Norway twisted the key in the lock until the familiar "click" sound was heard. It had been a tiring day for him, especially during lunch break. He never told Finland, but he nearly picked a verbal argument with Denmark who had been extremely irritable that day. Finland didn't help by being extra fluttery and fidgety, their whole bus ride home had been a series of incoherent mumbling from the small Finnish man and several uninterested replies from the Norwegian.
Life for them both had gotten a bit hectic. They've fallen behind on the bills, and the fact that Iceland was sick and had just recovered did not help very much. It wasn't that they were overly poor; it was just that the house had been overly cluttered since no one could spare time to clean. As a result, the bills were concealed underneath piles of junk and things they couldn't recognize. This resulted in overdue bills with high penalty fees.
Finland made his way in after Norway. Feeling for the light switch, he accidentally stepped on something disgustingly soft and squishy underfoot. He sniffed, he was so used to living in cleaner quarters, and the sight of the disastrous living room that greeted them only dampened Finland's mood.
"I have to clean this up before Sweden comes over tomorrow…" Finland groaned inwardly, realizing the hopelessness of the situation.
Norway clicked his tongue. "Maybe Ice would be well enough to help us. I wonder if he's asleep now."
With that, Norway headed off to his room to leave his briefcase before heading to Iceland's bedroom to check up on his recovering brother. Finland sighed as he locked the steel gate and the mahogany door to their apartment. It wasn't a big place, but it was better than nothing. Finland let out another sigh as he tossed his own briefcase on the cluttered sofa before going to the kitchen to make some tea. Chamomile tea had always been his favourite.
There was so much to be done before Sweden could come over, and it wasn't like he had all day. Finland's mind drifted to the Swede, the perfect stoic face, sapphire eyes and the neatly combed hair that glowed with a pallid lemon yellow hue. Finland shook his head; nothing mattered now except getting his gratitude across to the Swedish man. Picking up strewn clothes on the floor, Finland began tidying up the room as he waited for some water to boil. It hadn't occurred to him that he actually wanted to give the Swede the finest impression of himself.
Whilst Finland and Norway were on their way home, Sweden and Denmark were at the subway, buying tickets for the latest train. Sweden couldn't understand, in the least, what was going on in Denmark's mind; a train trip home was too long for the Danish man to take from the I2 facility, yet for some strange reason, here they were, taking the train home.
Sweden ran a hand through his hair; he didn't know what bothered him more: the embarrassing words that he had let slip from his mouth during lunch break or the fact that Denmark was eerily quiet for the day.
"You okay?" Sweden offered quietly. The train station was deserted except for a few other commuters who had worked late shifts.
"Hmm? Yeah. Of course," Denmark replied vaguely, as he stared at the empty platform, mentally urging the train to travel faster.
"I'm convinced." Sweden remarked sarcastically.
"How about 'I was up till 3am last night consoling a desperately sad Hungary because Austria dumped her for some random violinist at an orchestral concert. And the fact that this morning, Mr. Jones had kindly asked me to report to the office early morn to talk to me about a complain report'?" Denmark fumed, " I have absolutely no doubt that, that Norway actually filed it in for me. The worst part is that Mr. Jones refused to send in a replacement for me after receiving a complaint. I don't exactly get it."
"You don't know it was him. But anyway, I'm glad Mr. Jones refused to get you replaced." Sweden commented, casting a sideways glance at the Dane who kept staring distantly, "I don't think I can pull through this terrible project without my partner in crime."
Managing a small and somewhat shy smile, Sweden gently punched the Dane in the shoulder. Denmark managed to return a wry smile when an express train rushed passed them. The wind buffeted both men, and their hair was mused and stuck out in strange directions. Looking at the other's messy hair and bewildered expression, both men doubled up in laughter.
Norway groaned as his alarm clock resumed its annoying tune of beeping. He reached out to it blindly and hit the snooze button. The door clicked open as Finland popped his head in.
