Russia sat quietly in his chair. He wondered to himself if anyone particularly cared about the world meetings, because it never really seemed to accomplish anything at all. Perhaps, it was more akin to a social gathering? No, he shook his head. It was definitely more like a ridiculous family reunion. No one gets along but it was almost entertaining to watch. Germany must care about the meetings, Russia conceded, as much good as that did.

The nations around Russia were fully engaged- with gossip. From what Russia could discern, the rumors never changed all that much. He wondered if he should bother to correct any of them. A good portion of the rumors were about Russia, and, obviously, none of those were flattering. Contrary to popular belief, the Baltic states weren't necessarily afraid of Russia- they were naturally anxious- and Russia was not near as cruel as the rumors made him out to be. Unfortunately, these were only the tip of the iceberg, however, Russia did not believe that any attempt to ending the rumors would be fruitful. Instead, he believed it would only encourage them.

France was the topic of the day for the gossipmongers. Nothing was untouched by their ridicule- his clothes, alleged bed partners, culture, hair. France had always been kind to Russia, so Russia was confused why these people found so much pleasure in belittling France. France wasn't at all like Russia, whose fearsome appearance scared many people. Besides his sisters, the only person who wasn't frightened of him was his neighbor China.

Russia's thoughts were interrupted at the sound of a new voice rising above the commotion. Canada was shaking. His fists were clenched tightly. This was more than a little shocking because the normally passive nation also was not stuttering or fading in and out. The display was undoubtably impressive.

Russia stared at Canada as he made his rage-fueled speech. Russia realized that he probably wasn't as surprised by the nation's protectiveness as he thought he would be, although the rest of the room was in shock. Russia stayed quiet as Canada left while comforting France. Perhaps, now, the nations of the world would stop spreading malicious rumors- if they had seen the error of their ways.

"Haven't seen that in a while," Kumajiro said with a laugh.

"What do you mean, bear-san?" Japan asked.

"I haven't seen him act like that in decades," Kumajiro muttered. "Takes a lot to light his fuse," he glanced around the room with a menacing glint in his eyes. "I would suggest doing as he asks, else I don't think he'll be able to restrain himself."

Somehow, Russia had no trouble believing those words. Love, even of the familial sort, made people do things they normally wouldn't do, and no one could doubt Canada's love for France.

"Is that a threat?" Germany questioned severely.

Kumajiro smirked, "More like a promise." Russia had never realized bears could smirk so effectively, or at all, yet Kumajiro did it with ease.

"Like, what do you, like, mean?" Poland interrupted. "Like, that was already more than I thought he could do."

America shuddered, "He can be much, much worse- even to a hero like me."

"I always thought he could do it, given the right motivation," Russia spoke thoughtfully. The quiet ones really were the ones to watch out for.

Russia heard England snap some remark out, but unsurprisingly America was quick to counter it. Yet, Russia was surprised by the venomous words that flew at England. Russia had no clue that the superpower resented England in any way and- from the shocked faces around the room- no one else had either. America was quick to rush out the door after France and Canada. The room he left behind erupted into chaos. Prussia (who had snuck in once again) and Spain looked positively ill. They hated themselves for missing the fact that their beloved friend was hurting, and they had done nothing to stop it- absolutely nothing to ease his pain. What was so obvious to Canada should have been just as obvious to them. Everyone felt guilty, everyone except England, whose pride and stubbornness would not allow him to admit that he was wrong. He ranted and tried to justify everything that had happened, even going so far as to blame France.

"It would be wise to shut up, da?" Russia's soft voice carried like a deep drum through the room. Unsure who he was talking to, all the countries quieted in fear. Russia had proved ruthless when angered in the past, and no one was brave enough to risk it.

"England, your actions can not be blamed on anyone but yourself," Russia growled, pulling out his trusty pipe. "It is quite... distasteful and ill-advised for you to continue to do so, da? In this case, France is the victim and is as such not to be blamed," Russia's hand tightened around his pipe, his mouth curled into a demonic smile.

