Fall in Love (NorIce)
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or its characters.
It can be great. It can be good, but it can get worse before it gets better.
That thought stuck to Emil like permanent glue when he found himself sitting on a bumpy train seat with a coal colored suitcase between his legs two months after turning eighteen. His thumbs tapped and slid against the slick, bright screen of his mobile, rereading over his messages with his new roommate, Lukas Bondevik.
Emil glanced away from his phone momentarily, a softened expression gracing his features when his destination was announced over the train's intercom. He stepped off of the train, squinting through the sheets of rain that poured down without warning. He hurried past the impatient people getting soaked from the downpour and managed to follow the umbrella-clad pedestrians crossing the crosswalk to his destination a block away.
The apartment should be close, Emil thought as his suitcase's wheels wobbled over the random rocks and cracks on the drenched sidewalk beneath his shoes. He was right. Apartment number 103 was at the entrance past the landlord's office. The worn, tattered wooden sides of the apartment buildings caught his attention through the ruthless rainstorm. No longer interested in studying the aesthetics of his surroundings, he hastened his pace to the front door to escape the elements.
After knocking twice against the door under an awning, his new roommate appeared before him. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but he was astonished.
Almond shaped eyes that concealed secrets underneath the indigo blue hue. Wavy, wheat blonde hair that framed a delicate face; a wispy fringe on the right and a golden cross securing hair back on the left, a sharp jawline, and a cool indifference. Pale rose petal lips that curved ever so gently. His nerves jumped under his skin.
Rain water dripped from the ends of his hair; ash blonde bangs sealed to his forehead like cling wrap. He looked like a wet dog in front of his dry, entrancing roommate.
"You must be Emil?" Lukas inquired, opening the door wider to grab his soaked suitcase. "I hope the trip wasn't bad... but by the sight of it, luck wasn't on your side."
Wow, this guy is pretty snarky. "Yeah. It's no big deal. I'm here, aren't I?" Emil shot back playfully as the door closed behind him. He unlaced his shoes in the short hallway and grimaced at the slick clothes against his slender frame. Shivering noticeably, he glanced up and noticed Lukas's furrowed brows and small frown forming. Lukas turned around and Emil saw a curl that seemed to float behind his head. It was strange. Weird, but cute.
A sandalwood aroma attracted Emil instantly; a hospitable vibe that eased anxiety. It was pleasant and matched the furniture.
It was a spacious living room with rustic wall art, a flat screen television nailed to the wall, a sailor blue L-shaped couch, and another creamy lounge chair adjacent to the rectangular glass top table. An overall minimalist approach. The kitchen was petite, but that was not a shortcoming. It had all of the essentials.
Straight to the point, Emil noted as he straightened up and followed Lukas further into the living room with the small kitchen diagonal from where he stood.
"I'll help you put your things away," the taller male disrupted Emil's musings. After Emil shivered again, Lukas advised, "Go take a shower before you catch a cold." He pointed at the bathroom door straight ahead where there were; two bedrooms separated by it. Yeah, he needed to take a warm shower unless he wanted to start his new life with a week-long cold.
Later that night, Emil and Lukas settled down in front of the television after eating a home-cooked meal that Lukas made earlier that day. If there was something about Lukas that Emil was sure of, it was that the man could cook.
While the television droned on about the weather's forecast, Lukas's eyes studied Emil next to him. He was deeply invested in his cellphone and mindlessly munching on black licorice, crinkling the bag every time his hand dipped in and out of it. His thumbs danced fiercely over the screen, grabbing Lukas's full attention.
"Do you want some wine?" Lukas offered, trying to get his new roommate's mind off of whatever was causing him distress.
"Yeah, that's fine." He grounded out at the cellphone in his shaky hands. Lukas paused shortly, pulling himself from the couch, and strolled over to the kitchen. He busied his hands, rummaging through the various selections of alcohol. He grasped the cabinet door that concealed the wine glasses and pulled out two of them. Carefully balancing everything in his hands, he set them on the counter top.
Emil tossed his phone aside with a permanent scowl. His evening was officially ruined. Releasing an exhale through his nostrils, he watched Lukas place the crimson liquid filled glasses down on the crystal glass coffee table.
"Thanks," he muttered, cautiously plucking it by the stem from the table. His hand cupped the bowl of the glass while Lukas claimed a space on the couch near him.
"Cheers," Lukas said, raising his glass, "to a new life, Emil." They clinked their wine glasses together, causing a drop of wine to splash onto Emil's loose fitted black shirt. He brushed it off; it wasn't like anyone could see the stain.
