couldn't be more ecstatic right now, as he cleaned himself up so that he could visit the young golden boy that was now all his to care for and raise without the awful influence of the English.

currently trying to find the best place to avoid people, his small white bear clutched in his arms. He was mostly confused, he didn't really understand what was happening and when people tried to explain he

just didn't want to listen. He thought of both England and France as people he liked and he didn't like that they had fought.

hums to himself as he picks up a box of chocolates before going to the boy's house, hoping he was home. <<Matthieu~! It's Papa,>> he smiles, smoothing his jacket as he waited.

really trying to avoid answering the door, but when he heard who it was he rushed to get it, still holding his bear and stumbling a bit. When he got the door open he looked up at him with a bit of a frown.

blinks at the frown, the boy's cute face not enough to deter his own wide smile. <<Matthieu my son~!>> he greets gleefully, kneeling down to give him a hug, being careful of the bear. <<I have done it, my boy.

I have won against England,>> he smiles, presenting the box of chocolates to him. <<It is a time for celebration, and I thought perhaps you would like these~>>

made a small sound at the hug and he looked even more confused before he nodded slowly and moved to hug him back, he didn't really pay much attention to the chocolates. <<You... why did you two fight?>> He

really hadn't grasped the concept yet.

's smile softens at the confusion in his voice, kissing the top of his head before standing and letting himself inside, so they could stop letting the cold out. <<We fought for control

of New France,>> he answers, shedding his winter coat and boots before turning back to him. <<We fought for you, my dear son.>>

blinks up at him as he let him come in, not that he had much choice. He hugged his bear closer making it growl quietly as he listened to him. <<Why?>>

kneels back down to his level, smiling still and hoping the boy would release the bear sometime so he didn't have to worry about losing fingers if he got too close. <<Because England is

a bad man, and he would have destroyed you for his own purposes had he been allowed to raise you,>> he offers in explanation.

squeezed his bear tighter at that as he tried to reason it with what he knew of England. His bear was seeming less and less impressed. <<But... he was nice.>>

glances down at the poor bear, shaking his head. <<He is a sly bastard,>> he sighs, gently trying to pry Matthieu's arms away from the bear. <<My son, I do not think your pet appreciates the tight hug.>>

frowns a bit at that as he hesitantly let the bear go, watching him toddle of to go sleep somewhere. "But... Papa... he's..." he'd switched to English without really thinking about it.

smiles softly, sweeping Mathieu into a big hug and picking him up. <<He's a bad man, I am sorry you had to have contact with him at all,>> he reassures him, kissing his temple. <<Would you like me to make

you dinner tonight?>>

still isn't quite ready to believe that about England, but he hugged him back, wrapping his arms around his neck. He forced a smile and nodded at the question staying quiet for now.

's smile grows as the little boy hugs him back, dancing around with him happily. He still couldn't believe it, the precious little colony was all his!

clung to him tightly as he danced around. He was confused and he didn't think it was the right thing to tell Francis but he missed England a bit. He did love his Papa though.

laughs happily and kisses him again before setting the boy down. <<What would you like to eat tonight?>> he smiles, taking his hand and leading him to the kitchen. The boy was

getting taller every time he saw him, and he couldn't help but be excited at the possibility of this nation being all his.

followed him, holding his hand lightly as he thought about that. <<I don't know.>> He blinked a bit, he wasn't terribly great at making choices. <<Can I make some tea?>>

hums softly and nods, though he know that was a habit from England at least it wasn't too harmful of one. <<Yes of course my boy. I'll make you a nice dinner then,>> he smiles, searching the boy's kitchen

for what he could prepare them for dinner.

started shuffling about and getting the wood burning stove going, he was lucky to have even that. His people were pretty generous in helping him with stuff most of the time.

hums softly, pulling out what he needs. It wasn't a huge fancy kitchen like the one he was used to working with at home, but there was something he liked about visiting here nonetheless.

liked his kitchen and his small home. It was really just two rooms, the kitchen and the living space. He had a small loft where he slept. He started making the tea quietly. "Does this mean I'm coming to live

with you?"

