Longest chapter I've ever written! DX Warning... it's longer than my other ones. |D Enjoy. ^^
XXX
Sleep, that's all Canada needed right now, and without the collar on him he felt more relaxed and free. He hugged his pillow and smiled gently as he rested in his soft comfortable bed. He didn't even mind having to share the bed with the baltics every night. Even though it was somewhere around three in the morning, he was still comfortable, no stress, not worried. Still, he couldn't seem to get to sleep. Either he was too excited about going to Ontario, or he was just simply wide awake. Canada sat up in bed and stretched as he yawned.
"...Canada?" Came Lithuania's tired voice from beside him.
Canada looked over at Lithuania.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you" He whispered, hoping he wouldn't wake the other two... or Russia in that matter.
"No, it's ok" Lithuania sat up also and smiled at Canada, "I'm glad I'm awake now, I was kind of having a nightmare..."
"Oh... well, I was just going to get up and go for a walk around the house to maybe make me tired"
"B-but you might wake Mr. Russia"
Canada moved off the bed, but before he could go anywhere he felt Lithuania's hand grab his arm. He glanced back at Lithuania who glared at him.
"You always get yourself into trouble and I've let your stubbornness slide too many times already. Just wait till morning, please"
"...But, it's just a short walk"
"No, get back in bed"
Lithuania sounded almost like a strict mother, it was kind of funny. Canada didn't want to give Lithuania a panic attack though, so, he crawled back into bed and tucked himself in. Lithuania sighed in relief.
"Thank you..."
"No problem" Canada said as he closed his eyes.
Then, Canada felt Lithuania's hand grab his shoulder and shake him a little. Canada opened his eyes again and looked at him, wondering what was wrong now.
"S-Sorry to wake you again, but, I think it's fair to tell you... that... well"
"...Yes?"
"You kind of, talk in your sleep sometimes..."
Canada immediately sat up. Embarrassed, he held the blanket up to his chest, eyes wide with a big blush forming on his face.
"I-I do? W-What do I say!" He shouted in a panicked voice.
Immediately, Lithuania panicked too and covered Canada's mouth with both hands.
"SSSHHHH! You'll wake Mr. Russia!"
"Lithuania! Y-You're shouting too!" Canada shrieked once he took Lithuania's hands off his mouth.
Both men covered their own mouths, waiting to hear anything, to hear if Russia was up and heading to their room... nothing. They looked at each other for a moment. Then, Canada snickered, trying to hold in a laugh. Lithuania's cheeks turned red as he tried to hold in his own laughter. They both uncovered their mouths and giggled quietly, but wanting to burst into immense laughter.
"S-Sorry" Canada whispered as he continued to giggle.
"N-No it's ok" Lithuania said trying to hold in his giggling, "W-Why did you start giggling in the first place anyway?"
"O-Oh, I've been told it's called a nervous laugh or something, you know, laughing when you're scared, s-sorry"
"No, it's fine. I haven't really been so happy since... Well, I don't really know to be honest"
"Ok... so, what do I say in my sleep?" Canada asked, his giggling ceased.
"Well, random things, really"
"...Do I insult anyone?"
One thing Canada did not want to do was insult someone, especially when he didn't even realize he was insulting them.
"Oh, no of course not. You just talk about things you like... like, Hockey, and Maple syrup, and... who's Kumajiro?"
"Kum? He's my friend, he's a polar bear"
Lithuania gave Canada a strange look. Of course, Canada didn't expect anything else from him.
"He talks..." Canada said, smiling shyly. Oh dear, I sound like a nut case... Lithuania probably thought Canada was crazy now, "Y...You don't believe me do you?"
"Uh... I can't say I do...but, you don't seem like the type to lie so... I guess I believe you"
Canada couldn't decide whether to feel better about telling Lithuania about Kumajiro, or worse. If Lithuania didn't believe Canada bout Kum, would Russia? Would he think he was crazy too? Maybe, if I ask Russia if I could go get Kum from my house, then Lithuania might actually believe me. Canada smiled. Knowing that he was going to Ontario to that special place he was going to show Russia, he was excited. Also, he might be able to get his friend too. I hope Kum's alright...
