The next day Belgium came home. The house was really quiet. She saw Berwald's rental in front of the house but could have sworn he wasn't there when she stepped inside. His coat was drapped over a chair and his wallet and keys were on the counter. It was the only signs of his existence. She called for him but no answer. The house could have been as good as empty for all she knew. She laid her stuff on the counter and hung her jacket. Bel reached for her cell phone. She hadn't recieved any text or a phone call at all today from him. Belgium assumed that he was probably busy but something didn't feel right.
Hey! You home?
*She didn't expect an answer back but before she could set down her phone, it buzzed.*
Ja, I'm in my room.
Really? I yelled up there, you didn't answer. Are you mad at me or something?
Nej, why would you think that?
I text you at lunch and you didn't answer, so I assumed you were busy... Then later France called me a home wrecker from some reason. So I thought I did or said something to upset you.
Tell France to piss off! Nej, you didn't do anything to upset me.
Ouch... Bad day?
Ja, something like that.
Anything I can do to help you feel better?
Nej.
Are you hungry?
Nej, but you should eat something.
Nope...
Varför
I'm going to assume that's why... as in why not... Because you're not eating.. so I'm not... You can't get upset over something you're doing to.. Remember, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
Ja.. ja... It is a bit childish though...
Never said I wasn't... Besides I don't cook for just one person..
...
*Berwald leaned back on his bed, placing his arm behind his head. He could feel the heat rise to his cheeks from his stomach as the alcohol started to take effect. Part of him wanted to scream and run to Belgium. He wanted to lose control and tell her everything but his better part of judgement stopped him. She'd probably think he's nuts or worse... weak.*
*Belgium went to he fridge to grab a beer and noticed half of it missing. She sighed a heavy sigh. "Yep, he was having a bad day alright", she mumbled to herself.*
Hey, did you grab a beer or two from the fridge? I thought I had more than that.
Ja, I grabbed a few.
Oh... Well do you want anything from the store, I need to grab more.
Just beer. Tack.. My wallet is on the counter, take what you need.
Nope... My treat.
Nej!
*Belgium left the house chuckling. She knew it would irk him a little but it was her way of poking fun at him. He needed to loosen up. Business is business and if it doesn't go your way don't pout about it, at least she hoped that's what was wrong. Some days, meetings just go your way.*
I'm at the store. Want anything?
Just beer like I said before... Don't get any of that weak Danish crap either...
That's easy.. you forget who you're talking to.. Mine tastes weak but it'll catch up to you... I'm picking up some wild berry flavor... Hope you don't mind.
Perfect, Tack...
On my way back...
*Belgium got back she noticed nothing had changed. She sighed. Her attempts to cheer him up were failing. Maybe he really took something personal at the meeting but she couldn't thinking of anything. Then again, she really didn't know him to well, so it could have been a number of things.*
*Berwald heard her come in. He had been thumbing his phone waiting for her next text. He was like a little kid waiting for his next piece of candy. It was bothering him so much on one hand, on the other she was exactly what he needed. The Swede was absorbing any and all attention she was willing to give. He actually liked this arrangement. Sweden was left alone to think in private but actually felt like someone was there to talk to. It did scare him a little how easy it was to talk to her. He blamed it on the alcohol.*
Back... Since you are bent on not coming out of your room, want me to bring it up?
That would be kind of you. Ja, please... I'm sorry...
No problem... and sorry for what?
Having you do all of this...
First off you're not sorry.. or you would come down... Second of all.. I offered didn't I? So don't be sorry...
I would, but I can't really see you right now and tack again.
Berwald heard her come up the stairs. He heard bottles clinking, sound of what he thought was ice, and something hard and hollow. He heard her soft foot steps run back down stairs as he got up. Sweden opened the white door and saw a small, red cooler, ice, and a case of Belgian beer. It warmed his heart that she cared so much.
You didn't need to do all that.
Are you kidding? Yes I did... that beer tastes nasty if you don't keep it cold... What did you mean you can't see me right now?