smiles happily down at Mathieu when he asks the question, humming softly. <<I do need you to come with me for at least a visit, and I would be absolutely thrilled if you

would stay with me longer,>> he grins, making sure to stick to French around the boy.

nods a bit as he glanced around his kitchen, he wasn't sure he wanted to leave his house... but if Francis wanted him to he would. <<Alright Papa.>>

smiles, returning to his cooking. <<Just think Mathieu, if you came to live with me, you would get to live in a huge mansion instead of this tiny house,>> he hums, obviously a fan of large houses filled with

other people to care for you.

frowns a bit at that as he made sure the water was boiling. <<I like my small house though. I helped build it.>>

hums softly, shrugging. <<But it is never lonely at my home, Mathieu. There are lots of people to keep you company,>> he promises with a smile.

carefully finished making the tea and set the two cups aside to steep before he moved over to hug Francis' leg as that was about all he could reach. <<Why were you fighting over me?>> He had a lot of questions.

blinks as he feels gentle arms wrap around his hips, looking down at the little boy fondly. He sets down the knife he had been using in favour and leaning down to hug him properly. <<Because England wanted

to take you away from me. He wanted to make sure that he got control of the entire continent,>> he sighs, petting the boy's hair back. <<But there was no way I would let him. I couldn't stand the thought of

losing you, Mathieu,>> he tries to reassure him.

closes his eyes and holds on to him, he liked Francis, he really did. <<Of losing me? I'm not that special Papa.>>

brings a hand up to the boy's cheek, smiling fondly at him and kissing his forehead. <<Nonsense my son. You are the most special little boy in the world.>> Sure, he had other colonies, and he may have told

them the same thing. But he was indeed quite fond of the Canadian. After all, the boy seemed to take after him in appearance, and he was so well behaved.

smiled a bit at that, he wasn't sure how much to believe, he'd heard it before from England and others. He hugged him tighter though. He did like him though, more than all the others.

hugs him back, laughing gently. <<I love you Mathieu,>> he smiles. <<You are my golden boy.>>

looked embarrassed at that as he pulled away, <<I love you to Papa!>> He nodded as he gave him his best smile.

smiles widely at him, pleased by the return of affection. <<That's a good boy. Now go, enjoy your tea. Do you want to sit on the counter and watch me cook?>> he offers.

blinks and nods as he beamed a bit. <<Can I?! England never let me do that.>>

grins, determined to be a better father than England ever was. He picks the boy up and sets him down on the counter off to the side, fetching him his tea and handing it to Mathieu.

looked happy with that as he sat on the counter and took his tea with a thanks. He watched Francis, smiling the whole time.

smiels at him, returning to cooking and humming a gently melody as he does.

pretty content to watch him as he sat and drank his tea. It was a special blend that the local tribe made, he loved the smell of it.

soon whipped them up a nice meal; not as fancy as what he could make at home, of course, but nice enough. <<Mathieu, can you please set the table?>> he asks, coming over to help him down.

nods as he got down from the counter, thanking him for the help before he went to get the dishes, carefully setting the table the way England had shown him.

hums and finishes up cooking dinner, bringing it to the table and blinking at the familiar table set-up. He smiles, shaking his head and adjusting it to fit the French style. <<No no Mathieu, you set the

table like this,>> he smiles encouragingly.

blinks and looks over the changes before looking up at him and tilting his head questioningly. "Is that the right way?"

nods, smiling at him. <<Yes, this is how you set the table properly. Cutlery should face down, and arranged in the order you use them,>> he nods.

nods as he tried to memorize the set up. <<Okay,>> he smiled at him and moved to get some milk.

smiles, dishing them each out a serving and taking his seat, waiting patiently for Mathieu to come back.

came back with the jug and set it down before taking his seat. <<So... when are we leaving?>>

hums softly, smiling at the boy. <<Bright and early in the morning. It's best to get to France for the announcement as fast as we can.>>

blinks and looks a bit torn at that idea but nods and looked down into his food. <<Are we going to say grace?>>

smiles reassuringly at him, and nods. <<Of course, Mathieu. I do hope you have been continuing doing so in my absence,>> he adds, before bowing his head to start the prayer.

