Body Heat {Austria x Reader}

“I’m cold so come a bit closer… I’m not gonna do anything, silly.”

You discreetly leaned over to Hungary, who was still fuming. “Are you alright?” You whispered to your friend; holding a hand in front of your mouth so the male some feet away wouldn’t read your lips.

“Fine, just fine,” She responded a bit too quickly. You noticed the anger still laced in her voice from her current argument with Austria.

“Not sharing secrets about me, are you?” He questioned suspiciously from his side of the room.

Hungary stood back up, obviously annoyed. “Austria, I’m serious-”

Almost as soon as she started talking again, you noticed Austria roll his eyes and turn away. “-It’s no big deal.” He mumbled.

She groaned, “Yes it is. I’m only worried about your well-being. Do you want to die young?” You could almost hear the desperation in her voice.

Without looking up from his sheet music, Austria responded, “I won’t die young.”

“You don’t know that for sure. You’re the most out-of-shape person I know. Do you understand how unhealthy that is?” She crossed her arms defiantly.

He blew out a breath of air, clearly exasperated. “Oh, just be quiet. I’ve been living this way my whole life.” He brushed it off as another one of her ‘friendly’ complaints.

Hungary threw you a pleading look, one that read ‘for god’s sake, help me’. You sighed, and turned your attention to Austria. “She’s only trying to help you.” He didn’t acknowledge your words, even when you emphasized ‘help’.

“She’s right. I’m not just telling you this to complain,” Hungary’s tone softened a bit, and her face showed genuine worry. “I’m honestly worried for you, Austria.”

That managed to get his full attention. He put down his papers and finally looked up at her. “…Is that so?” He spoke after a few seconds. He seemed surprised at her sudden change in attitude; possibly feeling guilty that he’d been dismissing her genuine concerns. Maybe she was right. He shouldn’t overlook such important matters.

“And besides, you walk slow, can’t jog for a couple minutes without getting a cramp, rely on me for your entire housekeeping, and…” She continued to name his lack in physical ability on her fingers, with each one her voice getting louder and sharper. Yup, that’s the Hungary I know, you thought cheekily.

As she returned to her usual demanding attitude, Austria groaned and fell back in his chair. He childishly covered his ears, to which Hungary threatened to attack with her frying pan.

You laughed at their bickering, though it was still surfacing a serious topic. Austria’s physical ability was pretty lacking, but you weren’t exactly sure if it was life-threatening, as Hungary had tried to prove.

“_____, don’t you agree?” She asked, still holding up a frying pan to Austria’s face.

“Sure.” You responded quickly, only so she wouldn’t get mad at you for the delay.

Austria rolled his eyes again, a slight pout on his lips.

“So you’ll go?” She asked hopefully.

“Wait, what?” …What the hell was she talking about again?

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Austria’s wrist and dragged him over to his bedroom. “She already agreed. Now get packing.” She ordered.

Knowing something was off, you piped up from your seat and ran over to follow them. Once you got to Austria’s bedroom door, Hungary had already shoved him inside along with a massive travel bag. “What’s going on?” You asked, mentally cursing yourself for so quickly becoming out of the loop.

She sighed, “Didn’t you hear me? You’re going on a hiking trip with Austria later. I would go, but I have to babysit Prussia and make sure he doesn’t break anything at Germany’s house. You already agreed, didn’t you?” She looked up at you with pleading green eyes.

You, on the other hand, were still processing what she’d just said. Hiking? That sounded reasonable, coming from Hungary. But… alone with Austria? Since when had she suggested all this?!

She must have noticed your blushing cheeks, because she smiled suggestively, “Yes, that’s right, alone with him. Perfect time to make a move, yes~?”

Your cheeks burned even more, “Hungaryyy-!” You whined.

Austria was still in his room, most likely packing with great reluctance to Hungary’s request (read: demanding) to go on a hiking trip.

You paid no attention to the fact that you two were just out in the hallway, where he either could or could not hear you. “Why do you have to say stuff like that?” You grumbled.

“Because you like him and need to make the first move already,” She deadpanned.

You flinched at her casualness, “But… isn’t it the guy who’s supposed to make the ‘first’ move?”

