For those of you who read "Getting to Know You," I had mentioned at the end of that previous story that the chapter of its sequel would be up soon after. I am ridiculously late in finally getting this posted because I have been very busy these past few months. College papers, projects, (school related and personal) so on and so forth, the usual. ^^' Well, anyway, I have at least gotten most of the story developed at this point during it all and am now getting this first chapter posted. I hope this will be enjoyed.

For those who are reading this now, and not having read its first story, it focuses on Iceland and Latvia's growing relationship. In history, and in currency, the two countries have gotten along. In 1991, when all of the Baltic nations broke away from the Soviet Union, Iceland was the first country to stand up and recognize them as independent. Soon after, all three of the countries formed diplomatic relationships in government. In 2000, Iceland and Latvia formed a foreign relationship agreement between each other. Since then, their relationship has become more strengthened (The two nations support one another, and the country of Latvia revealed that support fully when Iceland was being accused of fraud when its bank collapsed in 2008. Latvia was really the only one to stand up, especially to nations like England and the Netherlands, and pretty much say that Iceland was being unfairly accused and bullied [just imagine the personified Latvia doing that ^^]).

In the previous story, "Getting to Know You," that was exactly it. Iceland and Latvia were getting to know each other more. They learned more about one another, in parts of their pasts and in more of their personalities, through a tour Iceland set up in his home land. Later on, Iceland comes to realize that Latvia had mistaken the tour for a date (I imagine he doesn't get out much after the Union, he is still rather young in mindset, and he does read romance novels; it's not hard to imagine him misinterpreting the situation). Iceland didn't know what to think of that, but he was not going to hurt Latvia's feelings; he decided to go with it. Crazy mishaps and further misunderstandings ensued from it (from other nations' points of views), but the two continued to get closer anyway. Now, in this story, it will focus more so on Iceland's and Latvia's inner feelings. Not just about one another, but in concern for one another as well. They are both afraid for different reasons, but I'm not going to tell you here. Read on and find out, if you like.

Again, I hope this story will be enjoyed. It will, I shall say now, be a much darker story than the first one is. While "Getting to Know You" is lighter, "Storm" is heavier. This story may contain confusion for some at first, especially if you read "Getting to Know You" first. There's a reason for everything I wrote.

Also, as a side note, Iceland's real name is either Erikur or Emil, based on all I understand within the fanbase; I don't know if this ties in with the creator himself for certain. Fans go back and forth on this, but, until I see for myself which it truly is, I always go with the name 'Erikur' for Iceland. I personally just like that name on him the most. The reason I mention this is because I have used this name for him in this story. That is all.

Disclaimer: I do not own "Hetalia" or any of its personified nations.

Chapter 1

Darkening Clouds

"I really enjoyed that book you gave me, Iceland," Latvia said, turning more pointedly towards the older boy on his couch. "It kept my attention all the way through. I have to say, though, I felt so sad for Bjartur's first wife."

"That had to be the most tragic element in the book," Iceland replied, in agreement.

"It really was horrible," Latvia responded, cringing briefly. "I would hate to have stumbled into that setting… I'll admit it almost made me cry." Latvia's cheeks flared pink as he watched Iceland smile tenderly at him. Over half of a year had gone by since his and Iceland's very first date, and the two had been visiting each other's houses more frequently. Today, Iceland was visiting Latvia's house. They were currently sitting in Latvia's cozy library, side by side on his sofa.

"I'm sure you were happy for his daughter, though," Iceland told him, not breaking the gaze. "If it hadn't been for their dog, she would have been lost, too."

"Yes, that's true," Latvia nodded, looking straight into the older boy's eyes as his hands fidgeted. His nerves felt so shaky and weak, though not in the terrible way he was so used to. No, these nerves felt… good… to him. Being around Iceland not only boosted Latvia's confidence level, but it also made him feel so… light. Light, happy, and glad. Iceland brought out so many good things in him, and, in return, Latvia could plainly see how Iceland could open up more frontally, with him. He was still such a reserved person, but he was so supportive in their conversations. He listened to Latvia, in a way that somewhat reminded him of Lithuania and Estonia, and would even hold his hand or hug him if it was needed, like them. It was still so surprising to Latvia, to see Iceland go out of his way and do these kinds of things for him. It made him feel even better to see the Icelander smile more than he would have before. His smile was a sight Latvia truly relished.

