Cover: Can't Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart
Original song by Elvis Presley

Quick author's note, some of the events discussed in the earlier part of this Drabble were in reference to a Drabble hope_forever_18 wrote. She unpublished her Drabble book, however, so I can't reference it. I'm also not going to edit the references out though, so let's just roll with the punches.
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It was a beautiful day in Manitoba. The sun was shining brightly and the sky above was a cloudless, vibrant blue. It was so unfamiliar to the people who lived in the prairie province who were only now emerging from a dismal winter, but it was welcomed none-the-less.

Hope laid on the lawn, the grass still brown and dormant from it's winter hibernation, but she was indifferent to it. The sun struck her freckled skin, her brunette curls sprawled out on the ground where her head laid. Her entire body was completely relaxed as she sighed quietly in contentment.

As she laid there, she couldn't help but think of the events that had taken place between her and Canada only weeks ago. He and Alfred had attempted to stop talking to Shelby and Hope, because they knew that being friends with each other would only cause loads of grief in the future. But Shelby had talked to Matthew and made him realize how utterly stupid that sounded; to avoid someone that because you love them.

Hope personally thought it was sort of romantic, but it still hurt when she thought he hated her. The matter was eventually settled between the four of them, resulting in Matthew and Hope becoming even closer. It also resulted in Shelby finally confessing that she loves Alfred (something Hope thought had been gut-wrenchingly obvious), but now she was scarcely around, and when she was, she was far quieter than usual. Hope figured that she was just struggling with her own emotions, but America didn't seem to mind; he couldn't seem to stop smiling anymore.

Still, with the conflict settled and the boys back to normal, Hope had been feeling sort of solemn. She hated thinking about the fact that every day she grew older while Matthew was frozen in time, destined to fade only when his people did.

And that wasn't happening any time soon.

It was depressing to think about, so Hope often tried to push it to the back of her thoughts. But now the small whisper in her mind had turned into a loud, angry scream. She had no doubt she was in love with Matthew Williams, but it wasn't right. How could she live with herself, knowing that one day, she would be gone and he couldn't come with her?

Her train of thought was broken by the force of an heavy object crashing onto her chest. She gasped in shock, her eyes flying. She tried to move away but her arms were pinned underneath the mass of white fur pinning her to the ground.

... Mass of white fur.

"Kumajirou?" She breathed, blinking in confusion as she looked up at the polar bear. His face was completely relaxed and content, and in his jaws he held a copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with a note of paper on top of that. "What are you doing with that? Where's Mattie?"

The bear didn't answer her, although she hadn't really expected him to, being he was a bear of few words. Instead he lifted himself slowly off of Hope, allowing her to sit up as he set down the book at his paws and the note of paper in Hope's lap. Confused, she unfolded the paper which was inscribed with Canada's handwriting.

Dear Hope,

I know sometimes when we're face to face I have trouble saying what's on my mind or expressing my emotions. It's frustrating because really, I have so much to say.

Specifically, I have a lot to say to you. But since I can't seem to ever speak without getting flustered or nervous, I figured it might be a better idea to show you, rather than tell you, what's on my mind.

I sent Kumajiki with this letter and your favorite book because we're gonna play another game of hide and seek. But this time, you have clues on where to find me.

Here's your first clue: turn to page 723

- Matthew

Hope smiled slightly as she set down the letter and grasped the book, flipping it to the directed page. There was another note folded within the book. When the note was removed, she could see a quote had been circled on the tanned paper.

"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided."

Hope's cheeks flushed as she set the book down and opened the note.

Clue #2: Over the last few weeks, I've realized how that this quote rings true. But I think the first moment that I realized how much we relied on each other was at the place where the ground is slick and the air is crisp with a constant winter. There, I believe we literally fell for each other, and there is your next clue.

Hope chuckled, folding the note and placing it in her pocket. "He has such a way with his words when he doesn't have to say them, eh?" She inquired to Kumajirou. She studied the paper, reading over the clue and trying to make sense of it.

