Yay! Reviews! I adore them. Continuation of the last chapter. I have changed it to an arch so that I can develop the characters a bit more. Baby bug is next. Featuring PossessiveNorway!xCluelesshormonalpregnantfemAmerica!
I own nothing. Rated M.
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Norway had, inadvertently -mind you-, started the largest war since World War II.
It was known as the 'Shipping War'. In passing, something only whispered about by the bravest of nations, or the most foolish.
"Hello America," Norway said clearly in a monotone voice.
America blinked at him in utter surprise. She had graciously informed him that she wasn't terribly interested in having her heart broken again.
It seemed that the Nordic nation was out to prove to her that he was not inclined to cause her harm again.
Numerous sets of inquisitive eyes watched the pair. Norway looked stoically at America, who paled and then flushed slightly under the unwanted attention.
Somehow, Norway bothering to greet America at the next meeting snowballed into one of the most cut-throat wars ever known to human kind. His attention, though not overly stated, caught the eyes or Japan and Spain.
A smile, or the poor imitation of it, twitched at her lips.
"Uh... Hello..." she said slowly as she fumbled for composure. "Norway."
Indonesia backed away from the pair, half concerned that a fight was about to erupt. His eyes caught sight of Thailand subtly exchanging bets with Morocco.
Well, if there was profit to be made...
Spain gave a worried glance to Japan. Japan's dark eyes met his, and Spain was already moving forward. He cut a dashing figure in his 220 count wool suit. However, the admiring glances cast his way were ignored.
He was going to rescue America from being embarrassed. Spain would never have credited Norway with being cruel, however, it occurred to him that perhaps the Nordic nation had figured things out and was going to make things harder for the Star-spangled nation. His green eyes flashed in anger. There were many things Spain would tolerate, but being cruel to a woman was not one of them.
As he pushed his way through the ogling crowd, he caught sight of Norway reaching for America's hand. That caused the dark-haired nation to come up short. Silence echoed through the room as Norway placed a kiss on the back of America's hand.
The normally exuberant nation froze. Her blue eyes were impossibly wide behind Texas. Several nations began muttering amongst themselves.
However, the scene continued to unfold as America gently pulled her hand back. Her lovely features were twisted in confusion and it looked as if she were about to ask something. Her mouth opened and closed as her eyes became half-hooded.
"I uh..." She began, "thank you?" Her voice was soft, and it betrayed her uncertainty.
Norway started back at her, his face impassive, but his dull blue eyes watched her intently. There was an almost tangible non-verbal communication between them. Though, on America's end it was more expressive. Finally, after what seemed like an age, America broke the silence.
"I told you.."
"I know," Norway acknowledged gracefully, but there was a hint of determination in his words.
America gave a small soft smile, as if she could not quite grasp what she was seeing.
It was Canada that broke up the unusual but slightly tender moment. The normally quiet nation strode forward, concern on his face as he pushed passed the onlookers. His violet eyes landed on America, and she turned toward him with a slight nod of her head. Signaling that she was alright and there was nothing happening that would cause bloodshed.
She was, however, sadly... very wrong.
It was Japan that noticed the gleam in Albania's eyes and the look he shared with Hungary. Japan had wisely learned from his mistake and wished for his ally to be happy. Therefore, his hopes were pinned upon Canada.
Spain also had reasons for hoping that a romance would blossom between the two North American nations. HIs green eyes landed on the three nations, and he noticed that Canada was not looking down when Norway's gaze met his.
Ah...
Spain smirked slightly, his white teeth flashed for a moment under the florescent light. He found this to be highly interesting, if not slightly unexpected. Was it possible that Norway, whom he had thought would be an excellent romantic interest for America, actually did find something appealing about the female nation? Spain knew he had not lost his touch.
Though he conveniently forgot the part about Japan first finding Norway suitable.
However, that was an opportunity the stoic nation had lost out upon. Insulting America's people was not something the other nation was inclined to forgive easily. Spain had thought that was the reason she wanted little to do with Norway after his harsh words.
Actually, Spain admitted internally, they had simply been cruel. The honest sort of cruelty the world was known for. The romantic nation watched the three nations with a concealed sort of hope. He only wanted poor America to find love and happiness.
Canada walked toward America, his smile firmly in place, but there was a fire in his eyes.
