The first thing he saw when he walked was a huge, beautiful mural of the United States. Each state was signed, it seemed by the representatives. A few on the Northeastern side were stretched out onto the Atlantic Ocean as their space was too small.

"Who did that?"

America blinked over at him and then to the mural. "New York I believe. In the early 1900's. You can tell," he said as he paused and touched the small spot of an island far away from the coast of California, "because Maya didn't sign it, and," He pointed to the top of the mural where Alaska was emblazoned proudly with a firm hand and then again with a weaker hand and stiffness associated with first learning how to write, "and Alaska was still learning the Latin alphabet. And it's not Kira 'cuz she didn't have a human name for a while."

"So you got Alaska first?"

America looked at England as though he were stupid. "Um, England, I don't know if you're confused, but we got Virginia first."

England slapped him upside the head.

"Ouch, okay, okay," he said giggling. "We bought Alaska before we had a permanent settlement on Hawaii, but we got Hawaii first and Alaska last."

Of all the- "What?"

"I didn't find Alaska until 1910-ish, but-"

"Alfred," Texas said stiffly, "The food's going to get cold soon and you know how much Samantha and Alexa hate eating cold food."

America grinned and nodded to her. "Lead the way, Sacagawea."

Upon approaching the dining room, England was slightly annoyed to find that there was another young woman waiting for them with a clipboard by the door. As Texas passed her, the unnamed woman bumped her hip into Texas', the latter only punched her shoulder affectionately.

The former smiled brightly at them and held out a hand to stop Italy rather calmly, almost as if the two were tag teaming them. From behind her, England could see a few states standing to get a quick look at them.

America made to walk past her after he kissed her cheek, but her clipboard slapped him on the chest. "We changed the seating."

He frowned, "I thought we agreed on alphabetical."

"Yes, but we moved Savannah to Ashley's place and now you have to sit where Savannah sat because Ashley refused to move from across from Isabelle and Destiny would rather skin herself than sit next to Spain, so you get to play border patrol."

"Woo," he muttered. "I thought Samantha was on border patrol?"

"She requested not to have to deal with European nations. She'll deal with José, but no one else."

"Why can't Matt do it? He at least won't be stabbed halfway through dessert."

"Then you shouldn't have done the Big Brother speech."

"Wha- How do you know?"

She smirked. "A punch if you did, a grin if you didn't."

"Ugh, fine, but if I die then I'll totally come back and haunt you." And with that, he had marched himself into the dining room.

"Siyo, I'm Oklahoma," she greeted the rest of the nations with a small wave of her hand. She looked down to her clipboard and ran a finger down a little ways before saying, "China, you're sitting next to California and Colorado- they're both girls, one has black hair, the other is blonde. Colorado has a holster on her hip, but no firearm- she doesn't wear them to dinner so you're safe and stuff.

"England, you're sitting next to Delaware- he's a redhead with olive skin- and Florida- he has red eyes and orange hair. France you're on the other side of Florida, and Germany, you're between Georgia and Hawaii. Georgia's got sisterlocks and her hair's real dark. Hawaii's wearing a bikini top and high waisted shorts. She's got a tattoo on her back and side- I think you should remember it.

"Italies, you're between Indiana and Iowa. Indiana has braids pulled into a bun and a cardinal tattoo on his left arm. Iowa has red hair and green eyes. Japan, you're on the other side of Iowa and next to Kansas- Kansas has orange hair in a ponytail today. Lithuania, you're next to Louisiana and Kentucky- that's a boy and a girl. Kentucky's blonde and he's got really thick eyebrows and Louisiana has dreads and she's probably smiling.

"Prussia, you're next to Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Pennsylvania's got a hijab on and brown eyes, and you should recognize Rhode Island, she hasn't changed much. Russia, you're on the other side of Rhode and next to South Carolina- he's got really tight curls in his hair and the sides are shaved close. Spain-" here she paused again and looked up at the sunny Iberian nation, a quirky smile on her face. "You're right next to South Dakota- who has bright red hair and I'm talking dye, not natural- and D.C.- oh sorry America."

With that, she smiled and turned around and bid them to follow her in.

