Chapter Five
Norway eyes widened as he entered the void room. Sheets were thrown to the side in a hasty manner and the chair by the bed was upturned. The open window sent the Norwegian into a frenzy of panic and distress. Bumping into a few walls, Norway clumsily burst through the front door. Squinting, he could just make out a tall, pale, figure before it disappeared over the rise.
The Norwegian scrambled back into the house and sprinted into the garage. He flicked on the lights and nearly yanked the car door off of its hinges. The vehicle was already speeding out of the garage door before it could even open all the way. Norway forced himself to maintain the speed limit as he drove down the deserted road. Forest stretched on for a mile or two before thinning out to give way to a cozy looking city. There was a good chance Mathias had made it to the suburb before Norway had arrived.
The city of Dragør was a bustling, if not a noisy place. People crowded the sidewalks and sweets shops were filled with customers. Norway envied them, talking and laughing without a care in the world. He on the other hand, was stuck worrying about an amnesiac nation. Norway decided that it would be easier to search on foot and parked the car in a secluded lot by the edge of the forest.
The Norwegian weaved through the crowds and peered into the lively shops and restaurants. So far, no luck. Norway's breaths were starting to quicken as his results on finding the missing Dane came up negative.
Alright, calm down and think this through. If Mathias is anything like the old Denmark where would he go?
The answer came to Norway like a bullet. He cringed and cursed his stupidity. The Norwegian immediately took off in the direction of the nearest bar. As the nation walked in, his ears were bombarded with the sound of drunken singing and a bar band. Please be here, please be here… yes!
Norway spotted an unmistakable mop of blond hair through the mass of the crowd. He sighed in relief when upon closer inspection, the spiky hair really did belong to Mathias. He was still dressed in the cotton pants and shirt the hospital had supplied him with. The Dane glanced up from his mug of beer, not in the least surprised at his discovery. Mathias scowled and glared at Norway as he slid into the booth opposite from him.
Norway allowed himself a few, short minutes to collect the thoughts that were racing around his brain. This was a delicate situation, and if handled improperly Mathias might become even more aggressive than he was presently acting. If that were to happen the only two possible outcomes were getting punched in the face, or getting punched in the face as Mathias ran away again. The man across from him cleared his throat, clearly waiting for something to happen. Norway looked up to see piercing blue eyes staring expectantly at him. He let out an embarrassed cough and began to speak.
"You need to come back Mathias."
No response.
"You have no where else to go. I promise you can trust me."
This statement once again elicited no response from the Dane other than a blink. Norway flushed. He wished Mathias would stop staring with those gorgeous eyes. It was becoming awfully hard to concentrate.
"The others left."
At this, Mathias perked up, curiosity seeping into his stunning gaze. His reaction encouraged the Norwegian to continue.
"The other three I was with drove elsewhere. It will just be you and me. Do you think you can handle that?"
The Dane's gaze sharpened to furious daggers. Oh no. Maybe asking that wasn't such a good idea.
"Don't talk to me like I'm a damn kid."
True to his title, Norway appeared to be emotionless to anyone watching. Inside his head, he was berating himself for saying such a stupid thing. Attempting to recover the situation, Norway tried to backtrack.
"I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted to know if you were okay with the situation."
The daggers that were Mathias's eyes honed to needles. The Dane slowly rose from his seat so he loomed over the smaller man.
"I lost my memory and just found out that I am being forced to stay in a place I don't want to be. You claim to know me but I have no clue who you are! I can't remember anything even though I feel like I should, and you have the nerve to ask me if I'm okay with the situation?!"
Norway flinched as Mathias growled out random curses in various languages. Whenever the old Denmark got angry it was a terrifying sight to behold. Because it happened so rarely made the event all the more fearsome. Denmark's eyes would narrow to chips of ice and his fists would clench in anger. He never hit his brothers even if he was angry, even Sweden (though he was tempted too), but when another nation managed to piss him off they usually found themselves running for their lives from an axe wielding maniac. Judging from his limited experience with an angry Denmark, Norway figured it would take a while for Mathias to cool down.
The Norwegian was quite surprised when the Dane slammed his beer down and stalked towards the door. He growled out "Let's go.", flung the rickety door open, and stepped out into the street. Norway hurriedly tossed a couple dollars onto the counter and rushed after the taller nation. After making sure Mathias would follow him, the Norwegian traipsed back to his car. The Danish man slipped into the shotgun seat as Norway settled on the other side. He twisted the key into the ignition and turned on the heat. He placed his foot on the gas pedal and began driving back the way he had entered the city.
The ten minute car ride seemed to last for hours. Neither person was willing to break the silence. Eventually Norway cracked under the awkward pressure and opened his mouth to make a lame remark about the weather. Mathias beat him too it.
"Lukas."
It took a couple seconds for Norway to recognize the name. Oh yes, Lukas Bondevik. His human name.
"Yes?"
There was a brief silence before words sliced through it like a knife.
"Nothing. I was just testing it out."
The quietude that had faded upon Mathias's words made itself noticeable again in all its dreaded presence. Norway could feel his cheeks heat up and he gripped the steering wheel tighter. He struggled to piece together an intelligent sentence, but the fog that clouded his brain prevented him from doing so.
