I never thought my first Hetalia fanfic would be PruCan, but I love it already. The only thing I own is my mind of a fangirl. ~ XxDAKxX
"Gilbert, don't forget to do your chores while I'm at Feliciano's house." Gilbert waved his brother off dismissively. The bulky German should have already known he wasn't going to do anything. He hardly ever did anything he was told, partly due to stubbornness and partially of laziness. The Prussian was hard to manage without a guide.
"I'm serious," sounded a deep voiced response, echoing from the ajar front entrance. The albino nodded absentmindedly, clicking away with his black TV remote. He wasn't receiving anything important to his ears, but decided at least pretending to listen was polite enough. Yeah, being polite was possible with Gilbert…
"Yeah, yeah, I hear you." Ludwig sighed and reluctantly exited the house, locking the door behind him. The noises of his car bounced through the walls and remained until it disappeared down the gravel road. Gilbert reciprocated his position in boredom, sighing while upside down. He had nothing to do, especially when nothing interesting was premiering to watch. He'd rather keel over than watch Ludwig's German soap operas of which he denied knowing of. Maybe the Nation's Italian boyfriend got him into them. Anyway, it was hazardous and now impossible to conquer other poor countries or step on others weaker than him. The degrading of his status was enough to level his ego and activities.
His crimson gaze was half lidded as he seized his cell phone and scrolled through his contacts. He had few friends, but made up for the fact with the presence of his best friend. Who? Gilbird, of course. Speaking of Gilbird…
Gilbert sat up abruptly and went into the kitchen. He needed to feed his poor companion. The yellow avian didn't enjoy being hungry, it made him act cranky. The chirping on his head made him smile. It was as if on cue that his cute little treasure popped up. Gilbird was adorable in the albino's eyes, but don't think for a second he'd admit that. Oh, no. He was not a country anymore, but he still had his pride and his awesomeness.
"Gilbird, you are so awesome!" He exclaimed, suddenly feeling the need to thank the little chick for being there. Gilbird seemed to cheep in response, but who knew what he was saying... Gilbert just hoped he was saying something positive. Not that he doubted he wasn't.
"You're welcome." He hummed to himself in delight as the creature fed happily. His spirits were lifted by another's presence, which seemed to be happened more frequently recently. Crimson eyes narrowed in a mischievous manner. He could bother his favorite frying fan wielding girl-bud… Or that piano playing snob… He felt like causing trouble at the moment and Ludwig – his favorite victim – was gone. If those options were unavailable, he'd love to go out with Antonio and Francis.
Actually, if they didn't cause mishaps together, what were they called the Bad Touch Trio for anyway? His grin widened as he reached for his phone once again. It was shocking his lips didn't split from how far his lips stretched. Before he could reach his electronic communication device, the doorbell rang. He froze in place, grin faltering. He was sure Ludwig didn't invite anyone over that day or else he would have nagged him endlessly about it. Gilbert rolled his eyes at the thought. His little brother was a pain in the ass, yes, but was still very lovable. Pulling pranks on the giant was the highlight of his days.
Another ring. He sighed and stood up, traveling across the living room, groaning as if the movements were killing him. Even if they were, he'd be too lazy to die… That makes sense, shut up. He grasped the silver door handle and twisted it, pulling the door open.
…
"Alfred?" There was a silence as the personification on the other side of the door sent him a blank look. He sighed and shook his head after a minute of nothingness. He mumbled something barely distinguishable under his breath, eyes downcast in reaction to Prussia's question. The albino barely caught it, it was if the name floated in the wind.
"Matthew…" Matthew? What kind of thing was that to say at a random time like this? His mouth extended into a flat line. There was no slope in the expression, not at all. His mouth opened so he could speak, but there wasn't much to say…
"Huh?" The timid being seemed ready to melt under his gaze, like he would scream bloody murder at the movement of his own shadow. Was this guy having a mental breakdown on the inside? Hopefully it wouldn't become physical.
