NOTE: This is a super special Chapter because IT'S CANADA'S BIRTHDAY!

Also thank you for the support it means everything to me~

Also I don't own Hetalia!

FINDING CANADA

Chapter 5

Russia woke up feeling slightly confused. He knew for a fact he was not at home... This bed was much to warm and soft to be his own. Looking around Russia smiled remembering where he was and the wonderful meal he had shared with Canada the previous evening. At first Russia had been wary to try Poutine mainly because it sounded so very close to Putin but after seeing that it really was just fries, cheese, and gravy he'd tried it... Needless to say he was amazed! It tasted much better then it sounded!

Sitting up Russia regretted it immediately when he remembered that the previous night he'd not put on his pajamas, but instead of the cold he expected to nip at his skin Russia found it to be pleasantly warm. But, Canada WAS a northern nation was he not? Russia frowned remembering how Canada had told him yesterday that they had short hot summers... And it technically summer now wasn't it? Standing Russia walked over to the window and peeked out at the world. The early morning light was throwing itself on everything and Russia smiled as he saw the blonde head of his friend moving around outside checking the small garden and looking around. Canada's house was just a few minutes away from the city which was how Russia had convinced (Read: Terrified ) the taxi driver into driving him to Canada's house the previous day. After putting on his only t-shirt and a pair of pants Russia once again checked to see if his friend was still outside which he was.

Russia walked over to the balcony and opened the door. He smiled as he stepped out into the warm yet crisp morning. After re-adjusting his scarf and briefly noting he had not taken it off last night, Russia peered over the edge of the balcony at Canada who was fussing about where he would plant what. The sunshine haired blonde seemed so much louder out here in his own home finally relaxed, and Russia smiled as he just watched his friend move about... Russia chuckled nearly silently when he noticed Canada's choice apparel which was jeans and a red plaid shirt it made the blonde look much more robust then usual... But Canada always seemed to be changing in that regard... Sometimes he looked delicate to Russia like a small sunflower in desperate need of care... Sometimes he looked strong as he was now with his axe chopping wood. Sometimes he seemed scary like the time America had dared to say 'fake' syrup was just as good as actual maple syrup. But none of these versions of Canada were false they were all genuinely Canada... Perhaps that was why he enjoyed his little comrades company? Like Russia he had many sides each as strange but... nyet not beautiful... Ah it seemed he'd let his thought's had run-away.

"Good morning comrade Canada... We are going to be planting your garden today, da?"

Canada seemed shocked to hear his voice but spun around and looked up... And much to Russia's utmost delight he smiled at Russia... But what delighted Russia most was the fact he saw no fear or suspicion in the others face just a soft welcoming smile and maybe relief... Relief that Russia had not forgotten him... Yes Canada looked genuinely happy to see him. And Russia was oddly pleased to admit that he was genuinely happy to see Canada as well.

~ A magical time skip ~

After a breakfast full of pancakes, laughter and jokes about fake syrup Canada and Russia were ready to begin there planting. Well they were until Canada noticed he was missing a few seeds. So after Canada apologizing like a mad man (And feeding Kumajiro who had finally woken up) the pair got into Canada's red truck and headed off to go shopping for what Canada needed to complete his small garden. Russia stayed silent during the trip into the city but he took time to admire the scenery even as they came into the city he continued to admire everything, only blinking out of his haze when the truck stopped in front of a small store.

"Il be right back with the seeds, if you want we can also get ice cream after?"

Russia smirked. Canada must have noticed his slow growing discomfort as the head seemed to only increase with every minute.

"Is my little comrade sure he is a northern nation? I am beginning to doubt it."

Canada only laughed and turned disappearing inside the small store leaving Russia to half lean out the open window. He'd always liked the heat but... He'd not come prepared for it. Groaning Russia decided to distract himself, yes surely that would eliviate some of his discomfort. Apparently the only distraction he could think of was to watch everyone go about there daily business... But as Russia watched he began to notice a familiar pattern... Everywhere he turned to look people were putting up large amounts of red, white and maple leafs... All the stores were putting up 'Closed on the 1st'... The 1st... That was the Monday... The day of the meeting why would everyone be closing down that day? Russia frowned as he tried to remember what could be happening on the 1st...

