#romnor week

[aph-romnor-week]

What are some of your favorite headcanons about Romania and Norway?

[lesbianyaomo]

vita:: Halloween

As much as some people would like it to be, Halloween is in fact not an affair of great pomp and circumstance around the world. Depending on which one of them you asked, most would answer that they spent the day as any other day, others have minor little get-togethers for friends or family. Some years, Alfred throws a party for all of them, but after a few decades or so the gatherings have become less and less consistent.

This year, it ends up being him and Lukas. Usually, Mihai tries to make Halloweens at least somewhat special for his brother, but this time he'd been invited to some sort of arrangement by Peter which had promised lots of candy. Then Lukas had called to say he wanted to "get away" for the weekend, and Mihai figured he may as well do something for himself too.

He picks Lukas up at the airport and drives them out to a cabin he owns in Maramureș, which he keeps in case of a zombie apocalypse or nuclear holocaust, if he is to believed; his brother would say instead that "it's because he's sentimental." Regardless, Mihai makes use of it to escape the city and to hunt, quiet and tranquil tucked into the foot of the Carpathians.

The road looks miserable as they drive past. By this time, the leaves have wrapped themselves in kaleidoscope and shattered, leaving behind the skeletal limbs of their trees; the fields of grain have been harvested, and survived as little more than stumps emerging from the ground. Everything is dying, in this season, awaiting the cold blanket of winter to lay them to rest.

Mihai doesn't mind it. It's a suitable atmosphere for something like Halloween, he thinks, and says as much to Lukas. Besides, without a doubt, the farmers would start again to water their fields after the frost, and the leaves would come back in spring, greener and more alive than ever.

"Like us," he concludes. Lukas looks over at him from the passenger seat, and Mihai takes his eyes off the road just enough to catch sight of the thoughtful little smile on his lips.

"Well, I hope we don't come back greener," Lukas says.

"Depends on if you mean literally or figuratively, and in what way figuratively. I mean, plenty of times, I've–" He opens his mouth and lurches forward in imitation of throwing up.

The car lurches with him.

Lukas's fingers find his leg and pinch, drawing a yelp. "Watch the road."

He pouts. "I've driven this thousands of times. I could do it blindfolded," he mutters. He removes a hand from the wheel to rub at his smarting leg, but Lukas's is still there, his thumb brushing over the injured spot, soft and soothing. Mihai sees a glimmer of something red in his peripheral, and when he takes that hand, cold metal and hard stone press against his palm.

For a moment, it's almost wrong. Lukas freezes in his movements, fingers tensing in uncertainty, and Mihai's breath stutters. His focus narrows to their single point of contact, waiting for Lukas to stay or pull away, but then the moment passes.

Lukas unwinds, the tightness dissipates, and his fingers curl over Mihai's.

They drive the rest of the way like that, hands linked, through all the things dead and dying and waiting for spring.

[lesbianyaomo]

chance:: sharing (several things)

Recess after a conference in the U.S. is the ideal time to pay Vegas a visit. They rent a car, check into a double at a swanky hotel, and... Well, that's the only thing they really get done before he drags Lukas out to squander their paychecks (to which Lukas replies he must surely only mean his own).

They hadn't planned on it being just the two of them. They had made their rounds in the beginning, but everyone had been ruled out in one way or another, by their own design or not. Arthur had missed their flight by two hours by the time he woke up the morning of with an incredible hangover; Denmark was a massive "no, definitely not," according to Lukas; and Emil had simply made a face that looked like he'd been invited to watch kinky porn as a family bonding experience.

So, according to the hand fate dealt, it's just the two of them in Sin City, and the first order of business is to hit up the casinos. (The second is to drive out to a nearby nature reserve, because Lukas was "definitely not going, if all you plan on doing is getting drunk and bankrupting yourself.")

Mihai picks the fanciest-looking joint. When he strides in, it's with anticipation that he channels into twisting the ruby ring on his finger, and a smile that should tell anyone the wiser that a scheme is in progress. He sits at a poker table, offering Lukas a place next to him, but Lukas rolls his eyes and stands. Well, his loss, Mihai thinks, and watches the dealer shuffle.

