It was requested to have a Norway one where the other nations were trying to 'ship' them by seating them next to each other. :)
Yes, that means you, LilyofAzra. It will be a two parter.
Rated M. I own nothing, Please enjoy.
OoOoOo
America fell asleep.
That wasn't exactly unusual, as these sorts of things could tend to bore even the most studious and diligent of nations to tears. In fact, no one really thought much of it. Except for Japan. For Japan noticed something that he had never noticed before.
While, yes, America had fallen asleep... she had managed to lean the majority of her body weight into Norway. Her head was resting on his shoulder. Japan found that rather strange because Norway made no attempt to push her off.
Now, it was all together possible that he simply did not care enough to move her. Or to rouse her. However, the blank look on the Nordic nation's features did not leave much room for Japan to speculate how he was truly feeling.
Japan, however, reflected that the pair looked quite cozy and content. He turned his gaze fully toward America and Norway.
His dark eyes scrutinized that they were a strikingly handsome couple, when he truly thought about it. Japan thoughtfully stroked his chin. Perhaps, since America was an ally of his, he would help the female nation. She had been quite lonely as of late. Though for a loud and boisterous nation, she had said nothing, Japan could see the signs of sadness about her eyes and the curve of her lips.
He contemplated over how well their compatibility would be, and found it to be sufficient Norway could balance out America's tendency to over-react. Not that he was foolish enough to say such things to America. Then, in turn, America could help Norway out of his 'shell' as she called it.
After all, she had done wonders with Japan. He was not nearly as reserved as he used to be...
Soon a plan formed in his thoughts. Yes, if he could get the two together more often, then logically nature would take its course. Norway looked to be a healthy nation, and America was the country that took longer to fall in love.
So, knowing America, he would have to put her near Norway repeatedly for her to grow to like him. Her people mentioned 'friendship' as a key point to love.
Yes, he believed it was possible.
Japan glanced over to Spain, who was staring idly off into space. Japan gave the barest hints of a smile. Perhaps, just to be on the safe side, it would be prudent to recruit some help.
OoOoOo
Spain was eager to help Japan get Norway and America together. After the romantic nation caught a glimpse of the two in passing at the next meeting, he readily agreed to change the seating arrangements. The taller nation's wide grin was carefully hidden behind a benign smile as he casually asked America to move.
"Uh..," she said, blinking up at Spain owlishly. America gave a quick glance to Canada and Mexico, who looked equally confused as to why she was being asked to move.
"It would be such a favor to me, hermosa," he continued in a thoroughly charming manner.
America blushed, her pretty lips pulled into a slightly shy smile. Canada looked thoughtfully at Spain, as if trying to ascertain if this was a some sort of mean stunt he should warn America about.
The female nation tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Yea, uh... I could move." She nearly stuttered under the weight of a flirtatious Spain. America had no idea how Southern Italy had managed to not fall half in love with him.
"Si, si. It would be simply terrible if Norway and Isreal started fighting."
"What?" America asked with her face scrunched up in equal parts concern and disbelief. "But they have excellent relations."
Spain blinked, stalling for time.
"Ah... si, but the recent events have placed strain on their alliance." He lied smoothly.
The blonde nation cocked her head to the side. "But my relations with him are even more strained because of 'recent events', and I never heard about them having any-"
"America," Spain said in a deep and soothing voice. "as a favor to me. Please would you sit between Israel and Norway?"
She took a breath, her brow was furrowed in confusion as she glanced over to where Norway sat with a stony expression. Behind Texas, her blue eyes shifted to look at Israel. Israel saw her looking at him, and smiled slightly. She smiled back, out of reflex.
Well... she did support Israel's quest and commitment for Democracy. America worried her bottom lip, before nodding gently.
"Yeah," she said after a moment, "Okay."
"Excellent!" Spain half-cheered, as he placed a kiss on her cheek.
America flushed again and ducked her head. "Uh... you're welcome?"
With a touch of embarrassment, she gathered up her documents as Canada looked highly skeptical. He hadn't heard about trouble between Norway and Israel either. He would have to look into that. He dearly hoped this wasn't something that was going to get the world pissed off at America again. Because, he would ever testify on her behalf, that she hadn't been doing anything.
The blonde nation trained her focus on the empty seat between the two male nations, and sat down quietly. Israel greeted her, and she spent several pleasant minutes catching up with him about current events. Occasionally, her gaze would stray to Norway, who was...
Ignoring her.
