literature

Mister Kirkland and Mister Williams

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*Read the description below, there is a picture/drawing from a fellow deviantART member that goes along with the short story.* 

In was late in the day, around three thirty, England was down in his study signing some purchase orders, he was expecting a large shipment of Earl Grey, England's finest tea, and a very large part of his export to areas around him. Canada was told to help in anyway way, and was to receive the shipment, but to make sure it was signed. It would be a little while before it came in. In the meantime, the young nation of only fourteen was in the library, looking over his studies. The elder butler Hughes had been part of England's life since he was a youngster, and he walked down the hall with the tea trolley, approaching Arthur's study, he rapped on the door, and opened it.

"Master Kirkland...I do hope that I am not interrupting but I have your late afternoon tea sir."

"Yes, thank you Hughes, please come right in old chap.." He said still keeping his head down and flipping through a few papers, trade was most important right now to keep the economy going.

He was in quite the annoyed mood when it came to this horrid pile of work, but he had to look past it. When the butler came in with tea, he warmed right up, but he still had many things on his mind. Things had certainly been hard when he lost America, and it had taken him virtually years to start to making money again, he was scratching the quill against the parchment double checking the figures to make sure they were going to come out under budget, finally certain of this he nodded and smiled pushing the chair back and stretched he was more than ready for that tea. Seeing his Master ready, as he always was, Hughes walked over to the side of the cart, and poured the delicious hot liquid into a cup from the kettle, and he added the appropriate amounts of sugar, and some lemon. Knowing very well the nation had taken his tea the same since he was a boy. Taking it up in his hand, and on a saucer, he set the cup down in front of Arthur. He also turned to the cart, and took a plate of biscuits. Looking to the nation, Hughes sighed a little.

"Master, aren't you going to take a moment to relax? You really have been in your study all day. Why...young Master Matthew was questioning your whereabouts. He has been helping me with some things, but mainly in the library getting to his studies."

Arthur was so grateful for Hughes, he was sure he would have long been lost at the end of a bottle if it had not been for the man. He looked up with a smile, and nodded. Sometimes England would be working such long hours in his study, he would wake up with a blanket flung over his shoulders. Arthur knew Hughes had been in to make sure the nation was comfortable. Always keeping a watchful eye on his Master.

"Thank you Hughes, you are right, I have kept myself cooped in too long." He stood up and stretched. "The library you say? Why don't you fetch him please, and we can have tea together here in the study." He said still not wanting to leave the room quiet yet. Putting a hand to his side, Hughes bowed, and nodded to England.

"But of course my lord. I shall bring him right in." Hughes walked over towards the door, and quickly walked down the hallway.

He approached the library where he expected a studious nation to have his nose in the books, but instead Canada was lounging on the couch, with his stuffed white bear, he never went anywhere with, even though the nation was not a child anymore. He was laying there flipping through a book, not really paying much mind. Hughes approached the boy, and leaned down grabbing Matthew by the ear.

"And what do we have hear? Young Master Williams resting?" Canada flinched and jolted from the grab, and looked over.

"​A​h​h​h​h​.​.​.​u​m​! Ow, ow, ow​.​.​.​o​o​h​h​h​.​.​.​H​u​g​h​e​s​. Hello!" He looked up with worried eyes. Hughes released him, and clasped his white gloved hands together.

"Master Kirkland requests your presence in his study for tea. And I do find it rather discouraging that you are not using this time to your advantage by reading and studying. I may or may not withhold this from him."

Canada's eyes widened, and he looked to the butler, and shook his head. He did not want this to happen, and knew that he would most likely get into a world of trouble, possibly chastisement, since Arthur was not one to be lenient on studies. The young nation looked to Hughes, and stayed back, unsure of what to say. Just as he was about to comment, Hughes clasped his hands together.

"Chop, chop young man, Master Kirkland is not going to wait much longer without action being taken." Canada nodded and did not say anything more, running down the hall. His hair slightly ruffled and his knee socks falling down. He arrived, pushing open the door.

"Y-Yes Arthur?" He said out of breath, and holding his sides. England looked from his desk with a simple shake of the head. He put his pen down, and leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh Matthew, really!" He frowned and continued berating the boy only slightly. "There was no need for you to run young man. A proper gentleman never RUNS anywhere!" His eyes narrowing. "I was simply wanting you to join me for tea, but you look a sight. Go to the washroom and freshen up, then return here!"

