âYour first Independence Day togetherâ
It was your first Independence Day together and his first Independence Day: after all, Sokovia had no reason to celebrate this day. You were impatient: after all, you were going to make Pietro discover this atmosphere, the candies you could buy, the fireworks, the drinks and just sharing a moment with him. Really, you could not wait, you were hopping up and down with impatience. You were not living with Pietro, so you had planned to meet at Central Park. You prepared yourself by putting on your most beautiful outfit and styling your hair in the most beautiful way.Â
Your alarm rang out: it was time to go to Central Park. You had 30 minutes to walk until the meeting point. Unlike almost all of Pietroâs entourage, you were neither an alien nor a super soldier nor a creation of Stark nor an optimized indivudual, nor a person turning into a giant monster, not even a SHIELD agent: you were normal, perfectly normal. But it was doing good to your partner, it was reminding him there were something else than superheroes but also that civilians were just as important in his life.Â
If you kept losing yourself in your thoughts, you were definitely going to be late to your meeting. Arriving at the park right on time, you did not see Pietro. He was late, as always. In spite of his super-speed, he was never on time except to fight a supervillain, and still! It depended.Â
You sat down on a bench to wait for your partner. You took advantage of it to watch the stars and the moon: after all, the sky was cloudless. Good thing, you would be able to see the fireworks better.Â
After ten minutes, he finally arrived, as you were starting to fall asleep on the bench. You felt a cold breeze hitting you with an energy, you immediately recognized Pietro's scent. You got up and threw yourself in his arms. You began to wander around between the stands, taking ice cream, candied apple, crepes, churros and many other candies. You continued to walk around the park before realizing you had gone all around it at least fifteen times. You laughed and saw some people staring at you. But, of course, your boyfriend was part of the Avengers. Some even had the courage to stop you to ask for a photo. From a distance, you saw Steve wave at you without coming closer, surely wanting to leave you to your date. As time passed, midnight got closer and with it the fireworks. You could not wait for him to see it, it was always great. You dragged Pietro to the front to be close and have a better view. Peter took you in his arms, you leaned against him as he put his arms around you. At this moment, the fireworks began, the lights illuminating you: red, yellow, orange and many others.Â
You were in a relationship with Bruce for a few months and you were aware of his secret. That said, it is hard to hide it from one of the main Avengersâs medics. You had planned to celebrate Independence Day with the Avengers. Natasha had invited you when she learned you were Bruce's partner, and you could not wait to discover your partner's friends outside of work.Â
You were in your apartment, ready to walk to the tower âyou lived about 15 minutes away. You thought about taking your badge to be able to get in. You finally arrived in front of the tower ready to get in. It was empty of all employees. You headed to the lift, said hi to Jarvis âit was not because he was an A.I. that you should not care about him. You arrived at the Avengers' floor in your magnificent evening wear and you saw everyone gathered together: Tony, Steve, Clint, Thor, Rhodey, Natasha and finally Bruce. The latter came closer and kissed you on the forehead to greet you.Â
You sat down on Tony's grey sofa and enjoyed the apartmentâs air conditioning, because outside, it was extremely hot: it was close to 105 degrees. Natasha sat close to you. You began to talk about anything and everything while Bruce was watching over you with a soft gaze.Â
After thirty minutes of discussion with Natasha, Tony handed you a glass of champagne with a big smile. You thank him with a head gesture. Once you finished discussing with Natasha, you got up and joined Steve, Thor and Tony's talk about Mjolnir and the fact that only Thor was able to lift it. You went from one discussion to another until joining Bruce.Â
You settle yourself against him as he passes his arms around you and whispers in your ear that he wants to go out to get fresh air. You followed him.Â
âNeeded some isolation?â You asked him.Â
âI love my friends, but I also like spending time with the one I love,â he tells you with a smile.Â
You blushed, and he put one arm around your shoulders to pull you closer to him. You put your head on his shoulder.Â
âIt will soon be time for the fireworks; I can't wait to see all the colors illuminate the sky.â
âMe too,â he said as he put his head on yours.Â
The fireworks began, and, seeing the colors, Tony was behind their preparation: gold and red, his suitâs colors, adorned the sky. Understanding that the fireworks had begun, the others joined you outside to admire the colors lighting up the sky. Bruce turns to you and kisses you quickly on the lips, making you smile.Â
Your first Independence Day together was very much to your taste.Â
It was your first Independence Day in the United States with your father. Your first National Day in this country: yours normally happens ten days later. After all, you had known him for less than a year. Before, you were living at your mother's house, who died just six months ago, right before December. Until then, you thought your biological father could not care less about you: he had never come to see you when you were living in France. In reality, he had no idea you existed. Your mother held back from telling him about you, despite their regular meetings.Â
You were preparing for the gala ball to which your father was invited into and to which he had decided you would accompany him. It would be your first gala ball and your first event at his side.Â
In your room, you were trying to choose between all the evening wear spread on the bed that your father had ordered from the tailor so you could have a choice. Different shapes, colors, and jewelry displayed before your eyes. The more time passed by, the more your anxiety rose. You were afraid to make mistakes that could have consequences for your father, and you were scared to cause him trouble.Â
You chose a red outfit with a silver watch, as well as party shoes. You went into the living room, where your father was waiting for you in front of the door. You got in his car until the function room. You prayed there would be people your age, or the night would be long, and that they would not be awful arrogant elitists.Â