She simply grinned. Oh yeah, you’d forgotten her manly side. She may be your best friend but sometimes you forgot she should have been born as a male.

You sighed, which she took as a sign of defeat. “So you’re going?”

“Well… fine,” You gave in. “But it won’t be what you think!”

~*~

You leaned over, placed your hands on your weak knees, and panted heavily. The hike didn’t seem like it would be difficult, but what Hungary had failed to mention was that she was taking you guys to the snow. As in, the snowy mountains of whatever-they’re-called just for a ‘short’ hike.

Austria wasn’t too pleased either. Normally he was quite optimistic, but there was nothing to be happy about in the blistering cold mountains. For him, at least. “I’ll curse that woman forever.” He grumbled, thinking about finding his own frying pan to threaten Hungary with later.

Once you caught your breath, you continued hiking up the trail. Austria wasn’t so far behind now, since you’d rested for a moment. But he continued to make frequent stops to catch his breath that it wasn’t long before he was at least twelve feet behind again. “Austria, come on!” You called out from over your shoulder.

When you noticed he wasn’t coming, you groaned and turned back around. You went over to fetch him and maybe give him another water bottle from your backpack—although he’d already drank about six.

“Austria, are you alright?” You asked once you got over to him. He was still panting, bent over, with beads of sweat on his forehead despite the falling snow.

He didn’t answer right away. You took this time to open your first water bottle—which was probably the last one Hungary had packed for you two.

He looked up, “Water… mine…” Although he was probably both exhausted and having terrible cramps, he still lunged for your water bottle with impressive speed.

“Hey-!” You didn’t have the time to move it away before he stole it from you. “…That was our last one.” You pouted as he downed the refreshing liquid.

“Sorry,” He said, wiping the corner of his mouth. He carelessly threw the empty plastic bottle to the side and faced you. “_____, I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“Well as you can see, I’m not the most motivated hiker. Could you show me an example of one of those medal-winning sprinters before they begin an important race? Just to give me some extra motivation.”

“Um, okay?” You thought it was a silly idea, but who knows? It might help him. You got down all fours, then raised one knee up as if you were about to start a foot race. You aligned your hands perfectly, the exact degree angle for a good head start. “Like this?”

Instead of getting a response, you felt a heavy weight plop down on your slanted back. “Hey, what’s the big idea?!” You shouted.

“Ahhh, much better.” Austria relaxed, glad to finally have a chair.

“Hey, you know I’m not here for your sitting pleasure, right?” You shot out, but still didn’t move from beneath him.

“Mhm.” He barely responded.

You rolled your eyes, waiting for him to get off. But he didn’t. Not for a noticeable amount of time.

Sighing, you glanced around the snowy mountains. It wasn’t long before you realized what such a change in angle and height could do for the view. Is that a… cave…? You wondered. It wasn’t something you’d noticed before.

“Hey Austria, look!” You immediately stood back up, causing him to fall over and topple into the snow.

“Ughh, what is it?” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head.

“It’s a cave. Did you notice it before? Let’s go check it out.” You offered cheerfully.

He eyed it with disinterest, but nodded anyway. “Fine. I could use a longer break anyways.”

You both cautiously walked inside; neither of you had been in a real cave before. Well at least without a tour guide. “It’s not as cold in here.” He observed.

You nodded. “Yeah,” Although, emphasis on the as cold. “Look at all these icicles.” You softly touched one of the frozen-in-time dripping icicles.

He watched you carefully. “…How beautiful.” He spoke softly after a few moments; without glancing at the icicles.

“I know, right? I should take a picture of them. There’s so many.” The entire ceiling of the cave was covered in icicles of at least six feet in length.

Before he got a chance to respond, you both heard some furious clapping sounds coming from what seemed like the highest point of the mountain. They echoed throughout the mountaintops, flying with the wind and gliding over snowy hill peaks.

Almost immediately, loud cracking noises echoed through the valley. They sounded like giant medal-braided ropes clanging against each other. The solid ice beneath your feet began to rumble, and some icicles crashed down from the cave top.

It took a few seconds for both you and Austria to understand. “…AVALANCHE!” You both screeched; your yells almost echoing louder than the mountain’s large mounds of ice breaking apart.

