Work Text:
Flamingo pink, Sunrise Boulevard
Clink clink, being this young is art
Today, the sky blessed the whole Californian neighborhood with its pink and purple hues.
California stood on the balcony of his little apartment in Long Beach, admiring the sight. He’d always been told he was a piece of gold in a world filled with dirt or that he was sun-kissed, but he’d never felt all that special. He was a state that wanted to thrive like every other state, he was just fortunate to have done it at an age younger than most.
He looked at his companion, New York, whom he’d admired for a while now. They both held a glass of champagne as the sunrise’s beauty blessed their eyes. As New York focused on the colors, California focused on him. It was hard not to: with New York’s look of admiration and a rare smile appearing on his face, Cal’s eyes couldn’t look away at the beauty he exuded. He made his plain gray t-shirt & sweatpants combo look worthy of a fashion show, his aquamarine eyes overshadowed the hues of Cal’s own sunrise, and Cal so desperately wished York would look at him with as much admiration as he did the sky. California sunrises were beautiful, but New York was on a whole other level.
Aquamarine, moonlit swimming pool
What if all I need is you?
New York looked back at California, his smile growing larger.
Cal’s quiet wish was granted, and he didn’t know what to think. Or if he could even think. New York looked at him like he was the most beautiful thing in the universe. For a second Cal felt superior, blessed even, that a look filled with that much admiration was directed towards him. That smile, he knew, would be glued onto his memories forever. And those aquamarine eyes… he felt as if he’d leapt into a pool of love for this man.
“Your sunrises are a work of art. If only I could take this home with me so I could paint it,” New York said. He turned back to look at the sunrise, and Cal wished for him to look at him like that again. It wasn’t a wish, it was a need.
“You could totally replicate this exactly as it looks, dude. Your memory’s one of the best I’ve seen,” he replied.
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
New York’s smile only got wider. “I tend to remember things I find beautiful.”
Cal managed to match the grin on York’s face as he turned to stare at his own sunset. “Then you’ll be able to paint this view later.” He barely caught the fact that New York had just called a part of him beautiful, but he caught it.
Got love-struck, went straight to my head
Got lovesick all over my bed
Love to think you’ll never forget
Handprints in wet cement
The ceiling was all California could stare at as he reminisced the little moment he had with New York that morning.
Out of all the people he could’ve fallen for, he had to fall for his only true friend. It wasn’t his fault: he was the one state who helped guide him through the first days of statehood, who never told him to shut up whenever he talked, who never made him feel like a burden, who never tried to change him… and New York stayed despite everybody else leaving him. Cal always felt like being himself when New York was around, and he knew New York was the only one who he could rant to on rough days - everybody else irritated him, while New York’s presence was enough to calm him down.
As much as Cal knew he cared, did York like him just as much as he does? Did that ten-second moment of eye contact mean anything to him? Cal didn’t know, but with the love he’s overpowered with, he believed that New York saw him as something too. Cal had to be imprinted in New York’s heart, he had to be. He wished to be.
His eyes became filled with sleep, and he slowly let the sleepiness consume him as he dreamt of the possibility of being truly loved.
Adorned with smoke on my clothes
Lovelorn and nobody knows
California was burning in the Statehouse grounds, but nobody cared to check on him.
It was noon, and he was alone in the room where the Table meetings were held. Everybody had left except for him, and he didn’t even notice because the fires held him in place. Tears formed in his eyes as the burns got worse and worse; He couldn’t move or scream, he was confined by the suffering, the rage, the monster, the pain.. Everything he was mocked for.
He thought back to last night and the pain turned into slight anger at himself. I really believed I could be loved? With my imperfections? The fires got to his back, causing him to groan, but the self-loathe was stronger than the pain. How did I think anybody would love me? Nobody’s here to help me with my fires despite everyone knowing I occasionally burn. I’m such an unlovable piece of uselessness.
Love thorns all over this rose
I’ll pay the price, you won’t
California didn’t recall New York tending to his wounds, nor did he recall going back to his apartment in Long Beach.
“Thank God you’re awake,” New York said, relief filling his tone. He pressed a cold, soaked handkerchief on one of the burns, making it hurt less. He then proceeded to do the same to all of the burns on Cal’s arms and legs, Cal relaxing to the relief and the touches he gave. “Are you feeling alright?” New York asked.
“Sort of. My back still burns, but everything else is good.” Cal responded. “Thank you.”
New York finished pressing the handkerchief to the last burn on his legs and glanced at California’s torso. “I can tend to those burns too B, but only if you’re comfortable taking your shirt off.”
Cal’s eyes widened at the prospect, but he knew that the burns would only hurt more if he didn’t let him tend to them. He took off his shirt and immediately groaned at the stinging pain. New York ran to him and quickly placed two of his cold handkerchiefs over the more painful areas. “You’re gonna be okay, B.”