It's nothing... Don't worry about it...
Ok...
*He was abit releaved she didn't pry. If he saw her right now he probably would do something stupid and jeopardize their freindship.*
*Belgium couldn't stand the silence. She played some music that America had given her a while back. It was good drinking music for a bad day. The sweet melodies helped her get over the worry that was building up.*
Hope you don't mind the music.. It's quiet down here.
I don't mind. It's kind of nice to hear up here.
So are you feelng better?
If you mean better as in drunk... yes!
Already..? Wow.. wait...
you took more than you said you did didn't you?
Nej, there's some stuff left in here by Russia...
Berwald!
Vad?
You know... what... That's Russia's.
Swedish property now...
Haha... I guess... Ready to come out?
Nej...
You know... when I get the chance I'm pelting you with popcorn for this...
...
Did I just hear a giggle?... Do you have someone up there?
Nej, your imagination...
That wasn't my imagination... I know what I heard...
Are you sure?
I just heard it again! It's so cute!
Nej... you're hearing things...
No.. I'm not... So either you have a girl in there or that was you...
Nej... I do not giggle...
Omg! Yes that was you! I just heard it again!...
*Her laughter could be heard all the way upstairs. He felt uneasy but couldn't help but laugh himself when he heard her snort.*
Stop it! I DO NOT GIGGLE!
*Her laughter became louder and louder as she sat next to his door. He decided to stop drinking. He didn't want her to hear him giggling. Sweden was so flustered then he realized she was outside his door. It was better he quit while he still had control over his own thoughts and body. The last thing he needed was to open the door and drag her to his bed. Berwald shivered at the thought. He needed to stop thinking like that. Tino was his love.*
Do it again!
Nej! I DO NOT GIGGLE! IT'S A MOVIE I'M WATCHING.
Funny... There's no TV in there...
Tsk.. I have my laptop...
So you're giggling at the movie then?
Nej! There's giggling in the movie...
Alright Alright... sure...
Ready to come out yet?
Nej... I will in a bit though...
*Berwald felt his defensive walls crumble. Her soft beautiful laughter right outside his door and all she wanted to do was ensure he was fine. His heart warmed up, it quilled the pain in his chest. He found himself watching the door in between texts. A growling sound was heard outside his door, it almost sounded like a dog. He had to raise an eye brow.*
What was that? An animal? I hear growling...
*Belgium was really embarassed. She couldn't believe her stomach. Damn it, she thought as she tightened her arms around her tummy. Bel was so happy he couldn't see her face right now. She could feel the heat in her cheeks and ears.
Um... Yeah... Maybe...
Is Hanatomago here?
A what?
Hanatomago, my dog...
Oh.. no..
Oh.
Wait! You have a dog? That's so cool! XD
Ja... I share her with Tino...
This sucks! I never get to have cool pets or do cool things!
You and Tino get to have a dog, my broer get's to have rabbits, even that stupid, freaking, bastard Spain gets turtles. I guess I'm not cool enough to get to have any sort of a pet.
It's a lot of work, besides I see nothing wrong with rabbits.. they are cute, and what's the issue with Spain... Plus you're cool... at least I think so.
Sure... thanks... I think... and about Spain.. You don't need to hear my issues.. It seems you have enough of that already.
*Her stomach growled louder this time. She huddled herself to the wall next to his door. In hopes that he didn't hear it.*
Alright... What animal/creature do you have out there?
An imaginary one...
...Go eat something...
No.
Varför inte?
Because I told you I don't cook for one...
...
What?
You should eat.. If that's your stomach, you should feed it.
I am... with.. beer.
... That's not food
Hey you can't lecture me...
I just did...
*He had to snicker. Berwald actually enjoyed their bantering and little arguements. He was honestly worried about her. It's never good to drink on an empty stomach. Her laughter made him chuckle again. It was good to see she wasn't taking him to serious, though he wished she did go eat something.*
No.. because you're doing the same thing...
I ate while you went to the store...
