gliddy gloop gloopy

[welljustwatchme]

Characters: welljustwatchme, pluckmygstring, beerjugs
Date: September 1
Summary: Canada is borrowing Spain's flute from Austria so that Prussia, who has flute envy, can play it for a little while and possibly antagonize Austria at the same time.
Warnings: N/A (unless someone starts on dirty flute metaphors, which is entirely likely)

Comments

[pluckmygstring]

Austria was surprised by Canada's visit. The two nations had been on rather friendly terms, yes, but Austria was not accustomed to having visitors at such short notice. Thus, she was naturally a bit thrown off at Canada's request to visit to discuss something only just that afternoon. However, she was perfectly alright with it and had taken the time to prepare coffee and creme puffs. She busied herself with tidying up a few things while she waited for the other nation's arrival.

[welljustwatchme]

Soon enough, Canada would be announcing her arrival, anxiously smoothing out her skirt (repeatedly to the point of obvious obsessive compulsion, actually, because she hasn't noticed it yet) while she waits for Austria to let her in. Her expression, however, is perfectly neutral.

[pluckmygstring]

Upon hearing the knock, Austria made her way to the door, opening it for the other nation.

"You had a matter that required discussing, Canada?"

[welljustwatchme]

"I do, as a matter of fact," Canada said politely, as she swung her arms behind her to clasp her hands behind her back. "I was wondering if I might borrow something of yours."

[pluckmygstring]

Austria blinked at that. It was certainly unexpected.

"...Perhaps. It depends on what it is that you wish to borrow."

[welljustwatchme]

The young nation took a deep breath. This was the moment where she had to be sure of her story in order to keep suspicions down. "Your flute, actually. If it wouldn't be too much of a bother. I've been... well, to be honest, I've been wanting to practice on a decent one for a while now, and I know every instrument in your care is impeccable."

[pluckmygstring]

"My flute? Are you referring to the gift I received from Spanien before she disappeared?"

Austria blinked, a bit surprised. She didn't recall when Canada would have even seen it; the time when she broadcasted her despair over Spain's disappearance was something she tried to forget and, though she cherished it, she didn't play it particularly often. Her piano was always her first love, after all.

[welljustwatchme]

"Yes!" Canada said enthusiastically, as if there was nothing to be suspicious about. "That's the one. I promise I'll take good care of it, and it'll only be for the afternoon."

[pluckmygstring]

Austria raised an eyebrow.

"You never mentioned being capable of playing the flute as well as the harp before..."

She pondered for a moment. That flute meant a lot to her, after all, but she did trust Canada.

"...I suppose it couldn't hurt. Please do be careful with it, though. It...holds quite a bit of sentimental value for me."

With that, she retreated into the music room to gather the flute.

[welljustwatchme]

If Canada had been prone to crying with relief, now would have been the perfect time to have a moment. However, as she was not, she just stopped clenching her fingers tight enough to break behind her back and murmured an empathetic, utterly sincere, "Oh, of course," as Austria went off.

Now she simply had to be sure nothing went disastrously wrong, hope she could remember any of her own marginal flute training in case Austria asked to audit her afternoon's practice, and keep two life-long enemies happy. Easy as pie.

[pluckmygstring]

Any other outside observer who knew anything about Austria and Prussia's relationship would probably think Canada was crazy to agree to something like this. Getting found out would never end well, after all. Of course, surely Canada knows that the best thing to do is not mess this up and all will be fine.

Austria returns shortly with the flute, which she's fashioned a wooden case for. She hands it over to Canada.

"Bring it back tomorrow at your earliest convenience, please."

[welljustwatchme]

"I will. And thank you for this," Canada said warmly, taking the flute as carefully as possible. It may never have been her instrument of choice, but she could certainly handle it with the same respect she would handle her own instruments, or the harp Austria had so generously crafted her. "I'm quite enjoying practising music in my free time here. It's something I've sorely missed having time to do."

[pluckmygstring]

"You're welcome,. I admit I'm quite glad to have someone around with a passion for music besides myself. It's a nice change."

She was clearly watching Canada's handling of the flute like a hawk, but was satisfied with her treatment of it.

[welljustwatchme]

Can you tell that she could hardly care less about flutes in general? No? Perfect. This is a much more personal care, knowing the value of both sentimentality and trust.

"Common interests are a great thing, aren't they?" Canada let out a little laugh, perhaps a bit awkward, but no more so than she usually was. "So... I should go. But thanks again, and I'll see you tomorrow!"

[pluckmygstring]

"Indeed, they are. I admit, I was not expecting for you to be so heavily interested in music, but I am pleasantly surprised."

Any awkwardness Canada may be displaying goes unnoticed by Austria. Well, any that would seem unusual or suspicious, anyway.

"Yes, I'll see you tomorrow. I hope you enjoy your practice."

[welljustwatchme]

"Oh, thanks, I intend to," Canada said, giving a little curtsey before turning away, still holding the flute carefully. "Have a nice day, Österreich."