Cal let his eyes close, trying not to cry. He didn’t know if he was truly going to be okay, and he didn’t know when the fires would stop burning him. But also, he wanted to cry because New York saw him pained, vulnerable, and imperfect. Cal chose to think York’s short glance at his shirtless body was a moment of surprise at the burn marks, not a glance of admiration (even though it looked similar to the way he looked at the sunrise the day before). He wasn’t loved, he couldn’t be, and after this, he knew New York would leave him like everybody else.
New York lifted the handkerchiefs off of Cal’s back, focusing his attention on Cal himself. Cal felt a hand on top of his, calming him down and silencing his thoughts. York’s other hand wiped his tears away, which Cal didn’t even notice were flowing. “Tell me what’s wrong.” he heard York say. He let himself cry for a moment longer before speaking again.
“When am I going to stop burning?” he whispered. “When’s the pain going to go away? I feel so tired, New York, and now you’re seeing me like this…” he trailed off onto noises, wanting to explain more but the muffles of his cries restricted him from doing so. New York’s hand firmly gripped his and he wrapped an arm around his still bare shoulders, careful not to touch the painful areas. “I don’t know, California. I don’t know when the pain’s going to stop, but I’m here to care for you when you are in pain. I’ll never be tired of seeing you no matter what state you’re in,” he said so softly, so tenderly that California almost took solace in them.
Until he remembered that everybody else would make fun of New York for comforting him.
The pain his heart felt was worse than all the burns combined, and he only cried harder. New York slowly placed his head on his shoulder, whispering words that were practically sweet compliments in his ear to comfort him. The unusual tenderness in York’s voice made Cal forget the realization he made just a moment ago, and he savored the feeling of being taken care of by the one he loved most.
But if I’m all dressed up
They might as well be looking at us
And if they call me a slut
You know it might be worth it for once
And if I’m gonna be drunk
Might as well be drunk in love
Later that day, New York and California teleported back into the Statehouse. Together.
“They’ll make fun of you for being seen with me,” California whispered to New York as they walked to the kitchen. “Nobody likes me, everybody likes you. It’ll be a mess and a half.”
York shrugged. “Did ya forget who I am? I don’t care about what they think. You matter more to me than the opinions of those I couldn’t care less about.” Cal felt his face blush at that. Nobody had ever prioritized him before, and it felt good. So freeing. Like he actually mattered.
Like he actually mattered..
How long had it been since he felt that way?
New York reached for some bandages in the kitchen cabinets, his struggle in doing so getting Cal out of his thoughts. Cal successfully reached the bandages on the top shelf with hardly any effort, groaning at the slight pain the movement caused, and then gave them to York with a grin. “Sucks being short, huh?” he teased.
“Shuddup, or I won’t care for ya,” York retorted, but Cal knew he was lying. If he offered to care for someone, he’d do it. That’s the type of person he was.
“Sureee,” Cal said back and giggled. New York smiled back, nudging him on the shoulders playfully while stifling a giggle of his own. The love Cal felt for York intoxicated him enough to make him feel happy, but not enough for him to ignore the hard glares they got from the other states in the dining room.
But whatever, at least he felt happy.
Send the code, he’s waiting there
The sticks and stones they throw froze mid-air
“I found ‘im in the meeting room crying, and I carried him back to Long Beach.”
They were in the clinic aid room of the Statehouse, California lying down on the uncomfortable nurse bed, New York watching over Cal’s condition, and Massachusetts (NY’s older brother) nursing Cal. New York was explaining the whole thing to Massachusetts, from the burns to how he ended up caring for California. California listened as Mass carefully bandaged the burns all around his body. “Then I got some handkerchiefs lying around, soaked them in cold water, and pressed them on the burns. Find a way to make Cal recover fast so he can feel better.”
Mass scoffed. “Demanding, are we?”
“Shut the fuck up. I just want ‘im to stop being in pain.”
California blushed at that, and flushed in embarrassment when he noticed Mass smirking in his direction. I really have to stop blushing at every sign of care he gives. “No, no it’s okay. Do whatever you can,” Cal assured. Mass kept bandaging the burns, careful not to make them feel worse, until the last burn on his leg was covered. “Unfortunately that’s the best I can do fer now, Little York. We gotta just wait til it all heals, but I’ve got some painkillers ‘round ‘ere if ya need it Cal.” Massachusetts offered. Cal nodded and took the painkillers given to him, York holding the cup of water he drank. “I’m okay, I promise. Thank you for caring for me.” he said after taking the pills.
“Of course, B.”
“Yous two make me sick, being all lovey and shit,” Mass commented. California’s eyebrows furrowed while New York turned redder than New Jersey’s tomatoes. “Helping my best friend’s lovey now?” he argued.
California’s heart both soared and dropped at that statement. I’m New York’s best friend!! But I’m just his best friend. He was loved, but not the way Cal loved him. He didn’t know if he should feel grateful that he was loved to some degree or be sad that he wasn’t loved as intensely as he wanted to be. He looked at New York wanting to ask about his statement, but York himself didn’t look like he believed his own retort.