"Cheers, Lukas." Emil repeated after taking a hearty swig of the wine and sighing loudly. Then, it hit him. He cringed at the bitterness and recovered when he heard Lukas snort behind his glass.
After they finished their first glass of wine, Emil's mobile phone shrieked and threw a tantrum in his pocket. This made him feel more stressed. Why wouldn't they just let him have peace?
Lukas was in the kitchen, fixing them another glass of wine. A sweet wine. Pink Moscato. Emil didn't appear to enjoy the bitter, red wine.
"Hello?" Emil reluctantly answered the phone after the third ring and groaned out when he heard the voice on the other side.
"Emil, you left out of nowhere. Like, really? Why did you leave me? That's totally uncool."
Just leave me alone. Iceland held the phone close to his ear, eyes floating to the ceiling, "I don't have to explain myself."
Leon scoffed and then chuckled condescendingly, "Your loss."
Your loss. The comment struck a nerve in Emil. His thin shoulders tensed up and his brows lowered as his chest puffed out, losing his cool composure.
"Leon-" He paused, inhaling and exhaling. He was displeased with Leon's attitude. "Don't be so stupid! Just lose my number already."
The unforeseen outburst caught Lukas off guard. After Emil tapped on the red icon, Lukas placed the chilled wine glass down for him.
"Everything okay, Emil?" He did not mean to appear nosy. He wanted to reach forward. It was tempting. It wouldn't hurt to comfort him? He took his chances and settled for patting Emil on his ridged shoulder.
Once, twice- okay, pull away. Lukas inwardly held his breath when Emil lowered his face, bangs curtaining his eyes. His mouth twitched as he fidgeted with his phone.
"I don't want to talk about it." His eyes glistened as he threw his head back to stare up at the ceiling to hold back his frustration. He was discontented with his past. He clutched his forehead with his other hand, letting out a sigh.
Lukas respected him; he would talk when he was comfortable. Besides, it was their first evening together- living together, just roommates- nothing more than that.
Well, Lukas reflected, he did enjoy my home cooked meal and apparently is not fond of red wine.
That's all he really knew. Emil's past? Not a clue.
Lukas settled on saying nothing and cheered again before gulping down his favorite wine. Emil sipped at his wine and hummed in delight. This observation made Lukas purse his plush lips from smiling.
We like the same wine.
"Mmm," Emil licked the corner of his mouth after finishing the last drop, "I wan' 'nother one."
Two glasses of wine later, Lukas was feeling lightheaded. Somehow, Emil ended up rolling on the floor in a daze. He had no cares in the world, although his phone continued shrieking for his undivided attention. Cheeks flushed a rosy red, limbs splayed out like a starfish, and head lost in the clouds. Emil had no idea that he could get this inebriated from wine.
Lukas sighed out, uncrossing his legs as he felt his body warming up, watching through blurred vision at the goofball on the floor. Although he was not a stranger to wine's effects, he did feel lethargic to a degree. Shoulders slumping, Lukas's eyes slid shut as a satisfying sigh escaped past his numb lips.
"Lukas… Lukas, yer the niceshh person I ever met, y'know tha'?" Emil slurred out, cheeks burning when he watched Lukas crack his eyes open to acknowledge him. "C'mere and…" He slapped the vacant spot next to him, "an' sit with me." Emil was too straightforward for Lukas's liking.
Maybe drinking wasn't such a great idea after all.
"Emil, y'should… um," Lukas couldn't manage his focus as he was pulled down onto the floor by Emil. "Wait… we need t' get rest… rest Emil."
Lust was visible in Emil's eyes. His lips were pouty. Breath teasing him with notes of peach and apricot. His long, dark lashes dusted his rose blushed cheeks, fluttering like a butterfly's wings. Both of their faces were stained the same color as the wine they drank.
Lukas shook his head while his heart hammered against his rib cage. Emil's hands were uncomfortably close to his body.
They just met today!
He restrained himself, pushing Emil's chest back as he hardened his eyes. "Emil, y'need sleep."
"Why not…?" He probed, dejected on the floor. He watched through fogged vision as Lukas stood to his feet, shifting side to side. His hand reached out to help Emil up with clumsy footsteps. Emil grasped Lukas's hand and yanked him down to fall on top of his body.
