Nordic outing.
anonymous
April 13 2009, 19:17:38 UTC
Author!Anon thanks the OP for such a kick-ass prompt. ;D I took a slightly more northern look at this. Uh, might be a bit more centered on Finland, actually. Anyway.
- - -
They didn't know who found out first, who was alarmed first. Finland and Sweden woke up to someone at the door and within the next hour they were whisked away by some official people, as were Sealand and Hana-Tamago after brief and tearful (on Sealand's part) farewells.
Neither nation had much time to talk about the matter with the other. Most of the time during their journey to Stockholm (a conference was being prepared, they were told) was spent talking frantically with their bosses over the phone. They did find out, however, that this was more or less an international exposure, and that all the Nordic countries had been called to the conference.
After too many flights and phone calls and too few hours they were ushered into an official building under heavy guard. Finland briefly glimpsed a crowd of press and regular citizens gathered outside the building. Inside they were shown into separate dressing rooms and presented with sensible suits. A press conference, they were told, with all their bosses present and a limited access of press. Nothing big, but the public needed to be informed and all that jazz. Finland nodded nervously and solemnly followed the officials around the building.
He was shown into a secluded area, where all other nations were already waiting. Everyone was in sombre suits, with a matching expression. Sweden was sitting down, even more quiet than usually. Norway loitered around the doorway, trying to listen on to what was going on outside the room. Iceland stood still, leaning against a wall, and watched Denmark pacing around the room. Said nation stopped for a while when Finland entered and gave him an extremely forced smile. Finland nodded politely and moved to sit next to Sweden, trying to catch his eyes but not succeeding.
There was a heavy silence.
"Oh, man," Denmark said, stretching. "Ya know, if I was a sissy like ya guys I'd say I'm scared."
"Denmark," Sweden said, seriously. "Please. Not now."
Finland had expected a smart retort. When none came he looked up, and was shocked see Denmark standing still, his face even paler than usually. There wasn't even a hint of humour in his expression. Finland and Norway exchanged looks.
"It'll be all right, Den," Norway said soothingly. "We can trust our people, after all."
They all gave quiet nods at this, hoping it to hold true. "And at any case," Iceland spoke up, "it's not like we're in the US, or anything."
Finland gave a small, sympathetic shudder at this. "Oh god. I wonder how they're holding up over there. How everyone else is doing."
They fell into a deep silence after this, everyone's thoughts no doubt wandering around the world, trying to get a hold on what was happening. After a few long minutes a group of officials burst into the room and told them to get ready. Finland finally managed to catch Sweden's eyes as the man stood up and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. He didn't quite smile, but Finland thought he saw something calming down in Sweden's eyes.
"Oh, and Sweden," Denmark said as they were walking out. "Whatever you do, don't call Finland your wife."
All other nations gave a small, nervous laugh. Sweden grunted. "Shut 't."
- - -
Might write the actual press conference later if I have the time and my headache goes away. @___@
Nordic outing. Part II - The Conference.
anonymous
April 13 2009, 23:12:59 UTC
[Yay, painkillers. ;) Here's the rest of it. And man, this was fun to write.]
- - -
The second they stepped out they were greeted by an array of flashlights and excited murmur. Finland concentrated on deep breaths and on walking and standing straight as he took his place. Their bosses sat by a table, their respective nations standing behind them. This made Finland uneasy: if only he could sit down this would be so much easier.
The first minutes that it took to calm down the press swept by Finland in a blur. He was already feeling hot in his suit, light-headed from the flashing lights. It wasn't until Sweden discreetly nudged his side that he realised he was meant to introduce himself.
"U-Uhm. Tino Väinämöinen. Finland." His voice sounded so tinny in his ears.
It was easy to see which nationality each member of the press was. Accents aside, they all stared at his or her respective nation with a mixture of wonder and suspicion. Of course, surely not all of them even believed this yet. And they were all so young in appearance. The first question was therefore of no surprise.
"Are you people serious with this personification thing? Our nation is hundreds of years old, but they look just normal young men!" More flashes and their bosses hurried to answer.
"They are anthropomorphic personifications. So while their appearance is human, they... well, they aren't quite human. They don't age normally."
"Does that mean they are immortal?" asked another journalist. "Or are they reincarnated if they die?"
"We... aren't sure about that. The former is probably closer to the truth, but our respective nations' personifications are the first and only ones according to their word."
