[ I Really Fucking Wish I Lived In Europe ]

In an earlier post, I talked about the lesser known sides of Spain. This post will focus on the more obvious, yet ironically ignored, positive aspects of his character. Spain has never been a plain character. The problem is that his personality is often watered down, either as a result of the anime or people choosing to selectively represent certain aspects of his personality.

That said, let’s go over some examples.

He’s not a cheerful ditz all the time: 

Ex: He didn’t take chibi Romano’s constant complaining without any resistance. On several occasions, Spain’s shown to be calling him an idiot.

Ex: He’s an emotional or “violent” drunk. It depends on which translation you have, but it pretty much conveys the same thing.

My translation is a bit different from the one above:

“As long as you keep him away from booze, and don’t get on his bad side, you should be fine.”

Ex: Prior to the strip, teenage Romano had a huge obsession with fantasizing about/ role-playing the medieval chivalric romance novels that he read. In comes Prussia, recklessly spouting out keywords that seem to trigger Romano’s obsession again, much to the latter’s dismay. Mother hen Spain quickly swoops in to give a deadly warning.

Ex: He melancholically looks back on his and France’s rough childhoods.

Ex: When the topic of discussions falls to what each nation is known for, Spain laments over being known for cows and tomatoes.

He’s more than capable of reading the atmosphere: 

Ex: His reaction to America after the Stock Market crashes in 1939.

Ex: He’s heartbroken when Veneziano chooses Austria over him during the Austrian War of Succession. The scene alludes to the fact that Spain was deeply saddened in the years following his divorce from Austria. Likewise, the way Spain revs up his cheery attitude in light of being rejected seems to be more of a defense mechanism, a guarded mask of emotions, than it is of his true personality.

I say this because Romano finds Spain weeping in the next panel.

Ex: He solemnly hints to Chibitalia of what’s to become of him right before he and his brother are both conquered.

His optimism is not out of sheer stupidity: 

It’s more like it’s a desperate sort of optimism. The way that Spain convinces himself to push forward with a smile is eventually internalized until he himself doesn’t even realize that what he’s doing is unrealistic and naive. As mentioned above, it’s also a coping mechanism.

Nonetheless, there are moments where he shows a deep awareness of his economic/ political situation.

Ex:There’s a clear recognition that he’s lost his international standing due to poverty.

Ex: Once again, his [desperate] optimism shines through in how he copes with his weakened economy. He sings songs, and acts happy…

…but he’s more than aware of how deep and serious his money problems are. He’s literally clinging to Germany, albeit for exaggerated humorous effect.

He may have a laid-back personality…

…but once he gets worked up about something, his passion replaces his typical lazing around.

Ex: He fought to have olive oil continually be marketed as a staple product of the EU.

Again, with Spain, it seems that the happiness he forces onto himself allows him to get too carried away in what he does (e.g., over-manufacturing and then causing a property bubble).

That’s why he comes off as naïve and a bit air-headed. You could even argue that it’s a slight dissociation from reality to help minimize any anxiety that he feels.

His constant smiling is also a play on the fact that the sun never set in the Spanish Empire.

He’s selfless:

Ex: Despite all the complaining and constant belittling that he had to endure with Romano, Spain still saves him from Turkey.

Ex: Spain spent all his money on improving Romano’s wardrobe. [Please note that Romano was too young to realize this]. Meanwhile, his own clothes were in tatters.

Ex: When Romano immigrates to America, Spain is the first person he calls. Their relationship is noted to be much deeper than the one Romano shares with Veneziano.

Immediately, Spain’s mother hen mode gets switched on as he asks Romano how he’s been and if he’s been eating well.

He also lets Romano know how proud he is of him working and taking responsibility for himself for once.

That said, it wouldn’t make sense for a character predicated on a stereotype of passion to be flat and static. He’s anything but.

different ways to say ‘i love you’. 

‘i’ll make you something, yeah? your favorite dish, just for you.’

‘let’s get you back to bed.’

‘shh, it was just a nightmare.’

‘you like this, don’t you? i remember you saying that.’

‘i drew up a bath for you.’

‘you need rest.’

‘you ought to be asleep.’

‘i bought two.’

‘here. you can have the rest.’

‘i thought of you when i saw this.’

‘i like your smile.’

