Taking Lessons (A RusCan fanfic) (Chapter 12)

Russia was awake the next morning. He was already dressed and had tidied up his room before he headed downstairs to eat breakfast. His mind was refreshed and his smile present on his face.

"Maybe I should do something nice for a change..." Russia pondered, thinking back to Matvey's words of being kind. He still felt bad about Matvey's promise, but this was good practice; it might be a good opportunity to try it out.

He entered the living room and walked toward the table, already welcomed by his Baltic servants, but he noticed that something was off. He stayed silent as he headed to his seat and awaited to be served.

Lithuania handed his breakfast to him and went to fetch his drink. Latvia too was waiting beside Russia, still trembling, for his order.

Russia could see that Estonia was not with them. This made the Russian curious. He would usually see the trio together-trembling in fear, but nevertheless together as a unit.

He asked Latvia with a smile, "Latvia, where is Estonia?" Latvia quivered in fear and cried out, "He's in his room, Mr. Russia...sir."

Lithuania returned carrying his drink, which Russia took happily. Lithuania stood tall, awaiting his orders. He took notice of Russia's good mood.

"Sir...is there anything else you need?" Lithuania asked politely, but his eyes showed how scared he was.

"Nyet...resume your duties." Russia was done eating and rose from his seat. This cued Latvia to clean up after his boss and he went towards the kitchen to help Lithuania.

Russia went upstairs to look for Estonia. He was glad that Matvey wanted to see him. Another part of him felt terrible about breaking his promise to the arctic nation. He might have slept well last night, but he was determined to get the 'Estonia issue' resolved. He knew that he had a lesson with Matvey and he running out of excuses.

He could admit that Canada was sharp to pick up on his mood swings. He wanted to be fully alert for his future lesson.

He opened the door, which startled the Estonian. He turned quickly to see Russia with a smile that scared his heart.

"Um...Russia, shouldn't you knock first?" Estonia asked as he tried to get his breathing under control. Russia had a confused look on his childish face.

"Why would I need to do that? This is my house?" Estonia sighed and could not be bothered to argue back.

"Is there anything you want, Russia?" Estonia asked, expecting another crazy demand.

Russia answered back simply, "Da...We have to talk." Estonia was now confused.

"Russia, I-"

Russia cut him off. "Nyet...We are going to talk about what happened to my Baltics."

Estonia did not understand and stayed silent to listen to his boss. Russia pouted.

"I do not like how you guys are acting...this will stop, da?" Estonia was surprised at what he heard. He tried to speak, but seeing the Russian's face made him quiet.

"You go and apologize to your brothers," Russia ordered, and Estonia was baffled by the order but did obey.

Russia was close to the geek and it made Estonia gasp in shock. He later pushed the boy out of his room and slammed the door. Estonia, mouth agape, stood on the spot, trying to wrap his head around what had happened.

"Is Russia trying to help me out?" Estonia thought as he headed downstairs.

"I wouldn't be in this mess if he didn't threaten me," Estonia muttered, but then he stopped halfway to correct himself.

"If it wasn't for my love of technology, I wouldn't be in this mess." Estonia sighed as he resumed his trek to see Lithuania and Latvia.

The siblings ignored him, which made Estonia feel guilty. He pushed back his hurt feelings and was determined to get this issue resolved.

"Hey...I'm really sorry," Estonia apologized, and Lithuania and Latvia did not speak. Estonia took this as a sign to continue.

"I'm really sorry, I did not know Russia would do that to you guys...please forgive me." Estonia did not hear his brothers' responses and assumed he was forgiven, until he felt two set of arms wrapped around his figure.

"We forgive you," Lithuania said, looking at his sibling. Latvia too smiled.

"We didn't plan to stay mad at you forever...We're still hurt about it, but we'll get over it," Toris explained.

Latvia added, "Besides, even if you did it, Mr. Russia would have done so."

Eduard smiled, already glad that he had restored his relationship with his siblings. He said while his other brothers released their hold, "I think you should thank Russia for this..."

