ratsoftobruk | Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

[ enjolras is drawn to him. how can he not be? of course, he hasn’t figured out why yet. why this man should catch his eye when few others have. (too involved with patria, of course, though clearly not mistress the other friends might think.) so he’s surprised when the man winks at him and sparkles, yes, he definitely sparkles. ]

I appreciate the invitation, but there is much work to be done.

[ and when isn’t there? being dedicated to france is a full time commitment with no breaks. ]

[ Working for France is indeed very time consuming. Maybe it would help if the country himself would pull his weight a little more... But he has important work to do too.

This wine isn't going to drink itself. ]

Hm? But, monsieur, you cannot work all day, can you? Surely you have time to indulge me for just a little while.

[ a shame, that grantaire was made in the image of france this whole time and enjolras is just too blind to see it. ]

I can work all day.

[ an argument that has played out a thousand times before - if not me, then who? But he takes a seat anyway. Too drawn to this man to turn him down. ]

A short pause, though...it shouldn’t hurt.

[ France would enjoy Grantaire very much. As it is, he's just delighted that this handsome young man has given in to his charms and agreed to join him. ]

Très bien! [ France smiles brightly- the sparkles increase- and he pours Enjolras a glass of wine. ] If you spend your whole day working, what are you working for? You shall miss out on all the beautiful things around you!

The beautiful things around us can’t be enjoyed if tyranny keeps us grasp on France. Beautiful things are meaniningless without freedom.

[ enjolras is s charming date you really picked well with this one. ]

[ I'd say that's a bit heavy for a conversation starter on a sunny afternoon but really, they're French. It's to be expected. Still, France blinks at him for a moment.]

I don't feel particularly grasped today...

[ More's the pity. ]

Beautiful things are what allows people to survive under tyranny, mon cher. They cannot spend every day fighting or they shall break.

Edited 2018-11-10 15:28 (UTC)

[ the way he takes it personally kind of takes him aback for a moment. But instead of inquiring he has to defend his honor, of course. ]

Others might break, but I will fight for my country.

[ Ah, that youthful indignation. Such fire and passion- just what he would expect from a proud Frenchman! ]

Will you? Well, in that case, your country thanks you!

[ France raises his glass and holds the other out for Enjolras to take. ]

A toast! To freedom and to yourself, monsieur!

[ his expression turns puzzled for a moment -- his country thanks him? the second time it's been so personal and, anyway, most frenchmen don't agree with his politics. c'est la vie, right?

but he does manage to actually take the wine glass. incredible. ]

To freedom.

[ but never to himself. ]

To France.

[ Whether or not France agrees with the revolutionary spirit burning through the slums of Paris matters little. What matters is that it's there. That his people love him, love each other, love themselves. It's difficult for a nation to properly take a side in politics until things reach a breaking point, but France will always love someone for loving him. That revolutionary fire is a part of him, after all. ]

To France.

[ And that gets a slightly more sly smile as France drinks. Sometimes it's amusing to watch a serious young man figure out something extraordinary. His identity isn't a secret but even in Paris not everyone knows his face.]

[ the seriousness is a real barrier to the belief in the extraordinary, let me tell you. at least he's aware he needs to use some social graces here. so he tries a smile -- he ended up with a group of friends somehow, didn't he? ]

I'm Enjolras. What's your name, friend?

[ He's seriously pretty too. That probably helps. ]

Enjolras.

[ France takes a little too much pleasure saying that name. How lovely and dramatic it is. If a little more Spanish than is preferable. ]

You know my name, mon ami. Don't tell me you've forgotten?

[ blame victor hugo my dude, he was really creative with names. but france's answer gives him pause. he's forgotten? ]

Ah....I apologize.

[ merde. ]

Ah, you have forgotten.

[ At least he seems more amused than insulted. ]

And yet I see you have known me all your life. You cannot recognise me now?

( Ah, Paris...it's been so long since Tamaki has been in France at all, let alone this beautiful city. Home is deliciously comforting, even just walking through the city -- at home or on the streets, the feeling of simply being in France is akin to true serenity.

Ah, there's also that French hospitality. All he's done is amble past a cafe and he's been invited to lunch. It's actually quite a splendid idea. )

Oui, monsieur. ( Tamaki nods politely, admiring this stranger's kind nature and handsome air. Ah, his French brethern are so charming. ) Enjoying a nice meal in the open air this afternoon?

[ What a handsome boy! If France focuses on him he can pick up a bit of himself, a bit of Japan... Ah, what a beautiful union! And such a beautiful boy! Young, but still! ]

Can you think of a better way to spend it, monsieur?

