New Life

First Meeting

Prussia saw Germany's brows furrow as he walked to the car with America. When he stopped just in front of his brother, America kept close to him, holding tightly onto his hand.

"Who is this?"

"His name is Cote," Prussia said simply. "Cote, this is Ludwig, my little brother."

"Does that mean we're brothers, too?"

Prussia's gaze flickered up to Germany. "I think so."

America's grip eased up. His opposite hand come up in a small wave. "Hello," he said in English. It was only then that Prussia realized he'd been speaking german this entire time. Something that shouldn't have surprised him.

"Hello," Germany said hesitantly. His eyes widened. He looked back up to Prussia. "That's- he's-"

He nodded. "How about we get going?"

Prussia helped America into the car as Germany got into the driver's seat.

"It's America," Germany muttered to Prussia.

"Yes."

"Does anyone else know?"

"Austria and Hungary."

"And when were you planning on it?"

"At the meeting."

He let out a deep breath, pulling out of park and driving home.

-

There was a small click before Germany pushed the door open, holding it open for his brother. Prussia entered with America in his arms, asleep. He let his bag down from his shoulder by the door before walking down the hall to find the guest room for America.

Inside, he laid America down on the bed and pulled the blanket over him. He said a soft goodnight before leaving the door ajar when he left.

-

"America." He placed a gentle hand on America's shoulder. "America, time to get up."

Small sounds came from the boy tangled in the blanket. His eyes squinted open. "I'm still tired," he mumbled.

"I know. But, you need to get up. We've got to get ready for the meeting."

"Why?"

"Because, you should meet the other nations. Come on. I've got some clothes for you, right here. Come on."

Prussia coaxed America up. He watched his little brother rub his eyes, his bangs scattered over his head.

"When you get dressed, there's breakfast in the kitchen."

Downstairs, America walked into the room, his hair a mess and his clothing crooked. His tie held loosely in his hand, dragging on the ground.

Prussia knelt down in front of him. He straightened out his shirt and jacket.

"Can you help me with this?" America said, his words slurred.

Prussia took the tie from his hand and tie it around his neck, leaving it loose for his comfort.

America sat to the table for breakfast, putting a fork of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

Prussia shuffled some papers into a neat pile, sliding then into Germany's brief case.

Germany's boots stopped behind America's seat. A wet comb brushed through the blond locks, laying them to rest and above his eyes.

America looked up to Germany as he took a seat at the table. He spoke quietly, "Thank you, brother."

"You are welcome, America." Germany lifted his mug to his lips, sipping the hot coffee.

"Everything's ready and in your briefcase, West."

"Thank you, Brother."

-

America held onto Prussia's hand as they sat down. Most everyone had already entered the room. Prussia took his usual seat to the right of Germany. America took a seat with him, settling atop his lap. He pushed back into his big brother and looked up to him. "Why is everyone staring at me?"

"They're surprised to see you."

America looked over the table. Every set of eyes were set on him, wide and some red. He couldn't understand. A man with golden hair was looking the other way, a if he were crying.

He slid off Prussia's lap and walked around to the man. "Are you okay?"

The man turned to look down at America. Tears stained his purple eyes.

"Why are you sad?"

The man's eyebrows rose in confusion. "What are you saying?"

"Why are you crying?" he asked in English.

His hand wiped away the moisture at his eyes. "I'm- I'm just, so sorry."

"What happened?"

His eyebrows furrowed. Before his was flicked up at the call of his name. He looked to Prussia who shook his head.

"I'm America. Who are you?"

He looked back to the boy beside him. A smile reigned over his face, just as it always had before. "I'm Canada."

"Nice to meet you!" he said before running back to Prussia.

The door opened and closed before the man, just entering, spoke. "Please excuse my tardiness."

America craned his neck to see the man. He wore a green suit. He had yellow hair and green eyes that he recognized. "England?"

England turned until his eyes laid on the boy. His breath stopped for a moment before he swallowed again. "America. You're... you-"

Austria cleared his voice. He shook his head when England looked to him. England looked back to America. Everyone in the room seemed to be holding their breath.

"You want to go say hi?" Prussia whispered to him.

America kept his spot. He wanted to, but he didn't at the same time. Like something was holding him back. He wanted to go and talk to him though. He nodded and Prussia helped him down.

England knelt down to meet America. He stopped just in front of England. "Hello, England."

England swallowed the lump in his throat before speaking. "Hello, America."

Ignoring the part that told him to stay away, America reached out and put his arms around England's neck.

England wrapped his arms around the boy, holding him close.

They both let go as America stepped back, a smile on his face. He quickly turned back and rushed back to Prussia as England stood and made his way to his seat.

"England." Prussia's voice interrupted the silence before England had taken his seat. "I'd like to talk after the meeting."

England nodded. "Of course." He sat down just as Prussia lifted America back atop his lap.