Chapter 35-Fourth of July
By: MysticFantasy
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[Ten months ago]
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"Dad, don't go!" James pleaded as he kept a tight grip on his father's camo covered torso.
"James, I have to go." Steve said gently pulling his son back and looking his thirteen year old in the eye. "I have to because I made a promise a long time ago to help keep America safe. I'm doing this for you, for your mom and all of your uncles and Aunt Pepper."
"Why can't I go with you?"
"It's not safe. You need to stay here where you'll be safe and taken care of."
James' bottom lip began to quiver again and he tossed himself into his father's arms.
"I don't want you to go, dad!"
Steve squeezed his eyes shut as he hugged his son. He was trying so hard not to cry himself. He hated knowing that he had to leave his family and friends but he had signed up for the army and was commited to the vow he made to serve his country whenever it needed him.
As a regular soldier or as Captain America.
Not knowing how long he would be gone was what was hurting him the most. He wasn't sure when he would be able to return to his wife and son and his family.
He had found out only a month ago that he was going to be deployed with other soldiers that were scattered across the large airport as they bid farewell to their families. Several news crews were going around catching the sad moments and having small interviews with a few of the soldiers.
When he had been told that he was going to be deployed, he hadn't said anything to the others for about a week before deciding that he should tell them.
Natasha had been very upset and tried to convince him and the army that his enlistment had been terminated when everyone believed he had died. But since he had been considered missing in action and was now alive, he was requested to fight once more for the country he represented.
James hadn't known what was making his mother and family upset at first and when it was clearly explained to him, he hadn't taken it very well. Every day leading up to today, he had pleaded with his father to stay.
But it was no use.
Now it was almost time for Steve and the other serving men and women to board the plane that would take them to their destination over seas.
"Hey," Steve said pulling back to look his eyes in the eyes. "You're my grown soldier. Soldiers are brave and strong. I know you're upset that I have to go, I am too, but I'll be back before you know it."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
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[Present]
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The airport was packed with families, news crews and a mass of people that were there to welcome the soldiers returning home.
And on the Fourth of July of all days.
The crowd was a mix of red, white and blue. Flags were everywhere and various signs were raised in the air.
James was very excited in hopes that his father would be on the plane that would arrive shortly.
His father would be home on his own birthday.
He had already heard his uncles and mother planning a party in celebration of Steve's return and for his birthday.
Soon the sure sound of plane engines were heard and everyone began cheering when a plane was soon spotted coming in for a landing.
The plane landed smoothly and was still for a few minutes before the door opened as airport attendants wheeled over a staircase.
Then, one by one, soldiers started to exit the plane with large smiles on their faces as the crowd went wild. Happy that their soldiers were finally home.
Family members were allowed to pass the railings to greet the men.
James watched as young children happily rushed over to hug their father's who had tears in their eyes at the sight of their children running over to greet and hug them.
The red haired teen kept his eyes on the plane door for any sign of his father. He felt his heart pounding with excitment and hope.
There had been so many nights when he wasn't able to sleep because he's been so worried about his father and missed him so much.
After one too many nights, he had voiced his concerns to his mother. Her emotions had been the same as his and they had spent many nights together in hopes that they could help each other feel a little better.
Now James was hoping that his worries and concerns would vanish.
But when one final soldier walked off the plane, the teen suddenly felt all of those fears resurface. He was starting to think that maybe his father hadn't returned after all.
Maybe he'd been doing such a good job of keeping all of the soldiers in line and alive that they wanted him to stay longer.
Captain America was always perfect in battle. He always did his best to make sure that his men returned home unharmed. Even if it meant taking a few hits himself.
Then, a huge relieved and happy smile spread across his face when he saw his father finally step out of the plane dressed in a captain's uniform.
The teen was barely able to keep himself waiting until he father got off the stairs to start running over.
"Dad!" he cried.
Steve smiled greatly when he saw his son running to him. He quickened his own pace and dropped his duffle bag when they were close enough. They both threw their arms open wide and greatly embraced each other.
"I missed you, dad." James cried into Steve's shoulder, keeping his grip tight. Almost like he feared that his father would slip away and go back to the fight.
"I missed you too, James." Steve said, trying not to let his voice crack.
He was so happy to see his son again, to have him in his arms once more and see him happy and healthy.
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[Later that day]
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James felt a little uneasy as he stood next to his father as they rode the large float holding all of the soldiers that just returned home and their families.
The sidewalks were filled with civilians who were waving flags proudly with large smiles and waving greatly.
Confetti was floating down from people tossing it from windows of buildings all around them.
"A little overwhelming, isn't it?" Steve asked his son as he kept waving to the crowd.
"Very." James answered. "But it's your welcome home."
"For them too." Steve said.
James smiled at his father's words. He saw how happy the families of the soldiers were when they saw the men of their lives.
He felt the same joy when he saw his father at last. He didn't ever want him to leave again.
James looked at some of the signs being held in the air and saw many people wishing his father a happy birthday.
He couldn't wait until the parade was over and his father's birthday party at his uncles tower could start.
After another two hours, the parade finally ended and James and his father were able to go home.
Their arrival at the tower was met with streamers and plenty of hugs.
Then Tony raised his glass.
"Today is not just Independence Day. It's the birthday of our dear Captain Rogers. One hundred eight years old today and still looking fabulous."
Everyone chuckled.
"Let's party hard to show him that we're happy he's back home where he belongs." Tony added.
"Got it covered." Clint declared as he popped open a champagen bottle.
"Happy birthday, dad." James said hugging his father.
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Happy birthday to Captain America and a big thanks to everyone who has/is fighting for us today.