Lunch between frenemies~ (Finished~)

The larger nation puffed on his cigar, the sunlight dancing on his tanned skin. He loved it here. The world seemed to move a little slower here, it was as if time forgot about the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

"Yes, I agree. The ocean will always reach for the shore and it puts its in perspective a bit. If only for a moment we can realize how small we truly are."

He turned and watched Alfred for a moment. His doe eyes reminded him of Matthew's. That soft expression of simple gratitude it was better than any schmaltzy polite words he could say.

"Come on, the best view is a bit further down the way."

He turned to Carlos and gave him a soft and natural smile. He didn't even have to try anymore, he was just smiling out of general happiness now. He listened to what the man said about how truly small they were and he nodded in agreement. Moments like these made him realise that too. That they really we're as amazing and big as they sometimes thought they were. It was an oddly comforting thought.

"Alright. That would be nice Carlos."

His smile was true. All formality had dripped away. Instead of two nations they were just two men. Simple men, almost too similar to admit it. Carlos shook the thought from his mind. No, he was not like him. He was his own nation, his own man. He was nothing like this braggart.

He started to walk again. Along the wall he could see children playing, hearing the soft sounds of the trombone being played by street performers. It was humbling, simple joys coming from this moment.

"Alfred.....thank you for indulging me today." he said then laughed. "But this still doesn't mean I like you!"

---

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malec%C3%B3n,_Havana

Alfred felt calm and oodly at peace as they walked along. Perhaps he'd seen the other in the wrong light, just because of the commie thing? Hell...it was the 2000's, he really should learn to get over things like that. He listened to the sounds around him, loving the noises of day to day life.

He chuckled as he heard what Carlos had to say. "No, thank you for inviting me over today. I had a lot of fun." He then paused and smiled a bit at the second part. "I don't like you either~...but" He gave Carlos a very bright smile. "I don't hate you either."

He didn't hate him? Well, it was true. Carlos never really hated Alfred. Just his politics, his attitude, his behavior. But just as time continued to move forward, his dislike lessened to ambivalence. Yes, perhaps it was time to see if they could even become friends. Or at least stand each other.

His chuckle turned into a bright, jovial laughter that shook his slightly round belly. His warm eyes looked into Alfred's blue ones. "The feeling is mutual. I feel that maybe even one day I can call you friend......but not today." The sea breeze caught the tropical print of his shirt and it fluttered about his body. "And not with that shirt. Time to get a proper one."

Alfred was glad that the feeling was mutual, because really, they were two very similar men, even if he hated to admit that. He knew it would take a little time for them to get along properlly, but it would happen. The day would come when the two of them would become good friends and all the stupid, pointless fighting between them would end. Because their relationship was still salvageable...unlike the one with a certain Russian nation. That one was ruined beyond repair.

He laughed as Carlos made the comment about the shirt. "Okay okay~"

"Yes, we are in a lively place, dress to match!" he laughed, smoke dancing about the air. "Matthew picked out a great one at a shop in Old Havana. Its just off the beach and has a great selection."

He gestured for the other to follow him, the soft music of the musicians adding a spring to his step. He was actually having a good time. For a moment he was anxious to show him the bar and watch the game.

"For you, I'm thinking blue....."

Alfred smiled and nodded in responce as he followed the other. This, this was extreamly fun acctually. He made a mental note to make the effort to visit Cuba more often. He turned his head to face the man as he told him of the colour he thought would suit him.

"Blue? Yes, blue sounds nice~!" He grinned over at Carlos, deciding it would be best to let the other man choose for him. After all, it was his country and he knew best here.

He was being cooperative. He was laughing, he was having a good time. It was different than when Matthew came to visit, this time, it seemed to have more vigor, more exuberance. It was like another version of him. He chuckled as they walked, leading him to a small beach front shop. Dozens of shirts lined it, in different patterns and colors.

Immediately he was pulling several off the racks. "As I said, a fine selection"

Alfred looked around at all the diffrent shirts. There sure was a lot of them. Which meant Carlos should be able to find one that suited him perfectly. "Wow...that's a lot of shirts~!" He grinned as he said that, rather impressed by the large range. He watched as the other pulled several off the racks. It seemed like they would be spending a while doing this. Not that he minded, Alfrd really had nothing against shopping, after all, it was rather fun!

Carlos liked shopping. It was always good to explore and find something new, something exciting, something you didn't realize you wanted. He was genuinely excited about this. He wanted to find a perfect shirt for Alfred to wear to the bar.

"Something light, not too busy, with a modern collar..." He said to himself as he held up shirt's to Alfred's frame. He hesitated for a moment then chose the third one, a medium blue with gold and red pineapples. "This one is perfecto!" he exclaimed turning to the shopkeeper. "Julio, put this on my tab."

