Disclaimer: I do not own APH
A/N: Sorry for the wait. I've been busy, unmotivated, and obsessed with the NBA (Go Celtics!). But that's not important right? On with the story!
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The Proclamation of 1763
"You know what's stupid," Pennsylvania declared suddenly.
"Your face," New York snickered.
"Don't be mean to Penny, York," New Jersey yelled.
"Shut up, no one cares what you think," New York dismissed his sister carelessly.
"Wow New York, I thought even you could insult better than that," Delaware scoffed.
America rolled his eyes at the whole exchange as he kneaded some of the bread dough. The Middle Colonies could be somewhat of an annoyance when they wanted to be. They were a far cry from their southern neighbors, who were actually fairly peaceful gathered together. Even though, America mused, he'd much rather have all the restless Middle Colonies in a group than the eternally bickering and feuding New Englanders.
"Quit it," America ordered, "Let's finish making these loaves then maybe I'll consider letting you get back to insult each other."
The breadbasket colonies each gave a half-hearted pout but did as they were told and went back to their various tasks.
"I was saying," Pennsylvania continued as she mixed ingredients, "That taxes are stupid."
America grimaced; he had been waiting for this to come up.
"Hear, hear," New Jersey agreed sullenly, "Stupid Grenville. Stupid Navigation Laws."
"Do you even know what navigation means," New York asked smugly.
The smaller sister growled, "I have a university!"
"Yeah well that doesn't exactly mean you're smart," Delaware stated, siding with New York on this one.
"Knock it off you two," America barked at the boys and they quickly backed down.
"What do you think of it Dad," Pennsylvania asked.
America had to quickly turn away from the children, hoping to hide the rather goofy smile that lit up his face every time they referred to him as their father, which all four of them had done just this day.
"Oh I don't know," he said, more idly than he would have moments before. God damn it, he cursed himself; he needed to start letting them know it wasn't okay to question England. Well, later anyway. Right now he just wanted to enjoy some time with the kids.
"I still think that stupid Proclamation was unfair," New York grumbled as he shaped loaves, "We won that war for him so shouldn't we be able to have some reward?"
"Haha why don't you pull a North Carolina then? I heard she let a thousand wagons head up west even after she heard about the Proclamation." Delaware's voice suggested he admired this rather bold move made by his southern sister.
"Oh yeah? I guess you also heard about the licking I had to give her too," America mentioned casually and the colonies quickly lost their smiles.
(Okay that was a long stretch. America hadn't laid a hand on North Carolina like he had just suggested to the middle colonies…or England. But hey! He had given her a very stern talking to and that was just as good in his opinion.)
"And I've already told you guys Arthur just did that in order to try and make peace with the Indians," America added, "It will help us in the long run."
The colonies grumbled and continued their work in silence for a moment.
"You know," New Jersey broke the silence, "I kind of miss some of the Carolinas Daddy. How come I hardly ever get to see them?"
America's eyes flickered to her in surprise at the unexpected question. He didn't think the colonies cared for their next-door-neighbors let alone ones in a different region.
"It's a little hard since so far apart," America explained, "But…I guess I could maybe work something out when you're not too busy. But where did this come from? I didn't think you even liked the others all that much?"
"Well they're still annoying and everything," New Jersey explained, "But they had their moments when they weren't too bad."
"Yeah," Delaware agreed, "I got to know Maryland better. He was hilarious."
"I thought Rhode Island was adorable," Pennsylvania crooned, "Me and him…we were so similar. I've missed him."
"The kid seemed to think you were 'adorable' too," New York snickered, again. "He didn't let you out of his sight the whole time we were at camp. And it seemed to be his goal in life to make you laugh every chance he got."
"You shouldn't be talking," Pennsylvania returned in a falsely sweet voice, "I think you thought a certain New Englander was rather adorable as well. I saw how you watched her."
Delaware, New Jersey, and yes, even America, all oooooohed tauntingly at the embarrassed colony, who hid his tell-tale blush in a cloud of flour.
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The Sugar Act
…and with all due respect to England I find this law completely ridiculous…
…my people are in an uproar! And so am I…
…You know I really hate taxes and this one is incredibly worthless…
…We're already having a hard enough time as it is…
P.S. Georgia said she's started calling you Dad. Would it be all right if I did too?
America smiled slightly at the P.S. from South Carolina. At least something in these letters was a little positive. The rest were polite at best. The ones from New England were rather obscene…But he supposed he couldn't blame them really. Arthur's new tax act was hitting them hard.
