[OPEN] Todo en la Familia

Antonio smiled widely as the fish, chorizo, and camarones sizzled on the grill. Nearby, hanging over a fire pit, a skinned pig roasted over the fire, as every once in a while Antonio would walk over and turn it, ensuring all parts of the pig were equally cooked. The skin of the pig was a little burnt, but that's exactly how he liked it. It's how he taught his family to cook it. He did hope very much they all liked it.

All around him, in his makeshift kitchen by the beach, pots and pans cooked all kinds of rices, paella, beans, and assorted starches and fish. He placed his hands on his hips and smiled, looking out over the park benches he had set up as well. He had a large family, one that at one point had been very happy. He sighed, remembering the days when his home was filled with young ones, and all was well in the world. Those where happy times, times that had sadly come and gone. Still, he hoped that they would come. It would be nice to see them all again. It had been too long.

Looking over at the waves beating against the sand, he smiled, and thought also of his friends he invited. He'd love to see France and his family again, and show them how those south of the Pyrennes cook. Also, he secretly hoped Belgium would pop by as well. She was truly beautiful, and he missed her company. Sighing, he pulled the pig from the fire pit and began to carve it, taking a bite of the skin for himself and grinning. Delicioso.

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 450px; height: 500px,btable][STYLE=margin-top: -90px; border-top: 5px solid #CC6666; border-bottom: 5px solid #CC6666; border-left: 5px solid #CC6666; width: 150px; overflow: hidden;][/style][STYLE=text-align: justify; font-family: courier; color: #CC6666; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: -1; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 12px; border-left: 5px solid #CC6666; margin-top: 15px;]Tags: Antonio;;;[/style] [STYLE=text-align: justify; font-family: courier; color: #CC6666; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: -1; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 10px; border-left: 5px solid #CC6666; margin-top: -10px;]Notes: Phili's here to drop by... because there's food. ;;; Location/Time: Beach party/; Present time ;;;[/style]	[STYLE=border-left: 20px solid #CC6666; font-family: courier; color: maroon; padding: top: 15px; padding-left: 5px; font-style: bold; line-height: 0.7; font-size: 40px; margin-left: -12px; height: 500px; text-transform: uppercase;] P h i l i p p i n e s[/style]	[STYLE=text-align: justify; font-family: courier; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: -0.7; border: 0px; height: 500px; margin-left: 5px; line-height: 1; overflow: auto; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px;]Funny thing; when she said she's busy with work these days (of all the darn days her boss decided to pile a lot of paperwork in her desk), she didn't expect her boss to actually allow the young nation to meet up with her previous guardian. It was funny, really, that they have been having a very decent relationship these past few years after a long time of not talking thanks to what happened once upon a time. True, time heals wounds, and Philippines is more than aware about her nature to forgive (but not forget), so maybe this cook-out in the beach might be a good break for her, meeting with Spain and all. Hopefully, he won't mind as much; she might probably see someone like Romano or Mexico or everyone else, but she doesn't mind. The more the merrier, they say. "God, you should have called me earlier, I could have helped with the cooking!" Arriving at the venue, the brunette female gave a wave before rushing in to her former-guardian with a grin on her face, basket with some fruits and other delicacies inside. "Yeah, I sorta lied," She mumbled loudly. "I didn't expect my boss to let me out with all the paperworks I need to finish, but I guess they gave me a slack." She said with a shrug just to reassure the Spaniard. "So... Romano and the others are not here yet?" Looking around, the female gave a wide stretch, adjusting the straw hat she was wearing on her head before placing the basket down. "Think there's a job you can ask me to do? I don't mind helping around, you know." She said, sounding more cheerful than her usual self considering how cranky she could get from time to time thanks to all the stress she gets from her own people and the workload she've been getting lately. Well, being an independent country is hard, that's for sure, but maybe unwinding with Antonio and the rest won't hurt as much. [/style]
[cs=3] [STYLE=font-family: bradley hand itc; color: maroon; font-size: 11px; text-shadow: none]Coded by Soronus of CT, BTN & LS[/style]

