Quel: I have returned! And I'm really sorry about such a long wait. Finals and all. But now they're over and I have loads of free time. Which means tons of writing. Yes, so, without further ado, the newest chapter!
Warnings: I have none. Just.. Prepare yourself.
Disclaimer: APH is not mine, will never be mine, and has never been mine. (Ha, it's out of order)
His body ached as he stretched his muscles, sore from the cold flurry of snow. It was winter, wasn't it? A bitter season and Sweden never took to the frigid temperatures. It had to have been nearly a week since the rescue from Russia's Sochi base. Now Finland and he were nearing the borders of Ukraine.
Finland was still unsure of Sweden's motives but still went along, feeling safer with the tall, stoic man than by himself. Berwald had even said that they would be going home before they would go to Switzerland's. Home sounded nice to Tino. When had he last been home where it was peaceful and quiet? When had it last been peaceful and quiet? He sighed, looking up at Sweden. There was a plane expecting them on the border between Russia and Ukraine. So far, Ukraine hadn't moved a finger to stop them. Maybe she didn't care. Or maybe she was doting over her brother too much to even notice. Finland as well as many others liked the girl, but knew that she could be quite ditzy at times.
They were on the move again, much to Finland's dismay. They hadn't had a good, long rest since they separated from the group. Sweden wouldn't allow it. Something about Russia being a dangerous place to rest in. Finland wasn't worried about the danger, though. He was more terrified of the Russian leader. He'd seemed kind enough a little over a year ago. But Tino knew very well that things change over time. People change, he thought, looking up at Berwald.
"Fru," Sweden said, looking at the smaller man trailing some yards behind.
"I told you not to call me that, Routsi," Finland huffed as he jogged over to where Sweden stood.
Sweden ignored the comment, turning around and waved Finland over to his side. Finland obliged reluctantly, looking in the direction they were facing. His eyes widened. Resting on the border was a small jet plane, awaiting their arrival. Relief flooded Finland. They would finally be out of the frozen hell that was Russia and would be able to return home and then soon, return to their friends. Finland sped over to the copter, any hint of exhaustion fading from his body. Sweden smiled faintly as he calmly followed. It had been a long time since he last saw Tino with such an expression.
A few hours after they boarded the plane, they arrived in Finland. Tino stepped off the plane, a crowd of officers and government officials surrounding him and welcoming him home. The two had been missing without a trace for nearly a week. It was a relief to see them alive and well. Even Sweden was welcomed with warmth. A feast was prepared in Tino's home, garnished with sautéed reindeer and moose, roasted duck, lihapullat, palvikinkku and palviliha, perunamuusi, kaalikääryleet, and cakes, pastries, and viili for dessert.
After Tino had his fill, he left for his room. He'd hardly had time to rest there since Russia began attacking other nations. He was lucky enough to have his land unscathed, but he couldn't say the same for some of his friends. Were they alright? Tino wanted to know desperately how his friends were, if they were safe. He reached the door to his room, looking over it, pressing his palm against the cool wood. His room was his only solace from the troubles outside that threatened the very existence of the world. Anything could happen at this point. It was either side's move, and whoever moved quicker could make the finishing blow. Finland wanted to help in any way he could, but he would be no good without rest. Sweden and he would leave first thing in the morning.
Knuckles rasped the door only minutes after Finland had entered. He called for the person to enter while he finished buttoning his night shirt. Sweden stood in the doorway, casting a long shadow into the room. Finland instantly felt that something was wrong. The way Berwald positioned his body, it was almost threatening. Sweden closed the door behind him, locking it before advancing menacingly toward Finland.
Translations and Pronunciations
Fru: Wife in Swedish
Routsi: Sweden in Finnish
Lihappulat:Finnish meatballs (I love meatballs)
Palvikinkku: Smoked ham
Palviliha: Smoked beef
Perunamuusi: Mashed potato (I love mashed potatoes too)
Kaalikääryleet: Cabbage rolls
Viili: A yogurt-like fermented milk product
Quel: Okay, I know that I have some Finnish readers, so I hope that the feast has a good selection of regular Finnish foods. I wasn't sure what foods were normally eaten at feasts, so I went with normal foods. Please don't get mad at me! I support suggestions from people in other countries to let me know if there's anything I can do to better their country's character. Trust me, I'm trying to avoid ignorance as much as possible.
I know, I know. I'm terrible. This chapter is pathetically short. But I wanted to leave it off with Berwald and Tino. Let your imaginations run wild for a little, you know? Have fun with it, because tomorrow you get TWO chapters. That is a promise. Even if it takes me forever to get done, I will get two in for you, tomorrow. Somehow.
Now, please drop a review? Auf Wiedersehen. Tell me how mad you are that this chapter is so short. I need a good kick in the knickers.