Mass as well. His eyebrow raised at New York’s words, seemingly doubting the truthfulness in them. “Whatevah ya say, Little York.” he said with a smirk. New York glared at his older brother and then lightened his gaze when he turned to California. “Stay here and rest. I’m just ‘round the corner if ya need me.” Cal nodded, and York and Mass left the room.
It was 11 at night and Cal rummaged through the pantry for something to eat.
He knew he should’ve contacted New York or Mass to do it, but it was late and he didn’t want to bother them. He went through the unorganized chip bags, tea bag containers, cereal boxes… Why does no one organize anything in this house? He wished he was back in his apartment in Long Beach, at least he knew where everything was in there & kept it as organized as it could be.
Footsteps that were just begging for attention creeped up behind him, and he turned around to see Texas with his arms crossed, Georgia with a glare, and West Virginia holding a smirk. “What are ya looking for, snowflake? Some common sense?” Texas said.
California rolled his eyes. “Some snacks. Thought the people who stay in the Statehouse the most would learn to organize, but alas, I’m disappointed.” he retorted. Georgia left to go brew some coffee - Cal assumed he had work to do this late at night - while Texas and West Virginia stayed to annoy him. “Ain’t our fault you’re never in the Statehouse and are always staying in that apartment of yours that’s definitely too expensive for the general public to afford,” West Virginia argued. “Yeah, you should worry ‘bout the conditions in your state instead of ignoring them and running to the Statehouse,” Texas added, an infuriating smirk growing on his face. Cal thought of just ignoring them like always, but them saying he didn’t care about his people? Absolutely not.
“Okay, listen here, my governor actually passes laws that’ll benefit everybody in the state. You guys on the other hand are harming your people just for spite against us. Don’t talk to me until you care about your people.” he turned around, but Texas grabbed his bandaged arm before he could fully turn his back on them. He winced at the sudden pain, trying to let his arm go but Texas’ grip got stronger and the pain got more intense. “Let go of me,” Cal said, mustering all the intimidation he could onto his glare and tone of voice.
“What are you gonna do if I don’t?” Texas retorted.
“Ya don’t wanna find out, star-spangled bitch.” a familiar voice responded. Cal sighed in relief as the three southern states turned their attention on their new opponent.
New York.
Everyone wants him, that was my crime
The wrong place at the right time
“If it isn’t the love-whipped Empire state,” West Virginia said. “Of all people to fall for, it had to be California.”
“Nice of you to change the topic so I wouldn’t beat yer ass,” New York replied. “Let Cal go, he didn’t do anything to yer miserable asses.”
Surprisingly, Texas compromised and let California go, Cal rubbing his hand on the burn area Texas had placed pressure on. “There ain’t any redeeming qualities in California, York. You got admirers left and right everywhere you go, but California’s the one you choose. What special drink did he give you?” Texas added. California winced at both the pain of the burn and the inferiority he felt right after hearing that. Texas was right: New York had admirers in the Statehouse and outside, he had so many options that were better than him. Tears stung his eyes again but he blinked them away, trying to focus on the situation.
“I choose the people around me wisely Texas, so if I’m around California, I know damn well he has good qualities in him. Cal and I are not yer business so if you don’t wanna get beaten up right now, I suggest you leave us alone.” New York ordered. Georgia immediately left after his coffee brewed. It took a bit longer for the other two to go, but they eventually walked away with glares toward New York and him. California smiled at New York, but New York didn’t reciprocate it, only shooting off the usual scowl he had on.
“I told ya to call me when ya needed me, didn’t I?” York said in a harsh tone. He knew the slight aggression was out of concern, but he didn’t think he needed it. “I didn’t want to wake you up,” Cal said matter-of-factly. York rolled his eyes at that. “That doesn’t matter. If ya need me, I’m helping ya no matter what I’m doing!”
“Okay I’m sorry!” Cal lashed out in frustration. “I just needed to get out after being stuck in bed all day. I can’t even get a goddamn break from these burns, just let me have some peace for once.” All the exasperation he felt spilled out in that one second. He didn't intend it to be directed towards York but at himself. His burns. His situation. Everything.
Before he knew it, the tears he was holding back earlier exploded, and he was once again a crying mess in front of the one person he loved most. He’s gonna leave me now for sure. First I yell at him, and now I’m crying.
“It’s okay Cal, I’m not mad at ya, not mad at ya,” York whispered, holding Cal’s hand and using the other to wipe his flowing tears. “Ya wanna go back to your bedroom here? I’ll bring you your medicine from the clinic and some snacks.”
Cal could only nod.
And I break down, he’s pulling me in
In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman
New York opened the door for California. Such a small gesture but it meant the world to him.
California entered his room in the Statehouse, taking in the environment that he wasn’t usually in. His room lacked the ambience his Long Beach apartment had, with books scattered in the corners of the room, his bed only having the shades of black and gray, bare white walls, and 2 bright lamps with yellow bulbs. He hadn’t been in this room ever since he lived in Long Beach, and he didn’t feel welcomed at all.
