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The afternoon sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the beach. Gentle waves rolled onto the shore in a steady rhythm, their foamy edges washing over the sand before retreating back into the ocean. The air smelled faintly of salt, sunscreen, and the nearby food stands that lined the boardwalk.
Canada and Cuba had spent most of the day relaxing by the water. Their towels were spread out on a patch of soft sand not too far from the shoreline, close enough to hear the waves but far enough to avoid getting splashed. For a while they had chatted about whatever came to mind, occasionally falling into comfortable silence as they listened to the ocean and enjoyed the pleasant weather.
At first, the heat was nice. The sunlight felt soothing after the cool temperatures Canada was more accustomed to. But as the afternoon wore on, the sun became more intense, beating down on them without much mercy. Even the occasional ocean breeze wasn't doing much to cool things off anymore.
Canada let out a small sigh and sat up slightly. He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand before adjusting his sunglasses. His face was beginning to feel warm, and he could already tell he was going to need something cold if he planned on staying out much longer.
Glancing over at Cuba, who seemed far less bothered by the heat, Canada tilted his head.
"Gosh, it's hot isn't it Cuba?" he said. "Do they have any refreshers out here?"
Cuba turned his head toward him and chuckled. Compared to Canada, he looked perfectly comfortable lounging beneath the blazing sun.
"Mhm!" he replied with a nod. "They've got an ice cream stand a short walk down from here. I noticed it when we were heading to the beach earlier."
Canada immediately brightened at the news. His tired expression vanished, replaced by an eager smile. He pushed himself up onto his elbows and looked over at Cuba.
"Really?" he asked. "Then we should head over there! A nice cold vanilla ice cream sounds perfect right now."
Cuba laughed at how quickly Canada's mood had improved.
"Thought you'd say that."
Cuba pushed himself up from his beach towel, letting out a small grunt as he rose to his feet. After brushing some sand from his shorts, he turned and extended a hand toward Canada.
Canada blinked in mild surprise at the gesture. It wasn't that Cuba wasn't kind he definitely was but the unexpected offer still caught him off guard. A small smile spread across his face as he reached out
and took Cuba's hand.
"Oh, thank you Cuba!" Canada said warmly.
"No problem man." Cuba replied with an easy grin as he helped pull him up.
Once Canada was standing, he dusted the sand from his clothes and adjusted his sunglasses. The two of them gathered their things before beginning the short walk toward the ice cream stand Cuba had spotted earlier.
The beach was still fairly crowded despite the heat. Children ran along the shoreline chasing waves, families relaxed beneath colorful umbrellas, and groups of friends laughed together as they played beach volleyball nearby. The sound of the ocean mixed with distant music from the boardwalk and the occasional cry of seagulls overhead.
Canada tilted his head upward as a small flock of seagulls flew across the bright blue sky.
"Y'know, Cuba... I wonder how seagulls handle the heat all day. They're out there flying around in the blazing sun for hours. Don't they get hot?"
Cuba followed Canada's gaze and looked up at the birds circling overhead. He thought for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah, of course they get hot." he said. "Pretty much every animal does when it's hot enough. But seagulls have a few ways of cooling themselves down."
Canada listened.
"Like what?" he asked.
"Well, for one thing, they'll go into the water whenever they get too warm." Cuba explained. "That's probably the easiest way. They also do this thing called throat fluttering."
Canada blinked.
"Throat fluttering?"
"Yeah." Cuba nodded. "Basically they rapidly vibrate the muscles in their throat. It helps moisture evaporate and cools them down without using too much energy. Kinda like how dogs pant."
Canada's eyes widened slightly.
"Really? That's actually pretty fascinating."
"There's more too." Cuba continued. "Sometimes they'll spread their wings to help release heat, and they usually try to take advantage of ocean breezes whenever they can. Animals are pretty good at figuring out ways to deal with the weather."
Canada looked impressed.
"Huh. That's really cool. I never knew any of that."
Cuba chuckled.
"I figured you'd like that fact."
Canada laughed softly.
"You know me pretty well."
"After hanging out with you all day? Yeah, I think I've noticed you enjoy random facts."
Canada couldn't argue with that. Learning little bits of information about the world was something he'd always enjoyed.
As they continued walking, the scent of fresh waffle cones and sweet ice cream gradually drifted through the air.
A moment later, Cuba pointed ahead.
"Speaking of cool things." he said. "We're here."
Canada looked up and immediately spotted the ice cream stand. A colorful sign hung above the counter, and several people stood nearby enjoying frozen treats while escaping the heat.
His smile instantly brightened.
"Perfect timing."
The two stepped up to the counter, where a cheerful worker greeted them.
"Welcome! What can I get for you two today?"
Cuba lightly nudged Canada with his elbow, signaling for him to order first.
Canada straightened slightly.
"Oh, um, I'd like a vanilla ice cream cone with two scoops please. Thank you."
"Of course," the worker replied with a nod before turning toward Cuba. "And what about you, sir?"
Cuba considered the menu for a moment. There were plenty of flavors available chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and several others.
After a few seconds he shrugged.
"I'll have the same thing he's getting."
Canada glanced over at him.
"Really?"
"Yep."
The worker smiled and began preparing their order.
While they waited, Canada looked curious.
"So why did you choose the same thing?" he asked. "I would've thought you'd get something like strawberry or mango."
Cuba laughed softly.
"What? I can't like vanilla?"
"No, no, that's not what I meant."
"I'm messing with you."
Canada chuckled.
Cuba leaned casually against the counter.
"I don't know. I just wanted something simple today. Sometimes when it's really hot out, you don't need anything fancy. Vanilla sounded good, so I figured I'd go with that."
Canada nodded thoughtfully.
"That makes sense."
"Besides," Cuba added, "vanilla gets underestimated. Everybody acts like it's boring, but it's popular for a reason."
"That's true." Canada agreed. "It's one of my favorites."
"See? Someone gets it."
A few moments later, the worker returned carrying two freshly made ice cream cones.
"Here you go."
Canada carefully grabbed his cone.
"Thank you very much."
"Thanks." Cuba added as he took the other cone.
