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[weirdestbooks]

Up on AO3, I translated my Texas Revolution oneshot into Spanish. I hope to release more Spanish translations of my oneshots soon.

[weirdestbooks]

Request that you can totally ignore if you want to—

But I was wondering if we can get a oneshot of America meeting Florida for the first time? Maybe America’s POV?

Also ty for making ur FL autistic it means a lot <3 /p

I have thought over this one-shot a bit, and I can't think of a way to do it that won't inevitably be seen in a book I wanna write on Colonial America.

also, I'm glad you like autistic Florida, it's one of the many ways I say fuck you to DeSantis.

[weirdestbooks]

New chapter of my Zane’s sacrifice at the end of Rebooted fic.

And I gotta say, for a character so relatable Jay is really hard to write

[weirdestbooks]

After almost a year of debating whether or not I should write this, I wrote it.

10 chapters each with a different perspective on Zane’s death in season 3. I’m planning on doing this for all deaths (in my opinion), in Ninjago so that’ll be a fun ride.

[weirdestbooks]

You know the chapter in Angel’s book where America was wigging out? Hear me out; Ireland coming to comfort a totally high (or semi-high) America

Sorry, but I don't have the motivation or want to write something like that. Lo siento

[weirdestbooks]

I still think a take on Mississippi's perspective during Shot From the Sky would be interesting

Sorry Aili, but I don't have any ideas of how to go about that. If I do sometime in the future I'll try to, but just right now, I can't

[weirdestbooks]

Oneshot of Britain's creation/birth.

because I must. >:)

Wales POV

"You're a monster." I said, shocked at the news England had just given me.

"Oh please Wales, out of the two of us, you are the monster. I mean, have you seen yourself? You are so inhuman."

"You are a li-" England cut me off.

"The lion is a noble creature. You are just some mindless beast now. That little failed rebellion really did you no good." I snarled at him, and England smiled,  "It's that attitude that has led to me having to put you down, beast."

I scowled, and followed England as he dragged me along towards the room he promised to kill me in. I would fight back, but regardless, I was still going to die. I knew death was painful, and I didn't want to cause myself more pain. Besides, Aunt Cornwall had survived when her country was destroyed, and I was hopeful I could do the same.

I nearly laughed at that. Hope. I hadn't done that in a while.

It was too hard.

England pushed me into the room, where there was a sheet of paper. I gulped, trying to keep my ears and tail from reflecting my nervousness. I failed, as I could still feel them moving, and England's cruel face smiling.

"I see the beast is scared. Of course, you always have seemed to fear me." He said.

Only because of what you've done to me and Draig and Llywelyn. I thought, trying to keep myself from showing anything else. But it was hard, my nonhuman limbs seeming to have a mind of their own. I settled to scowling, and crossing my arms, and England smirked.

I hated him. I wanted to claw that stupid mouth off of his face, mangle his flag till he was a bloodied mess.

I wanted to take the rest of his fingers, his hand, his arm. I wanted revenge for the dehumanization and abuse. That bloodlust surged through me day and night, and I could feel it heightening now.

I pushed it down. This room was a bad place to snap. Too central. Too many obstacles to escape.

Suppose that's why he picked it.

England picked up the pen, and ran his hand along the feather. He looked so pleased with himself, so happy. I hated him.

"Well then. It was...unpleasant knowing you beast." England said before signing the act. I waited for pain, but nothing came. I was fine. There was also a strange weight in my chest, something that was telling me to look down, because there was something of mine there.

I obeyed it, and saw a small boy sitting on the ground.

"Is that a child?" England asked, shock in his voice

"One my god. Your stupid act failed in the worst way possible. You didn't kill me! You made us have a child!" I exclaimed. The small, probably five year old, child blinked.

"Papa?" He said, looking to me.

"No! I'm not this....thing's father! It's not mine!" I said, pushing the child away with my tail, hitting it when it tried to grab onto my tail.

"You don't want it?" England asked. I laughed.

"Well, do you want it?”

"Of course I don't want it! I'll get some guards to drown it or give it to some noblewomen and hopefully it'll die pretty quick after that." England said with a small smirk, before turning to me.

"And I'll have to find another way to put you down now, beast." England said as he patted my cheek, before walking off. I shot one more glance at the child, with my eyes and England's flag and scowled.

"Why do you even exist?" I growled out, glaring at it. It looked sad, and like it was going to cry. I turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me.

[weirdestbooks]

I’m really sorry about not posting my books on Tumblr, it’s just really hard to do because I don’t always have access to tumblr outside of mobile, and it’s so tedious to do. I might add someone to the book blog just to add the books there for me, but not promises. I will try and get them up there eventually, but I also have an AO3 with all my books fully uploaded, where you can read my books if you’d don’t like Wattpad

[weirdestbooks]

What if one of the states tried to fill in for America at a meeting by dressing like him and mimicking his personality? (Bonus points if they mimic the personality they know he has and not the one he shows to the other countries)

I’m sorry, but this won’t work because none of the states are close to being his height, more do any of them have his flag. Sorry to disappoint you, but I just don’t have a way to write this oneshot.

[weirdestbooks]

I have AO3. Working on updating it with all my books. Only the oneshots are up right now (and my iPad died so I can’t update anymore for now. Give me like an hour before I start the rest)

[weirdestbooks]

The Occupation Chapter 8

Sisterly Visit

Pennsylvania's POV

"Hurry up Mary, we have to be quick." I told my sister as we snuck through Wilmington, trying to find our brother.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, jeez." Maryland said, coming up behind me, "I don't like this."

"Trying to find Delly?" I asked, confused as to why she wouldn't like it. After all, it was her idea. Maryland shook her head.

"The occupation. What Da said about Dela asking for help in Morse code and then the meeting being suddenly ended by the guards and then the phone call and then communications with Dela stopped completely. Something bad might be happening to him and I'm worried." Maryland said. I nodded.

"I feel the same why. But that's why we're here after all." I said.

"Leave them alone!" I heard Delaware's voice call out. I exchanged looks with Maryland. Sounds like we found our brother. We quickly made our way over to the sound, and saw Delaware standing between two of his people and five members of his National Guard. He was wearing a black turtleneck that almost looked small on him.

Actually, everything he was wearing looked small on him, and didn't even look like something he would wear. Was he borrowing someone else's clothes? And his legs looked very shaky, like standing was taking a lot out of him.

"Should we help?" Maryland whispered. I snorted.

"And get kicked out immediately? Let's just wait for Dela to be alone and talk to him then." I whispered back.

"Delaware, we are doing what is best for the city." A guard said. Delaware scowled.

"Leave them alone." He responded. I frowned. Normally when Delaware said something like that, he sounded defiant, but his voice now was desperate, pleading, and scared. I didn't like that.

"Restrain Delaware." The lead guard of the group said. Two guards immediately went to grab Delaware, who's eyes widened.

"You cowardly-" Delaware began as he started cursing out the guardsmen, who had grabbed him and forced his hands behind his back.

"Dela!" Maryland exclaimed. I was shocked as well. How could those people treat their state this way?

"Someone escort them. We'll take care of making sure Delaware understands the consequences of its actions." Lead Guard said. Delaware's eyes widened, and he began trying harder to get out of the grip of the guards, swearing and begging, Delaware was begging for them to stop, as the two guards restraining him put handcuffs on him. "And someone shut it up!"

Another guard, that last one in the group pulled what looked like a piece of cloth out of his pocket, and used it to gag Delaware, who tried to bite his hand. While that guard did that, one of the ones that had been previously restraining him took something out of his pocket and put it on Delaware's neck briefly, before removing it.

How could they do this to Delaware? Why were they doing this to him? Was this why he had asked for help? What was put on his neck?

"Oh my god..." Maryland muttered. The guards then pushed Delaware to the ground, who looked up at them with such fear in his eyes. I had never seen Delaware look that scared in my life. I had to do something.

"What the fuck are you doing to my brother?" I said, marching over to the four guards. I heard Maryland sigh before she followed me. I looked to Delaware, who just looked more panicked at seeing me. He was probably concerned for me, as the guards obviously haven't been treating him well.

"Pennsylvania? Maryland? How on earth did you get here?" One of the guards asked.

"That's not important. What is important is what the hell you are doing to our brother!" Maryland said.

"We're keeping i-him under control. Just like we are with the city." Lead Guard said. I felt my hands curl into fists as I turned to Delaware, who still looked scared, although his eyes seemed to be having trouble focusing, as whenever he looked towards me, his eyes would drift to the side.

Delaware tried to say something, but the gag prevented him from doing it. Guard 1 turned around and swiftly kicked him in the stomach, which made Delaware stop attempting to speak as his face twisted to one of pain. I immediately punched him in the face when he turned back to face us.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I snarled out.

"We are simply following orders. It's not our fault your brother can't listen." Guard 2 said.

"Our brother listens to capable people. And when I get back I will be informing my father of this." Maryland snapped. The Lead Guard laughed.

"No you won't." He said.

"Yes we will." I responded.

"No you won't, because if anyone finds out from you, we will kill Delaware. Do you want to risk his life?" The Lead Guard said. I was stunned that he would even say something like that.

"You're bluffing." Maryland said, but there was far in her voice. She didn't believe they would do that either. Guard 3 smiled, and picked Delaware up off the ground, who now looked slightly dazed, looking around like he couldn't understand what he was seeing. He also wasn't making any effort to stand, being held up entirely by the guard.

What was wrong? Surely that one kick didn't do that, but something was making Delaware act so...so...off.

"Put him down." I said. Guard 3 smiled.

"Alright then." He said, throwing Delaware to the ground, whose head hit it with a loud crack. Delaware must of been knocked unconscious, because he didn't move after he hit the ground

"DELLY!" I screamed, turning to attack the guards with a snarl.

"I wouldn't." A guard said as he harshly kicked Delaware's side, "We'll just make it worse."

"I...I..." Maryland said as she tried to come up with something to say. I did too. We couldn't just keep silent about this.

But we couldn't risk Delaware getting hurt even more.

"We won't tell." I said. Maryland turned towards me.

"Penny!" She exclaimed.

"We can't risk it." I said, "I...if Delly gets hurt more...I can't risk that."

Maryland looked so conflicted, but nodded.

"Fine." She spat at the guards, "we won't tell."

"It's so nice to see that you care about your brother. Those three will escort you out of the city. I'll take Delaware back to his...accommodations." Lead Guard said before picking Delaware's limp body off the ground and carrying him off.

"Alright you two, let's go." Guard 3 said, grabbing my arm and dragging me off.

I'm sorry Delaware. I wish I could protect you better.

[weirdestbooks]

The Occupation Chapter 7

The Call

Delaware's POV

"Yo-you shot someone?" I asked, stuttering slightly. While there were some guards I could almost act normal around, he wasn't one.

"No, the gun simply misfired, a tragic accident, not murder." He said. I knew he was wrong, I knew he was lying, but...he was terrifying, the guard with the whip. I didn't like seeing his face. It made the cuts sting again.

"Not every-everyone will be-believe that." I stuttered out.

"I'm aware, Delaware. Your family has been asking so many questions about it. So we've arranged a call." He said. My hope grew. I could talk to them more, maybe I would be able to get out another message!

"You will be watched and you will tell them exactly what we say, understand?" He asked. I nodded, "Good. Now here's what you need to say. First, that it was an accident, and second, that you are alright. Don't let them know anything is wrong, or I'll make your past whipping seem painless."

I began shaking as he walked closer, and he smiled. "Understand, Delly?"

I nodded quickly, and he smiled, before walking away. I didn't relax until he was gone.

I really, really hated him.

New Jersey's POV

"What if he's hurt? What if he watched it happen? What if-"

"Calm down Ginny." Massachusetts said, stopping Virginia's pacing. Virginia has been worried ever since she had heard about the man who had been killed by Delaware's National Guard.

"How can I be calm? Del might not be safe!" Virginia exclaimed.

"I'm worried too Ginny. He's my twin. But you aren't helping anyone's anxiety." New York said. Virginia sighed, and opened her mouth, but was interrupted by the phone ringing.

"Del?" New Hampshire said, answering the phone, her voice full of concern.

"Hey Hamp." Delaware said, his voice ringing out from the phone. A sigh of relief seemed to go around the room, as we all relaxed.

"Thank god." Virginia said as she heard the voice of our brother.

"Hey Delly." Pennsylvania said, "Are you alright?"

"Of course I'm fine. Governor Terry and the National Guard won't let me get hurt." Delaware answered. There was something off about his voice. It seemed strained, like there was something wrong. There was also a hint of a Southern accent.

My blood ran cold as I thought about the implications of that. Delaware could be lying about him being fine.  

Was he?

Delaware sometimes has a southern accent even when he wasn't lying. Besides, why would Delaware lie about his own well being?

Yes, Delaware must be fine. Even if we mother hen him sometimes, he wouldn't keep that a secret. Satisfied with that conclusion, I turned back into the conversation.

"What about the man who was murdered by the guard?" Georgia asked. That question. The question that led to this call. The thing that had worried us the most out of all the concerning stories that had come out of Wilmington, including Dad's story of Delaware's Morse code message.

"The person wasn't murdered. It was an accident." Delaware responded after a moment of hesitation.

"What do you mean 'it was an accident?'" South Carolina asked, sounding incredulous.

"I mean it was an accident. The gun was faulty. I don't blame the National Guard. They are doing an excellent job. What happened was a tragedy, yes, and something we'll try to avoid in the future. But what happened was an accident, not a murder." Delaware explained, "And before you ask we aren't trying to guard for anything either."

I scoffed, "Come on Del, really? You believe that bullshit?"

"It's not bullshit. It's the truth. You called me to ask what happened. That's what happened." Delaware responded.

Maybe something was wrong. Even if that was true, Delly wouldn't act this way.

Right? Was I overthinking?

"Are you sure that's what happened?" North Carolina asked.

"Yes I'm sure." Delaware responded.

"Okay, if you're so sure, we'll drop it. For now at least. While you're here, do you just want to talk?" Connecticut asked. There was a pause, and what sounded like whispers on the other end. Was Delaware making sure he had the time to talk? Or was it something else?

"I can stay for the next few minutes." Delaware eventually said. New York posture brightened, and he immediately began telling Delaware about something new he had remembered from when he was New Netherlands.

"And I remember seeing New Sweden there, and man was your past self an idiot because he did the dumbest thing-" New York was cut off by Delaware's voice quietly speaking up.

"Yorkie, hjäp mig! De tvingar mig att-" Delaware's voice was cut off as the sounds of a scuffle began, and the phone was abruptly hung up. New York's face changed to one of panic, and he immediately began calling back the number.

"Apple? What did he say?" Massachusetts asked.

"York, what happened?" North Carolina asked.

"He asked for help! Something's wrong with him!" New York said, as the phone was finally answered.

"Delly? Delly, what's wrong, are you okay?" New York asked quietly.

"M'fine. Just dropped the phone. I have to go now, so hjälp mig och tro inte på någonting..." The phone was hung up again, and no matter how many times New York called back the number, there was no answer.

Something was very wrong.

Delaware's POV

After I gave the second message, the guards pulled me away from the phone, hitting the back of my head. I groaned as the already present dizziness grew. I tried to pull away as the guard hung up the phone, but everything felt too heavy.

I felt so tired.

The guard who had hung up the phone marched over to me, pulling up my head to look at him. I tried to pull away, but it was just too much effort. I just felt too weak to fight.

"What did you say Delly?" The guard asked.

"Words." I slurred our, trying to get my tongue to cooperate. The guard slapped me.

"You don't give us any attitude." He ordered. I wished my hands were free so I could flip him off. But, like normal, they were handcuffed behind my back, "You will tell us the truth."

