Chapter Text
“Alright dudes, everyone quiet, I have something to say!”
Alfred’s voice broke through the discussion in the conference room and the other countries there quieted down, with some exasperated noises from both Arthur and Ludwig- the former was just annoyed at Alfred, but the latter was supposed to be running the meeting.
“So… I had this completely wicked cool idea, my boss told me-”
Matthew inhales sharply through his nose and sinks into his chair, clutching his bear to his chest tighter. He knew what was coming.
“That since I already totally protect Canada that it should just become part of America! It’s like- the best idea I’ve ever heard! Then there’s no chance he’ll be forgotten again!”
Only Alfred seemed to be blind to his boss’ bad decisions and bad morals, luckily the other countries mostly were unaffected thus far, and the ones who were were getting helped.
“America, sit down. This meeting is meant to be talking about important current events globally, not the ramblings of your wanker boss.”
Arthur crosses his arms, brows furrowed.
“Besides, Canada isn’t even at the meeting you git, how is he supposed to have input?”
Matthew goes red in the face, he should be used to being unnoticed, but this conversation is about him!
“E-excuse me I’m right here?”
“It is quite rude to talk about someone who’s listening, da?”
Ivan turns his chair to face the short canadian beside him.
“Matyusha has been here this whole time, but I noticed. I am good friend.”
Arthur looks flustered at being called out on his mistake.
“Russia! Country names only in the conference room!”
“Da, of course you choose to nitpick that..”
By now the whole conference room is lit up with chatter again, mostly Alfred and Ludwig fighting for control of the meeting as Matthew stands up to leave the room.
“No, Dude Germany I’m serious! Me and my bro would have like the best time!”
“Du bist echt dumm, America! Must we bring up all your boss’ other great ideas?”
The noise fades as Matthew steps out into the hall, sighing deeply.
“They don’t even notice I’m there…”
Kuma looks up at him dumbly.
“Who are you?”
“Ugh, I’m Canada! They just said it like 10 times!”
He sighs, petting Kuma’s head.
“Sorry.. Uh.. Tim-bear..”
He attempts, feeling a bit guilty at the outburst he’d had. He always did this, letting himself fade into the background then having the nerve to be upset about it-
“That isnt my name, eh!”
“Ah- S-sorry! Sorry..”
The apology-fest was interrupted by Ivan stepping out of the conference room, a small smile on the tall mans face.
“Matyusha, friend. Why are you out here instead of in meeting. They discuss you still, da? Shouldn’t you be there?”
“Oh, I-Ivan… sorry… just needed a breather.”
Matthew holds the squirming Kuma like an emotional support plushie, feeling rather nervous. The russian was quite intimidating despite the innocent expression, you never knew what the man was thinking.
“Is no need to apologize, Matyusha… you are doing that far too much, da? Apologizing for little nothing-issues. You used to be so wild too…”
Matthew is a bit shocked by this.
“Oh geez you remember that, eh? I swear I just needed to get it out of my system! I’m never usually that cruel, honest!”
Ivan tilts his head innocently, but is only serves to cast shadow further on his face, making him appear more menacing.
“Oh, I was quite impressed by how you manage to do such things and still be seen as small innocent creature. You were so young when you were violent, they blame it on immaturity I am hearing.”
The taller man steps closer, persistent.
“I wish I was fortunate enough to have your life, Matyusha. Even to be forgotten but not feared by family would bring me much pleasure-smile…”
Matthew nods, visibly nervous as he steps back.
“O-oh! Y-yeah i’m sure… I w-wouldnt mind getting noticed more either, even if it meant they saw me as bad...”
“You are seeing me as bad?”
The russians voice goes cold and Matthew would have peed himself if he hadnt gone before the meeting.
“N-no! Not what i meant! Y-you know, not bad just scary! I mean not scary but just uh… uh…”
“I am not scary, da? Am big lovable country. All who say otherwise will taste pipe.”
Matthew squeaks as he reaches behind him as if to pull out said pipe.
“I am just kidding! I did not bring weapon to conference meeting. You make hilarious face when scared though.”
Ivan seems to finally get that Matthew is uncomfortable, and steps back just a tad, eyes closed in a calm expression. Matthew wonders for a moment how such a serene looking man could possibly make him this fearful, he’s so childlike and yet seems like he’s on a reactive trigger anytime he’s around another country.
“Oh- oh yeah! Hahaha… I’m so funny… I mean YOU’RE so funny!”
Ivan claps Matthew on the shoulder, grinning larger again.
“Thank, Matyusha. Now, enough of sulking. If Alfred tries to do anything, I send nuclear bomb to his location. Then he will not because then earth will die.”
Matthew gulps and nods once, sighing in relief when Ivan finally goes back to the conference room. Matthew follows shortly after, moving loudly since people never noticed him anyways. He plops down in his chair. The discussion has moved to talk of a giant statue of a squid man being dropped into the ocean, and Alfred has been pacified by a mega jumbo chocolate milkshake.
Matthew wonders for a moment if his brother even brought lactaid to the meeting, but cant bring himself to care enough to ask. If his brother wants his help, he should darn well ask!
Things settle back into the usual as Matthew dwells on the hallway talk with Ivan, and that name the tall man called him. It makes him blush a little, thinking that someone not only noticed him, but seemingly cared. Even if that person was harder to read than a doctors handwriting.
His eyes drift to the other man, who’s smile increases slightly at his gaze, and the russian gives a tiny wave. Matthew finds himself smiling and giving the tiniest wave back.