Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [6b/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 04:46:49 UTC
They make good time to the lake and better time still getting the boat unloaded. After unpacking their fishing poles and disembarking, the sky is a hazy purple, just enough light to illuminate the water, a thin layer of stubborn fog blanketing the whole valley. It’s still early and they are the only ones out in the small lake. Mathias is sure that will change later, but for the moment, he enjoys the comfortable stillness.
They row in silence until the boat reaches the center of the lake and Berwald drops their weight while Mathias begins stringing their hooks. “S’going t’be a nice day,” the Swede muses, brushing off his hands.
Mathias nods in agreement and hands him one of the poles. “Should be another warm one. It’s weird. I can’t remember the last time we had this many sunny days in a row.”
Berwald chuckles and baits his hook. “S’your own fault fer livin’ in Copenhagen. Might ‘s well live ‘n a rain cloud.”
“Ohh, like Stockholm is any better,” Mathias huffs and casts his line into the water, the stillness of the water finally broken by the soft whizzing of the lure as it sails through the air. Berwald follows suit a moment later and drops his line on the opposite side of the boat.
Mathias sighs contentedly. He takes in the crisp morning air greedily. He has never been quite as out-doorsey as Niels, but if there is anything he can appreciate, it’s the way the air smells in the early morning; it’s still clean and the silence of the morning only enhances how pure it feels when it rushes into his lungs. He takes a few more deep breaths and rubs inattentively at his chest. It’s starting to feel sore again.
He sits back to back with Berwald for a long time in an easy quietness. After a while, (he isn’t sure how long; he’s purposefully left his watch at home.) Berwald turns to him.
“Tino ‘n me were thinkin’ of takin’ Peter camping ‘n a few weeks.”
Mathias hums. “Yeah? Where are you going?”
Berwald shrugs. “’m not sure yet. Maybe hikin’ or down to th’ peninsula. Y’want t’ join us?”
Mathias nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! If you can swing it so that it falls on a weekend, I’d love to. I’m sure it’d make Niels happy too. It’s been forever since we’ve been hiking. And Eirik never passes up an opportunity to hang out with Peter.”
Berwald smirks. “Y’gotta get that kid outta th’ house more. ‘S gonna be as afraid of moose as ‘is father if y’don’t.”
Mathias frowns and throws the plastic bait lid at him. “Hey! That was one time! And it was only because it snuck up on me.”
Berwald chuckles and swats the lid away before it can hit him.
“Oh, but hey, did I tell you?” He shifts slightly so he can face the Swede easier. “He’s got a crush on one of his schoolmates.”
Berwald raises a curious eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Yep. He was picking her flowers and everything. He won’t tell us who it is, but Niels thinks we’ll be able to spot her at the parent teacher conference on Monday.” He sighs wistfully and leans back. “Ah, young love.” He nudges Berwald. “Remember when we were that little?”
Berwald tugs at his line. “’m surprised you do with how often y’knocked yerself in th’ head.”
“Hey!” Mathias laughs, “Man, you’re mean today.”
Berwald chuckles. “Nah, ‘m in a good mood.” He transfers his fishing rod into one hand and rummages through his pocket. “Do y’mind if I smoke?”
He blinks. “Nah, man, go for it.”
Berwald taps a cigarette out and places it between his lips before patting his pockets. “Hng. Damn, fergot m’matches. Y’got a light?”
Mathias nods and digs his lighter from his jeans pocket. He tosses it to Berwald who catches it effortlessly. While the other lights his smoke, Mathias laughs quietly. Berwald takes a long drag and hands him his lighter back.
“’s so funny?”
Mathias shakes his head. “Nothin’. I’m just remembering when we used to gang up on Arthur when we were little.”
Berwald smirks. “An’ he’s still mad about it too.”
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [6c/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 04:48:33 UTC
Mathias pauses before laughing again. “That’s incredible.” He turns and punches the Swede’s shoulder lightly. “Ooh, remember the time in high school when we hid his homework in the girls locker room?”
Berwald laughs lowly. “An’ he went in t’get it with ‘is hands ov’r his eyes?”
“And he ran straight into Elizabeta!” Mathias howls with laughter, Berwald chuckling and shaking his head. “Oh man, that was the greatest. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tenth grader with his underwear that far up his ass.” He wipes his eyes, still laughing. “Hot damn. Elizabeta was a cool chick. We should look her up sometime.”
Berwald shrugs. “Y’know, I used t’have a crush on her ‘n high school.”
Mathias grins hugely. “Get the fuck outta here. You had a thing for the Hungarian chick?”
Berwald nods.
“No way, dude, that’s hilarious. Did you ever hook up with her?”
Berwald laughs lowly. “Tried t’ask her out ‘n home-ec class.”
“And she said no?”
“No,” Berwald shakes his head. “I tried t’be suave ‘bout it. Took off m’glasses ‘n tried to brush ‘er hair back.”
“Missed ‘r hair ‘n grabbed ‘r chest. She hit me with th’ fryin’ pan.”
Mathias gapes at him for a moment before bursting out in hysterical laughter. He clutches his chest breathlessly. “You’re a regular Don Juan, Ber!” He claps his brother on the back. “You get an ‘A’ for effort, but man, do you ever fail the execution.”
