Silence- Chapter 6
It was after 7 minutes that the ASL teacher called them in.
ASL apparently stood for American Sign Language, which Therapist Olsen had highly recommended due to its prominence throughout the world. Of course, it was quite disconcerting for the Nordic nation, since America was quite hard to take seriously.
Finland had asked whether Denmark could learn directly from America; the idea had been stamped out after one look at Denmark's panic-stricken face. He, after all, did not want for the other nations to find out about his problem, and America was not the most silent of them all.
In the meanwhile, he and Sweden had vigorously searched through the internet for any information regarding Denmark's illness. Unfortunately, not much was to be found (he thought Google was supposed to be reliable), making all their hard work practically useless. They had no choice but to go according to the Therapist's advice.
So here he was, along with the Danish nation, getting bored out of his mind. He tried paying attention, of course, but honestly, the man's voice was impossibly excited. Yes, Norway found himself bored by exciting voices, unless it was Denmark concerned. Yet, that wouldn't even count anymore; Denmark didn't have a voice, did he? So that meant that there would be no exceptions to this strange preference of his.
"I'm Nathan." The man grinned cheerily at them, cerulean blue eyes twinkling merrily, how Norway expected Albus Dumbledore (from Harry Potter) would. This man- Nathan- wasn't so old, however, so he didn't look wise; he just looked very, VERY happy...too happy.
Not even attempting a smile at him, Norway introduced both himself and Denmark.
Nathan laughed at that, and spoke, "Ms. Olsen already told me about the two of you, so there's no need for any introductions. Before we begin, however, I'd like to see-"
Here, Norway noticed that Denmark's grip tightened around a stringy brown satchel that he hadn't noticed before. Norway narrowed his eyes; was Denmark hiding something?
"-Ms. Olsen's recommendation letter, just to be sure that you are who you say you are." The man finished cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to Denmark's plight. The nation in question seemed to relax at the request, burrowing in his satchel, before pulling out the paper which, Norway was surprised to see, not crumpled up.
Denmark handed it over.
Norway doubted that he even read the note; he seemed to have just stared at it blankly for about 5 seconds. He was beginning to feel unsure; was the trouble worth it? He didn't seem to be professional. Norway had half the mind to go strangle Frøya Olsen for it.
"Okay!" The man clapped his hands together. "Let's start, shall we?"
After about an hour later, Norway had to admit that the strangling of Ms. Olsen would have been unjustifiable. Nathan WAS pretty good, or so it seemed. Denmark was somewhat relaxed, unlike how he had been before, and was actively participating in the session. Norway also made sure to pay attention; he wanted to learn sign language too, since it would mean that Denmark wouldn't have to use the pen and the notepad anymore. How he detested them.
"We'll, that's it." Nathan finished with a soft smile at Denmark. "I'm going slow, I know, but I'd rather you understand everything. Otherwise, it would be quite difficult to re-learn everything."
Then, turning towards Norway, he spoke, "Mr. Bondevik, would it be okay for you to come every Sunday at the same time? The rest of the day, I usually like to spend relaxing, if you'll excuse me."
"Of course." Norway gave a nod in acknowledgement, noting with amusement, that Denmark did the same. It made him look rather silly, actually. "It was good meeting you, Nathan."
That was as respectful as he could be; Nathan hadn't given him any surname to address him by, so this would do.
The entire ride home, Denmark wouldn't stop looking excitedly out of the window, probably because he couldn't wait to show off what he had learnt to Sweden and Finland. He greatly resembled a child in this fashion, but Norway didn't have the heart to reprimand him. It was all because of the stupid sickness...it was making him go soft.
As expected, Denmark jumped out of the car, and bounded towards the door, when Norway parked in front of the house. He, of course, made it a point to slam the car door hard, making Norway grit his teeth in frustration. By the time he reached the door, Denmark was already in the hall with Finland, excitedly showing him a few letters in the alphabet. Norway rolled his eyes.
Typical Denmark.
"H'w d'd 't go?" Sweden asked as Norway entered the living room, going uninterestedly through the Danish newspaper. All the Nordics made it a point to learn each others' language, just in case any issue came up.
"Not bad, I suppose." He was still reluctant to admit that he had enjoyed the visit to some extent. "Why do you ask?"
"N' re'son." Sweden replied, before abruptly saying, "M' wife 'nd I ne'd t' le've. For Se'l'nd."
Norway blinked, before processing Sweden's sentences. Even after knowing him for so long, Norway found it difficult to understand some parts of his speech. After a couple more years or even decades, he would be able to comprehend them. Hopefully.
"I see." He shrugged; after all, what had they helped him with? The only thing they actually did was empty Denmark's fridge. On the downside, Sweden wouldn't be able to research Denmark's problem alongside Norway, and Finland wouldn't be able to entertain him. Sacrifices, however, had to be made.
"When do you plan to leave?"
Sweden gave him a long stare, before replying, "S'met'me ar'und t'morr'w. M'rning, I th'nk."
Well, that was rather abrupt. Norway had expected them to leave sometime later- Thursday or Friday, perhaps- not the next day. Then again, they were caring for Sealand, so it was sort of understandable.
Norway probably would have done the same for Iceland, only, well...Iceland didn't seem to care about what he did anymore. Norway wasn't sure what he was expected to do, so simply kept the problem aside; it was more beneficial to focus on one problem at a time, anyways. Besides, Norway had a feeling that going to Iceland now wouldn't really help, unless fuelling aggravation could be counted.
"Have you packed?" He asked to follow the required formalities. Judging by Sweden's half-annoyed look, Norway figured it wasn't really necessary, but he wasn't one to abandon his principles. On the contrary, he tended to make others abandon theirs.
"Of c'urse."
It was a bit insulting, once Norway thought about it. Guests already preparing to leave without telling the host first, was something he never really approved of. How ever, he said nothing, only nodded.
"Sweden told you then?" Both the nations looked up as Finland entered, smiling shakily. Denmark was not to be found. at Norway's quirkier brow, he hastily answered, "Denmark's gone upstairs to change. I told him about...you know."
Finland seemed guilty about it.
Good.
"How did he take it?"
"Surprisingly well. He didn't say anything, just nodded as though he knew it was going to happen all along. I really didn't expect that."
That was certainly strange, Norway had to admit. Worry gnawed at him, coiling around at the bottom of his stomach, making him crease his forehead slightly.
"I'm sure he's alright, Norway." Finland grinned cheerily. "Don't worry."
This was the reason Norway hated letting his emotions show. With those such as anger or sadness, nothing would come upon him but false assurances. He didn't want their opinions; he wanted the facts. Nothing else.
He would go check on him later. First though...
"Did you cook lunch? I believe Denmark may be hungry."
Of course, he didn't mention that he was feeling quite ravenous as well. Finland's small smile was enough to tell him that his own hunger was being accounted for.
Well, that's that. Sorry for the EXTREMELY LATE update. I know I promised it a week (or two) back, but I've been on vacation. That really makes me lazier than before, and the fact that I have to use my iPad just makes it worse. It's really annoying to use this thing; stuff like italics are a pain to put in, and I end up losing my flow of thought when I do use them.
On another note, I'd like to issue out a huge THANKS to all followers, reviewers, and of course, favoriters ( I should really find out what you guys are called). All of you keep me inspired to write more.
~beingawesome
