I could explain why this is late, but everything sounds like excuses. So just enjoy and I apologize :)
Romano watched as Spain mixed the tomato paste, swaying his hips back and forth as he did so. Mornings never phased the cheery nations mood, as he had noticed, and the inactive Italian was bewildered by that. Still, he continued to throw occasional glances towards the occupied Spaniard, sometimes even eyeing that fine and legendary ass of his. Because who wouldn't?
The Italian nation was leaning on the kitchen counter and snacking on a tomato, feeling bored out of his mind, when he absentmindedly started humming an Italian lullaby 'Ninna Nanna'. Romano tapped his fingers on the flat surface behind him and hummed a bit louder, not caring whether or not it disturbed the man preparing breakfast. The reason he was mumbling the tone instead of actually singing was because the lover interest of the song was named Antonio [coincidently enough], and even if Spain may have not known much of Romano's native language, he wasn't going to risk it.
With the villa's French window shudders open and the sea breeze of the Mediterranean blowing throughout the enclosure, a sense of calmness overtook the atmosphere. Along with Romano's pleasant and melodic humming, Spain felt at peace as he happily continued the slicing of tomatoes. When the Italian was younger Romano had a childish yet innocent voice that the Spaniard could have listened to for hours on end [if he was lucky enough to even be allowed to hear it, which he did…. When sneaking up on the boy], but present-day his voice was deep and full of emotion. It made Spain shudder with delight when the Italian would reach the higher notes in the melody, and though he had never heard it before, he liked it very much. Turning around to face the somewhat dazed Romano wearing a distant look, the Spanish nation smiled at the sight and sighed loudly, grabbing the other man's attention.
"Ah, my little Roma, you have such a nice voice! Que lindo~!" he complimented, grinning when he noticed the ever growing red spreading across Romano's adorable face. The flustered Italian's eyes darted around the room, trying to distract himself with something, when finally he reluctantly met Spain's gaze. The taller man appeared entranced by the other personification's behavior, which only embarrassed him more.
"Ch-Che cazzo dici? Of course I sing well, I'm fucking Italian; we are badass singers! … Well, hummers too! Anyways, stop acting like you've never heard someone hum before tomato bastard and get cooking!" Out of shame and guilt, he mumbled a small 'per piacere' thinking that Spain had not heard. But he did anyways, and pretended that he hadn't for the sake of the Italian's pride. The Spaniard made a low but cheerful whistle and rested his palms on the counter behind him.
"Oh, but I could work so much faster and better if you sang while I prepared, Roma." The usually oblivious man knew that his words were suggestive and lewd—and had hoped that Romano would notice as well— but the Italian made no indication that he understood or had even comprehended their hidden meaning. Instead, he scoffed and spat a low 'che palle!', still tomato red as ever. Spain mentally face palmed, feeling rather shamefaced that he had teased like that. Suddenly, the idea of Romano not knowing what he was hinting at seemed much better than the latter.
"Really? You would work faster?" the Italian asked with a doubtful tone. Spain nodded in reply.
"… Fine. It's no big deal anyways, just singing and shit. I can do that." The truth, though, was that he was eager and nervous when it came to anyone listening to his singing; the only exception was his brother. With a deeply drawn breath, the Italian made his eyes half lidded and began his solo.
Brucia la luna n'cielu
E ju bruciu d'amuri
Foca ca si consuma
Comu lu me cori
L'anima chianci
Addurlurata
Non si da paci
Ma cchi mala nuttata
Spain couldn't keep his eyes off of the Italian as the song continued, making his heart race with the overwhelming emotions Romano's voice evoked. Also, he happened to actually know the meaning of the song [because Prussia had made him watch The Godfather Part III and he had liked the instrumental so the Spaniard memorized the lyrics as well], and was moved by the Italian peninsula's choice. The lyrics—if his memory served him correctly—were about a man who is miserable because his true love is not with him, and he can't function properly because of that. Snapped out of his thoughts, the Spain reminded himself that he was supposed to make breakfast, so while listening as intently as he could, he placed the toppings on individual crackers, and staying true to his promise that music would make him 'faster'.