[Watch and learn from your motherland, Tamaki. France gestures to the empty chair across from him with a sweeping gesture and elegant smile. ]

The only thing that could improve it... would be your beautiful face across from me.

( Ah, yes. What nice homeland hospitality. Tamaki pulls out a chair opposite his newly found lunch companion, smiling brightly as he takes a seat. )

You flatter me. ( His jacket is shrugged off, legs crossed and hands politely folded. ) If you don't mind me saying, I'm sure I'll find my lunch much more enjoyable now that I'm in such handsome and polite company.

( It's impolite to assume anything about said handsome and polite company, but because of this invitation...well, he's willing to pay for lunch if need be. If not the full lunch, how about an appetizer? ) Would you like a wine to start you off? My treat.

They say amour is a vital ingredient in any cooking- if that's true, beauty must be an essential seasoning, non?

[ France winks. France, don't flirt with high school students. But then he huffs and waves his hand dismissing Tamaki's offer.]

Do not be ridiculous, mon garçon, you are here on my invitation! Allow me to pick out the finest French wine this bistro has to offer while you take your pick from the menu! You must let me spoil you a little.

( Wow, someone Gets It. Beauty is necessary to making everything in life truly worthwhile! This might make for a pleasant evening, yet. )

If you insist, though don't go to too much trouble on my part. ( Tamaki picks up the small menu with more grace than is necessary to simply choose a meal for lunch. Before his eyes scan it, he looks at the man across from him with gratitude. ) I will say that I'd like to know the name of the gentleman so kind as to treat me so graciously this evening.

[ If France knew how rich Tamaki was, he'd let him pay and order the most expensive thing off the menu. Luckily mysterious nation powers don't give him knowledge of Japanese bank accounts. ]

I do insist! Your contribution is keeping me company.

[ Sparkle sparkle. France refuses to be outdone.]

But of course... I am France!

( See, some people would just go full tilt Uh What Did You Say at hearing something like that, especially with as intently as Tamaki is genuinely listening. However, for as book smart and etiquette savvy as the young man may be, there is an idiot residing in his brain. )

Ah, of course. ( Maybe his benefactor here would like to remain anonymous...that's fine, someone so French must be trustworthy, obviously. ) What are we Frenchmen if not the true spirit of France itself?

( Now how about that lunch menu...oh, he hasn't had bouillabaisse in a while... )

[ France pauses and tilts his head back as he thinks that over. ]

... Technically true, I suppose. [ What is a nation if not their citizens? ] You are certainly part of me.

[ Priorities in order, France flips open the wine menu. ]

( What a daring thing to say at a casual lunch date with a stranger. He likes your style, good sir. )

It's true. We are all apart of one another in order to make up this beautiful country. It's something you can feel in your very heartbeat... ( Well, it's not just simple platitudes. Tamaki has missed France...what France represents to him. Being there again is like part of him that was missing is finally present again. )

I'm sorry. I'm sure you have better things to talk about than the patriotism of a teenager...do you have any recommendations for lunch?

[ Tamaki's sincerity brings a tear to France's eye. Such devotion! Such love! He's visibly touched. ]

Oui, exactement! Love and passion connect us all! [ It's possibly he means this a little less abstractly than Tamaki. Just a little. ] Non, non, please continue! I adore listening to the fervent feelings of young people such as yourself... They're so beautiful! And of course anyone would enjoy flattery from a handsome young man.

[ When you're a nation, patriotism quickly becomes vanity. Europe rarely agrees on much, but how self-absorbed France is tends to be something they'll quickly affirm. Frances pauses for a second. ]

Ah, but food is also important... L'andouillette is quite good but l'escalope de veau is a favourite of mine... I have known the family that owns this restaurant for many years; anything on the menu will satisfy you.

( Tamaki nods at his companion, glad to have bumped into such a nice person on a fine day. Flattery doesn't much factor into his thought process -- it's not untrue, who doesn't enjoy flattery even when it may or may not be present? )

I certainly don't want to burden you with personal details...but it's been quite a long time since I've been in France. I suppose suddenly being able to return makes me feel more impassioned than I expected.

( He takes note of the recommendation of l'escalope de veau -- that may be a better option than his previous intended selection. ) I do love my home, of course, but the nostalgia of France is certainly something I've missed all these years.

[ What a lovely, charming, stupid boy France has found to entertain him this afternoon. It's wonderful, truly. ]

Ah, you have been abroad...

[ France doesn't need to check the lunch menu; he knows it by heart. He wasn't kidding about knowing the family for years (decades). But the wine list needs examining, you just never know with wine lists.]

