A/N: Very short curling match in such a long chapter. It was actually longer because I had the following match in here also. So I broke it off where I felt it could stand on its own two argyle clad feet. I'll be out of town for the next week, kicking butt and taking names, while (hopefully) doing the South African victory dance. Cause it's Nationals for Tae Kwon Do time, which means me spending a week in Florida being annoyed and as angst ridden as Norway has been thus far.
I don't own Hetalia, though I will happily hold a white flag in my right hand and a plate of pasta in my left! I apologize for my Italian and for last chapter's French.
The next morning Norway showered and pulled on his curling uniform, his bangs hanging in his eyes. He frowned at the blond curtain in his face but ignored it. He put his hat on and carried his things along the familiar route to the familiar hall. Emerging from the hallway he shook hands with England and followed the other nation to the house. The match proceeded in silence until Norway fell over on his way to his face heading to the hack to take a shot.
"I give up," Norway mumbled.
"You can't give up yet," came a quiet voice next to him.
He glanced up to see Canada standing over him with his hand out. "Why not?"
Canada smiled and used his other hand to push his glasses up his face, "you wouldn't want to disappoint your friends would you?"
"I guess not," Norway took Canada's hand and stood up.
England glared over at them, "who are you?"
"I'm Canada," the glasses wearing nation replied.
"Eh? Canada? No way! Come off it America you git!" The bushy browed nation snapped.
Norway shook his head, "no this is Canada, and he's my friend."
England just about fainted, his Teflon covered shoe sliding uneasily on the ice. "My head hurts, the last thing I need is another stupid wanker like America running around."
Norway nodded at Canada and continued on to the hack. He took his shot, took out England's guard stone and knocked his closest stone to the button out of the house. The Nordic slid back down, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't go around insulting my friends. Especially since I saw a large black dog with big black wings and a snake for a tail wandering around here. I don't think you'd want to meet it."
The other nation swallowed, and Norway's fury lasted long enough to beat England five to nine. "I guess I should apologize for insulting your friend."
"No worries," Norway attempted to smile but it just looked like a grimace.
With the match easily won, Norway briefly checked the standings; he had his semifinal match the day after tomorrow. And from the look of the stat board he'd be playing against Switzerland. Just his luck, now he had to fight against his new friends too. He sighed and disappeared through the halls back outside and to the hotel. He reemerged from the hotel in his running attire before dashing off around the lake. The snow crunched under his feet as he darted past people out enjoying the snow. When he ran out of breath after three laps, he stopped by a tree being sure to keep out of sight of the hotel. He sat down in the snow staring out at the icy lake. Norway sighed and put his chin atop of his crossed arms resting on his knees listening to music quietly. When he cooled down from his intensive work out he went back inside his head tilted down quietly.
He returned to his room ordering room service. When it arrived Norway ate his sandwich in silence, before leaning back against the pillows with his book in hand. The Nordic finished the book a few hours later, turned off his lamp and fell asleep. He awoke the next morning realizing he had nothing to do today other than wallow in anguish. He showered and changed before heading out into the snow deciding to wander around town for a while. A few blocks down the road in the opposite direction of the hotel, he found the playground of the park at the hotel. Jumping the fence easily he climbed up a giant dinosaur slide sitting inside the tunnel leading to the slide part of the oddly orange plastic contraption. His thoughts drifted to what would happen after the tournament. Would this be the end of the Nordics as friends? They'd still be neighbors but would they still be a tightly knit five man band after this? This made Norway sigh as he watched the thick grey clouds rolling by. If the Nordics broke up as a family it would be his fault.
Norway was so lost in thought he nearly fell down the slide when he heard the sound of someone climbing on top of the structure. He stuck his head out, craning his neck. He saw one of the last nations he'd expect; Netherlands sat atop the slide apparently smoking and cloud gazing. "Don't mind me Norway," the spiky haired nation noted without glancing down. "Though I do mean to tell you that you've caused my sister and her friends a lot of grief with your lover's spat with Denmark. I guess I should be thanking you for clearing the way for me to sweep our World Cup group, but you've caused my sister trouble and I can't let that stand."