They weren't just loud. They were in a constant state of movement. Russia had gotten his food -encouraged by the young woman behind him to 'eat up, c'mon honey don't be shy' in a rather funny accent who then went on to suggest that he drink at least a glass of sparkling cider when he stalled at the drink table. He then made his way towards his seat, but stopped because he could not see any 'South Carolina' or 'Road Island' anywhere. The woman behind him made to go past him, but must have realized that he was lost before smiling at him and holding out a hand.

"Missouri," she said, smiling widely.

Russia did not have a hand to shake hers with but he nodded and smiled. "Russia."

She smoothly grabbed her drink from the crook of her elbow before it spilt as one of her siblings breezed by. "Can't find your seat?" she asked and at his nod, she continued, "You're next to Rhode? Right? You're right over here, she should be around soon."

Once he was seated, Missouri was still standing awkward at his side and he turned to her. She was chewing on her lip. "Uh, don't eat anything yet, I don't know if Oklahoma told you that, but we gotta say grace before."

And then she was gone. The tide of states around him pulsed and ebbed for a few minutes more until he noticed the table slowly filling up. The chatter still chorused around him, though the boy on his right was mostly silent and only stared morosely at his food and the girl on his left seemed more involved talking to Prussia than him. A hush fell over the table as the last person sat down who then automatically took the hands of those next to them. It rippled around the table until Russia felt a light tug on his sleeve. He turned.

The girl had light red hair and bright green eyes and looked slightly familiar. "We're going to say grace," she said quietly. "You don't have to say anything or even hold our hands, but after you may eat."

He took her hand anyway and then the boy next to him. All heads swiveled down the table to a boy standing on Russia's side at the end. He was not holding hands with anyone. He shook out his hands and then cleared his throat before, "I was asked to keep this religously ambiguous," he said, with a look thrown down the table. Past Russia, there was a chuckle. "So, I'm just going to go with the Thanksgiving prayer...For the food, the sun and earth, farmers and cooks. We give thanks. For family and friends. For," he took in a deep breath and there was a titter of amusement down the table, "Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Canada, California, China, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, England, Florida, France, Georgia, Germany, Hawai'i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Veneziano, Romano, Iowa, Japan, Kansas, Kentucky, Lithuania, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, Minnesota" -he took a gasping breath in- "Me. For Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevahda-"

"Nevada!" a few states shouted out.

"Aw shuddup," the boy said. "For Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prussia, Rhode Island, Russia, South Carolina, South Dakota, Spain, D.C., Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. We give thanks. For the time to gather and the leisure to sit and the spirit to celebrate. We give thanks. We pause to remember those who cannot be with us today and those who live more in famine than in feast. May our sense of good fortune overshadow our daily troubles and yet cast light on the struggles of our neighbors. For life's great bounty and the will to share it. We give thanks. Bon appetit."

There was a little cheer from the states as other 'good meal' wishes were shouted before a hush fell over as hands were un-clasped and replaced with utensils.

The food was good, he ate it almost too fast, especially by the smile from the girl next to him. She stood and touched his shoulder. "Do you want some more?"

He looked up to her, she was smiling as she said, "Savannah and Samantha would get offended if you didn't eat anymore. So if you want more, go ahead. I'm getting another plate. Prussia, you good?"

The white-haired nation stood, grabbing his plate. "I could go for some more."

She smiled back at him. "Southern states are frightening when they think you don't eat enough. Just saying, you don't need to be shy. I'm pretty sure D.C. and Jasmine aren't going to stop eating until they have to be forcibly moved away from the table."

Wisconsin

Texas was guarding her position of DJ as though it were a military base in the midst of enemy territory. Which meant that no good music was playing.

(Kidding, he's kidding, but he'd like for a chance to play his favorites, not just tangy country music or something akin to that)

Minnesota and Iowa are dancing in the light of the blazing bonfire as he watches, chewing on a s'more Michigan had made him before bounding off to go pester Illinois and Indiana.

New York, New Jersey, and the majority of New England- sans Maine and New Hampshire the latter of whom was trying to get Maine to either waltz or whip with her. (New Hampshire was not a good dancer, in his opinion)- were huddled near the DJ station, probably plotting something sinister.