He remembered the time when he used to live here. The mornings when he couldn’t go out without someone commenting on something he was wearing, the afternoons when he usually spent his time confined in this room doing paperwork for his state officials, and the nights when all he wished for was a friend. Florida and Louisiana would check on him to make sure he was eating properly amidst all his work, and that was the closest he had to friendship even though he knew they wouldn’t have done anything if he ever said, “No, I haven’t eaten today.”
That was the closest he had to friendship, until New York. Though they connected during his first days of statehood, the possibility of a fully-bloomed friendship fell off somewhere along the line. He remembered the time he brought up George Santos’ hypocrisy to York, and even though York looked just as cross as he usually did, he listened to every word he rambled. The meeting went interestingly, with Flo and Loui thinking they were married and York even helping him out when he was at a loss for words. He felt like he had a friend. But of course, that was before New York knew about how broken Cal was.
He’s going to leave me, he’s going to leave me, he’s going to leave…
He felt York’s arm go around his shoulder and slowly guide him to his bed. Cal laid down on it, wincing at the pain of the burns. Fuck, I forgot to take the painkillers-
“I’ll get the painkillers for ya,” New York said, as if he had read his thoughts. He re-positioned the pillows to make them more comfortable for Cal. “I’ll be back.”
You’re going to leave me. He thought. Cal only nodded.
Got love-struck, went straight to my head
Got love sick all over my bed
Love to think you’ll never forget
We’ll pay the price, I guess
Why was New York so sweet to him?
Of all people, him.
He reminisced the moments between him and York that occurred ever since their friendship began. York would occasionally visit him in his Long Beach apartment ever since he’d moved, and this was only when they just started becoming friends. York would always try and include California in a conversation he had, no matter if the conversation related to him or not. The Northeast started treating California nicer (at least in the northeastern sense of the word) after New York befriended him, so Cal now had a whole region he could talk to when he needed. York would show him his paintings even though he’d mentioned that he was the first person he felt comfortable showing his paintings to. York helped him mend his relationship with food, he provided him a safe space to be himself, he always tried to refrain from being hostile towards Cal…
And today, he defended California and cared for him after another messy fire.
Would New York do the same for others? Or was it only towards him?
Cal knew the answer to that: York was only sweet to his peers in the Northeast and occasionally to the Chaos Duo, Wyoming, Indiana, Alaska, and Hawai’i, but not in the same level of sweet that he was with Cal.
But why him? New York never clarified it, and California only realized it now.
He didn’t want to think of the possibility that New York loved him back. That was impossible, and the last time he’d dreamt of doing something impossible, he was let down. New York didn’t like him like that, even if everybody in the Statehouse seemed to think so. They were just friends.
Maybe it was because Cal treated him kindly even before they became friends? New York would grunt and mutter a small “thank you” every time he did something nice to him, like the one time York baked cookies with Connecticut and California helped them out because they couldn’t get the chocolate chip-dough ratio the way they wanted it. Or the time he caught New York after York had a meeting with his state officials about the wildfire smoke that caught the state in a shock. York looked panicked - worried even - and he pushed California away, telling him to “leave me be to solve another one of my problems on my own”. Despite New York’s adamance, California stayed by his side until he’d calmed down, offering advice on how his people should deal with the smoke and getting some ice cream right after (New York vanilla specifically). He remembered the small smile that appeared on New York’s face, and Cal remembered the way that smile made him feel: happy, ethereal, like he wanted to make him smile like that all the time.
Was it that? Cal didn’t know, but he also didn’t know if he wanted to ask.
“Sorry it took a while, but I found yer painkillers. Had to ask Mass which ones were the right ones, his and Rhode Island’s medicine cabinet is disorganized as shit,” New York said as he entered the bedroom. Cal got himself out of his thoughts and sat up as York handed him the cup. He took the medicine and downed the water.
“It’s okay.”
“Are you feeling better? Today’s been a rough day for ya.” New York checked in.
“Fine and dandy like always,” Cal lied, not wanting to talk about his feelings.
“Liar.” New York said, but the absence of gruffness in his tone of voice indicated that he was being playful. Cal realized that not everybody could point out that little detail, and he felt giddy at that.
“Who are you calling a liar?” he joked back.
“A clear liar.”
“Okay fine, I’m not fine and dandy.” Cal admitted, lacking the energy to make a better comeback.
At that, New York’s playful smirk disappeared and he stood close enough to California where he could feel his breath brush on his cheek. “I knew it, asshole. Tell me what’s wrong.” California stared at him for a moment, unsure of what to say, until he finally let himself utter a few words. “Do I matter to you?”
New York stared at him with wide eyes as if he was awaiting a follow-up statement. When Cal didn’t utter a word more, he spoke. “Of course you do, B. I told ya earlier that you matter to me more than the opinions of those I don’t care about.”
California stayed silent, unconvinced.
“You matter to me more than anybody else.”
Cal finally looked up at the Empire State, still unconvinced. “Do I?”
