Cross-posted from Nordic Julfest
Dec. 9th, 2012 11:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kiramaru7TITLE: The Matchmaker
FILL FOR: lj/cheshirejin
REQUEST #1
CHARACTERS: Nordic 5
FOCUS: Finland, Sweden
RATINGS: OT
NOTES: This was done LJ’s Nordic Julfest. Thanks also to Vexed for looking it over for me!
SUMMARY: Denmark plays matchmaker for Sweden and Finland with disastrous results...
For my friend Jen, who by pure chance gave me a plot bunny she wanted me to write, never realizing I would be using it for this or that I got her as my giftee… ;p
Denmark took a gulp of his coffee, savoring the warmth and the rich, bitter taste. Norway had warned him not to butt in, but he could not help himself, especially since Sweden came to him for help. As much as he and the Swede got on each other’s last nerve at times, they were still good friends and he hated seeing the big lug lusting after Finland and getting nowhere. The fact that Finland also decided to come to him for help, was gravy. In his mind, Denmark took that as a sign he was meant to play matchmaker. Taking another sip of his coffee, and figuring it was now or never, he swallowed his mouthful along with his misgivings. He took a deep breath and just blurted out, “You just don’t get it, do you?” He shook his head at Finland, who gave him a puzzled look. “Well, what do you expect? He’s all tongue-tied and flustered whenever you’re near him. Everything about you, Finn, makes his cock hard, so of course he can’t communicate with you very well, you idiot.”
Finland looked at his coffee and sighed. “I uh… But Sve and I are just friends…” I just wanted to know what was bothering him… I had no idea that’s what it was… What am I going to do now…?
“Oh… You just like him as a friend?” It was Denmark’s turn to sigh. Things were not turning out as planned and he could hear Norway in his head telling him, “I told you so!” Still, Denmark was nothing if not persistent. He was going to get his two friends together if it killed him. As far as Denmark was concerned, they were meant for each other, but Finland just didn’t know that. He just had to get him to see the error of his ways. How he was going to do that, Denmark had not figured out yet, then again, “winging it” had a certain appeal to it. He drank another mouthful of coffee while he tried to think of something, but all he could think of involved dressing Finland up in a plain black dress and sticking a high, ribbon festooned crown on his head like a typical Swedish bride.
“Yeah…” Finland frowned and drank his coffee. Denmark’s little revelation had got him thinking too. Out of all his friends, and especially his fellow Nordics, Sweden was the one whose company he enjoyed the most. So much so, that he and Sweden had taken up spending time in each other’s homes to the point of moving in. In his head, good friends did that, but apparently in Sweden’s head only lovers did that. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more Finland began to realize that Sweden’s hopes had taken on an air of reality and the poor guy was probably tongue-tied because he was afraid he would wake up and it would have been all just a dream. Maybe I should never have gone to him with my problem… Finland thought as Denmark’s words rang in his head again. Now that I know, I can’t unknow it… Perkele! Why’d you have to tell me that, Den…? How can we still be friends…? How can I look at Sve now, when all I want is friendship and knowing he wants more…? Finland’s expression became more and more pensive as he thought it over.
Denmark took a deep breath, puffing his cheeks out; and slowly exhaled. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him… Now I don’t know if I did the right thing or not… But if there’s one thing I do know, those two are meant for each other…
Finland picked up his coffee cup and drank the last mouthful. “I’m sorry, Den, but I really need to get going.”
Denmark nodded. “Yeah, me too. This was fun; we should do it again sometime.” He smiled, and fishing out his wallet, he took out a few bills to pay for their coffee. When Finland started to protest, he added. “My treat.”
“Thanks, Den.”
“Don’t mention it. Just promise me, you’ll give what I said some thought…?” Denmark looked hopefully at him.
“I will.”
“Good… I mean, I just want to see you happy, Finn.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.”
Denmark nodded as they both got up to go. He hoped he did the right thing by telling Finland, but as they went their separate ways, he felt a small kernel of nagging doubt gnawing at him. That kernel blossomed into full blown doubt by the time he reached his home. It was not helped by the look on Norway’s face when he greeted him.
“You told him, didn’t you?” Norway said as he hung up Denmark’s coat for him.
“Yeah…” Denmark admitted sheepishly. “I couldn’t help it, Norge. Those two are meant for each other! They’re practically married anyway, so why not make it official?”
Norway sighed. “Because maybe all Finn wants out of it is just friendship. What if you ruined that by telling him how Sve feels about him?”
“I don’t think I’ve ruined a thing, Norge,” Demark said as they walked into the living room and sat down. “Finn really and truly likes him too; he just hasn’t realized that yet.”
“I hope you’re right,” Norway said. “And what’s this about being practically married? Sure they spend a lot of time together, but it’s as friends, Den.”
Denmark just looked at him sighed. I know… “Maybe I should call Sve and let him know I spoke to Finn about things.”
“Just don’t get his hopes up any higher than they already are, Den.”
“Right…” Denmark said as he fished his cell phone out of his pocket. Flipping it open, he dialed his fellow Nordic’s phone number. Here goes nothing… he thought as he waited for Sweden to pick up.
When Finland got home, he was greeted by Hana-Tomago. After taking his coat off and hanging it up, he knelt to pet the little white dog. Standing up, the two of them headed towards the kitchen. While he puttered around, making dinner, Denmark’s words replayed themselves over and over again in Finland’s head.
“You just don’t get it, do you? Well, what do you expect? He’s all tongue-tied and flustered whenever you’re near him. Everything about you, Finn, makes his cock hard, so of course he can’t communicate with you very well, you idiot.”