You entered the function room, announced by an invisible herald (seriously, who still does that nowadays?) and you realized it was a charity gala ball and not a boring scientific reception. You felt totally apart from the rest of the guests, not at your place. A group of people about your age ended up noticing you and coming closer. One of them was very cute, by the way.Â
âWell, who do we have here?â The cute guy asked, followed by a girl and another boy.Â
The girl was clinging to his arm so she must be her partner.Â
âIâm Y/N, Stephen Strangeâs child.âÂ
âIâm surprised I never met you! Yet Strange is a regular at my fatherâs gala ball,â he says with a smile.Â
âAnd you are?â You ask.Â
âHarry Osborn, the son of this gala ballâs organizer.âÂ
He leaned towards you and kissed your right hand. You blushed: you did not know if he often did that, but for you it was a first.Â
You raised your head and saw your father waving at you. He seemed to have swallowed a lemon, eyes fixed on Harry, not very agreeable. You headed towards him, and he put his arms around you. Your eyes went to your father's face to the young manâs, not understanding why they were defying each other by gaze so much.Â
Stephen led you out onto the balcony, and he showed you the sky. You heard a âBOOMâ before seeing a light explosion. Fireworks, it was fireworks. Your father held you against him while you were staring at the fireworks with stars in your eyes.Â
âThanks for bringing me, Dad.âÂ
First American National Day done successfully!Â
You did not know MJ very well. After all you had met only three months ago! But after a party at her home, you had decided to spend Independence Day together. The celebration was not full of pomp and did not have many guests, only you two and a series. Which one? Good question. You had not decided yet: live, cartoon, or even a movie? You did not even know in which of your two apartments you would celebrate the event. It would surely get decided at rock, paper scissors. But first, you went walking around in the neighborhood. If you were honest with yourself, you liked MJ, even if she often seemed lost in thought. You had the impression that she was waiting for something that she missed, something she was not capable of determining herself. You were hoping to be able to help her, even if you did not know how. You were at least hoping this party would allow her to think of something else.Â
You had agreed to meet at the diner where she worked as a part-time job. It was 6pm when you went to meet her at half past, right on time for the end of her shift. You finally arrived in front of Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop at the set time. You went in. Ned was finishing his meal while MJ was at the counter. She cleaned her friend's table, who understood it was time to leave. You sat down at his place and took your phone out while waiting for MJ to change. She came out of the changing room, and you turned to her:
You stopped at a shop to buy supplies in the form of chips, drinks, sandwiches, and other garbage too sweet or too savory. You also passed by Central Park to buy all kinds of candies.Â
You ended up choosing your apartment, and you settled down with your computer while debating the program.Â
âAre we nerds or not?âÂ
âIf you say Star Wars, Iâll kill you,â MJ says.
âI was thinking more about Christopher Nolan, so we can criticize the movieâs logic.âÂ
âNow, which one do we choose? Interstellar, Inception or Tenet?âÂ
âWhat about watching the three and reading at the same time? What do you have in books?âÂ
âWay too many genres according to my family, and mainly nerd stuff.âÂ
âIâm stealing the Lord of the Rings.âÂ
âIâm gonna read Sherlock Holmes.âÂ
The movie went by in the background while you were reading, eating, and drinking until there was nothing left. You laughed as you looked at all you had swallowed. You put down your books, and you headed to Central Park to see the colorful fireworks that were illuminating the sky.Â
A hand touched yours. MJ interlaced your fingers and squeezed your palm against hers. Maybe you were starting to get closer?Â
Loki was not the kind to be a fan of humans. He thought they were pathetic, too fragile. After all, they were mortals. So, if Loki had to get interested in said mortals' traditions, the task seemed impossible. And yet, for you, he wanted to make an effort. You have been in a relationship for several weeks now. You had not counted, but he did, with a divine precision. Two months. Twelve days. Fourteen hours. Twenty-three minutes. It was the time that had passed since your first official kiss. He was trying, only for you, though, to know human customs. This night, when he arrived on Midgard to visit you, he noticed the air was different. There seemed to be some music, and Loki could smell the foul, but intoxicating odor of alcohol. âThere must be a little neighborhood partyâ, he thought. But the more he moved through the city to your apartment, the more he noticed the âlittle neighborhood partyâ seemed to be happening in the whole city, even beyond. He got to your apartment and knocked on the door. He noticed you were well-dressed. He frowned. His visit was a surprise, so why were you dressed so smartly?Â
âPardon me, I did not know you were going out,â he clumsily apologized.Â
You gave him a faint smile, got on your tiptoes, and kissed him. He smiled and kissed you with devotion.Â
âItâs Independence Day; every good American citizen is going out tonight.âÂ
He frowns before remembering the crowd he witnessed a few minutes ago.Â
âWhat is Independence Day?âÂ
You frown, momentarily forgetting he was not American. Even worse, he was not an earthling.Â
âIt's a very brief summary, but in the past, the British owned America, but they were not agreeing, so they decided to rebel for years. And finally, on July 4th 1776, there was the Declaration of Independence, and from what I know, it's a document that kinda acknowledges the United States birth and so the fact that they no longer belong to the British,â you then explained, with your distant memories from history classes.Â
âSo you celebrate your country's freedom even after more than two centuries?â Loki wondered.Â
âIt's a major turn in our history. You know, for us mortals, if we don't make the past live, we forget it. And it's an event too important to forget. So there are concerts, fireworks, parades, and obviously official ceremonies. I mean, in my eyes, beyond the symbolic aspect, it's a good reason to drink and hang out,â you sneered.