He said firmly, as he would not be lenient on the boy when it came to manners and appearance. It was the first thing that Alfred slipped up on before the nightmare happened, he wouldn't let Matthew go down that same path. Eyes widened and frantically shaking his head, Canada responded in a slightly frightened tone.

"Errr...yes, yes Arthur!" He turned around and walked quickly down the hall, approaching the washroom. Arriving there, he closed the door, and ran the water splashing some on his face. He wiped his glasses, and adjusted his hair. Leaning down, he fixed his long socks with the sock garters, and rubbed his shoes so as they were not dirty. He breathed deep, and walked out of the room, and down to where the elder nation was. Walking in, he looked to England. "I-Is this better...?" Arthur was now sitting over at the couch with a tea cup in his hands and sighed.

"It is improper to enter a room and speaking in fragments." He said and put his tea down and stood to look at the young man. "Really Matthew, please try that again. Go out and come back in AGAIN and this time use a proper sentence."

Canada had to take a double take, and he shook his head, and sometimes when he was really nervous, his French would come out, having been taught by France. He stuttered slightly.

"Quoi? Try-try it again? But Arthur...I was just fine..." He looked a little into the nation's eyes. Behind him, Hughes cleared his throat, and set a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Mustn't ignore the heeding commands of your superiors, Master England is only doing this for your own good my lad."

The butler walked past Canada, and arrived to the couch that his Master was sitting at, taking Arthur's cup, and went to refill it, he also got Matthew's served as well. Canada looked back.

"I-I wasn't doing anything wrong Arthur..." Canada said this in a sullen tone. Mister Kirkland was getting frustrated and stood up.

"You ENTERD the room, without knocking, and speaking as if you were in the middle of a conversation! I can forgive your lapses of French just now. However, I want you to exit this room, and enter again CORRECTLY! Is announcing yourself and coming to have tea  such a difficult TASK for you Mister Williams??" He said shortly.

"Aghhh...okay, okay..." He walked out of the room, and closed the door. Standing by the front, he composed himself, and knocked on the door gently. He did not know why he was letting himself get this frightened of England. America had always told him that England was a crusty old git, and that he needed to get his knickers out of a twist. But Alfred wasn't living here anymore...so he could not rebel. Standing by the door, Canada closed his eyes, he needed to be stronger. Arthur nodded, waving a hand for him to come inside.

"Better, much better. Now come sit down and enjoy afternoon tea with me. I hear from Hughes that you have been busy today, studies and of course the list I gave you this morning." He said now ready for small talk that one did at tea.

Walking in, Canada nodded his head, and sat down. He had gulped when he heard that Hughes said he was busy, not making the small remark about what he was actually doing when the butler found him. Sitting down, he leaned back.

"Oui...um...I mean, yes. I was working very hard, and I have just about the whole list complete Arthur." His eye went to Hughes who was looking over with a smirk. He poured the tea, and then set down a cup in a saucer in front of the boy.

"Anything else lad?" Said Hughes, Canada looked up.

"I would sure like some...um maple syrup in my tea Hughes..." He averted his stare, and then looked back to England, and then outside the window. "Its getting cloudy out there..." England looked to the boy, and then responded.

"That is very good to hear, you know having a good work ethic is the sign of a true gentleman." He said and took his tea from Hughes and a biscuit, then looked out the window. "Yes, the grass was rising high this morning, which means rain in the afternoon."

He said speaking of the barometer that he enjoyed checking on during the summer months, it could mean a lot the weather when it came to exports. Hughes walked over to the young nation's cup of tea, and he took the container of syrup and dropped in several drops of the heavy liquid. Matthew looked up with a blushing smile.

"Merci Hughes..." He then took the cup, and sipped from it, enjoying the taste. Hughes simply shook his head, and laughed

"You are clearly not an English lad...maple syrup in your tea...why I have never..." He smirked and went back to the cart, tidying up some things. He then looked to his pocket watch, and then at England. "My lord...the barge should be arriving in twenty minutes, and then unloading it will arrive with your delivery of the Earl Grey at five thirty. I believe supper will be served around that time, so then Master Williams can go retrieve that?"

Kirkland had frowned at the French word, he was trying to be patient with the lad, but it was hard. Upon hearing Hughes he nodded and finished his own tea.

