Chapter Text
If Matthew could get a dollar for every time he was late for a world meeting he would be pretty rich, well he is rich already due to being a personification and alive for centuries, but the point still stands. Luckily or actually unluckily today was not the gigantic whole-world world meeting, this is the Arctic Council meeting with Canada, the Nordics, America, and Russia. Matthew was mentally beating himself up in his head for having to practically run down the hallway, he was doing a weird fast-walk/jog but finally, he reached the door of the meeting room. Throwing the door open he saw everyone already in their seats and he then sheepishly slinked to his designated chair. America and Russia both sat at opposite ends of the rectangular table and were obviously glaring at one another. Finland and Sweden were to the left of where Canada sat who was beside America. Norway was across from Canada.
The meeting had already begun and the group was discussing how to help global warming. Of course, America’s suggestion was quite stupid and Canada felt like either smacking him or smacking himself. Yeah, this was the reason why Matthew was always late, almost before every meeting Canada would go back and forth on whether or not to go to the meeting or skip it. Ninety-five percent of the time he would end up going to the meeting and ending up late, he’d always feel a bit guilty for skipping the meeting because what if the one time he skips a meeting something actually productive happens.
Russia made a quip at America and an argument began between the two. That occurred for a few minutes until Denmark interrupted them to bring those two back to the topic. Every country gave their ideas around the table, and Canada’s turn was coming up and he felt dread in the pit of his stomach. He was probably going to be skipped. As Finland wrapped up his speech Matthew saw from the corner of his eye that America straightened up in his seat and Matthew groaned. America quickly interrupted Canada before he could open his mouth.
But surprisingly before America could ramble everyone’s heads off Norway interrupted, “America, Canada is trying to talk.” Everyone else went silent and confused and looked around, “Who?” Denmark and America said at the same time. Sighing, Norway pointed at Canada and everyone turned to look at him. Matthew looked like a deer in headlights. There was silence around the table for a couple of beats until America began to laugh, “Sorry dude! I totally didn’t see you there!” Matthew sheepishly smiled, his heart was soaring though as he rarely got to speak during meetings. Matthew explained his idea, which in his humble opinion thought was very good. After Canada’s turn to speak, Denmark brought up just some general questions and stuff for everyone about improvements each countries trying to make, blah, blah, blah. By the end of the meeting, Matthew was still feeling pretty buzzed from getting to talk, to share his ideas for once and for being noticed. As everyone began to pack up and leave for the day, America heavily placed a hand on Canada’s shoulder, “Dude! You really need to learn to speak up!” And once again before he could respond America completely disregarded him and Matthew found himself just staring at America as he left.
“Do you have to deal with that all the time?” Matthew jumped at the voice and quickly looked to see Norway was still in the room and looking at him! "Yeah,” Canada said defeatedly rubbing the back of his neck. The room fell into silence and Canada shifted his weight from foot to foot. " Also, I uh, wanted to tell you thank you! I really appreciate what you did.”
Norway’s blank expression back did nothing to ease the anxiety and awkwardness that was beginning to worm its way up Canada’s body.
“I did what anyone should have done.”
“Well, I appreciate it anyway,” Canada said smiling at Norway and beginning to make his way out of the room. As Canada began to walk down the hallway, Norway grabbed his hand.
“Will you wait a second?”
Befuddled, Matthew paused and turned around looking down at Norway who still remained holding his hand. “Is something the matter?” He questioned, tilting his head slightly.
“Where’s the bear?”
“Mr. Kumapotato?” Canada chuckled, “I left him at home since I was running late.”
“I rarely see you without him,” Norway plainly stated and Canada felt a tad bit sheepish.
“Well, usually I’m not as late as I was today.”
The pair fell into silence and Matthew shuffled his feet, “Can you let me go please?”
Norway let go of his hand and Matthew’s arm fell stiffly down to his side. “Well, I hope you have a pleasant day Mr. Norway,” Canada said quickly nodding at him before walking away. He had no clue what all that was about! That had been a bit odd, no one talked to him, should he have stayed longer and talked? But, Kumajiro was home alone and hungry.
The interaction with Norway replayed in Matthew’s head for the next few days and weeks, and wishing he hadn’t been as socially awkward. He probably had seemed like a total weirdo to Norway! Thanking Norway for “what anyone should have done”. Does Norway think people should pay more attention to Canada? Does he notice Canada or was that just a total fluke?
A few weeks later Canada would figure out whether or not Norway’s interaction was a fluke at the next world meeting. This time Canada was slightly early, ten minutes early! Honestly, he should get an award for this! He scanned the table looking for his nation’s little name plate, some days it would be there, some days it wouldn’t, and frequently there wouldn’t even be a seat for him. Canadia was on a little piece of paper unlike every other nation’s metal plate, the word quickly scratched on as it was barely legible. He was sat beside Russia and Norway which was a tad bit odd. He rarely was by these two, will Norway, occasionally he’d be by Russia or underneath him when Russia sat on him. From his observations Finland was usually the one sitting where Canada was. Canada shrugged it off, the country hosting this must’ve gotten them confused or felt like switching things up.
Russia didn't even glance his way but Canada swore that Norway’s eyes darted his way. The meeting began and Matthew took semi-diligent notes; his notebook was lined with bullet points but little doodles in the corners as well - maple leaves, hockey sticks and rough hockey player sketches, snowflakes, and polar bears. His notes at the beginning were immaculate but immortal beings love to talk.
“Hungry,” Kumajiff said, finally waking up after having promptly fallen asleep on Canada’s lap. Kuma had woken up around two hours in.
“What do you want?” Canada asked his companion.
