Hello Lovelies ~
Thank you so much for reading this story! I really appreciate every hit and every review I get! It means tons and inspires me to write! So, thank you once more. Another plot building chapter. A free hug to anyone who can find the Trailer Park Boy's reference in here. ;)
You hint; None other than Lahey himself!

No translations this chapter; it's all English. Your welcome from sparing you the Google Translate trip. :D

Enjoy and please do tell me what you think, but if you don't want to, that's fine!

Are you ready yet?" came a voice and a knock and my door, scaring me enough to jump a little.

"A-Almost!" I called back, sitting on top of my suitcase, trying to zip it up.

After the visit, my prime minister and Russia's had pretty much exchanged phone calls every week. It ended up going from a three-day stay to a three week stay. Instead of staying in a hotel, I was now staying in Russia's house. Not only that, but there was a long list of "activities" that Russia had apparently written up for us to do.

Heh. This is going to be great.

I finally ended up pulling the zipper around the last stubborn corner, hopping off of my bag and grabbing the second suitcase I was bringing. Both had wheels and were originally my flag. However, every time I visited another country, I plastered a sticker of their flag on. So, by now, my suitcases were practically covered, even over-lapping in some areas, the only Canadian flag visible was the small one I tied around the handle to one of them.

I heaved both of the heavy bags out the door, Kumamo following me with my carry on in his mouth. I was going to miss him over the next couple weeks, but my prime minster insisted that he stayed at home. She promised to take special care of him, which definitely meant coming home to a spoiled rotten Kumabee.

We reached the car, having to carry my bags through the snow. The driver offered to take them but, I simply declined and placed them in the trunk myself. I opened the door for Kumajino first before I followed him in. He was going to come with me until the airport, where we would say goodbyes.

His paws were wet and had moistened the seat. Luckily, my pants were thick and I couldn't really feel it.

My prime minister was already in the car, looking very nice with her pencil black skirt and deep red blouse. I admit, I felt a bit embarrassed by my comfy traveling clothes, loose-fiting jeans and my signature red hoodie.

"Canada," she nodded.

I mimicked the gesture.

"I guess there is no need for me to tell you to be on your best when you're over there, that this is very important."

"W-Why is it important?" I mumbled, curiosity getting the best of me.

"Better relations between the two of you," she smiled, as if it was completely obvious.

"Well, I know that!" I sighed, "But, there has to be more to it than that!"

"When you come back, I'll tell you." she said, pinching the nerve in between her eyes, "But as of right now, all I can say is that this is really important for the two of you to get along. A lot of my future plans are resting on this fact,"

"Plans?"

"If I tell you them now, they will be rendered useless," she smiled, "But, all I can say is that it would greatly benefit us if you try your best to befriend him,"

"But he's so rude," I grumbled, glancing out the window, "And scary..."

"You never know, maybe he has a nice side," she laughed, rubbing my shoulder.

I laughed with her, knowing full well I was I so going to die in Russia.

I really did love my prime minister, she was really nice and really good at public speaking. Very convincing too, I had hardly ever seen her lose an argument. She was very good at keeping conversations going as well, I never really felt invisible around her because she always had something for the two of us to talk about.

We started off with the topic of how to make the perfect pancake and how much syrup should be on it. I prefer mine drowned, while she preferred hers with just enough to layer the top. We debated over if they should be fluffy or thin, eventually leading into the topic of crépes and which were our favorites. Which then, in turn, lead us to the issue with the French and how we can de-stress the relationship between the English and them.

Before I knew it, we had driven into the airport and it was time for me to go. She couldn't come in with me, as the public might get a little overwhelmed by her sudden appearance. So, with a handshake, a farewell and a goodbye hug from her, I stepped out of the car, my polar bear trailing me.

"No Kuma, you have to stay,"

"Why?"

"We've been over this before, Kuma. Plus, you're staying here with the Prime Minister, you know she'll spoil you!" I giggled.

"I'll miss you." he said, walking up to my leg and nuzzling it.

I picked him up and gave him a big squeeze before putting him back in the car.

"Now be good and don't eat too much," I whispered to him, giving his head a quick scratch.

"No promises,"

I laughed as I shut the door and made my way to the trunk. I opened it with one hand and then pulled out my two bags and my carry on.

I rolled the two bags with me towards the door of YYZ, someone kindly holding the door for me as I walk through. I thanked them quietly, before rushing through. It was hectic and the sheer mass of people inside the airport never failed to cause me to feel slightly sick.

With a gulp, I made my way towards the booth to pick up my tickets.

..oOo..

"Why are you going to London?" the young boy asked me, about halfway through the flight.

He had been staring at me since we took off and only a few minutes ago did he come and ask to sit beside me. I smiled and agreed, moving my carry on from the aisle seat to my lap so he could sit with me. It was a ten hour flight before the first stop so, I could understand if the boy was a bit bored. He told me his name was Matthew. I told him that was also my name and he laughed, saying that he knew because he was named after me.

