Norway stood up, squared his shoulders, feeling a heavy weight settle on them; he needed to make things right…especially because he caused Denmark so much pain. It was the least he could do, for causing him an eternal life of misery. And, to do that, Norway would need to place trust in his fellow Nordics.
Trust- the one word he absolutely loathed.
Despite the fact that the Nordics had always stuck together, Norway couldn't help the tiny sliver of doubt that wormed its way through his chest. What if they…what if they took advantage of his trust? He- he couldn't misplace it like that.
But, taking a look at Finland's warm brown eyes, and Sweden's intense blue eyes, even Iceland's cool amethysts, Norway took a deep breath, and let those voices go.
"Prior to the break," He began, "Russia mentioned that Denmark might not be able to hold his own in peace talks. 'What if you turn against him?' were his exact words. Well, Russland,"
Norway paused, pushing out his chair, and beginning to walk around so that he could reach Russia. Ignoring the brief fear at the thought of what he was going to have to do Norway locked his eyes on Russia's own.
"I believe you underestimate us." Norway waved his hand towards the rest of the nations present in the room, "We have these meetings in order to resolve world issues peacefully, and so would it not make sense that a responsible nation would do their utmost to promote peace? Even if one of us does go rogue, I have the confidence that the members of this council, the representatives of the world, would snap us back, make us see the light.
"And even if I cannot represent Denmark, though that is unlikely," Norway saw Russia's eyes grow a fraction colder, "You, all of you, seem to forget that it is not just me who cares for him, but the rest of us Nordics."
As if on cue, Sweden, Finland and Iceland stood up, gazing around the room with determined eyes and cool gazes, respectively.
"We are family." Norway took a deep breath, before glaring at Russia, "And we guard each other with our lives."
There was a startling silence after that, and Norway wanted to laugh at the irony; here he was, arguing about Denmark's induced muteness, and all the occupants of the room were immediately silenced. Yet, the beautiful sound was shattered.
"Aw, that is really cute," Russia cooed, but his eyes were still cold, "But Norway, we all know that you cannot trust anyone, da? How can you possibly make such bold statements then, hm?"
Norway squared his shoulders, feeling appropriately insulted, when a voice came from behind him:
"It's true that my brother has trust issues."
Norway whirled around, not even caring about the shock that had etched itself onto his features. Out of…out of everyone who could have possibly said that, why Iceland?! It- It wasn't fair.
Finland looked dumbstruck, eyes wide and mouth quivering, and even Sweden's navy blue irises held a note of shock in them; shock, because what was Iceland doing?
Iceland did not even spare his brother a glance and, in any other situation, Norway would have felt a great indignation, but now…now, he was just glad he did not, else he might have cracked. And- and if that happened, Denmark would not be able to stay a nation, and hewouldhavetogocoldandhungryandhemightfadeand-
"Norway has always been one of those countries with too little trust and too much distrust, heavy on the 'dis', but, you see, Russia, he's changed his mind. Is it impossible for a nation to start over, to try and turn a new leaf?"
Wait, what?
"The United Nations, sorry, the 'League of Nations'", Iceland made ridiculous air quotations, "didn't accept Germany after World War One: look where that got it. Luckily, the same mistake was not made after the Second war; else I would be so horribly disappointed."
Iceland shook his head in mock sadness. Norway was pretty sure he was gaping.
"You see, we let Germany, a nation with way too many issues to count (no offence Ludwig), try again, but we can't let Norway do the same- Norway, who is trying to let go of his weaknesses?"
Iceland frowned. "If that is the way we work, then I propose we all just give up and go home."
That last sentence startled the Norwegian, and he was about to open his mouth to refute that last idea (because, what? Iceland, you're not supposed to antagonize everyone!), but Germany, who was looking a little pallid beat him to it.
"While I do acknowledge your speech, Iceland, I would prefer it if we all carried out our responsibilities." The German stated a little uncomfortably.
Norway was beginning to wonder where Denmark was. He had requested Prussia to appropriately distract him, but he had expected them to at least arrive by now.
As if on cue, the door burst open, exposing a panting albino, with an equally dazed blonde beside him. Norway breath caught in his throat when he saw the bright grin illuminating his closest friend's features; it had been so long since a smile that large, a smile that reached his sparkling eyes, was present on his face.