Berwald chuckles. “Least I got some.” He elbows Mathias in the ribs. “Unlike some people.”
Mathias huffs indignantly. “Ooh, shut it, Romeo. I got plenty of tail in high school. Did I ever tell you about the time I hooked up with that kid from Estonia? He-whoa!” Mathias’ free hand flies to his fishing rod just as it jerks forward violently. “Oh, dude, I’ve got one!”
He pulls back on the pole. “Hoooo, it’s a big one too!” The rod strains as he slowly reels it in, the line groaning with the effort. Berwald crushes his cigarette out and snatches the net from the bottom of the boat and shifts so that it dangles over the side, waiting for Mathias who, after a moment, manages to yank the flailing fish from the water. It strains and wriggles, trying desperately to get back into the lake, its strong struggles sending splashes of water into the boat. Mathias hauls the line back up again and hollers victoriously when he manages to successfully drop it into the net. “Got him!”
Berwald twists the net opening closed while Mathias clips his line. The fish flounders uselessly for a few moments before going still and claps triumphantly. “Hah!”
Berwald pries the hook loose out of the fish’s mouth and transfers it out of the net and into the cooler. He turns back to Mathias, smirking. “Yer soaked.”
Mathias blinks and checks his coat sleeve, which is indeed dripping wet. He groans. “Well, good thing it’s going to be warm this afternoon.”
“Small victories.” Berwald digs through their bags hands Mathias the thermos of hot coffee. “Warm up. Niels’ll be mad ‘f I bring y’back sick.”
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [6d/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 04:50:09 UTC
After he towels off and takes a few long drinks, Berwald hands him a new hook and he re-casts his line and the two settle back into comfortable silence. The sun has fully raised, fog finally burned away, and more fishers have started to load their boats into the water. Mathias sighs, grinning, and leans back, his shoulders thudding into Berwald’s.
“How long has it been since we did this?” He smiles. “Just us, I mean.”
Berwald shrugs. “S’been a while.”
“What’s up with that?” He elbows the Swede playfully. “I don’t get to see my baby brother enough.”
Berwald rolls his eyes, but nods. “W’should do it more often.”
Mathias sighs again and turns back to the water. “Definitely. This is fun, I’m glad we came.”
Berwald smiles.
“M’ too.”
--
We’ve officially entered the Negaverse, my friends. Sweden is willingly hanging out with Denmark and making plans to do it again. As with the last chapter, there is something in this part there is glaringly wrong with the situation, though it slightly more subtle than the last.
Aw, man. I wish Denmark and Sweden bro-out time was canon. It’s so cute.
Anyhow, I may or may not have more up tonight! It might be kinda busy at work tonight, so I'm not sure if I'll have time to write or not. I'll do my best though!
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [6d/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 05:38:36 UTC
Sick of you? Never! Keep going, keep going. This Negaverse is a fun place to be. Alternatively, damn Denmark. Your fantasies really highlight how depressing your life actually is.
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [6d/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 05:50:49 UTC
Happiest nation on Earth?
Only when people are looking.
I've always sort of had this idea Denmark is really happy on the surface, but then is very vulnerable and lonely when he isn't maintaining a happy face. Poor guy. :(
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [6d/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 05:47:41 UTC
Anon, this story is turning out so amazing! I adore the fluffy, AU dream, but then I remember back to the actual story and it makes me sad! I love it so far!
I'm also amazed that you chose the same human name for Ice that my sister and I had decided on!
Why on earth would I be sick of you, author!anon? You're giving me a wonderful fill that's everything I could have hoped for! The tone is perfect and you don't hammer it into our heads that there's something inherently wrong about Denmark's dreams but let us pick up on it ourselves. And of course, the true pathos of the story is that the nature of Denmark's dreams alone reveal just how far removed his real life is from the life he truly wants. I never considered Denmark as a possibility for this fill when I first typed up the prompt, but now that I really think about it, what better nation to base the story around than the nation who's supposed to be the happiest one in the world (similar to how Superman is the man who's supposed to have everything)?
I'm not quite as sure about what's glaringly wrong in this part, but I get the distinct impression that Sweden is being a bit too open and talkative with Denmark. Not as blatant as Iceland's "cheerful child" characterization in the previous part, but still pretty noticeable. Denmark is probably the sort of person who'd want his family and friends to be as open and laidback with him as possible.
When I saw your prompt, I immediately went to Denmark, haha. I've been collecting fanart of the Nordics since they were introduced, and it seems that in most of the fanworks, Denmark is always very cheerful while the rest of them are just really irritated with him most of the time, or at least very removed from him. And since the Nordics are the only characters that we've ever really seen interact with him, it makes me think they're his only real friends, which would make him extremely emotionally attached to them, but miserable at the same time since they obviously don't return the feelings. I think the cheerfulness is genuine, but still sort of his way of coping.
Pfff, I'm putting way too much thought into this.
In terms of the weird parts to this chapter, there are two things wrong with Sweden: one, he's speaking in nearly complete sentences. He's still the same mumbling Berwald that Denmark knows and loves, but it's actually understandable. The second is that he is smoking, which is just out of character. (At least I think so, bahahah.)
