Instability - Countryhumans Tenebrous AU

Chapter 3: Advice

/ New York City /

/ POV: America /

Click clock, click clock, click clock...

My rushed footsteps echoed through the decorated halls, and pounded on the marble floors before vanishing into the seemingly endless hallway. Has this hallway always been so long?

Click clock, click clock, click clock...

Like the familiar sound of a clock marking away my time, my footsteps would finally deliver me to two large, wooden doors, marking the entrance to the UN meeting room.

I would remember a time when, in spite of Soviet's endless bragging, I had quite hilariously crashed a M48 Patton Tank through these same two wooden doors (at the expense of UN's lecturing). At the time, these doors hadn't seemed like an obstacle at all. But now, after the protests, my declining mental and physical health, and my argument with New York, I wasn't sure how to feel.

Uneasy, perhaps. But about what? Barley? Surely I, the world's sole superpower, wasn't scared of some cooking leaf? But maybe it was something more— the prospect of having to confront my allies and enemies once more, keep a poker face, and act like everything's always and will forever be fine in the United States of America.

I'd swallow my doubts. What was I thinking? I had a meeting to get to— a reputation to uphold. What good would it do if I was pacing outside of the doors I once barged through so confidently?

With a firm grip, I'd swing open the door...only to be met with the stares— disdainful or confused or worried— of about 197 other countries.

— — — — —

As expected, the meeting meant to be focused solely on barley prices quickly derailed into yet another heated argument—about whether the UN should recognize this country or that one, whether sanctions should be lifted or increased, and whether or not I should just shut my mouth because 'you only care about yourself' or 'you need to care about others' or 'your input isn't needed or wanted here, America.' or 'will you say something? Is America scared?' It was all so dumb—just what was expected of a superpower.

I'd search the crowd of countries, colorful flags with bored or fiery looks rippling across the room like a river. I would join the flow—formal greeting, reused joke, trade agreement, and a rushed goodbye as both countries would part ways in search of a fresh face. In my game of political chess, I would stumble across a white-crossed flag I hadn't seen in a while.

It was Switzerland, staring solemnly at the ever-moving stream of chaos that was a UN meeting. I'd take a seat next to the neutral country, hoping not for a soulless exchange of greetings but an actual conversation, and maybe some advice.

The neutral country would turn to face me, putting on a smile. "America, good to see you."

I'd give a curt nod. "I'd like to talk to you about something," I'd say briskly, already attracting a few glances. "Preferably outside."

Switzerland looked at me, confused. Luckily though, he didn't question me as we walked through the wooden doors and out into the hallway.

I'd slouch against the wall as Switzerland, always polite and attentive, would listen carefully as I ranted about Russia and China. "..so, I've come to ask you for...advice." I'd say, almost forcing the word out of my throat. I had always found it hard to ask for help, and especially with something so personally. But Switzerland didn't need to know that. For all he would know, I was just asking for advice with global affairs when I said this, "You've always remained neutral. How do you manage to make everyone happy while still helping yourself?"

"This is about Russia and China, isn't it?" Switzerland would tilt his head, his voice sympathetic.

I nodded, hating that I was lying to Switzerland, no matter how inadvertent. Yet, I had plenty of practice in the field so the next words came easily. "And the entire eastern world. Whatever I do, I'm either being selfish or not caring enough about smaller countries. You know me... I need to find a way to please everyone." The last part wasn't a lie. I needed to please both sides of my country— the protests for peace and those hoping for a more powerful America on the world stage. "How am I to help everyone when whatever I do seems to divide more people?"

Switzerland seemed to take this as a further divide between East and west, not between Americans. "Thank you for telling me all this, America. Being a superpower, you've got a lot to deal with. Lots of pressure. And a single country carrying all that ought to be a big burden."

"Tell me something I don't know," I'd say bitterly.

"Being neutral is all about making compromises— sacrificing one thing for another so everyone can come to an agreement and mutual understanding." Switzerland would give me a warm smile, only to be met with a forlorn stature into the distance.

I'd flip my glasses over my eyes, hiding my disappointment. I'd give a sigh. "Thank Switzerland, for the advice. I'm.. sure it'll help."

Switzerland would cast his gaze downwards, realizing his advice hadn't helped the star-spangled country. With a lackluster goodbye, I'd walk these marble halls once again, refusing to face the chaos of those looming wooden doors.

— — — — —

/ Washington DC /

/ POV: America /

I'd lean back in my chair, kicking my feet up on the desk. It had been a long day— of protests, politics, and meaningless advice. I would think back on what Switzerland said— of making concessions so everyone would be happy. Did Switzerland really think that would just happen? My allies, my government, my people and the whole damn world would call me weak. I couldn't afford to be weak— not right now, in the midst of the protests and polarization like nothing seen before. No, I can't be seen as weak.. because weak countries die. Weak countries collapse. Weak countries get taken advantage of— and I would not let that happen to me. Not now, not ever. I'll do whatever it takes to get stronger..whatever it takes.

Suddenly, I'd hear a knock at my office door, interrupting my chain of thought. Strange, I wasn't expecting any visitors. "Come in," I'd say tentatively, taking my feet off of the desk and attempting to look even half-alive.

The door would creak open as light flooded into the room. A familiar secretary stood in the frame of the door. Madilyn, was it? New York's human friend, if I remembered correctly. "Sir, the vice president is here to see you."

The vice president, a shadowy figure who would be later known as POA, stepped into my office. "Greetings, America."

—————

A/N: Wowie! It's gonna get more spicy from here so I'd stick around :D If you don't know POA and haven't read the original Tenebrous  AU, I'd definitely recommend that. Just look up countryhumans Tenebrous AU and it'll come up. Until next time!

Time taken: ~ 1 1/2 hours

Word count: 1143 words :D