"Oh, I don't know if Ivan's going to bring you and Latvia and Estonia along... I should ask, but I told him I'd take him to a place somewhere in Ontario" Canada said as he hugged the blanket close to him.
"Why there?"Lithuania asked, raising n eyebrow.
"W-Well, I can't tell you... it's a secret... I think I'll have to blind fold Ivan until we get there" Canada giggled.
"Well, if you can convince him, though, I'm starting to believe you can"
Canada only stared at Lithuania, mouth open a little, waiting for him to say why that was.
"You are friends with him now, I didn't think that was possible for Mr. Russia to make friends"
"Oh..."
Lithuania gave Canada a look of worry, and at the same time joy.
"I'm kind of amazed you've accomplished this... at the same time, I'm worried about what might happen if you break the friendship with Russia"
"B-Break it? I wouldn't do that to him, ever..." Canada's words slowed as he spoke. Just saying this brought back the memories of how Russia acted around China, or even when he was just talking about him. He lowered his head. Canada's heart couldn't help but hurt when he thought of this, "...never..."
Lithuania put his hand on Canada's shoulder. Canada looked up at him. Lithuania gave Canada a sympathetic smile as he took his hand off his shoulder.
"I know how much he means to you" Lithuania said.
"Y-You do?"
"Yes... don't worry, I'll keep it a secret"
Canada stared, shocked. Did Lithuania really know the feelings Canada had for Russia?
"Just a question of curiosity... but, why won't you tell him?"
Canada let go of the blanket and stared down with sad eyes. He thought about China, then Russia. The two seemed so different, yet. Russia wanted China so badly... how could he say what he wanted to Russia if Russia as so interested in some else? Not only that, but Russia might punish Canada just for saying what he wanted, friend or not, this was going pass friendship.
"I'm too scared to tell him... plus, it wouldn't be right..."
"Well, I can understand why you would be scared..."
"Yeah..."
Silence for a moment, then Lithuania put his hand to his mouth and yawned before laying down and tucking himself in.
"Well, sorry I can't talk to you through the whole night, I'm tired" He said as he closed his eyes.
Canada smiled softly, he laid down and tucked himself in as well, and closed his eyes.
"That's ok... goodnight"
:::
Canada opened his eyes. He looked at the clock to see what time it was, five o clock exactly. Was Canada really so excited that he couldn't wait to get up? He sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes before putting on his glasses. Then, a creak from the door, and it opened. There stood Russia, an almost surprised expression turned into a calm smile, and calm eyes.
"Ah, good, you are awake. I was going to wake you up now, but it seems I do not have to" He said.
"Y-You were going to wake me up? This early? I-It's only five though"
"Da, I want to go to that place you told me about early. So hurry and get yourself ready" Russia said before leaving, closing the door behind him.
So early? He must be as excited as I am Canada hopped out of bed and quickly got himself dressed. After getting what he needed done, done, he headed downstairs to meet the others. Once there, he sat down to eat breakfast with everyone else. Again, he wasn't too familiar with the food, but once he tried it, it didn't taste too bad. He continued eating, not too fast, but almost in a hurry. His eyes peeked in Russia's direction. Russia didn't seem to be eating anything at the moment, just drinking vodka. Canada felt a little concerned for Russia's sake.
"I-Ivan?" He said.
Russia was just about to take another drink of vodka until he stopped to he look at Canada.
"Da?"
"Did you eat anything at all?"
Russia set the vodka bottle down on the table. He tapped his fingers on the table, then smirked at Canada. Canada only stared at Russia, confused. Was it something I said?
"Matvey..." Russia said as he leaned over a little, resting his head on his hand, "What I've noticed recently is that we have a failure to communicate sometimes"
"E-Eh? W-We do?"
