'Hi Norge!' Denmark smiled seeing the smaller nation sitting in the World's Meeting Room. It was pretty early and there were only Japan, Greece, Finland with Sweden and Canada besides them already.

Denmark waited but pointlessly for an answer. Slightly disappointed he greeted the rest of the countries in the room and made a move to seat next to his favourite one but a fist colliding with his stomach told him that it would be best for him to change his mind. However being a stubborn man in love he was he decided to take the risk and fell on the chair next to Norway receiving an irritated sigh from his love. That made him sad. He knew Norway for so long. And loved him with all his heart. Denmark knew that Norway wasn't the one to show his emotions and go out to people. However he thought that maybe after spending so much time with him his Norge would open up to him. So he threw himself on him and tried his hardest to convince Norway about his feelings.

All for nothing.

Norway was as cold and uninterested as he was always and every time the Dane came at him he left with some kind of injury - physical... or psychological. And, in fact, these mental punches hurt Denmark much more than a hardest physical one.

Especially today.

Recently Denmark had some problems with his economy, which left him worn out and he really needed something to distract him from them. Something nice. But, as expected, no one noticed his ever-present wide smile is a little forced and smaller than usual. That he is a little quieter and paler from lack of sleep and not eating. 'Really now' the Dane thought to himself 'you expected them to notice? They don't care about you. If they ever had they stopped long time ago. When they left you. Hope dies the last one though, huh?'.

Even if he didn't show it outside his mood dramatically dropped recently. The weather in Denmark was shitty. There were storms for about three days now and it only made him more upset that his people had to suffer because of him. Cold wind and never ending rain were an image of sadness and exhaustion with an occasional lightening of anger and desperation. But even so he was doing his best to work out every problem his country had and keep his normal smile on. He didn't want to worry the rest of the Nordics or the rest of the world. Not that anyone would notice if he wasn't all cheerful and hyper. They didn't give a damn. Maybe when he started to be annoying to them. But most of the time they forgot about him.

'Why do I even bother worrying about them? It'd be better if I stayed in my country and actually did some work. After a second thought - I can work here. After all no one is going to notice anything. If I stay quiet they will forget about me and maybe I can do something about the budget. There is less and less money and if I don't stop the rain there will be another problem with floods...' Denmark was lost in work in no time. He didn't even notice that America had started the meeting and was talking some nonsense and England was arguing and Germany once again tried to stop the chaos. He just sat quietly and focused on doing his work.

He was so lost in it he didn't notice a concerned stare that Norway gave him. In fact the smaller nation was very surprised when instead of jumping on him Denmark just sat in the chair, sighed (Denmark sighing?) and, after a while, busied himself with some papers. Norway was even more surprised when he saw that the idiot was actually working on some economics! He never saw Denmark working on something like this. He became quite anxious when his neighbour, not even sparing him (or anyone else) a glance, didn't bother to pay any attention to the meeting and stayed quiet and still over his papers.

Something was wrong. Norway screwed the meeting as well instead deciding to watch his friend.

And what he saw surprised him a lot.

Denmark was paler and thinner than his usual self. And he was not smiling. Not even a bit. He looked... tired. That was so abnormal that Norway couldn't help but stare at his friend and even then he didn't receive even a quick glance. Like Denmark was ignoring all of them and him too.

Denmark never ignored him.

What was going on?

Norway decided that he'll ask Denmark some questions when the meeting is over.

The silence told him it was over. He looked up and saw that he is practically alone in the room. There were the Nordics talking and Japan trying to wake Greece up. He felt his stomach growling and decided to go to the cafeteria to get something to eat. He gathered his things and stretched, noticing the weird glances his four friends gave him but brushing them aside. 'I'm hungry and tired. I don't feel like listening to their scolding and feeling their punches. Especially Norway's.' So he left.

Now the four Nordics were astonished. Everyone of them noticed that Denmark was unusually quiet today. Then Norway told them what he saw sitting next to him. And then he left the room, alone, even if he saw their gazes and they knew he saw them. Without the smallest smile or even a 'goodbye' he left in the direction of the cafeteria still holding his papers before his eyes.

Now that was strange. They knew that something was wrong. But what?

After buying himself his favourite sandwich and a biggest cup of coffee available he sat in the corner of the room and while he was eating came the image of the rest of Nordics in the meeting room. They gave him some weird glances. What did they want? Maybe they were worried? But immediately he scolded himself. 'They are not worried. If they noticed they can be curious... or maybe they just had to talk about something. Judging from the looks on their faces it was irritating. And of course involving me. Of course.' Denmark sighed again. He was feeling more depressed with every passing minute. And tired. He felt so tired...