‘you have a cute laugh.’

‘stay there. i’m coming there to get you.’

‘it’s okay, i’m here, we’re okay.’

‘be careful.’

‘look both ways.’

‘you mean so much to me.’

‘i can’t lose you.’

‘i thought i might have lost you.’

‘how to you feel about the nickname, (insert nickname)?’

‘it looks good on you.’

‘i’ll make you soup.’

‘ah-ah-ah. you’re sick. you need to stay in bed.’

‘are you okay in there?’

‘that’s it, that’s it. get it all out. shh.’

‘it’s a remedy i knew. helps with your throat.’

‘it’s a lullaby. would you like me to sing it to you? would that help you fall asleep?’

‘i’m worried about you.’

‘what do you want to watch?’

‘where would you like to go for dinner?’

‘close your eyes and hold out your hands.’

‘we’ll figure it out.’

‘oh, it’s not big deal. you’re fine.’

‘i brought you some medicine for your cold.’

‘you’re important to me.’

‘this is your favorite song, right?’

‘you’re like a son/daughter to me.’

‘good luck!’

‘you’re like a mom/dad to me.’

‘don’t say that about yourself.’

‘want to come with?’

“wow! you look really nice.’

‘goodnight, (insert term of affection).’

‘it’s okay. i couldn’t sleep anyway.’

‘you can have half.’

‘come here. let me fix it.’

‘your tie is crooked.’

‘c’mere. shh, it’s okay.’

‘i’m not going to hurt you.’

‘can i touch you?’

‘can i kiss you?’

‘can i hug you?’

‘promise.’

‘would i ever lie to you?’

‘i think you’re very beautiful/handsome.’

‘hey, good-looking.’

‘of course i care. you’re my family.’

‘one more chapter.’

‘i love you.’

Carmen: I don’t think you want to kiss someone who’s been throwing up for the past couple of minutes, let alone fuck them.

Luciano: You said that yesterday too, and just this morning you were complaining about your thighs and ass hurting.

Carmen: ...

Luciano: I’m right, aren’t I?

Carmen: Fuck you.

Luciano: No, no, bella. It is I who will be fucking you.

RP Blog change!

A sketch/wip thingy 6: Drawing S.pain is a lot of fun!

she let out a quiet scoff, rolling her eyes. ❝ oh ye of little faith. i don’t pay full price for anything. i’m too broke for that! ❞ she pointed to the box & smiled. ❝ but i saw it in a pawn shop when i was in Switzerland & got it for you. i hope you like it. ❞

resolduende

the Spaniard nodded, holding up a small box to the way taller man. ❝ i give gifts to all my family. even if one of them reproduces like a rabbit. ❞ her eyes flashed before she laughed a little. oh please don’t murder her. she enjoys life. ❝ this one’s yours. i couldn’t remember if you were the type to have gold or silver stored away in case of an international economy collapse. so i got you some silver. ❞

Tim flashed her an unamused glance. “You do remember I was a kid myself when I got most of them?” But he didn’t actually comment further on it, he was too interested what was in that small box. “Gold, actually. Gold doesn’t lose value when economies differ.” He muttered as he opened the box to reveal a silver watch, with an adjustable strap. His eyebrows raised in surprise as he raised his head as well to look back at her. “Did you… pay full price for this?”

Lovino: *talking about Antonio’s ass* It’s not even that good. I’ve seen better.

Gilbert: Like mine?

Lovino: Yeah, your’s is better than his.

Carmen: What about mine?

Lovino: ... Yeah sure.

“Mm... Let me be worried for you. That’s what friends do for each other. They worry.”

Carmen tapped her nails on the wooden table in the kitchen, glancing between the clock on the wall and her red fingernails.

“Please. You’re going to make yourself sick, & I know from experience how you get when you’re sick.”

“My darling. You need to relax. You’re overworking yourself. Come home...”

            ❛   and that, carmen, is what one might consider an exaggeration.   ❜   he points out, smirking into his phone at the jest. at least he could see the value in light humour.   ❛   i think you’ll find i’m very relaxed. i do appreciate the concern, but i assure you, i’m fine.   ❜

@portugals-blog

Congrats, hermano. 39 whole points? So proud of you

If you want to

You really should

@portugals-blog

Congrats, hermano. 39 whole points? So proud of you