In the flashback there is at the beginning in what language it is supposed to be. No real effect on the story, just so you know. If it isn't stated, the main language is English.
Foreign language in dominantly English passage is like this.
"Scheisse, why does it have to be soooo haaard?" Prussia whine as tried and failed to find solutions for his math homework. Or more precisely, the result that he got, was different than the result that he found at the back of the book.
He, together with Spain and France, were in library, more specifically that was frequented by students from german part of the school. They were there to do their homework, but Prussia had some difficulties with his.
"Maybe it's because you are stupid, mi amigo," Spain laughed, which earned him glare from the albino.
"Neither of you are very smart, so don't gloat," France dodged the pen flying at him from Spain's direction, "Let me see, I think we are ahead of your class in math."
Prussia pushed his notebook towards the blonde with a pout. France looked at the problem and started calculating. After two minutes he smirked victoriously.
"Ha, see, it's really easy, the result is 72," he pushed the notebook back towards the german.
"Hah, wrong," Prussia barked, "It's supposed to be 52, so you are just as stupid as we are!"
He ignored the quiet protest from Spain and smirked at France, who stared at him.
"You kidding me?!" France frowned, "No way! I know I did it right!"
Prussia just laughed, "And yet you didn't"
"Give it back!" France grabbed the notebook, to revise his calculations, but Prussia didn't want to give it up again.
"No, you had your chance!" the albino growled.
They both tried to tug the notebook to them for a few seconds, until another voice interrupted them.
"What the hell are you idiots doing yelling in here?" Denmark sat down on chair beside Spain.
They explained him their problem and he said, he would look at it. He was already in 4th year, so he should know it. With his face scrunched up, Denmark wrote small numbers on a paper, until he grinned.
"Done, it's 35 right?" he looked at the three first years.
Prussia rolled his eyes, "That's what I got, and its wrong, idiot."
"Who are you calling idiot, idiot?!" Denmark glared.
But before they could get into another argument, Sweden appeared behind Spain and Denmark, leaned in, and quietly took the notebook. And without another word wrote started writing something in and slammed the notebook on the table.
"Th're, th's is h'w you do 't," he said with stone face, "N'w sh't up, you ar' dist'rbing oth'rs," said the 15 years old fifth year Nordic and walked away.
"Oh, it's easy," Spain laughed, dodging all the small things the rest of the group threw his way.
- APH - APH - APH -
Nine years old Matthew was standing beside his mother at a noisy airport in Quebec.
"Do… do you think they will come?" he looked up at his mom, Marion Dubois.
Marion smiled, "Of course sweatheart, why shouldn't they? Adam called me before they took off."
"But shouldn't they be already here?" Matthew asked.
Marion looked up at the tables with times, "I don't think so. Another half hour, if I'm not mistaken. We came quite early."
Mathew nodded and looked around. Was this how Alfred felt more than a year ago, when they met for the first time? This jittery and nervous? It wasn't as if Alfred and his dad never came to Canada, but this was the first Christmas that they were going to spend together. So that counts as reason to be nervous, right?
Marion took her sons hand into hers, making him look at her, "Hey, Mathieu do you want to get some dessert while we are waiting for the boys?"
Matthew smiled and nodded, letting his mom to lead him towards a small airport café. He really loved his mom. She always put him before herself, always made sure he smiled, even if she wanted to cry, and took the fact that he was a country as if that was the most ordinary thing, without even batting an eyelid, and continued to spoil him with smiles and love.
Matthew couldn't stop himself from remembering how it all began.
- APH - APH - APH -
(in this part primary language is French)
7 years old Matthew sat down at the kitchen table for breakfast. He was really quiet and there were dark circles under his eyes.
"Oh honey, did you have a bad dream again?" asked Marion, setting a bowl with Mathew's favorite cereal in front of him.
She smiled softly, even though she herself looked pale and sported similar dark circles as her son.
"Yeah… no… I don't know," Matthew frowned, "It felt different…"
Marion sat beside her son and hugged him, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Matthew leaned into the hug, "There… there were some men in uniforms and they fought. Blue and red uniforms, and then…"
Matthew frowned, trying to remember what happened, "And then there was Papa… he tried to help man in blue? And then… then."
Matthew sighed in frustration.
