Second chappie! I don't own Hetalia, please read a review.

.-*-.

Matthew didn't know what to expect when he walked out of the asylum. His hands were shaking, but that could have been from excitement, fear, or the withdrawal symptoms that would never go away. He was smiling, so he must be happy, but the arms that were wrapped around his familiar (who sensed his owner's nervousness and decided to show up) were to tight for the creature.

He felt like he was going to puke.

But still, he was smiling. And his smile widened when he saw his twin waiting for him on the other side of the gate.

Matthew's smile dropped when he saw the protesters.

Acting on instinct that he had gained from years in foster care he ducked his head down, burying it in his familiar's soft fur.

"Are you afraid?"

Matthew gave a shallow jerk, and the bear started growling, though not loud enough for anyone but Matthew to hear.

They used to be his neighbors. Neighbors, and family friends, and he recognized one as Davie's mother, the idiot boy who talked Matthew into helping raise that demon in the first place.

They all blamed him, and as well they should. He should have been stronger, he should have said no, he should-

"Matthew."

The Canadian lifted his head, and met brilliant blue eyes. My eyes used to be that color.

Alfred glared at the protesters. "Come on Mattie. Let's go."

Matthew nodded and climbed into his brother's pick up truck. One of the guards thew his bag into the back. Alfred waved at the guards, flipped off the protesters, and started driving.

"So we're going to cross the border soon, so get you passport ready," Alfred announced fifteen minutes later.

Matthew nodded, but didn't say anything.

"You know those protesters are full of shit, you know that, right?"

Matthew nodded, but didn't looked too convinced.

Alfred gave his brother a worried look, then turned back to the rode. "So, is that your familiar?"

Matthew smiled. "Yeah. Isn't he adorable!"

The American laughed. "You always did have a thing for polar bears. So... it's a he?" Alfred asked peaking between the bears legs.

"Yes, I'm a he. My name's Kumajirou," the polar bear cub told the American.

Alfred snorted. "I would have thought that you name would have been Nanook or something like that."

Kumajirou looked up. "I'm hungry."

"Speaking of that, they did tell you about my stomach now, right?"

Alfred nodded. "Yep. The only food you can eat without up chucking are pancakes, real maple syrup, and ice cream. Weird that you only can eat your favorite food."

Matthew looked at his brother. "What do you mean?"

"Well, it's just that you get all these cool powers, and now you have an excuse not to eat anything you don't like. Just seems pretty cool to me."

"Alfred, give me your hand," Matthew said coldly. Alfred bit his lip, and held out his hand. His twin's hand was ice cold. "I don't feel warmth anymore, besides skin to skin contact. When ever I get close to any meat substance I start puking. I'm constantly taking pills, because of depression and withdrawal symptoms that might never go away. Sometimes I relapse, forget that I'm Matthew, and I start attacking people, trying to eat them. And then I start puking because I can't stand the thought of flesh anymore. I have chronic depression, and I murdered and ate my adopted family and three other people, including my best friend! I'm not some ice superhero, I-I'm a monster!"

Alfred squeezed his brother's hand. "You're not a monster. You were possessed by a demon, and you're paying for it. I'm sorry for even making it seem like this is a joke. I guess I still have some learning to do about my bedside manor."

Matthew let out a little huff of a laugh. "Yeah, you do. I'm sure you'll get it eventually. Or your stupid puppy optimism will make everyone forget thank you don't think before you talk."

Alfred laughed. "Ouch. I expect a apology later for that."

Matthew sighed and laid his head on top of Kumajirou's. "You'll probably get it."

"Tired?"

Matthew nodded. "All the time."

"'Kay. I'll be quiet then."

"Thanks."

"Ummm... Mattie?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I have my hand back?"

"No."

"Um, okay. Why not?"

"You're warm."

.-*-.

I swear we'll get to the house in the next chapter, but here's some more brotherly America and Canada, as well as some insight into Matthew's predicament, though there is still some stuff to learn. And yes, I do know that Davie was America's friend, not Canada's, but oh well. Please review.