"I'm sorry," Norway replied slightly hostilely. It wasn't like Netherlands would have trouble moving on anyway; after all two teams got to go to the Round of Sixteen.
Netherlands took the cigarette out of his mouth for a moment, letting a puff of smoke trail through the air. "From what I can tell you've been acting like an idiot. You screw up trying to deny how you feel and both of you get hurt. You try and apologize but fail to consider how Denmark would react. The guy stands you up and you turn into a suicidal jerk."
Norway's lips pulled into a snarl, "well what do you suggest I do?"
"Man up and talk to him instead of sitting here whining about how much your life sucks. Life sucks for everyone at some point, how you deal with it is what counts." Netherlands noted as he put the cigarette back in his mouth, "things go to hell once you try that it's on him, not you. Things work out, invite me to the wedding."
Norway almost laughed, Netherlands was almost as blunt Denmark, but he used this to state his opinions clearly and concisely. "And if he breaks my cheek again?"
"You got it patched up the first time didn't you?" Netherlands finally glanced down at Norway. "Besides you could stand to look a little more rugged. Now go get that man."
The Nordic slid down and waved up at the spiky haired nation, "I'm going to try. I'll phone in the verdict." Norway's hand made the motion of using a cell phone.
Netherlands smirked and muttered, "You know damn well I don't carry one." Still he gave the other nation a wave before returning to his cloud gazing.
While he walked back to the hotel, Norway mulled over the advice he'd been given. It seemed sound enough, if not a little odd. He wandered away from the park passing by shops and boutiques. He spotted Canada and Lichtenstein inside one of the shops. Lichtenstein seemed to be shopping for around but she kept looking depressed at all of the prices. Canada meanwhile appeared to be reassuring her, probably saying he'd buy her whatever she wanted. Maybe he should buy a present for Denmark while he was out. Wandering further down he saw Germany and Italy sitting at a table eating lunch, both of them waved him over.
"Hey Norway! You look happy! What happened?" Italy shouted as he stood up giving the Nordic a hug.
"Netherlands of all people talked some sense into me." Norway replied as he sat down across from the two nations.
Germany nodded then frowned in his trademark annoyed face. "What about Denmark?"
"I haven't quite figured out how to approach him, I know I have to talk to him, I just haven't worked out all the kinks yet." Norway noted.
Italy cheered, "Yay! I'm so excited!"
The waiter showed up with the two nation's lunches while Norway stood up, "I should let you eat."
"See you later! We'll be cheering you on at the semifinals." Italy waved holding up a fork laden in pasta.
Germany nodded, "good luck."
"Thanks," Norway waved and departed back towards the hotel. He climbed the stairs and walked down the hall to Denmark's room. As he knocked on the door he called out, "Denmark, it's me, are you there?" Silence filled the air while the Nordic tried the door. Locked. That meant Denmark was out; considering he didn't have a match today Norway wondered where the other Nordic had gone. He walked down the hall to his room and dug around for his Northern Cross beret. He picked it up and slid it into his hair before changing into his running outfit. After taking a few laps around the pond he found Iceland sitting on a bench watching someone across the frozen water.
"What's wrong little brother?" Norway asked as he sat down next to his brother.
"First don't patronize me, second, who's that chick across the lake?" He pointed across the way to where several people were gathered around a bench.
Norway squinted then instinctively shrunk down; Russia and Ukraine were across the lake. He knew his younger brother had been receiving financial aid from Russia, but how said brother couldn't remember Ukraine was beyond him. He'd been to enough World Summits and international sporting friendlies that he should have remembered Russia's older sister. "That would be Russia and Ukraine. Why?"
"I know I've never asked you for much. But you have to help me out." Iceland pleaded, his puffin squawking in agreement.
Norway leaned back rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms. What was it about these Olympics that made everyone suddenly start acting like love struck teenagers? Did Vancouver have some sort of weird aphrodisiac in the air, water or any combination thereof? Still it was his little brother who needed his help. "I'll do it on one condition, help me find Denmark. I'm going to set everything right."
