[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (1/?)
anonymous
July 28 2010, 14:25:16 UTC
So, uh, OP asked 'how would it work?' and this anon got a little carried away...
13 July 2009, José Martí International Airport
The plane landed, and somewhere to the north, America disapproved. More than that, he Disapproved with a capital D, and probably with bold and italics as well, but England shook away the thought of America standing and scowling like a petulant child. He stepped out of the stifling aeroplane, stretching his legs and trying to work the crick out of his neck.
Who cared what America thought anyway? He could ban his own people from visiting Cuba if he liked, but he had no say over who England decided to associate himself with. Besides, he was here on official business. Well. Sort of. The Royal Ballet was dancing in Cuba and England had tagged along to supervise and improve international relations. Or so he had told his prime minister anyway. Whatever the case, he was certainly not here for a holiday
( ... )
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (6a/?)
anonymous
July 30 2010, 20:55:50 UTC
22 April 1917, PlymouthEngland watched the ship sail into the harbour with relief. He finally allowed his muscles to relax after tensely waiting for so long, the effort of trying not to fear the worst having taken its toll on him. He didn’t approach the ship immediately as its crew started to lug the heavy cargo onto dry land, choosing instead to watch from where he was leaning against the wall of an old and slightly grimy pub, sharp gaze searching for a single figure amongst the rest
( ... )
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (6b/?)
anonymous
July 30 2010, 20:58:13 UTC
“Something I shouldn’t,” Cuba said, his voice lowered conspiratorially. “But if you don’t tell anyone then I won’t. Here,” he gestured towards the bag. “Try some. Cuban sugar is the best in the whole damn world.” England hesitated, but then bent down, taking the tiniest amount of white crystalline powder from the bag, pinching it between his thumb and forefinger
( ... )
nnnngh, you updated. it's like, having a horrible day (and i had it), after another horrible day (that i had), and then something THIS good gets updated, and it cheers me up.
i wish i had been the one requesting for this fic, because really, it's TOO frigging good.
cuban sugar, huh. this gets better and better every part more, author!anon. really. the details, the historical settings, the characterization and the way the prose flows through... it's splendid.
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (7a/?)
anonymous
July 30 2010, 21:01:22 UTC
14 July 2009, El Gran TeatroIt was early evening, and the sun was hanging low in the sky, lengthening the shadows and cooling the streets of Havana. England and Cuba arrived at the theatre to find a long queue already snaking out of the building, filled with people talking and laughing, looking forward to the first foreign ballet production in the country for thirty years
( ... )
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (7b/?)
anonymous
July 30 2010, 21:03:33 UTC
Now he turned to look at Cuba, and he found himself trapped in Cuba’s gaze, his brown eyes molten in the darkness, drawing him in and making him shiver as a thumb stroked firmly and slowly along his thigh. There were promises in Cuba’s eyes and desire on the surface of his skin, and England swallowed thickly and forgot to breathe...
When the curtain dropped and the lights turned on, the applause and the following sounds of people rising, stretching and starting to shuffle towards the exit were lost on England. Cuba’s hand had subtly been reclaimed before it could be seen, and England wanted it back. He started as Cuba tapped him on the arm, and looked up to see that the other nation was already standing, quirking an eyebrow at him and looking amused
( ... )
Thank you so much, anons, for the kind comments! I was especially glad to get positive comments on characterisation because Cuba gets so little screen time in the strips that it's damn hard to write him. I'm also happy that you like this pairing, because although I'd never realised I wanted Cuba/England before I saw this request and somehow came up with it, I think I'm starting to actually ship it *shot* Then again, World/England is my OTP
Some notes on the update:
Part 6 obviously takes place during WWI, during which German U-boats patrolled the seas around Britain and cut off food supplies by sinking merchant ships. February-June 1917 was the most dangerous time to travel to Britain as the campaign became even more brutal during those months. Cuba did indeed ship sugar to Britain during the war under the pretense that the ships were heading to Sweden
Cuba declared war on Germany on 8 April 1917
And the Royal Ballet Company did perform in the Gran Teatro in Havana on the first night of their performance, and Swan Lake was indeed
( ... )
sorry, i dropped a comment at part 6 without knowing there would be a part 7 afterwards. XDD i was just THIS in love with that.
but oh, god. you frigging TEASE. the scene at the theater was probably the hottest thing i've read in the meme in a long, long while.and it was just teasing, yet -perfect. the tension, the heat, the scene, the touches, and everything that happened afterwards was just so PERFECT and SHIT
this fic is SO beautiful. *_* you ARE giving both england and cuba such a spot on characterization, and how they act, and it's refreshing to see this england after so many not-so-good fics i've read. and omg, THANK YOU.
cuba/england. i ship it now. thanks to you. i ship everybody/england as well, though with italy i must admit of preferring england topping, but this pairing... this pairing... it's so fresh and new and GOOD. i'm blown away.
also, yea, i love your ending notes. they do help a lot :3 research makes a fic WORK twice as much ;)
FUCK I do not really need to add to my list of England rarepairs (or Cuba pairs period), they cause me so much grief when I try to look for art/fic/fellow shippers, but this is SO AWESOME it might satisfy my growing obsession with England/Cuba all by itself. ♥
This anon just read through the whole fill and is now loving it! God how come I never saw the potential of Cuba/England before? I mean I ship World/England for god's sake!
