If there was anything Denmark had learnt from the auspicious trip to Norway and Finland's house was that: one, Norway was afraid of clowns and two, Finland had more guts than Sweden had. Which was surprising, considering the bulk of Sweden; you'd think he'd have an ounce of bravery in his massive form, if there were any at all.

When Finland had unexpectedly called the attention of a numb and dull Swede, Denmark didn't know what to expect. So he was surprised by the sudden love confession, and being caught between the two involving parties was one of the most awkward moments he had ever experienced in his eventful life.

He had, of course, excused himself immediately and had hobbled to the elevator with one shoe on and the other off. His shoe laced hadn't been tied to perfection before Finland had decided to make his move. Denmark had smiled coyly to himself as he thought of the whole world of opportunities that had just opened up to his Swedish friend.

As he sat by the staircase landing for Sweden to make his appearance, Denmark began to tie his shoelaces again.


Time seemed to tick by ever so slowly as the Swede registered the words. Finland bit his lower lip as he watched Denmark make a hasty excuse and clumsily made his way out of the scene. Sweden was studying him carefully with a measured look, as if he was trying to make out whether it was all just a joke.

For a minute, violet eyes locked contact with crystal blue ones. For a minute, Finland forgot how to breathe. For a minute, nothing mattered but the two of them.

It hasn't been long since their first encounter, but it seemed as if their lives were interlaced and fated to meet. It was as if the pieces had finally fallen into place, and the gears started to rotate.

Sweden felt a bit suspicious to begin with. For the Finn to blurt out a sudden affection for the Swede, Sweden didn't know what to believe. His heart was caught in his throat as he heard Finland voice out what he had longed to hear since the day they met. He gazed intently at Finland, observing how the other's small stature looked even more petite in the midst of the events.

He glanced in the direction where Denmark had disappeared and wondered if he too should make an escape. Suddenly, he was afraid. What if it was a ploy – to play him like a game? He opened his mouth but no words came out. So he closed his mouth, his lips suddenly dry and his throat parched.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. I mean I did but I… Well…" Finland broke the silence. Perhaps he should have thought things through before he opened his mouth. Mistaking the silence as a form of rejection, Finland said quietly, "I'm sorry. I-I… I understand."

Forcing a smile, Finland met Sweden's gaze with wavering confidence.

"Give me some time…" Finland whispered, " I'll settle down. Please don't misunderstand me."

At that moment, Sweden had two options. He could either make a run for it, or make his declaration of love. The thing was, Sweden was terribly lousy at expressing himself. Since his voice and words lacked convincing emotions, he often sounded as if he was completely disinterested.

As the silence stretched out once more, Sweden fidgeted and hastily mumbled, " I need to go."

He fled the scene with breakneck speed. His agility and aversion dismayed the Finn. He couldn't face him at work like this. At least Norway wouldn't need to know about his hopeless and undeniable crush on the Swede.

Finland closed the metal gates and locked the door. Letting out a dejected sigh, Finland turned around and let out a small yelp. His face turned a shade of dark red as he stood like an idiot because both Norway and Iceland were staring at him in mid-argument.

They heard. Everything.


"Yo Sve! How'd it go?" Denmark asked.

He had been dying to know how it went. He didn't measure how long it had been since he had escaped but it felt like as if millennia had passed before Sweden appeared.

"Nothing." Sweden replied dismissively, he wouldn't – couldn't – admit that he had been too much of a coward to answer the Finn honestly. He would feel too embarrassed and guilty.

"Well okay then. Talk to me when you're ready then."

Denmark had known Sweden since all his life; it had already been 15 years since their encounter in during their childhood days. Those 15 years hadn't been for nothing – he knew when Sweden was in a good mood and when he wasn't. And right now, he understood that Sweden wanted some time to himself.

ooOoo

Purchasing the tickets for their train at the ticketing booth, Denmark took in Sweden's terribly hesitant movements. He had thought that Finland's confession had been rain to the Swede's drought feelings. Sweden had been practically yearning for it – yet he seemed so distracted and unhappy.

Running his hands through his unkempt hair, Denmark realized that Sweden could sometimes be just as hard to handle as Norway ever was.


