UK’s Harem Part 3 - Denmark

The United Kingdom, sits at a window table, scrolling through his phone. Denmark, enters, looking around before spotting him. After a brief pause, she walks over to his table.

Denmark: Smiling slightly Britain.

Britain: Glances up, surprised Denmark. Hey... it's been a while.

Denmark: Yeah, it has. I didn’t expect to see you here, of all places.

Britain: Well, it’s my regular spot. You know that. Pauses, clears his throat But I didn’t think you’d be back in London.

Denmark: I... wasn’t planning on it. But work called, and here I am.

Britain: Right. Nods slowly I guess life’s unpredictable like that.

Denmark: Sits down across from him Yeah, I suppose. How’ve you been?

Britain: Shrugs You know. Same old. Work, life... the usual. After a beat How about you? Still in Copenhagen?

Denmark: Sighs Yeah, I’m back there now. It’s been... good. I’ve settled in.

Britain: Good. That’s good to hear.

Denmark: Glancing at the menu I didn’t mean to surprise you. I was just looking for a coffee, and then I saw you sitting here. I wasn’t sure if I should say hi or not.

Britain: Quietly, looking away I didn’t expect you to want to.

Denmark: You know, I didn’t come here to make things awkward, if that’s what you’re thinking. I just didn’t expect... I don’t know... to bump into you like this.

Britain: Glances back at her, a little defensively Yeah, well... it’s not like we left on the best terms.

Denmark: Sighs I know. And I’m sorry for that. I really am.

Britain: Quietly You’re sorry?

Denmark: Yeah. I don’t know if I’ve ever properly said it, but... I never meant to hurt you, Britain. Things just... didn’t work out, and I— Pauses, fidgets I should’ve communicated better. I should’ve been more honest about everything.

Britain: Tightens his grip on his coffee cup You left without saying anything. Just... vanished. No explanation, no closure. I didn’t get it. Didn’t even get a chance to ask why.

Denmark: Looks down for a moment I know. I’ve regretted that. But I didn’t know what to say. I was... confused. I thought if I just... left, maybe it’d be easier. But it wasn’t. Not for either of us.

Britain: Shakes his head Yeah. Easier for you, maybe. I had to pick up the pieces. It was hard, Denmark. You don’t just disappear from someone’s life like that. Not without leaving a mark.

Denmark: Softly I never wanted to hurt you. I... was just scared. Everything felt too much. I was too much, wasn’t I? I was always pushing for more when you seemed content with less.

Britain: Leans back, looking away I don’t know. It wasn’t just that, though, was it? It wasn’t just about wanting more. It was... how you left, how you made decisions without considering what was going on with me. It was like I was an afterthought.

Denmark: Sighs deeply I was selfish. I see that now. I didn’t think about how you’d feel because I was... too busy trying to figure out how I felt. And I never stopped to ask what you needed.

Britain: Shrugs I don’t think you ever knew what I needed. At least, not after a while.

Denmark: Makes eye contact I know. And I’m sorry. I was a mess. I shouldn’t have dragged you into it. You deserved better than that. You deserve someone who knows what they want.

Britain: Laughs bitterly You’re right. You left me with more questions than answers. I’ve spent the last year trying to figure out where I went wrong, what I missed. And I’m still not sure I have the answers.

Denmark: Takes a breath You didn’t do anything wrong. I just couldn’t... I couldn’t meet you halfway. And I wasn’t honest about it. I should have told you that I was scared, that I wasn’t ready for all of it.

Britain: Silence for a moment So you’re telling me you weren’t ready? After everything? After all we went through?

Denmark: I thought I was. But the truth is, I was never really sure. I let myself get lost in all of it. I didn’t know how to make it work... with us. And that’s my fault.

Britain: Nods, still not making eye contact You know, it’s not just the leaving. It’s everything that came after. The silence. The time that passed... I’ve had to rebuild so much of it on my own. And I guess that’s why this feels weird, you sitting here like nothing happened.

Denmark: Softly I know. I can’t just pretend it didn’t happen. I’m sorry for that too.

Britain: Shrugs again Maybe we’re just too different, Denmark. Maybe we always were.

Denmark: Quietly Maybe. But I’ll always care about you, Britain. Even if it’s not the same way anymore.

Britain: Looks up, his voice quiet but firm I don’t know if I can just switch that off. But I’ve tried. And I think I’m getting there.

Denmark: Slight smile, bittersweet I don’t want to hurt you anymore. I really don’t.

Britain: Leaning back, sighing I’m not sure what either of us wants anymore. We didn’t work, and that’s... hard to swallow, you know?

Denmark: Nods Yeah. I know. But I’ll always be glad we tried.

Britain: Looks out the window, voice low Me too. But sometimes trying isn’t enough, is it?

Denmark: Smiles faintly No, I guess it’s not.

[There’s a long pause as they both sit in the quiet. Neither knows exactly how to move forward, but the past looms between them, heavy and unspoken. Finally, Denmark stands up.]

Denmark: I should go.

Denmark’s Affection: 0%