He had been shuffling through the letters after receiving a final reply from England. Fine, he'd repel the tax the letter has said, though it was obvious England was extremely disgruntled that he was being forced to do so and he had chastised America for his colonies poor behavior.
He had been questioning America's caretaking skills a lot lately.
America wasn't happy about it.
What does he know; he would catch himself thinking grumpily to himself. England barley knew the individual colonies when you really thought about it. He had left everything up to America, who had done a damn good job thank you very much.
Besides, America thought smugly, the colonies aren't calling him Dad now are they?
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The Quartering Act
"No!" Rhode Island's eyes were lit up in anger.
"Will-"
"I said no," the tiny boy actually stamped his foot, "I refuse to house-"
"His soldiers," Maryland continued with a furious scowl, "This is unacceptable!"
"I don't even want 'em here," South Carolina cried indignantly, "They don' even need to be here."
America gazed helplessly at the three children who stood defiantly before him. Just a few minutes ago he had been peacefully napping (actually at his own home for once) and now he had to figure out some way to quell his children over some new law he hadn't even heard of.
"So let me get this straight," he reached up a hand and rubbed his eyes. "England says you're to-"
"House his soldiers if there isn't any room in the barracks," Rhode Island cut his elder off again, "And provide for them of course."
"We ain't even at war," South Carolina complained, "And like I said no one really wants 'em here anyway."
"So can you see why it's unfair?"
He could see why it was unfair. Even then a spark of annoyance was turning into harsh anger. Quartering troops at a time of peace? When there really was no need for them to be here? Ridiculous!
"Look," he finally muttered after rubbing his temples, "I'll- I'll write to Arthur all right? Maybe there's something he can do."
"HE GAVE US THE DAMN LAW IN THE FIRST PLACE," Rhode Island screamed, shaking with the force of it.
"William Kirkland," America snapped and grabbed the small boy by the arm, "You will not use that language. Not under my roof and not in my presence, you hear?"
Rhode Island scowled and didn't meet America's eyes. He grumbled something in the affirmative and America decided that was good enough. He steered the boy towards one of the few bedrooms in his small house.
"Go in there and cool off," he ordered, "You can come out when you're ready to speak about this civilized."
The tiny colony growled softly and reached inside his jacket to pull out a packet of letters.
"These are from the rest of the New Englanders," he said, "Once they heard I was coming down to see you they decided they wanted to share their thoughts too."
America took the letters wearily, thinking that this should be interesting.
As if reading his thoughts Rhode Island added, "Massachusetts's letter is a particularly fun read in case you were wondering."
"I'm sure," the older male muttered and ran a hand through his sleep tousled hair, "Thank you. Now…get in there."
"Yeah, yeah," Rhode Island muttered as America turned to head back to the other two. "Oh and one last thing Alfred."
"Rhode Island," America rolled his eyes, "I said get-"
"It's William Jones now, not Kirkland."
The words stopped him in his tracks, "Excuse me?"
"Well since you're my Dad I think it fits…," the colony trailed off as he shut the door.
America stared after him, baffled.
"Um Alfred," Maryland called hesitantly.
"Yes," America answered, still staring after Rhode Island, baffled.
"We, uh, have letters too."
America's whole body slumped.
"Hand them over," he grunted as he turned to face the two Southerners, finding them both to be carrying packets of letters.
"These are from sis and Ginny," South Carolina explained, "And Nate's got some from the middle colonies."
"I ran into Delaware before I left," Maryland supplied, "He asked me to bring these when he heard I was leavin'."
America took both packets grumpily and thumbed through them quickly. Ten letters and the three children already here meant thirteen upset colonies. What had England done?
"All right," the tall man sighed, "All right. I need to take care of this so how about you two-"
"Hey," Maryland was struck by something, "Rhode Island called you Dad. And South Carolina did on the way here."
A smile quirked their caretaker's lips in response.
"So can I call you Dad too?"
000
All of the colonies think its ridiculousAmerica furiously penned, and, to be frank Arthur, so do I.
He leaned back and glared at the parchment, chewing on his lip before deciding to write his farewell.
In parting I have one last request-
He clenched his eyes shut and mustered up the courage to finish.
-Kindly inform me before imposing some ridiculous law or tax that's just going to cause both of us more problems.
Sincerely, America
As he drew away it occurred to the young man that this was the first time he hadn't signed a letter Love, Alfred.
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The Stamp Act
The sun's light flittered down through the warm air, which was filled with the sound of birds chirping from their trees, their music a perfect background sound for such a wonderful day. What truly made this day so wonderful, for America anyway, were the two small, warm bodies snuggled up to his sides. America, North Carolina, and New Hampshire were swinging lazily in a hammock placed outside of America's home. It wasn't normal for him to actually bring the children to him but after today he was beginning to think it may not be a bad idea.