"Breakfast is ready Nor!" Finland chimed; his eyes were alight with a kind of fiery determination that no amount of water could seem to quell. Today, he was in high spirits, because today, he was going to thank the Swede.
ooOoo
Finland was adjusting his tie when Norway came in bleary eyed. Completely dazed and unfocused, Norway slumped onto the nearest stool and picked at his toast. The room was unusually clean, a result of their late night toil to freshen up the place. Norway yawned when Iceland entered the kitchen and sat across from Norway. Stuck in mid-yawn, Norway stared at his younger brother.
"What is with that get up?" Norway inquired, his eyes narrowed to scrutinize. Iceland was clad in torn denim jeans, his jacket was replaced with a battered sleeveless overcoat, his white shirt was half tucked into his jeans and his hair was a mess. " You look like some gangster."
Iceland looked up. "Does it concern you what I wear?"
"Yes! You're not stepping out of this house until you change!" Norway snapped. "If you don't change in 10 minutes, I'll let Mother know you're dressing like a hooligan!"
Iceland rolled his eyes and ignored the ultimatum. Norway had always been one to issue empty threats and he couldn't care less about what Norway thought.
"Are you going to practice dancing with that Chinese friend of your?" Finland asked, as he did the final touch up in the kitchen. "What was his name again? Hong Kong was it?"
"Ugh. Don't say dance like that. You make me sound like some stupid ballerina." Iceland scowled, indirectly saying the affirmative.
"Didn't I tell you not to mix with him?" Norway frowned, the older Ice got, the more rebellious he was. "And you're not going to go around like that! You're just asking for trouble. The principal's going to call me up again."
Iceland fixed a glare hard as flint at Norway. The glare was so cold that it did his name proud. " Fuck off Nor, who are you to talk?"
With that, Iceland picked up his school bag and exited the department.
"I don't need this!" Norway spat vehemently as the door slammed behind Iceland.
"And he just recovered too…" Finland said in dismay, " We didn't even tell him to expect a visitor later."
When Sweden and Denmark arrived at I2 the following day, Finland had been there to great them at the check in counter. Smiling innocently, he issued them the schedule for the day, starting with another talk by Japan. Both Sweden and Denmark made their way to the fourth floor, where Japan would wait for them with another 'explosive' presentation on yet another contraption that he had come up with overnight.
Finland stood where he was as he watched them both disappear around the corner. He noticed small details about the Swede, like how his glasses were silver and slightly rusted, or how the Swede had an air of underlying gentleness. Finland made mental notes on how broad Sweden's shoulders were and how his hair seemed to fall perfectly into place.
!
Did he really think that? Finland frowned at himself, before he stalked off to find the two Italian brothers at the company. They were both members of the media committee. Norway had suggested an animated commercial for the upcoming promotional video and one of the brothers so happened to be artistically inclined, so Finland deemed that he would be of great help with their current storyboard.
When it was finally lunch break, Finland had eagerly leaped down the stairs to meet the Swedish man. Of course, Norway was in tow. Norway was still bitter about the small bicker with Iceland, and he was twice as silent and irritable than he ever was.
As Sweden and Denmark emerged from Japan's office, Finland immediately jumped the gun.
"Sweden! Uhm would you like to come over after work today? It's- well- uhm… You see, I need to tell you something, which I wasn't able to. And it would be awkward to talk about such things at the office so…" Finland trailed off awkwardly, and he fidgeted with his hands.
Sweden felt his hard beat triple in speed as he misread Finland's meaning. He blinked in surprise and couldn't think of what to say. His mouth opened and closed strangely, like a fish trying to breathe on land.
"Can Den come too?" Sweden finally said.
"What?!" Denmark spluttered.
"Of course!" Finland laughed with oblivion.
"Fin no!" Norway moaned.