The hatesex part really did touch me. Actually I think it's more than just hate and fight; they were angry, but to me it seemed more about the fact that they both knew the content of those insults were, in some way, true, and that they couldn't do anything but took out their frustration/hate on each other, which is kind of sad.
Then when Cuba said he wouldn't use England to annoy America again, it's like, he assured England their relationship was beyond spiting someone else and it made me smile since it's so indirect and cute.
They had their ups and downs and history and the way you write just sdgh;asgasklfgh <3
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (8a/13)
anonymous
August 4 2010, 21:06:54 UTC
23 September 1817, Madrid
Spending time with Spain was not one of England’s favourite occupations, to say the least. Spending time with Spain alone, in his rival’s capital no less, was even more unfavourable. However, England tried not to let his distaste show as he sat back in the antique chair and let an expression of bored disinterest settle over his features, subtly giving out an aura that said ‘you are not worth my time’, while at the same time being complacent enough not to ruin the whole meeting. Treading the fine line between irritating Spain and inciting him was a skill that England had perfected to such a level that it could almost be called a work of art in itself. It was certainly very satisfying to see the twitch in Spain’s jaw when the other nation looked at him and to not find a blade pressed to his throat a moment later
( ... )
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (8b/13)
anonymous
August 4 2010, 21:08:58 UTC
“I’m not sure I can do that,” he said, tapping his fingers on the desk, a parody of thoughtfulness on his face. England knew him too well, however, and knew, therefore, that Spain had already made up his mind one way or the other. He was just trying to mess with England while he had the opportunity. “After all, think how much money my empire will lose, even with your generous payment.” England didn’t respond, didn’t let Spain goad him with the sarcasm dripping from his words. After letting the silence drag on for a moment too long, Spain sighed and leant back in his chair.
“Really, England, can’t you do better than this?” he asked, and England arched an eyebrow high into his hairline. Was Spain trying to bargain with him? “I think you’re more responsible for this whole business than you’d like to admit. Let’s take Cuba for example, shall we?” He smiled at England in a way that immediately put England on his guard, and the fact that he had mentioned Cuba...England didn’t know what he thought of that, but it made him slightly nervous.
( ... )
[Cuba/England] Accented Spanish and Sugar (8c/13)
anonymous
August 4 2010, 21:10:59 UTC
So when Spain suddenly picked up a quill, dipped it into his ink well and signed the bottom of the last and fanciest page, England’s composure slipped and he couldn’t help letting astonishment flit over his face. Spain glanced up and saw it, allowing himself a small smirk as England hurriedly wiped his face clean of emotion.
“I’ve decided to accept your offer,” Spain practically purred, collecting the papers neatly into a pile, which he slid to one side of the desk, giving the distinct impression that he was making room for more important and pressing matters, already moving on from the issues of the treaty he had just signed. England resisted the urge to curl his fingers into fists.
“Good,” he replied dismissively, as if he’d anticipated this all along. Spain wasn’t fooled though; his earlier slip-up had shifted the balance of power, and England cursed himself internally. He did so hate to lose these games to Spain. “We’ll make sure that the money reaches you as soon as possible.” Spain stood up, smiling at him icily as he did so
( ... )
i just have to drop a comment on each part because it's like i'm feeling it all raw, and waiting for a single comment would disrupt what i feel.
this fill is splendid. spain and england? wow. it blew me away and kicked my stomach with the strength of their interaction, the careful weighted words, the little jabs, the steely control over their emotions, the small war they kept playing, dancing around each other...
oh, this is such an awesome fill. so, so good. SO good. how can you make a fic sound SO special? you have a real gift...
13 July 2009, José Martí International Airport
The plane landed, and somewhere to the north, America disapproved. More than that, he Disapproved with a capital D, and probably with bold and italics as well, but England shook away the thought of America standing and scowling like a petulant child. He stepped out of the stifling aeroplane, stretching his legs and trying to work the crick out of his neck.
