Enjoy. ^^
XXX
One day left, just one day until the big festival. Canada left Russia's house to go for a little walk. He talked to various countries, saying 'hello' and 'how are you', but none of them seemed to remember or know who he was. It felt like he was back to square one. He had been noticed, noticed and even loved these past few weeks. Everything seemed so much more cheerful for him. He headed back to Russia's house realizing, that once he left Russia's. He wouldn't be as noticed as he was now. Mainly because everyone wouldn't be worried about his safety, but America, maybe he'd notice Canada more. The thought of loving America seemed that much better to him now. Maybe that would be the right thing to do. Accept his love. Though, it wasn't too long after that thought that that chain feeling came back.
Canada entered Russia's house, he was greeted by Ukraine.
"Wait Canada, keep your coat on" She said as she grabbed her own coat.
"Eh? Why? Where are we going?"
"We're going to help out decorating the stage and other things, and I'm bringing those cookies we made for the banquet"
Canada assumed that was where Russia and the others were. He followed Ukraine to the area the festival was to be held.
:::
When they got there Canada found there were many people there. Even if it was just to help get ready for this big event, there were tons. He wondered how crowded it would be when the real thing started.
"Brother!" Ukraine shouted running to her brother's side. Canada only walked up to Russia. Russia looked at Canada as Canada did the same neither of them smiling until Canada smiled first. Russia was too busy noticing that Canada didn't have his winter coat to smile back.
"Where's your coat?" Russia asked.
"Eh? U-uh… I couldn't find it"
"Then why didn't you wear one of mine?"
"I won't touch anybody possessions without permission first, besides I'm wearing a sweater, I'll be fine"
Russia didn't think so. He saw Canada trying to keep himself from shivering.
Russia began to take off his own coat. Once it was off, he wrapped it around Canada and helped him in it.
"N-No, you don't have to do this" Canada tried to convince Russia he was fine.
"Wear it, I don't want my guest to get sick during his stay"
"But, W-what about you?"
"I'll be fine"
"But!"
"Don't try to argue with me, Matvey… just do it"
Canada just stared at Russia until Russia left to help Belarus decorate. He hugged himself watching Russia leave, wondering why he wouldn't take his eyes off him.
"That's so strange" Estonia said.
"Eh?"
"Mr. Russia never lets anyone even touch his favourite coat"
"Really…?"
"Really"
Canada felt as if he was being watched, he turned his head in Russia's direction to see Belarus glaring death righ tat him. Canada could feel his life being threatened just looking at her. Suddenly Ukraine grabbed Canada's hand and headed to the main building where the banquet was to be.
"Alright Matvey, This is where I'll put the cookies" Ukraine said as she set the cookies down on the giant table, "Just so you know"
"Ok"
"I can't wait till we get to eat tomorrow!"
Oh no, it was that voice again, his brother was here.
"Yes, I hope this festival goes well aru"
It seems that China, Germany, Italy, Japan, England and France came with him, also Hungary and Austria.
"M-Maybe we should go, Ukraine" Canada suggested as he took her hand making his way to the door.
"What? Why?"
Just then they heard 'Mattie!'. Canada turned to see his brother had spotted him. At first he was smiling but then that smile turned into a face filled with shock and disbelief. America pouted and marched over to his brother angrily. Ukraine, a little worried by this; his behind Canada.
"Mattie! Why on Earth are you wearing RUSSIA'S JACKET!"
"I-I-I c-couldn't find mine a-and he gave it to me"
The look on France's face was amusement; Canada could tell France thought there was something going on between Canada and Russia.
"Who is this?" China asked.
"My brother…"
Italy came up to Canada right away and shook his hand, or sleeve seeing as the coat was too big for him in the first place.
"It's nice to meet you… uhh…"
"Canada"
"Ve~ Canada!"
Ukraine stopped hiding and said her hello's to everyone as well.
"How come I've never heard of him?" Germany said, "It's hard to believe we've never met America's brother before"
"Oh, he's really quiet so he doesn't get that much attention" America turned his attention back to Canada, "Now then, how about I give you my jacket instead, I'll chuck that one out!"
"What? No! That would be rude"
"But it's that commie bastards jacket!"