After paying, the two stepped away from the counter.
Canada looked down at the perfectly swirled scoops of vanilla ice cream and smiled.
"You know." he said, taking his first bite. "this was definitely worth the walk."
The cool sweetness was an immediate relief from the afternoon heat.
Cuba took a bite of his own ice cream and nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. I think we made the right decision."
For a moment, neither of them spoke as they enjoyed their ice cream. The ocean breeze finally seemed a little cooler now, and the intense heat of the afternoon didn't feel quite so overwhelming anymore.
Canada smiled contentedly.
"Beach days are pretty nice."
They then started making their way back toward their spot on the beach, taking their time as they enjoyed the last few bites of their ice cream. The afternoon sun still shined brightly overhead, but the cool treat had made the heat feel much more bearable.
Canada carefully licked a bit of melting ice cream from the side of his cone while Cuba walked beside him, occasionally glancing out at the sparkling ocean. The waves continued to roll onto the shore, and the distant sounds of laughter and splashing filled the air.
By the time they reached their towels, both of them were finished with their ice cream.
"That was really good." Canada said happily. "I think I needed that."
Cuba chuckled as he finished his own cone.
"Yeah, me too."
For a moment they stood quietly, listening to the waves crash against the shore.
Then Cuba spoke up.
"Do you wanna go for a swim in a few minutes?"
Canada's eyes brightened immediately.
"Yeah!" he replied. Then he paused for a moment before adding "Can we build sand castles in the meantime?"
Cuba couldn't help but laugh.
"Of course we can."
Canada smiled, clearly pleased by the answer.
The two of them walked down closer to the water where the sand was damp enough to hold its shape but not so wet that it would collapse immediately. Nearby, several children were already building sand castles.
Canada knelt down and grabbed one of the sand buckets they had brought with them.
"Alright." he said enthusiastically. "Let's make the biggest one we can."
"You're taking this pretty seriously." Cuba observed with amusement.
"Sand castles are serious business.".
"Got it."
Together they began gathering sand. Canada carefully mixed dry sand with wetter sand from near the shoreline, remembering something about how the right amount of moisture helped sand stick together better.
Meanwhile, Cuba filled another bucket and packed the sand down firmly.
"Not too loose." he explained. "Otherwise it'll fall apart."
Canada nodded.
"Right."
After filling several buckets, they carefully turned them upside down one at a time.
Canada held his breath as he slowly lifted his bucket.
For a second nothing happened.
Then the packed sand slid free, revealing a perfectly shaped tower.
"Yes!" Canada cheered.
Cuba grinned.
"Looks like it worked."
Over the next several minutes they continued adding more towers and walls. Canada used a small plastic shovel to carve tiny windows into some of the structures while Cuba dug a moat around the outside.
Soon their sand castle had grown into something much larger.
Canada sat back and admired their work.
"You know.” he said. "this might actually be one of the better sand castles I've made."
"How many sand castles have you made before?"
Canada thought for a moment.
"A few… I don't go to the beach often."
"I figured."
As they admired the finished castle, a small wave slowly crept closer and closer before stopping only a few feet away.
Canada pointed dramatically.
"The ocean is approaching."
"We have time."
"For now."
A few more waves rolled in, each one getting slightly closer than the last.
Eventually Canada stood up and brushed the sand from his hands.
"Alright. Before the sea claims our kingdom, what should we do next?"
Cuba glanced down the beach.
"We could look for shells."
Canada immediately liked that idea.
The two of them began walking along the shoreline where the waves gently washed over the sand.
The beach was full of interesting things if you paid attention.
Canada quickly spotted a small seashell half buried in the sand.
"Oh, look at this one."
He crouched down and picked it up carefully.
The shell was smooth and pale white with faint pink coloring along the edges.
"Nice find." Cuba said.
Canada smiled and tucked it safely into one of his pockets of his swim trunks.
As they continued searching, they found more shells of various shapes and colors. Some were tiny and delicate, while others were larger and worn smooth by years of ocean currents.
At one point Cuba found a piece of sea glass that had been polished by the waves until it looked almost like a small green gemstone.
Canada looked impressed.
"That's really cool."
"Not bad, right?"
A little farther down the shore they discovered several interesting patches of seaweed that had washed up onto the beach.
Canada crouched beside one and poked it lightly.
"It's weird how different kinds of seaweed can look completely different from each other."
Cuba nodded.
"The ocean's full of stuff people don't notice."
Canada looked out toward the water.
"Honestly, that's one of my favorite things about places like this."
"What is?"
"There's always something new to find."
After they finished putting seashells and other stuff on their sandcastles Cuba spoke up.
"Well." he said with a grin "ready for that swim?"
Canada smiled.
"Definitely."
The two of them made their way toward the water, leaving their sand castle standing proudly behind them. The ocean shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, countless points of light dancing across the surface like scattered diamonds. Gentle waves rolled steadily toward the shore, their white foam hissing softly as they spread across the sand.
As they approached, the cool water washed over their feet and ankles.
Canada immediately sighed in relief.
"Oh wow."
The difference between the hot sand and the cool ocean water was almost startling. The water wasn't cold exactly, but compared to the blazing afternoon heat it felt wonderful.
Another wave rolled in, splashing up to their knees.
Canada laughed.
"Okay, this is exactly what I needed."
Without hesitation he went farther into the water. Cuba followed behind at a more relaxed pace.
The ocean gradually deepened from ankle height to knee height and then to their waists. Small waves bobbed them gently up and down as they moved farther from shore.
For a few moments they simply enjoyed floating in the water.
Canada closed his eyes and let himself drift slightly with the current.
The ocean breeze felt cooler out here, and the constant movement of the water made the heat of the day seem distant.
Nearby, a wave rose slightly higher than the others.
Before Canada could react, it splashed directly into him.
He sputtered as water sprayed across his face.
Cuba immediately burst out laughing.
Canada wiped water from his eyes.
"You knew that was coming, didn't you?"
"Maybe."
"You absolutely did."
Cuba's grin only widened.
Canada narrowed his eyes playfully.
"Oh, it's like that now?"