And that was how it was decided, that both Sweden and Denmark were going over.
ooOoo
"So you guys live together?" Sweden asked curiously. Both Sweden and Finland were walking in front. Walking so closely together, anyone would have guessed that the Fin and Swede knew each other for eons. Sweden personally found that their hands brushed ever so gently as they walked, he didn't really mind actually. He felt a kind of adrenaline rush inside him every time their hands made small contact. Sweden knew he shouldn't be thinking like this though he allowed himself to give in for just this once.
Denmark sulked further behind them as he watched Finland give a reply, his vibrant violet eyes sparked with something much more than just friendliness, something like admiration of the sort. It wasn't that he was jealous with his best friend; he just didn't like the thought of having going anywhere with the Norwegian. He had tried at some friendly conversations with Norway, but Norway had shot down all attempts of ice breaking.
Even further behind the Dane, Norway sulked. He was mad – very, very mad. He was livid, irritated and frustrated. Norway hated that Finland went back on his words and invited the Dane over, he was angry that the Dane was just there and he was angry at the prospect of seeing Iceland at home in that ghastly choice of clothes. He silently fumed at the back as they all trooped over to Finland and Norway's apartment.
Finland had just about gone berserk when upon reaching home; the house was once again in a terrible mess. It had taken him practically forever before they had actually cleaned the house and this is what happened when they leave for work. Even worse was when Norway practically blew when he found that Iceland, together with his notorious friend Hong Kong, had been the cause for all the tattered mess.
It had taken Sweden a long time telling the Finn that he did not mind the mess when Finland almost broke down in disbelief. On the other hand, Norway snapped at Denmark to stay away and had asked him to go stay in the living room with Iceland.
"I'm so sorry, Sweden! It's not supposed to be like this but-but…!" Finland stammered, unable to hide his distress.
"It's ok," Sweden reassured him, " if you want, we can talk in the kitchen. It doesn't look that bad."
Finland was extremely, positively adorable when he was distressed.
"Ah yes, yes of course! The kitchen! How silly of me. Would you like some tea? How about you Nor?" Finland gushed; his words were slurred together and it took some time before they could tell the sentences apart.
Sweden and Norway seated themselves around the central table while Finland got the water boiling. Denmark was sent to isolation with Iceland outside by Norway, who was still in a black mood.
Sweden observed the room. The kitchen was neatly arranged. On one wall, there was a rack that overlooked three stoves; spices in little jars with pictures on them were lined up neatly on the rack. Another wall was covered by a overhanging cabinet which was stocked high with canned goods and instant meals requiring minimal cooking. Below the cabinet stood an oven, still clean from lack of use. A small toaster stood by, the bronze casing reflected the soft lamplight. The silver fridge was shiny and looked new. Finland stood at the sink which was lined with little soap bottles, a whole dish rack stacked with plates of various sizes were lined up beside the sink along with glass cups while mugs hung from hooks attached to the wall.
Finland placed the kettle on the stove as he let himself relax. Yes it was true that his first impression was very much ruined, but Sweden did not seem to care. In fact, he seemed pretty ok with it. He smiled to himself, knowing that he would be able to deliver his gratitude soon.
"So what are you? A street dancer?" Denmark asked quietly as he sat in exile with Iceland.
"At least someone can tell!" Iceland huffed, " And what about you? Are you a clown?"
"I don't get you."
"It takes a lot for my brother to hate someone on sight…"
"Your brother…?"
"Norway."
After a nanosecond, Iceland tossed in an extra thought. " I hate him."
"Why? He's not that bad." Denmark conceded.
"He hates you. How can you say that? Are you a masochistic clown?"
"Jeez enough with the clown already." Denmark whined, feigning hurt.
Iceland let out a small laugh. "How come you're not my brother? Or Fin? Fin deserves a brother much more than Nor. And I much prefer Fin."
"Don't say stuff like that. You should feel blessed with the brother you have. I've always wanted a brother, and I guess I've found one – one who's not blood related" Denmark smiled as he looked in the direction of the kitchen. " Sweden's like my best friend and twin brother. Can't live a day without him."