Still, even though Iceland revealed true care for Latvia, like Lithuania and Estonia, there were completely different emotions Latvia felt between them. Even the embraces Iceland had given him before did not have the same effect on him as the ones his Baltic brothers gave him. A single touch or brush of Iceland's fingertip could cause a surging current of sensations to course through Latvia's veins. It made him feel nervous, but so wonderful. Sick, but so dreamily aloft… He had never felt these emotions before, not once in his long lifespan.

It had not yet been officially stated by either of them if they were a pair or not, but Latvia truly felt that Iceland was the one who held his heart. He had felt this way about Iceland for months now, and the feelings only kept growing stronger. He wondered if Iceland felt the same way about their friendship… that there might be more than just a friendship between them.

"Latvia?"

"U-Uh, yes?" Latvia felt his cheeks heat up again.

"You were staring at me," Iceland told him, his head slightly tilting.

"O-Oh, I was?" Latvia asked, feeling incredibly dumb. As the old saying goes, he had literally gotten lost in Iceland's eyes, thinking about him. "I-I didn't realize…"

Iceland's head tilted back up, and he looked at Latvia with curiosity in his expression. "Is there something on your mind you want to talk about?"

"What?" Latvia questioned, his eyes widening and his blush intensifying. "N-No, there is nothing that needs to be talked about. Nope, everything is perfectly fine. Nothing to be talked about at all. I'm perfectly peachy!" Turn it off, Raivis, turn it off! You're making yourself more obvious!

The corner of Iceland's lips twitched up, and the lids of his eyes lowered in knowing.

Of course, Latvia thought, of course Iceland wouldn't believe any of that stupid rambling. He mentally cursed himself for his inability to shut up.

"Latvia, you're acting very… oddly," Iceland said, cutting the space between him and Latvia on the couch in half, "like you're freaking out or something."

In a reflex to the words, and Iceland moving closer to him, Latvia's nerves began to quake more than before. "I-Is it that bad?"

"Like you're about to fall apart," Iceland said, his voice cool yet concerned. "Is something troubling you? You know you can tell me anything."

Latvia breathed out deeply, focusing on Iceland's features. Really, Latvia had thought about how pretty he thought Iceland looked before, but he was always so drawn into the shine of his silver hair and red-violet eyes. And his face, it was just so… beautiful. Latvia couldn't really think of another word to describe him. Every unique and attractive feature the Nordic had only added to his mysterious personality and place of origin. It made Latvia feel a little intimidated, for he felt rather simple in comparison.

"Will you tell me?" Iceland asked, his tone casual and gentle. "You don't have to be afraid to tell me anything."

Latvia's entire body warmed at hearing that. His eyes cut to the side of him, in thought. Anything… After all of these months, was now the right opportunity for Latvia to spill his emotions? Was it the right and appropriate time to tell Iceland that… he loved him? Love was a bold word, and Latvia was aware of that, but he knew that was what he felt. In his romance novels, the feeling of falling in love with someone was usually described as 'having butterflies in your stomach'. That was truly how Latvia felt whenever he was around Iceland or thought about him. His stomach always fluttered when it came to Iceland, like there really was a hoard of butterflies flickering about within him.

Was he ready to say this to Iceland? It would be unexpected, and he was nervous to see and hear Iceland's reaction, but Latvia felt that he had to say this now. He felt like he would throw up if he didn't. Ugh, I don't know if I can do this. What if Iceland doesn't feel the same way? I don't want to turn our friendship into something awkward… but… he did say I could tell him anything. Maybe… Maybe I can do this.

Nodding to himself, and taking a deep breath, Latvia met Iceland's gaze again. "Okay… t-there is something on my mind." Latvia briefly bit his lip, watching Iceland lean his head a little more towards him. Oh, how he hoped the result of this would be good. "I… You know how we've been spending more time with each other, getting to know each other more and more."

