Chapter Two

After an hour of driving, they finally arrived at Toronto city hall. The pair had decided to take their pickup instead of the motorcycle. It was supposed to snow later in the day. Parking was a nightmare, as usual, but Canada had a few special hidden spots.

Once they got parked they walked down the street to city hall. It was a little bit chilly out and was supposed to snow that night. Matthew wore a hoodie under a dark jean jacket with black jeans and work boots. Prussia was dressed in one of Canada's sweaters that were huge on him. He also had blue jeans and dark blue Converse.

Canada spotted a few other nations walking towards the hall as well. Gilbert poked his shoulder and pointed at one of the cars. Germany was driving with Italy in the passenger and Romano in the back. The blond looked annoyed searching for a parking space. Prussia jumped and waved at his brother with a snicker.

"He never learns." The albino said with a smile. "They should take a taxi, it vould be easier."

"Especially because their hotel is around the corner." Matthew said as they started walking again. "Would probably save on the cost of renting the car."

"Vell, you know he loves driving and is stubborn." Prussia said. "He learned that from me."

"Oh definitely." Blackbird laughed. The couple walked for another minute before reaching city hall. As they entered there were a few nations already around. England and France came their way as soon as they spotted the pair.

"Bonjour Matthew, hi Gil." Francis greeted with a warm smile. Arthur just nodded in acknowledgement.

"Salute papa et Pere." Canada said politely with a small smile.

"Hallo Francy Pants." Prussia smirked with a wave. He gave a curt nod in England's direction. "Spain's not here yet? I didn't see him vith Romano."

"I think he said he was going to visit Mexico. Knowing them they'll probably show up late." Francis said. The pair continued to talk for a while. Matthew was constantly scanning the lobby.

Lately, America had been watching him closely during meetings. Normally the blond would completely ignore Canada which he was fine with. The Canadian did not have a good relationship with his 'brother.' Ever since 1812 neither one had really talked much. Things had happened during that war that made Blackbird very uncomfortable around Alfred. He was very confident in almost every other aspect of his life, but as soon as America entered the room he became skittish and tense.

Most other nations that didn't know him thought he was quiet and very submissive, but that was only true when the American was around. They didn't know he was the Red-Winged Blackbird. A bolt of nervousness shot through him as he picked up America's scent. Blackbird didn't bother looking towards the American. He already knew that he had come with Japan just by scent. The Canadian was mentally tracking America's movements.

"Ha, West finally arrived." Prussia said getting Matthew's attention. "He's only ten minutes early too."

"That's late for him." Canada smiled. The pair walked over to where Germany and the Italian brothers were and greeted them.

"Hallo bro!" Prussia yelled loudly slapping Ludwig on the back.

"Hello Gilbert, Matthew." Germany grunted rubbing his back. Prussia just snickered.

"It's getting quite-a cold out there." Romano muttered unzipping his coat and letting the warm air in. "I hate it."

"Aww come on Lovi, it's not that bad." Italy said happily. "It could-a snow tonight!"

"Oh great, I can't wait. I'm sooo excited." Lovino groaned rolling his eyes. "No offence Matt."

"None taken." Canada shrugged. "But seriously, this is nothing. It's not even below zero yet."

"So I've been-a told." Romano grumbled giving Germany a dirty look. The blond German just rolled his eyes.

"Vell then, let's get started." Germany called loudly across the lobby catching the nations attention. The nations walked towards the German and followed him towards the meeting hall.

-❄"(wheeze)"❄-

The meeting took a couple hours and was pretty boring. Canada was aware of Alfred's eyes on him for most of the meeting. He completely ignored the American for the most part. Only slightly paying attention to his presentation, but he barely payed attention to anyone's presentation anyways.

Once it was over, Prussia, Canada, Germany, Spain and the Italies stuck around and talked for a little while. A few other nations stuck around, but Alfred, Arthur and Francis had already left. Canada was always mentally scent tracking the American when he was around.

"Vhat are you guys doing tonight?" Prussia asked Germany. Italy had stayed with the German, but Romano had just left with Spain.

"Ve're going to go back to the hotel and turn in early. Ve fly out early tomorrow morning." Germany explained with a sigh. "I have to be back for a meeting vith our boss."

"I don't need to be there do I?" The albino asked raising an eyebrow. Ludwig quickly shook his head and Prussia sighed in relief.

"I vould have told jou vell in advance." The blond said. "I'll send you the notes to look over if jou vant."

"Okay West." Gilbert said with a smirk. Matthew knew that the Prussian probably wouldn't even touch them.

"Will see you guys at the next meeting!" Italy said once they reached the street. "Hopefully we'll be-a able to talk longer next time!"

They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Prussia and Canada walked hand in hand down the street to their parking spot. Matthew paused and gave the truck keys to Gilbert. The albino climbed into the driver's seat and rolled down the window. Blackbird crossed his arms and put them on the ledge before resting his chin on them.

"Jour going after that ghoul?" Prussia asked and Matthew nodded. "I know I say this every time, but please be careful."

"I will be, as always." Canada said standing up on his tip toes to kiss Gilbert's cheek. "Drive careful and I'll be home before you know it."

"Okay." Prussia said biting his lip. He started the truck and drove off as Matthew waved. The blond turned away and stared down the street. He had an idea of where he was going, but not exactly where the ghoul would be.

Canada decided to call for more information. He dialled and waited.

"Hello Mattie!" Shayne answered. He was part of a small squad of ghouls that would help Blackbird keep tabs on different 'problem' ghouls. "Looking for info?"

"Yeah, on the one that's been hanging around Toronto." Matthew replied ducking into an alleyway.

"We don't have too much on him. As far as we know, he's male, about 5'10, dark short cut hair and brown eyes. Apparently he came up from Cali. He's got about eight kills so far." Shayne said. "We don't have a name, but Blair managed to stick a tracker to him. I'll send the feed to your phone now."