The Canadian Connection

Ch. 10 Proper English Puffin

"I've been great! Guess what, Ludwig is visiting me in Italy!"

"Oh my gosh really Feli? That's great!"

"I know! I finally talked him into visiting even though it took awhile. He wouldn't even come after I promised to make him pasta but I wore him down. Romano is being a bit of a dick but it's all good."

"Oh that's too bad. So how long is Ludwig staying over there?"

"He's taking an extended vacation. Apparently his boss was getting worried that he would get burned out so made him take a two month holiday from his job in Berlin since he knew Ludwig would just try and keep working if he stayed. Isn't that great?"

"It sure is!"

-

Emil Steilsson yawned into his hand as he lounged in a chair located in his living room before his television before he reached down and idly scratched the head of a small puffin seated next to his chair, the Icelander's violet eyes watching but not seeing the news program flashing before him. Emil or 'Ice' as he was often affectionately referred to by his siblings and close friends due to his heritage did not actually care about what was on the screen before him. Rather, he was anxiously awaiting his older brother's arrival that had called the previous evening to inform him that he along with some of their other Nordic associates would be stopping by. It was a common tactic the men would use, their little organization having safe houses in nearly every major city in Europe and, while some would pick up a target one would have gone ahead several weeks in advance to prep the safe house for as long as they would require its use. Emil was distracted from his blank staring when he felt his puffin move against his hand in an attempt to garner his attention. Emil tilted his head down to observe the small bird curiously.

"What is it Mr. Puffin?" Emil inquired. Mr. Puffin bobbed his head in the direction of the front door causing Emil to look towards it in curiosity. "The door?" Evidently that was correct as a knocking sound cane from said wooden portal. Emil jumped to his feet, brushing his white dress shirt to dispose of the imaginary dust that could have landed on him. Quick strides brought him to the door where he snatched a shotgun sticking out of the umbrella holder and peered into the peephole.

"Who is it?" He asked mildly to the door.

"Norge, let us in." Was the robotic reply to his call. Emil smiled when he caught sight of the frock of light blond hair so different from his own silvery almost white hair. Eagerly, Emil put the shotgun away and pulled the door open to admit his older half brother (though he refused to refer to him as his senior) and the assortment of individuals that followed after.

"Yo, Ice!"

"Mathias." Emil acknowledged stiffly as he watched the grinning blond pass him by.

"H'llo Emil."

"B-Berwald." Emil nodded in greeting.

"Hey Emil."

"Tino."

"An nyoung Emil dazee!"

"Hello- wait, who the hell are you?" Emil demanded, his hand moving back towards the rifle as an overly smiling Asian went through the door.

"Put it back." Norge called from the living room, knowing precisely what the Icelander was thinking without actually having to see him. Emil scowled at the grinning Asian but released the gun all the same.

"Nice to meet you." Yong-soo merrily declared before leaving the foyer with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. Emil turned and noticed a man standing outside with a shy smile. Looking down and noticing the briefcase Emil frowned and gave the man a glare.