The same smile immediately disappeared when Denmark took in his surroundings, and Norway could have sworn that the room suddenly got chillier than before. He shivered, before straightening up, and turning to Denmark.
"Denmark, come here." He addressed the still nation, beckoning him forward, "We were just discussing our situation, and Russia brought up a very strong point. What," He paused, "Would you do if we all turned against you, so suddenly? What would you do if no one were by your side?"
For a second, all Denmark did was stare wide-eyed at Norway, and he began to feel a doubt creeping along his spine; did he, perhaps, make a mistake? Should he not have asked the Dane such a question?
They made eye contact; for the first time in days, Norway looked into those baby blue eyes, wondering just when anything would be right again. Almost immediately after, the confusion clouding those achingly familiar eyes cleared, and the Danish man shrugged.
'I wouldn't be in such a situation.' He had the sense to sign it towards America, and Norway could barely believe it- if he weren't in front of almost every democratic nation to exist, he might have even let the shock he was feeling slip onto his face. Whatever the case, he had not expected that thought to cross Denmark's mind. He anticipated something akin to fright, then a calm demeanor. Denmark would have said something along the lines of trusting the other nations to stop them- or that, surely, not all of the Nordics would abandon him- but not this.
This was blind trust.
"He says that he wouldn't need to think about it because that would never happen." America translated for the nations, and Norway saw Russia's normally wrinkleless face twist- for the briefest of seconds- before it disappeared completely.
"Yet, you can't be sure, am I right?" Norway couldn't help his sharp inhale when he heard Austria (Austria, of all people) speak, "You never can be too trusting, Denmark. We are not always in control of ourselves...it is our leaders and our people who are of the highest priority for us."
"Shut it, ya stupid prude-" Prussia snapped, only to be interrupted by his younger sibling, who snapped in rapid-fire German.
The average, non-Germanic nation would not understand, but Norway could. He liked to read a lot of books, so it made sense that he'd learn a lot of languages on the way. Of course, his German was not very fluent, so he could only catch snippets from the conversation, but the basics were something about etiquette, courtesy and name-calling.
That was something he'd be doing to Denmark, that is, if Denmark were to still have his voice.
"It's the truth!" Norway was startled out of his thoughts by the heavily accented Russian's voice, "Half the things we have done in the past…they have always been determined by our leaders, da? Besides,"
Here, he looked at Denmark, and Norway felt a chill travel down his spine.
"Even if you can save yourself from your…family, can you save yourself from you?"
Denmark's eyes grew impossibly wide at that, and Norway wondered why this statement had that impact on him. Denmark was fine, wasn't he? He didn't seem any different, after all-
Norway's eyes widened a fraction. It…it seemed to make sense, now? How could he not have realized..? When he looked at the other Nordics, at Sweden, Finland and Iceland, he saw the same expressions of shock.
How could they not have seen it?
"Even if you remain a representative," Russia smiled in a deceptively cute fashion (Norway wanted to strangle him so, so badly, and why wasn't anyone doing anything about this?), "You'll still feel like a burden, won't you, Дания? I cannot blame you: without a voice, how can you not feel useless? You will be bothering everyone else with this…problem, of yours-"
"Stop," It took Norway a couple of seconds to realize that it was his voice that sounded so angry, "Just what the hell do you think you're doing? Are you trying to pull him down?"
He lost all sense of control by then, as he stalked forward, shoving aside a stuttering Lithuania. Grabbing the tall Russian by the collar of his shirt, he snarled, "I should kill you for this."
Russia, the infuriating nation, smirked, his face so close that Norway could feel his chilly breath. "Go ahead, if that would give you any pleasure."
"You-" Norway made to punch him in the face, only to find that he was being restrained.
He bucked wildly against the arms holding him back, scowling heavily. How dare…how dare he say such a thing? Norway once thought Russia was misunderstood, but it became clear to him that the man created his own reputation.
The entire room was thrown into chaos; nations were arguing with each other, irrespective of where they were, the Baltic States were doing their best to calm Russia down, and Norway could faintly make out Finland saying something to him, but all his focus was on Denmark.