"How?" Latvia said, earning another confused look from Lithuania. Estonia, also with a perplexed look on his face, resumed speaking.

"Russia was the one that forced me to speak with you guys," he said simply, and his brothers stayed silent, trying to process the new-found information.

"I think I was wrong about Russia-I mean, I had doubts that Russia was changing-so it is one of the main reasons for the whole blackmailing idea," Estonia rambled on while Lithuania and Latvia kept listening to each word.

"He could have continued to torture us but decided to help me..." Estonia exhaled, and Lithuania and Latvia showed a small smile.

"See! We told you!" Latvia blurted out in glee, and Lithuania chuckled in agreement.

Estonia shrugged. "I guess so." He later paused and an idea came to mind.

"Wait...if Russia did change, who or what caused it?" This made the other two stop and think.

The boys were stumped at the mystery. They decided to figure out it later once they completed their chores. At the corner of the room, a familiar smile was present.

"Kolkolkol." Russia felt weird sensations in his heart; it was feeling very warm about the deed he had done. He disappeared from the Baltics' sight and headed to his room. He could now focus and do his nation's work.

Meanwhile at Canada's house

Canada was already awake and done feeding his pet bear and himself. He cleaned up the kitchen swiftly and was about to head upstairs in his study to get some nation work done when he heard the phone ring.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"I wonder who it is," Canada said to himself. He quickly rushed to the phone to answer.

"Hello?" Canada said, and smiled at what he heard.

"Bonjour...Le Petit Mathieu." Canada smiled and replied back, "Bonjour Papa!"

"Oui...It is your Papa. How are you?" Canada was glad that his Papa had called him. But his gut was telling him that something was off.

"I'm fine, mon petit lapin," France answered, and Canada was curious about why France had called him. He did not mind his family members calling him, but they seemed to always want something from him.

That thought reminded him of America and concern plagued his mind. It had been some time since their last encounter.

Canada chuckled at the plan he had previously and went to ask his next question.

"Papa...how's Alfred? It is been sometime since I saw him," Canada asked, and France had to pause, thinking of an answer.

"L'Amerique? Ahh, he is fine...been bothering L'Angleterre." Matthew chuckled, already glad that his twin wasn't traumatized too badly.

"Sometimes I do not understand him, no? You are much too adorable compared to L'Amerique," France told Matthew. Matthew blushed, relieved that his Papa wouldn't see his embarrassment.

"Speaking of adorable, how is your relationship coming along with Russie?" France asked candidly, and Matthew's blush deepened.

"Well...I-um," Matthew stuttered as he fiddled with the phone cord. He tried to think of some answer to satisfy him without complicating the issue.

"We are getting closer." France gasped at hearing this. Matthew could hear the excitement in his Papa's voice. He was about to answer when he was interrupted.

"Did you guys did it on yet?" Matthew sputtered, unable to answer that, trying to overcome the shock.

"Non! Papa!" Matthew whined out. He could hear a 'tsk' from the receiver, but he chose to ignore it.

"It seemed like it will happen eventually...If so, please tell me all the juicy details!" France said, already nonchalant about the whole thing.

"Oui, Papa," Matthew agreed to keep his Papa happy. Matthew then asked, "Was that the only reason that you called me, to keep track of my love life?"

Francis gasped melodramatically and Matthew rolled his eyes.

"How could you think of me so!" France said, and Matthew was about to interject until he heard him speak.

"I wanted to call to also tell you about the next meeting, mom petit lapin." Matthew felt stupid for questioning his Papa's motives.

"Merci, Papa..." Matthew thanked for the information. He so focused on his lessons that he had not thought about the world meeting happening in a few days.

Matthew was about to ask for more details of the meeting but France beat him to it.

"It will be another world meeting, and Spain will host it." Matthew felt content hearing this. With his new courage, he believed he would do well in the next upcoming meeting.

He chuckled at the host, thinking back to the last time he ran a meeting; it had resulted in chaos.

France chuckled too, sharing a tender moment with his former charge.