In all honesty, she couldn’t have said why she had come… Perhaps it was because those she considered her family were so spread out now, and o rarely saw one another, that she would practically jump at the chance to see even one part of those she cared for so much. Or perhaps it was because she still considered Spain – and therefore Madrid, Mexico, Romano, and everyone else – to be her family, despite what role the Spaniard has plaid in the War of Austrian Succession, and she hoped that they still thought the same of her… Well, whatever the case, she had come to the little shindig, and probably would have tried to convince Austria to come as well, but she hadn’t seen much of her older brother lately, so that was the reason for that. As a sign of both courtesy and perhaps of a motion of peace between family – she couldn’t remember if Austria and Spain had parted on good terms or not, as she hadn’t been very much involved with the split, and it had been quite some time ago – she had removed any and all bullets from her pistols, and would keep the safety on for the entire event.

Also as a courtesy, she had refrained from smoking as of yet; she might later ask if it were alright, but for now she would ignore the rather abstract desire. Approaching the location of the little get-together that promised to be anything but little, if everyone expected and then some showed up, the blonde female capitol noted that Philippines had already arrived. Vienna had never had much of a connection with the younger woman, but as previously noted, her family was very spread out lately, so she wouldn’t complain. A bit more hesitantly than her nature usually called for, she made her way within speaking range, and spoke. “I hope that it’s alright that I’m here…” Her usually slightly husky, rather dark voice was tinged a bit more so, and laced with both her accent and a small bit of rather uncharacteristic apprehension.

“I also brought this,” she indicated the bottle of wine she carried. That was another courtesy, as one could hardly show up to any sort of party or get-together without bringing a food or drink of some sort. She had made sure that, though she herself didn’t drink, the wine was a good, rather pricey vintage; the tall, priest-dressed woman knew that her elder brother would scold her for spending what she had on wine, but couldn’t bring herself to care too much at that moment. Heinkel knew that most of her family drank, and so she had made sure that the wine was a good one. She just hoped she hadn’t made things awkward by coming, as she hated to put out family members. It was both rude and inconsiderate, but it was also something that made her decidedly uncomfortable; her family meant more to her than anything else, so she hated to inconvenience them in any way. It was something that her nature rebelled against, as evidenced by the fact that she would have taken a bullet for just about all of them without a second thought.

Those like Gilbert would have required said second thought, but she still would have done it.

---

TAGGED: Spain, Philippines, anyone else who arrives.
WORD COUNT: 552.
NOTES: Dropping Vienna in, ‘cause she still considers Spain her brother and such, despite his separation from Austria.

Belgium had to admit, she was more than excited to see Spain again. As soon as she had received the invitation, inviting her and the rest of his family to a gathering, she had dropped her work and convinced her boss to let her go along. She just couldn’t wait to spend some time with some old friends.

Emma Lambert approached the beach with her usual sunny smile and a basket of her world famous waffles hanging from her arm. She could already smell the roasted pig and barbeque from the other end of the beach, and could just make out three figures ahead of her. The blonde’s smile widened and she began to pick up her pace, almost sprinting to get to the group.

“Hallo!” Belgium called out brightly as she waved to the trio, having to grab her sunhat with one hand as it almost flew off her head. As she drew closer, the figures became more visible. Vienna, Philippines and, of course, Spain were all gathering around the barbeque. Eventually, the female European nation slowed down and stopped beside Antonio, giving everyone a small wave. “I was worried I was late, but it looks like I’m one of the first to arrive,” she chuckled as she set her basket on the sand. “I brought waffles for desert, by the way.”

Emma turned her attention to Antonio and, with her green eyes sparkling happily, she suddenly threw her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. Laughing, the woman rested her head on his shoulder. “Spain, I missed you!”