"Where the ground is slick, the air is cold all the time, and it's where we fell for each other... literally..." She muttered, before her eyes flashed in realization. "The ice rink!" She looked down at the silent polar bear. "Right?"

He just stared at her, and blinked once. "I'll just take that as a yes, then."

~~~~~

Hope entered the ice rink, stuffing her hands in her jacket she had snatched before coming here. A figure was skating on the ice, but Hope could tell by the way he sped around and tore the icethat it wasn't Matthew. It was America, and as Hope reached the wall of the rink he spotted her and flashed an excited smile, before skating towards her.

"Hey, I've been waiting for you, dude!" He exclaimed, stopping and leaning on the wall towards her. "It feels like I've been skating forever." He groaned in exasperation.

Hope raised a brow. "I thought you didn't like to skate?" She teased.

"I don't. I'm just here for Mattie. Shelby was supposed to be the one skating, but she refused to get on the ice, so Matt switched her and me." America rambled, "Skating's not too bad I guess. I'd feel a lot better if I was playing hockey instead of just skating aimlessly though. It's kinda boring."

"Speaking of Shelby, how are things between you? Has she spoken to you at all yet?" Hope questioned hopefully.

"Not a word. BUT she did nod 'yes' when I asked her if school was getting better. So, we're getting there." He explained happily. "But we're not here to talk about that, because you're here for this!" He shoved a piece of paper in Hope's face, causing her to stumble backwards slightly.

She grabbed it from Alfred's hand, sending him an irritated glare before she looked down at the note and read it aloud. "Clue #3: Winter, ice, snow- they go hand in hand and truly make everything they touch beautiful. But beauty can also be found in warmer temperatures and is accompanied by the smell of blooming flowers. One spring, I remember walking with you in a park, watching the water in the river flow while we people watched and admired the scenery. There, I told you I'm not just Matthew Williams, but I am Canada. At that park, you'll find your next clue."

Hope felt her face and chest heat up as she read the note and when she finished, she looked up at Alfred, a gentle, knowing smile donning her face.

"Assiniboine Park."

~~~~~

Hope walked through the park, following the pathway as she read over her clue. She was 100% sure that this is where Canada meant for her to go, but she was confused on where he was supposed to be, or who else might be waiting for her.

"Um, excuse me? Hope? I am over here." A soft voice called from her left, and Hope glanced over curiously. Standing a bit off the path, with a bouquet of white roses, was Japan. He offered a small smile which Hope returned excitedly, hurrying over to the shorter nation.

"Hey, Japan!" She greeted happily, eyeing the flowers. "What're you doing over here?"

"I am here to help Mr. Canada with a very special endeavor." Japan explained. "My job is to give you these special roses. Please, allow me to present them to you as he has instructed."

With that Japan plucked one of the roses from the bouquet, handing it to the awed-Canadian. "Each rose represents one piece of Canada. This one stands for Alberta." He explained, passing the rose to Hope. "This one stands for British Columbia." Again, the rose is handed to Hope.

"This one represents New Brunswick."

"Newfoundland and Labrador."

"Northwest Territories."

"Nova Scotia."

"Nunavut."

"Ontario."

"Prince Edward Island."

"Quebec."

"Saskatchewan."

"And Yukon."

With each providence and territory named off, Hope was handed one rose. Eventually, only one rose remained, but this one was different. The petals weren't white like the first dozen, but a deep red. And it's blossom was larger, in full bloom. Kiku held it up, examining the rose by twirling the stem with his fingers delicately.

"This rose is not like the others. It represents the heart of Canada. The providence of Manitoba." He explained gently. "It makes the country whole, it let's the country thrive. In this way, the country and the person are one in the same. Canada needs Manitoba as Matthew needs you. You are his heart, his Manitoba." Kiku smiled, before passing the rose to Hope, along with another note.

Joyful tears pricked at Hope's eyes as she opened the next note.

