One story, different angles

Shell-Shocked

Russia stared up at the stars, they weren't terribly bright do to the lights that shone from the parade. Russia really didn't like Americans but they did know how to celebrate. His hood was pulled far over his head, he wouldn't be caught dead at Fourth of July.
This was not his first time visiting the U.S just to absorb the excitement, the pure nationalism was... a little much though. This was the first time he went to the big one, the one with the most people, the one with the most money thrown at it and the one that America himself would in charge.

Russia shuffled through the crowd, the lights were calming down slightly, signalling that the fireworks were going to start soon, he took another sip of his vodka. It was his favourite part.

Russia didn't know what drew him to fireworks so much, all he knows are that the best ones are always in America. Russia was looking for the best spot to watch when he heard a few familiar voices that grabbed his attention. He was surprised to find the area rather empty despite nothing stopping people from walking over.

"Oh, come on, the birthday boy himself should have the honours of lighting the first one," a male voice came from the clearing. "No, no. it's alright, go ahead," Russia raised his eyebrows. There were two other people around the firework launcher, a man and a woman. "Oh, why not" the man tried to push the lighter into America's hands.

"If he doesn't want to, he doesn't want to, here let me." The woman took the lighter out of his hand, she walked over to the launcher, kneeling down and lighting it up. Russia noticed a small hint of panic crossed America face, "I'm going to the bathroom" he sputtered out quickly before he jogged off, the two people shared a look.

Russia interest was officially peaked, he quietly followed America into the building. He heard the first firework go off in the distance, he paused, Russia really did not want to miss the show, why should he even care about the American. The blue and red-eyed did not know what pushed him forward.

He wandered through the building for a few minutes before he heard heavy breathing coming from a small closet. Russia carefully opened the door, it was obviously America there, he was shaking slightly. Multiple more fireworks went off, Russia watched as America visibly flinched as each one went off, his sweat pouring off him.

Russia forgot that America didn't know he was there, "wow..." was the only thing he thought to say, America whipped around, he stared at Russia "what ar-" his eyes focused on Russia's face, he swore he could feel America's eyes harden behind his glasses.

"Oh, it's you," Russia didn't say anything, "what the hell are you doing in my-" more fireworks, America flinched again, he looked like he was about to collapse under his weight. Russia couldn't help but smirk a little at trebling legs that were barely supporting his greatest enemy.

"What? no 'Ruski?' no inappropriate flirting? no back-handed compliments? to think that all my threatening did nothing, but a couple of pretty lights defeats the great Ameri-" he was shut up by America's fist slamming into the wall beside him, cracks spreading through the dented concrete.

The only sound in the small closet was America's laboured breathing. Russia stared as his sunglasses slid down the Amerian's face, revealing his right eye, closed and scared and the other eye, burning with anger and tears.

America folded around himself as the fireworks got more intense, "how long?" Russia asked as softly as he could, America looked at him questioningly "since world war two, I think that's what caused it, it was probably a miracle nothing happened from world war one," he answered quietly.

"Is there anything I can do?" America's eye narrowed, "what are you playing at?" Russia groaned, "I'm trying to help, do I need to get Canada or UK-" "-NO! no" America looked down, "they... don't know." Russia sighed. "Come on" he grabbed the country's wrist, leading him away, "where are we going?" America tripped up at more of the fireworks, "to find you a soundproof room."

America let himself be led down the stairs, he did notice the lights getting the quieter. He relaxed a little as sounds completely ceased. He took in a deep breath and leaned against the wall, "thanks" Russia rolled his eyes "you really didn't think to get in a quieter place." America got smaller, "I didn't want to run into anyone, I'd rather not explain to one of my citizens that their country can't deal with fireworks."

Russia looked annoyingly amused, "it doesn't help that so much of your culture is based around explosions" America was too tired to snap back in any way. "What? You want a hug or something?" America while tired, was still America, "sure, how low can I put my hands?" Russia hissed a "pervert" under his breath, causing he starry country to weakly chuckle.

"You probably should talk to someone about it, I'm pretty sure PTSD isn't fun when left untreated" America just stared up at Russia, "Ruski, we are a species of 200 that's barely understood, no one would truly help with all the shit we've gone through."

America was rather unfazed by the look of surprise and slight horror on Russia's face, to say that it was taboo to refer to countries like that, would be an understatement. "What?" he snapped at the taller, "where the hell is he?" the two countries turn to the voices at the top of the stairs. "Did you check the bathroom?" America groaned as he recognized the voices, "yeah, that was first." Russia turned back to America with raised eyebrows, "Sara and Logan, friends of mine."

Russia threw his hood back over his head, "I assume that they are looking for you?" America huffed a little "no they're looking for you." he was annoyed by the sarcasm that dripped off each word, "I liked you better when you were shell-shocked."

The bickering was cut off by the other two descending the stairs when they did reach the bottom, America didn't know what to do. "hey! why are you down here?" he was practically saved by Sara suddenly noticing that Russia was there.

"urm? Who are you?" Russia tried to look at America for help but he was too interested to see how he would respond. Logan seemed to recognize him, "wait, I know you, Russia, right? Why are you here?" Russia decided to address America, "how the hell did he" the shorter snorted. "Logan has an obsession, how do you think we met?" Logan flushed, "it's not an obsession, I just find it interesting."

"Though he brings up a good point Ruski, why are you here?" Russia took a good swig of the vodka, before continuing, "I... enjoy the fireworks" silence filled the room before America burst out laughing. "That's adorable!" Russia looked like he was about ready to kill. Sara was definitely nervous "well then, Russia, sorry but the firework show is already over."

Russia noticed America visibly deflate in relief, "I think we should get the birthday boy back to the party now." Russia was a little disappointed he missed the fireworks but felt he watched something a lot more valuable.