"I'm Matthew, not Alfred." Gilbert scratched the back of his head, raising a decolorized eyebrow. He didn't understand…
"What?" He asked, not in the mood to play games. The male looked just like America, almost like a twin of the Nationalist nation. Yet, this guy sported the opposite attitude and view on things. Plus, he had a miniature polar bear tucked in his arms and he was sure they didn't have those as pets in America. At least he didn't think so... Alfred already quite literally owned a whale! Going back to the topic, the other seemed to notice his annoyed and tense air. He swallowed, seeming as fragile as a maple leaf by the way he shook slightly. The crimson gaze on him felt heavy.
"I'm not Alfred. I'm Matthew…"
…
"Matthew Williams?" Another blank stare.
"Canada?" He tried again. There was no sign of recognition in the other's expression.
…
".. Ohh! … So you're not Alfred?" There was almost a face-palm in the silence, but the other had self-control over his actions. He straightened up, lifting his head high.
"No, I'm his brother. I'm very close to him, believe it or not." Immediately, he faced the cement steps of the porch again. He played with his fingers nervously as Gilbert actually enjoyed the squirming. It was kind of adorable… Like Gilbird.
"Go on…" He spoke with an almost purring voice as he leaned against the door hinge.
"My name is Matthew Williams. I am the personification of Canada." Matthew puffed out his chest in slight pride, which did nothing for his figure, for it was scrawny. Gilbert's emotionless mask suddenly broke as he smiled. This was a perfect opportunity to introduce a new person to his awesomeness! Hell yeah!
"Well, I am the awesome Gilbert Beilschmidt, also known as Prussia!" He presented in a loud, obnoxious voice. It fitted his personality perfectly, actually. The Canadian barely resisted the urge to cringe at the outburst. He'd have to get used to this guy's forwardness and unprofessionalness.
"Uhh… I know," was the only lame response Matthew could create. Gilbert smirked, flexing his foxy front side. He worked out and had pretty satisfying results. It was one of the few activities he put effort into that was healthy. He looked awesome. So awesome he could cry. But he wouldn't. Because he was that awesome!
"Then you should already know how awesome I am, ja?" Gilbert cackled, "come in." Matthew resisted the urge to flush at the haughty display. He sheepishly dragged his toe against the ground.
"A-Are you sure?" The Prussian waved him off, moving aside dismissively. He had nothing better to do and getting to know this Canadian could be fun. At least he hoped.
"I have nothing keeping me busy." Matthew smiled a bit. Someone actually wanted to spend time with him. He just hoped that the albino wouldn't suddenly forget who he was and attack him, unlike a certain Cuban. Especially since his aura wasn't so friendly when the door was opened. It seemed irritable.
"O-Okay, then." He stepped in as Gilbert shut the door and locked it. Turning around, he blinked. What the…?
"Where'd you go?" He was there a second ago…
"I'm right here…" Matthew softly spoke, raising a hand slightly. Gilbert backed up, revealing a shy Canadian a few inches in front of him. He almost walked into him and didn't notice. How could that happen?! He was like some sort of witch.
"Oh… You're like invisible." Gilbert plopped down on a recliner as Matthew sighed at his comment. He made himself comfortable quickly and showed the other male his pearly white teeth.
"Sit down." Canada sat down on the couch contrary of him. He sunk back and relaxed as much as he could in this stranger's house. He seemed to be amazed as Gilbird flew over and landed on Gilbert's head.
"Is it yours?" Gilbert seemed glad to have an opportunity to talk about his most prized possession.
"Why, yes! This is my little friend. The Gilbird to my Gilbert. Isn't he awesome?" Matthew chuckled softly, readjusting Kumajiro.
"Yeah, I guess…" Gilbert seemed to appreciate his answer immensely. Maybe this guy's not so bad. Anyone who likes Gilbird is bound to get along with me.
"So..." … What was that Canadian's name again…? Mason? Mack? M-
"Matthew." That's what he was going to say next. Yup…
"Right! Matthew, what are you doing in my house? Yes, it's my house, not my brother's. If he tells you different, don't believe him," Prussia added quickly, smirking.
"Well, I came to see your brother, actually, but it looks like he isn't here." Canada glanced around briefly. Nope. No other German in sight. Only the awesomeness that is Gilbert.
"No. He isn't," Gilbert retorted flatly. Matthew noticed his change in tone. He blinked, opening his mouth as he furrowed his eyebrows. He started to worry about this modification.