Loki gave her a faint smile, not expecting this philosophical end. He held out his arm, inviting you to take it.Â
âSo, Y/N, would you be ready to show me the most visited bars on the occasion of this day?â he asked.
With a smile, you took his arm, locked your door, and prepared yourself to spend a good, no, an excellent and mischievous night with Loki.Â
The party was in full swing for the 170th edition of the National Day. You were pounding on your best friend's door, Peggy. Half asleep, she opened the door, still in her pajamas. You frowned.
âYouâre still not ready!â You exclaimed.Â
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued.Â
âReady? Ready for what?âÂ
âIndependence Day, perhaps?âÂ
âOh. Iâm tired, I don't want to goââ
âNo, not happening,â you then said. âPeggy, you're not going out since Steve died.âÂ
Peggy opened her mouth to speak, justify herself, even contradict you, but you don't let her.Â
âNo, shut up! Iâm serious, Peggy. I know his death profoundly affected you, like us all. But it's going to be a year and a month; you can't keep going like this! Even for your work, you're struggling! So put on whatever you want, but dress up and meet me outside.â
âI have to wash my hair,â she shyly said.Â
You threw her a dry shampoo can.Â
âItâll do. I'm giving you 10 minutes. Hurry!â
You storm out of her apartment. And then, you waited. You waited for Peggy to dress up, to motivate herself to get her life together. You were mostly hoping she would really come out. In the worst case, she would stay inside, moping around, like she had been for a year, outside of work, of course. But going to Independence Day was a part of her job, as a good citizen, and even more as a member of the military! But you understood why she was so reluctant: last time Peggy had attended Independence Day, she was there with you, Steve, and Bucky. NowâŠthere was only her and you. It was a big change. A painful change. Maybe Peggy will not come out, you thought. Maybe it was a bad idea to come. Maybe it was better to be depressed together. As you were almost determined to give up on the idea, the door opened. Peggy was wearing a red suit, with a white tie as well as sky blue fabric trousers.Â
âAmericaâs flag,â you sneered.Â
âSteve⊠Steve had bought me this top last year. I.. I never had the courage to wear it,â she confessed.Â
You stayed silent for a moment, you were at a loss for words. You cleared your throat, embarrassed.Â
âHm.. It's a bit late and I thought you were not in the mood to be in crowded concertsâŠbut Bucky had shown me a rather quiet place from where we can see the fireworks⊠if that's fine with you,â you hesitated.Â
âSteve had told me about it, but⊠he didn't have the time to show me.Â
Once again a heavy, stressful, embarrassing silence.Â
âYes, I⊠Iâd like for you to bring me there, Y/N,â Peggy said.Â
After about twenty minutes, you arrived in a high up place, rather quiet. There were only a few couples, some families.Â
Sitting with you, Peggy let herself in contemplation of this love she did not know anymore. Maybe she would find love again, but his name would not be Steve. You put your hand on her shoulder gently, as the fireworks began.Â
âAre you feeling alright?â You ask, concerned.Â
âYes, she smiles softly. Thank you Y/N for bringing me here, thank you for not letting me depress.
âYou know, I don't need to wear the star-spangled banner to be one hell of a friend,â you say sarcastically.Â
Peggy burst out in laughter. You were dumbstruck, before giving her a faint smile, seeing hers. Then, you focused on the fireworks. Independence Day was celebrating America's freedom against Great Britain. This day, it was also the freedom of a past too heavy to bear.
