Prompt: 'Aw, you're blushing like a rose!'

'We will now break off into smaller groups to discuss the central topics,' announced Germany from the head of the table, eyes scanning them all seriously. 'The notes taken will be reviewed in tomorrow's session.' Denmark clicked and unclicked his pen with restless boredom. He was not overly fond of world meetings full stop, but somehow this one put them all to shame in terms of excitement levels- that was, very low excitement levels.

'We're a group, then.' said England. Denmark looked up to see who else was there. Norway, thank heaven, but also Japan, which meant he had to discuss politics for the next hour with three taciturn and sharp-tongued nations. They would most likely pounce on his every word, like dogs with a bone.

'I believe Canada made some good points in his climate change reversion speech,' began Japan, scribbling away furiously as he recited every minute detail of the speech. England and Norway followed suit. Their notepads were soon covered in writing, whilst Denmark had merely scrawled the date and location.

'Come on, Den.' said Norway, nudging him. 'You need to take some notes.' He sighed, staring down at his page. His pen formed the words Canada's speech was good, according to someone who was listening. Norway frowned when he saw. 'Are you taking this seriously? An entire country depends on you, and you can't even take notes.' The reprimand hit him full on and buzzed around his brain. Denmark rubbed one temple, trying to eradicate the headache before it could properly form. Why is everyone so bloody solemn these days?

'Of course I'm taking it seriously.' He forced a smile. 'Canada- very good, very sensible.' Denmark stole a quick glance at Norway's notes and began to copy them down. But his handwriting was an archaic copperplate hailing from medieval times, and soon the letters swirled about on the page in front of Denmark's eyes. He wondered if he could be ill. Denmark was ebullient most of the time, a bright ball of energy, so people rarely believed him when he caught an illness. Too damned happy, that's my problem. People like England can't deal with more than one smile a day. America's voice floated over from across the room, which only intensified his headache. Fuck, I'm actually ill. Denmark laid his notepad down on the table, a haze forming in front of his eyes. His throat felt scratchy, that was certain. A pale shape hovered in front of him.

'Den,' it hissed. 'Den, what's wrong?' He blinked a few times, and Norway's glaring features came into view.

'Don' feel too good.' he mumbled, coughing. Norway hesitated. After a moment he sighed, giving Denmark the benefit of the doubt.

'I'll take your notes just this once,' he said, close to Denmark's ear so no one could hear him. 'But don't come complaining to me when your boss yells at you for not listening in- I think, a record fifth world meeting. Understood?' Denmark gave a weak smile, playing it up a little now his illness had been accepted.

'Thanks, Nor.' He pressed a quick kiss to Norway's cheek, taking his chance while he could. Norway shoved him- but they had already been noticed. England looked faintly embarrassed, Canada gave them a thumbs-up, America wolf-whistled loudly and someone that might have been France started a round of applause.

'Oh, sweet Odin.' said Norway under his breath. He stood hastily, making to leave. Germany frowned at him.

'Is there a problem?' he asked in accented English.

'Need some air,' he mumbled, trudging from the room with Denmark in tow.

'Aw, you're blushing like a rose!' said Denmark once they were outside. He grinned, though it was less wide than usual. Norway swept a look over him.

'You really are ill, aren't you?'

'Thanks for noticing.'

'No, I mean it.' Norway's eyes met his, and he even smiled a little. 'Want to skip the rest?'

'But our notes, Nor-'

'Fuck our notes.' He grabbed Denmark's hand, pulling him through the lobby door and out into the street.

Much, much later, curled up next to Norway on the sofa with a blanket, Denmark knew he did not regret anything. Except the countless angry voicemails from Germany, of course.