♕ treize; [video; English/text translation]

[crotchroses]

[Some time around the evening of the 30th, there is a broadcast.

A very French broadcast. Because France is in it. You can't beat that, okay.

The lighting is dramatic and France himself seems to be sitting in a chair, leaned back against the sill of a window and the wall, so he's essentially in front of the window with his feet propped up off screen.]

... Bonsoir, Fortuna.

[He removes the cigarette from his mouth and sighs through the edifice into the open air. The smoke curls 'round. He is so dramatic you can practically hear the music playing.

No really. Where is that very very soft music coming from?

You'll never know.]

It has come to my attention that I, the nation of romance, have not tended to my duties properly. What are those, you ask?

[HE FACES THE CAMERA AT LAST. There is a confident smile on his lips.]

We are fighting to survive, I know this. But... Even so! [a wave of his hand] The human instinct--ah, even the instinct of life itself!--is not only to survive but to live well. It is my duty, my desire and obligation, to assist not only my citizens but anyone who wishes it, in this endeavor.

Je suis--Ah, I am France, and whatever you need--be it advice, friendly company, the best cooking on the planet, or just someone handsome to look at, I am at your disposal.

Not to do this--Non! It is unacceptable. [He snaps his fingers--

--he's holding a rose in bloom in addition to that cigarette. France's sleeves are rolled up look he can be mysterious too. He brings it to his face and breathes in the scent with a happy sigh.]

The brother of Europe--[his other hand waves at himself, indicating who he's talking about]--of the world--he is here for you.

[With a wave, the feed cuts off. Shortly after, a text translation is posted, word for word so everyone can read it.]

Comments

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

Prove it! I present this challenge to you, Prusse!

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

And it is a challenge I do not accept because there's nothing in it for me.

[She folds her arms over her chest and pouts. Clearly, she is the most mature.]

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

So you accept defeat without setting terms, then.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

Bastard. It wasn't going to be a defeat, simply ignoring unnecessary provocation. But if you want it, fine. Self discipline and faith are both a hundred times better than your senseless little love could ever be. Mild companionship is perfectly acceptable but silly, frivolous little things are only going to get in the way when it comes time to fight. And to get out of here.

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

Self discipline and faith are both part of love, Prusse. What you--and the others who read this--assumed, it reflects what each of you think of this subject.

By a high standard, this little test was a success.

Trust, within measure and enough discipline, will only lead to victory.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

[This is Prussia puffing herself up in irritation, mostly because she has no idea how to refute any of that and damnit, he can't be right.]

Trust doesn't have to come in the forms you peddle it in, though.

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

I am not peddling anything. It is the rest of you who assume anything about me is insincere. People see what they want to see and will always insist on doing so; why should I waste time trying to convince them otherwise?

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

You don't have to be insincere to... I don't know. [She's lost this conversation, and it wasn't even a fight.] Do what you do.

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

What is it that I do? I'm curious.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

As if you don't know!

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

I know what I do, I am asking you what you think I do.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

[...]

We need to go drinking, you and I. [That is a perfectly natural progression of this conversation, shut your face.]

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

Oui.

But your brother, he still wants to kill me.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

How cute. [Coo~]

You know he won't. Or rather, he can't do it permanently. So you're fine.

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

Merde. I am only warning you that you will have to put up with that insane beast brooding!

Fine. I have wine from the scientists, I may as well share it with you and-- ... you. Gilbert.



Unless you want to drink away your liver with the poison they call alcohol distilled here.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

Wine is good. [Let her have a few glasses and then she'll move onto the local stuff.]

And West is a little grumpy thing regardless. Don't worry about it.

[crotchroses.livejournal.com]

Against my better judgment, you and your brothers are invited to Christmas dinner.

[aladyknight.livejournal.com]

We'll be there.

[She has no idea if the boys will be, but she's certain France will feed her well, so she'll be there.]