It's not nearly as busy as I thought it would be tonight, so I should have another chapter up late tonight. Glad you're still digging it!
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7a/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 17:02:28 UTC
Back again. Oh lordy, this is turning into a beast of a fic. I had only planned on a oneshot at first, haha.
Just for some preemptive clarification, this chapter is happening at the same time as the previous two, just in the real world instead of Denmark’s head. So, technically, we’re back tracking a bit. But not very much, I promise!
My beta also asked my why I’m not using their human names except for in the dream sequences. This is because I wanted to make a clear distinction between the two settings: real life, where they are nations, and dreamscapes, where they are humans. I’m sorry if that confused anyone!
Norway spends a long time just watching Denmark sleep. He does his best to remain passive, his hands planted firmly in his lap and his mouth fixed in a bored line, but he can’t help the way his stomach flips every time the Black Mercy forces it’s slippery tendrils further into Denmark’s unaware body. Most of his upper chest is covered by a twisted network of the thick tentacles, some above the skin, criss-crossing each other and doubling back to grasp under his ribcage at his back; others burrowed deep and sliding easily beneath the pliant flesh. Several of them have worked up into his neck but stop under his chin except for one, which remains curled in his cheek, feathered and bowing like a small, thin fern.
Disturbing as it is, Norway is more perturbed by way the heart monitor occasionally picks up. Over the past few hours, it has sped up alarmingly several times, but only for a few seconds before once again dropping back to the same steady beat. The first time it had happened, it had startled Norway to his feet, quite anxious, but a quick look over had shown no change in the comatose Dane. The second time, he had perked up hopefully, taking it to possibly be a good sign, but was unsurprised to find that it was another false call. The third time, he was able to ignore it.
Mostly.
He sighs and re-crosses his legs for what must be the hundredth time. Iceland had returned only once to inform him that he was heading back to Sweden and Finland’s hotel for the night. He invited Norway to join them as well, but he declined.
“Just in case he wakes up,” he had said. “Someone will have to drive him home.”
Iceland had raised an eyebrow at that, but didn’t question it and wished him luck. Part of Norway had been angry with them for leaving, but he could hardly blame them. Iceland had spent the night on the couch in the hospital lobby and Sweden and Finland had spent the entire night just getting to the hospital with a restless child. It still annoyed him all the same, however. He didn’t like the fact that he was the only one bothering to stay other than the nations working with the hospital staff like Japan.
Norway sighs and sits up in his chair. He isn’t sure how long he’s been sitting there just listening to the heart monitor, but it’s starting to take its toll on his back, a dull ache that’s settled into his shoulders.
”Hey, Norge! Wassamatter? Does your back hurt? Come over here, I’ll rub it for you!”
He shakes his head and gets to his feet. He’s knows that he’s clearly been awake for too long when he starts remembering dumb things the Dane has said that can relate to the situation. He lifts his arms above his head and stretches, sags in relief when his spine pops loudly. As he stands still, he realizes just how quiet it really is in the room. It unnerves him slightly, all things considered, and he turns so that he can look down into the plexiglass case.
Nothing is different. Same stupid Dane, same disgusting, black, pulsing mass.
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7b/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 17:03:58 UTC
He exhales loudly. “What did you do to yourself, you idiot?” He mutters, leaning his elbow against the case. Below him, the Black Mercy continues to beat and Denmark’s eyes continue to twitch and flutter, completely silent and still. Norway taps the clear top impatiently.
“For heavens sake, Denmark, would you please shut up for once? I’m trying to read.”
Norway scowls at his reflection in the glass. He’s never seen the Dane hold still for this long and there is something somehow wrong about it. During meetings, he picks at his fingers and chews on his pens. When he reads, he bounces his knee or taps his foot. Even when he sleeps, Denmark moves constantly; shifting, turning, and stretching his arms out to grasp at the empty space on the bed until he inevitably wakes up late. Norway hates rooming with him during conferences because the consistent movement keeps him up all night.
But now, as he studies the Dane’s stony face, the stillness just makes him feel awkward. Even excluding the quivering alien mass on his chest, it just seems eerie.
Norway sighs again and glances at the door behind him. It’s been hours since he’s last seen Japan, but the small nation has always knocked before entering. He turns back to the case and continues to tap his finger against it. Had he been conscious, Norway is certain the action would annoy the easily distractible Dane.
“It’s your own fault,” he mumbles, drumming his fingers a little harder. “Payback for always bothering Sealand’s goldfish.” He glares at Denmark through the glass. The sleeping man’s hair has long since lost it’s usual body and has fallen limply across his forehead, fanning out around the electrical nodes and brushing over his twitching eyelids. Norway scowls. “Moron,” he huffs. “You can’t even remember to get your hair cut regularly.” He sighs and glances again at the door. “I guess it can’t be helped.”
He pulls back from the case and hesitantly places his hands into the thick gloves hanging from the side of the plexiglass, carefully pushing his arms through the sealed opening. He pauses for a moment and peers at the Black Mercy warily. It doesn’t seem to mind his intrusion just yet, but he remembers Japan’s warning about getting too close and nimbly moves his hands away from the Dane’s writhing torso up to his head. He hesitates as his fingers hover over Denmark’s serene face.
