If you really want to know my excuse, I have many, but I doubt if I explained them to you all it would help either of us (I complain about silly things XD)

And yeah, you see that title change? It's because I really didn't like the old one but I couldn't come up with anything better at the time. I really only took five minutes to think it up. This one I'm more satisfied with because it actually relates to the main idea/message of the story.

Also... I really hate this chapter. With a passion. I think some of you will agree with me XD

I do not own Axis Powers Hetalia.

…

Today was Ivan's birthday. He opened his eyes in the morning light and realised this fact. Today, he was turning sixteen. There was only two more years before he became… a legal adult.

But Ivan did not feel anything close to an adult. An adult would not walk down the stairs, see the house empty, and get a strong melancholy feeling that could not be shaken off. An adult would not begin to drown in self-pity and refuse to make himself breakfast. An adult would not try to imagine that perhaps there was a surprise birthday party for him, even if it was impossible because Katyusha and Eduard had both left for business trips last night and Toris and Natalia hated him. An adult would probably just… shrug it off… throw himself a party… drink some vodka and party all night with his friends or treat himself to a nice dinner. That was what Ivan imagined adults did… and if he was to start doing something like that in a mere two years, he was not ready.

The teen pouted for a good hour before he stood up and walked out the door. Ivan noticed a couple of people taking down their Christmas lights, and some keeping them up. He had learned that apparently January seventh was called "Little Christmas" here for some. The celebration of this "Little Christmas" wasn't exactly popular knowledge, at least not for some of the younger generations. Madeline had discovered it from Doctor Bonnefoy-Kirkland and her husband.

And so, now that that the Canadian Christmas and the very busy "Boxing Day" that had happened the day after (some sort of day of sales after Christmas… apparently only the Commonwealth did it so Arthur had just gone crazy, according to Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland) Ivan decided he would buy decorations, if it wasn't too late. That way, he could decorate Madeline's room and maybe cheer her up a bit. Sure, he could have done it for the Canadian Christmas, but he just hadn't been in the mood at the time. Maybe he should've, after all…

Although there wasn't much left, one of the stores downtown was still trying to get rid of their leftover Christmas decorations, luckily. Ivan even managed to get a little Christmas tree and some bulbs. He didn't even pay all that much, considering the store was happy to get rid of the junk. Not that it really mattered to him. The only thing he was bothered by was how many things he ended up having to carry… things were stacked high in his arms, and on his shoulders hung many stuffed bags, as well as the backpack he brought.

Once again, Madeline had made him look like an idiot without even doing anything.

…

Madeline was having a nice sleep, for once. She wasn't in all that much pain and managed to get comfortable in bed for some rest. She didn't even dream, all she did was sleep in silence. When she awoke, she swore she must've still been asleep because… once she put on her glasses, she realised her whole room was covered in Christmas decorations. Tinsel, paper hang-ups, stickers…. They littered her entire plain, white room. To finish it off, a little Christmas tree sat on the table next to her bed. It had a couple of colourful bulbs and a little shiny star placed on top.

"How does it look?" a voice asked from the other side of her bed. Madeline turned, still lying down, and blushed with a little smile.

"It looks better than my room has ever been… but why did you do all this?" she asked. He smiled and shrugged.

"My Christmas is coming up and I figured I'd do something for you." He explained. Madeline began to sit up with a bit of difficulty, but remained smiling and looking around the room with wonder.

"Thank you so much for this! I hope it didn't bother you…"

"Why do you always worry about bothering other people? Of course it didn't." the Russian chuckled.

"W-Well you always go to such trouble for me… but I actually have something to give you today. It's in the top right cupboard above the counter, go ahead and grab it." She said with a light, gentle smile. Ivan pursed his lips curiously and headed for the cupboard Madeline was talking about. When he opened it, he saw her usual clothes, but tucked underneath them there was something peeking out. He pulled it out and took a look at it… a large, flat rectangular box wrapped in blue paper with a red bow. He held it up to Madeline.

"Is this it?" She nodded. He closed the cupboard and walked over to take a seat next to her.

