So this is it!
The finishing chapter of this series! Though I might though in an omake sometime. I now consider this series complete.
Special thanks to SugarCoatTheTruth for reviewing and motivating me to finish. So please, if you do want more, I'd like to hear about it! Please, enjoy!
Admiration
"Just five more minutes…" I murmured drowsily, nuzzling my head back into the pillow.
The merciless alarm however, didn't take heed to my begging. Well, I don't think it ever does. I patted the table blindly, until I hit my target to make the high bleep of the alarm clock come to an abrupt stop. There's always that slight reluctance to get out of the comfort of your bed, you know?
But I must have set the alarm for a reason…now if I could only remember what that was…
I sat up, trying to rub the sleep from my eyes. What was it…what was it? Something important…I remember that much…
I tilted my head up to the calendar hanging on the wall directly across from me. I crawled to the foot of the bed to get a closer look. My eyes were drawn instantly to one specific date, doodled all over in bright red ink.
Scribbles of a silly looking cake were drawn on top of the date. Today was the 1st of July.
I scrambled out of bed, ripping the sheets away.
Oh no. Oh nononono. How could I forget?!
Canada! It's Canada's birthday!
"…Are you sure this is okay?" I sat down across from him, resting my chin on my hand.
He smiled gently.
"Of course it's fine."
I looked at the tiny cupcake covered with white icing. A lit red and white candle was stuck in the middle. The small flame flickered. It seemed like if you breathed too hard in its general vicinity, it would go out any second.
This seemed to happen every year. July the 1st and July the 4th, only three days apart. And even while Canada's birthday came first, everyone always got so caught up in America's birthday that Canada was left in the dust. He never told anyone, never reminded anyone. Like he's accepted that it was okay to be ignored. It just wasn't fair.
You shouldn't always have to take the backseat. You're allowed to be upset you know. Are you really okay with this Canada? I sighed.
"Well, make a wish."
He almost seemed surprised by my request. I tilted my head.
"That's what the candle is for. You make a wish as you blow it out." I laughed a little, "This can't be your first time."I said jokingly.
He averted his eyes from mine to look at the tablecloth.
"Canada…"I said, realizing the truth. That's really...awful.
I wouldn't settle for this. Even if he did. Everyone needed at least one day just for themselves. Canada would be no exception.
"Every year from now on. I promise."
I pushed the cupcake closer to him; the tiny flame almost seemed to want to go out from shock. But fortunately, it pressed on.
"Now make a wish." I prompted again with a smile.
He looked to the cupcake, then back at me. I reassured him with a nod. He returned the gaze with a timid smile before leaning in to blow out the flame.
I think I should mention that it went out on the inhale.
I tried to stifle it, but a laugh still escaped me. Canada's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but he smiled all the same.
"I'm a horrible person. Awful. I can't believe I forgot. How could I forget?!" I mumbled to myself, as a shoved a few hairpins to clip my bangs back.
Being in the rush I was in, I managed to run through my morning routine in record time.
I walked along the cobblestoned path in a huff. The sun was shining, just as it should on a summer day, the air was sweet with the scent of cut grass, and there wasn't even a cloud in the sky to boot. A perfect day. I had a large cardboard box tucked under one arm. It was filled to the brim with red and white decorations. The lid would no longer close, and the box was just big enough that my arm couldn't wrap around it, so it was kind of awkward to carry.
I knew that there was no way I could manage to do this alone. But I did know who I could ask for help.
Oh, I'm here already. All of my thoughts brought me to his house faster then I expected.
I looked up at the large manor, feeling slightly intimidated.
"C'mon, you've spoken with him before. He doesn't bite." He never seemed like the type to judge anyways, I don't know why I was so worried.I swallowed hard as I stepped up to the door.
"U-Uhm…" I knocked on the door a couple of times, "America?"
No answer. Well, it was pretty early in the morning. But we're a little pressed for time, so I decided to try again.
"America?" I repeated a little louder this time.
"I'm comin'. I'm comin'." I could hear footsteps from inside the house.
I took a step back as the door opened.
"…Yea..? What?" He sounded like he was still half asleep.
I slammed the door shut again.
I honestly, could not form a single word in my mind. And that was just the half of it! I had fumbled with the box and dropping it on the ground, most of the contents spilling out in the process.
America…It's not the lack of glasses, the worn out jeans or even the unkempt bed head.
But could you please wear a shirt when you answer the door?
"O-Oh my gosh. I am so sorry." I can't believe I just slammed the door in his face, at his own house.
"…Dude! What was that for?!" He said from the other side of the door.
Well, at least he was awake now.
"I am so so so sorry." I apologized again, "J-just could you put a shirt on or something?" I had to add that on. There was no way I could talk to him seriously if he was like…that.
I bent down to start picking up the fallen items For s-someone who I always see with some sort of food in their hand, it definitely doesn't show. At all. I could feel my face growing hot just thinking back to it. I shut my eyes tightly trying to chase away the mental images.
The door opened again, "That, was harsh." America grumbled, Though he still knelt down to help me put the rest of the stuff back into the box. He had managed to throw on a collared white shirt and his signature dark brown bomber jacket in that short amount of time.
