ThunderStorms

America was cheerful and full of spirit as always as he preached about a way to end global warming; on the indie he was hoping the meeting would end so he could go home, where he was needed. Suddenly his phone rang, the other countries thought he'd ignore it like always; they were wrong. America froze, it was the red phone; the family emergency phone.

America pulled the phone out and walked to a corner; taking a deep breath, he pushed talk and held it to his ear. Everyone was listening in the background.

"Hello?" he asked calmly; his parental instincts kicking in.

"Daddy? It's Virginia," America figured; she was the oldest and the babysitter when he wasn't home. Her usually calm voice sounded scared and worried.

"What's wrong Ginnie?" he asked; uncaring of the other countries listening in.

Virginia gave a shaky breath. "It's thundering in dc here and no one wants to sleep without you," she practically cried; she wasn't used to him not being home at night.

"Shh. It's alright; daddy will fix this. Turn on the speaker so everyone can hear me," he advised calmly.

"Okay," Virginia said and then there was a click.

"Hey States," America said, a gentle smile on his face, "are you scared?"

There were many forms of yesses; al sounded like the person had been crying or holding tears in. America silently signed and rubbed the bridge of his nose; he hated when he wasn't home to comfort them.

"It's alright; it's only a storm. It'll pass faster if you sleep and I'll be home faster too," he gently bargained.

"But the wind sounds like a tornado," a voice whimpered; his little wheat bushel, Kansas.

"It sounds like a tsunami," that was his mighty sidekick Florida.

"It feels like 9/11," the persistent New York whimpered; she'd obviously been crying.

"Shh, shh; it's none of those things. Remember, you're all my little heroes and heroines; we fight through things like these and I'll be home to soon to help," America tried to reason.

America frowned when he heard whimpers and sniffles in the background. "Would you like me to sing our song?" he asked; his glare daring the countries around him to say a word.

There was a quiet chorus of yeses and pleases so America cleared his throat while pulling his phone to his mouth. America looked up in thought for the words before smiling. He took a deep breath, hummed to find the mood, and then sang.

"Come stop your crying,
it will be alright.
Just take my hand, hold it tight.

I will protect you,
from all don't you.
I will be here,
don't you cry.

For ones so small,
you're all so strong.
My arms will hold,
keep you sake and warm.
This bond between us,
can't be broken.
I will be here,
don't you cry.

'Cause you'll be in my heart,
Yes, you'll be in my heart.
From this day on,
now and forever more.

You'll be in my heart,
no matter what they say.
You'll be in my heart, always…"

All America heard now were soft signs and the occasional sniffle. Completely ignoring the countries shocked faces; America brought the phone to his ear.

"Better?" he whispered gently.

"Yes, thank you daddy," Virginia whispered back.

"You're welcome Ginnie, now get to sleep yourself. I'll be home when you wake up; we'll even make chocolate chip-strawberry, mickey mouse pancakes," he promised with a smile.

"Okay, I love you daddy," Virginia said.

America smiled, it wasn't everyday she told him that. "I love you too Virginia. Goodbye," he said seriously and made a kiss noise before pushing end.

America turned to the other countries; totally serious.

"Let's get this meeting finished!" he commanded; stern and serious; he had a promise to keep.

Germany snapped from his stupor before calling the meeting back to order. America took his seat, only speaking when needed.

America got to keep his promise.