The next day, everyone was reasonably upset, because typically death isn't happy. They laid South Carolina down on a decorated bed in the candle room. They were going to put him in his own room, but he shared it with North Carolina, and who really wants to sleep in a room with your dead twin brother?

Nobody really heard from North Carolina. He never left his room, not even for food, and his door was locked up tight. Sometimes someone would try to get him out of his room, but he wouldn't. He wouldn't even talk. However, Alabama confirmed he was still alive, just sitting on South Carolina's bed and staring at the floor.

It was all so morose, that Texas didn't even mind that people didn't wish him a happy birthday. Honestly, that's way too weird of a phrase to say. 'Hey, I know one of our friends was just murdered and one of us could be next, but have a great day!'

It just wasn't right.

"Texas?" California said, walking into his room on his birthday.

"Hey," Texas said, trying to smile, but not really feeling it. California sat next to him on his bed.

"... it's your birthday," California said. Texas nodded.

"I guess it is," Texas said.

"I'm sorry... um... what do you usually do for your birthday?" California asked.

"Usually the south all get together to celebrate in the mornin... but... it won't be the same without all of us," Texas said. California nodded.

"U-um... I'm so sorry... I...," California said, tearing up. Texas held him close, both of them letting their tears fall. "I wanted to give you your first kiss on your birthday... Heh..... everything is just horrible now...," California said. Texas nodded.

"I want to wait until after we're all ok to do that... it... it's hard imagining just... not having South Carolina around anymore... and being ok with it.... man, I've never lost someone this... intensely before," Texas said. California nodded.

Meanwhile, Virginia kicked down NCs door.

"What the hell?!" North Carolina exclaimed.

"I was too worried about you and I didn't wanna think about you being in here hurting yourself or planning to do something horrible so I decided to check on you myself," Virginia said.

"Can you just leave me alone? A part of me just... died... he literally died... he's gone...," North Carolina said, starting to hyperventilate. Virginia took his hand.

"I know... it's... it's scary... but please, don't push us away... we care about you, and we want to make sure you're safe... at least keep your door unlocked ok? Or just answer when we knock," Virginia said. North Carolina took a deep breath and nodded.

Meanwhile, Arizona and New Mexico were in Arizona's room. New Mexico was making quesadillas while Arizona was sitting on his couch, nervous.

"Is everything ok?" New Mexico asked, setting a plate of quesadillas in front of them on the coffee table and sitting next to Arizona. Arizona sighed.

"I'm just worried... I don't want anyone getting hurt... and... knowing we lost a friend... It just hurts...," Arizona said. New Mexico nodded, wrapping his arm around Arizona. Arizona felt nice in his arms, because he really loved New Mexico, but he also felt a bit scared of telling him.

"... Ari?" New Mexico said.

"Nuevito?" Arizona said.

"I know this is like... a bad time... but I just need to tell you... I... I love you," New Mexico said. Arizona blushed, but when he heard New Mexico yelp in pain he realized he spiked.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" Arizona cried, trying to keep his distance from New Mexico. He wanted to wipe away his tears, but his hands were covered in tiny needles. New Mexico shakily stood up.

"I-it's ok! Don't be sorry, I'm ok!" New Mexico said, but his eyes showed pain, and tears ran down his cheeks.

"Follow me, we need to get help," Arizona said. He lead New Mexico to Wisconsin. He let New Mexico have some cheese, and left the room for them to talk.

"S-so... um...," New Mexico said. Arizona sighed, and looked up at New Mexico.

"I'm sorry... but we can't be together. You deserve someone better... someone who won't hurt you... you don't deserve me," Arizona said, getting up to leave.

"Wait! But I love you! I-I don't care if I get hurt, I can get healed immediately-,"

"New Mexico... you already spent so long getting over your old wounds... I don't want to make new ones. I'm sorry," Arizona said. New Mexico was silent. Arizona left without another word.

Sorry this one was shorter here's a alligator