For Denmark it was obvious that Finland had made good on his promise to help. And that he clued in the whole gang.
How?
For the last few weeks he's been smothered in their love. Was it watching stupid films with America or sauna/hockey with Finland or beers with Prussia or, dammit, woodworking with Sweden, he found himself having every second of his life covered securely. He was rarely alone and if so it was usually to work.
He was a hard-working, prospering country, after all.
But anyway he had to admit that as often as his friends could annoy the living daylights out of him when he really needed their help – they were there doing their 100% for him. And that meant a lot.
And that's how he found himself reasonably happy with a Norway-free mind (to an extent) sitting on the next World Meeting, listening absently to Australia's enthusiastic speech about some or another problem of his that he'd managed to solve, at the same time looking over his paperwork.
He was decidedly not looking at Norway.
Okay so maybe he sneaked a glance or two. But seeing how Norway never graced him with one look he told himself sternly to keep his gaze elsewhere.
He never caught the half-glances that were sent his way from the very object of his inner struggles.
Norway wasn't stupid. The opposite, actually. So after he cooled down having went home that month ago he had admitted to himself – he had acted like a douchebag.
He opted to ignore the whole incident believing that Denmark wouldn't be too upset and nothing would come out of it, as usual.
He was in for a surprise however when his friend didn't show up on his doorstep, as was in his habit, and furthermore, never called or wrote a message, nothing. There was complete and utter silence in the ether.
Considering his situation Norway deduced that the Dane is playing the 'silent-days' card. But if anyone was stubborn it would be the Norwegian. That's why he decided to let Denmark sulk his heart out, confident that after a certain amount of time needed passed he'd come back crawling.
Well, days came and went and soon a month has passed and Denmark was still absent. Not overworked or sick but just completely absent.
Like they were strangers.
And now here they were, sitting at the opposite sides of the conference table in Wellington, New Zealand, and Denmark spared him maybe three glances otherwise completely ignoring his existence in favor of speaking softly with Sweden and Netherlands having been seated next to them.
And so the meeting progressed with Denmark working out his papers or presenting his country's monthly balance or whispering and giggling like schoolgirls with his neighbors. And believe me or not it was the latter that had Norway's mood spiraling steadily downwards.
Had he been thinking straight he'd admit to himself that he had no idea why exactly it irked him so much but he hadn't been thinking straight. He was sitting on the opposite side of the table, between Finland and Romania, and throwing progressively colder looks at the three nations.
No, actually. Because Denmark always had a running conversation with Sweden about some thing or another. However this was the first time that he's seen him pissing himself from suppressed laughter at what Netherlands was saying, like he's been not fifteen minutes prior.
And then he caught his gaze.
/txtbreak/
Denmark grunted when he felt Sweden's elbow connecting with his ribs. His brotherly friend threw him a side glance and lifted his brow seeing the Dane's grimace.
Okay this one he's earned, Denmark acknowledged with a nod and wry smile. He's been watching Norway from the corner of his eye for the last five minutes.
But only because the Norwegian was staring back.
And there was an arctic storm raging in those eyes.
Regardless, Norway was staring at him and it was such an extraordinary thing that Denmark just couldn't help himself. But Sweden's jab reminded him oh so pleasantly about his resolution and he purposefully turned his head away from Norway and onto now speaking Russia.
Okay, not there, the dude was smiling that creepy smile that screamed displeasure.
'You'd think after an almost century he'd stop that 'subtle' act of reminding us we're on his black list but look, it's going steady.' Netherlands murmured jutting something down and Denmark smirked at him.
'I'm just glad I didn't have to fight him this last time, the middle-ages were enough for me and he's mostly forgotten that merry times now.' he whispered back.
'Oh yeah, I kind of don't envy Germany and Japan.' Netherlands chuckled.
'Friggin' great it's all over now. At least for us. The EU was a great idea. This is, like, the longest period of peace we've ever had in here.' Denmark said sighing.
'Oh yeah, that was one of France's best ideas.' Lars admitted.
Their whispering earned them a glare from Germany, who was sitting on the other side of Netherlands, and they shut up in favor of paying attention to what was being said. And good for them because matters currently discussed vividly interested them both.
'Thanks, Germany!' stage whispered the Dane with a smile and the man nodded back. Sweden rolled his eyes and Denmark's smile widened.
So he liked to annoy his friends too, so sue him. That's a friend prerogative!
Then his eyes fell on the man across the table and his good mood dwindled. Norway was looking like someone threatened Iceland's well-being. His eyes were shooting daggers.
Denmark smiled wryly back and turned his gaze on the current speaker. This Meeting was proving to be difficult for all the wrong reasons.
Five hours and one break later he was so hungry he could eat a whole boar in one go and drink literally anything he found. Fortunately today's host thought of everything and the food was nearby, just lying there and waiting to be ate. Unfortunately it was another hour before he could taste it.
Finally he was ready to just shove everything haphazardly into his briefcase and make a run for the food. Everyone was standing up and stretching and he was about to push the chair under the table and go when he heard England speaking his name.
He turned and saw the Englishman still going over some papers.
'I need to speak with you about something, can you spare me a minute?' England said tiredly and Denmark couldn't just tell him 'no'.
He did, however, make an apparently hilarious grimace feeling like his stomach was caving in on itself because England made a guilty face and Netherlands laughed patting him on the shoulder.