England looked like he was ready to quip another rude remark, but Canada burst through the doors, eyes blazing. He stormed straight over to England and punched him square in the face. The force of the blow threw England from his chair. He roughly hit the wall. A loud snap shot through the room.

"That," Canada hissed, "was for France." He advanced slowly until he reached England, then grabbed the front of his shirt. Canada slowly lifted England off the ground, fury contorting his face. Then, he swiftly threw England. England flew onto the table. It now had a deep crack in the wood, "And that," he spat, "was for making my brother cry."

"Canada," Russia called. Canada started because he had not realized that the tall country was standing next to him, "I do not wish for you to find yourself in trouble." Russia's voice lowered so that only Canada was able to hear his next words, "If you continue this now, you will not be able to avoid it." He smiled sadistically. The occupants of the room trembled at the sight. "If you would like, I could escort him to a doctor," Russia's hardened face and clenched jaw made the others glad that they weren't in England's stead.

Canada's lips curled into what could only be described as a savage grin. He understood explicitly what Russia was wanting to do and was pleased that Russia was asking him for his blessing. Of course, in this mood he might have gone after Russia as well had he been in Canada's way, despite his normal fear of Russia. Canada nodded.

Russia wasted no time in grabbing England by the arm that Canada had broken. It would do no real damage in the long run, but it would hurt. Russia doubted the injury would last the night. For now, England was barely able to let out a whimper, his mind dulled with pain. Russia nearly pulled the arm out of its socket as he dragged the island country out.

Canada turned to the rest of the room, most were still seated, all too scared to move. "Let this be a lesson," he warned before he stormed out. He decided on his way back to his family that in the future he would make sure to be kind to his unlikely new friend. Perhaps Russia would like some of his special prized syrup. Canada decided that if nothing else, he would invite Russia over for dinner- maybe give him the syrup then. He nodded to himself as he reached the hallway he had left only minutes before.

The family left the building together to go to America's hotel room. They watched TV and played games well into the evening. When they finally decided to call it a night, they all collapsed on the queen-sized bed. France lay in the middle while America and Canada snuggled up next to him on either side just like they had done when they were little. Kumajiro curled up at Canada's feet.

The next morning when the small family arrived at the world meeting, Canada was pleased to note that the table had been replaced. It wouldn't do for America or France to find out about his little temper tantrum- he didn't want to needlessly worry them. He was so glad that England wasn't back yet, that he didn't notice that many of the countries were avoiding him, not that he would have been surprised after his previous display.

Canada snickered when America wondered aloud where England was, which caused the conversation to be changed quickly. He took a seat by Russia and watched as Spain and Prussia begged for France's forgiveness. The seats by Russia were always the last to be filled, unless China sat by him, so it was easy to change the seating from the previous day.

"Good morning, Russia," Canada greeted cheerfully.

Russia was obviously startled out of his thoughts, but he quickly composed himself, "Good morning."

"Thank you- for stopping me yesterday, and for your help."

Russia gave Canada a grin, and he was slightly surprised to realize it was a real smile, "It was no trouble."

Canada shook his head but conceded easily, "I was wondering if you'd be willing to come over for dinner sometime," he looked seriously at Russia. "From now on, you are welcome in my home anytime."

This invitation was monumental to Russia. He had never had a real, honest-to-goodness friend who would be happy to see him, let alone desire his company.

"Thank you," Russia sincerely spoke. "Likewise, Canada, and if you ever need help again..." he trailed off.

"I might just take you up on that one day," Canada laughed.

"Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth." - Anonymous

A/N: So sorry that I took so long! I really meant to update earlier... I hoped this lived up to your expectations. I THANK Y'ALL FOR ALL OF THE FOLLOWS, FAVORITES, AND REVIEWS! They really made me smile and helped inspire me to write. Please point out any errors if you see any! I found the quote on Pinterest and it didn't say who so if you know who said it and tell me, I'll credit them for it.

What do y'all think about another chap? Or should I leave it as is? I have a couple ideas for another chapter but I'd really love to hear y'all's opinion!

Updated 9/18/18