Ahah...hah. I would have had this up a half hour earlier, but my sister forced us to play a family game of Apples to Apples. Anyway, here's the chapter! Next one is the epilogue and should be up today or tomorrow.
I own nothing
This chapter might be a little anguish-y... maybe? Well, you'll see
December 31, am
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Mathias looked over the tables decorated with the food he had spent the morning and afternoon preparing. He padded back into the kitchen, double checking on the desserts in the fridge and carefully concealed in the cabinets. He would wait to bring them out.
Once again he scanned the food laid out around him, skillfully set up throughout his kitchen. Sausages of various nature, lentil soup, and Danish meatballs made up the hearty appetizers with many, many snacks scattered between them. The desserts were safely tucked away, patiently awaiting their big reveal.
Things had to be perfect and Mathias was nervous that Lukas would become offended in some way and leave before he could carry out his plan. It worried him, making his normal confidence shrivel up to near nothingness.
His phone suddenly started vibrating in his pocket, drawing him away from his Norwegian-centered thoughts. With a quick sigh he recomposed himself before answering with a cheerful "Hej."
"Mat!" Elizaveta's cheerful voice echoed through the device. "How are preparations going?" She questioned, "I can come over and help set up, if you would like."
"Actually, I have almost everything ready I just need to…" he swallowed the lump in his throat as he trailed off. The seed of worry continued to swell and grow within his guts; what if Lukas really did hate the party? What if something went terribly wrong? What if…Lukas didn't really feel the same way about the Dane? He let out a shaky breath.
"Are you worried about what Norway will thing, Mathias?" The Hungarian's calming voice sounded. "Don't stress about it, I'm very sure that our plan will work. Actually, I'm almost positive everything will go according to plan."
Mathias let out an airy laugh, feeling his shoulders relax and some worry evaporate. "Thanks, Liz. Actually, if you wouldn't mind coming an hour earlier than everyone else?" He lets out another laugh, this one heartier and less forced, "I'll probably be a nervous wreck again by then."
"I'll be there. Unfortunately Roddy will be coming with me, but I'll set him down with some tea so you and I can talk." Elizaveta hummed, giggling.
"Also," she added as an afterthought, "Be sure to find that camera charger I left at your house so I can charge my camera when I come. Roderich's protesting my photography and hid me charger." She scoffed and a quiet 'bastard' was heard from the line.
The Dane relaxed further as he laughed, "Sounds like a plan, Lizzy. I'll see you then."
"Bye Mat!"
He closed his phone with a smile on his face. He could feel the tension melt away and found himself, once again, looking forward to tonight.
He grimaced at the small collection of alcoholic beverages: multiple bottles of different champagne, a couple choices of wine, and a sparse few cases of beer. Not a lick of hard liquor in sight. The feeling of disappointment left him as he recalled why he had decided on the party being light on alcohol—Lukas.
Mathias recalled how annoyed he had seemed at Gilbert's party, as well as two days earlier when he had reluctantly agreed to attend the party. He was more than willing to forfeit the joys of drinking for his Norwegian.
With a nod of his head, he pulled out his phone and scrolled a moment before pressing the call button.
A second later he was informed that the number he was calling was currently not in service. Mathias blinked in confusion before scrolling to the second number listed under "Gilbert."
It rang a few times before a soft voice answered.
"Hey, is Gilbo there? His phone seems to be screwed up."
"Um, one second Denmark" Matthew murmured.
"Gilbert, come here! What happened to your phone?" The seemingly shy Canadian bellowed. Mathias could hear a muffled reply of Gilbert before: "Seriously Gil, again?"
"Well French-fry was being a little bastard yesterday and I got pissed-"
"Your brother's going to kill you for ruining another phone, Gil."
"Yeah but-"
"Just take the phone and talk to Denmark, idiot…"
A snort of laughter left Mathias' lips as Gilbert finally took the phone and uttered a "yo Danny."
