Author's Note- Hey everyone, I am very sad to say that this is the second to last chapter in this series. To be honest I am going to be very sad when this series is finished, but before it do I would really like to ask you for your feedback. Writing this piece I have kind of grown attached too many of the states and I think that a lot of them need future opportunities to shine. The question is what type of pieces should they shine in? What type of stories do you want to hear? Your feedback will not only be appreciated, but it will help me sculpt the direction of many stories to come. So, thanks in advance. Also a huge thanks to saoirsewolf, InfiniteHappieness, EverythingMath, BloodLily16, and Sma ErDnIy InO, for being the wonderful reviewers that you are.
Disclaimer-I do not own Hetalia, Apple, or any fall foliage viewing apps…but I have pulled the same stunt that New Hampshire does on more than one occasion.
Leaf Peepr
There was something rejuvenating about the fall. America couldn't put his finger on exactly why, perhaps it was slight touch of frost that brought crispness to the air or the smell of smoke on the wind. It might be lengthening nights which encourage deep dreams or rich tastes of apple pies and roast root vegetables that were currently gracing the nation's tables.
Really the only downside of the season was the fact that winter, and cold, came on autumns heels. But before the nation's northern states were dressed once again in winter's snow, nature put one of her most spectacular shows. The autumn leaves of New England were known worldwide as being some of the most colorful, the most vibrant.
When something that beautiful practically happens in your backyard it would be criminal not to go enjoy it. Yes, it was nearly impossible to get a hotel room in the region during this period of time, but that is why you had states. With a bunch of other states stuffed into the back of his SUV, America had taken off north towards New Hampshire first thing that morning.
It was evening now falling. The last rays of light barely lit the winding country lane and the stars were starting to dance among the tree tops. With relief the vehicle finally found itself at its destination, a little white farmhouse surrounded by pasture. States tumbled out instantly scrobling about who was going to sleep where are complaining about being hungry. They barely waited for the door to be open before pouring in the house with their nation bringing up the rear. And if New Hampshire looked a bit less than thrilled at their arrival, America didn't really notice. He parked himself on the state's couch. There was a football match to watch after all.
Every year New Hampshire found themselves hating autumn more and more. If you asked the state why it might take them a moment fully digest why they loathed the season so much. They didn't mind the seasonal foods, the spice ciders and pumpkin pies that popped up on the menus at many of the country diners. They actually enjoyed the spectacular views of reds, gold, and orange draped mountain sides. There were so many spectacular aspects of fall that the state was almost embarrassed to admit the reason they hated it. That was until they looked in their kitchen that is.
The states simply decorated farmhouse kitchen was completely overrun by family members. From New York yapping loudly on his cell phone while drinking a Starbucks pumpkin spice latté that came from who knows where to America who was rapidly eating him out of house and home, all New Hampshire wanted to do was tear their hair out. But as much as New Hampshire would have liked to kick out the half dozen states that were crammed into his guestroom, living room, library, and deck, they were too polite to do so.
After many years of living through the fall foliage viewing traditions of their siblings, New Hampshire had found a loophole of sorts. While there was no way polite way to convince your family to not come to visit you for the weekend, the state didn't actually have to be home for most of the visit. Opening their iPad they pulled up one of the many fall foliage prediction apps. New Hampshire found a promising stretch of road well off the beaten path and whose leaves had mostly fallen. While the drive would lack the stunning scenery found on other roads, it would be overflowing with the solitude that the state currently craved.
New Hampshire almost stuck off by themselves to enjoy the peace and quiet, but guilt caused them to pause as they got into the car. Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi were currently probably driving Vermont completely mad. It wouldn't be very neighbor like if they didn't at least offer their sibling the possibility of a brief vacation from the southern states.
"Hey Vermont, I found a good long road whose leaves are well past their prime." New Hampshire smiled for the first time since his family had crashed his place. "Fancy a drive?"
End Note-I hope that everyone in temperate or arctic climates in the northern hemisphere are enjoying their leaves…and I hope that the rest of you are enjoying your weather.