Iceland nodded once, listening.

"I've really enjoyed all of the time we've spent together," Latvia said looking away for a moment. "I-I love it, actually."

Iceland's closed lips formed into a small, genuine smile. Seeing this smile allowed for Latvia to feel just a little bit calmer. It was subduing his trembling nerves. This was another aspect of Iceland's that Latvia loved; Iceland had the ability to suppress his habitual shaking… That was still a wonder to Latvia, since the shaking spells he had been experiencing for so, so long had become part of his very self. It was natural for him to shake, especially when feeling the slightest bit afraid… but Iceland was able to lessen it, able to even rid it of his body completely.

"But…" Latvia began, building up to what he wanted to say, "There's more."

Iceland tilted his head again, his eyes inquiring.

"I-I mean," Latvia stammered again, trying to banish the rest of his nerves, "I always look forward to seeing you. I look forward to talking with you, spending time with you… being close to you."

Iceland's head lowered ever so slightly, as he still listened to Latvia's words. His eyes had yet to break away from Latvia's. It was difficult for Latvia to exactly pinpoint what Iceland might have been thinking, because of his steady eyes.

"You've done so many things for me," Latvia continued, beginning to feel a little bolder. "You listen to me, and you are so kind. You lift me up in encouragement when I have rougher moments… You help me recover."

Iceland's eyes softened in what Latvia saw as sentimental compassion. Yes, Latvia could surely tell him this—what he felt.

"You're very special to me, Iceland," Latvia told him, his heart pounding in excited anticipation. "I feel so great when I'm around you, like I could do anything in the world! I… What I've been wanting to say is that I… Iceland," he slid just an inch closer towards Iceland, looking into his brilliant eyes with every ounce of hope in his heart, "I… I lo-"

Suddenly, a loud, cracking, thundering noise burst from the front of Latvia's house. The two boys whirled their heads to the open entrance of the library, tensing in shock.

God, no! Latvia thought, beginning to tremble in fear, Someone's broken in! In the early afternoon? But… No, no, no! Is this for real? What's going on?

Latvia felt his wrist being grabbed suddenly, and he was hastily jerked off of the couch. He looked before him, in his fearful daze, to see Iceland dragging him towards the wooden desk on the left side of the room.

"Hide under here. Now," Iceland instructed, trying to keep his voice low as he pulled Latvia to the side of the desk. "Hide here and be quiet. I'll deal with whoever broke in."

Latvia's heart began to burn, pounding in distress. "No!" he softly cried out, "Please don't leave me! You could get hurt!"

"I'll be fine," Iceland assured the younger boy, forcing him to kneel underneath the desk. "We're nations, after all. We're stronger than humans."

"But still, you could really get hurt!" Latvia replied, his hands instinctively reaching up and grabbing Iceland's wrists. "I don't want bad to happen!" Latvia knew they were nations, possessive of more sturdy bodies than any other form of life on the earth, but he knew anything was possible, too. Nation or human, it didn't matter; something bad could still happen to anyone. Something deep down in the pit of Latvia's stomach was telling him that there was something dreadfully wrong here, that Iceland was sure to get hurt if he let him go.

"Latvia," Iceland began, getting down on one knee and placing his hands on Latvia's shoulders. "I'll be fine. Please, no matter what, stay hidden and don't make a sound. No matter what you might hear, don't move from this spot," he moved his hands up to the sides of Latvia's head and locked his eyes more closely with his. "Promise me, all right? Promise me that you will not move."

Latvia, with his hands still wrapped around Iceland's wrists, breathed with shaking uncertainty. He swallowed, nodding warily. He didn't want to let him go, but he knew there would be no convincing Iceland of staying with him. "I-I'll do it."

"Good," Iceland said, momentarily rubbing his hands soothingly into Latvia's thick mass of pale blond hair. "I'll take care of this. I won't let you get hurt."

