England sighed, looking at the calendar in front of him. Today was July Fourth. America's Independence Day.

"Hey, Britain! All I want is my freedom! I'm no longer a child, nor your little brother! From now on, consider me independent!"

He charged forward, ramming his bayonet into America's gun, sending it flying. They both stood there, still for a minute.

"I won't allow it! You idiot, why can't you ever follow anything through to the end?" The soldiers raised their guns, ready to fire.

"There's no way I can shoot you. I can't."

England stopped there, made himself stop. He wouldn't allow himself to remember how weak he had been that day. He took another swig of his drink, resting his head on his hands. He had always loved America, even now. It just…wasn't the same kind of love as he had when they were brothers.

Suddenly, there was a knock on his door. The blonde groaned, whoever it was had awful timing and besides, he didn't feel like seeing anyone today. But nonetheless, he got up from the table, a little unsteadily, and made his way over to the door. Pulling it open quickly, he wasn't slow to say "Yes, what is i-" He stopped himself, blinking in astonishment at who he saw.

It was America.

England's face flushed, only a small portion because of the alcohol.

"O-Oh, hello America," he said stiffly. "Is there something you need?"

The taller nation looked almost uncertain, but finally responded with "Can I come in?" Yes, England thought. He definitely looks nervous now. But why…?

He stepped back, allowing America entrance into the house. He walked in, the scene around him a very familiar one, from being here so many times. They sat down on the couch, America's eyes looking anywhere but the other man. "I just thought you might want some company…"

England looked up in surprise. "But what about all the celebrations going on at your house? Shouldn't you be there?"

America took a breath. This is it, he thought. "I'd rather be with the person I love." England's eyes hardly had time to widen before America's lips were pressed against his own. The kiss was tender, and surprisingly soft, considering it was America. They broke apart after a moment. England stared at him, blushing. "Wh-what the hell was that for, you bloody wanker?"

America smiled, showing some of his normal personality. "I thought I already told you. I'm in love with you, England."

"America, I…"

His smile faltered.

England's blush was covering almost his whole face.

It's now or never. Just spit it out, you git.

"I love you too."

America's eyes widened, looking surprised for a minute before his usual grin returned, a laugh escaping his throat. "I'm so glad." And he pressed their lips together again. England responded this time, kissing the other male as if his life was on the other line. Again, America pulled back, frowning a little. "You've been drinking." The shorter nation averted his eyes. "Yeah, so?"

They were both quiet for a minute before America grabbed his hand. "Come on, there's something I want to show you." England let himself be pulled outside to the back of his house, where America abruptly sat down, pulling him onto his lap. England thought about pulling away while insulting him, like he normally would have, but instead he just sat there as America wrapped his arms around his waist. "America, what are we-"

"Just watch," the other man interrupted. They sat there for a few moments until one loud boom and a flash of color lit up the sky, followed by several more. "I brought the celebration with me," America murmured. England had no words to say. He had never really liked fireworks, had never known why other people liked them.

But now, sitting in America's arms, he finally understood why people found them so beautiful.