School of Secrets {Countryhumans School AU}

Chapter Five: Just Desserts

A/N: Tribute to @CallMeCactipri, you were an inspiration to me, and you encouraged me to write this book. Live on in your words, and in our hearts, friend.

Canada's POV

'I hope Ame is okay...'

Thoughts of my brother swirled in my head. Sure, I knew he could take care of himself, but the way that, that, unkind person just knocked him out of the sky made me want to cry. I love my brother, he may be a little crazy and rude sometimes, but that doesn't change the fact that he's my brother, and I couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible for his literal downfall.

Tears came to my eyes, blurring my vision as I made my way to the mess hall. Ukraine noticed, and lagged behind the others to walk with me. She put her hand on my shoulder.

"Canada, are you alright?" She asked me sincerely, a worried expression on her face.

"I-I- No, not really..." I said, trying to hold back my tears.

"It's okay if you want to tell me about it," she directed me over to a bench. I sat down. "You're a sensitive guy, and I can tell somethings bothering you."

I looked out at the garden and courtyard in front of us. Pathways cut through the landscape, dividing up patches of flowers and trees. Even without directly using my powers, I could still faintly hear the flowers gossiping and offering me advice on how to woo 'the lady'. I blushed.

"Well, I just...somehow feel like...like Ame getting hurt was my fault..."

She looked up at me surprised. "How was it your fault?"

"If, if I had been able to get over my fear of Mr. BRUTE, then Ame wouldn't have snapped at him, and he wouldn't have to duel the teacher!"

"Oh Canada," She smiled at me reassuringly. "Ame would have found some way or another to get on Mr. BRUTE's bad side. It's not your fault, that's just the way he is!"

I smiled back. She patted my hand, then pulled me up. I ignored the fluttering of my heart.

"Now, let's go get some lunch! I think I smell pancakes! And where there's pancakes..."

I picked up where she left off, "There's syrup!!!"

She laughed and pulled me towards the mess hall. "That's right! Now let's go eat, Leaf-face!"

"Hey!!!"

I ran after her, my raccoon hat's tail flying out behind me. We laughed, and on an impulse, I turned around to see the bench.

Overshadowing it was a maple tree, surrounded with yellow, white, and blue poppies.

The same flowers that Ukraine had in her flower crown.

Timeskip to Lunch...

Ukraine was right, there were pancakes for lunch today. Ukraine was already at our table with our friends. I was just taking forever to arrange my tray of breakfast food to perfection. I slathered butter on my stack of 'cakes, and poured out a healthy serving of good ole' maple syrup on it all. The darkish honey-colored liquid oozed over my lunch. My eyes shining, I turned to head for the table. About three-quarters of the way there, I felt pressure on the front of one of my legs. I gasped and crashed to the ground, my tray of food spilling everywhere. Ukraine quickly dodged a flying syrup-covered pancake, and rushed over to help me up.