You both scrambled for the cave’s exit, but rapidly falling chunks of ice the size of cars blocked your path. The disturbed snow fell in heaps, blinding your sight with frozen white precipitation.

You closed your eyes, blocking your body with your arms. You heard and felt more snow blow in, but not a whole lot of it managed to touch you.

When the sounds finally died down, you opened your eyes again. Though as soon as you did, your jaw dropped at the view before you.

Snow.

Snow everywhere.

It was covering the cave’s ground, rising in height from ankle-length to about nine feet high. Though the problem was, you briefly remembered the exit to the cave was about nine feet high. Or shorter. And it was kind of in the direction of where all the snow was currently piled.

You took a few steps back, glancing around frantically for the exit. But it was no use. It was nowhere in freaking sight. Which only meant that it was hiding somewhere beneath all the goddamn snow.

“Austria, we have a problem,” You said aloud. You looked around, and mentally facepalmed yourself. You’d forgotten about Austria. “Hey, where are you?” You prayed he wasn’t buried somewhere in the wake of the avalanche.

When seconds passed and you still got no response, your head kicked into panic mode. “Austria? Hey, Austria! Where are you?” You shouted for him, but to no avail. More cracking of the ice followed your voice, and you remembered you had to keep it quiet.

You began running around the small cave, checking behind boulders and pillars of ice. He wasn’t behind any of them. You tried whisper-yelling his name, only to stop yourself out of the sheer uselessness of it.

“Oh no, oh no…” You started panicking out loud. Austria couldn’t be gone. There was no way. Things like this didn’t happen in real life. “Austria… come on…” You whispered to yourself as you dug through the mounds of snow.

Your heart thumped in your chest, and your breath came out fast and heavy. It was starting to literally hurt to breathe. Though you ignored the stinging pain as you continued to frantically search through the snow, “Austria…” Your eyes stung with tears.

After a few moments, you collapsed. You couldn’t help it. The physical pain combined with the thought of losing Austria was too hard to keep you steady.

A single tear made its way down your cheek; mostly due to gravity as you lay on the snow-covered ground. Another second or two of silence passed until you finally heard it.

At first it was just a muffling sound, followed by a quick overturn of snow. Pop! You looked up and saw a head blow out of the snow. “Ugh, it was cold down there.” Austria mumbled; his features taut with annoyance.

“Austria?!” You nearly screeched. Once it finally sunk in that he wasn’t dead, you climbed over the nine foot hill of snow to help him out. “What happened?”

He sighed, “Oh, I’m not even sure. One moment I’m feeling the cave shake and then the next, I’m buried near the top of this snow mound.” He was only visible from the neck up; the rest was of him was in the snow.

You tried not to laugh at how funny he looked. You continued digging him out as you asked, “Are you okay? How did you get out?”

“I’m fine. Just cold. And it was difficult; let’s just say I’m glad I got buried near the top instead of the bottom.” You tried not to think any more about what could have happened if he got buried beneath the entire mound of snow.

Within a few minutes, you had removed the snow keeping him captive till around his waist. From there on, he climbed out on his own. “Thank you again, _____.” He said as he slid down.

When he got down to the hard ice that passed for the ground, he turned to look at you. “_____?”

You still hadn’t responded. But once you looked up at him, alive and for the moment, safe— you broke down. “Austria… I was so worried!” You ran up to his tall form and hugged him as tight as you could.

No, let me rephrase that. You sprinted over to him in a 95 mile-per-hour dive bomb and tackled him in a huge bear hug. “For a minute there, I thought you were dead!” Your feet skidded on the ice due to the impact, causing you both to fall over.

“Ouch! — I mean… Sorry. For making you worry about me.” He rubbed the sore spot on the back of his head where it had hit the ground.

You squeezed him tighter; he was so warm. You could hear his rapid heartbeat and feel it pulse against your ear. “…It’s okay.” The cold, hard ground did nothing to bother you for the moment. Lying on top of Austria’s warm chest was much more satisfying.

He looked away from you, trying to hide the faint dust of pink on his cheeks. “_____?” He asked softly, once he was sure he was no longer blushing.