"I...I did." I murmured as speaking became harder. The guard hit me again, before pulling out the gag.

"Well until you are ready to use your speaking privileges properly, they will be taken away until further notice." The guard said. I tried to pull away, to resist, but every action just made me more tired. The gag was put on, the fabric pushing uncomfortably against the corners of my mouth.

"We should probably get it a muzzle. Maybe that'll help it learn better." The guard holding me said. I froze. I didn't want them to switch to a muzzle. They already dehumanized me enough, constantly referring to me as an 'it', but I didn't want them to get a muzzle for me!

"I think that's a good idea." The other guard said, "Don't you agree Delly?"

The guard then began moving my head to make it look like I was nodding. My face burned in embarrassment, as tears appeared in my eyes, my shame growing.

"Well it looks like we are all in agreement. I'll go see what I can do to get you that muzzle Delly." I wanted to attack him, to hurt him, to make him pay for the pain and humiliation.

But all I could do was watch as my consciousness slowly slipped away.

[weirdestbooks]

Secret States Chapter 16

Brotherly Love

Illinois POV

"So let me get this straight. You invited Texas to the UN meeting because you two wanted the states to be revealed. Texas ratted out Liberia as being the person behind it and now Dad and Dee are promising to punish you severely, and you want us to help get you out of the house." Nevada said as I cackled at their situation.

"Yes that's what happened and Noi can you please shut up." Texas said.

"Absolutely not." I said through my laughter, "Oh I can't believe Liberia got ratted out immediately by Texas."

"Oh come on! If you planned this you would have been ratted out too!" Liberia insisted. I shook my head, laughter calming down.

"Libby, I have ways to make sure nobody would rat me out." I said.

"What, you gonna pull a Wales?" He asked.

"Well yes, but also I was a part of the mob during Prohibition, I picked up a thing or two." I said. Although I hated the fact that the mob still had me under their thumb, and controlled me, I could still appreciate what they taught me. It's the only way I've been able to keep that secret, to protect my family and my human identity.

Also it came in handy when I worked as a spy in Lithuania during the Cold War. Mainly to help Dad and the Baltics keep in touch since Dad still recognized them as independent nations.

Speaking of that, I would have to try and meet Lithuania at some point again. She was a very fun person to be around.

"Wait, you were actually part of the mob?" Liberia asked, shock in his voice.

"Yes? Dude, that's common knowledge." Texas said.

"I thought it was just a joke! What the hell?" Liberia said. Nevada giggled at that.

"You are not ready to hear about me and Yorkie then." He said.

"YOU AND NEW YORK WERE ALSO PART OF THE MOB?" Liberia yelled. Texas and Nevada laughed, while I smiled uncomfortably, tense. Talking about being part of the mob always made me so nervous. I didn't want them to find out what the mob was doing to me, or making me do.

The knowledge of the bug on my phone only made me more uncomfortable.

I hope that won't hurt me because of this.

Nevada must have noticed by uncomfortableness, because he quickly changed the subject. My body posture relaxed, and I gave Nevada a relieved smile. Thank God for my little brother and the fact that he knew. I don't think I would have been able to go through the blackmail and humiliation if it wasn't for him and New York. And Michigan, even if he didn't know.

"So Liberia, even though you are an independent nation, you are still here and letting yourself be grounded. Why?" Nevada asked.

"I fear Dee more than I fear anything else on Earth." Liberia said bluntly.

"She's terrifying." Texas said, shuddering slightly.

"Give me ten bucks and I'll tell you an embarrassing story about her." I said. Texas looked excited at that, and pulled out ten dollars and gave it to me.

"Thanks." I said, pocketing it and turning to Nevada, "So Vada, how do you think we should smuggle these two out?"

"You aren't going to tell me anything?" Texas asked, incredulous.

"Nah I just wanted ten dollars." I said. Texas groaned as our brothers laughed.

"I shouldn't have trusted you." He said. My smile faded some at that. Of course he didn't trust me. I was betraying them all the time and I needed to leave and to get away, it was too much and I felt the guilt well up again and I needed to go and-

I cut off my panicked thoughts before the panic attack started, and tried to swallow down the panic in my throat. I couldn't let them see that something was wrong. Then they could find out and if they found out...I couldn't let them find out.

I just had to get through this. Then I could hide in my room.

"Come on Tex, you know how Noi is. He's a conman and a liar!" Liberia said with a smile. I knew he was joking, but it was bringing up the guilt and the pain and I wanted to cry and hug them and confess and destroy the bug and trackers and I couldn't because then they would hurt my family!

I can't let them do that.

So I forced myself to smile.

"Any more insults to me and I'll just tell Dee about you asking me and Vada for help." I said. That would stop the insults and make it easier to hide the guilt and the pain. It was only for less than an hour. I could do this. I could!

"Got it. No more insults. I really don't want to face Dee's wrath getting worse." Texas said.

"Good." I said with a small nod, "Now here's the plan. I go with Libby and sneak him out that window by NASA's room. After NASA's stargazing field is the woods and once you start running in there, you shouldn't be found. Vada can go with Tex and sneak him out the outside cellar door, since that opens up to where that cornfield is, so you can get lost in that."

"Running through the cornfields. Reminds me of that one time when we were with Yorkie and we were trying to-" Nevada began before I cut him off, not wanting Liberia or Texas to hear this story.

"Yes Nevada I remember you don't have to tell everyone." I said, blushing with embarrassment. Nevada laughed.

"Sorry, but it's just so easy to embarrass you with that." He said.

"Well now I want to hear this story." Liberia said, looking excited. Nevada smiled his crooked grin, and put his hands behind his back.

"Oh you do? What would you pay for it?" He asked in his conman voice. Liberia's face changed to one of fear as that happened.

"Never mind, I am no longer interested in knowing. Hey Noi, let's leave now. Please?" Liberia asked. I laughed quietly, and nodded.

"We can go." I said, walking out of Nevada's room, Liberia following me. We walked in silence for a minute, before Liberia spoke up.

"Are you okay Noi? You are too quiet, you aren't laughing as loud, and you looked uncomfortable back there." I nodded and smiled.

"Of course I'm fine Libby. Just a bit worried about the countries knowing about us. It's exciting, but nerve wracking." I said, grateful that I was good at lying. Liberia was probably the worst person who could find out about my situation, with his inability to keep any type of secret.

"Okay..." Liberia said, looking at me with suspicion, "You'd tell us if something was wrong though, right?"

"Of course I would Libby." I said as I opened the window, "Now let's get you out of here before we get caught."

[weirdestbooks]

A Civil Disagreement Chapter 5

With The Strike of a Gavel

United's POV

"Dad!" I heard DC call to me, coming from the direction of the Supreme Courthouse.

"Hello Dee. Is something wrong?" I asked. She gave me a stack of papers.

"The court has reached a decision on that case, the one with the slave trying to sue for his freedom. They sided against him, but I figured you would want to read what they said about it, since it's a pretty big case." DC explained. I nodded.

"Yes, I did want to read the specifics of whatever conclusion they came to. Thanks for this Dee." I said, smiling at her. She smiled back before responding.

"You're welcome. Now I have to get going, I have other things on today's schedule." I nodded, and pulled her into a quick hug.

"Have a good day!" I said as she walked off. She smiled and waved goodbye. My face fell as she left, and I looked back down at the papers, "So you lost again. Let's see what the court had to say about it this time."

I brought myself back to my house and walked into my office, before I read the majority opinion. Right away, I was shocked by some of what I was reading.

"Slaves and their descendants can't have citizenship? So the case was just dismissed from court? Oh lord. This is going to cause a mess." I muttered.

Would this mean Freedman aren't citizens, as many of them are the descendants of former slaves? Would this affect the Three-Fifths Compromise? What about the blacks that already had the right to vote in some states? Would this worsen the violence in Kansas? It's definitely going to increase tensions, no doubt about that.

At least with the court saying they have no jurisdiction, they aren't able to take things further than-'what the fuck.'

Alarm and fear raced through my body as I read the next section of the court's opinion.

'They didn't do this.'

This had to be a nightmare.

'Please tell me what I'm reading is fake.'

But the words didn't change. The paper still read the same thing. That the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and they Congress couldn't free slaves in federal territory.

Has the court lost their minds? That Compromise was helping keep the country together and they got rid of it?

This was definitely going to cause a lot of arguments as Congress and others debated what this would mean. The Southerns are going to be please with it, as they now can expand slavery, but the abolitionists in the North? They were going to be furious.

'What if it starts another bleeding Kansas?'

Even though Judge Taney's argument made perfect sense, that it was unconstitutional for Congress to take away people's property, which slaves were under the Fifth Amendment, and any laws involving that were unconstitutional. That argument I did have to agree with, it made sense.

It was the backlash of such an important compromise being nullified that I feared. And that fact that Judge Taney shouldn't have gone that far in a court case that he has already said was outside his jurisdiction!

"I might as well see what the two dissenting judges have to say. They probably argue the same thing about the jurisdiction bit." I muttered, still very worried.

The dissenting judges agree. Invalidating the Missouri Compromise was an unnecessary action that was not relevant nor needed to solve the case. Especially after Judge Taney said that it was outside his jurisdiction. They also though that Judge Taney was incorrect in the fact that the founders were categorically opposed to anti slavery laws.

Although Judge Taney's argument against the Missouri Compromise, these two were right that it was an unnecessary action.

"So the Missouri Compromise was invalided for no reason. Perfect. I can't wait to see what fucking problems this causes."

Illinois's POV

Debates were always fun to watch. And the debate I was at now was a part of seven debates that have been held in towns across my state, including the town it was in now, Freeport. They were part of the senatorial race, held between Democrat Stephan Douglas, the current senator, and Republican Abraham Lincoln, someone who was new in politics.

They were mainly talking about slavery, and the expansion of slavery into the territories, a highly debated topic ever since the Dred Scott Case. Stephan Douglas, sticking true to the solution he had created, continued to argue for popular sovereignty, despite how impossible it seemed to become after the Dred Scott Case, although the Republican position of free soil also seemed impossible.

That was one of the points Mr. Lincoln was arguing here today. Despite the fact that Senator Douglas was trying to paint Mr. Lincoln as a crazy radical out to destabilize the Union, I found him quite pleasant.

He had been a good lawyer, and was a good speaker. I especially liked what Mr. Lincoln said when he received the Republican nomination for senator, "a government cannot endure perminantly half slave and half free."

Mr. Lincoln had also seemed quite unaffected by the slander Senator Douglas was saying, despite the fact that Senator Douglas was saying that he supported incredibility radical things, like racial equality. Mr. Lincoln would point emphasize the moral iniquity of slavery, but he never advocated for things like racial equality.

Mr. Lincoln's most important argument against Senator Douglas was perhaps that fact that the Dred Scott Case had invalidated popular sovereignty, but also the fact that popular sovereignty had only seemed to cause violence in Kansas. It didn't seem to be a good solution.

"Could the people of a territory in any lawful way, against the wishes of any citizen of the United States, exclude slavery from their limits prior to formation of a state constitution?" Mr. Lincoln asked Senator Douglas, bringing my attention back to the debate.

"The people have the lawful means to introduce it, or exclude it as they please, for the reason that slavery cannot exist a day or an hour anywhere, unless it is supported by local police regulations. Those regulations can only be established by the local legislature, and if the people are opposed to slavery they will elect representatives to that body who will by unfriendly legislation effectively prevent the introduction of it into their midst." Senator Douglas responded.

Oh that was a smart thing to say, and a good argument. Even if slavery was allowed to be introduced into territories, if the police didn't support it, it could still be a free territory.

Debates were very interesting.

[weirdestbooks]

A Civil Disagreement Chapter 4

Kansas Bleeds

DC's POV

May 20, 1856

Kansas Territory was causing us a world of trouble. Fighting had broken out two years ago when we allowed popular sovereignty, letting the people of Kansas and Nebraska Territory to vote on whether or not they wanted to have slavery in their lands.

Unfortunately this has let to many people from Missouri, and Missouri himself to go to Kansas in a attempt to sway the vote towards slavery. Border ruffians, they were called. Of course, the Free-Staters weren't any better, and had also gone to Kansas to sway the vote in their favor.

Which has led us to being here. Stuck in Congress, arguing endlessly. Like normal. Father was supposed to be here, but he was off handling other business. He had traveled to California and was spending a week there with her, before he left to go visit Hawaii. After the visit he would come back sometime in June.

Until he came back, I was stuck with the wonderful job of dealing with Congress's arguments.

Being a capital was so much fun.

Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts had given a speech, addressing the issue of whether or not Kansas should be admitted to the Union as a free state or a slave state.

It was a very long speech, although what speech in this Senate wasn't?

Senator Sumner had blamed Senator Stephan Douglas of Illinois and Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina for what he called "the crimes against Kansas."

And he was not holding back in his dislike for them either.

"Noise-some, squat and nameless animal...not a proper model for an American Senator" was how he described Senator Douglas. It was very shocking, the insults, though I'm sure if Father was here he would have found it amusing. Although what he called Senator Douglas was not nearly as shocking or insulting as what he said about Senator Butler.

He said that Senator Butler had taken "a mistress...who, though ugly to others, is always lovely to him; though polluted with the sight of the world, is chaste in his sight—I mean, the harlot, Slavery."

Fiery words indeed.

"You are lucky Senator Butler was not here for your speech, Senator." I said, approaching Senator Sumner, who was attaching his postal frank to what I assumed were copies of his speech.

"Hello Washington. I figured you would have probably come to talk to me about my language." He said, "But I do not regret it. I said what needed to be said."

"Sometimes I feel like the mother of certain congressmen here, having to discipline you for the way you behave. Senator, I know you are passionate and you have your beliefs, but with the situation in Kansas...do you really think angering more people will help the situation?" I asked him.

"People are already angry, Washington." Senator Sumner began, as I noticed Representative Preston Brooks of South Carolina entered the chamber, holding a cane in his hand, and making his way towards us. Perhaps he wanted to speak with me. I turned back to Senator Sumner as he continued speaking.

"How angrier could they possibly get?" He said, right as Representative Brooks reached us. I opened my mouth to respond, but right as I did, Representative Brooks raised his cane, the metal top gleaming in the light, and brought it down on Senator Sumner's head.

I stood there, horrified as Representative Brooks struck Senator Sumner again and again, too shocked to move, to do anything. This had never happened in Congress before!

Senator Sumner attempted to get up, and did so, lurching around the room, bleeding profusely from his head and Representative Brooks continued to strike.

After a period of time that felt like forever, the caning stopped.

"Good day, District of Columbia." Representative Brooks said as he turned to leave, no one, not even me, was making any moves to stop him. I could see some senators grabbing Senator Sumner and carrying him out of the chamber, probably to get him to a doctor.

And I just stood there, shocked at what had occurred.

My God.

What was I going to tell Father?

Missouri's POV

May 21, 1856

Lawrence, Kansas Territory. The center of anti-slavery action in Kansas Territory. It was import that me and other proslavery forces suppress the action taken by anti-slavery here. Especially after we worked so hard to get Kansas a pro slavery government back in March. Kansas had to be pro slavery at all cost, for the good of the Union!

Especially due to the violence that had happened there.

After Sheriff Samual J Jones was shot in this town trying to arrest some Free-Staters, neutralizing the threat this town possessed became even more important.

We had taken the first steps when Federal Marshall I. B. Donaldson issued a proclamation asking for the citizens of Kansas Territory to help him arrest members of extra legal Free-State legislators. With the help of about six proslavery militias, the arrests happened peacefully.

Unfortunately that was having violent consequences. The anti-slavery people of Lawrence were now arming themselves.