But his mom smiled, "It's okay honey. You know what? Go to school and when you come back, I will have a surprise for you.
And when Matthew came back from school, he found his mom and few bags with their clothes. He didn't even have time to be surprised, when grinning Marion, took the bags, stuffed them into their small car and together with Matthew took off somewhere.
Matthew didn't ask, not wanting to spoil his mom's big secret, but when he saw the road signs read La Mauricie he looked at her in confusion, "Wait, are we eloping?"
"Whaaat?" Marion laughed, "No silly, we are just going camping for the weekend."
"Oh… okay. I still have friends at school, so I'm not sure I would like to elope," Matthew said seriously.
Marion laughed at his silliness and innocence.
When they found their camping spot, Marion took out their things and build their tent.
"You know," she said, as she moved around, organizing things, "Me and your papa loved to camp. We traveled through Canada and bit of USA. And then you came, and you were too small, so we waited."
Matthew grew quiet at the mention of his papa.
"We… we planned to take you on a trip next year," Marion smiled sadly, "But I think… now is as good as anytime. What do you think?"
Matthew opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything. His eyes welled up with tears, which soon trickled down his cheeks.
"I… I want my papa back!" he screamed, "I don't care about camping, I just want him come back to us!"
Marion's smile faltered.
"Mathieu," she said sadly, "I'm sorry baby. I… Your papa… he had to save those people. You know, he wouldn't forgive himself if he didn't do anything."
Mathew just cried harder.
Marion hugged her son tightly, her own eyes filling with tears, "It's okay sweatheart. It's okay to cry. Sometimes everyone needs to cry."
And they stayed that for a few minutes, both crying.
After a while Matthew calmed down, still sniffling.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled, "I know he had to help them. And I'm proud of him. I… just miss him so much."
Marion kissed his forehead, "I miss him too."
"I would like him to be here… with us, roasting smores, watch the stars, or just look around… because it's really pretty in here," Matthew attempted a weak smile.
Marion smiled, "There is my little polar bear. Now come help me set the rest up."
- APH - APH - APH –
(in this part primary language is French)
But the dreams continued. Sometimes Matthew remembered bits here and there and sometimes he didn't. But he always woke up more tired than when he went to sleep.
"Hey, Matt you look tired," said Matthew's classmate as the blonde sat down at his desk.
"I'm having really weird dreams, Alfred," Matthew yawned, "And I can't sleep."
The other boy raised an eyebrow, "I'm Bastien, remember?"
"Of course your name is Bastien, why would you say that?" Matthew asked confused.
"You called me Alfred," Bastien said annoyed.
"No I didn't!" Matthew defended himself.
"YES YOU DID!" screamed Bastien, "And now you are lying about it!"
And they started to fight in the middle of their classroom, while other kids were watching, mostly in confusion.
They were separated only by their teacher, who was angry and disappointed with them.
- APH - APH - APH -
(in this part primary language is French)
Matthew was generally well liked amongst his classmates, but after this incident, there were more fights about petty things, like calling them different names or remembering things differently from them. It got to the point when their teacher wanted to start a new lesson, but Matthew interrupted her, saying quietly that they had already done that, which confused the teacher, but the other children yelled in frustration that he was being stupid, because their didn't learn this yet and started yell names at poor Matthew.
When Marion picked up Matthew, she was told about the incident, just like about the previous ones, and the teacher apologized to her, that she had let it get out of hand. Marion just smiled and told her that Matthew just needs more time adjusting.
"How are you sweetie?" Marion asked Matthew on the way home.
"Just tired," said Matthew sulkily.
"You can take nap when we get home," she smiled at her son.
As they got home, Matthew immediately crashed on his bed and fell asleep.
- APH - APH - APH -
(in this part primary language is English)
His dream began similar to others he had.
There was a blonde man, dressed in disheveled army uniform. He looked tired but determined. He was looking at a map covering the whole table.
"Are you okay, papa?" Matthew heard himself say, though his voice seemed strange to his ears.
The other man, looked up from the map, "Ah Mathieu, I'm fine… just tired. Big day coming up, you know?"
Matthew nodded.
A knock on the door made them look in the direction, and without them even reacting they opened and another blonde male entered the room.
"Ah Angleterre, how are things?" his "papa" asked.
