Belgium let her in, taking the basket. It was more than clear the nation was not that happy about her niece in her home for repairs. She let a soft hum at the compliment of the fruits, Erika piping just then.
"If you are dirty there is no cooking around you. It would ruin the taste of any cakes we two decided to make." Austria replied crossing her arms she was seriously about that actually. Dirt doesnt belong in any kitchen even less english dirt on boots. Belgium commented and Austria wasnt getting much time recently to read, but the way the young nation spoke did made her curious about it.
"I am not aware of the books you mentioned. Maybe you could retell us the plot." Austria moved closer looking over the things Belgium already put out for the baking. Hearing the offer to help, she nodded and seeing the perfect opportunity to add on a suggestion she found a lot more interesting than simply making her niece sit outside the kitchen.
"How about you lend Erika something clean to change into and we two can teach her a bit of ladies charms. How is she to woo any hearts if her speciality are potatoes and wurst..."Austria tilted her head in thought a finger tapping on her chin as she added as an afterthought.
" ...well maybe big potatoes and a big wurst... Though those she does do really well."
The thing on Belgiums mind was apparently not a germany in a flirly dress, but a topic she didnt want to hear about. War. They were preparing for it, but her intention was to call out to the world that she wanted peace till the second the first bullet fires. Good thing she was absolutely prepared for it. Austria changed her demure shrinking a bit onto her self. Face losing her cheerfulness. Her voice dropping in strength as she spoke a response.
"Am I that oblivious? I guess a woman's intuition doesnt escape anything." She waited a brief second to catch Belgiums eyes before she continued averting her gaze to her hands. "It felt like we two had a war... It wasnt, but the words we exchanged were like flying on a warpath. I didnt meant to say those things to my husband... " She looked up continuing to speak as if one would when something you hold back something that troubles you.
"I didnt see him in several days." That was true, he was busy taking care of home business visiting their people.
"I miss him." True, she was starting to miss his occasional romantic act and flirt. His words of reassurance telling her that everything will turn just fine, because they were united.
"I am starting to think he may not love me... or that he thinks I dont love him..." She couldnt say that at her worst days she was not wondering exactly that. But he stayed with her, working together with her.
"I want to show him I still do... It would mean a lot to me if you help me make something to convey it." Austria didnt look towards her niece, as she grabbed Belgium's hands in her own in a plea. "Plese." She hummed the word, giving the nation holding the whisk still in hand her best adorable eyes.