Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

NedPort: Different Views

Miguel smiled as he opened the door. Lars stood on the other side, and the Dutchman gave a small smile as he handed a bouquet of tulips to Miguel.

"Obrigado," Miguel said. "Please, come in."

Miguel and Lars conversed in the living room, with Miguel occasionally checking on the dinner. When it was ready, he and Lars switched to the dining room, where everything was already set.

"I hope you enjoy," Miguel said. "This is an old family recipe."

The two of them ate dinner as they made conversation. Miguel checked the status of Lars's plate. So far, it seemed as though he enjoyed it. He was glad for that.

Eventually, though, their dinner was done, and the cutlery were placed on the plates. Miguel looked over towards Lars's plate and felt the disappointment bubble in him. He had hoped that Lars would enjoy it. It was the recipe that his grandmother had taught him, not long before she died. This recipe was a matter of pride.

"What's wrong?" Lars asked. "You look… well, you look like you're about to cry."

"Sorry," Miguel said as he shook his head. "It's… it's nothing."

"Miguel, please. What's bothering you?"

Miguel bit his lip. He knew that it was pretty pathetic, to be honest, but…

"Didn't you… didn't you like the food?" Miguel asked.

Lars blinked.

"Of course I liked it," Lars said. "I said so, didn't I?"

"But… you didn't show it," Miguel said.

"What do you mean?"

"If… If you really enjoy the meal… then you usually get a second helping. Or a third, if possible."

Lars kept staring before his eyes widened and he smacked his forehead.

"Is… is that a cultural thing?" he asked.

"Kind of…" Miguel replied.

"And here I thought I was being polite," Lars sighed. "I was taught not to go for second helpings because it would make you look like a glutton. So, I've been waiting for you to take a second helping. Well, now I know why you made so much."

Miguel stared for a long moment before he burst out laughing.

"Are you saying that this is just a case of cultural differences?" Miguel asked.

"It looks like it," Lars said, as he reached over to the pot.

This was inspired by a story of my parents when they were still dating. It was the first time my dad went to eat with his future in-laws. My Portuguese grandma made her famous peri-peri chicken. My Afrikaans dad didn't know that it was considered a compliment if you went for a second helping of a meal. He just didn't want to look rude. But my grandma was offended that he didn't seem to like her cooking that much. Once the misunderstanding was cleared, he went for seconds.