I stood up, trying to get a better hold on the bulky box.
"Y-Yea…sorry about that again."
"Hey! No worries!" America's eyes brightened, "Nothing a HERO couldn't handle." He stretched a silly grin across his face while he flashed me a thumbs up.
I smiled ruefully. Well, even if he is a little oblivious, I don't think I've ever seen him get angry at anyone. If having someone almost shut your nose in the door doesn't get you angry, I don't think anything would.
"So, wait, why're you here?"
Right! Right. Can't get distracted.
"What's the date today?" I asked, trying to lead him to the answer.
"Easy! July the 1st."
I waited a moment to see if the gears had started to turn
"Only three days left until your HERO finishes another awesome year."
They didn't.
"…Anything else?"
"Nope!"
"…You sure?"
"Positive."
Well when you say it with such confidence, even I could have been swayed otherwise. I sighed.
"Not exactly…" Your own brother forgetting about your birthday! Just the thought of it! "July the 1st. Today is…Canada's birthday."
"Huh. Canada's birthday."
I felt a little relieved from his calm answer. From all the outcomes that could've happened, this wasn't at the top of my probability list. I honestly was expecting a bigger rea—
"C-CANADA'S BIRTHDAY?!" He stared at me with wide blue eyes.
I jumped back, startled. I tried to stifle a laugh from his delayed reaction. It must of just have clicked now. Well, I guess that's America.
"Oh MAN! What're we supposed to do?!" He started to shake my shoulders vigorously. Auh, I think I got whip lash.
"Relax..!" I managed to sputter out, "I—"
"Get inside." He interrupted, a sense of urgency in his voice.
"Wh-What?!"
He gestured briskly over to the air behind me. Turning my head confusedly, my eyes locked on a head of wavy blond hair in the distance.
"What's Canada doing here?!" I demanded in a hushed voice.
"I called a G8 meeting today!"
"On your brother's birthday?!" I grabbed him by the collar, "Why didn't you mention this sooner?!"
"Slipped my mind…?" He laughed.
I shot him a look. Do I even need to describe its nature?
"Dude, you've got AMERICA on your side!" He pointed a thumb inside. Without even waiting for a response, he pushed me inside and slammed the door behind me.
"July the 1st eh?" I leaned forward on the bathroom counter and gave myself a long look in the mirror.
"Well, I sure don't feel any different." I thought to myself, almost little regretfully. I feel like I was supposed to have some sort of powerful feeling of enlightenment at the end of each year. Nothing really hit me though. I wonder if everyone had this problem, maybe it was just me. I tugged at the little loose strand of hair. It stubbornly poked back up within only a few seconds. I made a face in the mirror.
Just the same old me again today. I actually felt kind of…old. Even my birthdays, uneventful as they were, they were starting to blur together. Birthdays come and they go, it's no big deal.
Right?
Besides, America had planned another G8 meeting today. They wanted finish up whatever business they could before we all got geared up in planning for Al's birthday celebration extravaganza.
I pressed my glasses against my nose and looked down to the polar bear cub sitting beside the sink.
"And just how old are you?" I asked my small companion.
He tilted his head. "…Who're you?" He asked me…again.
"Canada." I answered back simply with a weak smile. I think I did it more from habit than of actually trying to teach Kumorou my name. I lifted the bear to my eye level. We stared at each other wordlessly. Well, on the other hand, I couldn't be mad at him when I've been calling him different names since we first got him.
Well, we'd better get going. I hate being late as much as the next guy. Taking the lazy polar bear under my arm, I started for America's house.
I continued my walk down the familiar path to America's house. Kumakichi had already snuggled comfortably in my arms and drifted back to sleep. I swear, he sleeps more than a cat sometimes.
I kept my eyes to my feet, determined not to trip on the uneven stones of the pathway. I'm sure it was well known that I was never the most poised member of the family.
I lifted my head up just long enough to see that America was already standing by the door.
-Wait, who was that with him?
A petit girl standing in front of him, her frame shook as she laughed with a timid smile. America grinned back at her. Wha—
I tripped forward, my clumsy feet taking full advantage as soon as my concentration wasn't on them. Falling on my hands and knees, my glasses flew off my face and I could hear their light clink as they hit the ground.
"M-Maple…" I muttered, "A-Are you okay Kumadagiro?" I called out to what I'm pretty sure was a blank space. I started to pat around for my glasses. Pretty much as blind as a bat without them, I can't even remember when I didn't need them anymore. Oh, why did I have to fall right then? Of all the inconvenient…I felt my faithful polar bear's fleecy coat against my arm as he nudged my glasses into my hand.
By the time I pushed my glasses back into place and straightened up, it seemed like everything had reverted back to the usual sights. America beckoned me over with a huge wave.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeey Mattie! You're early!"
I stumbled in, tightening my weak grip around the box. I think America used more force than he intended. Someone who really didn't know their own strength.
Calling a G8 meeting on today of all days! I guess that explained the deviating collared shirt, from his usual plain T-shirts. Wait, does that mean he was going to hold a meeting half naked? He didn't look prepared at all about two minutes ago!