"I know what you were thinking...Spain hosting the meeting will be very interesting, no?" Canada had observed through previous meetings that Spain tended to have trouble due to Romano.

"It was nice speaking with you, Papa," Matthew said, and France replied, "It is was nice, mon petit lapin. Have fun with Russie...but not too much fun," France teasingly joked, which made Canada blush and cry out, "Papa!"

Canada heard the dial tone and placed the receiver down. He sighed, "At least Al's okay...and I must see him, just to be sure."

Canada went to check his bear, only to find that he was asleep. He went to get his things and headed out to look for his brother.

After thirty minutes of travelling, he reached his destination; he stood in front of the American's door. He took a deep breath before he knocked on the door.

After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal America. He seemed to be okay judging by the grin plastered on his face.

"Al?" Matthew said, praying that his brother remembered him. A few nanoseconds later and Alfred's eyes widen in realization.

"Mattie!" cheered the American as he bear-hugged the northern nation.

Canada was glad that America had remembered his identity. He asked to release him and his brother complied.

"Hey Al...How are you?" Canada wanted to be sure his brother was okay.

"Great! Never been better!" Alfred smiled and he pulled his guest into his home.

"Al-wait! I wanted to only see you! I have to-"

"Dude! You finally visit me since like forever, man! You've got to check out the latest game Japan brought me."

Canada had not expected another visitor. Japan noticed Canada and raised from his seat to bow. Canada copied him in respect.

"Konichiwa, Japan-san," Canada greeted the Japanese man.

"Konichiwa, Canada-san," Japan replied.

"I'm sorry about interrupting."

Japan calmly stated, "Do not worry...It is fine. It is nice seeing you."

"Likewise," Canada said. America stood just watching.

"Dude, you have to try out this video game...It's totally awesome! Check out the zombies!"

Japan paled and Canada chuckled.

"Well, at least he seems okay," Canada thought internally, and was about to excuse himself to leave. America didn't take notice but had already resumed playing, sitting besides Japan, who was hesitantly picking up the controller.

Canada smiled at the scene, glad that his brother was fine. At least Al knew who his brother was.

He quietly exited the place and walked away from the American's home. He could hear the cheers of victory from the loud mouth and giggled.

As he headed down the street he was lost in his thoughts, thinking about Russia with a blush on his face until he bumped into someone.

"Sorry!" the Canadian apologized quickly, and shut his mouth at the sight.

"No problem, sir," England said as he patted away some dirt from his jacket. Matthew did not want to see England; his mind replayed those horrible memories.

"England?" Canada said, trying his best to remain composed.

England had an unsure look on his face; his eyebrows furrowed, lost in thought of trying to figure out this person's identity.

Canada, slightly pensive, decided to help him out. "It's Canada...Matthew...Alfred's brother."

"Ahh, of course lad..." England smiled but Canada could feel the awkward tension between them.

"So, um...are you heading to America's house?" Canada asked, trying to break the ice.

England said, "Of course I had to meet the bloody fool about our trade agreements, but he didn't answer my calls so I was headed to meet him."

Canada agreed politely, quickly trying to end his meeting without thinking about his harsh words.

"Oh...good luck with that...excuse me," Canada said while he excused himself to leave until he heard a voice that stopped his legs from moving.

"Oh, lad, I must remind you that we have a meeting to discuss our immigration policy," England said with an authoritative tone that put Canada on edge.

"Really?" Canada asked. He later thought about England's words to discover that he did have a meeting with the Brit.

"Of course! The meeting that you missed...It doesn't seem proper of you that you were unable to meet me so." Canada remembered that it was the meeting he ran away from when he heard England's confession. He pushed aside his bruised feelings and turned to face England.

"Oh...I will see you. What time?" Canada said courteously, and England replied back strictly, "10:00 am sharp the day after. I expect you to be there."

Canada saw the Englishman walk away and this made the Canadian rush back quickly home.

"What am I about to do...I'm not ready to face England," was Canada's lingering thought as he headed back to his home.

After some time later, Canada finally arrived at his home. He closed the door behind him and placed his belonging on the table. He later put his coat away and went to check on Kumajirou.

