Date: 9/11/12
Shadow: Hey guys, I know I haven't been on for a super long time. This summer it was mostly because I had a bunch of sports and did strength team. Anyways, I originally meant to make this a one shot but after, I realized I wanted to make it longer. The only time it will be updated is 9/11 every year. RIP the ones who died. Enjoy!
The wind blew through the trees as it gained strength along the way. It caused ripples in the grass giving it a wave like appearance to anyone looking in on the rolling hills and the field. A lone man lay on his back, eyes to the sky. His wheat blonde hair blew in different direction, he sighed. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he frowned, ignoring the vibrating sensation on his side.
"Why can't they just leave me in peace for one single day?" he muttered, sitting up and pulling his long lanky legs to his chest. "Just one day." He whispered. Eyes going misty, he lost sense of surroundings as he was delved into memories.
"Because we're worried about you." A new voice cut into his thoughts. The sitting man fell back, startled, and landing on his back again with a slight groan. He squinted up at the blaring sun, and through the light, he could make out a head of blonde hair. His twin gazed down at him as he sighed again and sat up.
"Hey, Mattie." He mumbled. "What's up?" he picked at a piece of grass that seemed to have caught his attention.
"Well," his brother glanced up "the sky apparently." He sat down next to his doppelganger and stared.
Alfred looked back up and caught a glimpse of his siblings face and turned back down again. He frowned. "Did you just come here to sit and stare at me?" There was no answer. The personification of the United States grew agitated. "Well?!"
"No," his brother answered softly, "I came here to talk." He stared around at the field and the gently rolling hills. "About what?" America asked, not interested.
Matthew glared at the grass. "You know what."
"Actually," the American replied, "I don't." Matthew glared at his brother. "Don't be difficult, Al! You know very well what I want to talk about, and don't tell me it's not bothering you."
Alfred grumbled. "How would you know? What could you know about it?"
Not fazed by his brothers words, Matthew continued, "September 11, 2001." Alfred flinched. "See, it does bother you!" Matthew exclaimed.
"Of course it bothers me! All those people, all those families, torn…." The taller blonde trailed off. "I couldn't do anything."
"Yes, you did," his brother argued. "You saved as many lives as you could, and helped out a bunch more." Canada could feel his brothers' anger growing. He knew it was not directed at him, but rather at just the world in general, covering up the overwhelming sadness and guilt Alfred was feeling right now.
America closed his eyes, seeing flashes off that day; the screams, the sirens, crying, and the thick smell of smoke and debris as it floated through the air, landing in water, on the ground and over the people that rushed to get in and out the city.
"Mattie," he said quietly as he opened his eyes again. "It's never gonna go away, is it? I know it's not."
His brother sighed. "No, it's not. But you have to be strong Alfred. We all worry about you." He shuffled closer to his brother as he sat down. He remembered eleven years ago, today. He remembered helping people find their families, and searching for Alfred, anxiousness growing as he tried and failed to find him.
America looked at his twin. "You know, I always go around and proclaim that I'm a hero. I mean it. I try to help as many people as I can, with whatever they need. But maybe I'm not really a hero at all. I mean, look at me, I can't even deal with going anywhere near the site, without completely breaking down! I guess I'm just not cut out for the job, huh?"
"No!", Matthew shouted. He needed his sibling to understand this. "Alfred, heroes don't have to have all those powers like you see on TV! They don't run around just seeing everyone get into trouble or wear spandex costumes as they fly around! Heroes can be anybody! Your siblings, parents, teachers, anyone who guides you really. Anyone you look up to in your life, they are your own personal hero! As a hero, you can have emotions, not put up some tough guy act. With emotions you help people by actually caring and feeling their pain and joy with them. Alfred," he finished softly, "you really are a hero to people."
There was silence as the wind whistled through their hair and swept through the tall grass.
Alfred stared wide eyed at his brother, not saying a word. "I-I guess you're right Mattie," he spoke softly. "I never thought about it that way I guess. Um, thanks for telling me."
Matthew smiled gently. "Don't worry, be happy." Alfred smiled and giggled, thinking of the songs they used to sing.
"You know, now that you mentioned how heroes can really be…" he trailed off. Canada smiled encouragingly. "What?"
"Well, you said heroes can be anybody's special person. If that's the case, will you be one of my true heroes?" he asked as heat rose slightly to his cheeks.
Matthew grinned at his twin. "I'd be honored too."
They both laughed and grinned at each other as they lie down, put their hands behind their heads, and watched the white clouds roll across the azure sky.