Finland put the meatballs in the oven to brown, before cleaning up his mess. As he washed the dishes he had used, he suddenly realized just how right about things Denmark was. While a part of him was flattered to think Sweden found him extremely attractive, a part of him was a little frightened at the prospect of being in a relationship. Finland had always valued his freedom, something that was very apparent from his days of living in Russia’s house, and he wondered how much freedom he would be giving up if he decided to take things in the direction Sweden apparently longed for. He looked at Hana-Tomago as if she could help him.
“Den told me Sve likes me as something more than just a friend and I…” Finland sighed. “What would you do, Hana-Tomago, if you were me?” he asked the little white dog.
Hearing her name, she barked and wagged her tail at him.
“I know, but he is kinda scary…” Finland replied. “But he’s also very gentle and sweet and kind and as America always says, a ‘keeper.’” He smiled ruefully at the dog. “And he’s never, ever done anything to hurt me… Even though I had no trouble at all living in Russia’s house, he still spent the whole time worrying about me…” Finland reached for the clean bowl, and began drying it with a dishtowel. “Am I being silly?”
Hana-Tomago barked.
“I guess maybe I am…” Finland put the bowl away. “I know I have nothing to worry about, but I just can’t help wondering if maybe Den got it all wrong.” He sighed. Then what do I do… Things are awkward enough between us at the best of times… What if “my wife” is just a stupid pet name he calls me for whatever silly reason he has…?
Across town, Sweden was looking over the plans for the new furniture line, when he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Quickly taking it out, he looked at the number to see who was calling. The sharp pang of worry he felt, as no one called him at work unless it was an emergency, was quickly replaced by curiosity when he realized it was Denmark, who was calling. He answered his phone. “Hi, Den.”
“Hey, Sve, it’s me, Den!”
Sweden sighed. “I know. What’s the matter?” he asked, coming quickly to the point.
“I ummm… I saw Finn today.”
“Yeah?”
“And we had a nice long talk about you…”
“You did?” Sweden could not keep the surprise he felt out of his voice. “And…?’ he prompted.
“I think he likes you…”
“Oh…” Whatever possessed you to go bother him about it…? I know I asked you for help in sorting this out, but this is not what I expected you to do… Tusan också! Sweden frowned.If you screwed this up, Den, I’ll kill you!
“I know, I’m sorry to call you at work about that, but do you think we could meet later, say… after dinner? You know, and talk about it?”
“Don’t think so. I’m having dinner with Finland.”
“Oh… okay… well, I think he likes you.”
“You just said that.”
He heard Denmark laugh. “So I did… but I think he does… I just think he hasn’t realized it yet, so give him time to come around, okay, Sve?”
“Is that all? I’m still at work and I’m busy.”
“Sorry… I’ll catch you another time, okay?”
“Sure… Bye, Den.”
“Bye…”
Sweden hung up and put his phone away. Taking off his glasses, he rubbed tiredly at his forehead. He had a horrible feeling that Denmark had somehow messed up what little he had between himself and Finland, and he did not know whether to be angry or sad he had lost the best thing he had going in his life. Putting his glasses back on, he went back to work. He figured the quicker he finished it, the quicker he could go home and do damage control.
Back at home, Denmark stared at his phone, before putting it away.
“I told you to stay out of it,” Norway said softly.
“I know, Norge, and even though it looks bad, I’ve got a gut feeling this is going to all work out.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Den,” Norway said, “but don’t be surprised if they wind up growing farther apart.”
“Uh… Norge, if that does happen, not saying it will, but do you think your troll buddy could knock some sense into them…?”
Norway simply folded his arms across his chest, giving him “The Look.”
Denmark laughed mirthlessly. “I didn’t think so.”
When Sweden arrived home an hour later, he was pleasantly surprised to see Finland and Hana-Tomago greeting him at the door like always. A part of him hoped that the cute little Finn had taken whatever nonsense Denmark had spouted at him as just that; nonsense. He could feel himself relaxing as much as he did around the object of his desire as he hung up his coat and by the time they had wandered into the kitchen for dinner, Sweden was convinced his misgivings were all for nothing.
Dinner was a pleasant affair, Finland having made his favorite meal of meatballs, mashed potatoes, and turnips. His beloved even made vispipuuro for dessert. Sweden loved the whipped, sweet porridge, especially when it was made with lingonberries and topped with fresh cream and sugar. Things were going perfectly and Sweden was about to suggest an after dinner sauna when Finland said something that made him pause as his fears all came home to roost.
“I met Den for coffee this afternoon.”
“Yeah?” Sweden tried to sounds casual as he could, but he was sure he looked as strained as his voice sounded.
“Yeah…” Finland said with a smile. “We talked about a lot of things; you know catching up on things since we last saw each other at the World Eight meeting. He and Norge are doing good and Ice too.”
Sweden nodded as he tried to eat his vispipuuro like Finland meeting up with Denmark was no big deal, which it normally was, but now, Sweden was not so sure. Denmark had told him they had spoken, mainly about him and his relationship with his beloved Finn, and Sweden was beginning to regret ever coming to the boisterous Dane for help.
“Den also mentioned you.”
Sweden paused with his spoon in midair as he looked at his beloved. “Yeah?” he forced himself to say after what felt like an eternity.
Finland nodded. “Yeah… and I-” Finland felt his cheeks heating up.
Sweden put his spoon down. “It’s alright,” he blurted out and unable to deal with his shattered hopes, he added, his words coming out in a rush, “If you’ll excuse me? Sorry, I can’t help you clean up… my head hurts.”
Finland, who felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment, nodded. “Feel better, Sve.”
“Thanks.” Sweden got up and without another word, he left the kitchen. He felt so stupid for asking Denmark’s help and he felt his whole world crashing down around his ears. My beloved little Wife, hates me… why couldn’t I just be satisfied with just being friends…? Disgusted with himself, he climbed the stairs to second floor and headed towards his room. Once inside, he flopped down on bed, feeling lonelier than he had been in his life.