I'll never understand big countries.
I could hear them speaking just outside the door.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeey Mattie! You're early!"
"Am I-I? I'm pretty sure you said to come now."
"W-Well then isn't that something!"
"…Are you okay Al? Why aren't we going in?"
"NO!- I mean…A hero needs to wait for all of his sidekicks to arrive properly!"
"Okay, okay, okay, okay." I thought to myself, "Gotta hide." Poor America could only stall for so long.
I scrambled down the hallway, looking at doors left and right. Man, why was this house so big?! Any one of these should do, right?
I chose one at random and quickly slipped inside, closing the door behind me. Well, it was unlocked. I can at least count myself lucky for that.
I stood in the dark, away from the door, with my back to the wall. The box still gripped tightly in my sweaty palms. It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust. I could hear several pairs of footsteps down the hall.
"You sure you're alright America? You seem awfully…on edge." I think that was England speaking, it was hard to tell with his voice was muffled by the door.
"I'm fine! Fine fine fine fine fine!" America spoke quickly, and he obviously wasn't fine. "I mean, it just us, the G8 COMING DOWN THE HALLWAY."
I slapped myself on the forehead. It's no wonder America's always so straight-forward. He couldn't lie to save his own life.
"You don't need to announce it." With his signature deep and stern voice, Germany was stating the obvious.
"Right." America's voice cracked, "Let's just get this meeting started then!"
My eyes widened as the door knob started to move just as he said that. I take it all back! Horrible awful luck. If it was locked, I wouldn't have been here!
But there was no time to complain. As light from the hallway started to stream in, I ducked as fast as I could under the large table in the center of the room. The items within the box rumbled nosily. And it's not to say that I didn't hit my head on the table in my panic.
"What was zhat?" Someone flicked the light switch on.
I scrambled away from the streaming light and pulled my knees in.
"My…...Stomach! Yep! That's it. Starving."
"I am so so so sorry America." I thought, not even daring to breath. I shut my eyes tight. Silence for a moment.
England sighed. "You're always hungry America. If you stopped attending to your stomach for once, we might actually get things done."
Seriously? They bought it? I could only imagine what America's stomach is actually sounded like when he was hungry.
It's not that the Axis or the Allies couldn't know about me here, but if someone found me, the whole room would know. Including Matthew. And if that happened, it'd all be over. And what would they think?
People began to pull out their chairs. With everyone's legs underneath, space was getting tight. Every time I moved the box out of the way, it just got in the way of someone else. I tried to shrink myself into the teensiest shape I could manage.
The meeting went on as usual. They argued continuously. I understand why England complains about never getting anything done now. I never really listened to the topics. Too busy, I don't know, being trapped under a table with the world's superpowers. But, there I was, sitting in the dark, sweaty palms, and just an inch away from a heart-attack. I almost managed to get all the way to the end…but that's when Italy started to kick his crossed leg back and forth. Which is all good and fine, except that since I had to shuffle the box out of the way in a rush, I knocked into America's legs.
"C'mon Japan!" America shouted over the murmur of the group, "You gotta back me up on ThiiiiAAAAHH—" It kind of turned into a weird…yell. I'd be scared too if I felt something brush up against my leg like that. He slammed his fists on the desk. Hard. I'm pretty sure the wood actually bent enough to hit my head.
The room went quiet.
"Aaaah-I….dropped my pencil." He forcibly laughed.
I'm not sure what the others thought, but even from under the table I could tell that he pushed the pencil off the desk after he had made his exclamation. He bent down pretending to look for it.
The moment he saw me, I could see the clear relief on his face. I don't know if I should be glad or insulted. On one hand, I'm sure he had the strength to pound me into the next century if he wanted to...but geez, what'd he expect? The boogeyman or something?
He shot me an 'Are-you-kidding?' look at me through his rectangular glasses.
I smiled sheepishly at him, mouthing the words "I'm sorry". I gestured for him to get back up and finish the meeting. It really couldn't that long to find a pencil.
He straightened up. "Alright! Meeting adjourned!"
"—America we've hardly accomplished anything with this meeti—"
"Canada!" He cut England off. "I need you to run back to your house and—"
I punched America's leg. If we were going to surprise Canada by celebrating his birthday, how were we supposed to prepare if Canada was going to be right there!
"GAH—Did I say your house? I meant Francis'!" I clutched my throbbing hand and bit my lip to stop a whimper. It was no wonder that nobody bothered to mess with America. Also why I didn't fight anyone to begin with. "Yea….Head over to Francis' house and bring back as many roses as you can. "
France interjected, "Quoi? You never told me to prepare ze—"
"It is the official flower of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! (!) and I need some for my birthday bash ASAP!" I hope France knew well enough to not push it any further. America, sometimes your instinct to interrupt others can be pretty useful.
A quiet whisper answered him. Some people jumped at the table. Did they really forget he was there?
"B-But…Ah…" He kept his tone quiet and polite, "Sure, no problem..." I could hear the thin disappointment seeping through Canada's agreement.
"Awesome! Knew I could count on you Mattie!" Sometimes I couldn't tell if America was purposefully ignoring that reluctance or just plainly didn't notice it.