Which is where I come in.

Sheriff Jones had assembled a force of 750 men, including me to help disarm the citizens of Lawrence and their anti-slavery institutions. That way we could prevent them from committing acts of violence against the proslavery individuals of Kansas Territory.

With that plan in mind, we had sealed off all exits to the town, and placed a cannon on a nearby mountain. Then we had proceeded to march onto the town of Lawrence so we could place all of the anti-slavery leaders under arrest.

As we marched into Lawrence, there was no resistance to us, much to my surprise. The citizens just let it happen.

"Guess not everyone here is anti-slavery." I muttered under my breath. Not that I was going to complain about that. That was an advantage for us. And it proved that this territory should become a slave state. Even the abolitionist town wouldn't fight back against us.

But we still had to take care of our two main targets, the anti slavery newspapers. I was in charge of taking care of the newspaper called the Herald of Freedom. It was easy enough to take over the office of the newspaper.

"Take the printing press and throw it into the river!" I ordered my men, "Make sure the printing press for the Kansas Free State is destroyed. The rest of you, help the others destroy the Free-State Hotel, the military hotel."

I then began helping my men carry the printing press towards the river.

"Are you sure this is necessary, Missouri?"

"Yes. It will ensure that this town isn't allowed to spit out more propaganda that will destroy the credibility of the noble institution of slavery." I said, grunting slightly as we approached the river bed, the printing press getting heavy.

"On three we throw it in." I said. "One, two, three."

The printing press hit the river with a splash, and we sighed.

"Well that was a success. Should we meet up with the others at the Free-State Hotel?" Someone asked, stretching out their arms.

"No, we don't want to all crowd there. We should rob the homes of the abolitionists, and convince them to leave. They aren't welcome in this pro slavery territory!" I said, bringing on cheers from my men. I smiled.

This was a great success so far. This territory would definitely become pro slavery. We have destroyed the stronghold, and now they have nowhere left to go.

I wonder if Kansas would be proud of me for helping them. I couldn't wait to meet them, another slave state to help even the balance.

————June 2, 1856————

Of course when I thought everything was going to go up, it had to go down. Poor Kansas.

Back in May, a murderous abolitionist named John Brown, joined by others had murdered five proslavery men in what was now called the Pottawatomie Massacre. It was an awful tragedy, and John Brown needed to be taken into custody at all cost. And I had to be there to help the proslavery men, no matter what Kentucky said.

Marshall Pate had put together a group of fifty men, including myself, to help take down the abolitionist fugitives. We had been ransacking abolitionist homes to make sure none of them were in league with the fugitives as we tracked them down. The lack of cooperation from these men gave the fugitive Brown enough time to raise a force of his own.

A battle between us was certain, and was most likely going to happen today, as we were currently under attack by Brown.

It was a wonderful way to wake up. I yawned as I looked around for the fugitives.

"They are using the Santa Fe trail as a refugee!" One of our men called.

"And so can we!" I said, ducking for cover as gunfire increased upon the sight of me.

"See they like you as a target." My friend said. I laughed.

"They don't think I belong here Johnny. But even if I don't, neither do they. A bunch of murderous hypocrites who can't accept that this territory is going to be a slave state." I said.

"Think Kansas will appreciate what we've done once she's born?"

"Oh I'm certain of it." I said before returning fire. The pattern continues. Me and Johnny joked around as we continued to exchange gunfire.

But we were still getting nowhere. We had hit a stalemate.

"I'm going to negotiate with him." Marshall Pate eventually told me as he made his way over crafting up a white flag.

"We can't negotiate with fugitives!" Johnny said. I sighed.

"Marshall Pate has a point though. We are getting nowhere. This might be the best solution we are going to get." I said. Marshall Pate nodded.

"We can see if we can get his surrender to help lessen casualties. We seem to outnumber them, so we have an advantage there. Missouri, will you accompany me?" Marshall Pate asked. I nodded, and he smiled, before lifting his arm and raising the flag.

"We wish to negotiate with John Brown!" He yelled. The gunfire ceased as some of the anti slavery men appeared.

"We'll take your leader and the state to Mr. Brown. The rest of you behave. One of the men said before leading us to Brown.

"What do you want Border Ruffians?" He asked.

"We wish to negotiate for your unconditional surrender." Marshall Pate said, causing John Brown to laugh.

"I will not be surrendering today. When this battle ends you will be the ones surrendering. Now take them away. I don't want to talk to you Border Ruffians until you are ready to surrender, hear me?" He demanded. I rolled my eyes.

"We won't surrender. You will surrender to us when this battle is over." I said. John Brown smiled.

"We'll see about that slave state." He said, before his men took us back to our side of the battlefield.

"Well that was a failure." I commented.

"It was worth a shot. Now we need to figure out how to break the stalemate so we can force them to surrender." Marshall Pate said. I nodded, and grabbed my weapon from Johnny as the battle resumed.

Everything seemed to be heading to it continuing how it was for god knows how long, until a cry came that chilled me to the core.

"We have the Border Ruffians surrounded!" One of Brown's men called from behind us. Johnny and I exchanged horrified looks.

"Reinforcements from Lawrence?" Johnny questioned.

"Must be." I said, turning to Marshal Pate.

"What do we do?" I asked. Marshal Pate sighed.

"Surrender." He said, as he lifted up the white flag. Once again, Marshal Pate and I were taken to John Brown.

"Hello again Border Ruffians. Now, I want unconditional surrender from your group. No terms." Brown said. I scowled.

"And if we don't?" I asked. Brown pulled out his gun and pointed it at Marshal Pate.

"Then I blow out both of your brains." He said. I froze, my pride breaking and my anger growing.

"Fine. We will agree to unconditional surrender." Marshal Pate said. I clenched my fists.

I hated this. I failed to bring the fugitive to justice.

Kansas will hate me for this.

United POV

August 30, 1856

"United States! There's been another conflict in Kansas!" A messenger said as he ran up to me. I groaned. Not another one. Hopefully Missouri wasn't caught up in this one. Kentucky still had yet to convince Missouri to come home and stop causing trouble.

"What happened now?" I asked, as the messages stopped.

"Another battle. At Osawatomie. The Missourians attacked the town. The Free Staters tried to hold them off, but they were too outnumbered. Osawatomie was burned." He said.

"Not another one..." I mumbled, being reminded of the Sack of Lawrence from May. I really hoped Kentucky dragged Missouri home soon. That boy was in big trouble.

"I'm going to go talk to Congress about this. All of these conflicts need to end soon. I know people disagree, but killing each other isn't a good solution. We can settle things peacefully." I said, dismissing the messenger.

'Are you sure?'

I was sure of the fact that everything would calm down eventually. Violence was not going to be the answer to this. We had compromised before, we can make compromises again.

I hope I can get my kids to see that.

[weirdestbooks]

Oneshot-Hawaii and the Celtic Nation

Hawaii POV

I was very excited for today. With the revelation of the states, Ireland was finally going to be able to introduce me to the other Celtic Nations, his family. He was very excited when he picked me up from the airport, and spent the entire care ride talking about his family.

"Seanmháthair will spoil you rotten iníon. She loves kids and has been so excited to meet you ever since I told you about our...friendship." Ireland said.

"I'm so excited to meet all of the Celtic Nations. If they are as wonderful as you this will be an amazing week!" I said. Ireland smiled widely as he parked the car.

"I'm glad you're excited." He said, as we exited the car. Ireland walked around the back of the house to reveal eight people, three of which I recognized.

Wales elbowed a girl with a black and white flag and whispered something to her, causing her to laugh. Isle of Man was standing by her father Scotland, and smiled and waved at me.

"Aloha." I said, being slightly nervous.

"I know you've met some of us, but my brother wants to reintroduce us so you know how we are related." Scotland said. I nodded, and Ireland beamed, before pointed out everyone.

"So, Hawaii, these are my fellow Celtic nations. These are my deartháreacha, you've met Alba, or Scotland.. And Tuaisceart Éireann, who you haven't met. He's Northern Ireland." Ireland explained.

"Isn't Northern Ireland your so-" I asked, before being cut off by Ireland.

"That's complicated and something I don't want to talk about. Anyways, moving on we have my iníon dearthár, Ellan Vannin, Isle of Man, who you have met."

"She has the best name for a woman." I said smiling. Isle of Man laughed.

"Indeed I do. Now, let your ayr finish talking." She said. Ayr? What did that mean? Was it friend? It must be, as that's what Ireland was to me. I was pulled out of my thoughts by Ireland continuing his introductions.

"That's Breizh, Brittany. She is my deirfiúr. She is in France and is terrifyingly badass, just like you iníon. You'll get along well. Next to her are our two adoptive siblings, the Hispanic-Celtics from Spain, Asturies, Asturias in English, and Galicia." Ireland finished before turning to the last country, who had a black flag with a white plus.

"She's my seanmháthair, Kernow. In reality she's only Breizh's grandmother, but Seanmháthair has adopted all of us Celtics as her grandchildren. Aside from Cymru, Wales, who is her nephew." Ireland finished with a smile.

"Your family is complicated." I commented. Cornwall laughed.

"Most countries have them. It makes things fun." She said, laughing. She reminded me of my father, short, old, and giving off those 'I know a lot of shit and I love kids vibe'. The same one Ireland gave off. I liked that.

"You say fun, I say annoying." Brittany said. Cornwall smiled.

"Well at least we can always count on Cymru, Tuaisceart Éireann, and Éire to make this family more complicated." She said. All three of the countries blushed a dark red at that, Northern Ireland's flag changing from the saltire Ireland once had, to a white one with a blue plant on it.

"Modryb Cernyw! Fe wnaethon ni dyngu i beidio byth â siarad am hynny!" Wales exclaimed.

"Agus diúltaíonn mise agus Éire aon ghaol leis an mBreatain a aithint. Chomh fada agus ba chóir d'aon duine a bheith buartha, níl aon tuismitheoirí agam." Northern Ireland added. Ireland was silent, arms crossed and face burning. Cornwall laughed.

"Oh, you three are so easy to tease." She said.

"Seanmháthair, why must you do this to me." Ireland said.

"Because you love adopting people as your children." Cornwall said, smiling in my direction.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked. The Celtic Nations all giggled, and Ireland seemed to turn an even deeper red.

"They are just being annoying little dicks." Ireland said, shooting them a glare.

"Oh come on Éire, it's our job as your family!" Galicia said with a smile.

"Yeah, exactly! Why do you think I blackmail you so much?" Wales said, "It's how I show my love for my family!"

"You are so annoying about that." Brittany said.

"You're just embarrassed that I know about that thing from 1390." Wales said.

"And I still don't know how you do!" Brittany said. I laughed.

"Uncle Wales, do you have any blackmail on me?" I asked, curious.

"Banana leaf." He said. I paled, and he smiled that same fanged grin he had during Paulet. I noticed the other Celtic Nations all looked shocked, but a happy kind of shock, and Northern Ireland was whispering something in Irish to Ireland.

"Why don't we head inside?" Scotland suggested, "Before the rain starts."

"I agree. Hawaii, I've set up a room in my house for you. The other Celtics are going to be staying in a hotel during the trip." Ireland said. I smiled. Ireland was always the most thoughtful person when it came to guests.

"Thank you Uncle Ireland." I said. Isle of Man slapped a hand to her forehead.

"Éire you didn't say she was as dense as you!" Asturias said with a grin. Ireland groaned again.

"What? What's the matter?" I asked. Ireland wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"It's nothing. They are just trying to make fun of me. You might get some of the heat for that." Ireland said. I nodded.

"That's alright." I said, leaning into the hug, "It's nice to see another family that loves each other."

"Ciamar nach eil fios aice gur e a h-athair a th' ann?" I heard Scotland exclaim.

[weirdestbooks]

Oneshot-United States of Ameridad

Requested by an Anon, I deleted the ask by mistake. They wanted a oneshot that was like United States of Idiots but with America being a dad. I had so much fun writing this and I hope you enjoy it!

Also. 16,986 words

Alabama

I walked into the living room, looking for Palau, as I needed to speak with her about something. When I walked in I saw Alabama lying down on the floor.

"Al?" I questioned, wondering what he was doing. There was no response. I frowned, and crouched down to look at Alabama. I laughed as I realized he was asleep.

I began to move to pick Alabama up, careful not to wake him. I walked out of the room, heading for Alabama's bedroom.

I then heard Alabama groan, and he shifted in my arms. I pulled him a bit closer and paused, waiting for him to still again.  

"You can sleep Al. Just go back to sleep. I have you." I whispered before pressing a kiss on his forehead. A small smile spread across his face, and Alabama stilled again.

"Mmm...okay Pa..." Alabama slurred out tiredly. I pressed another kiss to his forehead. Alabama gigged.

"Paaa...." He slurred out through his giggles.

"Yes Bama?" I asked, leaning down to kiss him again. Alabama tried to push my face away.

"You....you're so embarrassing." Alabama said, yawning. I began walking again, trying to suppress my own yawns that came from seeing Alabama's.

"No, I'm just full of so much love!" I said, going to press another kiss to his face, smiling widely.

"Paaa...." Alabama said again, his eyes slipping closed again. My smile widened. My children were so cute when they slept. I brushed some hair off of Alabama's forehead before opening the door to his room.

I walked over, and placed him on the bed, before pressing another kiss to his forehead. Alabama protested quietly, but was almost completely asleep again.

"Goodnight Bama." I said before leaving the room, hoping my son would sleep well.

Alaska

"Adax̂?" I heard Alaska say. I blinked sleepily, and looked up from my paperwork, and turned to face him. Alaska was standing in the doorway and shifting his feet nervously.

"Lasky? What's wrong?" I asked, pulling down my pen. Alaska muttered something under his breath, too quiet for me to hear.

"Sdax̂?" I asked, using the nickname Aleut has given me permission to use for him. Alaska flinched. So he had another nightmare about Russian Empire. I held out my arms, and Alaska slowly walked over, before hugging me.

I squeezed him tightly, and Alaska squeezed back.

"He would hate me." Alaska eventually said.

"He should. You are your own person. You aren't his servant or carbon copy or whatever he tried to make you. You are Alaska, your own person who is allowed to make his own decisions." I said, gently lifting up my son's face to look at me. Alaska nodded, but I could see in his eyes he didn't believe it, not completely at least.

Oh Alaska. My poor son. Russian Empire had sunk his claws deep into Alaska. Alaska was constantly haunted by him, but it was these nights where it was the worst.

"Do you want to lie down?" I asked. Alaska nodded quickly, before burying his face in my chest. I stood up and moved us to the bed. I sat Alaska on my lap, and began preening his wings to calm him.

"You always mess them up when you have nightmares." I pointed out once again, wondering if I would get an answer this time. Alaska remained silent, and I placed my chin on his shoulder, pausing the preening briefly.

"I love you, you know that?" I said. Alaska nodded, "Good. I'm very proud of you son. You are so strong."

Alaska began crying, and turned around to pull me into a hug again, one of his wings jammed between us.

"Qaĝaasakung!" (Thank you!) He cried in his mothers tongue. "Qaĝaasakung! Qaĝaasakung! Txin yaxtakuq."

"Txin yaxtakuq." (I love you.) I responded.

I will always love you Alaska.

Arizona

"Papí? Do you have any water?" Arizona asked as she walked over to me. Her face looked pale and she seemed shaky.

"I do, but Ari, are you alright? You don't look very good." I said, walking over and pulling my hand on her forehead.

"I'm fine." He said, but her voice sounded strained.

"Sunset you look like you are about to pass out." I said. She shook her head.

"I'm fine Papí." She said. I put my hand on her shoulder and guided her to a chair. Arizona practically collapsed into it.

