Spain was surprised and impressed with how bold Texas has become. When Spain had the time to briefly visit him and Mexico when they were little, Mexico has always been the most outgoing one out to the two. Now Texas carried himself with confidence, and Spain knew that he has grown a lot since everyone thought he was dead.
"Fuck it, how about we just deep fry everythin'?" Texas suggested, trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. "We can get some grease, throw a bunch of shit in the fryer, and then done, we have breakfast."
Connecticut cringed, "That idea is utterly disgusting. I know that we come back to life when we die and everything, but that is no reason to kill us all with fattening foods."
Kansas's laugh was loud, "I don't know, Texas' idea sounds quite tempting."
"We are not doing that," Nebraska stated firmly, running a hand through her blonde frizzy hair, "Instead of insane suggestions, how about we make something reasonable for breakfast?"
England warned Spain against allowing the states to argue for too long about what to cook for the rest of the states. His first time supervising states in the kitchen was when he cleaned up after lunch, and then proceeded to make dinner. This was much more trying than the night before, mostly because no one wanted to be awake at this hour, and lacked the motivation to cook and clean. "Who here has a clear idea of what they want to make?" Spain asked.
Oklahoma leaned over the counter, barely able to keep his eyes open, "Whadabout ham?" He slurred, "I feel like ham."
"My suggestion was pancakes," Connecticut said.
"I heard grits were rejected yesterday mornin' and I won't stand for it again," West Virginia said nodding to himself.
Mississippi stood by him, "I strongly agree, we're makin' grits."
Texas shrugged, "Since we're suggesting sides now I guess I can make home fries."
A few more ideas were tossed out, and Spain nodded, "Good. We don't have to stick to one suggestion, we can make several things at once as long as we have the ingredients we need with them."
The states muttered their agreement, and started collecting everything they would need to prepare the colossal meal. Spain helped Texas unload a large sack of potatoes, "Isn't it a nice morning?" Spain asked, breaking the work-induced silence.
Texas shrugged, tensing when he spoke to him, "I don't consider it mornin' 'til the sun comes up."
Spain's lips stretched into a smile, a memory tugging at him, "I remember that you and Mexico would play outside from sunrise to sundown. You both loved to explore, and loved to share your crazy stories with me when I came to the Americas."
He placed a potato on a cutting board and sliced through it with a kitchen knife, "Yes, we had plenty of spare time on our hands. How often did you visit again? Three... maybe four times a year?"
Spain's smile fell, "I visited when I could."
"That sounds familiar," Connecticut muttered, "How many times did England say that phrase?"
"England visited you?" Spain asked curiously.
Connecticut curled his lip, "God no. America didn't tell England about us just like he didn't tell any other of the nations. As colonies we aged with little guidance, it was a miracle the thirteen of us eventually met before the Revolution. I just remember America talking about how much he missed England. Of course that was before America realized that he was much better without that empire's restrictions."
"Spoken like a true colony," Montana muttered.
West Virginia shrugged at her, "We mean no offense to England nowadays, but I admit we don't have much of a filter when remembering the Revolution. England was horrible back then. It could be worse, have you listened to New York talk about that war?" Connecticut snorted, and the two stripes returned to removing mixing bowls from the cabinets.
"Do you feel the same way to me as they do to England?" Spain asked Texas, a feeling of dread filled his stomach.
Texas hesitated, and he drew his eyebrows together. He kept his eyes glued to the potato he was cutting, "No. I have no resentment towards you." He turned away from the states when they eyed him carefully. He shrugged their stares off with one shoulder and met Spain's gaze, "But I didn't come here to talk, I'm here to make the best damn home fries you've ever had. I'd like to see any other state try to make this like I do. Yo soy el único aquí que sabe cómo utilizar las especias," he muttered, wearing a hint of a smile.
Spain laughed, joy replacing the dread he felt before. He wasn't used to Texas' voice when he spoke English, but his Spanish was all too familiar. It was almost shocking how easily he switched between a thick Texan accent and fluent Spanish.
Getting Texas to open up seemed like a hard task, if he broke it down while counting every small moment, Spain knew it could be accomplished despite what Romano thought. Spain watched the hard working states with a growing grin. He wished Romano was here to watch the states with him, he knew that Romano and Texas argued a few times, but certainly if he could get Texas to open up he could also have Texas and Romano get along, right?
XXX
"You've been spending too much time with that cowboy bastard," Romano muttered, pushing around his home fries. He glared at the Texan state from across the table, who laughed loudly at a joke Oklahoma told.