Before Cuba could answer, Canada scooped up a handful of water and splashed it directly at him.
The water struck Cuba across the chest.
For a second there was silence.
Then Cuba slowly looked up.
Canada immediately started laughing.
"Oh no."
"Oh yes."
A moment later Cuba retaliated.
Water flew everywhere.
Canada barely managed to dodge before another splash hit him.
The two of them quickly found themselves in a full scale splash fight.
Waves crashed around them as they laughed and attempted to soak each other. Neither of them was particularly successful at avoiding the incoming water.
At one point Canada tried backing away only to be caught by a larger wave that nearly knocked him off balance.
He stumbled before regaining his footing.
"Okay," he laughed. "I think the ocean's helping you."
"The ocean knows who's winning."
"You are not winning."
"I think I am."
Canada splashed him again.
A few minutes later both of them were thoroughly soaked and laughing too hard to continue arguing.
Eventually they called an unofficial truce.
Canada floated on his back for a moment, allowing the gentle waves to carry him.
Above him, the sky stretched endlessly blue.
A few seagulls drifted overhead while thin wisps of clouds hung near the horizon.
"This is nice." Canada said quietly.
"Yeah."
For a while they simply enjoyed the water.
Then something caught Canada's eye beneath the surface.
"Huh?"
He stopped floating and looked down.
The water here was fairly clear, allowing him to see patches of sand below.
Near the bottom sat a pale circular shape.
Canada immediately became curious.
"Cuba, what's that?"
Cuba looked over.
"A shell maybe?"
Canada carefully lowered himself into the water and reached down.
A moment later he resurfaced holding something flat and round.
His eyes widened.
"It's a sand dollar!"
The pale object rested in his hands.
It was surprisingly delicate, its surface covered in a faint star-shaped pattern.
Canada examined it with fascination.
"I've never actually found one before."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Cuba leaned closer to look.
The sand dollar had clearly been there for some time, worn smooth by the ocean.
"It's pretty cool." Cuba admitted.
Canada carefully brushed some remaining sand away.
"I didn't expect to find one."
As they continued exploring the shallower areas, they began spotting more interesting things beneath the water.
Tiny fish darted between patches of sea grass.
Whenever sunlight struck their scales, flashes of silver reflected through the water.
Canada immediately became distracted.
"Oh look!"
Several small fish swam past his legs.
They moved in perfect coordination, turning together so quickly it looked like they shared a single mind.
Canada watched them disappear.
"How do they do that?"
"The schooling behavior?"
"Yeah."
"It helps protect them from predators. A big group is harder to catch than one fish by itself."
Canada continued watching the water.
A few more fish appeared nearby.
Some were silver while others had faint yellow markings along their sides.
One particularly curious fish swam surprisingly close before darting away again.
Canada laughed.
"I think that one was looking at me."
"It was probably trying to figure out what you are."
"Fair."
They slowly wandered through the shallow water, keeping an eye on the ocean floor.
Every so often they discovered something new.
More shells.
Interesting rocks.
Tiny crabs scurrying sideways before disappearing into the sand.
Canada found himself crouching repeatedly to investigate anything unusual.
At one point he spotted another sand dollar partially buried beneath the seabed.
Nearby, several small fish picked through the sand searching for food.
Sunlight filtered through the moving water above them, creating shifting patterns across the ocean floor.
Everything seemed peaceful.
The underwater world felt entirely separate from the busy beach behind them.
Even though families played nearby and children splashed in the shallows, there were moments when it felt as though they had stumbled into a hidden little ecosystem.
Canada smiled.
"I could honestly spend hours doing this."
"Looking at fish?"
"Looking at everything."
Cuba chuckled.
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
A larger fish suddenly swam through the area.
It wasn't huge, but it was noticeably bigger than the others.
Canada watched it glide effortlessly through the water.
The fish vanished into deeper water only moments later.
"Every time I come to the ocean I remember how much stuff lives here." Canada said.
"And we're only seeing a tiny part of it."
Canada nodded.
The thought made the ocean feel even bigger somehow.
They remained in the water for quite a while after that, alternating between swimming, floating, and exploring the shallows. Every now and then another wave would roll through, lifting them gently before carrying on toward the beach.
"You wanna head back now, Canada?" Cuba asked.
Canada glanced out at the ocean one last time. The water sparkled beneath the afternoon sun, and a gentle wave rolled across the shore before retreating again. They had spent quite a while swimming and exploring, and although he could have happily stayed longer, he could feel himself starting to tire.
"Yeah." Canada replied with a small smile. "I think so."
The two of them slowly made their way back toward their towels. Water dripped from their clothes as they crossed the warm sand, leaving faint footprints behind them. The beach remained lively around them. Children laughed as they chased one another along the shoreline, and somewhere in the distance a volleyball game was still underway.
When they reached their spot, Canada immediately grabbed his towel and draped it over his shoulders.
"Oh wow." he said with a laugh. "I forgot how hot the sand gets."
Cuba chuckled.
"That's what happens when the sun's been beating down on it all day."
Canada nodded as he began drying his hair. Once he was mostly dry, he sat down on his towel and stretched his legs out in front of him.
"I had a lot of fun in the water, Cuba." he said. "It was really cool getting to see those sand dollars and all the fish."
A smile crossed Cuba's face.
"Yeah, it was pretty nice."
"No, seriously." Canada continued. "I don't get to see stuff like that very often. The beaches back home are different."
Cuba sat down beside him and rested his hands behind his head.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Canada smiled.
"I definitely did."
For a few moments they listened to the waves rolling onto the shore.
Then Cuba spoke again.
"You know, you're really nice to be around, Canada."
Canada blinked in surprise and turned toward him.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Canada looked genuinely caught off guard.
"You think so?"
Cuba laughed softly.
"Of course I do."
Canada wasn't quite sure what to say. Compliments always had a way of catching him off guard.
"Well... thanks." he said. "That's really nice of you."
"I'm serious." Cuba replied. "You're easy to talk to. Plus you're interested in everything."
Canada laughed.
"I don't know if that's a good thing or not."
"It's definitely a good thing."
A faint warmth spread across Canada's face that had nothing to do with the weather.