With that being said, Iceland stood up and removed his hands from Latvia's head. Latvia's grip around Iceland's wrists loosened, and his hands fell away from them as the older boy turned and walked away, around the front of the desk and towards the library's opening. Latvia held his breath and backed more so underneath the desk, shaking tremendously. He closed his eyes, praying that the nagging, staggering feeling in his stomach was incorrect. Please, let him be all right…

The sound of Iceland's footsteps were diminishing, beginning to fade with each step. Suddenly, though, Latvia heard Iceland gasp and instantly halt his steps. Latvia's eyes flew open at the sounds, and he raised his hand to his mouth to keep himself from making any noise. The intruder had found his way to the library? Latvia, nor Iceland it seemed, heard him approaching. He hadn't heard anything else, ever since the loud crash at the front of his home.

Latvia then heard two pairs of feet. One pair was shuffling backwards, while the other pair was stepping steadily into the room. He could tell which sound belonged to Iceland, and which one belonged to the intruder. The new footsteps were so much heavier than Iceland's; it made Latvia wonder how they hadn't heard this person coming.

"Y-You," Latvia heard Iceland stammer, "What are you doing here?" Iceland sounded nervous and surprised, but so angry, too. Iceland obviously knew who the intruder was…

"I came for little Raivis."

Latvia's heart stopped briefly, and his shaking intensified times ten. The hand over his mouth clamped down even harder, desperately not wanting to react to the all too familiar, cheery voice he had just heard for the first time in so long. Russia… No… No! His other hand balled into a shaking fist, and he pressed it against his thudding heart. Why? Why does he want me? No…I don't want him to get me! Iceland, don't let him get me! Not again, please!

"So, Iceland," Russia's daunting voice sounded again, as he continued to step his way into the room, "where is he?"

"You won't see him," Latvia heard Iceland boldly speak against Russia. "He's not here."

Russia's familiar, mocking laughter, which Latvia could remember so plainly, lightly erupted from his throat. "Don't make me laugh. He is here. I know he is here… If you just tell me where he is, then there will not be any complications for you."

Iceland and Russia's blending, mimicking footsteps glided steadily across the room, while they spoke. They were growing louder and closer, sounding within Latvia's ears. Soon, though, Latvia could hear something bump against his wall, to the right of his desk. Latvia, ever so hesitantly and slowly, peeked out of his hiding spot and held his breath. He could see Iceland, his back flat against the wall, with Russia closely towering over him. Russia had one hand pressed against the wall, beside the right side of Iceland's head, and had his face leering down into Iceland's. Latvia shivered horribly when he noticed the facet pipe Russia held in his other hand.

"So, will you comply and tell me, Erikur?" Russia asked, addressing Iceland by his true name with an underlining threat.

"Never!" Iceland shouted at the man, causing for Latvia to jump a little. "I'll never comply with someone like you! The look in your eyes is evil; I would never tell you where Latvia is!"

Latvia began to worry even more. Iceland was being so brave, standing up for him like this, but Latvia knew, quite well, how Russia dealt with those who defied him. He began to feel sick. Latvia didn't want for Iceland to get beaten up by Russia! He didn't want for the person he cared for so much to be hurt like he had so many times before, by this man!

"That is a shame," Russia responded, shaking his head briefly, "Truly it is…" he suddenly grabbed Iceland's throat, tightly enclosing it within his hand.

Latvia sucked in a sharp, quiet breath of air through his nose, keeping his hand over his mouth still, as he heard and watched Iceland choke from the strangulation. His eyes were shut tight from the obvious pain Russia was putting him through. No, Iceland, please!

"Come now, Iceland," Russia began, crushing the silver haired nation's neck further with another tightening of his hand, "is a nation like Latvia really worth protecting? I can see that the two of you are close enough, but would you truly give up your mobility and health to protect a weak, puny, little country like him?"

Latvia's eyes widened at those words, and he pulled himself back underneath the desk again, allowing for the hand over his mouth to fall. He… Russia… He's still right about that. I am weak. I can't protect myself from Russia, but I don't want Iceland to suffer for me, because of that… Latvia closed his eyes as a single tear cascaded down his cheek. He should just give me up, right now.

"D-Don't," Iceland rasped, trying to speak, "D-Don't you… d-dare say that about him!"

Latvia opened his teary eyes, rounding them out as he listened to Iceland's struggling, continuing words.