At the sound of Philipine's voice, Antonio turned and smiled widely, quickly embracing the young woman and giving her a kiss on the cheek.  Letting her go, he replied, "It's quite alright chiquita (little one).  I'm more than happy to cook for everyone!  Lord, it's been a long time though, and I guess I had forgotten how difficult it could be.". He looked at the woman he had very much considered his niece.  She was beautiful, with a mix of himself and the exotic look of the east indies about her.  Just as he knew she would grow up to be.  He happily accepted her offer.

"See Chiquita, it appears I could very much use your help.  Perhaps you could help me with the lechon (pig), as it is proving rather difficult to watch it over all my other dishes..."

He then turned and spotted a rather unexpected voice.  Was that... Vienna?  His grin only widened, as he graciously accepted her bottle of wine, giving her a kiss on each cheek.  "¡Muchisimas gracias Vienna! (many thanks!)  I'm very, very glad you chose to attend.  Come, sit, have a smoke if you so desire.  Just try not to puff towards the food.  It took me a whole to marinate it just right.". He grinned, placing the bottle of wine next to the others.  A fine vintage.  He look forward to drinking it. "And it is more than fine you are here.  The more the merrier no?"

Just as he turned to grab the olive oil to douse some of the food with it, he saw a small blonde woman in a sun hat approach happily, and his smile grew even wider.  Why if it isn't Emma he thought to himself.  He had been hoping to see her, as he returned her hug and gave her a kiss on each cheek.  

"¡Bienvenidas querida! (welcome darling!) I'm so very glad you could come!". He replied, as he let her head rest on his shoulder.  He missed that.  He missed her.  He remembered a time when they were inseperable, then sighed lightly, placing his had on her soft blonde hair and kissing the top of her head.  He should have been there for her more he thought.  He shouldn't have given up so easily...

"Bueno everyone, sit! Drink! Philipines and I can finish the food while we wait for the others.". He smiled softly, kissing Emma on the top of her head once again, then letting go to pour olive oil on the shrimp on the barbecue.  It sizzled.  Today would be a good day.

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,width: 320px; height: 220px; border-left: 10px solid #ffffff; border-top: 10px solid #ffffff; border-bottom: 10px solid #ffffff; background-color: #ffffff;]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width:100px; height: 220px; border-right: 10px solid #ffffff; border-top: 10px solid #ffffff; border-bottom: 10px solid #ffffff; background-color: #ffffff;][STYLE=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 30px; line-height: 32px; letter-spacing: -3px;]TAKE A DIRTY PICTURE FOR ME ![/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,width: 320px; height: 220px; border-left: 10px solid #ffffff; border-top: 10px solid #ffffff; border-bottom: 10px solid #ffffff; background-color: #ffffff;][STYLE=font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px; padding: 5px; background-color: #f1f1f1;] Returning his gesture with her own, Philippines seem to be glad that at least he doesn't mind her arould as she doesn't mind being with him. Back then, after her independence (and subsequently being taken over by America), she tries her best to back away from Spain as much as possible, not letting herself seen in his sight of range in fear that he might decide to take her back again, or the fact that since he sold her to America made her feel a tad resentment to what he did. All is in the past, she told herself, today's a new day and the two of them are working together to patch things up and start anew, so even though she would sometimes act like a brat to him and scold him if ever he starts to 'baby' her a bit, she still owes a lot to Antonio for turning her for who she is today. Hey, if it weren't for him, she would probably be still a human-eating savage that stabs people, but that's aside the point. Not that she wanted that... knowing her. Eying at the food, and then at the relief tone of Spain at her offer of help, Philippines gave a small squeal of delight as she was given permission to help with the preparation. Food is something she like to do (from hunting it to cooking it to eating it) and that's what she's good at most of the time. Besides, they're known for festivals and festivals, in most opinion about Philippines, is about food. Lots of it. "Ah, Lechon!" Philippines said, a grin on her face as she placed her own basket of food down among with the others. "Why didn't you said so? Even though I still have some leftover ons from a festival sometime ago." Ah, yes, May festivals; Flores de Mayo. Last time, there were festivities and she was forced told to attend the Santacruzan before feasting with her fellow people. And promptly got a bellyache from eating and drinking too much, but aside the point. "Alright, leave that one to me, tito España!" And without questions asked, she started to busy herself towards the Lechon, helping around with cooking the Lechon with gusto. Surprisingly, she seems to be in her good mood compared to her usual grumpy manner but maybe it's because there's nothing about World meetings happening. Knowing her, really. While in the middle of cooking and preparing the Lechon ("Needs to be golden brown and have crispy skin~"), Philippines couldn't help but notice that there were newcomers as a delight look was seen from her face. One of them, Vienna she guess, was someone she rarely meet, probably just saw from time to time but rarely talked with, as the brunette nation "Oh, hello there!" Gabriella spoke, giving a friendly wave towards the newcomer. "Nice to have you around, even though I haven't met you yet." She said, scratching her cheeks with one hand. "But it would be nice to know more about you!" Of course, Philippines like to know more people, more nation, and be friendly with them, so it's not a surprise that she spoke in a friendly manner, glad that she'll get to be acquainted with her. Upon the arrival of Belgium, Philippines immediately shifted towards the older woman as she, too, was greeted the same way with a cheerful and courteous manner. "Ah, hello miss Belgium, it's nice to have you around and join us!" Upon the mention of waffles, the young Filipina gave another cheerful squeal, knowing how this 'little' picnic will be fun for everyone. Ok, sure, there will be a bit of over-eating and probably some stomach aches on the next day because of it, but the fact that she is with Spain and everyone else make it worthwhile. Sure, she'll be back to the usual meetings and complaints on the next day, but at least she get to rest right now with the rest of her 'family'. "Oh, that reminds me! The Lechon is almost ready, just waiting for that crispy brown goodness and it'll be done!" She added with her upbeat tone before heading back to check if she needs to do something about the food. [/style]

