(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

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 ]