The States

The American Revolution, Part Five, 1778

VIII. Valley Forge
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
-Stand By You, Rachel Platten
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Everyone give it up for America's favorite fighting Frenchman!
-Guns and Ships, Hamilton

Valley Forge, PA- January 13, 1778
Prussia seems to have developed a certain level of fondness towards the states, America observes.

It's hard not to. They're lovable little demons. Prussia trains them to fight, and America decides that it's okay that he knows.

Valley Forge, PA- February 5, 1778*
Scarlett and David are curled against either side of their brother, quilts wrapped tight around their bodies.

Daniel watches his brother and sister sleep.

He looks at the paper, and scrawls his name over the bottom.

Philadelphia, PA- February 6, 1778*
There haven't been any battles yet, and the states are clearly trying to jam in as much sleep and training in while they have the chance.

America envies them a little- that they are still sleeping when he gets up.

He has to meet with France about the alliance in Philadelphia, and they would probably sleep a while longer before going to find Prussia for drills and sparring.

He brushes a finger over the new signature on the Articles of Confederation.

Daniel Jones, the State of South Carolina.
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America isn't stupid.

He sees how France is looking at him.

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"So?"

America shrugs, pulling his shirt over his head. "I've had worse."

France laughs. "England definitely raised you."

Valley Forge, PA
Brooke signs quickly, leaving the paper on Alfred's desk.

Washington smiles at her when he sees it.

Valley Forge, PA- February 7, 1778
Despite his intentions, every single one of them knew what had happened last night.

Ginny has on her silently-judging-you face, Will is suspiciously quiet, and Connie looks a little bewildered.

"Oh, stop it already!" Sam says suddenly, coffee cup clattering to the table. "None of us have any right to judge him for who he chooses to-" Sam's face twists in discomfort, flushing red, "-with, so just stop with the disappointed looks."

Scarlett shrugs, stirring her tea thoughtfully. "He could have chosen better, but he could have chosen worse, and hey, at least it isn't the nanny this time."

"I have a question." America interrupts as several states start to gain a greenish tinge. "How do you know?"

Davy fixes him with a deadpan stare. "You have three hickeys on your neck. Three."

America flushes.

New York, NY- February 16, 1778
England paces. "America has obviously promised France his lost territory in exchange for aid."

Canada crosses his arms over his chest, trying not to stare at the bright red of the uniform, especially when he knew Adrien had been in blue only a year or so ago.

He wonders how the occupations were affecting his nieces and nephews. William and Brooke must have been hit hard...

"Matthew! Are you even paying attention?"