"Canada, home!" Kumajirou looked at his master and Canada leaned over to ruffle his fur. Kumajirou could see the worried look on the Canadian's face.

Kumajirou could ask, but he knew that Canada might admit his problems to him even without asking. He looked at his owner to cue him to speak.

"Kumajirou...I don't know what to do," Canada sighed as he continued to absentmindedly run his fingers through his pet's white fur.

"I bumped into England today...and he wants me to meet with him in a few days, and I'm not ready to face him," Canada muttered out sadly, which made Kumajirou whine softly at his master's distress.

"Fuzzybrows is a jerk to Canada!" Kumajirou said, which made Canada smile at his bear's attempt to cheer him up.

"You can be like Vodka Breath and beat him up," the polar bear teased, and Canada stuttered out, "No! I-I don't think it will solve anything. It might make things worse."

Kumajirou requested cutely, "Can I have food then?" Canada shook his head at his bear antics.

"Okay, then," Canada agreed after noticing that he too, was famished. He headed to the kitchen, his bear following, to make some sandwiches for him and to defrost a large salmon for his bear.

After twenty minutes of eating, Canada decided to head to his study to finish up his nation work. Canada dreaded paperwork! He sighed as he entered his room to see a tower of paperwork waiting for his signature.

"Maple! I hope I can finish before I meet with Russia," Canada said to himself as he walked towards his desk. Sitting down his in his seat, he grabbed a file and a pen and started to read.

Halfway through conquering the huge tower, he realized that he did not have a lesson planned for the Russian. He stopped his work to think, his eyebrows furrowed as he became lost in his thoughts.

After a few minutes, he came up with a notion.

"Maple Leaf!" Canada cursed as he ran his fingers through his silky hair to try to calm down.

"I will figure something out," Canada muttered, and he resumed his duty. He managed to get through his work and still could not think of any ideas.

"Maybe a small break will give me some ideas," Canada concluded, and he went downstairs to check up on his bear. He saw his bear happily napping and Canada thought how cute it was.

He soon prepared his living room, setting it up as his classroom. He set up the chalkboard and Canada took a moment to look at Russia's brainstormed ideas about friendship.

An idea formed in his mind and Canada's smile grew.

"I got it!" Canada cheered and headed in the kitchen to get some vodka.

Meanwhile at Russia' house

The Baltics were done with their chores for the day and they ate their lunch, glad that they had patched things up between them. Russia was in a good mood, which the three brothers noticed, but did not say anything in front of Russia in fear of turning his mood sour.

They finally get a well-deserved break and they decide to relax in Lithuania's room. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia laid down on the comfy bed. They all simultaneously exhaled a deep breath to unwind from a hard day's work of slave labour.

The siblings lay there for a few moments, thinking of nothing in particular until Lithuania spoke, breaking the silence.

"I wonder who or what is making Mr. Russia act so nice to us." This made his other two siblings have curious looks on their faces.

"I think it's Russia's guest," Lithuania guessed, thinking back to that time that he was forced to make blinis for someone. "I had to make blinis for that person."

Estonia made an inquisitive look, and he believed that it was possible. When Latvia heard that possibility, his blue eyes widened in shock.

"Of course!" Latvia said, and this made the other siblings surprised. "I remember seeing this person that one time that Russia tried to hit me.

"He looked very similar to America...I was confused to why he was visiting Russia."

The Baltics were getting close to solving this mystery, but they needed one more clue. Estonia cleared his throat. He offered an idea, and Lithuania and Latvia had a terrible gut feeling in both of their stomachs.

"We'll spy on Russia." Estonia smirked as his eyeglasses twinkled.

Russia was in his study finishing up his nation work before heading to Canada's house. As he finished signing the last file, he sighed in relief at a job well-done.

A smile was plastered on his face; he felt good about his deed in helping his Baltics. Now Russia could have a clean consciousness and he didn't have to worry about breaking his promise; he had already fixed it.