She bit back a sigh. So many of her 'allies' were not exactly happy with her at the moment. However, there was very little she could do. Her citizens had even tried to repeal certain motions, all in vain. America was, in a sense, simply stuck between a rock and a hard place.
She put on a large smile, hoping to make the best of it, as she prayed this would be over quickly.
OoOoOoO
The third time it happened, Norway knew that something was going on.
America sat next to him for yet another meeting, and he was beginning to suspect that she was purposefully getting other nations to change the seating arrangements. Because America often felt like she shouldn't have to abide by the rules like everyone else.
He also noticed that Japan looked over at America more than once during the meeting. Which, was not all that unusual, except that his eyes lingered on Norway twice.
Hm. That was something, but he couldn't name it.
"Dude!" America greeted brightly, as she seated herself more comfortably. A large grin spread across her face.
"..." Norway replied with a slight nod of his head to acknowledge that he heard her.
"So funny to see you again," she half-joked, and part of him wondered if she actually noticed that he knew, or if she was just talking again.
She talked... a lot.
"So did you catch the football game last night?" She satarted off with a laugh.
"I do not watch American football," he reminded her in a monotone voice.
She laughed and slapped the table lightly. "Oh yeah, I forgot."
Norway's dull blue eyes glanced at her with thinly-disguised contempt.
OoOoOo
"Hey Norway! Could you help me with these?" America asked behind a large stack of donut boxes.
Norway was up in an instant, grasping some of the boxes to keep them from tumbling to the floor. It was in his nature to give assistance to those in need. And, America was trying to bring 'snacks' for everyone again. Even though not every country carried on her tendency to court diabetes.
Something in her blue eyes flashed and he noticed that her cheeks turned a bit rosy as their eyes met over the label that read 'Dunkin' Donuts'.
She cleared her throat softly, and looked away from him quickly.
"Thank you," America said sweetly. "I really appreciate the help."
Norway only nodded.
OoOoOo
"Why must I trip America?" Japan asked again, just to clarify the plan.
"Because, then Norway will be forced to catch her," Spain replied, as if it were all perfectly obvious.
Japan nodded, his dark eyes landed on America, who was checking the seating roster. Her face lit up with a large grin as she noticed that she was seated next to Norway again.
They had to bribe France, but he had agreed. Now Japan would somehow have to come up with pictures of England. However, right now, America was making her way toward her seat.
"What if he does not catch her?"Japan asked in a hesitant manner.
Spain paused. It had never occurred to him that Norway might not catch America.
"It will be fine," he said with a conviction he did not feel. The taller nation would just go retrieve the Captain America Band-Aids he always had on had whenever he dealt with America. It had come in handy more than once.
"If you are sure..." Japan replied as he straightened and made himself appear to be distracted.
America moved by him, turning to greet him. Japan covertly stuck out his foot. Her foot caught on his and suddenly she pitched forward with a surprised yelp.
The smaller nation watched, hoping this did not back fire, as Norway moved from his seat. He reached for the falling female nation and pulled her up. She never even touched the floor.
America stilled, turning a bright cherry-red as she blinked up at Norway.
"Uh... good catch dude."
Norway stared down at her.
"The meeting will start soon," he informed her stoically.
She could only nod in a dazed manner as Japan nodded in satisfaction.
OoOoOo
"I'm starting to see you more often than I see Canada," America teased lightly as she sat next to Norway.
Yet again.
The Nordic nation wondered just how long she was going to keep up this act. He said nothing, but blankly watched Germany speak with Greece.
OoOoOo
This was the 74th time they had been sitting together, and America had yet to run out of things to talk about. Norway could not understand how she had the breath to say everything she did in one go.
"I'm glad," She commented shyly to him. "That we get to sit together.
Norway said nothing.
"You really are a great listener," America said with a large and happy smile.
"You never give me a chance to speak," he pointed out.
She let loose a loud laugh and tilted her head at him.
"And you have a really good sense of humor." America said, with high color on her cheeks.
Norway had no idea why America kept sneaking glances at him the rest of the meeting.
OoOoOo
Spain, would regret asking Norway what he thought about America. However, his curiosity refused to be denied any longer. He simply had to know if there would be little hearts dancing above Norway's head as they practically were with America.
Norway's response, had not been at all what Spain hoped for.
"I want nothing to do with a nation that is full of disrespectful, weak, idiots. Not to mention the personification is annoying as hell." Norway stated in a monotone fashion.
Spain's hopeful smile fell instantly, and he stared at the Nordic nation with a large amount of dismay. Norway noticed that Spain's green eyes shifted to the doorway.