Sure you did... What did you have?
A sandwich and an apple...
Oh crap! I forgot we had apples...
*Berwald heard her light foot steps run down stairs. He was happy to see she didn't argue with him any longer. He sighed as she came back up to her normal spot.*
:)
Are you coming out yet?
Please?
... In a bit
Ok... Fair enough... Want to tell me why you had such a bad day?
*The Swede knew she was eventually going to ask. He wish she hadn't. His chest begun to sting again. A hard lump developed in his throat. He thought he was going to die. Berwald clenched his shirt where his heart was. He put a hand over his eyes to wipe the tears as they fell down his cheeks. He sniffled. Sweden hoped she didn't hear him as he silently cried.
Berwald?...
Ja.. i'm here...
You don't have to answer...
Nej... It's alright... Tino sent me a letter...
I take it from your reaction it's a bad thing...
Ja...
What did it say?
He wanted a break...
Ouch...
Ja...
Well.. who knows... he might come back... I mean I'm the break up queen but for you there's still hope.
He didn't sound like he wanted to...
Ohhh I know! You know how you can miss read something? Maybe he just wants a break for everything and he'll come back!
Tack... But that's not what the letter said...
Oh... What did it say?
He... he didn't like the fact that I protected him... He said I was controlling and smothered him. He wrote me a Letter of Independence. My boss made me sign it.
Oh.. oh god... Berwald I'm soooo soooo sorry... If it matters any at all.. you have me.. I'm not going any where.. and I don't have to work tomorrow... I can be here all night...
Tack... You're sweet. Tack igen...
Well... I know where he's coming from about being controlled but at least you didn't use him in a time of war to use as a buffer against enimies.. It's ok to worry about someone else... let me tell you... I worry about everyone.. trust me it's not easy.. OH.. OH... let's just say the smothering part.. BULL! I would kill to have someone so close! I've been on my own for almost 2 centuries now..
I know... But still... Hey don't you talk to your brother?
Yeah... Rarely... Why?
I thought you two were close...
*Berwald heard her laugh. It wasn't a funny laugh either. It had a bitter tone to it. He didn't like it. It didn't seem part of her personality. It didn't fit her. He wondered what was so bad about the Dutchman.*
NO... What made you think that?
You two are siblings... I just assumed...
Look.. He's controlling on a completely different level.. He's bossy, if you don't do as he says.. he will smack you if he feels the need for it.. He's always high on some sort of drug.. and hes into Lolicons and other artwork like it.. He likes really really young girls... I don't want anything to do with him...
Come on.. he can't be that bad.. Danmark is pretty bad though...
And I still talk to him...
Um... he's worse than Danmark... I know Danmark and his stubborness.. But Mathias is still cool in my book.
And why are we talking about my broer?
Nej. Danmark is NOT. He's annoying but that doesn't mean I won't talk to him.
... I don't remember why...
LoL I'm changing the subject.
You know you're really cool to talk to. I had such a day yesturday... I'm happy I was able to get to talk to you.
*Belgium hoped that didn't seem a little to forward. The truth was she really did like talking to him. It wasn't the alcohol that was talking either. She enjoyed his company so much but she didn't want to show it because he was married. He was so comfortable to be around, Bel didn't want to ruin it.*
Really? No one talks to me openly. The only one that does besides you is Danmark.
Really? I don't know why... Your pretty easy to talk to... I enjoy it...
To be honest you're pretty amazing.. not everyone can be as good as father as you.. besides.. your're nice
you're honest
you put up with my antics and you have a dog...
Tack. Only Dan has said that to me... and that was decades ago.
Really?
It's the truth though...
Igen, tack... Wait.. What does having a dog have anything to do with it?
I want one.. that's why I said that...
Wait... Have you been drinking this entire time?
Yep.. But slowly... I'm a little buzzed.. I've only had 4 beers since I got back from the store.
You should drink some water...
I was just thinking that...
It'd be good for you...
LoL want some?
Water that is..