Spain shrugged, and took another large bite of his pancake. He still didn't dare to taste the grits, even though the Southern states insisted he did, "When we decided who was watching who, it ended up that way. Of course the states will move around. It doesn't matter much a long as they're being watched by one of us. So far I've had no issues with any of these states. They're all very nice."
"Nice? That's not how I would describe them," Romano snarled with a raised voice. A few states cast him a dark look, and Romano returned their stares. He hasn't been very friendly with the states since Wyoming blinded him. "I'd most likely go with manipulative, dangerous, and savage."
"Savage are we, Romano?" New Mexico asked, placing her plate onto the table and taking the seat next to him. "That's an interesting view point. Would you like to elaborate?"
The states in earshot looked on with interest, waiting for Romano to bite her head off. Instead he grumbled under his breath and stabbed his home fries with his fork. Romano's roommate was one of the few who could talk back to him without much backlash. He was particularly nice to the lady states, which wasn't unexpected, but even then a lot of them got on his nerves, such as Louisiana. Spain wondered what New Mexico did to gain his trust, because even though Romano would never admit it, Romano did seem to trust her. Maybe Spain could ask her advice on what he could do to have Romano and Texas get along.
New Mexico placed her napkin on her lap and studied Romano for a moment, then took a bite of her eggs. "New Mex," Texas called out, "Are you ever gonna tell us what you're doing in that lab of yours? It's kind of important since America's missing and you're teaming up with the nations."
She cast him an amused look, "America's disappearance doesn't change the fact that what I do in the lab is classified. Sorry, but you'll have to remain in the dark until America's return."
"What if we can help?" Oklahoma asked pointedly. He glanced at Spain, "You can't just keep us under watch while New Mex and Nevada get to know everything!"
"That's exactly what we can do," Romano said, "Besides, since Capital is a state, it's obviously not a good idea to share what we know with all of you. You'll stay in the dark and deal with it."
Spain knew that wasn't exactly true. These states were going to help, but in a way that they'd prefer not to. Spain has yet to make a list of states he thought were untrustworthy enough to be questioned. He didn't know who to list, because he didn't feel that way about any of the states. All he knew was that no state would be happy when they announced their plans.
Oklahoma looked ready to argue, but he paused when something over Spain's shoulder caught his eye. Spain turned in his chair and looked up to see England, "Spain, I need to talk to you."
"Of course. Roma, I'll be right back," Spain stood from his chair and followed England out of the dining room.
England looked up and down the hallway before he spoke, "Yesterday we found no proof that Colorado has any association with Capital. It'd only be a waste of surveillance to keep her contained. Besides, we're most likely going to use that room to question other states. After breakfast you're bringing your group to the media room, and Colorado will be joining the states you're watching."
Spain nodded, "I'm sure the states will appreciate her release." He never got the chance to meet Colorado or Wyoming in person. Romano and Spain split up when Nebraska and Kansas caused an issue with Louisiana's plans. Romano and New Mexico picked up Colorado and Wyoming, then traveled directly to D.C. because New Mexico wanted to throw Capital off. By the time Spain arrived to the house with the rest of the Western states, Romano was blinded and the nations were looking for the one responsible.
"More like they'll be angry we kept her for this long," England muttered. He looked at Spain, "Don't forget to list the states you find the most suspicious."
Spain's shoulders slumped and he looked at England, "I will."
England sighed, "Don't go easy on them, Spain. You may consider them as new friends, but don't think for a moment that they're doing the same."
"They're not as bad as you think they are," Spain said. England shook his head, "They want to help."
"They can help by answering our questions as truthfully as possible," He said. He glanced at a silver watch strapped around his wrist, "Breakfast is over, I should gather my states to clean up. Bring your states to the media room, and Colorado will be joining you shortly." He turned around and returned to the dining room, where Spain could hear the states' chatter increasing in volume as breakfast came to an end.
XXX
Spain sat in one of the theater chairs with a clipboard sitting on his lap. He tapped a pen against a blank sheet of paper and watched the states before him. They sat in a loose circle on the stage-like platform in the front of the room. Everyone directed their attention to Colorado. She wore sweatpants and a t shirt. Her long hair was damp, and draped over her shoulders in thin curled strings. England told Spain to let her speak her mind, because she didn't have anything to say to the states that could give up what they're doing in the investigation. She has been kept in the same hallway as Wyoming, but Wyoming's interrogation was out of earshot. Germany questioned Colorado once, but she was unable to provide any useful answers.
"What was it like being kept by the nations?" Nebraska said, narrowing her eyes at Spain, "They didn't hurt you, did they?"
