Part 1

Chapter 1

I gathered my notes from the meeting and went to my hotel room. I left a little bit after the others since I normally didn't talk to many people. When I was halfway down the hall I saw Al turn around and face me, weird. He told Arthur to wait a minute and walked over to me. I stopped when he did and waited for him, this better not be him hitting me up for something.

"Hey bro!" His voice was just as loud as usual.

"Hey..." I shifted my things and purposefully turned a bit away from him. He didn't notice of course.

"Dude! Are you coming to the club with us tonight? Everyone's going! You are coming right?"

I suppressed a sigh and was about to reply when Papa and Arthur came over to us.

"America, who are yo-" Arthur bumped into me and blinked, looking me over," Oh, sorry Canada. I didn't see you there."

Papa shook his head and pushed Arthur aside, standing next to me ,"Jerk Britain, how did you not see him?"

I didn't say anything, they didn't usually acknowledge me that often, despite the popular belief they were my family.

"Mon petit Matthieu are you coming with us?" He smiled at me.

I didn't want to disappoint him so I nodded," Oui, I'm coming Papa."

He smiled wider and nodded back at me," Bon! I'll see you zhen. I assume you'll be changing?" Arthur and Al looked at us, not talking.

"Oui, I am." I nodded again.

"Kay! See you then bro!" Al grinned and grabbed Arthur, going down the hall.

I turned to Papa," What club is it?" I didn't want to go to the wrong place.

"Oh, I have zhe directions in my room. Come with me." He took my hand and started to walk. I followed him of course and didn't say anything. Kuma walked beside us.

Several minutes later we got to his room, very close to mine. I waited as he opened the door and held it for me.

"Merci papa." I thanked him and went in waiting by the door. He came in as well and went to a desk against the wall, picking up a piece of paper and taking a moment to read it. I opened my journal and took out a pen. I turned to a not-completely-filled page and waited as he came back over.

"It's zhe Around Zhe World Club." He said as he read it over again.

I wrote it down, smiling slightly at the irony of the name ," Okay. I have GPS so I'll be able to find it. Merci papa. I'll see you later."

"Oui, pas de quoi mon petit. I'll see you zhen." He smiled and led me out.

I went a short way down the hall and opened my door, Kuma going in before me. I closed the door and put my things away. Checking the time, I decided I had enough time to really get ready. I undressed, took off my glasses and went into the bathroom, turning on the water and getting in. I let out a sigh as the hot water washed over my head and body, relaxing a bit. The meeting had been typical, a lot of arguing, yelling and not much being accomplished. I took the sponge and worked up a lather, rubbing myself and closing my eyes. After washing that off I just stood under the water for a few more minutes, it was so relaxing. I turned off the water and took a towel from the shiny, metal shelf next to the shower and unfolded it. As I dried myself I thought about what to wear. I didn't go out like this that often so I wasn't sure I had the appropriate attire for the occasion. Maybe a dress shirt? I didn't know. I towel-dried my hair, looking in the fogged mirror at my own reflection, "I'm Canada..." I quietly said to the figure looking back at me. I wrapped the towel around my waist and left. Kuma was sitting on the bed, staring out the window. I smiled at him and went to my suitcase in the corner. I looked through it and found a black dress shirt and a pair of jeans. I put them on the bed and turned the TV for Kuma.

After getting dressed I looked in the mirror as I brushed through my hair,"Do you wanna come Kuma?" I asked, not looking at him.

"Hmmm~ who are you?" He asked.

I sighed slightly, turning to face him ,"I'm Canada."

"Okay." He replied.

"Let's go then." I turned off the TV, and picked him up, hugging him to my chest and walking out. I locked the door behind me and went to Papa's door. I knocked and called out ,"Papa? Are you in there? I'm ready.."

"Oui! Mon petit! One moment!" He called back.

He was probably preening. I waited outside for a few minutes before he opened the door.

He was wearing a white dress shirt, slick dark dress pants, brown, pointed shoes, and had a jacket over his shoulder. His hair was also tied up in a ponytail with a ribbon. He smiled at me," How about I help you find a girlfriend?"

I shook my head," No it's fine papa..."

"Mon petit! You're always alone! You need to find someone." He put a hand on my shoulder.

I shook my head again," I'm okay, really."

He shook his head smiling," I'll find you someone. You can just be with her for the night." He smiled seductively.

I blushed slightly and shook my head," No papa...I'm not interested..."

"Onhonhonhon~ Really?" He squeezed my shoulder.

"Should we go?" I really just wanted to change the subject.

He nodded ," Oui. Do you want to go together?"

I thought for a moment," Well, if you pick up a girl I don't want to be in the way..." I knew that was typical for him.

He laughed ," True."

We both started to walk down the hall, not saying much. I knew Papa was used to my quiet disposition, so I didn't feel the urge to just talk for the sake of it.

We got to the parking lot door ," I'll see you at the club."

He nodded," Oui, see you zhen." I watched him go into the lot.

Once he was several yards away I went in myself and went to my car. I put Kuma in the passenger seat and buckled him in. I got in my side and started the car, programming my GPS and driving off. I put on some music and found Papa driving out. I followed him to a main street and eventually got to the club. I parked next to him," Well...here we are." I got out and took Kuma, going in with them.