Prologue: The deal


It was another typical day at the G8 meeting. Canada went unnoticed in the background as the rest of the nations did their usual routine. The meeting was going nowhere and it did not seem to be getting any better.

"Hey, LISTEN to the HERO!...MY plan to improve everyone's economy is totally awesome!" , yelled the energetic American nation. "First we have to build Giant Robots! Then..."

The rest of the nations ignored America's outburst and went back to their usual activities. England was bickering with France. Italy was clinging on to Germany; Ludwig was trying to escape while keeping himself composed. China was handing out crispy treats to Japan, which Kiku was gracefully accepting. Russia was being a creep and staring at everyone with his smile.

What Canada was trying to do...Well, he tried to speak up, but sadly no one was paying attention to him.

"Speak up," said Kumajirou, Canada's pet nudging his master's arm.

Matthew sighed. "I tried, Kumajiki...but no one even realized that I'm even here..."

Canada then looked down only to find that his bear had fallen asleep.

Am I so invisible that my own bear would ignore me? Canada rationalized in his head.

He heaved another depressed sigh as he continue to stare to the scene unfolding between his brother and his former caretakers.

So far it was a draw on all sides. No forces were showing any signs of faltering.

That was, until Germany interrupted the chaos.

"WILL YOU GUYS SHUT UP!"

"What?"

"AIYAAH...MY EARS ARU!"

"Yes, Mr. Germany."

"..." *sips vodka*

"Hey! I was right in the middle of something very important!"

"Bloodly wanker...you didn't need to shout."

"Vee~! Doisu!"

"Maple!"

Germany was slightly impressed that he had not lost his touch at getting all the nations' attention.

"This meeting is going nowhere!...Once you guys are done acting like children, we will continue this meeting like adults next time. Until then this meeting is over!"

Germany's speech did affect the nations: the silence between them lasted for a few minutes. Germany then proceeded to leave the conference room, and soon Japan and Italy followed suit. "Vee~! Doistu...wait for me!"pleaded the northern Italian nation with Japan silently walking behind him.

It was only matter of seconds for the rest of the nations to follow suit. England decided to continue his argument with France with America doing the commentary.

China then left, speaking about the immaturity of the nations.

Kumajirou was awake after Germany's outburst. The polar bear did say, "Food."

"Oh...right, here ya go," Canada said as he pulled out some fish from his suitcase. The bear leaped from his lap and began to ate his food happily.

"Thanks...who are you again?" the polar asked, which made Canada depressed again.

"I'm Canada...your owner that just fed you just a few moments ago?" said Canada, repeating the same chant over again.

Matthew's mood lessened and his polar did not notice his master's mood change.

So much for man's best friend...Wait, that did not apply to polar bears...but still. Canada might reconsider getting a dog.

"Oh," muttered the polar bear and resumed eating.

Canada sighed again and began to rant to himself.

"I just wish people would notice me...I don't cause wars with other countries. I'm polite and courteous to others. In fact, I do establish many international relations and I do my part to maintain world peace!"

Canada's voice became louder, but others would perceive his voice to be at a speaking level. When Matthew spoke normally, it sounded more like a whisper.

"WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO NOTICE ME! DO I HAVE TO TALK TO IMAGINARY FRIENDS LIKE ENGLAND OR MOLEST COUNTRIES LIKE FRANCE OR BETTER YET I'LL ACT LIKE A COMPLETE IDIOT AND SHOVE BURGERS DOWN MY THROAT AND SHOUT 'I'M THE HERO!'"

"That would not be good idea...We do not need two America's...Da?" said a voice, interrupting the Canadian's rant.

"AHHHHH!" Canada shrieked like a little girl who pretended to be manly about it.

"Russia!...How long were you there?" asked the Canadian as his embarrassment grew.

Russia wore his cute smile. "Da...I was here when you feed bear."

Well, Canada's day could not get any worse! First thing in the morning. England had finally called him, only to rant about some prank America did to his tea. Then when he was heading towards the conference room, he got assaulted by Cuba mistaking him for Alfred for the umpteenth time. Afterwards, France molested him before break when he went to use the rest room, only to encounter the Frenchmen waiting for him. Lastly, he had to suffer from Gilbert's gloating about how awesome he was and the attempted rape of his vital regions.