Lu tempu passa
Ma non agghiorna
Non c'e mai suli
S'idda non torna
Brucia la terra mia
E abrrucia lu me cori
Chi siti d'acqua idda
E ju siti d'amuri
Acu la cantu
La me canzuni
Si non c'e nuddu
Ca s'a affacia
A lu barcuni
Brucia la luna n'cielu
E ju bruciu d'amuri
Focu ca si consuma
Comu lu me cori
The Spaniard had already finished preparing the crackers and tomato toppings with juice, so after the song halted he cheered and clapped in a way that Romano mentally described as "like an idiot monkey". Though the Italian started out singing with embarrassment in every pitch, he slowly lightened up and became comfortable with the situation.
"¡Me encantó la canción! It's from The Godfather part three right? Gil made me watch it with him, and I heard the song and liked it, so that's how I know it. But I guess the song suits you, since it was from a mafia movie and all…" the Spanish man trailed off slowly, noticing the confused look on Romano's face.
"Eh? What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that you give off a mafia kinda boss aura, especially with the clothes you arrived in. You even brought a fedora, and I'm sure you have a gun somewhere in your car." Romano just eyed him incredulously, wondering whether or not Spain had somehow managed to break into his car, or that he was just too obvious. The Spaniard smirked when he noticed the facial expression, and clapped his hands together with glee.
"I'm right, aren't I? Well anyways, the food is ready so you can grab a plate, and I must compliment you again on your wonderful singing voice~!" and with that, the two brought their food onto the main balcony and set the plates on the coffee table behind the railings. It was only around ten in the morning, so the air wasn't too warm and the sun was low enough. Romano sipped his tomato juice calmly, taking in the sight of organized buildings and greenery below the hillside that Spain's villa rested upon. The community didn't seem too small, and the beach looked as if it stretched all the way to the harbour. Also, a castle that appeared to be ancient was located on a cracked sort of mountain. The man sitting across from him noticed where he was staring.
"That's the Castle of Santa Bárbara, resting on Mount Banacantil." He leant back in his reclining chair and bit into another buttered-garlic cracker. "This city is years old, and if my memory is correct, the earliest people settled on the slopes of that very mountain. Grandfather Rome's men once visited here as well and even ruled for a few years, until his decline, of course. In my pirating days I met many Ottoman corsairs [pirates, in other words] that liked to terrorize this city since it was a major Mediterranean trading port, and that was kind of their thing at the time. Man, they really brought the citizens of this region trouble and my people went into bankruptcy. The War of the Spanish Succession didn't help much either, and I lost a lot…" he trailed off in thought, the look of reminiscence in his eyes. Romano noticed that he seemed so much older when talking about the past, though it was true that the Kingdom of Spain was a very old country.
"Even you," the Italian heard, and looked alarmed as he studied the speaker's face after he had mumbled those words. Green eyes locked with hazel green, communicating with a flurry of emotions built up over years of grief and reluctance. Romano couldn't understand what it had meant, but he felt as if Spain was trying to reveal his true thoughts to the Italian nation. Suddenly, the Spaniard's expression changed as his eyes widened, making him appear shocked and slightly embarrassed when his face started to redden a tad. He let out a nervous laugh, trying to ease the serious mood he had created.
"But anyways, the past is the past, and the only thing I can do is to move forward~! But really, I feel like an old man rambling to himself… Hey! Why don't I show you around Alicante! I mean, my main house is near Madrid and all, but I know this place pretty well too!"
"Huh?" The Italian thought about for awhile, considering the amount of work he had left on his Smartphone and how much of it he could dump on his congressman, and decided that it wasn't too troublesome to engage in the recreational activity of sightseeing. "Alright, I guess that isn't bad, bastard. After all, the scavenger hunt isn't for a few more days, and I have nothing else to do." And I'd rather spend all the spare time I have with you, even though we'll be together for weeks because of the fucking scavenger hunt. Oh shit, I'm such a desperate little fuck.
Spain noticed the conflicting emotions that Romano's failed to mask from his eyes, but nonetheless beamed after he had heard his answer. An entire day with his little Italian! Ideas for which places they should visit first were listed off in his head, until he Spanish nation finished his thoughts [wow, he was actually thinking].
