BOUND·LESS

As soon as the other nation stepped inside, Sadik moved to close the door behind him. Inwardly, he was pleased that he didn’t have to remind the Canadian to remove his shoes upon entering his home, but unfortunately, the Turk did not have any house slippers for him to wear as his extra pair had been given away a little while ago as they hadn’t fit Hugh well enough in Sadik’s opinion.

Having followed along with the Canadian’s conversation, the Turk eventually spoke up again, gently patting the other male on his right shoulder just briefly. “While I would’ve appreciated it a bit more if ya had called first, it isn’t a problem since I wasn’t doing anything,” Sadik replied, offering a grin in return to Canada’s apologetic look. “Don’t worry yerself - I really do appreciate! I’ve got a killer sweet tooth that’s dying to bite into those. Huh, well then! I hope I’ll be a bit better company.”

Turning away, he gestured towards the area several steps ahead of them. “The living area’s right over there. Would ya like something to drink?”

“I’m really sorry about not calling!” Matt replied, giving a bit of an over-exaggerated dip of his head. “I figured if you didn’t answer the door I’d just go back to my hotel room and stress eat the rest of these...” Which probably wasn’t the best idea in the world, but he had an appetite and it came out when he was upset more than any other time. “So I’m glad you answered. I don’t need to eat the rest of them alone.” He’d have given some sort of double finger gun gesture if it weren’t for the sweets in his hand, but he still managed to hold the plate with one hand and point goofily with the other.

im crying

“Does it?” Bastian laughs, looking over to the Canadian and giving a teasing roll of his eyes. “I would say a Bastian away from his work is perpetually anxious and not a fun time.” But Emma had told him to get away for a bit, to let her handle some things so that he could actually take time for himself; something that the Belgian seldom did. “I would say you’re winning. But pastries might put me in the lead.” He’ll smile, catching the brief look of horror on Matthew’s face at the idea that he missed the eldest Benelux sibling’s birthday. “Don’t worry,” He murmurs, “I nearly forgot it too.” But then he’d promptly rescued himself by making a cake without a recipe that actually turned out okay. “I did! Despite everything, I’m a damn good cook and baker. But, honestly, I have no idea how it turned out so well. It was a Devil’s food cake with raspberry coulis and it was just sorta the perfect cake.” He laughs, never having been one to actually follow recipes. He didn’t like to– felt as if it clamped down on his creative abilities. “You being crappy at Chemistry was like me be shitty at biology in university. I’ve lived 500 plus years, I don’t need to know the anatomy of a frog.” He’ll raise an eyebrow and quickly snag the Canadian’s hand before squinting at him. “I thought I was the accident prone one.” “I think I want another dachshund, Butterscotch irks Cocoa and I think a friend may alleviate that. Plus, then, obviously, I’m going to have to get another kitten so that Godiva has a friend so she doesn’t think I’m playing favourites.” He’ll look back at Matthew, blinking rapidly at the idea of the Canadian daintly clipping bright pink bows to little dog collars. “That mental image is precious. I demand to assist.”

“The anatomy of a frog isn’t that difficult to understand, but something tells me you don’t want me to explain it.” He laughs as Bastian snatches his hand to inspect his fingers, wiggling all five easily. His index finger looks a lttle scorched, perhaps, but nothing too serious. “Hey hey, they’re still there. I said almost. If I’d actually lost a finger, I probably would’ve been accused of ruining the party.” It had happened before, and Matt wants  They reach the cafe, named “Personal Space”, and Matt opens the door for Bastian. Inside is a chic little cafe with a log-cabin aesthetic.  To the left, there’s an archway into the connecting building, and the smell of baked goods wafts through the area. 

As Bastian talks about dogs, Matt smiles again. “I wish my house was big enough to support so many animals, you Disney princess you.” he teases, thinking to his tiny home and bear-sized dog. “I also think that there’s more than a slight chance of them getting lost in Bear’s fur, which would be unfortunate. Guess I was only meant to help them find better homes, not bring them into my family.” He shrugs. Perhaps one day he’d move out to somewhere more remote, with a big house and an even bigger yard; living next to other people was so troublesome and not worth the convenience it offered. 

Things I had to deal with today: over 175 emails about @concilliationinternationale following me. I sent a help ticket to tumblr, but at this point I’m not even mad, I just wanna see how long this keeps happening for. 

Apparently it really wants me to know that Theo is very important, so I should inform you all that I do indeed think he is important.

“I’d be offended at myself honestly.” He grins, grimacing as the folder skids and falls to the floor. He’d pick it up but Matthew is already gesturing for him to follow along, and he shan’t disobey, padding behind the Canadian. “I’ll pretend to know what a pinwheel is. But I trust your judgement in all things sweet, delicious, and Canadian.” He follows beside Matthew and lets out a quiet laugh. “It was originally for work but then I took a couple extra days for myself.” A rarity, really.

“It’s actually just a puff pastry in the shape of a pinwheel, usually with some kind of fruit or cream cheese, and sometimes even chocolate.. Not particularly Canadian, just delicious.” He informs Bastian as they exit out onto the sidewalk and begin making their way towards Matt’s current favorite place. 

He nodded eagerly when Bastian admitted he actually took a few days off. “I’m glad you’re taking some time for yourself! Seems like all the people I care about work too much, you’re all making me look bad for not working so hard.” What was it with his European friends and running themselves into the ground? Perhaps he just has bad taste in friends. “Really though, I’ve got the whole month off. Nothing says birthday like an extended vacation, right? Especially when I have so many other birthdays I need to celebrate this month.” That was a entirely separate job on it’s own- not only did he have to go celebrate in America, but he was pretty confident that the all three of the BeNeLux siblings had their birthdays in July. 

Had he gotten any of them birthday gifts yet?

Sadik had answered the door in light, thin clothing and house slippers in addition to his ever present mask unless he was in the company of a close friend, but to see Canada at the door was a surprise. Now, their relations weren’t bad at all between their bosses–which was incredible really–but to see him standing in front of his home really was a surprise since he only thought of snow when thinking about this nation in particular and his own homeland was rather hot these days.

The next thing to catch his attention was the tinfoil plate and wait–hold it! Was that dessert? He’d said ‘Nanaimo bars’ and while Sadik did not know what that was, he’d personally made them and he had thought about giving the Turk some. YES! An attack straight to the heart (and his sweet tooth)! Turning down sweets was never an option.

“I never, ever turn down dessert, Kanada,” Sadik replied with a grin before continuing to speak as he opened the door the entire way to allow the other man to pass through. “Please, come in.”

For a moment, Matt had to wonder if Sadik just wore his mask around all the time, even when he was alone- but that was a foolish thought, one he quickly dismissed. Clearly he’d put it on before answering the door. Stupid... Matt scolded himself, offering the other man a smile. He did feel a bit overdressed, in his light cotton button-down and slacks, but it was his own fault for just showing up. Sadik didn’t seem to mind too much though, and his enthusiasm was honestly a bit overwhelming. 

@memoriesofwinter continued from here x

Bastian laughs, returning the hug from his other best friend, giving him a gentle punch to the shoulder. “Don’t ever think if I’m in Canada that I’m not coming and bothering the shit out of you. But I leave the coffee joint to you my friend. You’re the local, not me. But I’m paying and you will not convince me otherwise.”