Lithuania was already awake early in the morning. He was starting the morning routine, getting breakfast ready for Russia, Belarus and his two siblings. He headed downstairs to the kitchen to get some ingredients until his eyes caught a figure sleeping on the couch.

"Mr. Russia did not tell me about a guest staying over," Lithuania said to himself, feeling curious about who the stranger was. His feet guided him to the sleeping figure. He gasped as the sudden realization hit him, "Oh no, this is not good."

Lithuania started to panic. He bit his lower lip in agitation. "What should I do? I can't let Belarus find him..." He knew for a fact that Belarus was a morning person and usually woke up fifteen minutes after him to do her usual stalker routine on Russia. Lithuania tried to calm himself down with deep breaths.

He gently shook the Canadian, which failed to wake him. Canada only snuggled closer to the pillow, drifting off to dreamland.

"Canada...Wake up!" Lithuania did the same thing again. Canada murmured, still asleep. Lithuania frowned at this.

"At this rate...even Belarus won't get a rise out of him." Lithuania got an idea and covered the arctic nation with a blanket, leaving a small hole for him not to suffocate. He left the Canadian to scan the hallways to see if the coast was clear. He scurried to his room to locate his brothers. Luckily, Estonia was awake and Latvia was with him. They appeared to be doing some cleaning in his room.

"Estonia, Latvia, I need your help." Estonia and Latvia both had curious looks on their faces, wondering what could be wrong.

"What is it?" Latvia asked, looking at Lithuania. The Lithuanian quickly replied, waving his arms frantically, "Canada is downstairs, asleep. I need your help to hide him from Belarus!"

Estonia gulped at the thought and nodded. "Ok." The trio excited the room, and with a fast pace rushed downstairs to find the Canadian safe.

"We must do this quickly, before Belarus arrives. Latvia, hold his feet," Lithuania ordered. "Estonia, try to hold his torso." Estonia did as he was told.

The trio, with a little difficulty, managed to successfully carry the Canadian upstairs (making sure not to disturb his sleep, but keeping an eye out for the Slavic woman).

The Baltic states gently placed him on Lithuania's bed.

Canada was still peacefully asleep, and the trio was glad. Lithuania had to go downstairs to get breakfast ready.

"I have to go downstairs. Make sure Canada stays here." Estonia nodded at Lithuania's words.

Latvia smiled. "It's the least we could do for him." Estonia smiled and headed to his computer to do some online banking. Latvia asked his elder brother, "Shouldn't we try to wake him up now?"

Estonia replied, still typing on the computer, "I think later would be best, right after everyone else leaves."

Lithuania was setting up the table when he spotted Belarus approaching him.

"Belarus, how long have you been there?" he asked in a scared tone.

Belarus answered, "It doesn't matter. Breakfast must be served; I don't want my Big Brother to starve due to your incompetence."

"Breakfast will be ready soon." Lithuania scurried out of her sight and entered the kitchen. Belarus, still glaring at him, decided to head upstairs to call her dear brother down.

Lithuania took roughly thirty minutes to prepare the food and soon heard screaming. He was about to leave when he saw a figure approach him.

"Russia?" the brunette squeaked, and he saw how utterly scared the Russian man was.

He grabbed his servant's shoulders and yelled, "Hide ME!" Russia' eyes pleaded for his safety and they widened when he heard Belarus's footsteps drawing closer. Lithuania, quick on his feet, told the Russian to hide in the kitchen. Russia did as he was told just in time for Belarus not to notice.

Belarus eyed the Lithuanian man and asked promptly, "Where is my Big Brother?"

Lithuania paused, trying to think up some excuse. "I think he went outside to get the morning newspaper." Belarus did not say anything, just stared at the younger male. Lithuania's anxiety grew and he was scared that she would call his bluff.

A knock on the door startled the servant, and he used it as an excuse to avoid answering her. The door was opened to reveal a familiar sight.