"Did I say something wrong? It-It was only for business purposes." The albino felt like snickering at his concerned nature. Of course nothing was wrong. He had just remembered that he was supposed to be doing chores, but that didn't matter. It wasn't going to effect anything.
"No, Matthew… Can I give you a nickname?" Something shorter should be easier to remember, right? Ah, it didn't matter. With friends, nicknames didn't have to require a reason. Canada chuckled, albeit a little anxiously. He rubbed the back of his head. Knowing how crazy this guy was from the stories he had heard, what could he possibly come up with? He just hoped it wasn't offensive or perverted. He crossed his legs – Matthew made the action look manly, damn it!
"You can call me anything you'd like." Gilbert grinned. It was probably a bad idea to give him a choice…
"Matt?" He questioned. … Oh. Never mind. Matthew smiled, relieved. Maybe Gilbert wasn't so bad. Matt was actually a normal nickname that actually made sense.
"I like that. At least it's not what Al calls me…" Alfred had the cheesiest and stupidest nicknames for anyone he met. But Matthew hadn't met Romano yet, so he didn't know the most rude. He had yet to be declared the "maple bastard" since he had never spoken to the South Italian.
"What's that?" He didn't expect the Prussian to actually want to know the name… Pink swarmed onto the Canadian's face.
"… Mattie…" Delight. That's what the nickname seemed to bring to Gilbert. A devious smile spread across his pale face like a wildfire. Matthew shouldn't have answered the question!
"Mattie? Really?" A nod. "… Can I call you that?" He groaned in embarrassment.
"Gi-Gilbert!"
"What? Alfred can call you Mattie, but I can't?" Matthew gasped softly. Gilbert had it all wrong. No, no, no! He didn't want to offend his new pal.
"No, it's that he calls me that against my will." That should explain it… He sighed in relief at the satisfied look on the other's face.
"Then I should, too." He did that strange cackle again that sounded like hissing. A nervous chuckle came from the stutter prone Canadian.
"O-Okay, then." He guessed he could deal with that. After all, Alfred had done it for centuries.
"So, Mattie?" Matthew blinked, gathering his thoughts and pushing them aside. He gave a small smile.
"Y-Yeah?"
"It'd be awesome if you'd become my new friend." No, Gilbert was not desperate! He had enough friends, in fact more than he knew what to do with! An extra friend would just be nice. Yep, he had never had a Canadian friend before, so it'd be an honor for Matthew to become friends with him. Matthew's honor, of course. Duh.
"Oh! I'd like that!" Matthew smiled cordially. Gilbert sighed, but not in relief, but because he was tired. It had taken Matthew too long to answer, but it wasn't like the Canadian would have rejected his proposal. Pfft, yeah right.
"That's good," he folded his arms behind his head. Matthew chuckled softly, fumbling with his gloved hands. Before the albino could say something else, the house phone rang. He sported a vacant face before grunting and plucking the phone up next to him, answering.
"What, West? Ja.… Nein… So? You can't do that! Fine... Bye." He hung up and muttered something in German. A few seconds later, the phone began to ring again as he looked at the number and threw the phone on the couch. No, his eyes did not get bigger when he realized it was Ludwig again, that was an allergic reaction… To Matthew.
"It's like that guy hears everything I say about him… Anyway, I'm sorry, Mattie, but I have to clean the house or my brother will take away all my beer and send Gilbird to the pet store," he revealed with a frown. Matthew smiled friendlily.
"I can help, if you want." Gilbert's eyes widened. No way! This guy was way too awesome. Gilbert wouldn't offer to do work unless he'd get something in return.
"Y-You'd do that?" Matthew nodded, standing up and bouncing on his heels. This had been the longest conversation he had ever had without someone forgetting who he was.
"Mhm. Just tell me what you have to do and I'll help you." The albino stood up and put his hands on his hips, smiling arrogantly.
"Well, first of all, we have to clean the windows," he declared in excitement.
"O-Oh, that's easy. Where are the cleaning supplies?" Gilbert grabbed his hand and started towards the hallway.
"Follow me." Matthew couldn't stop beaming.
"H-Hold on." He stopped and set his bear down before following his new comrade. Gilbert knew it was worth it having a Canadian friend. THIS WAS AWESOME.