I probably should...
*Belgium ran down stairs and came back quickly. Berwald actually started to feel better again. He couldn't help but wonder how she felt about him. If they were just meant to be friends or possibly more. His phone buzzed under his finger tips.*
Back...
Sweden stood and stretched. Belgium could hear him get up. Her mouth went dry with excitement, so she started drinking her water. She was looking forward to seeing Berwald. Even though they had been texting in the room next to each other, it seemed there was some distance between them. She wanted to hug him and tell him everything was going to be ok. Bel secretly wanted to kiss him and touch him but he's just getting over a break up and she didn't want to be the rebound.
Berwald came out. His hair was every where, he had taken off his glasses and left them in his room. Berwald's eyes were red and didn't have the shine like they did when she first saw him. His navy blue tie was pulled half off, his black collared shirt was unbutton at the top, and only half tucked in. His navy blue slacks were wrinkled badly. It looked like he tried to sleep in his cloths. Belgium covered her mouth, with her glass in her hand. She was afraid to snicker out loud. "Vad?" Sweden's greenish blue eyes narrowed on her as he took the glass of water and begun to drink. Bel shook her head as she finished her water and set the glass down on a hallway table. He followed in suit.
"Not in a million years would I ever guess to see you like this. But I have to admit the hair does look good on you like that." Belgium wanted to so badly play with his bangs that fell in front. They were just brow length and angled slighting int the corners of his eyes. "T..tack." Berwald never got compliments like that from anyone before. She was the first. His cheeks started to glow red. Belgium didn't know why he was blushing but to save his pride she figured she'd help him get a little more presentable. Bel stepped close to him. He could smell her sweet perfume, it was a mix of cinnamon and honey, it had a warm intoxicating smell. Sweden took a deep breath as he looked down at her. She was concentrating on his cloths and paying no mind to him watching her.
Bel turned up his collar to undo his tie. Her light finger tips danced around his neck. The Swede froze as shivers went up his spine. He didn't want to move; her touch felt so soft, the tiny hairs on his neck stood up. Berwald was afraid if he moved he was going to do something stupid like grab her and kiss her. His heart began to race. Bel could feel him tense up and hold his breath. "I can see you had a really rough day..." Her green eyes glanced at him. Sweden cleared his throat. "Ja... K'nda..." She offered a soft smile. He could feel his muscles melt. "It always works out. I promise." Bel took off his tie and readjusted the collar. She laid it down on the table next to the glasses, not seeing a need to put it back on. His hands became hot and begun to sweat with nerves. Belgium was standing so close to him, he thought. The heat of her body and the smell of her perfume was rattling his train of thought.
"I.. I h'pe so. But I h've other th'ngs on my m'nd. I'm so lost r'ght now." His face turned to confusion and hurt as she started brushing lint off his shoulders with her bare hands and straightning his shirt. "Really? What's that?" Her face looked up curiously as she began to tuck in his shirt for him. " Other pe'ple." Sweden's voice was starting to crack as his mouth went dry. He wanted to run, he didn't like the fact that he liked her so much, especially after today. Berwald felt a hint of guilt because he was hurt by Finland but not as much as it should, because of Belgium.
"Other people? Like as in you like someone else, other people... or...?" He nodded looking away this time. His breath quickend as she ran her finger tips down his chest, smoothing all the unwanted wrinkles. Could this woman make it any harder, he wondered to himself. Belgium took a step back and he sighed with relief. "That's cool! See the day isn't a total loss!" Bel was happy she didn't act on her feelings. It would have hurt her, to show him affection and he not feel the same way for her. It was good she avoided that land mine.
