(no subject)

[tomate]

[ Try as he might, Spain could not stop bouncing in his seat. He was excited, to say the least, for today’s meeting to take place. It was easy to tell, with the other nations giving him strange looks as they made their ways inside to take their seats. It wasn’t that strange for Spain to be one of the first ones in the meeting hall, but usually he’ll be taking a quick nap or eating something, not looking like he’s ready to discuss whatever Germany has on the agenda today. It’s odd, but not odd enough to warrant any comments from the others as they walk in.

Today is the day, Spain thought to himself when he woke up this morning. For once, he didn’t need an extra five minutes before he pulled himself out of bed. Nothing, not even his own desire to stay in bed, would keep him from setting out to accomplish what he wants to do. He’s spent some time with Austria figuring out how he should go carry out his plan. They figured it’ll probably best to start off simple, save the more extravagent ideas to seal the deal.

No, right now, it’s more passionate to carry on with the long game.

Spain has his suit jacket draped across the armrests of the seat next to him saving it for someone. He doesn’t have to wait long, because he knows that next to Germany, the Netherlands is one of the most hardworking nations and is among one of the first ones to arrive to each meeting, ready to work. ]

Netherlands! [ Spain greets him happily, moving his jacket to his lap. ]

I saved this seat for you, so why don’t you join me today?

[ His heart is pumping in his chest, nervous about what Netherlands might say, but he’s ever hopeful and optmistic about what will happen. They’ll sit together, and then he’ll invite him out to lunch during the break.

Surely nothing bad could happen here. ]

Comments

[tulpje]

( He is making small talk with his younger sibling when they arrive at the meeting hall. Well— Bel and Lux are chattering eagerly as they do and ever-so-often ask input from their brother on whatever topic has readily filled their morning. It's the little things really that help Netherlands, small and simple but familiar things. His focus is still on the pair slightly behind them when Spain speaks, needless to say, grabbing all of their attentions and causing the Netherlands to raise his brow just ever so slightly. This is not small, simple nor familiar. This is odd.

Of course, Spain has always... nice despite their centuries of fighting. Partly, he figured, to keep him from constantly throwing him out of Belgium's house. It took him longer than he cared to admit that it was simply just Spain and he certainly liked him better than when they were both younger and hotblooded. He likes to think they get along better now though even if the country does (rightly) get on his nerves from time to time.

Hmm. Which begs the question why the word 'like' comes up around him so much... )

Go ahead, big brother. We'll mingle some more before finding our seats. ( He looks back to Bel as she smirks, winking and Lux waves to both him and Spain before the pair move to excuse themselves. He waves silently, turning back and moving to sit in the seat that was offered... saved for him at Spain's side. ) ... Thank you for saving me the seat.

( Ah, right. He should probably try and be a little friendly? Especially when Spain was so notably happy. ) You seem... very happy this morning. Did finish up a good deal?

( He's trying, really. )

[tomate]

[ Spain offers his own waves to Belgium and Luxembourg. Ordinarily, he would get up and speak with them and probably spend some time talking and catching up, but that's not what on his mind right now. They can catch up later (though based on the look on Belgium's face, Spain figures that she has some sort of idea of what's going on. Clever girl, Spain could never hide anything from her). All of this is just so strange for him to do.

He's mellowed out over the years, no longer quick to anger, but still young at heart. He certainly thought that Netherlands was cuter back when he was younger, but he'll also admit that he has certainly grown up well. Spain certainly feels that things are better between them, and while he gets on Netherlands' nerves, that's a marked improvement from fighting wars against each other. ]

Ah, any time! I'm glad you chose to sit next to me!

[ Spain tilts his head at Netherlands' attempt at conversation. Oh, he takes back what he thought about him being cuter when he was younger. This was definitely just as cute. He lets out a small laugh and shakes his head. ] No, no, nothing like that! I was just really excited for today.

[tulpje]

Mm. Would of felt rude not to when ya went through the trouble. ( He says with a frown, glancing off briefly. ) Better than having to risk sitting beside Denmark again too.