Russia continued to rationalize and deal with his guilt and went to fetch his vodka from his coat pocket. He drank a large gulp and sighed, relishing the taste.

Unaware of his surroundings, Estonia was spying on the Russian. He was thankful that the door was unlocked so he was able to hear him.

"So far he seems happy...which is good," Estonia thought as he carefully peered closer.

Meanwhile, Latvia and Lithuania were watching over Belarus. They still felt obliged to keep their promise to Russia to watch over her. She was complacent for now. She had been in her room for quite some time. They were in the hallway away from her door, pretending to clean the decor as a ruse, and keeping watch in case she decides to head to Russia's room.

That wouldn't be good for Estonia; it would end their plan.

Russia's telephone rings and he answers he and smiles at the caller.

"Vanya...It is Katyusha...how are you?"

Russia, surprised at the unexpected call, replied, "I am good Sestra...how are you?"

She answered back happily, "Tak, I am fine...I wanted to tell you that I will be coming back in two days,"

Russia, pleased at hearing the good news, said, "It is good...the rest of the family misses you too."

Estonia heard every detail and was glad that Ukraine was coming back. He continued listening, hoping this phone call would provide him with the answer.

"I'm happy...Vanya, how is Matvey?"

Russia responded with a small smile. "Matvey is well...I will be seeing him at six for lesson," Russia revealed, and Estonia gasped at the information.

Russia paused, thinking that he was hearing something. Estonia disappeared, and he returned back to his call.

"Have you two gotten closer?" Ukraine asked, very curious about her brother's love life. This made Russia feel embarrassed.

"Sestra...I do want to be closer, but I worry that I may scare him away," Russia admitted, and Ukraine gushed at how cute her brother was acting.

"I have a feeling everything will be okay...Just follow your heart." Russia was confused at what she meant, but agreed anyway.

"I will see you later...take care," Ukraine told Russia, and he too said the same thing. He hung up the phone, thinking about his sister's words of advice.

"I think I need some more vodka" Russia said aloud. Trying to shake his doubts away, he went to exit his room.

Estonia rushed to meet his brothers at the end of the hallway. He saw them and was about to call out to them, but his legs stopped moving at the sight.

Belarus had left her room and was arguing with Lithuania, while Latvia was shaking, already intimidated by the girl.

"Why are you stopping me...desist, I say!" Belarus ordered. She was angry that they had blocked her way to seeing her Big Brother. Lithuania tried his best to stall. Latvia noticed Estonia in the hallway and tried to signal him to run.

Natalya ignored this to bring out her throwing knife. This made Lithuania pale at how scary the Belarusian was. Latvia pleaded, "Ms. Belarus! Please don't hurt him!"

Estonia took the chance to run and warn Russia that Belarus was on the loose!

Luckily, Estonia encountered Russia as he saw him returning back to his room.

"Russia! Belarus! Hide!" Russia's eyes widened in fear and he dashed downstairs to leave the house.

Estonia was glad that he had helped his master, but he had to run back to his brothers to save them.

Meanwhile in the hallway where Belarus's room is located

"Belarus...I think he's somewhere in the house...He told us not to disturb him," Lithuania told her, but Natalya did not believe his words. Latvia tried to help, but it made the situation worse; he got a knife pointed at him too.

"Really? If I'm going to believe you...what are you rats planning?"

Lithuania quickly answered, seeing the Slavic woman getting irritated by each passing second, "No...nothing of the sort!"

Lithuania was running out of things to say and his anxiety elevated. Latvia was still crying in an attempt to persuade her to stop.

Luckily, Estonia came in the nick of time just before Lithuania was about to be stabbed.

"Belarus! I think Russia's downstairs in the basement!" Estonia said. "I just met him and he told me he was done with his work, just to speak with you."

Belarus had a smile on her face and was excited to meet with her brother. She lowered her knife and went to head for the basement.

After she was gone, Lithuania and Latvia sighed in relief after the trauma they had suffered and asked why did Estonia had told her that.

"I sent her to the basement like Russia does when he had to do our chores...and the door only opens from the outside." Lithuania and Latvia smiled at the trick Estonia had played on her.

