An Irregular Heartbeat // Countryhumans AU

Day Four

Canada walked onto the bus heading towards Lydia, the town America's hospital was by. This bus was on the only route that actually dropped people off in that town, which was surprising to Canada at first. It wasn't as surprising now. Canada had been looking out the window only to see small towns separated by what seemed to be miles upon miles of forest. No wonder this was the only bus route heading towards the town- this area is so sparsely populated. Apparently, there were some bigger towns west of here, but there weren't any big cities other than Pangea, which was honestly farther away than what it looks.

Canada would've driven here, but he didn't legally have his license yet. In fact, he would get his license in a month. Canada frowned. If he didn't find America quickly, America may not even be alive to see that day come. Canada felt tears once again prick at his eyes and quickly wiped them away. He had to stay strong. If he didn't, who would?

If Canada found America, he just knew they could find a heart in four weeks. It was plenty of time! They had always worked things out before, they would do the same now. That is, if America was actually there with them. But every day America is out messing around is a day lost trying to get him a heart.

Before Canada knew it, he arrived at the town. Canada hopped off of the bus, making sure to thank the bus driver. His mom taught him manners for a reason, and Canada will use them. Canada looked around at Lydia. It was surrounded by a very large forest (part of it having been turned into small nature trails); however, there was an opening in the forest eastward that showed the sparkling sea. According to what Canada knew, Lydia was located on a peninsula, so the larger, westward towns also had beaches. But even so, America must be here. He had to be. They didn't find him on Sunday, but just look at the forest, they obviously wouldn't check it fully, it's way too large. So, America must've been in the forest when the search team went out here.

Actually, is it possible that he could still be in the forest? Canada felt worry creep up on him. Not sure if you can already tell, but Canada often acted like the eldest sibling. He's always worrying over his siblings and is very protective of them, even America. He's been protective of them for as long as he could remember. Due to America's heart illness, Canada had to do all the brotherly things America couldn't do. Basically, Canada stood up to the role of "older" brother like a champ. Even now, he's much more mature than America. Not like America was ever mature in the first place. He's always acted childish for his age, even though you'd expect the opposite due to his heart.

Though Canada knows why he's so childish. Canada can understand. America was forced to grow up and learn the reality of his situation too soon. In a way, his childishness is only there because he didn't want to grow up, and he still doesn't. Canada could still vividly remember talking to his brother about it. It was the only time Canada had seen him so serious and... so, so sad.

~~-~~

America and Canada were playing pokemon trading cards. America always liked to play them because he always won against his brother. Canada would get really sour when he lost while America would jump up, childish declaring his victory and rubbing it in Canada's face. They were playing again and, as expected, America won. America jumped up from his hospital bed, already acting smug about his victory. There America went again, acting like a little kid who had finally won against someone older than them after years of losing over and over and over again. Canada had the strange urge to tackle him.

"How come you always act like a little kid?!" An annoyed fourteen-year-old Canada asked.

America looked down at Canada, who was laying down on America's hospital bed, exasperated and annoyed to no end. At this point, Canada still hadn't had his ridiculous growth spurt. America gave Canada a tight smile, his smug smile and victory dance gone in seconds. Now that got Canada's attention. His brother never looked so... serious. It kind of scared Canada. America opened his mouth to speak, "I guess... I don't wanna grow up."