Colorado rolled her eyes, "No, they just questioned me for a while. Then they left me in that room until they couldn't find physical evidence that I plotted against America. It was so boring. They took my phone, and left me in there without much to do." She shrugged, "but it's not too big of a deal."
"They questioned you?" Kansas asked. She eyed Colorado with interest, "What kind of questions?"
"I was asked what I was doing from the time I left the party to the time New Mexico and Romano came to get me. They asked for my relationship with Capital, and things like that."
"Your relationship with who?" Texas asked blankly. Spain whirled his attention to Colorado with wide eyes. England said that she didn't know anything. However being so far into the investigation he could have forgotten that no other state knew Capital's name besides New Mexico, Nevada, and Capital's followers.
"Capital," Colorado caught Spain's eye, then she turned back to the states with a smirk. "Oh, you don't know who Capital is? That's what the state who captured America is calling themself." Spain gaped, and she brought her gaze back to Spain, "What's the matter? In my opinion the secret wasn't yours to keep. You nations may be running the investigation, but either way Capital is our problem."
"I understand, Colorado," Spain said slowly, "However, it wasn't a good idea to share this information." She shrugged with one shoulder in response. Spain wondered how the others would react when they found out the states knew Capital's name.
"The cocky piece of shit," Connecticut muttered.
Spain placed the clipboard aside and joined the states sitting on the wooden floor, "Does this name have any meaning to you?" Colorado released Capital's name. There was no turning back. The least Spain could do at this point was weigh their opinion on Capital.
"I think it mean's that they're close to D.C.," Montana said, looking at West Virginia in the corner of her eye.
West Virginia snorted, "That's ridiculous. I doubt Capital would come up with a name based on where they're closest to, that'll give them away!"
"Are you saying that because you're the closest to D.C. in this group?" Arkansas asked. He raised an eyebrow at West Virginia when he sent him a glare, "I bet Maryland and Virginia would say the same."
Connecticut shook his head, "Well, since I am obviously far more educated than any of you-"
"Really?" Kansas interrupted with a sneer, "You went to Harvard, but if you're so educated then why aren't you working with New Mex and Nevada?" Connecticut glared daggers at her, and she flipped her hair, "Maybe you're not as smart as you claim to be."
"I'm smarter than you," he retorted hotly.
Spain looked at Texas. He sent an annoyed look to Kansas and Connecticut, "Cut it out." Texas' face was set in an oddly serious expression, "Connecticut what were you going to say without all the boasting? You gotta point?"
Connecticut sat straighter, "Of course I do. As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I think this state centered their name on their goal rather than their location."
"What do you mean?" Spain asked.
Colorado sighed, "Y'know how England is the UK, yet he has siblings such as Scotland and Whales?" Spain nodded, "Well, it's not too different in our case. England is England as well as the the entirety of the UK."
Spain paused, "So while America is the entirety of the United States..." He looked at the group of states, unable to think of what else America could possibly be.
Each state met each other's eyes with a careful glance, Texas brought his gaze to Spain, "America is D.C."
"Qué?" He put his hand on his forehead and stared at the circle of states with bulging eyes, "How is America Washington D.C.?"
Connecticut rubbed the red stripe around his wrist, "It's hard to explain, but this state calls themself Capital because they want to take over both of America's roles."
Spain's throat went dry, "Capital wants to take America's place? Then what would happen to America?" The states fell silent, and Spain studied the floor, "Sorry for asking."
"Don't be," Texas said, breaking the heavy silence. He stood from the group and strolled over to where Spain previously sat. He reached over and held the clipboard up, "Answer this, what the hell were you gonna do with this thing? You're not taking after Nevada are you?" A few states laughed at the observation.
Spain smiled, then his face fell when he remembered what England told him, "Actually I had to make a list of every state I believe should be questioned."
Every state turned their attention to him wearing shocked expression, all except Colorado who covered her face and groaned, "Of course. I'm not surprised you're going to question everyone else as well."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Spain said with a cheerless tone, "I couldn't list any of you anyway. There's a reason why that page is blank."
Texas glared down at the clipboard, "How many of you are listin' states? All of y'all?" Spain didn't answer and Texas growled, "We're probably gonna end up on someone else's list anyway."
"I bet someone already put me on their list," Connecticut complained, "They're probably suspecting all the smart ones."
West Virginia looked at Texas in dread, "I'm close to the capital! I'm probably going to be questioned plenty of times. I can't even imagine how suspicious they find of Mary and Virginia."