"O-Oh."
'Wow. Wait to go, real smart.' He mentally berated himself. The tension between the two was thick enough to see. After a while Norway relaxed his clenched hands but the blush still lingered. A light tinge remained on his face until he pulled into the driveway of their home. Mathias remained silent as Norway exited the car and strode towards the front door. It was only when he reached it did he realize the Dane was still seated inside the vehicle. He shot a questioning look through the windshield. Mathias responded with a glare. Norway soon realized the problem and sighed.
'How do I get him to trust me?'
The Norwegian exhaled slowly and stepped towards the passenger carefully opened the door and stepped away with his hands raised non-threateningly.
"You can trust me Mathias. I swear to you, nobody will be in that house except us. Nothing will hurt you."
Mathias growled and sent a withering glare towards the smaller man.
"I'd like to see them try."
This was exactly what Norway had tried not to do. He had poked the beast and now he had to figure out how to calm it.
"Listen, I know you don't remember me but I remember you. I know your habits, your favorite meals, where you hang out, and your odd quirks that are both annoying and special. I would sooner kill myself than hurt you."
Mathias's eyes widened fractionally as he took in Norway's words. What was with this man? The Dane didn't want to believe Lukas, but his heart told him yes. Though he couldn't remember a thing, something told him that he had known Lukas for an extensive amount of time. He decreased the intensity of his gaze and hesitantly stepped out of the car.
For the first time since the hospital, Norway let relief slip past his emotionless mask. Mathias looked minutely surprised by the development but tried to cover it up with another glare. The Norwegian smirked at the Dane's incredulity. It melted off of his face like water when Mathias turned his bright eyes to him. The beast had already been prodded, and ruffling him again was not on the Norwegian's to-do list.
They traipsed soundlessly along the gravel path. Walking next to tall Dane seemed to slow down time itself. Their closeness made Norway hyperaware of everything Mathias did, his rapid breaths, how his eyes flickered around nervously like a cornered wolf, and how he seemed to hesitate with each step. While he was observing the man next to him, Norway didn't realize that azure eyes turned their attention towards him.
"What."
It wasn't a question, Mathias spoke sharply and demandingly. The Norwegian jumped and his heart began to beat erratically at being caught admiring the man next to him.
"U-Uh, n-nothing."
He quickened his pace and fumbled with the keys, unlocking the door. He pushed it open and ushered the Dane inside. Norway led Mathias upstairs and to his room.
"Here, put on some real clothes. Wait over there."
Norway gestured to the bed with a sweeping arm. He made sure Mathias sat before turning around and striding into the closet.
The whole room smelled of Denmark. The scent of moor grass and a faint metallic odor wafted through Norway's nose. He stepped over to the shelves and found the object of his searches. A black trench coat hung in all its familiar glory. The Norwegian could feel his eyes starting to water but wiped them away quickly. Not now. He pressed the soft fabric to his sensitive nose and breathed in the scent he had grown to love and care for. A call from the bedroom interrupted his reminiscing.
"Lukas, what's taking so long?"
Norway tugged the coat off its hanger and made a grab at a deep red t-shirt. The majority of the Dane's wardrobe consisted of red and black get ups. It was all so familiar yet saddening to see it together. The Norwegian threw a pair of inky-black pants to the pile and hurriedly rushed out of the closet.
"Sorry, I had just remembered something."
Mathias shot a suspicious look at the Norwegian but received the pile of clothing with open arms. The hospital garments were itchy and uncomfortable. He held up the trench coat and glanced dubiously at Norway through the corner of his eye.
"Is this necessary?"
A jolt rocketed through Norway's spine like lightening. Looking back at all the time he had spent with Denmark, the tall blond had never once rejected his coat. Sometimes Norway would swear he loved that thing more than life itself. That and his axe, of course. Noticing the Dane still waiting for an answer, Norway rushed to cover up his mistake.
"No, no you don't have to wear that. I was just… conducting an experiment of sorts."
Mathias gazed blankly at his pale face with searching eyes. After a minute, he shooed the Norwegian out of his room to change.
Norway headed down the steps and into the living room. He stoked the dying fire and cleaned up the coffee staining the floor. He had just finished vacuuming the spilt mess when Mathias made himself known by the doorframe.
The clothes fit him well, and Norway had to force his head away from the tight shirt adorning the Dane's chest. Mathias was holding the trench coat in his hand, his fingers clenched it the fabric. The Dane felt oddly attached to the garment, and after a seconds thought, he slipped it on.
Immediately, Mathias felt safe and enveloped in warmth. The coat hugged his body like a familiar blanket. He was so wrapped up in the feeling that he didn't notice Norway staring until he had looked away.
After a minute of awkward silence, the Norwegian ambled toward the kitchen entrance.
"I'll make dinner."
He called out. Mathias nodded mutely and seated himself on the couch. The room had a homey aspect that made him feel at ease. He settled more comfortably onto the cushion and drifted off.