Downstairs, Finland fed the dog. Now what…? I guess Den was right; he does love me, but… But do I love him enough to really be his wife…? His mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts and emotions, Finland went through the motions of tidying up the remains of their dinner. He wanted to go in the sauna to clear his head as he sweated out the cares of the day, but somehow, that did not seem as much fun solo as it was when Sweden was there. He looked down at Hana-Tomago. Maybe a walk with her will clear my head so I can figure out what to do… The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you, Sve… “Come, Hana-Tomago! Let’s go out for a walk.”
The little white dog barked and pranced excitedly as they headed towards the front door. Once Finland got his coat on, they left. The two of them walked around the block, Finland lost in thought as he followed Hana-Tomago. Instead of clearing his head, it left him feeling more confused than before as Finland tried sorting out his feelings.
Things went from bad to worse as the days stretched into weeks. Everyone was miserable and Denmark was especially so. Norway had warned him about butting in, but he felt he knew better, and now his fellow Nordics were barely speaking to each other. There was only so much blustering he could do, and pretending things were alright, before it began to ring hollow. The only one who seemed oblivious to it all was Iceland. Then again, the young Nordic pretty much kept to himself, aside from the occasional visit to his brother, Norway. It was on one such visit, that he noticed something was bothering Denmark.
“What’s up, Den?’ Iceland asked.
“It’s’ wassup,’ Ice.” Denmark grinned at him.
“I don’t care what it is. Did you and my brother have a fight or something?” he asked, getting right to the point. “You two are acting like something died.” Iceland quirked an eyebrow at him and even his pet bird, Mr. Puffin, seemed to be looking at him like he knew something was wrong.
Denmark sighed. “No, but I think I might have done something that got Finn and Sve mad at each other,” he sheepishly admitted.
“Oh.”
“Yeah, I tried fixing things, but it just made it worse.”
Iceland looked thoughtful for a moment. “Why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me what happened.”
“I don’t know, as it is, Norge is pretty mad at me for staring the whole thing. Sve called him the other day to give him hell about it, since Finn moved back into his house.”
“My brother can’t get any angrier than he already is, Den.”
Denmark looked at him like he wanted to believe him. He started to launch into what had happened when Norway came back into the room, three Carlsbergs in hand.
Handing one to his brother, he said, “I think you’ve caused enough trouble, Den, just let it go.”
“Thanks,” Iceland said, “I know he has, but what exactly did he do that was so terrible that everyone is carrying on like something died? Hell, I haven’t seen such long faces, since Finn was forced to go live in Russia’s house and you married Sve.”
Norway sat down, after handing the other beer to Denmark. “He meddled in Sve’s affairs.”
Iceland quirked an eyebrow as he drank his beer.
“All I did was tell Finn exactly how Sve feels about him cause Sve asked me for help,” Denmark said in his defense. “The guy’s dead serious when he calls Finn his wife, so I just spelled things out in a way Finn would understand. Sve’s been lusting after him for centuries, ever since they left my house as a matter of fact and believe it or not, Norge, I just wanted Sve to be happy… Finn too!”
“They were happy just the way they were, Den.” Norway insisted.
“No they weren’t…”
“And you know this how?” Norway drank his beer.
“I just do! They’re practically married, Norge, hell, they’ve got the dog and now the kid, so why not make it official?”
“Sealand is England’s”
“Sealand spends more time with Sve and Finn than he does with England and you know it, Norge!”
Iceland quietly cleared his throat. “I think we need to call a meeting of the Nordic 5. Den, surprising as it sounds,” he smiled at him, “meant well. It’s not his fault Sve’s too shy to act on his feelings and Finn’s developed an independent streak, Norge. Don’t get me wrong, Finn does like Sve just as much Sve likes him; he just doesn’t want to be smothered. Now what exactly did you say to him?’
“I basically told Finn that he makes Sve’s cock hard, so it’s hard for him to talk to him and kinda hinted they should stop playing around and make it official, but Finn insisted they’re just friends.”
Norway heaved a long suffering sigh. “That’s what I was afraid would happen when I told you not to butt in.”
“Norge,” Iceland looked at him brother, “if Finn was just friends with Sve, he wouldn’t be spending every waking moment with him. Finn’s no idiot, if he just wanted to be friends he would have made that clear to Sve ages ago.”
“See?” Denmark said, happy to have an unexpected ally in this mess.
Norway sighed. “I don’t know…”
“You don’t know, because all you have eyes for is Den,” Iceland said. “So I think we should call a meeting and clear the air as I’m tired of looking at you two mooning around like someone stole your Troll.” Ignoring his brother and Denmark, Iceland pulled out his cell phone and dialed.
“What are you doing?” Norway reached for his brother’s phone.
“I’m finishing what Den started.” When Sweden answered, he said into the phone, “Hey, Sve, Ice here. I know it’s short notice, but I needed to call an emergency meeting… Yeah… How soon can you get here? I’m at Den’s house... You’ll come…? Sweet! See you then.” He hung up and called Finland. When he was done, he said with a smile, “They’ll be here in an hour or so.”
“They’re going to be pissed at you too, Ice, when they get here and figure out what you’re doing,” Norway said. He drank another mouthful of beer.
“Then I suggest you put more of Den’s secret stash in the fridge so they’ll be cold when they get here,” Iceland said as he picked up his Carlsberg and drank.
Denmark finished his own beer. Getting up, he headed into the kitchen to do as Iceland suggested.
“He really feels bad about this, doesn’t he?” Iceland said, watching him leave.
“Yeah…” Norway said. “I kinda feel sorry for him. The first time he tries to actually do something right and it goes horribly wrong.” He sighed softly.
Iceland smiled. “Well, he wouldn’t be Den, if there wasn’t some pain and suffering involved. Remember the time he told Russia to lighten up and not try so hard when it came to relationships and nearly started an international incident?”
