Work Text:
Morning, 192x
Denmark woke up early. The sun shined through his windows, casting beams upon the bed and walls of his home.
Strange.
He usually loved sleeping in. He yawned and tried to sleep again, but quickly realised he couldn’t.
Strange again.
Instead he sat up in his bed, wiped some strands of his messy blond hair out of his eyes and tried to think of the reason why he had awaken so uncharacteristically early.
.
.
Then he suddenly remembered…
Norway was visiting.
For the first time in a very long time.
His heart began to race. He practically jumped out of bed, and frantically looked for some decent clothes to wear. He usually didn’t care much about his appearance, which made him stand out, and more often than not, lead to him getting dirty looks from strangers.
But today he didn’t want to look sloppy.
Not when Norway was visiting him.
He wanted to look his absolute best!
He rummaged through his unorganised and worn down wooden closet. It was filled to the brim with unfolded clothes.
Denmark wasn’t a big follower of the most recent fashiontrends, and most certainly wasn’t the best at declutterring his closet, so some of the clothes in there was from the last century, if not even older. He was pretty sure that if he looked really hard, he might even find a couple of things from his viking days under the heaps of clothes.
After lifting a couple of piles he hadn’t worn since Christian l was king, he finally found some somewhat presentable clothes;
A black tailcoat with a pair of matching pants and a white shirt.
A tad boring to Denmark, but it was pretty up to date, and the tailcoat emphasized his figure, which he certainly wanted Norway to look at.
He looked at his reflection in the mirror next to the closet. He brushed his hair back a bit, trying to make it little less wild, but ultimately gave up. Norway didn’t mind his messy hair anyways. Denmark smiled at the thought.
Oh, how he had missed his dear friend Norway.
He decided he was ready and looked over at the old clock on his nightstand. It was barely past seven.
He was early!
Which meant he had more time to go to the harbour and wait for the ship to arrive. He walked towards the door, opened it and quickly walked outside.
…
The weather was a little chilly. Denmark breathed in the fresh morning air and looked around. The city was fully awake now. The buildings surrounding him were tall and stood side by side like soldiers on a line. Men in suits and women in dresses were hurriedly walking past him down the cobblestone streets, a tram rattled with a metallic screech, sparks briefly dancing above its cables not far away, and cyclists rang their bells as they weaved between carts and carriages.
Copenhagen was busy as always.
In a steady tempo Denmark began walking towards the harbour, where Norway would arrive soon.
He was so close.
Denmark walked a little faster at the thought.
…
Denmark finally arrived at the harbour, Nyhavn.
He could already see the dark blue water in the canal from where he was standing.
Despite having an irrational fear of anything related to nature, Denmark had always found water to be a little less horrific than forests or wilderness, if not even calming.
Although he didn’t hate the ocean he had to admit he still got goosebumps from imagining all the horrifying fish swimming in it. He gulped, pushed away the thoughts of scary guppies, and remembered why he was here.
He looked around. The sight was familiar to him, and the colourful building surrounding the canal were homely and comforting.
He noticed there was a murmuring crowd standing near the canal, supposedly waiting for the ship to arrive just like him. He walked over and waited with them. He stood silently among the others. He secretly listened to the women’s hushed gossip around him, and shifted his weight from leg to leg.
.
.
Gosh, it took forever.
.
.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a familiar loud female voice called him, piercing the otherwise quiet air, making the crowd of people shift their gaze from the canal.
“BROR! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”
Denmark spun around and looked in the direction the voice had come from. His sister was standing in front of him.
“What am I doing here? What are you doing here-“. Denmark exclaimed when he suddenly noticed how his sister looked and held back a laugh.
She wore a blue dress with a white floral design, and her usually messy blond hair was made up in a bun behind her head, she definitely wasn’t comfortable with. “Rare seeing you in a dress Søster.” Denmark snickered to her.
“Well, it’s also rare to see you wearing something from this century, Bror. Seriously, are you trying to get outed for being the country’s representative or what?”. Sister Denmark shot back, clearly embarrassed by the dress, since she much preferred pants and more traditionally male clothing over dresses when she was around familiars, but of course, she couldn’t wear that out in public.
She walked over and stood beside her brother.
“Well you certainly aren’t all that subtle either, judging by the fact that everyone is staring at us right now” Denmark pointed out.
