Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Four months, four grueling months of hearing Amel bitch and moan about being sick all the time. Xavier was starting to think he’d never hear the end of it. He’s the oldest and supposedly the most “capable” considering he takes care of all the tasks of being a nation and yet here he is being brought to his knees over a cold. Maybe, Xavier should start knocking him out instead, take him out nice and quick...

“I know that look. And I don’t like it! No fights or murders, Vier!” Lou squints his eyes, scolding him like a child. It was unfortunate that he was the one taking care of Amel or else he would’ve had a black eye already.

His smile twitches, “What makes ya so fucking confident I’m thinking about murderin’ someone?”

“The fact you’re going all southern again…” Curse his accent. “And plus, I can tell you’re worried about him, y’know? Both of them, actually..”

“Am not!” He was miffed Louie thought for certain he was worried. He absolutely is not! (Although he would never admit he was.)

The sound of someone stumbling into their spot in the living room was enough to make them shut up, which thank God it did or else Lou would have kept questioning him. They both turned to see the sunshine state, who was panting with his hand on his knees.

Flor looks as sick as a dog, probably due to the hurricane going on. And yet he was still beaming with so much energy that Vier got immediate whiplash.

“Flor! You’re supposed to be resting!” Lou jumps from his seat on the couch, he was always worrying so much, he should worry about himself for once. Vier wasn’t dumb, he could see those eye bags. “What are you doing out here..?”

Flor coughed, his voice sore from sickness. “Conch wanted to play hide and seek with me and CrOC-!” Vier winced at the voice crack, “And I couldn’t just say no..!”

Lou looks ready to have an aneurysm right then and there. He sighs, “Just go back to sleep, I’ll find him instead.”

“Okay..! Sounds good, I’m just gonna go to the basement...”

“NO! No experiments! Go rest. Please.” Lou waved his hands around in a way Amel would’ve said was very looney-toons vibes. Vier sighs exasperated and pushes Flor to his room. The other nation didn’t even protest, daydreaming about something or another. “Oh… Thanks, Xavier.” The southern nation cracks his knuckles in a very obvious way, getting closer to Lou. “Hey… I wasn’t trying to be sarcastic or anything-“

“Okay, first of all, I’m ‘ffended you think I would hurt you.” He easily picks up Lou over his shoulder, the other was obviously exhausted and didn’t even notice until the last minute, letting out a noise of protest. “Second of all, you’re being an absolute fucking hypocrite. YOU should rest.”

“Ugh… No.. I have paperwork to finish and the kids to take care of…” He slumps against Vier after he realizes struggling is futile. He carried him up the stairs, a million more excuses falling out of his mouth.

“Rest. Ya can take care of those things after you aren’t basic’lly dyin’.” God, Lou was right he did go all out with his accent when he was angry. He opens the door to his room and finally lets the nation on his shoulder down, who's exasperated but too tired to say no.

“Fine! But you better not do everything while I’m out!” He begrudgingly shuffled to the bed, never losing his eye contact. The moment he settled on the bed, Vier watched as he immediately relaxed and he was out like a light.

Lou did have a fine point, he should definitely do all those chores before he wakes up. He’s going to be mad at him later but who cares? Not him. Speaking of which, he should check on Amel since he’s upstairs. He quietly slipped out of the place, walking towards their -overdramatic- sick resident’s room.

He pries the door open slightly, peeking through the gap. He didn’t want to risk waking him up. “Yo. Still sick…”

Guess he wasn’t asleep after all. “Wasn’t checking on you, asshole.”

“Thanks, dude..” Why’s everyone thanking him today? It’s weird and almost disturbing. “Had a weird dream today… Really trippy.”

“Didn’t ask but what did you dream about?” He grunted through closed teeth.

“Whoa, Texas is hearing me out… Heh, that never happens.”

“Do you want me ta hear ya out or not, DAMNIT?!”

“Okay, okay, chill, I was just joking…” Amel stared at the ceiling as if he was trying to recall what it was he dreamed about. “Been having these dreams for a week now. It’s always the same, I find this kid near a weird statue and he would cry and ask me to get him h’me.. It’s kind’sad…” He was starting to become unintelligible but Vier could still pick out the words. “Then t’day he said to me that I was h’s mom or something… Said he.. Ironland.”

