Before The War Starts (FrUK)

Chapter seven

The men came in happy with the sight of the shop until they noticed how nervous Francis and I were. "Abelard, leave them alone, you soldiers really don't know when to stop." A man with almost white hair spoke. "I like messing with people Gilbert," he laughed and looked back at me. So he was Gilbert and the other young man was Ludwig. They looked at us and shined a smile that made Francis and me comfortable. "Sorry, our friend here, asked us to come to France for a visit and he doesn't know how to act right. Just scaring all the citizens today." Gilbert laughed nervously.

I looked at Ludwig who had no interest in the conversation, he just seemed annoyed about the situation. This is not the first one they had to cool down. I looked to Francis, who seemed to be getting along with Gilbert, and I smiled a bit. I kind of stood silent looking at Ludwig, until something caught his attention. Some customers came in, and they looked almost like twins. They were speaking Italian and Ludwig could not help but stare at one of them. For a long time.

I looked at the German soldier who was getting annoyed. So much so that he came towards me from across the room. "Talk in English for me please, I hear people sound funny from England." My eyes widened at his statement as everyone stopped what they were doing to look toward us. "Well, go on now. Don't get shy," he spoke in German. I understood clearly though. " I am good," I said, still speaking in French. "Hey, maybe we should go already; you might need to get back to your room." Gilbert tried to pull him toward the exit.

Even the Italians in the corner watched the soldier try getting me to speak in my native tongue. "Yes, you got what you needed so please leave," Francis stepped in, staring at the man. Abelard let out a chuckle as he looked at Francis. "Friends, my ass," he whispered. This made things awkward as he continued to wait for me to speak. "I just want to hear it, not like I know English," he lifted his brow, followed by a smirk. I looked at him seriously and at everyone else in the room. "What kind of stupid idiot do you think you are? Like honestly? What kind of twat like you thinks it is okay to tell people what to do? You must have some nerve asshole. I hope you fall off a bridge and die." I spoke in English.

Everyone stared at me, confused about what I said. "Wow, that was amazing; you should speak like that more often," he smiled. What an idiot he is. "Alright, we are leaving now," Gilbert pulled him away from me. Ludwig stared at the Italian man all the way until he left the shop. The Italian noticed and smiled at him a bit. It was quite obvious what was going on there.

"I have a feeling you cursed at him the whole time.."Francis laughed as I broke my straight face with a smile. "He couldn't understand, so it was fine. It was kind of funny, honestly." I laughed, looking at Francis. "That was scary, I wonder what a soldier was doing all the way over here in France.." that Italian man Ludwig was staring at had spoken to us as he was buying his bread. "Me neither; I doubt it is anything good," Francis said shrugging. "My brother and I fled Italy after our own country made an alliance with Germany. It is sad, but Feli and I knew we had to get out fast; our dear grandfather didn't even want to leave,"

The other brother spoke. "Lovino is right; fascism isn't our cup of tea," Feli laughed a bit nervous. "What brought you here from England?" They asked in unison. "Business, I will only be here for a year," I smiled a bit sadly. "Good, you wouldn't want to stay here in the Europe mainland long anyway. We are thinking of fleeing to England soon. There is talk of war... and we don't want to stick around for it." Lovino shook his head.

"I am sure that is just propaganda talk. Why would there be another war? Especially since there was one almost twenty-one years ago," I shook my head, trying not to believe it. "Maybe, but better safe than sorry." Feli shrugged his shoulders. "Of course....if my country needs us to fight, we will be forced to, but I doubt that will be the case. Italy tries to stay out of things. Tries..." Lovino shook his head some more. I looked to Francis, who was worried more.

Once the two brothers left, Francis closed up the shop. "Let's eat, darling," he smiled at me. "Yes, finally," I smiled. I followed him into the kitchen, and he started to prepare our plates to eat. "I must admit, you speaking English is kind of nice," he smirked. "What?! How dare you!" I nudged him. He soon erupted in laughter.  He placed the plates in front of us as we soon started to eat. "So Arthur, I know I never asked this, but do you have anyone special waiting for you back in England? Like a girl?" He wiggled his eyebrows which made me laugh.

"Oh god, no, I guess I don't, though." I shrugged. He nodded, smiling. "That's good."
"It is?" I asked, laughing. His face turned red, and he choked up. "No, I mean, one day you will find someone," he tried to clear up what he meant. "What if I already found them?" I looked at him seriously. I just need a sign.... to know if this isn't a one-sided feeling. "I think I have too" he smiled. He reached for my hand and held it tightly. "Wouldn't you agree?" He added. The feeling that came across me caused me to smile with joy. "Of course."

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Thanks for reading so far. ❤️
Also....I might have OC pop up here and there.