"Emil, pleas' don' be... difficult." Lukas peeled himself off of Emil and stood up awkwardly, clutching onto the arm of the sofa. His balance wobbled while moving over to his bedroom's door. "Or ya could sleep on th' floor… but, I… uh, I'm gonna sleep. G'night."
Emil's eyelids felt heavy; laughter ceased and the loneliness resumed in mere seconds after Lukas shut the door behind him with a soft click. Pitch darkness surrounded his world as he pondered through his drunken state: What have I done?
Summertime in this town was known for its notorious rainstorms. Relentless rain pattered against the living room window and heavy footsteps imprinted their presence on the ceiling above Emil. Hardwood flooring pressed against his clammy face and the morning chill blew across his skin. The sweet aroma of coffee wafted through the air.
"My head…" Emil groaned, clutching at his pulsing forehead and standing up to his feet.
"Lukas?" He called out, only to receive silence in return. Once he realized that he was the only one awake in the apartment, he trudged over to the compact bathroom situated between the two bedrooms and disrobed down to his birthday suit.
Gradually waking up with a yawn and stretch, Lukas held his forehead. His mouth was parched and he regretted not drinking water before bed. On the way out of his bedroom, Lukas heard the shower running. He really needed to use the bathroom, but when he clutched the doorknob and twisted it, he found that it was locked. He shrugged and strolled over to grab a glass of water to lubricate his throat. Finishing the drink off, he placed the glass down on the kitchen counter and waltzed over to the patio.
Opening the patio sliding door, he stepped out onto the concrete and let his stream mix with the rainwater. Nobody could see him anyway. Returning back inside and sliding the door shut, he stepped over to the coffee pot that brewed his coffee automatically in the kitchen and poured himself a cup.
He always relished the sound of rain drumming against the large curtained living room window. The raindrops cascading from the second floor balcony reminded him of the crystal beaded curtains that he used when he was a teenager for his bedroom door.
Oh, the best part about the downpour was that the footsteps above were drowned out. It was ideal for people living on the first floor. As he nursed the mug of coffee in his hand, he thought about what he planned out for the entire week.
After showering off yesterday's grime, Emil turned off the water and dipped out of the shower to grab one of Lukas's clean, peach colored towels. Water raced down his legs and arms, splashing against the yellow tiled bathroom flooring. The bathroom was small; a sink, toilet, and shower that could barely fit two people.
Toweling off quickly, he rubbed on his deodorant and then realized that he forgot to bring a clean set of clothes. So, he wrapped the towel around his waist and felt it slip down to rest just above his hips. Grumbling to himself for not thinking ahead, he tightened it around himself and pushed the door open.
His bedroom was to the left while Lukas's bedroom was to the right; their bedroom doors faced each other. The bathroom was situated between the bedrooms. Turning the brassy doorknob, he disappeared inside of his brand new sanctuary.
Inside of his bedroom, it would be described as rather barren yet simplistic. Scanning from the left side of the bedroom from the doorway, he had a large wooden dresser with a mirror attached to it. Straight ahead, a desk with an office chair stood in front of a short, curtained window. Flushed against the right wall, his generic twin-sized blanket with a loft, blue duvet and a night table with a standard lamp settled together. An Icelandic flag was pinned pridefully above his bed against the wall. To the immediate right was a grey bookcase and a petite, walk-in closet tucked in the corner.
His suitcase was stashed inside of the walk-in closet with his minimal amount of clothing hanging from the bar on hangers. He didn't have much to begin with since his parents kicked him out of their home. He sifted through his shirts. He decided on a fitted, navy blue shirt and paired them with a pair of tan shorts. Puffing his cheeks and blowing out his breath, he grabbed his hair brush to fix his tousled, dampened ash blonde hair. Two spritz of cologne and he deemed himself presentable enough.
In the kitchen, Lukas finished up the rest of his coffee and a buttery piece of toast. It wasn't the healthiest breakfast, but he wasn't in the mood to go all out, especially since his new roommate was taking his sweet time in the bathroom.
The Norwegian walked out of the kitchen and proceeded in the direction of his bedroom to fetch his outfit: a white V-neck, blue gym shorts, and a pair of his favorite Norwegian flag printed boxer briefs. When he opened the bathroom, a bellow of steam hit him. His unkempt bed head hairstyle frizzed and his relaxed expression changed to a vexed one.
"Góðan daginn, Lukas." Emil greeted the other softly in his native language. Memories of last night kept him from looking Lukas in his eye. It was their first night and he made an absolute fool of himself.