bowed his own head and smiled a bit as he listened, of course he had been saying it in his absence. When he was done he said amen and the leaned over to kiss Francis on the cheek. <<I have been! Most of the

time.>>

smiles at the kiss at the end of his prayer, laughing softly and arching a brow. <<Most?>> he asks, humming softly. <<Well eat up. We should rest, for the journey home starts tomorrow.>>

nods as he sat back dow and started eating. <<Some of my people don't like it... so when I eat with them... I don't.>>

hums softly, starting in on his meal as well. <<I see,>> he hums, deciding that was probably fair. A nation needed to fit in with his people, after all.

ate quietly after that, he had more questions, but he got the feeling Francis didn't want to hear them right now.

would have likely told him questions could wait until after dinner anyways. He eats quietly, though distracted by the young boy and still brimming with pride over his victory.

pretty focused on his food, he really liked Francis' cooking. He paused when his bear came over and wanted up into his lap.

smiles, noticing the little bear and wondering if he could leave it behind when they travelled. He knew how attached Mathieu was to ti though, so he figured it was best not to even ask.

picked the bear up and hugged him close as he settled in his lap. He wouldn't dream of leaving him behind.

hums softly, finishing up his dinner and washing it down with a sip of milk.

finished the rest of his food or at least what he could eat and gave the rest to his bear, he was talking to it in the tongue of the people who lived in the area.

hums to himself, getting up to clear away and clean up, though he keeps an eye on the pair. He didn't understand a word of it, and decides that Mathieu ought to take French lessons until he's learned not

to use other languages.

continued on in the language, not getting much response from the bear as he talked. He probably wouldn't ever stop using the different dialects of his natives. Though if Francis didn't like it he would make

sure to use French around him.

purses his lips a little as he cleans up, making sure nothing would be left to rot during their absence. He comes back to him after a few minutes, smiling at him. <<Time to wash up for bed, Mathieu.>>

blinked and looked up at him nodding a bit as he shifted to get up, still holding his bear. <<Where are you going to sleep Francis?>>

blinks down at him. <<Where is your spare mattress, Mathieu? If you have gotten rid of it, then we can just share your bed~>>

had to actually think about that for a moment before he nodded and went to the small storage area tucked to the side of the living space. He had to set his bear down as he went to pull the mattress out.

watches as realization sets in his face, wandering over to help when he noticed the young boy struggling with it.

thanked him quietly as they got it out. <<It... might not be the best...>> he shrugged a bit as he went to look for a clean quilt at least.

smiles, helping him set it up and shaking his head. <<Nonsense my son, it is plenty. Thank you,>> he hums, going to fetch his luggage so he could find a nightshirt.

got a few quilts out and set them up on the bed, he always had lots of quilts at least. <<You're welcome Papa.>> When he had it set up he went to get changed, his bear following him intently.

smiles, getting ready for bed as well and spreading out the quilts before making sure Mathieu was ready. He planned to tuck him in of course.

changed and ready for bed pretty quickly, he'd already climbed up to the loft area, his bear in tow.

smilea and follows up after him carefully, though he was already thinking he ought to lessen the boy's dependence on the bear. <<Would you like a bedtime story, Mathieu?>>

settled into his bed, the bear curled up next to him almost right away. <<If you want Papa.>> He loved his bear... he still didn't really know where Kuma had come from.

hums softly, tucking Mathieu and the bear into bed, taking a seat at the end of it. <<Well... what type of story would you like? Or are you too tired?>> he hums softly.

shakes his head as he smiled up at him. <<Umm... I don't know... I'm not tired though.>>

smiles, leaning over to kiss his forehead. <<Tch, it's past your bedtime mister,>> he teases, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Mathieu's ear. <<How about the tale of the Frog Prince?>>

blinked a few times, he hadn't heard that one before. He shifted to cuddle closer to him and smiled. <<You haven't told me that one before.>>

smiles, laying down with him to help the boy fall asleep. <<I think you will like it,>> he answers, before starting up the tale and making little hand motions to help explain.

listened intently to the tale and he slowly drifted off to sleep close to the end, his arms around Francis.

finishes the tale, smiling gently when he looks down to see Matheiu was already asleep. He stays a few mometns longer, watching him happily and petting back his hair softly, still revelling in his victory.

