Small Things Hurt Most

Wake Him Up

"I'm gonna wake him up."
"Let him sleep, Fin."
" We need to figure out what's really wrong, and we need him to do that."
" I get that, but forcibly dragging him out of bed is not exactly going to make him open up any easier."
"Bu-"
"Fin. We'll all talk about it when he wakes up."
"Fine. But I don't like it," Finland said, taking a long drink of coffee. Denmark, pleased he won the argument, finished his own cup off and watched as Finland mumbled to himself. Denmark still felt guilty about the previous night. His feeling of accomplishment quickly faded when he remembered what the argument was about- and who, specifically- and why it was happening.
A little earlier, Finland had suggested waking Sealand up to discuss what he meant in his outburst last night.
Denmark felt horrible- he didn't like that his favorite little buddy was so upset. No kid should have o feel that way, but especially one as nice and friendly as Sealand. He was always trying to make people feel better, make new friends and help everyone. Even if he could get annoying at times, the same could be said for Iceland, Sweden,Finland and Norway, and they were adults.
Caught up in his thoughts, he didn't notice when a short figure walked into the small hotel kitchen.
"Sealand! You're up," Finland was the first to speak when he saw him. Denmark was pulled out of his thoughts and turned around. His eyes were red and his face was splotchy, like he had been crying again, but Denmark tried to brush it off as having just woken up. Sealand's hair was messy and sticking out everywhere, and Denmark couldn't help but smile a bit when Sweden decided to try to smooth it down, failing as it stuck out in even more tufts.
They would have liked to keep the moment light, but that feeling burst when Sealand mumbled something. It was quiet and the words were pushed together, but they still heard it.
"You told them, didn't you?"
Denmark looked down in guilt for not minding Sealand's privacy- it was Sealand's business, after all, but he wanted to make sure the younger was safe.
"Yeah, I did. Sorry," Denmark said, a twinge of sadness on his voice. Beside him, Finland sighed. "Look Sea," Finland began, " I have no idea what actually happened last night. Denmark refused to tell us anything except that you're... mad at yourself. But we all care about you, right? So can you explain a little? Just so we can help?" Denmark made a mental note that Finland tended to be very blunt. Sealand looked down, a patch of red spreading on his face. Denmark would have thought it was cute how much he tended to blush if not for the circumstances. He didn't reply for a while, and everyone in the room looked at him expectantly.
He could see the child fidget under their gaze. He hated how uncomfortable Sealand looked.
It was unnatural for him to look so small and frightened. Finally Denmark, no longer being able to stand it, had to say something.
"How about me and you just talk a bit, just us? That's alright, right guys?" He looked at the other Nordics. They looked hesitant, but they all left without a word. It was just them.
"Sealand, elaborate, please," Denmark said. Sealand breathes a quiet sigh and looked at him.
" I'm sorry for snapping at you," he whimpered.
"I know. It's okay, really. You were on edge and couldn't stop it. That's fine."
"Why do you care?"
Denmark stiffened, remembering last night. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, why does it matter if I'm upset or whatever?"
"You're family."
"No I'm not. I'm not a Nordic. I'm not even a legit country."
Something in Denmark's chest went out to him. Did he really not consider himself part of their family?
" You always seem so happy whenever I'm not with you guys... you want to be with the people you love, the people you've spent your whole life with. I'm not one of those people." Sealand's voice wavered on the last part, and it was obvious he was close to melting down again.
"You are family..."
"Sweden adopted me off of EBay."
"So?"
"Why do you even bother with someone who was forgotten and freaking sold because they couldn't do anything. England forgot about me because I'm useless."
"You're not useless, Sea. You're awesome! You're one of the nicest, kindest people I know."
" Being nice and kind doesn't change the fact I'm weak and useless."
Denmark sighed. " Do ya think I could get the other guys in here?"
Sealand shrugged a silent approval, and Denmark went to get the other Nordics.
Guys I'm really hating this story right now... I just don't like how it flows, or sounds, and I'm really just writing these chapters in like a couple minutes. The stuff I'm writing now is planned, drafted and just all around better... so this story will probably last like one more chapter and an epilogue, so... yeah. Tell me what you liked and didn't like about this, please!