"Okay then, we'll leave in a few minutes! Also, we'll have to shop for some clothes for you since you didn't bring any; I already washed the ones you wore yesterday. But today it looks like there's going to be warm weather, so if you want you can borrow my clothes that I've had stored in this villa since… well, since a long time ago. I've had this place for awhile, and during that time I was around your size." He didn't mean to, but Spain was pointedly stating that Romano was small, which made the feisty Italian furious.
"OKAY bastard, I get it! I'm kind of on the short side, but fuck that! At least I can fire a fucking gun straight into a man's head from meters away, without missing a beat! I happen to be a very badass motherfucker, despite my size!" The shorter man huffed and puffed, making him look ridiculously cute in Spain's opinion; it took all the willpower he could muster not to smile.
"I understand what you mean, Roma; you are very cool indeed~!" Romano just rolled his eyes at the praise, but the Spaniard had noticed that there was a hint to amusement and triumph written on his face.
After the brunch, Spain wandered into his small storage room and shuffled through one of the drawers until he found a beige button up shirt and khaki shorts that looked to be around Romano's size. He gave the clothes to said Italian and waited in near the doorway, whistling nonchalantly to himself. When the person he was waiting for returned, the taller man had to suppress his laughter. Though the clothes did fit Romano's height—and greatly complimented his looks, as Spain had also noticed— the shirt looked loose fit around his torso area, even if the parts covering his shoulders and arms were perfect. Despite his effort, an uncontrollable grin spread across the spectator's face, and the flustered Italian noticed immediately.
"Wh-What's that look for, damn it! I'm not skinny or anything, just… slender... and shit… But that's not my fucking fault; Feliciano is too! It's fucking genetics, I tell you!" Ignoring that that had rhymed, Romano fumed in silent anger as he watched the Spanish man walk towards him and pat his head gently. Fucker better not touch my curl again. I mean, it would feel g-good and shit, but I don't think that now is the time for that. Spain just chuckled slightly, enjoying the opportunity to caress the Italian's soft auburn hair.
"Well, Romanito, Rome is our grandfather, as well as Francis', right? And he and I don't have slender bodies like you two, although we share Rome's genes. Not to mention el abuelo isn't very thin; he's even more built than me! So I don't think you should be blaming your body type on genetics, right?" All he got in reply was a displeased grunt, which propped the Spaniard to continue. "But there is nothing to feel insecure about, your body is unique, and it makes it you~!" Leaning closer to the Italian, he flashed a cheery smile. "And I like it."
If Romano was blushing madly before, his face became even more immersed in heat, and it felt as if he were near an exploding point. What the Spaniard said was very… intimate, even for him, and the Italian personification wondered whether or not the other knew how much it affected his heartbeat. For the record, it was fast and loud… insert 'that's what she said' moment.
"Whatever weirdo! Let's just get on with this damn tour before I change my mind!"
"Yes sir~!"
And then the two began to walk down the hillside, for Spain assured that traveling on foot was the best way to see the sights. The Spanish 'tour guide', as he liked to be referred to as for the time being, led Romano the bottom of Mount Banacantil's slope, where an elevator entrance could be seen from a distance.
"That was installed after 1963 shortly after the castle was open to the public. Although the Castle of Santa Bárbara becomes a tourist trap during the Saint John's Festival, it is usually quiet and rarely populated. If you came in another time of the year, we could have gone to the bonfire together because the lights are AMAZING and they hold beautiful fireworks over the sea." Spain continued his rambling about the history of the site as they were riding the elevator, but the man next to him was only interested in seeing the architecture and the famous La Toreta that was the oldest part of the castle.
After strolling through the dirt covered 'ruins' and examining the ancient spectacles with awe, Romano's attention diverted to a turret that was located at the very edge of the mountain nearing the cliff side. He approached the small tower and gazed down at the expansive Mediterranean Sea that greeted his sights, breathing in the salty air that the gusts carried in his direction. The Italian was unaware that Spain was right behind him, experiencing the same relaxation all the while watching the sunlight bathe his love's body with gold. It radiated against his olive skin and auburn hair, making him look enchanting in every way possible. Though the two men gasped, they were for different reasons: Romano was amazed by the setting while Spain was amazed by him.
