It was a cold winter's night, dark night sky forbidding to anyone who may dare to venture out in the raging storm. But for Matthew Williams, this was the perfect weather. He loved the sounds of wind, ravishing the outside walls of his modest apartment, love the way the snow piled against every window, providing shelter from the sun on lazy Sunday afternoons he spent, curled up in his bed with a mug of hot coco. But most of all, he loved winter, a beautiful season, the only time of the year where no one would dare to disturb him. Winter was a time of peace, where most forgot all about him, and it was alright.
As the Canadian pondered, he sipped the warm bowl of soup in his lap, flicking through the the sports channel until he finally came across a hockey game. He recognized the Canadian team right away, but it took a while to identify the Russian team, and that the score was a tie. Three to three, with ten minutes left in the game. He cheered to the end, even though the Russians won, and smiled softly.
"Only the first game of many." He thought aloud, when his phone began to ring in his lap. He pulled his phone from his pocket with difficulty, checking the caller ID and rolling his eyes. He pressed the answer key and slowly brought the device to his right ear. "Yes?" he spoke quietly into the receiver, tightening his free hand into a fist as the soft, accented voice began to speak.
"C-Canada?" The voice stuttered.
"Francis, you know we all use human names right? I don't know why you persist on using my true identity." Matthew replied, softly sighing.
"Yes, I know, old habit, tu sais?" He replied, clearing his throat. "Old habits die hard, I suppose."
Matthew tightened his fist, biting his lower lip and inhaling lightly.
"Oui, I guess they do." He replied quietly. "Anyway, what is going on?"
"Oh, oui, I was calling to see if you wanted to do something with me... tomorrow evening..." The last was spoken so quietly, Matthew had to strain his ear to hear him.
"W-well I suppose we c-could." He mumbled in reply.
"Alright, I will meet you chez toi." Francis quickly finished.
"Sure." Matthew replied.
"Alright."
For a few heartbeats, no words were spoken.
"Goodbye, Francis." Matthew almost sighed.
"Goodbye...Mathieu." Francis breathed into the receiver before it clicked shut.
Matthew listened to the dial tone for another heartbeat. Unclenching his fist, he hung up, exhaling sharply. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and made his way to the kitchen. He jumped slightly when he felt fur rub against his leg. He looked down and smiled slightly, picking up his small polar bear and holding it in his arms.
"Oh, Kumajiro, what are we gonna do?" He whispered against the bear's fur.
"Who?" The bear looked up at the Canadian, tilting it's head to the left side.
"Canada." The boy mumbled.
The bear sighed and nuzzled up to the boy's neck, making Matthew giggle, feeling the fur's tickles.
"You still like him, visit him." The bear growled softly.
"Je sais...mais I'm still scared." He whispered, carrying the bear to bed.