"Do I open it now?" he asked. Madeline laughed lightly.

"Of course, go ahead!"

He gently unravelled the ribbon and began to rip off the paper, throwing it into the trash bin. When he was done, he was left with a brown cardboard box. Ivan opened it to see what was inside, and was met with a pile of fabric. He pulled it out and unfolded it, realising it was a quilt, and a rather fair-sized one, too. It defiantly looked warm. Then, Ivan noticed something was embroidered in the corner. He took a look and was shocked to see that it was in Russian lettering… messy, but it could still be made out.

Happy Birthday

That's what it translated to. Ivan felt odd warmth in his heart. She had remembered, and even went into the effort of making him such a wonderful gift which had obviously taken research and work, and while being so ill all the time, too!

"I had to get Mr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland to help a lot… I hope I didn't make any mistakes… I know it's messy but…"

"It's wonderful. Thank you." Ivan cut her off before she could worry anymore. He put the quilt down, stood up, and wrapped his arms tightly around the girl. Madeline gasped and froze up, and for a couple of seconds she stayed like that. Then, she realised what was actually going on and smiled to herself, quickly hugging him back and clinging to the fabric of his coat for a few moments before they pulled out.

And for once… things weren't all that awkward.

…

"Little Christmas" came quickly, and Ivan and Madeline had a relaxed, fun time on the day. They didn't do much but sit around and talk, but it was still an enjoyed day. New Year's happened quickly, and the New Year began without much hassle. A dinner with the family for Ivan, an attempt to stay up until twelve for the countdown for Madeline (she almost made it, too).

As for Ivan's birthday? Well, he had eventually received a few gifts from his family when they were actually home… a watch from Katyusha and a fancy-looking globe from Eduard… they had probably cost a lot of money, but he still like Madeline's present much better… because it had actually taken effort.

Just like that, it was January. It was still cold, still snowy, so Madeline was still ill. Ivan would soon have exams, so he studied in the hospital room quietly most of the time. Sleep, eat, sleep, talk, sleep, eat, sleep, talk. That's still how it went for Madeline, and the talking and eating part didn't usually last very long until it was back to sleeping. Sometimes, she had trouble breathing. Sometimes, she was in pain.

Ivan did his exams and got a long weekend. He caught a bit more of Mr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland's reading, and watched Madeline sleep more. When she woke up, he pouted.

"Do you hibernate?" he asked out of nowhere. She smiled weakly, pale face twisting a bit.

"I used to pretend that was what I was doing… when I was little. I'd make Kuma and me a cave out of blankets… and we'd hibernate together… heh… I almost forgot about that…" she explained quietly, eyes slowly drifting closed once again.

"So you're a bear, now?"

"Well… we've already agreed that you are too, Ivan." Her words may have been weak and whispered, but the teasing was still heard in her voice.

…

February wasn't much. There was Valentine's Day, but no one really cared about that except Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland. Poor Mr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland was hiding in Madeline's room all day, even when Ivan came. His over-bearing wife really wanted to have a "Romantic night" with him, apparently… and went a little insane when it came to "l'amour".

"She does this every year." Arthur complained. "She just thinks that there's a need to go over the top on Valentine's Day! Honestly, we aren't newlyweds anymore!"

"But… you guys really want to have a baby, right?" Madeline meekly replied. Arthur began to blush furiously.

"M-Madeline… w-what… don't connect Valentine's Day with that!" he cried, face turning beat red. Ivan didn't like where this conversation was going…

"I wasn't, I was just saying that a lot newlyweds want babies too… so you guys still sort of are like newlyweds." She mumbled, embarrassed. Usually, Mr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland wasn't one to bring up something like that; she hadn't even had it in her mind until now.

…

March brought about slightly warmer weather, and some bittersweet news.

"For the March break, I'm returning to Russia to see my uncle. So… I won't be here for nine days." Ivan mumbled apologetically to Madeline, who was lying in bed with a tired but quizzical look. She smiled a bit.

"It's okay Ivan, I'm alright with it. You've been coming here almost every day since September. That's more than I ever asked for." She explained calmly.