Canada was still glad that somebody had noticed.

"Wait, do you know who you are speaking to?" Canada just had to ask...it sounded too good to be true that someone was speaking to him and not mistaking him for Alfred.

Russia's face morphed into confusion and he titled his head slightly to the left. "Da...I'm speaking to Comrade Canada...is this a game?"

Matthew sighed in relief and then nodded in agreement, which led to Russia being more confused.

Canada then asked why he had decided to stay behind. Russia explained that he was in no hurry to leave and wanted to enjoy his vodka in peace.

Canada did not further question him. He was glad that he was recognized, so he did not want to lose Russia's company. Ivan continued to sip his vodka and stared at the smaller nation and his melancholy state. Kumajirou was done eating and decided to take another nap.

Canada then remembered his rant and then moped about his current problem. He placed his head down at the table for a few seconds then he peeked at Russia to find him staring at him.

"Maple," whimpered the Canadian as Russia's face began to look terrifying and he saw "kolkolkolkol" and the famous purple aura radiating off the tall Russian.

"Oh my Maple Leaf! Russia's going to kill me for apparently no reason at all! Great, just what I need for people to remember me as: 'the boy who spoke to Russia and did not live to tell the tale'," thought Matthew as he saw his life flash before his eyes.

"I have idea to help with your problem...but it will cost you," the Russian innocently suggested with a smile on his face, but his tone laced with evil. Matthew shuddered at what prospect that Ivan proposed.

"What-t...is it?...I mean if is-is within my powers and doesn't involve killing, humiliation or destroying my dignity?" questioned Matthew, his voice lace with unease. Russia then giggled and patted his head in an attempt to calm the Canadian.

"Da...That would be funny, but sadly it not any of those." When Canada heard those words, he felt at ease.

Russia was silent until he said, "I would like for you to help me make a friend."

""EHHHHH?" was Matthew's quick response.

Canada then looked at Russia's mauve eyes, searching for any sincerity or any truth hiding there that would reveal his actual intentions.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"

"Nyet...I will not say it again." Russia felt very stupid making his request.

He thought about his plan and assumed that Canada would help him out; he knew well that if the nation was ever under attack, there would be allies willing to defend him. After the fall of the USSR, Russia felt lonely, andmany years of being alone had made Ivan crack and want nothing more than companionship. He saw how the other nations had someone to go and be with. Russia just wanted a friend to be with too.

"Please...Russia...It's hard to believe that someone like you is asking a favour from someone like me," coaxed the Canadian as he placed a hand gently on his left forearm.

Ivan stood and did not budge. Russia then looked at Canada. "If you teach me how to make friends...I'll make you big...I mean I'll make you noticed, da?"

Canada did think for a minute before replying, "Sure..I guess..I mean this would benefit both of us...so it's like a give or take relationship..eh?"

Russia then smiled sincerely as he bear-hugged the arctic nation. When he released him, Canada was breathless.

"Now you come to my house at 6 tonight for your first lesson...oh, and bring favourite weapon and vodka," ordered the Russian. Ivan then walked towards the door.

"Ehhh?" Canada was surprised at the order.

Ivan paused and did not face the Canadian. "We will take turns taking lesson from each other. Da? I do not want the others to know of our business."

The way he said it left no room for argument. Canada thought that Russia did have a good point. If his brother or his caretakers did find out he was taking private lessons from Russia, it would be troublesome for both parties.

"Ok then...wait, why do I have to bring a weapon and vodka?" Matthew asked. "I don't drink or have a weapon."

Ivan then laughed at Canada's obliviousness. The Russian turned his head to look at Matthew's face. He said, "The weapon is necessary for your lesson...the vodka is for me...teaching fee."

He then closed the door, leaving Canada shocked and his mouth agape.

Kumajirou appeared and said, "Vodka breath is trouble."

Little Canada was in for the ride of his life...he just hoped that he was still alive by the time his first lesson was over.


AN: I hope you like it so far! With a certain amount of review I will continue this story...so to save this story from internet extinction, please feed it with your loveable and delicious reviews...they feed the plot bunny.