Chapter 7

It had been two months since Sweden and Finland's departure. Norway had found out that Denmark hadn't taken their absence very well, and had retreated more into himself, if possible. However, he discovered that his worries were for nothing; it had only been a phase. Denmark was back to normal, well, as normal as he was when Norway checked up on him, after a few more visits to Nathan.

Luckily, he wasn't just sitting around moping anymore, and, once in a while, actually tried helping Norway out, which actually gave him a lot more work to do. He hadn't ever remembered being so tired as he was after Denmark managed to make a mess of the kitchen trying to 'cook for Norge!' Why he had the rottenest luck, he would never know.

Denmark's presence was beginning to be missed. Nations were starting to suspect that something was wrong.., and were repeatedly pressing Norway for information every time he went to the World Meetings. It was getting quite annoying for him; why not Sweden or Finland…or even Iceland for that matter? Sealand was also beginning to get twitchy, according to frantic calls and texts from Finland.

Iceland had made it clear that he wouldn't be speaking to Norway, but he had made it a point to try and help Demark, for which Norway felt a bit grateful, though he said nothing. At least once a week, a package would arrive containing some objects or gifts of sorts. For a socially awkward nation such as Iceland, it must have been a pretty big deal. Anyways, Denmark seemed to look forward to it; Iceland's efforts were paying off.

At present, both Norway and Denmark were going for a morning stroll. It was a habit that Norway had picked up after spending time with Sweden and Finland. Walking always helped him stay calm, and would allow him to think clearly.

'What's wrong?' Denmark signed as a particularly dreadful silence passed. 'You're doing your weird thinking thing again.'

"What weird thinking thing?" Norway snapped. "I'm doing no such thing."

'Um, yeah you are. You're just staring off into the distance. You nearly crashed into a tree, in fact.'

"No, I did not. Don't make things up like that." Norway chastised.

'I'm not making anything up!'

The silence returned, and somehow it seemed worse than before.

Norway thought for a while.

"Denmark," He said, "There is a problem, actually."

At Denmark's expectant nod, he continued, albeit hesitantly, "What are you going to do next?"

'Go home?' Denmark looked confused.

Norway sighed. The idiot wasn't getting it.

"Listen to me properly." He stressed. "The nations, including Sealand are beginning to figure out that something is going on. You've been away for three months, Denmark, three months."

The taller nation seemed to deflate at that, settling down at a nearby park bench, and wearily running his hands through his hair. He had this haunted look, and his eyes were completely dull, so unlike him that Norway was beginning to regret taking the decision to tell him. He had known that Denmark wouldn't take it so well, but he had expected anger, maybe, but not…desperation.

'Do I have to?' Denmark silently pleaded. 'Is it necessary?'

"Yes." Norway avoided Denmark's gaze, staring instead at his hands. "You have to eventually, Denmark. Delaying the inevitable is quite risky, and usually does not turn out well. You know that."

Denmark flinched at that, and for a moment, Norway felt worried that he said something that would cause Denmark to retreat back into himself, but Denmark finally nodded, putting him at ease.

'Just…give me some time.'

"Of course," Norway nodded graciously. "Shall we return home?"

At Denmark's uncaring shrug of the shoulders, they began their journey back.

By the time they had reached Denmark's house, it was around nine thirty. They had started around eight, so it was justifiable to say that they were tired. Well, Denmark was tired. Norway was…not so much. He was used to it.

"I'm going up to shower." He called down to Denmark as he ascended the stairs. "I think you should too."

Denmark nodded distractedly, his eyes fixated on T.V. He was watching something…what was it? Ah yes, Merlin.

Norway stopped short.

Merlin?

He didn't think that Denmark would watch those kinds of things. He wasn't much of a magic fan, was he? He even claimed to hate England and everything associated with him! And here he sat, watching a T.V. show that was most certainly British.

Norway hesitated, before slowly walking back down and taking a seat next to the engrossed Dane, allowing himself to gaze at the television. A few minutes wouldn't hurt.

Exactly forty-two minutes later, Norway found himself staring at the screen in shock.

"Arthur died?!" He murmured incredulously. "That's impossible!"

Overwhelmed by emotion, Denmark tried to shout, "I know, right?", only to freeze as he realized nothing would come out. He proceeded to sign the same thing. He tried not to get too hung up on it; he had to move on, right?

Norway froze.

"Crap. I need to… my shower." He murmured, before bolting off in the direction of his room.

Denmark grinned cheerily at the shorter nation's back.

Norway was ill-tempered by the time he descended the stairs. The fact that Denmark still hadn't showered only served to add to his ire, and he snapped, "Why haven't you showered?"

Denmark gave him a half-hearted shrug, yet high-tailed to the shower anyways. When Norway was grumpy, no one wanted to make him further irritated. It never turned in their favor.

When Denmark had made it to the shower, he sighed. He had wanted to get away from the formidable Norwegian, but that wasn't the reason for the tired sound emitted by the Danish nation.

He had been thinking about Norway's proposal.

He knew he couldn't hide forever. He knew he had to get out there and show his face to the other nations. He knew that if he didn't, his entire country, not just him, would end up suffering. And he couldn't have that.

His people were his treasure. They were his lifeline.

Still, despite the drawbacks of not telling the other nations, Denmark was still skeptical. What if they ridiculed him? He may have come off as the laid-back type, but that didn't mean that he didn't care about what the others thought of him. As it was, they already thought he was good-for-nothing. Being unable to speak? That would only make things worse.

And apart from that, he still had a large problem. If the other nations wanted to know why he had gotten laryngitis, then…

He clenched his fist.

Norway would find out.

So, what did you think? If you have any constructive criticism, feel free to share. I'll be happy to receive any pointers.

THANK YOU for reviewing, marking this story as a favorite, and, of course, following! You guys honestly inspire me to write.

~beingawesome