Norway laughed in spite of himself. “Yeah… It also didn’t help that he told Belarus to lighten up too.”
“I’m not fat! Ivan, does this dress make me look fat?” Denmark said, pitching his voice higher as he tried imitating her and failing badly, when he entered the room, having overheard them. He laughed. “And the cat fight Poland started with her, after Lithuania went to calm her down, was hilarious too!”
Iceland nodded. “You had to admit that was funny! Poor Germany nearly had a stroke when the World 8 meeting turned into a free-for-all.”
“Yeah!” Denmark laughed. “And there was Italy making and handing out white flags, while Germany shouted for order! Damn! That was the best meeting ever, Turkey’s belly dancers at the last meeting not withstanding!”
Norway smiled. “Yeah… Didn’t France and Prussia spend the night with them? Poor Spain, you could see he wanted to as well, but he remained true to his little Romano.”
“Yeah…”
They continued in the same vein, reminiscing about various meetings and good times they had had. By the time Sweden arrived, an hour later, the three Nordics’ spirits had lifted considerably. Handing him a beer, Denmark brought up the time they had found out Iceland was really Norway’s younger brother. When Finland arrived twenty minutes later, even Sweden was smiling.
“So what’s so important we needed an emergency meeting?” Finland asked as he took the only seat left, which happened to be next to Sweden on the sofa. Taking the beer, Denmark handed him, he drank.
“Well, apparently Den got tired of you two,” Iceland pointed his beer at Finland and Sweden, “farting around when it came to your relationship.”
“But…” Finland started.
Sweden could feel his cheeks heating up. He frowned and looked away.
“And-” Iceland said, only to be cut off by Denmark.
“You two like each other, hell, I’d even go so far as to say ‘love each other’ and well, let’s make it official, okay?”
“But…” Finland began again.
“But nothing. Admit it, Finn, you like being his wife. You two set up house together, you’ve got the dog, the kid, the houseful of that god-awful IKEA crap,” Denmark grinned, “complete with a sauna in the backyard, for those times when you want to look at each other naked and sweat. Granted, most people would just do that while having sex, which is a lot more fun by the way, but then again, you two are weird anyways.”
Sweden was not amused and he got up to leave, when he had a sudden urge to punch Denmark in the nose first. He was so angry and embarrassed that he could feel his inner Viking spoiling for a fight as he walked over to him and if it weren’t for the fact that he was not particularly angry with Norway or Iceland, that he restrained himself and glared at the Dane instead.
“You’re right, Den,” Finland said softly. “I do love him and like being his wife.” He got up hurried over to Sweden. Placing his hand on Sweden’s arm, he said, “I tried telling you that, weeks ago, Sve, but you were so upset, that I…”
“’s okay,” Sweden said as he looked over him, Denmark forgotten for the moment. “I was just afraid you were going to say something else,” he said softly.
“If Den hadn’t gotten me thinking,” Finland said as he walked Sweden over to where their coats were hanging up, “I probably would have said something different. But I’m glad he did.” He put on his coat.
Sweden put his coat on as well and nodded. “Then it’s good he did.”
“Yeah…” Finland said as he looked up at Sweden and smiled.
“Why don’t you kiss your wife, Sve, you know you want to!” Denmark called out. He walked over to them, Norway and Iceland, close on his heels.
Sweden merely stared him for several long, tense minutes. Focusing his attention back on Finland, he said, “The meeting’s over, let’s go.”
“Yeah… Bye, guys!” Finland said with a cheery wave.
“Bye!” Norway replied as he saw them out. Closing the door, he turned to see Denmark gloating. “What?”
“Well, that turned out just fine in the end. Hmmm… we’ve got another World 8 meeting in a week, and I was thinking-” Denmark started to say.
“Always a dangerous thing,” Iceland added.
Denmark continued as if he had not been interrupted, “What if I got Germany to finally admit his feelings for Italy? They’re another pair who are ‘married,’ but won’t admit it, right? Then there’s Spain and Romano, England and France, Poland and Lithuania…” He ticked off the couples on his fingers.
“NO!” the two Nordic brothers shouted at him.
“Haven’t you caused enough damage, messing around with Sve and Finn?!” Norway asked.
“But look at how well that turned out, Norge,” Denmark said.
“No, just NO!”
“Yeah, quit while you’re ahead, Den.” Iceland reached for his coat. “The world isn’t ready yet for your amazing matchmaking abilities,” he added dryly.
“You know, you’re right, Icy.”
Iceland nodded and put on his coat. “See you two at the next meeting.”
“Yeah… bye!”
They saw him out. Closing the door, Norway said, “What am I going to do with you?”
Denmark grinned. “Oh, I can think of several things and I promise, no axes, furs, longboats, or goats this time!” he winked.
Norway chuckled as he shook his head. “Only you,” he said as the two of them headed towards their bedroom.
Later that night, Sweden walked hand in hand with Finland towards their home. He would occasionally give his beloved’s hand a gentle squeeze as he looked over at him. He still could not believe that Finland really loved him, but every time the little Finn looked at him and smiled, Sweden wanted to gather him in his arms and kiss him like he meant it.
“Whatchya thinking, Sve?” Finland leaned on him as they walked along.
Sweden stopped and put his arms around him, holding him close. “How much I love you,” he said softly.
“Yeah…?” Finland tilted his face up to look at him.
“Yeah…” Sweden leaned in and kissed him long and hard. He scooped Finland up in his arms and carried him inside their house. “Welcome home, Wife,” he said, a hint of a smile tugging the corners of his mouth upwards. He set Finland down on his feet and closed the door behind them, Hana-Tomago barking excitedly at their return
“It’s good to be home…” Finland said, wrapping his arms around him.
“Yeah…” Sweden said as he leaned in for a kiss.