Denmark felt his eyelids starting to droop so he took another sip of coffee and quickly finished his sandwich. Then he headed home, lost in his own thoughts. However, when he was passing the Meeting Room he saw Japan desperately trying to carry Greece out. He obviously had no chances of successfully managing this but it was such a funny sight Denmark felt his lips twitch and then curl into a smile. He chuckled and entered the room.

'Hi Japan!' the Dane said. 'Need some help?'

'Oh! Denmark-san!' Japan jumped slightly startled 'In fact I do.' Denmark came to him and threw one of Greece's arms around his own shoulders still chuckling a little. 'What happened to him? He's sleeping like a dead man!'

'Uh, he had a tiring day. One of his favourite cats died...'

'Oh. I understand. Well... I'm sorry.'

'It's okay now. He's just tired.' Japan assured looking tenderly at his lover. Seeing this gaze Denmark thought about himself. He was so alone. He'd give anything to have someone caring for him like this and even more than this if this person could ever be Norway. This brought a sad smile to his lips - Norway would never care about him, let alone love him back.

'Um... Denmark-san? Is something bothering you?'

'Hm? Oh! No! Not at all!'

'Are you sure? I think almost everyone noticed you were very quiet today.' Denmark looked at the smaller nation. "Everyone noticed"? That can't be true. But then again. even if they did they didn't care enough to ask if something was wrong.

'Yes! Yeah, I'm sure.' Well Japan seemed to care. For now. But he certainly had his own problems. He shouldn't throw his burdens on Japan's shoulders. And even if he did Japan couldn't help - he was simply too far away to help him with local problems. The rest of the Nordics could. However they didn't ask.

'Um... okay then. But remember Denmark-san: we may not be very close but... if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here.'

'Japan...' Denmark whispered very touched 'Thank you.'

'No problem, really.' the quiet nation gave him a little smile. 'Thank you for your help.'

'Heh... That was my pleasure.' It really was.

While talking they managed to carry Greece from the WMR to the hotel room Japan and Greece were staying at.

'So. I'll be going now. See ya around Japan!'

'Oh! Yes. Goodbye Denmark-san.'

He turned to leave but came face to face with Japan's cousin and Iceland's boyfriend - Hong Kong. He liked the quiet nation. Hong Kong cared deeply for his love's little brother. Last week he'd go and hug him, annoying him too. But today he just greeted him with 'Hi, Hong Kong.' and left.

Now that surprised Hong Kong. And slightly... disappointed him? Truth be told Hong Kong liked Denmark. Even with his loud voice and bones-breaking hugs.

'What happened to him?' Hong Kong asked but Japan couldn't tell him anything besides: 'He was like this all day. Instead of actually attending the meeting he was doing some paperwork. And then he helped me carry Herackles-kun here. He did look sad but when I asked him he didn't want to tell me anything. That's all I know.' Hong Kong frowned.

'Thank you, Japan. Maybe Iceland knows more. He's like, his younger brother. I'll go ask him...'

'Please, tell me if you figure out what happened, okay?'

'Yeah, sure. See ya, Japan.'

'Yes. Goodbye, Hong Kong.'

And Hong Kong left the hotel heading in the direction of his boyfriend's land. He was determined to figure out what's wrong with Denmark.

Denmark collapsed on his couch. Finally at home! There was still much work to do but he decided against doing it now since he made three mistakes in the last fifteen minutes. He almost hadn't got any sleep in three days now and he was exhausted. It was pretty early but he took a shower and as he was slipping into the sweet world of dreams, suddenly, his phone rang.

He was too tired to even curse.

Denmark got a hold of his phone (which was luckily near him in case of an emergency) and answered with a tired whine: 'It's me.' Te person on the other line was quiet for a second and then came the voice. 'Hi, Denmark. Um... how are you?'

Denmark immediately sobered.

It was Norway.

Norway decided to phone Denmark. He couldn't find him after the meeting but the look of Denmark and the talk he had with Iceland, Finland and Sweden made him determined to get to know the reasons behind the Dane's behavior and appearance.

He checked the hour and decided it's still pretty early so he quickly dialed the number. Before he could retreat he hit the dial button and anxiously waited for Denmark to answer.

Suddenly he heard a whine and tired-sounding voice: 'It's me.' the Dane said. The voice sounded so unlike him Norway wondered for a second if he dialed the right number. But he was sure he had so he quickly pulled himself together.

'Hi, Denmark.' Suddenly he didn't know what to say next. This happened rarely. 'Um... How are you?'

