Thanks to different time zones and his Nation powers, America could watch the fireworks twice. He had already watched the big celebration in D.C., and was now walking through a crowd of people in a field to watch another, smaller version. He didn't even know where he was exactly, though he could tell the he was somewhere in the Midwest. The temperature was perfect, there was no breeze, and there were clouds covering the moon so that everything was dark.
America finally found an empty spot in the grass. He laid down his blanket (American flag, of course) and sat down. He glanced around at his surroundings. To his left was what looked like a family gathering, to his right was a young couple. Smiling at the family gathering, he turned to look at the couple. The man was in a military uniform, holding his girlfriend close while they waited for the show. The woman glanced over at America, who quickly looked away to avoid being caught staring.
"Do you need something?" The woman asked politely. He'd been caught. America blushed and shook his head.
"No, sorry. Just looking around." He replied sheepishly.
"Don't you have anyone to spend the Fourth with?" The woman continued. America ducked his head and didn't answer. "Oooh. Sorry for asking." America picked at his shirt.
"John almost didn't make it home in time." She pressed on, seemingly oblivious to the Nation's discomfort. "My name's Samantha, what's yours?" Deciding that this woman was nice, America looked up.
"M'names Alfred." He told her, smiling slightly. "Nice to meet you, Samantha."
"Nice to meet you too, Alfred!" Samantha chirped. "You can call me Sam, by the way. Samantha is too long and stuffy. Oh!" Sam gasped in surprise as the fireworks started. They sat there in silence, watching the fireworks. In the background, someone started singing The Star Spangled Banner. Slowly, everyone else caught on and started singing along. John's deep steady voice was a perfect patch to Sam's higher pitched one.
America smiled to himself and started singing along as well. He could hear the pride in the voices of his people. His heart swelled with pride as well as he sang, but not for the Country. His pride was for the people. His citizens.
After the fireworks America gathered up the blanket he was sitting on. As he was getting ready to leave, he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was John, who was studying him carefully.
"My grandfather," He began. America realized this was the first time John had talked to him directly. "Was a soldier in WWII. He told me about a man he met on the field. He only looked around 19, but his eyes were so much older. Despite this he was always laughing and smiling. He brought hope to the troops. This man saved my grandfather's life." Alfred's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Grandpa was injured. He had gotten shot in the arm. He was out on the field, and everyone around him was too busy fighting to pay attention to another wounded soldier. Except for one man. He carried Grandpa to a medical tent. Grandpa said his name was Alfred. Alfred F. Jones. He showed me a picture of him and Alfred F. Jones, who he found after the battle. Alfred F. Jones looks exactly like you, Alfred."
John was studying America closely, eyes scanning him thoroughly. Internally America was panicking. How would he explain this away?
"Really? I had a grandfather in the war too! I've been told I look exactly like him and I was named after him, so the two must have met! What a coinci-"
"I won't tell." John promised. His face broke into a smile. "But thank you, Mr. America. It was an honor to meet you." John saluted him, then disappeared after his girlfriend. America stood there for a moment, stunned. Then, slowly, he smiled back.
"No, thank you John." He whispered to himself.
A/N: Just a quick thing for the Fourth! Happy birthday America! This is for you!