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asitrita · 1 year

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Aph Austria x Spain Headcanon

I’ve been lately thinking about Spain and Austria, because it is shocking (not really) that there’s so little content about them and that most people don’t even think of them as a couple (it is even listed as a “rare pairing” in Hetalia wiki), given it is one of the few stablished official pairs in Hetalia, to the point they’re shown to be married (and no, I don’t mean having an alliance, or cooperating, I mean, it is indeed stablished they were a married couple).

Tbh, this ship was not particularly appealing to me either, even though I usually like my ships to be historical, and you can hardly get much more historical than a Spain/Austria ship. I’ve always thought their personalities and tastes appeared to be too different to match. And no, I did not buy into the initial portrayal of Spain as a total airhead, happy-go-lucky, relaxed and smily guy, but still, they didn't do it for me (though the fandom largely exaggerated such traits, as Spain is actually shown to be sad and disappointed, and as someone somewhat wise, in one of his early appearances in the show). I think I always thought of Roderich personality to be too over the top. It’s okay to be strict (like Ludwig is), but he just seemed to be way too strict, way too proper, way too desdainful, way too bland and dull, at all times. There must be more to him that what we are shown, right?

But I have these moments when I think about how actually close they were, and about Austrians’ rather good opinion on Spaniards even after their countries’ estrangement (and not in a good way, I must add). I think about how Austria tried to mimick the very strict rules of the Spanish Court (Spanisches Hofzeremoniell) and the way the Spanish dressed (Spanish fashion was widespread at the time, as was Spanish culture, and language, but was specifically imitated in the Austrian Court), how he valued Spain’s experience and knowledge when it came to equestrian tradition (Spanische Hofreitschule), and how he enjoyed and liked Spanish composers (like Vicente Martín y Soler), even decades after they had fallen apart. Austrians also seemed to have considered Spaniards to be intelligent and wise people, powerful, but benevolent in battle, well dressed, lordly behaved, and righteous. Ironically, they thought the vice of Spaniards to be arrogance and vanity (funny it is apparently Roderich who comes off as the arrogant one in Hetalia, though, truth be told, everyone at the time seem to have thought of the Spaniards as arrogant and/or vain).

All in all, it has become a headcanon of mine that Roderich probably became the way we know him AFTER being married to Spain. Yes, I know in canon he is shown to be already that snooty before meeting him, heck, it is even said he gave Southern Italy to Spain, when actually those territories had belong to the Spanish monarchs (Kingdom of Aragón) for almost a century before Spain and Austria became acquainted, and it is historically pure nonsense to even imply the Kingdoms of Sicily and Naples, and Sardinia, were granted to Spain by Austria, when Spain (really, the Spanish monarchs of the Kingdom of Aragón) even had control over Malta at the time (though it would lose it in 1530, soon after their “marriage”).

Making it simple, I headcanon Roderich to become as “stiff” as we know him to be during his marrige with Antonio. It is a classic case of “overdoing it” (in Spanish “tener la fé del converso”, o “ser más papista que el Papa”). We know Austrias’s way to climb the social ledder of countries and to hold on its position as a powerful and influential nation was through marriage. So he had to be good at that, he had to be up to his couple, up to what his couple may expect of him. So he became everything he thought Antonio valued. Spanish Court ceremonial was strict, so he would become the most severe of them all. Spanish people valued etiquette, so should he. Spanish fashion was over elaborated, and so was Austrias, and when the tides turned and French fashion was in, Austria would stick with certain elements of old Spanish dresscode for a bit longer (I’m thinking about the men's court dress of Austria in the 17th-18th centuries, the Spanish Mantelkleid). Spain was known for elegance, and so was Austria. Spain was precise, careful, a bit haughty in his behaviour and mannerism, and more so ought to be Austria. All in all, Austria modelled himself to became the “perfect” match for Spain, at least for the Spain he knew.