Clue #4: As Japan explained, you are what keeps me whole, what makes me feel complete. You are far different than any of my other citizens, and I think the place I first realized how special you really were was when we first met. Go to the place of our first encounter; a treat and your next clue will be waiting for you there.

~~~~~

Hope stood in the Polo Park Mall, outside the entrance of the Starbucks. Part of her hoped Matthew would be waiting for her inside, but the last note had said a clue was waiting here, not him. The Canadian was curious to see which of her friends would be in there waiting for her.

She walked through the entrance feeling slightly worried that people would stare at her and the baker's dozen of roses cradled in her arms, but the teen was delighted to find that it wasn't horribly busy. Most Winnipeg residents were out enjoying the sunshine rather than shopping in the mall. She glanced over to the tables, and saw a familiar face in one of the seats. She smiled brightly and hurried over to her friend.

"Hi, Shelby! It's been a while." She greeted, sliding into a chair and setting the roses on the table.

Shelby returned Hope's smile with a smaller one. "Yeah, I've missed you guys." She admitted. "But we're not talking about that right now. I have couple things for you."

With that, she slid over a vanilla bean Frappuccino as well as a note containing her next clue. Quickly, Hope unravelled it, eager to find Matthew rather than enjoy the tasty drink.

Clue #5: I remember when you first asked to sit down at my table here. You actually noticed me, something everyone seems to have a hard time doing; even my family forgets me on occasion. But not you. From the moment you sat at this table, you've always seen me. Right there, right then, I knew you were far different and far more important than you let on.

You're definitely something special. This was something I realized here, but also in a field filled with yellow flowers and friendship. I saw there a kind, understanding heart that wasn't stained with prejudice and suspicion like the rest of us. There, you'll find your final clue.

Hope's eyes flashed with joy as she looked up at Shelby, who had been watching the Canadian read patiently. "He's talking about the field where we had the picnic, isn't he?" She inquired, her voice rather complacent as she thought about that blissful day.

"You're pretty smart." Shelby stated, answering Hope's question indirectly. "Better hurry. Matthew's probably getting antsy.

~~~~~

Hope trekked up the hill, the sun kissing her skin and making her feel at peace as she reached the crest. It was nice to have a cold drink in the warm weather, but it was difficult carrying both the roses and the drink. Hopefully, she wouldn't be receiving any more gifts.

"Friend Hope! You have made it!" A gentle voice called from a bit away, and Hope's eyes widened with surprise as she looked over to the field of green, soft grass that harbored a sea of pretty yellow flowers. Standing in the meadow was Ivan dressed in a sweater vest with a long sleeve with white shirt underneath and light brown khakis. His outfit was slightly more appropriate for the warmer weather than his usual attire, save for the fact that his pale pink scarf was still wrapped under his neck and billowed out behind him. He smiled, his violet eyes crinkled with anticipation of seeing his friend as he opened his arms.

Instantly Hope ran forward and collided with the large country, wrapping her arms around his chest as his much larger arms enveloped her in a warm hug. "Ivan! I'm so glad you're here!" She greeted, releasing him from her hold as he did the same for her.

"Am glad to be here as well! I give gift to you, da? Canada told me to, but I would have done it anyways." He stated, before he pulled a beautiful wreath of flowers out of his vest pocket. "Most are flowers from this field, but I put daisies and forget-me-nots because the colors looked pretty."

Hope blushed slightly as Ivan placed the flower crown on her head. "Is perfect! You look so beautiful. Canada is very lucky." He stated as he brushed one of her stray curls back into place.

Hope smiled. "Thank you, Ivan. It's beautiful." She sighed happily, reaching up and adjusting it on her head.

"I have one more gift. Is final clue to find friend Canada." Russia stated before pulling out a piece of paper from the same pocket and handing it to Hope. She took it eagerly, her hands shaking slightly.

Clue #6: When you took us on a picnic with Russia, I think you made all of us... well, most of us, realize how closed-minded we were towards Ivan. Something about you made him very calm, very kind, and very easy to be around. Because of this, the flowers on your head not only represent how beautiful you are on the outside, but how beautiful you are on the inside as well.

Cheesy, eh? Sorry, but it's true.

Anyways, I think I sent you on a long enough search. I'll be waiting for you in a room filled with maple leaves and your friends. 'Til then~

- Matthew

Hope looked up from the note at Ivan, lifting a brow. "Is he talking about his house?"