“Oh whatever” She said, giving Denmark a dismissive wave. “Anyways, if it wasn’t obvious, I’m here because I’m waiting for Søster Norge! And it’s pretty obvious that you are waiting for her brother”. She said, giving him a knowing smile, which he returned.
“It’s been so long since I last saw him” Denmark said.
“Yeah, we haven’t seen them in… forever it feels like” Sister Denmark quietly said. A comfortable silence fell between them, as they both looked down the canal with anticipating eyes.
They waited.
.
.
.
.
First it was just a little dot out in the horizon, but as it came closer and closer the white steam became more and more visible. Both Denmark and his sister couldn’t stand still, tripping more every time the ship came nearer the dock.
…
The steamboat finally set anchor in the harbour.
For a couple of moments time froze, as it stood in all its glory, the only movement being the Norwegian flag hanging behind the boat, slowly waving in the breeze and the column of steam that rose from the stack to the blue sky.
Denmark realised he was holding his breath and breathed out.
A gangway was placed by workers and deck crew. When the gangway was secured by one of the crew, the door was opened from inside, and people began flooding out. Well-dressed women with elegant, styled hair and men with black hats, all with suitcases filled with belongings in their hands, stepped out on the gangway.
The passengers were met with waves and laughter from the crowd on ground. Denmark and his sister both craned their necks, looking for their friends, but couldn’t see them yet.
.
.
Gradually, the passengers streaming out of the boat onto the dock thinned, until it stopped completely.
For a tense moment Denmark wondered if he had taken mistake.
Was this the right boat?
Was Norway coming to see him or was this all a very weird dream?
.
.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere two recognisable people appeared in the opening of the steamboat.
Norway and his sister stepped out. Their clothes were neat despite the journey, both holding their luggage in their hands.
A wide smile spread across Denmark’s face.
Sister Denmark laughed and waved like crazy, paying no mind to the people near her, who had to dodge her arm not to get hit.
She ran towards the gangway with Denmark right behind her, pushing through the crowd. In the meantime, the two Norwegians had reached the dock, finally standing on danish ground.
Now Denmark could see him clearly.
Norway stood still, tall and unmistakable, taking in the new, yet familiar surroundings. He was wearing a dark grey morning coat, his curly blond hair was wind-tousled, and his expression calm as ever. Then, his eyes lifted and met Denmark’s.
For a moment, everything else faded. The crowd, the noise, the ship behind him.
It all blurred into nothing.
Norway’s expression softened, just slightly. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
In a steady tempo, not breaking eye contact, Denmark walked over to Norway. He stopped in front of him and reached out his hand to greet him.
Norway looked at his hand and took it.
For a moment the two men just stood like that, looking into each other’s eyes, holding each other’s hand, not saying anything.
To others, this interaction most likely (hopefully) looked like a formal, friendly, and completely normal greeting, but to the two it was so much more.
Then Norway began to speak:
“Good to see you again, Danmark”
His voice was just as calm and reassuring as always.
Damn.
How he had missed that voice.
Denmark’s eyes got their infamous sparkle. He smiled mischievously and answered in a half teasing tone:
“It’s always good to see you as well-“
“NORGE!!!” Sister Denmark yelled, completely ruining the building tension.
She ran the small distance, practically bouncing on her heel, and lunged herself into Sister Norway’s arms who was standing near them, almost making her drop her things.
Denmark and Norway withdrew their hands to themselves and looked at their sisters who were eagerly hugging each other and laughing.
Norway chuckled, but Denmark couldn’t help but feel a small sting of jealousy from seeing their sisters clinging to each other so openly. No one batted an eye.
He looked away quickly.
If things were different, if the world was kinder, he might have dared to reach for Norway the same way, not just a handshake.
But it wasn’t.
Denmark brushed his thoughts away and turned his attention back to Norway. He suddenly became aware of how close they were standing. So close that Denmark could smell the salt and coal smoke still clinging to his coat. He backed up a little bit, just for good measure.
How was the trip?” Denmark asked a little too quickly.
“Oh, it was just fine!” Norway said, smiling. “I didn’t get much sleep though”.
Before Denmark could answer, he (once again) got interrupted by his sister, her arm locked with Sister Norway’s.
“Halløj! How are you doing gutter?”
“Well, hello Søster Danmark. Long time no see! We were just talking” Norway said with a gentle smile.