[atrb=valign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width:100px; height: 220px; border-right: 10px solid #ffffff; border-top: 10px solid #ffffff; border-bottom: 10px solid #ffffff; background-color: #ffffff;][STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #7b7b7b;]TIMELINE: Present[/style] [STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #7b7b7b;]TAGS: Spain, Vienna, Belgium[/style] [STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #7b7b7b;]NOTES: Yes, Philippines seems giddy because of the food. Sue her! *shot*[/style] [STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #7b7b7b;]CREDIT: BY RIMY FROM BTN! [/style]

Though the capitol of the Austrian nation wasn’t one to show feminine feelings too often (she had too much fun masquerading as a man, and she just usually didn’t feel such, anyways) she couldn’t help but blush a both Spain’s greeting, and the words which followed it. In all honesty, she blushed for two reasons. Firstly, she wasn’t used to such warmth from, well, anyone, even though it was rather obvious she loved her family to no end… She had just never received much in the way of affection; Germania was a cold sort of father, an when he was gone, Austria had seemed to think it was his duty and responsibility to take care of her. Even if she loved her older brother more than her own life… she wasn’t so sure the feeling was mutual, or if Roderich had ever cared for her at all, and everything he had done for her was out of simple obligation and nothing more. Heinkel often worried that none of her love was returned from her family, but… she got the feeling that at least Spain did care for her, even if only in some abstract manner, stemming from the fact that he had been married to her brother for so long.

Secondly, it was because of her “brother” – as she still considered him, as noted, despite the divorce between he and her older brother – Spain seemed to be able to read her so easily; he knew she wanted to smoke, and had offered it before she even had the chance to embarrass herself by asking about it. Of course, the fact that Philippines was being so friendly – her name was Gabriella wasn’t it? Something like that – was something that set the blonde capitol off balance slightly as well, merely adding to the slight rose hue which had taken over her cheeks in the previous moments. Vienna wasn’t at all used to such; at least, not on so much of an open basis. Most of her family, in truth, were rather rigid, rather formal about their interactions, and those which weren’t… well, those tended to annoy her mostly in the way they went about it. But with this brunette girl… perhaps things would be different.