Canada stood up and closed the door behind him without another word. It pained me just think about his hurt expression as he left. Just another birthday that was seemingly forgotten.
But I could finally breath now. The others started to get up from their seats.
"Hold it!" America shouted, stopping the others in their tracks. He gestured to me from under the table. Following his lead, I crawled out from my cramped enclosure and stood up. There were a few quiet murmurs of surprise just to add to the effect.
"U-Uhm...Hi." I said, trying my best to smile. Honestly though, I felt like my knees were just about ready to buckle under the weight of their stares. America was beaming with pride nonetheless. I guess he was just as glad to have pulled it off as I was.
France was the first to break the silence.
"Greenland..." He had this smug look on his face, "I didn't think you were that kind of girl. Hon hon hon~"
"What?" I flushed madly as I finally realized France's implications. "N-No, I mean, that's not why I'm here! Y-you're misunderstanding!" America just stared blankly at both of us. I started shuffling through the box I had brought along with me until my hand found the cool piece of fabric.
"I'm here," I repeated, calming myself down a little. I pulled out the silky fabric and spread it out on the table. The bright Canadian flag gleamed under the fluorescent lights."To give a certain Canadian some recognition."
I heaved a sigh as I left America's house. I set my polar bear cub on the ground.
"Kimikochi, you can go back home if you want, I might be a while."
The bear tilted its head. I knew that question was just bubbling up inside his furry head, but I pointed in the direction of my house and the bear left wordlessly.
It was always like this. America's birthday was just three days away, so I should have expected that everyone forgot about mine. It turns out the same every single year. Why was I so much more disappointed this time around?
It's just that, even though America is the older brother, he's never acted that way. He not responsible or cautious or even patient. So I always I thought that it was my responsibility to be there for him. Pick up the pieces after him. Every family could only ever afford to have one America.
I made sure he was happy. If that meant arranging for his birthday instead of celebrating my own...that was okay.
Even with that long distance to walk, before knew it, I had arrived at France's house. It was an elegant looking manor with walls white enough to have been bleached. Basically, your traditional French architecture.
"France?" When no answer came, I tried the door.
"Wha..locked?" If he wasn't going to be home and he left the door locked, how was I supposed to get inside to pick up the delivery?
I started to walk around the building. France had brought me to his house many times as a kid so I knew my way around. He should really think about installing a fence that went higher than your waist. Sure they looked nice, but they couldn't really do their job. Maybe at least the back door was open or something.
I stepped over the fence. Flowers of all sorts bloomed here and there, leaving a sweet scent in the air. The two most prominent colors present were the velvety red from the roses and the deep purple from France's own national flower, the iris. The rest of the garden was bordered with neatly trimmed hedge.
What I did find, set right in the middle of the garden, a pile of loose roses stacked high enough to almost reach my chest sitting on top of a large blue tarp. An equally big box was placed beside it with a label that read:
"Deliver to MY house, THANKS DUDE" I knew my vision was...less than perfect but they really didn't have towrite it in bold black permanent marker. I'm not that blind yet.I could guess who wrote the note. And well, he probably did that because he wanted to. At least America knew he didn't have to sign his name anymore.
I sat down on the downy grass with a huff.
"So...I guess I just pack them in.."
Don't look at me like that. My expertise lies with maple syrup. Not flora. Maple. Syrup.
I picked up the first rose. How would I fit all of these into that one bo-
"O-Ow..! Maple..."
Blood dribbled down my finger. I set the rose down, just seeing the sharp thorns peeking out of the stem now. It didn't hurt all that much, it just caught me a little off guard. I set the rose down gently, not wanting to bruise any of the petals or somehow smear blood on it; not that anyone would even notice. I scanned around the area, wondering if I should just call it quits now and go home. Then I noticed a small box, tiny in comparison to the one meant for the roses.
A box of band-aids. With another sticky.
"Oh yea, and de-thorn them too! Thanks man, you're a lifesaver!"
Woah, how did I miss that? I really should look for these things before I start. And somehow it didn't feel like taking the thorns off would be saving that many lives. In fact, it wasn't saving any lives. I looked at my hand; no more than a paper cut really. But, how could I say no? So I took the small paring knife and looked up at the monstrous pile of roses towering before me. I swallowed hard.
...Well, it can't be that bad, right?
"Ve~ I'm back everyone~!"
The spirited brunette came bounding back to the doorstep, a carefree smile spread across his face.
"Wow! Good running Italy!" I praised him. Once we had realized that we had sent Canada to France's house to get roses, without any roses prepared, we had to take counter-measures. Since Italy was the fastest runner, we had asked him to get to France's house and just bundle up enough roses to keep Canada busy long enough to finish decorating his house. France protested a little, I could understand why, giving Italy free-range in his carefully tended garden, but we had no other choice! Even Italy himself was a little reluctant, but then Germany natural temper ended up motivating Italy.
"Ja, good work Italy." A deep voice full of authority came in. The strong statured man with slicked back blonde hair walked to the doorframe to greet his friend.
