Hello! Here is the final chapter of this story, which was also my very first Hetalia story (though some of you may know that already)! There is already a small sequel for it that will be posted, titled "Storm", and I hope that it will also be enjoyed. Thank you, very much, to everyone who has clicked on this story to read it and/or left a review for me. It is always appreciated. :)
Disclaimer - I do not own "Hetalia" or any of its personified nations.
Aftermath of 'Date', Part III
The very next week, just as they had planned for it, Iceland met up with Latvia in his home capital of Riga. Latvia was completely excited, though nervous, to see Iceland in person again and dragged the young Nordic all across Riga. He took Iceland to the Riga Central Market, the old Town of Riga (one of the World Heritage Sites in Europe), St. Peter's Church (Latvia informed Iceland about how much construction and reconstruction—due to cases with fire—the church had gone through over history, while they looked out at Riga from atop the church's steeple. Latvia also further spoke with Iceland about more of his own experiences within the Soviet Union, wanting to get more emotions off of his chest.), and finally the Latvian National Opera House, to see a performance Latvia had selected called "Eugene Onegin", a story of fragmentary love.
Iceland had enjoyed his entire day with Latvia. He saw and discovered so much more of the younger nation's history and heart. Latvia had become much more attached to him, Iceland could tell, during this 'date'. Latvia had willingly opened up to Iceland, and told him in confidence what more of his inner feelings were. This made Iceland feel glad to see more progression in his recovery, and he felt like he had grown closer to Latvia… and, unlike their last visit together, no one had seemed to be stalking them! Iceland had been very wary of their surroundings a few times, just glancing around for the prying eyes of any other nation. Thankfully, he did not see anything suspicious and was able to have a good, uninterrupted day with Latvia.
Latvia really hated saying good-bye to Iceland, after their entire day together had been spent. He really loved being around Iceland and wished that his homeland was closer in distance. There was just something so securing and so reassuring about Iceland's presence… From this date, he not only felt closer to Iceland, but there was this delightful, fluttering feeling in his heart that would not go away. It made him feel so nervous, yet so happy... As Latvia escorted Iceland to his plane, he couldn't help but wonder if what he was feeling was love. It was not the same kind of love he felt for Lithuania and Estonia, or even Sealand or Finland, but something… different... something so different and so wonderful.
Now that he was waving good-bye to Iceland, after embracing him out of happiness, Latvia couldn't wait to see and spend more time with Iceland again. He knew the next World Meeting was coming up soon, and it would be taking place in Reykjavik… If there was enough time after the meeting, Latvia hoped he and Iceland would have some time to talk or something… He really hoped they could, at least, go to Perlan, again.
"And that, my fellow nations, is why we need a total, kick-a robot army!"
"You bloody twit! That whole speech could not have been more stupid!"
"No hating, British dude! It made total sense! Anyone else agree?"
Barely a sound resounded through the meeting hall.
Iceland leaned his head into the palm of his hand, restraining the urge to roll his eyes. A whole World Meeting had been scheduled for America to talk about a stupid, robot army scheme? Well, it could have been worse. Everyone could be talking about him and Latvia, instead. Iceland had not been looking forward to having the entire mass of the world's nations enveloping his capital building, for he was absolutely certain he would be swarmed with questions from anyone who had misinterpreted anything that had happened between him and Latvia. It would have happened anywhere, he supposed, but it just felt so weird to have every country on his homeland. No one had said anything about him and Latvia yet, and Iceland hoped everyone had dropped the matter and moved on, but he still felt suspicious… No, there was no way it was over.
"See? No one agrees with your silly idea," Britain stated in triumph, crossing his arms. "What would it benefit to have a robot army in each and every nation? It would be madness! Besides, shouldn't we be investing our time and money into something more important?"
America paused and scratched the top of his head. "I guess… Anybody have anything going on, right now?"
All of a sudden, before any words were said, South Korea rose to his feet and rumbled a low cough in his throat to gain everyone's attention. "I have a question."
"Ah, yes, South Korea," Britain acknowledged the Asian country, "What do you have to say?"