"Well, I think you're great to spend time with too."
Cuba grinned.
"Good. That means we're even."
The conversation gradually faded into a comfortable silence. Neither of them felt the need to fill every moment with words.
They stretched out on their towels and relaxed beneath the afternoon sun. The steady sound of the ocean created a peaceful background as they rested. Occasionally a cool breeze drifted in from the water, providing relief from the heat.
For nearly an hour they remained there, enjoying the final part of the afternoon.
Eventually the sun began sinking lower in the sky. The harsh midday heat had softened, replaced by a warmer golden light that painted the beach in shades of orange and gold.
Canada sat up and glanced toward the horizon.
"I didn't realize how late it was getting."
Cuba looked up as well.
"Time goes by pretty fast when you're having fun."
"Yeah, it really does."
Both of them gathered their belongings and brushed the remaining sand from their towels.
As they started walking away from the beach, Cuba adjusted the strap of his bag and glanced over at Canada.
"So..." he said. "What do you wanna do now?"
Canada thought for a moment.
"We could head back to the beach house first."
"Probably a good idea."
"Yeah." Canada agreed. "We can wash up, change into some dry clothes… and after that maybe we could go out somewhere for dinner?"
Cuba nodded immediately.
"Sounds like a plan to me."
Canada smiled.
"Any ideas where?"
"Hmm." Cuba rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Depends. What are you in the mood for?"
Canada considered the question as they continued walking.
"Honestly after spending all day swimming, building sand castles, and walking around in the sun..."
"Yeah?"
"I could probably eat just about anything."
Cuba laughed.
"Fair enough."
The two of them continued down the boardwalk together, chatting about possible restaurants as the afternoon slowly gave way to evening. Eventually, they made it back to the beach house.
The moment they stepped inside, both of them were greeted by the welcome blast of cool air conditioning.
"Oh, thank goodness." Canada said as he closed the door behind them. "I don't think I realized how warm I'd gotten until just now."
Cuba laughed.
"That's what happens when you spend an entire day out in the sun."
Canada set his bag down near the couch before stretching his arms over his head.
"Today was really fun."
"Yeah." Cuba agreed. "It was."
For a few moments they stood in the living room talking about everything they had done throughout the day. Canada brought up the sand dollars again, while Cuba teased him about how seriously he had taken the sand castle building.
"It was an important construction effort." Canada defended.
"Of course it was."
"It had a moat."
"A very impressive moat."
Canada laughed.
As the conversation wound down, Cuba glanced toward the hallway leading to the bathrooms.
"Well, if we want to make it to dinner on time, we should probably get cleaned up."
Canada nodded in agreement. "Right. I'll go first if you want, or–"
"Actually, why don't we just shower together? Save some time and water, you know?"
Canada froze, his eyes widening. A sudden, intense heat rushed to his cheeks, far more strong than the afternoon sun had been. He blinked rapidly. "W-what? Together?"
Cuba grinned, seeing how flustered Canada had become. He didn't push, but he didn't back down either, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Yeah. It's not a big deal man. We've been swimming and splashing around all day. It's just a shower."
Canada shifted his weight from foot to foot, his heart fluttering in his chest. He had never really shared a shower with anyone before, and the thought made him incredibly shy. However, looking at Cuba’s relaxed expression, he realized there was no judgment or hidden agenda, just the easy going nature Cuba always carried with him. The idea of being that close to someone who made him feel so safe and seen was actually kind of nice.
"Okay." Canada said. His voice small but certain. "I... I guess that's fine."
Cuba’s grin softened into something more tender. "Cool. Let's go."
When they entered the bathroom, Cuba didn't make a big deal out of anything. He simply reached over and turned the handle of the shower, waiting a few moments for the water to warm up. As the room began to fill with a light, swirling mist of steam, the atmosphere shifted, becoming cozy.
They undressed in a comfortable, unhurried silence. Canada kept his gaze slightly lowered, his cheeks still tinged with a soft pink, but as he stepped into the shower stall, the sensation of the warm water hitting his skin was comforting, instantly soothing his nerves.
The shower was spacious enough for both of them, but they still found themselves standing close, their shoulders occasionally brushing. The water cascaded over them, washing away the lingering salt of the ocean and the grit of the sand. For a while, they just stood there, closing their eyes and letting the heat seep into their tired muscles.
"Still feel like you're made of sand?" Cuba asked.
Canada let out a small, relaxed laugh, leaning his head back into the stream of water. "A little bit. I think some of it is actually stuck in my hair."
"Hold still." Cuba murmured. "I've got you."
Cuba reached for the bottle of shampoo and poured a small amount into his palm. He stepped closer, his presence warm and grounding. With gentle, careful fingers, he began to massage the soap into Canada's scalp. The motion was slow and rhythmic, and Canada felt a wave of pure relaxation wash over him. He let out a soft, involuntary sigh, his shoulders dropping as he leaned into Cuba's touch.
"You're really good at this." Canada whispered, his voice sounding dreamy.
"Perks of living in the Caribbean." Cuba teased lightly, though his touch remained tender. "We know how to relax."
Once the shampoo was rinsed away, Cuba reached for the soap. He lathered his net sponge and then stepped behind Canada.
As Cuba's hands made contact with his skin, Canada shivered not from cold, but from the sheer tenderness of the gesture. Cuba scrubbed in slow, circular motions, ensuring every last grain of sand was gone from Canada’s shoulder blades and lower back.
When Cuba was finished, he stepped back, giving Canada room to move. "Your turn." he said with a small, encouraging smile.
Canada took the net sponge, his movements a bit shy at first, but he grew more confident as he began to lather Cuba's shoulders. He worked carefully, focusing on the areas where the sunscreen had left a sticky residue. He noticed how Cuba seemed to melt under his touch, his usual high energy settling into a calm, peaceful stillness.
"You're very gentle, Canada." Cuba said, his voice low and appreciative.
Canada felt that familiar warmth return to his face, but this time, he didn't look away. He looked up at Cuba and gave him a small, genuine smile.
"I just want to make sure you're all clean too."