“Would I be taking care of you if you didn’t matter to me?” New York asked.
California wanted to retort and say that he could just be helping him in order to get something he wanted, but he knew York wasn’t like that. And besides, what would he even want from someone like California? “..No.”
“That’s right, Goldie. I tolerate ya better than I do everyone else. I’d fight the whole world if that would bring a smile to your face.” New York said sternly, but Cal felt touched by the statement. He had someone willing to defend him, and that was good enough for him. Albeit it hurts that all they would be is a best-friendship, he knew it was the closest he’ll ever get to someone loving him.
“Thank you, Yorkie.” he muttered. He flashed a small smile as his eyes fluttered, sleep threatening to overpower him. He pulled his blankets on himself and settled on a comfy position on the bed. “Goodnight.”
“Hold on, do ya need me here with you to make sure yer okay?” New York asked. Cal begrudgingly opened his eyes just as sleep lulled him, and he swore he saw York’s cheeks redden after the question was asked. He’s adorable when he’s flustered. Cal felt butterflies looking at York’s blush and the fact that he’d basically asked if they could stay in one room together. What we’d do if these burns didn’t hurt…STOP.
Cal realized that York was waiting for a response. “Um, I think I’m good for now. I appreciate it though.” he responded, mentally cursing at himself for essentially denying the good offer. New York raised an eyebrow at that statement, and Cal couldn’t figure out if the slight frown on his face was because of uncertainty or disappointment… somehow. “If ya say so, goodnight Goldie.” York whispered before he left the room.
Cal let sleep overtake him, but not without remembering that New York had said he tolerated him. It would break his heart if it came from anybody other than New York, but Cal knew what it meant coming from him, and he felt a deep sense of hope that he really, really, might be loved back.
But if I’m all dressed up
They might as well be looking at us
And if they call me a slut
You know it might be worth it for once
And if I’m gonna be drunk
Might as well be drunk in love
California got up to get dressed.
It was noon four days later, and New York had asked Cal to get ready because he wanted to take him somewhere. The Empire State had asked the Golden State multiple times if he was feeling better, saying that they’d stay home and relax if he wasn’t. Cal took a moment to think about it: his burns still felt a little painful, but it was nothing he hadn’t dealt with before, and he really wanted to spend a day with New York that wasn’t just a friendly hangout in his Long Beach apartment. He said yes to the offer, and the smile York gave in response wiped all the uncertainties he had beforehand.
He put on a maroon lantern sleeve dress he’d bought months ago but never wore because it was the only piece of clothing in his Statehouse room closet that he would actually walk in public in. He put on red flat ankle boots to match (and because it was the only decent pair he had in his closet), brushed his shoulder-length jet black hair out to accentuate its curls, and put sunscreen and light pink lip gloss on to finish the look. He twirled the dress in front of his mirror in admiration - it had been a while since he’d actually dressed in anything other than his usual black shirt and red flannel, so this felt new. Refreshing. He felt.. beautiful.
The burn marks were mostly covered by the dress, but some of the reddened scars were visible. Cal had the sudden urge to go change to a more casual look that covered all of those scars, but before he could, he heard four knocks on his door.
“You’re making your husband wait!! Are you ready?” he heard on the other side of the unopened door. Cal rolled his eyes, recognizing Florida’s voice and his usual comment about him and York being married. “We’re not married! And yes, I’ll be there in a second,” he yelled back.
He took one last look at his outfit and walked out of the room, having no time to think about the visibility of his scars.. Or what everybody else’s reactions to him being all glammed up would be like.
California was suddenly reminded that noon was when many of the other states would be up and about around the Statehouse as soon as he walked out of his room. Florida and Louisiana were the first ones he’d noticed in the crowd: Florida had a mischievous look as he stared at Cal and Louisiana wore a large grin, leaning into Florida to whisper something to him which Cal caught the words, “... york would faint at this sight, sha.” New Jersey and Rhode Island, despite their usual scowls, both had smirks on their faces as they stared at him.
“Ya look good, Cal. Red is your color,” Rhode Island complimented. Even though the Golden State was on good terms with the Northeast, he still felt giddy whenever they were nice to him. “Thanks Rhode. I tried my best,” Cal said with a smile.
“Do ya like the red or do you just like the thought of bloodshed?” New Jersey teased his boyfriend. Rhody’s face went from the slight smirk to a full on scowl directed towards Jersey. “You’re about to be the source of my bloodshed if you say something like that again-” Rhody threatened, but Jersey interrupted him with, “Oh? Try me.”
“Ooo, kinky,” Florida joked, and that was the sign Cal took to ignore whatever was going to happen next.
He felt a hand graze his back, and for a moment he stiffened due to not being used to sudden touches, but he relaxed once he realized it was New York. The Empire State had a glow in those ocean eyes as he eyed Cal from head to toe, looking at him as if he were unreal. As if he was nothing short of perfect. As if he was as beautiful as Cal had always wanted to feel.
He cleared his throat. “You are… breathtaking.”
