For Belgium

[deutschemann]

[He arrived an hour early before the promised time despite spending all night reading on manuals about what to do on dates. He's learned from his past experiences and made sure the books he got had some credibility. So now he's wearing something comfortable and less formal. Just a simple brown coat, beige dress shirt, light brown slacks, and clean cut loafers.]

[He's also holding a small present which he keeps inside his pants pocket for later. No flowers, nothing too big. He wouldn't want to give too much of an impression. No, never again. Hopefully, this time it would go well without any misunderstandings.]

Comments

[deutschemann]

My face?

I wasn't thinking of anything bad. The opposite actually.

[He face wasn't scary again, was it? Italy always cries about this.]

[bellabelgium]

[ She's not Italy. ]

Oh, well if that's the case you shouldn't fight back your smile. You have quite a nice one when you do.

[deutschemann]

[He nods quietly, people rarely compliment his smile. Maybe his face isn't as awful as people make it out to be. No, maybe she just never saw his smile.]

...I'll keep that in mind.

...

You should keep smiling too.

[bellabelgium]

[ She can't help but smile at the response, giving him a nod. ]

I will.

[ She will because he asked. She will because he's giving her a chance. She will because he's trying hard for her. And she will because he keeps putting it on her face, intentional or not. ]

[deutschemann]

[Her happiness is his. He's more than satisfied to know he could be the one to give that.]

[Concerns for the future will likely creep later on, but maybe right now, he could spare a few moments just enjoying these kinds of things.]

If you like any of the food here, I could always make it again in my house.

[bellabelgium]

Oh? Are you offering to make me dinner, Germany?

[ Oh me oh my-- Germany, nothing is sexier than a man willing to cook for a lady. ]

[deutschemann]

[He's better at baking than cooking, he'd likely be happier making her some snacks and coffee. Not that he realized he implied that he'd like her to come to his house, like that.]

If you'd like to try it, my invitation stands. It's been a while since I've planned a full course meal outside of holidays and celebrations.

[bellabelgium]

Haha, you don't have to prepare a feast or anything. Just a nice meal for two.

[deutschemann]

I could try and research making some authentic Belgian food. Is there any kind of dish you like in particular?

[bellabelgium]

Research? Why would you need to do that? You have Belgium right here with you. I wouldn't mind showing you a few dishes.

[deutschemann]

You want to cook with me?

[That sounded fun. Or tedious. Or both. Would she make a mess? Would she be a good cooking partner? She wouldn't get annoyed if he cleaned everything she touches, right?]

[bellabelgium]

[ Only one way to find out. ]

Only if you're offering.

[deutschemann]

Hmmm. Very well. I'll let you know if I could find a date that could work.

I'd have to buy some ingredients first.

[Shopping for ingredients sounds fun too, hint hint. Of course, Germany would never hint this. Let alone even think about it. This is just a self-serving narrative.]

[bellabelgium]

Well the ingredients depend on what we decide to make. I'm going to let you know now... I'm quite picky about them.

[ Continues to eat her meal as he thinks hard on it. She won't allow him to just pick the cheapest food at the store, she's all about the quality. ]

[deutschemann]

[Germany is, too, a connoisseur, of sorts. Although he wouldn't squander on extremely valuable choices like Austria*. He's learned to survive with what he had on the field. So it's a bit of a middle ground for him. Practicality is what matters.]

It's fine. I'm sure I could get along better with you than with that guy*. I'll be sure to judge your purchases properly.

[He finishes the last of his meatballs and soup. He's still craving for beer despite drinking so much already. The bill might be called for soon, he hopes she won't go "Dutch". Pardon the joke.]

[bellabelgium]

That guy?

[ Sorry, that's a little vague for her. She may have had a stint in Austria's house like the rest of them but she hardly ever went grocery shopping with the guy. ]

And what do you mean you'll be sure to "judge my purchases properly"?

[deutschemann]

I meant Austria. He likes to buy expensive products when it comes to things like coffee and chocolates.

[Thankfully, most of the time, it's not from his pocket. So he can't complain too much. But it makes him bothered to watch nonetheless. For a stingy guy, that Austria sure spends a lot on frivolous things. Then proceeds to nag at the rest for not being as thrifty.]

You don't have to do the same.

[bellabelgium]

Wait, Austria? I thought he was really frugal.

[ She hasn't put two and two together with Austria just yet. It's been so long since he nagged her about keeping up with her personal things that she hasn't realize how much of a contradiction he is with his own things. ]

[deutschemann]

He's only frugal when it comes to things like clothes and furniture. But he would import tea from other places at inconvenient times! He'd make ME pick it up!

[He's gotten a bit tipsy from all his drinking, so he's practically rambling now. Actually, now that he's gotten annoyed at the memories, he orders another one.]