You snapped out of your blissful moment, and immediately stood back up. “Oh, s-sorry about that.” You laughed nervously; hoping he didn’t know you’d been listening to his heart. You offered your hand, and he instantly took it.

Once he was standing, he glanced toward the hill of ice precipitation blocking the exit. “Looks like we’re snowed in, huh?”

You nodded. “Yeah,” The dire situation you were currently in was starting to catch up to you. “What are we going to do?” You tried not to panic again. What if we freeze to death? What if the snow never softens? What if it becomes ice? Then we’ll be stuck here forever and-

“We wait for someone to rescue us.” Austria announced as he sat back down on the ice, as calm and collected as ever.

You stood there, shocked. Was that all he was going to do?

… Of course it was; he’s Austria. The calmest (read: sanest) and most optimistic of the German countries. Prussia would probably be freaking out while Germany would most likely be yelling.

You wouldn’t show it, but you secretly adored Austria. He was just so perfect, beautiful, talented, intelligent, and polite.

It was simply a harmless crush, but people like Hungary always made it into a big deal. You wouldn’t exactly be surprised if he knew.

You didn’t think he liked you as more than a friend anyway, so you didn’t even try. Going after him would only cause in heartbreak after all. Hungary had always tried to set you up with him, though… no matter how many times you told her not to.

“But what if no one comes?” You asked, trying not to sound too worried.

“Oh believe me, someone will come. After an avalanche like this, I wouldn’t be surprised if dozens of rescue teams already set out to find survivors.”

You almost cringed at the word survivors. Did that mean some people could have died in the avalanche? What if you weren’t in the cave when it happened? Did you… get lucky this time?

“We’re lucky to be alive.” Austria confirmed.

You wordlessly nodded again. Maybe we really should just wait here, you thought as you sat on the ground.

You could feel the cold ice through your thick pants as you sat down. Your breath visibly puffed into the air—just a clear reminder that you were landlocked in a cave in the middle of the snowy mountains.

“How are you doing?” Austria asked; breaking the silence that you barely even noticed was there.

“Okay, I guess,” You knew he wasn’t just making small talk. He wanted to make sure you were alright—both on the inside and out. “What about you?”

He pulled up his legs and wrapped his arms around them. “Just cold.” Despite what he said, he smiled warmly at you. He rested his face on his knees as he looked you directly in the eye.

You briefly noticed your heartbeat speed up. But you tried to ignore it; now was definitely not the time to be going all fangirl-mode over Austria. Even if he was your crush. Even if you were both stuck here in a cave together. Even if you were both freezing cold and not admitting it.

Freezing. Cold.

The air around you stung so bad that it felt like needles were poking at your exposed skin. You tried not to breathe in too much at a time—because the freezing air would hurt your lungs. The ground you were sitting on was literally ice and uncomfortable as hell. I can handle this, you told yourself. At least until help arrives.

“So how long do you think we’ll have to be here?” You couldn’t help but ask.

Austria grinned in a teasing way, “Why? You don’t want to be stuck in here with Mr. Austria for too long?”

You accidentally gasped—though it was light, it still stung the inside of your mouth.

Before you got a chance to say anything, he started laughing. “I was only kidding. Sorry. I’m not myself right now.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind spending time with you anyway,” You blurted without thinking.

His laughter died down almost immediately, and you wished you could take it back. “Is that so?” He asked softly after a moment. He looked away so you couldn’t see his face.

At least you’d been telling the truth. Though it was embarrassing, you thought you should just tell him the rest. “Yeah. I’d always hoped we could be friends, Austria.” You weren’t sure if he already considered you a friend. But to you, he was always more of a friend-of-a-friend. Hungary’s, of course.

He finally looked back at you, “_____… we are friends,” He gave you a slightly confused look.

You glanced down, feeling a bit shy all of a sudden. “…Oh.” Was all you managed to say.

He grinned slightly, “Well… it was actually me who had always wanted to get closer to you. Call me crazy, but I used to think you didn’t like me,”

Your eyes widened in surprise. He thought you didn’t like him? What kind of sick plot twist would that be? “You thought I didn’t like you?” You asked in shock.

He nodded giddily, as if he was glad to know it wasn’t true. “Yes. You always sided with Hungary during our arguments,”

“But that’s because she was right!”