Then allow me to say bienvenue! Where have you been living? Japon?

[ A motherland has it's ways. ]

( The sad thing is that France has robbed Tamaki of the ability to have a servant run and buy a bottle of Musigny Grand Cru 1990 for them to enjoy...though whatever wine they have is certainly going to do; it's not like he's much of a drinker regardless. )

You're right! You've definitely got a good eye, sir. ( There are certainly features he has that are definitely tinged with his Japanese heritage, but many people wouldn't hit that nail on their first guess. ) I'd hate to take up so much of our conversation, though. Why not tell me a little about yourself, as well?

( Perhaps this kind stranger won't be so open, especially since they didn't open up about their name, but the politeness is necessary. Not to mention Tamaki is genuinely curious. )

You have picked up a bit of an accent in your time away, mon ami.

[ Perhaps not to most people, but France has been listening to French for a very long time. In all it's forms. ]

Mais, moi? I would be more than happy to! Ah, what is your interest, mon cher? My history, my art, my cuisine- ... you are not too young for a geography lesson, are you? [ France, pourquoi? ] But you must pick a direction, monsieur, or I shall have to hold you captivated for the rest of the week.

( Hmm, something to take note of. It's natural that his tone and regional accent have been affected by speaking Japanese so much, as well as having no real person to speak French with. A good ear, a good eye -- it matters not.

At this point in the interaction, Tamaki finds the verbiage of the conversation a bit strange. In fact, it makes him wonder if his fluency is slipping slightly. His accent has changed, perhaps his grammar also needs to be brushed up. )

Oh, I'm interested in all of it -- but you say you're an artist? I'm sure talk of your art could keep me captivated for a month alone.

[ Fuck now I have to write an impromptu art history summary ]

I have captivated people for decades with this topic! But I shall try to summarise for the sake of our afternoon.

[ Somewhere in France, an art historian feels an inexplicable urge to take notes. Oh, well. ]

When I was a child I fell in love with fine arts and culture! After years of hard living, the luxury of being able to dedicate myself to beautiful things was simply wonderful! At that time, I was particularly enraptured by sculpture. You have likely seen some of my work around the city! I wanted to create tall, magnificent sights... Ah, but I was still a child, non? And so my style was still a little crude compared to how it would grow. [ Humble smile. Yes, France knows what those are, he looks at other people too. ] After that I had something of a renaissance. I became enraptured by the human form and expressing it's beauty through sculpture! Much of my inspiration came from God, of course- I was very religious in my youth.

[ The waiter hovers awkwardly by their table, waiting for a break in France's speech. He pauses for a second to point out the wine he wants. ] The bottle, I think, cheri. Merci.

[Okay, right, back to the topic.]

Ah, it was around that time that I discovered the joy of painting! An adorable little brother of mine did the most beautiful work... But of course I knew I could make even finer art!

( living the hetalia life tbh

Tamaki looks at France intently as he tells his story -- in fact, he's fully enraptured by it. So much so that when the waiter comes by, he's honestly a little startled. )

That's...beautiful. ( Ever so gently, Tamaki reaches out and places his hand on his companion's arm. That story was certainly touching, and his soul is one that is certainly very easily moved. ) Monsieur, you lived a hard life and found true beauty and grace of the soul through something so magnificent, and then found it in you to share it with the world. The heart of an artist is one that is truly pure, and your passion has lasted even until now.

( The hand he's got resting against the man's arm squeezes it very slightly. ) You certainly have an admirable spirit. You say I've likely seen your work, but you must tell me the name of one of your pieces so I can be sure.

[ I complain but honestly it's half the fun.

France isn't even halfway done but he takes a break to preen under Tamaki's attentions. Yes, he's so wonderful and passionate and wise. Treasure him. Admire him. ]

You are too kind, monsieur. [ France covers Tamaki's hand with his own and gazes deep into his eyes. What the fuck. ] I believe it is my duty on this Earth to bring beauty to everyone. Art is the truest expression of our hearts and so, through it, we can bring peace and love to the world!

[Also, he likes being praised and emulated and looked up to and let's be frank, he was never going to get that on war and industry alone.]

Paris itself is my finest canvas, mon ami. [ Wow, France, picking favourites! ]

( Yes, his suspicion is confirmed. He and this gentleman are truly kindred spirits at heart. I believe it is my duty on this Earth to bring beauty to everyone...he does it through art, Tamaki does it through --

Well, he is indeed a living art installation, so it's essentially like the same thing. One crafted by man, the other crafted by God himself. )

If there's one city to draw inspiration from, Paris is certainly a city to choose! Truthfully, I'm a native Parisian so I may be slightly biased on the subject. ( Tamaki withdraws his hand carefully. Being in Paris is beautiful and comfortable, but it's also a bit melancholy. ) I play the piano...when I need to feel truly at ease and at peace of mind, the Paris of my childhood is one of the first things that enters my mind.