"Xico! Can you get me some water?" I called over to the Land of Enchantment, who had just entered the room. She nodded and rushed off.

"Sunset. You don't look very good. Please tell me if you think you are going to pass out." I said, looking at her in concern. She sighed.

"The AC in my house broke...and so did the water. It...it got really hot. And..." Arizona's voice trailed off as her head dipped forwards. She was breathing heavily and she looked exhausted and sick.

"After Xico gets you that water, I'm going to take you to your room, okay?" I said. Arizona nodded.

"'Kay Papí." She said. I sat down next to her and let her lean on me, rubbing her back in an attempt to help her feel better.

"I love you Sunny. Tell me if you need anything to help you feel better." I said, pulling her into a side hug.

"Thank you for the offer, I love you too." She answered, leaning into the hug.

"I hope you feel better soon." I said. Arizona nodded.

"Me too. I hate being dehydrated. Makes me feel awful ."

Arkansas

"Hey Pa." I heard Arkansas say from behind me. I turned and smiled at him, although my face changed to one of concern as I saw that he was covering his ears.

"Arkie, are your ears okay?" I asked. Arkansas frowned, but slowly nodded. I let out a sigh of relief.

"That's good, but why are you hiding them?" I asked.

"Promise you won't get mad?" He asked quietly. I nodded. Arkansas slowly lowered his hands, revealing that he had diamond earrings in. He bit his lip and looked down.

"Arkie, you look great. When did you get them pierced?" I asked. He looked up, surprise on his face.

"You aren't mad?" He questioned.

"I did promise I wouldn't get mad." I pointed out. Arkansas looked away.

"Do you really like them though? I know earrings are supposed to be girls thing but-"

"Arkansas I had long hair, down to just past my shoulder for my entire life as a colony, and up until 1815. And did you know that dresses used to be what little boys wore back when I was a child? Things change. And things are changing now. You getting your ears pierced is different, but not bad." I said.

Arkansas turned back to face me, and nodded.

"Okay." He said, sounding like he wanted to cry, "Okay...thanks Dad. But...do you think the others will like it? What if they hate me now? What if-"

"What if they love it? Just like I do." I said, cutting into his sentence before he made himself more worried than he needed to be.

"But what about Bama or Tex or...or everyone else in my region? What if they hate me for it? What if they kick me out like they did with Delly?" Arkansas asked.

"I'll talk to them about it. Besides, you aren't the only southern states to pierce his ears recently." I asked. Arkansas looked surprised.

"Someone else did?"

"Florida."

"You know what that makes a lot of sense. Well, I guess Florida and I will be in this together. Thanks again Pa."

"No problem Diamond. And remember, anyone makes fun of you, let me know." Arkansas smiled.

"I will Dad."

California

I struggled to open the door to my bedroom, the papers in my hand making it difficult to grab the doorknob.

"Come on you damned thing." I muttered, regretting my choice to grab the papers from my office. Maybe I should have just left them there.

When I finally got the door open, I noticed someone on my bed. Dropping the papers off on my desk, I walked over to see who it was. It was California, who was curled up in my bed. They look half asleep, their eyes slowly slipping shut.

"Hello Cali." I said. She slowly lifted their head up and blinked.

"Oh. Hello Papa. I'm sleeping here, okay?" They asked. I nodded.

"You can sleep here." I answered, smiling. California gave a sleepy smile and returned her head to my bed, nuzzling into my pillow. I sat down next to them and began running my hand through their hair, pausing now and again to pet the fur on her ears.

California moved her head from my pillow, and began nuzzling my hand, eyes still closed. I smiled and moved myself so I was in a good position to be their pillow.

"Sleep well Cali." I said.

"Sleep with me." California muttered tiredly, cracking open one of her eyes.

"Maybe in a little bit." I said. They pouted, looking adorable as they did so. My resolve crumbled. "Fine. I'll sleep."

California's face brightened and she closed her eyes. I repeated her example, unsure of whether or not I would actually be able to fall asleep.

But I was willing to try. For them.

Colorado

"Your land is beautiful." I commented as I looked out over the mountains and galleries that made up Colorado.

"Thanks Dad." Colorado said from his seat on the rock, as he opened a bag of trail mix.

"Wait, you have food? Share!" I said, walking over with plans of taking every single M&M.

"You're just going to steal all of the M&M's. Like you always do. Bring your own food when we go on a hike!" Colorado insisted, holding the bag close to his chest. I gasped and put my hand over my heart, and Colorado groaned, knowing I was about to be overly dramatic.

"Fine. Just leave your poor father to starve. I see how it is. Kids these days. Ungrateful little shits." I said, walking to Colorado and pushing his hat over his eyes. Colorado groaned, pushing his hat back up.

"Dad, why are you like this?" He said. I grinned, sitting down next to him.

"You were the one to invite me on the hike, you should have expected this." I said. Colorado sighed.

"You can have the M&M's if you shut up." He said, holding out the bag towards me.

"Yay!" I said, snatching the bag out of his hand and rummaging through it looking for the M&M's.

"Sugar thief." Colorado muttered.

"And proud of it!"

Connecticut

"Nutmeg?" I asked as we sat in the car.

"Yeah?" My son responded.

"What the hell is wrong with your traffic. It's been an hour and we've moved, like, two inches." I said. Connecticut laughed.

"That's just how it is here. Blame New York." He said. I groaned, leaning my head back against the seat.

"When you offered to drive me from Boston to the UN headquarters, I was like, 'sure, sounds fine, I've been meaning to spend more time with you' because I was under the impression we'd get there before it started." I said.

"Well now you have plenty of time to spend with me. Just ditch me and go to New York four minutes before your meeting starts, you'll be fine. Until then, we can bond by sitting in traffic together." Connecticut said. I laughed.

"Sure, why not?" I said. Connecticut smiled.

"That's the spirit!"

"I am never driving from Boston to New York through your roads again though." I added on quickly. Connecticut cackled at that.

"Fair enough old man. Fair enough." He said smiling. I rolled my eyes. Connecticut loved to call me old man, despite his age. Then again most of the states did, including Virginia.

The car fell into a comfortable silence, as we managed to move forwards another two inches.

"So Dad, while we're chatting, when are you going to therapy?" Connecticut asked, breaking the silence.

"Goodbye Nutmeg. We can talk later." I said, quickly bringing myself back to my house as Connecticut cackled so I could send myself to New York City for the meeting.

I loved my son, but like hell was I going to talk about getting therapy.

Delaware

Delaware's screams broke through the quiet of the night. Upon hearing them, I rushed off to his room, wanting to wake him up from the nightmare. When I entered his room, it was clear he had been thrashing around, his horns tangled up in his sheet.

I quickly rushed over and began running my hand through his hair, muttering reassuring words to him. Slowly he stilled and calm, before his eyes opened. Upon seeing me, he looked away.

"Sorry for wak-"

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You didn't wake me." I said, cutting him off before he started down a rant of apologies he didn't need to give.

"...okay." Delaware muttered after a moment.

"Do you want me to untangle your horns, and then come and sleep in my room?" I asked. Delaware bit his lip.

"I can do my horns...but I would like to...to sleep...in your room." Delaware slowly said. I nodded, and watched as he was able to unwrap the sheets from his horns. He then stood up, and walked to be next to me, grabbing my hand as he did so.

"Do you want a hug?" I asked. Delaware nodded, and proceeded to nearly knock me over with the force of his hug. I felt tears begin to leak through my shirt, but I ignored that.

Delaware deserved a chance to cry.

Delaware then pulled away, and smiled shakily.

"Thank...thank you....Da." I paused as he called me the name he hasn't called me since the occupation.

"You're welcome Little Diamond." I said, smiling widely.

Florida

"Papí?" Florida asked me as he sat in my lap.

"Yes, Florida?" I asked the newest state.

"Why don't you think I'm insane?" Florida asked. I paused my braiding of his hair and looked at him in confusion.

"Why would I think you are insane?" I asked, confused at what prompted that question.

"Padre, Nueva España, he always said that I was insane and needed to be locked up because of it. And you don't say that and it's confusing." Florida said. I stared at him in shock.

How could a father say that about his son? Especially one like Florida. He was a sweet boy, very caring, and very eager to get along with others.

"Papí?" Florida asked, probably waiting for a response. I opened my mouth and he flinched.

"Hey hey kid, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you." I said, and Florida looked away, "Florida I love you. What New Spain did was wrong. He shouldn't have said those things. You are not insane. You are just a kid."

Florida's shoulder began to shake, and he looked as if he was trying to hold back tears. I pulled him into a hug, slowly, so he could move away if he wanted too. He leaned into it, as silent tears rolled down his face.

"Te amo Papí." He eventually said through the tears.

"Te amo Florida."

Georgia

"Thank you for helping me with this." Georgia said as we picked the peaches that grew from the four trees that were around her house.

"No problem. I got promised free fruit, so you know I'm in." I said jokingly. Georgia rolled her eyes and threw a rotten peach at me.

"Stop being down for things because you get food. Help your children for the joy of helping them!" She lectured jokingly. I rolled my eyes and smiled fondly, looking for a rotten peach of my own to throw at her.

Once I found a suitable one, I grabbed it and quickly threw it at her head. Georgia stumbled as the head hit her head and turned to face me, small bits of peach caught in her hair. I tried to keep from laughing, but I couldn't hold back the giggles and I just began laughing my head off.

"Real mature Dad." Georgia said, as I began laughing so hard my knees were growing weak.

My laughter was cut off as I was hit in the chest by a peach. I looked up at Georgia, and saw her smirking.

"You wanted a food fight Dad."

"You threw the first peach!" I argued back. Georgia rolled her eyes.

"Technicalities." She said before throwing another peach at me. I yelped and dodged, and began searching for my own peaches to throw back at her.

It's been a while since I was a part of food fight.

DC

"Hey Dee." I said, walking over to stand next to my daughter. She was holding papers clenched in her fists, and was crying.

"Thank you." She said, bringing the papers to her chest, "Thank you so much."

"It was a long time coming. Your people deserved to vote. I'm glad we got it to pass." I said, DC pulled me into a hug.

"I'm glad my people finally have this right. I'm glad I finally have it." She said. I smiled, and returned the hug.

"I'm glad you have it too. The other states are probably glad as well. Maybe. Someone will probably act mad just because they can." I said. DC laughed.

"Don't worry Dad. I can handle that. After all, I have had to deal with Congress for a very long time. And they are much worse." DC said.

"And you are amazing for doing that. Seriously Dee, I don't know what I'd do without you." I said, pulling away.

"Never sleep for one." DC said. I rolled my eyes.

"You don't sleep either."

"Bad habit I picked up from you." DC responded. I smiled again and put my arm over her shoulder, squeezing her gently.

"Love you Dee."

"I love you too Dad."

Idaho

"FUCK!" I yelled as I lost control of my skis and fell into the snow. I laid there, thoroughly embarrassed as I heard someone slide to a halt next to me.

"That was quite a fall, Dad." I heard Idaho say. I groaned and pulled myself out of the snow. Realizing that one of my skis was no longer on my foot, I looked around for it, and saw it sitting in the snow a few feet away.

"I realized. My head hurts now from smacking it on the snow." I said. Idaho winced.

"Ouch. Want to get a doctor to look at it." She asked.

"Nah. I've gotten enough concussions to know this isn't one." I answered. Idaho shrugged.

"Fair enough Pops." She said, "Though you said you could ski though."

"I can Ida. I just had one fall. Bad luck, that's all it is." I answered.

"Sure Dad. I'll believe that so your precious ego can be saved." Idaho said, probably smiling underneath her ski mask.

"I can ski!" I insisted as Idaho began skiing backwards down the hill.

"Sure you can." She answered as she grew further away.

"Ida I can ski!" I said, before pulling my ski back on.

"Then come and catch me Pops!" Idaho yelled before turning around.

"Fine I will, you little shit!" I yelled back at her, before skiing down the hill to her.

Illinois

"Hello Noi!" I said as my son walked through my front door, having been away from home for the past five days.

"Dad! You're awake!" Noi said, his voice sounding off, a bit strained. He had a jacket in his hand that he was holding to his side.

"Of course I'm awake Noi. It might be three am but that doesn't mean I'm going to be asleep." I said.

"Of course it doesn't." Illinois muttered, looking stressed. His eyes were darting back and forth, and he looked very nervous.

"Noi? Are you okay?" I asked. Illinois nodded, but his nervousness just seemed to increase. His hand pressed down harder on the jacket, and then he flinched. I saw him look away.

"Noi. Can you put the jacket down?" I asked, knowing that something was wrong. He had to be hiding an injury or something else under the jacket. Illinois flinched, and tears appeared in his eyes.

"Please don't ask questions. Please Dad." He said, his voice sounding desperate and scared. I was very concerned now, but I agreed. He seemed more distressed by the idea of my asking questions then he was about me finding out about what he was hiding under his jacket. Was it something else he had stolen because of his kleptomania? He knew I wouldn't get upset over that, it's not his fault at all.

Illinois dropped the jacket, revealing a bleeding wound in his side.

"My god Noi!" I said, rushing over and examining the wound. It was steadily weeping blood, and I guided Noi to a chair, which he sat on quickly. He closed his eyes, and sighed.

"We need to get you to a hospital." I said. His eyes shot open and showed terror.

"Please! Don't!" He said. I gave him a concerned look.

"Noi, I can't not take you to a hospital." I said.

"Please. Please treat it here." Illinois begged, his eyes showing desperation as well as terror. I wanted to get him to a hospital so badly...but that idea terrifies him.

"Fine, I'll treat it here." I said, wondering why he didn't want to go to a hospital, aside from medical bills that is. Illinois' body seemed to go limp with relief.

"Thank you Dad." He said. I sighed, still wishing I could take him to a hospital.

That was a bad injury.

What the hell happened to him?

Indiana

"Indy I still have no idea what the hell you are talking about." I said. Indiana pushed herself out from underneath the car and gave me an odd look.

"Pops, you are over four hundred years old. You saw the car be invented. How the hell do you not know how to fix them?" She asked. I blushed, embarrassed.

"I do...kinda...but how am I supposed to fix whatever the hell Florida did to it?" I said, crossing my arms and trying to hide my embarrassment.

"He just filled the engine and exhaust pipe with silly string."

"Yeah I don't know what that'll do to a car!"

"Don't worry, it's fine." Indiana said. I sighed in relief. That was good news.

"Thanks, Indy. I'm so happy I have a car genius in the family." I said. Indiana laughed.

"Is that the only reason you like me?"

"You did make an adorable child. I remember all the times you would go outside and eat grass a-" I was cut off by Indiana trying to push me out of her garage, embarrassed by the story I loved to tell.

"Alright Pops. Good to see you but I have to get back to fixing up some cars that I'm being paid to look at." Indiana said, shooting me a small glare. I laughed.

"I pay you in fatherly love."

"I am going to kick your ass."

Iowa

"Papa! Papa! Look!" Iowa said, rushing over to me, followed by New York and Pennsylvania, both smiling wildly. Iowa flapped her still small wings, and slowly began to rise a few inches off the ground. I clapped my hands together.

"Amazing Iowa! Look at you! I'm so proud." Iowa smiled widely, showing off her missing front tooth, before laughing.

"Imma proper bird now! Like Yorkie!" She said. New York smiled, watching Iowa with fondness in his eyes.

"Yes you are Iowa!" I said, laughing too. Iowa flew up a little bit higher, until she was at the same height as my arms.

"Hold me Papa." She requested. I reached out and grabbed her, and Iowa stopped flying, her body becoming heavier in my arms. I pulled her closer to my chest, and Iowa hugged me.

