A/N: I don't know how in the seven kingdoms and eight planes I managed to come up with the DDR contest. It was going to be karaoke, until I realized, I always write karaoke in some form or another. So daring to be different they will be dancing.
I don't own Hetalia, otherwise every day would be Christmas with France.
The next morning, Norway awoke bright and early for a run, only to find a very drunken Prussia and America lying on top of one another in the hallway. Both were in a compromising position. One that he was sure would attract Hungary and her legions of minions like flies to vinegar. Carefully avoiding the lot of them he went for his morning run. Outside he saw France also up, desperately trying to impress England with his freerunning skills. The Nordic had to dodge swiftly as the other nation bailed out of a wall flip. "Sorry ma fleur du nord! And félicitations to you and Denmark!"
He waved back as England helped France to his feet, pressing on with his exercise. On his next lap he saw France walking on all fours along the wall to the hotel pool. Had he been wearing cat ears, Norway was sure he wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between the nation and a real cat. The Nordic disappeared inside and after a brief shower and change he set out for the final against his new friend Canada.
Norway arrived at the hall well before the match was set to start. In fact the hall was empty, light fixtures off and devoid of fans. He stared up into the stands, then back over his shoulder. Win or lose, he felt happy. A noise from behind him startled him; Canada had also arrived early with Lichtenstein over in the next lane. He stood over her helping her learn proper sweeping technique. He smiled and skated along the ice for a while collecting his thoughts, until he heard the doors open again. Denmark wandered in and hopped the railing down to the competition floor.
"Danma, what're you doing here?" Norway asked surprised.
"What am I doing here? Am I not allowed to watch my boyfriend compete?" Denmark laughed and walked down the carpet between the lanes.
He smiled slightly, "I suppose you can. I'm just a little nervous today, Canada's my friend and a really strong competitor."
The smaller nation felt the pair of strong arms around him. "No need to be nervous, competing against your friends is some of the best competition you can get. You know how to push each other to be better and at the end of the day it'll only strengthen your friendship."
"I guess so," He noted as he saw some fans starting to trickle into the arena. Among them the twins, Iceland and Ukraine, the group of four sat down in the front row. After them came the rest of the Nordics and the Awesome Trio saving a seat for Denmark. Filling out the row were Belgium and Switzerland also with a seat saved for Lichtenstein. Italy and Germany arrived shortly after taking the seats behind Iceland and Ukraine. More humans pored into the area, with Netherlands sliding in on the opposite end of the row from Germany behind his sister. Norway bade Denmark farewell and retreated to the locker rooms to confer with his team before the opening of the final matches.
When he reemerged from the tunnel he shook hands with Canada, and the two friends slid down the ice together settling in at the house for the first end. "So Canada, you still on for the bet?" The Nordic asked as one of the Canadian team slid his first shot down.
"Naturally," Canada replied, the thrill evident in his voice.
Norway started to reply while pointing to where his team's first shot should go. But when the shooter started to go during the polite silence in the audience someone let out a loud horn. Thankfully it wasn't a vuvuzela like at the Confederations Cup last year, but it served to distract the human enough to throw off the shot.
Both of the nations' eyes scanned around the arena for who had done something disrespectful to the sport. The pants had been one thing, Norway knew that his pants could be seen as disrespectful to the sport, but for the most part his friends had seen them as bringing some levity to the often too stoic ice. But this, this was just plain rude. The two silently agreed to try and ignore the ignorant human for now, pressing forth with the match. But with Norway down three to nothing at the end of the fifth end, the horn-blowing idiot had become a nuisance to the whole crowd. They clearly wanted Canada to win but this could be considered by some sabotage. However Norway knew the other nation wasn't capable of this, at least not with his girlfriend, brother, and the rest of the world watching. His blue eyes flicked up to Denmark, who frowned and nodded. He had to at least finish the game without losing by nothing. The large Nordic stood from his seat, slasher smile in place. "Anyone wanna help me find this bastard and give him a peace of mind from us?"
The twins stood up along with the rest of the Awesome Trio. Denmark nodded at his ragtag five-man band and they departed to hunt down this person who'd basically made him or herself an international sports event criminal to be dealt with by vigilante justice.
