(( AN: The first chapter is finally rewritten~ Please let me know how you like it! Suggestions are also welcome for the story. ))

This is it. Iceland thought. Maybe I should tell them now? It is good news but…how will they take it? Geez…I don't know what to do. They should be happy though, right?

As the other's talked around him, Iceland only heard slurred chains of sound while he thought to himself. The same thought had cycled in his head for a couple of days, but now was an okay time to think in depth about it, he thought. He hunched over the table, pushing his hot cocoa to the side, and knitted his fingers together as he held his hands by his lips. Now that his country had passed the gay marriage equality law, he began to have a different outlook on things. His love of girls still existed, but now…now he felt himself being attracted to males, too. When he'd look up and a cute guy was standing there, he became sheepish just like he would around women. His friends wouldn't mind though, would they? But…

His eyes drifted over to the other Nordics huddled in front of the couch before he brought them back to his cocoa.

I'll be fine. They'll accept me no matter what. After all, they all have their equality laws passed, too. So they must feel okay about it.

Taking a sip of his hot chocolate, Iceland slouched his shoulders and felt much more relaxed than before.

But…how on earth do I feel? This came rather suddenly…

Denmark, who was huddled around the couch watching Sweden and Finland face off in Guitar Hero, called over to the nation; "Hey Ice! Get over here! You've been staring at that cup for like ten minutes!"

Looking at the Dane with icy purple eyes, he nodded. He did feel a little embarrassed about Denmark calling him out, but he certainly wouldn't show it. Rising from his chair, he made his way over to Finland's living room to the others. Norway was placed in the middle of the three-cushion sofa, and Denmark was on his left. Iceland gazed at the two playing the video games without a word.

"Ice, sit here," Norway patted the cushion next to him when he saw his brother standing about.

Iceland took the request and sat next to his brother. On the screen, long strings of notes flew at the players and the audience while Finland and Sweden broke them. Finland seemed to be winning from what Iceland could gather, but Sweden's notes were flying faster. The notes the nations hit seemed to be in-sync with the music emitting from the speakers.

"What song is this?" Iceland questioned.

"It's a really popular song in America!" Finland punched the buttons on the small plastic guitar. "I'm not sure which one it is off the top of my head, though. When the song is finished, I will tell you the title."

"Here Ice, just look at the back!" Denmark shoved the game's case into Iceland's lap.

"What good will that do?" Norway sighed. "He doesn't listen to American music so how will he be able to distinguish the song?"

"…Thanks, Denmark." Iceland ignored his brother's remark and his eyes scrolled down the back of the case.

'Aqualung*, Bat Country*, Cherry Bomb*'...Well, these were sure some interesting titles...but artists all have their own creativity. He wondered what the songs were about, and why they were named that. Out of the sea of words, he wondered which one labeled the song currently playing.

Eh, I'll find out soon.

"So Ice, you see any that sound cool?" Denmark asked.

"Hm? Oh, well...I think maybe 'Fury of the Storm' by DragonForce sounds like it could be a good song."

"Really?" The Dane's face turned curious. "Why is th-"

"Wow Sweden! I always think I'm going to beat you but then you make a great comeback!" Finland cried.

"You win a lot, too." Sweden commented quietly. "We're both good at this game."

"Yeah, that's true." Finland grinned. "Hey, anyone want to take my place?"

"Yeah...I'm going to quit for now, too." Sweden said.

"OH! ME!" Denmark exploded from his spot on the other side of Norway and grabbed at Sweden's guitar.

"What are you doing?" Sweden pushed Denmark away. "Just wait! I have to get it off, first!"

"Aw geez, Sve. Hurry up!" Denmark hopped in place like an eager toddler while reaching out with grabby hands.

Finland eyed the two brothers on his couch. Removing the guitar strap from his shoulder, he held it out to them.

"You guys want to play?" he asked.

"I played the round before this one, so I'm good. My little brother hasn't played." Norway said nonchalantly.

"Can you not call me that?" Iceland muttered with frost coating his breath.

"So, Ice, you want to play?" Finland gestured the guitar his way.

The youngest Nordic observed the guitar. It did look fun...

"Sure." he smiled and accepted the guitar. "But..."

"Oh, that's right! You don't know how to play, do you?" Finland questioned.

"No, I don't..." Iceland sighed and posed in front of the television. "But I'll figure it out."

"Wait, I'll give you a quick lesson. It'll take two seconds, and it'll help a lot." Finland said.

Running up behind Iceland, Finland weaved his arms under Iceland's and gripped the guitar. He swayed a bit to get a better hold.

"You see," Finland said, resting his chin on Iceland's shoulder. "You hold it like this. See how my fingers can reach all the buttons?"

Having someone this close to himself made Iceland feel uneasy. He couldn't respond due to his words being caught in his throat. Iceland's face felt hot as he hastily nodded.

"Okay!" Finland moved closer so how could reach the bar better. "Then-"

"Sve just give me the guitar!" Denmark moaned, trying to get past Sweden.

Sweden blocked every single one of Denmark's attempts, "Not until Iceland is ready."

Finland continued instructing, and Iceland just kept his eyes fixed on Denmark and Sweden's conflict. Don't think about how close he is to you. Don't think about how close his face is to yours. Don't think about his arms weaving under you like a hug...

"Iceland, are you okay? You keep fidgeting. Are you even paying attention?" Finland asked.

"…I'm just excited to play." Iceland lied.

"Then what do you do to play notes?"

Iceland pushed the different colored fret buttons. "You hit these."

"And...?" Finland led.

"...And?"

Finland laughed. "Ice, you need to pay more attention! Here, let me show you again!"

Moving even closer, Finland pressed his body right up against Iceland's to properly reach the bar. Iceland froze; his heart picking up its speed and blood rushing to his face. Oh no.

"You got that Ice? Can we play now?" Denmark complained. "Huh? Ice? You okay? You're squirming. Oh! I know what it is! You're TICKLISH!"

Snickering, Denmark lunged at the two shortest Nordics. Stepping both him and Finland out of the way, Iceland shuddered. Finland stumbled back a couple of steps back, so his grip was weakened.

They're all looking at me. They're going to notice my red face. Why did it have to turn rosy now out of all times?! I need to go outside…Maybe then I'll cool down!

"Don't touch me!" Iceland cried, struggling out from Finland's wrap.

"Oh, come on Ice!" Denmark called after the nation who currently strode away.

Snagging his coat from a chair, Iceland whisked down the hallway. Briefly stopping at the front door, Iceland fastened up his boots, pulling the laces tight. He stomped them against the rug to fit them better, and then he slid on his jacket. Unlocking the large door, he walked out into the crisp, cool, night air. The stars popped out like diamonds mixed with coal. A small smile crept onto Iceland's face; nature sure was beautiful. After softly clicking the door shut, Iceland pulled the collar of his coat up to his ears, huffed out a cloud of warm breath, and created footprints in the freshly-fallen snow as he departed from the house.

(( CREDIT: *'Aqualung' - Jethro Tull; *'Bat Country' - Avenged Sevenfold; *'Cherry Bomb' - The Runaways; 'Fury of the Storm' - DragonForce ))