Roles Reversed

Chapter 2: Panpapes

Francis gazed sadly at Alfred and the small child in his arms. "Alfred, please stop. This isn't something to prank about."

Alfred stared at him in disbelief. Did Francis seriously think that he would joke around about Arthur like this? "What? Francis, I would never do something like this. This really is baby Arthur!"

Matthew watched his older brothers. He felt conflicted. He trusted that Alfred would never prank them like this, and he believed Alfred was telling the truth, Matthew could see it in his eyes. But the simple thought of Arthur being alive was too much. It was impossible for him to be back! Right?

"Franny, listen to me. I'm telling the truth. I found Arthur in the middle of nowhere in England. Flying mint bunny led me to him! This little guy was able to see the fae that Arthur could always see! And they protected him when I accidentally scared Arthur." Francis continued to look on in doubt, but anyone could tell that his resolve was failing.

Matthew watched him carefully. Francis had never been the same when Arthur died. He was a shell of his former self for the longest time, barely ever flirting, or expressing emotion, and was often times found drunk. He was finally getting better but seeing an exact copy of his little brother so soon broke him quickly.

"And he even said himself that he had two names. He called himself Arthur and England! No normal child is going to call themselves a country. Plus he has the feel of a nation. Please believe me." Alfred practically begged. He knew in his heart that this child was Arthur and nothing was going to make him think otherwise. Matthew agreed as he could now feel the nation-like aura radiating from the supposed Arthur. Matthew was now convinced that this was Arthur. No one else but the Kirkland Family had eyebrows that threatened to take up your whole face.

Nothing was said as they waited for Francis' decision. Francis was having an internal battle. Part of him wanted to believe Arthur was right there in front of him and the other part kept arguing that he was dead, never to return. Francis' dull, blue eyes bore into Arthur's bright, green ones. A small spark of recognition lit up in the Frenchman's eyes.

"Angleterre, c'est toi?" The child blinked at him.

"Um, I don't think he understands Fren-"

"La grenouille!" The toddler shouted while pointing at Francis.

Matthew immediately snorted. He was not expecting that. Alfred's jaw dropped. This kid could speak French?

Francis, on the other hand, smiled widely. There was only one person who would call him that.

"La grenouille! Frog!"

In the blink of an eye, Francis snatched Arthur from Alfred's arms, hugging him tightly and twirling around happily. "Aww, c'est ma petite Angleterre! You are so cute!"

Alfred looked slightly upset that Arthur was taken away, but to see the amount of joy in France's face perked him up. Matthew smiled at the sight of Arthur finally getting annoyed with being squished to the Frenchman. His struggle to be released was entertaining. The Canadian approached his twin.