*************************************************
Préférences de Juillet 2026
âVotre premiĂšre fĂȘte nationale ensembleâ
CâĂ©tait votre premiĂšre fĂȘte nationale ensemble et sa premiĂšre fĂȘte nationale tout court : aprĂšs tout, la Sokovie nâavait aucune raison de fĂȘter ce jour. Tu Ă©tais impatient.e : aprĂšs tout, tu allais faire dĂ©couvrir cette ambiance Ă Pietro, les friandises que vous pourriez acheter, les feux dâartifice, les boissons et juste le fait de partager un moment avec lui. Oui, vraiment, tu avais hĂąte, tu trĂ©pignais dâimpatience. Tu ne vivais pas avec Pietro, donc vous aviez prĂ©vu de vous rejoindre Ă Central Park. Tu te prĂ©paras en enfilant ta plus belle tenue et te coiffant de la plus belle façon.Â
Ton alarme sonna : il Ă©tait temps de partir vers Central Park. Tu avais 30 minutes de marche jusquâau lieu de rendez-vous. Contrairement Ă presque tout lâentourage de Pietro, tu nâĂ©tais ni un.e alien.ne, ni un.e super-soldat.e, ni une crĂ©ation de Stark, ni un.e optimisĂ©.e, ni une personne qui se transformait en monstre gĂ©ant, ni mĂȘme un.e agent.e du SHIELD : tu Ă©tais normal.e, parfaitement normal.e. Mais ça faisait du bien Ă ton compagnon, ça lui rappelait quâil y avait autre chose que les super-hĂ©ros, mais surtout que les civils Ă©taient aussi importants dans sa vie.
Si tu continuais Ă te perdre dans tes pensĂ©es, tu allais ĂȘtre dĂ©finitivement en retard Ă ton rendez-vous. ArrivĂ©.e au parc pile Ă lâheure, tu ne vis pas Pietro. Il Ă©tait en retard, comme dâhabitude. MalgrĂ© sa super-vitesse, il nâĂ©tait jamais Ă lâheure sauf pour combattre un super-vilain, et encoreâ! Ăa dĂ©pendait des fois.
Tu tâassis sur un banc en attendant ton compagnon. Tu en profitas pour regarder les Ă©toiles et la lune : aprĂšs tout le ciel Ă©tait dĂ©gagĂ© ce soir. Tant mieux, vous pourrez mieux voir les feux dâartifice.
AprĂšs dix minutes, il arriva enfin, alors que tu commençais Ă tâassoupir sur le banc. Tu sentis un vent frais te frapper avec une Ă©nergie, tu reconnus tout de suite lâodeur de Pietro. Tu te levas et sautas dans ses bras. Vous vous mĂźtes Ă vous balader entre les stands, prenant de la glace, des pommes dâamour, des crĂȘpes, des churros et plein dâautres sucreries. Vous continuĂątes Ă vous balader dans le parc avant de vous rendre compte que vous aviez au moins fait le tour du parc une bonne quinzaine de fois. Vous vous mettez Ă rigoler et voyez certaines personnes vous fixer. Mais, aprĂšs tout, ton petit ami fait partie des Avengers. Certains et certaines ont mĂȘme le courage de vous arrĂȘter pour demander une photo en souvenir. De loin, vous vĂźtes Steve qui vous faisait signe sans vous approcher, voulant sĂ»rement vous laisser Ă votre rendez-vous. Plus le temps avançait, plus minuit approchait et avec lui le feu dâartifice. Tu avais hĂąte quâil le voie, il Ă©tait toujours grandiose. Tu trainas Pietro vers lâavant pour ĂȘtre plus proche et avoir une meilleure vue. Pietro te prit dans ses bras, tu tâappuyas contre lui tandis que ses bras tâentourĂšrent. LĂ , le feu dâartifice commença, les lumiĂšres des feux vous Ă©clairĂšrent : rouge, jaune, orange et plein dâautres.
CâĂ©tait loin dâĂȘtre ta premiĂšre fĂȘte nationale, mais câĂ©tait la meilleure.
Tu Ă©tais en couple avec Bruce depuis quelques mois et tu Ă©tais au courant de son secret. En mĂȘme temps, compliquĂ© de le cacher Ă lâun.e des principal.es mĂ©decins des Avengers. Vous aviez prĂ©vu de fĂȘter la fĂȘte nationale avec les Avengers. Natasha tây avait invitĂ© en apprenant que tu Ă©tais la compagne/le compagnon de Bruce et tu avais hĂąte de dĂ©couvrir les amis de ton compagnon en dehors de ton travail.
Tu Ă©tais dans ton appartement, prĂȘt.e Ă partir vers la tour Ă pied â car tu vivais Ă environ 15 minutes. Tu pensas Ă prendre ton badge pour pouvoir rentrer. Tu arrivas finalement devant la tour prĂȘt.e Ă y rentrer. Elle Ă©tait vide de ses employĂ©s. Tu te dirigeas vers lâascenseur, dis bonjour Ă Jarvis â car ce nâĂ©tait pas parce que câĂ©tait une IA quâil ne fallait pas prendre attention Ă lui. Tu arrivas Ă lâĂ©tage des Avengers dans ta magnifique tenue de soirĂ©e et tu y vis tout le monde rassemblĂ© : Tony, Steve, Clint, Thor, Rhodey, Natasha et finalement Bruce. Celui-ci sâapprocha de toi et te fit un baiser sur le front pour te saluer.