"But… it's just a few hours out of each day, and it's not like I force myself to come here, it's for both of our benefit. And it has become habit. Anyways… I just… I don't feel right leaving." He sighed sadly.

"Why not? It's your home country, right?"

"Well… it's your fault. You worry me too much." He pouted.

"My fault, eh?" she chuckled weakly. Ivan, by now, knew what she would blame herself for and what she didn't, as well as how to word things.

She could still take a joke, eh?

…

Ivan quite enjoyed his visit to Russia and, as guilty as he felt for it, almost forgot all about Madeline for a while. He visited his homeland once or twice each year, and always felt at ease there. Only Katyusha and Natalia would be there with him, and there was no Eduard or Toris to worry about… or anyone else, for that matter. When he returned to Russia, it was almost as if he had never left… he even got along with his sisters a bit. Though… the problems in Canada still seemed to follow them, even when they were in the dear Motherland. Or maybe they weren't just the problems of Canada… maybe they were the problems of growing up. Katyusha was still consumed with pressure of business, especially with General Winter around, and Natalia was just naturally cold to him. Things were a little less tense when they were alone in the memories of their old house but… it just wasn't the same, and it still made Ivan upset to be around them.

Still, it was nice to speak his native language and walk through the streets of his childhood. When he went to buy something, he could use money that had his country's name on it. He could look around and see the Russian flag, even if it was a long walk from his mansion in the forest to the city nearby. They really were closed off from everyone… but Ivan, to say it simply, was satisfied. And if he ever did start to think of Madeline, he would simply dream of her being healthy and his taking her here someday, for some reason.

She would probably like it here.

…

"I am back! And I bring souvenirs!" a voice that hadn't been heard in the room for a while sounded from the doorway. His Russian accent was even stronger than usual and his English a bit rough. Madeline was sitting up in bed, waiting for him. She smiled brightly.

"You seem so happy." She giggled.

Ivan blushed but held up a smile. "I had a nice visit… but… for once I'm happy to be back. All the other times I was sad to have to return to Canada." He said more calmly. Madeline nodded in understanding.

"I'm… I'm glad you came back." She said quietly.

"What? Did you think I was just going to leave and never return?" he joked. He almost thought he saw her flinch, and for a second sadness filled her eyes. His smile faltered, but she went back to being bright and happy just as quickly… so he followed suit.

"Course not." She laughed lightly. But her voice…

Ivan heard such relief that he had a feeling she really had been worried he'd left her.

…

"Ivan, can I talk to you pour jouste une seconde?" a voice asked as the Russian boy was leaving the hospital. She was standing outside the entrance with a serious look on her face. Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland.

"Da…" he said, unsure. He stepped aside with her, and she continued to stare seriously, but with a bit of worry, as well.

"Madeline… has become very attached to you, I think. She didn't do very well over the March Break… and I must warn you that her emotions tend to make her health worse, sometimes." Francis explained seriously. Ivan felt his heart jump in his chest. Had he really hurt her when he was gone? Enough to make her sick? What was wrong with her?

Francis continued, "She's not used to having someone around so often… and because of past events… she has probably grown a fear that you will disappear. I… I just wanted to tell you this because I think you're the only one who can do anything about it." Francis paused, and saw that Ivan's face was full of worry.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm pressuring you but… you're a smart boy… I know you can do what's right for her… I trust you." Francis smiled a bit. Ivan frowned, but nodded to her.

"I… I will try to make her happy but… I have no clue why she's even like this… how am I supposed to do anything about it? I… I've never really tried to help someone like this before." He explained sadly. Francis laughed lightly.

"I think you're one of the only people who can relate to her, oui? It will be a lot easier than you think… but it will probably take time. I'm just making you aware… she isn't all she appears to be." Francis explained. Ivan sighed.

"Da, thank you. If you think I can really do something for her, then I suppose I'll try but…"

"You are going through the same thing, perhaps?" Francis asked quietly. Ivan lowered his head in shame.