"Come on, quit causing a scene again," he teased lightly.
America blinked, and her attention focused on him as she laughed heartily.
"I would argue that, but somehow I found myself in the limelight again," She responded in a joking manner.
She tilted her head, an amused grin on her face.
"Are you trying to rescue me again?" She said with a soft blush. Her eyes twinkled merrily.
Norway stared stonily at Canada.
"What?" Her neighbor asked, his face showed how startled he was by the question. Though there was a sense of admission in the way his eyes glanced to the side briefly.
"Pffft," America replied in an exuberant fashion, "you totally were. Stop that. I'm the Hero." She finished with a flirtatious wink.
Canada blushed, and began to stutter out a denial. The Star-Spangled nation laughed gently.
"Plus, you forgot the horse." She hinted to the whole 'White-Knight' complex Canada had. Though, America was guilty of the exact same transgression.
The Maple-leaf nation narrowed his eyes slightly,
"Is that a 'Mountie' joke again?"
Her lips twitched as she tried to school her features into a serious mask.
"For once," she said with a notable effort not to laugh, "it was not."
Canada chuckled slightly, and America moved to stand closer to him.
"Nice to see you Norway," The violet-eyed nation said, though his words were a touch less friendly than usual.
"Hello Canada," Norway replied. HIs dull blue eyes locked with Canada's gaze.
The whispers began. Soft, like the gentle caress of the wind, but they grew in volume until it sounded like the buzzing of an angry hive of bees. America and Canada paid them no mind as they moved toward their seats.
Norway strode to his own place, on the opposite side of the room with a reserved dignity.
However, the lines in the sand were clearly drawn. The other nations began speaking about what was going on. Some speculating that perhaps Norway hadn't been blackmailing America. Others stating that clearly, America was stringing two nations along.
Yet, they started to cluster around the obvious question. Would America end up with Canada or Norway? One nation, small and well known for its red flag with a Black eagle, stated that America would do well with Norway. Some nodded thoughtfully.
It was met by Spain's quick reply that she was better suited for Canada. Others agreed with Spain's comment.
Before anyone was even aware of the happening, then sides had been chosen.
OoOoOo
"America!" Someone screamed urgently.
The female nation nearly broke her neck, as fast as her head whipped up to stare at Lativa. His large eyes were wide with horror.
"What?" She asked out of reflex, her heart hammering in her ears.
"Come quickly," Latvia replied quickly, his face flushed from exertion and she could see that he had been panting.
If he had run all this way, then it must have been urgent.
"What is it?" She asked, moving from her seat to wrap her hands around his shoulders, it steadied him as well.
"It... Norway... bad," he rambled on.
America's face set in grim determination, she clenched her teeth briefly.
"What's wrong? What happened? What about Norway?" She snapped out like a drill sergeant.
"Ru...Mr. Russian," Latvia half-groaned.
It was all America needed to hear. She was off like a shot. She missed the mischievous gleam in Latvia's eyes or the smug look he sent Hungary. The other female nation nodded with approval.
Romania narrowed his eyes at the exchange.
He was not a NorIca supporter. He was firmly CanAme.
America was racing down the halls, her arms moved rapidly to slam open doors as she passed. Her hair swayed behind her as she all but flew down the stretch of floor. Her eyes glanced in each room, ready to fight at any moment. Her face showed her nearly murderous expression.
She skidded to a halt, just in time to catch herself from smacking into a corner. She pushed off again and started down the next hall.
"Norway!" She shouted, a touch of desperation.
She nearly trampled Singapore in the process. America twisted her body and pivoted to avoid colliding with the dark-haired nation. She mumbled out a quick 'excuse me' as she darted past him.
Singapore nodded thoughtfully. America would do better to learn some reservation from Norway. He did not think that Canada would be able to curb America's impulsive manners. Running in the hallway, like a child!
America nearly toppled over as she narrowly missed being hit by a door that opened suddenly.
"Whoa!" She shrieked as she nearly slammed herself into the opposite wall. Her blue eyes flashed behind Texas.
Russia blinked at her.
"Privet Amerika," he grumbled at her.
America's eyes narrowed. "Russia," she half-hissed. She was geared up for a fight, and if Russia thought he could bully someone in the EU, he was sorely fuckin' mistaken!