Before Lukas closed the bathroom door behind him, he returned the greeting in his language- voice void of emotion, "God morgen."
Emil naturally drifted over to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. Caffeine was essential for the Icelandic man. As he inched out of the kitchen equipped with a scorching cup of coffee, his eye caught Lukas's cell phone vibrating incessantly.
"Maybe this is the reason for his sour mood?" Emil assumed under his breath to himself despite not knowing his roommate on that level. He set the coffee cup on a coaster next to the phone. Emil's eyes greedily read the name flashing on the screen.
Mathias... The phone continued to light up. Wow, someone's eager for Lukas's attention. Emil's mouth pressed into a tight line, looking away from the jumpy phone in frustration. Why do I care? I barely know the guy. He's just my roommate. None of this is making sense to me.
With that concluding thought, he grabbed the remote and pressed down on the power button. A distraction was all that he needed. Something to get his mind off of his past, Lukas's mood this morning, and last night's intoxicating activities.
Inside of the bathroom, Lukas was finishing up his routine shower. A squirt of shampoo, an equal amount of conditioner, a glob of body wash, and a dollop of facial wash. It had to be in order. Always. Every time.
He sorted through his feelings about last night with Emil. From his observations, he could already determine that Emil was inexperienced and had a low tolerance with alcohol. Upon first meeting him, he disclosed very little about himself; quite reserved, yet he had a fiery spirit underneath that icy exterior. There was a part of himself that he was struggling to hold back- to conceal. He was hiding something.
He might have dealt with rejection. He's clearly not comfortable with himself. Lukas rolled his violet blue eyes, thinking to himself as he rinsed himself off and turned off the water. Not my problem. He's an adult.
However, part of Lukas was indeed concerned with Emil's mental state. Was it his own pride to reject that notion? Possibly.
By the time Lukas finished his morning routines, he wiped every corner of the bathroom with precision. His upper lip curled in disdain when his sock clad foot dunked into a puddle of bathwater. As he pulled off his socks, he muttered under his breath, "He couldn't have dried up all of this water?" He dried up the rest of the flooring and mumbled, "I need to reinforce my expectations then."
Flipping through the channels for the tenth time, Emil slumped his shoulders in defeat as nothing satisfied his cravings. He took another sip of his lukewarm coffee and blinked twice. Lukas stared at him briefly, eyes scanning his body, and then darted over to his phone's lit-up screen.
Without a word, Lukas scurried over to snatch his phone off of the table. Emil tilted his head, eyebrow arched at the haste movements.
What was that for? Why's he acting so suspicious? He eyed the taller male, who twisted away from his line of sight to check his messages. By the sharp inhale, he could sense that the messages were not favorable in the slightest.
"Emil, I need to talk to you about something." Lukas glanced over his shoulder, cradling his phone in his hands before turning to face the other sitting down on the couch. Emil nodded up at Lukas and his eyes followed as he felt the couch dip when Lukas claimed the seat next to him.
"Is it about last night? If so, then I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to make a bad impression, I really thought-"
"No, no. Emil, that's only a little piece of it."
Inhaling deeply, Emil combed a hand through his slightly dampened, waved hair and released a trembling breath, caught up in his thoughts. I already fucked up… and I fucked up more than once, apparently.
Lukas shifted in his spot, looking down at his cell phone that started to vibrate. Grunting out, he answered the phone and sent Emil an apologetic look.
"Hallo?" His voice was silken and composed despite his demeanor seconds ago. "Hallo, Mathias... Why did you call me," he pulled back from the phone to read the missed calls section, "thirteen times?" His eyes flew over to Emil briefly to acknowledge his existence. "No, you cannot come over- no, I have company. Don't interrupt me, Mat. No, don't beg. Goodbye." Click.
Sighing out as he pocketed his phone, he leaned closer to Emil, placing a hand on the smaller man's shoulder. He noticed the petal pink blush that rose to Emil's cheeks, secretly finding it adorable.
"Lukas…" Emil swallowed, "um, why are you so close?" His eyes widened, "...I don't understand!" He scooted away from him with jittery hands. Lukas snorted, watching in amusement.
"Wipe down the bathroom after you use it and," he instructed before poking Emil lightly on the nose, "don't just let the phone ring. Have some sense to bring it to me." Lukas inwardly smirked when Emil shot him a defiant look.
"I'm not being rude." Emil recoiled from being read so quickly. This was his new life with Lukas Bondevik.
A/N: Feedback is always appreciated! Stay tuned. :)