Norway was in his safest place – Denmark's arms. The lovers had fallen fast asleep in the other's embrace, left to dream happy dreams.
But someone didn't have a happy dream.
The youngest member of the household tiptoed to the adults' room and hesitated in the doorway for half a moment. Then, deciding he needed the comfort, Iceland darted into the room and dove under the covers.
The adults separated and turned to the new occupant.
Norway's arms were around him immediately. "Iśland, what's wrong?"
A shaking Iceland buried his face in his brother's embrace.
Norway held tighter. "Ice, did you have a bad dream?" He could feel his nightshirt getting wet. "Oh Emil, there's no need to cry. You're alright. We're right here."
Denmark wrapped his protective arms around them both. "It's ok, kiddo."
The youngest Nordic curled in closer as his body racked with silent sobs.
A frowning Denmark – a rare sight – drew soothing circles around Iceland's back. "It's all ok, kid. You're ok."
"Here, Mathias, hold him." Norway sat up and used his magic to bring his cell phone over to him.
"Who are you texting?" asked Denmark.
"England and Romania. We were supposed to meet at dawn this morning." Norway stroked Iceland's silver locks lovingly with his free hand as he texted his fellow magic users: 'Iceland had a nightmare. I'm going to stay with him.'
Romania replied almost instantly. 'Not going to make it either. Mol's got a tummy ache. Tell Ice we hope he feels better.'
Norway smiled, sent back a 'Thanks, same for Moldova', and tucked his phone away. He then lay back down and took Iceland in his arms once more. "Sweet boy, what was the dream about?"
Thanks to the love from his family, Iceland had calmed down quite a bit but was still literally shaken up. He shook his head vigorously.
"Doesn't matter," Denmark announced and pressed a tender kiss to the head of the boy who was so like his son. "What matters is that we're all here together."
And after a lullaby from the older brother, one more person had fallen asleep in Denmark's arms, having discovered that that was indeed the safest place to be.