“How boring, but alright”
Sister Norway looked at the shorter beaming woman and smiled affectionately. She seemed to like how Sister Denmark looked in the dress. She then looked at Norway and Denmark with a calm smile on her lips. “We will be going now. You two take care of yourselves… Don’t get into trouble, right bror?
“I will do my absolute best to watch your brother, but I won’t guarantee anything” Denmark replied before Norway could say anything, winking at his sister.
Sister Norway rolled her eyes, and Sister Denmark clung a little harder to her arm, clearly annoyed by her brother. “Well, let’s go, min kjære” Sister Norway said, putting her free arm on Sister Denmark’s, in an attempt to stop her from squeezing the other one so hard.
“Ja, let’s leave these losers.” Sister Denmark said, her voice still bitter, but she did loosen her iron grip a little at the touch.
…
Denmark and Norway watched their sisters walking away together, vanishing into Copenhagen’s liveliness and turmoil. When they were completely out of sight, Norway looked at Denmark, grinning.
“You truly have a way of annoying people. Even your own sister can’t handle you, Danmark.” Norway said amusingly.
“Well,” Denmark said lightly, “as long as you don’t get tired of me, I don’t care.”
Norway chuckled at his remark, the sound low and familiar.
Always a small victory for Denmark.
They stood and watched other people reuniting and greeting passengers. Denmark made a mental note that humans were terribly dramatic about these things. He pretended to watch it all with mild interest, though his attention kept drifting back to the man standing beside him.
“So,” Denmark said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I suppose I should show you what you’ve missed.”
Norway looked at the smaller man with his ever present serene smile, but his eyes had gotten a playful shimmer. “We have all day. Show me what you’ve got”
A challenge.
That was Denmark’s cue.
“Alright, follow me then!”
Denmark smirked and began striding through the crowd of people with Norway right behind him.
…
Copenhagen unfolded itself before them as they walked. The further they moved from the harbour, the more the city seemed to breathe. They passed cozy shops selling anything from candy and newly baked bread to tobacco and newspapers, the display windows reflecting the pale morning light.
“So,” Denmark said, glancing sideways at Norway as they walked, hands stuffed into his coat pockets. “How’s stuff going over at yours?”
“Everything is going quite well at home,” Norway replied easily. “Nature is always so beautiful at this time of year. The snow’s finally melting, the air feels clearer… and the weather is getting warm enough to-”
Denmark made a small, strangled noise.
Norway stopped mid-sentence and noticed how Denmark had turned noticeably pale.
“You alright?” Norway asked, already knowing the answer.
“Mhm” Denmark answered in a shaky, low voice, that was very clearly not alright.
Denmark eyed the canal they were walking next to, considering whether or not he should jump into the water and make an escape from the situation. Become a manmaid or whatever their name was, and swim around with the scary, but much more friendly fish.
Fight or flight.
“I’m sorry Danmark, I completely forgot.”, Norway said apologetically, resting his hand on Denmark’s back, snapping him out of his swarms of thoughts.
Denmark ultimately chose to fight.
For Norway.
At his touch, Denmark relaxed, his face gradually getting its colour back.
Norway had, for as long as Denmark could remember, had a soothing aura that was extremely contagious to the people around him.
Denmark collected himself. He was host after all!
And he definitely didn’t want Norway to regret coming all the way here to see him.
“Moving on!” Denmark said suddenly, clapping his hands together, surprising Norway.
“Enough about your trees and melting ice. Look over there!”
He pointed across the street, where a tram rattled past in a shower of sparks, its windows glowing faintly in the afternoon light, identical to the one that had passed him earlier that morning.
“That’s new,” Denmark said proudly. “Well, it’s newer. Nearly got ran over the first time I saw it. Bloody thing came out of nowhere.”
Norway’s eyes followed the tram with quiet interest. “It seems… efficient.”
Denmark chuffed. “It seems loud”, he corrected, already tugging Norway along by the sleeve. “And fast. And impossible to ignore. You’d hate it.”
Norway smiled. “Then why are you smiling?”
Denmark couldn’t hide how giddy he was with Norway by his side. He opened his mouth and shut it again.
“…Moving on.”
…
They walked for a while like that. Denmark talked and pointed, gesturing wildly at things Norway was fairly sure he could see on his own. Cafés spilled laughter and cigarette smoke onto the streets, music drifting faintly from open doors.
