Chapter Text
The drops splattered against the glass in a constant attack on the stone building. From behind the lead frame the heavy, dark clouds were enshrouding the coastal city, hiding everything outside in a veil of uncertainty. The dull light painted the framework as gratings in the shadow thrown on the figure and the floor inside. The rain slid down the glass as the person continued to stare out towards the sea. It was barely noticeable, but his stature was rigid and the tenseness apparent in the way he gripped the cuffs of his shirt. The grey stone walls, the stone floor and the weather seemed to swallow him whole. Not even the sound of footsteps approaching shook him from the state he was in, however, a low voice sounding out in the end of the hallway did.
“Sorry about the weather.” The footsteps had stopped, and the other person regarded the figure by the window. The man slowly blinked, as if he returned to the physical world, and turned his head, body never moving.
“It’s comforting.” He turned back to stare out onto the sea, deep eyes taking it all in. “It reminds me of home.”
“Norway.” The word hung in the space between them, both addressing the person and as a comment on the last statement.
“Yes…” He brought up a slightly shaking hand to brush the ashy hair out of his face.
“You know it’s not safe.” The other man began to slowly walk towards him again. “Especially not for nations like us-”
“I know.” The words sounded harsh with the urgency they left his mouth, cutting through the air. An uncomfortable silence filled the hallway and Norway’s eyes shifted towards the other, now standing still once more.
“Do you not like it here?” Spite and hurt dripped from the question. “Have I not made you feel welcome enough?”
“Scotland… you know that’s not it.” He glared over at the other country.
“You know, I’m starting to believe it’s me you don’t like. The first time you come to visit in centuries and you’re itching to leave again as soon as possible.”
“Would you prefer it if I had stayed with England instead?”
“Well, you never stay long anywhere anyway, so it’s not like it matters much.” The following silence was only broken by the splattering raindrops and then a sigh from Norway. He dragged a hand down his face and continued to stare out the window. The bags under his eyes and the hollow cheeks witnessed of a deeply tired man.
“I’m sorry it has been a while…” He cleared his throat. “When you’re not in control of yourself, only used for producing resources and fighting battles for other people, time tends to disappear. I’m sure you can relate.”
“You were at the South Pole just a few decades ago. Yet here is too far away?”
“You could have visited me as well, you know? Don’t act like it’s entirely my fault.”
“Argh, can we just stop this?!” Scotland strode up to him and gripped hold of his shoulder, forcing him to face him. Blue eyes connected with green. “Don’t go! It’s dangerous. Germany is patrolling your entire coastline and the Northern Sea. If he spots you, there’s no guarantee you’ll manage to escape.”
Norway grits his teeth and glares up at the other nation, brushing the hand of his shoulder.
“I refuse to be occupied.” He spits the last word. “I have fought too hard for my independence just to lose it now.”
“I know.” Scotland glares back down at him. “I don’t want you to throw it away.”
“Then help me.” The blue eyes watered, drowning in the desperate situation. Strong arms weren’t late to grip and hold him close. An almost bruising hug conveyed what was still unspoken between them. Such a deep care and comfort weren’t found with many others.
“Whatever you need, I’ll be there.”
“It will just be for a short while.” He hugged him closer. “I will return soon.”
Scotland closed his eyes and breathed in deep, nose tucked into ashen blond hair.
“At least stay for tea.”
“Make it coffee and you have a deal.”