"Oh Norway. That was such an intelligent question." He thought to himself.

'What?! I mean... I'm okay! Yeah. Why'd ya ask?'

'You don't sound like you're okay.' He sounded tired and a little hoarse. And why did he sound so astonished?

'Oh. But, I am. So. What can I do for you?'

'For me? Nothing.' Why asking this question? 'I'm just calling to ask how are you. By the way I don't believe you.'

'Really? That's sad.' Sad? Suddenly he heard muffled sound of water.

'Hm. Denmark?'

'Yeah?'

'Is it rain that I hear?' Rain means sadness.

'What? I mean no! No, it's not!' Obvious lie.

'Liar.'

'It's only a few drops.' So he is sad. And he doesn't want to admit it.

'Few drops don't sound like this. What happened?'

'Nothing, really. It's just some e-economics' What was that sneeze? 'Sorry.'

'Liar. Are you sick?'

'No. I don't think so.' What's with this guy?!

'You certainly sound so.'

'Eh. No it's not it. I'm just a little tired. I was just going to sleep.'

'But it's so early! Then again you do sound tired.' But sleeping? He always stayed late in the night to drink and woke up before afternoon...

'Um... Norway?'

'Yes?'

'Actually... why are you calling?' What?! But that's a difficult question. Norway switched to "defense mode" 'Idiot! I told you! And I'm not going to repeat it for you! You should LISTEN to what people are telling you!' So embarrassed. And why?

'Uh, sorry, Norway! I'm sorry, okay?' He was too harsh. This phone was to check on him, not harass him!

'Nah, never mind.' Suddenly a great idea appeared in his mind. 'Listen Denmark.'

'What is it?' Why is Denmark calm? Not like him at all!

'I'm... organizing a family reunion. Would you like to come?' He'll say yes and we'll figure out what's with him.

'Huh? Family reunion? Where? When?' He seems interested. Good.

'Tomorrow... in my house.'

'Tomorrow? I... I'm sorry but I think that I can't go.'

'What? Why?' WHAT?!

'I... have some things to do. Actually I was going to sleep now to he able to focus tomorrow.'

No sounds came after this. Norway was shocked. Denmark rejected an invitation to his house! And all the time while on the phone he was... careful and reserved. Especially after Norway snapped. And those sneezes...

'Hello? Norway?' He was too shocked to say a thing. 'Maybe this really was a dream.' he heard Denmark muttering and then the dial signal. This made him even more confused. "Dream? What the hell does that mean? He thought my phone call was a dream?!" Suddenly he heard someone knocking on his front door and hurried to answer. It was Finland. Behind him stood Sweden, Iceland and Hong Kong.

Denmark awoke in the morning with a groan. His head was killing him.

He was sick.

"Damn!" He thought to himself "Norway was right. But then again - Norway is always right..." Oh how he wanted his love to come and ease the excruciating pain in his head and burning throat. He was so hot! But he was sick several times in his long life and Norway never came. No one ever came. Even if they knew about his sickness because he told them. They never came. All of them were always careful not to set a single foot in this house. Why would they want to come to him anyway? He was annoying. Everything he touched he screwed up. They wanted nothing to do with him.

He was so alone.

Suddenly his phone started ringing. He grabbed it and quickly answered with a hoar voice 'It's me.'

'Um... Denmark?' It was his boss. 'Are you feeling okay?'

'Yes, I am. What is it?'

'Okay... have you finished the paperwork yet? It's okay if you haven't but they'd help us a lot.' Oh shit.

'I haven't yet. But I'll do it. Today.'

'You sure? Don't push yourself too much.' Sheesh even my boss pities me now.

'No, no... it's okay. See you in a few hours, boss!' And with this Denmark hung up. It was rude but his boss was okay with it and if this call went for a little more he'd puke right onto his bed.

Denmark crawled out of his bed hissing when his feet made contact with the cold floor and after steadying himself with several deep breaths he slowly made his way to the bathroom and stuck his face under cold water. It helped him with nausea, burning skin and woke him up finally. He remembered as he had similarly treated his hangovers by ducking his face into the sea in the old days of piracy. Good old past…

Not bothering to dry himself he made himself some coffee (because if he ate anything his stomach wouldn't make it) and went back to his room, sighing when he eyed the documents.

How he hated these things. Usually it was his people who did them. But now, with that economic collapse he wanted desperately to do something to help (also it was distracting him from his loneliness) so he took some.

In five hours he finished all of them and, after taking a quick, cold shower, he went to give the huge pile to his boss. Judging from concerned glances his people gave him he must've looked horrible.