He blinked, okay, he did not understand that last sentence at all. “Mel, what the fuck. He- Ironland? He… was Ironland? What kind of a fucking name is Ironland?!”

Amel was already drifting in and out of sleep, his eyes fighting to open. “Whuzzat..?”

“…Nevermind.” He needs to psychoanalyze this shit and get an aspirin, probably both. Vier was about to go out of the room until he realized how messy the other’s bed was. Muttering under his breath, he carefully but quickly tucked Amel into bed.

Now fully absorbed into Lou’s mother hen mode™, he concisely did all the chores. It was terrible. He,

• found Conch and Croc,
• cooked lunch,
• finished half of the paperwork before being distracted by South and Northwest,
• put Flor to sleep after he forgot he was sleeping in the first place(?),
• had to spoon-feed Amel,
• keep Croc from pissing in his shoes again,
• keep Molossia out of trouble,
• fail and patch up his wound after he fell out of a tree.

Once he was done it was probably already around dinner time but he had absolutely no intention of cooking after Conch roasted his lunch unintentionally, the little brat.

“Oh god, what happened here?” Lou’s voice rouses him from his thoughts while he was in the middle of wondering just what the hell to order for dinner.

“Lou.” He squeaked when Vier gripped his shoulders. “I don’t know how you fucking do it but you’re a miracle worker. I’m never judging you ever again and if I EVER do, you can kick me in the balls.”

“Huh? Uh-“ He looked dazed for a moment as he processed his word vomit. “What?! I’m not kicking you in the balls! What the heck happened?!”

“I’m sorry, Lou. The kids are fuckin’ hellspawn. I’m never dealin’ with them again.”

“Geez, they’re not that bad…” That’s because they actually listen to you, Lou! YOU’RE THE MOM! “Molossia and Conch are fine, right?”

“Maa! My legs hurt..!” Molossia points to his -already patched- injury, which he had no problem with just a moment ago.

Lou looked alarmed, “How did you get that?! Are you alright..?”

Vier finally steps away from the chaos, his shoulders are suddenly not so heavy anymore. Hm, he feels like he’s forgetting something. Iron- Did he need to iron some clothes or something? No, wait- Ironland. He immediately fished for his phone in his pocket and typed the words into his favorite search engine.

…

DID SOMEONE SERIOUSLY MAKE A NEW MICRONATION?!

Jesus Christ, not that they had enough children running around to deal with already. He pinches the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming. No wonder Mel’s been sick and getting all these weird ass dreams.

Shit, if there was a new micronation that meant… There’s just a random kid wandering around with all these weird abilities.

…That’s fine he could just pick them up real quick. It’s not like they’re gonna be really far away or something, probably still in their claimed territory. He quickly pulls up the GPS to the micronation, only to groan once he sees it was 7 FUCKING HOURS AWAY. His day couldn’t get any worse.

“Everything alright?” Lou had somehow fixed everything up and was now cooking something in the time it took Vier to have a mental breakdown and back.

“No, need to pick up a new micro…” He can’t believe he’s doing this.

“Oh, okay!” He smiled and then it dawned on him. “You’re joking, right?”

“Nah, don’t wait up for me on dinner, I’m taking the car,” Vier smirks at the sight of the other bristling. “It’s probably gonna take me…” ..14 hours. “A day or so.”

“Wait! You aren’t even gonna eat first or anything?!” He was already out the door but Lou didn’t hesitate to bolt out and chase after him. “Wait, let me come with you.”

That sounded like a good idea until Vier considered what would happen at the house. “And leave everyone in Mel’s and Flor’s capable hands..?”

Lou hissed, “Okay, true. You better come home safe, alright?”

“Yeah, just trust me. Got this shit.” He did not ‘got this’ but it was the first thing on his mind. Now time for a very, very long drive. He hopes he doesn’t lose his sanity in the meantime.

Chapter Text

A few hours in, Vier realizes he is an idiot and also insane. He takes a second to look around the rest stop, it was complete silence in the dead of night. It was probably a good idea to just stop here and take a nap, he considered getting food but he wasn't that hungry. Cutting off the ignition, he stumbled into the back seat of the car.

Just taking a small nap and he'll get on the road after that.

He locks the door and tries to get comfortable.

Vier was startled when there was a sudden light shining directly in his eyes.