“Copenhagen’s changed,” Denmark said, only half-joking. “Everyone’s either in a hurry or drunk.”
“And you?” Norway asked.
“Well, I’m multitalented.”
…
The sky above them gradually shifted from clear blue to a mix of red and orange as the hours went by. Denmark was a decent tour guide, even thought he spoke incredibly fast and didn’t really stop to explain what they were looking at, pulling Norway along with him to the next sighting before he had fully comprehended anything.
That’s why Norway nearly walked into Denmark when he suddenly stopped out of nowhere on the street.
“Wait,” Denmark said, far less loud than he had been before. “Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
Norway hesitated, then obliged.
Denmark turned, took two steps back, and gestured grandly. “Alright. Open them.”
Norway did, and froze.
He stood still, squinting slightly as he took in the familiar crooked sign, the worn wooden door, the faint smell of old beer and smoke lingering in the air.
A wide smile spread across his face as the memories came rushing back.
“You remembered,” Norway said softly.
Denmark shrugged, suddenly very interested in the ground. “Hard place to forget.”
Denmark had brought them to their favourite pub. They had been here more times than Denmark could remember. Most likely because he always ended up so drunk walking out of there that he couldn’t recall anything for multiple days.
They stepped inside, Denmark holding the door for Norway, something he had learned over time was gentlemanly and often flattered women. It was worth trying on Norway.
The light in the pub was dim. It was like walking into a pocket in time, where everything had stayed the same for decades. Everything was familiar. Nothing had changed since they had last been here. It was honestly a wonder that it had been open for so long. Sometimes Denmark wondered if perhaps the owner was an immortal as well.
Men, finished with a long day of work, were sitting scattered around the room drinking pilsner or talking in low voices. It wasn’t overly crowded, just how Norway and Denmark liked it. They wouldn’t have to worry too much of anyone eavesdropping on their conversations.
They walked over to the bar, where the bartender, a beautiful brunette woman in her early 30’s, was standing already pouring a beer up in a tall glass, to a man sitting hunched over at the bar counter. She looked up at the two men and smiled.
“Well, godaften! What can I do for you two?”
Denmark’s eyes subtly turned mischievous and he was just about to use his danish charm, but stopped himself before he said anything.
On normal days he would most definitely have tried flirting with such a beautiful woman no doubt, but today was no ordinary day. Norway was finally next to him. So he, for once in a lifetime, restrained himself.
“Some other day” he thought to himself
He instead smiled back at the bartender and answered appropriately.
“My friend here just arrived today from Norway, and I wanted to welcome him properly with some good beer!” he said, putting his hand on Norway’s back, as if it wasn’t obvious who he was talking about.
The woman looked over at Norway and smiled happily.
“How wonderful! Welcome to København! Have you had a good time so far?”
Norway returned her big smile and answered. “Tusen takk! I have had a great day! My friend has done a thorough job of showing me all the new things here”.
At Norway’s positive mentions of his tour guide Denmark smiled pridefully.
“That’s great to hear! Two beers? I’ll make them extra special for the occasion!”
…
After they had gotten their drinks they found an empty table in a quiet corner. A gramophone crackled softly somewhere near them, the needle fighting its way through a jazzy tune. Cigarette smoke hung lazily in the air around them, catching the yellow glow of the lamps.
“Let’s toast!” Denmark declared when they had settled down.
“What for?” Norway asked.
“For you of course!”
Norway smiled affectionately at Denmark and picked his beer up. “Nej, let’s toast for us”, he corrected in a heartfelt tone.
Denmark felt a fluttering feeling in his chest. He hoped he didn’t look as stupid as he felt, grinned sheepishly and lifted his glass.
“Skål for os, Norge”
“Ja, skål for oss, Danmark”
They clanked their glasses together and drank.
When Norway looked up from his beer, he realised Denmark had already finished his whole glass and was waving at the bartender for another.
He wasn’t surprised.
Denmark had always had an incredibly love for beer, and he was also extremely good at drinking it, partly because he was scared someone or something (like a beer-drinking ghost) was gonna come and take it from him. Norway didn’t mind it too much. He also had his own enjoyments, like fish or overly salted food, but sometimes he did wish his friend could cut down a little.
“You might want to slow down,” he said mildly.