Exactly how he felt.

After handing the pile to his boss he nearly collapsed so he had to agree that someone will give him a ride back home. Once inside he realized his nausea had woken him up pretty early and it was only 2 p.m. now. Slightly unsteady on his feet he made his way to the couch and immediately passed out cold.

He awoke slowly. First thing he noticed was the cool sensation on his burning forehead. Then he realized he was in his bed, very warm and comfortable.

Then the voices filtered through.

'Calm down, Norway.' Sweden? What is Sweden doing here? And why is he calling N-

'But it's been already three days!' -... oh. this is Norway's voice. Why is it full of anxiety?

'I know. But he has to fight the illness. Let him. You saw how bad he was. He looks much better now, I'm sure he'll wake up soon.' Uh... they are talking... about me? They... they are worrying over me? Norway is worrying over me?!

But before he allowed himself to be happy he realized that it was impossible. They didn't care about him. Heck, they probably didn't even know where was he living!

"So this is a dream. Well... I'd prefer it to be reality but I'm happy that at least in my dreams they are here for me..." Suddenly his clenched with sorrow throat reminded him of his current condition: he was sick as hell. He tried to suppress the urge to cough but he failed miserably and his whole body shook with the intensity of his violent coughs. Just when he started to choke a pair of soothing arms wrapped around his body and lifted it to a sitting position, a glass of water pressed to his lips. He slowly started to calm down when the coughing fit ended and automatically swallowed the water that was slowly poured into his mouth. The fit left him exhausted. Gentle arms held him tightly for a moment and then he was lowered back onto the pillows, covers tucked under his chin. The warm nest of blankets and pillows someone made for him was so comfortable he drifted off into sleep unaware of one silent tear that went down his guard's chick.

Sweden entered the kitchen in Denmark's house with a tired sigh.

'How's he?' Came his little wife's quiet voice. Finland was cooking something: for them or for the Dane when he finally woke up. Like for the past three days. He stuffed the fridge full.

Iceland and his boyfriend entered the room eager to hear Sweden's answer. They were cleaning the house just to distract themselves from worry over Denmark.

'Like for the past three days. We thought he was getting better recently but suddenly he went into a coughing fit again. He hasn't woken up yet. I'm starting to worry. He's strong but...'

He heard three sighs full of sadness.

'And how is Norway?' Iceland asked.

'Bad.' Sweden said. 'He's stressed and exhausted and he refuses to leave Denmark's side.' Tears welled up in Finland's eyes. Sweden came up to him and hugged him tightly murmuring 'It's okay. He's very strong. You know that.' He kissed Finland's fair hair and his "wife" snuggled up to his chest. Even Iceland leaned into his boyfriend and allowed a hug.

They were all worried. First Denmark's behavior and appearance on the meeting, then Japan and Hong Kong's revelations, then Norway's phone call and now... this. When Norway told them about the phone call they decided to visit Denmark and what the country greeted them with was cold wind and rain outside and, inside the house, the sight of their older sibling lying on the couch like a dead man with pale skin and flushed cheeks taking quick, shallow breaths. They hurried to check on him and his high fever almost burned their fingers. Finland reacted with tears so Sweden tried to calm him down at the same time helping Norway and Hong Kong move Denmark upstairs to his bed. Iceland was frozen to the spot with wide eyes, then tried to help as well opening the door for them and preparing the messed up bed. Then Sweden sent Hong Kong to bring some clean cloths on the Dane's forehead, Finland - to get some cold water, Iceland to help them, and tried to comfort Norway. When they did everything they could for the Dane they left the room to wander around the house. They were too worried to leave it altogether but they just couldn't stand looking at their sibling in this state. Only Norway stayed inside refusing to let Denmark out of his sight. He hasn't gotten any sleep for this three, going on four days and just when they thought that now it'll get better Denmark started coughing again. Norway wanted to do something, help him somehow... But the only things he could do were changing the cloth on his forehead, keeping him warm and giving him plenty of water. Nothing more. It was driving him crazy. He wanted to shake the still figure on the bed and yell at him to wake the hell up but he knew that could only worsen Denmark's state so instead he was gentle and patient around his charge. He nursed his sick friend. That was his way of coping with worry. Finland was cooking. Iceland and Hong Kong cleaned the house looking for some clues.

And they found them. Well, more like Mr. Puffin did. He was had been seated on Iceland's shoulder when his master wandered around the house cleaning something here and there, distressed. He knew what was the reason - his older brother's condition. He also knew that his master and the rest of his family wanted to know why he was like that. So when he decided that it's a good time to stretch his wings a little and saw some serious looking folder he grabbed it (from one of the highest shelves in the whole house - no wonder these humans couldn't see it if they were all so small... maybe not that bespectacled one but he was busy elsewhere) and brought it to his master.