“You’d make fun of me for this if you were awake,” he grumbles, but nonetheless gently places his fingers over Denmark’s face and carefully brushes his hair off of his forehead, cautiously avoiding the slim tendril that’s worked it’s way into the sleeping blonde’s cheek. “As soon as you’re up, I’m going to shave that stupid head of yours.” He repeats the action, tucking the uncharacteristically tame blonde locks behind Denmark’s ear. He cocks his head slightly when he still receives no response. He nearly wishes he didn’t have to wear the thick gloves, simply so that he could feel Denmark’s breath on his arm. Some reassurance other than the monotone beeping of the machines hooked up to him. He sighs irritably. “Might as well. You’re probably going bald already anyways. You-”
He stops abruptly and yanks his hands out of the case. He shoves his hands into his pockets and goes back to his uncomfortable plastic chair, mentally kicking himself.
He had been stroking Denmark’s hair without realizing it.
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7c/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 17:05:18 UTC
He glares at the glass case from his position beside it. He shakes his head and begins to silently chastise himself when a soft knocking resounds through the room and Japan trudges inside, eyes bagged and face haggard.
“Good evening, Norway-san,” he greets blearily and offers a small smile.
Norway stands up again and nods. “You look exhausted. Have you slept at all?”
Japan scratches his head sheepishly. “I have not. There are more pressing matters to attend to.” He sets down his clipboard and moves to one of the machines at Denmark’s bedside. “Has there been any change?” He asks as he swiftly replaces a bag of clear fluid.
Norway shakes his head. “Not really…” he points to the heart monitor. “His heart sped up a few times for a few seconds, but that’s it.”
Japan clicks his tongue, disappointed. “I see. Well, I do have some good news. America and England have just arrived and are on their way to now. America’s brought some specialists in alien studies and England has several of his most prestigious doctors.” He offers a small smile. “Denmark-san will be in good hands.
Norway nods. “Thank you.” He watches as Japan moves to the head of the case, peering inside. “Is there anything new?”
Japan presses a gloved hand against the glass, leaning forward and squinting against the slight glare from the lights. “There is quite a lot that is new. How much of it will prove to be useful, I am afraid I do not know yet. They are planning a laser removal trial for the morning.”
Norway pulls a hand through his hair. “They can’t try it sooner?”
Japan shakes his head. He’s still staring intently at Denmark. “I am afraid not. We are preparing the necessary equipment, but it will still not be ready until the morning.”
“Is there anything that they can do to expedite the-”
Japan holds up a hand to stop him, still peering in the case. “Norway-san, I apologize to interrupt you, but…you did say that there was no change over the last several hours, correct?”
Norway steps forward curiously. “Yes…he hasn’t moved at all. Why?”
Japan straightens up and motions for Norway to look.
“He is crying.”
Norway’s eyebrows shoot up and he quickly moves to stand next to the smaller man, pressing a hand to the glass and staring in.
Denmark’s face is the same as before, still stock still and ashen, but a slow, steady stream of tears have began to slip out of the corners of each eye, clinging to his chin before releasing and coming to rest in small pools under his head.
Japan grabs the clipboard and scribbles something down. “Perhaps we were incorrect in our theory of sleep paralysis?” He glances at Norway. “If that is the case, then I would imagine he is in a great deal of pain.”
Norway shakes his head slowly, eyes still locked with the silent tears. “I don’t think that’s it…” he says quietly. “I’ve known Denmark for a very long time. He’s been shot, stabbed, stoned…Prussia impaled him once. He’s never once cried over an injury.” He straightens slightly. “In fact, this is only the second time I’ve ever seen him cry in the hundreds of years that we’ve known each other.”
Japan blinks curiously. “When was the first time?”
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7d/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 17:06:16 UTC
Japan hums thoughtfully. “Do you suppose he is having a nightmare?”
Norway shrugs. “Maybe?”
Japan sets the clipboard down. “Let me call the doctors that are monitoring his brain activity from upstairs. They may have new information for us.” He moves away to stand by the door again, taking the mounted phone off the hook with a tiny click.
While Japan speaks quietly into the receiver, Norway continues to stare at Denmark’s still falling tears. It’s even more unnerving than his lack of physical activity. He sighs deeply and pinches the bridge of his nose; he’s having unpleasant flashbacks to their past.
Japan appears at his side once again. He looks perplexed. “It is…definitely not what I was expecting.”
“What is it?”
Japan motions to Denmark. “Fifteen minutes ago, he had a huge surge in endorphin levels. There’s so much activity going on in his brain, if I did not know better, I would assume that he was wide awake.” He turns to Norway. “He is not having a nightmare. He is having a very good, very lucid dream.”
Norway blinks. “So, why is he crying then?”
Japan shakes his head. “I do not know. You know him better than I, Norway-san. What could possibly make him so happy that he would be moved to tears?”
“Good night, Niels.”
Niels exhales slowly and rolls over to wrap his arms around Mathias’ torso. Once he’s resettled himself, he leans in and gently presses his lips to the Dane’s chest, above his heart.
“I love you,” he mumbles sleepily.
Norway crosses his arms and glances back down at Denmark.
“I…don’t know….”