"Ugh, what the fuck." He said to no one in particular. It was then he noticed the sunlight coming from the window. Great.

He got up and decided to just start driving already.

…

Six hours in and he was starting to get extremely tired and hungry, despite sleeping already. His phone rang a couple of times before he finally silences it, really not having the energy to deal with this right now. He slams his head into the steering wheel, "Get yourself together…"

The next hour was a blur as he turned and navigated the roads using shitty GPS that didn't seem to work properly. It didn't help that some roads and places were blocked off because of recent hurricane damage. It was a goddamn statue of a flat iron, how was he getting lost because of this? Finally, he sees the strange sculpture and no place to park, just his luck. So he took another extra minute to detour around his destination, trying to find a parking spot.

Once Vier gets out of the car, he is hit with the realization he needs to actually find the kid. Maybe he should try calling out to him. "Ironland..! Ironland, are you there?!"

A few people look at him weird for screaming out in a busy downtown area but a glare was enough for them to squarely look away. Some people even whispered about him, mainly a small boy that was pointing at him while loudly speaking. "Mommy, why's that guy screaming weird stuff?"

This little shi-

The boy was immediately hushed by his mother, who was quickly ushering him forward.

...He looks like a crazy person, doesn't he? Switching strategies, he decides to scan the place, a tree, the damn sculpture, a cardboard robot… Wait a minute, what the fuck even is that?

Vier walks closer to see that yes, there was indeed a small cardboard robot sitting on the handle of the iron.

"Hey, mister…" A quiet, strangely muffled voice met his ears. He looks to the source of the voice, only to see a kid wearing a cardboard box on his head. He points to the robot, "That's my friend, don't take him, please."

"Wasn't trying to, now, who are you?" Vier had a sneaking suspicion the kid was the micronation he was looking for. He had that same feeling all nations had.

"Uhm, I don't know if I can give you my name." At least the kid was smart enough to recognize stranger danger, is what he would say if it didn't make his search just a little harder than it needed to be.

"Fine, name's Xavier. I'm here searchin' for someone named Ironland." He crouched down to meet this kid at eye level, even if his sight was blocked by the box on his head. "Ya know him?"

The kid immediately startles which was a clear indication he was probably Ironland. "That's my name.. how do you know my name, mister?"

"Long story but I'm gonna take you home, alright-"

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice." A woman in her late 30s had walked up to them. When she did reach them, the woman almost completely ignored Vier, choosing to direct her attention to Ironland, "Do you know this man?"

"Lady, mind your business." His eye twitches at the interruption, getting up from his crouching position, he doesn't have any time for this bullshit.

"…You're the nice lady! Thanks for helping me…" Ironland beamed despite the fact they couldn't see the expression on his face.

"It's alright, dear." She smiled at Ironland and then turned her head towards the other nation. "..I don't see how you have exactly have business talking with this boy."

"I'm just pickin' him up. Tha's all."

"You would think someone would pick him up sooner, considering he's been here for weeks now! Leave or I'll call the police on you!" Her expression soured as she held her phone up, intent on calling the fucking police on him for talking to a kid.

"Fuck! I ain't lookin' for trouble-!"

"Of course, that's what you'll say-!"

"STOP!!" Ironland shouted as loud as he could with his small voice. "I- I know this mister, he's my friend! I remember him now!"

The micronation tugs at his shirt, a moment passing before Vier finally understands what he wants him to do. He begrudgingly complied, "Sorry for screamin' at ya. Just a bad day i's all."

"Are you sure you know him?" She eyes the kid.

"Y-yeah." He nervously quipped.

"Alright.." She was still squinting her eyes suspiciously at him, "Be careful, I'll see you, okay…?" The woman sighs in relief, patting Ironland on the shoulder and making sure he was safe before continuing on her way.

Well, that was pointless.

Silence passed and Vier contemplated what to say or do now. Damn, kid was smarter than he thought, lying on the spot like that and saving his ass. Ironland fidgeted before he got the courage to break the silence first, "Uh, mister, are you different, like me?"

Must be the magic they share as nations. "Yeah, by the way, still need to take you home. You ain't supposed to be here."

"Wait, I can't be here anymore..?" He worries the bottom of his shirt which Vier now noticed was far too big on him. "No…! I'm not gonna be able to play with my friend!" 

"We can visit your… robot but no, you can't stay."