Immortal? Finland glanced to his neighbouring nations and determining from their looks every single one was thinking of a certain member of the Weillschmidt family, who most certainly had seemingly survived from death. But onwards. The questions were fired practically without any pauses.
Where did they come from? No one exactly knew. How did they find others of their kind? Did they participate in leading the country's politics? Were they responsible for such and such historical event?
Finland winced when some of the questions acquired quite an accusing edge. It felt unnecessary to dig up such old and painful memories. Denmark and Sweden especially were looking uncomfortable, and tried to answer the questions directed to them as simply and neutrally as possible. And then the focus turned on Finland.
"Excuse me, Mr. Väinämöinen. Finland," said a journalist, unsure what title to use. Finland turned to her and instinctively knew he was looking at his own citizen. "Is your... I mean. Your arm. I'm sure you know how it's said Finland lost her-- its-- um, arm during the Continuation War. Did this really... happen to you?"
Finland blinked. Then he unsurely raised both his arms to show that they were, indeed, quite intact. The journalist hesitated. "Then, what happened to you during the war?" she continued.
He lowered his hands again and swallowed a few times, thinking over his words before speaking. "I... I just. Bled. I... We feel pain. And we can be hurt. And war leaves scars on all of us." He glanced at his neighbours. "I just carry mine." He wasn't used to press talk. He hoped keeping the answers vague and neutral would be enough to satisfy their curiosity.
For the moment the questions were directed away from him again. Finland watched everyone in the room, wondering just how much information about them had leaked to the public. Their briefing had been exactly that, brief. They couldn't wait for the rumours to circulate and get out of control, so it had been of first importance to prepare a gathering like this.
But it seemed rumours had already reached the public.
"What about inter-country relations? There has been gossip about the... personifications having personal relationships with each other?"
All five nations were shocked into rigidity by this question. Finland scanned the crowd and cursed inwardly. The yellow press was there. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.
Nordic outing. Part III - The Conference - final.
anonymous
April 13 2009, 23:15:06 UTC
Their bosses harrumphed and stuttered at this, waving their hands about and saying things like irrelevant and hearsay and privacy. Finland felt every single bead of sweat that inched down his neck.
"Then what's this talk about our nations sharing a house?" He out loud jumped at the accusing question. He looked out for Sweden and caught his eyes, the other nation looking just as worried as he felt. Their bosses talked over each other, each trying to smooth over the matter as quickly as possible. "Why won't you let them answer themselves?"
And suddenly all flashes were pointed at the two of them, every single pair of eyes fixed on them. Finland was sure he'd faint. ... I can't. I can't possibly talk like this. But he found out he didn't have to. Next to him he heard Sweden clearing his throat, trying to find the correct words (like that wasn't difficult enough for him already).
"Fin 'nd me... W' sh'red a house a long t'me 'go," Sweden said, trying to pronounce each word as clearly as possible. "'n we were s'parat'd f'r s'me t'me. B't we stuck tog'ther." It took a while from the press to absorb this statement.
"But why must Finland still stay with Sweden? We have been independent for almost a hundred years already, we don't need Sweden's reign anymore!" Finland closed his eyes. No, no. They're getting the whole thing wrong. "You aren't planning on reclaiming Finland as yours, are you?"
The last question roused protests even from the press itself as Swedish journalists tried to deny the accusation, and Finland looked at Sweden with horror. The taller nation looked more worried than ever and turned to the other Nordic countries, but no one could come up with anything to stop the small riot forming in the audience.
"T-That's not it..." Finland said quietly, but only the few persons closest to him could hear. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before repeating the statement. "THAT'S NOT IT!"
The room quietened down considerably. Finland gasped for breath and continued. "I-It's true. T-That me and Su-- Berw-- Sweden share a house. B-But that's..." He goddamn blushed. "That's just our personal decision. There are no strings attached. We just... like each other. Each other's company."
A quiet murmur began again. Sweden and Finland both stood staring at their feet while the other nations looked from one to another, bewildered.
"Then, does that mean..." A journalist hesitantly stood up to address the nations, "... that our nation's personification... that some personifications... are homosexual?"
The noise level of the room was rising again. Denmark sighed, rolling his eyes. "Well, most of us prefer to switch from time to time..." he said, then 'oww'-ed when both Sweden and Norway simultaneously elbowed him in the ribs.