Russia looked away from the people to the store as Canada emerged with a small bag with several packets of seeds. Russia being the curious person he was could not help but snoop into the bag as soon as Canada was inside the truck and set it down. Russia looked through the seeds smiling as he noted Canada had bought 2 packets of sunflower seeds probably remembering how Russia had said he loved them the previous evening. But despite the pleasant silence that filled the truck as Canada drove them to a nearby ice cream shop, Russia still was wondering what was so important about the 1st. Finally they arrived and Russia silently followed Canada into the shop. Canada ordered Russia to find them a seat insisting he already knew what kind of ice cream he should get Russia. This promptly caused the older nation to raise an eye brow in curiosity but obey the smaller of the twos wishes. He found them a pleasant seat by the window taking time to admire the small shop. When Canada returned he handed Russia his ice cream with a smirk. It looked like plain vanilla but when Russia took a lick he was pleasantly surprised to taste vodka. A pleasant conversation filled the emptiness as they ate.

"Comrade Canada?"

"Oui, Russia?"

"The 1st... It is your birthday is it not?"

"... Oui... But don't worry about it... It's the day of meeting anyways... And everyone else normally forgets about it so... It's really fine."

A sudden awkward silence befell the two and Russia frowned seeing the sadness in his new friends eyes. Russia nearly growled thinking about how Canada's own family must have forgotten him... But he would not forget... Yes this birthday would be special for the other. In order to break the intense silence Russia grinned and reminded Canada with a chuckle about America's brilliant plan to create a giant hamster fueled by burgers to save the world if aliens invaded. This caused the younger of the two to giggle and finally laugh as Russia attempted to imitate America's seriousness as he brought out charts and everything.

~ Yet another magical time skip ~

The day after was much the same. Canada and Russia spent the day planting seeds while they talked about everything that came to mind. The two talked about, sports, the weather, future plans and ideas. And when they were done with the garden Canada brought out the sunflower seeds and the two created a special spot just for them. Canada promised to inform Russia about there growth so he could come see when they finally bloomed. Russia also convinced Canada to take him back into the city (for 'ice cream'), luckily Canada needed groceries anyway so that had happened. Russia also spent quiet a bit of time befriending Kumajiro who's real name he finally discovered. The polar bear was quite protective of Canada and Russia decided he would need to be the bears comrade if he wished for Canada to remain his.

Finally the day of the meeting and Canada's birthday arrived. Russia who'd been plotting sense he figured it out was the first to wake at promptly 4:10 in the morning. He snuck into Canada's room and after admiring the warmness of the red and wood room not to mention how cute his friend looked, finally disarmed (smashed with his pipe after he could not figure out how it worked) Canada's alarm clock. As it turns out Canada was a very heavy sleeper so Russia was pleased. After words the larger nation crept into his room and pulled out the two gives he'd managed to buy and hide the previous day. Slipping down stairs Russia watered the garden, cleaned, and finally began making pancakes (after finding Canada's recipe). Not to long after he had begun making the pancakes did Kumajiro come down stairs and begin demanding food. But Russia ignored the bear and continued on his mission to make the perfect pancakes for his friend...

~ P.O.V CHANGE ~

Canada awoke to the sound of yelling and swearing in Russian. Yawning and rubbing his eyes Canada sat up and grabbed his glasses before looking over at his alarm clock. Canada's bright purple eyes widened as he saw his clock smashed and broken. Quickly he began to grope for his phone which he found under his pillow. The first thing Canada noted was that it was 7:25 in the morning when he should have woken up at 5:00 in order to drive himself and Russia to the conference. With panic growing Canada rolled out of bed and threw on the suit he'd layed out the previous evening before launching himself downstairs and into the kitchen.

"RUSSIA WE HAVE TO G-"

Canada froze as he burst into the kitchen. The scene in front of him causing him to simply stare. There was flour EVERYWHERE, a giant stack of pancakes on a plate, Russia standing by the stove trying to flip a pancake all the while scolding Kumajiro who was growling and hanging by Russia's shit sleeve, dangling in the air.

"Kumajiro continue to growl and you shall not be given a single pancake- Oh good morning comrade Canada! Happy birthday! I am sorry about the flour... Your bear is not very patient and we may have gotten into a disagreement causing the bag to sort of... Well it exploded."