"Well, this plane has two stops; London and Moscow." I smiled, "I am going to Moscow. What about you, why are you going to London?"

"Family visit, my mom wants us to go see my Aunt and Uncle and cousins," he shrugged, "I get to have a couple weeks off of school, so I'm all for it. So, why are you going to Moscow then?"

"To, uh, v-visit a friend," I murmured, head ducking a bit.

"Do you mean Russia?" the boy excitedly chirped up, "That's so cool! Mom said if we have time, we could go try and see if we could take a photo of England! I don't think we will though, because my Aunt always talks her out of it and we end up going to get fish and chips instead..."

"Trust me when I say, that's probably best," I laughed a bit, the image of England getting mobbed by people wanting his photo invading my mind, "I don't think he would enjoy it that much!"

"You know England too!" he smiled, "What's he like?"

"Uh, well he raised me after France couldn't take care of me anymore," I said, "He is not as good as a cook as France was, but he was very good at telling Al and I bedtime stories. They were always the best, with goblins and elves and fairies and dragons!"

"That's awesome!"

"Yeah, he was a very good brother," I smiled, getting a bit lost in memories, "I really should drop by sometime..."

"Why don't you come with us!" he beamed, as if that was the best idea ever.

"As much fun as that would be, I don't think it would be best to keep Russia, of all countries, waiting," I laughed a bit.

"But if you were there I could meet England! You know, you're the only country I've ever met!" he huffed, a touch of sadness in his voice.

"Well, I'll see what I can do about that. Just wait until we land, I'll make a call," I winked.

"T-TO ENGLAND!" he grinned ear to ear, "Can you really do that!"

"Of course I can, but no promises," I smiled, "We countries can be quite busy sometimes."

"This is so cool! I have to go tell mom!" he squealed, getting up from the seat and racing back to his mother.

I smiled, feeling quite good. I burrowed back into my seat, glancing out the window at the darkening sky. All I could see was water, the horizon beautiful shades of red and orange.

Red sky at night, Sailor's delight.

I really, really hoped that saying was true. I had no idea what to expect come tomorrow when we landed first in London and then Moscow.

I might as well get some rest, I thought as my eyelids were slowly getting heavier. I turned my head and snuggled into my seat, letting my mind drift away.

...oOo...

I was woken up by the same young boy I had talked to earlier, gently shaking me awake.

"We've landed!" he cooed, face beaming.

I groaned, looking out the small window to see that what the boy had said was indeed true. We had landed and there was already people leaving the plane.

"Are you going to call him?" he asked, shaking me a bit harder.

"Yes, yes!" I laughed, sitting up straighter, "Just hold on a minute, I need to stand up."

I stood up and stretched, hearing my joints crack. My shoulder blades were a bit sore, but that was to be expected when taking an airplane. They always had the most uncomfortable seats!

"Alright, go get your mom and I'll see what I can do," I smiled, looking around for the young boy's mother.

"Mom!" he called out, waving over a red-haired women with striking blue eyes. She wore a pair of grey sweat pants and a tight red sweater zipped up to her midsection. A white tank was worn underneath.

"Hello," I blushed, ducking my head slightly as I held my hand out to her, "I-I'm Matthew Williams, may I ask who you are?"

"Yes, I am well aware of you and it is simply fantastic to meet you. I am Miranda Thompson," she said, gripping my hand firmly, "I really am grateful that you would offer to call up Mr Kirkland to see if my son could visit him, I know this is a lot to ask! I am really thankful, my son is a bit of a history buff at this age. Do you know he has posters of you all over his wall?"

"MOM!" Matthew cried out, blushing to his ears.

"I-I-I," I really had no idea how to respond, our hands separating as Matthew rambled and she laughed.

"U-Uhm, it m-might be best to get off-f the plane now," I stammered, rather embarrassed as I stood up awkwardly from my seat.

"You really are as bashful as they say," she smiled, "And sure, take the lead."

She motioned with her hand to where the passengers were getting off. I nodded and turned towards the exit, Matthew and his mother following.

"My room's not full," Matthew tried to explain at my side.

"I-It's okay," I smiled, patting his head lightly, "Don't worry about it."

"Okay," he grinned, seeming to be over it within a snap second.

We exited the plane, going through all the procedures. I told them I would meet them at the baggage pick-up while I went outside to call.

I leaned against the door, shivering a bit inside my baggy sweater as I hurriedly dialed the numbers.

It rung three times before a familiar voice chimed, "Yes?"

"England?" I whispered.

"For God's sake Matthew, if you're going to call me pipe up a bit!" he sighed, causing me to cringe a bit.

"How did you know it was me?" I said, raising my voice like he had asked.

"Caller ID,"

"Oh, right," I murmured, "Uh, I have a bit of a favour to ask you. If it's too much, that's fine, you don't have to do it. I was just wondering, since it would be really nice if you could, but like I said don't feel obligated or anything because i-"

"What do you need, Matthew?" he asked, chuckling lightly.