"Da... when I asked you that question about China, you did not answer. Instead you ran"
The way Russia explained it, he made it sound as if Canada was a frightened boy living with a sane family. Though, he could hardly consider anything that's happened over the time living with Russia, sane. Was Russia trying to get Canada to tell him today what he was going to last night? Canada really didn't want to tell Russia, it would be too strange. There would also probably be a harsh punishment waiting for him too. If Canada told Russia what he really wanted to say, Russia no doubt would skin Canada alive for wanting to be more than just friends, mostly because it would seem as if he was trying to get between Russia and China. So, instead, Canada's eyes focused on his breakfast again. He hoped Russia would drop the subject and talk about something else, but Russia's sight did not stray from Canada.
"Matvey... Friends do not keep secrets from each other~" Russia said, impatiently waiting.
Canada felt he was going to die for sure, or ruin his friendship with Russia if he didn't tell him. Then again, he'd end up ruining it anyway if he told him.
"S-S-Some t-things are b-better left un s-said" Canada finally answered.
Russia gave Canada a weird look as if to ask 'what are you hiding?'.
"D-did you book a flight to Ontario?" Canada asked.
"Da... and don't try to change the subject Matvey" Russia said as he got up from his seat.
"U-um sir?" Latvia said shakily.
"You three" Russia growled as he glared at the baltics.
The baltics all huddled together as if that was the only way to protect each other, both Estonia and Lithuania held onto to Latvia, who was in the middle, terrified of Russia's anger.
"Go make yourselves useful and clean the dishes... I need to talk to Matvey alone"
The baltics replied with a rapid nod altogether before grabbing the dishes and dashing into the kitchen. Then, Russia glanced back at Canada, who was also afraid of Russia at the moment, and approached him as Canada got up from his seat and took a couple steps away.
"I'm tired of secrets... first let us start with secret number one" Russia scowled as he completely cornered Canada, both hands on the wall making sure Canada couldn't run away, "What were you going to say to me last night?"
Canada began to stutter. If he told Russia how he felt, he was dead, if he didn't he was dead. What could he do? He tried to move further back, but he was already fully cornered as it was.
"I-I..." Canada whispered. He took a deep breath before continuing, "I can't tell you... I-I'm sorry..."
"Why not?"
"...It would ruin our friendship..."
Russia's glare faded. He was more than curious now.
"That bad...?"
Canada lowered his head. No emotion on his face. Chances of Canada keeping Russia's trust now was close to zero.
"I'm so sorry, Ivan..."
Russia took his hands off the wall, allowing Canada to move away if he wanted to, but Canada did nothing but feel guilty.
"I see..." Russia said, "Then you can make it up to me"
"...How...?" Canada asked as his sad eyes peeked up at Russia.
"For one thing, you can stop worrying so much, Da? For another, you can give me another hug"
Canada looked up at Russia, amazed that he wasn't mad and that he was taking it so easy on Canada now. Canada could have jumped with joy right there, but instead he held it in and just gave Russia a teary, almost sad, smile before immediately tackling him into a hug. He didn't manage knock to him over this time however, but that was a good thing. A small blush appeared on Russia's face as he smiled gently. He wrapped his arms around Canada and held him as gentle and comfortably as possible. Meanwhile, the baltics peeked out of the kitchen, first Latvia, then Lithuania, then Estonia.
"Mr. Russia has never been this forgiving before... not to us anyway" Estonia said.
"Y-you don't suppose... Mr. Russia actually... well" Lithuania paused for a moment as he took another look at the two, "is falling for Canada?" he whispered.
"I-Is that possible?" Latvia asked as he looked up at Lithuania, "I-I mean, what are the chances?"
"...one percent perhaps?" Estonia replied, making the other two think about this for a moment.
Then, just as Russia let go of Canada the baltics ran back into the kitchen, knowing that if they got caught they'd be beaten for sure.
"Baltics~" Russia called with a much more cheery voice, "Come, we are leaving now"
"A-Already sir?" Lithuania asked as he stepped out of the kitchen with the others.
"Da, get your coats on"
It seemed as if Russia really did want the baltics to come along too. That was good.