Norway had been hissing at Iceland quietly in the background when he heard Finland. The words had been amplified by the silence in the corridor and he had a double take when he heard Finland utter his feelings.

It wasn't that he was surprised about the Finn's feeling – the way Finland had kept chattering on and on about Sweden that it has led him to suspicion long ago – it was more of the fact that Finland had taken such a risk at saying such things.

How could Finland want to love someone so explicitly? Norway didn't understand love, he hadn't fallen in love – the only love he knew was that of his family and friend. Yes friend. His first and only friend had been Finland.

Norway looked at Finland; all signs of his argument with Iceland dissolved in thin air and receded to the back of his mind. Iceland looked pitifully at Finland and something else sparked in his eyes.

"Oops…?" Finland laughed shakily before the tears began to fall.


Sweden barely spoke a word to the Dane throughout the train ride home. Sweden had been observing the flashing scenery outside the window. Halfway through, Denmark had fallen asleep on some work documents that he had been sorting through. The peace was welcoming, and Denmark's presence was reassuring.

He frowned. He couldn't imagine the hurt he must have bestowed upon Finland, guilt gripped his heart with its ice-cold grip whenever he replayed the scene in his mind. There was so much hope in Finland's amethyst eyes; there had been enough hope to fuel a rocket to mars. And he crushed it. Indirectly of course, but he still crushed it anyway.

Wasn't this what he wanted?

Closing his eyes and dismissing all thoughts, Sweden calmed himself. Tomorrow was Saturday, that means he had the whole weekend away from all this trouble. Plus, on Monday he wasn't required to report to I2. He and Denmark have a progress report to make. That was a bonus day away from Finland. Enough time to gather his thoughts.

ooOoo

It was a fine Saturday morning, the weather report had promised clouds and later, some rain in the afternoon.

Checking the fridge, Sweden was in complete dismay as an empty fridge stared back at him mockingly. Perhaps it was time to start going on grocery trips as a weekly ritual. Sweden decided to relax over a cup of coffee at the nearest café and some pastry before he headed to the supermarket for some groceries.

Sweden grabbed his keys and headed for the door. As he exited his house and walked down the porch and turned down the driveway, he realized how empty and quiet it was to live alone. Maybe he should start pestering Denmark to share an apartment.

Sweden laughed as he waved the thought away. Denmark? Ha, no way. Not in his life.

What about Finland?

Sweden realized he couldn't persuade himself to dismiss the Finn as easily as he had dismissed Denmark. It would be ages into a relationship before anyone settled to live in his or her partner's appointment. Somehow Sweden didn't mind the thought of waiting.

ooOoo

As Sweden purchased his coffee and settled at a table that overlooked the busy street, he spied his colleague at another table, looking dazed as he observed the people getting on with heir daily lives.

Sweden noticed that Prussia looked a bit troubled, so, being the good colleague he was (which he was!), Sweden moved over to him.

"Can I sit here?" Sweden asked in his quiet voice.

"Huh? Wha-?" Prussia gushed as he became conscious of his surroundings, "Oh. Hey. Sure thing. Make yourself at home."

Prussia gestured to the seat opposite him and Sweden took a seat.

"So how's I2?" Prussia grinned half-heartedly as he tried to put on his usual obnoxious air, "Full of shit?"

"It's not that bad…"

"That's nice to know."

Sweden took a sip of his coffee as Prussia turned back to the window. Prussia's scarlet eyes softened as a happy couple walked by. Mindlessly stirring his coffee, Prussia watched the mass of people with a kind of longing.

"So what's bothering you?" Sweden asked quietly, he felt as if he was playing the role of Denmark. Denmark had so often repeated those exact words to him throughout all their years of acquaintance.

Prussia glanced at Sweden, judging how much to tell. He caved in and decided to tell his Swedish colleague everything.

"Hungary is what."

"What's wrong with her?"

"She's so…so… I don't know… So stupid!"

"How so?"

"I mean, why? I don't get it? Where's the logic in all this!"

Sweden blinked. He didn't understand at all. Then it hit him. Denmark had talked about Hungary getting dumped by Austria.

"Is this about Hungary getting dumped by Austria?" Sweden probed carefully.

"Yes! It is exactly that, and more!" Prussia spat before slumping into his chair completely defeated. "I mean, I've loved her for years. And she went for him.