'Don't worry, I'll save you something.' he said and snorted quietly turning his back to the two and going out after Sweden and Finland.
/txtbreak/
Only his pride stopped him from crawling to the dining hall.
England had to talk out a very important cause of economical problems between them and he was glad he stayed. His stomach was killing him though.
Finally he entered the spacious room and at once spotted Prussia. His animated talking was unmistakable. He was with America and Canada, the brothers laughing as he almost spilled his beer all over himself, totally into one of his crazy adventures which he was acting out for them.
Denmark jumped feeling someone pat his arm.
'Here.' he heard Netherlands say and a plate was shoved into his hands. 'Your friends all contributed.'
Ah, now it made sense why it was so huge and so full.
'Thanks.' Denmark rasped, his parched throat grating unpleasantly. He had no free hand to take a glass and Netherlands rolled his eyes. Then he was being pushed in the direction of one of the tables. The Nordics sat there talking merrily and he gulped but nodded his thanks to the Nation behind him and fell into the chair next to Iceland.
The kid took in his haggard look and lifted a brow pouring him a glass full of beer.
So he could be sweet.
Denmark smiled in gratitude and took a long gulp. The slightly cool liquid ran down his throat and he almost moaned at how good it felt on his throat.
'I see England worked you good!' Finland grinned.
The Dane threw him a venomous look but was too busy shoveling food into his mouth to do much more. Netherlands sat himself in the chair opposite from him, just next to Belgium who snorted into her hand and soon the two were talking happily about one thing or another.
Soon Denmark was finished with his plate and two glasses of beer and just about to begin his third when suddenly a question asked in a certain voice had him almost jumping out of his skin.
'So how was the meeting, Denmark?' Norway said casually with the air of total indifference around him. His eyes were trained on the Dane though, like eagle's eyes boring into it's prey. He finally broke. Denmark's been acting strange and for some reason it bothered him.
'Splendid, of course!' Denmark answered, careful to mask his shock and distrust with enthusiasm.
'Hm, so I saw. You were giggling like a schoolgirl. You were awfully energetic today.' Norway shot back, his eyes growing colder. Denmark took another generous gulp of beer.
'Seems like the key to a good meeting is having fun neighbors.' he said cautiously but smiled at Sweden and Netherlands. 'By the way, Sve, that elbow to the ribs I'm going to feel for the next week man, couldn't you be a tiny bit more considerate? I'll have to train like this!' he whined and Sweden's lips twitched, his brows lifting.
'No.' he answered and Denmark shot him a fake hurt look.
Iceland stood up, his phone in his hand.
'Okay, I'm going to go now. I'm meeting with Hong Kong at the airport and then he's going to show me his place.' he said at their questioning looks.
'That's great, Iceland! Have a good time then!' Finland said and Sweden smiled at him.
'Good catch, kiddo!' Denmark grinned, teasing, and the young nation rolled his eyes.
'You incorrigible old man.' he sniped but the corner of his lips curved in a subtle smile.
'Are you going to sleep at his?' Norway asked, his voice suddenly frosty.
Iceland paused and shot him an incredulous look.
'Yeah. His place may not be as big as yours but there's still lots to see. Not gonna make it in one evening, you know? And before you ask, yes I've got everything I should need, my cell is topped up and charged and you can call me if you need something, mom. Please don't need anything.' Iceland snapped and went away, waving one last time at the door, Hong Kong having left earlier.
Norway made a sound of displeasure.
'Oh let him be, Norge! At least it's not drugs, not like they could actually harm him anyway.' Denmark said with a laugh putting a hand on his shoulder.
Norway shook his hand off of himself angrily.
'Hands off, you moron!' he snapped and Denmark's eyes narrowed, his lips thinning. He was maybe overly tender one the matter of Norway insulting him but he couldn't help it.
'And don't you tell me how I should treat him. You're not his brother.' Norway went on, not caring about the change of mood.
'Perhaps not but don't forget I've been taking care of him just like you for good two centuries.' he shot back, annoyed.
'That's where he must've taken all those ridiculous ideas from.' Norway snapped and that's where Finland intervened.
'Guys, that's enough!' the Finn said forcefully and only now did Denmark notice how awkward and unpleasant the atmosphere at the table had become.
Norway stood, mumbled something about fresh air and going home and left.
Denmark sighed and ran a hand through his wild hair. Then he shot an apologetic look to all his neighbors.
'Sorry for that.' he said morosely.
'It's okay.' Netherlands assured although still a little awkwardly.
'No harm done at all!' Belgium hurried to assure with a warm smile.
The Dane quickly downed the last of his beer and also stood.
'Well, I guess I should be heading home too.' he said. 'You all have a good night. I hope I'll see you soon and sorry for the squabble again.'
That said he gathered his briefcase and nodding goodbye to to America, his brother and Prussia, left the hall.
/txtbreak/
Whew! I hope the new chapter hasn't taken very long. I apologise but tomorrow I've got another exam and I've been practising instead of writing. But this chapter is longer than the previous so I feel guiltless. Yup.
So thank you to all the wonderful people who liked and followed and thanks for reviewing, Randome fangirl droped by, Captain Quirky, MudCat, GothicKitty1313, love-child-tokyo, Dextra2, Miss Akiyata and lovely xXWatergirlXx.
I love feedback ;P See you next time!