Tu tâassis sur le canapĂ© gris de Tony et profita de la climatisation de lâappartement, car Ă lâextĂ©rieur il fait une chaleur dâenfer : on avoisinait les 40 degrĂ©s. Natasha sâassit Ă cĂŽtĂ© de toi. Vous commençùtes Ă converser de tout et rien pendant que Bruce te surveillait avec un regard doux.Â
Au bout de trente minutes de discussion avec Natasha, Tony te tendit une coupe de champagne avec un grand sourire. Tu le remercias avec un signe de tĂȘte. Une fois ta discussion finie avec Natasha, tu te levas et rejoignis la conversation de Steve, Thor et Tony, qui parlaient de Moljnir et du fait que seul Thor puisse le soulever. Tu passas dâune discussion Ă une autre jusquâĂ rejoindre Bruce. Tu te calas contre lui tandis quâil passa ses bras autour de toi et te chuchota Ă lâoreille quâil voulait sortir pour respirer. Tu le suivis.
â Besoin de tâisolerâ? lui demandas-tu.
â Jâadore mes amis, mais jâaime aussi passer du temps avec la personne que jâaime, te dit-il en souriant.
Tes joues devinrent rouges et il passa un de ses bras autour de tes Ă©paules pour te rapprocher de lui. Tu posas ta tĂȘte sur son Ă©paule.
â Câest bientĂŽt lâheure du feu dâartifice, jâai hĂąte de voir toutes les couleurs illuminer le ciel.
â Moi aussi, dit-il en posant sa tĂȘte contre la tienne.Â
Les feux dâartifice commencĂšrent et, vu les couleurs, Tony Ă©tait derriĂšre sa prĂ©paration : or et rouge, les couleurs de son costume, parĂšrent le ciel. Comprenant que les feux dâartifice avaient dĂ©butĂ©, les autres vous rejoignirent Ă lâextĂ©rieur pour admirer les couleurs qui illuminaient le ciel. Bruce se tourna vers toi et dĂ©posa un rapide baiser sur tes lĂšvres, tâarrachant un sourire.
Votre premiĂšre fĂȘte nationale ensemble Ă©tait trĂšs Ă ton goĂ»t.
CâĂ©tait ta premiĂšre fĂȘte nationale aux Ătats-Unis avec ton pĂšre. Ta premiĂšre fĂȘte dans ce pays tout court : la tienne avait normalement lieu dix jours plus tard. AprĂšs tout, tu ne le connaissais que depuis moins dâun an. Avant, tu vivais chez ta mĂšre, dĂ©cĂ©dĂ©e depuis Ă peine six mois, juste avant dĂ©cembre. Jusque-lĂ , tu pensais que ton gĂ©niteur se fichait bien de toi : il nâĂ©tait jamais venu te voir lorsque tu habitais en France. En rĂ©alitĂ©, il nâavait pas la moindre idĂ©e de ton existence. Ta mĂšre sâĂ©tait bien gardĂ©e de lui parler de toi, malgrĂ© leurs rencontres rĂ©guliĂšres.
Tu te prĂ©parais pour le gala auquel ton pĂšre Ă©tait conviĂ© et auquel il avait dĂ©cidĂ© que tu lâaccompagnerais. Ce serait ton premier gala, et ton premier Ă©vĂ©nement Ă ses cĂŽtĂ©s.
Dans ta chambre, tu tentais de choisir parmi toutes les tenues de soirĂ©e Ă©talĂ©es sur ton lit, que ton pĂšre avait commandĂ© au tailleur pour que tu aies le choix. DiffĂ©rentes coupes, couleurs, bijoux se prĂ©sentaient devant tes yeux. Plus le temps avançait, plus ton anxiĂ©tĂ© montait. Tu avais peur de faire des bĂȘtises qui auraient pu se rĂ©percuter sur ton pĂšre et tu craignais de lui causer des problĂšmes.
Tu te dĂ©cidas pour une tenue rouge avec une montre argentĂ©e, ainsi que des chaussures de fĂȘte. Tu te rendis dans le salon oĂč ton pĂšre tâattendait devant la porte. Vous montĂątes dans sa voiture, jusquâĂ la salle de rĂ©ception. Tu prias pour quâil y ait des gens de ton Ăąge, sinon la soirĂ©e promettait dâĂȘtre longue, et quâils ne soient pas dâaffreux Ă©litistes prĂ©tentieux.
Vous rentrĂątes dans la salle de rĂ©ception, annoncĂ©s par un hĂ©raut invisible (sĂ©rieusement, qui faisait encore ça de nos joursâ?) et tu te rendis compte que câĂ©tait un gala de charitĂ© et non pas une barbante rĂ©ception scientifique. Tu te sentis totalement Ă lâĂ©cart du reste des invitĂ©s, pas Ă ta place. Un groupe de personnes dâenviron ton Ăąge finit par te repĂ©rer et sâapprocha de toi. Lâun dâeux Ă©tait dâailleurs trĂšs mignon.
â Alors, Ă qui avons-nous affaireâ? demanda le garçon mignon, suivi dâune fille et dâun autre garçon.
La fille Ă©tait accrochĂ©e Ă son bras donc elle devait ĂȘtre sa cavaliĂšre.