"Hey Gilbo. I gotta favor to ask ya about tonight."
"Alright, shoot."
"I'm tryin to impress Lukas at the party tonight, so I need to ask you not to bring any beer or anything."
"You're kidding me!" Gilbert cried, "Dude if you got Lukas drunk maybe he'd fall for you like Romano did with Antonio."
Mathias let out a soft chuckle, "No, even Artie could tell they liked each other. Lukas is… much, much colder and doesn't seem to have a temper to lose. Anyway, could you just do me the favor? Don't bring any beer."
"Alright alright, fine. Not a BYOB party I get it. But you owe me a night out sometime soon, and don't think I'm paying a cent."
He laughed and affirmed with a "Fine. See ya tonight, Gilbo."
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Dull, icy-blue eyes gazed blankly out the window as fluffy white snow fluttered down, joining the trillions of others already on the ground. His warm breath puffed, creating a cloud on the window pane.
His mind, once again, floated in the direction of a certain Dane. Lukas found it hard to believe that he hadn't had contact with the Dane for two whole days… it seemed impossible.
Lukas felt his teeth clench as he hit a few buttons on his phone and brought it to his ear. It rang three times before the man on the other side answered.
"I don't know how much more I can take of this" he admitted, lacing his fingers into his hair. "I seriously cannot stop thinking about him."
The other line was silent for a few moments, save from some breathing. "What do you want me to do about it?"
The Norwegian sighed, "I suppose I just need to talk to someone about it."
"Honestly, I think you're talking to the wrong guy, Luke. You need to get to the source of your problem."
Lukas sighed again, "Fine. But for now, I need to get my mind off of Mathias. Tell me about how you're spending your night, Emil."
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December 31- pm
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Lukas sighed yet again from his perch on the Danish man's staircase. From his throne he could see what everyone was doing:
Tino and Berwald were sitting comfortable on the floor by the fireplace, the Finnish man focused on the Lithuanian, Estonian, and Latvian men which he was speaking with. The Fin and Swede had greeted Lukas hours earlier upon his arrival, but quickly integrated themselves into the party (well Tino more than Berwald) while Lukas simply slunk off on to his current position.
America and England were loitering in the kitchen, the loud blond taking advantage of the snacks while Arthur conversed with Prussia and Canada. Actually, more with the Canadian than the ex-nation who seemed rather bored, staring at his half-empty beer bottle.
Northern Italy was sharing sausage with Germany on the couch, close enough to be practically on his lap. There was a healthy blush on the German's cheeks as Italy pecked him on the lips, laughing and enjoying life.
Hungary was weaving through the festivities with her trusted camera, snapping pictures left and right of the happy couples. Trailing behind her was a disgruntled Austrian.
Just then, Mathias entered Lukas' sight as they locked eyes and all the breath flew from his lungs. But just as quick as their eyes met, the Dane pulled his away and headed over to England's group. At the same moment, Spain entered dragging his Italian behind him, quickly entering a conversation with Prussia. The displeased Romano tugged Canada away from the group and headed towards Lukas' safe haven.
"Hey, we're invading the quiet spot, alright?"
"What he means" Matthew quickly corrected, "is may we join you and get away from the crazy for a bit" finishing with a polite smile.
"I suppose so" Lukas replied, shifting over to make more room on the stairs. Matthew took a spot next to him while Lovino perched himself above the two blond nations.
"I'm Canada, by the way. But you can call me Matthew, if you'd like." He murmured, a slightly embarrassed blush seeping onto his cheeks.
"Norway" Lukas muttered quietly, clearing his throat, "You may call me Lukas, if you wish."
Lovino huffed, "Well if you're both going to be that way, fine. Southern Italy, also known as Romano" he grunted, "But my human name is Lovino."
"So are you enjoying the party at all, Nor-um, Lukas?" Matthew asked.