[ If France is filled with men like this, it's a miracle they get anything done. On an unrelated note, I think the Paris airport is currently on strike. ]

Ah, music! I am such an admirer of the art.

[ France catches Tamaki's hand before he can properly with withdraw and tugs it forward to place over his own heart. ]

Please, monsieur- let the beating of my heart inspire your playing. Paris will always be here for you.

[ The waiter pours them each a glass of wine, ignoring this ridiculous display. They're probably used to it. ]

[She was supposed to be meeting Switzerland at this particular cafe to grab a light snack and coffee before returning to their respective homes. But as it turned out, Liechtenstein got out of her meeting early while Switzerland was held up late in his. Well, she'd just have to patiently with some cake or something.

Except, hold on, France isn't supposed to be a part of this plan. Yeah, sure, Paris was his capital, but there was no way Switzerland would approve of her eating cake with France, even if she wasn't the slight thing she was before.]

Ah--

[oh dear, what was she supposed to do?]

I'm certain that someone else would be far more entertaining, Mr. France.

[ Did France overhear Liechtenstein and Switzerland making their plan? Did he rush to get here before either of them? Did he somehow arrange events so that Switzerland would be late? Did he set this up so he could get dear, sweet Liechtenstein settled into lunch with him before her brother arrived, making it more difficult for the man to just drag her off to eat somewhere else? Is this the best way for him to get to spend time with his charming neighbours? It's probably not important. ]

Nonsense, ma chère! I could never ask for more charming company than yourself! [ He gestures to the seat opposite him with a smile. ] Please, join me.

[ France has lived next door to Switzerland for several hundred years, they've fought and worked together many times, they share a language and they're probably at least somewhat related- that he has to go to such lengths just to corner the man for a friendly meal is no one's business but his own. Even if it probably should prompt some sober reflection. ]

Edited 2018-11-12 11:03 (UTC)

[Liechtenstein reaches for her phone on instinct, but stills her her hand just above her purse. Switzerland would want her to send him a message. But that would mean he'd come running, and that meeting was probably important. She wasn't such a weak little nation anymore. Surely.. Surely she could handle this.]

Ah. Well... [did she have a choice?] Big brother will be here shortly, but I'm sure just a cup of coffee wouldn't be hurt.

[please be discouraged by the threat of switzerland please please please]

[ Don't worry, Liechtenstein, he's not going to eat you... Literally, anyway. ]

Parfait! We shall have coffee and a slice of cake! [ France waves his hand to summon a waiter while gesturing for Liechtenstein to sit down with his other. ]

And when Suisse joins us I can treat you both to lunch!

[ What does Switzerland hate more? France or paying for shit? ]

[He seems far from discouraged. This is a problem.]

If you insist, Mr. France.

[She can't back down now, not when the waiter is making his way to them. Liechtenstein takes a seat, elegantly smoothing her skirt as she sits.]

Just a coffee, though. With cream. I don't know if brother will have time to chat since he's already running this late.

[she believes in big brother, even in the face of a free meal

but go ahead, France, order for her, she's used to it]

[ For a very, very long time France's joie de vivre has been found in irritating people who are more than willing to punch/stab/shoot him, Liechtenstein. Switzerland has been one of those people for centuries. France isn't going to be discouraged that easily. ]

Oh, but you must! The chef here does the most exquisite cooking! And you should see their desserts! Ah, lately, the owner has been letting his daughter assist in the kitchens, decorating the cakes with adorable designs...

[ France, please find neighbours you don't have to bribe into spending time with you. They exist. Spain likes you. ]

( It's safe to say Lithuania is a bit of a homebody...maybe not necessarily being directly in his home, but there's about a two or three country radius he likes to stick within. Of course, being a country means having to be out and about. Meetings, summits, the whole shebang.

France is at least a country that's not too far away, even if it's still not what he's used to culturally. There's some time to kill before the meeting starts, and Lithuania has declined to dine with some of the rowdier countries. A nice quiet lunch sounds nice...he's not a particularly exciting guy outside of some certain circumstances.

