Chapter Text
While growing up in elementary and middle school, Canada was constantly overshadowed by his brother’s loud and bold personality. America played football, was constantly surrounded by friends, and had a very extroverted personality as a contrast to Canada. As the two brothers got into high school, this trait carried on and Canada was often seen as invisible by the other countries or he was mistaken for his brother due to their similar appearances. Even England would occasionally mix Canada up with America.
Since America and Canada looked so similar to each other; both having fair skin and blonde hair, other countries that America had issues with would often beat up Canada or bully him, and due to Canada’s timorous nature, he was a much easier target than America. But when others weren’t mistaking him for America, they would straight up see through him as if he was invisible.
Canada would try to speak to his brother about the issue, but America paid no attention to it, and it was quite obvious that America did not care that Canada was constantly being mixed up with himself. America had quite a short attention span, so if he did end up trying to help his brother, he would most likely get distracted or just end up making it worse. By this time, Canada had given up on trying to talk to his brother about it, and claimed he was fine being forgotten.
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The first day of Canada’s senior year was approaching, and he was quite anxious. He thought that maybe this year he should try to stick and make people notice him, but the thought of accidentally embarrassing himself or doing something far worse overcame that idea quickly. He laid in his bed, staring up at the ceiling for a long moment, pondering what he should do with his final year of high school. It was supposed to be a memorable year, right?
Finally, he decided that he needed to get out of bed or he’d end up being late on his first day back. Canada pulled the blanket off of him and stood up, a bit cold as he was only wearing a tank top and his boxers. He walked over to his dresser and pulled out a simple white T-shirt and jeans, not too flashy and not too simple. His wardrobe consisted mostly of the same style of clothing, America would tease Canada about it, but Canada didn’t feel self conscious about it. It just means I can stick to a simple style, he would always tell himself.
After he got dressed he walked to the bathroom, where America was currently styling his hair. The American was running a comb through his messy blonde hair, trying to fix his cowlicks when he saw Canada walk in, “Morning Matt! Are you wearing those same plain outfits?” America chuckled, turning back towards the mirror. His palm gripped the sink tightly as he leaned over to get closer to the mirror.
Canada let out a tired yawn, “It’s just a shirt and jeans, what's so bad about that? And move over. I need to brush my teeth.” Canada answered. America was the only person Canada had ever been sassy towards, except for England occasionally. He didn’t feel guilty when he was rude towards America since America had always treated the Canadian rudely.
America stepped to the side, giving Canada barely any room to brush his teeth. The Canadian gritted his teeth and grabbed his tooth brush before squeezing the remaining toothpaste onto the bristles. He gripped the handle within his palm and lifted the brush up to his teeth, brushing them thoroughly. He wanted to make a good impression on those who noticed him on the first day after all.
After two minutes passed, Canada spit into the sink and twisted the faucet on. He cupped his hands tightly and filled the space with water, he tilted his head down to his palms and drank the water, rinsing the remaining toothpaste from his mouth before spitting that out as well. He put his toothbrush back into a cup and dried his hands off on a light blue rag hanging on a rack next to the sink. America was still fixing his hair, wanting to make it perfect for any girls who may talk to him.
The Canadian walked out of the bathroom and down the hallway before reaching the kitchen. He approached the cabinet and grabbed a box of cereal out of the cabinet, he set it down on the counter, then opened the fridge, the cool air pouring out onto him as he reached for the milk. He shut the door and grabbed two bowls, one for him, and one for America. He poured both of them a bowl of cereal, purposely giving himself more than America just for spite. He returned the milk and the cereal before then grabbing a spoon from the drawer for himself. He grabbed the bowl and sat down at the dining table, stirring the crunchy food with the milk. After a moment of stirring he finally took a bite, the cool milk tasting odd in his mouth after just brushing his teeth with the minty toothpaste.
Canada had almost finished his bowl when America finally walked out, he was wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a zip up. Canada never understood why America would judge what he wore if the American would practically wear the same thing. “Oh thanks for making me a bowl dude!” America called out from the kitchen, the sound of a drawer opening and shutting following after his words.
America walked over and sat across from Canada at the table, wasting no time to devour his bowl of cereal. Canada had once teased his brother, saying that he ate like a pregnant woman during the apocalypse. America had gotten mad fast and began to cry and snitched on Canada to England..he thought he did atleast. He never knew if America actually did since nothing happened. “You’re welcome.” Canada finally answered, he stood up and dumped his bowl in the sink before then returning to his room to begin packing his backpack.
He slid his text books and notebooks in, along with a pack of pencils, a highlighter, and a pen. Canada enjoyed being prepared because he didn’t want to cause a scene by asking somebody for supplies. Finally, he was ready for school. He grabbed his bag and tossed it over his left shoulder before walking towards the front door. He was about to walk out when he realized he had forgotten his keys and wallet, quickly he rushed back into his bedroom to grab both before rushing out the front door.
