In Your Eyes // Steve Rogers

Fourth of July (And a Surprise Birthday)

"The Fourth of July?" asked Wanda, her accent thick with confusion, "I have never heard of this holiday."

"It's when America declared their independence from England. It was a very memorable day in America's history," I explained.

Wanda and Vision were sitting together on the couch in the Avengers Lounge, as we called it. As the only two who knew nothing of the holiday, I was designated to explain to them, while the others sat at the table and ate dinner.

"And what do Americans do on this day?" asked Wanda.

"Party hard," called Sam.

"Is that why you have America painted on your forehead?" asked Vision.

I nodded. "Yes. Go hard, or go home."

"I do not understand."

"Forget I said it," I said, "So, what I wanted to ask you all--"

"Smiles, aren't you French?" interrupted Natasha.

"But I've lived here since I was born, I think I count as American," I said. Feeling doubtful, I looked at Steve. "Do I count?"

"You were born here?" asked Steve.

"Technically, I was born on a quinjet coming to America," I admitted. Varying degrees of agreement and disagreement floated through the crowd. I rolled my eyes. "Anyway, when I was a kid, I used to watch fireworks at this golf course every Fourth. I'd like to take you all with me this year."

One by one, the members of our team agreed to join me, having nothing else to do.

"Great. We leave in an hour, team. Wanda, grab a few blankets. Nat, find snacks. Sam, pick some good drinks. Rhodey, you're in charge of locking the building. Vision..." I paused, not knowing what the robot would understand, as we were still trying to teach him human-type things.

"Bug spray?" suggested Steve.

"Yes, Vision, can you find something in this building labeled Insect Repellent?" I asked.

"I will help, if you need me," said Wanda.

Vision smiled at her, then looked to me. "I'll find it."

Within a few minutes of the team finishing their dinners, they left to complete their tasks, leaving Steve and I alone.

"Not sure the shirt is necessary," said Steve, sighing.

In the center of my white t-shirt was a picture of Steve from the forties in the Captain America outfit, with bold red letters reading, 'Cap salutes you!' at the top.

"Of course it is," I insisted, "I'm supporting America, and another very important thing about America. That's you. We should celebrate the day you were born as hard as we do the Fourth."

"It's okay if we don't," chuckled Steve.

"When is your birthday?"

"I'll tell you one day."

"On va voir," I teased, "I can Google it and find out."

"But you won't."

I laughed. I stepped behind his chair and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. Steve took my hands, his thumb caressing the back of my hand in a comforting motion.