"What have you done to your hands?!" Though he was basically the glue that was keeping this operation together, his temper was something else. The Italian was quick to tuck his hands behind his back, but I still caught a glimpse of the several cuts that tarnished his hands.
"O-Oh! Ve, well the thorns were really tricky-"
Germany sighed. "Come on, I'll clean you up."
The pair walked inside, and I closed the door after them.
The place was completely abuzz. We had a shaky start at first, getting into Canada's house was probably the biggest problem. England had a key, but he had left it back at his house, so there wasn't time to go back and get it. Kumajirou was already on the sofa having himself a snooze, but pet doors wouldn't work for us. Maybe I could squeeze my head through, which I didn't even try, but someone like Russia would be stuck for sure. Luckily for us, Canada also has a pretty large maple tree growing beside his house.
America clambered up without a second thought and slipped through a window on the second floor. In less than a minute, he had opened up the front door for the rest of us to enter.
"We're bros! So that makes it okay!" Is what he said. But I couldn't tell if he was joking or not.
And though this crowd doesn't usually get along, after everyone found their own rhythm things started to go on pretty smoothly.
"You git! I placed it to the left for a reason!"
"Mais non! You obviouzly don't have an eye for beauty, comme moi!"
Well, more or less smoothly. I counted this much as a victory.
I started to climb up a large step ladder with an end of a banner in my hand. We had just painted it a couple hours ago, I figure it was dry enough by now.
"..Hey Russia? Can you give me a hand with this?"
"Sure Greenland~" Taking the other end, he smiled at me gleefully. I tried not to shrink back. "Oh this lots of fun, da?"
"Yea.." I agreed with him wholeheartedly, tying the string to tack we put in the wall earlier.
I heard my cell phone start to ring.
"I got it!" I shouted, jumping down from the ladder in a scramble. From what I knew, the only people that would call me were Denmark or Norway, who hated it any of the allies were even in breathing distance,
Or Canada.
Oh man, where did I leave that thing? I looked around the living room frantically.
"No worries dude, I got it!" America's voice came in from the kitchen.
Well, I guess I left it in the kitchen.
"No wait America..!" I ran to the kitchen doorway, I think I knocked Russia's ladder there, I heard him shout but I'm sure he'll steady himself out.
"Hello?" Pause. "Oh hey Bro! How're my roses comin'?! "
My heart just seemed to sink right then and there. Coming from behind the blonde, I took my phone back from his hand. America grumbled a little before going back to his work.
"Hello?" I gasped, trying to catch my breath.
"O-Oh..! Anna.." Canada's voice was quiet from the other line, "Where are you? Why's America there?"
"William…" What do I say? What can I say?! "It's…It's nothing, really." There was a crash in the background, followed by more bickering from England and France. I couldn't stay on the phone line much longer without giving it all away.
"...You caught me at a bad time, Can we talk later?"
He didn't answer. We both stood on the line in an awkward silence.
"…Yea…sure."
"Hey, I'm really sor-"
There was a click on the other line; he had already hung up.
"That's all of them."
I wiped my forehead; my hands were covered in bandages and I taped up the box. I could drop the box off at America's doorstep and be on my merry way. I started my walk there, and soon enough and could be back at home with my beloved polar bear.
The trip wasn't very eventful. A walk from point A to point B never usually is. The box was heavy and my hurt hands ached from carrying it, but if you expected alien abduction or something like that, you'd be strongly disappointed.
"America?" I knocked on the door. Silence.
"I guess I'll just leave it here then." I set the box down, and sat on his doorstep.
There was one thing though. When you're walking by yourself, there's only one thing to do: think. And there was one thought that bugged me more and more as I walked back.
A mental picture flashed on the back of my eyelids. Anna standing on America's doorstep. Laughing together, their faces flushed. I could feel fresh disappointment churning up. One moment it was there, then I tripped, and it was gone.
Was it really just my eyes playing tricks on me?
I took out my phone and flipped it open. I adjusted my glasses as I scrolled down the contact list.
I wanted to call her. I missed her. So much. And if there was anyone I wanted to spend my forgotten birthday with, it was Anna. But I was also scared. That nagging image flashed in front of me again.
What if I was just a bother now?
I had to try. I swallowed hard and hit the green call button, bringing the phone to my ear.
I found myself so nervous, that I was counting the number of rings. One..Two. I swore to myself that I'd hang up if it reached ten. I wouldn't leave a message on the machine.
Eight...Nine...
"Hello?"
"A-America..?!" What was he doing? How did he get Anna's phone? "Why-"
"Oh hey Bro! How're my roses comin'?! " He interrupted, though he still sounded as happy as ever.
"Uhm...fine, I just delivered them to-"
"Hello?" Anna soft voice came in this time.
"O-Oh..! Anna.." The sound of her voice usually made me so happy..but..I had to try so hard just to keep my composure together. "Where are you? Why's America there?" I asked the second question a little too eagerly.
"William…" She paused, "It's…It's nothing, really." There was a crash coming from the other line.
Was she...lying to me? I was so distraught; I didn't know what to say.
"...You caught me at a bad time, Can we talk later?"
"Yea..." the only thing I could manage to cough out, "Sure..." My voice cracked weakly, I had to hang up.