After a moment, he reluctantly pries the boy's arms off of him, kissing his forehead once more before heading back down to the spare mattress.

slept soundly through the night, he was used to the sounds of the wildlife outside and his bears soft breathing next to him.

settles himself in bed, happy and pleased with himself as he drifts off to sleep as well. Tomorrow would be the start of a long journey home before he could truly celebrate.

had never been on a ship before, nothing bigger than a canoe anyway and he hadn't really realized what the journey meant yet.

sleeps well until the morning, rising early and packing up his belongings quietly.

would sleep till the afternoon if Francis let him. He wasn't that good at waking up early, normally someone else had to come get him up.

climbs up the ladder to wake him after he's prepared a light breakfast, nudging the boy's shoulder. <<Mathieu, it's morning...>>

stirred at the nudge and slowly woke up, he blinked a few times, rubbing his eyes. <<Eh...>> He twisted to wrap his arms around his bear, not looking any closer to actually getting up.

smiels fondly at him, shaking his head. <<Mathieu, wake up my boy. We must get ready.>> True that the ship wouldn't leave until the nations were safe on board, but he'd rather not put it off.

groaned sleepily as he squeezed his bear making him growl in response. He slowly sat up and let the bear go. "It's to early."

smiles, brushing Mathieu's hair back and kissing his forehead. <<French, Mathieu,>> he reminds him gently. <<And I know, you can sleep once we are settled onto the ship, alright?>> he smiles, offering

a hand to help the boy out of bed.

sighs a bit and apologizes for slipping into English. He wrapped his arms around him instead of taking his hand. <<Alright.>>

blinks down at him and smiles, sweeping the boy up into a hug. <<I've made some croissants for breakfast, if you would like to eat before you pack your bags.>>

laughs happily at being picked up like that and he wraps his arms around his neck and nods. <<Yes please!>>

smiles happily, kissing his cheek. <<Sweet boy,>> praises, giving him another tight hug before setting him down so they can climb down from the loft.

smiled as he climbed down from the loft, carrying his bear down with him.

waits for him to get down safely before climbing down himself, leading the pair to the kitchen so he can get their breakfast.

followed him quietly. He was still half asleep.

lifts the boy into his seat at the table before heading to the kitchen to grab their breakfasts, setting a plate and a glass of water in front of Mathieu.

murmured a thanks as his bear scrambled up into his lap and he waited for Francis to sit down before he started eating.

smiles and sits to join him, happy to eat quietly.

enjoying the breakfast and slowly waking up more. It was taking a bit though.

done well before Mathieu, excusing himself to take to cleaning up the kitchen.

finished his and got down to help him before he went to pack his bags and make sure his small home would be fine left unattended.

finishes cleaning the kitchen. making sure to secure up the house, and hoping the place could withstand the winter without someone there. He packed his own things and tucked away the mattress,

before going to make sure Matthew was packing enough.

doing his best, packing his best clothes and some of the clothes he'd gotten from his native people. He loved the culture. He looked up at Francis when he came to check on him and smiled a bit.

smiles back at him. <<Need any help?>> he asks, glancing around.

shakes his head, he was just about done. <<I'm almost done.>>

nods, smiling at him. <<Alright. Is there anything that needs to be remembered for Kumajiro?>>

shakes his head as he glanced at the bear. <<I've got everything for him.>>

smiles at him and pats his head. <<Excelltn. Let me know when you are ready then,>> he nods, heading back to the living room to wait.

grabbed all his stuff and followed him stumbling a bit. He was pretty much ready.