Norway turned, his face a neutral mask, as his dull blue eyes landed on America.
America who's eyes were unnaturally shiny, as if there were tears glittering. Her lower lip trembled for a split second. It was gone so quickly, that for the briefest of moments, Norway thought he had imagined it.
Her face was pale, and her lips twitched into a poor imitation of a smile. There was a crackling sound, and Norway looked downward to where her hand closed tightly over a wrapped present with a small bow.
Her eyes closed briefly, and the flash of pain he glimpsed in them was erased in a cocky, go lucky expression.
"Hey dude!" She chirped loudly, far above her normal volume. As if she had to force herself to say it.
She strode forward, and ignored Spain's sad expression on her behalf.
"Here," America said, shoving the gift on the table in front of Norway.
He glanced down at the parcel without a single inkling as to what he was thinking.
"What is this for?" Norway asked in a tone that implied his boredom with the situation.
The female nation gave a high-pitched, and hollow sounding laugh. "It's to celebrate the 100th time sitting together," she added with false enthusiasm. "Hope you like it."
"America," Spain hedged softly.
She turned, giving her full attention to the other male nation.
"Hey dude! How are you doing?" She asked in a friendly manner.
Spain cleared his throat awkwardly, dearly wishing that Japan was here with him. "I'm doing well." He said, for lack of anything else to say.
America gave him a closed-eye smile. "Great. Great."
His heart was breaking for her, because to a nation that knew a great deal about love, it had clearly looked as if America was crushed by what Norway had said. And Spain felt no small amount of guilt because he had helped Japan set America up for this colossal failure. It had been with the best of intentions.
"Would you like to sit with me?" He offered, in a kind manner, as he attempted to help her save face.
America gave a brighter grin, but he could see the strain on her face.
"Yeah, dude! Whatever you want." She agreed pleasantly.
Norway watched the pair move off toward the other end of the table, far away from him. His dull blue eyes watched the exchange with a small amount of annoyance. He had not intended for America to hear that, but it was how he felt. She never stopped talking! She was worse than Denmark.
His gaze landed on the present, the wrapping paper was slightly crinkled. He stared resolutely a head, as he waited for the meeting to start. However, he couldn't help but be surprised that America hadn't yelled at him, or argued about what he had said.
In fact, she acted as if she hadn't heard it, when he knew that she had. So, it left Norway to wonder -against his better judgment-, as to why.
OoOoOo
Japan stared at Spain as he relayed the events that had taken place.
"That is most unfortunate," the shorter nation contemplated. "I had not anticipated that Norway would dislike America so greatly."
"Si, the poor thing looked so sad that I was half-tempted to seduce her. Just to put a smile back on her face, " Spain said with a flirtatious wink, "Of course."
Japan stared at him with an apathetic look for a moment. "Hm. This places us in a predicament."
Spain agreed, and nodded. "It is a pity. They would have been adorable together."
Japan glanced through the window, trying to visualize other options that would be suitable for his ally. A face flashed across his mind.
"What about Canada?"
The taller nation blinked in surprise. "Her neighbor? But they have known each other for decades and nothing has ever..." He trailed off with a waggle of his brows.
Japan stroked his chin.
"But it could, if we give them the right incentive."
"Such as?" Spain questioned, with growing interest.
"Well, America will be vulnerable in this state, and Canada has always secretly wanted to come to the rescue." Japan said evenly. "Though a quiet nation, he is always kind and thoughtful in his response."
"But... we are talking about America..."The green-eyed nation said quietly. "I do not want to put her in a position to get her heart broken again."
Such things were highly tragic to Spain. He adored love and passion. Making women cry was a heinous thing to him.
Japan gave the barest hints of a smile.
"True, but right now, she is a damsel in distress."
Spain laughed heartily.
"Don't let her hear you say that."
OoOoOo
Japan slowly made his way toward Canada. Spain had been so thoughtful as to approach America last time. It had allowed the seed of romance to be sown, however, the garden had been harsh and unforgiving. So, he must plant it in a more suitable soil.
Such as the mild-mannered northern nation.
"Canada," He greeted with a slight bow.
Violet eyes looked back at him, and a small smile was on his face. "Oh, hello Japan. How are you today?"
"I am concerned," he said with a furrowing of his brow.
The blonde nation looked highly surprised and more than a little worried. "Why? What is the matter?"
"It is about America..."
