Their room is a safe zone for him. In here, he could at least escape the brutal reality that was life for a few moments and be enveloped in an embrace of comfort and warmth. Sure, they could be the most embarrassing parents on the whole planet, but when you've gotten an unfair grade on an essay, an impossible project with impossible group mates, and a long-ass quiz on Greek civilization, there isn't really anyone else who can understand your rotten luck any better.
His sobs are now mere sniffles, but the pillow is still wet with his tears. Norway gently cards his hand through his hair, pushing away the bangs that hang in his eyes. His expression is one of motherly concern and sympathy as he tries to console him. Denmark sits on the edge of the bed, to the left of the Icelander's socked feet. He hums an old song, attempting to evoke positive vibes.
After Iceland had thrown a diva-worthy fit in the foyer, he had stormed up the stairs to throw himself inside their room and onto their bed to cry like a heartbroken princess. Probably overkill, but a week's worth of countless assignments is going to heap unbearable stress and pressure on you.
It was humorous at best, the way the boy's cheeks turned red and puffed out, but Denmark chose to save the laughs for later. Iceland currently needed reassurance, reassurance that-
"One would think that one has had enough of the insults thrown by the universe."
Hydrangea eyes look up from their fluffy stronghold. Iceland's words are broken off by hiccups. "Apparently, it isn't done messing around with my life."
-the universe was not against him.
"Well that's life, sweetheart. It's a constant uphill struggle. But at the same time, struggles make us stronger, wiser. I know." Norway speaks up as he smoothes down Iceland's hair.
"You can't win them all, Runí." He leans over to take the boy's hand in his as he continues. You win some, you lose some; at least you know you tried your best."
Iceland heaves such a heavy sigh, Denmark almost thinks he's at a soap opera.
"Well, I'll forgive the universe if the shipment of my lopapeysa sweaters arrives exactly on Christmas Eve."
Norway laughs. "You're gonna have to ask Finland on that one."
He's stubborn, like the both of them, making impossible promises and circumstances like they're nothing.
"And if Fin can't?" Norway teases.
Iceland shrugs. "Then I'll just keep holding on to that grudge."
He'll learn.
"What time is it?" He sniffles once again and sneaks a glance at the digital alarm clock. The red numbers read '6:55'. "I'm hungry."
"Get washed and changed. I'll heat up some of last night's leftovers. Then we'll eat." Norway then shoos the boy towards the bathroom, handing him an old shirt and a pair of shorts. The boy begrudgingly picks himself off the bed, slouching his way over. As soon as they hear the door click shut and the sound of water running, they turn to each other and laugh.
"Where the hell did he learn to do all that?" Denmark exclaims.
"What, the crying theatrics?"
"I figured he was some kind of Disney princess when he did that."
"He is one." Norway laughs as Denmark takes his hand and presses a kiss to his knuckles.
"He gets it from you."
"What now?"
"The hysterics, the dramatic flair for everything. The whole diva act's from you."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes!"
Mathias gets a pillow in the face in return.
"Still." He dodges the pillow and sets it back on the head of the bed. "Runí will someday understand the value of those disappointments. And when he does, "He'll forgive the universe. Thank it, even."
"He won't. He probably will, but not really. I went through the same thing when I was his age."
"And what was that problem that the universe threw at you that you so longingly held a grudge against for?"
"Loving you. Frankly, falling in love with you." Norway replies after a long pause.
"Wow. That must've been some kind of problem right there."
"Oh yes. You were a nuisance; an asshole, a jerk, an idiot, and a complete-" Norway gives up on trying to fit his entire persona into words and instead sighs tiredly. "You were everything that I couldn't love."
"And yet you did." Denmark adds in a soft voice.
"Sadly." Norway goes to pick himself off the bed. "But if it weren't for you, then I don't think I would've learned to love either."
"Norge, that is some messed-up, cliché shit going on in your head."
The bathroom door clicks open and light spills out into the dark bedroom. Emil emerges wearing the shorts and shirt, face looking less like a train wreck. Denmark goes up to cup the boy's face in his hands and press a kiss to his forehead.
"Tomorrow will be so much better, baby. I promise you that." He gets a smile and a hug in return.
Norway comes around to give him a kiss on the temple as well. "You mean 'we'."
"Now let's eat, before you start crying again because of unbearable hunger."
"Dad!"