"Ukraine!" Lithuania said with a smile. He beamed with joy. "Please come in."

"Hello. It has been some time, tak?" Ukraine smiled and at the corner of her eye she noticed her scared brother hiding in the kitchen. Her eyes scanned the room to see Belarus, indifferent but acknowledging her presence. She inferred what had just happened and she began to save her Big Brother from his plight.

"Sestra! I see that you are fine," she commented.

Belarus replied, "Have you seen Big Brother? This idiot can't even answer a simple question." She glared at Toris, who looked away in shame, and looked back at her elder sister.

"I'm fine..." Belarus stated, and she was about to walk towards Ukraine when Ukraine clutched her shoulder and guided her away from the kitchen. She went upstairs, taking Belarus along the way.

"Come. Sestra, we have much to chat about...I heard there have been many improvements in your country." She turned her head to wink and resumed speaking.

Lithuania sighed in relief, and he soon was shaken by Russia, who was asking worriedly, "Where is Canada?" Lithuania reassured the Russian that he was safe in his room. Russia sighed in relief, glad that Canada wasn't discovered.

"Make sure he stays safe, da?" It sounded very serious and life-threatening to Toris, but he nodded anyway. Russia smiled. "Now I have some important business to attend to. If anyone asks, tell them I'm busy." His eyes gleamed with malicious intent, but Lithuania was wise not to ask.

"Ok. Don't you want any breakfast?" Lithuania enquired, but the Russian flatly refused. Lithuania watched his retreating figure and now was burden with a new problem: how to keep Canada away from Belarus.

"This is going to be a long morning," Lithuania sighed.

Meanwhile at Lithuania's room

Canada eyes opened slowly, and he felt dizzy. He did his best to figure out where he was. He felt so weak and exhausted. He knew from the sheets he was under and the soft item under his head that he was on a bed. He was in someone's room. His eyes widened in shock at the implication and he quickly rose to see Latvia and Estonia greet him.

"Hello Canada, how are you feeling?" Latvia asked, noticing how extremely tired the Arctic nation was.

"I feel like a polar bear is crushing my head—Kuma!" Canada gasped as he felt his head pound relentlessly, and he winced.

"Here, this might help." Estonia held out some aspirin and a glass of water. Canada was grateful for the needed aid.

"Thanks so much." After he had swallowed the pills and emptied the glass, he asked, "How did I get here?"

"Well, Lithuania saw you sleeping on the couch, so we three went to pick you up," Estonia explained. It made the Canadian blush in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry about th is," Canada apologized.

Latvia told him, "It is fine. For everything you have done for Russia, it is the least we can do".

"Thank you," Canada said with a smile. Now another question hit him. "Um, do you know where Russia is?"

Estonia and Latvia glanced at each other and replied, "I think he's downstairs, or perhaps he went out to do some errands."

The Canadian was somewhat not expecting that answer, but he commented, "I see...I must get going then..." Canada tried to get up, but his head was still hurting.

"Please stay for a while longer, until Belarus leaves..." Estonia advised, and Canada took his suggestion. His stomach growled, and it made the trio giggle.

Latvia smiled. "I will bring some food for you." Latvia left, and it was only Estonia and Canada left in the room.

Canada suddenly felt a weird sensation; he was really thinking that something bad was going to happen. He frowned and Estonia noticed. He asked, "Is there something wrong?"

Canada didn't want to bother the Estonian, and he replied, "No...I'm fine."

Estonia nodded, adding, "I think it could be the world meeting tomorrow that is making you this way. Right?"

Canada muttered, "I guess so." The reminder only made him recall his meeting he would have soon with England, and it sank his heart into a state of depression.

Estonia left Canada to his thoughts; he did have to do some chores so he didn't disappoint Russia. Canada stayed silent, and his depressing thoughts continued to swirl in his mind.

Meanwhile at England's house

England was at home, sitting on his armchair with a cup of tea and the daily newspaper. His eyebrows lowered at the displeasing news he read, and he tutted at how silly the celebrities were acting.