:::
The plane was right on time, thankfully. Canada knew the place he wanted to take Russia to was much better to look at in the day time rather than at night. The boarded their plane. Once they found their seats, they put up their luggage and sat down. Canada beside Russia, Lithuania and Estonia behind them... and Latvia who was in front of Russia and Canada, sat next to some strange man who, seemed to be hitting on him. Canada felt a little concerned for Latvia's sake.
"...Ivan?" he said in a worried tone.
"Da?"
"Latvia is-"
"-I know..." Russia interrupted, "He can take care of himself, do not worry"
Suddenly a loud 'smack' and the man sitting next to Latvia was knocked out cold. Latvia still trembled in his seat, like always, but he seemed fine now.
"See?" Russia said.
"...oh..."
Everyone had boarded, the plane was getting ready to lift off. Russia set his elbow on the chair arm as he rested his chin on his hand, staring out the window. His expression had no emotion, but judging by his posture, Canada would have guessed he was bored. Finally, the plane was at the run way. It began to speed up and once fast enough, fly up into the sky. Canada sat back into his seat and fidgeted with his fingernails for while before his eyes focused on Russia. Russia's expression did not change, his eyes did not move, even as clouds passed by. He seemed to be deep in thought. Canada wanted to talk to him during the trip, maybe to get to know him more, but he also didn't want to interrupt his train of thought. Maybe, if he did get his attention, it would be ok. So, Canada lifted his hand and tapped Russia's shoulder. Russia blinked before sitting straight and looking at Canada with a calm smile.
"Da?"
The way Russia looked at him in that moment, it made Canada blush. He kept his mouth shut, but his eyes grew a little as he stared.
"N-nothing!" Canada said as he quickly faced the front again, same face expression, but he kept his hands on his legs as he stared down, Oh no, this stupid feeling. It's getting worse... i-it was just a smile though...
Then, Canada felt Russia's arm wrap around him. Canada looked up to see Russia's smile turn childish.
"Matvey~ You wanted something, now tell me what it is"
"J-Just wanted to talk"
"Oh? Then why did you hesitate to tell me that?"
"S-Sorry, I-I guess I'm just nervous"
Russia took his arm off of Canada and placed both hands on his lap as he continued to talk to him.
"Do not be nervous Matvey, plane's do not crash all the time" Russia said cheerfully, though, this did not help Canada feel any better.
"...Y-Yes... I know..." It took Canada a couple of seconds to realize what he said wrong, before fixing it, "I-I mean Da! Da, I know!"
Russia only stared curiously at Canada in an awkward silence. Canada tried to think of something else to say, but as usual... couldn't, probably not until a little while later. He clutched the bottom of his sweater, nervous about his growing feelings for Russia. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea... perhaps it would be good to separate from Russia and never see him or speak to him again.
"Matvey"
"Eh?" Canada glanced up at Russia.
Russia gave him a somewhat stern yet at the same time, confused look. Was saying 'yes' instead of 'Da' really that bad to him? Or was it something else Canada must have done to upset him?
"You seem to be very jumpy lately, and when I say that I mean more than when you first got here. We are friends now... are you still afraid of me?"
"N-No... I'm really not afraid of you Ivan..." Canada lied, he was afraid of him a little, from time to time, but that fear was mostly caused by the fear of Russia finding out Canada's true feelings for him. How could he actually tell Russia what he wanted?
"Then why do you act like you are afraid to talk to me sometimes?"
"...I-I..."
Russia nodded as if he understood what was going on. Though, Canada was a little unsure himself if Russia really did know what was going on.
"It's that secret you're keeping from me, Da?"
Did he know? Did he actually figure it out? Canada gulped. He was nervous just thinking about it. He stared at the seat in front of him trying not to make eye contact with Russia as he sunk in his chair. Russia grinned.
"Hmph... so this secret of yours really is a dangerous thing to tell then, Da? Seeing as it is bugging you so much"
Canada did not answer back. Instead he kept his mouth shut.
"Why would it ruin our friendship Matvey? Would it insult me in any way?"