Meanwhile, Norway was busy in the kitchen. He had decided on making Smørrebrød, a well-liked Danish dish. It also happened to be Denmark's favorite meal. He hopped that Mathias appreciated it as well. After a short preparation, the Smørrebrød was steaming and ready to eat. Norway stepped into the cozy room laden with two plates heaped with food and a pair of mugs to match it.
Mathias appeared to be dozing but as soon as another presence entered the room, he jumped to full awareness.
"I told you, I won't attack you."
Mathias nodded in agreement though Norway could clearly see he hadn't earned the Dane's complete trust yet. He set one of the plates on the table next to couch and took the other with him to the armchair across from Mathias's position. He handed over one of the cups filled with coffee which the taller man tentatively accepted.
The two made little conversation, and instead focused on devouring the meal. Mathias was scrapping his plate clean in minutes. He hadn't eaten in days, this was the first decent meal that he had been able to digest. Norway noticed Mathias gazing at his own food longingly.
"There's more in the kitchen. You're welcome to—"
Mathias had leapt up by the first sentence and was already halfway to the kitchen. Norway quietly chuckled and followed the eager man, carrying his own clean plate and empty mug. He walked in to find the Dane scarfing down a second helping of food. Besides a wary glance, Mathias didn't react to the Norwegian's entrance. Norway leaned against the counter, content on waiting for his starving guest to finish. After ten minutes, Mathias placed his dish gently in the sink.
"Thank you."
Norway blinked in shock. Mathias thanked him?
"W-What?"
Mathias scowled and shoved his hands into the large pockets sewn into his coat.
"Stop. I said it once, I'm not gonna say it again."
The huffy Dane whirled around and stomped back into the living room. Norway rushed to follow him.
"No I wasn't making fun of you, I swear! I was just… surprised."
"Oh."
Once again, silence descended upon the household like a heavy blanket. It was impossible to ignore and difficult to remain unaffected. Eventually, Norway was fed up with the uncomfortable atmosphere.
"Follow me, I want to show you something."
"Show me what?"
"Fine then, I won't show you."
Norway stared determinedly into the ocean-blue eyes. He wasn't backing down this time. The Norwegian was not keen on coming across as a wimp, who cowered at the slightest question. Eventually, Mathias jerked himself to his feet.
"Fine. Lead the way, oh mysterious one."
His voice was biting and laced with sarcasm. Nevertheless, Norway gestured towards the stairs and led the irate Dane to a heavy door. He glanced at Mathias and was glad to see curiosity etched on his face. The Norwegian shoved open the door to reveal a room full of weapons.
Spears, swords, and axes of every shape and size were scattered around the room. Some were mounted, others were thrown in piles. A couple wooden shields hung on pegs nearby. A large axe was displayed in the center of the room. Normally Denmark would carry it around, but since the accident Norway had placed it back on the wall peg, waiting for its master to come back and claim it. It looked slightly dull from lack of use, but it was still easily the most impressive weapon residing in the room.
Mathias's gaze swept around the room, absorbing everything in sight. His eyes were filled with wonder as they landed on the axe. The Dane felt drawn to it, and almost as if in a trance, he shuffled in its direction. Reaching a hand out, Mathias grabbed the hilt and twirled it expertly between his fingers. He swung it around with accuracy and precision. Wait… how did he know how to do that?
The Danish man stared at Lukas dubiously. The Norwegian man returned his gaze with a saddened smile. It vanished in a matter of seconds and was replaced by a relieved look. Norway was thankful Mathias remembered his axe, at least one part of the old Dane remained.
"I'm going to bed. You know where your room is when you're ready, just remember to close the door on your way out."
Mathias nodded and continued to examine his axe. He barely noticed the Norwegian slip out through the door. He stayed up into the late hours of the night, swirled and swinging his axe with familiar grace. When his arms could barely support its weight, the Dane exhaustedly existed the room, dragging his axe behind him. He shut the door and stumbled down the hall to his own room. Gently placing the axe by his bedside, Mathias barely remembered to remove his shoes before collapsing on the bed, clothes still on. He instantly fell into a dream-filled sleep, full of vikings and beautifully crafted ships. Mathias sighed contentedly and nuzzled his way deeper into his cozy, secure, trench coat.
—
Really long chapter. Your welcome. *Brushes non-existent dust off of shoulder.*
BLOOPERS:
The two made little conversation, and instead focused on devouring the meal. Mathias was scrapping his plate clean in minutes. He hadn't eaten in days, this was the first decent meal that he had been able to digest. Norway noticed Mathias gazing at his own food longingly.
"There's more in the kitchen. You're welcome to—"
Mathias had leapt up by the first sentence and was already halfway to the kitchen.
"FOOOOOD!"
His scream trailed off as he laid eyes on the leftover bread. Norway watched disgustedly as the Dane devoured it, along with the whole pantry and the entire refrigerator.
"Dammit I'm still starving."
"Well too bad you literally just ate everything in the house."
Mathias stared straight at Norway, seriousness clouding his gaze.
"No. You don't understand. I'm so hungry I could eat a—"
Mathias was abruptly cut off at the sound of a mooing cow coming from outside. The Dane's eyes widened and took on a feral gleam. He grinned predatorily.
"MATHIAS. NO."
I think this blooper was even worse than the last one.