Gilbert could see the shock written across Mattie's face. Francis's question had apparently been something Birdsie was not ready for, so Gilbert interjected."To tell you the truth Francis, its so we could avoid this. This awkward conversation that we weren't prepared for yet. We haven't even been a couple for that long and you want us to do the whole meet the family kind of thing? Frankly that's stupid and I know you're smarter than that. Also, Mattie's olds enough to be making his own decisions. He's not a colony anymore, you have to stop treating him like one". Gilbert's speech earned surprised looks not only from Francis but Birdie too. The first one to speak was Francis, "Gilbert, I have never known you to defwend a stranger. I can tell that you really do care for Mathieu. I'm just glad that you both are happy". Mattie let out the breath he had been holding, " Thank you papa. You don't know what this means to me". The rest of dinner went on without another problem. Afterwards, Francis announced that he had some business to take care of. His last remark to the new couple was, "Mathew L'Amour has finally caught you, don't waste it". Francis left the pair in shock at this remark. Prussia turned to Birdie, "Mattie, why does Francis have to be such a romanticist?" Canada had no idea so he just shrugged.

"Gil, did you write that paper for Ludwig yet?"

"Nien, it's just such a boring topic. I mean who wants to read a paper on the squirrel i thought you liked hockeypopulation of the world?"

"Gil, you know that this is important to your brother, even if it's a dumb paper, you still need to do it if only to takes some work off of your brothers load".

" Ugh... Birdie stop doing that".

"Doing what?"

"Making me feel bad about skipping work. I used to ignore paperwork but now I have to do it. Why do you have the power to guilt trip me into doing what ever you want?"

"Its simple Gil, I have no idea. I think its your brain telling you not to cross me, it kreeps you safe that way".

" This is why we don't play hockey anymore, you can be scarier than Russia sometimes and that's saying something ".

" Gil I thought you liked hockey".

"Ja, I do but only watching it not playing it. I would rather be able to walk after a game.".

" You should see a game between me and Ivan then, last time we ended up in a tie game of 99 to 99, now that was fun".

"Mattie, sometimes I worry about you but right now I'm wotrrrd about you're next game against Russia".

" Then you should come to the next game. Speaking of which is next week, I needs to start practicing ".

" But Birdie, our story?!"

"Its fine, for now just write about this week and the next that way we'll have a permanent record of Russia's loss".

" So how do you start your training?"

Matthews training started with doing Laos around the rink. "Uh Birdie, the rinks closed for repairs". Gil seemed to think that they were going to the normal ice rink. Matthew just shook his head and motioned for Prussia to follow him. The pair soon left the house headed towards the woods that surrounded to area. Agftrr a few mimnites of walking Canada stopped. " Birdie, I know its almost impossible to get lost in your own country, but I think we're lost". Matthew turned toward his boyfriend, "Gil, we're here". Sure enough behind Matthew was a part frozen over pond. Matthew continued, " this pond is roughly the diameter of a hockey rink, its where I go to practice, because if any mortals got involved it could be dangerous, usually All comes over to help train but he's so busy planing his wedding that I had to call in another friend". Gil looked a little hesitant, "So who would that be?" Canada smiled, "I called...