It was a bright, sunny morning.

Apparently, it was the complete contrast of Canada's mood. He paced back and forth in the living room, waiting for America to come home.

His brother was late, again.

Tired with the walking, he sat down on the couch. The breakfast he made sat at the table, getting cold.

Canada didn't sleep last night. Although France called to assure him that America was staying at his house, he couldn't stay put. Every now and then, his mind would make some weird scenes in his head that is enough for him not to sleep. Just in case America would call and he would rescue him.

He slouched a bit. Feeling a little comfortable, he lied down on the couch. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and relaxed a bit. After all, America will come home in just a bit.

Closing the door behind him, America softly walked to the living room. On the couch lay Canada, sleeping soundly. Sighing, America took his coat off and sat on the floor beside the couch.

Hints of darkening under Canada's eyes are visible. 'Didn't he sleep last night? Wait, could it be that he couldn't sleep because of me.' Slowly, he caressed some stray hair that curtained Canada's eyes. 'I know that isn't possible.' Whispering softly America said, "Seeing you stressed out because of me makes me feel…"

Canada slightly shifted. His eyes fluttered open as he saw America beside him.

"I'm home." said America, smiling.

Suddenly, Canada's well practiced dialogue to scold America faded away.

Rubbing his eyes, he asked "What took you so long?" He sat and looked at America in the eyes. 'Idiot! Aren't you aware that I am waiting for you? Sometimes I really despise your selfish attitude. Apart from appearances, I know that we have nothing in common, that you will always be the outstanding one.'

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot." America was searching for something in his duffel bag. Holding up a brown paper bag, he exclaimed, "Here it is!"

Canada followed America to the dining table. Curious to what the brown paper bag holds, he thrust his hand into it and felt something similar to a jar. Clutching it, he took it out.

It was a maple syrup jar.

"You see, I always see you eating pancakes with those so I thought I'd give it a try." explained America, a red flush starting to form at his cheeks.

"I thought you like cola and burgers for your breakfast." Canada asked while he popped open the jar and he dipped a teaspoon in it. For no apparent reason, he started to mix the syrup.

"I just think that a change would be good from time to time."

'Hmm, a change? That might not be bad' "Then I'll show you the best way to fully taste the goodness of this maple syrup." Bringing the teaspoon coated with maple syrup to his lips, he dipped it in his mouth. When the dipped part appeared again, it was devoid of any syrup.

Taking a step towards America, he slightly tilted his head and leaned in.