Day 4: Happy Birthday: Today's America's birthday, so of course we're going to celebrate. Fanworks should include an American Independence Day theme. It can be during or about the Revolutionary War or it can be a fourth of July long past that/modern. Anything is good as long as it's relevant to the characters and July 4th.

Arthur could count all the times Alfred had sighed that day. It had been three times in the lift, four at lunch, and twice as they stood by the water cooler during a quick break. Arthur had asked what was wrong, but Alfred only replied with, "you wouldn't understand", further confusing Arthur.

Eventually, Arthur came to pass by Kiku. He moved to stop him. "Kiku? Is something wrong with Alfred? He seems rather upset."

Kiku glanced out at Alfred's cubicle, a fond smile flitting across his face. Arthur gulped, remembering what Alfred had said about him and Kiku from years past. However, now was not the time to be jealous and he dismissed the thoughts.

"What is tomorrow, Arthur?" Kiku asked suddenly.

Arthur thought a moment. "A Thursday?"

"What's the actual date?"

"July fourth-oh!"

Kiku nodded. "Alfred has never had an Independence Day outside of America. Not only that, but it's his birthday."

Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. "It is? I had completely forgotten."

"I assume that combination of that, plus the Fourth of July outside of his home country would make any one rather glum."

Arthur was nodding absentmindedly. He then thought of an idea. Smiling, he turned to Kiku. "Say, Kiku. Do you fancy a party?"

Spontaneity was something Arthur used to have in him. The past year had drained him of such a trait. So it felt rather good that he organized a surprise birthday party and a Fourth of July party for Alfred all in a day. Kiku had agreed to buy any and everything, including the food and decorations. Matthew called some of Alfred's American buddies that lived in England, and even a few of his English pals. They had all responded to the RSVP. Arthur, however, was at a loss. He had no idea what an American Independence Day entailed. That left him with just organizing the birthday portion of the party.

Somewhere along the way, an idea came to him. Books would tell him what a good American party could be like. He feared risking the Internet as he would most likely end up getting lost. He only used his computer for recipes he managed to find online, uploading photos to his computer, and looking at his porn. Other than that, other websites left him clueless.

Again, he decided to be spontaneous and trekked to the library. There, he ran into Elizabeth. Upon explaining the upcoming events she agreed to help as long as she could be invited.

"You and Alfred are still on good terms?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, and that's why I want to come. I do…miss him." Elizabeth looked at Arthur with a downtrodden pout. "I haven't forgiven you for taking him away from me…"

She looked away with her arms crossed, only to smirk when she saw Arthur fluster.

"We-we're n-not…!"

Elizabeth leaned over her desk, surprised. "You didn't jump him at your first chance?"

"Really Bessie. I am a gentleman these days," Arthur said, collecting himself. "Besides, he's seeing someone now."

"I've been replaced?" Elizabeth pretended to look offended.

Arthur rolled his eyes. "You were quite fine a moment ago with the prospect of me replacing you."

"Yeah, but you love Alfred." She smiled at seeing Arthur flush, but not protest. "So it's all right with you."

"Can we get back to the matter at hand?" Arthur asked, clearing his throat. He looked at Elizabeth seriously.

She smiled, patting Arthur's hand. "Of course, love."

Arthur had everything planned. He would march up to Alfred's desk and invite him over for a movie night or something just as casual. He'd say it was because he got a new movie of some sort, enticing Alfred to come over. They would head back to Arthur's flat where everyone would jump out and surprise Alfred on their return home.

However, Alfred didn't appear to be at work. Kiku said that it was because it was his holiday, so he didn't feel up to coming in. Arthur called Alfred during his lunch break. When he answered, he sounded even more miserable than the day before.

"Would you like to come over for a movie night?" Arthur asked. "Your brother told me what today is. I managed to find a wonderful movie full of rebel colonists killing the British soldiers just for you."

Alfred let out an airy chuckle. "Sure, dude. That sounds great. I just hope I'm not a major mood killer."

"Think nothing of it. I understand how hard it must be for you." Arthur smiled as he looked down at the table, fighting off the feeling that this felt as if he were arranging a date rather than secretly invite Alfred to his own birthday party. "I-I want to make you feel better…"

There was a pause. Then, "Thanks Arthur. You're seriously the best."

"O-of course, but I'm not doing this just for you!" Arthur defended. "I've never had an American Independence Day experience with an actual American before. It sounds quite interesting."

Alfred chuckled. "All right, Artie. If you say so. I'll see you at your place after work. Should I let myself in?"

"No!" Arthur started. He flushed, mentally cursing himself for his abrupt yell. "I mean… no… I-it's just dirty, that's all."

"Pft, like I care? The first time I saw it, it was dirty. But if you don't want me to, I'll just meet you outside of it."