Iceland looked at him skeptically; he didn't trust the man before him. This guy didn't know how annoying a real brother could be.
"What's your name?" Denmark asked.
"Iceland…?"
Flashing Iceland his signature grin, Denmark laughed. " I'm Denmark. It's nice to meet you! You're a cool kid, Ice."
Reaching out, Denmark ruffled Iceland's already messy hair.
"So Sweden!" Finland smiled innocently, " You know how we first met. I'm pretty sure you were the one who actually saved me from that oncoming vehicle. On that day, I guessed I was pretty stunned stupid so I didn't manage to voice it out. So I'll say it today. Sweden, I'm really thankful that you saved my life! I didn't mean to seem like some ungrateful brat when I failed to thank you on that given day. So several days had passed, and I couldn't stop thinking about you and how I didn't show my gratitude. Then a miracle struck and somehow you're now working with our company and I feel really lucky to have a second chance.
"On the first day, I didn't really have time. On the second day, I kinda forgot. And so I'm making sure I do it today!"
Finland looked into Sweden's eyes, making the Swede feel slightly uncomfortable under such an intense stare. " Thank you Sweden!"
The room was filled with a terrible silence. Sweden felt his heart practically stop beating. He knew Finland hadn't wanted to talk about what he wanted; yet he had hoped that the Finn would actually hold some sort of affection for him and voice them out. He felt beaten and defeated, and he let out a breath, which he had not realized he had been holding in. The kettle had begun whistling on the stove but no one made a move to turn off the stove. Norway sat silently next to Finland observing Sweden. Somewhere outside, from the exiled pair, came a cheerful laugh. That jolted Sweden into action.
"Oh. That's nothing, really. Don't worry about it." Sweden tried to smile, but realized it was too much an effort so he replied in deadpan.
Finland grinned, as if he accomplished a complete feat. He knew he could let his heart settle now. Or that's what he believed when he went to prepare the tea.
Sweden had felt so crestfallen that he had declined Finland's invitation for dinner. Pulling the Dane along with him, they made an exit to the apartment. Finland stood at the doorway to see them off.
"You're always welcomed to come join us again!" Finland called cheerfully.
"Thank you." Sweden replied, his voice low and emotionless.
Finland watched as they turned to go, he noticed a sluggish movement in the Swede. Somehow, it tugged at his heart. To watch them go just like that, Finland felt as if something unsaid weighed him down. As if there was something he urgently needed to say, yet for some reason, he couldn't quite place his finger on it. As Denmark stopped to tie his shoelace, Sweden stopped and waited for the Dane. Finland's heart throbbed painfully as he watched Sweden. Clutching his chest, Finland understood. He bit his lower lip as he forked up his courage.
"Sweden!"
Sweden looked up in surprise and looked at Finland.
"…"
He knew it was a rush. Finland knew. And even Sweden knew. But it was a pull so strong.
"…"
He couldn't remember when it had started feeling like this for Sweden. Finland had always been aware of a certain kind of feeling he had held for the Swede and he had always thought it was his guilt conscience at work. Perhaps it was much more than that.
"…"
It was too good an opportunity to waste. He was thankful for the second chance he was given when he failed to thank Sweden. Now he was thankful for the second time he was given to say what else had been on his mind.
"I-I think I'm in love with you…"
It was soft, but in the quiet corridor, it was enough to be heard.
A/N: Hey Here's chapter 4, I should really be studying butttt ._.
Sorry if the story is too fast paced for you x_x I didn't want to rush it but I also didn't want to make it too long before Finland and Sweden got together.
Anyway in case you're wondering, express trains do exist in some countries where they actually skip several stops to save time.
And to my wonderful readers:
-HimekoUchia: I'm always so happy to read your reviews because they're long and interesting I like the fish idea, it's funny xD Except I'll need to find somewhere to slot the idea in.
- love1398: Thank you for the review It means a lot to me