“Why?” Denmark grinned. “Afraid you can’t keep up with me?”
“Oh, I know I can’t keep up with you” Norway answered
“HA! I beat you then!” Denmark said, pointing triumphantly at Norway who raised an eyebrow at his friend.
“I didn’t know we were competing”
“Oh, we totally are!”
The bartender came with Denmark’s second glass, which he instantly began chugging as soon as he got it, not caring even a little bit about the fact that Norway and the bartender were both staring at him, equally speechless. Norway looked over at the baffled woman, and gave her an apologetic smile.
“Almost thought it would be a quiet night” she said jokingly, in a low voice so Denmark wouldn’t hear, even though he seemed pretty occupied at the moment.
“It’s never quiet with him” Norway said in a similar low voice, staring at his friend, who was close to finishing his second beer.
“I’ll pour another one for him right away” the bartender said, walking over to the taps, already foreseeing she’d be asked again soon.
“Takk, frøken”
Denmark looked up from the now empty glass, foam from the beer sitting on his upper lip, making it look like he had a white moustache.
“Did you say something?”
“Me? Not at all”
Norway took a handkerchief from his suit’s inner pocket, and gently wiped Denmark’s mouth.
When he was done, Denmark smiled daringly at him.
“Care for another one?”
There truly was no stopping him.
Norway put his used handkerchief back in it’s pocket, crossed his arms, thought it over for a second and accepted the challenge.
“Always”
“Denmark’s eyes lit up and he cheered.
“That’s the danish spirit! Welcome to København!”
…
-Later-
They were a couple of beers in now. Norway had drunken 2 so far, and could already feel the effects creeping up on him, so he slowed down. Denmark, of course, didn’t do that. He was on his 8th (or was it 9th?) and was drinking it like there was no tomorrow.
Between the sips they catched up on recent events, told old stories and light heartedly discussed various topics.
That was something Denmark had missed.
He loved talking about silly things with Norway over a beer. Talking with his sister was okay, but it was always so predictable. After all, they were the exact same, just different genders.
Norway was so different.
He was a stark opposite of himself.
Yet, there were so many things they could talk and laugh about together.
Stupid things.
Petty things.
…Like Sweden.
“You know,” Denmark began, leaning back in his seat, his 8th (or 9th) beer in hand. “I think I saw Sweden here some time ago, just walking around”.
Norway looked up from his beer and tilted his head at Denmark’s statement. “Are you sure? Why would he of all people be here in Copenhagen?” Norway asked, his voice doubtful.
Denmark shrugged, beer spilling a little on the table at the movement.
“Yeah I’m absolutely sure I saw him! I was completely sober that day… or almost at least. And I really don’t know OR care why he would be here, I’m just glad I didn’t have to talk to him!”
Norway smiled at seeing Denmark so intense, and huffed into his glass. “He actually wrote to me last month,” He said admittedly.
Denmark’s posture straightened, a mix of nosiness and mild irritation plastered all over his face. “Why?”
“He just wanted to discuss trade and stuff.”
Denmark cringed in disgust. “Never trust a Swede I tell you Norge… Especially him! He is always so… so.. Swedish.” Denmark spat, as if saying the word “Swedish” left a bad taste in his mouth (which it probably did, knowing Denmark).
“His sister thought… She is something else entirely… a different species” Denmark added dreamily.
“Ja, she is” Norway said in the same tone, both imagining Sweden’s beautiful sister before them, and smiled to each other knowingly.
…
Outside the window the sky had become dark, and the streetlights were on now, lighting the almost completely deserted cobblestone streets up. The low murmur of the pub was slower now. A few men had already left, chairs scraping quietly against the floorboards.
Time had slipped by unnoticed, just like Denmark had become more and more sad by looking at his wonderful friend in front of him laughing heartily at something dumb he said.
He opened his mouth and the words suddenly came out of nowhere: “You should visit more,” he muttered, staring into his half-empty glass.
Norway’s laughter stopped abruptly and he looked at the Dane before him in surprise.
There was complete silence for a moment.
.
.
.
Then Norway spoke, his voice hesitant, but serious.
“Listen, I would love to come visit you more often, but so much is happening at home… There’s always work that needs to be handled… I try to visit as often as possible.”
“I know, I know I just..”