Time, as always, toyed with Arthur. He was so nervous and excited and all around impatient that six o' clock could not come fast enough. Kiku and a few of the other co-workers that were going to the party left early so that they could be at Arthur's place before Alfred arrived. Once work was over, Arthur left, taking a rather slow route home to allow everyone as more time to set up. However, this annoyed Arthur greatly as he wanted to be home already so that he could see Alfred's surprised reaction.

It was a great relief when he parked in front of his apartment complex and saw Alfred waiting by the front door to the lobby. Arthur casually walked up to him.

"Dude, what took you so long?" Alfred asked. "Was there traffic or something?"

"I'm sorry." Arthur pulled out a little box, holding it out to Alfred. "Happy birthday, Alfred."

Alfred stopped. His eyes widened and his mouth fell slightly agape. "You… You got me something?"

"I-it's nothing big," Arthur started. He handed the box over, turning to go inside. "You can open it later."

Arms grabbed Arthur from behind and pulled him back. He laughed as Alfred hugged him to his chest, picking him up from behind. He was always so overzealous in his bear hugs, but Arthur had grown accustomed to them. He pushed Alfred away and continued to move towards the lift. On the way up Alfred gushed his appreciation for the small gift.

"So, what's the movie you got?" Alfred asked. "I haven't heard of any movies on the Revolutionary War come out recently. Is it a really bad one or something?"

"They all are," Arthur joked. He pulled out his keys, heart racing in anticipation. "Mainly because we already know the ending, so there's nothing left to the imagination."

The door opened into the dark flat, Arthur moving first. His hand searched for the light switch, but somehow he fumbled around. Alfred reached out to help him keep steady. Arthur, close to Alfred's chest once more, could feel his laughter seep into his core. It made him laugh too.

"You only say that because you'll always lose!"

"Belt up!" Arthur laughed.

He finally found the light switch and flipped it on. Everyone had been standing in wait when the lights flooded the room. They jumped out, screaming together, effectively scaring Alfred. He jumped away from Arthur with a yelp. Within moments, Matthew and Kiku appeared with party drinks.

"Happy birthday, Alfred," Matthew said, handing a drink to his brother.

"And happy Independence Day," Kiku joined in.

"You… you guys did this?" Alfred looked at the two with a light smile. He wasn't sure what to do first; hug them or bust out into a loud, happy laugh.

Matthew shook his head quickly. "No. It wasn't us. Arthur put this entire thing together."

Arthur, hanging up his coat behind the trio, blushed and looked away as Matthew continued. He could feel Alfred's eyes on him. He was sure others were looking at him as well, but it was always Alfred's blue eyes that made him feel so self conscious.

"He called us up and set everything together. So you really have him to thank for all of this."

Alfred moved towards Arthur, wanting to scoop him up into his arms and hug him until he couldn't breathe. However, something else caught his eye. "E-Elizabeth?"

Said girl appeared from the crowd. She was holding a small package that had been tenderly wrapped in red, white, and blue. The only difference in it to signify that it was American was the fact there were stars littering the bow. Elizabeth walked forward and handed the box to Alfred.

"Happy birthday. You're twenty now, yes?"

"Yup! Almost at the drinking age!"

The group laughed, pulling Alfred into the crowd. Someone said, "You don't have to be twenty-one in England to drink!"

Arthur stood back and watched him go, not wanting to join in the group. Music started. Kiku handled the food, placing it out on the table. Arthur could clearly hear all of Alfred's American friends. He had never met any of his other friends before, so it was a treat to see them all. Although he had no desire to formally meet them and introduce himself. He was quite comfortable sitting off to the side. It allowed Alfred a chance to be with his friends.

It was only after a time that Arthur excused himself, slipping out onto the small balcony off from the hallway. He had given up smoking for some time now, but suddenly a craving hit him hard. His hands itched, so he placed them on the cold railing. It didn't work. He sighed and paced about the area. Something was bothering him. He didn't want to admit it, but he was feeling very selfish and clingy of Alfred.

He had arranged for the party and wanted Alfred to have fun. But Arthur wanted him to have fun with him there. Now he was all alone while Alfred enjoyed himself. Without him. It was a sad fact to know that he wasn't always needed. He had to accept that. So he scratched at his hands and let his mind wander. His eyes watched as the lights around the city began to turn on.

Noise behind him snapped Arthur from his thoughts. He turned, thinking that it was probably just something from the party. It surprised him to see Alfred coming out to join him.

"A-Al?" Arthur asked. He hadn't even realized he had called Alfred by a nickname.

He smiled at Arthur as he took up his spot beside him. They didn't speak for a moment. Alfred offered him a drink, to which Arthur took with a mumbled thanks.

"So…are you gonna tell me why you're out here, all alone, on my birthday?" Alfred asked after a time.

"I…I didn't know if you wanted to see me," Arthur replied.

"What does that mean?"