Fighting down her blush – now was certainly not the time to be acting both so femininely and so childishly – she managed to nod in returned greeting to Spain (she wasn’t going to mention his… affectionate actions) before offering a small smile in greeting to Philippines. “Ja, it… would be nice… to get to know you more,” she hoped that her words weren’t odd, but it was simply that she wasn’t very practiced in social situations… At least, none as relaxed as this was; she was, after all, Austria’s capitol ad younger sister, so it shouldn’t have been surprising that she was more used to the higher end of society, and thus also much more rigid and refined sort of manners. Not that she though anyone here to be unrefined… it was just this was… very different from what she was used to. And then her all-but-fumbled thoughts were broken into, when Belgium arrived. Her blush returned full-force, and Heinkel was supremely glad that she never removed her dark, wire-framed glasses.

For one, they were prescription, and she would have been in a good deal of pain without them (damn her so greatly light-sensitive vision…!), but for two, they hid the way her sapphire eyes darted, wide, to the other blonde. While it wasn’t because of the fact that she had once had (and probably still did have) unrequited feelings for the other blue-eyed blonde woman that she was making sure her nervousness didn’t show, it was more because, during the First World War… she had been at the battles, and, at times when she couldn’t wriggle her way out of it, had also participated in some of the events which had later become known as the Rape of Belgium. It had been a source of shame for her ever since, and as she hadn’t had much contact with the neutral blonde since… she feared that it would be detrimental to repairing their friendship, and to possibly returning to what relationship they had had in the past.

There was a distinct shade of worry in her voice when she spoke, and yet, it was eclipsed by a mixture of trepidation and shame, her accent thickening with all three emotions. “ Hallo, Belgien... Es hat... schon eine Weile her...” Slipping into her own tongue, she hoped that Emma wouldn’t harbor any hate for the things she had participated in, during that long-by-gone war, when they had all – her beloved Roderich as well, she acknowledged – made mistakes. She also hoped that Belgium knew Heinkel could never really forgive herself for the things she herself had done, and the things she had helped to do, back then. Oh, dear, and now her hands were starting to shake… it was a good thing she’d already set down the bottle of wine she had brought, or it may very well have landed in pieces at her feet. So much as she prided herself upon her composure (she was Austria’s younger sister and capitol, after all) it seemed the gunslinging blonde was in for a day where her resolve of blank emotions would be tried to its utmost…

Perhaps she did need a cigarette more than she had thought, after all…

---

TAGGED: Spain, Philippines, Belgium; Open.
WORD COUNT: 907.
NOTES: Sorry for not posting sooner… as I said in the Activity Check, I’ve been sick for a while now (stomach flu, food poisoning, and a touch of heat stroke all at once) and as I’m hopped up on meds, my muse wanted me to post for some unknown reason… Aside from that – Belgium, please don’t get made about the fact that I’m presuming things, and if you do, please blame the medication… everyone else – I’m sorry for rambling; again, blame the meds… ^^” *shotdead* Ah, before I forget…
“Hallo, Belgien... Es hat... schon eine Weile her...” = "Hello, Belgium... It has... been a while..."