“T- Thank you.” Cal said, flustered. “You look lovely as well.”
“Thanks. Loui lent me his suit for the occasion since I didn’t have any.”
Cal laughed at that. “This dress was one of five outfits I conveniently still had in my room closet, so don’t feel too bad. Where are we going to the point where you needed to rent a suit?”
New York moved to where his lips grazed Cal’s ear, which took his breath away for a second. “You’ll see.”
“..okay,” he managed to utter despite the heat he felt.
York moved away after a moment and faced Cal. “Let’s go.”
“Y- yeah, of course.” Cal said awkwardly. He subconsciously reached for the aquamarine-eyed state’s hand and would’ve pulled away had he not taken it. They walked out of the Statehouse’s front door with smiles on their faces, but not without catching the looks of disdain from a handful of the southern states (and maybe a couple insults), a “Have fun, you husbands!!” from Florida, and a “Mais sha, I’m hoping my suit don’t end up on deyr bedroom floor later…” from Louisiana.
Half asleep
Takin’ your time in the tangerine neon light
This is luxury
You’re not saying you’re in love with me
But you’re going to
After dining at a cafe in Pennsylvania, catching Ben’s show in Arkansas, and roaming around an art exhibit in New Mexico, New York was still driving him somewhere.
The sky was filled with tangerine hues as they drove through a highway in what California recognized was in Indiana. A smile made its way onto his expression as he stared at the magnificent Indiana sunset. He and New York always talked to Indiana when they got the chance, and not once has he heard Indiana boast about his beautiful sunsets. California had only seen them as pictures in Alabama’s phone whenever Alabama brought up Indiana, and even though Alabama always found a way to describe his boyfriend’s beauty to the point Cal got sick of it, Al wasn’t wrong. The sunset shone like a beacon, showing that even though the day was ending, it can still end with magnificence.
Not only that, he smiled because the day was going better than he could’ve ever imagined. Pennsylvania and New York had their usual shit-talk once they saw each other in the cafe, but California found it endearing that Penn himself was the one that served their orders despite how busy the whole cafe was (Penn was the owner of the cafe, but he liked to serve customers when he wasn’t busy or when the customers were people he knew). “I was tempted to order the entire menu just to tire Penn out,” New York had whispered to Cal once Penn had left with the list of their order. “But I owe him one for this. Next time we come back here, I’ll do it.” and Cal couldn’t wait to join New York in his newfound chaos.
Arkansas and New Mexico had checked up on them as well, and even though Cal didn’t talk to both of those states often, they’d all managed to get along. When Ben saw him and York in the crowd, let’s just say they were the butt of his jokes for a good five minutes. “You know that one couple that doesn’t know they’re a couple but they definitely should be? Sometimes I just want to lock them in a room for three days and see what happens..”
And even when the Indiana sunset and the fluttering of his eyes indicated that the day was coming to an end, New York still had more under his sleeves. Cal didn’t know how he could get any happier, but leave it to York to surprise him.
“Ya seem lost in thought,” New York commented, breaking the silence in the car. “What’s filling up yer mind right now?” California turned to look at him with a smile. “Nothing much, I’m just thinking about today. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this happy.” he said. New York smiled at that, and Cal realized that New York smiled so much more often these past few days. He didn't consider his smiles rare with how common they were occurring, but they made him feel happy and enchanted just the same. “Glad yer feeling joyful, Goldie.”
“How about you?” Cal asked. “Do you feel happy?”
New York glanced at him for a second, then turned back to the road. The wide, carefree smile on his face answered the question entirely. “When do I not feel happy when I’m with you, ya sun-kissed bastard?”
Cal chuckled. “Glad to know you think I’m pretty.”
“I’ve been telling ya since forever. Happy yer catching on.” New York said casually.
Forever? Cal thought. When did he start telling me-
His thoughts were interrupted by a series of expletives that came out of his companion, followed by, “DO YA NOT KNOW HOW TO USE A BLINKER YOU [speaks New York] IDIOT?” and Cal knew he loved York’s assertive side just as much as his kind, gentle one.
New York opened the car door for Cal like he always did. Cal stepped out but not without tripping on his own two feet.
Luckily, York caught him just in time. His arms wrapped around Cal, almost like a hug, and for a moment Cal froze. “Ya alright? Gotta watch yer step, clumsy sunshine.”
He playfully slapped York’s forearm. “I’m fine, and who are you calling clumsy? Remember when you tripped on Rhode on your way to the kitchen and him & New Jersey almost killed you for it? Rhode’s face was priceless, and I was convinced he’d-”
“Nah, shuddup. I do not need to remember that murder attempt on me,” New York affirmed. “Jersey still doesn’t let that slide, and I’m convinced he still wants to kill me for hurting his boyfriend.”
The Golden State scoffed. “You’re acting like you wouldn’t do the same for the one you love.”
The Empire State let go of him and looked into his eyes as he responded with, “You’re right.” The Golden State nodded, and took the Empire State's hand.