He sighed again and took another sip of his Earl Grey when a knock on the door made the Englishman frown. "I wonder who could be at the door at this hour?" England said to himself apprehensively. Nevertheless, the door must be answered; it could be something important.

Another knock was heard. England proceeded to open the door, and his eyes widened at the unexpected visitor.

"Russia?" The Briton was befuddled by the sudden visit from the Russian. England could tell Russia knew from his serene, but creepy smile that sent chills down his spine.

[I'm not sure if I changed that last sentence to what you meant or not.]

"Russia...not to be rude, but...why are you here?" England asked, giving his visitor a questioning look. Russia smiled as he let himself in and stared at England.

"I have some unfinished business to deal with," Russia stated, and England could feel the temperature in the room drop below zero.

England tried to play it cool, thinking it was international relations dealing with his country.

"Well...I think my boss didn't schedule a meeting with you...I think it must be to discuss—" Russia interrupted his blabbering with a glare and a 'kolkolkol.'

"I did not say it was a country matter..." Russia edged closer to the Englishman until they were only a few inches apart. England's mind was screaming at him to run, or to fight, or both somehow.

He needed to get out. A part of England did not want to be intimidated by the Russian. "Russia, if there is something you need, you must clearly state so...I do not have all day." England waved his right hand to emphasize his point. This made the Russian's smile grow a bit bigger.

Russia brought out his metal pipe and played around with it, and he saw England's fear in his green eyes.

"What is this meaning of this!" England shouted, and his brow furrowed in anger at what sick games his guest was playing at.

"This is for the all the pain you caused," Russia said as he began his strike. "You are the one that hurt Canada." England quickly dodged the hit, thanking his fast reflexes. Russia's smile was still on his face, but his arms were ready to strike again.

England, confused and angry at the accusation, retorted with a growl, "Who-what the bloody hell are you talking about?!"

Hearing that made Russia's blood boil, and he said, "You have hurt Canada with your words and now you must pay."

England panicked and did his best to diffuse the situation. "Russia..I think you're mistaken, I didn't do any harm...to...eh...Canada...I suggest you put an end to this and I'll let this matter be forgotten." The proper gentlemen act did not fare well and this made Russia do something unforgivable.

A scream filled the room as the blunt metal object made contact with England arm. It happened so fast that the Englishman did not have to have chance to dodge it. Russia's eyes made England freeze as his life flashed before his eyes.

Russia was towering over the supine body. His eyes screamed in delight at the pained look on the Englishman's face. He smiled. "Now, as you hurt Canada...I will finish you." He giggled and England was in so much pain, he couldn't defend himself. His right arm was completely smashed, as he found when he tried to block the attack.

As Russia prepared for the final blow, his arms stopped midway and he screamed. His conciseness attacked his soul, and thoughts of Canada flooded into his memory, keeping him frozen momentarily. He growled at himself. England could only look shocked at the Russian's state. He used this chance to get up or at least get away, since judging by his condition, Russia was clearly overpowered.

"Why?!..." Russia was trembling and his arms were shaking. He intended to beat England up ruthlessly, but a part of him knew that what he was doing was wrong.

Canada could never forgive him for what he had done.

"You must never...ever do this again, da?" Russia threatened with a smile, and he concealed his weapon. England, still on the ground in shock of what he had witnessed of Russia's display of mercy, agreed with a gasp, "Yes..."

They looked at each other's eyes, and Russia decided that he had solved the problem, but seeing England's eyes told him that it was personal and there would be another battle soon.

Russia turned his back and exited the building, leaving England in his pitiful state.

Once he was alone, England's anger was aflame from a bruised ego. He stood up with some difficulty from his now broken limb. He cursed out, "Damn you, Russia! Wait until the world meeting tomorrow. You will rue the day you crossed paths with me."

In the corner of his eye, he spotted the phone and made a call.