In fact, he's almost zoned out when he hears a familiar voice offer him an invitation. Ah, France -- that's not really a surprise, he is in fact...in France. Why he's being offered the invitation is what's a bit more mysterious to him. )

Me...? ( No, that sounds dumb. There's no one else walking past, they have an acquaintanceship. ) Well, I was looking for a place to eat -- I'll sit with you.

( The seat he takes is one that's a mite tentative. What is there to talk about with France... )

[ You walked into France's line of sight, Lithuania, that's why you're being invited. Also, in Europe, an acquaintanceship is about the most positive relationship you can hope for. There aren't many specific grudges in Franco-Lithuanian relations. France probably won't end this meal by getting punched. That's always something to be thankful for. ]

Oui, Lituanie, you.

[ Ah, that shyness- that's what it is, right, not trepidation or anything- is so cute. France looks amused. ]

You have come looking to the right place! The food here is excellent and the staff- [Give him a second, France needs to wink at a passing waiter.] are very beautiful. They will look after us, I promise you.

( Yes, there are things to be thankful for. No one shall get punched, no one will be punching. No screaming, hopefully, as so many nations are prone to. Why can't nations just be more subdued for once... )

I mean, I don't really care about how attractive the wait staff are. ( Whether or not they wash their hands is a different matter -- this generation just doesn't know what a true privilege indoor plumbing is. Still, Lithuania will take an awkwardly mismatched lunch over a loud or violent one any day. ) The food being good is pretty exciting, though!

( Yes, slide in that save at the end...he's not the least socially awkward Baltic for nothing. ) I may ask you to order for me, though. I'm not so fluent in French cuisine.

[ So many nations want to punch France in the face, for completely mysterious reasons. ]

Well, while you're in my house, you don't really have to worry about that, do you?

[ All French people are beautiful anyway!! Statistically impossible, but it would explain how France's hair looks so good. ]

I am more than happy to do that, Lituanie, I know just the thing for you! You will love it.

( One of the greatest conundrums of the new millenia, honestly. )

Thanks. Being honest, I can't make head or tails of the menu... ( Lithuania flips it over in his hands quickly after he picks it up. Being multilingual is basic country stuff, but his French is pretty sparse. )

Well, uhm. ( Flip, flip, flip. Oops, that's getting a little too fidgety for his tastes. There's just not a whole lot he feels like he has in common with France, at least on a surface level. Lithuania sits the menu back down, looking at the other country a little apologetically. ) How have you been doing lately...?

( Smooth. )

[ It was the lingua franca less than two hundred years ago, Lithuania. They named the term after him. ]

It is simple, non? Everything is delicious!

[ Frances pushes the menu down to the table as Lithuania lowers it, looking very amused at his expense. Ah, if only everyone could be as effortlessly charming as him! ]

I have been... euh... Wonderful, of course! [ Yes, yes, he's fine. Things are rough but then he looks around at how bad others have it lately and he feels delightfully smug about his own situation. ] And all the better for having your adorable little face sitting across from me!

( Lithuania gives him a look as if he just told him something very obviously incorrect -- so incorrect there's a bit of pity there for just how wrong he is about something so obvious.

Adorable...okay, bro. Despite the strange expression, it's true. France does have that certain charm about him...he's a hard guy to say not fall for in one way or another. )

I'll eat whatever you pick...I'd like as many condiments as they offer, though. ( If it isn't to his taste, there's nothing that can't be ingested if it's covered in enough mustard or relish. Just in case, anyway. )

I'm also glad to hear you're alright nowadays. I know there are plenty of us not in the greatest shape right now. ( Economic colds seem contagious as of late. ) I suppose I could have gotten the answer at the meeting later, but why not now?

Oh -- also, you aren't expecting anyone else, are you? ( He's not sure if there might be someone else stopping by...it's just a little weird to be on the receiving end of such an open invitation. )

[ Yes, Lithuania, fall in love with him. Look at how beautiful he is and fall in love. ]

... Please taste it before you drown it in anything else, cheri. [ Lithuania is cute, but France can't abide the mistreatment of cuisine. ] You are not a child, after all.

[ Eat your weird French food like an adult, man. France beckons a waiter over with his menu.]

Hah, yes, many of us are not. And somehow it all becomes my problem. [ The EU is his baby and so France is cursed by having to hear about everyone's troubles. Why does he have to care about Greece's cold. ] ... And Allemagne's, I suppose. But he bears it so well.

Speaking of which, I am actually avoiding him! If he asks, you had urgent business you needed to discuss with me over lunch. It could not wait.

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

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I may be looking at the menu of an actual Parisian cafe btw

exactly what I did earlier lmao

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brb trying to remember how to play her

I wouldn't know the sensation

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