"Yes, we must keep on shedual." He said and stood up and tugged at his vest. "We are both busy gentleman, hurry with your tea Matthew." He said and cleaned his own self with a napkin and put it on the tray.

Matthew sipped his tea so fast, he nearly choked, and handed over his cup to Hughes. Nodding his head, the butler took to the cart, and walked out of the room, down towards the kitchen to get the preparations for dinner started. As it was now almost four fifteen, he would need to be haste in his skills, which he had many. Matthew stood up while gasping slightly, and awaited his fellow nation.

"Um...where are we going to?"

"I am going to check on some of the exports and sign a few more trade agreements. You are to check the incoming imports, make sure everything is there and secured in the proper storage buildings. Its all on there on the list." He said casually walking over to his desk. "You eh...still have the list with you I assume?" He said raising an eyebrow.

Walking alongside the nation, Matthew heard the mention of the list, and he felt around his pocket. It was not there. He must have dropped it, or was using it as a book mark when he was reading. He looked to England's stern green eyes, and he shook his head furiously.

"Um...Non, I don't have it Arthur...I must have left it in the library. But...but I was done with everything on it, 'cept the tea!"

"Even if a list is complete.....its ISNT finished until I have it back on my desk with your signature on it!" He said frowning and then started to scribble the new list out for him quickly. "You are to check the list twice once its complete then leave it on my desk signed, until that point the list isn't complete. Do you understand Mister Williams?" He said and handed him the new list. "I will let this go this time...but if you forget to do the proper paperwork I will be forced to remind you with a cane to your backside you got me?" He said his eyes still as stern as ever.

Grabbing the list from England's hand, Matthew then turned his eyes over to Arthur, and rolled them.

"Ugh...you always have to resort to violence." He turned around to head to the door. "No wonder America left..." He then spoke in a smaller tone..."Pouilleux git..." Walking towards the door, he spoke in a loud tone, holding up the list. "I will get it done Arthur..."

This little form of defiance did not sit well with England, as he had not really heard what the nation uttered, but knowing very well it might have been something possibly unpleasant, he called out to the boy.

"Matthew Williams!" Arthur spoke strongly, he could not let that go. "What did you just say young MAN?" He glared daggers at the boy and looked about ready to blow with anger. Turning back around, while gulping, he just stood his ground, needing to do it at some point.

"Er...um...nothing. I just said...you always have to threaten me with chastisement. I am sorry okay! I will get my work done, please...let me just get down to the receiving area." Kirkland glanced at the clock then frowned.

"I will let it go this time as it is getting late, but I am warning you, you are NOT too old for a good old fashioned spanking from me Mister Williams!" He said now sitting at his desk. Looking back with wide eyes, Matthew slightly shuddered a little.

"A-A spanking? But...Non, um..." He crinkled the note in his hands a little, and twisted his foot to the ground. "I haven't gotten spanked since I was little...please Arthur, I will behave...I am sorry, Desole', Desole'!"

"And ENOUGH with that French you are letting it slip too! I will wash your mouth out with good old English soap if you continue to slip back into that foul language, this is my house and we speak English here now, now GO on to your duties!"

Gasping, and putting a hand to his mouth, Matthew shook his head, and ran out of the room, and down to where shipping and receiving took place. There were several workers there, and the nation walked over to a table, and set down the list. More time had passed, and though the weather was obeying, and not raining yet, Canada looked to a couple of ware carts, holding many, many parcels packaged in paper. These parcels were most likely the tea. He waited, crossing his arms, and just watching. England could only hope that this warning would be enough to straiten the young man, and he sat back down and started to continue is work with trade agreements filling out and sighing papers, the clock ticking on his desk counting down to dinner. Once the carts arrived, the men who were around the area, shouted and started taking the packages and placing them in different areas. Canada watched as there were misplaced talks, and shouts, and holding out his arms, he spoke as loudly as he could.

"Um....please...no, you don't put it there. Um...wait...wait....HOLD IT!...AGHH...MAPLE!" The men all turned to him. He cleared his throat. "Just set the tea in a large pile here, and I will take care of it."