The other man sighed, "My ships are almost ready, did you see…?"
Then he noticed Matthew, "Oh there you are, are your troops ready, Canada?"
- APH - APH - APH -
(in this part primary language is French
Matthew's eyes snapped open, as he woke up abruptly. Unfortunately he woke up tangled in his bed sheets and while trying to untangle himself and stand up, he fell of his bed. And that got attention of his mother.
"Are you okay sweetheart?" she ran into the room.
Once she saw her sons predicament, she chuckled and helped him up.
"M-maman, Im… I'm not…" Matthew babbled.
"Slow down honey, I don't understand you," Marion sat down on Matthew's bed and patted space beside herself, "Was it a bad dream again?"
Matthew sat at her side, "Yes… No… I mean it was one of those dreams. But it wasn't bad. And I think it wasn't a dream at all."
"What was it then?" Marion hugged him.
"A memory," said Matthew quietly, "From previous life."
"What?" Marion blinked.
"I… maman, I … lived before," Matthew said slowly, "And I was born again. Because I am Canada."
Marion stared at him without a word, trying to process what her son was telling her.
"M-maman?" Matthew asked fearfully.
Marion snapped out of her trance, "I… are you sure you didn't hit your head when you fell?"
She reached and tried to feel any injury on Matthew's head, but then she saw the look on his face and placed her hands on his shoulder's.
"You are not joking, are you?" and when he shook his head, she sighed, "I don't really understand what's happening, but what do you want me to do?"
Marion listened to him and then left his room to think. She still didn't understand what was happening, but she didn't want make Matthew feel like she didn't trust him. So she took out paper and pen and started to write a letter. It was too weird, for her to contact some minister or whoever will get it first and read it, but she was sure, if she tried to call random people in the ministry of internal affairs, she would just be rejected. And it was easier to explain herself on the paper. She even added Matthews somewhat recent photo and sent it.
- APH - APH - APH -
(in this part primary language is French)
Marion didn't really expect anything to come out of it. It was two weeks already and neither she nor Matthew really talked about him being Canada, besides him telling her his memories are still somewhat hazy.
But two weeks after her letter, someone rung the bell and when she opened, there was an older good looking man with what seemed two bodyguards.
"Mrs. Dubois?" the man asked, and when Marion nodded, he continued, "My name is Alexander White and I'm from the ministry of internal affairs. You contacted us via letter concerning a situation?"
"Situation?" asked Marion.
"Maman, can I have…" Matthew appeared in the halfway and when he saw that they had guests he froze.
Alexander stared at Matthew in silent awe.
"It… it is you," he whispered.
"You look old Alex," Matthew said but quickly covered his mouth in embarrassment.
Alexander chuckled, "That's what ten years do to you."
Marion invited Alexander and his security inside and made them some coffee.
In return Alexander explained her about nations and how they are reborn again and what it meant for not only the country but for them as a family.
"So, he is still my son, right?" Marion asked.
Alexander nodded, "Yes Mrs Dobois. Nothing will change that. He is still your son, think of this situation like… having a job prepared for him. A well paid job. You don't even have to worry about privacy, nation are using aliases, like for Canada it's Matthew Williams."
Marion nodded, still feeling overwhelmed.
"You don't have to worry about anything, you will be getting money, and if you need anything, just contact me," Alexander handed Marion his business card.
"Now if you don't need anything right now," Alexander stood up.
But Matthew stopped him, "I have a question. Can I see Alfred?"
"Alfred?" Alexander asked confused, "Oh you mean America. We will see about that. I have to contact the USA government for that."
And with that he left.
- APH - APH - APH –
(in this part primary language is English)
The visit was quickly approved much to Matthew's surprise. He wasn't sure what happened to Alfred, when he was asking, but guess he had his memories back, as only about month after Alexander's visit he and his mom Marion were sitting in a plane to New York, where they would spend a week with Alfred and his family to celebrate their birthdays.
"So they will pick us up?" asked Marion.
"They should," Matthew said, with a hint of uncertainty, "Alfred wrote that he will come to save us heroically, but he might have forgotten the time."
Matthew looked at the clock again, when he heard, "Mattieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee."
And something collided with him, almost toppling him over.
"Mattie, I came to save you!" Alfred grinned.