--
A/N: Whoarrrg, sorry that ended so suddenly. I’m falling asleep at my computer. :V Updates will be a little slower over the next two days since I will be out of my house, but I should still have at least one chapter a day up if I can find the time to write.
Also, I have a question for the OP! I have several ideas for an ending; one good, one angst riddled and awful. Is there a particular way you’d like to see the story end? I suppose I could always just write both endings, but I figured I ought to see if you had any preferences.
Excellent characterization of Norway. I loved the way he showed his concern about Denmark and how he got embarrassed when he realized that he was petting Denmark's head. It's the little moments like these that make me smile even with the larger plot unfolding in Denmark's head.
Then I got to the "crying out of pure happiness" part and I went ;_; once again. Dramatic irony at its finest. I wish I could say more about this part, but really, the most meaningful thing I have to say is that I'm still loving this fill and the way you're writing the characters.
As for the ending, I'd much prefer a happy or at least semi-positive one (because Superman did at least get that with his friends rescuing him, right?), but if you really believe that an angsty one would make for a better ending, go for it! I may be the OP, but in the end, I'm not the one writing the story and coming up with all these great ideas for it.
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7d/??]
anonymous
February 18 2010, 21:33:17 UTC
Oh anon, my heart. I just read all of this so far in one shot after having eyed this fic on the fills list for a few days, and I'm very glad that I did. Your characterization of Denmark is unexpected but excellent, and the same goes for Norway, really. Denmark's heart's desire makes perfect sense, and you've left me wondering if other nations ever want the same - to just be able to lead simple lives, the way their people do, without all the complications that nationhood brings.
Great job. I'll definitely be checking back for more.
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7d/??]
anonymous
February 19 2010, 02:04:09 UTC
*sob* I don't read much stuff about the Nordics, but goddamn this is awesome. I love you for this, Anon, and your writing-- and writing pace-- is absolutely amazing. Here, have my heart. <3
Re: A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes [7d/??]
anonymous
February 19 2010, 05:12:10 UTC
Please say Tony was the specialist on alien studies that Japan was talking about! Also, the fluff is killing me, in a good way. Don't stop writing this!
They row in silence until the boat reaches the center of the lake and Berwald drops their weight while Mathias begins stringing their hooks. “S’going t’be a nice day,” the Swede muses, brushing off his hands.
Mathias nods in agreement and hands him one of the poles. “Should be another warm one. It’s weird. I can’t remember the last time we had this many sunny days in a row.”
Berwald chuckles and baits his hook. “S’your own fault fer livin’ in Copenhagen. Might ‘s well live ‘n a rain cloud.”
“Ohh, like Stockholm is any better,” Mathias huffs and casts his line into the water, the stillness of the water finally broken by the soft whizzing of the lure as it sails through the air. Berwald follows suit a moment later and drops his line on the opposite side of the boat.
Mathias sighs contentedly. He takes in the crisp morning air greedily. He has never been quite as out-doorsey as Niels, but if there is anything he can appreciate, it’s the way the air smells in the early morning; it’s still clean and the silence of the morning only enhances how pure it feels when it rushes into his lungs. He takes a few more deep breaths and rubs inattentively at his chest. It’s starting to feel sore again.
He sits back to back with Berwald for a long time in an easy quietness. After a while, (he isn’t sure how long; he’s purposefully left his watch at home.) Berwald turns to him.
“Tino ‘n me were thinkin’ of takin’ Peter camping ‘n a few weeks.”
Mathias hums. “Yeah? Where are you going?”
Berwald shrugs. “’m not sure yet. Maybe hikin’ or down to th’ peninsula. Y’want t’ join us?”
Mathias nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! If you can swing it so that it falls on a weekend, I’d love to. I’m sure it’d make Niels happy too. It’s been forever since we’ve been hiking. And Eirik never passes up an opportunity to hang out with Peter.”
Berwald smirks. “Y’gotta get that kid outta th’ house more. ‘S gonna be as afraid of moose as ‘is father if y’don’t.”
Mathias frowns and throws the plastic bait lid at him. “Hey! That was one time! And it was only because it snuck up on me.”
Berwald chuckles and swats the lid away before it can hit him.
“Oh, but hey, did I tell you?” He shifts slightly so he can face the Swede easier. “He’s got a crush on one of his schoolmates.”
Berwald raises a curious eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Yep. He was picking her flowers and everything. He won’t tell us who it is, but Niels thinks we’ll be able to spot her at the parent teacher conference on Monday.” He sighs wistfully and leans back. “Ah, young love.” He nudges Berwald. “Remember when we were that little?”
Berwald tugs at his line. “’m surprised you do with how often y’knocked yerself in th’ head.”
“Hey!” Mathias laughs, “Man, you’re mean today.”
Berwald chuckles. “Nah, ‘m in a good mood.” He transfers his fishing rod into one hand and rummages through his pocket. “Do y’mind if I smoke?”
He blinks. “Nah, man, go for it.”
Berwald taps a cigarette out and places it between his lips before patting his pockets. “Hng. Damn, fergot m’matches. Y’got a light?”
Mathias nods and digs his lighter from his jeans pocket. He tosses it to Berwald who catches it effortlessly. While the other lights his smoke, Mathias laughs quietly. Berwald takes a long drag and hands him his lighter back.