"We have an accord. What now?"
"Go distract Russia, tell him you want to talk about the latest payment on his loans to you or something. I'll talk to Ukraine." Norway noted.
The brothers stood up and walked around the lake to where the other two nations sat. Norway shivered at the icy aura surrounding Russia, normally he'd avoid the other nation, but he'd brave the chill for his brother. "Hey, Russia, can I talk to you in private for a second? It's about the last loan you sent to my house."
Russia smiled, "of course." He faced Ukraine for a moment, "I'll be back in a few minutes okay?"
Ukraine nodded, "no problem." She smiled while Norway stood, folding his arms around to keep warm.
Norway tried offering up a smile, "so um Ukraine... I've heard you had a rough time finding friends in the EU." Though not a member of the EU himself Norway had good relations with all of the others since he also belonged to the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association along side his brother and Lichtenstein.
"Yeah it's been hard... most people only like me for well you know..." She replied shyly. He knew everyone wanted to be friends with her for agricultural trade profit. Something neither he nor his brother was obliged to unlike the members of the EU. "Not to mention I've never had many friends away from my brother and sister. I just want to get out into the world and maybe meet someone. You know?"
He nodded and smiled quietly, "yeah, I know. I was the same way after I gained my independence. I only knew my friends, so meeting new people was rather terrifying." Norway realized he was supposed to be setting up a date, "speaking of friends, I have someone I think you'd like to meet. Because I know my friend wants to meet you. Who knows you might even become friends? He's not a member of the EU so he's not interested in agricultural policies like the rest of the group. What do you say Ukraine?"
She considered this for a moment, "okay."
"He'll meet you at," he glanced over at his brother, making a watch checking motion. Iceland held up seven fingers, then pointed straight down, "seven tonight. At..." Iceland shrugged, "Belgium's bar a few blocks from the hotel?"
"Sounds great, but I have a question for you Norway. Aren't you cold running around in almost nothing?" She asked tilting her head in concern.
Norway forced himself to stop shivering, "I'm fine. I was in the middle of a run when my friend called me over to talk to you."
"If you're sure, I suppose I should let you get back to running. Seven o'clock at Belgium's bar, I hope to see your friend there." She smiled and waved as he took off.
Norway felt a little bad for abandoning Iceland to those two on his own, but his younger brother had dealt with Russia before so he didn't feel as horrible as he could. He headed back to his room practically sprinting to the shower when he reached his room. The Nordic jumped into the steamy water, and relaxed as the cold fled his body, he couldn't afford to get sick before his semi-final match against Switzerland. Pulling on what he'd been wearing before his run, he departed for the bar, eager to apologize once again for causing trouble, and to get some food. He arrived at Belgium's place, hung his coat on the rack and took a stool at the bar. Most of the nations had medal rounds so even the regular customers wouldn't be in until later. Belgium turned away from the TV showing Sweden and England in the middle of a curling match.
"Hey Nils, Braam told me he saw you earlier. You okay?" Belgium walked over to him.
He smiled slightly at her, "actually Belle, you're brother talked some sense into my thick head."
"He didn't bother you too much did he? Honestly every time he gets into the World Cup he's convinced that he's the only thing that matters to the earth." She panicked slightly. "I'm so sorry!"
"No really it's okay," Norway smiled, "bottle of whatever you want," he set enough money for two on the bar. Belgium retrieved some ale and glasses of water, "but I was wondering if you could set aside a table. My brother's on a semi-blind date, he knows who he's going with but she doesn't, least I don't think she does..."
"That sounds sweet, but I was planning on taking Vash out for some food so I was going to close soon." She smiled sadly.
Norway thought for a moment, "leave the bar to me, I know some people who can help out."
An hour later Norway found himself with the number for the fan room, knowing full well if he couldn't pull this off then a lot of couple's nights would be ruined. Tenoh answered the door, "Mr. Norway?" She asked pulling her toothbrush out of her mouth. "What can I do for you?"
He waved at Darnell playing the in-room game system. "I was wondering how you'd like an odd job for the night, maybe supplement income so you can buy some souvenirs for your parents. What do you say?"
