Independence Day, United States of America was considered a wild holiday by the most patriactic of people. With the survival of the attack of New York just the summer prior, the celebrations were amped to eleven. Party stores and butchers were selling far more product than normal to accomidate the need for celebration. Liquor and beer bought in droves, all things Ron and Hermione thankfully got to avoid thanks to Tony's financial connections. The celebration for the Avengers was taking place atop Tony's tower in an all day celebration. A grill monitored by Jarvis and whichever person happened to be near it at the time kept the food coming and plentiful.
Foil wrapped potatoes, squash, zucchini, carrots, shishkabobs, flame coated hot dogs, seared and juicy burgers, and thick chicken thighs slathered in barbeque sauce. bowls of fresh blueberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and strawberries made for easy snacks as well as ammo in the short lived food fights. Primarily Clint flicking blueberries at Tony with Tony retaliating against the archer. Thankfully, it seemed as the seldom seen Pepper Potts was actually available and was actively keeping things moderately civil between the Avengers.
"Is it always like this?" Hermione asked Ron refering to the onslaught of food and the overall atmosphere of patriotism and comradiary.
"You know Mione, I can't really say. I lived in an airship for most of my life. Celebrating the fourth up there was more of a, come as you can kind of deal. There were a few large cakes with sparklers and the food that day was pretty much all grilled. The fireworks were fun though. On a clear night, they'd fire off just below. Dad would take me with Uncle Nicky, Uncle Phil, Auntuncle FitzSimmons, sometimes Aunt Tasha, and we'd look out the window and watch the fireworks explode under our feet."
Ron's eyes sparkled with the memories of the bright colors exploding under his feet like flowers in spring. It was bright and beautiful and something he loved every year.
"But I think this is how it is for a lot of people."
Hermione hummed in thought and acknowledgement.
"It's nice. I wish Harry and Neville could be here for it."
"Maybe next year. We could have an epic party. Well, I'm gonna get something to eat. You hungry Mione?"
"I guess some fruit wouldn't hurt."
"That's the spirit Mione." Ron sprinted off to the buffet style table and grabbed various fruits while Hermione casually looked around at the festivities both on the roof and occasionally peeking below not quite knowing what was going on, but still seeing the overwhelming red white and blue.
"Enjoying yourself Hermione?"
"Oh, yes Bruce I am," she stumbled awkwardly. It was odd not have a title to call the man as he was not her uncle. Nor was he unrelated from her, and yet was her caretaker. And unlike the wild eccentricities of Tony Stark, it felt inherently wrong to simply call him Bruce. Yet, it was the most acceptable so she kept calling him as such.
"That's good to hear. I know that this might be a little well, jarring-"
"Very mature Tony," a louder voice cut him off. The two looked over to see a slightly irritated Steve Rogers looking over something either just put out, or something both had missed.
"What? You know anything more sickeningly patriotic?" Tony questioned as he gestured at a cardboard standee of a saluting Captain America with a bald eagle flying behind him. An american flag billowing behind with the aid of a fan to keep it one controlled direction.
Clint let out a rancous laugh at the exchange.
"Hey Steve, stand next to the Captain. I want a picture of the birthday boy with the Captain."
"Wait, today's his birthday?" Ron asked feeling slightly bewildered. "Captain America was born on America's independence day?"
"The world works in mysterious ways," Natasha deadpanned. Steve rolled his eyes at the commentary.
"Hey dad, can you take a picture of me next to the Captain?"
"Sure can. Go strike a pose Ron."
"Good grief," Steve sighed. Ron dashed over to the cutout, dropping off Hermione's fruit and striking a pose. He puffed out his chest and placed his hands on his hips, a cocky grin on his face as his head tilted upward. Clint used his phone to snap a few pictures while Natasha took some of her own with her camera. Steve chuckled at the antics of the picture taking.
The mood remained easy and light hearted even as Steve had to open presents of mainly gag gifts on the patriotic holiday. The day evolved into a soothing night, with chairs and blankets being pulled out onto the roof. Once the last bit of light left the sky, small pops could be heard from eager individuals. Clint gave both Ron and Hermione sparklers to use on the roof.
"Tony, I have a confrence in Tokyo I have to be at later this month. I need you to go to Britian to finalize a deal while I'm gone."
"What? Why? Wasn't that part of the reason I made you CEO?"
"Yes it was. But I can't be in two places at the same time and you're still not welcome in Japan."
"It's not like I legally can't go back-"
"Do you want the government watching your every move? Because I don't want to have to deal with the aftermath when it goes wrong."
"And you want me in Britain because?"
"We have a deal offer and Natasha happens to be in Europe in case anything goes wrong."
"I feel insulted," Tony said standing up in an overexagerated manner. Pepper rolled her eyes but knew he would at least follow through under some guise of self interest. It was as Tony was walking that the first firework went off.
An eruption of color dazzled those who saw it, and colored the back of one. The loud explosion echoed in Tony's ears and flashes of hot desert sand and shrapnel entering his chest filled his mind. His chest began to tighten and each breath felt more labored than the last. Shattering glass of buildings and the wind from the high altitude. An endless horde in the dark abyss of space. He slipped out fairly unnoticed back into the quiet of the tower. The lights drowning out the darkness. The tightness slowly receding leaving only an aching pain.
He could only hear his gasps as the others were seperated by a set of doors keeping the loudness, the dangers and the darkness of the world out.
Oh, so fireworks are a bit of a no go. Good to know.
And on my part, shameless food stuffs. Family tradition for many years was ro hold a family Barbeque. It was a potluck style with a variety of meat, lots of desserts, coolers filled with Stewart's pops, Jones sodas, and some basic Mountain Dew and Coke, and various sides.
Mysticarts: I remember cleaning the house freaking spotless for the get together.
Sh... No bringing up that chaos.