( And much like a child who is equally young at heart, Netherlands finds trouble following Spain's train of thought or rather what he is not saying. The small little laugh does little to help and he feels heat on his face, huffing and wishing for a smoke but Germany had put an end to like a good decade ago. Instead he fiddles with the end of his scarf, brows furrowed. )

Because ya get to see everyone? I can't imagine what else you might get out of these meetings unless you have hidden true self very well and are secretly like Germany. Loving the politics and paperwork of it all.

[tomate]

I'm still glad though. [ He did think, briefly, of what he would do if Netherlands chose to sit somewhere else and it was only a slight modification of plans. ] But it can't be bad sitting next to him! Denmark looks like he'd be a lot of fun to sit next to.

[ Spain has all his focus on Netherlands right now. Normally, he'll be waving at the nations as they all file in, wanting to greet everyone. He leans in slightly, wanting to be a little bit closer, but not wanting to encroach too much into Netherlands' space just yet. ]

Something like that, yes! It's always exciting to get to see everyone again, don't you think? [ He does let out a small shudder at the end of that last comment. ] No, I've done more than enough politics to last me a lifetime. I'd rather do what I need to and leave it at that.

[tulpje]

You are saying that a lot... that you are glad. ( Again there is a fidget and he glances to the few nations that have wandered in— some sleepy and unsure if they should even be awake; others awake and ready with more still chugging coffee as if they're life depended on it. ) Have ya sat with Denmark for a long period of time recently? It's better for my blood pressure to be next to you.

( Netherlands finally looks away from the others and glancing to Spain with hum, letting his chin come to rest in the open palm of his hand as he listens. Small talk has never been in strong suit unless money was involved, too many questions and not enough profit. Still... it can't hurt to listen to Spain while they're stuck waiting anyway, right? )

That depends on the someone, I like to think. Still, I suppose I can understand where the thought comes from even though at times I think I am fine with just the few that I see mostly. ( Hmm. ) Just what ya need to do? Save what ya want to do for other things then?

[tomate]

But I am, is that wrong? [ Another tilt of his head. It's a slightly rhetorical question, since there really isn't anything wrong with being glad, but he does want to understand where Netherlands is coming from. He's still mostly ignoring who's coming in. ] Hmm, no, not recently. But if I'm better for your health, it's a good thing that you're sitting next to me right now!

[ He punctuates that with a small wink. But it's fine, he knows that Netherlands isn't the most eloquent of nations. Spain's carried on plenty of conversations over his centuries and he's never really had issue with it. ]

Oh, like your siblings? [ At that, Spain finally turns to look for them, seeing Belgium and Luxembourg seated not too terribly far away. They're still talking, with Belgium throwing interested glances in their direction ever so often. ] Or Romano? [ Can't forget their group costume with Romano being the scariest grandma ever. Romano's with Veneziano, huffing at his brother over something he's done. ] Or me? [ It's hard for Spain to keep the slightly hopeful tone out of his voice there, wondering what Netherlands might have to say there. He carries on, though, not wanting to put too much emphasis on that question. ]

Yeah, that's right. Too much can happen so quickly, that I don't want to think about what ifs.

[tulpje]

Of course not, It is good that ya have a reason to be happy.

( If it means anything that small wink is met with a smaller smile. It isn't much but, as stated, he isn't eloquent by any means but plenty have told him that his facial features make up for words he does not say in conversation. )

My siblings go without saying, I would think. ( He says with a glance to the younger pair who sit with pleasant smiles and continuing their talk with one another. He also cannot help the glances that Belgium send their way, offering her a raise of his brow and is met with her narrowing her eyes ever-so-slightly and nodding back to Spain. ) Romano has... he has done some growing up since we all lived together. I do not mind him so much when he is acting with some sense. ( He was still so very loud but it wasn't so bad compared to his youth in Spain's household. ) And, of course, that means you too. I fought to get away from you but I feel as if it has made us closer instead.

