He's used to his brother's annoying gaze but Emil is not used to the new boy's. Ever since the new boy joined the
world meetings, Emil has been feeling his eyes on him. It would make him uncomfortable if the new boy wasn't so good looking.
According to Mr. Wang, the new boy's name is Leon and he represents Hong Kong. The younger nations like his nephew Peter and
Raivis had to introduce themselves. Emil wasn't too keen on being lumped with the young countries, but now that Leon was here,
it might be a lot better. After Czech and Slovakia finished their intros, it was Iceland's turn. He reluctantly stood up,
looking anywhere but at Leon.
"I'm Emil Steilsson. I represent Iceland. I'm the younger brother of Lukas Bondevik and the youngest of the Nordic
countries," Emil murmured, bangs falling into his eyes.
"Thank you for that introduction, Emil," Mr. Wang smiled. "I have some things to take care of, so please be good to Leon
everyone?" The other nations nodded, promising they would. Satisfied, China left the room to be with the older nations.
Iceland sighed, petting Mr. Puffin in a bored manner. Hong Kong came over to him, easily sitting on the table.
"Is he yours?" Leon asked, his accent sounding like a mixture between Mr. Kirkland's and China's.
"Yeah," Emil shrugged, his accent totally lackluster in comparison.
"Sensei told me you and I are about the same age, yet we're still here with children. Totally doesn't make sense to me.
Aren't we old enough to be with the older nations?" Hong Kong sighed. Iceland sat up straight, interested.
"Like, I agree! I think I'm old enough to be considered an older country but my stupid older brother put me in here with
my nephew. I like the kid, don't get me wrong but we are not even close in age. I'm like 200 years older than him!" Emil
exclaimed. Then he blushed. He hadn't meant to get so passionate. But the other country seemed to be hanging onto his every
word. Emil had to look away. Leon's eyes were way too intense.
"I am so very happy that there is someone who I can relate to in here. Just because we're the same age, doesn't mean
we'll share the same opinion, but I am glad you do," the Asian country smiled. Emil usually didn't like being the center of
attention, but this kind of attention was different. For once, it felt like his opinion actually mattered and wasn't
overshadowed by his brother's. The young Nordic might complain about his brother, but he loved him. He just didn't care to
show it often. Kind of like how Norge acted around Matthias. His brother would deny any feelings for the "stupid Dane" but
the amount of times Iceland caught them making out and the very hushed "I love yous" said something entirely different. His
family was weird.
"I um... to be honest, no one told me you were going to be my age and so I assumed you'd be around Sealand's age. Sorry
for assuming like that," Emil apologized, cheeks a light pink. Leon waved the apology away.
"No problem. Sensei doesn't talk about me much. It's whatever though. I just do my own thing and kind of adapt around
my weird ass family. Oh! You don't mind that I swear a little do you?" he asked.
"Denmark curses like a sailor all the time and so does Finland so it's no trouble. Lukas really doesn't like it when I
curse so he hits Den when he curses around me. Of course, there's nothing he can do about Finland cursing around me because
Sve will kick his ass but yeah... um. I curse anyway when he's not around although Peter might snitch on me if he's within
earshot," Emil answered, realizing he's oversharing. Hong Kong doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he seems to be listening very
intently.
"Your family sounds quite similar to mine, actually. Always messing around with each other," Leon smiled.
"Sometimes I can't believe they were all vikings once. Especially Matthias," Iceland said, rolling his eyes. The Asian
country made a small noise that was not unlike a giggle and Emil felt his entire face turn red. That was really cute.
"You look like a tomato," Leon said, a slight smirk on his face. This only further embarassed the youngest Nordic.
"I-I'm not used to other countries talking to me. Cut me some slack!" Iceland murmured, getting a bit upset. The other
boy frowned. He hadn't meant to upset the other, but perhaps the teasing he did with his family was not teasing that
could be done with Iceland?
"I'm sorry," Leon apologized and he meant it. Emil looked at him. Oh. That sincerity. It was very refreshing and kind
of adorable.
"No problem. I guess that's why I'm with the younger nations. I'm a bit of a crybaby," Iceland whispered.
"Mr. Italy is the biggest baby around, yet he's with the older countries. I think you're much stronger than you let
yourself believe," Hong Kong said, his words cheering Emil up quite a bit.
"You're very kind. I-I think we could be good friends?" Why in the hell had he begun stuttering? What a loser.
"And you're very sweet to call me kind. I agree. We definitely could become good friends," Leon said, offering his
hand. Emil took it, surprised by how rough it was. He shook it gingerly, his own hands like a delicate lace doily.
Although Miss Hungary was rather jealous of his hands, so he supposed his hands weren't all that bad.
"Hey! D'you got a phone?" Leon said suddenly, making Iceland jump. He then internally yelled at himself for doing so.
"Duh," Emil said, trying to be casual.
"Let's exchange numbers so we can keep in touch! I don't want to have to wait next month to have to see you again!" Leon
grinned. Iceland blushed, handing over his phone and Hong Kong handed over his. He put his number in, handing it back.
"Hopefully Sensei lets me talk to you! I think he will though. He's concerned because my only other friend is Alfred and
well... we all know how he can be," Leon grinned and the young Nordic was 100% sure Leon had tons of smiles to share.
"Leon! Let's go," a female voice called. Hong Kong rolled his eyes.
"That's my sister, I gotta go," he said, getting up.
"C-Call me when you get home?" Emil choked out. Leon looked surprised.
"Of course. See you!" And with that, the boy was gone. His company had been nice. If he was lucky, Lukas would let him
hang out with Leon. His older brother was quite overbearing at times even though Iceland knew he meant well. He just hoped
that in the possibility of making a new friend, Norge would understand and let them hang out.
"Little brother," Norway purred behind him, making him jump.
"Lukas, don't do that," Emil murmured, quite embarassed that his brother had scared him.
"I'm sorry, little brother. But it's time to go," Lukas said, offering his hand. Iceland rolled his eyes, taking it
reluctantly as his brother helped him up.
"We're going over Sweden's for dinner tonight," Norge said.
"Oh. Cool," Emil shrugged. As long as he ate, it really didn't matter where the food was coming from.
"How was your meeting?" Lukas asked, letting his brother see a smile, a rare occurence that was usually only saved for him
and for Denmark.
"I uh... I made a friend," Emil said, trying to be casual. Lukas's grip grew tighter.
"Name? Country they represent?" his brother queried. Emil sighed. Now the fun can begin.
"Leon and he represents Hong Kong," he answered.
"Okay," was all Lukas said though Emil knew he just didn't want to embarass him in public with the incessant questions. Lukas was a great big brother and even though he sometimes forgot that Iceland wasn't a little country anymore, he meant well and Emil was glad for his overprotectiveness, even though it drove him insane. Emil looked out the window as Matthias drove them to Sweden's. What would Norway say if the two countries were to pursue something romantic, if that was even a possibility? Iceland tried not to think of that and instead focused on how he could be a better friend. He'd have to do some of his own research so he wouldn't look stupid in front of Leon next time they were face to face. Hopefully he could do all that before Norge got suspicious.
Someone out there, please pray for me, Iceland thought.