He and America, along with many other countries, went to a private, rich high school. It had many absurd requirements, one of which being that students were not permitted to live outside of a dormitory during the school year. Canada found that rule extremely odd, but didn’t mind it too much since it meant it was practically impossible for him to be late since the dorms were located in the right wing of the school.
Canada finally reached his first class after a bit of walking, not many students were there yet. He looked up at the board and looked for where he was supposed to sit, he noticed that his name was not up there after rereading the seating chart several times. He was positive this was his first class, it said so on his schedule after all. He thought for a moment whether or not he should ask his teacher where he was supposed to sit. Finally, he decided to ask, it wouldn’t hurt that much afterall. “Um, excuse me, where am I supposed to sit? My name’s not on the seating chart..” He asked, his voice quiet and careful.
The teacher looked up from their computer, clearly annoyed that they had to get up so early today, “What’s your name?” They asked in a monotone voice.
“Mathew Williams..”
“Hm..” The teacher looked at his sheet intensely before laughing to himself, “I must’ve missed you, sorry. You sit in that back corner over there.” The teacher pointed to the back corner where a table sat, although it was surrounded by two other tables, it still felt isolated. And he felt as if he would be spending the year sitting by himself.
“Oh okay, thank you sir..” Canada replied before walking to his table. He sat his bag down in the corner and pulled out his English text book. His English block was unfortunately two blocks long, as for the other three core subjects. He looked to his right at the seat next to him. He hoped that since the seating arrangement consisted of two people sitting at each table, maybe someone would end up being sat next to him who could even become his friend.
Canada watched as students began to fill in the seats, none of which filling the seat next to his yet. After a while, he eventually just zoned out and daydreamed about random things such as hockey. He didn’t notice when a student finally sat down next to him, Canada continued to stare out the window, his blonde hair having a beautiful glow from the early morning sunlight. When he finally turned to look again, he was surprised to see a student sitting there. He had very light blonde hair that was messy, and reddish-pink eyes. The albino student was wearing a black tank top and baggy jeans, and like any other student, seemed not to pay any mind to Canada. The Canadian didn’t recognize this student, he had never seen him throughout his high school years, and although most of the countries didn’t know him, he knew them. It didn’t take long for Canada to figure out he was a new student.
The Canadian continued to stare at the Albino, he had a sharp jaw line and seemed quite muscular. His nose was straight and suited his face perfectly. As Canada continued to stare he realized that this student looked quite similar to Germany, except this student was albino, and not quite as muscular or tall. Canada didn’t even realize how long he had been staring at the new student until the Albino turned around and saw Canada.
“I get I’m amazing and everything, but you’ve been staring for so long.” He smirked, propping his elbow on the table. Canada hadn't expected for the albino to notice him, let alone talk to him.
Another thing Canada had expected about the new kid to have a German accent, at this point, the Canadian was sure that this new kid had to be related to Ludwig. “Oh sorry…I just haven’t seen you around, that’s all.” Canada answered, his voice barely audible with the various conversations in the classroom overlapping his voice.
The albino grinned and leaned back, “Well makes sense that anyone would be curious about me, the awesome Gilbert.” He boasted, puffing his chest out with a cocky attitude.
Canada had much inexperience talking to people, the albino reminded him of his brother America, but much more smug. Canada had never met anyone like his brother though, so he had no clue on how to treat them, or most people in general. “Oh well it’s nice to meet you..I’m Mathew.”
The albino furrowed his brow, slightly annoyed with how quiet Canada was compared to the people he was used to, “You’re so…quiet, why don’t you speak up.” He asked, his voice having a harsh tone to its edges that made Canada feel smaller than usual.
“Sorry..” Canada answered, he was not used to someone talking to him for so long willingly or without thinking he was America. “So are you from Germany?” He asks.
“Germany?!” The albino scoffed, “I’m Prussian, so technically kinda i suppose. My brother on the other hand, he’s from Germany but that’s because he’s not as great as I am.”
Canada nodded along, he felt happy to have a conversation with someone. Despite him being introverted, he loved talking to people and wished that more people noticed him like they notice America. “Who’s your brother?” He asks.
“Ludwig.” Prussia answered. Canada had expected that, he just wanted to be sure. Canada studied the way the early morning light hit Prussia’s white hair, it looked beautiful in that lighting. Canada felt small compared to Prussia, he usually felt small compared to others since he was always ignored, but the feeling was different this time. He felt a lingering sense of charmolypi, a small smile creased his lips.
“It’s nice to meet you Gilbert..” he said, Canada hoped that he and Prussia would become friends, but he knew he’d be easily forgotten the second Prussia began talking to other students. Especially with his arrogant and cocky personality, there was no way the albino would willingly continue talking to Canada.
“Its always nice to meet the awesome me!” He bragged, leaning further back in his seat, a large grin on his fair skin. Canada smiled back softly, his gaze meeting Prussia’s arrogance.
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