Canada simply stood there several emotions coursing through him. He wanted to cry, in joy mind you for having someone celebrate his birthday for trying to surprise him (Even if they destroyed his alarm clock) but he also wanted to laugh. Finally Canada laughed and walked into the kitchen to help pry Kuma off of his friends sleeve. After words Canada helped clean up the flour and while Canada went up to change from his now flour covered suit, Russia divided the pancakes. When Canada came down in a ridiculously baggy t-shirt and jeans he was pleased to see Russia sitting at the table waiting for him to join. Smiling Canada walked over and sat down and the two began to eat in a peaceful silence.

"You... You broke my alarm and made us both miss the meeting?"

"It was comrade Canada's birthday... I was not going to let him be sad."

Canada smiled at this and tears once again threatened to fall but Canada was to happy to cry and to think about all the sadness that normally plagued this day. He was happy truly and purely.

"I also got comrade Canada gifts... So hurry and eat I am very eager to give them to him."

Canada's eyes widened and he only stared at Russia. He was so in shock that he obeyed Russia and finished his food in haste. Finally Russia put away the dishes and opened one of the cabinets where he fished out a gift bag and handed it to Canada silently. Canada stared at the present and looked at Russia as if asking permission the older nation only chuckled and smiled encouragingly. Canada slowly pulled away the plastic bow and opened the bright red gift bag before peering inside and pulling out it's contents. The first thing he pulled out was a bottle. Blinking Canada read the label and could not hold back a smile when he saw that it was maple flavored vodka. Looking at Russia the other nation only smirked and nodded for Canada to keep looking. Canada smiled and set down the bottle before reaching in and this time pulling out a small brown bear with a red ribbon on its neck. Canada laughed and hugged the bear close thanking Russia. Kumajiro eyed the brown version of himself warily but only observed. Canada reached in the bag once more and pulled out a scarf. One very similar to the one Russia always wore but it was red. Canada looked at Russia as he felt the soft material.

"Russia... This scarf is almost just like yours... Did you?"

"Da... I made it for comrade Canada..."

Russia flushed and hid his face slightly with his scarf. He looked away from the canadian and tried to concentrate on something else.

"My sister made my scarf... And after she left I found her materials and begun to learn... So last night I made you one... Do you not like it?"

Russia glanced up at Canada and his eyes widened the red scarf was already wrapped around his friends neck and Canada was smiling brightly. He got off of his chair stood and practically tackled Russia.

"It's the best gift I have ever gotten... Thank you Russia."

Russia only smiled at this and hugged his friend back. The rest of Canada's birthday was spent not worrying about the meeting. Both nations left there phones in there rooms and headed into the city where they watched the parade. After the parade there were festivities all over the city and the duo (plus Kuma) went everywhere. They watched a free concert where Russia pulled Canada into a dance whether he liked it or not. They participated in a relay race where they got second place. Russia participated in a pie eating contest where he got sorely beaten much to his disappointment. Finally as the day began to wind down Russia and Canada decided they would get there picture taken together with poor Kuma trapped in the middle. The two of them happily got a copy of the photo each before they settled down for the last event of the night which was fireworks.

"Hey Russia?"

"Hm? What is it comrade?"

"My name is Matthew..."

Canada saw Russia freeze and look at him with appraising eyes. It was known between all nations that human names were something only shared between the closest of people. Normally only lovers, or family knew your name and if it was given to a friend it was because you normally were close for several decades. And here Canada had just shared his most precious secret with someone he'd only just become what could be called friends with.

"Matthew? Hmmm In Russian it would be Matvey... Is it fine if I call you Matvey?"

Canada giggled and nodded with a happy. "Da!"

"Well then Matvey... I am Ivan."

Canada smiled and pulled the scarf Ivan had given him closer around himself. Maybe this was the best birthday he'd ever even had?

"Hey Matvey?"

"Oui, Ivan?"

"Thank you for trusting me with your name... It will be my most prized possession."

Canada smiled brighter and buried his face deeper into the scarf breathing in the scent of vodka and wood. Yes, definitely the best. But little did Canada know that Russia was thinking something very similar to him as they watched the fireworks in silent awe.