Arthur bit his lip. He wanted to hide it, keep that selfish feeling locked away. "We work together every weekday. I see you more than your friends. I figured it would be best to let you do what you want with them."

Alfred turned Arthur to look at him. "Isn't this my birthday? Don't I get a say on who I want to see?"

"You wouldn't want to see me right now." Arthur looked away.

He felt Alfred's fingers pull them back up to look at him. Alfred was serious as he stared at Arthur in the eyes. But he wasn't mad. Instead, he almost looked sad. "I want to see you. I don't care how often we see each other; I always want to see you."

Arthur blushed, but frowned. "What would your new girlfriend say about this?"

"Huh? Girlfriend?" Alfred looked confused. "You mean Ali? I took her out for some coffee twice, but we're not dating."

Relief spread in Arthur's stomach. He didn't want to seem happy, but he was. Judging from the way Alfred smiled and cheered up, he could read Arthur's eyes. He released Arthur's chin. Arthur looked down to see him pull out the present from before that he had given him.

"You haven't opened it?" Arthur asked.

"Naw. I didn't want to until you were here." Alfred began to unwrap it, tossing aside the wrapping paper. "It's so tiny. What did you get me? A ring?"

Arthur laughed, lightly smacking Alfred on the arm. He had become less likely to explode into a flustered fit these days when such jokes were made. Even if Alfred meant them, Arthur would just tell himself he didn't and laugh. It was only a fun laugh when Alfred would join in too. It was when he didn't that Arthur stopped and changed the subject.

Finally, the box was opened. Alfred pulled off the top and stopped. Arthur was worried that he wouldn't like it. Then, Alfred pulled out two small buttons. One was red that said "I love LON" with a heart for the word "love", the second, white with the same design, only it said the same for NYC. Alfred looked to Arthur, speechless.

"I…I saw them and thought you'd like them both. You've told me before how much you love both cities, and well…"

But Arthur's muddled words were cut off as Alfred hugged him tight. Arthur smiled, closed his eyes, and hugged him back. They stood there on the balcony, invisible to the party. They moved and shared a quick and sweet kiss on the lips. Nothing more, just a friendly kiss. That's what Arthur told himself as he cupped Alfred's face. Alfred caressed his cheek.

Parting, Alfred looked down at his buttons. "Well, I'm not sure which one to wear! I mean, it would almost be traitorous to wear the London one, but I'm already in the city, so it would be rude to keep it out."

Arthur laughed, taking them both. He pinned one on each side of his shirt. "There. You love them both."

Alfred looked out at London, pulling Arthur close. "My heart goes to each. I didn't think I would like England as much, but I think it's because I met you. If I hadn't met you, I don't think I'd still be here. Probably moved back home or something."

Arthur gulped. "You…You wouldn't really, would you?"

"Not now. I can't bear to leave." Alfred smiled as he put his arm around Arthur's shoulder. "I'd miss you too much."

Arthur's eyes softened. "And I you."

"And hey, next year, we totally have to celebrate the Fourth again! This is your first, right?"

"Yes. I was going to find some fireworks, but I didn't have nearly enough time."

Alfred waved it off. "It's fine. We'll just celebrate Guy Fawkes Day and the Fourth this year to make up for it."

"Kind of awkward, don't you think?" Arthur asked with a laugh.

"Ah, our countries are super close, so I'm sure it'll be fine."

Arthur thought of something suddenly. He told Alfred to wait as he slipped back inside. He avoided the mass of people conversing on his couch and around his table. Gentleman had been locked away in Arthur's bedroom, much to his dismay. Arthur went into his kitchen, finding exactly what he needed.

He appeared back on the balcony, hands behind his back. Alfred turned to him with a smile. Arthur returned it, but with his own devious look.

"What? What'cha got there?"

Arthur pulled from behind a box of tea. He held it out to Alfred who laughed in confusion. "A present, from your old Empire to you, one of the most successful colonies we ever had. Tax free."

Alfred leaned back and laughed loudly into the evening. "Wow, thanks! I'll be sure to drink it this time."

They laughed together. Arthur pulled over some chairs. They sat, watching as the city grew dark, only to light up with the nightlife. Alfred looked over to Arthur.

"Isn't it amazing that after everything that happened between our countries we're all super close?"

Arthur nodded. "I guess it shows that time can heal all wounds. Both of our people must be mature enough to move on."

"Either that or we were always destined to be close. Besides, we saved you."

Arthur looked at Alfred, a fond smile on his lips. For just tonight, he would be a little more forward. He leaned over from his chair and kissed Alfred again. He took his hands, squeezing them affectionately as he did. Alfred looked at Arthur with a smile as they pulled away.

"Yes you did…"

Hoshiko2's cents: This is not a chapter to Rainbow Veins, however it is later on in that AU. There are some spoilers. Not too major, though. I kept those out. I hope you all enjoyed. I love writing stories where Arthur/England is having his first 4th of July. I think they are cute.