The first game, he lights up a cigarette, and offers one to Lukas. Lukas shakes his head.

The second game, he feels warmer, and he undoes the next two buttons on his shirt, but his jacket stays on. If Lukas notices the cards he tucks into the sleeves, he doesn't say anything.

The fifth game, Lukas returns with a Cosmo, and this time when Mihai offers him a smoke, he takes it.

"Light?" he says.

Mihai tucks a cigarette between his own lips and flicks the lighter on. Lukas doesn't wait for him to finish–instead, he leans in, so close Mihai can see the untucked strands of hair brushing his brow, and lights his cigarette on Mihai's flame.

They get a few looks, but no one argues with the newcomer who's up almost six hundred dollars. Mihai breathes out smoke and grins. He may not be able to beat Miss Monaco, but several centuries of experience practically makes him a God among mortals when it comes to cheating at card games.

Lukas lets him stay for three hours and another thousand five hundred before dragging him away. "I'm hungry," he says, "and you've drawn enough attention."

Mihai cashes out with a smile. "No need to worry, darling, I've got nothing up my sleeves," he says with a wink that implies he definitely does.

Lukas is completely unconvinced, but there's a slight gleam of amusement in his eyes too. "So dinner's on you today with all that money you made, fair and square, yes?"

Mihai pouts. "Fine, but I call the shots the rest of the night."

"And what shots would those be?" Lukas says, raising an eyebrow.

"Get drunk enough off the money I made to get Vegas-married," Mihai says, grins toothily, and loops his arm through Lukas's.

"And who would be the unlucky bride?" Lukas asks, not pulling away. "Destined to wither away while you maintain your youth and good looks."

Mihai thinks about this. There is, obviously, one solution presented to his completely earnest ambition, but Vegas isn't exactly known for its enthusiasm for marrying gay couples. "Maybe if we put you in a wig and a skirt..." he says, even more completely earnest.

Lukas snorts and bumps him into a pool table.

Later, when he's at least halfway to making good on his target, he slips his ring onto Lukas's finger. Lukas wears it for the rest of the trip, and Mihai never asks for it back.

[lumeessa]

Day 3: Angst

This is so late but I just couldn’t find it in me to finish this on time. Another companion piece for @aphtaivvan‘s romnor week fic. Go read her writing it’s wonderfully sad 

[romanoartsless]

A late entry for day 2 (I think) of @romnor-week

[dessinsdefrancofous]

[day 2] “first kiss/first date” honestly idk if this actually their first kiss but im a sucker for fluffy and gentle displays of affection.... ..

[caffinatedstory]

First Date

Joining the @romnor-week day 2 prompt! Because it’s already the 25th of October here in Norway! (I’d join the whole week, but I’m an adult with a job and responsibilities so yeah not happening)

--------------------------------

“Hey, I'll read your fortune in the cards if you read mine in runes,” Romania suggests to Norway, closing the book he's been reading with a loud clap.

“I prefer reading my own fortune in cards,” Norway mutters, tearing his gaze away from his book for just a split second.

“No but come on. It will be fun!” Romania whines slightly and rolls over on the floor to reach his bag. “I've got my own cards with me and everything!”

“They are your cards,” Norway frowns and returns his attention to his own book. “They're charged with your energy, not mine.” “But you can shuffle them!” “Without first cleansing them?” Norway grimaces. “That's just asking for a muddled up fortune.” “Yeah but...” Romania sighs. “Fine, what if you use your own cards, and then I'll read out from them?” “Why?” Norway's voice is monotone and dry. “So... I can practice reading them?” Romania smiles sheepishly. “Read a book,” Norway scoffs and gestures to one of the numerous piles on the floor. Romania sighs in frustration, gritting his teeth and trying not to grumble too loudly. Norway doesn't seem to pay his frustration any mind, returning to his own studies.

