~2~

Afternoon

Since the park was not too far from their house, the Nordic family decided to walk there. Denmark led the way. Sweden carried the basket, walking in step with Finland, who held the leash attached to the happy Maltese puppy that trotted beside him with her head held high. Sealand skipped ahead of them, while Norway and Iceland walked in the back. Norway had an arm around his book, and Iceland was walking with Mr. Puffin flying beside him, his ears plugged with earbuds.

They walked on through their quiet neighborhood, the warm, breezy spring air perfectly.

No matter what day it was, if the weather was nice like this and they had time for it, Denmark always saw to it that the family went outside at least for a bit. He did not like to stay indoors if the weather was nice.

The neighborhood was beautiful. The grass, trees and flowers were in full bloom, providing a gorgeous, colorful spring scene all around them.

As they walked on, Tino hummed quietly, enjoying the perfect weather. He wished it was always like this.

Eventually, they reached the park. They walked down the concrete path, towards the bright, green grassy field. There were benches, next to the sidewalks, and the park was buzzing with activity. Happy children ran about, and adults talked with one other. Some young couples could also be seen as well, walking and holding hands. It was not over-crowded, but it was still quite lively.

"Hey! There's an awesome spot!" Denmark announced. They all turned to see an open spot underneath a large shady tree.

"Gimme the basket, Sve!" Denmark yanked the picnic basket and blanket out of Sweden's hand and ran to claim the spot before anyone else could. He set the basket down underneath the tree and exclaimed, "Hey Sve, help me spread this out will ye?"

Sweden nodded and came over to help Denmark with the blanket.

Iceland immediately claimed a spot in the corner of the blanket. Norway sat down with his back against the tree and opened his book.

"Uncle Den!" Sealand shrilled, "Let's play some football!"

"Be right there kiddo!" He started towards Sealand and walked across the blanket. Norway saw this as the perfect opportunity to stick out his foot. Denmark tripped and Norway hid his chuckle behind the pages of the book.

Finland rolled his eyes, smiling at the high energy of Denmark and Sealand.

Hanatamago strained at her leash, barking excitedly, stubby tail going haywire as she marveled at the sights of the lively atmosphere.

"I c'n w'lk 'er if ya want t' sit down."

"Okay, I was just going to-"

"Tino, look out!" Finland's immediate reaction sent him diving to the ground, covering his head with both hands, letting go of Hanatamago's leash. The black and white ball flew over him and rolled a few feet. He remained frozen in that position.

"T'no, Håll utkik!"

A body crashed into his, and he was knocked to the ground, ducking. The bullet soared over both their heads, only narrowly missing as they're bodies landed in the cold snow.

Inside, Finland could not help but to feel angry. He had done something incredibly stupid. He had let his guard down for one moment and it had nearly cost both of them their lives...

"Finland! Holy crap, are ye okay!? The ball didn't hit ya did it!? I shouldn't have kicked so hard. I'm sorry!" That was Denmark.

Don't get up until you know the coast is clear.

"Yer lucky th' b'll d'n't hit 'im." Sweden's voice said. "T'no? Ye 'lr'ght?"

"Mum are you okay?"

Finland slowly lifted his head and nodded. "I'm okay." He smiled reassuringly.

After ensuring he was okay, Sealand went after the ball.

Finland started to get up off the ground, and Sweden helped him with his spare hand, as the energetic puppy was on her leash in the other.

The smaller blond dusted his clothing off.

"Thanks Su-san."

"Mm. 'M gonna go w'lk H'nat'mago." And he turned towards the sidewalk, with the puppy leading him where she wanted to go.

Finland went and sat down on the blanket and started to unpack the lunch. He had been phased by what had just happened, and was still feeling off, and he did not get why.

-xXx-

"Boys! It's time to eat!" Finland announced, calling to Denmark, and Sealand. They were kicking around the soccer ball, Sweden was supervising them from his spot on the blanket, Hanatamago was chasing a butterfly (well, trying to, at least, she was restrained on her leash), Iceland was lying on his belly with his face in his hands and his headset still in, whether or not he was sleeping, Finland couldn't tell, and finally, Norway was still reading his book.

When the two household "children" didn't stop running around, Finland called again, "It's time for lunch you two."

This time, they heard him. Denmark stopped the ball with his foot, and the two walked over to the blanket and sat down. Norway closed his book, and then nudged Iceland.

"Uggh, Leon, go away." He groaned.

"Leon?" Norway questioned.

Iceland lifted his head, light blush feathering his cheeks, "Uggh, what?" He snipped, clearly irritated.

"We're eating lunch now."

"Good, i'm hungry."

Iceland sat up as Finland started to serve everyone their meal.

The group of six ate their lunch in a comfortable silence, and then began to talk.

They finished eating and then enjoyed a lazy day at the park. Norway continued to read, Iceland napped in the sun. The ever- energetic Sealand and Sweden played Frisbee with Hanatamago. Finland laid on the blanket and watched the puffy clouds go by. Denmark annoyed Norway, stopping only when he smacked him on the head with his book. Eventually, he got bored and then started to bother Iceland.

"Hey, hey Icy. Let's go for a walk. I'll buy ye some shaved ice if ye come with me."

Iceland took out his earbuds.

"What?"

"Let's go walk. If ye come with me I'll buy you some shaved ice. My treat."