"Ja, b't I don't th'nk they see me 'n the same l'ght." Her face turned up a little in his direction. "Why not? You're a wonderful person!" Her voice was so soft and lovely, Berwald, could listen to her for hours. Sweden was doing everything in his power not reach out and grab her and make her his. "I jus don't th'nk they will l'ke me b'ck the same way. I don't want th'ngs to be we'rd b'tw'en us." Begium shook her head and gave him an encouraging smile. "You worry to much." "Nej, I don't", he said with a frown. Bel chuckled even though her feelings were slightly hurt. "Trust me when I say this. The person is extremely lucky to have you like them. You're perfect in every sense." His face filled with worry. "Nej! I've d'ne 'lot of th'ngs. My past 'sn't cle'n nor p'rfect." He shifted as he just realized what she said prior. "Y..you th'nk so?" She paused a moment. "Th't they're l'cky?" Belgium nodded and pulled at his hand.
He stiffened again. Her hand was soft and cool, next to his calloused, hot one. Sweden finally relaxed enough to follow her. "Yes I do." He sighed. "You h'vn't read 'ny history bo'ks have you? Fer some of those ev'nts I p'rsonally ov'r saw th'm and p'rticipated 'n." She chuckled. "I try not to think about those days. You ravaged my lands and my women. You also would have done some serious damage to my brother and I, if Danmark hadn't of stopped you." He swallowed hard. Sweden almost forgot about that. He grew nervous again. She so easily forgave everyone, it astonished him but it didn't mean it was right. He was young and full of ambition. Sweden wanted everything, war, blood, gold, slaves, land. He saw everyone as lesser beings then him, except for the other Nordics back then. "S'rry." He looked away as he swallowed hard. Bel patted his shoulder. "It's alright."
"Come on... Let's get some coffee and you can tell me more about this person." He nodded as he looked dumb founded. Her voice was so sweet but it had a tinge of sadness to it. Sweden hoped by bringing up the past it didn't bother her. As they went down stairs she spoke up after a moment of silence, Sweden was unable to take his eyes off her. "Berwald, you bring up the past, but the past is the past. Isn't it up to the person you like to judge you? Wouldn't it be right for them to judge you for who you are now, instead of what you've done?" Sweden blinked. "Ja, but ev'n now, I cun st'll be scary." She chuckled, it was light hearted, allowing Berwald to relax. He was happy she wasn't dwelling on the past. "Yeah.. but only to Russia and Danmark." Sweden laughed. "True."
They make it to the little kitchen. He had to smile as he watched her make her way to the coffee pot. Sweden sat at the breakfast bar and watched her waltz around, making coffee. He couldn't help but grin. Bel managed to find coffee mugs for the both of them. "Tell me about this person." Her voice was lovely but still, the tone was off a little. He couldn't help but wonder what was wrong but he didn't dare ask. "Well they're really swe't. They love f'mily as m'ch as I do. They're a g'od c'ok." She chuckled. "Hm... Well, that leaves England out. What else?" She turned and grabbed the coffee pot.
He leaned forward and continued. "They're g'od w'th kids, v'ry trustw'rthy." Belgium chuckled. "That's awesome. Are they good with pets too? That's important you know." He closed his eyes sipping the hot coffee she just poured. "Ja. Hanatamago will g't lots of love." Bel sat down across from him. Berwald took note that her green eyes didn't have the luster like they usually do. "Are they a he or a she?" Sweden shook his head. "Not telling, it would narrow it down to much." Bel paused to think. "Hmm... They'd also have to like quiet mornings. I know that's important to you." Sweden chuckled as he took a sip. "Th'y don't h've to, but it wo'ld be n'ce."
"So who could it be?" Berwald couldn't help but smile. "I'll g've you a h'nt. Th'y're europ'n." Bel nodded. "I als' luv the'r laugh und sm'le." Belgium chuckled. "Ok.. Ok... You have to tell me if I get it right though." He nodded. "Italy?" Sweden shook his head. "France?" Berwald's face twisted as if he bit into something sour so she continued. "Spain?" Sweden dropped his head and shook it again. "Hmm... Are they Nordic?" "Nej." Belgium begun to ponder again as she sipped her coffee. "Russian?" "Nej", his voice had a light chuckle to it. Belgium didn't realize it was her. This game was becoming rather entertaining to him. His greenish blue eyes watched her facial experssions as Bel was narrowing it down. "Oh! Germany!" He almost spit up his coffee and began to cough. "Nej! Nej!" By the sound of that, she could safely assume it wasn't Prussia either. Belgium reached across with a napkin and handed it to him as she was trying to contain her laughter.