I clumsily fumbled with the phone before I found the end button.
So that was it then.
I started on my way home, my feet feeling heavier than a pair of anvils.
"Every year from now on. I promise."
Just the tiny cupcake we had split in half and shared was enough. She didn't realize how happy it made me.
I had shut my eyes tightly to stop the threatening tears from coming out. My hands balled into fists. My chest felt tight, almost pushing the breath out from my lungs.
Anna...and Al?
Al was always the stronger one, the out-going one, the funny one. If you had seen him at the academy, man, he was always the popular one too. He pretty much had me beat in every category. Most people wouldn't even have guessed we were brothers.
And Anna...she was kind and sweet. The girl I've been head over heels for since we were kids. She was always so carefree and optimistic. And far too nice to hurt someone like me to make relationship with my brother something public.
Maybe I should have seen it coming. The more I thought about it, the easier it was to imagine.
Every time I pictured the two together, my chest ached. I don't think I've ever felt like this towards my brother before. Was I...jealous? Almost angry even. And it made me sick to my stomach to feel that way. I've always tried to be the bigger person. He could take the land. The money. The power. The spotlight he relished so much. But..why her? And why now? Today! Of all days..
I always thought if the people I loved were happy, I'd be happy too...so I stepped aside...I gave everything I could...but now...
I just...I just can't.
Maybe I took the attention she gave me for granted. Sure, she still got my name wrong every time, but it was the way she called to me. I wasn't just air. I felt..special. But if she started seeing Al the way I saw her, would I just fade into the background again?
I didn't want to be alone again. I wiped my damp eyes with my sleeve. I didn't want to get used to the feeling again. I couldn't. Not after I knew what being cared for was.
"Happy Birthday." I thought to myself bitterly.
Who was I kidding? I'm just...Canada.
"Why hasn't Canada arrived yet?" Germany was rubbing his temples.
"Vee...I'm hungry..."
The other countries and I were gathered in the living room. After blood, sweat and tear, we had finished decorating and preparing. Kumajirou, had slept the whole time, though I had strapped a party hat on the small bear's head. You know, to say he did at least something. But that was all a while ago, and now the key person was nowhere to be found. Someone put their hand on my shoulder.
"Anna...I'm growing a tad worried." England's green eyes reflected his feelings.
"I know..." I mumbled back, "Gathering roses couldn't have taken this long." I glanced at the window; the sun was beginning to set.
"Maybe, you ought to let the others go home."
My stomach churned. What if America had taken his act too far? Was Canada upset? Honestly, America wasn't a list 'A' actor. But it seemed just like Canada to believe every word we say. If he didn't come back by tonight, just another birthday would have passed him by.
"No..." I muttered.
"Pardon?"
"No!" I stood up, "This is Canada's day! Year after year, he's been nothing but good to us! And what have we given back? We have to..we...please.." I looked at the others, "...Just a little longer."
The small cub stood up lazily from the couch and padded out through his pet door.
I sighed, and sat back down. My pep talk couldn't even motivate Canada's own pet to stay.
Everything was blurry as I staggered along the path. I hardly even felt like moving right now.
Because in three days, America's big birthday bash would be happening. And I would have to go there and see Anna clinging onto his arm as they set off the fireworks. The pair would be together, having the time of their lives.
And I knew, that I would have to smile for them. Because that was the right thing to do.
Even when I had my utmost attention on the road ahead of me, I still trip on even ground, so when could barely get myself to walk straight...well...you could pretty much see this coming.
My foot caught on a loose stone in the path and I fell forward. Though my hands caught the fall, my glasses managed to fly off my nose. I could hear their clink on the ground.
"...Again?" I said, almost brimming with frustration, "Maple..." I started going through the familiar routine of patting the ground blindly to find my glasses.
But instead of feeling the cool glass I was expecting, I came upon soft downy fur. I squinted at the white blur in front of me.
"Kumadarou?"
He set something down on the ground. Oh look, my glasses. The world came back into focus as I pushed them into place.
"Kumakichi..what are you wearing?" I looked his tiny red and white hat and couldn't help but crack a smile.
After shakily getting back to my feet, I scooped up the bear cub and pat him on the head.
"Let's go home."
Maybe I could make myself a few late night pancakes. With lots of maple syrup. Salvage what's left of this birthday.
I finally dragged myself home. The sun had already said its good nights and stars filled the night sky. I was worn, tired, and frankly, a little depressed.
But I should be used to it, right?
I started rummaging through my pockets for my house keys. The small cub didn't hesitate to slip in through his pet door to avoid the wait. Thankfully, the feeling of cool metal came into my hand and I knew I had them with me. At that moment, I was in no mood to climb any trees.
With a heavy sigh, I turned the key and let myself into the darkened room.
The lights turned on.
"Wha-"
"SURPRISE!"
With wide eyes I looked around the crowded room. Axis. Allies. All here. And More. Italy and Japan set off confetti poppers, sending brightly red and white bits of paper into the air. I could barely recognize my own living room. The walls were heavily decorated with streamers, balloons crowded together on the ceiling, and a enormous lopsided banner hung from the center of the room that read:
"OH CANADA!"
