March 4th, 2014 - The Party Gras Combo
ARTIST: Owyn
AUTHOR: Faux
March 4th, 2014 - The Party Gras Combo
The streets were packed, the bars were full, the very air was stifling with the amount of people that had gathered on Bourbon Street for the Mardi Gras celebration. Locals and tourists alike were laughing and carrying on together in the contagious festival atmosphere. Drink after drink was poured as shouts of enthusiasm spread like wildfire through the boulevard. Everyone was enjoying themselves...except for one exceptionally grumpy guest country.
"I don't see the point of this flashy display of technicolor tomfoolery."
England sat with his arms crossed on the porch of one of the grandest hotels in the NOLA area. England had decided to visit at America's request, after the country's incessant whining at every possible moment the two met had broken through his resolve. Truthfully, it was also an opportunity for him to escape the dreadful cold that still wrapped tightly about most of the European nations this time of year. However, after the arrangements had been made and England arrived, America's "surprise" trip down to New Orleans for one of the most grandiose events on the American calendar was not the kind of outing he'd been hoping for.
"Hahaha! Come on, England. You're not too old to party, are you?" America stood a short distance away from the Brit, his hands wrapped about the balcony railing, taking in the bustling movement of his city in its prime. "There's nothin' wrong with having a little fun and downing a few cold ones!"
"I'd hardly call that mass below us a little fun." England pushed himself up from the table to join beside America. "The floats, the garish masks, everything about this event screams tourist trap and an excuse to get bleeding drunk without worrying about the consequences." He paused as a giant jester situated atop a bus rounded the corner, only serving to prove his point. "No wonder it was inspired by the French," he huffed.
England waited somewhat anxiously for America's response, finally forcing his eyes away from the spectacle to see a rather miffed country. America said not a word and, without warning, reached out, latching on to England's elbow.
"Oi! Unhand me!"
England protested, but the younger nation wasn't listening. He hurried down the stairs to enter the hoard of people crowded outside the hotel's glass doors. As soon as the two breached the doors, a roar erupted along with thunderous applause. America, still not willing to let go of England, rose his free hand in acknowledgement, causing another explosion of excited cheers. The two made their way through to the edge of the sidewalk as best they could, America pushing England to stand in front of him before placing both hands on his shoulders.
"Just take a closer look."
England had given up his attempts to get the better of the nation and merely sighed, shoulders and eyebrows sagging. He might as well indulge him and hopefully end his complaining about the visiting nation's sour mood. So England looked. He watched the floats passing by with their Krew and riders tossing candy, toys, and multi-colored bits and bobs to the by-standers. He watched as women adorned in beautiful dresses and masks covered in glitter and feathers strolled down main street with amazing grace and poise. He saw the wide-eyed smiles and brotherly affection each and every single individual had on their faces.
Suddenly, he felt something tug at his sleeve. Blinking, he turned his attention to a small child with a face painted all the hues of Mardi Gras, matching ribbons in her hair. She reached out her hand and gestured for him to open his palm. England obliged and was stunned when a single strand of purple beads was placed in it.
"Happy Mardi Gras, Mister! "
As the little girl turned and left, England curled his fingers about the beads, pulling his arm to his chest. He spied America, sporting a confident smirk, out of the corner of his eye. The nation heaved a sigh and lifted the strand up over his head.
"I suppose that enjoying oneself from time to time isn't the most horrible thing in the world."