That left her and her brother. "My broer?" His eyes grew wide as he shook his head violently. Belgium went to say her name but her voice caught. For some reason she really wanted it to be her but didn't want the disappointment if it wasn't. "Is it... Is it?" That's all that would come out. Berwald could tell she was struggling to say her name. He wondered if it was a good thing or a bad thing. His nerve built up so he nodded. He even slid his hand to touch her's. He was blushing but she was blushing brighter.
She couldn't look at him. He could tell she was so nervous. Berwald got up and walked around slowly. Bel just stood there in confusion, her head started to get dizzy. Was he playing a game with her, she pondered. He didn't seem the type though, Bel thought. Belgium didn't realize he stepped up close. She could set her chin on his chest if she wanted to. "Bel, l't me be yer p'llar of str'ngth. L't me 'nsure you th't nutt'n will happ'n wh'le I'm here. L't me t'ke care of you." There he said it, it was set in stone. He let out a breath but he was expecting her to turn him away or flee in terror. Berwald wasn't very good with kind of stuff. He could feel the anxiety build up in his chest.
Belgium's emerald green eyes lit up as she was able to find her voice. Her cheeks were rosey red. "Berwald... I don't know what to say." Belgium wanted it so badly to be her and now he was telling her what she hoped to hear. She could feel her knees get weak as he caught her in his large arms. "I'll f'rever be h're fer you." He sighed with relief as she reached out to hug him with wobbly arms. Her legs barely under her. Berwald picked her up and set her down on the counter.
Belgium was visibly shaking. "I f'gured ye'd be run'n in fe'r." She shook her head. "No! I've liked you since I can remember!" Bel turned red at her outburst. Berwald laughed, his laughter vibrated through his chest. It felt good under Belgium's cheek as she laid her head on his chest. Sweden rubbed her back. He enjoyed the feel of her dark green t-shirt under his finger tips. Bel pushed back to look up at him, she was regaining strength from the excitement that coursed through her body. Sweden looked down at her with lust in his eyes. His mouth went dry, as he hesitantly leaned forward. Berwald's hot, dry lips met her cool, soft lips. Bel closed her eyes allowing him to explore her mouth, allowing her hands to slide up his arms and across his shoulders. Bel loved the taste of him, he must have thought the same as he forced his weight on her, laying her back on the counter top. Sweden's mind raced as he explored her smooth skin of her sides with his calloused finger tips. Belgium made a gasp for air as his hands suddenly appeared under her shirt on her ribs. It broke the kiss that Berwald was enjoying so much.
"Vad?" He chuckled as looked down at a stiffened Belgium. "I'm ticklish!" Sweden's laughter was light hearted and soothing to her ears. He relished her image on the counter top. The back kitchen door opened. The unexpecting Spainard was met with two very upset glances at him. "Uh... Ok! You two have fun!" Spain turned on his heels and headed back the other direction. The two couldn't help but to laugh.
Berwald realized something. He didn't lose a Finland, he gained a Belgium. The man never really had Finland, but now he has Belgium who would return every kiss, every touch, every feeling and appreciate it. He never wanted this to end. Belgium hugged herself to him enjoying the fact that finally her feelings were returned. He listened when she spoke, he wasn't afraid to come to her with his thoughts, and he wanted to be with her. For that she would never leave his side. Bel never wanted this to end she thought as she laid her head on his chest, when he stood back up.
"Berwald..." "Ja?" He cupped her cheek. "Don't think this get's you out of taking me to the Eiffle Tower." He laughed. "Wo'ldn't m'ss it fer the w'rld." They both shared a laugh... He was finally happy he had someone to make his family complete and she was happy to be part of a family again...