Romania grabs a new book and pretends to read, absent-mindedly flipping the pages as he glares at the words without reading them. Occasionally he stops and glances over at Norway before returning to the book. “Stop that,” Norway warns. “Stop what?” “Staring,” “I'm not staring,” Romania grumbles, a little embarrassed to have been caught. “Sure,” Norway snorts and closes his book. “Clearly time for a coffee break. Romania watches as Norway stands up and makes his way to the kitchen, Romania staring after him a little longer than he perhaps should have. Norway returns ten minutes later with two mugs of coffee and a plate of cookies – Much to Romania's delight. “Here,” he mutters as he hands Romania a mug. “Two sugars.” “No alcohol? You disappoint me.” Romania winks.

“Alcohol and magic seldom make for a good combination,” Norway frowns. “I know, I know!” Romania laughs and gently blows on his coffee, eyeing the cookies hungrily. They drink the coffee in silence, Romania staring into his mug and trying to think of a way to get Norway to agree to let him read his fortune. As the coffee depletes in his mug, Romania's eyes widen. “So what does yours say?” Norway smirks at him as it dawns on Romania what Norway's done. Coffee grounds. Romania swirls the remainder liquid three times clockwise before covering the cup and swooshing the liquid away from the coffee grounds at he bottom, peering suspicious at the shapes they form. “Hang on a moment!” Romania scrambles for his notebook, flipping through worn pages till he finds the one he needs. He squints, frowning as he sees a very defined shape of a mountain. “Uh,” he bites his lips and wonders if he should just lie. “Anything good?” Norway asks.

“Not really,” Romania grimaces. “Mountain...” he mutters and Norway nods in understanding. “Oh wait, shit,” he groans. “You're supposed to read mine...” “Ah yes. I suppose so,” Norway shrugs. “But here,” he replies and hands Romania his own mug. “Why don't you read my fortune then?” “What?” Romania blinks, taking a moment to process the information. “Oh! Right! Yes!” he grabs the mug with glee and peers into it. “Hm,” he mumbles as he tries to make sense of the shapes. “A telephone...” he whispers. “And a harp... So I think that means you might get a message regarding something good. Possibly...” he clears his throat and tries to force his own nervousness and blushing cheeks to go away. “Possibly a message about love.” “All right, that sounds pretty nice.” Norway smiles and motions for Romania to give him his cup. “Oh you're right about the mountain,” he laughs softly. “But I also spot a little envelope.” “You do?” Romania's eyes widen. “Mhm,” Norway nods. “And a door.” “Oh,” Romania frowns. “Damn...” “Don't say that,” Norway chuckles. “Not everything has to be a negative sign.” “Well what do you think it means? Because a mountain means I'll encounter an obstacle. The door is something closing and the envelope means I'll get a message.” Romania sighs. “Not exactly sunshine, galloping horses and roses.” “Obstacles don't necessarily mean misfortune,” Norway reminds him gently. “And a door can be a sign something is closing but also perhaps opening up to something new.” “Yeah but... envelope...” Romania sighs. “A good or a bad message. There are many ways to interpret a reading,” Norway hands him back the mug with a warm smile. “I suppose...” “That said, next time you want to try and hint that you and I go for a date or something, I'd suggest you just ask me out for coffee.” Norway smirked as Romania almost dropped the mug on the floor. “Then again, most would consider this a date too,” he added and gestured around him. “I...I...” Romania gaped. “How did you know?” he whispered hurriedly. “Subtle isn't your biggest forte,” Norway hummed. “Oh,” Romania swallowed nervously before clearing his throat. “So... Coffee next Tuesday then?” he asked. “Sure,” Norway smiled. Romania grinned from ear to ear, drumming his fingers happily against his mug as he once more peered down at the various shapes. The little door in the bottom of his mug was definitively opening and not closing.

[lumeessa]

Day 2: First Kiss

An accompanying drawing I made for @aphtaivvan‘s ficlet here. Though my messy art doesn’t do her writing justice ;u;