"You guys...did this all for me?" I was touched even.
"But of courze!" France bounded up and hugged me tightly.
England stepped forward as well. "I have to look out for members for the Commonwealth, it's a gentleman's duty." He patted me on the back with an embarrassed expression on his face. "Even if it means I have to work with this...frog."
"Who are you calling a frog?! At least I don't 'ave a bird's nest for 'air!" France flicked his hair purposefully into England's face.
I slipped out of there to avoid the ensuing war.
"Canadaa!" Russia loomed over me with a smile.
"H-hi Russia.." I think the air just got heavier, "U-Uhm..Thanks for helping out in all this."
"Oh, no problem. It's the least I can do since we're going to be one eventually~ We're already hockey partners after all."
I think I'm still aching from the last time we played. I was trying to think of a way to tactfully answer him when a bottle of vodka caught his eye on a table that had been covered with assorted goods. He was gone before I could even blink. Close call.
The night basically continued on like that. The entire house was abuzz. From hysterical laughter to small talk, you could find it all. I found myself actually pulled into more conversations in that one night than I would have in a month. Countries that I had barely known were actually beckoning me over just to wish me well.
But still, even with all that mingling, I still found myself scanning the room for just a glimpse of honey blonde hair..or lavender eyes...
It was easy for me to notice that two people were absent from this party. The ones I had hoped to see the most.
Where was Anna and Al?
Even of this massive room of people, I knew for a fact that there were only two who could see past whatever hazy mist that was making me look like America. Only two people who always saw me for me. I thought it had to be one of them that organized all this.
I know this might sound petty but, as much as it bothered me to have one of them missing, it was so much worse to me that they were gone together.
I knew the guests weren't to blame though. And I guess I couldn't blame Anna or Al either. Nobody was obligated to come. I should be grateful for what I had right here in front of me now. I tried with all my might to throw myself into the conversations in front of me and stay animated. Smile. Be happy. I didn't want this seemingly small detail ruin my entire night.
It hurt though. I just couldn't whole-heartedly do it.
The night wore on like this, and soon enough, midnight would be here. My birthday would be over, and I'd be done with it for yet another year. I just wanted to finish off this erratic day.
Suddenly, the lights shut off.
"Happy birthday to you.."
Anna came in singing shyly, the rest of the room quickly joining in. The song soon turned into a strong chorus. Al entered the room slowly as well carrying a hefty cake in his arms. Other than it's blindingly bright stripes of red and white, sitting atop of it were enough candles to cover its entire surface of the cake. Each and every one burning brightly enough to be a star on its own. The whole room was aglow.
They made their way towards me, Anna walking close behind Al.
"Happy birthday dear Canadaaa.."
The pair stopped right in front of me just as the song was coming to its exuberant ending. And though there was this beautiful cake before me, I couldn't take my eyes off one person. Anna smiled.
To me, she was glowing all on her own.
"I'm sorry we're late." She said gently.
"But we're not too late, c'mon. Give us some credit." America grinned, his face was splotched with flour and icing.
"You..You guys..." I spluttered out. "E-Everyone..". I-I think my eyes are tearing up. I was at a loss for words. Anna gave me a reassuring look.
"Everyone gave in one candle." She said. I followed her gaze back to the cake. Now that she mentioned it, I don't think I've seen a more densely packed, diverse set of candles. Each with their own unique color and size..I couldn't believe my eyes. So many people..I didn't think-
"Well, go on," She was beaming, "Make a wish."
I looked at the small forest of candles before me. I didn't have to think about it, I knew what I wanted. I closed my eyes.
"I wish that everyone can be as happy as I am today in the coming year."
I opened an eye to peek if I had actually did anything to the blaze...
And what do you know? I got every single one of them.
"AWW YEEA! That's my bro! NOW WHO WANTS SOME CAKE?!"
The crowd cheered and hurryingly followed Al back into the kitchen. China, who was probably the most eager for more food, quickly cut it up, and in no time at all, everyone had a slice.
Let me just say that, despite it's strange color, it was the greatest thing I ever tasted.
Al was fully equipped for a party. Bringing a boom-box, glow-in-the-dark paint, And far too much alcohol, he was prepared to bring the entire house down.
"Now that your HERO is here ladies and gents, WE CAN GET THIS PARTY STARTED!"
"Hey, have you guys seen Canada anywhere?" I asked. I had been so busy just trying to make sure his house wasn't getting destroyed that I hadn't even had time to even speak with him.
America was lounging on the sofa with a satisfied look on his face. England (who was looking a liiittle tipsy) was sitting beside him. To be honest, I never thought England could party so hard.
"Dude's outside." America pointed out the back door. The guy could hold his alcohol. The rest of the room was quiet, mostly everyone had basically passed out.
"Okay, thanks!" I waved to the pair and rushed out the door.
"So you-" England hiccupped , "never told her, did you?"
America's confident face was never usually one to falter, but this one time, his blue eyes and features softened in the midst of his drunken friend. He wouldn't remember in the morning anyways.