( What a surprise, he can be eloquent at times... ) It is not a bad path in life to take, I suppose. If it makes ya happy then that is what matters.

[tomate]

[ He smiles again, a little softer, but just as bright. Things seem to be going well here. Spain is feeling more optimistic and slightly bolder and leans in closer to Netherlands.

But it's that final comment that really gets Spain excited. His face flushes a bit and he sheepishly laughs and rubs the back of his head there. History wasn't always the best between them, but Netherlands is right in saying that it seems that they've only grown closer over the years. ] Ahh, it makes me feel good to hear you say that. I know I would have hated it if the things I did to try and keep you made it so we couldn't talk like we are right now.

[ Taking a breath, Spain decides to go for it. ] Do you want to know what else would make me happy, Netherlands?

1/2

[tulpje]

( It is hard for Spain's closeness to go unnoticed but Netherlands simply chalks it up on that strange, chummy personality of his but it's nice... he decides to see Spain laugh. A lot of his memories of early life with Spain were rough but, like most things, it was easier now. Perhaps that's what made it so easy for them to talk like this without him finding some fault or arguing about some mundane triviality. Yet it was still better to argue about those trivial things than all-out war.

Still the question gets him to raise his brows: what else would make him happy? He looks to his siblings again as if seeking out an answer from their faces but it greeted with Bel's narrowed eyes once more, a frown as she jerks her head back at Spain and then seemingly sighs something to Lux.

Just what— )

2/2 i'm so sorry

[tulpje]

( Oh. Oh. He should have seen this earlier, no wonder Bel has been acting so strangely and Spain has been so... so Spain. )

If ya say a date with my sister, I'll break you.

omg no don't be this is so beautiful i was wishing i could reply all day during work

[tomate]

[ That gets Spain to practically face plant into the table. He slips forward in his chair and catches himself on the edge of the table. He's frantically speaking, trying to salvage the moment ]

No, no, it's not her I want a date with!

someone save them from themselves

[tulpje]

( He wants a date but not with Belgium? Then, obviously— )

... My brother is off limits too.

there's no helping them

[tomate]

It's you!

[ Spain probably shouted that a little too loudly.

Nations are looking at them.

Sorry ]

rip

[tulpje]

( If such a record existed surely the speed in which Netherlands' furrows his brows would be breaking said record. Spain did shout and there are nations looking at them. His siblings are notably looking at them, well... Lux is looking. Bel looks like she is either trying not to laugh or not to cry.

Likely both, and could he blame her? )

You want to go on a date... ( Right, okay. Back to a quieter voice: ) With me? As in one that couples' would go on. Am I understanding you right?

they lived good long lives

[tomate]

[ Just as well, if there was a record for how quickly Spain's smile fell, it would have been set right here and now. Everything was going so well, and then it wasn't. How could it have ended up like this, there wasn't even a kiss.

He sighs and nods. ]

Yes, I would like to go on a date with you, Netherlands.

[tulpje]

( He watches Spain curiously as the other nation reacts. He really was serious about this... wasn't he? It was hard to believe that Spain would have such feelings about him. Why him? When it came to the nations around them surely there was someone better suited for Spain including his sister, as much as he hated to admit it.

Yet he can hear his heart drumming in his ears, fidgeting more with his scarf than ever. There is a moment of silence and then: )

Okay then... I'll go with ya.

[tomate]

[ He put all he had into this. Or rather, about 90% of what he had, because if he put all of himself here, then it would have been much more of a spectacle than it's become already. Spain is sure that he made a fool of himself and is ready to receive a rejection when those aren't the words that come out of Netherlands' mouth.

He turns to look at him, face flushing once more, but he's got a surprised, yet happy look on his face. ]

Did you say yes?!

[tulpje]

... Mm.

( He isn't looking at Spain currently. His hand is on his scarf, pulling it over the lower half of his face and huffing out a small sound. It was hard to explain his thoughts and it did not help that this was in the middle of such a busy place with nations still filing and while others were stared or whispered. )

It's just ya seemed genuine about it, more so than you're usual work ethic. I figured I could give ya a chance else this meeting might get even more awkward.