Canada joined Minnesota and Iowa, by picking up Minnesota and swinging her around in the air as she squealed and kicked her legs up, arms bracing on his shoulders. Iowa pouted, but Wisconsin grabbed his hands and tried to start up a square dance but the two of them fought for the lead (he eventually pulled out with his exclamation that he is older- which just made Iowa curl his lip in faux aggression). Minnesota laughed when she saw the two of them trying to do a square dance (which you need eight people to do properly). She grabs Canada's hands and pulls him into position across from the two of them. Wyoming's attention is caught after Minnesota starts singing.

"Ladies do and the gents you know, it's right by right by wrong you go, bow to your partner, bow to your corner."

"We don't have any corners, Iz," Iowa muttered.

Minnesota huffed at him and shouted- not louder than the music but just enough to garner the attention of a few states. "Oi, anyone wanna square dance?"

Wyoming, standing with Colorado and Nebraska, opened his arms wide and shouted back just as clear, "What do you take me for, Minnie? I'm always a slut for square dances."

Wyoming and Colorado joined as Nebraska turned to South Dakota and seemed to be conversing at a normal volume about the square dance. Wyoming's shout had attracted the other Great Lakes' attention and Wisconsin waved to them.

South Dakota and Nebraska slid next to Iowa and Minnesota huffed at Iowa. "Can we start now?"

Wyoming looked scandalized. "Minnie, we can't have the caller dance."

"I'll call," Illinois said, stepping up behind Minnesota and Canada.

Wyoming nodded, appeased.

"Bow to your partner, bow to your corner. Join hands, circle to the left. Circle to the right, go the other way back."

The handful of states around them that are watching are starting to clap out a beat with Illinois. Wisconsin loves this, the dancing, the pulsing beat from boots stamped or hands that are clapped, the underlay of fiddles, and the smiles that can't be tamped down.

"Heads, forward and back. Now sides, you too. Join hands and circle to the left. Heads promenade, one half."

He heard a cat-call as he and Iowa circled around the other four, Iowa's hand in his. Iowa made eye contact with someone and threw up a finger at them. It sounded as though it was Indiana that laughed.

"Swing your partner round and round," Illinois shouted, the excitement getting to him. They spin in pairs twice in place. "Face your partner and do a do sa do."

Alfred, who wandered over at some point because he's doing that hawk-eye thing where he thinks he's being subtle, but they all know that he isn't going to let his guard down anytime soon, saw Canada as he stumbled on the do sa do. His raucous laughter almost drowned out Illinois' next call.

"Allemande left and face your partners. Promenade single file 'til you get back home."

They end back where they were in the beginning and Wisconsin can't wipe the smile off of his face.

"All eight in with a big ol' shout. Bow to your partners and your corners."

When the dance was abandoned, Alfred wandered over and clapped a hand on Canada's shoulder and laughed even harder. Canada glared back at him before reaching over and pinching Al's nose shut. Al's whine was loud and nasally.

Tennessee

There was a scuffle and a screech as Save it for a Rainy Day by Kenny Chesney was cut off. The silence was loud, even though there was some chatter and a few shouts over the nonexistent music. She turned her head to see the speakers and the DJ station and found New Jersey and Vermont holding Texas back as New York plugged in his phone and tossed hers carelessly to Connecticut to his left. Rhode Island was on his right, leaning over him as he chose a song (Connecticut was waving Texas's phone at her with a smirk on their face).

Rhode nodded her assent and patted New York's back and said something that sounded like, "Good luck" before stepping away to where Connecticut was. Connecticut dropped Texas's phone on the table next to New York before they and Rhode walked away. New York triumphantly looked up and smirked at the surrounding states as Texas spat and cursed at the two holding her back.

She wrenched her arm away from Vermont, and though New Jersey was holding on tight, she managed to get away to storm up to New York- and her phone. She took the latter, put a finger in New York's face and took a deep breath in, almost ready to start another rant. New York simply pulled The Crown out from seemingly nowhere and waved it in Texas's face. Her face turned bright red as she screamed in rage and stormed away.

Kentucky above her hummed. "The Crown of America. How many years has he had it?"

She had to think about it. "I think three years."

"Ugh, if he wins again I'll cry."

