Finding Love (China x Female Reader x Japan)

Sweet as Maple

The next afternoon...

I was standing by the window, looking out. The birds flew around the sky, happily chirping. The clouds floated overhead and casted long shadows over the garden. The flowers bloomed gracefully everywhere. It was the perfect day.

I smiled and closed my eyes as a gentle breeze blew my hair lightly.

Everything was so peaceful. So silent. So calm. So‐ "(Y/NNN)!!"

I opened my eyes in surprise. I heard the door slam open and turned back.

Alfred stood there, panting. "(Y/n)...I need...your help..." he said in between his short breaths.

"Alfred, what's wrong?" I hurried up to him.
"It's...Canada..."
"Huh?"

Matthew? Did something happen to him?

"Alfred, please tell me what happened," I said to him softly.

He took in a deep breath then looked at me. His brows furrowed and his eyes started watering.

"Alf‐"

He took me by surprise as he wrapped his arms around me and started crying.

"A‐Alfred? Is everything okay? Is Matthew alright?"

Many questions came into my head. Some worrying thoughts even crept on my mind. I hoped that it wasn't something bad.

"C‐Canada...he...ISN'T TALKING TO ME!!!" Alfred cried louder.

Wait, what?

"What do you mean he isn't talking to you, Alfred?" I asked him.

The blonde let go of me and stood there, crying and sniffing. "He said...he won't talk to me again..."

"But why?"

"It's...because...I accidentally broke his jar of maple syrup!!" he cried out.

I blinked.

So, they fought over a jar of maple syrup? I tried to suppress my laughter but I couldn't help it. I let out a giggle.

"Dudette, this isn't funny!" The American said, still sobbing.

I stopped laughing and smiled. "Alfred, this is normal siblings' bickering. Don't worry, he'll come and talk to you."

"You don't understand, (Y/n)! Canada's maple syrup is precious to him! He won't forgive you if you mess with it even a bit!" he wailed.

Now that seemed concerning. If it's that precious to Matthew, then he must be mad about it right now...

Suddenly, an idea struck my mind.

"How about you give him an apology gift?" I suggested.

Alfred wiped the tears from his eyes. "What apology gift?"

"You know, something that Matthew likes. As an apology you can give it to him!"
"Will it work?"
"I'm sure of it!"

A ray of hope crossed Alfred's face as he put on a big smile.

"Thanks a lot, dudette! I knew I could count on you for help!" he grinned.
"It's my pleasure!" I smiled.

"But what should we get him?" Alfred wondered aloud.

I thought of it as well. "What does Matthew like anyways?"

"Oh you know, all Canada stuff. Like hockey, pancakes, snow skating and all. Oh! And his polar bear too."

"How about a new hockey stick?" I asked.
"Nah, he has many of those."
"Then another jar of maple syrup?"
"He has a whole shelf full of it," he replied.

"Hmm..." I thought hard. There must be something we can get him. Something from the heart. Something like...

"I know!" I cried out as another idea hit me.
Alfred almost jumped in surprise.

"Alfred, you should give him something you made yourself. Something like a pancake!"

Alfred stared at me. "W‐Will that do?"
"Yes, definitely!" I said, smiling.

However, the blonde man looked away hesitantly.

"I don't know how to make pancakes," he said in embarrassment.

I giggled. "Don't worry. I'll help you with it."

"Really, dudette?!"
I nodded.
"Thanks a lot!!"

In the kitchen, I showed Alfred how to make pancakes. I must say, he's not that bad in cooking. He quite skillfully blended the batter and poured it into the frying pan. As both sides got cooked, he served the pancakes on a plate.

"This looks good, Alfred!" I exclaimed.

He grinned. "I did the best I can!"

Taking the pancakes with us, we headed to search for Matthew. It didn't take us long. He was in the living room with his polar bear, looking downheartened.

"Canada!" Alfred called as he saw his brother.

Matthew looked at our direction. "America?"

Alfred went up to his brother and hugged him. "Canada! I'm so sorry for what I did earlier!! Please forgive me!!"

"America..."

"Matthew, Alfred made pancakes for you as an apology," I told him.
"E‐Eh? Really?" he looked dumbfounded.

I put the pancakes on the table and showed it to the Canadian.

"See?"

He looked at it in disbelief. Even his pet bear looked at it in awe. Then he smiled and turned to his brother.

"I'm sorry, America. I knew it was an accident yet I got angry at you. Please forgive me too," Matthew apologized as well.

"No problem, bro!"

I smiled on seeing the two brothers coming on good terms again.

"So, Matthew. Come and taste it," I said, pointing at the pancakes.

"I will. But it's missing one thing," he said as he went out of the room.

Alfred and I stood there, confused where he went off to. Then he came back with something in his hand. A bottle of maple syrup.

We smiled.

Matthew poured some syrup on the pancakes and took a bite. He then took a piece and fed it to his white polar bear.

"Who are you?" It asked.
"Eh, I am Canada," Matthew replied as he fed his pet.

"So, how is it?" Alfred asked.

Matthew turned to him. "You know what I'd say? As sweet as maple."