“’s so funny?”
Mathias shakes his head. “Nothin’. I’m just remembering when we used to gang up on Arthur when we were little.”
Berwald smirks. “An’ he’s still mad about it too.”
“For real?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Reply
Berwald laughs lowly. “An’ he went in t’get it with ‘is hands ov’r his eyes?”
“And he ran straight into Elizabeta!” Mathias howls with laughter, Berwald chuckling and shaking his head. “Oh man, that was the greatest. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tenth grader with his underwear that far up his ass.” He wipes his eyes, still laughing. “Hot damn. Elizabeta was a cool chick. We should look her up sometime.”
Berwald shrugs. “Y’know, I used t’have a crush on her ‘n high school.”
Mathias grins hugely. “Get the fuck outta here. You had a thing for the Hungarian chick?”
Berwald nods.
“No way, dude, that’s hilarious. Did you ever hook up with her?”
Berwald laughs lowly. “Tried t’ask her out ‘n home-ec class.”
“And she said no?”
“No,” Berwald shakes his head. “I tried t’be suave ‘bout it. Took off m’glasses ‘n tried to brush ‘er hair back.”
Mathias leans forward, grinning expectantly. “Oh no…”
“Missed ‘r hair ‘n grabbed ‘r chest. She hit me with th’ fryin’ pan.”
Mathias gapes at him for a moment before bursting out in hysterical laughter. He clutches his chest breathlessly. “You’re a regular Don Juan, Ber!” He claps his brother on the back. “You get an ‘A’ for effort, but man, do you ever fail the execution.”
Berwald chuckles. “Least I got some.” He elbows Mathias in the ribs. “Unlike some people.”
Mathias huffs indignantly. “Ooh, shut it, Romeo. I got plenty of tail in high school. Did I ever tell you about the time I hooked up with that kid from Estonia? He-whoa!” Mathias’ free hand flies to his fishing rod just as it jerks forward violently. “Oh, dude, I’ve got one!”
He pulls back on the pole. “Hoooo, it’s a big one too!” The rod strains as he slowly reels it in, the line groaning with the effort. Berwald crushes his cigarette out and snatches the net from the bottom of the boat and shifts so that it dangles over the side, waiting for Mathias who, after a moment, manages to yank the flailing fish from the water. It strains and wriggles, trying desperately to get back into the lake, its strong struggles sending splashes of water into the boat. Mathias hauls the line back up again and hollers victoriously when he manages to successfully drop it into the net. “Got him!”
Berwald twists the net opening closed while Mathias clips his line. The fish flounders uselessly for a few moments before going still and claps triumphantly. “Hah!”
Berwald pries the hook loose out of the fish’s mouth and transfers it out of the net and into the cooler. He turns back to Mathias, smirking. “Yer soaked.”
Mathias blinks and checks his coat sleeve, which is indeed dripping wet. He groans. “Well, good thing it’s going to be warm this afternoon.”
“Small victories.” Berwald digs through their bags hands Mathias the thermos of hot coffee. “Warm up. Niels’ll be mad ‘f I bring y’back sick.”
The Dane takes the coffee and nods. “Thanks.”
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“How long has it been since we did this?” He smiles. “Just us, I mean.”
Berwald shrugs. “S’been a while.”
“What’s up with that?” He elbows the Swede playfully. “I don’t get to see my baby brother enough.”
Berwald rolls his eyes, but nods. “W’should do it more often.”
Mathias sighs again and turns back to the water. “Definitely. This is fun, I’m glad we came.”
Berwald smiles.
“M’ too.”
--
We’ve officially entered the Negaverse, my friends. Sweden is willingly hanging out with Denmark and making plans to do it again. As with the last chapter, there is something in this part there is glaringly wrong with the situation, though it slightly more subtle than the last.
Aw, man. I wish Denmark and Sweden bro-out time was canon. It’s so cute.
Anyhow, I may or may not have more up tonight! It might be kinda busy at work tonight, so I'm not sure if I'll have time to write or not. I'll do my best though!
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Only when people are looking.
I've always sort of had this idea Denmark is really happy on the surface, but then is very vulnerable and lonely when he isn't maintaining a happy face. Poor guy. :(
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I'm also amazed that you chose the same human name for Ice that my sister and I had decided on!
captcha: possible feeling Awwww! ;_;
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I'm not quite as sure about what's glaringly wrong in this part, but I get the distinct impression that Sweden is being a bit too open and talkative with Denmark. Not as blatant as Iceland's "cheerful child" characterization in the previous part, but still pretty noticeable. Denmark is probably the sort of person who'd want his family and friends to be as open and laidback with him as possible.
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Pfff, I'm putting way too much thought into this.
In terms of the weird parts to this chapter, there are two things wrong with Sweden: one, he's speaking in nearly complete sentences. He's still the same mumbling Berwald that Denmark knows and loves, but it's actually understandable. The second is that he is smoking, which is just out of character. (At least I think so, bahahah.)
It's not nearly as busy as I thought it would be tonight, so I should have another chapter up late tonight. Glad you're still digging it!
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Just for some preemptive clarification, this chapter is happening at the same time as the previous two, just in the real world instead of Denmark’s head. So, technically, we’re back tracking a bit. But not very much, I promise!
