Denmark was awakened just after two in the morning by soft little whimpers from the small mass that was nuzzled into two layers of blankets lying next to him, despite the warm spring weather. Dazed, he ran a hand through his hair and forced his eyes open, listening to the sounds. At first he was convinced that they were sounds of pleasure; soft little ragged breaths from his boyfriend. But as he woke up more, the sounds grew more frantic-sounding and desperate. The misconception of pleasure quickly turned to concern as the sounds grew to a closer resemblance to pain and displeasure. Denmark shifted, gently removing the fuzzy, warm blankets from over Norway's head and revealing his pale ivory face, which had changed from his usual stoic expression to one that showed panic, his eyebrows drawn together as he subconsciously curled into a tighter ball in his sleep and his eyes shut tightly. Denmark swiped away the bangs that had fallen in front of Norway's eyes and gently tucked them behind his ear, not wanting to disturb the Norwegian from his slumber, but also wanting to pull him from what he perceived to be another one of Norway's nightmares. He watched him a few moments more until he felt a pang of guilt, gently nudging his lover in attempts to wake him up. Being unsuccessful, he frowned before putting his warm hand down on Norway's back, rubbing calm, gentle circles into it through his purple long-sleeved pajama shirt.
"Norge," Denmark leaned closer and whispered quietly into his ear. "Wake up, cutie."
Startled awake, Norway jumped slightly, taking a deep shaky inhale as he slowly opened his eyes. Denmark lay on his side beside him, his icy blue eyes looking adoringly at the temporary innocence on Norway's sleepy face.
"Are you alright, boo?" Denmark said, a slight hint of teasing in his voice.
Norway struggled to keep his eyes open. "I'm fine."
"What was your nightmare about?" Denmark asked, draping his arm around the blonde's thin waist to keep him from rolling back onto his side and facing away from him. Curiosity danced in his eyes.
"Losing you," Norway answered simply, too sleepy to hide his secret undying affection for the Dane. Denmark loved times like this.
Denmark couldn't help but let a small smile spread across his soft lips, tinted red from usage just hours before. "You don't have to worry about losing me. Ever."
Norway yawned, nuzzling his face against Denmark's chest, the sound of his strong heartbeat providing him with instant comfort and security. "I know."
Denmark put his warm hand against Norway's side underneath his shirt, barely running his fingertips up and down the surface of Norway's cool skin, successfully giving him goosebumps. He knew Norway loved when he did this, and it was only further reinforced when he arched his back slightly and sighed, releasing the buildup of tension from his nightmare all in one breath, smiling. He reached and grabbed Denmark's free hand, lacing his fingers in between his boyfriend's bigger ones, and moved himself as close as he could get to him, closing his eyes once more.
Denmark smiled warmly and kissed his sleepy Norway one last time before they both drifted back off to sleep.
"I love you, Denmark." Norway spoke quietly, his voice attractively labored from overuse.
"I love you too, Norge."