They spent a few more minutes simply enjoying the warmth of the water and each other's company, the silence between them feeling heavy with a newfound sense of trust. There was no pressure, no rush, just the sound of the water and the feeling of being completely safe.
Eventually, it was time to get out. As they stepped out of the shower and wrapped themselves in oversized, fluffy towels, Canada felt a sense of contentment. The embarrassment he had felt earlier was entirely gone, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest.
As they dried off, Cuba gave him a friendly, affectionate nudge with his elbow. "See? Not so bad, right?"
Canada laughed, feeling lighter than he had in years. "No... it actually wasn't bad at all."
Canada stood in front of the bathroom mirror, running a towel through his damp hair one last time before setting it aside. The warm shower had left him feeling refreshed and relaxed, and the last traces of sand and saltwater were finally gone.
Across the room, Cuba was pulling on a clean shirt while casually toweling off his hair.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The comfortable silence that had settled between them earlier still lingered, easy and familiar.
Eventually Cuba glanced over.
"So..." he said. "Ready to go get dinner?"
Canada looked up from adjusting the sleeves of his sweater and nodded.
"Yeah, I think so."
A small smile crossed his face.
"After everything we did today, I'm definitely hungry."
Cuba laughed.
"Same here. Swimming always makes me hungry."
Canada grabbed his wallet and slipped it into his pocket before turning toward him.
"I'm just not really sure what I'm in the mood for."
"Hmm."
Cuba leaned against the dresser thoughtfully.
"I know a place we could try."
"Oh?"
"There's a restaurant called salsa suárez a few minutes from here."
Canada tilted his head.
"salsa suárez?"
"Yeah."
Cuba nodded.
"They serve a mix of seafood, Cuban food, and a few international dishes. I've eaten there before. The food's really good."
Canada looked interested.
"What kind of Cuban food?"
"Well, they've got things like ropa vieja, grilled fish, arroz con pollo, black beans and rice..." Cuba counted off on his fingers. "And their seafood is supposed to be some of the best around."
Canada's eyes brightened slightly.
"That actually sounds really nice."
"I figured you'd like it."
"What about desserts?"
Cuba immediately laughed.
"I should've known that'd be one of your first questions."
Canada smiled sheepishly.
"What? Desserts are important."
"They have desserts."
"Good."
"I don't even know what they all serve."
"Then we'll have to investigate."
"Investigate?"
Canada nodded seriously.
"Yes. Thoroughly."
Cuba shook his head with amusement.
"You make ordering food sound like a scientific expedition."
"It is a scientific expedition."
Canada pointed toward him.
"You were the one teaching me seagull facts earlier."
"Fair point."
The two of them laughed.
After gathering their things, they headed toward the front door. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, painting warm golden streaks across the floor.
Canada paused briefly beside the door and looked back toward the living room.
"You know," he said. "today was honestly one of the most fun beach days I've ever had."
Cuba's expression softened.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Canada smiled.
"We built a sand castle, found sea glass, discovered sand dollars, learned random bird facts, had a splash fight..."
"And almost lost our kingdom to the ocean."
"That too."
Cuba grinned.
"I'd say that's a pretty successful day."
"I'd say so."
A comfortable feeling settled between them.
Then Cuba opened the door.
"Come on."
"Right."
The warm evening air greeted them as they stepped outside.
The sun was beginning its slow descent toward the horizon, bathing everything in shades of gold and orange. The sounds of the beach were softer now than they had been earlier, and a cool breeze drifted in from the ocean.
As they started toward the restaurant, Canada slipped his hands into his pockets and glanced over at Cuba.
"So what do you recommend ordering?" He asked.
Cuba immediately smiled.
"Well, first of all, don't fill up on free appetizers."
"Why not?"
"Because if you do, you're going to regret it when the actual food arrives."
Canada laughed.
"That sounds like experience talking."
"Oh, absolutely."
As they made their way toward the restaurant, the conversation drifted naturally from one topic to another. The evening air was pleasantly warm, and the sounds of the beach gradually faded behind them as they walked along the sidewalk.
For a while they talked about the day they had spent together.
"I still can't believe you found two sand dollars." Cuba said.
Canada laughed.
"I got lucky."
"You got distracted every five minutes by something in the water."
"There were interesting things in the water."
"There were fish."
"There were very interesting fish."
Cuba shook his head with amusement.
"See? That's exactly what I mean."
Canada smiled.
"I can't help it. I like learning about things."
"Trust me, I noticed."
The two of them continued walking beneath the golden evening sky.
After a moment Canada glanced over at him.
"You know, our countries are actually pretty different when you think about it."
Cuba nodded.
"Yeah. That's definitely true."
"Especially the weather."
That earned a laugh from Cuba.
"I was waiting for you to bring that up."
Canada smiled sheepishly.
"Can you blame me? It's one of the first things I noticed when I visited."
"Fair enough."
Canada looked ahead as they walked.
"Back home, winter can last for months. Depending on where you are, snow can pile up pretty high."
"I don't know how you deal with that."
"You get used to it."
"I think I'd freeze."
Canada laughed.
"You probably would."
"I'm serious. Anything below thirty degrees celsius feels cold to me."
Canada stared at him.
"Thirty degrees?"
"Yeah."
"Cuba, that's practically summer weather."
"No it isn't."
"It absolutely is."
The two of them looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
"Okay." Cuba said. "Maybe our definitions of cold are a little different."
"A little?"
"Alright, very different."
Canada grinned.
"See? This is what I'm talking about."
They continued down the street as the sky slowly shifted from gold to soft shades of orange and pink.
"What about food?" Canada asked. "What's something people eat all the time in Cuba that would seem unusual somewhere else?"
Cuba thought for a moment.
"Hmm. Not unusual exactly, but rice and beans are a huge part of a lot of meals."
"I've heard they're really popular."
"They are. You'd be surprised how many different ways people make them."
Canada nodded.
"That's kind of like maple syrup for us."
Cuba raised an eyebrow.
"You put maple syrup on everything."
"We do not."
"You absolutely do."
Canada laughed.
"Okay, maybe not everything."
"Name one thing."
Canada opened his mouth.
Then paused.