"..Naah.." He breathed, "Mattie's better suited for her, don't 'cha think?" He paused for a moment before perking up a little, "Besides Viet's crazy about me!" He winked.
In the peak of the party, I managed to slip out the back. I've been sitting on the porch swing since.
"Mind if I join you?"
I looked up."A-Anna..." Straightening out, I pushed over to make a little space, "Not at all."
She smiled and sat down. Pushing her feet off the ground, the bench started to gently rock back and forth.
"Hey..how long have you been out here..?"
"U-Uhm...a while.."
"William! You didn't stay for your own party?" She teased.
I felt my face getting hot. "I-I'm not much of a dancer." I said quickly, pulling out the first excuse to pop into my head.
"I wouldn't say that.." She mumbled before turning the subject, "I'm sorry about coming so late. We would've gotten here sooner but, the first attempt cake didn't turn out so well."
It was my turn to smile this time now. I could only imagine what had happened to the first cake if America was in the equation.
"It was worth the wait."
We rocked back and forth on the swing chair for a little until Anna broke the silence again.
"I got you something." She picked up a thick rectangular parcel that was leaning against the base of the chair. She must have brought it with her when she sat down.
"You really didn't need to-"
"I wanted to." She pushed it into my hands.
I pushed my glasses into place and stared at the neatly wrapped package. I curiously began to peel off the white paper, revealing some red. Anna watched me nervously.
I held up a thick, over-sized, leather bound book, deep red in color, to the light. Though the front was completely blank, 'For Canada' was written in gold on the spine. I turned to the first page.
Smack dab in the center was a photo of the closest thing I ever had to a family portrait.
"Anna, you wouldn't mind taking a photo of us, would you?" England passed the tiny girl a small cylinder with connected with black wire to a clunky camera.
"Sure!" She eagerly took hold of the camera trigger, turning it upside down and examining it curiously.
"All you haf to do, iz push zee button when we're ready." France chimed in. She nodded vigorously.
"A-America! Hold still for once!"
"But Iggyyyyyy I'm hungry!" The small blonde could shake the entire gentleman's frame with ease.
As the two struggled with each other, France knelt down and peered at an even younger boy, who was hiding behind the nearest corner.
"Nouvelle-France?"
The boy shyly poked his head out further. France beckoned him to come over. After looking in both directions, the boy cautiously did so.
"Ahh mon petit~!" He said gently, wiping away the tears off the boy's cheeks. "Do not be scared, one picture and then we can go home and I'll make you some pancakes." Though his English was heavily accented, the reward of sitting through this scary act was well understood.
The boy still looked hesitant before saying, "With maple syrup?"
"As much as you want." He patted the boy's wavy locks. In the end, he did take after Papa France, if only a little. Years of being with the little colony had given him the experience he needed to know exactly what to say. "Come, hold Papa's hand."
"Say Cheese!"
The photo showed France and England in their younger days, standing side by side and actually looking kind of happy for once. America was wearing his usually grin, piggy-backed onto England and pulling at his locks of rough hair. And myself of course, holding my beloved polar bear in one hand, and France's hand with the other.
I smiled. The pleasant memories filling my mind.
Underneath was the date written in ink. And all around it was written commentary from everyone in the picture. I didn't even need to see the names signed under to know which belonged to what person.
"Where has the time gone?"
"Man, I even looked HERIOC then too!"
"You've grown a lot mon petit!"
As I continued through the thick pages, it seemed like every country had at least given one photo for the book. All of them had written comments. Sometimes it wasn't even a photo. A pressed tulip from Netherlands that had:
"You really helped me. Thanks."
Or a candy wrapper from Seychelles all the way back from school.
"Thank you! It really was delicious."
The appreciation. Gratitude. Every page had someone thanking me.
When I had finally gotten to the end, the morning air had gotten chilly enough to make us both shiver. The moon and stars had gone, leaving only a blanket of sky. I turned to the last page. It was covered in signatures along with messages wishing me well and happy birthdays. Different handwriting, different colors. My eyes glided tenderly to the light purple message that had been placed shyly
in corner.
"C-could you read your message to me?" I blurted out. Seems my mind took off the filter when it got distracted by this book.
She started to flush. "T-That's embarrassing though."
"Please?" I urged...I did want to hear her say it. I didn't want to back out just yet.
Her lavender eyes flickered to my face. After a moment's pause, she took the book into her hands.
"William." She breathed, "If you ever feel forgotten. Then You've forgotten that there are people who care...and people..who love you. You really are special to us all. Just use this book to remind you of your value. And to remind you that you never have to be alone. Happy Birthd-"
I brought her into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around me. Words just can't explain how happy I was. The sweet scent of her hair that brought me all the way back to when she had first given me that white scarf.
It was all too soon when we pulled apart. Both of us too embarrassed to say much more.
"Matthew look!" Anna gasped, pointing at the horizon.
The sun timidly started to show its face, dying the sky in its soft pinks streaked with yellow and orange.
Feeling a little more brave than I did before, I moved closer to her and put my arm around her to keep her warm. I didn't feel so cold anymore myself. With her other hand in mine, we watched the sun rise. The world was silent. And everything was perfect.