WARNING: DRUG USE IN THIS CHAPTER AND CURSE WORDS

Illinois laughed nervously as he looked up at the angry Californian. "Oh no, that's not what I meant to say at all!"

California closed his eyes and tried to take control of his breathing. "I didn't burn Penny, okay? New York is lying to you." It was so hard to keep his voice steady and calm. That was to be expected after finding out that your own brother was smearing your name and calling you a cold blooded murderer.

"Sure, Cali, I believe you." Illinois nodded with a nervous smile.

California opened his tired golden eyes. "Whatever. I don't need you to believe me." The taller state walked past the other and sighed. Ever since Pennsylvania was found after the fire, his whole family acted differently around him. Well, there was one state who treated him the same. The tall male smiled while thinking about his beloved Flordia.

Illinois watched the Californian walk away and sneaked back into New York's room. He followed the sounds of excited chatter to the bathroom. He poked his head in to watch Missouri snort up a line of cocaine on the cold bathroom counter.

New York looked up and smiled up at Illinois. "Hey, Bud, welcome back! What took you so long?"

Illinois walked into the luxurious bathroom and smiled at his older brother. "Oh, I just ran into California so I had to get rid of him."

New York grinned and held onto Illinois's shoulder. "Good! I can't believe America still lets him walk around here after what he did to Pennsylvania."