"Imma be the best bird kid Papa." She whispered in my ear, "But don't tell Penny or Yorkie that."

I looked over her head to see the two states giggling quietly, meaning they had probably heard her.

"Yes you will be. And don't worry, I won't say anything." I said. Iowa nodded.

"Good. Good Papa." She said before yawning.

"Does the best bird kid need her rest?" I asked. Iowa shushed me.

"Quiet Papa. They could hear you." She said. I smiled, and lowered my voice to a whisper.

"I'm sorry. Does the best bird kid need her sleep?" I asked. Iowa nodded, resting her head on my shoulder.

"Can you be my bed Papa? You are comfy." She asked. I smiled widely, loving whenever my kids wanted to sleep on me.

"Of course I can be your bed Iowa."

"Thank you Papa. I love you."

"I love you too, best bird kid." I said, running my hand through Iowa's hair as she slipped off to sleep.

Kansas

"Thank you for helping me Dad." Kansas said as I helped her dig a hole for her sunflower seeds.

"No problem Sunflower." I said. She smiled brightly, the same way she always did when I called her that.

"Dad, I do have one question." Kansas asked.

"What is it?" I asked, as I pushed the dirt into the hole I had just placed some seeds in,

"Why are you digging the holes with your hands? What's wrong with a shovel?"

"Your father is old, that's what's wrong with a shovel." I answered. Kansas snorted.

"My old man prefers digging with his bare hands like a weirdo."

"No, Missouri and California dig holes with their bear hands. I dig holes with my people hands." I said, trying to hold back laughter.

"Oh my god." Kansas said, groaning slightly. I began laughing at that comment. "That was such a bad joke Dad."

"I think the joke was bear-y excellent." I said, before returning to my cackling. Kansas groaned again.

"Stop making bear puns please."

"Why? Are they un-bear-able?" I asked, smiling. Kansas looked like she wanted to kill me.

"I'm getting Nebraska to help me. I can't deal with this." Kansas said, rubbing her forehead.

"Deal with what? I'm just making some jokes." I said. Kansas glared at me.

"Those puns are awful and you know it. And don't you dare make another one!" Kansas said, holding up a shovel. I nodded.

"Sure thing Kan! Have fun with your flowers!"

Kentucky

"Dada! Uppy!" Kentucky babbled, reaching out for me. I picked up the small three year old and held him close to me.

"Hello little one." I said, lightly tapping his nose. Kentucky went cross eyed briefly, trying to look at his nose, before laughing.

"Dada! 'Gin!" He called out, saying what seemed to be his two favorite words. My name, and Virginia's.

"Do you want to see Ginny?" I asked him, as I walked towards the room Virginia shared with Maryland.

"'Gin! 'Gin! Wanna see!" Kentucky cried, clapping his hands together. I smiled. This kid was adorable. I loved him so much. I would kill for him. He was so cute and tiny and precious and I couldn't believe he was my kid.

We walked into Virgina's room, only to see her sneaking out of the window in men's clothes.

"Kenny you little snitch." She muttered.

"'Gin! Ginny! Virginny!" Kentucky said.

"Hello Virginia." I said, smiling, amused at what I was seeing.

"Bye Father!" She said before jumping out the window. I turned to look at Kentucky, who was smiling widely.

"Well Kenny looks like your big sister has plans." I said to him. Kentucky pouted, making my heart melt and making me feel sad and guilty. Who gave this kid the right to be this cute?

"Dada. I wanna be with Gin!" He said, looking up at me with his big brown, sad eyes. He looked like he was about to start crying. I needed to do something before he started crying otherwise I would start crying.

"Why don't we see the horses?" I said, knowing Kentucky always loved them. Kentucky perked up.

"Horsey? Horsey ride?" He asked. I smiled.

"Yes, we can ride the horses." I said. Kentucky clapped his hands together and smiled widely.

"Yay! Horsey ride!"

Louisiana

"Hey Dad. Can I...can I...talk to you?" Louisiana said hesitantly, walking into my room. I turned to face my daughter, and nodded.

"What's up?" She looked nervous, and on the verge of tears. My concern grew, "Ana? You alright?"

"I...I have something important to tell you." She said, and then opened her mouth, like she was going to continue, but nothing came out.

"Do you want a hug?" I asked. Louisiana nodded, and I pulled her into a hug, rubbing small circles into her back.

"You know how South Carolina told you in the 1980s that she was a girl, and that she wasn't a boy?" Louisiana eventually said, pulling away.

"Yeah? Do you feel the same way?" I asked. Louisiana shook her head, then paused.

"Kinda? I...sometimes I feel like a girl. But also, sometimes I feel like a boy. And sometimes I feel like neither. It's called being genderfluid. I know that that is we-"

"What do you feel like now?" I asked gently. Louisiana looked up at me.

"W-what?"

"What gender do you feel like now?" I asked.

"A-a boy." He said. I nodded.

"Alright then son. Do you need anything that will help you feel more like a boy? Like more pants or things like that? We can go out and buy some if you want." I said. Tears welled up in Louisiana's eyes, and he pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you Popá." He said, his arms gripping me tightly. I hugged him back, kissing him on the cheek.

"You're welcome fils."

Maine "Papa? Can you tell me a story about Massy when he was little. He keeps calling me cute and I want to prove to him that he used to be cute." Maine said, walking up to me in all his six year old glory.

"You don't think Massy is cute?" I asked, amused. Maine shook his head.

"Massy is ugly. Like the demon things he talks about. Papa, is Massy a demon?" Maine asked. I laughed, imagining Massachusetts' reaction to that comment.

"No, your big brother isn't a demon. He's just another state, like you." I said. Maine crossed his arms.

"I think he would be a good demon. He's scary and loud." Maine said.

"Don't call him a demon because he's loud, that's mean. And what do you mean, 'he's scary'?" I asked, wondering if something had happened between Massachusetts and Maine.

"Because he yells at York and everyone else and he says he will hit them and so he's scary like a demon." Maine said. I sighed. Seems like I'll have to talk to Massachusetts about screaming at his siblings when Maine is around.

"Don't worry Maine. Massy just likes yelling, the same way Dee likes helping others. He won't actually do it, it's a joke, and if he doesn't, you tell me and I'll get that boy in big trouble." I said. Maine nodded.

"I will be the best at this job. I'll protect my big brothers and big sisters from him!" Maine said. I nodded.

"I'm sure they will appreciate it." Maine smiled and nodded.

I would have to ask the rest of New England to play along with this. Not that any of them would dislike a chance to call Massachusetts a demon.

Maryland "Alright Dad! Pull up the crab trap now!" Maryland called to me. I nodded and pulled it up, revealing two crabs inside.

"Nice! Maybe we can eat some if any of my other traps have more." Maryland commented as she looked over the trap, "Thanks for agreeing to do this with me Dad."

"No problem Mary." I said, smiling.

"Wish Delly could have come though. Would have more fun." Maryland said.

"Are you saying I'm not fun?" I asked jokingly, putting a hand over my heart.

"Well Delly is certainly more fun than you." Maryland said.

"Careful now Mary, wouldn't want you to end up in the Chesapeake." I said.

"Threatening to push me into the bay? What a father you are." Maryland said, shaking her head.

"Can't tell if that's a compliment or an insult."

"Take it as you will."

"Ah, got it. It's an insult."

"Yep! Love you Dad." Maryland chirped cheerily. I smiled slightly and rolled my eyes.

"Love you too you little gremlin."

Massachusetts "So, how old are you?" I asked Massachusetts after the very emotional conversation that had just occurred in the room.

"358." He said after a small pause, "I was really born on November 11 1620."

358. That was 158 years older than I thought he was.

"You are so much older than I thought." I said. Massachusetts nodded.

"Most of us are. You'll probably have to talk to the others. Only the adopted ones, Ken, the Dakotas, Maine and West are as old as you think they are." Massachusetts said.

"This is all so weird. It's just...I'm sorry Massy." I said. Massachusetts gave me a confused look.

"Why? We are the ones that lied."

'He has a point, Dad. Although I know why you are apologizing.' Unorganized Territory said. I flinched, not used to the voice. Massachusetts looked more confused now.

"Father?"

"Sorry. Unorganized Territory said something. It surprised me. But I'm sorry because I never...I just...I didn't know and I'm sorry that I couldn't help you or care for you more, care for you better." I said. Massachusetts laughed, and shook her head.

"Father, you have a habit of blaming yourself for things that are outside of your control." Massachusetts said, before hugging me.

"We still love you Father. Okay?" Massachusetts said. I hugged him back.

"I know that Massy. It's just...you are 158 years older than I thought you were. I wish I could have gotten the chance to spend that time with you. And got to know little baby you." I said. Massachusetts blushed a deep red.

"Uh...trust me Father, it was probably for the best that you didn't..." He said, before laughing nervously.

"Well now I'm definitely going to find out that information, sorry Massy." I said. Massachusetts groaned.

"I'm going to kill Virginia."

Michigan You'd think after the whole mess with Toledo was over, things would calm down. Michigan would be born, and everything would just calm down between him and Ohio.

Yeah that was completely wrong.

"YOU ARE THE SCUM OF THE EARTH!" Michigan yelled two hours into his tirade, stomping his foot once again. We had tried to stop him, but after an hour we realized it was hopeless and we just waited for him to wear himself out.

"You've said that already." Ohio answered calmly, trying to pry Michigan's small hands off of their death grip on his arm.

"AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN!" Michigan yelled. Ohio sighed and turned to Pennsylvania.

"Penny please help me." Ohio asked. Pennsylvania laughed.

"No can do little brother. This is adorable."

"I'm not adorable!" Michigan insisted, pouting in an adorable way. He also looked like he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. I sighed in relief. That meant he was finally getting worn out, and we finally would have peace.

"Yes you are." Pennsylvania said.

"Demons aren't adorable." Ohio said causing Michigan to resume his screaming.

"Alright kid." I said, picking up Michigan and helping Ohio pry Michigan's hand off of him, "Stop screaming at your brother now. You need a nap."

"No I don't! I'm not tired!" Michigan said, hitting my chest with his little fists. That was adorable, although I could tell Michigan was going to be a handful, at least for now.

"Yes you are Mitten." I said rocking him gently, hoping it would help lull him to sleep. Michigan yawned, and then frowned, seemingly mad at himself.

'He's adorable when he's not screaming.'

I began brushing back Michigan's hair, and his eyes began to droop even more. I pressed a kiss to his forehead, before pulling back and smiling.

"This is adorable." Ohio said, I turned to see he had his own fond smile on his face.

"This is disgusting. Affection is gross." Pennsylvania said, as her favorite hobby seemed to be trying to ruin nice moments, also smiling widely. I rolled my eyes at their comments, before walking to the couch to place Michigan on it.

"Penn, you slept in my bed until you were 17." I responded.

"Okay and? I love you Daed." She responded. I laughed, leaning down to put Michigan, who was almost asleep, on the couch.

"Why not just bring him up to his room?" Ohio asked after I placed Michigan down.

"I was going to have him share with Arkie, but now that we know he's a screamer with a vengeance streak, I want to make sure Arkie is okay with it first." I answered.

"Yeah...that's probably smart." Pennsylvania said.

"Hopefully he calms down as he matures." I said, brushing my hand through Michigan's hair, my smile remaining. I loved this new child, despite all of the screaming.

Minnesota

I walked into the kitchen and saw Minnesota sitting at the table, her head in her arms.

"Hey Minnie. You okay?" I asked. Minnesota lifted her head up, revealing her eyebags and an exhausted expression.

"I'm fine. Just waiting for my food to heat up." She said, gesturing to the microwave before yawning. Biting back my own yawn, I noticed that the microwave was not on.

"Minnie, you forgot to turn it on." I said with a little laugh, before turning to Minnesota, seeing her head being held up by her hand, and her eyes were closed. "Minnie?"

Minnesota's head jerked up, "I'm awake."

"Only partially. You need some sleep Minnie."

"Like you're one to talk." She said, yawing again.

"Actually I slept four hours last night so I think I can tell you to sleep." I said, before walking over to her, putting my hand on her shoulder.

"I'm not that tired." Minnesota said.

"Minnesota you are literally falling asleep right now." I said, as Minnesota jerked her head back up again.

"No I'm not!" I sat down next to her and gave her a small side hug, allowing her to rest her head on my chest.

"Try and sleep a little." I said. Minnesota groaned and flipped me off, but I could see her eyes closing as she fought to stay awake. I kissed the top of her head and smiled, "Sweet dreams Sota."

Mississippi

"Do you like it Papa?" Mississippi asked, as she walked into my office. I looked up and saw that Mississippi's flag had changed, from the interim flag that she had been using ever since her old flag was disused.

"It's beautiful. And you have a magnolia on it. Now I have even more of a reason to call you Magnolia, Maggy." I said. Mississippi smiled widely.

"I like it a lot too. It...it feels therapeutic. Healing, you know. Finally removing the mark of that war from my flag, even if I can't remove it fully from my state." Mississippi said.

"I'm glad you feel like you are healing from it Magnolia." Mississippi smiled.

"I'm glad I am too. After all, as we states heal from it, maybe you can too." Mississippi said, before walking up to me, pulling me into a hug.

"I love you Pa. Thank you for supporting me. And not thinking I'm bad like everyone thinks." I returned the hug.

"People talk a lot of shit about you because of your flag. Maybe with this new one, more of my people can see the Maggy I do. You've made mistakes, but who hasn't? The important thing is that you want to change. That's what matters. Not your past mistakes. You want to fix them. And that says more about you than your mistakes ever will." I said. Mississippi squeezed me tighter.

"Thank you Papa." She said, before pulling away.

"You're welcome Maggy. Now go out there and show off that lovely new flag of yours. I'm sure all of your siblings will love it."

"Oh I know they will."

Missouri

"Souri? How are you feeling?" I said as I walked into my sick son's room holding some chicken noodle soup to give to him.

"I think something is trying to claw its way out of my throat." Missouri rasped out, his eyes cracking open. I frowned, placing the soup down on a table, and feeling his forehead. It was burning hot.

"You don't feel or sound well either. You think you can eat some soup?" I asked. Missouri shook his head.

"No. Too much hurt." He said, closing his eyes. I walked over and sat down next to him on the bed, not liking the sound of his wheezy breaths. Missouri suddenly began coughing, loud, grating coughs that made it sound like he was coughing up a lung.

"Try and sleep then. Maybe you'll feel better when you wake up." I suggested, Missouri groaned.

"I've tried. It doesn't work." He rasped. I frowned, and pulled my son into a hug.

"Do you think you'll sleep better now?" I asked. Missouri put his head on my chest and nodded, "Good. I'll stay here as long as you need me too."

"Can you sing that lullaby? The one you sang when I was younger?" Missouri asked. I nodded and began singing quietly to Missouri.

I really hoped he would get better soon.

Montana

"I'm so glad you haven't forgotten how to do this." Montana commented. I laughed.

"Tana, horses were the only means of land travel I had for most of my life. Why would I forget?" I asked.

"Because your memory is failing." Montana answered, straight faced.

"What? No it isn't! My memory is fine!"

"Exactly what someone losing their memory would say." She stated.

"Tana! I'm not losing my memory!"

"Sure you aren't." She said with a grin as she sped up.

"You are one little shit." I said, moving to get next to her.

"But you still love me."

"Yeah I know I do. Doesn't stop you from being mean." I said. Montana laughed.

"I'm not mean, I'm honest." She said. I rolled my eyes.

"I should not have agreed to this."

"And deny your beautiful daughter a chance to spend time with her father? For shame Dad, for shame." She said, putting a hand dramatically to her forehead.