"Let me go," He hissed at the person immobilizing him, Sweden, before shaking out of his grip and marching towards Denmark.
The second Norway touched his shoulder, Denmark straightened up and smiled tiredly; it was a smile that Norway knew he wouldn't like. Denmark would always give him these types of smiles that would let him know what he was thinking; this particular smile made Norway worry about what Denmark was going to do.
"Are you okay?" He asks under his breath, glancing around at the arguing nations, "What were you and Prussia doing?"
Denmark just shook his head, before opening his mouth and letting out perhaps the loudest yell Norway had heard in the history of his very long life.
The blood rushed from his face: Denmark was damaging his voice…what if he couldn't speak after this?
It got everyone's attention, though, so Norway had to wait before berating the Dane.
"Wait, you can talk?!" Someone, Turkey, complained, crossing his arms, "What was the point of this stupid meeting then?!"
Denmark shook his head and, in the silence of the meeting room, Norway finally heard his voice after ages.
"I'm…not supposed to be talking." He rasps out, and Norway's eyes widen because has it gotten worse?
"My doctor recommended-"
"No more talking." Finland stood up, and even from a distance, Norway could see the tears glistening in his eyes. "Please, Denmark."
Their friend ignored them in favor of looking hard at Russia.
"You're right," Denmark admits, voice even softer; had it not been like a void in the conference room, Norway might not have heard. "Not having a voice may make me significantly weaker, but have you ever thought it to be just another language barrier?"
Norway could see where he was going with this, but he didn't necessarily have to like the number of words Denmark was using.
""Most of us speak different languages, but-" Denmark coughs a little, and Norway's heart leaps out of his chest, "But, have any of us rejected each other for that?"
Russia's eyes narrowed, but he did not say a thing. How could he? Denmark's argument was sort of irrefutable anyway.
"Still," Czechoslovakia spoke, avoiding looking at anyone, "Don't get me wrong, but at least we can speak."
"Yelling at each other won't-" Denmark coughed again, and Norway couldn't take it anymore.
He faced the trembling nation and glared as hatefully as he could. Just saying no offence didn't remove the offence, did it?
"You might be able to speak, but it's not like any of you actually contribute valuable ideas." Norway snarled, "All we do is sit here all day, yammering and arguing about the most trivial things. I'd think that, in this case, having a voice is quite disadvantageous. We could use someone who can actually do things objectively…unlike the people here today."
Some of the nations reacted with dark eyes, others with their heads bowed. Norway noticed America's conflicted face, and wondered what was going through his mind. Faintly, he could hear someone, likely Iceland, clapping softly.
"Well," Germany cleared his throat uncomfortably, "We will need to decide by today itself so that we may continue the conference tomorrow as previously scheduled. If you would take your seat…"
Norway realized, with a jolt, that he wasn't sitting down, and trying his hardest not to die of embarrassment, he sat next to Iceland. Denmark sat right next to Norway, and he couldn't help but avoid his gaze. It was no secret to him that Denmark might have been pissed; despite the circumstances, Norway knew that the Dane wanted to handle things by himself.
What was really bugging him was what Russia had said earlier. Did Denmark really think he was worthless? More importantly, why didn't Norway notice? It had gotten to him; Norway wanted to crawl into a hole and wallow in misery. He had never lost his cool like that in front of the other nations, but the more he heard Russia taunt Denmark, he…he couldn't help but jump to his defense, pure fury frothing in his chest.
If there was one thing he hated, it was picking on the weaker opponent.
Regardless, Norway realized that what he did was completely unlike him. He still didn't understand the foreign emotion that accompanied his anger, but it didn't matter. The manner in which he dealt with the incident was incorrect.
"We will now resume the voting process," Germany said gruffly, before slips of paper were handed to each nation by friendly-looking staff. It was old fashioned, but at least it worked.
Norway closed his eyes for a moment, praying. Then, he got out a pen and began to write.
I'm back after forever, but tried to make the chapter a little longer than usual. I actually wrote this way before; it was supposed to be the last chapter, but it was getting too long, so I've decided to add one more chapter to the story.
Thank you to everyone who's reviewed, followed, and favorited this fanfic. I really appreciate your love for the story guys; it keeps me fueled!
~beingawesome