South Korea quickly glanced at both Latvia's and Iceland's seats, practically bouncing where he stood. This caused for the pit of Iceland's stomach to knot. He knew it. The knowledge of the situation between him and Latvia was far from over among the other nations. Knowing that this was not going to turn out well, Iceland mentally braced himself. Here it comes.
"I wanted to know if the sexual relationship between Iceland and Latvia was true!" South Korea declared, sounding both eager and energized.
Iceland smacked his face into his hand, groaning to himself. He just had to say the 's' word.
Some nations remained silent, out of shock that South Korea said that aloud, while others gasped. Lithuania and Estonia were especially choked with astonishment. Latvia had only told them that he went on two dates with Iceland… Were those two actually being intimate? They certainly hadn't heard this, nor would they ever expect it to happen with Latvia! What was this?
France jumped to his feet and slammed his hands down onto the table. "Yes, finally! This is what I've been waiting to hear!"
Hungary stood up next, looking as equally excited as France. "Yes! Yes! I need to know! Iceland never let me know if I could watch them!" Little stars of enthusiasm danced in her eyes, as she squealed and wriggled in excitement.
Austria, who was in the seat beside Hungary, sighed deeply. Here she goes again.
"L-Latvia," Estonia stuttered, looking down at the youngest Baltic sitting between him and Lithuania, "d-did you and Iceland really do… do…"
"Each other!" America finished, expressing his wide open mind of curiosity. "Dude, mind blown! You and Iceland were doing each other, after all?"
"America!" Britain raised his voice, standing up and putting his hands on his hips, "I thought I raised you better than that!"
"Um, big bruder," Liechtenstein whispered up to Switzerland, "What is everyone talking about? I don't understand."
Switzerland blushed lightly and wrung his hands. He had not yet discussed hormones or sexual matters with Liechtenstein. She had never outwardly demonstrated anything remotely close to those things. She was a mature girl, but a very innocent girl, as well; especially for her age. To answer Liechtenstein, Switzerland leaned down towards her and simply told her that he would tell her about 'it' later.
Sealand, who was sitting beside his 'father', tried to ask him what was going on, too. Sweden told him that he didn't need to know, and Sealand reacted with a stubborn huff of breath and curled his arms over his chest.
With both of his hands hiding his face now, Iceland sank down into his chair, feeling immense amounts of eyes staring at him. The uncomfortable horror of this situation had just tripled in size. He knew it would be bad, but it was much worse than he had anticipated.
Latvia was just completely red in the face and didn't know what to say to the inquiring nations around him. With an expression full of shock, he silently listened to various countries blurt out uncomfortable questions to him and Iceland.
"Aww, he's, like, blushing!" Poland gushed, as he leaned over in his seat, across Lithuania's lap. He wanted to get a better look at Latvia. "So totally cute!"
"Poland!" Lithuania scolded the blond, his face full of surprise and disturbance, "Give him some room! W-We need to figure this out!"
Estonia nodded hastily, shakily pushing his spectacles back onto the bridge of his nose. He looked as if he could faint at any moment.
Japan whipped a notebook out of his sleeve, while trying to restrain a nosebleed, and began to scribble things down into it. Italy, who was sitting beside Japan, watched him write with full fascination.
"Latvia," Lithuania steadily began, trying his best not to outwardly freak out, "I know you're growing up, and I know how happy you've been-"
"Ohonhonhon, yes!" France laughed aloud, unable to keep his excitement to himself. "Sex is a happy thing, no? Ah, and they're both so young, beautiful, and inexperienced!"
Hungary nodded swiftly, ogling the two boys with a strange look of glee in her eyes.
"Oh, for God's sake, France, they're children!" Switzerland yelled out, scolding the French man. "And there are other children here who don't need to hear this!"
Liechtenstein looked up at Switzerland, feeling even more confused than before. Whatever her brother was yelling about, it definitely wasn't good. Do I even want to know what's going on?
Sealand, who was trying even harder to get Sweden to tell him what everyone was talking about, still got no response—not even a hint. He tried to get Finland to tell him too, and the response was still the same. I never get to know anything!
Latvia, now even redder than before, sank down into his seat, like Iceland was. This was so personable and embarrassing! Why did this mayhem have to start?