Canada let out a slight groan. "Whatever it is that she has done-"
"No, no," Japan interjected quickly with a slight waving of his hands as a non-verbal cue. "She has done nothing wrong."
That brought Canada up short. His face scrunched up in confusion. "Then... what about America?" There was suspicion in his tone of voice.
"She has seemed, very sad as of late." Japan commented briefly, leaning in conspiratorially for good measure. "Has she spoken to you about what is troubling her?"
Canada paused, it was on the tip of his tongue to ask why it mattered to Japan, when the past few meetings flashed across his thoughts.
America...
She had seemed a bit down, hadn't she? She hadn't even teased him about his accent once. Canada stood straighter, suddenly concerned.
"No," he said softly.
Japan nodded sagely. "Perhaps you should sit with her? You are her largest trading partner. She would do well to have a friendly face around."
Canada nodded, finding some wisdom in Japan's words.
OoOoOo
Norway was a reserved nation. He was an affluent nation with excellent government and political ties. He lacked for nothing.
So, it was strange to him.
There had been no backlash from his words, or opinions. Canada had not commented to him, nor had anyone else attempted to get him to apologize to America. Even Spain remained mute on the subject. In all sincerity, he had expected something to happen.
Perhaps a sanction? Or at least some yelling from the annoying country.
However, there was... nothing.
In fact, America did not even speak to him. Or about him. At all. He should have been content with that, perhaps even pleased. However, he wasn't.
She didn't glare at him, nor write some sort of scathing e-mail. She left him completely alone. He never noticed her even looking his way. It made an uncomfortable feeling burn in the pit of his stomach. Her gift to him, had actually been thoughtful and useful. Something he would not have credited her with.
Norway kept a neutral expression through it all. His contemplations and her lack of reaction toward him.
OoOoOo
Spain looked on with a small amount of pleasure.
America and Canada had easily fallen into conversation. This was going much better. The nation known well for it's heavy inclination toward passion, could see that there was something between the Northern nations.
It was not the bright blaze of lust and love he had envisioned for America with Norway.
However, it was a gentle flame, the sort that could burn for hundreds of years and beyond.
America tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as Canada mentioned something Spain could not hear. The tiniest hint of a blush stained her cheeks.
Ah... he could see it starting already.
OoOoOo
Two months.
For two months, America had not spoken a single word to him outside of what was absolutely necessary. Norway had even begun to grow slightly irritated at her continued silence. It was very unlike her.
She kept close to Canada and Israel. Even Mexico, France, and England were treated to an earful of America's personality. Often teasing, or making jokes at her expense and others. She laughed brightly, and even her over the top emotions were plain as day even in the presence of those that despised her.
Russia and Egypt, countries that held no love for America, could only roll their eyes as she continued with her normal exuberance.
However, it had begun to be noticed by the other countries that America's laughter turned to silence near Norway. Her smile was nowhere to be found, if she passed by him. He would almost think she was mocking his reserved manner, but the speed in which she always tried to get passed him; suggested otherwise.
More than once, she had agreed to dinner with Finland and Sweden. However, if Finland made the mistake of inviting Norway, America would suddenly come up with excuses. Some of them were not even good ones.
"America? Would you like to come to dinner?" Finland asked kindly, his smile nearly rivaling America's.
The boisterous nation nodded eagerly.
"Yeah dude, I'm totally starving! We could go to this awesome steakhouse down the road," she chatted happily, "they have the most amazing potato soup."
"Good!" the male nation replied. "I would really like to try it."
"Oh yeah, it is the best," America assured him. Her blue eyes twinkled.
"Maybe we should invite Sweden," He mused as he noticed the taller nation staring at him and America. That was Sweden's way of asking to join, though he was nearly attached at the hip with Finland.
"Of course! Sweden, ol' buddy, ol' pal." The star-spangled nation slapped him on the back in a familiar and friendly manner.
"N'rw'y?" Sweden asked, his glasses flashed under the florescent light as he turned toward the other stoic, Nordic, nation.
America's face paled, and her smile suddenly seemed forced.
"Oh... ya know what?" She asked rhetorically, with a nervous laugh, "I uh... forgot that I have to..."
Finland frowned at her, his eyes narrowed on her face. He had noticed the pattern as well. They could suggest everyone except Norway. Though Finland did not know why, or what had happened between the pair.
"You have to...?" He asked in a firm tone that held a touch of suspicion.
The female nation twitched, and looked around wildly.
"Uh... water my lawn!" She said in a rushed manner.