"I think Russia will kill us or reward us for what we did." Lithuania chuckled while Latvia smiled.

"We'll find out when Russia comes back! I know who it is!" Estonia referred back to the mysterious guest. This made the other siblings excited.

"Who is it?" Latvia asked, and Estonia answered, "It's someone called Matvey.

Lithuania was confused at the name. "I don't know who is called that." Latvia did not get it.

Estonia had to think until he had another idea.

"We can check the database on my computer," Estonia suggested. "It must be a country we know."

The trio ran to Estonia's room. When they reached it, Estonia booted up the computer and loaded the nations' profiles. Russia made Estonia keep records of all the countries just in case anything happened. After some scanning, they found a person that matched the description.

The screen showed a picture of Canada.

All three had shocked looks on their faces.

"This person does look like America," Lithuania commented. Latvia and Estonia agreed.

"Yes, this is definitely the person I saw last time," Latvia said, and Estonia clicked on the picture to read out his name.

"Matthew Williams, a.k.a Canada," Estonia read aloud. He thought afterwards and saw the connection.

"Of course! Matvey is the Russian version of Matthew!"

Lithuania smiled at the good news. "We must do something for Canada!"

"I have an idea!" Latvia announced and said his idea. Estonia and Lithuania agreed.

Back at Canada's house

Russia arrived at Canada's door, just in time for his lesson. He panted a few short breaths from his sprint from Belarus. He felt relief calm the fear in his heart, thinking about his escape from his younger sister. He could now focus on the meeting. Thinking back to the good deed he did earlier today made the Russian's smile a bit wider, so that the corners of his eyes had crow's feet. He was welcomed by a sight that made his heart beat happily; Canada wore a lovely dark red suit with a grey undershirt that reflected his sweet personality. The ensemble included a dark red tie and dark brown loafers that made the Canadian breathtaking.

"Privet, Matvey." Ivan smiled as he entered Canada's home. One of the things that the Russian anticipated was Canada's beauty; it shined through whenever he tried to impress someone. He appreciated the sentiment behind the gesture.

"Matvey looks nice, da." Ivan stared at Canada, making the younger male feel embarrassed by the compliment.

He smiled coyly back, "Thanks...Please be seated at your desk. It's time for the lesson."

Ivan nodded in agreement and headed to his seat, already content at the confidence Canada was showing. Matthew was in front of the chalkboard with a blank face, flipping over the board to reveal old writing. At, first the words on the board brought a sense of familiarity. After a few seconds of scanning, his eyes widened in realization.

Ivan looked at the same list from the first lesson that Canada had conducted. Ivan's eyes narrowed in contempt, his lips pursed into a childish pout, and he huffed out, "Why the list again?"

Matthew went to his desk to bring out a pointer and smacked it on the chalkboard, making Ivan quiet. "Because...this is a good way for review and to see your progress!" Ivan gave him a pointed look.

Canada ignored it and said, "We are halfway done, and at this rate you'll be almost done in no time." Ivan's face was blank, but inside he felt a flicker of sadness at hearing that his lessons would end soon. "But first, we will do the same brainstorm about friendship again."

Canada flipped the board to show the previous notes; the term friendship was written there with Ivan's answers. Ivan's pout was still present on his face. Canada erased the contents of the board and rewrote the word 'friendship'. Ivan, still feeling sceptical and somewhat cheated, decided to go along with the Canadian's lesson. Canada, prompt and facing the board, raised his right hand to begin writing down Russia's thoughts. It took five minutes and Canada took a step back to see a bunch of words. Ivan looked a bit surprised at his own answers. It read: people, vodka, happiness, trust, and Canada. Canada was curious to see Ivan's explanations for these words.

"Mr. Braginski...care to elaborate?" Canada looked at his student and Ivan cleared his throat.

He stated, "Da, you make friends with people and with people you want to be with." Canada smiled at this and nodded.

Ivan continued, "I wanted some vodka, but I noticed people with friends share things...I would like to get vodka from people." Canada giggled at that and Ivan was not amused.