FILL FOR: lj/cheshirejin
REQUEST #1
CHARACTERS: Nordic 5
FOCUS: Finland, Sweden
RATINGS: OT
NOTES: This was done LJ’s Nordic Julfest. Thanks also to Vexed for looking it over for me!
SUMMARY: Denmark plays matchmaker for Sweden and Finland with disastrous results...
For my friend Jen, who by pure chance gave me a plot bunny she wanted me to write, never realizing I would be using it for this or that I got her as my giftee… ;p
Denmark took a gulp of his coffee, savoring the warmth and the rich, bitter taste. Norway had warned him not to butt in, but he could not help himself, especially since Sweden came to him for help. As much as he and the Swede got on each other’s last nerve at times, they were still good friends and he hated seeing the big lug lusting after Finland and getting nowhere. The fact that Finland also decided to come to him for help, was gravy. In his mind, Denmark took that as a sign he was meant to play matchmaker. Taking another sip of his coffee, and figuring it was now or never, he swallowed his mouthful along with his misgivings. He took a deep breath and just blurted out, “You just don’t get it, do you?” He shook his head at Finland, who gave him a puzzled look. “Well, what do you expect? He’s all tongue-tied and flustered whenever you’re near him. Everything about you, Finn, makes his cock hard, so of course he can’t communicate with you very well, you idiot.”
Finland looked at his coffee and sighed. “I uh… But Sve and I are just friends…” I just wanted to know what was bothering him… I had no idea that’s what it was… What am I going to do now…?
“Oh… You just like him as a friend?” It was Denmark’s turn to sigh. Things were not turning out as planned and he could hear Norway in his head telling him, “I told you so!” Still, Denmark was nothing if not persistent. He was going to get his two friends together if it killed him. As far as Denmark was concerned, they were meant for each other, but Finland just didn’t know that. He just had to get him to see the error of his ways. How he was going to do that, Denmark had not figured out yet, then again, “winging it” had a certain appeal to it. He drank another mouthful of coffee while he tried to think of something, but all he could think of involved dressing Finland up in a plain black dress and sticking a high, ribbon festooned crown on his head like a typical Swedish bride.
“Yeah…” Finland frowned and drank his coffee. Denmark’s little revelation had got him thinking too. Out of all his friends, and especially his fellow Nordics, Sweden was the one whose company he enjoyed the most. So much so, that he and Sweden had taken up spending time in each other’s homes to the point of moving in. In his head, good friends did that, but apparently in Sweden’s head only lovers did that. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more Finland began to realize that Sweden’s hopes had taken on an air of reality and the poor guy was probably tongue-tied because he was afraid he would wake up and it would have been all just a dream. Maybe I should never have gone to him with my problem… Finland thought as Denmark’s words rang in his head again. Now that I know, I can’t unknow it… Perkele! Why’d you have to tell me that, Den…? How can we still be friends…? How can I look at Sve now, when all I want is friendship and knowing he wants more…? Finland’s expression became more and more pensive as he thought it over.
Denmark took a deep breath, puffing his cheeks out; and slowly exhaled. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him… Now I don’t know if I did the right thing or not… But if there’s one thing I do know, those two are meant for each other…
Finland picked up his coffee cup and drank the last mouthful. “I’m sorry, Den, but I really need to get going.”
Denmark nodded. “Yeah, me too. This was fun; we should do it again sometime.” He smiled, and fishing out his wallet, he took out a few bills to pay for their coffee. When Finland started to protest, he added. “My treat.”
“Thanks, Den.”
“Don’t mention it. Just promise me, you’ll give what I said some thought…?” Denmark looked hopefully at him.
“I will.”
“Good… I mean, I just want to see you happy, Finn.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.”
Denmark nodded as they both got up to go. He hoped he did the right thing by telling Finland, but as they went their separate ways, he felt a small kernel of nagging doubt gnawing at him. That kernel blossomed into full blown doubt by the time he reached his home. It was not helped by the look on Norway’s face when he greeted him.
“You told him, didn’t you?” Norway said as he hung up Denmark’s coat for him.
“Yeah…” Denmark admitted sheepishly. “I couldn’t help it, Norge. Those two are meant for each other! They’re practically married anyway, so why not make it official?”
Norway sighed. “Because maybe all Finn wants out of it is just friendship. What if you ruined that by telling him how Sve feels about him?”
“I don’t think I’ve ruined a thing, Norge,” Demark said as they walked into the living room and sat down. “Finn really and truly likes him too; he just hasn’t realized that yet.”
“I hope you’re right,” Norway said. “And what’s this about being practically married? Sure they spend a lot of time together, but it’s as friends, Den.”
Denmark just looked at him sighed. I know… “Maybe I should call Sve and let him know I spoke to Finn about things.”
“Just don’t get his hopes up any higher than they already are, Den.”
“Right…” Denmark said as he fished his cell phone out of his pocket. Flipping it open, he dialed his fellow Nordic’s phone number. Here goes nothing… he thought as he waited for Sweden to pick up.
When Finland got home, he was greeted by Hana-Tomago. After taking his coat off and hanging it up, he knelt to pet the little white dog. Standing up, the two of them headed towards the kitchen. While he puttered around, making dinner, Denmark’s words replayed themselves over and over again in Finland’s head.
“You just don’t get it, do you? Well, what do you expect? He’s all tongue-tied and flustered whenever you’re near him. Everything about you, Finn, makes his cock hard, so of course he can’t communicate with you very well, you idiot.”
Finland put the meatballs in the oven to brown, before cleaning up his mess. As he washed the dishes he had used, he suddenly realized just how right about things Denmark was. While a part of him was flattered to think Sweden found him extremely attractive, a part of him was a little frightened at the prospect of being in a relationship. Finland had always valued his freedom, something that was very apparent from his days of living in Russia’s house, and he wondered how much freedom he would be giving up if he decided to take things in the direction Sweden apparently longed for. He looked at Hana-Tomago as if she could help him.