"I don't even know why the fuck I came here" Lovino jumped in, looking for an opening to complain. "Antonio's spending his time jumping from person to person, pretty much ignoring me. I hate it."
Matthew smiles softly, "Yes, well, at least you'll have his full attention when you return home."
Lovino wrinkled his nose at that, yet all the same a bright red erupted upon his face and he fell silent.
"Actually" Lukas quietly answered, "Mathias struck a deal with me that if he would leave me alone I would come to the party… I suppose it's interesting watching everyone, but I can't say I'm truly enjoying myself" he murmured, eyes darting briefly in the Dane's direction.
"Must have something planned" Lovino grunted.
Lukas blinked in surprise. The thought had crossed his mind, but could it be bigger than he had originally thought..?
"Hey, look. It looks like Denmark is taking the desserts out, eh?" Matthew smiled, standing up. "We'd better go before everything's gone."
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After Lovino was harvested by Spain and Matthew was kidnapped by Prussia (really, he slung the poor boy over his shoulder and lumbered off, saying something along the lines of "You need to try pfeffernüsse dipped in wine, it's fucking awesome!"), Lukas was left alone. Not even Mathias was around, as strange as that was.
It was now approaching 11:30 at night and Lukas had not yet been approached by the Dane. While it definitely didn't bother him (no, not at all), but it was surely strange.
His eyes widened as they fell upon a cake stacked over a foot high, and his mouth fell open slightly at the sight of the bowl placed beside the wreathed mountain.
Lukas felt his lips curve into a soft smile as he helped himself to a treat he hadn't had in years.
But just as calmness seemed to emanate through the Danish home, yelling interrupted it.
The commotion drew Lukas' attention to the scene. Raivis was trembling, Eduard was glaring slightly, and Toris was trying to seem brave as his knees bumped together.
"R-Russia, you're not—what are you doing here?" Toris' voice squeaked out.
"You bastard! Who the fuck invited you?!" Gilbert snarled, Matthew holding him back tightly.
"Ivan, what brings you here?" He murmured, trying to diffuse the situation. More and more nations began to crowd, curious (or terrified) as to why the Russian was here and what he wanted.
"Comrade Alfred told me about the party yesterday evening. He said it was fun and a shame I wasn't invited, so I invited myself to it!"
Almost all eyes turned to the American, who paled guiltily. Without another word his Englishman saved his ass by dragging him away from danger.
The Russian advanced on the three Baltic nations, chuckling darkly "And I can't believe my friends would abandon me for this party, da? Very rude of you~"
No other nations moved as the intimidating tower began to walk towards his old charges. That was, until Ivan let out a small scream as Tino appeared next to him with a stern glare on his face.
"Leave them alone Ivan" the Finnish man demanded, voice a few pegs lower and multiple times scarier.
Lukas smiled at the Fin. Most people saw Tino as weak and dependent on his tree of a lover, but the small man could hold his own in a fight, and spent many years fighting, and defeating, Russia.
Without another word Tino proceeded to chase Ivan off the property while the Baltic states collapsed into a pile of unconscious bodies.
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Fifteen minutes later and the intruder was taken care of. The Baltics left for home, shortly followed by Tino and Berwald—but not before bidding goodbye to Lukas.
Everyone else began to congregate around the television, seeking out friends and lovers in anticipation for the New Year.
And once again, Lukas was alone and distanced from the rest of the party. Just when he was about to decide whether or not to head home early, a hand grasped his shoulder, causing the Norwegian to stiffen.
"Relax, it's just me" a deep, soothing voice chuckled from behind him.
Against his will, he felt his muscles relax as he turned to face the man that had plagued his thoughts for the last few days.
"Mathias…" he nearly whispered, heart beating a bit faster in his chest.
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The Dane let his eyes wander quickly over the male in front of him, steeling himself to stay confident and follow through on the plan.
"I gotta talk to ya about something, Lukas" he mumbled, jerking his head towards the stairs. "Could we, uh, head upstairs real quick?"