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: url(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i473/shahal_sparda/Rp/Maria-1.png) ] Honestly? Maria didn't want to come to the party. Her government may have patched things up with that of Spain, but the woman herself was still iffy on were she stood personally with the older man. There was a point were she liked him, even had something of a school girl crush on the man, but then again, there were times where she thought he was one of the biggest bastards on the face of the planet. Actually that was most of the time, and just thinking about it started to annoy her worse so instead she dug her heels into the sand and wondered if this was even a good idea. The woman wanted to turn and leave. She would rather spend her time with the Americanos the way she normally did, hanging around in New York City because that was like a second home to her and it wasn't like she got along especially well with her 'familia.' Maria didn't want to listen to Teresa get snippy about anything, and she didn't get along particularly well with anyone else in the Caribbean, but at the same time she wanted to see Doña Noelia and didn't want to disappoint her by not coming. Even if she would probably have had more fun doing anything else at the moment. Taking a deep breath Maria ran a hand through her exceptionally wild hair and set a look of determination on her face as she walked towards the party, a case of rum under one arm and a bag with a few coconuts and a pair of pineapples hanging from her other arm, "Hola todos! Who wants a piña colada?" A grin spread itself on her face quite easily at the thought of getting everyone tanked, paring alcohol with parties was her specialty, Puerto Rico was the rum capital of the world after all. Critically looking over the food cooking though Maria frowned a little and turned to Antoino, "What? You didn't make any empanadas?" Shaking her head and putting the drink ingredients down, she threw her hands in the air and got to work, washing her hands and going for the dough, "Looks like drinks are gonna have to wait," At least she was being civil, right? It was the best she was going to be doing until she got a few drinks in her. [style=padding: 0px 10px; font-size: smaller;] Date:Present Location: Beach Music: Grito Mundial - Daddy Yankee Notes: PR to crash the party!

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Emma let a small giggle escape her lips when she felt Antonio place his lips on each of her cheek, then her head. Her face began to flush bright red, so she buried it into his shoulder again to hide the blush from the others. It was nice. She missed being with him.

"I'm glad I came as well! It's great to see you again," she replied as she pulled away. Belgium couldn't help but find herself smiling brightly at the Spaniard. She really did miss him so much. It was a shame they only seemed to meet during the world meetings.

Briefly she cast her eyes down as the blush returned when Antonio placed another kiss on her head. It made her heart race and a smile tug at the corners of her lips. Everything about him, just being with him, felt right.

"Ja, we'd better let the cooks get on with the meal," the blonde female gabbled as she took a step back, trying desperately to fight the blush on her cheeks. Luckily it seemed that Spain's attention had gone to Philippines and the Lechon. Belgium just hoped he hadn't noticed how red she'd gotten. However, as she got out of the two cooks way, she couldn't help but smile at the situation. Both Gabriella and Antonio seemed so happy. She really did miss this.

Just as the blonde stepped away, a German accent stole her attention, causing her to tilt her head in the direction of the bespectacled capital city.

"Hallo, Belgien... Es hat... schon eine Weile her..."

For a moment, Emma did not reply. She just stared blankly at Heinkel, her lips tightly pressed together in a thin line. It had been years since she'd spoken to or seen Austria's capital, yet still she couldn't help but feel slight wary of the other woman. Of course, it was ridiculous to hold a grudge over the past! So much had changed since... then. The world was different. Old rivalries were mostly forgotten. However, for Emma, the multiple scars on her body kept many things fresh in her memory. Mainly the time she was "raped" by Germany, Austria and their allies. Including their capitals.

As the green-eyes woman stared at Vienna, she couldn't help but notice the slight tinge of red just peeping out from under her glasses. Strange. From the tone of Heinkel's voice, Emma could make out a feeling of regret... and nerves? How odd.

Eventually, she forced a smile on her face and gave the capital a polite nod of her head. What was in the past was in the past. There was no point dwelling on it… no matter how much it did hurt sometimes. No, Belgium would do her best to be friendly to Vienna and enjoy the reunion. Besides, she could always spend more time with Antonio. As she thought this, her emerald eyes briefly wandered over to the male nation, and her smile relax. Ja, it would be fine. Just be polite to Heinkel.

"Hallo Vienna," Her tone was bright, cheerful as she faced the capital again. Belgium's eyes, however, seemed a little distant. "Ja, it has been a while. How are you?"

Best to make small talk than be cold towards the other or start an argument.

It was then she was distracted by Puerto Rico's almost sudden entrance. The blonde tilted her head and gave the new arrival a grin and cheery wavy.

"Ah, hello Maria! Good to see you! And a piña colada sounds good to me."

Thank God she'd come and had changed the mood a little.

OOC: sorry for late reply.