After the amazing encounter with nature at its finest, the Spaniard hired a man driving one of those horse drawn taxis and—with every bit of gentleman-like intentions—offered his hand to the flustered Italian below. With a show of resistance, he finally gave in and hopped into the carriage.
"It's been awhile since I've rode one of these," he mumbled with little enthusiasm.
"Well, doing these sorts of things are good once in a while, right? Anyways, I've given our driver instruction on where to ride through so that I can show you the attractions at the same time." Nodding his head in understanding, the elderly man ordered his horse to movie forwards, and away they went.
While looking at the surrounding sceneries, Romano noticed an assortment of colorful and seemingly old houses all bunched together, climbing the hill. He could see that the narrow streets were decorated with flowers and flags, making it seem like a tiny and comfortable neighborhood.
"What's that?" he asked, pointing to the object of interest. Spain squinted his eyes and then smiled.
"We call it Barrio de la Santa Cruz. It's cute, si?" The Italian nodded in response. The Spaniard then pointed towards a neatly decorated area with plenty of flora and fauna.
"That's L'Ereta Park. It runs from the Santa Bárbara castle down to the old part of Alicante and has lots of levels, routes, decks and rest stops which give a panoramic view overlooking the city. I visit there whenever I come to this city just for the beautiful view!" He threw his arms in the air, trying to seem more dramatic and theatrical. Romano didn't seem to heed the gesture and appeared un-affected by his seatmate's cheerfulllness.
Afterwards they had reached the city and passed several mosques and buildings, including the Basilicia of Santa Maria, Co-cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari, though those weren't Romano's personal favourites. He bothered Spain until the man had finally paid the driver a fair sum of money and was dragged by an enthusiastic [if not extremely cute] Italian into the Casa de La Asegurada [which housed the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante, much to the smaller man's delight]. After their touring around the prefecture, Spain had brought Romano Gravinia Palace, where the Gravinia Museum of Fine Arts was hosted [much to their dismay, it was closed that day].
Then they travelled to the Lucerios Square, where the Spaniard bought several shirts and tops for his guest, much to said guest's protests. After they visited a café and snacked a bit on the bench of a seaside promenade, Spain guided Romano to a walkway next to the ocean. It was nearing evening by then, and the sun set low on the horizon, it's orange glow casted upon the sea.
"This place is known as Explanada de España, and the path is paved with millions of marble floor tiles. The local people consider this promenade as a meeting place for a traditional Spanish paseo, so of course I brought you here in the evening. And they light up the palm trees and streetlights at night, so everything is very beautiful even after the sun sets~! If we're lucky, they might be holding a musical event along the waterside." After his lengthy but informative explanation, Spain took Romano by the arm without thinking and led the two along the wave-designed marble path. The Italian had to admit that the setting was very beautiful, and ended up enjoying his stroll with the 'annoying' Spaniard he had attached to himself.
The two witnessed two street performers playing a duet together [violin and guitar], along with an elderly woman singing with the peaceful tune. Almost immediately, the Southern Italian recognized the melody and quietly hummed to himself, though his companion next to him had heard.
"Do you recognize the lullaby? It's called 'La Nanita Nana', and I used to sing it to you when you had nightmares. Ah, but that was so long ago~" the Spaniard seemed lost in thought as he watched the sun disappear behind the fine line that was the sea's border.
"Yeah, and you were such a crap singer back then too. Its sounds better coming from a woman anyways… but I guess it worked, huh?" Their eyes met, and words weren't exchanged as their thoughts reached on another, as if telepathically. The past was never forgotten for either of them, and moving forwards towards their possible future was a big step. Coughing awkwardly, Romano walked away from the musicians and started making his way to the decks of the harbour with Spain in tow.
The Italian looked up at the moon, feeling it's calming effect as silver beams shone on his face. Then he peaked at Spain, greeted by the sight of his calm, tanned face and light green eyes that were rimmed with a sort of sadness. But he was handsome, nonetheless, and Romano's heart as the yearning to caress his love grew stronger with each glance. Though Spain was terrible when it came to reading the atmosphere, he felt as if a wall stood between his love and him, for what reason he knew not. And simultaneously, their thoughts were in sync with one another: If only, just for awhile, you could hear what I was thinking. If only you knew of my love. If only I weren't such a coward. But love isn't enough, is it? There must be determination as well; am I good enough to have these strong feelings for you? To deserve you?
