Double update's second chapter
- I hate these evenings!
- Stop complaining overeverything.
- But Nooorge, they are so boring!
- Could you once act like an adult?
It was minutes before half past 7 when Denmark and Norway arrived at Hotel D'Angleterre, Copenhagen's most famous, luxurious and, of course, most expensive place. The rococo styled building was already beautifully illuminated, the proud red-white cross flags decorated the white frontage and the foreground which usually served as a busy street, now was filled with more and more expensive and luxurious cars.
The event started at 9, but arriving much earlier for a chat was the propriety among the rich people.
- If I behave well, can I get a prize in exchange? - Denmark asked and his eyes lit up, when they got out of the car.
- No – Norway rejected immediately, while confirming in himself, that asking the Dane to act like a grown-up was really impossible.
- Aw, Norg', pleeease? - the other begged him so loudly, a few of the people in a certain distance turned around. Luckily, there were only parking valets at the place at that time.
- Maybe, just shut up – Lukas said, while he grabbed the taller blonde's tie forcefully, what made the other choke and fall silent at the same time, and straightened the messy garment.
- Great – Denmark grinned widely, while bearing the other's dressing. The happiness was written all over his face.
- I said maybe – Lukas repeated himself.
- That's enough.
- Whatever, just come on – with those words, they headed towards the hotel.
The hall looked even more luxurious than what the outside showed. The several meters high white ceiling was covered with millions of leaf and flower stuccos reflecting the late Baroque atmosphere. The yellow walls were covered in golden colours, due to the huge diamond chandeliers.
- Good evening, Mister Køhler – greeted them the hostess when they have reached the coatroom, and asked for their coats - The soiree will start soon in the Louis XVI stateroom, sir.
The servant didn't greet Norway, neither even looked at him, but he wasn't expecting that anyway. From the moment they had entered the hotel, they weren't partners anymore. Only a shamelessly wealthy businessman, who had a very thriving bar, and his hired bodyguard. That was the safest way to deal with the public circumstances. They had to avoid the least suspicion about their true identity. The Northerns were an organization, containing an unknown amount of members, who were the best, thus being a young man, who, with only big luck and a slight talent of sense for money, could conduct his life's biggest business was the most credible role.
- Be careful – whispered Denmark furtively when they had entered the stateroom and in the next moment he already disappeared from Norway's side. It was amusing how the taller man warned him. Clearly, he was the one who had to look out for himself.
Norway, obeying to his role, chose a great spot to overlook the room and examined the guests to know what to expect. Despite the pleasing atmosphere, the great and dazzling pomp, Lukas knew this was only a camouflage. Normally, these evenings ended without any trouble, but the precautions were vital in every situation of their life.
He recognised many of the guests nearly instantly. Most of the times, the list stayed the same. Bankruptcy was an unusual phenomenon. Moreover, these people had so much money, the collapse of one or two of their businesses wouldn't have affected their monthly income too much. Naturally they could have given some thought to how did Denmark become so well-off with only having a bar, when they had several networks, but nobody dared to ask it in the end. Mostly because everyone had something to hide.
For example, that blondish girl, Laura Jansen or so called Belgium, and his brother, Mogens, or Netherlands. Belgium had an extensive network of pastry and bakery shops, her delicious waffles were world famous. As for Netherland, he made money by selling all of his armaments to Artonio Fernandez Carreido, Francis Bennefoy's distant cousin. However, few people knew, that Netherland's nine-digit long bank account was growing continuously thanks to his drug trade. Naturally, it wasn't legal and his sister didn't know about it either. That was one of Netherland's few weaknesses.
And there was Erzsébet Héderváry too. Despite the young woman's kindness, her family's notorious corruption overshadowed her rank and agricultural bargaining. Not many knew that, but who did, tried to avoid any business with the woman, knowing no matter how hard she'll try, eventually every one of her companies will go to pot, since her hands were tied up.
Basch Zwingli was there as well, restrainedly tasting the served red wine alone, without his sister. Elise Zwigli was spending the week in Vaduz, her favourite city in the heart of Lichtenstein. That wasn't unusual, everytime Switzerland had to leave his country, her sister spent the appointed time somewhere, far away from anyone else. That was the safest way to survive these kind of times of the year, when the city was full of strangers and potential danger. The worst thing someone could do under such circumstances was worrying about others. Being concerned about their own selves was more than enough. That was what Denmark thought when he sent Iceland and the others to different countries. They probably thought it was just another prank of the Dane, since Denmark have never mentioned the true reasons, thinking they would oppose, persevering they can look after themselves. As for Denmark and Norway, without any distraction, they could take part in the event. It was the safest place at that moment. In the centre of the hurricane the weather was always peaceful.