Disgusting perverts! Iceland thought to himself, not once daring to raise his eyes from his hands. He didn't want to look at anyone, not with the expression he had right now.
Prussia suddenly appeared behind Iceland's chair, shocking the other Nordics sitting around him, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well done, fellow albino! We albinos are awesome! I'm still more awesome, but, hey, I'll give you some credit!"
"Sit down!" Germany demanded of his brother. "You are making it worse!"
"Aw, come on, West, he's becoming a man!" Prussia vigorously shook Iceland's shoulder and laughed heartily.
"Don't touch him!" Norway shouted at Prussia, as he stood up and slapped his hand off of Iceland's shoulder.
"You can't shield him forever, Norway!"
"Stay out of this, Hungary!"
"He should do whatever he wants!" she strongly retorted. "He's growing up!"
More countries then began to intervene and collaborate on the topic. A select few did not speak, others argued with each other—like Norway and Hungary—about what did and didn't happen, and the majority of the rest of the nations were directing their attention and questions towards Iceland and Latvia. Some had even gotten out of their seats to approach Iceland and Latvia, themselves. None of them got a single word out of the two, young nations, no matter what was said and asked. Iceland was too upset to even look at anyone, while Latvia sat quietly in his seat, unsure of what to say or do.
"Guys, guys, can you all just leave Iceland and Latvia alone?" Denmark loudly boomed above everyone, as he, too, stood up. When everyone settled down, because of his outburst, Denmark spoke up again. "It's not fair to make them feel so awkward! What they do behind closed doors is none of your businesses!"
"Denmark!" Iceland yelled out, finally removing his reddened face from his hands. He looked up at the large Nordic with fuming eyes. "You know that isn't-!"
"Well, you never let me know if I could watch, Iceland!" Hungary interrupted him, as she leaned down beside his chair. "And Japan wanted me to ask you if he could base a beautiful thing called a 'yaoi manga' on you and Latvia, as well."
Everyone now focused on Japan, who had momentarily stopped jotting away into his notebook. Italy, who had been watching Japan write, now had his eyes covered by Romano, who had happened to catch a glimpse of Japan's 'material'. Japan glanced from side to side, and quietly lowered his notebook underneath the table. "Hai, it is true."
China gasped to himself, shaking his head. How improper!
Iceland knew very well what the term 'yaoi' stood for, because he had researched the word 'shota' a few weeks ago, after Latvia had told him what Japan had referred to him as… It was sick. Disgusting, perverted, and sick. The images he had been so unfortunate to see, which had popped up within his Internet search's result, now had his mind permanently scarred. How could Japan write about that? Why was sexual intercourse between two males such a popular thing anyway? It made Iceland shudder to imagine what Japan and Hungary were thinking.
In response to Hungary, Iceland turned his face to her and simply said, "No," loud and clear.
"It's too private. I shouldn't have considered it. Forgive me for asking, Icerand-san," Japan quickly apologized, trying his best not to blush too much.
"But I want to know details!"
"And I want-"
"France, Hungary," Norway strongly addressed the two, moving in between them and Iceland, "Leave him alone. You two, and so many others here, are acting immaturely about this."
"Agreed," Austria sided with the Nordic, shooting disapproving glances towards Hungary and France.
Hungary pouted and crossed her arms, as did France.
Iceland mentally thanked his brother within his thoughts, as his poor head thumped from stress. Norway would surely take care of the problem.
"You all need to settle down, now," Norway spoke out, with a vague monotone, "I can honestly tell you all, right now, how much of a gentleman Iceland is."
Iceland could feel his eyes widen and felt flaming heat burn within his cheeks. No… Norway was actually going to go there. He was truly going to make this worse. Screw my luck.
"He courted Latvia in a manner that was not inappropriate," Norway continued, captivating the entire room of nations with his words. "He treated Latvia with respect and encouragement and even saved him from danger, during their outing-"he stopped speaking, for Iceland had reached up and tugged on his brother's sleeve. Norway leaned over and moved his face towards Iceland's. "Yes, lillebroren?"
"Norway," Iceland tiredly yet sternly began, as he looked directly into his older brother's violet eyes, "Shut up."
"Saved him?" Estonia and Lithuania blurted out loud, looking worried. Latvia hadn't told them anything about experiencing danger on his date.