"Yeah I'm going to leave now."

"Wait Dad don't I was joking your memory is great!"

Nebraska

"Hey Dad, where's the extra tissues?" Nebraska asked, walking up to me holding an empty box of tissues, sniffling slightly.

"American Samoa took them to use for his birthday gift for Hawaii. What is it, do you need more?" I asked. Nebraska nodded.

"I think I got a head cold. I have a super runny nose and I feel like someone is repeatedly slamming a hammer into my skull." Nebraska said.

"Yikes. I'll buy you some more, and tell everyone to keep quiet, if you want to rest in your room." I said. Nebraska sniffed, and nodded, walking over to me.

"Thanks Dad." He said, pulling me into a hug.

"You're welcome. Want me to leave now?" I asked. Nebraska shook his head.

"Can you please carry me back to my room? I want to rest a bit." He said.

"Sure I can." I said, scooping my son up into my arms. Nebraska put his head on my shoulder and smiled.

"Thank you Dad. You're the best."

"No problem Brasky. I love you, and I hope you feel well soon."

"Me too. This headache is very annoying." Nebraska closed his eyes as he did that.

"I know how that feels. Every UN meeting I've ever been to I've walked out with a headache."

"That sucks. I bet mine is worse though." Nebraska commented. I laughed.

"Maybe it is."

Nevada

"I love hiking in your land, Vada. It's so beautiful." I said with a small smile.

"If only more people would see that. I hate that all everyone sees is Vegas. There's way more to be than gambling." Nevada grumbled.

"Well I see more to you then Vegas. I see your beautiful mountains, your amazing personality, your pretty horse ears that make you look like someone from Equestria Girls, and your five arrest warrants. The FBI still won't get rid of them." I said. Nevada groaned.

"Why did Nia have to show you that movie? Why did she have to tell everyone about it? I haven't had a moment of peace since. Seriously. There are people on twitter who have asked me if that movie was real and if I knew Twilight Sparkle! It's awful!" Nevada complained. I laughed.

"Have people really asked you that?"

"Yes! I hate it!"

"Vada, my boy, that sounds awful." I said, trying to hold back laughter. Nevada smacked the back of my leg with his tail.

"Shut up Dad, you ass." He said. I smiled.

"Sorry Vada, but you have to admit, it's pretty funny." I said.

"I guess it is, but that doesn't stop it from being annoying." He said. I smiled and put my arm around his shoulders.

"Don't worry Vada, I'll never ask if you are from the same universe as Twilight Sparkle."

"Dad. Please. Please shut up."

New Hampshire

"How are you so good at this, Dad?" New Hampshire asked as I climbed up the mountain.

"California loves climbing in Yosemite, and drags me along a lot. And no offense Hamp, but she has way harder mountains in terms of climbing than you." I answered.

"That's fair. Still, I didn't expect you to be beating me." She responded.

"I'm not beating you if it's not a race." I said, pausing. I heard New Hampshire groan and I laughed.

"That is such a dad thing to say." She groaned, "And now I want to make this a race."

"Well I have a head start so I think that's unfair." I said.

"Are you doubting my ability to kick your ass?" New Hampshire said, coming up next to me, "Also you no longer have a head start. Let's race."

I laughed, "Alright, alright. We'll race. What does the winner get?"

"Bragging rights." New Hampshire said before she started up the mountain again.

"Oh come on Hamp, really? That's totally cheating." I said, as I started to move up it.

"Sounds like you are just a sore loser Dad."

New Jersey

I was walking down the hall when I heard the sound of choked sobs coming from New Jersey's room. Worried, I opened the door to his room to check on him. New Jersey was curled up on the bed in the fetal position, and he quickly pulled himself up when he heard the door open.

He turned around, tears staining his face. When he saw me, his eyes widened and he began trying to wipe away the tears.

"Dad!" He exclaimed, hopping out of his bed.

"Are you okay?" I asked, approaching him. New Jersey nodded.

"Of course I'm fine! I'm New Jersey!" He said. I crossed my arms, "I'm telling the truth Dad!"

"You were crying." I stated.

"No I wasn't! I'm New Jersey! I don't-can't cry! I don't show those emotions, I don't have them!" He said. I felt awful that he thought that way. A part of it was probably my fault, I should have helped New Jersey sooner, stopped the jokes and taunting sooner.

But I didn't.

I walked over to New Jersey and pulled him into a hug.

"It's okay to cry NJ. You have more emotions than anger. No matter what your siblings say." I said. New Jersey gripped me right and his sobbing resumed, though much quieter and slower.

That was okay. I would help him heal, help him understand his emotions better as time went on.

He deserved to be able to express himself fully.

New Mexico

"I'm glad you decided to come with me." New Mexico said. I smiled.

"So am I. It's nice to get away. Especially with my government seemingly trying to kill me with work. I hate being the world power." I said. New Mexico laughed.

"Really? I haven't heard that before." She said. I rolled my eyes.

"I don't complain about it that much." I insisted.

"Yes you do."

"This is slander on my amazing reputation." I said jokingly.

"You have a good reputation?" New Mexico said with a cheeky grin. I flipped her off, and she laughed.

"I'm sure some people think of me in a positive light. Like you." I said.

"If I say yes will you buy me ice cream?" She asked. I laughed.

"You and your siblings are all little shits."

"We got it from you." New Mexico answered.

"What? No you didn't." I said, confused. New Mexico rolled her eyes.

"One day you'll take a good long look at your life and realize that I have a point."

"And that day will never come."

New York

"I haven't slept in twenty hours." New York said, sitting down on the couch and resting his head on my chest.

"I've been up for two days. Are you trying to sleep on me?" I asked. New York nodded.

"We can both sleep together. I'll be good for us." He said.

"I have work I need to do, Yorkie." I said, moving his head off of me, resting it on the couch. I stood up, swaying as I nearly blacked out, before regaining my balance and started walking towards my room.

I then felt something grab my leg, and I looked down to see New York sitting behind me, clinging to my leg.

"No Pap. You are sleeping with me please. I want you to." He said.

"Yorkie I-"

"No! No excuses. Sleeping time is now." He said, standing up slightly and trying to drag me to the couch, although he was unsuccessful. I sighed, knowing that New York wasn't planning on releasing himself anytime soon.

Maybe I'll just wait for him to fall asleep.

I walked back to the couch, and New York crawled into my lap, his head resting just over my heart.

"I love you Dad." He said. I ran my hand through his hair, and closed my eyes.

I'll open then in a few minutes.

North Carolina

"Planes! I love them! Which is why I want you to learn how to fly one!" North Carolina said, his face alight with excitement. I laughed nervously.

"Do I have to? This doesn't exactly look safe." I said. North Carolina laughed.

"Come on Dad! This is the future of transportation! Knowing how to use it will be important."

"But will it really? They can't exactly hold lots of people." I pointed out, trying to come up with another reason other than my fear for why I shouldn't do this.

"Not yet! Come on Dad, you know how progress is, being as old as you are!" North Carolina insisted.

"Okay first, did you really need to call me old? Second, you have a point, and I don't like that." I said.

"Oh my goodness are you scared?" North Carolina asked.

"No!" I insisted, crossing my arms.

"You totally are! I didn't expect this from you Dad!" He said, laughing again.

"Shut up. Please. I just don't feel like crashing to the ground." I said.

"Don't worry Dad, I'm a professional. I'll make sure we don't crash!" He said.

"I still don't want to."

"Too and you don't have a choice. Get into the plane Pa!" I sighed, and walked over to the plane, knowing I wouldn't be able to get out of this one.

North Dakota

"God kill me now!" North Dakota moaned as he flopped dramatically on the couch.

"What's up with you?" I asked, amused at his antics.

"I feel nauseous and it's awful, so I want God to strike me down." He said.

"Do you want any medicine for it, or do you just want to lay here with a trash can?" I asked, as North Dakota grabbed a pillow to bury his face in.

"Both would be nice." He said. I nodded, and walked up to grab the items. When I got back, I noticed that North Dakota looked much, much paler. I quickly gave him the trash can, and threw up in it, tears streaking down his face as he did so. I gently rubbed his back as he puked.

After a few more seconds he placed the trash can back down, and leaned against me.

"I don't think I can swallow the medicine without puking it back up." He muttered. I  nodded and continued rubbing his back.

"That's alright Northie. You just rest, and take it when you're ready. I'll stay with you until you do." I said.

"Thanks Dad. That...that's nice of you." He said, closing his eyes.

"I'm your father. It's always my job to be nice to you when you need help."

Ohio

"Papa." Ohio said, walking over and clinging to my leg. Ohio was my youngest and newest son, and I had quickly learned that he loved to hug people and cling to them.

"Hello Ohio." I said, leaning down to pat the physically four year old child on the head. He smiled widely, and squeezed my leg tighter.

"I love you Papa." He said. I smiled.

"I love you too. Would you like me to pick you up?" I asked. Ohio nodded eagerly, and I picked him up off the ground, cradling him close to my chest. Ohio lifted up his hand and put it to my face.

"Does Penny hate me?" He asked. I shook my head.

"She loves you, she just has to do other things, so she can't always be around you." I said. Ohio pouted.

"But I wanna give Penny hugs and I want her to hold me too. She don't wanna do that so she hates me!" Ohio said, sounding distressed.

"Oh, is that what you think? Don't worry 'Hio, I'll talk to Penny about it and make sure you get your hugs." Ohio brightened, and smiled widely, before hugging me the best he could.

"Thank you Papa! I love you!"

"I love you too." I said as I ran a hand through his hair and rocked him until he fell asleep, still holding me tightly. He was so clingy. I loved him.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma clung tightly to my arm, his small five year old body wrapped completely around it. He whimpered slightly, and I ran my fingers through his sweaty hair, hoping that his fever would break soon. He was getting too hot for my liking.

"Pap it hurts. My head hurts." He whimpered out quietly.

"I know. I know it does Okie. I'm sorry I can't help you more." I said.

"Pap it hurts." He whimpered again. I felt my heart break at his words, wishing I could do something, anything to help him.

Why did Oklahoma have to get so sick? He's just a child, a baby. He was just born a few months ago. Why did he have to get this sick?

"I'm sorry I can't do anything Oak." I said. He whimpered and pressed his face into my arm.

"I want it to all go away, please." He begged. I frowned.

"Do you want to try and fall asleep? I can sing you your lullaby if that helps." I asked him.

"Too much hurt for sleep." He muttered. I nodded.

"I'm still going to sing you your lullaby. Maybe it will help give you something else to focus on other than the pain." I asked. He nodded.

"Okay Pap. Thank you, I love you." He muttered before closing his eyes as I began singing, doing my best to try and lull him to sleep.

Oregon

"The time has come! Our ultimate revenge is coming. Finally, after months of torture we will strike back!" Oregon said before laughing evilly.

"Oregon we are throwing water balloons filled with mayo at them." I deadpanned. She crossed her arms.

"Dad, stop ruining my fun. I've always wanted to feel like an evil mastermind and I am not letting you ruin this for me!" She said. I sighed.

"How did I even get roped into this prank war?" I muttered.

"My evil genius." Oregon said, smiling.

"I guess it kinda was evil genius. You made me think these mayo balloons were for Dad." I said. Oregon waved her hand dismissively.

"The extras can be for Britain." She said. I nodded.

"Alright I'm convinced this is a good idea that will not ever go wrong now." I said. Oregon gave another evil laugh.

"Like I said, my evil genius will always make sure I have allies. Now shhh, I see Ida and she's our first target. Prepare the balloons my minion!"

Pennsylvania

"This is hard." Pennsylvania said, trying to make herself breakfast, most likely still getting used to only having one arm.

"I can help if-" I offered, before being cut off.

"No!" Pennsylvania said before her shoulders slumped, "No, I don't want help. I want to learn how to cook and do things with one arm. I know you want to help, but please Daed, I need to do this on my own." She said. I nodded.

"Sorry then. If I'm being overbearing." I said.

"You...aren't always being that way. I know you want to help me and make things easier for me." Pennsylvania said, before sighing.

The kitchen fell into a brief silence, before Pennsylvania spoke up again.

"If you still want to help, just wait for me to ask. You were gone when my injury happened, gone after the war ended. I've had time to learn how to do things on my own. This isn't a new thing to me, even if it seems that way to you. I know my limits, and I know when I will need to ask for help. I appreciate the fact that you want to help, but wait for me to ask for it, before you offer, or try to help. Okay Daed?"

"Okay Penny. Thank you. For...explaining why I'm annoying. I'll keep this in mind next time I think you might want or need help. Please let me know if I keep doing it though." I said, Pennsylvania nodded.

"I wil Daed. Thank you for understanding."

Rhode Island

"Dad! Can I sit on your shoulders?" Rhode Island asked me. I picked him up and placed him on my shoulders, smiling.

"Sure you can. What for?" I asked. I felt Rhode Island place his hands on top of my head.

"Texas is being a dick about the fact that he is tall, so I've decided that I must be taller than him to be an asshole right back. Therefore, we end up here, with me on your shoulders, to be the tallest American state." He said. I laughed at his explanation, finding it a good reason.

"Want to go find Texas so you can show off your height?" I asked him.

"Oh absolutely. It's time that asshole gets what's coming for him...again." Rhode Island said.

"Again?" I asked, thinking that he might be referencing when Alaska joined our family.

"Alaska, our beloved taller ally. A true friend of the short people." Rhode Island. I laughed.

"That's because most of his family are short people." I said.

"You are correct. Now onwards Father! We have an asshole to mock!"

South Carolina

"Hey Dad, can I talk to you?" South Carolina asked.

"Sure thing South, what's up?" I asked.

"I...I..." South Carolina began, sounding like he was having trouble making himself say what he wanted to say, "I'm a girl."

I blinked, not expecting that. "Oh. Oh. Okay. That's not what I expected. So...do you want, like, a dress or something...?"

I wasn't sure how to handle this. At all.

"You aren't going to tell me that's wrong. Inhumane?" South Carolina asked.

"You are the personification of a state." I pointed out. South Carolina let out a little laugh at that.

"You have a point there. I just...wasn't expecting immediate acceptance." H-she said.

"Not all of my people like people like you. But people like you are also my people. I...am divided, much more than I liked to be if I want to support you better, but...I still love you and...I...our relationship has had enough damage done." I told her. South Carolina smiled and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Thank you Dad."

"You're welcome. But seriously, do you want a dress?"

South Dakota

"I am so tired." South Dakota said, walking up to me and leaning against my chest.

"That sucks. Have you tried sleeping?" I said. She flipped me off and I laughed.

"I am trying sleeping." She said.

"Are you going to go to a bed?" I asked.

"You are much more comfortable Dad." She said. I smiled.

"I could probably be more comfortable if I sat down." I said, maneuvering us to a couch, where I laid down, South Dakota on top of me.

"Yes this is more comfortable. Thank you for being an amazing bed Dad." She said, causing me to laugh.

"You're welcome Dak." I said, as I began braiding her hair as she drifted off in my lap. I loved being their pillow. I was glad my kids loved and trusted me enough to be one.

Besides, they were all adorable when they slept.

Tennessee

"I cannot believe you never told me how good at playing the piano you are Pa!" Tennessee said.

"Dad made all of us learn. He said it was a good instrument to play. Scotland said he was a liar and then taught Montserrat and Nova Scotia the bagpipes. Then those two raised hell in the house." I said, laughing at the memory.

"Sounds like fun." Tennessee said as she tuned her guitar, "You should play a gig with me someday. I'm sure we would be amazing together."

"Oh, sorry Nessie, I don't play that much anymore. Bad memories." I said. Tennessee frowned.