Illinois nodded and saw an opening for the next line of cocaine. "I know right!" He walked away from New York with a grin as he focused on the white drug. He failed to notice the very satisfied smirk on his older brother's face.

~~~

California entered the kitchen with a bright smile on his face. He was looking for Flordia and he finally found him. His lover was sitting at the counter talking to none other than America himself. This made California's smile disappear faster than a drop of water in the desert. He stood at the opening and decided to listen into the conversation before walking over.

America pushed his sunglasses up as he studied his son. "Okay, how about that scar?"

Florida tried to look down at the light pink scar gliding down his collarbone. "I'm sure that one was from Bloody."

"Your pet alligator?" America asked with a dazzling, bright, white smile.

Flordia laughed a bit and smiled back at his father. "That's right!"

California decided that the conversation seemed harmless enough so he could slip in without anything awkward coming up. He breezed his way into the seat next to Flordia with a gentle smile on his face.

America smiled back at his golden state. "Oh there you are, Cali! Guess who isn't going to jail because their father dropped the charges! That's right! It's you!" America's smile had a hint of anger behind it, but that was the only piece of sarcasm California picked up from his demeanor.

California sighed and looked straight at his father's plastic, lifeless, black sunglasses. "Dad, it's been a month. That's how long I've been blamed for what happened to Pennsylvania. Don't you think if I actually did it, I would have confessed by now?" His pearl white hands begged with his father as he grew more exasperated. "I'm going to tell you this one more time, okay?" His usually smooth voice cracked as he watched his father give him every ounce of his attention. "I didn't hurt Pennsylvania. Now, can we drop this? I'm tired of talking about it."

America nodded while silently making a strong drink for himself. He took a long sip and sighed, "Sorry, California, but you were the last known state with Pennsylvania, so it's very suspicious."

California growled and curled his hands into fists. "I wasn't the last state with him! I don't know who it was, but it wasn't me!"

America took another long sip from his drink and glared at California from behind his glasses. "Give me some evidence by the time I finish this drink and then I'll believe you."

"You know what? Fine! I'll show you and everyone else in this house that I'm innocent!" California slammed his hands forcefully against the counter. He put his whole body into it which made the counter shake and groan in protest. With eyes of blazing fury, the angry Californian watched his father and lover shrink back in fear. Their horrified looks knocked some sense back into him. With a few calming breathes, he apologized quietly and smoothly slid off the counter's stool. His dazzling white fists clenched firmly as he marched his way up the stairs and down the long hallway of the state's mansion. His tall figure stopped in front of Pennsylvania's room with a tad of uncertainty. The quiet, lifeless room was taped off with thin police tap due to there no longer being a door there thanks to California himself.

Hesitantly, the Californian pushed the yellow streamers out of his way. He looked around the dark, desolate room with bright eyes. Everything was a mess and in absolute shambles. His arms itched their way to his biceps so he could hug himself while looking around. The room seemed unusually cold even though it was just drenched with flames a few days ago. His eyes scrambled over every shard of glass to find a clue of his innocence until something small and shiny caught his eye. He reached down and picked up a small, deformed piece of metal. "Weird." He muttered quietly and pocketed the useless object into his cargo shorts. He kept searching, but came up short. "Damn it." He huffed and kicked some glass shard around in frustration. Without another word, he left the devastated room.

California trudged back to the kitchen with a defeated frown.

Through his dark, lifeless shades, America unflinchingly watched his son stumble over to him. "So? I'm done with my drink." The intoxicated American waved his empty glass uncaringly.

"I- I couldn't find any proof, Dad." California steadied his gaze to the kitchen tiles right in front of America's feet.

"Well until you've proven your innocence you are grounded to your room and I'm taxing you as well." America raised his eyebrows sternly as he crossed his slender arms.

"I'm grounded!?!! And taxes!!!?" The Californian scoffed and looked directly at his father with unbelieving golden eyes.

"You heard me, Cali! Go to your room!" America shouted with a disappointed frown.

California dug his nails into his hair with a wild look. "I can't believe this!" He seethed with uneven, ragged breathing.

Flordia watched this with a concerned frown. "Come on Cali... let's go." He murmured softly and slid off his stool to hold California's hand supportably.

With a glance at his adorable lover, California finally was able to calm down. The misjudged man gave a short nod at the Floridian. "Okay."

Just like that the two lovers left their glaring father and headed to California's room. Once they reached it, California picked up Flordia in his arms and gave him a passionate kiss.

"Mmm~!" Flordia quickly pulled the door shut, so that they could continue in private. Though, before much more could happen, a knock interrupted the young lovers.

California slowly nudged open his bedroom door as he held Flordia close to his side.

Their dear brother Washington stood humbly in front of them with his 5'5" frame. "Sorry for the interruption, but I was wondering if were still coming to my birthday party."

California held Flordia closer as he tried to swallow his embarrassment for forgetting his own brother's birthday party. "Oh shoot, of course we'll be there. Has it already started?" Even though he was just grounded, he was determined to go anyway.

Washington nodded bashfully while looking down at the floor which only deepened California's guilt.

Florida simply hated the innocent act Washington was giving his boyfriend. With a cold glare and a sharp tone, the Floridian stood between the two. "Give us a second. We'll catch up later." Then, the pearl white state slammed the door in the birthday boy's face.

California gave his lover a worried look, but didn't dare ask. The giant simply turned to grab something that could possibly substitute as Washington's birthday present.

Florida watched his lover with slightly jealous eyes. "Why does he always want your attention? Can't he bother someone else?"

"Come on, Flo." California gave his lover a soft smile as he found a basically brand new shirt to give Washington as his present. "We've been very close ever since birth."

"States are allowed to grow apart and become independent from each other, you know?" Flordia hissed as rage boiled in his chest.

"I know that, boo. And we have been growing apart. Can't you tell that I spend all my time with you now?" California tried to ignore Flordia's harsh tone and simply focus on the other man's words. Once he wrapped the present in an old roll of birthday paper he had for emergencies just like this, he turned to his lover and kissed him on the forehead. "My heart is yours, my love." He lowered his voice so that his words were tender and caring.

Flordia couldn't help but to smile and blush a rosy red color. "And my heart is yours!" Then, the shorter male returned the kiss and opened the door in order to join Washington's party. "It's kinda late for a party, don't you agree?" Flordia pipped up as he gently took his lover's hand.

California pulled out his phone and checked the time. It was almost midnight apparently. "Wow, it's actually very late for a party. I wonder what Washington's up too." He took his long white finger to scroll through his messages only to see that Washington texted him the location of the party five hours ago. "The party is right in our backyard too."

"Weird." Flordia only murmured while squeezing California's hand ever so slightly.

Once they exited their large estate, the two lovers strolled to the raving party. Trash decorated the grassy floor and a huge bonfire danced with all of the nearly black-out drunk states. "What is this?" California stared at all of the chaos with a slacked jaw.

In the partying masses, Washington caught sight of his esteemed guests. With a bright smile, the small state bounded over to them and grabbed onto California's arm carelessly. "You came!"

Out of the corner of his eye, California could notice his lover visibly bristle once Washington laid a finger on him. He needed to diffuse the situation and fast. "Ah, hey, Washington! Of course we came!" He then stepped out of the other's touch to stand closer to Flordia's side. "Flordia and I would never ever miss one of your parties... no matter how crazy they get." With a hearty laugh, California left a soft kiss in Flordia's hair which basically made the other melt into a blissful good mood.

For a millisecond, Washington had a devastated look on his face, but it was quickly covered up with joy once he received his rushed present. "Thank you so much! I know it's different from my usual parties, but this year I wanted to have fun!"

California nodded and looked around once again at the unfolding events around him. Mississippi was currently throwing his guts up as Alabama gently patted the poor state's back. Alaska was dancing with a black bear for no apparent reason while Hawaii was screaming at them to stop. Then, there was Arizona who would grab states and then threaten to throw them into the fire unless they give him some more alcohol. With all the crazy things happening around him, California suddenly got overwhelmed and wanted to leave. "I'm sorry Washington, but we have to go. America just grounded me, so I shouldn't be here honestly. Anyways, I hope you have a fun night." Then, without a second of hesitation, the second tallest state out of the fifty grabbed Flordia and dashed back to the mansion.

Washington watched after them with the saddest smile any country has ever witnessed. He eventually turned back to his party, but in the back of his mind all he could think about was California running away.

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So there's a lot of twists and turns in this chapter but I really do hope you enjoy it- sorry it took me so long to write-

I have a lot of fanfics as you can see so I'm kinda spread out real thin but hopefully I'll get them all finished one day!

Well thank for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

~Wordsperminute