smiles when he hears him, standing again to help, kissing his forehead as he took some of the heavier things. <<Ready?>>

nods, he was a bit reluctant to go, he didn't really want to leave his home.

happy he's coming with him anyways, not that the little colony had much of a choice really. He leads the way, making sure to close up the house behind them before leading him towards shore.

knew he didn't have a choice in the matter. He stopped when one of his natives came up to him and he paused to ask him to look after his house for him, using the native tongue to talk to him.

pauses with him, waiting patiently. Really, they were already late, and he was hoping the crew wouldn't be too upset at him.

thanked him quickly and caught up to Francis, apologizing.

shakes his head and tells him not to worry about it, continuing on the path toward shore, where the boat that would take them to France's ship rested.

still worried about it as he followed him, he clutched his bag tightly, his bear following him closely.

leads him onto the little boat, settling down their bags as the soldier started to row them out. He was pleased, and hadn't yet noticed the boy wasn't very keen on this.

settled into the boat with his bear on his lap as he watched the shore line quietly.

smiles, wrapping an arm around the boy as he watched the land get further away, soon enough, motioning to help Mathieu climb the ladder onto the ship.

struggled a bit with the ship's ladder as he carried his bear up with him. When he was on the deck though he looked completely out of place.

doesn't immediately follow, helping get the bags up first before finally coming on board himself. He brushes himself off, grinning happily as he hoists up the ladder.

starting to get a bit scared, he'd never been on such a large ship before he wasn't sure he really liked it.

turns back to him at last with a big smile. <<Welcome aboard Mathieu, let our journey begin~!>> He was obviously pleased to be on his way home.

nods slowly and hugs his bear close as he looked around. He was quickly falling into his silent mode.

hums softly, watching a moment before he rememebrs. <<Ahe, I promised you could sleep again, sorry. Would you like to see our room?>>

blinks over at him and nods. <<Ah... please.>>

smiles, patting the boy on the head before leading him down to their quarters. It wasn't huge, but it was lavishly decorated, fitted with as many comforts from his home as he could possibly bring.

followed him, holding his bear as he walked. He stopped to gape at the room, he'd not quite seen such a thing.

walks into the room, feeling at home. He starts to set up a second cot for Mathieu, unaware of the boy's awe.

looked around before he noticed his bear squirming in his arms. He closed his eyes and let the bear go before he watched Francis.

finishes setting up the little cot, dragging some extra pillows from his own bed to it for Mathieu. <<Here you are son. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask,>> he smiles. <<Everyone on this ship knows to

treat you with the utmost respect, alright?>> he smiles, kneeling down in front of Mathieu and patting his head.

looks a little scared still as he nods slowly and looks up at him. <<A-Alright.>>

smiles at him reassuringly, scooping him into a hug and humming softly. <<...do you want me to stay with you, for now?>> he asks softly.

nods as he clung to him in return. <<Please...>>

smiles gently, petting his hair back. <<...would you rather share my bed then?>> he asks, knowing there was more room on it.

blinks at that and looks up at him as he nodded, he didn't want to let go of him just yet.

smiles, picking him up carefully and setting the boy on the bed, tucking him under the covers and climbing in after him, pulling him back into his arms and kissing his forehead. <<Papa's here for you, my

boy...>> he murmurs reassuringly.

hesitantly cuddled up to him once he was pulled closer, glad for the reassurance and the comfort of someone familiar. <<What's your home like Papa?>>

pets the younger boy's hair back, humming gently. <<My home is beautiful, warm, and filled with lovely and sophisticated people. I promise you will love it.>>

closed his eyes as he leaned into his hand, finding it soothing. He listened and slowly fell asleep, lulled by the rocking of the boat and Francis' presence.

smiles as he watches him, continuing to pets his hair back until the boy was fast asleep. He sighs softly, happily, debating if he wanted to go back out on deck... but ultimately deciding his men were

capable enough, and snuggling in close to fall asleep as well.

slept soundly enough with him like that. He probably wouldn't wake till he was woken or until Francis moved.