“What do you think I want, ya hoser.” Mr. Kumajosh’s voice was laced in sarcasm which was a bit disconcerting considering his voice sounded like that of a child.
“Fish?” Matthew said, sighing and accepting his fate.
“Yes." Kumajohn quickly jumped off his lap and began to walk out of the room. Canada scrambled to get out of his chair and follow the polar bear and grabbed his briefcase.
Kumajiro tapped his foot, as he stood in the hallway looking at Canada. Canada stood in front of Kuma and dug through his briefcase.
“Here it is!” Canada announced victorious! He held up a plastic container that was inside a plastic bag.
“Did you really need to have it so protected?” Kumama asked.
“Do you know how much your fresh salmon smells? I don't want all my papers and briefcase to smell!”
The bear did not care and quickly reached for the container, jumping up and down but he was too short. Matthew held the container up higher, “What do we say?” His tone light and airy.
“Give it to me and I won't eat you in your sleep.” Kumafloof said hangrily.
Canada’s deadpan stare was not the response Kumalol had wanted.
“Please,” The bear whined and Canada beamed before tossing it to his bear companion.
“Is it always like this between you two?” Norway asked making his presence known and Canada nearly had a heart attack. He gasped and put a hand on his chest like a dramatic Victorian lady.
“How long have you been there?" Canada asked his face turning a light pink, how embarrassing he thought.
“The whole time.”
That had not been what Canada was hoping Norway would say yet at the same time Canada was a little happy, Norway had been watching him, even though he had been doing something embarrassing. He doubted anyone else would’ve watched him especially as he does something practically useless.
Norway took a step closer to Matthew, “Do you have any more so that I could feed him?”
“I wouldn’t recommend it,” Matthew shrugged, “He’s bitten off fingers before.”
“Has he bitten off your fingers?” Norway questioned.
“Just the fingertips.”
The two watched Kumacho chow down on the salmon in silence. Canada felt like he should say something, continue the conversation, and continue talking, he always wants to talk with others, and yet when he does have a conversation he’s awkward and doesn’t know what to say.
“Let’s ditch the meeting,” Norway stated breaking the silence and turning to Canada, Norway’s indigo eyes locking onto Canada’s.
“Don’t you need to be there?” Canada questioned.
“No, nothing important happens.”
Canada couldn’t disagree with that and agreed to go along with Norway, Kumachow trailing slowly behind them, as Norway led them to a diner. Canada looked around the diner, not recognizing the location but then again he wasn’t in this city often.
“This diner was set up in the 50s by Norwegian immigrants, I’d like you to try some Norwegian cuisine.” Norway gave a slight nod and led Canada to a booth. As the pair sat, Kumajiro joined them and a waiter came up to them and handed them menus before leaving. Canada scanned the menu not recognizing any of the food items but luckily he had Norway with him, if he had any questions Norway would answer them and describe the food and ended up recommending a dish for both Canada and his polar bear. The two chatted and exchanged small talk, Norway asked about how Canada met Kumajirou, what he does in his free time, and other topics. The two found they both immensely enjoyed hockey, Norway watching while Canada preferred to play hockey. Norway even told Canada about his troll which Canada struggled to wrap his head around.
As the trio began to wrap up their meal together Norway leaned against the table slightly, “What is your human alias?”
Canada’s heart soared, it had been a long time since another country asked for his human name, well excluding America who always seemed to forget Matthew’s name.
“Matthew. Matthew Williams, and yours?”
“Lukas Bondevik. I’d like you to call me that.”
Matthew enthusiastically nodded, “I appreciate you uh talking with me,” Matthew said fiddling with his thumbs.
“I’ve noticed that many don’t talk to you and I don’t get why, you’re kind and smart. I want to know what you have to say.”
If you had told the personification of Canada that someone would purposely seek him out and talk to him, he’d think you’re messing with him and mocking him for his lack of connection and communication with others. The only thing Matthew could do was flash a smile towards Lukas. Much to Matthew’s chagrin Lukas insisted on paying the check. The two walked back to the meeting building, Matthew holding Kuma who was beginning to fall into his mid afternoon food coma. By the time they gt back to the meeting it had broken into a break due to chaos occurring. Matthew slipped back into his chair as he watched Lukas go toward the other nordics and speak with them.
“Probably discussing important country stuff, eh.” Matthew whispering to a sleeping Kumajirou.
The meeting eventually began again after England and France mutually strangled each other, Russia and America arguing, and Lukas strangling Denmark with his own tie. Matthew took some notes again while slightly dissociating.
Lukas tapped Matthew’s shoulder a few times, “The meeting’s done.” Matthew looked up from his now doodle-filled notebook in shock, “Huh?” The expression he made was one of utter confusion and exhaustion which was amusing to look at. Lukas repeated himself and Matthew blinked a few times until the cogs began to churn. He flipped his notebook closed and quickly shoved it into his briefcase accidentally knocking Kuma off his lap who cussed him out. Lukas face was graced with a slight smile that left as fast as it came.
“Matthew, did you fall asleep during the meeting?” Matthew swore that Lukas’s tone had a slight teasing twinge to it but was unsure due to his voice being mostly monotonous.
“No, I just spaced out. Thanks for snapping me out of it.”
Then to Matthew’s surprise Lukas asked for his phone number and Matthew excitedly put it into Lukas’s phone.
Later that night, Matthew was watching a rerun of a hockey game with some canadian beer as his company. He kept glancing at his phone, hoping to see a text from Lukas, but today was most likely a fluke. Lukas probably already forgot about him. He honestly should just turn his phone off, it was unlikely he’d get any texts tonight. Matthew began to get very invested and shouting some at the hockey game when a little chime caught his attention.
Lukas: Let’s go on a date again soon and without Kumajirou.