Meanwhile at Russia's house

Ukraine told him about the world meeting Spain would be hosting tomorrow. Estonia felt glum about the work he had to prepare for Mr. Russia. Latvia smiled, feeling glad to see the nations again. Belarus had gone out of sight after breakfast, and Estonia and Latvia went to check up in Canada upstairs. Ukraine and Lithuania were alone.

Ukraine was helping out with the dishes. Lithuania insisted he could manage on his own, but the older woman refused and with a cheery smile made the man give in to her.

"I see that big brother is doing well," Ukraine said, wiping a dish. "How is Canada doing?"

"I think he is doing well...Wait, how did you know Canada was here?"

Ukraine chuckled and explained, "After speaking with Belarus, I went to see Latvia and Estonia and entered the room to see him sleeping." Lithuania sheepishly twiddled his thumbs in embarrassment.

"Do not worry...I am glad that Canada is here." Ukraine, already done with her share, proceeded to wipe her hands. "I have to go back to my home to get my things. Thanks so much for breakfast. Do you know when Russia will come back? I must speak to him to see how he is doing."

Lithuania, unsure, replied, "He didn't say when...He said he had some unfinished business to attend to." His gut was hinting that it was something terrible, but he did not want to make the Ukrainian anxious.

"I will tell him as soon as he gets here." Ukraine smiled and exited the building with a good-bye.

Latvia appeared in the living room just moments after Ukraine's departure. Lithuania saw his younger brother's puzzlement about who had just left. Lithuania filled him in on the details about Ukraine and the state of Canada's well-being.

Lithuania also noticed Belarus's disappearance and told Latvia that it was okay for Canada to come downstairs. Latvia nodded and went upstairs to tell him the good news.

Canada arrived a few moments later with a bright smile on his face. "Thanks so much for everything!" he told the Baltics. Latvia said it was not a big deal. Canada exited the household and headed home to a hungry bear that was grouchy for keeping him waiting.

Meanwhile at Canada's house

When the Canadian arrived safety home, he was greeted by his pet bear, who was begging for food.

Canada bent down to pet Kumajirou and said, "I'm so sorry Kumajirou."

The polar forgave his master, hoping that he would prepare him some awesome fish for him to eat.

"How was Russia?"

Canada blushed at the hidden meaning behind those words. "Russia was fine...We had a great time," Canada explained, but he felt the bear's eyes on him. He continued, "It wasn't like that, mister...We just chatted and had a few drinks."

Canada didn't felt too confident with his words, thinking that he might have done something really stupid under the influence. The bear replied, "Sure...Hungry?"

Canada sighed and headed to the kitchen to prepare some salmon for his hungry bear.

Twenty minutes of cooking and cleaning and a happy bear later, Canada headed upstairs to his study room to do some work before his meeting with England.

The Canadian still wasn't ready to meet with the Englishman. He was already reading through his files when he received a call. Canada answered, "Hello, who is calling?"

"You listen you bloody idiot, I do not know what you did to piss Russia off, I bet it was one of your stupid plans that did it."

Canada was at first confused at the caller for yelling, but after a few seconds of hearing the voice, he recognized it to be England's. "England, what...huh?"

"Don't you start with me lad, I know you did this!"

"Wait, I didn't do anything!" Canada explained, and he heard England scoff at him.

"America, don't be daft, you insulted him and tried to shove your capitalist ideas on him. We both know he isn't communist anymore."

Canada, shocked and angry, asked England what Russia had done. England told him what had happened and he ended the call, so Canada had no chance to leave a hint that the Briton had mistakenly called the wrong person.

The Canadian silently put the phone back onto the receiver. His mind was still processing this shocking revelation. Canada clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles became white.

"How could he?" Canada yelled to no-one. "Why would he do that?"

Canada's heart was torn. A small part of him was angry that Russia had attacked England, and he was upset that he didn't know the reason why. But his heart had an inkling as to why. Another part of him was upset that all his hard work on his friendship training was in vain.

