Vegas 37
Matthew sat down with a plate of poutine and flipped on the television. Alfred had been dragged out by the girls a couple hours ago, leaving him home alone for the day. He didn't have any planning to do for the wedding: food was ordered, flowers were ordered. He continued down his mental checklist: they'd applied for their license in Ontario, all of the invitations had been answered, the reception hall was booked and ready, they'd arranged for an open bar, and clothes were accounted for. They were ready for this. They'd be making the centerpieces and favors for the tables later in the week, after the rehearsal dinner. He rubbed his nose. It was hard to believe that it was really almost time.
He flipped through the channels until he found a hockey match on and leaned back, eating his fries. He had barely gotten through half the plate when the front door opened and France, Spain, and Prussia let themselves in. He blinked a few times as he looked at them as they looked around the room.
"Papa? Spain? Prussia?" He stood up, setting his plate down. "Is something wrong? Is there something you need?" He suddenly got a sense of dread. Was it too much to hope that he was being forgotten again and they were here for Alfred?
"Ah, mon fils! I was just looking for you! Were you in the kitchen?" Matthew sighed. Close enough, he supposed.
"Why were you looking for me?" France smiled, pulling out a rope as Spain and Prussia walked over, each grabbing an arm.
"Ah, but that would ruin the surprise, mon fils!" He didn't have time to protest before there was a thump on the side of his neck and everything went dark.
Matthew's head bumped against something hard and he jolted awake. It took him a moment for the haze to clear from his mind and realize that he was tied up in a dark box perhaps? No. He took in a sharp breath as he realized he was in a trunk of a moving vehicle. What was going on? He panicked, fumbling, trying to get the cell phone he always carried in his pocket. His fingers just brushed the side of it as he paused. Wait, Matthew. Calm down and think. It is a week before your wedding. Alfred was dragged out to a bachelorette party. The kids are at a sitter's place. Papa and his friends just kidnapped you from his house. Suddenly that feeling of dread made perfect sense, and just in time as the car rolled to a stop. It was time for his bachelor party. He groaned, letting out a sigh as he rolled on his back and waited for his party hardy captives to come collect him.
It didn't take long before there was a rattle, a click, and blinding light as the trunk was opened and Prussia was smirking down at him.
"Time for the most awesome bachelor party ever. You know it's awesome, because it was planned by ime/i." He was shoved out of the way by France, who leaned down, pulling Matthew out of the trunk.
"Ah, but Antonio and I also helped with the preparations, non?" Spain walked over, untying Matthew, who looked around. He could hear some sort of noise in the distance. Perhaps traffic? They were in an otherwise heavily wooded area, and he saw some of Alfred's children along with his already starting down a trail, carrying large backpacks and wearing brightly colored vests. He rubbed his forehead, trying to force himself to think properly. What was going on? Were they camping? No! What if Alfred came home and wondered where he was? He didn't even get a chance to leave a note or call him. His hands were freed and he instantly pulled out his cell phone. As soon as it was opened, the phone was pulled from his hands and snapped closed.
"You won't be needing this. In fact, I think it's better if you just leave it in the car. You wouldn't want it to get ruined. " Prussia turned, walking over to the car before Matthew could protest. He sighed and looked around again. This place was familiar. He took a breath as he realized it. This was by the Ottawa River. He looked at the party goers heading down the trail and the gear they were carrying. His eyes widened slightly as he realized what they were doing.
"Whitewater rafting? Really? Me?" He looked over at Francis, who smiled and moved an arm around his shoulder as he led him down the trail.
"But of course! And then we will be camping! Don't worry, mon fils. We've left a note for America, so he won't be worrying about you." Matthew rolled his eyes. Somehow, he was sure that any note they left behind would have an opposite effect. As they approached the banks where everyone was climbing into rafts, Alberta approached, shoving gear into Matthew's arms.
"Suit up and let's get going." Matthew blinked a few times.
"I thought you were opposed to me getting married?" Alberta scowled as he turned to where Texas was waving him over.
"I am. But it's not really my decision, is it? I guess not all the states are too bad to have as step-siblings." He walked away, leaving Matthew staring at his back, stunned. He didn't get to think too much on it as he was ushered over to a raft with France and Spain. He looked around at the other rafts, surprised to see that even England had come out for the day's events, even if he looked somewhat miffed to be doing so. He smiled a bit as he got onto his raft and was handed an oar. Really, this wasn't what he'd been expecting at all, and he was happy for it. Rather than a drunken night of debauchery and stupidity, he was getting a day of friends and family noticing him, hanging out and doing something. As the boats pushed off the river bank and into the current, he decided it was going to be a good day.