Mister Kirkland finished with the paperwork Finally and then went to see about some of the finer exports he was planning for China's house, a little innocent opium trade was starting to prove to be very profitable. All the men were obeying the young Master of the house, and did as they were told, putting the tea into a large pile. It would need to be moved soon, as a storm was approaching and the rain would ruin the packages. With that done, he looked to the house. Hughes meanwhile was finishing the dinner of Welsh rarebit, and some Bangers and Mash. He walked to the dinner bells and rang them. Once that was done, Matthew heard them, and his stomach grumbled. He knew he had some time before the rain came, and he walked inside. Arthur was pleased with what he had accomplished and seeing the time closed his ledger and after going to the washroom to freshen himself up even a little splash of cologne he went directly to the dining room and sat down ready to eat a well earned meal, and it smelt delicious. Hughes seeing his Master walked in, he smiled, and stood by the doorway. Matthew walked down the hall, stopping in the washroom, cleaning his hands, and then sniffing the air, salivating, he walked down to the dining room, and sat down alongside across from England. Hughes smiled, setting a cloth on his Master's lap, and then walked to the younger nation, and did the same. Snapping his fingers to the kitchen staff, the maids, and servers brought out the food, and set it in front of the two nations.

"Eat well Master Kirkland, and Master Williams." The old butler stepped aside, and Arthur looked up with a nod, and a smile towards the man.

"Thank you Hughes, this looks lovely." He said and tucked his napkin in and picked up the silverware. "So Matthew, all went well at the docks I suppose?"

Cutting into his sausage, Matthew held it up to his nose, and it crinkled a little. This food was nothing like his beloved Papa's food. He put it in his mouth, and chewed. Swallowing, he then looked to England.

"Um...yes, I foresaw all the package arrivals of the tea, and it arrived safe. I did everything you asked, and..." He looked out towards the window, and saw small droplets falling. His eyes and his mouth dropped. "Oh shiiiiii....." He quickly got up from the table. "May...may I be excused?"

"Whatever for? You haven't hardly touched your dinner. No, sit down. It cant be all that important." He said and continued himself eating.

"Um...eh...okay...err..." Canada sat back down. As he did, a loud burst of lightning and thunder cracked through. Matthew jumped in his seat, and tapped his fork to the mashed potatoes, and looked to the window. It was now pouring. Canada's face became pale white. He continued to pick when the doors opened to the dining room, and one of the workers came inside, sopping wet.

"Mister England, Mister England...I am afraid I have bad news...the tea...it's ruined. The whole import is ruined!" The man spoke, slightly out of breath. Kirkland jumped up quickly.

"W-what? How did this happen? Matthew told me it had all been taken care of!" He pulled off the napkin and then shot a look at Matthew demanding an answer. Matthew looked back at England and stood up, holding a hand up.

"Ummm...now wait...I can explain. You see, the packages arrived, and I was going to bring them in, safe from the rain, but erm....the dinner bells went off. You scolded me last time I was late. So I thought I would have enough time...and....ehhh...maple..." He bit back on his lip, pulling at his ahoge.

Arthur looked livid and then quickly gave some instruction to the worker then looked back at Matthew, there was no excuse for what he did.

"My study NOW!" He said simply and clearly pointing a finger at the door. Eyes widened, and Matthew shook his head, and gave a suppressed moan, and held his hands to his backside, as he sniffled and walked quickly down to the dreaded study. Hughes gave a look as the boy left, and looked to his Master.

"My lord...is there anything I can do for you?"

"A glass of port for after I am done with him" He said then followed out of the room to the study, he couldn't believe the irresponsibility the young man was showing, it was unacceptable. He entered the study and closed the door with a snap.

Seeing his Master leave and nodding his head, the butler knew what was to happen now, after many years. He cleared the plates, and arrived back to the kitchen putting a decanter of wine and a tumbler glass on a silver platter. Matthew sat on the couch in the study, shivering, and looked up as England walked in, slamming the door. He stood up, now trying to plea.

"I am sorry! I am sorry!" He put his hands together and was pleading with the nation, getting down on his knees. England walked over to him, and hoisted him up by the arm, and pointed to the couch.

"Over the arm of the couch NOW...trousers down. I don't want to HEAR IT!" He said and went to his desk and opened the drawer and pulled out the Jr. Cane. "What you did was IRRISPONSIBLE and has cost me a LOT of money and I am going to take it out of your backside!"