Lukas regarded him curiously with slightly narrowed eyes before glancing at the room around them. Pairs of people were watching the television intently as the clock continued to count down.
30…29…28…27…
"Alright" he finally replied, following the Dane to the hallway upstairs. The noise from the living room were muffled, but still comprehendible. "What is it?"
Mathias licked his lips nervously, "Well, um…" he cleared his throat, "whatcha think of the party? Ya like it?" he asked. His eyes were focused on Lukas' shoulder, avoiding eye contact and, therefore, missing the look of surprise on the Norwegian's face.
There was a few moments of silence before he answered: "It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be."
A soft laugh vibrated through Mathias' body. "That's good," he brought his eyes up, almost shyly, until they locked with the Lukas' icy blue organs. "I put a lotta effort into it… especially the desserts" he admitted, biting his lower lip.
To his surprise, and joy, a small smile crept onto the Norwegian's lips. "I could tell; I cannot remember the last time I had multekrem on kransekake…" he murmured.
Mathias felt a surge of confidence run through his body as a grin stretched across his lips. "I'm glad."
He looked back into Lukas' eyes. "Ya know, I would have gone insane the past three days had I not been so intent on gettin' the party ready… and, of course, coz ya promised to come if I did" he admitted, grin melting into a soft smile, "I was counting on ya coming, and I'm glad ya did."
Suddenly, chanting wafted up from downstairs: "10…9…8…"
Lukas raised an eyebrow, "oh? Why was it so important to you that I came tonight?"
The Dane swallowed thickly, "Well, I… I wanted ya to come so I could tell you something." Lukas said nothing, clearly waiting for the taller male to explain.
"5...4…3…"
Instead of talking, Mathias took a deep breath before reaching around to gently thread his fingers into the soft hair on Lukas' head, his other hand cupping the Norwegian's cheek.
"2…1…!"
Without giving himself another moment to hesitate, the Dane moved forward and connected his lips to the soft ones that belonged to Lukas. The cheer of "zero" and "happy new year" were heard from downstairs, but Mathias paid no attention. The only thing that mattered was Lukas and his reaction.
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January 1
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Mathias could feel the smaller body stiffen in front of him, but he continued to softly move his lips and waited, desperately, for the other to react.
After a few tense heartbeats, Lukas' body relaxed ever so slightly and almost seemed to give into the pull of the kiss…
Before he abruptly shoved the Dane away. His ice-blue eyes were wide and slightly darker than normal; his body trembled ever so slightly; his mouth was agape and his hands were fisted at his sides. "Y-you…" he stammered, mouth opening and closing a few times before it hardened into a straight line.
Mathias felt his heart drop all the way to the soles of his feet. He took a step towards the Norwegian and begged, "Luke, lemme explain…"
The wide eyes narrowed as a cold glare was sent his way. Before Mathias could react again, Lukas turned heel and fled into the nearest room. The echoing click of the door's lock sent a bolt of icy dread through the spiky-haired blond's body.
"Fuck…"
Originally this was going to be split into two separate chapters, and be much more developed and longer but... eh, I have bad procrastination!
On another note, I promise to have a new chapter of Loving a Cursed Heart up before the end of the week! Thank you all for the faves and follows, and to my [only] reviewer thusfar. I'm sorry about the slow updates of LaCH but... I am so so so glad you found this story not only enjoyable, but also funny (because that was the plan ahaha
Thank you Vermillion Jay, your review meant a lot :)
Sorry to leave on a cliff, but you'll all see what happens with the epilogue...
Also, I've been stubborn the last couple of years and refused alcohol of any sorts (pride thing, really), but finally agreed to a few sips of champagne and red wine (to dip my pfeffernüsse in). I can't say I liked the wine on it's own, but the champagne wasn't bad and the cookies were VERY good dipped in the wine.
I'll let you all be now. Happy 2015! May your year be full of happiness, success, and perseverance!\
~Cheetay