"Can't I at least take the iron with me…?" He's pretty sure that's not how it works. His blank look only made Ironland more distressed, his breath starting to hitch.

Oh shit, please don't cry.

Ironland bawls loudly, tears starting to soak his clothes and the box. Panicked, Vier tries to lift the cardboard from his face, only for him to cry harder. Shit, he doesn't know anything about consoling kids.

"Hey! It's fine, we can fuckin- come here later!!" He pats his shoulder awkwardly, seeing that other people are starting to notice his frankly pathetic attempt at comforting a distressed child. Trying to keep him from staring eyes, which was obviously making him upset, Vier led him to the passenger seat of the car. "..Stay here."

He got out of the car with no particular plan in mind.

…

A few minutes later, Vier was about to crack open the door to the driver seat -holding an ice cream food in his hands and food in his mouth- before he peeked into the window. It was clear that Ironland hadn't noticed him yet since he had taken off his face covering. His appearance was interesting, to say the least, his hair was almost red with some white tips, and his eyes were somehow even more shocking, both of them white having a strange black pattern on the inside.

Suddenly, he turned and shrieked upon seeing the nation staring at him through the window, putting his box back on as fast as possible. Vier stared dumbfounded before opening the door and settling into his seat, passing an ice cream to the micronation. He contemplated apologizing to him but his mouth was still occupied with eating his sandwich.

Ironland was dead silent as he took the ice cream. Wait, how is he supposed to eat with a box on his head? His question was answered when the boy slightly lifted it just enough to expose the bottom half of his face.

They both took their time eating in their car, an awkward silence passing over them again. Once they had their fill, Vier shoves the keys in the ignition and starts the car, ready to drive all the way over back to Washington, the nation glancing every so often to check on the kid. Ironland.. hasn't said a single word since he got inside the car and Vier's starting to suspect the kid wasn't all that into talking or people in general. It's not like the kid has said that he hates him or anything but he can just feel it.

Plus, he can see the micronation giving him glances when he thinks he's not looking. He's honestly kinda glad he was quiet, at least it was better than crying. But what's with the staring?

Ah, damn it, Amel is gonna laugh at him for his shitty ability to comfort people. If he doesn't decide to murder him first for making his kid cry.

Ironland fell asleep sometime on the way back home and stayed that way for the entire ride home. Guess he was tired. Vier was more surprised that he stayed that way after he had loudly cursed out the dumbass driver who decided to switch lanes like an idiot and almost cause a car crash.

"Some fuckers need their license revoked…" He mutters to himself as he finally pulls into their driveway and cuts the gas, stepping outside into the cool night air.

"Who's back home?!" Conch's loud voice pierced through the house walls. Vier quirks a small smile, but he quickly schools his features once the sunshine micronation busts outside the house. "Uncle Texas!!"

He was immediately pounced on with one of Conch's hugs. The nation sighed, patting him lightly on the head. Why's he out here screaming- Oh shit, he forgot about Ironland.

Conch was just about to open his mouth when Vier promptly placed a hand over it.

"SHH! People are sleepin'." He internally winces, hopefully, Ironland didn't wake up. Looking to his side, he could still see the micronation dozing peacefully in the car.

"What's going on…?" Conch whispered slowly as if that was going to make it any quieter. The kid cocked his head to the side, confusion in his beady yellow eyes. Vier avoided direct eye contact like the plague.

Now that he thought about it, he should probably tell someone he was coming back in the first place. "Could you tell any adult, mostly Lou, that I'm back? And, oh yeah, make sure everyone's quiet, alright?"

"Okay!" He immediately rushed away back into the house.

With that settled, it was finally time to get Ironland. Vier cracks open the passenger door, noticing that the micronation was actually wide awake. Not that he could tell with the box still on his head, he should really ask about that. Ironland shuffles off from his seat, a small yawn leaving him.

"…Who's that..?" He turns his head over to the house.

"Conch. He's friendly, don't worry." The kid seems like the shy type, he should try getting him some actual friends. "C'mon, let's head inside."

Ironland hesitates a bit before stepping out of the car and they both make their way inside. Vier immediately met with an extremely confused Nash, who seemed to be listening to Conch's story of how flamingos kidnapped him AKA some nonsense about what Uncle Texas did on his 'adventures'.

"And now he's back!" He whirled around to face the two people standing in the doorway.