Norway slid down the ice to take a shot, now worried about whether or not he'd hear the awful horn to snap his concentration. He picked up a stone and frowned down the ice, one foot gently against the hack. He waited for a moment, and then pushed off, sliding on his Teflon covered shoe and leg, broom out to the side to balance, the stone gently leaving his hand. It took out Canada's stone and the timid nation decided to keep the hammer into the next end, placing Norway on the board with two glorious points. He kept up his momentum through the next end to steal another point tying the match at three all.
But the horn blower had done irreparable damage, which when combined with Canada's epic curling skills defeated Norway six to three, leaving Norway to take the silver medal. As the teams shook hands, Canada hugged Norway, "thank you so much for everything Norway. I really appreciate it."
"No problem Canada," He replied hugging the other nation back.
"But I do have one more request... if you don't mind that is." Canada stepped back and pushed his glasses up his nose.
"Sure. What is it?" Norway asked with a slight smile.
Canada turned a little red, "could I have a pair of your pants? I mean they're just so cool..."
Norway, who despite his cold exterior had as much of a problem with ripping off his clothes in public as Italy did, pulled off his pants on the spot and handed them over to Canada. One of his teammates ran to the locker room and brought his other pair. The Nordic handed over the clothing to Canada, whose face lit up with glee as he took them. "I feel so honored!" Norway pulled on the other pair, enjoying getting to help out a friend.
"Come on, let's go get our awards." He smiled, and they walked over to where Sweden and Switzerland stood on the podium ready to receive their medals. Canada hopped up onto the number one spot while Norway stood beside on the number two. Each of the nations received their awards while 'Oh, Canada' filled the stadium and all of the Canadian supporters along with the team members sang along. When the press got their photos and brief interviews the four nations looked up to where their love interests had been sitting. Iceland waved them over to the empty bleachers, Ukraine smiling beside him.
"Where'd 'veryone go 'spen?" Sweden pondered.
"They're all outside, said something about a tarring and feathering. Apparently the so-called 'Five Man Awesome Band' caught the guy who was disrupting the match. Belgium and Netherlands went to the bar with Lichtenstein to get the party set up, Finland went to go watch the tarring, Germany went to go stop Prussia from getting arrested and Italy had to go to the bathroom but then he was going to follow Germany. Danma told us to wait here and let you all know where they went." Iceland replied in what had to be the longest single monologue of his life.
Switzerland and Canada bade their friends farewell then departed to the bar. Sweden and Norway left the arena to find the mob of people Iceland described standing around outside of what had to be the most hastily constructed dunk tank. Denmark stood atop the rig resetting it every time, while Darnell collected the baseballs for throwing. America stood at the dunk tank laying down more money at Tenoh's fingertips while Germany had restrained Prussia from participating.
"Step right up and try your luck! One dollar, Euro, or other currency gets you three shots! Say there you with the fancy pants you want to give it a shot?" Tenoh called, dressed to the nines like someone at an old time carnival or barbershop quartet. "Show this guy here how to throw a ball!" She pointed at America who hadn't succeeded in dunking their victim.
Finland walked over and gave Sweden a hug. "Come on Svi! The police said it was illegal for us to pour hot tar and feathers all over him and they hated all of our other suggestions so we had to come up with something they said would be legal. I spent twenty Euro trying to get him but I couldn't!"
Sweden turned slightly pale and guided Finland away from the dunk tank. America scrambled around in his pockets for more money but to no avail. "Do you take plastic?" He asked hopefully.
"Sorry sir cash only. What'd ya say mister? Want to take a shot at this punk?" Tenoh asked as she packed the money in a box. Apparently all the cash would be going to fund curling programs for underprivileged children.
Norway figured revenge and a good cause would be worth it. He set a kroner down on the table, "set me up."
Darnell retrieved the baseballs and set them on the table. The twins stepped out of the way while Denmark leaped off the rig, not wanting to get wet in the sub zero air. Norway picked up his first shot, hurled it at the target and missed by a mile. His second shot hit the pad and bounced harmlessly into the snow. His last shot however hit the drop button dead center plunging the human into the frozen water below.
Tenoh applauded, "thank you for helping us help everyone."
Norway smiled, "no problem."
Denmark strode over and seized Norway's hand gently. The smaller nation blushed slightly as they walked away. Down the street they wandered into various little shops lining the streets of Vancouver, passing the time until the party. Norway picked up a book for his return flight to Oslo, while Denmark had, Norway hoped jokingly, picked out some lingerie. They dropped their purchases at the hotel then sat outside by the lake. "Say Nils, is it just me or is your beret out of place?" Denmark's hand reached around and tilted Norway's head to examine it.