China sighed at America's immature behavior.
Canada tried to keep his anger inside as best as he could. He glared at America before turning away and walking off.
"Hey, Hey wait Mattie!" America chased after him and grabbed his arm before he reached the door.
"Please, let me go!"
"No! Not until you tell me what's really going on!"
"Pardon?"
"This guy is evil, I know that, we all know that! Why do you stay with him? You can easily say no!"
"Because, he saved my life…"
A strong silence filled the air. All that could be heard was the voices of the people outside.
"He's not a monster, so don't treat him like one… He has a heart…"
"One that keeps falling out" America joked.
"Please take this seriously, brother!"
"I am! The guy's so evil his heart doesn't even want to be a part of him!"
Canada's eyes grew and his jaw dropped. He couldn't believe what he heard America say. He didn't want to believe that to be true, never. Canada turned around and walked away once more.
"Mattie! Wait! Don't go!" America shouted, trying to get his brother to stop, but Canada kept going.
Once he was outside he could feel the tears running down his face. Why was he crying? Russia was the one insulted in this, not Canada. But still, the tears kept coming.
:::
Ukraine and Canada headed back to where Russia, the baltics and Belarus and Poland was. Canada was silent throughout the whole way back. Ukraine couldn't help but be worried about him, occasionally she'd try to talk to him, but Canada hardly answered back. Once they were there, Canada saw Poland on Lithuania's shoulders trying to reach to place a decoration on a lamp post.
"So? What took you two so long?" Russia asked.
"O-oh, We just ran into America and some other countries, t-that's all" Ukraine said trying not to sound too sad about what she heard.
"Ah?" Russia noticed the sadness in both their eyes. Though Canada's eyes seemed much more saddened than Ukraine's.
Russia didn't like this; he especially didn't like the feeling of hurt in his heart from just looking at Canada's depressing face. Russia wanted to make him happy, but he didn't know how.
:::
Once the day was done everyone went home to prepare themselves for the big event and of course, for Christmas morning. Canada stayed up thinking about how horribly his Christmas was going so far. He felt as if he could break down and cry, but he held it in as much as he could. Russia came downstairs just in time for Canada to sigh. He approached Canada quietly then sat down next to him on the couch. Canada glanced over at Russia now staring at Russia's curious face.
"Russia… I'm confused…"
"What about?"
"…America… he told me, that he loved me-"
Russia could feel the jealous anger filling up inside of him just hearing this.
"-but, as much as I want someone to love me, I don't know if I should love him back"
Canada looked away unknowing that Russia did the same. Another awkward silence, this time, one that wasn't so comfortable.
"…Russia?"
"…Da?"
"Do you remember those paintings we liked?" Canada said trying to change the subject.
"Da… I do…"
Canada looked back at Russia hoping Russia would look at him too, but he didn't.
"Why do you like the sunflower one?"
This time Russia did look at Canada.
"They're beautiful flowers, soft and gentle, and they remind me of the warm sun"
Canada smiled gently, seeing this side of Russia, this kind soft side to him. It proved America wrong. Canada knew, he always knew having this feeling inside of him that Russia was a good guy, just misunderstood.
"What about you?"
"Pardon?"
"Why do you like the painting you were looking at"
It was silent for a moment before Canada answered.
"Because it… it gives me hope…"
"Hope?"
"Yes, I hope to one day fly as high as I can, and show the whole world that I'm truly someone, just, someone"
"Ah"
Russia scooted closer to Canada almost forgetting about what he said about America.
"Matvey, My name is Ivan and yours is… Matthew" Russia said having a little trouble pronouncing his name, but he managed too.
"Yes"
"Both our names, mean 'gift of god', did you know that?"
Canada was surprised that both their names had the same meaning. It was almost cute.
"That's… that's so, cool, for lack of a better word" Canada smiled.
"Da… I think we should go to sleep now"
"Ok"
Both of them headed upstairs and entered their rooms. Russia and Canada fell into bed and fell asleep waiting for tomorrow.
XXX
This is the second last chapter so do wait till the last one. D: Also my sister was looking up name meanings and she found that both Matthew and Ivan mean "Gift of god" strange eh? XD But if this is wrong then that's ok, it's fiction after all. :U