Chapter Text
Greenland was starting to think that this was a bad idea. When Denmark had reached out to her, she initially wanted to hang up and pretend it never happened, but then she remembered Iceland. Not all of her memories from her time living with her cousin had been bad ones. In fact, they had mostly been positive before the incident. She missed her friends Aland and Faroe, but they had always been closer with each other than her. Her best friend had always been Iceland. He was always there for her and was especially supportive while she was dealing with her cousin’s drinking problem. When Denmark had reached out, all she could think about was how much she wanted to see Iceland again. She hoped he would forgive her for having left all those years ago. She hoped that their relationship would be exactly the same as before. Now that she was in Denmark’s car, however, heading towards his house where all the Nordics were gathered to greet her, she realized that nothing could possibly be the same.
Their first meeting after years of being apart could not have been more awkward. It had not been so bad when everyone was there, but as the Nordics all slowly left Denmark’s house to attend to their own matters, the tension between Greenland and Iceland became more and more uncomfortable. Even Denmark could sense it and, even though Greenland had given him a pleading look to not leave her alone, he too left the room. Greenland had been daydreaming about her reunion with Iceland and in her mind it had included tearful, happy hugs and unconditional forgiveness. Unfortunately that was not what was happening. “So um…” She spoke up, not being able to stand the silence. “Do you have anywhere you need to be?”
“No.” Iceland replied quickly. That was probably the only reason he was still here. He did not feel like he had a good enough reason to excuse himself.
“Ah. I see…” The silence returned. Greenland certainly had nowhere she could excuse herself to either. The two sat on opposite sides of the room, refusing to look at the other. This was not how this was supposed to go. Greenland squeezed her hands into fists and took a deep breath. Clearly she would have to be the one to try and repair their relationship. “Um, Icy-”
“Don’t call me that!” Iceland shouted, standing up suddenly. Greenland was taken aback, not just by his outburst, but by the look on his face as well. She had only ever seen him this angry a few times, and all of them were directed at Denmark because of his drinking problem. He had certainly never looked at her this way before. “Do you think you can just come back after all this time and everything will be fine? Am I just supposed to forget how you left me?”
“N-no, of course not-” Greenland stuttered, trying to explain herself.
“You didn’t even call me, not once!” Iceland gestured wildly, something Greenland had rarely seen him do. She watched him tighten his hands into fists and take a deep breath. “I know you were dealing with Denmark and his issues, but did you have to cut us all off? Was that the only way to move forward?” Greenland stood up now, wanting to defend herself.
“I was only 16! I didn’t know what to do-”
“And I was only 17!” Iceland lost his composure again, and Greenland was getting angry herself.
“I never forced you to be so protective of me!” She shouted back.
“You didn’t have to, of course I would be, I was in love with you damnit!” Iceland cried out, tears appearing in his eyes. Greenland froze. Iceland had been in love with her. His embarrassed reactions when she used to tease him, his unwavering loyalty to her, those long hugs where neither person wanted to let go first, the deep hurt he felt when she would leave him behind while trying to help her cousin… Of course he had been in love with her.
“I… Icy-”
“I said don’t call me that.” Iceland said quietly, wiping his face with his sleeve. The way she used to call him cute just to see him flustered, her undoubting reliance on him, those long hugs where neither person wanted to let go first, the deep sorrow she felt when she would leave him behind to help Denmark. Of course she had loved him too; and now she was standing in front of the man she had loved, acknowledging the heartbreak she had caused him.
“I’m so sorry.” She barely whispered. Iceland looked at her, his face sullen.
“Thank you,” Greenland’s eyes brightened, but he was not done speaking yet. “But I wish you had said that four years ago.” Greenland opened her mouth, wanting to say more, but no words came out. Iceland closed his eyes and turned away. He grabbed his coat and quickly walked out the door.
“Icy… Iceland…” Greenland slumped to her knees. Denmark peeked his head into the living room. He may have left the room earlier, but his house was not that big. He could easily hear the argument that erupted, but he did not know what to do. Iceland and Greenland had never fought before, and he knew that the reason they were fighting now was because of him and what he did. Denmark was ready to leave his cousin alone, but then she started sobbing. He remembered all the times Greenland had come to his aid to support him; it was about time he helped her now. He walked into the living room and knelt in front of Greenland. She had not heard him come in. Denmark reached out a hand hesitantly, but then just hugged her. He expected her to push him away in disgust, she had every right to still hate him years later, but instead she hugged him back and continued crying. She might have been an adult now, but she was still experiencing the pain of losing her first love.
“It’s okay. I gotchu.” Denmark said gently as he held Greenland tightly.