"Huh..? O-okay…" Nash glances at them for a moment, doing a double take when he catches a look at the new micronation. "I thought he was alone?"

"Huh, did I forget that part?" Conch easily said back.

"..It's a long fucking story. Right now, I just want to collapse."

Chapter Text

Amel woke up to a loud bang. What was that?

When he pried his eyes open to look, he still saw darkness through the blinds. His body was still aching though it was far more manageable than yesterday. Oh well, he was just about ready to finally do something instead of being in his room all day.

Taking a deep breath, he got himself out of bed and went over to the door. He should go see what that noise was too.

"Ironland! You need to take a bath!" A pause, "It's alright, you don't need to take that off." Louie's faraway voice was the first thing he heard when he opened the door. It feels like he heard that name before somehow. When he went downstairs, he was met with the sight of the other nation currently in the process of trying to convince a strangely familiar child to take a bath. "C'mon.. It'll help you feel refreshed!"

Wait, that's Ironland. Before Amel could react, the micronation ran and hid himself behind him.

"Why do I have to..?" Confusion laced his voice as he looked up at both of them. “Mama, tell them I don’t want to…”

“Huh?” Amel glanced at Louie and then Ironland, and back again. Silently, Louie pleaded with him to convince the boy. “Dude, you’re gonna feel yucky if you don’t bath for a while.”

Ironland let out a noise of protest but still obediently stomped his feet all the way to the bathroom. Welp, he barely even met him and the micronation was already pouting.

Louie sighed, “Thanks, Amel.” His expression changed, suddenly looking troubled and chewing his bottom lip in thought. “Vier told me about your strange dreams. Do you think anything is up with uhm, Ironland...?”

“Anything’s up? Lemme think…” He only really saw him in person today and not for long but what he can confirm… “Well, he looks like Ironland, alright. Still wearing the box and everything!”

“About that… He doesn’t seem to like it when anyone touches it or suggest taking it off.” Louie was lost in thought not even noticing when he accidentally bit a bit too hard and drew blood. “He’s already given Southwest the cold shoulder for messing with him, which was entirely his fault- but I mean-”

“Hey, don’t worry about it much… He’s just adjusting, I think.”

“I hope you’re right.”

…

The next day wasn’t any less chaotic. Conch started the day bright and early at 7 am, waking up Molossia with his noise. He grunted for a bit and the other micro was quiet for about 5 minutes until he decided that was enough for him.

“Conch… Be quiet.. I’m fuckin… trying to sleep.” Molossia shifts over to his other side in order to shield himself from his antics.

“I would but we have a new friend here! It’s my job to wake him up!” Conch was bubbly and ditzy as always… Hey, wait a minute.

He shifts back, trying to rub his eyes from the lingering static. “What do you mean ‘new friend’?”

“New friend! Do you think he likes flamingos?!” Molossia finally peels his eyes open to take a look at whatever the heck is going on. Apparently, Conch was not fucking around because there was another kid sleeping on his bed. He was somehow still asleep despite the ruckus and he looked… normal enough, as normal as a micronation with a box on their head can look anyway. “Hey… wakey-wakey!”

“Don’t wake him up, would you?” He drags himself out of bed and over to Conch, who was quiet for once. “They’re probably not gonna like that.”

“Oh right…” They both stare at the sleeping form in silence until a sudden creak of the door brought their attention elsewhere. Looking up, they didn’t see anybody… Conch looks down, “Oh! Croc, how are you here, bud?”

Croc purrs when the sunshine micronation crouches to pet his head. Molossia rolled his eyes though his heart beat wasn’t slowing down. “Geez, you spooked me. Be careful next time.. Shit…”

“Ey! You swore!” Conch was suddenly in front of him, waving a familiar jar with a few quarters in it. Oh, come on! Last time he checked, Conch never put anything into the jar! “Swear jar! Swear jar!”

“Hey! How come you only notice me swearing now-“ He immediately smacks a hand to his face. Damn him and his big mouth. The sleeping kid groans suddenly, turning away from them before sighing and getting up from Conch’s bed.

“Ugh.. I’m tired…” He yawns, shedding some of the blankets off. “What time is it?”