North Carolina and New Hampshire were two of the more reserved and quiet colonies. North Carolina was often overshadowed by her southern twin and tended to 'respectfully yield' to her on almost everything. New Hampshire, meanwhile, was often ignored in favor of his far more troublesome neighbors. The two had gotten along quite well during the time they were there, seeming to find each other's company pleasant. Today the three had had a nice picnic and a few games of tag, effectively wearing themselves out.
Now, America smiled, they were quietly dozing while the hammock rocked. It really had been a good day. The icing on the cake was when they both (shyly) had called him Dad. Yeah, that was definitely the best part.
Out here, with things so peaceful, it was so easy for the American to forget about the negative things in life. Like the scathing letter England had sent in reply to America's opinion of the Quartering Act…America shook the thought of his head and instead opted to rub the children shoulders, as though they were the ones that needed soothing. He didn't need to get riled up over that again, things would calm down eventually with England, they had to.
No, he decided, it was much better to enjoy the bird's song and silently marvel at how completely perfect these two little kids looked and-
His ears perked at a nose, it sounded like a horse was coming but that didn't make sense because hardly anyone ever came out here. He supposed it would probably fade soon as the horse and its rider carried on their way.
Only it didn't, it was growing louder.
Not only that, he realized, there was also the distinct sounds of a wagon coming… from two different directions.
America sat in alarm, making the hammock swing which in turn woke up North Carolina and New Hampshire.
"Daddy," North Carolina questioned drowsily, "Wha's the matter."
"Nothing honey," America responds without thinking, still listening hard.
The girl's brother was more observant and he noticed the noise of something approaching, "Are you expecting someone Dad?"
"Um," America replied dumbly as the sounds got louder and louder.
Honestly not knowing what to do the young man wrapped his arms around his children and held them tightly. The horse and wagon sounds still grew and now you could see the faint outline of one of them through the thick trees. It was beginning to emerge and…
It carried Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia?
America blinked but the image didn't disappear. He did it again just to make sure, and nope, still there. Three of the southern colonies were sitting in a wagon, staring somberly at him. How unusual.
"Sis," North Carolina said in surprise. She gently untangled herself from America's arm and walked over to the wagon where Maryland was helping Virginia and South Carolina out.
Once on the ground South Carolina embraced her twin while Virginia and Maryland gathered round them and America and New Hampshire continued to stare in confusion.
"Uh Nathaniel," America finally spoke, "I didn't know you knew how to drive a wagon."
Maryland's stoic face didn't waver, "It's not that hard to figure out Dad."
"Yes well…Not that this isn't nice or anything but what exactly-"
He went silent when he realized the other wagon was still coming, he quickly turned to see what surprises this one would have.
Ah the Middle Colonies, this was getting interesting now. Especially when he saw New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware also carried rather cloudy expressions not unlike the Southerners.
"Seriously when did all of you learn how to handle a wagon," America laughed nervously, except nobody joined in. The man was unexplainably nervous to find out why he had seven new arrivals especially when the Middle Colonies unloaded and went to stand by the Southerners.
The last sound was approaching, it was quieter then the others, almost like a lone horse. That was, in fact, what appeared from the trees. The animal was carrying the three missing pieces of America's brood; Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Connecticut, the driver, stopped the horse and slid off, looking relieved to be on solid ground after being smushed together with his sister and brother. Rhode Island followed suit but Massachusetts stayed on, glaring at the boys and waiting expectantly. The brothers grumbled but still Rhode Island grasped her ankle while Connecticut reached up and managed to get a hold of her forearm. Together they helped the petite girl slide off the horse.
Dusting themselves off the New Englander's eyes flickered over to the other colonies; no one really seemed all that surprised to see the others which America noted uneasily. In fact, the new group walked over and joined Southern and Middle colonies, who all stood a distance away from the hammock America was still occupying.
Massachusetts eyed the wagons, "It would've saved us a lot of trouble," she muttered irritably, "If you had one of those."
Connecticut merely sneered.
Massachusetts turned her attention to the two still sitting on the hammock.
"Abby, why are you wearing pants," America asked suddenly, subconsciously trying to stall.
The girl frowned, "It was a long ride. A dress wouldn't have been appropriate."
"Ah."
After a pause Massachusetts looked to New Hampshire. The boy hadn't moved from his father's side this whole time and honestly seemed confused about this whole thing, as did North Carolina.