He chuckled, “I suppose. But, we’re friends, aren’t we?” He turned his body so he was completely facing you.

Trying to ignore your rapid heartbeat at his close proximity, you nodded. “Of course.” You were glad you’d finally established Austria was your friend. You no longer had to think of him as Hungary’s friend-slash-roommate.

Speaking of Hungary, there was something you always wanted to ask Austria about her. But it wasn’t something you could ask her yourself. It would be too embarrassing, she’d take it the wrong way, and make it into something she shouldn’t. “So… can I ask you something?”

As soon as the words were out, you began to feel extremely nervous. You weren’t sure if it was for the answer or what Austria would think of you for asking such a thing.

“Sure, anything.”

You knew you shouldn’t feel embarrassed to ask—he’d already said you were his friend. And you really, really wanted to know the answer. “What’s your current relationship with Hungary?”

There, you said it. You wanted to get it out before you could change your mind. But as your words hung limply in the air, you wished like hell you could take them back.

After another moment of silence, you couldn’t take it anymore. “I mean, I know you guys are divorced and all, but you seem to get along so well, even when you bicker like a real married couple, and you still live together-”

“-We’re just friends.” His calm words cut off your mindless rambling.

You blinked in surprise, That’s it? For some reason you were expecting a long, complicated answer. “…Really?”

He nodded, “Our marriage was arranged. Gosh, don’t you know your history?” He teased slightly. When you didn’t respond, he continued. “The Austro-Hungarian Empire was an important decision for our countries. We had to do it. And even when it ended, we still managed to stay friends throughout the entirety of World War 1.”

You breathed out slowly. This time, you couldn’t ignore the relief that flooded through you. Austria never had those feelings for Hungary.

With a content sigh, Austria leaned his back against the ice-covered cave wall. He rose up his arms to pillow his head and shyly side-peeked at you.

He caught you side-peeking back at him. Embarrassed, you turned away. Your heart was pounding harder than Thor’s hammer and you weren’t sure how much longer you could take it.

It feels like the mood in here has changed drastically.

The rapid beating of your heart combined with the freezing air made you shiver. Somehow, it must have dropped another few degrees in the cave. You couldn’t remember being this cold earlier.

You subconsciously thought of all the warm coats, scarves, and gloves in your closet at home. How nice it would be to have them now. Thoughts of fireplaces, heaters, hot chocolate, and steaming tea invaded your mind. Warmth… you shivered again.

“It’s gotten colder in here, hasn’t it?” Austria murmured.

You nodded slowly. Your teeth chattered like crazy; at least you weren’t imagining things when you noticed it had somehow dropped another few degrees.

He glanced at you, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Don’t you think we should huddle up to get war-”

“-No.” Before his sentence was even finished, you’d already spouted out the word.

“And why is that?” He tried not to sound hurt.

Because I’m too embarrassed? Because you’ve been my crush for the longest time and I’m too shy? Because you’re always so neat and composed, and I don’t want to ruin your perfectionist aura with a lousy hug from me?

There was no way you were responding with any of those. But they were all the truth.

He scooted closer; which only sped up your already pounding heart. “I’m not trying to give you the wrong idea of me. I’m not like those idiots Prussia or France. But aren’t you freezing, ____?”

You shook your head stubbornly. “I’m fine,” If he was making this about you, then you’d gladly take the opportunity to shut it down.

He watched you for a moment. “Well,” He sighed, and scowled at the short distance between you two. “I’m cold so come a bit closer… I’m not gonna do anything, silly.”

You blushed at his words. He obviously thought that you thought he was being a creeper, when you knew he wasn’t. The actual reason was that you were simply being too shy to hug him.

Earlier it was different; you did it without thinking because you’d previously thought he was gone. Like, forever. Who wouldn’t hug him after that?

Though, to be completely honest, you wanted nothing more than to embrace him—warm and safe.

Ignoring your protests, he closed the gap between you both and sat beside you. Knee-to-knee, leg-to-leg, he got as close as he possibly could. And then he did it; he wrapped his arms around you.

“Austria…” You mumbled, but lost yourself in his warmth.