They held each other’s hands as they entered the place through the conservatory entrance, which said ‘Garfield Park. Indianapolis, IN’ . They checked in with the staff and were told that Indiana had already informed them of their visit beforehand, so they walked straight into the gardens.
California immediately knew why people chose to get married in these gardens. The combinations of oak, maples, and sycamore trees guarded the park as well as the variety of tulips, petunias, sunflowers, and dahlias on the flower beds that surrounded the walkways. Nature blessed the people who entered and certainly blessed the weddings that occurred here. And the fountains - oh those fountains - the way they could stand as meaningful structures but also a place you could push your partner in. They stand as a symbol of fun.
“This is… ethereal,” he described.
“Very.”
California turned to York and saw him admiring the tangerine colors of the sunset. The sunset emphasized the park’s surrealness, the flowers and trees seemingly admiring it also. It felt like nature coincided and captured them into one big painting, waiting to be photographed and admired for years to come.
Now New York was looking directly at him. The familiar piece of hope ignited in Cal as he saw the way York looked at him: like his beauty was comparable to the sunset he was just adoring. He didn’t think he could read York’s expression, but his heart wasn’t one to think. Love filled his expression. Love directed towards him.
Half awake
Takin’ your chance, it’s a big mistake
Might blow up in your pretty face
I’m not saying, “Do it anyway,”
But you’re going to
Never had sitting on a bench felt as calming as it felt right now.
Cal had the diverse flower beds that welcomed him, the flaming Indiana sunset that his eyes were glued upon, and his eyes would’ve stayed glued upon said sunset if it weren’t for his unfairly gorgeous best friend next to him.
“This is the main reason I borrowed the suit today,” New York admitted. “So we could sit down on a bench in a Hoosier Park?” Cal joked, but New York looked dead serious. “Sort of. I dressed up to look as beautiful as the sunset we just saw. Wanted to be fair to Mother Nature, I guess.” he explained, his face slowly turning red. “Nah nah nah, I don’t care how corny that sounded. I meant it.”
Cal held his chuckle back. New York was always a nerd about the arts, and whenever he could, he’d find a way to admire whatever he could use as inspiration for his next painting. Cal was the same way except with literature and poetry. Writing was a trait both states loved to do, so he understood New York’s admiration for what Mother Nature gave them each and every day. “It’s all good dude, your nerdiness is safe with me,” he said with a smirk.
“Shuddup, Mr. I’ll walk the gardens of the Statehouse to find poetry inspiration,” New York countered jokingly and followed it with a playful nudge of the arm. “Hey! You volunteered to walk with me because you said you wanted something to paint, so don’t go making fun of me with that. And besides, that was a while ago, how do you still remember it?” he asked.
“I tend to remember things I find beautiful,” New York affirmed.
“That’s true, the gardens truly are unforgettable. I swear the couples’ flowers are always the ones that are blooming, like Alabama’s camellia and Indiana’s peonies or New Jersey and Rhode’s violets-” Cal ranted but halted to a stop once he saw the undecipherable expression on New York’s face. His eyes were on him like they always were when he fell into one of his rants, but those eyes also told a story Cal couldn’t read. “What’s wrong?”
“Huh? Nothing,” York muttered and looked away. Cal turned York’s face back in his direction, tired of him looking away from him when he so wished he would look at him forever. And he didn’t like the uncertainty in York’s voice. It was so different from how he usually was, so he knew something was wrong. “No, tell me what’s wrong Yorkie.”
Cal heard York draw in a breath before grabbing his face and pulling him into a gentle, chaste kiss. His eyes fluttered shut, all his brain thinking about was is this really happening? New York’s lips were soft against his own, as if he also wanted this moment to last forever. Warmth blossomed in Cal’s chest as he took in the situation second by second. New York loves me, New York loves me, New York loves me!!
New York pulled away with a look in his eyes that Cal could’ve guessed was either nervousness or regret. He hoped it wasn’t the latter; he regretted many things, but that kiss helped him forget all of them.
“Um, uh-”
“I love ya, California.” New York stood up and declared while holding his hand. “I’ve loved ya for a while now, and every day, that love grows. I’ve loved every rant, every smile, every moment we’ve had together. Every time you’re down, I’ve always had the urge to help you get up even though I know you can do it on your own. Every time I see you at your brightest, I find myself in awe. And even on the times I see you when yer lights are dim, I find myself in awe at how you handle it. Yer the muse to all my artworks, the most beautiful thing I find myself remembering, and the only one that’s got me feeling something. You’ve always been there for me when I felt like nobody cared, and I’ve tried my best to do the same for you. I hope this is okay-”
California, in his excitement, jumped and gave New York a hug. “You have no idea how much I love you too.” He let go and made eye-contact with New York. “The way you take care of not only your Northeast buddies but me as well, the way you wouldn’t even think twice about defending the people you care about, and your soft, gentle heart. I love you too, Yorkie.”