"Well, I have two of my citizens who r-really want to meet you; a l-little boy and his, uh, h-his mother," I said, feeling a bit stupid, "The little b-boy, Matthew, did y-you know he is named after me? Well, he wouldn't s-stop talking about h-how he w-wanted to meet countries and he was v-visiting you so I a-assumed that maybe yo-"

"Matthew! Calm down, that's not too much at all. I was actually about to call you up for our monthly tea next week, but I guess now is a better time. You three can come over for tea at ... is six okay?" he asked, a slightly happier ring to his voice.

"S-Sounds good!"

"Alright, see you then." he said, hanging up briskly afterwards, he was never one for long goodbyes.

I smiled too, rather pleased with myself. Now, to go back inside and tell th-

Oh shit.

I scrambled to my pocket and pulled out my ticket, staring at the take off time; 2PM.

Oh this sucks! But I couldn't let Matthew down, or England after I just agreed to a time! Oh goodness, what am I supposed to do?

I gnawed at my lip as I shakily searched my contacts for a certain number. I hit the talk button and waited patiently, ending up with the voice mail.

"U-Uh, hello I-Ivan!" I croaked, my voice changing pitch and volume, "I, uh, I-I'm sorry, but, uhm, I-I'm n-not going to b-be t-there on t-time. I'm, uh, v-visiting England and, uh, w-will be there by t-tomorrow or the next-t day, m-maybe! Uhm, c-call me back if-f need to kn-now anything m-more. Okay, bye."

I hit the end button, rather flustered. I put my phone back into my pocket as I turned to re-enter the airport. Alright, now to go get Matthew and Mrs. Thompson.

...oOo...

"Yes! I remember it like it was yesterday, such a stupid thing!" England grinned, smiling at me as he took another sip of his tea.

Mrs. Thompson, or Miranda as she insisted on the ride over, laughed at the answer to her question. Turned out that she was a History Professor at University of Toronto and apparently was not as shy as to not bombard England with questions once the opportunity had arised.

"I still can't believe I am having tea with England," she murmured, "This is spectacular!"

"It's wonderful to meet some of Matthew's citizens, we don't usually have guests for tea," he smiled, "It's a nice change,"

"You're really cool too," Matthew bubbled, clutching his camera tightly to his chest. He had asked England for a picture when we had first come. Surprisingly, England agreed. In fact, he insisted we all got into the shot. Matthew hadn't loosened his grip on the thing since, and that was about two or three hours ago.

England's cheerful, social attitude did seem rather unusual now that I think about it. He's usually more awkward when meeting new people, not as charismatic as he is acting now. Our teas are mostly a more casual, relaxing affair rather than this entertaining Q & A session.

"He's adorable," England grinned, "Reminds me so much of you when you were younger, Mattie, excited about every little detail and dying to explore every nook and cranny of anywhere in reach. Of course, you were a lot more subtle about it, not as bubbly as this little guy."

I blushed again as Matthew beamed. I wasn't too used to praise from my older brother. I opened my mouth to reply, but was cut off by the Russian anthem playing loudly from my phone.

Oh lordy, here comes a shit blizzard.

"E-Excuse me," I mumbled, my fear quite evident on my face.

"Canada?" I heard little Matthew question before I hurried out of the room.

I hesitantly answered the phone, timidly issuing a "hello?"

"Hello,"

There was silence.

"H-How are you?" I stammered, twisting the stings from my hoodie around my finger.

"Where are you?" he demanded, voice quivering slightly at the end from what I could only distinguish as anger.

"E-Eng-gland-d," I barely managed to say, the sound of his voice causing me to want to run away even though I knew he was hundreds of kilometres away.

"Why aren't you here,"

"I-I left you a message," I replied, trying impossibly hard to steady my voice.

"Come here now,"

"I-I can't! I'm in the middle of a tea with friends!" I told him, becoming frustrated.

"You are fucking everything up, so I suggest you get over here within ten hours or you will seriously regret it," he hissed, I could hear the tension through the line.

I stood frozen for a second, unsure of how exactly to approach this. Russia would surely do something cruel to me if I showed up any later, but then again I left a message! And I made a promise to Matthew as well as to England to come to tea. Then again, I also promised my prime minister that I would try my best to get along with the Russian. This was just becoming a mind-numbing problem.

The situation at hand, my tea with Matthew, his mother and England, I decided was my main priority of the evening. It's not like it is dire for me to get to Russia this instant, right? I'm going to be there for a whole three weeks! It won't matter if a single day is lost! There is no need for him to be this upset, he is just acting silly!

So, I squeezed my eyes shut and thought of every last thing involving the Russian that has made me really, really mad; The World Juniors, the Olympics, the Cold War, sitting on me, threatening my Kuma.

"You know w-what,?You c-can w-wait a while!" I shakily told the receiver, my voice hitching a bit at the end from not being used to using such high tones. I hesitantly slammed my pointer finger down on the end button, a sinking feeling starting to flood my lower stomach.

Oh my God, what have I done.