"Da. He said that after everything was done with, it would be very nice to relax to a fire and look up to the stars." Russia explained, taking Hope's hand. "Let us go together."

The walk from the meadow to Canada's house wasn't all that long. Hope walked with Russia, watching as the sun slowly began to graze the horizon. She had been at this scavenger hunt all day and hadn't realized how badly her thighs and calves were burning. She had only been able to think about seeing Matthew.

After around 10 minutes, they reached the country's house. Ivan turned the doorknob and pushed the door opened for Hope, allowing her to step in first.

She covered her mouth in shock at the sight before her eyes, a small smile pulling at the corner of her lips. In the center of the living, shaking like a maple sapling in a thunderstorm, was Matthew, his cheek beet red and his lips turned in a nervous smile. Leading to him from the doorway was a trail of white and red rose petals. Kumajirou rolled around in his own personal pile to the right of Canada. Next to the polar bear was Shelby and Kiku. On the other side of Matthew stood his brother, and Ivan took a spot next to him as he entered the room.

"Mattie..." Hope whispered, taking a step forward and setting her drink and flowers on a nearby corner table. "How did you come up with all of this?"

"I-I-I, uh, I just sorta- I've been planning it since, um, a while." He stuttered, before swallowing nervously.

Hope giggled slightly, walking towards him. "I can tell. It was very fun, Matthew. All those notes were so flattering. And the flowers were gorgeous." She stated, before she stopped about a foot away from him. "So, what's up?"

He seemed to be shaking even more now and she could even see a few beads of sweat forming on his pale skin. "I've been- I've been really, really, um, thinking about you- er, about us, kinda, for the last few weeks and- and-"

"Dude, you like a broken record." Alfred stated bluntly.

Hope glanced over at America, a pointed look already in her eyes and a scolding sentence prepared on her lips when suddenly Matthew grabbed her arms. He pulled her gently, but swiftly, into his chest. He then pressed Hope's jaw up gently and tilted his head. Their lips connected in a soft kiss and for several moments they stayed frozen that way.

Finally, Shelby shifted uncomfortably. "Should I leave, or..?" She muttered to Japan.

"No, stay. They are not doing this on purpose. This is just what happens when you are in love." Japan explained quietly with small smile. Shelby seemed to grimace at the thought but said nothing else.

Finally, the kiss broke and Canada brought his hands up and caressed Hope's face gently. "I love you." He said quietly. "And I want you to be mine. I want you to be my girlfriend. Will you?" He inquired, his violet eyes searching her multicolored irises.

At first, Hope was doubtful; just this morning, she had been thinking about how she was aging and Matthew was stuck in time. Could she really do this? Could she really take this next step... with an immortal being? But slowly a bright smile spread across her lips and she laid her head on his chest. "Of course I'll be your girlfriend, Mattie." She whispered.

"YEEEEAAAAH BUDDY! Canada, I can't believe you actually had the balls to ask her!" America yelled, tackling Canada in a hug. Hope backed away, giggling in amusement as Alfred aggressively ruffled Matthew's hair. When Alfred was finished the boisterous country laughed, giving his younger brother a playful punch on the arm. "Seriously bro, I am proud of you. That takes guts."

"I agree. That very was brave, especially considering the consequences of when Mr. Britain and France find out." Japan stated quietly.

All four countries fell silent as they glanced back over to Hope, who was currently squealing with joy to Shelby, who was awkwardly congratulating her.

"Arthur and Francis cannot find out about Hope." Matthew whispered in horror.

"Or Shelby." America added, his voice serious for once. "As soon as those two find out, this little group is done for. They won't like that we're hanging around humans, especially if Mattie's dating one."

"So, we keep our friendship with them a secret?" Japan suggested.

"Not just their friendship. We can't even speak about them. No one can know about them." Matthew urged.

"I agree." Russia muttered. His face was dead serious- almost haunting. "I will not allow any other country to hurt Hope or keep me from her friendship."

"It is agreed then." Japan muttered, the others nodded solemnly.