My beta also asked my why I’m not using their human names except for in the dream sequences. This is because I wanted to make a clear distinction between the two settings: real life, where they are nations, and dreamscapes, where they are humans. I’m sorry if that confused anyone!
Norway spends a long time just watching Denmark sleep. He does his best to remain passive, his hands planted firmly in his lap and his mouth fixed in a bored line, but he can’t help the way his stomach flips every time the Black Mercy forces it’s slippery tendrils further into Denmark’s unaware body. Most of his upper chest is covered by a twisted network of the thick tentacles, some above the skin, criss-crossing each other and doubling back to grasp under his ribcage at his back; others burrowed deep and sliding easily beneath the pliant flesh. Several of them have worked up into his neck but stop under his chin except for one, which remains curled in his cheek, feathered and bowing like a small, thin fern.
Disturbing as it is, Norway is more perturbed by way the heart monitor occasionally picks up. Over the past few hours, it has sped up alarmingly several times, but only for a few seconds before once again dropping back to the same steady beat. The first time it had happened, it had startled Norway to his feet, quite anxious, but a quick look over had shown no change in the comatose Dane. The second time, he had perked up hopefully, taking it to possibly be a good sign, but was unsurprised to find that it was another false call. The third time, he was able to ignore it.
Mostly.
He sighs and re-crosses his legs for what must be the hundredth time. Iceland had returned only once to inform him that he was heading back to Sweden and Finland’s hotel for the night. He invited Norway to join them as well, but he declined.
“Just in case he wakes up,” he had said. “Someone will have to drive him home.”
Iceland had raised an eyebrow at that, but didn’t question it and wished him luck. Part of Norway had been angry with them for leaving, but he could hardly blame them. Iceland had spent the night on the couch in the hospital lobby and Sweden and Finland had spent the entire night just getting to the hospital with a restless child. It still annoyed him all the same, however. He didn’t like the fact that he was the only one bothering to stay other than the nations working with the hospital staff like Japan.
Norway sighs and sits up in his chair. He isn’t sure how long he’s been sitting there just listening to the heart monitor, but it’s starting to take its toll on his back, a dull ache that’s settled into his shoulders.
”Hey, Norge! Wassamatter? Does your back hurt? Come over here, I’ll rub it for you!”
He shakes his head and gets to his feet. He’s knows that he’s clearly been awake for too long when he starts remembering dumb things the Dane has said that can relate to the situation. He lifts his arms above his head and stretches, sags in relief when his spine pops loudly. As he stands still, he realizes just how quiet it really is in the room. It unnerves him slightly, all things considered, and he turns so that he can look down into the plexiglass case.
Nothing is different. Same stupid Dane, same disgusting, black, pulsing mass.
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“For heavens sake, Denmark, would you please shut up for once? I’m trying to read.”
Norway scowls at his reflection in the glass. He’s never seen the Dane hold still for this long and there is something somehow wrong about it. During meetings, he picks at his fingers and chews on his pens. When he reads, he bounces his knee or taps his foot. Even when he sleeps, Denmark moves constantly; shifting, turning, and stretching his arms out to grasp at the empty space on the bed until he inevitably wakes up late. Norway hates rooming with him during conferences because the consistent movement keeps him up all night.
But now, as he studies the Dane’s stony face, the stillness just makes him feel awkward. Even excluding the quivering alien mass on his chest, it just seems eerie.
Norway sighs again and glances at the door behind him. It’s been hours since he’s last seen Japan, but the small nation has always knocked before entering. He turns back to the case and continues to tap his finger against it. Had he been conscious, Norway is certain the action would annoy the easily distractible Dane.
“It’s your own fault,” he mumbles, drumming his fingers a little harder. “Payback for always bothering Sealand’s goldfish.” He glares at Denmark through the glass. The sleeping man’s hair has long since lost it’s usual body and has fallen limply across his forehead, fanning out around the electrical nodes and brushing over his twitching eyelids. Norway scowls. “Moron,” he huffs. “You can’t even remember to get your hair cut regularly.” He sighs and glances again at the door. “I guess it can’t be helped.”
He pulls back from the case and hesitantly places his hands into the thick gloves hanging from the side of the plexiglass, carefully pushing his arms through the sealed opening. He pauses for a moment and peers at the Black Mercy warily. It doesn’t seem to mind his intrusion just yet, but he remembers Japan’s warning about getting too close and nimbly moves his hands away from the Dane’s writhing torso up to his head. He hesitates as his fingers hover over Denmark’s serene face.
“You’d make fun of me for this if you were awake,” he grumbles, but nonetheless gently places his fingers over Denmark’s face and carefully brushes his hair off of his forehead, cautiously avoiding the slim tendril that’s worked it’s way into the sleeping blonde’s cheek. “As soon as you’re up, I’m going to shave that stupid head of yours.” He repeats the action, tucking the uncharacteristically tame blonde locks behind Denmark’s ear. He cocks his head slightly when he still receives no response. He nearly wishes he didn’t have to wear the thick gloves, simply so that he could feel Denmark’s breath on his arm. Some reassurance other than the monotone beeping of the machines hooked up to him. He sighs irritably. “Might as well. You’re probably going bald already anyways. You-”
He stops abruptly and yanks his hands out of the case. He shoves his hands into his pockets and goes back to his uncomfortable plastic chair, mentally kicking himself.