The Canadian cleared his throat and asked his student, "I see what you meant by the vodka...Friends do share things with each other because they want to." Ivan slowly realized what his words meant, thinking about his views on friends you could take advantage of.

"Friends bring happiness!" Ivan was in a good mood and Canada's curiosity was piqued.

"Yes...friends can make you happy, but sometimes they bring other emotions, like sadness or anger." Ivan did not follow.

"I do not understand...You said by getting friends I will be happy." Canada quickly responded, "I mean that sometimes your friends can hurt you or can make you unhappy at times...This relates to trust, but we will talk about that in a later lesson."

Ivan felt the implications of what Canada said. He noticed a flicker of sadness in the Canadian's lilac eyes but it soon disappeared behind a bright expression. He wanted to ask why he had brought up such a negative topic. He stayed silent for now. His heart felt heavy and he pouted.

"Is something wrong?" "No, nothing is wrong," Canada said and changed the topic before Russia was about to ask again. Canada felt more guarded around him and did not want to trouble his student.

"Trust?" Canada asked. Ivan paused for a few moments before answering with a narrow look, "I know with friends there is trust between them...that is what people say, da." Ivan sounded unsure and looked at Canada for an explanation.

"Yes...usually when developing a good friendship with someone, you can develop trust between you and them. It's easy to gain but very hard to maintain," Canada said and walked closer to his student. "You can have many friends, but your true friends are those that stick with you and have faith in you." Ivan felt extremely comforted by this new information.

He agreed with a smile, "Da." Canada was elated that his student was well-behaved today.

"I think Ivan's finally getting the idea." Canada smiled as he thought this to himself. "Why did you said my name?" Canada asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice. Ivan smiled and, standing up from his seat, answered him with a hug.

"Matvey is my friend." Russia had to show him that smile that made Canada's heart skip a beat. Canada appreciated the kind gesture and shyly hugged him back. "Is it possible that he could see me as more? Maybe as a lover?" Canada's cheeks reddened at the romantic thought. Russia did not notice, which the Canadian was glad for. Russia released his hug and Canada had to clear his throat to shift his attention to the lesson.

"Now that we have understood and reshaped your view on friendship, I will test you to see if you look approachable to others." Russia had a blank look on his face. Canada saw this and stated, "This was from the first lesson: how to smile."

Russia nodded, remembering the lesson, and flashed another charming smile, which made Canada blush again. "Well, at least his happy thought is working...though I am curious to know what he is thinking of."

Russia stopped smiling and asked a question, distracting the arctic nation. "I think this review is helpful...I realize lessons are working.

" Canada was glad that Russia was doing well in his lessons. He tested him on the last thing, hoping he did not forget. "Lastly, I want you to smile at me." Ivan's eyebrow raised at this. He wanted to know why, but Canada beat him to it. "I mean...remember I said that you appear scary, which doesn't help with getting friendly with others...so I wanted to make sure that you can charm them away," Canada stated and looked straight at Russia. "Da."

Ivan agreed to the Canadian's logic and smiled, but it was creepy and Canada had to lean away. "Um...Ivan did you forget to think about that special thought when you smile?" Canada hinted, and Ivan remembered his trick.

Ivan closed his eyes to imagine Canada, smiling happily with his eyes wide open and looking at him with adoration. By then the Russian felt his face muscles move to form a dazzling smile which made Canada's heart beat erratically; Ivan saw this and decided to tease him further, bringing him so close that their bodies pressed closer.

"Like this, Mr.Williams?" Ivan whispered softly, making Canada's breath hitch. The teacher, his eyes widening a bit and his lip quivering slightly, noticed how close he was and said, "Yes."

Ivan was still smiling and Canada couldn't help but get lost in his amethyst eyes. It felt like eons until Ivan broke the silence, which allowed Matthew to increase the distance between them. Matthew cleared his throat, regaining control of the situation.

Ivan asked a question: "Mr. Williams, did I pass?" He thought he was being tested.