Lukas glanced towards the tall blonde man. A part of him always had to pay attention to the surroundings. Denmark was intensely chatting with a brownish-blonde haired woman. The young woman clearly enjoyed his company, the leisure laugh, charming smile and flirty compliments worked on nearly every woman. He played his role with ease, it fitted his personality perfectly.
Matthias was always like that, since the first time they met. Lukas could clearly recall the memory. It was a stormy day when Gilbert Beilschmidt took him and Sweden from the orphanage where he spent a year after being separated from his little brother.
- This will be the place, you'll live – Gilbert said when they arrived at the small apartment and turned to one of the rooms – Matthias!
A young, blonde boy came out from the room's shadow. He couldn't have been more then 6 maybe 7, wearing some dull but not worn out clothes. He was tall for his age, his hair was messy, his bright blue eyes wide, his expression surprised.
That was Norway's first impression of Denmark. A somewhat shy young boy, with an innocent expression...
- Matthias will show you your room – Prussia didn't waste too much time with the youngers and greetings – Bondevik, Oxenstierna, my awesome ears don't want to hear a sound! - and then he left.
...until the first moment he opened his mouth.
- Hej! What's your name? - that was the first time Norway saw that well-known Danish smile. And deep down he knew, it wasn't the last - You won't answer? My name is Matthias Køhler, det er rart at møde dig! - Matthias was loud enough to fill the dark room with life.
- I'm... Lukas Bondevik – Norway said quietly. He didn't know what to expect from such a loud boy. He and Sweden was the silent ones, and even in the orphanages there wasn't anybody like this Matthias Køhler.
- 'm B'rwald Ox'nstierna – Sweden wasn't as awed as Lukas was.
- Wow, you have a scary expression! - Matthias laughed with amusement. He was mindlessly brave from the first time. Most of the kids in the foster home were afraid of Sweden's facial expression. Even the elders didn't bully him because of the way the young blonde boy looked at them. But not this one. Sweden only blushed slightly in response to the statement. That was the first time someone said that he was scary – Where did you come from?
- From an orphanage in Stockholm – Norway answered. Now he was the braver one.
- Really? You're orphans? What happened to your parents?
- They died in accidents. Where are your parents?
The elder kid's grin disappeared for a moment – Mom died in the fire.
- What about your dad?
- He died soon after that too. Gilbert took me with him after their funeral. But it was so lonely in this place – his face lit up again – But now, you're here! Come, I'll show you everything!
With that sentence the little Dane grabbed the Norwegian's and the Swedish's hands and led them around.
Norway blinked with confusion. Daydreaming wasn't like him at all. He instantly started to look for his partner. Denmark was in the middle of the hall, just convincing the young brownish-blonde haired woman for a dance. At first, the woman resisted, but the tall man easily persuaded her, that a dance won't hurt either of them. That was one of his strong points as well. He could make anyone do anything he wanted. Like the time, when he convinced him and Sweden, that they had enough of Gilbert Beilschmidt.
- ' don't think th's's a good idea – Sweden was only 12 by then, but his voice was already unusually deep for his age.
- Of course, you do, Svi! You know how he treats us. We could have a much better life on our own! - Denmark was 15 back then, meaning he was at the age, when he was rebellious, self-conscious and always perfectly sure about what he was doing.
- This is reckless. We won't survive on our own – Norway agreed with Sweden. He was two years younger than Denmark, but mentally he could have lied 5 years for his own benefit.
- Come on, Norge, don't be like that! I know what I'm doing. I'd be a perfect boss and I would look after the both of you!
- We would die after two days.
- Hm.
- Hey, that wasn't nice! - that hurt Denmark's feelings a lot – You two are my family! You know I'd protect you from everything! - his voice suddenly turned serious – And you know sooner or later we have to take Gilbert Beilschmidt out of our way. Or we'll never be free.
The other two stayed silent. They knew very well, what the Dane was saying was completely true. They'll had to break out. Sooner or later.
- Trust me guys.
Norway glanced toward the facilely waltzing man. Denmark hasn't changed too much since that. He was sassy, childish, stubborn, uppity, but protected his family every time they needed it... well, almost.
He forgot the one time, when Denmark almost failed his mission. It was in their early years, just when Iceland had joined them, that Matthias couldn't keep him safe and put his little brother into a life-threatening situation. That was the one and only occasion when they had a very serious argument and Norway said things he later regretted.
When we will be finally free I will leave you behind. I don't want anything in the universe, just to live a normal life, far away from this world.
That was what he said. Of course, he regretted it almost immediately. He was angry then and couldn't think anything over.