[tomate]

That really makes me happy, Netherlands!

[ Spain is reaching out to take one of Netherlands' hands in both of his and if he could sparkle, he would be doing that right now. This isn't helping the scene that Spain just created, drawing just as much attention from the nosiest nations, but others have just chalked it up to Spain being Spain and are turning away. ]

I promise you'll enjoy yourself!

[tulpje]

( For a moment there is disbelief but it is hard to deny the actual, real joy that is present in Spain's motions. He sits in silence as the other nation holds his hand, swallowing before letting his hand slip away and sitting upright in his chair. He had to keep his wits about himself and not act like a schoolgirl. )

Let's get through this meeting first, yeah?

[tomate]

Oh, right, of course!

[ He smiles brightly, face still slightly red, but he's calming himself down. He drops his hands down and gets ready for the meeting to start. If it seems like he's scooting his chair just ever so slightly closer to Netherlands', then you're absolutely correct there. That's about all that Spain does, however.

For once, he's actually actively paying attention during the meeting. He's taking notes and even contributes from time to time. He wants to set a good impression on Netherlands, even though he's already agreed to the date, but he doesn't want him to regret agreeing to the date. ]

[tulpje]

( Netherlands falls into silence and settles in for the meeting to start with the same sort of stoicness that he usually displayed during meeting. Certainly not acting like someone that had just been (loudly) asked on a date and (quietly) agreed. He takes his usual note, injecting and adding in when needed about the state of affairs in his home. If he does notice Spain scooting closer then he does not comment on it.

Still he does have to admit he's impressed by Spain dedication though it is a bit of shock. Is he doing all of this just for him... its a strange feeling, to say the least. Seeing someone trying to do better for him and not just because he yelled at once or five times.

As the meeting begins to wind down, he gathers his notes together and hums. )

If you are wanting to go out after the meeting before heading home, I'll have to let my siblings know to go without me. What were your plans anyway?

[tomate]

[ Netherlands' ability to maintain his composure is honestly one of the many things that first started drawing Spain's attention towards him. While Spain is paying attention and actually being someone productive, he still finds his eyes darting over to his side, watching Netherlands in quick glances.

And well, part of him doing better is because he was yelled at once or five times, but he honestly wants to do better for him. He wants to be someone that Netherlands can be proud of. He doesn't want to completely change himself, but there's some things that Spain can do better with. ]

Hm, my plans? There's a nice little cafe that's not too far from here. I was hoping we could grab food there, if that's alright with you. [ he nods once ] Letting Belgium and Luxembourg know to go on ahead without you might be good, yeah.

[tulpje]

Hmm... Alright then. I'll go let them know my plans so they can go home ahead of me.

( He leaves Spain's side to approach where his siblings had been seated. Whatever might be said, it's clear that it's animated with the way the younger two speak with their older brother who stands silent and red-faced. Belgium even reaches out at one point to pinch Netherlands' cheek which he shrugs away and huffs, walking back in Spain's direction. )

Everything is fine with them so we can leave whenever you'd like. ( He says, utterly ignoring how both Bel and Lux appear to say goodbye and wave to Spain with knowingly little grins and requests to take care of their brothers, before both are shoo'd off. )

[tomate]

I'll wait for you here!

[ And so he does. He watches their interactions with a grin and when they drop by to say goodbye, he does so and he promises to take good care of their brother. ]

Shall we go then? If we hurry we can probably get a good table!

[tulpje]

( He watches his siblings depart for a moment before nodding, glancing over to Spain as he speaks: )

Yes, let's before they come back to talk more. Lead the way?

[tomate]

Of course!

[ And with that, Spain leads the way to the cafe. He's not exaggerating when he said that it was close by, as it's not even a five minute walk, but that doesn't stop Spain from chatting animatedly during the walk. He starts off by talking about the meeting, but sure enough, he switches to other topics. ]

--And that's why I'm sure my viejita neighbor has a crush on Austria!

[ how did it end up like this ]