"Henry," Massachusetts called, "We have something you need to see. It's business."
Bewildered, New Hampshire stood up and walked over to join the rest of them. Connecticut handed him a rolled up piece of parchment.
"You too dear," Virginia murmured and gave North Carolina the same thing.
America watched, along with the others, as the two children began to read. At first their expression showed puzzlement which changed to disbelief then gave way to anger.
"Is this certain," North Carolina asked, her voice uncharacteristically frosty.
"Yes," South Carolina answered gravely.
"Is it in effect," New Hampshire questioned next, his tone like his sisters.
"Yes. For about a week now."
All Thirteen looked to America, who was completely and utterly confused.
"Oh all right," he finally sighed, "I'll bite. What's this all about?"
Massachusetts stalked forward immediately, the others following her. She stopped in front of America, tore the parchment out of New Hampshire's hands, and thrust it towards her caretaker.
"This," she hissed.
America was slightly startled by her behavior and took the parchment cautiously. Holding it up he began to read.
Stamp act…taxes on stamps…stamps on printed material…such as legal documents, magazines, newspapers…
The colonies watched as their father's face steadily grew more and more distressed as he read on.
"I thought you might like the long title," Connecticut said sourly and America glanced up to read it.
'An act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, and other duties, in the British colonies and plantations in America, towards further defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same; and for amending such parts of the several acts of parliament relating to the trade and revenues of the said colonies and plantations, as direct the manner of determining and recovering the penalties and forfeitures therein mentioned.'
That bastard.
Just then there was, once again, the sound of a horse coming. America nearly moaned, what could it possibly be now?
Nothing to threatening it turned out, just a postman. The man jumped off his horse upon entering the clearing and looked curiously at the odd group, no doubt wondering what a youngish looking man was doing with thirteen small children.
"Do you have business here," America asked the postman after growing annoyed with man's gawking.
"Wha? Oh, oh yeah," the man turned toward America and pulled out a letter, "Would you be Alfred F. Jones?"
"I would."
"The people in the town said I might find you out here. Bit far away aren't you?"
America just glared in annoyance.
"Ah. Well I have a letter for you then Mr. Alfred F. Jones," the postman drew out the letter from his satchel and offered it.
America stood up and took it, frowning even as the man rode off.
"Who's it from," New Jersey inquired once the rider was far enough away.
He didn't answer as his shoulders tensed. He knew who it was from, he knew as soon as he saw that wretched seal. His hands shook as he opened the letter and began to read.
America,
I've approved a new tax on the colonies and their inhabitants. I've granted your request and sent this letter a day before we send word of the tax, therefore informing you first.
Of course with your awful mail system I suppose I can't guarantee when this will reach you.
Sincerely, England
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And the plot heats up! Massachusetts is getting antsy, can ya tell? And don't you just feel bad for America? Poor guy being pulled in two different directions. But who would you end up following? The kids who you've taken care of your whole life or the man who raised you? Hmmm.
Historical notes: (This chapter is not perfectly, historically accurate but I'm trying to do my best ok?)
- The Proclamation of 1763 stated that the British colonies couldn't colonize past a certain point. It was meant to stabilize the North American situation and help with Native American problems. There have been debates over whether the Proclamation caused much tension or not but I imagined the colonies wouldn't be to thrilled with it.
- The Sugar Act was a revenue-raising act actually meant to help enforce the Molasses Act of 1733. It was met with distain from the colonies, especially the New Englanders. It was eventually repealed.
- The Quartering Act said colonists were to house and provide to soldiers if there wasn't room in the barracks. Guess what? The colonies didn't like it.
-The Stamp Act is probably one of the most famous of the taxes and I believe it was explained fairly well in the chapter so I won't go over it too much. But seriously, the colonies were pissed.
- The Middle colonies were called the breadbasket colonies because they produced a lot of grain and wheat, therefore able to make a ton of bread.
A huge THANK YOU to my amazing reviewers- RainbowHikari, Emmi Fireworkz, SakuraLetters, and Bluestrike22. You guys are my favorites!
Sorry for my atrocious grammar and spelling. I tried fixing most of it but I suck so forgive me.
Please review with any thoughts or suggestions. I'm ever so happy when I get one and I think very highly of people who give me one as you can probably see.
Before I end this awfully long A/N I'll just go over the colonies names since we saw some new ones. Virginia- Ginny, Massachusetts- Abigail, Georgia- Scarlett, Pennsylvania- Penelope, Maryland- Nathaniel, and New Hampshire- Henry.
That's all. Thank you so much for the read!
Little-Harlequin