Matthew giggled at this. "Yes, and for that you deserve a reward!" Canada went to his desk and brought out stickers.

Ivan gave him a pointed look at this. Matthew stuttered out, reading Ivan's face, "I noticed that I punish you in each lesson, and it's only fair I reward you because you have been on your best behaviour." Canada fiddled with the sticker sheet, and Ivan giggled at how shy the nation had become. Canada continued to speak, gaining a little courage when he saw Ivan's solemn face.

"I'm also rewarding you for keeping your promise to me...I may have to come up with a better one next time." Ivan felt a pinch of guilt but pushed it away; he hesitantly answered, "Da.

" He leaned closer to inspect the stickers and choose one. His eyes scanned the sheet to see an assortment of images ranging from cars to animals.

"Why would you have a sheet of stickers?" Ivan asked curiously.

Matthew replied humorously, "I would have these when Alfred comes over, as a way to control his behaviour. He loved stickers as a child and would be on his good behaviour when England ruled over us."

Ivan laughed at this; he couldn't believe that America was a child even at heart. He continued to look when his eyes saw an image of a sunflower. Matthew noticed Ivan's gaze and saw the same image.

"This one," Ivan said, and Matthew carefully peeled off the sticker.

He asked, "Where do you want it?" Ivan paused to think and came up with an answer. "On my notebook so I can have a bit of warmth in my house."

Canada did his job and asked, "Why did you pick the sunflower sticker?" Ivan smiled and his face brightened, which made Canada surprised but strangely happy.

"I love Sunflowers." Ivan giggled. "Russia's favourite flower because they are warm...it's too cold in the Motherland, so nothing grows, da."

Ivan's mood became depressed at the idea, and Canada felt sympathetic. Canada's hand made contact with Russia's, creating a firm but gentle hold. Russia did not expect that from the timid nation. Canada's cheeks were a light pink, but his grip was relentless.

"That's really sweet...coming from you." Canada was shocked at Russia's sensitivity and couldn't help his feelings growing stronger for him. Russia felt embarrassed, but thanked him.

"Spabiso...Matvey." Canada flashed a smile back. While holding hands, Canada asked another question: "So how is your secret project coming along?"

Russia replied back happily, "Da, it is well. I'm stuck between two people who are from the five I spoke to."

"I did not get to speak with him seeing how he doesn't attend the world meetings." Canada wanted to know who the person was, but knowing Russia, he wouldn't reveal their name.

"He is sometimes overlooked, but I think he will be easy da...seeing him reminds me a lot like Latvia."

Canada released his hold and dismissed his student. Ivan was getting his things ready when the Canadian's voice stopped him. "Ivan, you don't have any homework; just focus on the project, eh."

Ivan nodded and said, "As for Matvey's promise, I will fulfil tomorrow same time."

Matthew did not get what the Russian meant until the images of blinis came into his mind.

"Maple! It's tomorrow?" Canada had been so distracted with England's meeting that he had forgotten his 'date' with his student.

Ivan giggled and patted Matthew's hair, purposely brushing his curl. His expression remained clueless, but Matthew let out a small moan and embarrassment painted his face. "Désolé, Ivan."

Ivan giggled. "It is fine, you must have been busy." Canada sheepishly said while scratching his cheek, "Yes." Ivan said his good byes and left Canada with excitement and nervousness mixed together.

Kumajirou walked in and sighed, "Vodka breath gone?"

Canada took notice of his bear and answered, "He just left...you want to see him again?" Kumajirou nodded.

Canada checked the clock to see that it was close to midnight and he needed to get ready to go to bed.

"Come on, Kumajirou...Let's get cleaned up, eh?" Kumajirou whined, detesting bath-time. Canada frowned at this but headed upstairs.

Owari

A/N: Finally I update on this story no? Let's just say that life got me in a chokehold. But I somehow manage to write it.

Now the plot thickens and its getting intense. Please review! There will be fluff in the next chapter! I'm off to bed...ja ne!

Beta'ed by fakiagirl (Whom I am devoted she is awesome!)