Marion watched them with amusement and awe. Both boys were so similar in looks, that if Matthew didn't have longer hair, she might have even mistaken them.
"Alfred don't just run away," a man grabbed Alfred's collar and pulled him away.
"Sorry about that, I…" the man looked at Marion and stopped, "Oh… Alfred mentioned his friend Matthew and his mom, but he didn't mention an older sister."
Marion giggled and reached her hand for a handshake, "I'm Marion Dubois, Mathieu's mother."
Alfred's dad blushed in embarrassment, "I… I'm sorry. Adam Jones."
Then he took her hand and shook it.
- APH - APH - APH -
(in this part primary language is English)
"So how is it for you, to raise a nation?" asked Adam, as he handed Marion a cup of coffee. Both boys were in the living room, playing a videogame, while their parents stayed in the kitchen.
"It's… weird… and normal at the same time, if you know what I mean," Marion laughed.
"Yeah, I get it," Adam grinned, "I mean, sometimes he acts so mature. But in the next second he is just a little boy. And I wouldn't give him up for life."
"Speaking of life… Where is his mom?" Marion asked.
"Barbara died when Alfred was one," Adam said looking into his coffee, "She had cancer, that was diagnosed too late and there was nothing that could be done."
"Oh mon dieu, I'm so sorry… I shouldn't have asked," Marion apologized, but Adam waved his hand.
"Nah, it's okay. She told me she had lived fulfilled life and that I should remember the happy times," Adam smiled, "But what about you? If you don't mind me asking?"
Marion shook her head, "My husband, George, was a police officer. A few months ago he was killed in action. He died while saving others, and we are proud of him."
"Oh, my condolences," Adam said, "I'm a firefighter so I know that the public service can be quite dangerous place."
Marion smiled sadly.
Then there was a loud crash from the living room, followed by Alfred's voice, "Mattie faster, we are not gonna win if you go at the speed of snail!"
"You know, they are getting kinda loud… So how about we leave them play and grab something to eat?" Adam grinned, "I know a fantastic pizza place just around the corner."
"Sounds like a plan," Marion smiled, "But you I don't like it, you pay."
"And if you do like it?" Adam challenged.
"Then buy you a coffee," Marion said, "Or make you crepes, they say I make pretty good crepes."
"Deal," Adam smirked.
So they grabbed their wallets and left.
- APH - APH - APH -
"Oh here they are," Marion waved at something behind Matthews back, just as he was finishing.
And as he set down his spoon Alfred came into his vision with big goofy grin.
"Hey Mattie," Alfred hugged Matthew, who returned the hug.
"You look good Marion," Adam and Marion kissed on both cheeks.
"You look quite good yourself," Marion smiled, "Though a bit paler."
"Well yeah, my tan from your last visit is gone unfortunately," Adam laughed, "Last time we saw each other was in the summer when we went camping for two weeks, remember?"
After they greeted each other, they went back to Marion's apartment, but only to ditch their luggage. Because they were invited to a Christmas party by one of Marion's friends.
Adam already knew Marion's friends and he was quite friendly with many of the men there, but he still appeared nervous.
"Hey, you look stressed," said Jean, husband of Marion's best friend.
"I… I think I'm about to do something really smart or really stupid," Adam laughed nervously.
Jean smirked, "Then go for it, if it's smart I will congratulate, if it's stupid, I will wait with beer to make you feel better… after I stop laughing."
"Thanks dude," Adam grimaced and went towards the center of the room.
Adam took a deep breath and called out, "May I have your attention please?"
Everyone stopped talking and stared at Adam, who flushed, but looked determined.
"Marion, I know we know each other only year and a half," he started, "But you know, I can feel the connection between us. I want you to know I love you. I don't want you to forget George, because from what I heard he was and amazing man and father, I think we would have many things in common, I just want to ask you, if you can if you can find place in your heart for me and Alfred… Marion, veux-tu m'épouser?"
Marion had her hand over her mouth and cried some happy tears. Then she nodded and the room exploded with congratulations and cheers.
"Wait you are dating?!" came Alfred's confused voice.
"I told you so Al," Matthew giggled and the rest of the room laughed at their antics.
Does this feel rushed? To me it kinda does. I had more in mind… but I kinda work on a deadline now, so I don't know…