But that was years ago and they were young. Many things have changed since then.
Denmark was still dancing with the young woman, their silhouette was circulating softly between the other couples. It looked like he was enjoying the past time, but Norway could tell, it was only a camouflage. Or, he thought it was.
Sometimes it was very hard to decide whether Denmark enjoyed these events or not. Before each occasion, he couldn't stop complaining over how boring the people and music were and how much he wanted to skip it, but in the end he always seemed to enjoy this kind of atmosphere. It was like there was a part of Denmark which belong to his pompous world, chatting about irrelevant things. That thought made Norway's stomach flip. It wasn't like he liked the Dane, no. He was horribly annoying and could push his nerves to the end. But Norway had to admit, without Denmark, the Nordics' team wouldn't be the same.
Lukas turned his head away impatiently. He was thinking too much. He had to focus on their task for that day: surviving this evening. Even more, that a suited man appeared on the podium.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please? - it was the host – Thank you. I would like to apologize, because the organizer of the evening couldn't get here in time. But, he asked us to hold this soiree no matter what. He would like to thank everyone, who joined him on the occasion of his firm's birth. Please, continue enjoying your honourable selves on this evening!
Norway glanced at Denmark with a sinister expression, but Matthias didn't look surprised. He must have expected that. A missing host was a bad sign, but maybe sometimes accidents really happen and things are exactly what they look like.
And this evening was as usual as the others.
(break)
- I can't believe it is finally over – Denmark collapsed with an energetic movement into his black leather chair. It was a few minutes after 1 when they returned to the club. With the same impetus, Matthias leaned over and turned on the stereo which took place on his right.
- You're happy – Norway said when he heard the first chord of the music. It wasn't a guess, it was a statement.
Normally Denmark wouldn't have risked their safety. The corridor had a great echo, which warned them every time someone unwelcome was on the storey. But sometimes, when the tall man was exceptionally happy, due to different reasons, he would turn on his hi-fi and would listen to the music of the 1920's and 1930's constantly. At first, it was pretty surprising for Norway, but he soon got used to it. „Like a real maffioso!" Denmark repeated every time, when the others complained over how much they wanted to listen to something else. This time Glen Myller's Moonlight serenade was the chosen one.
- Yes, I am!
- Purpose?
- I've got a job!
- A job? - Norway gave him a look. Usually Denmark divulged something like that, the first time he had a chance – From who?
- Not now, Norge! You promised me I'll get a prize if I behave well!
Lukas sighed with realization. So that was the reason why he was so happy.
- I said maybe.
- Which clearly wasn't no!
Before giving the change to the smaller blonde to reject, Denmark added.
- Com'on I won't ask for too much.
Norway thought it over for a second. Probably, that was the best offer he could get that night.
- Okay – he gave in eventually – What do you want?
- Dance with me.
- What?
- Dance with me – Denmark repeated – Back in the ball you looked disappointed. Like you were jealous of that woman.
- You are ridiculous.
- Maybe – the other laughed in response – I know I would be jealous of not being able to dance with my irresistible charm. Howsoever – he leaned forward and looked deeply into the other's violet blue eyes – you promised me, Norge.
Norway hesitated for a long moment. He couldn't say anything, just gave a defeated sigh. He waited for the Dane to stand up, turn up the volume on the radio and offer his hand.
The situation was ridiculous and they were ridiculous as well.
But dancing with Denmark wasn't so bad after all...
"Det er rart at møde dig" is "It's nice to meet you" in Danish.
First, I want to apologize for the late update with a double chapter. Yes, I am certain that I'll continue this story, it's just I had a period in my life which was hard to deal with. I hope the chapters didn't reflect that.
Another thing, one of my lovely followers, General Jernhierta made a wonderful video about R&B, thank you so much! ! ! You should really check it out!: youtube. kom /watch?v=HB0TdWoXsY4
And finally, I would like to thank everyone for the encouraging reviews, they really were exhilarating when I needed it. I love you guys!
Hetalia does not belong to me. It belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya.
- I know Tanska said „hot water, traditional clothes and lots of drinks", but why are we here? - Finland cried out despairingly – Did we get on the wrong plane? - he was completely confused.
Sweden silently exhaled his warm breath into his parka. There were in Murmansk, in Russia, 2 degrees to the north from the Arctic Circle.
- I knew something like this will happen, but Fin was so excited, I couldn't dishearten him. This is the second time Denmark disappointed Tino... I think I'll have to have a talk with him – he thought seriously to himself.
- VHAA, I'm so sorry for boarding on the wrong plane! ! Don't look so SCARY! ! !