The larger nation paused, as he took in her appearance. His eyes turned hard, as if he knew she was itching to tackle him to the ground and let them exchange blows. He smiled grimly.
"You s-" She started, but cut herself off when she noticed that Norway was no where in sight. "You..." she trailed off again.
America stood on her tippy-toes and glanced over Russia's shoulder. The room was... empty. Except for some atlas maps and what looked to be a stack of documents.
...what?
The female nation planted her feet again and her angry expression melted into one of confusion. She looked over Russia's clothes and even grabbed his arm to lift it up. Russia watched her, more out of curiosity than anything else. America pushed at his shoulder to spin him around.
No blood. No gun powder. No smell of death and carnage.
America blinked at the larger nation.
"I?" Russia rumbled in a low voice.
America flushed with embarrassment as she cleared her throat. Gingerly, she patted his shoulder.
"You... look great!" She said suddenly, with a huge smile on her face. Internally she was ready to fling herself from the roof of the building.
"..." Russia stared down at her.
"Oh yeah," she continued, nearly gushing. "Just love the ... suit. It is a good color on you."
He blinked, his face briefly showed surprise. He started chuckling.
"You noticed?"
"Oh, totally..." she trailed off, nearly dying mentally over having to play kiss-ass to Russia. "Is that a new cologne?"
"No, " he replied nearly instantly.
"Well," The blue-eyed nation replied with another wide smile. "It smells nice."
And, that much was true. She took a step or two back.
"This was nice," she prayed the Good Lord wouldn't strike her down for such a bold-faced lie. "But, I've got to find Norway."
"Norway?" Russia asked, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yeah... see ya," America called, she had taken the moment to nearly spring forward into an all-out run again. It was time to get where there were witnesses, so that Russia couldn't come back and say she tried to declare war or some other nonsense.
She'd learned her lesson after the last time.
Latvia, had followed her, albeit at a slower pace. The blonde male nation turned the corner at the exact moment America disappeared. His expectant look fell from his face. He paused as he caught sight of Russia.
Russia wasn't supposed to even be here today. Latvia was struck with a deep concern that he'd just gotten America and Russia into another cold war. He hurried over.
"Mr. Russia!" He called out, all but scurrying over.
The taller nation turned toward him, a small smile on his face.
"I think Amerika likes me."
With his eyes as wide as saucers, Latvia couldn't suppress the heavy feeling of impending doom that settled in his chest.
OoOoOo
France grabbed her by the wrist, causing America to nearly dislocate her shoulder as she tried to run past.
"Ah! Little America!" France called out cheerily.
She winced as she rubbed her shoulder.
"Hey France." She replied automatically. "I'm not little anymore."
The European nation chuckled. "Well, to me you shall always be little Amérique." He smiled at her, which was strange, because normally he accused her of turning out to be far too much like England. She blinked at him.
"Uh... thank you?" America replied. She was steadily starting to believe that these nations were trying to drive her into an ineloquent buffoon. Because her vocabulary seemed to take a nose dive when she was confused. They chose to confuse her a lot.
"Anyway, ma petite, it has come to my attention that you and Canada have been spending quite a bit of time together." His blue eyes looked deeply into hers.
America's mouth dropped open, and she blushed. What was with Europeans just coming out and bluntly saying things like this!
"Well.. um... yes," she said as she tried to gather her thoughts.
"Ah! I thought so," France said brightly as he placed an arm around her shoulders. "Come, come. I must know everything!"
America paled. Many memories flashed through her mind of England warning her to never go alone with France. His horrifying talk about what would later be called 'stranger danger' was still firmly planted in her brain. Even when she'd declared Independence, Prussia or another nation had always been in the room with them.
She adored France. The nation was rich in culture and had fantastic foods, wine, and art. However... she was not talking about Canada with France. It was... well it was just weird.
"Uh... that is really nice," She replied with a fake smile and twisting out of his arm. "But uh... there was a situation I was dealing with... concerning Norway."
France paused, his gaze turned nearly cold.
"Oh... Norway?" He said, and something about his words made America think that perhaps she'd said something wrong.
"Yeah... Look, how about a rain check? 'Kay," she rambled, not waiting for him to reply. "See ya."