â Je suis T/P, l'enfant de Stephen Strange.
â Je suis Ă©tonnĂ© de ne jamais tâavoir croisĂ©â! Pourtant Strange est un habituĂ© des galas de mon pĂšre, dit-il en souriant.
â Et tu esâ? demandas-tu.Â
â Harry Osborn, le fils de lâorganisateur de ce gala.
Il se pencha vers toi et embrassa ta main droite. Tu rougis : tu ignorais sâil avait lâhabitude de le faire, mais pour toi il sâagissait dâune premiĂšre.
Tu relevas la tĂȘte et vis ton pĂšre te faire signe. Il semblait avoir avalĂ© un citron, les yeux fixĂ©s sur Harry, peu amĂšne. Tu te dirigeas vers lui et il passa ses bras autour de toi. Tes yeux passĂšrent du visage de ton pĂšre Ă celui du jeune homme, ne comprenant pas pourquoi ils se dĂ©fiaient tant du regard.
Stephen te fit sortir sur le balcon et il tâindiqua le ciel. Tu entendis un «âBOOMâ» avant de voir une explosion de lumiĂšre. Des feux dâartifice, câĂ©taient des feux dâartifice. Ton pĂšre te serra contre lui tandis que tu fixais les feux avec des Ă©toiles dans les yeux.
â Merci de mâavoir emmenĂ©.e, papa.
PremiĂšre fĂȘte nationale amĂ©ricaine rĂ©alisĂ©e avec succĂšsâ!
Tu ne connaissais pas trĂšs bien MJ. AprĂšs tout, vous ne vous Ă©tiez rencontrĂ©.es que trois mois plus tĂŽtâ! Mais aprĂšs une fĂȘte chez elle, vous aviez dĂ©cidĂ© de passer la fĂȘte nationale ensemble. Votre cĂ©lĂ©bration nâĂ©tait pas pompeuse et ne comprenait pas beaucoup dâinvitĂ©s, seulement vous deux, des livres et une sĂ©rie.
Laquelleâ? Bonne question. Vous ne vous Ă©tiez pas encore dĂ©cidĂ©.es : live, cartoon, ou mĂȘme un filmâ? Vous ne saviez mĂȘme pas dans lequel de vos deux appartements vous cĂ©lĂ©breriez lâĂ©vĂ©nement. Ăa allait surement se dĂ©cider au pierre-feuille-ciseau. Mais dâabord, vous allĂątes vous balader dans le quartier. Si tu Ă©tais honnĂȘte avec toi-mĂȘme, MJ te plaisait, mĂȘme si elle paraissait rĂ©guliĂšrement perdue dans ses pensĂ©es. Tu avais lâimpression quâelle attendait quelque chose qui lui manquait, une chose quâelle nâĂ©tait pas elle-mĂȘme capable de dĂ©terminer. Tu espĂ©rais pouvoir lâaider, mĂȘme si tu ne savais pas comment. Tu espĂ©rais au moins que cette soirĂ©e lui permettrait de penser Ă autre chose.
Vous vous Ă©tiez mis.e dâaccord pour vous retrouver au dinner oĂč elle travaillait Ă temps partiel. Il Ă©tait 18 h quand tu partis pour la retrouver Ă la demie, pile Ă lâheure pour la fin de son service. Tu arrivas finalement devant Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop Ă lâheure prĂ©vue. Tu rentras. Ned finissait son repas pendant que MJ Ă©tait au comptoir. Elle dĂ©barrassa le plateau de son ami, qui comprit quâil Ă©tait temps de partir. Tu tâassis Ă sa place et sortis ton tĂ©lĂ©phone en attendant que MJ se change. Elle sortit du vestiaire et tu te tournas vers elle :
Vous vous arrĂȘtĂątes dans une supĂ©rette pour acheter des provisions sous forme de chips, boissons, sandwichs et autres bĂȘtises trop sucrĂ©s ou salĂ©s. Vous passĂątes aussi Ă Central Park pour acheter des friandises en tout genre.
Vous finßtes par choisir ton appartement, et vous vous posùtes devant ton ordinateur en débattant du programme.
â Est ce que nous sommes des nerds ou nonâ?
â Si tu me dis Star Wars, je tâĂ©tripe, te dit MJ.
â Je pensais plus Ă du Christopher Nolan, comme ça on peut critiquer la logique du film.
â Maintenant, on choisit lequelâ? Interstellar, Inception ou Tenetâ?
â Et si on se faisait les trois en lisant en mĂȘme tempsâ? Tâas quoi comme livreâ?
â Beaucoup trop de genre selon ma famille, et principalement des trucs de nerd.
â Je te pique le Seigneur des Anneaux.
â Je vais lire les Sherlock Holmes.
Le film passa en fond pendant que vous lisiez, mangeant et buvant jusquâĂ ce quâil nây ait plus rien. Vous rĂźtes en regardant tout ce que vous aviez avalĂ©. Vous lĂąchĂątes vos livres et vous vous dirigĂšrent vers Central Park pour voir les feux dâartifice colorĂ©s qui illuminaient le ciel.