"What happened?" Japan inquisitively asked, raising his notebook to the table again.
"Oh, please, tell!" Spain spoke up, his eyes softening in their widened stance. "This story sounds so hermosa, mi amigo!"
Hungary nodded wildly, staring down at the youngest Nordic.
Finland, seeing the annoyance and distress in Iceland's eyes, stood up and spoke out above the other nations. "We should move on to another topic. I know, let us discuss the current effects of global warm-"
"Shut it, Tino!" Hungary roared, causing for almost everyone to jump (Prussia and Austria were even clinging onto each other, from Hungary's outburst). "I wanna hear the story!"
Finland, feeling defeated, plopped back down into his chair and leaned into it. He was absolutely speechless.
"Dn't talk t' m'wife like th't," Sweden firmly mumbled towards Hungary, his eyes glaring.
Finland, now feeling Iceland and Latvia's pain, sank down into his seat and turned a light shade of red. Why did Sweden have to call him his wife in front of everyone? It was always so weird and embarrassing, to him!
Once Sweden had uttered the word 'wife', Hungary and France became even more excited and began to pester Sweden and Finland about their relationship. More nations got involved, just like they had with Iceland and Latvia, and began to argue back and forth about what was true and what wasn't (Denmark was not making Sweden and Finland's situation any better than he had made Iceland and Latvia's). Anything that could have been discussed for this meeting had completely flown out of the window. The most important subject, thanks to France and Hungary especially, was now about sexual relationships between male nations.
"And I bet Austria and Switzerland have done it, too!" France yelled out, adding to the pandemonium.
"WHAT?" Switzerland jumped to his feet and slammed his fists on the table. His face was reddening from anger and mortification of being mentioned in this.
"Your tension between each other is just sexual tension!" France declared his opinion.
Hungary paused and thought about that. He does have a bit of a point…I don't mind it.
Prussia, who was standing beside Austria, began to point and laugh at him. "I get it now! I get it!"
Austria, who was also red in the face, spoke out against him. "Get what, if I may ask?"
Prussia didn't answer. He just kept laughing and pointing.
Switzerland, who had had enough of all of the nonsense, whipped out his pistol and began to charge towards France and Prussia. The two nations yelped at the sight of the gun, and they began to run around the long table with Switzerland chasing them.
"I'll shoot you both until you are dead! I swear it!" Switzerland shouted, firing an attempted shot at the two, running nations.
Some nations screamed and ducked, while others tried to physically stop Switzerland from destroying the inside of Iceland's capital building.
While this chaos was going on around them, and with the main focus being off of him and Latvia, Iceland believed it was the perfect time to make a getaway. He looked over at Latvia, who was still sitting in his seat. He was watching Germany trying to capture the angered Switzerland. I'll get Latvia out of here, too. He could use a break.
With that thought in mind, and a quick glance around to make sure no one—especially his brother or the other Nordics—was looking, Iceland quietly slipped himself out of his chair and underneath the meeting table. He quickly crawled over to where Latvia was, hearing something crash from outside, and placed a hand on the younger boy's knee.
Latvia jumped for a moment, and then looked down to see Iceland's head peek out from underneath the table. He breathed out and smiled in relief, but he was also very amused that Iceland had gotten to him from underneath the table. It seemed so uncharacteristic!
"I'm going to grab your hand, and we're going to run, all right?" Iceland whispered up to Latvia, making sure Lithuania and Estonia couldn't hear him. "This meeting's gotten way out of hand, so I thought we'd go somewhere else."
Latvia held his breath for a moment and nodded affirmatively. This whole ordeal felt like a scenario in one of his books! It was kind of exciting.
"Okay, on the count of three, we're going to run for the door," Iceland reminded Latvia, slowly moving himself out from underneath the table. "Ready?"
Latvia nodded, feeling his heart pound in anticipation.
"Okay. One."
Iceland grabbed Latvia's left hand with his right.
"Two."
Iceland got completely out from underneath the table, though he was still crouched to the ground. He looked up at Latvia.
"Three."