"Well, can't say I'm not disappointed, but I understand your reasoning. Maybe we can just play together, the two of us." Tennessee said.

"Maybe we can. That sounds nice." I said, playing a few more notes on the piano, and smiling.

"Yeah. What do you normally play?" Tennessee asked.

"Classical shit. That's all I was ever taught." I said.

"Well I'm gonna teach you some good songs to play on the piano, you go that Pa?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Texas

"Well Texas, this is it, my home. Your new place of residence." I said, smiling and turning to him. Texas gave me a small smile, a sad smile.

"Until I die." He said. I shook my head.

"You ain't dying Texas." I said.

"Not right now, but once I officially become one of your states I will. Because your states aren't personified." He said. I smiled.

"Well...that might be a lie." I said, opening the front door, to reveal most of my states sitting in the foyer making bets on who would win the fight between Michigan and Ohio.

"They're alive?" Texas asked, sounding astonished.

"All of them are. And you will be too. Welcome to the United States of America." I said, as I wrapped my arm around Texas's shoulders, and walked him into the house.

"Break up the fight! Texas is here!" I called. That got the attention of my states, as many of them crowded around Texas, and began asking him questions.

"Stop crowding him! He's living with us now, you'll have plenty of time to talk to him later!" I said, "Shoo you rascals!"

"Love you too Da!" Delaware called before the crowd broke up. Texas turned to me in shock. I smiled at him.

"Welcome to the family!"

Utah

I waved to Utah as I entered the room he was staying in. It had been a month since the explosion, but Utah didn't want to leave the room yet. He told me he wasn't ready. I think he was still trying to accept the fact that he was now deaf.

'How are you feeling?' I signed at him. Utah shrugged. I pulled up a chair in front of him, and sat down.

'Do you want to practice signing?' I asked him. Utah shook his head.

'Don't want to.' He signed, before looking away. I leaned forwards and tapped his shoulder, drawing his attention back to me.

'Do you want a hug?' I sighed. He nodded, and I pulled him into a hug. I felt Utah's tears begin to make my shirt wet, but I decided not to comment on it. Utah was going through a tough time, and while I knew he would be able to get through it, it didn't make the journey any less hard for him.

But Utah was a strong person. I was proud of him. I pulled away from the hug, and looked him in the eyes.

'I am proud of you. You are strong. I will help you if you want it. I love you' I signed at him. New tears welled up, and he pulled me into another hug.

I happily returned it.

Vermont

"Someone wants to see you United." A soldier said, approaching me.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"A country. I don't know who, but I don't think he is with the British. He has the same uniform as the Green Mountain Boys." He said. I nodded.

"I'll go talk to him. Thanks for telling me." I said, before walking off in the direction he said the country was in. I quickly caught sight of the country, his green flag making him stand out. He also had a dark blue canton that was filled with stars, similar to my own.

"Hello sir! Can I help you?" I called over to him. He jumped slightly and nodded, his eyes scanning my body, his body language revealing nervousness. He was also young, looking about 13 or 14, as compared to my 19 years in physical appearance.

"Bon-Bonjour. My name is Vermont Republic. I'm a new country that was formed up north, between New York, New Hampshire, and Quebec." He said. I smiled. Another republic and another country who was declaring independence? That was amazing! Sure some of the land was my own, but I'm sure that we could settle that problem.

"It's nice to meet you." I said, holding out a hand. Instead, Vermont Republic practically tackled me in a hug, before pulling back, looking very embarrassed.

"Sorry!" He squeaked out, his hands going to cover his face.

"I'm confused? Why did you hug me?" I asked, not used to strangers doing that.

"Because...some of my land came from yours. So...so I'm your son. I've already met my other father, Quebec, and he told me not to meet you, but I'm an independent country and don't have to listen to what Père says, so I came anyway." Vermont Republic said. I stood there, shocked.

"I have a son?" I eventually managed to get out. Vermont Republic nodded. I quickly pulled him back into the hug.

"I HAVE A SON!" I yelled. Vermont Republic laughed and looked very happy at that.

"You are okay with me existing?" He asked. I nodded.

"I have a son! Of course I'm excited you exist! Oh this is big news. I'll have to write to Congress to see if they can work on officially recognizing you as a nation, I said, pulling away and smiling. Vermont Republic smiled back.

"Merci beaucoup, Papa."

Virginia

"I feel old." NASA said, rubbing his forehead as he looked at a set of blueprints.

"You feel old? Ha! You are just a small baby child!" Virginia said, "Ain't that right Father?"

"Ginny is right. You are a small baby child. I mean, just look at me! I don't even know the day I was born. That's how old I am!" I said. NASA shot us an annoyed look.

"Ha, ha, ha. Very funny guys." He said. Virginia smiled widely and continued.

"Why, I'm so old I've seen the world order change many times." She said.

"I'm so old that democracies were barely a thing when I was born."

"I'm so old that I got to meet all of the colonies in the Americas."

"I'm so old nobody knows what my childhood was like, not even me!"

"I'm so old that I knew New Jersey before he was an ass."

"I'm so old I got to see all these states as children."

"I'm so old I kicked the Holy Roman Empire in the balls." Virginia said, causing me to give her a surprised look. When did she do that?

"I'M SO OLD I WATCHED THE ROMAN EMPIRE DIE!" San Marino yelled from the hallway.

"He wins." NASA said with a smile.

Washington

"You are an embarrassment to my bloodline."

"I am your bloodline."

"You are making a mockery of me and my people."

"Still don't understand how."

"You have been completely insensitive to my culture."

"I literally just said I don't believe in Bigfoot." I said.

"And you will pay for those words." Washington answered.

"Is that why you've dragged me out to the middle of nowhere?" I asked.

"Yes! If you say you don't believe in Bigfoot, I am going to stay here in the woods with you until you see him and believe. That way you can be my father again." Washington said. I paused at the last sentence.

"YOU'RE DISOWNING ME BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE IN BIGFOOT?" I yelled at him. Washington nodded.

"What, no! Washing Machine, why would you do this to me?" I asked, acting more offended than I actually was. In reality I was just really, really fucking confused.

"Because you refuse to believe that my friend exists, America." He said. That...that hurt more than expected. I hope he wasn't being serious.

"Fine, I believe in Bigfoot. Please never call me America again." I said. Washington nodded.

"Sure thing Dad!"

West Virginia

"Dad? Do you ever regret making me a state?" West Virginia asked me one day. I shot her a horrified look.

"No I don't! I don't know why you would think that, but I am happy you exist! You are an amazing person!" I said.

"But I wasn't supposed to exist. I should be another part of Virginia. I mean, my economy is not the best, and my people don't always get the best opportunities. It might have been better for everyone if I just stayed as another part of Virginia." She said. I quickly pulled her into a hug.

"Westie please, please never say that again. I don't care that you don't have the best economy, I don't care that at one point your land belonged to Virginia. You are an amazing state all on your own. Sure you have some problems, but no state is problem free." I said. West Virginia returned the hug and began crying into my shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry Dad!" She said. I began running my hand through her hair.

"You don't have to apologize. You have done nothing wrong. I love you Westie, my beautiful daughter. I'm sorry that I didn't realize your doubts and try to help you work through them sooner." I said.

"You don't have to apologize, Dad. I should have spoken up sooner. I love you, thank you."

"I love you too. Don't forget it."

Wisconsin

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DAD!" Wisconsin yelled as she entered the room.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You put the Federal Cheese Caves under Missouri and not me! Why would you betray me in this way? You know I would take much better care of the cheese than Souri ever could!" Wisconsin complained.

"You would eat all of the cheese." I stated.

"I would not!"

"Yes you would, you can't deny it Connie." I said.

"Do you not trust me?" Wisconsin asked, soundboard offended.

"Not with storing the Federal Cheese without eating it." I answered. She crossed her arms and huffed.

"Fine. I see how it is. I see that I'm unloved. I see that you have betrayed me." Wisconsin said, before storming off. I laughed.

"You are being dramatic Connie! I still love you, my precious badger child."

Wyoming

"This is so exciting! I can't believe this land is finally a National Park! After all these years the geysers and rainbow pools will be protected!" Wyoming said to me after Yellowstone was officially made a National Park. I smiled at her excitement.

"I'm excited too. Knowing that more of the wild will be preserved is amazing! And knowing that people will have the same awe I did seeing your wonders will be amazing!" I told her. Wyoming beamed at me, and pulled me into a quick hug.

"Thank you for doing this Dad! Oh, I'm going to have tourists come for this, and so many more exciting things." Wyoming said, before gasping, "Dad! I should become a park ranger! Then I can work here and watch everyone who comes and goes!"

"That sounds like fun. I'm glad you still want to be involved with nature."

"Are you kidding me Dad? It's Yellowstone. There is a pool with rainbow water Dad, rainbow water! This place is magical! I love it here so much! I'm glad it's being preserved, because who knows what corporations would want to destroy it to take advantage of it?" Wyoming said, her body practically vibrating with excitement.

I smiled, and pulled her into another hug.

"You are going to have such a fun time working here, and going here. I'm glad you are excited about the park systems, and I'm glad you want to be involved in this." I said.

"I am too. Thank you for this Dad."

"You're welcome."

Puerto Rico

"Papa? Can you help me bandage the cut you stitched up? The old ones fell off." Puerto Rico said, limping into the room and sitting in a chair, holding up the floor that had the big cut on it.

"Of course! Does it feel less painful?" I asked. Puerto Rico gave a so-so hand signal.

"Kinda? I'm still not sure if it's infected or not. Can you check?" He said. I sighed.

"I don't know how to do that well Rico." I said, "You know that. You are probably better off seeing a doctor-"

Puerto Rico flinched at the word. I felt guilt well up at that. It was my fault Puerto Rico met and was treated by that awful, racist motherfucker. I should have realized what was happening, listened to Puerto Rico when he said he thought something was wrong with that doctor.

Why didn't I?

"I...Minnie has some medical training. I'll ask her." Puerto Rico said. I nodded.

"That seems like a good idea. She might be able to help more than I can." I said as I finished bandaging up the cut. Puerto Rico carefully put his feet on the floor, winching slightly as he did so. I pulled him into a hug, and felt him melt into it.

"I love you Puerto Rico. I'm sorry I failed you all those years ago." I said.

"It's okay Papa. I've forgiven you. It's not your fault. You couldn't have known what he planned to do. You were trying to help my people. I will never fault you for that."

Northern Mariana Islands

"I hate colds. So, so much." Northern Mariana Islands said as he blew her nose again. I rubbed her back, and felt her curl into me more.

"They aren't fun at all. At least you aren't throwing up." I said. She laughed.

"Not yet! But it's not the flu so I'm not worried about that."

"I'm glad it's not the flu. Remember that one time half the house got it?" I commented, causing her to laugh.

"That was awful. It was funny hearing you tell your government to fuck off and you basically waiting on everyone to make sure we were all comfortable. And you turned the basement into a giant bed so we could all fall asleep on you! That was my favorite part. We need to bring that back." Northern Mariana Islands rambled.

"That giant bed was amazing. I will definitely think about that. I enjoyed helping all of you kids." I said, kissing Northern Mariana Islands on the forehead.

"Don't kiss me you might get sick!" She said. I laughed.

"Mari, with the amount of sick kids I take care of, I'm pretty sure I'm immune to most illnesses. Seriously, I haven't gotten a cold in years, and my immune system should be weak as hell with the amount of sleep I get!" I commented.

"That is true. I'm glad you aren't worried about getting sick. Being sick is much less worse with you here." She said, patting my chest. I smiled.

"Thank you Mari."

"You're welcome. Now I am going to try and sleep, and you should do the same thing, hear me?"

"Loud and clear. Sweet dreams Mari."

"Sweet dreams tåtå."

Guam

"Dad?" Guam asked me hesitantly as she walked up to me, still decorated in bandages from her injuries.

"Yes Guam?" I asked. She flinched.

"Is...I think I'm afraid of Tatay now." She said quietly, "I know what he did he didn't want to do but I can't stop seeing his face as he hurt me, and hurt me. It..he looked like he liked it and I...I'm scared of him."

"Do you want a hug?" I asked her. She nodded and I pulled her into a hug, trying to make sure I didn't hit her injuries.

"I know he was just a puppet and he's apologizing but I can't stop seeing it and it hurts!" Guam said, sounding like she was holding back tears.

"Do you want Phil to stay away from you for a little bit?" I asked. Guam just squeezed me tighter.

"I don't know! I don't want Tatay to feel more guilty than he already is about this. I know he is blaming himself, but I...I don't think I can be around him for very long." She said.

"I...I don't know how to help, I'm sorry, but if you need anything, let me know, and I'll do my best to offer you whatever help you want. I know that it's probably not that helpful but-"

"That's...that's helpful Dad. Thank you. For the offer. I think I might have to figure this out on my own, but...but I appreciate the offer." Guam said.

"Alright then. Just let me know if you need anything, and don't force yourself to be around Phil if it bothers you."

"Thanks Dad."

American Samoa

"Hey Tama? Can I talk to you? It's important." I heard American Samoa asked from behind me. I looked up from my paperwork and nodded.

"Sure you can kid." I said, taking note of how he was dressed in a suit, and how he looked like he had actually brushed his hair. He was trying to suck up to me. Something was up.

"Tama...I..." American Samoa trailed off, looking incredibly nervous.

"Are you okay? Sammy as long as you aren't hurt, I-"

"I WANT HAWAII TO BE MY TINA!" American Samoa yelled. I froze, shocked.

Tina. That meant mom in Samoan. American Samoa wanted Hawaii to be his mom.

"Why?" I gasped out, still shocked, and wanting to know what prompted this. American Samoa must have misunderstood my words. Because he got teary eyes and looked heartbroken.

"Sorry, sorry. That was a dumb thing to say. I'll-"

"Sammy. I know Hawaii is a good mom. I don't care if you want her to be your mom. I just wanted to know what made you begin thinking of her as your mom." I clarified. American Samoa looked less upset, and he smiled.

"She acts like you. She is amazing. I just...my mind has always done it. But...but I want to tell her. I just....I wanted to make sure you were okay with it." American Samoa said, shuffling his feet.

"I'm more than okay with it. If you want to grow your family, do it." American Samoa smiled.

"Faafetai." American Samoa muttered, pulling me into a hug.

"You're welcome. Now go talk to your Tina about her having a son." I said. American Samoa laughed.

"Will do Tama!"

US Virgin Islands

"Sure your goggles work?" US Virgin Islands asked me.

"Yes Vee I am. We tested them on the beach before we got on your boat." I said. My daughter shrugged.

"Just wanted to make sure. Getting salt water in your eye can sting badly." She said.

"Yeah I know that. Not a fun feeling. Stinging nettles are way worse though." I said.

"Aren't those the ones that feel like they are burning?"

"Yes. It is The Worst."

"Sounds fun." US Virgin Islands said with a little laugh.

"Laughing at my pain? The audacity." I said jokingly.

"I'll just take the spark plug out of my boat and fly away then." US Virgin Islands said, making her wings reappear.

"Well it's only like an hour's swim back to shore, so all that would accomplish is leaving your boat stuck here." I argued back.

"Well then I'd just make you get it back then." She responded, smiling as she pulled her goggles on and made her wings disappear.

"Sure you will." I muttered.

"I would." She said with a small smile before jumping into the ocean. I rolled my eyes, and jumped in after her.

Panama Canal Zone (deceased)

"So Zone. Are you ready for tomorrow?" I asked, as I approached Panama Canal Zone. She sighed.

"My people and I are happy my land is being returned to Mama. But...I know I will die." She said, looking up at the stars.

