I might not be able to post tomorrow and my friend convinced me to do an Independence Day one-shot for this story (Thanks tamashiiwolf... hope I spelled that right XD) . It's short, but I like it.

One Shot: July 4

Arizona sat on the picnic bench in the backyard, sipping lemonade and listening to Alaska complain about how hot it was outside. The sun was going down and America was inside, entertaining his usual plethora of party guests. Arizona had left the over crowded house after cake, there were to many states reeking havoc and countries arguing over what not. England had decided to show up this year, mainly because he was tired of America's constant emails, phone calls, and letters and America was making a big deal about it. Last time Arizona had seen him, England had been getting drunk with Scotland somewhere in the kitchen, avoiding France's taunting.

"Everyone outside!" America started pushing the states out the door. New Mexico sat down next to her sister and stared up at the now dark sky.

"The Fireworks are supposed to be spectacular this year. What are fireworks like at your place?"

Arizona smiled, " Some years we don't even have fireworks, its too dry. Some cities do their fireworks early (A.N. it's true, I've watched fireworks on July 1 before) Supposedly the best ones are in Southern Arizona. There's an army base down there so I'd imagine that's why."

"Do you think they're the best?"

Arizona shrugged, "Nothing beats Dad's firework show."

"That's because he's America, sweetheart," California slid into the bench across the table from Arizona and New Mexico, "And if you don't pay attention you'll miss them."

Arizona shook Alaska, who had fallen asleep on the table, and turned her attention to the night sky. The sky seemed to rip open as the colors red, white and blue exploded into existence. Somewhere in the crowd she heard Texas wolf whistle in appreciation.

As the fireworks died down and the guests made their way back inside, Arizona ran over to America, who was staring up into the sky with a distracted look.

"You okay Dad?" she asked.

America blinked and brought his attention to his daughter.

"I'm fine… just thinking."

"About what?"

"The way things used to be… gosh I feel old."

Arizona laughed before enveloping him in a big hug.

" Over 300 is not THAT old. You're younger than Iggy."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?"

"Si~"

America laughed and hugged her. Arizona closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of hamburgers and cologne.

"Happy Birthday Dad"

If you know which fireworks I'm referring to then you are extremely awesome and earn internet cookies!

I know I haven't updated this in a long time. PLEASE FORGIVE ME! T.T I don't have much time to update, even though its summer and I've been really focused on Remember Me (which I hope to update sometime soon, not this week but sooooon) So I hope that this crappy tribute to America's birthday makes up for that to some extent.

I didn't name the city in Southern Arizona on purpose. I didn't want to offend any of my fellow Arizonians by placing to much of my own opinions in this story. If you really want to know which city I'm referring to just leave a review. I'll send you a message or answer it next chapter or something. XD

I think that because of Arizona's close proximity to Mexico and the fact that she used to be a part of Mexico she knows some Spanish. Maybe even is fluent in it. What do you guys think?

~ZeroLuver~