Cal meant those words, he knew he did, but something still bothered him. New York always referred to him as “just a best friend” whenever somebody accused them of being more than friends. Was New York ashamed of the idea of liking him?
As if he’d read Cal’s mind, New York directed his eyes to the ground and said, “You are my best friend and will forever be my best friend, but I also want to be something more with ya. I know damn well the statehouse would think this is a long time coming and I know they’ll call me stupid for keeping my feelings to myself for so long, and I’m sure that must’ve kept you guessing as well, so I’m sorry. However you react, whether you get mad or want to punch me for all the times I made ya confused, do it anyway.”
Cal gave him another hug without saying a word, but his and York’s smile said enough.
They spent the rest of the afternoon geeking about the flowers in the garden, and when they went back to their car, New York gave Cal a painting of his sunrise, the same one they were admiring a few days ago in Cal's Long Beach apartment. He was right; New York captured his beauty in a way nobody else could, because it was him through New York’s eyes. He really does remember things he finds beautiful. New York suffered a round of kisses all over his face from California, but that’s what he deserved for being so sweet.
And if they call me a slut
You know it might be worth it for once
And if I’m gonna be drunk
Might as well be drunk in love
Cal had the brightest smile on his face once they got back to the Statehouse.
The moon shone brightly in the skies of DC, he caught the smiles of Minnesota and Iowa as they biked past New York’s car, and he had New York’s arm around him. What more could he wish for?
Yorkie reached for the doorknob, but before he could even touch it, the door opened to reveal Louisiana with Massachusetts by his side. “Som’tin happened?” he playfully asked.
“Little York’s grinnin’, so something definitely happened.” Mass replied.
“Chaos?” a voice said out of nowhere, and California thought it came from the air until he spotted Rhody next to Mass. “York only smiles at chaos.”
Cal stifled a giggle at that, and glanced at Yorkie, who seemed like he couldn’t bring himself to even fake-scowl at his northeast buddies. “Shuddup. Let us in, it’s cold out here,” he said playfully.
“Aww, he doesn’t want his California to be cold outside even if it’s blazing summer out,” Rhode countered. Loui and Mass grinned as Yorkie’s smile was one remark more before it turned into his usual scowl. California leaned down to give Yorkie a kiss on the cheek as a segway to more teasing… and because he enjoyed being Yorkie’s.
He was York’s, and Yorkie was his. That was what’s true now and nothing could change it.
“Gross,” Mass commented. “I’m happy for yous, but please don’t do that in front of me. I’ve seen enough of yous two when yous were just best friends .”
“Ain’t Virginia like dat to you, sha?” Loui remarked.
Mass took a deep breath in, almost as if he was going to punch both Loui and Rhode if he didn’t, and then opened the door further so California and New York could enter. “Finally,” they said in unison, only to be met by just about every state as they walked in. They were eventually split apart, with New York being surrounded by his northeast buddies and California with the three states that opened the door for them + Florida.
“I KNEW IT!” Florida yelled as he wrapped California in a hug. “I SET YOU TWO UP! I KNEW IT!!”
California laughed as he patted Flo’s back. “You did not set us up.”
“Maybe not, but you have to admit, he’s been your wingman for a long time now,” a voice distinctively only belonging to a particular guy in a suit-and-tie said, and before California knew it, Gov joined the group with a glass of red wine in his hand. “I’m happy for you and New York. It’s been a long time coming.”
“Thanks Gov.” California responded. Florida finally got off of him and went to the kitchen with Louisiana, presumably to get some red wine. “I hope you’re not afraid of the power New York and I hold together.”
Gov stiffened. “Why would I be afraid? I’m nothing but happy for you two.”
“Sometimes I wanna give ya anesthesia so you’d stop lying,” Rhode muttered. “But it’s nice that ya showed up despite being a huge mess right now.” Massachusetts, looking at the tray of cookies Connecticut was holding, called him over to join the group. Connecticut walked over to the group and handed them some cookies, and Cal noticed how the ratio of chocolate chips and dough were even, just like how New York and Connie wanted to achieve all those years ago. “You followed the recipe I suggested?”
“Yeah. I can’t lie, they are delicious. These were probably why Mass called me over here in the first place.” Connie joked. Mass shot a glare towards him as he bit into his cookie, but didn’t deny the accusation. Rhody took a couple of cookies before joining the group where New Jersey was hanging out, and Gov took miniature bites of his cookie as if the harmless chocolate cookie was going to come alive and kill him.
“It’s always nice to celebrate, even when everything’s messy.” Gov replied, and for once, it seemed like the three states agreed with him.
California didn’t even realize how much Gov’s words stuck with him until New York grabbed his hand and asked him, in the gentlest tone. “Ya alright?” California gave him a smile that slowly curved into a toothy grin, and New York reciprocated it with a kiss on his cheek. Yes, he won’t always be well liked - as shown by the looks of discernment from the southern states as they drank their whiskey - but he had New York, the Northeast, and even the Chaos duo by his side, and for once, the hate that's always directed towards him felt like nothing compared to the happiness he felt.