She waved at them and turned. Finland started at her in slight shock.
"Water your lawn?"
"Yes!" America called over her shoulder as she all but scampered away from them.
"But we are in Germany!" Finland said in exasperation.
"Then I have a long way to go," America called, just as she reached the door to her freedom.
"And it is winter!" The smaller nation reminded her with a touch of irritation and disbelief. NO response came, because America was long gone.
Finland turned to Sweden and Norway.
"What has gotten into her lately?"
Sweden shrugged. Norway watched the scene with a passive silence. Something in his stomach twitched uncomfortably.
OoOoOo
Russia had taken to sitting next to him at every meeting. In fact, several countries crowded around his area, because America avoided it like the plague.
Like an actual plague. She covered her face as she passed and everything.
There had been some rumors running about that Norway had some sort of evidence against America. It ran the gamut of strange and bizarre accusations. However, it was quickly becoming a favorite joke. What did it take to get rid of America?
Holy water and Norway.
And, somewhere deep inside of him... he did not like that. He hadn't meant for America to avoid him all together. Granted, nothing between their countries had suffered. Her embassies were still in place, and she kept up with correspondence that was required. It was always very brief and to the point. She did not even bother with pleasantries of any sort.
It was only exactly what needed to be said.
However, normally she shoved party invitations down his throat whenever a holiday came around. Norway had even bothered to check his mail box around her Christmas time, America's largest party of the year. It had been, predictably, empty.
Which had never happened before. However, some part of him already knew that she would not invite him. Diplomatic relations did not depend upon it, and he had remarked that he hated attending the function before. Yet, that had never stopped her in the past.
In fact, it had only seemed to encourage her.
He had a very hard time believing that a few words had bothered her so much. It made no sense. A startlingly large number of countries criticized America on a daily basis. Yet, she'd even gone to lunch with them sometime last month.
His dull blue eyes watched as she teased Canada, yet again.
He did not even know why he was watching her. It was no concern of his what America did. He was, after all, perfectly contented with the silence. That was only broken by a loud-mouthed Denmark.
"Norge!"
Speak of the Devil...
Norway glanced at his well known ally. Denmark was smiling and happy, as he usually was. Norway was half tempted to strangle him with his own tie, something he hadn't done in quite some time.
Denmark was accustomed to Norway's quiet ways.
"We are finally sitting together again!" The taller nation exclaimed. His gazed darted from Norway to America, across the room.
"Is America still not talking to you?"
Norway glanced up at him briefly, and then back at the documents in front of him. He had no time for asinine questions. If America wanted to act like a child, that was her business. Though, perhaps, calling her a child in the matter was unfair. No work had been shirked and nothing had suffered.
He heard her laugh, a clear and loud sound and out of reflex, he glanced at her.
The female nation's eyes were bright and lit up with a happy light. One he had seen before when she had mercilessly made jokes as he stone-walled her with unending silence. Therefore, he knew, that America had looked at him like that.
The way she was looking at her Northern neighbor.
There was a flicker of a recognition, half-formed in his thoughts, that she had been sitting next to Canada quite a bit. For a long time. The situation was eerily similar, because it almost seemed like time was repeating itself.
And some part of him, found that he did not like what he was seeing.
The pit of his stomach burned in an uncomfortable way again. Norway ignored it.
OoOoOo
Seven months.
He had been keeping track. America blushed at something Canada said, and her laughter was softer now. Less, loud. As if the Northern nation was rubbing off on his neighbor. Norway noticed that Japan glanced between the pair, and Spain was watching them as well.
Always watching, with nearly undisguised interest.
Much like they had when America had nearly glued herself to his side for meeting after meeting.
His dull blue eyes looked between the two watchful nations and as often happens after-the-fact, everything seemed to fall into place.
Norway recalled the first time America had started sitting by him, it was Spain that had asked her to move. Times 13-55, it had been Japan for some reason or another. The stoic nation paused, his head tilted very slightly as he reflected on the events.
It became overly obvious to him.
America hadn't been the one trying to pursue him. Well, not until later. However, those attempts to sit next to him; which he had viewed as a desperate attempt to get his attention. Had actually been Japan and Spain had been trying to get them together. Therefore his annoyance at her stupid antics had been...
Unjustified.
Hm.
Norway contemplated that. And, as he thought over the events leading up to speaking his mind about America, Norway wondered if perhaps he had been overly harsh. He also recalled how hurt she had appeared for those brief seconds at his words. How there had been tears in America's eyes.
