(A/N): Hi! This is my first story, and I'm thinking about making it a multi-chapter sort of thing. Since this is my first story, so please don't expect the best writing ever. I would really appreciate some advice in order to improve my skills. Hope you like!

Chapter 1

Getting to Know You

Matthew's heart was beating out of his chest. He shakily followed his older brother, Francis, into a grassy park. It had barely any trees. Nowhere to hide, thought the young country with a sigh. He was absolutely terrified. Earlier that morning, his older brother had told him they were going to the park to meet someone really important. Matthew could never properly introduce himself to someone new, especially someone who's important. Though it wasn't like he himself wasn't important either, at least that's what he told himself. Matthew just so happened to be a country, the personification of Canada. Francis, who was also a country, was the personification of France.

However, Canada was often overlooked and treated like nothing special. He was often forgotten. It was a major blow to his self-esteem, making him self-conscious and extremely shy. He definitely wasn't prepared for a surprise meeting.

France looked down at his younger brother, looking concerned

"What's wrong, mon petit?" He asked in a thick French accent. "You don't look too good. And you're holding my hand so tightly the circulation's gone."

For the first time, Matthew had realized how tightly he was clinging on to his brother's arm. He quickly let go and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"Oops, sorry." He replied "I guess I might kinda-sorta-maybe-totally might be a little worried. You never told me anything about meeting anybody."

"I know." Said the older Frenchman. "But it's all part of the surprise!"

"Huh?"

"You'll see."

Matthew looked up inquisitively at his older brother. Just then, the serene silence of the park was broken.

"BUT ARTHUUUUR!" Wailed a young child's voice. "I DON'T WANNA GO!"

"Alfred you are coming with me and that is final." Replied a much older voice in a British accent. "And quit whining, you're making people stare."

Matthew turned to see a tall blonde man walking towards him and France. In his arms was a struggling young child. He couldn't make out his features yet due to the fact that he was thrashing about in all directions.

"WHY DO I HAFTA GO TO YOUR MEETINGS?" Cried the child.

"I already told you." Answered the older man. "There's a surprise for you. Now shut your trap and quit bloody yelling!"

Is this the surprise? Thought Matthew.

The Englishman stopped in front of France and Matthew.

"Ah, hello," said the British man. He bent down and placed the young boy down, then turned to Matthew. "You must be Canada."

Matthew nodded slowly, trying in vain to hide behind his older brother's legs.

"I'm England, and this is your brother." He said, gesturing to the small blonde-haired, blue-eyed child he'd been carrying. "France and I figured it's time you met each other."

Canada stared at the blonde child in front of him, and realized how alike they were. Could he really be my brother? He thought.

"Well then," began France. "We'll be leaving you two to get better acquainted."

Huh? Why? Don't leave me here alone! The Canadian boy thought, suddenly feeling panicky. But it was too late. France and England were steadily moving away from the two boys. With every footstep away the older men took, the faster Matthew's heart rate increased. This is bad. Really, really bad. Being around adults he didn't know was bad enough, now he was stuck with a child his own age? And he has to converse with them too? Canada didn't know how to handle this situation. Say something, anything, that won't make you sound like an idiot. Meanwhile, this new brother of his was staring at him intently.

"Uhm…" stammered Matthew. "You-you look like me…"

What?! Exclaimed Matthew in his mind. What'd you have to go and say that for? You should've asked him his name or something! The blonde boy looked at him for a moment, and then said "Nuh-uh. You look like me."

"Uh, okay." muttered Matthew.

"My name's Alfred." Beamed the child, giving Matthew a toothy grin. "My country's America. Who're you?"

"I-I'm-"

"Huh?" interrupted Alfred. "What'd you say? Sorry but I can't hear you that good."

"I'm Matthew."

"What?"

"Matthew!"

"What?"

"MY NAME'S MATTHEW!" yelled Canada with all his might so that his voice was just above a whisper. "MY COUNTRY'S CANADA!"

"Oh!" replied Alfred. "Neat!"

Canada wasn't expecting that last part.

"Neat?" he repeated.

"Yeah!" said Alfred. "You're house is pretty huge, and you don't live that far from me."

This occurrence was a first for Canada. Besides his older brother, not many people paid him any attention, nevermind thinking he was neat. Plus, this kid did his research. He knew about him even before finding out they were brothers.

"So what sort of things do you like?" inquired Matthew.

"I like super cool stuff like playing soldier, burgers, having fun, playing games, messing with Arthur, and a whole bunch o' other stuff." Answered Alfred, counting all of his interests on his fingers. "What about you?"

"Me? I like hot chocolate, pancakes, maple syrup, enjoying nature, polar be-"

"Polar bears?" interrupted the young American. "Those are so awesome! They're all tough and roar really loud!"

Another first. Someone was actually interested in him. A smile crept onto the blonde boy's face.

"W-well," murmured Matthew. "I have a pet pol-"

"WHAT?!" the Canadian was once again cut off by his brother. "REALLY?!"

Then his eyes narrowed. "You ain't pullin' my leg are you?"

"Nope." Answered Canada. "His name is Kumajiro, and he lives with me."

America's eyes widened and so did the grin on his face.

"Awesome! Where is he?" he asked, turning around and craning his neck, hoping that he'll find a big, white polar bear lumbering around.

"A-actually, I left him at home. I don't normally bring him to meet new people, or else they get scared." Said Matthew.

Oh no, wondered Matthew. What if he gets bored and doesn't like me anymore?

However. Alfred's grin never faltered.

"Well then, I guess I'll have to come over to your house sometime!" he replied, chipper as ever.

"America!" called England. Matthew turned around to see that his brother and England were coming back towards them. "Time to go!"

"AWW!" exclaimed America. "But I wanna stay here with Mattie!"

Matthew's heart skipped a beat. Did he just call me Mattie? Does that mean I have a nickname now? Should I give him one? I'll have to think of a good one before we see each other again. A thousand thoughts swirled around in his head as he watched Alfred and England leave. Before the two were out of sight, America turned around to wave at Matthew, who earnestly waved back. Matthew smiled to himself.

Maybe meeting new people wasn't so bad after all.

(A/N): So what'd you think? Please be honest and leave as much constructive criticism as possible. Hopefully as I update more stories I'll continue to improve. Thanks for reading!