Iceland bolted to his feet, as did Latvia, and the two ran for the nearest exit. Without hesitating, Iceland opened up the door and, with Latvia in tow, escaped from the frenzied room. They would not stop running until they were outside of the capital building.
"There, now that that's been taken care of," Germany began, pocketing the pistol he had forcibly taken from Switzerland, "let us be more in order. We are supposed to be mature countries, not children!"
Switzerland crossed his arms, muttering a few curse words in Swiss-German, as he stomped his way back to his seat. France, Prussia, and Hungary also sat back down into their seats, along with anyone else who had been standing up.
"We are going to discuss economic problems, now," Germany informed everyone, taking control of the meeting. "No robots, no mentions of sex or anything associated with it. We are not going to talk about it! Have I made myself clear?"
"Iceland?" Norway looked from side to side, scanning his eyes all over the room. "Where did he go?"
Germany sighed, as his shoulders slumped. Nothing was going to be accomplished today.
"Iceland left?" Lithuania questioned the Nordic.
"Latvia's gone, too!" Estonia spoke up, looking down at the empty chair in between him and Lithuania.
"Is anyone else missing?" Finland asked the crowd of nations.
Everyone looked around, declaring that every other country was accounted for other than Iceland and Latvia.
"They snuck off together!" awed Hungary, as little hearts appeared in her eyes. "How sweet and adorable!"
Liechtenstein, finally understanding a little more of the situation through observation, smiled and nodded. She was guessing that Iceland and Latvia loved each other, or something, and thought it was cute.
"Did anyone see them leave?" America asked everyone. "Anyone at all?"
Most shook their heads and spoke quietly amongst themselves about it. Neither the Nordics nor the Baltics saw them leave, even though Iceland and Latvia had been right beside them.
"They must have reft during the fight," Japan commented aloud. "I certainry don't brame them. Those poor young peopre were so embarrassed today. We should reave them arone and ret them have time to themserves."
Agreeing with Japan's words, and with some feeling a little ashamed of themselves, the nations pulled their attention back to the meeting and began to try and start an economic topic.
"You really didn't see them leave?" Estonia leaned over and whispered to Lithuania. He was just so shocked that Iceland and Latvia had slipped right out of the room with no one noticing.
Lithuania shook his head. "I didn't. They must have been really pushed to their limits to sneak out."
Estonia nodded, agreeing. He and Lithuania felt badly, now that they thought about how much embarrassment those two had to have felt.
"I swear, I didn't see them," Denmark told Norway, since the younger Nordic had asked him if he saw his brother leave.
"I didn't either," Finland said, shaking his head.
"Or me," Sweden added.
"Me either," Sealand put his two cents in. "I was too busy watching Switzerland shoot at people. It was cool!"
"… " Norway sighed quietly, as he settled back into his seat. "Interesting."
"Interesting?" Denmark repeatedly questioned. "What is?"
"Nothing, just a thought I had," Norway monotonously replied, averting his eyes to Britain, who was currently speaking aloud. My thoughts from before are still confirmed… Iceland really does care about Latvia…He's growing up so well.
Canada sighed, as he sagged into his chair. "No one heard me, at all. I said I saw where they went, but no one heard me."
"I heard you, Canada," Russia told the quiet country, turning his cheery face to him. "I, too, saw them leave."
"Y-You did?" Canada squeaked, feeling intimidated by the large nation.
"Da," Russia responded, as he looked towards the door he had seen Iceland and Latvia sneak out of. He had even seen Iceland lower himself underneath the table, while the big fuss between Switzerland, France, and Prussia was going on. Russia knew that Iceland would go to Latvia's seat, and he did. When Latvia made that innocently happy face, as he had looked down at Iceland on the floor, Russia couldn't help but feel glad for the young boy. He had rarely ever seen Latvia look that happy, if happy at all… As Russia had told Iceland a few weeks ago, he knew Iceland was good for Latvia. He had just seen Latvia smile… That was what convinced him.
"What do you think about it?" Canada timidly spoke up to Russia, again. He had no idea what to think of how Russia would react, since Russia had owned Latvia and the other Baltics for all of those years during the Soviet Union.
Russia, still smiling, looked back down at Canada and said, "I think it is a good thing."
Canada felt a little shocked and asked Russia why he thought that.