Without a seconds thought their glances met once more, and the air had went from awkward to warm. Both men looked at the other with soft, caring eyes, yet neither said a thing. There was nothing that could be said, after all. What were words when actions meant so much more? Slowly leaning down a bit, Spain rested his lips on Romano's forehead, and the other closed his eyes contently. The heat of his love's lips was resting on his skin, and that was all the Italian had dreamt of. Whether the kiss was endearing and platonically induced, or romantic and tender, he cared not. Only for that single moment had timed seemed to have stopped, with only Spain and Romano left on the planet.
All that started was a kiss, and it had led to a warm embrace mutually initiated. Still without words to speak, they stayed in the comfort of each other's arms, breathing in scents and sensations that were innocent and longing. Yet the two were still afraid to meet eyes again, and continued the hug for as long as possible, until the chill of the wind pulled them out of their daze. Looking up, Romano's face was glowing with scarlet and his cheeks blazed like a thousand fires, but he was surprised to find Spain sporting the same sort of colour. Finally, the more open with his emotions out of the two spoke.
"Oh Roma, I have truly missed you all these decades we have been apart, and now you've grown and left me to reflect on my old age. So I will make sure that the weeks we'll spend together are memorable, for I owe you that much." He spoke with sorrow drenching each word, making Romano's heart sink yet rise from the sincerity in his voice.
"Stupid, you don't owe me a think. Yes, you are an old fuck, aren't all of us nations? But the separation… thing… wasn't your fault, alright? I mean, don't talk like that scavenger hunt shit will be the only times we're around each other," he then shyly reached for the older man's hand and rested it in his own, "because I will probably have more years to put up with you. Yup, a really long time for sure. So… just stop acting like I'll be taken away again, because that won't happen from now on." After his little speech, the Italian couldn't bear to look Spain in the eye and settled for staring at the ground. The he heard a muffled chuckle followed by a 'how sweet, my Roma', and suddenly felt a warm sensation rise in his chest.
Though the Italian wasn't confident in his assumptions, he knew that his love for Spain was overwhelming and uncontrollable, eager to be released. Quickly and before the Spaniard had time to think he stretched his neck and softly kissed the taller personification's cheek, much to the receivers surprise. It lasted more than three seconds, but faltered as soon as he felt the eruption of blush spreading to his olive ears. With a surprised expression Spain gingerly touched his cheek, making Romano believe that he had done something wrong. But then he witnessed his former caretaker make a joyful smile that reached his eyes, and knew that everything was fine.
"Th-That was for what you did, tomato bastard. Payback." he spluttered, barely managing to keep his voice from breaking.
"Of course, mi tomate, though I gladly accept." The older man playfully ruffled the younger one's hair, earning a glare in return.
"Yeah yeah, whatever, just take me home so we can eat. Not that your food is good or anything, I'm just too lazy to cook myself." Spain smiled at his obvious lie, linking his arms once again with Romano's and dragging them towards civilization.
"Anything for you, Romanito."
All the songs are real, include Ninna Nanna [but I couldn't find the original lyrics and had to understand it by ear, which was hard]. As for the Godfather song, it's called Brucia La Terra and you can Youtube it for the translation, or Google or whatever floats your boat. La Nanita Nana was actually featured in one of the Cheetah Girls movies, for those of you that remember that awesome series, but it's based on a Latin Christian Carol song [though it's considered a lullaby now]. Most of these songs are ones that my relatives sang around the house while they worked, with the exception of the Godfather one. Nope, I just love mafia movies because- stereotypical enough- I AM part Sicilian [from my father's mother's side].
Okay, so I hope I wasn't boring you, I just LOVE my native hometown from my Spanish side of the family and thought that a history lesson was in order... Yup that is totally boring. Anyways, Alicante is awesome and I recomend that anyone near or in Spain should go visit just 'cuz. I have an aunt and uncle that live there, but I've only visited twice :(
So, too out of character? Oh well, I try.