"Then he dumped her and she's still yearning for him. She's still trying to win his heart back. She even picked up violin for his sake but he wouldn't even so much as look at her! She trails after him like a puppy. She sees nothing but him, and when he wants nothing more to do with her, she's broken."

"Uh…"

"No, don't 'uh'. I still have lots to say. I thought people always said God won't forsake those who work hard. I've been good. I've been nice. I haven't played a nasty trick on Spain since we were in grade school! I've been nice to Hungary. I've been there for her since Austria's dumped her. I've tried to cheer her up. But she never sees past Austria. He's got her wrapped around his finger. What do I have? Nothing! I'm sick of being second best. Why can't she see? Am I not good enough? It hurts so badly…

"I talk to her, I comfort her. Austria doesn't even try and he's got Hungary all over himself. I don't give two hoots about him being gentlemanly and what not. I've always played rough with Hungary, and she doesn't get angry at all… Maybe she never liked it but just never told me? I don't get it! Why not me? When will it be me? Will she ever see me the way she sees him? Why? Why? Why? I mean, I love her - a lot. It's so unfair. People have it lucky all the time. Why can't I be the lucky one for once…"

Sweden sat speechless, unsure of what to say. Was this what it was like for Finland now? To be torn apart because the one they had fallen in love with didn't – or seemingly so – share the same affection?

He was at a complete loss for words. How he wished he had Denmark's talent and ability to babble.

"I can't help you much," Sweden replied slowly, carefully and quietly, " but I think she appreciates you being there. Maybe you ought to tell her how you feel. Give her some time, she'll realize it."

A bitter chuckle escaped Prussia's lips.

"How sure are you?"

"I'm not. But it's a risk worth taking."


Denmark shivered as the chilly breeze caressed the exposed bits of his skin. His hair was thrown into a wild dance in the wind. Denmark gritted his teeth. Today of all days his light bulb had to fuse. He was on his way to the convenient store to get a replacement bulb, and in this time and weather, everyone preferred to be snuggled in their beds.

Saturday had come and gone, and it was now Sunday. He didn't mind waiting till the next day till he got his replacement bulb, though he was currently in the midst of doing last minute sorting of several documents. The fact that one of the bulbs had fused in his study (the only place he could work without distraction) had disturbed him greatly. That small dark spot in the room was distraction enough for him, so Denmark had grudgingly dragged himself out of the comforts of his home to get that replacement bulb.

The convenient store was just in sight before a figure exited the store and ran down the street in Denmark's direction. The figure was followed suit by the store manager hot on his heels.

Before he realized, the figure came hurling right at him and they both stumbled over. An array of snacks spilled onto the ground and a can of carbonated drink slowly rolled along the pavement.

"Shit!"

Denmark glanced at his 'assaulter' and blinked at surprise as he recognized the snowy hair and deep purple eyes. Iceland?

At that moment, the manager came huffing up towards them. He grabbed Iceland by the arm and tugged him upwards.

"Got you!" the manager sneered. "Thought you could get away from me, did you?"

"Ah. Cuba, how can I help you?" Denmark pitched in.

Cuba stared at Denmark. "Denmark! Do you know this kleptomaniac boy?"

Denmark blinked. Oh.

"Yeah. Uhm, my nephew. He's my nephew. Did he steal all this?" Denmark asked innocently as he gestured to the spilled goods scattered across the pavement.

"Yeah. This son of a bitch." Cuba growled as he shook Iceland roughly by the arm. Iceland winced but said nothing.

"Hey. Ok I get it. Look I'll pay for all this ok? And don't bad mouth my sister! She's not a bitch." Denmark lied smoothly, " Give him a chance, yeah? Don't get the police involved. I'll make sure he learns his lesson."

Cuba eyed him unconvinced but gave in, " Okay. I trust you. But the next time your nephew comes blundering into my store and steals my stuff, it's off to the boy's home for him!"

Turning to Iceland, Cuba hissed, " You hear me kid?"

"Yes…" Iceland mumbled incoherently.

ooOoo

"So what were you planning to do with all this?" Denmark asked as he sat next to Iceland at the curb of the sidewalk. The night was eerily quiet; the road was unusually empty. Denmark handed Iceland the bag of goods Iceland had attempted to steal.