This was it.

Iceland promised his bird as many fish as he'd want when they came back home. He even kissed Hong Kong - he was overjoyed. They had the key! Now they will be able to figure everything out! Hell they finally would be able to do something, to help! They quickly ran to the kitchen where Sweden and Finland were and showed them the file. They decided not to call Norway. At least not now. They wanted him to rest.

Finally they dug into the file eager to know what brought their older brother to this horrible state.

'Holy shit...' Hong Kong sighed.

They just finished going through the file Mr. Puffin had found. Now it all made sense. Of course Denmark was drained. Everyone would be if they had to deal with such a situation!

'Yeah...' Iceland quietly agreed.

'Okay.' Finland said. 'Lets sum up what we know. Denmark wanted to prevent the flooding of his towns so the government prepared seventy million euros for dams. However the minister who was given the responsibility for this whole project including the money took them and quietly located in a Swiss bank. This way the money is forever lost. They imprisoned him and took all his assets but even so the country is in debt. Because of that the government had to cut some other projects and increase some fees. The society did not like it. Denmark tried to talk to Switzerland twice but it got him nowhere - Switzerland refused to give the money back. Also without the dams some towns were flooded due to heavy storms that are raging through Denmark for around two weeks now. That means more cuts. Basically this is all we know for now.' he ended.

'Now the question is why Denmark's been so depressed for two weeks and what can we do to help.' Hong Kong spoke up. 'I think we should concentrate on winning the money back from Switzerland. I know he is stubborn about his rules but there must be something that can convince him.'

'I agree.' Iceland said. 'The government did what it could to gather money from other sources but that will not help danish economy. It's just too much. But how do you plan on doing this? Denmark tried twice to swallow his pride and ask for help but Switzerland refused.'

'Well then' Hong Kong smirked dangerously 'if he's stubborn then we should just trick him. I'm a master of tricking people. We have to find his weakness and use it against him but he can't figure that out.'

'What?! You want to play your stupid games with Switzerland?! Are you insane!?' Iceland wanted to scream but remembered Norway and Denmark resting upstairs and kept his normal volume of voice instead filling it with emotions.

'Calm down Iceland. I'm a master, I told you. First we need to find what he can't resist and then give it to him under our conditions. If he's in love we could ask that person for help. Or just give him some shit and make him forget about his stupid rules.'

'I still think it's stupid.' Iceland insisted.

'But we have no other plans. Except you...?' Hong Kong said but only silence answered hid question. 'Okay so everyone agrees?'

They looked at each other. Tricking Switzerland was a dangerous business. But Denmark had a serious problem and he needed that money...

'Okay... I guess... I'll do it.' Finland said tightening his embrace on Sweden's arm.

'Me too.'

'Oh okay. But I still think it's not a good idea...'

'So, idiot, how are we going to do this?' Iceland was so worried he just needed to torment a little the one that was responsible for his last bad night - he hardly slept, again.

'Well, Finland, did you do what we talked about?' Hong Kong did not pay any attention to the insult.

'Yes!' Iceland had no clue what was going on and that added to his irritation. Everyone could sense it under their skin so Finland quickly explained. 'We hardly know other European countries because we're simply too closed a group, however me and Sve made some good friends with two of Baltics long time ago. We went to visit Estonia and Latvia to ask if they know something that could help us. Now listen carefully: Switzerland has a boyfriend!'

Iceland and Hong Kong both gasped in shock.

'A boyfriend? That stiff? How come?'

'WHO IS IT!?'

'We were shocked when we heard this but it's Romania!'

'Who!?'

'Romania. The vampire. Dracula.'

'Ah now I remember! It's him? Seriously? I can't believe it! How that's even possible?!'

'Ha! No one knows but it seams that they are quite serious!' Oh yes! Finland loved gossiping. Especially about love!

'Well that's easy then! We like, go and ask Romania if he can convince the crazy psycho to do us a favour or if he knows what else can we do to win the money back.'

'You really think this is going to work?'

'I won't know until I try, huh?'

Suddenly one little ball of fur made it's way to Finland and Sweden and started pulling and their pants in attempt to guide them.

For these past four now days Hanatamago, Finland's and Sweden's little puppy, stayed with Norway and Denmark trying to help. Why she decided to come out now?

Wait...!

Both nations realized what's going on and hurried to the Dane's bedroom where he was slowly recovering and when they entered they saw-