Maybe all this time, I did not know Ivan as well as I assumed.

Canada's mood plummeted. He needed to get to the bottom of this, so he decided to wait for Russia to come for his lesson. He needed some time alone with his thoughts to try to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Time flew by until Canada, still sitting at his desk, realized that Russia was about to arrive at his home for his lesson. Canada was still in a depressed mood, with his mind still thinking. A part of him was disappointed in his action and he soon started to think about the other times that Russia mistreated the Baltics, too.

"Is it possible that Ivan was always like this? But I wonder why Ivan would attack England?" he mumbled to himself as he headed down the stairs. Kuma was already taking a nap in the living room. The Canadian was now suspicious of Ivan and he wanted to get to the bottom of this. He was trying to think back to what happened yesterday. It could give him a clue to what had made Russia attack him.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knock on the door. Canada hurriedly answered the door to find a cheerful Russian on his doorstep.

"Hello Matvey...I'm ready for lesson." Canada greeted his student and allowed him inside. He tried his best to keep his anger in check, and he reminded himself that he needed to have a clear mind to objectively analyze the situation.

"Ivan...we need to talk," Canada said.

Russia looked unsure as he replied, "Da, what is it?"

"Ivan, I heard about what you did to England...I want to know why."

"What are you taking about? You have to be specific." Canada frowned at the Russian's denial and asked again.

"Don't deny it...England called me and told me...I want to know what's been going on with you," Canada firmly stated, and he clenched his fists when Russia did not comment. "In fact, I recently discovered that you broke my promise about not hurting anyone. Does 'the Baltics' ring any bells?"

The look on Russia's face instantly became guilty, which was then replaced by a look of frustration.

"How did you—" Russia asked, but his question went unanswered because Canada was asking more questions.

"Did you not trust me? Is that why you did not tell me about it...that you broke your promise?"

This point Russia could not talk his way out of. He knew that what he did was wrong, but he felt it wasn't fair that Canada kept secrets from him. They were friends, right?

"You did not trust me either...keeping that secret from me." At first Canada was confused about what the Russian meant. Memories of the night before and the drinking came into light and he seethed at his despicable conclusion.

"You knew from last night...You got me drunk to confess to you." He sounded so shocked and upset, yet he didn't shed a tear. "Now that I think back, it was strange that you didn't drink the vodka I gave you two lessons ago and how you managed to trick me into drinking it, knowing full well that I don't drink."

His stared straight at Russia and he returned Canada's gaze.

"You didn't trust me enough to tell me about it," was Russian's petty excuse. Canada's anger built up and he wanted to scream at him for his inexcusable behaviour.

"I guess it was pointless teaching you then. I feel as if my lessons were a waste of time," the Canadian spat out in anger, and this made Russia react.

"What is the point of being nice if people will get hurt and not trust them back?" Russia was speaking form personal experience and years of brain-washing from General Winter. His vindictive habits were very deeply rooted into his behaviour.

"If England does that to you often, then it's only because you are too weak," Russia barked back. He immediately felt stupid for saying it. He saw Canada's head dip down, his eyes hid from view, and his body tremble in a lame attempt to hold back his tears.

Canada took a deep breath and announced calmly with an edge of assertiveness, "We are done...No more lessons."

Russia did not expect that. He had done a good job of getting back at England for what he had done to Canada, but he was getting reprimanded for his actions. He did not understand, but his heart was breaking apart at the news that he couldn't continue his lessons with him. He wanted to tell him about his progress with his secret project.

Canada did not move from his spot until he heard the door slam. He wanted to cry so badly; he had never felt so much pain from Russia.

"To think that I could have been something to Russia...I thought I could change him." He sighed and he felt something touch his leg. He looked down to find his polar bear.

"Vodka Breath won't come back?" he asked with a sad tone. Canada went to pick up his bear.

"He won't," Canada replied as he went upstairs to his room.

Owari