"Because… Little Latvia is now happier."
"I'm sorry about all of that, Latvia," Iceland apologized to the young Baltic, as they came to a halt from their running. They were now outside of his capital building.
"No, don't feel bad," Latvia quickly assured him, "It wasn't your fault, or anything. I just feel bad that our dates have caused such an uproar… You don't have to spend time around me anymore, if it bothers you."
Iceland immediately looked in Latvia's direction, seeing a sad gleam in his eyes. "Latvia…" he shook his head, "The situation may bother me, but I don't regret spending time with you."
Latvia's eyes now looked a little more hopeful. "R-Really?"
"Yes," Iceland told him. He still had not let go of Latvia's hand. "Just because everyone else is acting stupidly about this, doesn't mean that we shouldn't still be around each other. I've told you that before."
Latvia smiled a little, lightly tightening his grip on Iceland's hand. "You enjoy spending time with me?"
Iceland nodded once, reassuring the younger boy. "Yes, I do. You are a very good person and friend, Latvia."
Latvia blushed a little, and he glanced away to the ground. "Thanks… You've been so supportive of me, Iceland. I really do enjoy our time together."
Iceland smiled on the inside, holding a gentle expression in his eyes. He honestly felt good that he could help Latvia start feeling better about himself and give him some peace. "Me too. Say, why don't we go head over to Perlan now, and get some of my country's hot cocoa?"
Just like the last time Iceland had mentioned hot cocoa, Latvia looked up at him with childish innocence and excitement. Iceland loved seeing Latvia look freer about himself.
"I would love that!" Latvia agreed. He felt happy that he and Iceland were going to Perlan again and would sit and talk more. He had been hoping for that this whole time. "We'll just go now?"
"Yep, now," Iceland told him. "I'm not going back in there," he referred to his capital building, "Not after all of that… and whatever damage Switzerland has done in that room, he can pay for himself."
Latvia snickered briefly. "Switzerland hates spending money."
Iceland nodded to himself, a satisfactory, impish glint appearing in his eyes. "I know."
Latvia laughed a little more, as he and Iceland started off towards Perlan. Latvia didn't know if Iceland had noticed, but the older boy had not yet let go of his hand. This made Latvia feel good inside, for some reason. Feeling a burst of happiness, Latvia eased himself closer to the older boy and wrapped his other arm around Iceland's arm. Iceland didn't stop walking or say anything, but he did look down at Latvia once, revealing a faint blush on his cheeks. Just before Iceland turned his face to the front of them again, Latvia swore he saw the smallest of smiles appear onto Iceland's lips.
I feel so close to Iceland, Latvia thought, as his heart continued to pound with that wonderful, airy feeling from before. I really care about him, and I know he cares about me, too. He's helped me so much…I feel so good around him, and I think I…I think I…Maybe one day, Iceland…I can tell you…
And this will lead on into the sequel that I mentioned, before this chapter began. This chapter... very, very entertaining for me to write (France + Hungary + Japan = Perverted Friends Trio ^^' The dreaded yaoi manga!). I hope it was entertaining to read. X) Poor Iceland and Latvia, though; this would be a rough day. I hope I had every country focused on written well, character wise, and that over all impact of this chapter and entire short story was good. I have had a great time with this story.
Russia, here, I personally believe he would be hoping for better outcomes for the Baltics, now that his country is in a process of change.
Iceland and Latvia, they are close in reality and, naturally, would be in this story. As for Latvia's last line, it could mean a few things (some more obvious then others, of course), but, in the sequel its meaning will be revealed. According to his profile, I will say again, Latvia is a character who likes and longs for affection. On Iceland's profile, he is reserved on the outside, but passionately blooded on the inside. When I put these two together, I see something working out. It is not hard for me to believe that Latvia would warm up to Iceland, and Iceland would feel protection towards Latvia and open up more so with him.
Also, I hope I wrote Sweden's jumbled speech well enough. I tried. ^^'
Lillebroren - Little brother (Norwegian) In case it was not caught before.
Hermosa - Beautiful (Spanish)
Mi amigo - My friend (Spanish, duh ^^')
Once again, I hope this was enjoyed! Thank you, for reading!