France frowned at the stop America had occupied. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"Bonjour! Yes, I need your assistance. It would seem that the NorIca members are up to something." He paused as he listened to England's reply. "Oh... that sounds marvelous. I never thought you so charmingly romantic. Why can't you be that way-"
The click on the other end alerted France that England had hung up on him. Oh well. First he would help the younger nations find their way to love. Then he would work at pulling England into his own carefully laid seduction plans.
However, first things always came first.
OoOoOo
America never did end up finding Norway at the meeting, but she was forced to assume he was fine. She did, however, run into Canada. Her neighbor to the north was sitting, and minding his own business when she checked the room. Looking for some evidence of a nation in distress, but coming up empty handed.
"Oh!" She said in surprised delight.
Violet eyes glanced up at her, and his features softened slightly with a smile.
"Hello America."
She grinned at him as she walked in the room and looked at the documents spread out in front of him.
"Hiya!" She replied in a voice that gave away her true gladness to see a friendly face. Her blue eyes flicked downward and she did her best not to read the papers. Just in case they were something she was not supposed to see.
"Are you staying out of trouble?" He teased in a kind manner.
"Me? Bah! I am always behaving," she answered with a look of faux-innocence. America blushed slightly when he laughed.
She was just about to take the seat next to him, when the sounds of shouting interrupted the idyllic scene. America whipped her head to the look at the adjacent wall. Canada stiffened at the sudden noise, and the distinct echo of something being thrown.
The pair glanced at one another, and America huffed an annoyed breath. Someone had better be in need of rescuing if she had to run again. Without even time to grumble, she pushed away from the table and started to jog toward the yells that only grew in volume.
The scraping of a chair across the floor alerted her to the fact that Canada was following.
She slammed open the door that lead to the room where the ruckus was coming from and her eyes nearly popped out of her head to see at least half a dozen nations at each other's throats.
"What's going on here?!" America nearly roared. Her voice and volume was worthy of any commander. Every nation stopped from attempting to hit, bite, kick, scratch, or throw something at each other.
Then, to her utter amazement and confusion... they started laughing and hugging each other.
"Oh, America!" England called out as he laughed heartily and slung an arm around Finland's shoulders. Though, the female nation thought it looked a tad too tight of a gesture because Finland turned a different shade.
"So glad to see you!" The island nation continued.
"Yes!" Finland replied while coughing slightly, and he swung his arm around England's shoulders. "We are just... practicing for football."
It was the magic word. Football! America was nearly bounding on the soles of her feet. "Really!?" She asked with excitement. "I want in!"
England and Finland exchanged a glance that almost looked like a glare at each other. America shook her head. She must be seeing things.
"No," Serbia interjected quickly. His dark eyes narrowed at France. "You cannot... because... it is..."
"European football!" Mexico added on in an overly loud voice.
European...damn! America scowled. That meant they were talking about soccer. While that wasn't what she was hoping for, it was still a sport and she wanted to participate. "I have a soccer team," she told them honestly.
Canada tapped her on the shoulder. "America, we know you have a team."
She beamed at him. However, her attention was drawn by what sounded like someone getting punched in the gut. A loud 'oof' rang out. Spain looked slightly pained.
"Ri...right." The dark haired nation said as he tried to suck in a breath. "You do have a team, but hm... we are... how to put this... we are..."
"Still organizing the event," England said, stepping in once more. He and Finland were still doing their one-armed hug thing.
Awww! Bonding at the UN! America was nearly ready to praise them, however, she realized that if they were all practicing, she should start as well.
"Okay," she said with a firm nod, "fine. But when you get it all set up, I want in," she finished with a large grin.
All the nations in the room agreed nearly instantly and America was ready to talk strategy when Canada asked her if she wanted coffee.
Well, she was a might bit parched from all the running.
What she did not know, nor did Canada, was the second they closed the door... the shipping war continued.
OoOooo
Norway had left the meeting early, and in doing so had not been privy to the drawing of lines in the proverbial sand.
He wanted to brush up on American culture and social customs. He also wished to stop and speak with a nation that was far more... expressive than he was. It was something he was willing to do, because being around America eased the burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. Therefore, he knew that he needed to bridge the distrust she held for him now.
However, watching her with Canada had become far more bothersome.