"L-Latvia isn't weak. Y-You're wrong! H-Horrible for y-you to-gah!" Latvia heard Iceland gasp out in pain, attempting to pant breaths of air.

Stop it, Russia, stop it! Latvia desperately wanted to scream aloud. He had promised Iceland he would stay silent, but Latvia didn't know how much more he could take of listening to Iceland suffocate. He squeezed his watery eyes shut and bit his lip, trembling violently as he remained quiet. Please let him go! Don't let bad happen, not again!

"So," Russia started again, "I take that as a 'no', then, hm?"

No words. The only sounds Latvia could hear were the faint, unsettling noises of restricted air being caught within Iceland's throat. He soon heard Russia sigh and then follow it up with a short, dark chuckle.

"Very well, then, Iceland. Your choice."

There was a shift of feet, and then, all of a sudden, something rammed harshly into the side of the desk. No, someone. Iceland! Latvia could hear Iceland's body make contact with the desk, feeling it as well, and heard him cough and grunt as he collapsed atop it. Latvia looked up, as he heard Iceland trying to use the desk for support to stand up. Latvia could then hear Russia's heavy footsteps walk towards the desk, and he soon felt the vibration of Iceland's body being thrown to the floor.

"You are going to wish you had given him up." With that, Latvia heard a sound that numbed his mind and sickened him to the core, a sound that he had grown accustomed to during the Soviet Union and never wanted to hear again, a sound that caused him, Lithuania, and Estonia immense pain… A metal pipe, thrashing into a body.

In his shaking nausea, Latvia listened and winced as Iceland screamed from the first, crushing blow. Please let him go! Please let him go! Latvia's hands grasped the sides of his head, and he cried silent tears as Iceland was hit again. He heard another pained scream, along with an unnerving crack of bones.

"You should know, Iceland," Russia said, his voice vindictive and smiling, "Latvia only cares about being protected. As long as he is safe, nothing else matters."

That… That isn't true! Latvia wanted to yell out, gripping his hair more tightly. Just as Latvia thought that, another bone-shattering smack sounded and was immediately followed by a gasping cry of agony. His heart ached even more than before.

"Latvia doesn't care about you like you think he does," Russia's voice continued, "He used Lithuania and Estonia as shields every chance he got, before. If they were unable to protect him, he would resort to pathetic groveling. And here you are, repeating the process for this little coward!"

With every word being spoken, Latvia curled more and more into himself, tears streaming down his cheeks. I was pathetic back then, so pathetic even now, but look at me! I'm so small compared to Russia; I wouldn't have a chance in Hell winning against him! I hid behind Lithuania and Estonia, and begged for protection sometimes, but I never used them! I love them… his fingertips shook and scratched through his hair, and Iceland… I love him… I wouldn't-

Another loud blow rang out and snapped Latvia out of his thoughts. He jumped and tensed at hearing more pained moans and breaking bones. Then another smack sounded and another after that. Latvia was trying so, so hard to keep silent, but he didn't know how much more he could take of hearing these grotesque sounds. The noises took Latvia back to memories of horror. With every snap of Iceland's bones and weakening gasps, Latvia felt more and more ill. He was sobbing, so much, for Iceland. He had promised he wouldn't make a sound, no matter what he heard, but this was becoming too much for Latvia to stand. How many more times did Russia intend to hit him?

Another strike sounded now, and, though bones broke, Latvia could barely hear Iceland utter a single noise of pain. He's fading! Russia might go too far, just like… No… No!

He couldn't take it anymore. "Stop!" Latvia cried out, scrambling out from underneath the desk. "Stop it! Leave him alone!" He stumbled around the desk, on his hands and knees, and looked around it. There, he saw Iceland's battered body lying pitifully on the floor in front of Russia's feet. Latvia shot himself towards Iceland and wrapped both of his arms around his head, shielding the upper half of Iceland's body.

"No more!" Latvia cried, holding Iceland's head into the crook of his neck, "No more! Don't hurt him anymore, please!"

He heard Russia laugh under his breath. "Well, look here, if it isn't little Raivis. You finally showed."

