Canada spent the rest of the morning sitting in his room. His heart pounded as he repeatedly relived what he had seen in Prussia's basement. Could it be? Did The Awesome Prussia really feel as broken and lonely as Canada did? Canada wanted to say that it didn't make any sense, but it made perfect sense to him. Replaying Prussia's tearful complaints in his mind once more, Canada felt as though those words might have been his own.

"You know, Kuma-gelatinous, I feel lonely and forgotten too."

The white bear looked up briefly from the book he was reading, and then looked back down.

"And other nations also treat me like I don't exist."

The white bear nodded, not taking his eyes off the page.
"And my own brother doesn't respect me either."

Canada leaned back, only to find more discarded hamburger wrappers and a handgun tossed on his floor. Scowling, Canada opened his bedroom door and kicked America's garbage out into the hall. The hamburger wrappers were heavy with pickles and mayonnaise, and Canada hoped that the gun wasn't just as loaded.

"But, you know, Kuma-gerbil, I haven't felt as bad since I met Prussia. You know why? Because he was always there for me when I needed him. So now..."

Canada stood up. He looked at himself in the mirror, and saw his reflection, clear and tall.

"So now, I'm going to be there for him."

He checked himself over - keys, wallet, phone - and hurried down the stairs.

"Bye, America," he called into the house. "I probably won't be home in time for dinner."

"'Kay, bro," was the reply. "More burgers for me."

Canada raced down the street, feeling happier and more certain than he had ever felt before in his life.

"You're not alone, Prussia," he said aloud. "You'll never have to be alone again, because - "

He turned the corner and dashed out onto the main street.

"Because I love you!"

Canada was shouting with pride as he said this, right as he ran past an electronics store where England and France were window shopping.

"Eh? Did you say something, Angleterre?"

England stopped comparing prices on TV sets and turned to France.

"What? No, I didn't say anything at all."

France waved dismissively.

"Oh, you sly crumpet. I heard every word."

"But I didn't - "

"I love you too, mon cher."

And with that, France grabbed England and spun him around, dipping him into a kiss. A street away, Canada stopped in his tracks as he heard someone yell, "UNHAND ME, YOU WANKER!" Figuring it was nothing to be concerned about, Canada continued on his way. As soon as he began to run again, he had to stop short once more. Someone had just appeared in front of him.

"Hello, Taiwan," Canada said, slightly out of breath.

"Canada," said Taiwan. "I'm glad I found you." She brushed a wayward lock of hair back behind her ear. "I was thinking a lot about you today, and..."

She fidgeted with the lace on her sleeve. Then she took a deep breath and said, very quickly,

"Canada, do you want to go on a date with me?"

Her eyes squeezed shut, as though she were bracing herself on a roller coaster. Canada smiled.

"Wow, Taiwan," he said. "I'm flattered, really..."

Only forty eight hours earlier, this would have been music to Canada's ears. However, a lot had happened in those forty eight hours, and he was certain that things had changed. It was time to stand up for what he really wanted. It was time to be Awesome.

"I'm afraid I don't really think of you that way," Canada said gently. "You're my friend, Taiwan, and that's important to me."

Taiwan blushed furiously for a moment. She covered her face with her billowing sleeves and nodded.

"Yeah," she said. "That's okay."

She nodded again, and her colour returned to normal.

"At least now I know," she said, brightening up to her usual sunny smile. Canada paused.

"You're okay, right?"

"Uh-huh," said Taiwan. "Are we still going to that movie on Sunday? I asked Vietnam and Thailand and they want to come too."

"For sure," said Canada. "I'll see if I can bring Cuba. Anyway, I'm on my way somewhere right now, so I'll see you later, eh?"

"Okay," Taiwan said with a smile. Canada smiled back at her and ran down the street. He raced along the road made of cobblestones and made a beeline for Prussia's house. This time, it was Austria who opened the door.

"Really?" said Austria, looking down his nose at Canada. "I can't imagine why you'd want to visit that ruffian, but if you must..." Austria stepped aside and gestured for Canada to enter the house. Canada flew down the basement steps.

"Prussia! Prussia!" Canada shouted.

Canada found Prussia lazing in front of the TV. There was no trace of his tears remaining, although his face was still haunted by the lethargic look of hopelessness. Slowly, he turned his head to face Canada. Canada dove onto the futon beside him.

"Prussia, I know what I need to use my awesomeness training for," he said breathlessly.

"Yeah?" said Prussia. "What's that?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Yes, you, Prussia. I want to be awesome with you."

Prussia blinked, his ruby-red eyes open wide in surprise.

"You do?" he asked. "Oh, of course, you do. We are talking about The Awesome Me, after all."

Canada and Prussia looked deep into one another's eyes, smiling gratefully and quickly forgetting the rest of the world around them. They crashed forwards to embrace each other. There was nothing either of them wanted more as they channelled their passion into a long, sensual kiss. Then they collapsed on the futon together, each savouring the other's presence for a time indiscernible.

Eventually, their peaceful silence was interrupted by Hungary's voice.

"Prussia?" she called as she wandered down the stairs. "Germany told me you were going to do the grocery shopping today, and that was hours ago - Oh, my goodness."

Hungary stopped in front of the futon. Her eyes were like saucers as she stared at Prussia and Canada snuggling together. Prussia shot a wicked glance her way.

"Hours?" he said smoothly. "Has it been that long?"

Hungary could only squeak as she pinched her nose. A steady stream of blood dripped down her fingers. Squeeing, she flew from the room.

Prussia chuckled to himself as he stroked Canada's hair.

"Boy, Prussia," said Canada, "I guess time really flies when it's The Awesome Us."

Prussia nodded in agreement. They kissed again and let the day roll by.