A grin slowly spread across Cuba's face.
"Exactly."
Canada groaned dramatically.
"Fine. Maybe we use it a lot."
"A lot?"
"Okay, maybe a ridiculous amount."
"There it is."
Both of them laughed.
For a few moments they simply enjoyed the walk.
Streetlights were beginning to flicker on as evening approached, casting warm pools of light across the sidewalks.
Eventually Canada spoke again.
"What's your favorite thing about living in Cuba?"
The question seemed to catch Cuba slightly off guard.
He thought for a few seconds before answering.
"The ocean."
Canada smiled.
"I figured you'd say that."
"Yeah."
Cuba glanced toward the distant water.
"It's always there. Even when life gets busy, you can walk down to the beach, listen to the waves, and clear your head."
Canada nodded thoughtfully.
"I think I understand that."
"What about you?"
Canada looked up at the sky.
"My favorite thing about Canada?"
"Yeah."
He considered the question carefully.
"I think it's the forests."
"The forests?"
Canada nodded.
"There are places where you can walk for hours and barely see another person. Just trees, lakes, wildlife, and quiet."
Cuba smiled.
"That does sound nice."
"It is."
A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment.
Then Cuba smirked.
"Although I'd still take the beach."
"And I'd still take the forests."
"Fair."
They exchanged amused smiles.
As they rounded the next corner, the lights of the restaurant came into view ahead of them.
Warm yellow light shone through the windows, and the scent of grilled seafood and spices drifted into the evening air.
Canada immediately noticed.
"Oh wow."
"Told you it smelled good."
Canada laughed.
"You weren't kidding."
"Just wait until you see the menu."
As they approached the restaurant, Canada found himself growing more excited with each step. Warm golden light spilled from the windows onto the sidewalk, and the rich aroma of grilled seafood, spices,
and freshly baked bread drifted through the evening air.
His stomach immediately reminded him that he hadn't eaten since the ice cream stand.
Canada smiled as he looked up at the restaurant's brightly lit sign.
"I'm pretty excited to try the food here, Cuba."
Cuba glanced over at him with a grin.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah." Canada nodded. "I like trying foods from different places. Besides, after everything we did today, I'm starving."
Cuba laughed.
"That's fair. Swimming all afternoon will do that."
Canada looked through one of the large front windows as they reached the entrance. Inside, he could see people chatting over dinner while servers moved between tables carrying trays filled with colorful dishes.
"Everything smells amazing already."
"Just wait until you actually see the menu."
Canada smiled.
"Now you're making me even more hungry."
Cuba chuckled and pulled the door open for him.
"After you."
The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by a pleasant wave of cool air and the comforting sounds of conversation. Soft music played quietly in the background, blending with the clinking of silverware and the occasional burst of laughter from nearby tables.
The restaurant had a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Decorative lantern style lights hung from the ceiling, casting a soft golden glow across the room. Colorful artwork decorated the walls, and several potted tropical plants were placed throughout the dining area, adding touches of green among the rich wooden furnishings.
A hostess standing near the front desk looked up and smiled as they approached.
"Good evening. Welcome. Table for two?"
"Yes, please." Cuba replied.
'"Right this way."
The hostess picked up two menus and led them through the restaurant.
As they followed her, Canada couldn't help looking around. Plates piled with food passed by on their way to other tables, and every dish somehow looked better than the last.
One table had a platter of grilled fish surrounded by vegetables. Another had a dish covered in a savory looking sauce that smelled incredible.
Canada quietly leaned toward Cuba.
"Everything looks so good."
Cuba laughed softly.
"You haven't even seen the menu yet."
"That's exactly why I'm worried."
The hostess guided them to a comfortable table near one of the windows and set the menus down.
"Your server will be with you shortly. Enjoy your evening."
"Thank you." Canada said politely.
Once she had left, Canada picked up his menu before pausing to glance around the restaurant once more.
"Wow, Cuba."
"What?"
"This place is really nice."
A pleased smile appeared on Cuba's face.
"I'm glad you think so."
"No, seriously." Canada looked genuinely impressed. "The atmosphere is great, it smells amazing, and everyone seems to be having a good time."
Cuba leaned back comfortably in his chair.
"Well, I've been here a few times before and I figured you'd like it."
"You figured correctly."
Cuba nodded toward the menu.
"The food's the main reason I keep coming back."
Canada looked through the menu his eyes widening slightly as he read through the different options.
"There are so many things here."
"Take your time."
Canada continued scanning the menu.
"I think choosing is going to be the hardest part."
Cuba grinned.
"Welcome to my problem every time I eat here.”
As Canada looked over the menu, he quickly realized he had a problem.
There were far too many choices. And everything sounded delicious.
Canada let out a small sigh and lowered the menu slightly.
"Cuba, how are you supposed to choose?" he asked.
Cuba looked up from his own menu with an amused smile.
"Having trouble already?"
"A little."
"A little?" Cuba laughed. "You've been staring at the menu for awhile."
"There are just so many options."
Canada looked back down at the menu.
"Everything sounds good."
"That's usually the problem here."
Canada scanned the list once more before finally looking up.
"What would you recommend?"
Cuba thought for a moment.
"
You could try the ropa vieja."
"Ropa vieja?"
"Yeah." Cuba nodded. "It's one of my favorites. It's shredded beef that's slow cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. Usually it comes with rice and beans."
Canada listened attentively.
"That sounds really good."
"It is."
"You've had it before?"
"A few times."
Canada smiled.
"If you're recommending it, I think I'll give it a try."
"Good choice."
Canada closed his menu.
"Decision made."
"Finally."
"Hey."
Cuba grinned.
"I was starting to think we'd be here all night."
Canada laughed.
Before he could respond, a waiter approached their table carrying a notepad.
"Good evening," he said politely. "Are you two ready to order?"
Cuba nodded.
"Yes, we are."
The waiter smiled.
"Wonderful."
Cuba glanced toward Canada.
"You can go first."
Canada straightened slightly in his seat.
"Alright. I'd like the ropa vieja, please."
"Excellent choice," the waiter replied, jotting it down on his notepad. "And what would you like to drink?"