"Ah!" Canada nodded his head, and did not dare disobey. He ran over to the couch, and hoisted himself over the arm, but not before taking his knickerbockers down, and underpants. His bare bottom now over the arm, he was shaking. "I-I thought I had more time...I am sorry Arthur!"

"A job isn't over until it is complete!" Said the elder nation, and swished the cane in the air a few times before going over to Matthew's side. He then leaned up against the couch, and spoke to the smaller nation closely. "This was IMPORTANT Matthew and I HOPE this teaches you!" He said and then raised the cane and lashed it down full force over his backside.

Feeling the line of fire across his bare backside, Canada jolted from the pain, and bit back his lip, not wanting to cry. He had got in many fights with America, and did not want to let his bother him. He squinted back some tears, and leaned his head down, and gripping the couch.

"It wasn't intentional Arthur!!!!"

"I know that Matthew, that is why you are not getting a full set of strokes, if I had thought it was intentional it would be the senior cane!" He said and then whipped the cane down again. Feeling the next swipes, Canada kicked back his leg, and moaned out.

"Aghhhhhh..." He cried out, and without even thinking spouted out French words, as it was his go to thing when punishment took place. "Je suis désolé, je suis désolé. S'il vous plaît arrêter!!!!"

The dreaded language that Matthew was spouting did not help his case and Arthur's temper flared and he then started to whip his bare bottom with the cane hard three times in a row. He didn't even speak as he was too upset.

"MAAAAAAAAAAPLE!!!! Aghhhh wahhhhhhhh Arthur! Ahhhhhh it hurts, it hurts..."

The nation held the couch gripping very hard, and now the tears were streaming down hard and fast out of his eyes. He just wanted it to end. His backside on fire. Arthur had decided that the best of six would get the message across and he landed the sixth stroke over his sit spot then stopped.

"I hope that this has cleared you head from that rancid French and goes to teach you to take your job and tasks I give you more seriously!" He said and went to return the cane to the desk. Having received the last swipe, Canada was still laid over the arm, and as tears streamed down his face, he wiped his eyes while adjusting his glasses, and looked back to the nation.

"Y-Yes Arthur..." As he said this, there was a knock on the door, and quickly pulling up his underpants, and pants, Canada stood there, red faced, and sobbing. Hughes came in with the tray. It had the decanter, and a mug of some elderberry juice for the young nation.

"Your Port Master Kirkland..." The butler walked in, standing before his Master, and setting the tray down. England smiled up and him, and was thankful for his butler. Hughes always knew when to come and he picked up the tumbler taking a sip.

"Thank you Hughes." He said then went back over to Matthew and put his hands on his shoulders. "Its over and done with now, alright? and I know you will be more keen next time." He said seriously, it was Kirkland's way of comforting.

Nodding his head, Hughes turned to Canada and winked, and then excusing himself, left the two nations alone. He walked out of the room, knowing very well if England needed anything, he would ring the chimes. Canada, feeling the slight embrace, and walked to the desk, taking his juice. He nodded his head too.

"I won't let you down, ever again...Arthur..." He said this with a small smile, knowing that England had indeed made an effort to comfort him, and he was appreciative of that. "I am willing to learn more each and everyday."

"I know you won't. Come now, let's see if we can salvage any of the tea, though I am sure it is more than beyond damaged. This is of course after we have our refreshments, alright young man?" He had a twinkle in his eye, and Canada looked to him, sensing this was Arthur's forgiveness.

"Yes, Mister England. I will make sure I always listen and obey you from now on." England smiled, and the two enjoyed the time together.
Mister Kirkland and Mister Williams

Based off :iconarkham-insanity:'s wonderful drawing

[link]

Young Canada is living with England and has many things he needs to accomplish. Tasks, and rules to live by from Arthur. When an import of tea arrives, its Matthew's job to make sure nothing happens to it. Will he do his job that Arthur asks of him?



Translations:
Quoi-What
Oui-Yes
Merci-Thank You
Non-No
Pouilleux-Lousy
Desole-Sorry
S'il vous plaît arrêter-Please stop!

*Warning use of a cane. Don't like, don't read.

This drabble was done with help from a friend. :-)

Also this story includes my OC butler Hughes.

[link]
Comments21
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Bakugami-Amaterasu17's avatar
Three words:
What. An. Arsehole.
Like, damn! And I thought a switch or a leather belt was the worst someone could do, but a CANE?! Now that's just brutal.