"I wish you could live." I said, rubbing at my eye, and trying to hold back tears. I think Panama Canal Zone noticed the sorrow in my voice, and she smiled.

"Don't cry Papa. We knew this would happen eventually. We knew I was going to be returned to Mama at some point. And if Mama doesn't want me to be autonomous, then I die. It's always been my fate." Panama Canal Zone said. I stopped trying to hold back my tears, and began crying.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry Canal. I'm sorry you have to die." I said. Panama Canal Zone shrugged.

"I lived enough for a human lifespan. I might not have lived to be as old as you, but I lived a long, decent life. I contributed a lot to the world. I'm satisfied." She said.

"I'm not. I love you. I don't want to hand you away to die. Canal...I..."

"I know Dad. I know it's hard. But like I said, I'm okay with it. You aren't failing me. You are helping me."

"I wish helping you didn't have to mean this."

"You were a good Dad. You cared. I had a happy life."

"You...you remind me of my little brother, the Dominion of New England. He was ready to die too. Both of you are amazing people. I hate that you are so accepting of your death, but I understand. I wish I didn't, so I could be more upset, but I understand."

"Thank you Dad."

Deseret (deceased)

"Aren't the bees cool?" Deseret asked, as he watched them fly around him.

"They are interesting. But why are you so obsessed with bees?" I asked him.

"My name means honeybee. They are my kin." Deseret said excitedly. I laughed.

"Your kin?" I asked. Deseret nodded, and walked over to sit in my lap.

"They are amazing and I love them." The physically six child said.

"Well then maybe on your next birthday I'll figure out how to help you get a beehive so you can always watch the bees." Deseret beamed at that.

"That would be so cool Papa! When I become an official state maybe we can make that my state insect! Bees!" He said. My smile faded at that. I knew the likelihood of Deseret becoming an official state was low. Deseret looked up at me, and frowned.

"Are you alright Papa? You look sad." He said. I quickly smiled and nodded.

"I'm alright. I was just thinking about the future." I said. Deseret looked suspicious, but nodded.

"Alright Papa! Now about my beehive..." he began. I let the smile fade again. I didn't want to lose this kid. I really didn't. I would have to spend as much time as possible with him.

I didn't know how much more I would get.

Unorganized Territory

'Dad? What do hugs feel like?' Unorganized Territory asked me one day. I paused, unsure of how to answer that question.

"Well...they feel warm...and nice. They make you feel safe when they come from someone older than you."

'What's warmth feel like?'

"Can't you feel things there? When the other states were there?" I asked her, the questions concerning me.

'I don't have a sense of touch. I can hear, and I can see, and I can talk. But I can't smell, and I can't feel, I can't taste. All of my experiences with that are through your memories.' Unorganized Territory said.

"Oh." I said plainly. That must be awful. Once again I was filled with an overwhelming urge to figure out how to get Unorganized Territory a body, and to pull her into a tight, tight, hug. Figure out what foods are her favorites and make them for her and get to pull her into hugs and...and do so much with her.

'That sounds wonderful Dad. I wish I could do that too.' Unorganized Territory said, 'But being here isn't so bad. Now that I can talk to you, I'm not completely alone.'

I began crying at that, knowing that even if Unorganized Territory wasn't alone, she would never get to be a part of this family fully until she had a body.

'Don't cry Dad. I've been watching for over two hundred years. I'm used to it.'

"You shouldn't be. I swear Myra, I will get you a body, even if it's the last thing I do."

NASA

I tightened my grip on NASA as he continued to cry, distraught over Opportunity's 'death'.

"She was so amazing and she did so much and I couldn't help her and her last words and...and..." NASA rambled through his sobs. I patted his back.

"It's okay NASA." I said, "It's alright. You did everything you could."

"I should have done more! I should have figured out a way to avoid that storm or...or...I miss Oppy." NASA said, pulling away and wrapping his wings around himself.

"I do to. She was a stubborn little rover. Lasted way longer than anyone expected." I said. NASA let out a teary laugh.

"Yeah she did. Oppy got your stubbornness." He said.

"She got yours too. And your love of knowledge." NASA nodded, before sighing.

"It's three am and I'm in your room crying over a robot. Why am I like this?" He said.

"It's not just a robot. Not to you. Not to a lot of people. I mean, have you seen how everyone is reacting to Oppy's death? They miss her too." I said, trying to reassure him that it was okay to get emotionally attached to his robots and cry over their deaths. And that it was okay to call his rovers his children.

"Thanks Papa." NASA said, hugging me again.

"You're welcome, little star."

NATO

"Goddamnit!" I heard NATO's voice come from the front of the house, before I heard the door slams shut. Worried, I quickly made my way to the front of the house, and saw NATO marching towards the guest room, looking like he was holding back tears.

"Nate? Are you okay?" I asked.

"Do I look okay, you dumbass?" He snapped before continuing to the guest room. Well he was stressed.

"Nate you can't stay in the guest room Fl-" I began, before being cut off.

"Oh of course you are against me too. Everything's going to go wrong for NATO today, ain't it? This is some great big fucking cosmic joke ain't it?" NATO yelled, tears starting to slip out.

"No, I'm on your side. It's just that Florida has filled the guest room with one of his...'experiments'." I said. NATO grimaced.

"Thanks for the warning. I struggle to think of what horrors are contained there." NATO said before sighing and rubbing his forehead, before muttering, "I still need a place to sleep, and my house is too far to walk."

"The couch is free. And my room." I said. NATO nodded, rubbing his eyes. I walked over to him and began leading him to my room, my arm wrapped around him. NATO leaned into my grip, and rested his head on top of mine.

"Merci Papa. Sorry about Snapping at you. I'm tired and stressed." He said quietly.

"You're welcome Nate. And don't worry about it. I know how that feels." I said as I opened the door and let him walk to my bed. NATO turned and smiled at me, before collapsing onto the bed.

Liberia

"Hello Liberia. I see the construction of your house has gone well. Congratulations on your independence, well my recognition of your independence. I'm sorry I couldn't talk to you in person." I said, rambling slightly.

"It's okay Dad. I know you were busy. Dealing with the wa-" Liberia responded.

"Don't bring up the war!" I snapped. Liberia flinched back.

"Sorry." He muttered quietly. I sighed.

"Sorry, sorry. I just don't want to bring it up. Fresh wound. I said, gesturing to my injured leg. Liberia rolled his eyes.

"Same dumb jokes as always then." He muttered.

"I thought you liked my jokes." I said.

"Sorry Dad, but I only like good jokes." Liberia said. I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah yeah, I get it. But still, Liberia, I'm proud of your independence. We finally have more civilized nations appearing in Africa helping spread democracy and freedom among the people there." I said. Liberia smiled, although he looked a little uncomfortable.

"Thanks Dad. I'm glad you are proud of me, and haven't taken this the same way Britain did for your independence." He said.

"I am tired of war. Besides, you have been independent since 1847. It was about time I recognized it." I said. Liberia smiled again, and pulled me into a hug.

"Thanks for raising me. I can take care of myself from here."

"I love you Libby."

"I love you Dad."

Micronesia

"Dad! Dad! I'm so happy you are here!" Micronesia said, grabbing my arm excitedly as he walked me into his house.

"Well you did call me in quite a frenzy, telling me you had something important to show me." I said. Micronesia smiled the same giddy smile.

"Yeah I do! You know how yesterday my constitution was finished? And how I was going to be a federation of a bunch of the former districts?" He said. My eyes widened as I realized what that meant.

"YOUR STATES ARE PERSONIFIED?" I yelled. Micronesia nodded.

"Yes! Oh they are so adorable, all of them around four or five." Micronesia said before going on to ramble about how cute they were and how much he loved them.

We walked inside the house and there were my grandchildren, four small kids, two male, two female.

"The boys are Chuuk and Pohnpei. Yap and Kosrae are the girls." Micronesia said smiling, pointing out each one as he said their names. Kosrae waved at me, a small smile on her face.

"Hello little ones." I said smiling.

"Hello." Pohnpei said quietly.

"He has your voice." I said to Micronesia. Micronesia and Pohnpei both blushed, and the other Micronesian states giggled. I then hugged Micronesia.

"Welcome to parenthood." I said, before sitting down to better talk to my grandchildren.

"I'll be coming to you for advice, I hope you know." Micronesia said, sitting down next to me. I nodded.

"I'll be happy to give it." I said, before smirking, "They all have your smile and your eyes. Same color and everything."

"Dad!"

"Hey little ones, want to hear embarrassing stories about your father?"

"DAD!"

Palau

"How does it feel to be independent?" I asked Palau after my government had officially recognized her independence.

"Good. It...it feels right. I feel stronger."

"That always happens with independence, at least it's happened to everyone I know. It's a great feeling." I said. Palau nodded.

"It is. Thank you for my independence. Thank you for letting me go." She said. I pulled her into a hug.

"I did what UN asked of me. I shouldn't be in charge of your country anymore. You are ready for freedom, Palau, and I can't wait to see what you do with it." I said.

"Aw, thanks Dad." Palau said, pulling away from the hug.

"You're welcome. What do you plan to do next?"

"Be a successful country. Maybe one day I'll surpass you." Palau said with a little laugh.

"Oh really? You think you can?" I asked.

"Who knows? I mean, no one expected you to surpass your Dad, but you did. Who says I can't do the same?"

"You know what, fair point. Well then Palau, I look forward to seeing you become a world power." I said, giving her a small bow. Palau laughed.

"You better get used to bowing Dad, once I'm in charge you'll do it a lot!" Palau said. I gasped jokingly.

"You would treat your own father that way." I said jokingly.

"You are my adopted Dad." Palau said, continuing the joke.

"Imma great Dad."

"Sure thing. I'll let your old mind believe that." Palau said, a small smile tugging at her lips. I rolled my eyes.

"Little shit."

Marshall Islands

"Hey Marshall. Can I talk to you?" I asked my adoptive son as we left the UN meeting. Marshall Islands looked at me, and nodded.

"I have some things I need to get to, so please try and make it as quick as you can Dad." He said. I nodded.

"I'm sorry about the nuclear testing on your land. I know it hurt me, but it also hurt you, more badly than it ever hurt me, and I'm sorry." I said. Marshall Islands looked surprised at that.

"Uh...I wasn't really expecting this." Marshall Islands said.

"Maybe I should have picked a better time for this." I said awkwardly.

"No! No, it's fine!" Marshall Islands exclaimed, "I...thank you. Thank you Dad."

"You deserve an apology." I said. Marshall Islands hugged me.

"Thank you again Dad." Marshall Islands said.

"I want to do something to help make it up. I mean, I know I can never make up for it bu-" Marshall Islands cut me off.

"Maybe you can come to my country and we can go out to eat dinner at a restaurant or something. But later. Like I said, I have some things to get to. Government business." He said. I nodded.

"Alright. Later. I'll pay for the dinner and anything else you want to do together. But please let me do more to make it up." I said. Marshall Islands sighed.

"You aren't going to let this go are you?"

"Not until I've made it up."

Germany

"Really Germany?" I asked after hearing my son's request. He had asked me to hang up a sign that says "In This House We Hate Bavaria". Bavaria is one of Germany's states and also his mother, so this request was a bit of a surprise.

"Come on Vati. It's funny. I already got all of my states to do it." Germany said.

"All of your states already dislike her." I pointed out. Germany rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, so?"

"I don't hate her."

"Why not? She has a big ego that can be really annoying." I sighed. It seems like Germany has forgotten I live with most of his brothers.

"I have a son named Texas."

"...yeah fair, but come on, bitte?" Germany asked, smiling. I sighed.

"You are going to pester me about this until I agree, aren't you?" I asked. Germany nodded, "Fine I'll hang up the sign."

"Victory! Man Mutter is going to hate us for this." Germany commented.

"Yeah she probably will get very, very annoyed at this."

"Probably. Tell me her reaction to this, because after she sees the sign in my house she's probably going to get you to ask me to remove it."

"And now I am officially involved in your petty back and forth argument prank war thing." I realized.

"It's not a prank war." Germany insisted.

"Not yet."

Japan

"Dad?" Japan said to me as we walked through her capital city.

"Yeah? What is it?" I asked. Japan looked nervous, but then she sighed.

"Will you ever talk about my mother?" She asked.

"No." I said, wanting to shut down that conversation immediately.

"Why no?"

"She was an asshole and a monster, and hurt a lot of people I care about. I don't want to talk about her personality and my relationship with her. If you want to know about what she did, Google it." I answered.

"I have. But Dad, what was she like before the war? She wasn't always bad, was she?" Japan asked.

"Listen, I don't want to talk about it. I know you want to learn more about who she was as a person, but please Japan, let this rest." I said.

"No one wants to talk about her. No one wants to tell me who she was as a person. I know that she wasn't a good person, but I...she was the Japan before me...and...I guess I..." Japan trailed off, like she was at a loss for words.

"You care about what the personification of your country was before you because she connects you to your country's history, not me. And you are only my kid because I occupied your country when your mother was still alive and helped get your constitution created. So I am your father, yes, but you don't feel as connected to be because I have never been Japan. Am I correct?" I explained. Japan looked surprised, but nodded.

"Yeah...that's it." She said.

"So what brings this about?" I asked, knowing that something prompted Japan to begin her search.

"What do you mean?" She asked, looking to the side.

"Something else had made you wonder this. You have been content before. Why now?" I asked.

"...Many people have told me I am going to end up just like my mother. That my mother was nothing but evil and I am going to be too. I want to prove them wrong, on both of those things. But maybe I can't. Maybe no one talks about Mom because she was always a bad person." Japan said, sound defeated.

"Maybe I'll tell you something someday. Not today. I need time to work out my own feeling. But Japan, don't let them get to you. People talk shit all the time. That doesn't mean it's true." I said, trying to reassure her. Japan was so different than her mother.

"Okay...thanks Dad. I'll keep that in mind." She said.

"Good."

South Korea

"Hello South." I said, entering the room my son was in after being pointed this direction by some Korean soldiers.

"You came." He said, sounding relieved.

"Course I came. I'm not going to let you die in this invasion. And I'm not the only one. I got the UN to send a group of countries. It's her peacekeeping forces that have come. Although not all of them have come with their soldiers, but Dad is planning on arriving at some point, along with France." I said.

"Oh." South Korea said, sitting down. He looked overwhelmed.

"Do you want a hug?" I asked. He nodded, and I pulled him into one. My kid was only a year old. He shouldn't already be at war. The world wars are over. He should be allowed to have peace. This is an awful start to life for him.

"감사합니다" (Thank you.) South Korea said, pulling away.

"No problem. Some of your siblings are here too. They want to help. I wanted to talk to you alone first, to make sure you don't get overwhelmed. Every country's first war is hard, but you are...so young. You shouldn't have to be at war." I said.

"But I am." South Korea said, looking like he was going to cry.

"Yes, but I'll be here to help you through it. Your family wants to help." I said.

"I know. Thank you. For not abandoning me to die." He said.

"I'm not planning on ever doing that. I'll help you live, and then I'll help you thrive. Your people and you deserve it." I said. South Korea smiled.

"Thank you Father. Now, I think I should go talk to my siblings before they lose their minds with worry." He said, walking past me to leave the room.

"Be careful of Delly and Cali. They are in 'protective older siblings mode'." I said, smiling as I turned to walk by him.

"And you aren't in protective father mode?" He asked.

"Don't you get sassy with me young man!" I said jokingly. South Korea smiled, and pulled me into another hug, before pulling away and walking out of the room. I smiled as I heard his very loud reunion with his siblings.

I was going to protect this kid of mine. He had a life he needed to live, a life he deserved to live.

I was going to make sure he got that chance.