"I'll have an iced tea."
"Of course."
The waiter then turned toward Cuba.
"And for you, sir?"
"I'll have the fish with asparagus and tomato butter sauce."
The waiter nodded as he wrote down the order.
"And to drink?"
"Lemonade."
"Very good."
After finishing his notes, the waiter looked up.
"Will that be everything for now?"
Cuba glanced at Canada.
Canada nodded.
"Yep."
"Then yes." Cuba said. "That's all."
"Perfect. I'll put that order in right away. Your food should be out shortly."
"Thank you." Canada said politely.
"Thanks." Cuba added.
The waiter gave them a friendly smile before heading back toward the kitchen.
As soon as he was gone, Canada leaned back in his chair.
"I hope I picked something good."
Cuba laughed.
"Trust me. You did."
Canada smiled.
"I guess I'll find out soon enough."
The rich aroma of food drifted through the restaurant once again, making his stomach rumble.
Cuba immediately noticed.
"Sounds like somebody's hungry."
Canada's face turned slightly pink.
"...Maybe."
After a few more minutes of conversation, their food finally arrived.
The waiter carefully set the plates down in front of them before offering a friendly smile.
"Here you are. Enjoy your meal."
"Thank you." Canada said politely.
As soon as the waiter stepped away, Canada looked down at his plate and immediately stared in amazement.
The ropa vieja looked incredible. Tender shredded beef rested on a bed of fluffy rice alongside seasoned black beans. Bright peppers and onions added splashes of color throughout the dish, and the rich aroma drifting upward was enough to make his mouth water.
Across from him, Cuba's food looked equally impressive.
"Oh wow, Cuba." Canada said, unable to hide his excitement. "This looks amazing."
Cuba chuckled as he picked up his fork.
"Just wait until you taste it."
Canada didn't need to be told twice.
He carefully took his first bite.
The moment he tasted it, everything else seemed to disappear.
The beef was incredibly tender, practically melting in his mouth. The tomatoes, peppers, and spices blended together perfectly, creating a rich flavor that was comforting and completely unlike anything he
had eaten before.
For several seconds, Canada simply sat there staring at his plate.
Cuba watched him with amusement.
"Well?"
Canada slowly looked up.
His eyes were wide.
"Cuba."
A grin immediately spread across Cuba's face.
"There it is."
"Cuba, this is incredible."
"Told you."
"No, seriously." Canada shook his head in disbelief before taking another bite. "This might be one of the best things I've ever eaten."
Cuba laughed.
"You're being dramatic."
"I'm not!"
"You absolutely are."
Canada pointed his fork at him.
"I am not being dramatic. This is genuinely amazing."
Then he immediately took another bite.
And then another.
And another.
Cuba rested his chin on his hand, watching with obvious amusement.
"You really like it, huh?"
Canada swallowed before nodding enthusiastically.
"It's so good."
A few minutes passed.
Most of the conversation stopped because Canada was too busy enjoying his food.
Every now and then he would pause just long enough to make another comment.
"The seasoning is perfect."
"Mhm."
"And the beef is so tender."
"Mhm."
"And the rice goes really well with it."
"Mhm."
Canada narrowed his eyes.
"You're making fun of me."
"A little."
Canada laughed before taking another bite.
By the halfway point of the meal, Cuba couldn't stop smiling.
There was something strangely endearing about how openly excited Canada was.
Most people tried to act cool when they ate at a restaurant.
Canada looked like he'd just discovered a hidden treasure.
Eventually Cuba spoke up.
"You know..."
Canada looked up from his plate.
"Hm?"
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Cuba's mouth.
"You're pretty cute when you get excited about food."
Canada nearly dropped his fork.
His cheeks immediately turned pink.
"W-what?"
Cuba's grin widened.
"I'm serious."
Canada looked away for a moment, suddenly finding his plate very interesting.
"Oh."
A nervous laugh escaped him.
"Thanks."
Cuba took a sip of his lemonade.
"You always get this look when you're excited about something."
"I do?"
"Yeah."
Canada glanced back up.
"What kind of look?"
"The kind where your eyes light up."
The blush on Canada's face deepened.
"And then you start talking faster."
"I do not."
"You do."
"I really don't."
Cuba laughed.
"You're doing it right now."
Canada opened his mouth to argue.
Then paused.
Because unfortunately, Cuba had a point.
A quiet groan escaped him.
"Oh gosh."
Cuba couldn't help laughing.
"It's not a bad thing."
Canada smiled shyly.
"You really think so?"
"Yeah."
For a moment their eyes met across the table.
The restaurant noise seemed to fade into the background.
Cuba's expression softened.
"I think it's nice."
The warmth that spread through Canada's chest had nothing to do with the food.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you, Cuba."
"Anytime."
For a few seconds neither of them spoke.
Then Canada glanced back down at his plate.
"...I'm still going to finish this."
Cuba immediately burst out laughing.
"I figured."
Canada smiled sheepishly before taking another bite.
"Seriously, though."
"Yeah?"
"This food is amazing.":
The two of them continued talking as they ate, their conversation drifting from one topic to another with ease. Sometimes they discussed the beach, sometimes they shared stories they hadn't had the chance to tell each other before. Every now and then one of them would laugh, drawing curious glances from nearby tables.
Before either of them realized it, most of the food on their plates had disappeared.
Canada leaned back slightly in his chair and let out a satisfied sigh.
"That was amazing."
Cuba chuckled.
"Told you."
"You really did."
Canada glanced down at his empty plate.
"I can definitely see why you recommended this place."
A pleased smile crossed Cuba's face.
"I'm glad you liked it."
After lingering for a few more minutes and finishing their drinks, the waiter returned with the bill. Cuba reached for it first, but Canada immediately noticed.
"Oh no, you don't."
Cuba raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"I'm helping pay."
"You don't have to."
"I want to."
For a moment they exchanged amused looks before eventually agreeing to split the cost.
Once everything was settled, they thanked the staff and stood from their seats.
As they made their way toward the exit, the warm atmosphere of the restaurant slowly gave way to the cool evening air waiting outside.
