Countryhumans Oneshots

Americas First State | US & Delaware

When my first colony joined the Union, I was overwhelmed with joy and hope. I thought, maybe I could take on my father and finally become independent.

But now, with the child before me, I wasn't sure what to think. His flag was light blue, with a yellow triangle and today's date.

"Hello?" he muttered, his voice timid.

"Hi... Delaware?" I asked. He nodded, hesitant.

"I'm the Thirteen Colonies, but I hope to soon be called America." I introduced myself and knelt to his level, offering my hand.

He took it and shook it, his grip weak but steady. "Delaware. Your... first state?"

"Yeah, that sounds right." I smiled, though my eyes were drawn to the small wings on his back. They were much smaller than mine, but they matched. My instincts flared, a protective urge rising up. "Come on, let's get some food."

We found a small restaurant, and I sat with him while he eagerly dug into his meal.

"This is good," Delaware said, grinning.

I smiled too. "I'm glad you like it."

I watched him as he ate, trying to reconcile this new reality. Delaware was just a kid, and I had no idea what kind of future awaited him, or me, for that matter. Could I really take care of him? Could I take care of all the others that would come?

Delaware looked up at me, sensing my distraction. "Is something wrong, America?"

Hearing my future name aloud for the first time made my chest tighten. I wasn't sure I was ready for it. But I had to be strong, for him and for the others who would soon join us. I shook my head and forced a smile. "No, nothing's wrong. Just... thinking."

He swallowed a bite of his food and looked at me with wide, uncertain eyes. "Do you think the others will like me? The other colonies?"

I blinked, caught off guard by his question. He looked so young, so nervous. Of course, he was unsure. We were all stepping into unknown territory. "They will," I said firmly, though I hoped my own doubts didn't show. "You're part of this now, Delaware. You belong with us."

His face lit up, though there was still a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "I hope so. I don't want to be left out."

"You won't be," I reassured him, though the words were meant for both of us. "We're building something together. You're the first, but you won't be the last."

---

As the days passed, I found myself spending more time with Delaware. He was eager to learn, full of questions about the Union and the future. It was strange being looked up to by someone so much younger, and I realized quickly that I couldn't show my doubts around him. He needed to see confidence, even when I didn't feel it.

One evening, as the sun began to set and the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange and pink, we sat by the riverbank, watching the water flow. Delaware was quiet, his small wings folded neatly behind him.

"Do you miss it?" he asked suddenly, breaking the peaceful silence.

"Miss what?" I asked, though I had a feeling I knew what he meant.

"Before all of this. Before we... became something new."

I looked out over the water, thinking back to the days when we were just colonies under Britain's rule. It was hard to admit, but there were times I missed the simplicity of it all. The way things had been predictable, even if they weren't always fair. But I couldn't say that to Delaware. I couldn't let him think that we were making a mistake by trying to build something better.

"I miss some things," I admitted, choosing my words carefully. "But we had to move forward. We couldn't stay the way we were forever."

He nodded, though I could tell he was still unsure. "Do you think... we'll be okay?"

I turned to him, studying his face. He was just a kid, barely understanding the weight of what we were doing. But in his eyes, I saw hope. I saw the future we were fighting for, and in that moment, I knew I couldn't let him down.

"We'll be more than okay, Delaware," I said, my voice firm. "We're going to be something great. It'll take time, and it won't always be easy, but we'll get there. Together."

He smiled then, a small, relieved smile, and I felt the weight on my shoulders lift, just a little.

---

Weeks passed, and as more states began to join the Union, I realized just how complicated this new life would be. With every new addition came new challenges, new personalities to manage, and new conflicts to resolve. Delaware remained by my side through it all, his small wings growing stronger each day.

One afternoon, we stood at the edge of the forest, watching as another flag rose on the horizon. I could see the bright red of the next state, its bold presence impossible to miss.

"Who's that?" Delaware asked, squinting.

"That's Pennsylvania," I said, my chest tightening slightly. Pennsylvania was known for being bold, headstrong, and very different from the quieter, more reserved Delaware.

Delaware bit his lip, looking nervous again. "Do you think they'll like me?"

I glanced down at him, then back at Pennsylvania proudly in the distance. "They don't have to like you," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But they'll respect you. We're all in this together, and we're stronger because of it."

Delaware looked up at me, his eyes wide but filled with resolve. "America, I promise I'll take care of all of us," he said softly, though the conviction in his voice was clear.

I frowned, a bit taken aback. "You don't need that burden, Delaware," I stated, hoping to ease the weight he was trying to carry. "You're young-"

But Delaware shook his head and flashed a grin, the playful spark in his eyes returning. "It won't be a burden," he said confidently. "I want to be a brother to them all. I'm the oldest, so it's my job to look out for everyone."

His words warmed my chest, but they also stirred a twinge of concern. Delaware was just a kid, yet he was already thinking about protecting the others, about family. Maybe he didn't understand the full weight of it all yet, but he had heart. He already wanted to be the glue that held us together. I smiled softly at him, hoping he'd hold onto that spark.

"You'll be a good brother," I said, ruffling his hair lightly. "But remember, you don't have to carry it all on your own. We're in this together."

As Pennsylvania's bright red flag approached, Delaware stood a little straighter, a new sense of purpose in his posture. Maybe we were all still figuring things out, but with someone like him by my side, I felt more certain that, somehow, we'd make it work.