"Fine."

"But you can't bring yer earphones. Ye need to enjoy the fresh air without yer electronic devices."

*Huff.* "Fine." He held out a hand, "Help me up, I'm lazy." Denmark took hold of his arm and practically lifted him off the ground.

"Hey Finland, ye wanna come with?"

"Yeah sure." He got up off the blanket.

"Anyone else want shaved ice?" Denmark asked.

"Ja." Norway replied.

"Yes I do, I do!" Sealand trilled.

"Ja." Sweden answered.

"Kay! It's my treat."

"I'll pay too." Finland said, "You have to let me. It's not fair to let you pay it all by yourself."

"Kay. That works. Come on Ice." And the three were off toward the shaved ice stand.

"Wait what kind do you want?" Denmark turned back and inquired.

"Blue raspberry." Sealand said.

"Ch'rry." Sweden added.

"I want a mix of strawberry and grape." Norway put it.

"Kay."

-xXx-

The shaved ice stand was a short walking distance away from where their picnic spot was. They had to walk down the cement pathway out of the grassy field towards the playgrounds, where the ice stand was located. The line wasn't so bad.

"What kind do you want?" Denmark asked Iceland.

"Cola." Iceland replied.

"Finland?"

The day-dreaming blonde jumped.

He giggled nervously. "Oh..umm...what kind? Umm...Tiger's Blood."

"Uhh...which one is that again?"

"It's the one that's a mix of different flavors."

"Oh."

"What kind are you getting, Denmark?"

"I dunno. I'll figure it out when I get up there."

-xXx-

As the three waited in line, they had a conversation while observing what was going on around them.

This area of the park was very lively and crowded. Young children ran about everywhere, laughing and screaming in delight, and older kids and some teenagers rode their bikes, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades. Adults talked and laughed, happily enjoying their drinks, and vendors sold balloons, food, and treats.

Suddenly, a loud noise filled the air as one of the balloons that were being sold popped.

Finland jumped a mile, in his mind he heard a gunshot. His heart began to race, pounding in his ears. He needed to find cover quickly, get out of sight. Before he knew what he was doing, he was taking off across the grass and the sidewalk, running towards one of the few unoccupied benches. He practically dove underneath it, hands and arms over his head. He received looks from several people.

"Tino?" Denmark started to freak out, "Tino! What do I do, Ice!?"

"You go after him, but don't bombard him or panic. Stay CALM." Denmark's wallet was shoved into Iceland's hand and he was making his way towards the Fin.

There was a crowd of people bombarding the bench and standing around him, talking anxiously.

"Hey!" Denmark exclaimed, "What are ye doin'? Don't crowd 'im! Move, move!" He continued to yell at the crowd until they all got the point and backed off.

Then he tried his best to soften his voice and got down on his knees to Finland's level. He was hiding under the bench, covering his head, slightly shaking.

"Hey, hey Tino?" Denmark said softly, "I-it's okay. There's nothing to be scared of. I don't know what's goin' on but everything's gonna be fine. Come on Tino, its alright..." He laid a gentle hand on the Fin's shoulder. He stiffened, while Denmark rubbed his back and spoke softly to him. The Dane also had to step away for a couple moments too. He was definitely not Sweden but eventually, he was able to calm Finland down, and get him to come out from underneath the bench.

He helped him up off the ground and then asked.

"You okay?"

He slowly nodded and then they made their way back to the shaved ice line. Iceland was almost to the front.

"About time you showed up, Den. Is Finland okay?"

"Ya, I'm fine." He forced a weak smile.

"I can help who's next!" said the worker. The three made their way up to the front, and Denmark gave her their entire order. They paid and then stood to the side and waited, and soon, they were carrying the snow cones back to their spot. They each carried two, and Finland remained silent as they walked, still trying to regain his composure. He did not understand why he was experiencing these symptoms all of the sudden. He felt so anxious and vulnerable about everything, and there was a knot in his stomach. All he wanted to do now was curl up and hide behind Sweden.

-xXx-

They returned with the snow cones, and then all of them sat on the blanket and ate together. The moment he bit into the delicious frozen treat, he started to feel better.

The family talked and laughed like normal and the mood became gradually lighter. No one talked about what happened at the playgrounds. Finland figured it was for the best. Part of him wanted to tell Sweden about it later, but he didn't want to worry him. However, he also knew that he would hurt the Swede's feelings if something was bothering him and he didn't let him know. He sighed. He didn't know what to do. Maybe I'll just wait until he inquires about it? Yeah. That sounds good...oh, but what if he doesn't ask and finds out himself? Or what if Denmark tells him? Oh...I'm sure he'll notice something's off? Or maybe he won't...that might be better. I don't know...

He felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked down at it; it was Sweden texting him.

Tino, are you okay?

I'm alright for now.

Something happened, didn't it?

Yes.

Do you want to talk about later?

Yes please.

He looked up at Sweden beside him and a small little smile formed on his usually impassive face.

Finland returned the expression.

Translations

Håll utkik!- Look out! (Swedish)

A/N: Hey everybody! I'm back with my weekly update. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Let me know. Ahh, I love Denmark. I have a headcanon that although he can be cannotically bossy and controlling at times, he's a big sweethearted puppy.

Also question of update, what is your favorite flavor of shaved ice/snow cone? I like cherry or blue-raspberry.