I think Roderich took into this character part to please Antonio, part out of duty for his people, and part because it suited his interests and tastes. While Antonio slowly loosened up, Roderich made this new image his own, for he was comfortable with it and it suited him well. I don't think Antonio was ever unwilling to show a severe self image, I don't think his demeanour was a façade at all. It was no play, the sternness and haughty behaviour was genuine (if anything, it is his laid-back attitude and overly smily self that is, albeit not completly fake, a bit of a façade, for although he is of a cheerful and optimistic nature, time has worn down his optimism and has pushed him to the limits of his sanity more than once). But I do think he naturally softened and relaxed quite a lot when not "in duty", so to speak (relaxed as in less composed, showing more his emotions, expressing his feelings, fears, and needs, I actually think he must have been half paranoid most of the time). Roderich did too, but became so attached to his image of tidiness that it became a bit harder for him to let go, hence the contrast between him and Antonio, more so in modern times.

For whatever reason, imagining Roderich’s personality taking its final form during his 200 years relationship with Antonio makes sense to me, and makes me like and appreciate the pairing quite a lot. I guess I was just missing some more information on Roderich’s behaviour and personality.

I hope that no one takes offence by my take on Roderich personality and its evolution. I’m well aware Austria has a very rich history, and I do not intend to make Spain the corner stone of Roderich’s identity, it is just that I was missing some “origin story” for Roderich, some explanation for his character. And it makes sense Antonio played a very important role in his life, given they got stuck together for 200 years while in their late teens/early adulthood, while still finding themselves out, and the ending of their relationship was a war involving several countries and power houses in Europe, during which Austria was just not willing to give up, and Spain went through a rough civil war (and probably an emotional turmoil, worrying and being suspicious of Roderich's, and mostly Francis', intentions).

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jfridley · 7 years

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Live, Grow Stronger, Fight Another Day

This is the third day's prompt Rush for @sciencebrosweek

I went a little in left field for this one!!

This is a crossover of Avengers and Highlander!! Quick cliff notes for those who don't know Highlander is based on a movie and TV show about a "race" of people who once they die the first time don't age and can only die if they are beheaded!!

Some of the characters are: Methos; Amanda; Duncan Macleod; and Rebecca

Bruce smiled as Tony pulled him through the maze of people mulling around the museum.

“Tony where are we going?” he asked.

“I want to show you this sword that they have on display” Tony said.

“A sword-why?” Bruce asked.

Tony smirked at him but kept quiet until they rounded the corner and he slowed in front of a display case. Bruce watched as Tony stared at the sword then he turned and looked at Bruce “What do you think?” he asked.

Bruce cocked his head but took a step closer to the glass to get a better look. He didn’t know much about weapons like Tony did but he saw the craftsmanship of the piece.

“It looks very old-but well preserved. You can still see the craftsmanship in it. The planes of the blade and the carving on the hilt-it was handmade” Bruce replied glancing at his friend.

Tony smiled “I knew you would see that” he said.

Bruce smiled but continued to look at Tony “I didn’t know you were into swords? Is that because of…the time before you took over S.I?” he asked defecting weakly.

Tony’s smile faltered somewhat but shook his head. “No-no this goes back to Aunt Peggy” Tony replied quietly.

“Peggy Carter was into swords?” Bruce asked shocked.

Tony chuckled “No-I wouldn’t say she was INTO swords. I mean I think she could use a sword but I met a friend of hers once. Now SHE was into swords” he said with a smile.

Bruce raised an eyebrow at him “And this connects with the sword how?” he asked.

“Amanda told me the story about this sword” Tony said. “When I read that it was going to be on display I had to come and see it” he added.

Bruce smirked opening his mouth to tease his friend when he got the distinct feeling he was being watched. He glanced over Tony’s shoulder to a couple staring at them. He had gotten used to that whenever he went out with Tony. But Bruce recognized the man-the blood started rushing in his ears because the man standing there had died in his arms in Spain 10 years ago. Both men were staring at the other like they had seen a ghost and if Bruce had looked the women was looking the same way at Tony. Tony frowned when he noticed Bruce expression-staring at something behind him.

“What are you looking at? You look like you’ve seen a ghost” Tony asked as he turned and got a glimpse of the women.

“I am” Bruce said.

“Wait…it can’t be….Amanda?” Tony asked either not hearing Bruce or not responding.

The man turned to the women “go” he said and the two bolted toward the door.

Before Bruce could open his mouth or grab at him, Tony was rushing after them.

Amanda was smiling as she and Methos weaved through the exhibits. Methos smiled as he looked down at her “Are you sure they have the sword here?” he asked.