He noticed how Norway was looking at him with serious and concerned eyes. His right hand had left the handle of the beer glass and was now fidgeting with the left. The air felt dense and heavy, the comfortable atmosphere the room was full of just before was completely gone.
Great.
He had ruined something good once again.
“I… Sorry” Denmark closed his eyes and shook his head, laughing weakly. “Forget what I said. It’s fine. I’m fine.”
He tried to stand and immediately regretted it. The room tilted violently.
Norway was on his feet before the chair had even finished scraping against the floor, hands steady on Denmark’s shoulders.
“Danmark? Are you alright?”
The concern in his voice did it.
Denmark’s face crumpled.
He began sobbing openly. First it was quiet, but it quickly turned loud, tears streaming down his face.
Denmark threw his arms around Norway’s neck with surprising force for a man almost half his size.
“Please don’t leave me” he mumbled into his suit, smearing a mix of tears and snot on it. “You always leave.”
Norway’s eyebrows knitted. “What are you saying Danmark? I would never-“
“I’M SORRY! Don’t be mad at me! I don’t like it when you’re serious!” Denmark wailed, causing every customer to turn their heads in their direction.
“Shh. I’m not mad at you,” Norway murmured, still surprised by his friend’s sudden outburst. “I haven’t seen you like this in a long time.”
He knew they couldn’t stay here. Denmark was very unstable right now, and being in a bar filled with all types of alcohol with in his reach was a disaster waiting to happen.
He already knew the task that lay before him.
A task he had attempted many times, to varying success; getting himself and Denmark home… safely.
He carefully put his arm around Denmark’s waist and dragged him up to the bar. Denmark’s feet moved, but only because Norway was moving them.
“Norgeeeeeeee” Denmark mumbled into his ear. Norway felt Denmark’s hand drift lower in a familiar, entirely inappropriate attempt at comfort.
“Maybe not here,” Norway muttered quietly, gently catching his wrist before things escalated further, painfully aware of the massive scene they were causing. He fished the coins out of Denmark’s coat pocket , he knew exactly where he kept them, and placed them neatly on the counter with the hand that wasn’t actively restraining Denmark’s.
He sighed softly and looked over at the woman.
“Sorry about this.” He said gesturing at Denmark who was half sobbing half giggling on his shoulder.
She waved him off.
“Heard he’s done way worse then that in town. He’s famous, really”
Norway didn’t doubt those rumours.
“Thank you for the good beer, frøken. I’ll take him home now”
“Of course sir… you take care of your friend, alright?”
Denmark looked up, first aware now that Norway was communicating with the bartender. “Heyyyy, what are you talking about? Are we going somewhere?”
“Yes, we are going home now.” Norway said, in a careful voice, fearing another outburst.
“Awhhhhh Already? Whyyyy?”
“It’s getting late, and you wanted to show me what you’ve done to your apartment, right?”
Denmark blinked at Norway, trying to recall anything.
“Ohhhhh yeahhhhh, I totallyyyyy remember!” He said, his voice exposing the fact that he clearly didn’t know.
Norway didn’t mind, as long as it convinced Denmark to go home with him.
“Wait! I didn’t get to talk to that gorgeous woman that gave us the beers!” He said, loud enough for the bartender to hear and chuckle.
Norway smiled patiently. “Can’t you do that tomorrow? I really want to see what you did to your apartment”
Denmark beamed at Norway’s comment, leaning even more on him, rubbing his cheek on his shoulder. “Norgeeee you flatter meeee! Okay, let’s go home!”
Norway was happy that he at least wasn’t depressed anymore.
They moved towards the exit, slowly that be, but at least they were moving Norway thought.
“Farvel, smukke! I’ll come for you one day I promise!” Denmark yelled after the bartender, halfway out the door, Norway audibly shushing him and trying to get him outside. He had clearly forgotten what he had promised himself earlier that night about not flirting.
The bartender waved back, amused by the drunken man.
“Danmark get out we need to go home” Norway said, his voice low, but persistent.
“Don’t be mad at me! I just wanna say goodbye!” Denmark slurred, looked at the woman again and waved frantically.
“One day I promise!” Denmark yelled again, just before he got pushed outside by Norway.
…
Two customers sitting nearby, who had watched the whole thing unfold, looked in silent astonishment at the door the two drunkards had just stumbled out of.