"I um... I doubt it," Norway replied, suddenly acutely aware of Denmark's proximity to him.
"Let me fix it," Denmark offered leaning in closer.
Norway felt Denmark's warm breath on his lips, and he had the chance to examine the heroic face above him with great interest. His face heated changing to a bright shade of red before he pulled away when Denmark finished. Smiling he stood up holding out his hand. "It should be time for the party. I promised Canada we'd make it a double date. Not to mention I lost a bet to him along with the match."
Denmark accepted the help up and held on to Norway's hand as they walked along. "So this Canada... he a friend of yours?" In all of the world summits and international sporting events Denmark had attended he couldn't recall ever meeting Canada, much less what the nation looked like.
"He's very quiet and some people forget he's there, but Lichtenstein's slowly bringing him out of his shell." Norway replied.
Denmark's eyes widened, "you tellin' me he's got a death wish? Everyone knows Switzerland's sister is off limits! Anyone who tries to get near her gets a bullet to the brains!"
Norway shrugged and leaned against Denmark's arm, "You used to be the same way with us. At least up until France invaded your vital regions."
Denmark's face turned into a comedic grimace while Norway smiled, "oh don't remind me of that."
Speaking of France, the flirtatious nation flew overhead between the lampposts. One hand clutched the pole he stood atop while the other had some article of clothing that looked suspiciously like the flag of Great Britain. "Bonjour! Ah Norway and Denmark! Tre bien! Enjoying the night, ne? If you see England, please, ah, decline telling him which way I went! Au revoir!" He yelled down from the light before jumping into the trees.
A moment later England burst through the bushes in front of the couple, his face was red, discomfort etched into his features. "You two see France go by here?" They both pointed to the trees where the other nation had disappeared through. "Thanks." England ran off again shouting, "France you bloody bastard! Give me back my underwear! You're so dead when I catch up with you!"
Waiting with an awkward glance until the bushy browed nation was out of earshot the two burst out laughing. Denmark pulled Norway into a hug, "I missed you. Y'know?"
"I missed you too," Norway smiled leaning against the taller Nordic's chest. They resumed their stroll a few minutes later, arriving at the bar in time for the party.
Canada and Lichtenstein waved them over to a table in front of the dance pad stage that had appeared near the back of the bar. The pair sat down next to the other couple but refused to let one another's hands go. "Glad you could join us." Canada smiled, though he gave a nervous glance to Denmark.
Lichtenstein bowed her head, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Danma, Nils has told us a lot about you."
"All of it bad I'm sure," Denmark replied with a generous smile.
Norway stared up at the machine, suddenly remembering how much he hated dancing. He'd never danced much anyway, that was mostly tone deaf Denmark in the shower's territory, his lack of rhythm synching up with his lack of vocal talent. He closed his eyes wishing he didn't have to sing right away. However Canada noticed his discomfort, being invisible made it incredibly easy to observe his fellow nations behavior. "Nils, you don't have to dance if you don't want to. I know there's a karaoke option, though I'm sure most of the songs are in French."
Norway shook his head, "no, it's okay Matthew, we shook hands on it as friends. Besides we can do a dance off. Your French is better than mine and the last thing I need is you and Francis coming after me with a chainsaw for pronunciations butchery while singing."
Canada considered this then nodded, "fair enough. You're still buying drinks though."
"Deal," the two stood up, "we'll be back in a minute." They departed for the bar to procure refreshments and maybe even dinner.
Denmark leaned back on two chair legs, twirling the silverware bundle around on the table. Lichtenstein felt awkward sitting in silence. She gazed at her new friend then swallowed, "if you ever make Nils cry again, then I will beat you up until you apologize to him. If that doesn't work then I will invade and take over your country until you do."
The Nordic almost fell out of his chair, "um er..." he picked himself up then bowed his head. He must have caused Norway a lot of trouble if Lichtenstein was threatening. Then he remembered that she had no army with which to defend herself, much less invade. A laugh caught on his throat turning into a cough as he realized the reason that no one had ever attacked her. She may not have an army because her army was the Swiss Army. He knew from personal experience that Switzerland was not to be messed with, whether at a convention of the EU members, or on the battlefield. When he tilted his head up, he found Lichtenstein's hand out, pinky extended towards him.