The little order that had remained in the conference was quickly falling apart, and it was clear none of the nations themselves seemed very interested in trying to restore it. Denmark was all but leering at Norway now, and though Finland couldn't hear his exact words, the furious blush on the smaller nation's face was telltale enough. Finland turned to Sweden, who was looking down at him with a very strange expression. The expression dissolved into a small smile as Sweden leaned closer to talk to him.
"That w's one outing, I'll s'y." Finland blushed.
"Well, they shouldn't have said such rude things about you..." he muttered. Sweden's eyes twinkled.
"'f course," he said. "Th'nks."
Finland lowered his eyes. "Don't mention--" he managed to get out before he was cut off.
By lips.
By Sweden's lips.
Behind the raging thunder of his heartbeat Finland could just make out the astounded shouts of the press and their bosses, and above them Denmark's raucous laughter and catcalls, and only wondered if he could beat England's scandalous tabloids with this.
Re: Nordic outing. Part III - The Conference - final.
anonymous
April 14 2009, 00:52:49 UTC
I have no words to tell you how much I love this fill, how awesome it was, how amazing the fact that there was a PRESS CONFERENCE was, so you'll have to settle for my applause. Trust me. I'm clapping right now, even though you can't see me.
OP materializes~!
anonymous
April 14 2009, 04:25:14 UTC
Hee the Nordics~ My roots are Finnish so I am definitely pleased that someone wrote about this lot. ♥
And good on you! You're the first author!anon to specifically address "inter-country relations" (winkwink nudgenudge) and how the press/public may react to them - so I was extremely pleased reading this~! I especially loved Denmark in this and the fact that they actually held a news conference and that last remark at England and - oh there's too much to name!
Ha ha and you're very right about it probably being worse in America - the paparazzi can be vicious! Though English paparazzi can be quite relentless, too~
Anyways, your writing style is very lovely and so much fun and I instantly wanted more even though I knew it was done!
So, thank you wonderful author!anon for such a gratifying fill~ ♥ ♥ ♥
Re: Nordic outing. Part III - The Conference - final.
anonymous
April 14 2009, 09:56:53 UTC
LOLZ!
This is great. The press conference probably seemed such a good idea at the time too...
Denmark sighed, rolling his eyes. "Well, most of us prefer to switch from time to time..." he said, then 'oww'-ed when both Sweden and Norway simultaneously elbowed him in the ribs.
Haha. Since the nordic countries are usually pretty far ahead in equality and homosexual rights, I wonder how they'll react to this? Some will probably be proud and some *shakes head* oh dear.
Re: Nordic outing. Part III - The Conference - final.
anonymous
April 15 2009, 07:17:11 UTC
Wow, that was great. I really loved the range of questions the press had, I think they reflect how people would really react to the idea that their country had an immortal personification. It does make me wonder, however, how the other nations are fairing, assuming they had to go though similar experiences with the press. Thanks!
- - -
They didn't know who found out first, who was alarmed first. Finland and Sweden woke up to someone at the door and within the next hour they were whisked away by some official people, as were Sealand and Hana-Tamago after brief and tearful (on Sealand's part) farewells.
Neither nation had much time to talk about the matter with the other. Most of the time during their journey to Stockholm (a conference was being prepared, they were told) was spent talking frantically with their bosses over the phone. They did find out, however, that this was more or less an international exposure, and that all the Nordic countries had been called to the conference.
After too many flights and phone calls and too few hours they were ushered into an official building under heavy guard. Finland briefly glimpsed a crowd of press and regular citizens gathered outside the building. Inside they were shown into separate dressing rooms and presented with sensible suits. A press conference, they were told, with all their bosses present and a limited access of press. Nothing big, but the public needed to be informed and all that jazz. Finland nodded nervously and solemnly followed the officials around the building.
He was shown into a secluded area, where all other nations were already waiting. Everyone was in sombre suits, with a matching expression. Sweden was sitting down, even more quiet than usually. Norway loitered around the doorway, trying to listen on to what was going on outside the room. Iceland stood still, leaning against a wall, and watched Denmark pacing around the room. Said nation stopped for a while when Finland entered and gave him an extremely forced smile. Finland nodded politely and moved to sit next to Sweden, trying to catch his eyes but not succeeding.
There was a heavy silence.
"Oh, man," Denmark said, stretching. "Ya know, if I was a sissy like ya guys I'd say I'm scared."
