Ch. 1 Mexico's new son
America sat in a small booth of the Borderline Saloon, sipping on his coffee. He was told to meet his friend here so they can celebrate a victorious independence. It was September 16, his friend's birthday, so America wanted to keep him upbeat.
"Oi, Americano!" someone called from across the way, and America turned to see none other than his friend, Mexico. A small chibi boy wearing baggy leather clothes stood next to him as they walked over to America's booth.
"Hey, Mexico!" America said with a smile. "Happy birthday my man! Finally got independence then, eh?"
"Si, it's exhilarating!" Mexico agreed as he took a seat across from America. The boy, however, just stood there awkwardly, with his head lowered a little. America glanced over at him and smiled.
"Hey, who's this little dude!" he asked, beaming at the boy who was startled by his kindness.
"Oh," Mexico said, glancing nonchalantly at him then back at America. "This here is my hijo, my son. His name is Texas."
"Well what's up my little man!?" America said in that tone of voice that sometimes make people think he's too happy. Texas's expression flickered, and America thought he saw a strange sadness in his face before it went back to normal.
"Uhm….h-howdy," Texas mumbled. Mexico scoffed and muttered something to his son in Spanish as America just sat there, watching the two talk in a completely different language.
"What's the problem Mexico?" America asked concernedly. Mexico and Texas stopped their conversation, and Mexico sighed.
"I-it's nothing, amigo," Mexico said, and Texas lowered his head. "Just had to talk with Texas a little is all.
"You know what we should all do?" Mexico said, cheering himself up. "We should all go eat some burritos! Eh?" Texas perked up slightly to the thought, which America couldn't help but notice.
"What do you say, Texas?" America smiled at the boy, who stared back in awe. "Wanna go eat some burritos? I hear they're pretty good~!"
America was pretty sure that Texas already knew they were good, but he just wanted to cheer the poor little guy up.
"Uhm…s-sure…" Texas muttered, smiling sheepishly.
And with that, America had gained Texas's trust…and some of Mexico's caution.