“Den told me Sve likes me as something more than just a friend and I…” Finland sighed. “What would you do, Hana-Tomago, if you were me?” he asked the little white dog.
Hearing her name, she barked and wagged her tail at him.
“I know, but he is kinda scary…” Finland replied. “But he’s also very gentle and sweet and kind and as America always says, a ‘keeper.’” He smiled ruefully at the dog. “And he’s never, ever done anything to hurt me… Even though I had no trouble at all living in Russia’s house, he still spent the whole time worrying about me…” Finland reached for the clean bowl, and began drying it with a dishtowel. “Am I being silly?”
Hana-Tomago barked.
“I guess maybe I am…” Finland put the bowl away. “I know I have nothing to worry about, but I just can’t help wondering if maybe Den got it all wrong.” He sighed. Then what do I do… Things are awkward enough between us at the best of times… What if “my wife” is just a stupid pet name he calls me for whatever silly reason he has…?
Across town, Sweden was looking over the plans for the new furniture line, when he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Quickly taking it out, he looked at the number to see who was calling. The sharp pang of worry he felt, as no one called him at work unless it was an emergency, was quickly replaced by curiosity when he realized it was Denmark, who was calling. He answered his phone. “Hi, Den.”
“Hey, Sve, it’s me, Den!”
Sweden sighed. “I know. What’s the matter?” he asked, coming quickly to the point.
“I ummm… I saw Finn today.”
“Yeah?”
“And we had a nice long talk about you…”
“You did?” Sweden could not keep the surprise he felt out of his voice. “And…?’ he prompted.
“I think he likes you…”
“Oh…” Whatever possessed you to go bother him about it…? I know I asked you for help in sorting this out, but this is not what I expected you to do… Tusan också! Sweden frowned.If you screwed this up, Den, I’ll kill you!
“I know, I’m sorry to call you at work about that, but do you think we could meet later, say… after dinner? You know, and talk about it?”
“Don’t think so. I’m having dinner with Finland.”
“Oh… okay… well, I think he likes you.”
“You just said that.”
He heard Denmark laugh. “So I did… but I think he does… I just think he hasn’t realized it yet, so give him time to come around, okay, Sve?”
“Is that all? I’m still at work and I’m busy.”
“Sorry… I’ll catch you another time, okay?”
“Sure… Bye, Den.”
“Bye…”
Sweden hung up and put his phone away. Taking off his glasses, he rubbed tiredly at his forehead. He had a horrible feeling that Denmark had somehow messed up what little he had between himself and Finland, and he did not know whether to be angry or sad he had lost the best thing he had going in his life. Putting his glasses back on, he went back to work. He figured the quicker he finished it, the quicker he could go home and do damage control.
Back at home, Denmark stared at his phone, before putting it away.
“I told you to stay out of it,” Norway said softly.
“I know, Norge, and even though it looks bad, I’ve got a gut feeling this is going to all work out.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Den,” Norway said, “but don’t be surprised if they wind up growing farther apart.”
“Uh… Norge, if that does happen, not saying it will, but do you think your troll buddy could knock some sense into them…?”
Norway simply folded his arms across his chest, giving him “The Look.”
Denmark laughed mirthlessly. “I didn’t think so.”
When Sweden arrived home an hour later, he was pleasantly surprised to see Finland and Hana-Tomago greeting him at the door like always. A part of him hoped that the cute little Finn had taken whatever nonsense Denmark had spouted at him as just that; nonsense. He could feel himself relaxing as much as he did around the object of his desire as he hung up his coat and by the time they had wandered into the kitchen for dinner, Sweden was convinced his misgivings were all for nothing.
Dinner was a pleasant affair, Finland having made his favorite meal of meatballs, mashed potatoes, and turnips. His beloved even made vispipuuro for dessert. Sweden loved the whipped, sweet porridge, especially when it was made with lingonberries and topped with fresh cream and sugar. Things were going perfectly and Sweden was about to suggest an after dinner sauna when Finland said something that made him pause as his fears all came home to roost.
“I met Den for coffee this afternoon.”
“Yeah?” Sweden tried to sounds casual as he could, but he was sure he looked as strained as his voice sounded.
“Yeah…” Finland said with a smile. “We talked about a lot of things; you know catching up on things since we last saw each other at the World Eight meeting. He and Norge are doing good and Ice too.”
Sweden nodded as he tried to eat his vispipuuro like Finland meeting up with Denmark was no big deal, which it normally was, but now, Sweden was not so sure. Denmark had told him they had spoken, mainly about him and his relationship with his beloved Finn, and Sweden was beginning to regret ever coming to the boisterous Dane for help.
“Den also mentioned you.”
Sweden paused with his spoon in midair as he looked at his beloved. “Yeah?” he forced himself to say after what felt like an eternity.
Finland nodded. “Yeah… and I-” Finland felt his cheeks heating up.
Sweden put his spoon down. “It’s alright,” he blurted out and unable to deal with his shattered hopes, he added, his words coming out in a rush, “If you’ll excuse me? Sorry, I can’t help you clean up… my head hurts.”
Finland, who felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment, nodded. “Feel better, Sve.”
“Thanks.” Sweden got up and without another word, he left the kitchen. He felt so stupid for asking Denmark’s help and he felt his whole world crashing down around his ears. My beloved little Wife, hates me… why couldn’t I just be satisfied with just being friends…? Disgusted with himself, he climbed the stairs to second floor and headed towards his room. Once inside, he flopped down on bed, feeling lonelier than he had been in his life.