"Denmark," Sweden said, seriously. "Please. Not now."
Finland had expected a smart retort. When none came he looked up, and was shocked see Denmark standing still, his face even paler than usually. There wasn't even a hint of humour in his expression. Finland and Norway exchanged looks.
"It'll be all right, Den," Norway said soothingly. "We can trust our people, after all."
They all gave quiet nods at this, hoping it to hold true. "And at any case," Iceland spoke up, "it's not like we're in the US, or anything."
Finland gave a small, sympathetic shudder at this. "Oh god. I wonder how they're holding up over there. How everyone else is doing."
They fell into a deep silence after this, everyone's thoughts no doubt wandering around the world, trying to get a hold on what was happening. After a few long minutes a group of officials burst into the room and told them to get ready. Finland finally managed to catch Sweden's eyes as the man stood up and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. He didn't quite smile, but Finland thought he saw something calming down in Sweden's eyes.
"Oh, and Sweden," Denmark said as they were walking out. "Whatever you do, don't call Finland your wife."
All other nations gave a small, nervous laugh. Sweden grunted. "Shut 't."
- - -
Might write the actual press conference later if I have the time and my headache goes away. @___@
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- - -
The second they stepped out they were greeted by an array of flashlights and excited murmur. Finland concentrated on deep breaths and on walking and standing straight as he took his place. Their bosses sat by a table, their respective nations standing behind them. This made Finland uneasy: if only he could sit down this would be so much easier.
The first minutes that it took to calm down the press swept by Finland in a blur. He was already feeling hot in his suit, light-headed from the flashing lights. It wasn't until Sweden discreetly nudged his side that he realised he was meant to introduce himself.
"U-Uhm. Tino Väinämöinen. Finland." His voice sounded so tinny in his ears.
It was easy to see which nationality each member of the press was. Accents aside, they all stared at his or her respective nation with a mixture of wonder and suspicion. Of course, surely not all of them even believed this yet. And they were all so young in appearance. The first question was therefore of no surprise.
"Are you people serious with this personification thing? Our nation is hundreds of years old, but they look just normal young men!" More flashes and their bosses hurried to answer.
"They are anthropomorphic personifications. So while their appearance is human, they... well, they aren't quite human. They don't age normally."
"Does that mean they are immortal?" asked another journalist. "Or are they reincarnated if they die?"
"We... aren't sure about that. The former is probably closer to the truth, but our respective nations' personifications are the first and only ones according to their word."
Immortal? Finland glanced to his neighbouring nations and determining from their looks every single one was thinking of a certain member of the Weillschmidt family, who most certainly had seemingly survived from death. But onwards. The questions were fired practically without any pauses.
Where did they come from? No one exactly knew. How did they find others of their kind? Did they participate in leading the country's politics? Were they responsible for such and such historical event?
Finland winced when some of the questions acquired quite an accusing edge. It felt unnecessary to dig up such old and painful memories. Denmark and Sweden especially were looking uncomfortable, and tried to answer the questions directed to them as simply and neutrally as possible. And then the focus turned on Finland.
"Excuse me, Mr. Väinämöinen. Finland," said a journalist, unsure what title to use. Finland turned to her and instinctively knew he was looking at his own citizen. "Is your... I mean. Your arm. I'm sure you know how it's said Finland lost her-- its-- um, arm during the Continuation War. Did this really... happen to you?"
Finland blinked. Then he unsurely raised both his arms to show that they were, indeed, quite intact. The journalist hesitated. "Then, what happened to you during the war?" she continued.
He lowered his hands again and swallowed a few times, thinking over his words before speaking. "I... I just. Bled. I... We feel pain. And we can be hurt. And war leaves scars on all of us." He glanced at his neighbours. "I just carry mine." He wasn't used to press talk. He hoped keeping the answers vague and neutral would be enough to satisfy their curiosity.
For the moment the questions were directed away from him again. Finland watched everyone in the room, wondering just how much information about them had leaked to the public. Their briefing had been exactly that, brief. They couldn't wait for the rumours to circulate and get out of control, so it had been of first importance to prepare a gathering like this.
But it seemed rumours had already reached the public.
"What about inter-country relations? There has been gossip about the... personifications having personal relationships with each other?"
All five nations were shocked into rigidity by this question. Finland scanned the crowd and cursed inwardly. The yellow press was there. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.
