Secret States

Chaos

Updated 12/11/24

"FUCK YOU!"

America sighed as he heard someone's shout echo throughout the house.

"Who is it this time?" James asked, an amused tone to his voice. America sighed.

"Hopefully, I'm not about to find out," he said as someone burst into his room.

"Dad!" Minnesota said. America groaned.

"What's up?" America asked, hoping it wasn't a fight revolving around the state's borders. Those were typically the ones that he was asked to deal with since he was "unbiased."

"I think they're just doing it to annoy you at this point," Caleb joked, and America could practically hear the grin on his face.

"York and NJ are—" Minnesota began before America cut her off with a groan. He loved the triplets with his entire being, but damn, no one could fight like they could.

"Let me guess. Their border." America said. Minnesota nodded, causing America to sigh, "Those two have been arguing over their border for years. Every single time I think we fix the issue, they find something new to argue about."

"So they act just like Congress then," Minnesota joked. America snorted.

"There's a reason Congress acts the way it does, and that's because of you guys," America said. Minnesota crossed her arms.

"Hey, they have the excuse of being siblings. Congress doesn't have that," James said, causing Caleb to begin laughing.

"It's not our fault if our people are stubborn," Minnesota argued. America laughed a little at that, knowing there was some truth to her words.

"We're Americans. Did you expect us to be cooperative?" Wisconsin called from the hallway, the open door allowing anyone to hear their conversation.

"Fuck off, Connie!" Minnesota yelled back in reply. America held back a laugh, smiling at his daughters. He didn't think Minnesota meant to prove Wisconsin's point, but she had regardless.

"She's got a point," America said. Minnesota scowled.

"Yeah, but she's Wisconsin," Minnesota said. America sighed. He hated the state rivalries. Aside from the more obvious one, there were too many to keep track of, and they just made everything more complicated.

"It doesn't help that you don't have a state to be loyal to. Really on the outside looking in," Caleb muttered as if he wasn't in the same boat as America.

"Can you try and get along?" America asked, knowing it was a futile effort, but would perhaps convey how tired he had been recently with his insomnia worsening. Minnesota gave him a blank stare.

"No," she said, smiling softly before walking out of America's room. America sighed, petting his cat a few times before stretching his arms and preparing to leave his room.

"Gude Mariye Daed," Pennsylvania said as she saw America leave his room. She stood behind Ohio, holding him back, while Delaware similarly restrained Michigan.

"Again? Gosh, everyone woke up and chose violence today, didn't they?" Conch Republic asked, sounding highly amused.

"Hello, Penny, Del. Ohio, can you and Michigan relax, please?" America asked. Ohio scowled, and if his arms were free, America had no doubt he would have crossed them.

"I'll relax when you tell Michigan th—" Ohio began before America cut him off.

"I'm not getting involved. You know how it is. Just...please be quieter when you fight in the morning. I struggle with sleep enough as it is," America said.