“…Why did he call his friend Norge?” The man asked confused, when the door had closed behind them.
The other man shrugged his shoulders indifferently, putting his glass to his mouth.
“Drunk out of his mind is my guess”
“Yeah makes sense” the other man also lifted his glass, but stopped mid-movement and looked over at his friend again, puzzled.
“… Why did he grab his butt?”
The other man stared at his beer for a long moment.
“No idea, they were probably just great friends.”
…
-Outside-
The cool night air hit them instantly. The street was quiet. Far quieter than the pub had been.
“Nnnngn, its cold” Denmark muttered.
“Good,” Norway replied. “Maybe it will help.” He looked around, trying to remember which way to go.
Oh no.
Everything looked so different when it was dark. And he definitely wasn’t completely sober either.
Denmark, meanwhile, had decided that standing upright was optional. He leaned heavily against Norway’s shoulder, humming a song loudly.
“So, which way is home?” Denmark asked cheerfully.
Norway sighed. “That is exactly what I am trying to determine.”
Denmark eagerly pointed down the street.
“That way!”
“Are you sure?”
“JA! Of course! I remember the way to my own home! It’s that way I’m sure!” He said confidently, pointing the opposite direction now.
“You pointed the other way two seconds ago.”
“Did I?”
“Ja, Danmark you did.”
“Oh… Then it’s probably the other way!”
Norway sighed and began walking, hoping the way they were heading was the correct one.
…
Finally, after walking up and down streets for what felt like ages, Norway found the familiar wooden door. It had taken forever to find it.
It didn’t help either that he had to carry his luggage in one hand while making sure Denmark didn’t collapse like a ragdoll, who contributed even more in slowing them down by at least 30 minutes by attempting to jump into a canal for a “late night swim” on the way. He also almost got into a fight with a group of equally drunk workers he had somehow managed to offend.
Norway thankfully managed to intervene by hastily dragging Denmark away before the argument grew any further.
The encounter only confirmed Norway’s long-held belief: That Denmark could annoy anyone.
He truly had a gift to get under people’s skin.
Just never his.
Sure he could be a loud, obnoxious pleasure-seeking idiot, but even now, with Norway’s before clean suit thoroughly ruined by tears, mucus, and whatever Denmark had stepped in on the way, he still found himself unable to stay annoyed with him for very long.
“Alright, we’re here.” Norway said apprehensively
…
The two men stepped inside the cramped apartment. Well, Norway guided them inside, since Denmark had mostly given up on walking in a straight line.
The apartment was, for a lack of better words, an absolute mess. Clothes covered the floor, open books (mostly fairytales) lay scattered around, and an absurd amount of green beer bottles stood against the tattered walls and on the small stained table, none of them full.
The sight didn’t surprise Norway.
He carefully nudged a pile of clothes aside with his foot and guided Denmark inside, who immediately tripped over a black top hat that had somehow ended up right by the entry. Norway caught him for the millionth time that night before he could hit the ground and got him back on his feet.
“You live like a troll,” Norway muttered, looking around.
“Oh yeah?” Denmark slurred, blinking slowly at him. “I always thought you liked trolls ’n scary stuff like that.”
Norway let out an exhausted chuckle.
He guided Denmark further into the apartment, carefully stepping over books and empty bottles while trying to figure out the quickest way to get his friend into bed before he managed to injure himself on the many hazards his home contained.
.
.
Suddenly he got an idea.
He laid down his luggage, placed it safely to the side so it wouldn’t be fallen over, and turned around to face Denmark who miraculously was standing without support. There was a small space of air between them.
“Come here. Let me undress you”
Norway gestured at the chair by the small table for him to sit down. His eyes were unreadable.
It took a moment for Denmark to register what had just been said. Then a wide, drunken smile spread across his face and his eyes glittered with unshameful lust. He staggered over to the chair, sat down and looked up expectedly at Norway.
“Lift your arms a little”
Denmark, of course, happily complied.
Norway began unbuttoning his white shirt for him, while Denmark stared at him mesmerised, as if he was doing something incredibly impressive.
“You have very nice hands, do you, like, wash them with soap everyday?” Denmark announced suddenly.
Norway looked up, pausing his work. “Thank you, and yes, I do indeed wash them with soap… everyday” he was used to Denmark’s special compliments.
