Chapter Twenty One

"Speaking of courts, how will we get the court of public opinion on board with this bill? We may not need to, but it would be much easier if we did." A ghoul representative from Saskatchewan called.

"It would be best if we were completely open and transparent about what we are doing. Yeah, I know that's pretty hard for politicians, but in this case, I believe it would be best." Canada said. He saw a few MP's crack smiles. "I would prefer that the public knows. There would be a huge upset if it was just suddenly implemented."

"The upset would be understandable! Ghouls are our predators, they should be killed." One of the human Yukon representatives yelled.

"Ghouls wouldn't be a danger to humans if they were properly fed." Matthew shook his head. He knew he needed to keep himself distanced. "As far as I can tell and research can tell, ghouls think and feel just like humans do. They are no different other than their diet; maybe think of them as less pushy vegans. Many people around you could be ghouls and you'd never know."

"Why do you think now is the right time to introduce this bill? Weapons to kill ghouls are advancing and we have a chance to wipe them out." The same Yukon MP asked.

"We will never be able too wipe out ghouls, they're very resilient. Besides, that would most likely cause a war you do not want." Blackbird said narrowing his eyes. "Canada is a peaceful nation, this bill will keep it that way."

"The peaceful route would be the best option. It would also most likely put less strain on the budget as well." A ghoul MP from Manitoba spoke up. "We don't have the resources to fight ghouls."

"This system, you're not planning on keeping a list of ghouls. Why?" Another human representative from BC called. He knew that the humans among them would have a lot more questions. The ghouls already knew that the system worked fine and how it functioned.

"We won't be keeping a list of names. We will be keeping a tally to see how many ghouls are using and relying on this system. It wouldn't be right to oust these ghouls with a list, they could lose jobs and such. It could hurt the economy." Canada quickly explained. He waited for another question, but no one called out any. It seemed like most of them had already made their decision.

"Alright, I will give you a moment to think it over before we vote." The house speaker announced.

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker." Matthew said sitting down. A few representatives stood up and were talking among each other.

Nerves were starting to bubble up as they talked. The Canadian knew that there was a very slim chance the bill wouldn't pass here, but he couldn't push the possibility out of his mind. He wondered if the ghouls were worried about ousting themselves if they voted for. He knew he felt like he did. If it passed here, it still had other levels to go through before it was put into place.

"Attention!" The house speaker called gaining everyone's attention. The representatives went back to their desks. "Please place your votes now."

Canada tapped his foot in anticipation; he didn't like waiting. It only took them a few minutes to vote, but it felt like hours. A few MP's met his eyes and smiled. He felt slightly reassured by their kind looks.

"Votes are in." The house speaker announced. Blackbird bit his lip. "There are one hundred and ninety two for and one hundred and twenty eight against with eighteen abstained." He sighed in relief hearing the numbers. It was a lot better then he expected. "The bill has passed and will go onto the committee stage."

It felt like a huge weight was off his shoulders at the words. He knew it still had more stages to go through, but they were taking the first few steps forward. He couldn't wait to see what the future would hold for ghouls in Canada. Of course, he knew the bill might not pass through the next levels, but he'd keep fighting for it. As long as Canada was a country he'd be around and fight for his ghouls. Whether it was at the government level or in the streets.

Blackbird sighed settling in for the rest of the session. He hummed opening his note book.

-❄️" Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without."❄️-

Matthew sighed closing the door behind himself. Kumajirou toddled up to him immediately pawing at his leg. He smiled and picked him up. The cub nuzzled into his neck. Canada heard footsteps and looked up to see Gilbert.

"So?" Prussia asked excitedly. He bounced nervously on the balls of his feet as the Canadian approached. He paused giving the albino a kiss on his cheek. "Come on Birdie jou're killing me."

"It passed to the committee stage." Matthew said with a smile.

"Congratulations! That's awesome, Liebe!" Gilbert said quickly pulling him down for a kiss. Blackbird smiled into it and Kumajirou squirmed in his arms. He broke apart setting the bear down before going back to kiss him again. "I'm proud of jou."

"Thanks Gilly." Canada said kissing his forehead. "Celebratory pancakes?"

"Oh! Ja, please." Prussia laughed as Matthew picked him up. He carried him into the kitchen and set him on the counter. "Vanna coffee?"

"Yes, please." Canada hummed taking off his suit jacket and loosening his tie. He grabbed all the ingredients to make pancakes as Gilbert started to make coffee. He finished and poured him a mug before getting back up on the counter. "Hmmm merci"

"Bitte schön." Gilbert said kissing his cheek and handing him his mug. He finished the batter and poured it into the already warm pan. "Smells so good."

"I bet." Matthew laughed sipping his coffee. Prussia reached behind himself and grabbed a plate from the cupboard. He opened the drawer between his legs to grab a fork. He hopped off the counter and went to the fridge. He grabbed a beer and the maple syrup before getting back up on the counter. He opened the beer with his teeth. "You're going to break a tooth doing that."

"I'm an expert. The awesome me von't break a tooth." Gilbert said with a laugh taking a sip. Matthew rolled his eyes and flipped a pancake onto his plate. The Prussian licked his lips and started to eat. Canada hummed as he finished another setting it on his plate. He put the dishes into the sink and went back over to the albino.

Blackbird hopped up onto the counter next to him. He sipped his coffee leaning into his side. Gilbert smiled and finished his plate. He wiped the syrup off his face and leaned over pulling the Canadian down for a kiss.

"Birdie? Vhat are we?" Prussia asked slowly. He looked nervous.

"Nations?" Matthew said confused raising an eyebrow.

"Nein, I mean to each other?" The albino clarified. He took his hand in his.

"Boyfriends?" Canada said. His eyebrows furrowed. It didn't seem right; it didn't seem like the right word. "Partners?"

"Vhy don't we change that to fiancés?" The albino asked casually. Matthew's eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you asking me to marry you?" Canada asked with a small smile.

"Ja, I am." Gilbert said scratching the back of his neck. "Vill jou marry me, Matthew?"

"Yes! Of course." The Canadian said quickly pulling him in for another kiss. "I love you so much, Gil."

"I love jou too, Birdie." Prussia said holding him close.

Finished writing on August 1st 2018

Finished editing on August 3rd 2018

AN: Aaannd done! There were a few things I wanted to do with this fic, but it didn't fit in it. I really wanted to so either Juuzou vs Canada or Kaneki/Haise vs Canada. Originally Prussia was going to end up being a one-eyed ghoul the way Kaneki did, but also didn't end up doing that. Maybe later… Probably. Anyway, I am posting the first chapter to the third book of 'Don't Fear The Reaper.' Heres the summary~

Matthew's been gone for over two months with no contact to anyone. Jack is scared out of his mind not knowing where he is or what happened. Third book to 'Don't Fear The Reaper.'

Not my best summary, but meh. It is called 'Black Blade' if you're interested!