Thanks to SansTheLanguage218 and lucymclain666 for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 43: Little Vampire

Canada was on his way to the meeting, smiling brightly as he held Kumajiro in his arms. He could enter the second week of the month-long conference with a smile for the first time in… ever. He no longer felt like a ghost, and he was no longer mistaken for America… And he made some friends, while spending time with nations that he had already considered to be his friends. If only he could spend some actual time with his family without them ignoring him or accusing him of things that simply weren't true.

It had also become rare for him to spend his meals alone with only Kumajiro as company. Even some of his breakfasts were accompanied by other nations. If only this month could never end.

As he neared the elevator, he saw someone already there, pressing the button and waiting for it patiently. The other looked like a child, but since the building was pretty much reserved for the nations, he knew that that wasn't the case. At the very least, the boy would be a micronation.

That theory flew out the window when the boy turned slightly, aware of Canada's presence. Even seeing him only from the side, Canada knew who it was, and placed a friendly smile on his face.

"Hey there," Canada greeted. "You're Romania's little brother, right? Moldova?"

The child smiled, his red-violet eyes twinkling at the mention of his brother.

"Da!" he said enthusiastically. "And… you're America's brother? Um…?"

Canada sighed. He could kind of understand how Moldova didn't know who he was. He didn't have a lot of relations with him outside of NATO, and Moldova was a bit isolated. And the fact that he was still physically a child meant that he wouldn't take the initiative to go meet new nations without someone that he knew being around. He would cling to the ones that were familiar.

At least, that was how Canada used to be as a colony.

"I'm Canada," he said.

At that moment the elevator arrived, and the two climbed on. Moldova was looking up at Canada shyly, and the older nation tried his best to radiate a calming aura. It took him a moment to notice that Moldova was staring at Kumajiro, and his smile widened.

"Would you like to pet him?" Canada asked.

Moldova jumped slightly, a bit flustered at being caught out.

"C-can I?" he asked.

In response, Canada crouched down until he was at the same level. Moldova's face brightened as he started to pet Kumajiro.

"He's so soft," he said in wonder.

The bear started to lick the child's hand, and Moldova giggled at the sensation. Canada had to smile at the cuteness.

Sooner than either of them would have liked, the elevator came to a stop. Canada stood upright again as the door opened and they both got off.

Moldova practically skipped next to Canada as they walked to the meeting room, though he kept in step with Canada. The larger nation couldn't help but find this scene completely adorable. And it felt nice that Moldova was trying to walk with him.

Canada could see the meeting room, and he could see that many nations were still hanging around outside. Though one of them caught his eye in particular. Romania was standing to the side, away from the other nations. He was looking in Canada's direction, but he wasn't looking at Canada. He was looking at Moldova, and his eyes widened briefly before he smiled.

Moldova didn't seem to notice Romania, and Canada wondered if he should say something. But right then, Romania decided to walk up to them, a bright smile on his face.

"Salut Canada, Alex," Romania said.

"Oh, salut Romania," Moldova said, before he gave his elder brother a hug.

Canada noticed how Romania flinched, and he immediately knew why: Romania had greeted Moldova by his human name, while Moldova had returned the favour with his nation name.

Moldova released Romania and ran inside the room. Romania sighed, and Canada couldn't help but find the sight heart-breaking. From what he had seen of Romania, the European was always so energetic and optimistic. But now…

"I'm a failure as a brother," Romania muttered, startling Canada.

"What makes you say that?" Canada asked.

Romania glanced towards him and sighed.

"My brother will only greet me," he said. "He doesn't stay to chat. And he never calls me by my human name. It's always 'brother' or 'Romania'. And he prefers Russia over me. What… what am I doing wrong?"

Canada bit his lip, before he placed a soothing hand on Romania's shoulder.

"Have you ever tried talking to him about it?" Canada asked.

Romania shook his head.

"Maybe you should talk to him about it," Canada suggested. "And don't ever think that you're a failure as a brother. I can see you genuinely care about him. And he cares about you."

"You think?" Romania muttered.

"I know."

Romania looked up, a small blush on his face. He gave a small smile.

"Mulţumesc," Romania said.

Canada gave a small smile as well.

"Were you waiting for him?" he asked.

"Da," Romania said. "I wait for him before every meeting. Simply saying 'hello' before the meetings, you know?"

Canada sighed.

"I wish my own brother could show that much compassion to me sometimes," Canada said. "I guess we should probably go in, eh?"

Romania nodded, and the two made their way into the room. They had barely entered when there was suddenly someone yelling at them, or at least one of them.

"No!" Hungary shouted. "I do not approve of that! Get away from Canada this instant!"

Romania snarled.

"What the hell is wrong with you, woman?" Romania retaliated. "What is going on in that twisted head of yours?"

Hungary stormed closer, hand reaching into her dress for her trusty frying pan. Canada sighed, recognising this scene after spending so much time around France and England. He discreetly retreated before he could be caught in the crossfire.

He saw someone familiar, and went to sit next to him.