"Maybe it won't be that bad," Kansas said with a shrug. "If we're innocent then we won't have much to say. The questioning will probably be short sessions."
"It's not questioning," Nebraska argued, "It's interrogation!" She crossed her arms stiffly, "I refuse to be interrogated by a nation." Spain cringed when she gave him a pointed look.
Spain held up his hands, "Calm down, mi amigos. We're only doing this because we feel it's a step towards finding America. We mean no harm."
The states grew silent. Texas paced in front of the loose circle of states, "If you mean no harm, then why weren't we given a choice?" He asked angrily. "I bet y'all weren't planning on sayin' anythin' until these lists are complete. We deserve more say in the investigation," He paused, then picked up a pen. He began to write something on the clipboard.
"What are you doing?" Mississippi asked, eyeing him carefully.
He tossed the clipboard on the platform. It skidded against the wooden floors and stopped at the base of Mississippi's feet. Spain leaned over her shoulder when she picked up the clipboard. At the top of the page in large letters was Texas.
"If I'm gonna be questioned, it's gonna be on my own terms," Texas said, "Hand that in and tell me when it's my turn to be questioned."
Nebraska shook her head and stuck her nose in the air, "You're insane. Exactly what part of this is logical?"
"None of it," Connecticut took the clipboard from Mississippi's hands and glanced at Texas, "Toss me that pen." Nebraska gave him a shocked look and he shrugged as he jotted down his own name, "What? It might not be logical, but it at least makes me feel better rather than waiting to see if I'm on the list or not. I hate suspense."
"Pass it to me next!" Oklahoma called out. Spain watched in surprise as the states passed around his clipboard and marked themselves as suspicious. He expected their anger, but he didn't expect their acceptance.
Texas' grin was wide as only Nebraska was left to write her name, "What's it gonna be?" Texas asked, "You don't have to write your name, but at least you'd know if you're going to be questioned or not."
Nebraska glared at him, then her expression broke into a smirk, "Fine. I'll volunteer to be interrogated. Maybe instead of answering their questions I can ask them a few of my own." She signed her name, then shoved the clipboard into Spain's hands, "I hope you're happy."
"I am," Spain said with a genuine smile, "Thank you."
Texas shrugged, "It wasn't for you." He placed his hands on his hips, "Now how 'bout we do something fun?"
"I question your idea of fun just like I question your sanity," Connecticut muttered. "I dare ask what you have in mind."
West Virginia stood up, "How 'bout we play a game? The states in this room before us got some card games from the game room."
Nebraska walked across the room and returned with a deck of Uno cards, "Listen up. Now that you made me sign up for being interrogated by the nations, we're playing Uno. Anyone who gives me a draw 4 is going to pay."
Kansas smirked, "Sorry, there's no mercy in Uno."
Nebraska began to pass out the cards, the paused at Spain, "Are you playing?"
Spain glanced at the clipboard in his hands, then placed it on the ground besides him, "I'll play."
"Good, I always wanted to win against a nation," Connecticut said, picking up his seven cards. Spain followed his lead and looked over his cards. He was still a little shocked that these states figured out Capital's name and that they were being called for questioning. He could try to have them keep this from the other states, but he knew the request would be useless. The information was going to spread to every other state in the house, and would eventually reach Capital. Spain only hoped that this wouldn't have a negative effect on the investigation.
XXX
Author's Note: I am so sorry for not updating in so long! Shout out to the 2 guest reviewers who pushed me to update. It was a great reminder and motivation for finishing this chapter so thanks guest reviewers! So I did not complete my goal of 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo, but I still got a lot of writing done. Since the last update I completed my first semester of college! It was an amazing experience and I'm happy with my final grades. I hope everyone had a great winter break and enjoyed the holidays!
So my friend Izzy and I started working on that dystopian story, and that's one of the main reasons I haven't updated in a while. We wrote 206 pages so far and it's insane! I just started my second semester of college and I love all my classes so far! I'm taking creative writing this semester and I'm so ready for it. I promise you that I won't get too distracted from everything else I'm writing and make time for this story, because I refuse to abandon it. We're not done until Capital wins or loses and I will see it til the end!
Sorry Spain's chapter is a little short, but the events in the chapter matter more than the length. So what do you think will happen after every state knows Capital's name? Also the states have a few theories of their own about Capital's goal. So tell me this; which state do you want to see be questioned? I'll be writing a few interrogations in the future, so your input will be really helpful!
Thank you so much for being patient! Next chapter will be told in Russia's POV, which I'm so ready for. I'll make sure I won't take as long to update next time.