"I suppose you could say that…"

"I do not know much about you Ivan, but I can tell you relate to Madeline more than most people do. Please just continue what you're doing. Believe me, it will be for both your benefit as long as you both do your bests." Francis ruffled his hair, a bit odd considering he was a good foot taller than her, and walked back inside. Ivan frowned to himself. The woman seemed to know more than she led on.

…

March was ending, and April was coming quickly. Spring was on its way. Ivan and Madeline were both waiting anxiously for it to come. Ivan couldn't believe it… he and Madeline were almost there. They were almost in the season where Madeline could leave the hospital. It had been a long, painful winter… but it was finally almost over. Madeline didn't seem to change much in health, but her attitude still stayed positive…

…on the outside.

The conversation Ivan had with Dr. Bonnefoy-Kirkland would not leave his head. He had to make sure his relationship with Madeline became one that was undoubtedly strong. He, himself, was still afraid of her leaving him sometimes… but just like the doctor had said, perhaps he had to start trying his best for both their benefit. But how? Would visiting her everyday not be enough?

Well… whatever it took, he hoped he could do it.

…

During the beginning of April, Ivan was overhearing a conversation between two girls as he waited for class to start.

"Aren't you excited for the Canada Day Fair they're planning this year? I heard it's going to be big!" one girl told her friend.

"Yeah… my dad's friend is helping out with it; they've already been working on it for a while even though it's three months away."

"It's the first time Heta's doing this… it should be cool!"

Ivan hadn't heard about this fair yet, but now he was remembering something… wasn't Madeline's birthday on Canada Day? Yes, he had been told that before… and it would also be summer… so…

He smiled. Well… he would be sure to take her there…

…

During the end of April, the snow began to melt. The weather got warmer. Madeline got better. She started walking, no longer needing a wheelchair to get around the hospital halls. When Ivan came to her room, her sleeping became less and less. They started playing board games and taking short walks, something they hadn't done for a while.

When May finally came, the snow was almost gone. Ivan could see Madeline's improvement growing and growing, and he was waiting anxiously for June, the month that would surly bring warmth. Then, when June was finished, it would be July. Summer. No school.

"We're going to do a lot when summer comes." Ivan promised her. She smiled at his excitement.

"Are we?" she asked. He held out his pinky.

"I pinky promise you." He said jokingly. Madeline laughed out loud, but followed through with the pinky promise, anyways.

She would get through May the best she could, and become as healthy as she could for the summer.

For him.

…

"Vanya? Can I talk to you?" Katyusha's voice beckoned him that night from his room. He walked out to meet her in the hallway.

"Da?" he asked quietly. She smiled to him.

"All winter you've been doing very well, I've noticed. You haven't been lashing out or bullying anyone." She explained happily. Oh, so she had noticed? Surprising. Truth be told, he hadn't really been paying attention to his own actions lately. He hadn't expected Katyusha to realise it.

"Oh?" he asked, bored.

"Y-Yes… so I told uncle, and he was very impressed! He said that now you've gotten older and your attitude has changed, perhaps you'd like to go make another month-long visit in the summer, starting the day after you get out of school. You enjoyed yourself last time, right? And this time, uncle will show you around business so you can be prepared for when you graduate high school! He's going to take you to Moscow and St. Petersburg!" she explained. "And… I promise that this time we're not trying to force you…"

It sounded great, that was Ivan's first thought. He could be in his homeland but still be able to return to his family in a month's time and…

…Madeline…

"I… I can't go, Katyusha." Ivan mumbled. His sister frowned.

"I-Is there something wrong? I thought this was what you'd want…"

"Da… but… I have to stay here… I have to turn this offer down…" he said quickly, rushing back to his room. Katyusha stood alone in the hall in confusion.

…

Yeah that's right; we just went through the entire winter season in one chapter XD Now you know why I hate this chapter.

So I really should say that this isn't the only time where a lot of time will go by in a single chapter. Not that it happens A LOT but there ARE a couple of time skips. I'm hoping you can bear it, because I'm not very happy doing it but… I honestly can't work things out any other way. I know, it shouldn't be so rushed but… I tried my best, please understand this XD

Hope you enjoyed.