Tears. Because she had been hurt by his words. Her avoidance was obviously because she was still upset. Which made no sense why she would be so upset after so much time. Many nations had said far worse to her. It shouldn't have mattered what Norway thought or said.
Unless...
Norway glanced at America. Her face had softened into a happy smile as she gave a semi-flirtatious wink to Canada. The older nation in turn, blushed as well, before looking down at his documents. His gaze lingered a touch too long, because America sensed someone staring.
She blinked, and suddenly her eyes met his.
Dull blue clashed with sky blue. Something flickered in her eyes, a mellowed sort of sadness that had the male nation piecing everything together, yet again.
Norway stilled, and his face betrayed none of his shock.
America had been hurt because she had liked him. Possibly even loved him.
Oh.
She turned, away from him and more toward Canada who was still blushing. America patted him on the shoulder.
She did not look at Norway again.
OoOoOo
Norway, one for meeting things head on, cornered her when she wasn't paying attention in the lobby. America was playing some sort of zombie game on her cell phone. Her blue eyes focused solely on the electronic device as she hacked and slashed through ... something.
Norway stood in front of her, and he could tell she had lost track of time again. He cleared his throat and watched in near amusement as America dropped her phone.
"Geez!" She shrieked, stepping backward. Her blue eyes widened momentarily before recognition flashed across her face. She stooped to pick up her phone.
"You love me." He said without preamble.
She froze, and he could see the paleness of her skin as she barely dared to breathe. America turned her gaze on him, and Norway was surprised that the uncomfortable feeling in his stomach was loosening. Some part of him wanted America to love him.
He found that strangely disturbing and elating at the same time.
"I did," she admitted softly, "once."
He waited patiently for her to finish, because he could see on her face that there was more she wanted to say.
"But you don't have to worry. I feel nothing like that now." She told him with a level gaze as she stood back up. Her phone clutched tightly in one hand.
His chest squeezed unpleasantly. Some part of him found her response... unacceptable. It was that part of him that prompted for him to speak. America, it appeared, thought their conversation was finished, for she turned to leave.
Trying to get away from him as quickly as possible, again.
"You could though," he responded neutrally.
"W-what?" She asked, turning toward him with confused and guarded eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"You loved me once, you could love me again." He stated as if it was the most natural thing in the world. As if the idea that he had crushed her heart and her subsequent avoidance of him were nothing.
A small smile of disbelief curved her lips, and she stared at him like he had three heads.
"No," she said after a moment. "It doesn't work that way."
"Why not?"
"I can't just go back to feeling like I did. It was a foolish pipedream. And, I've just grown up an realized that dreams are nice, but they should stay dreams. They do not become reality."
"That makes no sense." He stated blandly.
She sighed heavily. Shifting her weight to her other foot and looking at him directly. Blunt honesty was painted in every feature on her face.
"Look. I'm not gonna be that stupid again."
"Stupid?"
"To fall for you. When it is so clearly obvious that you despise me. This ain't no fairytale, darlin'" Her southern twang came out heavily, and she looked down. Her expression was full of sadness and a touch of bitterness.
Norway felt his chest squeeze again.
"I do not despise you." He said neutrally.
She gave a humorless laugh.
"No, I am just the country that is 'annoying as hell'." She reminded him with a bit of venom to her words.
"I've said that about Denmark."
A grin curved her lips, a touch less sad.
"That is really not helping this conversation," she said pointedly. "Look. Nothing between us is going to change. Trade will continue and promises fulfilled. We have out treaties, and I..."
"You?"
"I'm interested in someone else." She admitted gently, as if hoping to spare him any pain. She shifted away in an awkward fashion.
How unusual America really was.
"Canada?"
Her lips parted in a silent 'o' of surprise.
"How did you-?"
Norway waved a hand in dismissal. His dull blue eyes bored into hers and though he was not a nation that wore his heart on his sleeve, he knew that this moment was pivotal. Norway did not warm up to others as easily as America did.
Yet, somehow, despite all of his irritation toward her... she'd managed to worm her way into his personal life. He did not want to see America leave him alone. He did not wish to hear nothing but silence from her.
So, that meant it was time to bridge the gap. Between her world and his.
"I believe," he said in an elegant manner. "That Americans do things differently. You... 'date'. "
"What does that have to do with anything?" She asked, caught off guard by the change in subject.
"Date Canada," he said stoically.
A flash of anger crossed her face.
"I don't need your permission-"
"And date me." Norway finished.
America stared at him, at a loss for words.