“Haha! I don’t!” Denmark declared proudly. “It’s gonna wash my manly scent away!”
Norway shook his head slightly in disbelief at the Dane, and continued.
A few moments later he finished removing Denmark’s shirt, then helped him step out of the rest of his clothes.
“So…”
Denmark stood up and leaned closer, a smirk on his lips. His blond hair fell over his eyes, partly covering it.
“What do you want to do with me Norge?”
“Nothing,” Norway replied calmly. “At least not today. We’re going to bed.”
Denmark blinked, clearly caught off guard.
“Nothing at all? You tricked me!”
“Had to” Norway said with a small apologetic smile.
Denmark scoffed, and turned his head away dramatically, clearly disappointed.
Norway sighed at his reaction and began to take off his own suit jacket, which earned him a curious glance from Denmark who couldn’t help but look. He folded the jacket neatly and placed it on the chair Denmark had just sat on, and crawled onto the bed.
“Lay down. You need to rest”
“I’m fine, I told you,” Denmark insisted, swaying slightly where he stood.
Norway lifted an eyebrow and patted the bed, knowing the Dane couldn’t resist.
He was right.
Denmark stumbled over and collapsed beside him, immediately snuggling up against Norway’s side. It was something he had always done when they spent nights together. He had always preferred body heat, specifically Norway’s, over duvets.
He hated spending nights sleeping alone. He simply wasn’t used to it. The quiet felt wrong somehow.
Norway was familiar with Denmark’s habit and wrapped his arm around him. They lay like that for a little, not saying anything.
Norway almost thought Denmark had already fallen asleep, when he suddenly began speaking.
“Did… did you like my suit?”
He mumbled it quietly, staring at Norway’s chest instead of meeting his eyes.
“Hm?”
“I picked it out for you… though you might like it”
“Oh really?”
Norway knew all too well how Denmark usually lived, the apartment around them being an excellent example. But earlier that morning he had noticed how carefully Denmark had dressed.
Something he usually only bothered with for special occasions.
The thought made Norway smile to himself.
“You looked very good, Danmark,” he said. “Almost fashionable.”
“Hold kæft…” Denmark smiled sleepily at the teasing and tugged lightly at Norway’s beard stubble.
But Norway noticed the uncertainty behind the smile.
.
.
They laid there, listening to each others breathing and the quiet street outside for a while.
.
.
Denmark spoke again, breaking the comfortable silence.
“…Promise not to leave me, Norge?”
His eyes were closed, but the question was soft and serious.
Norway looked at the smaller man.
Again with this question.
Denmark had asked it more than once over the years. Sometimes joking. Sometimes drunk (like he was right now).
But this time he actually meant it. He genuinely needed to know.
So Norway had to respond as truthfully he could.
His blue eyes met his. He brushed Denmark’s messy hair back and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.
“I promise.”
He paused for a moment before quietly adding:
“ På æresord Danmark.”
Denmark felt the sincerity in his words and relief flooded his intoxicated body instantly. He stared at Norway, suddenly feeling dumb for even doubting him.
“Norge… I…”
For a moment Norway thought Denmark might start crying again.
But instead Denmark reached up, cupped his face with both hands, and kissed him.
It was clumsy, warm and tasted faintly like beer.
When he pulled back he was smiling, this time a very drunk, but genuine one. This made Norway smile too.
“Good,” he mumbled sleepily, put his head on Norway’s shoulder, and fell asleep less than a minute later.
…
Looking up at the ceiling, Norway listened to the quiet sounds of Copenhagen outside the apartment. Distant footsteps, the faint rattle of a tram, maybe the one he was showed earlier, far away and the occasional murmur of hushed voices drifting through the streets.
Beside him, Denmark snored softly.
In the dim light from the streetlamp outside, Norway could just make out his face.
For once it looked completely peaceful.
Denmark was his friend.
His best friend.
He had been that for what felt like forever, but sometimes, like now, it felt like they were more. The things they did together didn’t always feel like things ordinary friends would do. They had simply become a natural part of whatever their relationship was. Something that neither of them ever really questioned.
Norway sighed softly.
He wasn’t entirely sure of what they were.
But there was one thing he knew with certainty; That he and Denmark would always be together. They will find their way back to each other.
No matter how far they wandered.
No matter how many years passed.
With this thought in mind, Norway closed his eyes, and this time, sleep came easily.