Fireworks.
Warmth spread through the early July air, cooled only by the shroud of night that hid the sun away. Two lawn chairs sat in the front yard of a large home, pointing in the direction of Washington D.C. that was mere miles away, holding two blondes that stared up at the night sky. The taller sat on the right, smile plastered on his face while the shorter, on the left, clasped his hands tightly in his lap. The two watched wordlessly as the sky illuminated with bright colors: red, yellow, blue, and green accompanied along with loud bangs and sounds of distant applause.
Alfred gaped at the sky like a five year old that had never experienced something so breath taking while Arthur sat with his eyes averted towards the ground. Every so often, those green orbs would flash to the side of the younger's face; Texas brightly reflecting the colors of the stories being told up above. In the background, the bright tune of "The Star Spangled Banner" could be heard playing on a loop triumphantly while the cheers drowned out most of it.
July fourth was such a hyperactive holiday, much like the nation who celebrated his birthday the same day. It was a mess of patriotic feelings as well as the love of freedom and independence; everything that the country of the United States of America stood for. Alfred felt his heart swell in his chest as another bright smile erupted on his face along with the emotion that the rest of his people were feeling. Today was not only a day to celebrate him, but to celebrate their freedom, something each and every person who lived there treasured.
After a few more moments of silence between the two, Alfred heard a slight hiccup come from beside him before looking over with a still-illuminating smile.
"The fireworks are really awesome this year," He started before laying eyes on the smaller man beside him. Arthur's eyes were shielded by his lids, tears rolling over his cheeks onto his hand that was cupped over his mouth as he cried silently. Alfred's mouth hung open in confusion as Arthur hiccupped once again, forcing the taller nation to get up and crouch next to the other's chair. He placed a gentle arm around the English nation whose eyes shot open in surprise and squeezed him close to his chest. Feeling the elder rest his head on his shoulder, his blue eyes looked down. "I'm sorry Iggy, maybe I should have let you stay home…"
"No, no," Looking up, Arthur wiped his eyes on the back of his hand before smiling slightly with his cheeks flushed a light pink. "The fireworks really are just beautiful." Arthur's smile hiccupped again with his breath as new tears fell down his cheeks. Alfred felt a sad smile inch its way back to his lips as he held the older nation closer and kissed the top of his head.
"I'm sorry, Arthur." Alfred repeated once again. He received no answer and looked back up to the sky, the final boom sounding in a blinding flash of color and sparkles as wild applause and cheers filled the night air.
Just a bit of fluff for July 4th, thank you for reading. Happy birthday, America.
I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers or its characters.