Chapter 11 now... Wow... I never expected to get this far... To everyone who supported me, thank you so much, to those who are new, welcome and I hope you enjoy the story. I think you all should know this by now but I really love all of you. YOU guys are the reason I had the courage to do what I love to do, which is to create something that people enjoy and can get behind, I honestly feel like if I made you feel anything from anger at the antics of one of the characters to a flutter in your chest when you experience that first kiss with them, then I did my part properly. So this chapter is for you guys, whether you have been here from the start or have just joined me on my adventure, I really hope you enjoy.

(Kuma's PoV)

"Do you have food?" I was starving and I knew who to ask... Even if I didn't remember his name again... Maple-snow looked up at the one who smelled of the sea and of blood and alcohol

"Denmark, may I use your kitchen?" He asked quickly, ignoring my rudeness for once.

"Of course, Mataboy, I'll show you the way." Sea-Beer man replied, getting up from his seat.

"Mataboy? Really?" He mumbled grumpily but I'm pretty sure I was the only one who heard, he stood up carefully placing me in his spot. "I'll be right back with some pancakes just for you." He promised as he left the room. I dragged myself to the Sunflower-man's lap and curled up careful of my stitches.

"Sister, what do you wish to ask?" Sunflower-man asked, bringing his arms around me protectively, "I know you were waiting for us to be alone." She looked up startled as he hit the nail on the head.

"Brother..." She started then she seemed to hesitate. "What is he to you? Are you guys together? What about me?" She suddenly spouted out, like a dam bursting because of the pressure. She leaned forward in her seat expectantly.

"He... he is the one who can save me from myself... He is the one thing that isn't scared of me, even when I am scared of what I have done and what I am capable of doing... He is the one I treasure the most..." She seemed to deflate a bit, but he wasn't done
"We are 'together' as you so aptly put it, but it is in an experimental state right now. That does not mean that you can interfere. And as for you... You are my precious little sister... that's all you have been, even when you left me." The blue-woman looked defeated and it seemed to bother him. "I am sorry sister. I cannot give you what you were looking for." She gave a sad smile.

"It's fine Brother, I knew this day would come... I just didn't wish for it to be so soon." I blinked at her

"Where is whashisface? I'm hungry." I interjected knowing the reaction I would get.

"His name is Canada." they both said to me.

"He will be here soon, little one." He continued to say after sharing an amused look with his sister.

"Who are you?" I asked my signature question and he seemed to blank for a minute.

"Well... Who do you think I am?" I didn't know his name... so I had to think...

"You smell like sunflowers, rotten potatoes, snow, and blood... But you are special to Mat... You don't smell like the Hamburger-guy when he tried to force us to join him..." I couldn't explain it properly so I did the best I could. But he just stared at me in shock before gently petting me till I was drowsy.

"Thank you." He whispered as I fell asleep.

(Matthew's PoV)

"So... You are the elusive Canada?" Denmark asked me as soon as we were out of hearing range of the others. "I was expecting someone tougher looking by the way Germany used to react to your name." I was shocked. Somebody remembered my efforts from the war...

"I am, I must ask... How do you remember me? Even my own family forget me..." I knew my voice got bitter at the end and he noticed.

"Not everyone forgets you Mataboy, you are just hard to see at times. Sometimes when I am at the meetings I notice you but it's hard to hear your quiet voice... especially with that American next to you." He laughed my worries away and I smiled. "Here we are, let me show you where everything is... and if you want to make food for all of us go ahead... I've heard a lot about your famous pancakes from Prussia..." It seemed like he couldn't be brought down by anything as he seemed to bounce around the kitchen showing me where everything was. His kitchen was large. His cooking utensils, pots and pans where hanging neatly above the counters there was a case displaying his dishes, he had a large island holding a dishwasher and lined with several stools sporting his flag. His pantry was well stocked... which made me wonder why our snacks where just peanuts.

"Do you have maple?" I couldn't resist asking for my favorite thing... I really hoped he had some... Even if it was the fake stuff...

"Yep." He beamed as he pulled out a glass bottle marked with a Canadian flag... My eyes lit up.

"Real maple... When...How?" I couldn't believe it, it wasn't even open, Denmark just laughed at my excitement. I blushed and started gathering the things I would need for a double batch of pancakes, made from scratch of course.

"Tell me, are you really with the Russian?" I looked up from measuring the flour into a large bowl. He had seated himself at the island with is beer and another pack seemed to have materialized in front of him. I gave him a long look before answering.

"Yes. We are dating." I turned back to my task leaving him with only that little tidbit. "Tell me about your history." If he was going to hang around I could at least learn about my host. He seemed more than happy to give me a history lesson

"Well I used to rule the sea as a viking. Even England was under Danish rule at one point. Norway and Sweden where my allies and in 1536 we I added Norway to my household. I had colonies in the Caribbean... But Norway left in 1814... I was neutral during the first world war, but I was part of the group that founded the UN. I am also part of NATO, the EEC, and of the EU." He gave an abridged version of his long history and when he was done talking, I had the pan heated and was pouring the first couple pancakes.

"Thank you. Now if you could get everyone and put out some plates in a couple minutes please, it won't take long for these to be done." I checked the sides before expertly flipping the five I had on the pan.

"Alright." I heard him get up from his stool, go to his dish case to grab plates for everyone and his footsteps left the room. By the time I heard everyone gather behind me I had a sizable pile ready for everyone. I left the last few to cook as I set up a plate for Kumacake, I poured the maple and placed it on the floor next to the empty chair by Ivan. Taking my bear and very carefully placing him next to his plate. I returned to the stove to finish. I let everyone take as much as they wanted before I helped myself.

"Well, everyone dig in." I said as I followed my own advice.

"Damn these are good! You have to give me the recipe." Denmark exclaimed and I heard appreciative noises from everyone else. I ducked my head and continued eating. I enjoyed the happy atmosphere while it lasted... I knew that pancakes wouldn't make my family accept Ivan and my relationship.

Whew... A new chapter for you guys... All written in one sitting... so I really hope you enjoy the bit of fluff that is this chapter... All the things Denmark said about his history I researched thoroughly so it is as accurate as I could get it... for anyone who wants the pancake recipe I suggested just keep reading, it will be at the very bottom.

So I think I might restart the poll on how the rest of Matt's family will react to the relationship, along with one on how they find out... for those who know what polls I am talking about I will be remaking them so you can re-vote, the polls will be open so just keep an eye out for them. if I can get at least 20 votes I will be happy.

Pancakes from scratch

3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons and 2-3/4 teaspoons baking powder

2-1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons and 1-1/2 teaspoons white sugar

3 cups and 2 tablespoons milk

2-1/2 egg

1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons butter, melted

PREP: 5 mins COOK: 15 mins READY IN: 20 mins

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

makes 20 servings