Latvia tensed and swallowed, feeling terror envelop him. Steadily, with his arms still cradling Iceland's head, Latvia leaned up slightly. He looked down into Iceland's face, seeing a half-lidded expression adorning his face. Blood was trickling out of the side of his mouth, and he was breathing slowly and painfully, Latvia could see and feel. He looked as if he were trying to stay conscious.

"Oh, Iceland," Latvia sobbed lightly, raising one hand to gently caress the older boy's face, "I'm so sorry. So sorry…" a few of his teardrops fell onto Iceland's cheek, and Latvia wiped them away with his thumb. He tenderly laid Iceland's head back down to the floor, keeping his hands on the sides of his head, and leaned his forehead against his. "I tried to keep that promise, Iceland," Latvia told him, muttering soft cries, "but I couldn't help it. You never should've had to go through this," more tears formed in his eyes, "I'm so, so sorry."

"Isn't this a heart-warming moment," Russia said, his tone frivolous. "I almost feel bad."

Latvia turned his head sideways, glaring up at Russia with one eye. Words couldn't describe how much he hated him, right then and there.

"I was wondering when, or if, you would actually come out of there," Russia briefly referred to the desk, causing Latvia's eyes to widen. "Ah, I see you're surprised," Russia said, grinning childishly. "Shouldn't you expect it?"

"…Y-You knew," Latvia stated, his words blank. "Then… you were only testing me. You wanted to see what it would take to make me come out." Just like that time… sick bastard.

"Da," Russia replied, "That is right. I was almost surprised it took you so long. I could practically feel your shaking radiating out from under that desk, ever since I walked into the room. It's such a sad reflex of yours, isn't it?"

Latvia winced, turning his face back to Iceland's again. His eyes were nearly closed now, and his breathing was still irregular, his chest jerking with every other inhale. He looked up and down Iceland's body, thinking about how truly beaten and bruised he looked underneath his clothing. Latvia felt sick, seeing him like this. This action might have been prevented if he had just stepped out sooner. Iceland wouldn't have to be feeling all of this pain. He didn't have to be involved, but he was… and he was trying to protect Latvia, with his very own body. Iceland… Latvia brought his lips to Iceland's forehead, kissing it compassionately. Iceland, forgive me for this. I wish you never had to know any of this, or experience any of these things. I'm so sorry.

Suddenly, Latvia could feel his hands being removed from Iceland's head. "N-No, stop!" he yelled, trying to fight Russia from pulling him away from Iceland. "No, please, don't!" He was pulled up to his feet, and both of his wrists were restrained within Russia's hands. He tried to break free. "I don't want to go back! I don't want to go back!" fresh tears began to spill, "I'm happy with him! Don't take me away from him!"

To Latvia's surprise, he was shoved back to the floor, hitting it not too far from Iceland's body. He then felt the heavy pressure of Russia's boot pinning him down. The young nation looked up at Russia, seeing how the tall man towered over him with immense authority.

"We will be even happier, Latvia," Russia told him, scaring the lavender eyed boy even more. "After I am finished here, you and I will go get Toris and Eduard, too. We are beginning the USSR anew and even better than before."

Latvia's heart skipped a beat and his stomach dropped. He couldn't believe it. Russia was actually going to put them all through that again… They would all have to live in fear, under Russia's roof, again… He could barely utter a word, because of his terrible shock. This can't be real… This has to be some cruel joke, all of this!

"Before we leave, though," Russia began, bringing his pipe up into both of his hands, "I will have to finish beating up Iceland. There will be no relationships with outsiders, and he would only get in my way."

Latvia's breath stilled, and he quickly turned his face to Iceland, once again seeing how pitifully hurt he was. "No … Nē!" he began to squirm violently, "You can't do this to him! He hasn't done anything wrong! He doesn't deserve this! Please, I love him!" Just as those words had tumbled out of Latvia's mouth, he felt nervous. No, he felt scared. Scared for Iceland, entirely. Latvia looked up, catching the glimmering malice in Russia's eyes. No… No, what have I done…

"Is that so, little one?" Russia condescendingly questioned the small nation. "You love him, do you?" he grinned more widely, menacingly. To Latvia's mute horror, Russia prepared his pipe, raising it over his head. "He will never be able to move again, after I'm through." With that, Russia swung all of his strength into the pipe, bringing it down into Iceland's chest.