Eh? Carlos was paying for it? That wouldn't do! He couldn't let someone else pay for his clothing. "Your paying for it Carlos? You shouldn't! I can afford it!" He felt rather uncomfortable with the idea of someone else buying something for him when it wasn't a birthday or christmas gift. Especially when he could pay for it own his own.

"Ah yes. It is no trouble. Consider it a present, a token of our non friendship if you will." He explained handing him the shirt. "Put it on and lets get to the bar. The game starts in less than an hour."

He sighed. There was no way he'd convince Carlos otherwise. Once that man decided to do something he didn't change his mind, ever. He was stubborn, rather like himself. He took the shirt as the other handed it to him, staring down at it. The shirt was very nice, the Cuban really had an eye for these kind of things. He then moved his gaze to the man, wanting to ask a question. "Ok, ok...so where do I get changed?"

"Ah, of course, there is a changing room in the back. Go there and meet me up front when you are finished. I'll handle the bill. Then off to the cantina for a cerveza and a good time."

He waved the other off and went to the counter where the elderly man smiled at him with a warm and weathered grin.
"Alfredo, hermano de mi amigo, Matthew."

"Okay~!" Alfred went where directed and walked inside, closing the door behind him. He made sure to change as quickly as possible, grabbing his old shirt and bomber jacket as he left and made his way back to Carlos. 'Ok done~!' He thought with a bright smile, excited for what lay ahead.

He watched as the Cuban conversed with the old man in Spanish, wishing like hell that he actually UNDERSTOOD the language being spoken. So many languages to learn...so little time!

He looked up when Alfred came out of the dressing room. "I approve! Muy Bueno
he exclaimed. He gave him a thumbs up. He tapped the counter and smiled at the shopkeeper.

"Now that you are dressed, lets be on the way." he said leaving the store. He led the American out of the shop and back onto the street. The streets were still bustling with life as they walked past them. "Hector's place is not too far from here. Best selection of cerveza in the city. And the best selection of sports channels I have ever seen."

Alfred smiled, guessing that he'd just been complimented in Spanish. As the other left the store he followed him happily, feeling even more excited now for what was to come. He seriously couldn't remember anytime that Carlos and him had gotten on so well like this! There had be times when they'd managed to be CIVIL to one another but never, well, nice. But here they were, right now, walking side by side, willing to be in one anothers company and acctually having a great time~! It was amazing really.

"Really? Sounds great~! I can't wait to get there~!"

"Si" he replied, lighting up another cigar. "I found it a while ago, a hole in the wall really. Usually the best places are."

He walked along the streets, beaming. Today was actually going well, what started off as a chore became a fun day. He'd have to thank Matthew later.

The American nodded, listening to what Carlos had to say. "Sounds like an awesome find~!" He looked about at his surrounding as he walked, taking in the sights and sounds of Cuba. It was nice here, it really was. He made a mental note to visit the country more often.

He smiled as the smoke lingered as he walked. He loved the feel, the rhythm of the streets here. The modern world mixed with a timeless beauty that could not be replicated anywhere else.

"Yes, we can get some salsa and see what team could take your best on. I would love to see such a thing."

Alfred hummed happily in reply, agreeing with what Carlos had to say. He was in a fine mood now, feeling that nothing or no one could drag him down. After all, what could ruin a now wonderful evening? Though he did hope they'd get there soon, but he didn't voice that, not wanting to annoy the other.

"Sounds great Carlos~ I can't wait to get there then~!"

The Cuban chuckled. "We'll be there soon enough. The fried plantains and yuca are simply amazing. As you can tell, I love food."

They walked a few more blocks to a less crowded street. The bar's sign looked worn and old but well used. As he stepped inside a warm welcome greeted the two of them. "Hola! I hope we are not late."

"No, no.....it will start soon, your usual table and food Carlos?"

"Si. And make it for two."

Alfred laughed in reply, grinning brightly. "I know you do and that's cool, 'cause I do too~!" He happily followed around, content with the knowledge that they were finally close to their destination.

When they'd finally arrived he looked about the enterance, trying to take in the feel of the place. It had a warm and friendly vibe, he was happy to find. They were greeted as they walked in and he smiled at their greeter with great warmth. He had a feeling that he was going to like it here very much.

He sat at his usual table, a small one near the center of the room with a clear view of the screen. As soon as he sat down a pair of Cerveza Tropical appeared on the table via the waitress. She gave him a warm smile and whispered in his ear, causing him to blush.

"She was telling me about the stats for the game and how nice it is to see me again here." he said a slight sputter to his voice.

"Our corn fritters and fried plantains with mango sauce will be here shortly." he commented taking a sip of his beer. It was delicious, the smooth, clean flavor was just what he needed. The crowd was settling in ready to watch the two teams out do each other.

"Today's game is Leones Azules against the Vaqueros. Ah,pardon....Blue Lions versus the Cowboys. I am a Lions supporter. Viva La Havana!"

The crowd heard him and voiced their approval. "Viva los Leones!"