“Of course dear, but there’s no harm in some exposure to culture now is it?” Amanda replied.

Methos paused and looked over at Amanda with growing suspicion “I told you 110 years ago Amanda I will not be an accomplice to anymore of your schemes” he warned.

“Whatever do you mean?” Amanda asked with fake innocence.

“If you invited me here to case the museum I am leaving now” he said.

“Oh please Me-Adam. They do have Rebecca’s sword on display and I want to see it” Amanda admitted quietly. “And despite what Duncan says I do enjoy your company” She added with a flirtatious wink.

“I am not MacLeod-you can’t just smile and wink at me and get your way” Methos warned with a smile.

“It’s worked so far” Amanda replied.

Methos stared at her then sighed and continued their walk. “Touché” he replied with a smirk.

They turned the corner following the signs for the sword display. There were two men talking, so both Amanda and Methos stayed back for a few minutes-not wanting to interrupt them. Bits of the man’s conversation filtered over to them- catching both Methos and Amanda’s attention.

“Is he talking about you?” Methos asked glancing at Amanda’s face.

That got Methos to pay more attention to the two men. Methos cocked his head as he studied them-that’s when he realized both looked oddly familiar to him. Methos realized why the man with the goatee looked familiar.

“Good lord is that Howard’s son?” He whispered to Amanda.

“Tony” Amanda whispered with a gasp.

The other man was harder to place. He held himself differently than Stark-but Methos never forgot a face. The man finally glanced in his direction and it hit him where he knew the man.

“Damn” Methos hissed.

“What?” Amanda asked.

“The guy from Spain” Methos replied.

The man finally looked at them and Methos could see the exact moment when his face registered with him. The blood was rushing through his ears as he fought the urge to run. He could tell that neither were immortal-or even pre-immortal but one could never be too careful. Tony turned at some point and recognized Amanda.

“Go” he hissed and pulled her toward the exit.

Centuries of experience at running between the two of them had them outside without alerting suspicion in no time. They slowed a few blocks down the street, thinking they had lost the two men.

“Damn” Amanda mumbled. “I was looking forward to seeing that sword” she added.

Methos snorted as they walked quickly to their hotel “How about those two men recognized us-does that even ring a bell” he demanded lightly.

Amanda chuckled “come now dear-you act like that’s never happened to you before” she replied.

Methos rolled his eyes “I’ve told you before-when I leave-I don’t come back” he replied staring ahead.

Amanda kept silent but linked her arm with his as they walked.

“So what story did you tell Stark about the sword?” Methos asked breaking the silence.

Amanda cut her eyes at him and smirked “How Rebecca come to get that sword” she replied.

Methos smiled “You told a child how you stole a sword?” he asked amused.

“Peggy made me clean it up for him” Amanda replied.

Methos chuckled as they passed an alleyway and saw a group of guys there. One of the guys yelling sounded like Stark. Suddenly they both felt the presence of another immortal.

“Go” Amanda said. “I’ll meet up with you later” she added kissing his cheek.

Methos glanced at her “Where are you going to do?” he asked.

Amanda glanced back at the alleyway “I can’t let him get hurt” she replied.

Methos rolled his eyes “He’s a grown man Amanda” he said.

“Maybe I’ve been around Duncan too long” she said with a shrug. “Besides Peggy would be furious with me” she added.

Methos nodded as he turned and headed in the opposite direction. ‘He wasn’t going back he wasn’t going back’ he chanted to himself. If Amanda was dumb enough to risk her life for two mortals that was on her. He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, causing others to curse at him and go around him.

“Damn old man-when did you grow a conscious?” he mumbled to himself as he turned and headed back toward the alley.

Amanda smiled as she walked into the alley “come now boys play nice” she taunted at the two men who had guns trained on Stark and his friend.

Both men turned their guns on her “who are you?” one snapped.

Amanda opened her mouth to speak when she felt another immortal near. She tensed up and slowly glanced around. A figure walked up from the other end of the alley “Amanda you look as lovely as always” he said making her hair on the back of her neck stand up.

“Jacob” Amanda replied. “These goons yours?” she asked.

He sighed “Unfortunately” he replied. “But I am about remedy that” he said pulling a pistol and shooting the man closest to him.