Downstairs, Finland fed the dog. Now what…? I guess Den was right; he does love me, but… But do I love him enough to really be his wife…? His mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts and emotions, Finland went through the motions of tidying up the remains of their dinner. He wanted to go in the sauna to clear his head as he sweated out the cares of the day, but somehow, that did not seem as much fun solo as it was when Sweden was there. He looked down at Hana-Tomago. Maybe a walk with her will clear my head so I can figure out what to do… The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you, Sve… “Come, Hana-Tomago! Let’s go out for a walk.”
The little white dog barked and pranced excitedly as they headed towards the front door. Once Finland got his coat on, they left. The two of them walked around the block, Finland lost in thought as he followed Hana-Tomago. Instead of clearing his head, it left him feeling more confused than before as Finland tried sorting out his feelings.
Things went from bad to worse as the days stretched into weeks. Everyone was miserable and Denmark was especially so. Norway had warned him about butting in, but he felt he knew better, and now his fellow Nordics were barely speaking to each other. There was only so much blustering he could do, and pretending things were alright, before it began to ring hollow. The only one who seemed oblivious to it all was Iceland. Then again, the young Nordic pretty much kept to himself, aside from the occasional visit to his brother, Norway. It was on one such visit, that he noticed something was bothering Denmark.
“What’s up, Den?’ Iceland asked.
“It’s’ wassup,’ Ice.” Denmark grinned at him.
“I don’t care what it is. Did you and my brother have a fight or something?” he asked, getting right to the point. “You two are acting like something died.” Iceland quirked an eyebrow at him and even his pet bird, Mr. Puffin, seemed to be looking at him like he knew something was wrong.
Denmark sighed. “No, but I think I might have done something that got Finn and Sve mad at each other,” he sheepishly admitted.
“Oh.”
“Yeah, I tried fixing things, but it just made it worse.”
Iceland looked thoughtful for a moment. “Why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me what happened.”
“I don’t know, as it is, Norge is pretty mad at me for staring the whole thing. Sve called him the other day to give him hell about it, since Finn moved back into his house.”
“My brother can’t get any angrier than he already is, Den.”
Denmark looked at him like he wanted to believe him. He started to launch into what had happened when Norway came back into the room, three Carlsbergs in hand.
Handing one to his brother, he said, “I think you’ve caused enough trouble, Den, just let it go.”
“Thanks,” Iceland said, “I know he has, but what exactly did he do that was so terrible that everyone is carrying on like something died? Hell, I haven’t seen such long faces, since Finn was forced to go live in Russia’s house and you married Sve.”
Norway sat down, after handing the other beer to Denmark. “He meddled in Sve’s affairs.”
Iceland quirked an eyebrow as he drank his beer.
“All I did was tell Finn exactly how Sve feels about him cause Sve asked me for help,” Denmark said in his defense. “The guy’s dead serious when he calls Finn his wife, so I just spelled things out in a way Finn would understand. Sve’s been lusting after him for centuries, ever since they left my house as a matter of fact and believe it or not, Norge, I just wanted Sve to be happy… Finn too!”
“They were happy just the way they were, Den.” Norway insisted.
“No they weren’t…”
“And you know this how?” Norway drank his beer.
“I just do! They’re practically married, Norge, hell, they’ve got the dog and now the kid, so why not make it official?”
“Sealand is England’s”
“Sealand spends more time with Sve and Finn than he does with England and you know it, Norge!”
Iceland quietly cleared his throat. “I think we need to call a meeting of the Nordic 5. Den, surprising as it sounds,” he smiled at him, “meant well. It’s not his fault Sve’s too shy to act on his feelings and Finn’s developed an independent streak, Norge. Don’t get me wrong, Finn does like Sve just as much Sve likes him; he just doesn’t want to be smothered. Now what exactly did you say to him?’
“I basically told Finn that he makes Sve’s cock hard, so it’s hard for him to talk to him and kinda hinted they should stop playing around and make it official, but Finn insisted they’re just friends.”
Norway heaved a long suffering sigh. “That’s what I was afraid would happen when I told you not to butt in.”
“Norge,” Iceland looked at him brother, “if Finn was just friends with Sve, he wouldn’t be spending every waking moment with him. Finn’s no idiot, if he just wanted to be friends he would have made that clear to Sve ages ago.”
“See?” Denmark said, happy to have an unexpected ally in this mess.
Norway sighed. “I don’t know…”
“You don’t know, because all you have eyes for is Den,” Iceland said. “So I think we should call a meeting and clear the air as I’m tired of looking at you two mooning around like someone stole your Troll.” Ignoring his brother and Denmark, Iceland pulled out his cell phone and dialed.
“What are you doing?” Norway reached for his brother’s phone.
“I’m finishing what Den started.” When Sweden answered, he said into the phone, “Hey, Sve, Ice here. I know it’s short notice, but I needed to call an emergency meeting… Yeah… How soon can you get here? I’m at Den’s house... You’ll come…? Sweet! See you then.” He hung up and called Finland. When he was done, he said with a smile, “They’ll be here in an hour or so.”
“They’re going to be pissed at you too, Ice, when they get here and figure out what you’re doing,” Norway said. He drank another mouthful of beer.
“Then I suggest you put more of Den’s secret stash in the fridge so they’ll be cold when they get here,” Iceland said as he picked up his Carlsberg and drank.
Denmark finished his own beer. Getting up, he headed into the kitchen to do as Iceland suggested.
“He really feels bad about this, doesn’t he?” Iceland said, watching him leave.
“Yeah…” Norway said. “I kinda feel sorry for him. The first time he tries to actually do something right and it goes horribly wrong.” He sighed softly.
Iceland smiled. “Well, he wouldn’t be Den, if there wasn’t some pain and suffering involved. Remember the time he told Russia to lighten up and not try so hard when it came to relationships and nearly started an international incident?”