"You're going to tell Nor aren't you?" Iceland sniffed quietly.

"Well, he has to know, right? Though it'll probably get me on his "Forever hated" list, or he might not even believe me."

"…"

"Look, I won't tell ok?" Denmark sighed. He was a sucker for these kinds of situations. He often helped the helpless.

"Really?" Iceland had perked up considerably.

"Yeah, but hey, dude, promise me one thing. No more okay? No more stealing and stuff."

"Of course. It's just that…" Iceland trailed off, not sure of what to say.

"Why are you so far from home anyway?" Denmark asked curiously.

"Well, it's Hong Kong's birthday soon, and I promised him I'll perform with him on his birthday. Nothing gives him more thrill than live performances. But you know, Nor hates him loads. I don't understand why. He's like the best guy I've ever known!" Iceland's eyes sparked with happiness as he began to talk about Hong Kong.

"And Hong Kong's taught me everything I've known. I like performing with him. It makes me feel as if I'm worth something.

" Today, Nor wanted me to help out with the clearance of the house since we didn't do that on Saturday or Friday 'cause Fin was too upset and all. But I had practice today. So I fought with Nor and by the time I realized it, I was running real late for practice.

"I kinda dashed out and took the cab to our meeting place, which is a small performance theatre just down the road over there." Iceland pointed.

"Before I realized it, I didn't have any money for a ticket home and I can't bear to call Nor on my phone, he'll be raging mad. And Fin's too messed up to come help. So I'm stuck here – and hungry."

Denmark looked at him sympathetically. Norway could be a bit harsh at times. "I'm sure they're worried sick about you. And what's this about Finland being 'messed up'?"

"Your friend rejected him. Didn't you know? Didn't he tell you?"

"Well no." Denmark bit back his surprise, he knew something bad had happened but for Sweden to actually reject Finland? Never mind, he'll solve it somehow.

"You say you do live performances?" Denmark asked.

"Yeah. We're street dancers so we perform on the streets!"

"Cool. I'd like to see that. When is it?"

Iceland brightened. "Really? That would mean so much to me! Thanks! Nor never comes. Neither does Fin. Here, give me your number. I'll keep you informed about the date and venue!"

After their exchange of numbers, Denmark asked, "Could I have Finland's number too? I have a feeling my friend would want it soon."

Iceland looked at him quizzically, but gave it all the same.

"Oh and hey," Denmark said fishing his wallet out of his pocket, " Here's some money. The next train usually leaves at 10.50, better go catch it before it leaves. Nothing happened tonight."

Standing up, Denmark ruffled Iceland's hair fondly as he started down towards home.

He was speculating the possibilities. Yes, there was quite a lot to do on Monday.


A/N: Hello all! The plot has moved once more! :3 There's been a few conflicts planned out for this story already, heck I have a Freytag's Pyramid with maybe 3 or 4 peaks, of course there's only one major one. (:

Where I live, Saturday and Sunday make up the weekend. I only say so because in some countries ( I believe) it's not the same. I have a friend who moved to Doha and she says the weekends are made of Fridays and Saturdays. Ho hum.

Also thank you for the reviews. :D

To my readers:

Blackcat: Suspense is the best kind of ending you'll ever get xD Thanks for the review anyway! I hope you enjoy the latest update.

UnknownMisery: thank you! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you! (:

EatingIsMyThing: Haha yeah! That's the exact same thing my Chemistry teacher always tell me! Maybe it's something chemistry teachers are taught to say xP

HimekoUchia: OMG THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU XD Your long review is very much appreciated so I will try to give you a quite long reply too! (: Yes, I have decided to throw in several pairings like IceHK, DenNor and PruHun ( Being an abid fan of these myself!) I'm not sure about any scene I've plotted for Denmark, Norway and Iceland to appear together, but I can assure you there'll be a quarrel between Denmark and Norway over Iceland's welfare :P Well, here you see Norway isn't really being the best brother he could be so you can't really pity him can you? XD Thanks for the review again! -^^-

KioniYuki: Thank you for the review! Yes Finland has lots o' guts. Unlike a certain Swede. Hint hint ;)