, the breeze from the Atlantic ocean was hitting their nostrils nicely from kilometers away.
09.37 pm. They’ve arrived at the Palace of Zarzuela. They made their way to the stairs leading up to the entrance. Francis gulped, he didn’t know if Antonio would be so calm about his death as Gilbert was. But he just closed his eyes hoping for the best.
“Francis! Cariño mío!” Antonio yelled, tearing up as he ran to greet Francis after the revolution.
“Antonio! Mon Cher!” Francis yelled back. Antonio gave him a comforting hug, Francis falling into his embrace. His face was tucked in into Antonio's crook of his neck. He melted in his arms feeling comforted. He missed him so much. His smell, his soft clothes. It was so nice to see him again. All his memories, his precious memories he shared with Antonio came back.
They wouldn't pull away from each other, each hand brushing through others' hair. Oh he could never forever forget how lovely Antonio was. How his heart melted to his platonic touch.
“..And Gilbert! Mein Liebster..?” said Gilbert.
“..Right and Gilbert.” Antonio said reluctantly, pulling away from Francis. A small blush was airbrushed on his cheeks from the hug.
“Come in, it’s getting late.” Antonio invited them, showing off the palace. Unlike Versailles, his residence was filled up with various aristocrats and members of the Spanish monarchy. He showed them around a little, leading through the whole palace. Gilbert went ahead to the courtyard, giggling as he spun around exploring. He looked up at the stars smiling.
“Hey look there! The sky is clear! You can even see Hercules!” Gilbert pointed to the 13-star constellation. He even connected them tracing each line with his finger. He went ahead trying to see other constellations running around the courtyard.
“It’s been so lonely without you.” Antonio started.
Francis blushed. “Well I wish I could say the same but.. You know.” He chuckled.
“Yeah.” Antonio let out a bitter laugh. “Francis, we’ve been worried.” “We? You and Gil?” “And.. Arthur.” Antonio said with a slight disgust on his tongue.
“Oh that guy.” Francis looked away with a pink color on his cheeks.
Antonio looked at Francis’ reaction to say Athur’s name. To say the least he was not pleased but continued on with the conversation. “Olvidé lo hermoso que puedes parecer.”
Francis turned to him, pointing his finger at himself. Antonio laughed and nodded.
“Sí, but you did say you would come back.”
“Right, I’m so sorry about being stupid and not believing you and–”
“What is past, is past. Now is now. Just enjoy the little moments while you have them.”
Francis’ stayed quiet. His finger brushed against Antonio’s pinky finger but he pulled away. Antonio noticed and without looking down he took Francis’ hand in his. Francis stayed quiet.
They watched the stars only noise was Gilbert yelling “That’s Virgo!” Then his pants and shoes making a squeaking sounds against the ground. It was lovely to be together yet again, after being separated by death. He could stand like this with Antonio.. And Gilbert for hours and hours. Just his eyes reflecting the shimmering light of various objects in space.
Antonio finally sighed and looked down. “We should get back in, get ready for bed. You’re tired from your travels, aren’t you?”
Francis nodded and looked at Gilbert who finally seemed to collapse on the ground.
“Gil!” Antonio yelled. Gilbert responded with a snore.
“Ay dios mío, he can’t sleep there! GILBERT! AWESOME PRUSSIA!” Antonio yelled louder, but Gilbert was not waking up. They ran up to him and shook him. He rubbed his eyes, yawning.
“Was..?” Gilbert mumbled out.
“You’re not sleeping here.” “Nein.” And he tried falling back asleep but his friends resisted. They dragged him by his arms, Gilbert's rear end smothering on the ground. He took them into an apartment where they could all three share a bed.
“I’m taking the middle!” Gilbert ran up and jumped onto the bed.
“Nononono!” Antonio was horrified by the sight of Gilbert's shoes on the bed. He dragged them off his feet. “Ew! You stink!” Antonio said, scrunching up his nose.
“And what do you expect?” Gilbert said, looking back at him. Antonio let out a laugh and playfully slapped his bum.
“Hey!” Gilbert answered to him by dragging him into the bed too. Francis chuckled and joined them in, as they touched one another. After a while the two fell asleep, very tired. Antonio took some time looking at Francis sleeping beside Gilbert. He smiled as he laid back down, hugging them both, his hand wrapping on Francis' arm.
,, AUTHORS NOTE ; Again.. I'm a lazy bum. I will admit. But we're getting there, I'm trying to get on my writing grind again. Just know I have no plans of abandoning this fic - In fact, I am working on next chapter!! Just needed a little break :))
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