"Promise me you won't make him cry again," she stated again seriously.
He nodded weakly locking his pinky with hers, "I promise Lilli, he won't shed another tear cause of me."
"Good," She smiled and waved as their dates returned with drinks. "Now who wants first song on the machine! I know something that's really cool!"
Canada clapped Norway on the back, "we'll go. You two seem to be getting along well."
"Okay! I sure hope you've been watching Internet videos then!" She smiled and walked up to the machine setting it up for the guys. The two nations stepped up onto the dance pads while the lights blared.
"ARE YOU READY? HERE WE GO!" The announcer on the screen shouted, and immediately set off into Dragostea Din Tei, or more commonly known to citizens of the Internet as Numa Numa. There was just one problem, Norway couldn't dance, and Lichtenstein set the game to Expert. The arrows started to fly up the screen; he swallowed and just followed the steps. Pretty soon he hit his stride, but the heater plus the effort of dancing made him rip off his jacket and shirt to try and cool down. He'd forgotten to change out of his curling uniform, and so danced around the platform in his curling pants with just the hem of his boxers showing. "FREE STYLE!" The game announced cutting to a break in the music, where Canada and Norway cut loose with their dance moves. Norway spun around dropping to the ground and spinning around on his hands in a back flip windmill combination. He stood up as Canada did some very epic disco steps before they resumed their button-mashing dance. When the song finished, the score calculator came up, "IT'S A TIE! ROUND TWO!"
"Do your best!" Lichtenstein called while the song selector hit random.
"ARE YOU READY? HERE WE GO!" Norway panted for air slightly, was it just him or was the machine rigged to ensure he would be exhausted now. Not to mention when he hear the first notes of the song he realized the machine's playlist had to be 'History of Memes'. He wondered if Sweden was in the room since the song in question was Caramelldansen, a song that happened to be in Swedish. Once again Canada and Norway entered into the heat of a dance off before leaning up against the rails when the song had finished. Norway put his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. Sadly, the game had the sadistic personality most commonly found in some authors. "IT'S A TIE! FINAL ROUND!"
Then the song came on and Norway frowned; now it went from History of Memes, to Classical Fight Anthems. "Choose your destiny. Flawless Victory." Of course the final round would be set to the Mortal Kombat theme. Still he danced around touching the arrows in time with the line, trying to not pass out. Canada's combo multiplier hit a snag when he barely missed stepping on the pad and destroyed his combo multiplier. Still he built it back up and finished the song. The points tallied and showed that Norway had won it in the third round.
The two shook hands, "good dance." Canada smiled at his friend.
"You too," Norway replied as they sat next to their dates.
Several hours and a lot of dancing later saw Norway and Denmark making their way out of the bar. Both were still surprisingly sober and still singing at the top of their lungs. "Go go Power Rangers! Go go Power Rangers! You Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers!" They both stopped to catch their breath laughing. The quiet of the night finally caught up with the two, when Norway decided to ask a question of Denmark he'd been meaning to since two days prior.
"Hey Danma," he stopped and clutched Denmark's hand nervously.
"What is it Nils?" the larger Nordic asked.
"What made you come back and want to talk to me?" The smaller nation muttered sternly.
Denmark paused for a moment, "well... I was pretty upset, and the day before the semifinals I'd gone on a walk to try and figure out how I felt. I ran into Netherlands and we talked. He said that if I didn't get my act together and come find you then I'd have one dead Norway on my hands. I didn't want that to happen, even if I hated your guts I'd never want to see you dead and all. So I kept walking around after we talked a bit, then Finland found me and asked me how our date went. I felt so bad that I didn't meet you for dinner, I ended up walking back with him and the rest of my friends to the hall. Which you know what happened from there."
Norway took in Denmark's story quietly then smiled up at him slightly, "well I'm glad things are back to better than normal." He stood up on his tiptoes and placed his hands on either side of Denmark's neck before kissing him on the lips. They broke apart a few minutes later and continued to walk back to the hotel in peace, save for England and France running past them, France wearing nothing with England barely more clothed than him. The Nordic couple turned bright red then shook their heads as they headed in for the night.
A/N: Randomly naked France and England for your viewing pleasure. Not quite ready for Denmark and Norway to go all the way yet, but France plagued my imagination during this section. I did what any sensible person would do, I let him loose. And yeah I did get my revenge on the jerk that was blowing the horn. Served 'em right.