"What's this job?" She asked.
"You'll be working in a nation bar. Your rolls will be two small island nations that have a population and just came to my attention recently. Humans normally aren't allowed in but I'm desperate for help. Can you do it?"
"I can't, I have a prior engagement, let me ask my brother." She walked back into the room and conferred. A moment later she returned with a smile, "happy to be of assistance. He's an excellent chef and willing to work the kitchen."
Norway nodded, "thank you for your help. Tell him to be there by six thirty so he can familiarize himself with the kitchen."
With that he left, headed upstairs and went to his brother's room. He knocked for a moment before Iceland answered, "What is it?" The younger Nordic asked.
"I got you the date but I need to borrow your puffin," Norway demanded hastily.
"Why do you need Eydís?" Iceland asked suspiciously as the bird landed on his head.
"I need someone to help me, and she's strong enough to carry a piece of paper back to the kitchen." He replied holding his hand out to the bird. She flapped over to him, "I got you the date. You owe me."
Iceland sighed, "Fair. But if you harm one feather on her head, well let's just say your love life will be the least of your problems."
Norway went to his room and changed into something reasonably suitable for bartending for a few hours. He and Eydís made their way back to Belgium's place and found her standing by the door with the keys. She jingled them at him, "closing time is midnight, earlier if all your customers clear out." She passed them over to him, "think you can handle it?"
He nodded, "I have Eydís to help me out, so we'll be okay."
"If you need any help, just call," she smiled and started to walk away.
"Don't worry about us, just go enjoy your date with Vash and leave the place to me." He waved as she walked back towards the hotel. Sticking the keys in the lock he unlocked the door and stared at the layout. Eydís fluttered over to the bar and sat down on it examining the silent TV. Norway stepped behind the bar and put on an apron, then picked up a set of instructions lying on the counter. Each had drink recipes for various cocktails along with several variations on how to make it. The nation saw someone standing at the door, and abandoned his post for a moment. Darnell stepped in followed by a black dog with red eyes hooked up in a dog sled sling attached to a wagon.
Darnell smiled at Norway, "ciao!" He handed the nation a note and disappeared into the kitchen leaving the dog standing there gazing up at him.
The Nordic read the note then frowned, apparently this dog would help out by carrying the dishes prepared and bussed in the wagon. If he had a lull in orders the dog could wander around and visit customers. Norway frowned, "aren't you Surma? What are you doing here?" He asked the dog rubbing one of its ears.
"Correctamundo, a word I have never used before and hopefully never will again. But I heard your plea for aid, and I came to answer the call." The dog replied.
He stood up, "you're welcome to help, but any chance you have a form that will not bother the customers?"
The dog considered for a moment, then the black fur turned white, and the red eyes turned blue and brown. "Better?"
"Much," Norway noted and walked over to the counter and picked up menus along with pieces of paper with the various menu items on one side and the quantity in the other column. "Help Eydís and put menus on all the tables."
The dog gingerly picked up the menus and set one on the table while the puffin carried stacks of paper on top of them. He heard Darnell starting up on pots of soup while the dishwasher had taken up the task of getting cleaner plates going. The Nordic cleaned the tables, polished glasses and turned on the TV to catch up on Olympic news. A few minutes before seven Iceland wandered through the door.
"What are you doing here?" Iceland asked while his brother sat down at the bar.
"Doing Belle a favor Espen. You want anything to drink?" He asked while glancing out the window to see if Ukraine would show up.
"You have any akevitt?" The younger Nordic asked.
"One akevitt coming right up." Norway declared pulling out a glass while his other hand took the bottle off of the shelf.
He pored the shot and handed it to his brother, while Iceland took a sip, Norway heard the door open. Ukraine took off her jacket and stomped the snow off of her shoes. "Welcome Katyusha," Norway waved, "take a seat anywhere you like." As she sat at a booth near the front, Iceland downed the rest of his shot then walked over to sit across from her. They talked for a moment, introductions and explanations abounded. Up until they hit one of those awkward first date lulls when neither party knows what to say.