He had been stroking Denmark’s hair without realizing it.
Practically petting him.
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“Good evening, Norway-san,” he greets blearily and offers a small smile.
Norway stands up again and nods. “You look exhausted. Have you slept at all?”
Japan scratches his head sheepishly. “I have not. There are more pressing matters to attend to.” He sets down his clipboard and moves to one of the machines at Denmark’s bedside. “Has there been any change?” He asks as he swiftly replaces a bag of clear fluid.
Norway shakes his head. “Not really…” he points to the heart monitor. “His heart sped up a few times for a few seconds, but that’s it.”
Japan clicks his tongue, disappointed. “I see. Well, I do have some good news. America and England have just arrived and are on their way to now. America’s brought some specialists in alien studies and England has several of his most prestigious doctors.” He offers a small smile. “Denmark-san will be in good hands.
Norway nods. “Thank you.” He watches as Japan moves to the head of the case, peering inside. “Is there anything new?”
Japan presses a gloved hand against the glass, leaning forward and squinting against the slight glare from the lights. “There is quite a lot that is new. How much of it will prove to be useful, I am afraid I do not know yet. They are planning a laser removal trial for the morning.”
Norway pulls a hand through his hair. “They can’t try it sooner?”
Japan shakes his head. He’s still staring intently at Denmark. “I am afraid not. We are preparing the necessary equipment, but it will still not be ready until the morning.”
“Is there anything that they can do to expedite the-”
Japan holds up a hand to stop him, still peering in the case. “Norway-san, I apologize to interrupt you, but…you did say that there was no change over the last several hours, correct?”
Norway steps forward curiously. “Yes…he hasn’t moved at all. Why?”
Japan straightens up and motions for Norway to look.
“He is crying.”
Norway’s eyebrows shoot up and he quickly moves to stand next to the smaller man, pressing a hand to the glass and staring in.
Denmark’s face is the same as before, still stock still and ashen, but a slow, steady stream of tears have began to slip out of the corners of each eye, clinging to his chin before releasing and coming to rest in small pools under his head.
Japan grabs the clipboard and scribbles something down. “Perhaps we were incorrect in our theory of sleep paralysis?” He glances at Norway. “If that is the case, then I would imagine he is in a great deal of pain.”
Norway shakes his head slowly, eyes still locked with the silent tears. “I don’t think that’s it…” he says quietly. “I’ve known Denmark for a very long time. He’s been shot, stabbed, stoned…Prussia impaled him once. He’s never once cried over an injury.” He straightens slightly. “In fact, this is only the second time I’ve ever seen him cry in the hundreds of years that we’ve known each other.”
Japan blinks curiously. “When was the first time?”
“When the Kalmar Union was dissolved.”
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Norway shrugs. “Maybe?”
Japan sets the clipboard down. “Let me call the doctors that are monitoring his brain activity from upstairs. They may have new information for us.” He moves away to stand by the door again, taking the mounted phone off the hook with a tiny click.
While Japan speaks quietly into the receiver, Norway continues to stare at Denmark’s still falling tears. It’s even more unnerving than his lack of physical activity. He sighs deeply and pinches the bridge of his nose; he’s having unpleasant flashbacks to their past.
Japan appears at his side once again. He looks perplexed. “It is…definitely not what I was expecting.”
“What is it?”
Japan motions to Denmark. “Fifteen minutes ago, he had a huge surge in endorphin levels. There’s so much activity going on in his brain, if I did not know better, I would assume that he was wide awake.” He turns to Norway. “He is not having a nightmare. He is having a very good, very lucid dream.”
Norway blinks. “So, why is he crying then?”
Japan shakes his head. “I do not know. You know him better than I, Norway-san. What could possibly make him so happy that he would be moved to tears?”
“Good night, Niels.”
Niels exhales slowly and rolls over to wrap his arms around Mathias’ torso. Once he’s resettled himself, he leans in and gently presses his lips to the Dane’s chest, above his heart.
“I love you,” he mumbles sleepily.
Norway crosses his arms and glances back down at Denmark.
“I…don’t know….”
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A/N: Whoarrrg, sorry that ended so suddenly. I’m falling asleep at my computer. :V Updates will be a little slower over the next two days since I will be out of my house, but I should still have at least one chapter a day up if I can find the time to write.
Also, I have a question for the OP! I have several ideas for an ending; one good, one angst riddled and awful. Is there a particular way you’d like to see the story end? I suppose I could always just write both endings, but I figured I ought to see if you had any preferences.
Good night, everyone!
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Then I got to the "crying out of pure happiness" part and I went ;_; once again. Dramatic irony at its finest. I wish I could say more about this part, but really, the most meaningful thing I have to say is that I'm still loving this fill and the way you're writing the characters.
As for the ending, I'd much prefer a happy or at least semi-positive one (because Superman did at least get that with his friends rescuing him, right?), but if you really believe that an angsty one would make for a better ending, go for it! I may be the OP, but in the end, I'm not the one writing the story and coming up with all these great ideas for it.
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Great job. I'll definitely be checking back for more.
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