Norway laughed in spite of himself. “Yeah… It also didn’t help that he told Belarus to lighten up too.”
“I’m not fat! Ivan, does this dress make me look fat?” Denmark said, pitching his voice higher as he tried imitating her and failing badly, when he entered the room, having overheard them. He laughed. “And the cat fight Poland started with her, after Lithuania went to calm her down, was hilarious too!”
Iceland nodded. “You had to admit that was funny! Poor Germany nearly had a stroke when the World 8 meeting turned into a free-for-all.”
“Yeah!” Denmark laughed. “And there was Italy making and handing out white flags, while Germany shouted for order! Damn! That was the best meeting ever, Turkey’s belly dancers at the last meeting not withstanding!”
Norway smiled. “Yeah… Didn’t France and Prussia spend the night with them? Poor Spain, you could see he wanted to as well, but he remained true to his little Romano.”
“Yeah…”
They continued in the same vein, reminiscing about various meetings and good times they had had. By the time Sweden arrived, an hour later, the three Nordics’ spirits had lifted considerably. Handing him a beer, Denmark brought up the time they had found out Iceland was really Norway’s younger brother. When Finland arrived twenty minutes later, even Sweden was smiling.
“So what’s so important we needed an emergency meeting?” Finland asked as he took the only seat left, which happened to be next to Sweden on the sofa. Taking the beer, Denmark handed him, he drank.
“Well, apparently Den got tired of you two,” Iceland pointed his beer at Finland and Sweden, “farting around when it came to your relationship.”
“But…” Finland started.
Sweden could feel his cheeks heating up. He frowned and looked away.
“And-” Iceland said, only to be cut off by Denmark.
“You two like each other, hell, I’d even go so far as to say ‘love each other’ and well, let’s make it official, okay?”
“But…” Finland began again.
“But nothing. Admit it, Finn, you like being his wife. You two set up house together, you’ve got the dog, the kid, the houseful of that god-awful IKEA crap,” Denmark grinned, “complete with a sauna in the backyard, for those times when you want to look at each other naked and sweat. Granted, most people would just do that while having sex, which is a lot more fun by the way, but then again, you two are weird anyways.”
Sweden was not amused and he got up to leave, when he had a sudden urge to punch Denmark in the nose first. He was so angry and embarrassed that he could feel his inner Viking spoiling for a fight as he walked over to him and if it weren’t for the fact that he was not particularly angry with Norway or Iceland, that he restrained himself and glared at the Dane instead.
“You’re right, Den,” Finland said softly. “I do love him and like being his wife.” He got up hurried over to Sweden. Placing his hand on Sweden’s arm, he said, “I tried telling you that, weeks ago, Sve, but you were so upset, that I…”
“’s okay,” Sweden said as he looked over him, Denmark forgotten for the moment. “I was just afraid you were going to say something else,” he said softly.
“If Den hadn’t gotten me thinking,” Finland said as he walked Sweden over to where their coats were hanging up, “I probably would have said something different. But I’m glad he did.” He put on his coat.
Sweden put his coat on as well and nodded. “Then it’s good he did.”
“Yeah…” Finland said as he looked up at Sweden and smiled.
“Why don’t you kiss your wife, Sve, you know you want to!” Denmark called out. He walked over to them, Norway and Iceland, close on his heels.
Sweden merely stared him for several long, tense minutes. Focusing his attention back on Finland, he said, “The meeting’s over, let’s go.”
“Yeah… Bye, guys!” Finland said with a cheery wave.
“Bye!” Norway replied as he saw them out. Closing the door, he turned to see Denmark gloating. “What?”
“Well, that turned out just fine in the end. Hmmm… we’ve got another World 8 meeting in a week, and I was thinking-” Denmark started to say.
“Always a dangerous thing,” Iceland added.
Denmark continued as if he had not been interrupted, “What if I got Germany to finally admit his feelings for Italy? They’re another pair who are ‘married,’ but won’t admit it, right? Then there’s Spain and Romano, England and France, Poland and Lithuania…” He ticked off the couples on his fingers.
“NO!” the two Nordic brothers shouted at him.
“Haven’t you caused enough damage, messing around with Sve and Finn?!” Norway asked.
“But look at how well that turned out, Norge,” Denmark said.
“No, just NO!”
“Yeah, quit while you’re ahead, Den.” Iceland reached for his coat. “The world isn’t ready yet for your amazing matchmaking abilities,” he added dryly.
“You know, you’re right, Icy.”
Iceland nodded and put on his coat. “See you two at the next meeting.”
“Yeah… bye!”
They saw him out. Closing the door, Norway said, “What am I going to do with you?”
Denmark grinned. “Oh, I can think of several things and I promise, no axes, furs, longboats, or goats this time!” he winked.
Norway chuckled as he shook his head. “Only you,” he said as the two of them headed towards their bedroom.
Later that night, Sweden walked hand in hand with Finland towards their home. He would occasionally give his beloved’s hand a gentle squeeze as he looked over at him. He still could not believe that Finland really loved him, but every time the little Finn looked at him and smiled, Sweden wanted to gather him in his arms and kiss him like he meant it.
“Whatchya thinking, Sve?” Finland leaned on him as they walked along.
Sweden stopped and put his arms around him, holding him close. “How much I love you,” he said softly.
“Yeah…?” Finland tilted his face up to look at him.
“Yeah…” Sweden leaned in and kissed him long and hard. He scooped Finland up in his arms and carried him inside their house. “Welcome home, Wife,” he said, a hint of a smile tugging the corners of his mouth upwards. He set Finland down on his feet and closed the door behind them, Hana-Tomago barking excitedly at their return
“It’s good to be home…” Finland said, wrapping his arms around him.
“Yeah…” Sweden said as he leaned in for a kiss.
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Date: 2012-12-10 05:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-12-10 09:17 pm (UTC)