“It’s time for the author to get on with the story already!” Conch waves his hand around in a show of mock frustration while looking up slightly, Croc mirroring his movements as best a crocodile, alligator thing could do. Ironland and Molossia stare at him blankly. “What? I thought it was also time to remind the readers we could hear them?”

“The fourth wall is just destroyed at this point...”

“I know.” Ironland whispers, half in response and half to himself.

“Doesn’t matter! We should introduce ourselves, I’m Conch!” Before the micronation standing next to him could open his mouth, he cut him off. “...And this is Molossia but you can just call him Molly!”

“I’m.. Ironland. Nice to meet you.” He fiddles with his hands for a moment -a nervous habit he wasn’t sure where he got from- before Conch extended a hand to him. Ironland moves to take the hand and was briefly surprised when the other forces a pink flamingo plushie into his hands. It’s nice and soft.

“Don’t be scared!” Conch was smiling when he looked up. “Here have Mango with you! He’ll cheer you up!”

“..Thanks…” Ironland hugs the plush closer to his chest, noticing another exact copy of it on his bed. It wasn’t the same as his cardboard friend but it was good enough.

“Hehe, flamingo distribution system’s working…”

“Conch, stop laughing like that.” Molossia squints and crosses his arms. Ironland pretends he doesn’t see the sweat on his head when he looks at the other micronation in the room.

He blushes when his stomach suddenly and loudly grumbles, now he’s the center of attention. He hadn’t had anything to eat since Mr. Xavier gave him some food in the car. Molossia glances at him, rolls his eyes, and then opens the door, “C’mon let’s have breakfast.”

“Molly.. Don’t tell me we’re gonna have cereal again!” Conch moves closer, Ironland following him.

“Not my fault you can’t make your own breakfast.”

“Hey, you can’t make your own breakfast either!”

Chapter Text

Ironland has learned a few things in the short time he’s been here, one is that his new family was stranger than he first thought, another is that Molossia liked eating his sandwiches with cookie dough and peanut butter, and that crocodiles could climb trees with ease. He’s not sure which one is more concerning.

He also learned that the house had a couple of plants in the backyard, including a tree that the micronations was currently trying to climb.

“Molly! Help me climb up!” Conch is in the middle of trying to step on one of the branches before all of them heard a concerning crack. Thankfully, Molossia was able to haul him up before it broke any further.

“Jeez, be careful..” He mutters slightly under his breath before he looks back down to see Ironland still on the ground with his breakfast in hand. “You gonna climb up, Iron?”

“Uhm,” It wasn’t like it was very tall but he never climbed up any trees before. Should he feel this nervous? “I don’t know how to..?”

“We’ll swing you up, no worries!” Conch leaned and extended his hands as far as he could which.. wasn’t that far.

“Are you sure..?”

“C’mon everyone gotta try at least once, right?” Ironland hears the other micro cheer in response before Molossia reaches out as well. He gulps but nods his head a little more confident in his steps.

Taking a deep breath, he gives himself a running start before jumping and catching both of their hands. The momentary trill manages to distract him from the height before they pull him up to sit on one of the big branches with them. That was… It was fun.

Conch giggles before taking a big bite of his sandwich. “Iss fhun righh?”

Ironland nods but Molossia just shoves his hand over his mouth, his face completely unamused. “Eat first..”

“It’s really fun!” He lifted a bit of his box before also eating his food.

“I already told you guys to finish your breakfast before we go outside.”

“Mollyy, you’re no fun.” Conch pouted.

“Yeah, I’m no fun until you get ants in your sandwich.”

Now that he pointed it out, Ironland could see a few black spots in his PB&J. He should’ve eaten it faster before Conch could drag him out… It was better than nothing though so he quickly finished it.

“Y’know, Ironland.. I think you’re the first micronation who was born from the internet! Well, maybe there were some others who had a bunch of stuff online.” Conch looks up as if recounting something. “Like, Aerica first became official-ish after creating a website or something like that. I mean, Sealand became famous for a bit!”

Wait a minute, he was from the internet? Ironland didn’t realize he said it out loud until Molossia pulled up a video on his phone.

“Yeah, your creator’s a YouTuber called Magnify.” Say what now?

There was pause as Ironland processes what the micronation in front of him said. The phone continued to play the video, talking about the vote his country had to decide his flag. It suddenly dawned on him just how many people there were that knew about him.