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"Then what's this talk about our nations sharing a house?" He out loud jumped at the accusing question. He looked out for Sweden and caught his eyes, the other nation looking just as worried as he felt. Their bosses talked over each other, each trying to smooth over the matter as quickly as possible. "Why won't you let them answer themselves?"
And suddenly all flashes were pointed at the two of them, every single pair of eyes fixed on them. Finland was sure he'd faint. ... I can't. I can't possibly talk like this. But he found out he didn't have to. Next to him he heard Sweden clearing his throat, trying to find the correct words (like that wasn't difficult enough for him already).
"Fin 'nd me... W' sh'red a house a long t'me 'go," Sweden said, trying to pronounce each word as clearly as possible. "'n we were s'parat'd f'r s'me t'me. B't we stuck tog'ther." It took a while from the press to absorb this statement.
"But why must Finland still stay with Sweden? We have been independent for almost a hundred years already, we don't need Sweden's reign anymore!" Finland closed his eyes. No, no. They're getting the whole thing wrong. "You aren't planning on reclaiming Finland as yours, are you?"
The last question roused protests even from the press itself as Swedish journalists tried to deny the accusation, and Finland looked at Sweden with horror. The taller nation looked more worried than ever and turned to the other Nordic countries, but no one could come up with anything to stop the small riot forming in the audience.
"T-That's not it..." Finland said quietly, but only the few persons closest to him could hear. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before repeating the statement. "THAT'S NOT IT!"
The room quietened down considerably. Finland gasped for breath and continued. "I-It's true. T-That me and Su-- Berw-- Sweden share a house. B-But that's..." He goddamn blushed. "That's just our personal decision. There are no strings attached. We just... like each other. Each other's company."
A quiet murmur began again. Sweden and Finland both stood staring at their feet while the other nations looked from one to another, bewildered.
"Then, does that mean..." A journalist hesitantly stood up to address the nations, "... that our nation's personification... that some personifications... are homosexual?"
The noise level of the room was rising again. Denmark sighed, rolling his eyes. "Well, most of us prefer to switch from time to time..." he said, then 'oww'-ed when both Sweden and Norway simultaneously elbowed him in the ribs.
The little order that had remained in the conference was quickly falling apart, and it was clear none of the nations themselves seemed very interested in trying to restore it. Denmark was all but leering at Norway now, and though Finland couldn't hear his exact words, the furious blush on the smaller nation's face was telltale enough. Finland turned to Sweden, who was looking down at him with a very strange expression. The expression dissolved into a small smile as Sweden leaned closer to talk to him.
"That w's one outing, I'll s'y." Finland blushed.
"Well, they shouldn't have said such rude things about you..." he muttered. Sweden's eyes twinkled.
"'f course," he said. "Th'nks."
Finland lowered his eyes. "Don't mention--" he managed to get out before he was cut off.
By lips.
By Sweden's lips.
Behind the raging thunder of his heartbeat Finland could just make out the astounded shouts of the press and their bosses, and above them Denmark's raucous laughter and catcalls, and only wondered if he could beat England's scandalous tabloids with this.
- - -
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squawked.
This was adorable, and omg the SuFin just killed me!
I am just loving every fill for this request, but I think your's is my favourite right now XD
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And good on you! You're the first author!anon to specifically address "inter-country relations" (winkwink nudgenudge) and how the press/public may react to them - so I was extremely pleased reading this~! I especially loved Denmark in this and the fact that they actually held a news conference and that last remark at England and - oh there's too much to name!
Ha ha and you're very right about it probably being worse in America - the paparazzi can be vicious! Though English paparazzi can be quite relentless, too~
Anyways, your writing style is very lovely and so much fun and I instantly wanted more even though I knew it was done!
So, thank you wonderful author!anon for such a gratifying fill~ ♥ ♥ ♥
Reply
This is great. The press conference probably seemed such a good idea at the time too...
Denmark sighed, rolling his eyes. "Well, most of us prefer to switch from time to time..." he said, then 'oww'-ed when both Sweden and Norway simultaneously elbowed him in the ribs.
Haha. Since the nordic countries are usually pretty far ahead in equality and homosexual rights, I wonder how they'll react to this? Some will probably be proud and some *shakes head* oh dear.
hmmm. that reminds me, what about poor Poland!
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everyone's so shiny and stuff. Do go on. Pretty please?
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