Who cared what America thought anyway? He could ban his own people from visiting Cuba if he liked, but he had no say over who England decided to associate himself with. Besides, he was here on official business. Well. Sort of. The Royal Ballet was dancing in Cuba and England had tagged along to supervise and improve international relations. Or so he had told his prime minister anyway. Whatever the case, he was certainly not here for a holiday ( ... )
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i wish i had been the one requesting for this fic, because really, it's TOO frigging good.
cuban sugar, huh. this gets better and better every part more, author!anon. really. the details, the historical settings, the characterization and the way the prose flows through... it's splendid.
Reply
Reply
When the curtain dropped and the lights turned on, the applause and the following sounds of people rising, stretching and starting to shuffle towards the exit were lost on England. Cuba’s hand had subtly been reclaimed before it could be seen, and England wanted it back. He started as Cuba tapped him on the arm, and looked up to see that the other nation was already standing, quirking an eyebrow at him and looking amused ( ... )
Reply
Some notes on the update:
Part 6 obviously takes place during WWI, during which German U-boats patrolled the seas around Britain and cut off food supplies by sinking merchant ships. February-June 1917 was the most dangerous time to travel to Britain as the campaign became even more brutal during those months. Cuba did indeed ship sugar to Britain during the war under the pretense that the ships were heading to Sweden
Cuba declared war on Germany on 8 April 1917
And the Royal Ballet Company did perform in the Gran Teatro in Havana on the first night of their performance, and Swan Lake was indeed ( ... )
Reply
sorry, i dropped a comment at part 6 without knowing there would be a part 7 afterwards. XDD i was just THIS in love with that.
but oh, god. you frigging TEASE. the scene at the theater was probably the hottest thing i've read in the meme in a long, long while.and it was just teasing, yet -perfect. the tension, the heat, the scene, the touches, and everything that happened afterwards was just so PERFECT and SHIT
this fic is SO beautiful. *_* you ARE giving both england and cuba such a spot on characterization, and how they act, and it's refreshing to see this england after so many not-so-good fics i've read. and omg, THANK YOU.
cuba/england. i ship it now. thanks to you. i ship everybody/england as well, though with italy i must admit of preferring england topping, but this pairing... this pairing... it's so fresh and new and GOOD. i'm blown away.
also, yea, i love your ending notes. they do help a lot :3 research makes a fic WORK twice as much ;)
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PS: Oh hello there, fellow World/England shipper! *brofist*
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This anon just read through the whole fill and is now loving it! God how come I never saw the potential of Cuba/England before? I mean I ship World/England for god's sake!
The hatesex part really did touch me. Actually I think it's more than just hate and fight; they were angry, but to me it seemed more about the fact that they both knew the content of those insults were, in some way, true, and that they couldn't do anything but took out their frustration/hate on each other, which is kind of sad.
Then when Cuba said he wouldn't use England to annoy America again, it's like, he assured England their relationship was beyond spiting someone else and it made me smile since it's so indirect and cute.
They had their ups and downs and history and the way you write just sdgh;asgasklfgh <3
OhshitIamramblingshutupself
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Spending time with Spain was not one of England’s favourite occupations, to say the least. Spending time with Spain alone, in his rival’s capital no less, was even more unfavourable. However, England tried not to let his distaste show as he sat back in the antique chair and let an expression of bored disinterest settle over his features, subtly giving out an aura that said ‘you are not worth my time’, while at the same time being complacent enough not to ruin the whole meeting. Treading the fine line between irritating Spain and inciting him was a skill that England had perfected to such a level that it could almost be called a work of art in itself. It was certainly very satisfying to see the twitch in Spain’s jaw when the other nation looked at him and to not find a blade pressed to his throat a moment later ( ... )
Reply
“Really, England, can’t you do better than this?” he asked, and England arched an eyebrow high into his hairline. Was Spain trying to bargain with him? “I think you’re more responsible for this whole business than you’d like to admit. Let’s take Cuba for example, shall we?” He smiled at England in a way that immediately put England on his guard, and the fact that he had mentioned Cuba...England didn’t know what he thought of that, but it made him slightly nervous. ( ... )
Reply
“I’ve decided to accept your offer,” Spain practically purred, collecting the papers neatly into a pile, which he slid to one side of the desk, giving the distinct impression that he was making room for more important and pressing matters, already moving on from the issues of the treaty he had just signed. England resisted the urge to curl his fingers into fists.
“Good,” he replied dismissively, as if he’d anticipated this all along. Spain wasn’t fooled though; his earlier slip-up had shifted the balance of power, and England cursed himself internally. He did so hate to lose these games to Spain. “We’ll make sure that the money reaches you as soon as possible.” Spain stood up, smiling at him icily as he did so ( ... )
Reply
this fill is splendid. spain and england? wow. it blew me away and kicked my stomach with the strength of their interaction, the careful weighted words, the little jabs, the steely control over their emotions, the small war they kept playing, dancing around each other...
oh, this is such an awesome fill. so, so good. SO good. how can you make a fic sound SO special? you have a real gift...
off for the second part.
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