“WAHH!? That means a lot of people could’ve seen me!!” Although the other micronations couldn’t see it, he put his hands on his face to cover his blush. He cringes slightly when he feels some sticky residue on his hands.

“Hey, it’s fine! That just means a lotta people like you!” Conch moves, the branch under them creaking in response. A huff came from behind them which Conch quickly addressed. “Oops, sorry, Croc!”

“Conch, I don’t think that’s the problem..” He felt someone inch closer to pat the top of his box head, probably Molossia. “It’s alright anyway. No one knows you’re, like, an actual fucking person.”

They don’t know that he’s a person… That calmed him down enough to lower his hands, which didn’t change much since they still couldn’t see his face. Which now you may ask.. how does he see with a box on his head? The answer, no one will ever know.

“Hey, no fair, I don’t have the jar, Molly! And since when did you have your phone back!?” In the moment it took him to snap back, Conch was trying to grab the phone from the other micronation’s hands.

“Conch! Don’t push me!” The tree was shaking now from their little scuffle, which only made Ironland panic more. It was settled when Molossia quickly pocketed his phone before Conch could attempt to take it again. “Let’s just talk about something else!”

The sunshine micronation pouts but for the sake of Ironland, -who is currently clinging onto the branch for dear life- he accepts the stalemate. “Fine… Hm, lemme think… Ah! speaking of micronations, how do micronations become people, anyway?”

“I don’t think that’s how it works..” Ironland chimes in.

“No! I mean, like us! We exist, right? Aren’t there a ton of other micronations?” He waves his hand in a somewhat circle shape, trying to encompass just how many there could be. “Like… Slowjamastan!”

“I never really thought of it… but yeah, what makes us different from all the others?” Molossia puts his hand up to his chin thoughtfully, a little too thoughtfully as he furrows his eyebrows almost immediately.

Ironland debates with himself internally before speaking up, “Is there really not a lot of micronations?”

“There’s a few of us! There’s…” The confusion that crosses Conch’s face was funny, especially when he slowly starts counting with his hands. “There’s twelve of us now!”

“That’s a lot…” Somehow he felt nervous already.

“Oh, rightt! We need to introduce Ironland to all the others, Molly!” He elbowed Molossia, which caused the other micronation to snap out of thought and almost lose his balance. “Whoops.”

“Okay, no! I’ve thought about it and it doesn’t make sense!” He swears he heard Conch say “oh no” before Molossia started ranting. “Maybe we have identifiable borders, okay! But what about Aerica? He has a ‘Mars Base’ of all things! Stable population? Pretty debatable for non-resident citizens. Economy? Most of us don’t have currency! Goverments?? Some of us barely have a structure for that-”

“Wait, wait! Some of the micronations don’t have governments?!” The moment Ironland heard that one he was shocked. “But, what about laws..? The people’s voice…?”

“Look, apparently, some of us can’t deal with that stuff. Also, some of us are like monarchies and all that, they should be the ones making the laws.” If he wasn’t horrified before, he is now.

“Well, I have a prime minister!” Conch seemed to be strangely proud of that but Ironland was too busy dealing with the whiplash of learning about his fellow micronations to notice. The third micronation between them was currently watching after Croc who had climbed higher on the tree.

Finally, Ironland manages to work up the courage to speak before shortly getting cut off. “You three! What are you doing up there?”

They look down, only to come face-to-face with Louisiana -that’s what he thinks is his name anyway- standing right outside of the back door to the house with a look of disappointment. He sighed, “Molly, didn’t you learn your lesson from yesterday? What if you guys get hurt again?”

Conch snickers and Molossia loudly groans. “We’ll go down in a sec…”

“Just be careful and don’t take too long, okay? Amel’s already dealing with a meeting after this...” That peeked Ironland interest more than anything, his dad(?) was going to a meeting? Actually, he hadn’t really spoken to him, except for yesterday and in his weird dreams but he wasn’t actually sure if it was real or not.

After a bit, Molossia takes the lead and jumps down first, landing into a patch of grass. “C’mon, I’ll catch you guys if you fall.”

“Let’s go!” Conch caught Ironland’s eye and took his hand before going down. Air rushed around him, making him feel like he was floating for a moment before his feet met the familiarity of the ground. It helped that he still felt Conch squeezing his hand ever so slightly.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all. He was just worried about how things would go now.

It’ll work itself out, probably…