Norway smiled and walked over to them, "can I get you two anything from the bar while you order?"
"Water please," Ukraine requested.
"Water for me also Nils," Iceland added.
He nodded and walked back to the bar. Eydís landed on the divider between the tables watching Iceland curiously, they filled out the order form, when the puffin swooped down and took the paper. She fluttered for a moment in the air before swooping through the order window. Norway brought over the water setting it in front of each of the nations. "So are you two enjoying the Olympics?"
"Very much, it's a lot of fun getting to be around so many friends!" Ukraine smiled.
Iceland's expression melted, "yeah getting to be around friends is great." He glared up at his brother, "though it's nice just getting to meet you."
Ukraine blushed slightly, "Espen..."
Norway could tell he should leave the two alone, so he went back behind the bar watching the television. Surma emerged from the kitchen pulling the sled with dinner inside of it. The dog parked next to the table, letting out a bark to alert them. Iceland blinked and picked up the plates setting them on the table. Ukraine reached down and gave the dog a scratch behind the ear, "good dog, and thank you for the meal."
Surma barked and departed back to the kitchen. Norway glanced back at the couple, and then frowned as he heard the door open again. Italy and Germany stepped through the door, "Hey!" Italy paused in his greeting, "Nils is running the bar now?"
"Yeah I am Feli; take a seat anywhere you like. Something from the bar?" He asked walking over, "when you want to order just put it on the sheet."
Germany nodded, "beer for me."
"Ve~ Do you have any wine and pasta?" Italy asked.
"I'll see what I can do." Norway replied.
A few hours later and the bar was jam packed, the Baltics plus Poland had claimed a booth in the corner, while Netherlands had taken a seat at the bar, acting as an unconventional bouncer. Canada and Lichtenstein had claimed a table in the middle of the room. Also at the bar sat a rather forlorn looking France and England. Eydís flitted in and out of the window delivering orders, while Surma hauled out wagonloads of food and bringing back empty plates. Norway frequently had to abandon his post to clean tables, but he'd had no complaints about the unconventional wait staff, or the cooking. Which meant his diabolical plan had gone off without a hitch. About eleven thirty at night saw Austria and Hungary departing the otherwise empty bar. Netherlands stood up and stretched from his corner stool.
"Good work Nils, buy a drink and call it a night." The taller nation muttered setting his tab plus tip on the bar. For the most part he'd been putting the tips in a jar for Belgium when she returned to work tomorrow. But he figured he could use a reward for pulling this off. He pored himself a shot of akevitt and downed it. He peered through the order window to see Darnell finishing off the last of the dishwashing. "Hey, good job today, you can grab something to eat and go."
He wasn't sure if the Italian had understood him, but a few minutes later the human walked out of the kitchen holding a small sandwich followed by Surma. "grazie e arrivaderci," Darnell waved and led the cart hauling spirit dog out.
Eydís chirped at him, Norway disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and pulled out some sardines from a tin. He set the tin in front of the puffin, watching the bird eating happily. They closed up at midnight; Eydís sat on his shoulder while he finished cleaning the tables and shut the bar down for the night. They returned to the hotel, while the puffin flittered one way down the hall, Norway returned to his room and went to sleep exhausted.
Back outside of the hotel Tenoh stood up from behind a bush hopping around in the nude. Since the hotel didn't allow pets for non-nation patrons she couldn't go back inside in animal form. Darnell leaned back against a tree, "you could have just worked in human form you know."
"Oh just shut up and give me your coat." She grunted angrily.
"Have it your way," he handed over his coat. "Do you think Mr. Norway will get together with Denmark at this rate?"
Tenoh put on the full length leather coat. "I hope so; I know that the Boss will never hear the end of the complaints if they don't."
A/N: Things are finally looking up for our hero! And I know aphrodisiac is more lust over love but the point still stands, everyone at this Olympics is falling in love. I had such positive feedback to France, I'm bringing him back as a minor character and may even write a France story about the origins of parkour someday... Spoilers for next chapter but your hopes will be realized!