"Excuse me, excuse me," New York shouted waving his hands- one still holding aloft the battered, tarnished, cheap, plastic Crown. Everyone looked to him. "I would just like to say, that after what occurred nation-wide on the 26th- aside from my birthday which is a worldwide holiday as we all know. I'm super pumped and I'm going to play my celebration playlist. #Love Wins!"

Born this Way started pumping out of the stereos as New York placed The Crown on top of his head, made the motion of 'I'm watching you' towards Texas, and then jumped up over the table and joined New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island as the main intro of the music started.

The four started dancing obnoxiously and Rhode Island slapped New Jersey upside the head when he pretended she's his mother.

She turned her head and saw Arizona and California singing with all their might, back to back, hands up pretending to hold microphones (I'm beautiful in my way, 'cuz God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track baby, I'm was born this way). North Carolina and Georgia are dancing with South Carolina. Michigan and her little posse had grabbed Canada and were harassing him until he danced with them- all his gangly limbs splayed out dramatically. Maryland and West Virginia are dancing with D.C.- who looks like he's having the time of his life.

She'd been bobbing in her seat as she watched them and the infectious tunes (Don't be a drag, just be a queen, don't be a drag, just be a queen, don't be a drag, just be a queen, don't be don't be) and Kentucky obviously had seen and so he held out a hand to her.

She looked at it as though to take it would break her heart (Give yourself prudence, and love your friends). "Kentucky~?"

He didn't say anything just smiled at her. He held out two hands and took hers when she did not make the first move. He pulled her up and she swayed unevenly. She looked down and could see her socked feet resting on the top of his. She looked back up at him. He smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Just like learning to walk."

(A different lover is not a sin, believe capital H-I-M/ hey, hey, hey!) She looked over to see Louisiana and Mississippi sort of twitching where they were standing with Alabama. Alabama saw her standing- with aid- and she held her hand up and twisted in- something that meant 'kudos' for Tennessee getting out of her chair in a crowd.

She couldn't feel her legs, but she could feel how her torso swayed no matter how tightly Kentucky held her as he took small steps around in a circle. He turned her again, which let her see the cluster of nations.

They were clustered, but they were also sectioned off. It seemed as though they were still divided Allies, Axis, and Russia and China.

Hawai'i was standing by them, probably trying to get them to dance. Only Italy seemed engaged in it, he was already dancing in his spot. The other Italy was standing stiffly beside Spain- who was also nodding his head to the music. She wondered, briefly, if their English was good enough to understand.

She is turned around again so that her view over Kentucky's shoulder is of her family and they are all dancing up a storm (Ooh there ain't no other way, baby I was born this way, Baby I was born this way/ born this way. I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way), yes even Texas.

California's group and New York's group meshed into one and it seemed as though the two of them were trying to rap the other one out (You're black, white, beige, chola descent, you're Lebanese, you're orient).

Kentucky gave a hoot at the lyric 'transgendered life' (No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive) along with several of them. Louisiana is included in the last group, although she looked fearfully towards where the nations where.

Tennessee laughed and at the next line (No matter black, white or beige, Chola or orient made) she cheered at white even though Kentucky's shout of joy was louder for black. She didn't care. She saw Hawai'i turn back from persuading the other nations to shoot a finger gun at California at 'orient made' before turning back around and continuing as though nothing had happened.

"Do you trust me enough to toss you up?" Kentucky asked.

She stared at him. "Um..."

He whined, "C'mon, the song's about to end."

She sighed. "I trust you, just do it where no one else is."

It's America followed the techno pop of Lady Gaga. Kentucky, seeming to have forgotten his plans of tossing her up to heaven and back, started dancing rather fast, causing her feet to slip off.

At the chorus, he bent down, however, and hooked his arms around her thighs and hefted her up. She kept her hands on his shoulders for balance, but she still couldn't stop the laugh that escaped. "One nation under God," she shouted along with the song. "Now put me down."

New York refers to marriage equality in the states and the crown he has is a cheap plastic thing someone picked up at a party store. The state whose rep in the miss America competition wins gets the crown for that year (NY had it for three years consecutively)

Born this way is by lady Gaga and I thought it fitting

It's America is by Rodney Atkins (and you should totally listen to it btw)

Tennessee is paralyzed from the waist down if that clarifies the last section some more