Of 9/11 (America X Reader one-shot)

Of 9/11

Piegirl's Note: "Hey guys. I know that you may get tired of these notes, but people sometimes skip the description resulting in me placing these here. Any way, I know that this story is a day late. If it helps, I actually did write this yesterday with the song above on repeat. Please comment your thoughts about the story. I will answer all that I get. Just keep in mind that I do not tolerate cyber-bullying. Thank you and please enjoy!"

   "Hey, England." (Y/N) said as she walked into the said Brit's tea shop. England waved and said something to the customer in front of him before making his way to the cheerful (H/L) (H/C) haired girl.

   "Hello, (Y/N). What brings you here?" He asked after she gave him the usual hug of greeting.

   "I was wondering if you knew where America went. He hasn't been answering his phone." She said, concerned. America was one of her best friends and it was odd for him not to answer her texts or her calls. England frowned, his face darkening slightly.

   "He just wants to be alone today."

   "But why?" The innocent girl asked in confusion.

   "He is just going through a tough time. Reliving some painful memories about today." England answered. It took her a moment, then she realized what today was. It was September eleventh. Nine/Eleven.

   "Oh my! Please tell me where he is England!" (Y/N) pleaded, giving the British man her best puppy dog eyes. England just couldn't resist the cuteness of the woman before him. He sighed.

   "He is probably moping around in his house. But I don't recommend yo-."

   "Thanks England! See you later!" (Y/N) interrupted and  was already out the door. England sighed and went back to his work, shaking his head. That girl was an odd one.

   (Y/N) headed to her car, thinking about what she could do to cheer her old friend up. He has done so much for her, surely she could do something for him now. She decided she was going to wing it.  She got into her car and drove the familiar way to America's house.

Time skip of Driving "Responsibly"

   "America?" (Y/N) knocked on her friend's door. There was no answer. "America? I know you are in there!" She called. A few minutes later she decided to let herself in, seeing as she is a very concerned friend it was surely entirely justifiable. She took the spare key from under the little hamburger statue next to the door and let herself in.

   The place was a mess like always. There were McDonalds wrappers and take-out containers littered about. There was a stack of video games on the coffee table for many different gaming consoles. A football sat on the couch next to a basketball and a baseball. They looked to be having a pleasant conversation over a half-eaten cheeseburger.

   (Y/N) thought that was odd; America always finishes his food, even when he has already eaten ten others. She picked her way through the rubbish and went up the stairs to his room. She knocked lightly on the door before opening it and peeking inside.

   The room was just as messy as the living room, though filled with different things. Clothes were everywhere along with papers for school, work, and many other various things. Drawers hung open and she almost tripped over a shoe when she stepped in. She scanned the room, skimming over the posters of various shows, games, bands, and such. Above his Captain America themed bed, an American flag was hung proudly. Though the sight on the bed broke her heart.

   Her hero, America, was curled up in the rumpled clothes of yesterday. His eyes were red-rimmed and his pillow tear-stained. He seemed to have recently cried himself to sleep, clutching his stuffed alien, Bob, to his chest.

   (Y/N) bit her lip and decided not to wake him. She tip-toed downstairs and wondered what to do next. 'How was she supposed to help him now? What does he need?' She pondered just as she slipped on a stray piece of paper, barely catching herself.

   "I guess I should start by cleaning this place up a bit." She murmured to herself as she pulled up her sleeves.

Time skip 3 Hours of Boring Work

   (Y/N) smiled to herself in satisfaction; she was finally done with the cleaning and had even made some hamburgers. They were America's favorite thing to eat, especially when she made them.

   "We're not in Kansas and anymore, Bob." A groggy voice spoke from the doorway behind her. She jumped and turned around to see America standing there, surveying the now clean downstairs of his house.

   "Oh, America. You're up! How are you feeling?" (Y/N) asked, looking him over. His eyes were still red and his hair and clothing were disheveled. He also still held Bob, the plushy alien, in his arms.

   "I'm fine." He replied with a sniffle, not sounding very convincing. "Why are you here?"

   "Eat first." (Y/N) said and put a plate of two of her home-made hamburgers on the table and pulled out his chair for him.

   He sat down and put Bob down on the table. He looked at the food in front of him. Without speaking, he picked up one of his hamburgers and took a bite, soon stuffing it into his mouth like he normally did. (Y/N) smiled, this was the America she was used to. Sloppy, loud, but funny. He finished quickly and looked up at her expectantly.

   "Hm?" She hummed, not sure of what he wanted.

   "Thank you for the food, the cleaning, and the food dudette. But why are you here?" He looked puzzled.

   "Oh! Well, I was worried about you and wanted to spend some time with you." She replied with another smile.

   "There's no need." He forced a smile. "I'm the hero! N-No need to be worried."

   "Every hero should a heroine of their own." (Y/N) replied at him. He froze for a moment before he wrapped his arms around her and clutched her close, shoulders shaking. She fell into his lap as she felt tears leak onto her shoulder. She held him close, letting him get all his tears and feelings out.

   "W-Why? S-So much death. S-So much pain. W-Why couldn't I protect them all? I-I'm supposed to be the hero! They were c-civilians..." America sobbed and kept blubbering like that for a while.

Twenty Minutes Later

   America's cries finally had stopped and he just sat there, still holding (Y/N) close as if she would try to leave him. She pulled back, ignoring her soaked shoulder, and looked at him.

   "It's all right. I know it hurts, but you are my hero. So many look up and to you. There's always gonna be haters, just do what you do best. Like what you did for me when we met. You remember?" She asked with a comforting smile.

   "Y-Yeah." He sniffed with a slight chuckle. "Those girls didn't mess with you again."

   "Exactly, and you only told them off. You taught me how to stand up on my own two feet and to press on despite the pain and others' thoughts of me. I now look at the things that I have, rather than the things I've lost. I've learned," she smiled wider and pecked his cheek. "so you can too. Move on and live on, but you don't have to forget."

   America looked at the seemingly wise girl before him for a few moments, thinking about her words. He then started to grin and loosen his grip on her.

   "Thank you, (Y/N)."

   "I do what I can." She shrugged, making him chuckle slightly. "Now, do you want to play some video games to lighten the mood?"

   "YEAH!" America cheered and jumped up with a fist-pump, resulting in dropping (Y/N) off of his lap and onto the floor. Yep, America was back to normal.