The moment they stepped through the doors, a gentle breeze drifted in from the ocean.
Canada took a deep breath.
"Wow." Canada said quietly.
Cuba glanced over.
"What?"
"I didn't realize it had gotten this late."
Cuba looked up at the sky.
"Neither did I."
The sounds of the restaurant faded behind them as they started walking back toward the beach house. Streetlights cast warm pools of light across the sidewalk, and somewhere in the distance they could hear the steady rhythm of waves meeting the shore. The sky above them had deepened into shades of navy blue and violet, with the first few stars beginning to appear overhead.
For a while they simply walked together, enjoying the quiet after a long day.
Canada glanced up at the sky before smiling softly.
"Today was really fun."
Cuba looked over at him.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." Canada nodded. "Honestly, I don't remember the last time I had a day like that."
A grin tugged at the corner of Cuba's mouth.
"Then you'll have to visit more often."
Canada laughed quietly.
"I'd like that."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
After a few moments, Cuba spoke again.
"I mean it, you know."
Canada looked over.
"Hm?"
"You should come visit more often." Cuba said. "I had a great time with you today."
Canada's smile softened.
"I had a great time too."
His gaze drifted toward the ocean for a moment.
"I wish I could visit more often. Things just get busy sometimes."
"Yeah."
"But..." Canada hesitated.
Cuba waited patiently.
"I missed you more than I thought I would."
The words came out quieter than he intended.
For a moment, Cuba simply stared at him.
Then a small smile appeared on his face.
"I missed you too, Canada."
Canada felt his chest tighten slightly.
Cuba's expression softened.
"More than I expected."
A faint warmth spread across Canada's face.
Neither of them looked away.
The sounds of the ocean seemed strangely distant now.
Cuba slowed his pace slightly.
"You know..." he began.
Canada tilted his head.
"What?"
For the first time all evening, Cuba looked almost nervous.
It was subtle, but Canada noticed.
Cuba glanced away briefly before looking back at him.
"You've always been easy to talk to."
Canada blinked.
"Oh."
"And you're one of the kindest people I've ever met."
The blush on Canada's face deepened.
"Cuba..."
"I'm serious."
Canada looked down shyly.
A small laugh escaped him.
"You're making me embarrassed."
"Good."
That earned a surprised laugh from Canada.
Cuba smiled.
"I mean it though."
For a moment, his gaze lingered on Canada's face.
Then his voice softened.
"And..."
Canada's heart skipped.
"And?"
A faint smile touched Cuba's lips.
"You have really beautiful eyes."
Canada froze.
"What?"
"They are."
The blush that had already been coloring his cheeks immediately deepened.
"Cuba..."
"I'm just telling the truth."
Canada looked away, suddenly finding the sidewalk very interesting.
"Thank you."
His voice came out softer than usual.
Cuba chuckled.
"You don't take compliments very well, do you?"
"No."
"Yeah, I noticed."
Canada laughed nervously.
When he finally looked back up, Cuba was smiling at him.
Not teasing.
Not joking.
Just smiling.
The sight made something warm settle in Canada's chest.
"Thank you." Canada said again. "That means a lot."
Cuba nodded.
"You're welcome."
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Canada smiled.
"You know..."
"What?"
"I missed this."
Cuba raised an eyebrow.
"Walking back from dinner?"
Canada laughed.
"No."
"Then what?"
"This."
He gestured between them.
"Spending time together."
For a second, Cuba's smile softened into something almost tender.
"Yeah," he said quietly.
"I missed it too."
And together they continued walking toward the beach house beneath the starlit sky, neither of them in any hurry for the evening to end.
Before long, the familiar beach house came into view.
"There it is," Cuba said.
A few moments later, they stepped inside and closed the door behind them.
The house was quiet.
The only sounds were the faint hum of the air conditioner and the distant waves outside.
Canada let out a tired sigh as he kicked off his shoes.
"Oh wow."
Cuba laughed.
"Tired?"
"A little."
"A little?"
"Okay, maybe a lot."
The two of them spent the next several minutes getting ready for bed. They brushed their teeth, changed into comfortable clothes, and made sure everything was put away for the night.
By the time they finished, both of them were clearly exhausted.
Canada stood in the hallway for a moment, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
Cuba noticed immediately.
"What's up?"
Canada hesitated.
"Um..."
His cheeks grew slightly pink.
"There was actually something I wanted to ask."
Cuba tilted his head.
"Sure."
Canada looked down at the floor for a second.
"Would it be okay if I slept with you tonight?"
The words came out quieter than he intended.
For a brief moment, Cuba looked surprised.
Then his expression softened.
"Yeah."
Canada looked up.
"Really?"
"Of course."
A relieved smile spread across Canada's face.
"Thanks."
Cuba chuckled.
"No problem."
Together they headed toward Cuba's room.
The lights were switched off except for a small lamp beside the bed, casting a warm golden glow across the room.
Outside the window, the moonlight reflected faintly off the ocean.
Canada climbed into bed first, pulling the blankets up around himself.
A moment later, Cuba joined him.
The mattress dipped slightly as he settled beside him.
For a while neither of them spoke.
The room felt peaceful.
Safe.
Comfortable.
Canada listened to the distant sound of the waves outside and felt himself relaxing.
Beside him, Cuba shifted slightly beneath the blankets.
"You know, today was one of the most fun days I've had in a while." Cuba said quietly
Canada smiled in the darkness.
"Me too."
A brief silence followed.
Then Canada spoke.
"I'm really glad I came."
Cuba smiled.
"I'm glad you did too."
The soft glow from the bedside lamp illuminated the room for a few moments longer before Cuba finally reached over and switched it off.
Darkness settled around them.
Only the moonlight remained.
"Goodnight, Canada."
Canada smiled.
"Goodnight, Cuba."
For a while they listened to the waves rolling onto the shore.
The events of the day drifted through their minds. The beach, the ice cream, the sand castle, the shells, the swim, and dinner.
Eventually their thoughts began to fade.
The steady sound of the ocean filled the room like a lullaby.
Little by little, their eyes grew heavier.
And before long, both of them had fallen asleep, warm, comfortable, and content after a day spent together.