Ooof, this took much longer than I wanted it to, but something about it didn't want to be written. These are just some of Finland's thoughts on Sweden…
If you ask him, Finland will admit to being afraid of Sweden at first. It was certainly nothing personal; Sweden was just a very big very quiet nation. Certainly Denmark was not little either, but his bark was often times much worse than his bite. Sure he would talk a big game but he was much less likely to follow through. With Sweden it had been hard to tell, at least until that one afternoon Finland will always remember.
Iceland and Norway were shouting at each other for whatever reason (Finland didn't know to begin with) and all he wanted to do was read. After ten minutes of constant bickering Tino decided enough was enough. He wandered the house for a place to hide. Reaching the end of the second floor hallway he was surprised to see the attic ladder was down. Full of curiosity he climbed up to investigate. Placing his book on a table near the stairs he was amazed at how much stuff the five nations fit in the attic. Old flags, armor, art, and something that made noise? Tino held very still trying to figure out where the noise was coming from. He estimated it was coming from the short half of the attic on the other side of the stairs. He maneuvered around a stack of boxes and had to cover his mouth to stifle his squeak of surprise.
Not to long ago Tino remembered Denmark and Sweden moving an old couch up to the attic. Sweden was now asleep on that couch. The tall nation barely fit, his calves resting on an arm. One of his arms was tucked behind his head the other pinned his book to his chest. His glasses were askew and he was breathing heavily but not quite snoring (probably from the dust).
He looked so vulnerable and sweet Tino wondered how he could have been afraid of him in the first place. He was not exactly sure what compelled him to stand there and watch the other nation sleep but he did, for just a little while, before picking up his book and carefully making his way back down the ladder.
After that he always tried to be extra nice to Berwald. Even the smallest of gestures, like bringing him a glass of water or saving him a seat on the couch would cause the tall nation to blush furiously. Tino thought this might have something to do with the fact that the other nations didn't seem to pay much attention to him (unless Denmark was looking for a fight). His kindness was always repaid when Tino found his closet door "magically" fixed or a brand new bookshelf in his room. Their small exchanges continued long enough for the other nations in the house to notice and tease the pair of them about their "young love." This made Berwald blush even more, Tino just ignored them.
The night of the fight Tino stood his ground to support Berwald. He was afraid he would back down or let himself get the short end of negotiations if there was not someone on his side. When it was obvious he wasn't going to win and he stormed off to pack, Tino panicked. The house would be emptier and colder without him, so he made a choice.
This turned out to be the best decision he ever made. Despite the awkward start, the pair grew closer and closer. Tino would be embarrassed to admit just how long it took him to realize Berwald was in love with him. Mercifully for them both Tino took a much shorter time realizing he loved him back.
There was something about the tall nation that was unusually graceful and he had a mischievous side Tino wondered if anyone else got to see. Sometimes he would come in from the garden and be unable to find his friend anywhere (Tino wondered how exactly such a tall nation could hide in their little house). That is until he was pounced on and wrestled until one of them called mercy.
Their first kiss was after one of these matches. They were both flat on their backs, red faced and still breathing hard when TIno rolled over, propped himself up on his elbow and gave the other man a kiss full on the lips. Berwald turned even redder which Tino found absurdly adorable and couldn't help but giggle till he was gasping for air.
Then came Peter, Berwald brought him home one afternoon out of the blue.
"No wir 'lse ta go." He shrugged and bent down so the little principality could climb off his back. Tino wasn't so sure at first, but he put on a smile and held out his hand for a shake.
After that moment the three of them were a family, and Berwald was a devoted parent. Once Tino came home to find an entire country build out of blocks in their living room and one very satisfied little king with his loyal knight in the middle of it all. Their first Christmas together Tino was informed by the pair of them that they were going to stay up all night and wait for him to come home. He snuck in in the early hours of the morning anyway because he guessed (and he was right) they would both be asleep. Berwald was once again stretched out on the couch with one arm tucked behind his head, and the other resting on Peter who was sleeping on his chest.
Tino could have stayed there and watched them all night. He opted instead for gently removing Berwald's glasses, and recovering Peter with his blanket. He then got comfortable with his back to the couch and his head against Berwald's side. That was the first time he noticed the plate of his favorite cookies on the end table and a drawing from Peter.
My boys...they're so cute.
I'm not sure which pair to write about next, maybe I'll start a few different ones and see who writes the easiest!