Thanks to Time Turner, Anne, SansTheLanguage218, Bibi02846, Daap, Mr. Sleep is Life and Simpleminji for reviewing.

I guess this is my Christmas gift to all of you. Happy holidays. And to those reading Ve, We Totally Fooled You… I'm working on it. I didn't get the chance to finish the chapter. I started, but… You can expect it later today or tomorrow. Sorry!

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 20: The Sound of Music

Canada was very pleased with himself, even if none of their judges could come to an agreement on whether pancakes or waffles were better. He supposed that they either didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or they were afraid of incurring the loser's wrath. So they kept quiet.

But the others had eaten too much, and they had gone to sleep it off. Matthew was fine with it, although he had to question their inability to eat that much food. Or it could just be that he was far too used to eating with America.

So now he was wandering the hallways, searching for something to do. Although wandering around was a form of entertainment. There was no need for him to rush. He could do whatever he wanted. And being in a building you were supposed to have a meeting in without needing to be in a meeting brought its own thrills.

Canada paused when he heard something. It sounded like… music. Specifically, the music of a piano. He frowned. Only one nation came to mind when someone thought of music.

Austria.

Canada pondered for a moment. He really enjoyed the sound of the music, and he was always fascinated by watching people play an instrument.

He smiled sadly as he thought about a time from his past. England had tried to teach him, but his fingers had been too short at that point in time to get the harmony right. England had been very patient with him. But by the time Canada's fingers had grown long enough to play something beautifully, England stopped seeing him, and Canada's piano lessons had faded away like a memory of a dream.

He had always enjoyed those lessons, and had begged England to continue them, but the older was always either too busy or couldn't see him. And Canada had learned to accept it.

But now, hearing Austria play, he missed those old times.

Making up his mind, he slowly crept closer. He didn't really want Austria to know that he was listening in. He was afraid of angering the European.

The door was wide open, and he saw Austria playing with his eyes closed. The Austrian swayed with the melody, his practiced hands not missing a beat. Canada was in awe. He wished that he could play like that.

Austria reached the end of the song, and the last notes echoed through the room.

"You know, it's rude to simply stand there," Austria said, making Canada jump.

Austria opened his eyes and stared directly at Canada.

"I'm sorry," Canada said. "It's just… you play so beautifully, and I wish that I could play like that, and… How did you know that I was listening?"

"An artist has a sixth sense for when he has a captive audience," Austria said. "You say you wish to play like me? Can you play?"

"N-not r-really," Canada stuttered. "I learned a little when I was still a colony, but then England didn't teach me anymore."

"So, you're one of England's," Austria said. "He pretends to be a gentleman, but he's as brash as that barbarian Prussia. Most of his colonies turned out similar. America and Australia being examples."

Canada flinched, but he couldn't exactly disagree. Well, at least he knew that Austria didn't think he was America.

He saw Austria watching him with a calculating look, and he sighed, recognising it for what it was.

"I'm Canada," he said.

Austria nodded, as though confirming something.

"Ah yes," Austria said. "I've heard of you from Germany."

"G-Germany?" Canada asked. "W-wha…?"

"It was during the World Wars," Austria said. "I had to give him therapy after every battle he went up against you. Out of all the nations he's fought against, you're probably the only one that managed to give him PTSD."

"I-I'm sorry," Canada stuttered.

"Don't be. When he wasn't traumatised, he was very impressed. I have to say, I am as well."

Canada blushed at the compliment. It was still pretty rare for him to have his feats during the World Wars acknowledged.

"So," Austria said, and Canada shook himself from his thoughts, "are you serious about wanting to play?"

"Y-yes," Canada said.

"Then come sit next to me, and I will teach you."

Canada walked over towards the piano and sat down, blushing when he realised how close the two of them were to each other.

Austria was aware of the closeness as well, and he was also aware of the way Canada was sitting, as though he was trying to take up as little space as possible. This wouldn't do at all.

"Sit up straight," Austria instructed. "Remember, it's only you and the piano. Nothing else in the world matters when you're sitting here. Now, do you know your scales and arpeggios?"

Canada looked at him blankly, and Austria sighed.

"That is why you shouldn't go to England for music lessons," Austria said. "Alright, this key here. This is Middle C. I want you to place the thumb of your right hand on it. Only the right hand. Position your other fingers accordingly. Now, press down with your thumb, pointer finger and middle finger, one after the other."

Canada did as told.

"Good. Now, take your thumb and press the note next to your middle finger."

Canada did so, frowning at the oddness.

"Now press with the other fingers," Austria said.

Canada did as told again, until he reached his pinkie.

"Wunderbar," Austria said. "You just played the scale for C Major. Minor is a little trickier. Watch."

Canada watched as Austria played the Minor scale slowly.

"Notice how it has a slight melancholic tone," Austria said. "In general, Major scales are used for more upbeat songs, while Minor for sombre songs. Now, with the left hand. Place your pinkie on C, and do the same thing."

Canada did, and Austria corrected him when he tried to adjust the fingers at the wrong time.

"Good," Austria said. "Now we will try both hands together."

It took a bit of work, but finally Canada could play the two hands simultaneously. Austria also taught him how to play a scale starting with both hands on the same note.

And within an hour, Canada had learned C Major, G Major and F Major.

I used to have piano when I was younger, and trying to recall knowledge acquired over ten years ago without thinking about it again… yeah. The scales are of course the building blocks, and it's important to know them. My sister is Grade 8 with the flute and she still has to practice her scales (which gets annoying if your room is right next to hers). Arpeggios come later. C Major is a beginner's scale, since it has no sharp or flat, while G Major has one sharp and F Major has one flat.

So, I hope you enjoy Christmas. Probably better than mine. Different continent, no friends here… Yeah…