He clouded your mind; all you could think about was him and his warmth. It was around this time that you realized how sleepy you were, and that it had probably gotten colder because it was already nightfall.

He held you closer, “You’re so warm…” He mumbled softly. He, too, sounded like he was getting tired.

He laid you down, and had you rest your head on his chest. He kept an arm beneath your neck, while the other roamed over your back. He yawned and said, “We should probably get some rest. The morning sun will most likely melt enough of the ice blocking the exit.”

You didn’t protest. Instead, you kept silent, and enjoyed this moment you got to have with him.

You weren’t sure how much time had passed. You had no clue as to what time it even was. But somehow, it felt around four in the morning.

The harsh, blowing winds had woken you. Eyes still closed, you frowned. You didn’t want to open up your eyes. You remembered being marooned in a cave with Austria, but you weren’t sure if that was just a dream.

One way to find out, you thought as your eyes shot open.

Of course, how could you not realize you weren’t in your bed? That you’d been sleeping on a cold cave ground, using a certain-someone’s body as a pillow? Obviously, this wasn’t a dream. You weren’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing.

You looked up, only to meet his eyes. “A-Austria…? What are you doing awake?”

He smiled gently, “…You looked cute in your sleep.”

You blushed furiously at his comment, but he grinned warmly and held you tighter. I wonder if he… you began to think. Does he like me?

You weren’t exactly dim on the subject; you knew he’d dropped a hint or two since you’d been stuck in here. I kind of want to tell him, you realized. Now would be the best time. I never get to be alone with him.

You managed to convince yourself that he deserved to know. Besides, you were sure there was at least a 50/50 chance he might feel something too. Before you could change your mind, you blurted out, “Austria… What if I told you-” You paused, but you knew there was no going back now. “-that I… kind of… like you?” You cringed at how idiotic that came out.

You noticed something pink dust across his face—but he turned away before you could even be sure if it was there or not.

Still though, just catching a glimpse of it was enough. You were sure he blushed. And you could barely believe it; you’d never seen him blush before. It looked freaking adorable!

“Oh, I’ve, um…” He cleared his throat. Three times. “I mean… I’ve felt fond of you too lately…” He didn’t even know how to end his own sentence.

You blinked. You couldn’t believe what he’d just said.

The amazing Austria? Someone as wonderful, gorgeous, and kind as him… was interested in you? Sure, you thought he might like you back, but to actually hear him say it was a whole other deal.

He grinned, “Now you’re speechless?” He chuckled and, without hesitation, gently kissed your cheek.

You felt your face warm up from where his lips had touched your skin. You suddenly felt unbearably hot—which was odd, since you were stranded in an ice cave in the middle of the snowy mountains.

“I’ve wanted to tell you for ages; though I could never muster up enough courage to do it. But, ____...” He smiled down at you, “be my lovely girlfriend?”

You didn’t know how to say yes. You felt like you were on top of the word, and nothing could bring you down.

Maybe there was something good about being snowed in. You didn’t even think about what the others would say about you and Austria together, because it didn’t matter. They’d probably just tease and say, ‘We told you so’.

You looked straight into his elegant violet eyes, “Okay.”

Never did you think that single word could change your whole world.

He smiled, and pulled you closer to his chest. “Good night.” He whispered softly to your ear. Soon, you both fell into a peaceful, warm sleep; not even worrying a hint about the morning.

-----Extended Ending-----

Meanwhile…

“Can you see anything?”

“Well of course not, idiot! It’s not like there’s windows in there!”

“Should I clap again?”

“No!”

“Well… then how are we supposed to know if it worked?”

Hungary sighed, her breath puffing out visibly into the cold mountain air. “We’ll just have to find out in the morning. I’m sure it did, anyway.”

“Kesesese, Operation: Get-those-two-non-awesome-people-together will be an awesome success!” Prussia howled with laughter along with Hungary from atop the now-avalanched mountain.

A.N.: Seemed OOC as fuck. x3
I'm sorry, I don't know Austria very well. Hungary was probably really off too. >.< Well, I hope it wasn't completely unbearable... Comment please? I-I'd really appreciate it... ;-;
(Oh, and which ending did you like better? Original or Extended? :3)