Une main sâapprocha de la tienne. MJ entrelaça vos doigts et serra sa paume contre la tienne. Peut-ĂȘtre un dĂ©but de rapprochementâ?
Loki nâĂ©tait pas du genre fan des humains. Il les trouvait pathĂ©tiques, trop fragiles. AprĂšs tout, ils Ă©taient mortels. Alors, si Loki devait sâintĂ©resser aux traditions de cesdits humains, la tĂąche semblait impossible. Et pourtant, pour toi, il voulait faire un effort. Vous Ă©tiez ensemble depuis maintenant plusieurs semaines. Tu nâavais pas comptĂ©, mais lui si, avec une prĂ©cision divine. Deux mois. Douze jours. Quatorze heures. Vingt-trois minutes. CâĂ©tait le temps qui sâĂ©tait Ă©coulĂ© depuis votre premier baiser officiel. Il essayait, uniquement pour toi, cela dit, de connaĂźtre les coutumes humaines. Ce soir-lĂ , quand il arriva sur Midgard pour te rendre visite, il remarqua que lâair Ă©tait diffĂ©rent. Il semblait y avoir de la musique et Loki pouvait sentir lâodeur nausĂ©abonde, mais enivrante de lâalcool. «âIl doit y avoir une petite fĂȘte de quartierâ», pensa-t-il. Mais plus il avançait dans la ville jusquâĂ ton appartement, plus il remarquait que la «âpetite fĂȘte de quartierâ» semblait se produire dans toute la ville, voire mĂȘme au-delĂ . Il arriva auprĂšs de ton appartement et frappa Ă la porte. Il remarqua que tu Ă©tais bien habillĂ©.e. Il fronça les sourcils. Sa visite Ă©tait une surprise, alors pourquoi Ă©tais-tu habillĂ©.e de façon si chicâ?Â
â Excuse-moi, je ne savais pas que tu sortais, je voulais te faire une petite surprise, sâexcusa-t-il maladroitement.Â
Tu esquissas un petit sourire, te hissas sur la pointe des pieds et dĂ©posas un baiser sur ses lĂšvres. Il sourit, tâembrassa avec dĂ©votion.Â
â Câest la fĂȘte nationale, tout bon citoyen amĂ©ricain sort ce soir.Â
Il fronça les sourcils avant de se rappeler la foule dont il avait Ă©tĂ© tĂ©moin quelques minutes plus tĂŽt.Â
â Câest quoi, la fĂȘte nationaleâ? demanda-t-il alors, curieux.
Tu fronças les sourcils, oubliant momentanĂ©ment quâil nâĂ©tait pas amĂ©ricain. Encore pire, il nâĂ©tait pas terrien.Â
â Bon, câest un rĂ©sumĂ© trĂšs bref, mais en gros, avant, les AmĂ©riques appartenaient aux Anglais, sauf quâils nâĂ©taient pas dâaccord, alors ils ont tentĂ© de se rebeller pendant des annĂ©es. Et finalement, le 4 juillet 1776, il y a eu la dĂ©claration dâindĂ©pendance, et de ce que je sais, câest en gros un document qui acte la naissance des Ătats-Unis, et donc le fait quâils nâappartiennent plus aux Anglais, expliquas-tu alors, avec tes lointaines connaissances tirĂ©es de cours dâHistoire.Â
â Donc vous cĂ©lĂ©brez la libertĂ© de votre pays mĂȘme aprĂšs plus de deux siĂšclesâ? sâĂ©tonna Loki.
â Câest un tournant majeur dans notre histoire. Tu sais, pour nous, mortels, si nous ne faisons pas vivre le passĂ©, il est oubliĂ©. Et câest un Ă©vĂ©nement trop important pour sombrer. Alors il y a des concerts, un feu dâartifice, des dĂ©filĂ©s et Ă©videmment les cĂ©rĂ©monies officielles. Enfin, Ă mes yeux, au-delĂ de lâaspect symbolique, câest une bonne raison de boire et sâamuser, ricanas-tu alors.
Loki esquissa un petit sourire, ne sâattendant pas Ă cette fin des plus philosophiques. Il tendit son bras, tâinvitant Ă le prendre.Â
â Alors, T/P, serais-tu prĂȘt.e Ă me montrer les bars les plus frĂ©quentĂ©s Ă lâoccasion de cette fĂȘteâ? te demanda-t-il.
Avec un sourire, tu lui pris le bras, fermas ta porte Ă clĂ© et tâapprĂȘtas Ă passer une bonne, non, une excellente et malicieuse soirĂ©e avec Loki.
La fĂȘte battait son plein pour la 170e Ă©dition de la fĂȘte nationale. Tu martelas la porte de ta meilleure amie, Peggy. Somnolente, celle-ci ouvrit la porte, toujours en pyjama. Tu fronças les sourcils.