The other goon swung the gun from Tony to his boss. Jacob rolled his eyes and fired the bang echoing in the quiet alley.

He then turned and looked at Tony “Mr. Stark, Dr. Banner I am sorry you got mixed up in this” he said conversationally. “They were supposed to not let you out of the museum. But I’ve always wanted my revenge against your father-and it looks like I finally get my chance” Jacob said turning the gun toward Tony.

“No” Amanda jumped in front of him as the gun went off.

Tony and Bruce watched in horror and the women’s body dropped to the ground. The man looked at her, “Really Amanda” he said. “I’ll deal with you in a minute” he said then turned back to Tony. Bruce moved in front of Tony blocking him from the man. “What are you going to do, protect him” he scoffed.

Bruce just glared at the man “Yes” he said simply.

“And if I shoot you” Jacob replied.

Bruce shrugged “I’ll get mad” he replied.

Jacob chuckled “that’s all?” he shot back.

“You wouldn’t like me when I am mad” Bruce replied with a small smirk.

Methos chose that moment to make his appearance. Jacob flung around startled at the unexpected immortal.

“I have no quarrel with you” he said to Methos. “We don’t have to fight you” he added.

“That would depend on what you do in the next few minutes” Methos replied.

Jacob rolled his eyes and fired the gun at Bruce. Methos’s sword appeared and was against Jacob’s throat in seconds. The deafening roar that followed surprised both immortals interrupting them, since expected to come face to face with Hulk.

“HULK SMASH” the roared and lunged at Jacob who screamed and tried to run.

Amanda gasped and groaned as she came back. Methos kneeled down, keeping one eye on the Hulk.

“Why’d you come back?” She mumbled. “What happened to live, grow stronger, fight another day” she added.

“I’ve been around Duncan too long” He replied helping her up.

Hulk roared as he held the cowering immortal in his grasp.

“Are we going to stop him?” Amanda asked.

“I don’t feel like a quickening today-do you?” He asked.

“No” Amanda replied.

Methos sighed “Let him go” he said to Hulk.

“What?” Tony, Amanda and Jacob said in unison.

“You leave and you never show your face around us again. Or you will wish I had killed you when I had the chance” Methos said darkly at the man.

Hulk stared at the man then over at Stark who nodded. Hulk shrugged and let the man down.

Jacob gave the group one last glance and ran.

“Are you okay Tony?” Amanda asked.

Tony kept staring at her but nodded. The sounds of sirens got closer and the police were on them in seconds. No one noticed when Methos and Amanda slipped away from the crowd.

“I can’t believe JARVIS can’t find them!” Tony ranted as Bruce was digging through some old boxes of his. “What are you looking for?” he asked.

“Sir again I have shown you every personnel file of everyone named Amanda that has worked with SHEILD for the last 65 years” the A.I reminded him.

“Then look through British intelligence, or the USSR or” Tony began when he was interrupted by Bruce’s cry.

“Found it” Bruce called.

“Found what?” Tony asked.

“When I was traveling, I was in Scotland and heard a story about two men from a particular clan who 50 years apart-who were killed and magically revived. I was staying in a monastery, they felt sorry for me and let me stay there for a few months. One day I was in their library and found this book in the back” Bruce replied smoothing his hand over the odd symbol on the cover. “It took me til page 12 to realize it was a diary of some kind and not some fantasy novel” he added.

“What was it about” Tony asked.

“Well my Gaelic is terrible but from what I could gather it talks about a race of people who could live forever and the only way to kill them was to behead them” Bruce said.

“Yeah right that’s not true” Tony scoffed.

“Really you’ve met me-Steve-Thor and a race of people that go around beheading people is where you draw the line?” Bruce asked.

“That would explain why Amanda looks the same as she did when I was 8” Tony said.

Bruce nodded “and that man died in my arms in Spain, yet there he was very much alive today” Bruce added.

Tony sighed “I still want to try and find them” he said.

“You won’t find them Tony” Bruce said. “I bet you they are already on a plane somewhere else” he added.

"Did you have fun Methos?" Amanda asked as she sipped her drink.

Methos looked over at Amanda as the private jet took off and smiled “And you wonder why I never answer your calls” he replied.

#sciencebrosweek #highlander #tony stark #bruce banner #methos

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