"I-I hope not! I'd never intentionally insult you..."
"...I am not trying to get you to tell me what it is, though I would truly like to know" Russia said as he folded his arms and looked out the window again. Both were quiet. Canada felt as if he had just made things worse, until Russia changed the subject this time, "So, where is this place you want to show me. Or is that another secret?"
"U-um... it is... kind of... b-but I can tell you it is very warm there, not cold at all around this time"
Russia's face lit up with joy. Canada knew Russia would be more than happy to go somewhere warm. Russia had always wanted it, as far as he knew.
:::
Hours later, the plane was finally landing. Once on the ground, and ready for passengers to step off, Russia, Canada and the baltics grabbed their belongings and stepped off the plane. The airport was pretty crowded. People making their way to their destinations, just like them. Once out of the building, they got a bus to help take them to where they need to go. The bus they had chosen was sure to take them to the city where Canada could get them rooms in a nice enough hotel. Knowing how this time of year wasn't great for vacation time, it was still perfect for Canada. Perfect because of the warm weather, but also for the little traveling there would be. Canada knew that even if it was always cold in Russia. At least there were warm days in Canada. It was good this way, Canada felt he was giving Russia an opportunity see something he had probably only dreamt of before. It didn't take too long for them to find a nice hotel, of course, Canada was all too familiar with this place anyway, he could find his way around his country blindfolded if he wanted to. Which reminded him... He pulled out a long piece of cloth as he stepped off the bus with the others. He turned to Russia and smiled, making Russia wonder what he had in mind.
"Ok, turn around, I'll put this over your eyes, eh?"
"...Why?" Russia asked.
"I want to surprise you"
Russia didn't seem too keen on the idea of being blindfolded, his expression gave that away.
"How do I know you won't stab me in the back?" He asked in a threatening tone.
Canada wasn't intimidated this time though. He knew Russia was just trying to put up a barrier to protect himself.
"Trust me..." Canada said with a much more reassuring smile.
Russia groaned, then turned around. The baltics watched, worried if Canada was going to try to actually run for it after blind folding him, but they remained quiet. Canada then wrapped the cloth around Russia's head, covering his eyes.
"Lithuania, can you get us a room in the hotel please?" Canada said as he tied the cloth tight enough so Russia wouldn't be able to peek, but loose enough so it wouldn't hurt.
"Ok" Lithuania said before heading into the hotel.
"How will I be able to know where I am going, Matvey?" Russia complained.
"Don't worry, I'll help you" Canada as he wrapped an arm around Russia's.
Russia didn't seem too comfortable with this, but could Canada blame him? He hadn't had a reason to trust anyone before, really, but it was good he was trying.
"You seem to be in a much happier mood now, Da?"
"Da"
Soon enough Lithuania came back to the group in time to see Russia fully blindfolded.
"Um..." He said before taking his eyes off Russia, to look at Canada, "I-I have the card keys"
"Ok. Please hold on to them. I'm going to take Ivan to that place I told him about"
So Canada, arm locked with Russia's, walked towards the one place he wanted to show Russia, the baltics following behind.
"How far is this place?" Estonia asked.
"Not far" Canada answered, still smiling.
Even if they were in a city somewhere in the province of Ontario, they were practically on the edge of the city. Close enough to their hotel and close enough to the special place. It was perfect. Once it was in sight. The baltics gasped, altogether as they stared amazed.
"I-Is that it?" Latvia asked more than just surprised.
"Yup" Canada giggled.
"Ah? What is it?" Russia asked impatiently almost touching the blindfold.
"Uh uh!" Canada immediately grabbed Russia's hand before he could touch the blindfold, "Just wait... ok!"
Russia stopped where he was and removed the blindfold. His eyes grew fully. He dropped the cloth, unknowingly as he stared stunned, shocked, amazed at what he was looking at.
"M...Matvey... this is what you wanted to show me?"
XXX
Oh, what could it be? Anyway, sorry for any typo's or error's. I really tried to make a good long chapter. Wait till next update.