â Tu nâes toujours pas prĂȘteâ! tâexclamas-tu.Â
Elle haussa un sourcil, intriguĂ©e.Â
â PrĂȘteâ? PrĂȘte pour quoiâ?
â La fĂȘte nationale, peut-ĂȘtreâ?Â
â Oh. Je suis fatiguĂ©e, je ne veux pas y allerâÂ
â Non, câest hors de question, dĂ©claras-tu alors. Peggy, tu ne sors pas depuis que Steve est mort.Â
Peggy sâapprĂȘta Ă parler, Ă se justifier, Ă contredire mĂȘme, mais tu ne lui laissas pas le temps.Â
â Non, tais-toiâ! Je suis sĂ©rieux.se, Peggy. Je sais que sa mort tâa profondĂ©ment affectĂ©, comme nous tous. Mais ça va faire un an le mois prochain, tu ne peux pas continuer comme çaâ! MĂȘme pour ton travail, tu ramesâ! Alors tu mets ce que tu veux, mais tu tâhabilles et tu me rejoins dehors.Â
â Je dois me laver les cheveux, dit-elle timidement.Â
Tu lui lanças une bonbonne de shampoing sec.Â
â Ăa fera lâaffaire. Je te donne 10 minutes. Bougeâ!Â
Tu quittas son appartement, claquant presque la porte derriĂšre toi. Et aprĂšs, tu attendis. Tu attendis que Peggy sâhabille, quâelle se motive Ă reprendre sa vie en main. En soi, tu espĂ©rais surtout quâelle sortirait vraiment. Au pire des cas, elle resterait chez elle, Ă se morfondre, comme elle le faisait depuis un an, en dehors du travail, bien sĂ»r. Mais aller Ă la fĂȘte nationale faisait partie de son travail, en tant que bonne citoyenne, et en plus en tant que militaireâ! Mais tu comprenais pourquoi elle Ă©tait si rĂ©ticente : la derniĂšre fois que Peggy avait assistĂ© Ă la fĂȘte nationale, elle Ă©tait avec toi, Steve et Bucky. Là ⊠il nây avait quâelle et toi. CâĂ©tait un grand changement. Un changement douloureux. Peut-ĂȘtre que Peggy ne sortira pas, pensas-tu. Peut-ĂȘtre que câĂ©tait une mauvaise idĂ©e de venir. Peut-ĂȘtre que câĂ©tait mieux de se morfondre tous.tes les deux. Alors que tu sembles presque dĂ©terminĂ©.e Ă abandonner lâidĂ©e, la porte sâouvrit. Peggy avait revĂȘtu un tailleur rouge, avec une cravate blanche, ainsi quâun pantalon bleu ciel en tissu.Â
â Le drapeau de lâAmĂ©rique, ricanas-tu.Â
â Steve⊠Steve mâavait achetĂ© ce haut lâan dernier. Je⊠je nâai jamais eu le courage de le mettre, avoua-t-elle.Â
Tu restas silencieux.se un instant, les mots te manquaient. Tu te raclas la gorge, gĂȘnĂ©.e.Â
â Hm⊠Il est un peu tard et je me suis dit que tu nâĂ©tais pas dâhumeur Ă ĂȘtre dans la foule des concerts⊠Mais Bucky mâavait montrĂ© un endroit assez tranquille dâoĂč on peut voir le feu dâartifice⊠si ça te dit, hĂ©sitas-tu.
â Oui, Steve mâen avait parlĂ©, mais⊠il nâa pas eu lâoccasion de me montrer.
Encore une fois, un silence lourd, angoissant, gĂȘnant.
â Oui, je⊠je veux bien que tu mây amĂšnes, T/P, dĂ©clara Peggy.Â
AprĂšs une vingtaine de minutes, vous arrivĂątes dans un endroit en hauteur, assez tranquille. Il nây avait que quelques couples, quelques familles. Assise avec toi, Peggy se laissa aller Ă la contemplation de cet amour quâelle ne connaissait plus. Peut-ĂȘtre rencontrerait-elle lâamour Ă nouveau, mais il ne sâappellerait pas Steve. Tu posas ta main sur son Ă©paule dĂ©licatement, tandis que le feu dâartifice dĂ©marrait.Â
â Tu te sens bienâ? demandas-tu, inquiet.e.Â
â Oui, sourit-elle doucement. Merci T/P de mâavoir amenĂ© ici, merci de ne pas mâavoir laissĂ© me morfondre.Â
â Tu sais, jâai pas besoin de porter la banniĂšre Ă©toilĂ©e pour ĂȘtre un.e ami.e dâenfer, dis-tu avec sarcasme.Â
Peggy Ă©clata de rire. Tu restas bĂ©at, avant dâesquisser un petit sourire face au sien. Puis, tu te concentras sur le feu dâartifice. La fĂȘte nationale cĂ©lĂ©brait la libertĂ© de lâAmĂ©rique face Ă la Grande-Bretagne. Ce jour-lĂ , câĂ©tait Ă©galement la libertĂ© dâun passĂ© trop lourd Ă porter.Â