Denmark grabbed Iceland's wrist and shook him forcefully. It was so thin in Denmark's hand that it felt like it was going to snap.

"What's going on, Ice?"

Iceland swallowed and licked his lips. He put a hand over his eyes and groaned.

"Ice, I'm hanging off a cliff here. What happened?"

"Glitnir," Iceland blurted out. "It's Glitnir."

"Your bank?" Denmark said, confused. Glitnir was one of Iceland's three major banks. "What about it?"

"It was an agent for Eksportfinans, Norway's export credit agency," Iceland continued in a shaky voice. "Glitnir administered loans to several companies but…" Iceland coughed into his fist and struggled to continue on, "…but when the loans were paid off early by borrowers, Glitnir kept the cash and—and stole from Eksportfinans." Iceland spat into his wastebasket. "They took their money—God, you won't be able to imagine how much they took!"

"But you weren't part of it!" Denmark pointed out. "That's Glitnir's problem! Your economists' problem! Not yours—you didn't choose to cheat off Norge!"

"But—" Another spat into the wastebasket. "I knew about it." Iceland brushed back ashen hair from his face. "I k-knew about it and didn't tell him."

Denmark sat back down and finally let go of Iceland's wrist. Iceland let his hand drop limply to his side.

"I knew about it but I chose to not tell him the truth. I was—I was scared of telling the truth! I didn't like it." He turned quickly to Denmark, his glazed eyes desperate. "I didn't want to do it one bit—I'd rather shoot myself in the stomach than cheat off of Norway and steal his money, but I could never bring myself to tell him. I don't know why—I'm such an idiot—" His voice ran thin and Iceland seemed to choke on his frustration. He ran his fingers through his hair; it now became a habit of his whenever he was distraught.

"Do you know how long it's been going on?" Iceland cried. "Since 2006. Since 2006 I was too much of a coward or a—I don't even know the word for it—to say anything to Norway. I helped steal from Norway! It's not that I want to protect Glitnir or anything—I can't stand the boss of that bank—but I didn't say a word about it until now. I had to tell him now—I don't c-care what happens to Glitnir anymore—it's already a mess—"

Iceland's eyes widened and he immediately grabbed the wastebasket and retched. Denmark rubbed his back in attempts to comfort the young nation as he heaved for air and hurled. When Iceland finished, he placed back the wastebasket and slid out of bed.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" Denmark demanded.

"I've got t-to find Norway," Iceland said, leaning on the wall to keep his balance. "I need to apologize—"

"Ice. Do I have to slap some sense into you?" Denmark said, tailing the smaller nation. "You can't even walk. At least let me carry you—okay, never mind." The look on Iceland's face was good enough to stop Denmark.

Iceland fumbled with the doorknob. Just as he turned the doorknob the door suddenly slammed against his face and sent him crashing into the wall. Norway stood surprised on the other side of the door, his hand on the doorknob also. Denmark gave a shout when Iceland fell to the ground, clutching his head.

"Geez, Norge, could you push the door any harder?" Denmark said, rushing to Iceland's side. "Hey, kid, are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine," Iceland said hazily, sitting up. "Just a little hit in the head, is all." His violet eyes flickered up to Norway and he immediately remembered what he was trying to do. He crawled onto his knees.

"Norway—listen—" His voice grew softer. Norway made no sign of moving or speaking. "I understand if you're mad at me. You can hate me or be angry at me or anything—I just want you to know that I'm so—so sorry about Glitnir." Iceland bowed his head low in shame. His voice was hoarse and it crackled like burning kindling. "I'm just as much to blame as my bank. I didn't say anything to you. I know that I was bad for keeping it from you." He paused for a moment to cough. When he finally had enough air he continued on quickly. "I'll repay you, don't worry. You'll be the first debts we repay and even double—"

Before Iceland could say another word, Norway scooped Iceland off the ground. Denmark could see the complete surprise on Iceland's face when Norway carried him to the bed. Iceland was about to speak, but Norway silenced him by placing a finger on the young nation's lips.

"I get to talk now," Norway said resolutely. Iceland's lips pulled into a thin line but he nodded. Norway drew back his hand and kneeled next to the bed.

"I admit it," said Norway. "I was disappointed. Disappointed and rather hurt." Iceland's eyes filled with guilt and Norway pressed on. "I didn't like what Glitnir did. I didn't like what you did either, but that will never—ever mean that I hate you."

"I broke my promise, though," Iceland pointed out. "I promised I wouldn't lie to you and—well—"

"I forgive you," Norway said gently. "And that doesn't mean I will break my promises. Look at me." Iceland timidly glanced up into Norway's eyes. "Don't be ashamed anymore. I'm going to make you another promise besides the other one. Besides my promise that I won't ever leave you." Norway took Iceland's hand and squeezed it tight. "I vow to help you get out of this crisis, Iceland. I won't leave you to fall; I will do everything to help you."

Iceland gazed at Norway, awestruck. "Why, though?" he whispered. "After everything—why do you do this?"

Norway ruffled Iceland's hair. "You're my little brother, Ice. I love you."

Iceland lowered his eyes, his hollow cheeks tinged with pink embarrassment.

"Isn't there any way I could repay you?" Iceland asked.

"I've got a way," Denmark piped up. He bent over and whispered something in Norway's ears. To Iceland's surprise, Norway's eyes lit up with agreement.

"Surprisingly, Denmark, for once I actually agree with your idea," said Norway.

"What is it?" Iceland asked, both curious and wary.

"You," Norway said, smirking slightly, "have to call me 'onii-chan' from now on."

Iceland could only stare at Norway.

"You don't want money?" he said, aghast.

"Nope."

"More whaling areas?"

"No."

"Servitude?"

Denmark laughed out loud. "You already heard it, Ice. He's got a request and that's the only one."

Iceland squirmed uncomfortably, his cheeks now a deep red. He looked like a doll with his red blush on his white face. He swallowed down his pride.

"Thank you, onii-chan," Iceland mumbled.

Norway chuckled and kissed Iceland on the cheek.

This is the most yaoi-related work you will ever get out of me -.-

Though I wouldn't consider this yaoi. I just really, really like brotherly fluff.

I can sort of relate to Iceland. I don't know about you guys, but when I find myself in a situation where I can tattle-tale, whether the issue is really serious or minor, whether I like the people or they annoy the heck out of me, I just can't bring myself to tell on them. No idea why; I guess I have some inner paranoia that I will get in trouble for it or something. Maybe it's because I'm socially awkward. Who knows?

Somewhere in early October of 2008, Norwegian company Eksportfinans blamed Iceland's major bank Glitnir for embezzlement. Apparently Glitnir didn't pay Eksportfinans all the money that Eksportfinans earned and that sort of contributed to Iceland's huge debt.

But even with that in mind, (and I quote from a news article) "Nordic prime ministers, after meeting in Helsinki, Finland, vowed to assist Iceland recover from its financial crisis." Norway and Denmark gave Iceland about 200 million euros each, and later Norway lent Iceland 1.5 billion to prop up its economy, along with Sweden and Denmark.

The Nordics are so darn nice to each other~

Thanks for reading and sticking with this story! Please review~