Latvia screamed bloody murder at the sight of Iceland's cracked sternum and ribs abruptly protruding through his chest and ripping his shirt. He watched Iceland's eyes fly open and head snap back, as more blood sputtered from his mouth. It looked like a scene straight out of a gory horror film. "Apturēšanai, Krievija!" he shrieked in his own tongue, "Stop it, please!"

Russia raised the pipe and brought it back down, striking it against Iceland's head. Latvia heard the bones in Iceland's neck break, and saw more blood pour out of his mouth and temple, as his head limply fell to the side, in his direction. With teary eyes and a desperately pleading tongue that was begging for Iceland's mercy, Latvia watched in horror as Iceland's eyes glazed over and void themselves of life.

"Nē!" Latvia cried, desperately thrashing underneath Russia's boot and reaching out for Iceland. This couldn't be happening. He had seen Lithuania and Estonia in similar states before, because of Russia, but he had never seen them look as dead as Iceland did, right then. "Iceland! Iceland, please, don't go! Iceland, please! Erikur!"

Thunder cracked, and Latvia found himself snapping awake from his nightmare, jolting and crying out. He curled up into his sheets, clutching them, and shook violently as he listened to the thunder roll outside of his dark room's window. He was inhaling and exhaling deeply, weeping in between breaths.

He was horrified from the imagery that nightmare gave him. It all felt and looked so real, to him. He had had dreams like that many times before, but they had all featured Lithuania and Estonia getting beaten by Russia, as well as himself sometimes. This was the very first time he had had this type of dream with Iceland being hurt... so deathly hurt… and what he wanted to say to him in the nightmare was undeniably true... His heart throbbed so much. It hurt so badly, he could barely stand it. Why… Why did I have to see that happen to him?

Latvia swallowed harshly, trying to rid himself of more flowing tears and mental imagery. He brought his sheets up to his eyes, breathing shakily still, and wiped his eyes and face of the tears that fell. The rest of his body was still recoiling from everything the dream contained. Thank God it was all a dream… right? He opened his eyes, widening them, and his breath stilled. Latvia suddenly felt very afraid. What if, for some reason, Iceland actually was hurt? Everything his mind had laid out for him to see was false, and it might have just been the dream itself making him feel so scared all of a sudden, but… I've got to call him!

Latvia fumbled with his sheets, quickly tossing them aside, and scrambled out of his bed, nearly falling onto the floor. He got to his door's frame, grasping and leaning against it as he tried to settle the quaking muscles in his legs. I've got to check on him! Come on, body, move for me!

He raised himself back up and ran out of his bedroom door, using the hall's walls as support if his legs began to shake too much again. Latvia just had to call Iceland, to assure himself that his nightmare really was untrue. Iceland, please be all right!

And so, Latvia had thankfully dreamt all of that... Perhaps... A friend of mine was confused when she read this for the first time, after knowing the way "Getting to Know You" ended. Latvia's nightmare plainly reveals his immense fears for Iceland, in every way. As his genuine feelings for Iceland develop, the more afraid Latvia becomes for him. He is afraid that the person he loves will suffer like he had under Russia's roof, and is afraid of losing him somehow—whether it be Iceland that is taken away from Latvia, or Latvia being taken away from Iceland (While nations can't exactly die unless the country itself diminishes, this brutal display would still horrify Latvia). It's truly a very frightening nightmare; especially when you find out more behind Latvia's fears in the future.

-Latvian to English- (I really hope this is correct or close; please, someone tell me if it isn't, ^^')

Nē! - No!

Apturēšanai, Krievija! - Stop it, Russia!

Also, the book Latvia and Iceland are talking about in the beginning of the chapter is called "Independent People." It was a gift Iceland had given Latvia in the last story.

Thank you to all who have chosen to read my work. I really, very much appreciate it and will continue to write to my very best. I hope this felt realistic and was enjoyed.