((~~ooc: might make a different version.~~))

Everybody on base knew Soldier as the fearless, loudmouthed idiot that shot rockets at people and rocket jumping and breaking his legs at times. He housed random ass raccoons he happened to find outside in his room, slept in a way-too-tiny and actually decently painted red, white, and blue racecar bed (ty, Ollinvipner for the idea—), and wrestled bears naked and covered in honey.

Of all the things in the world the world's most jingoistic patriot could be terrified of, he was scared of fireworks. Fucking. Fireworks. RED's still at war with BLU, but it's different from how he used to fight back during the Vietnam War. Nothing could help him get over it, no matter how many firework shows he's seen over the years.

Nobody knew about Soldier's PTSD with firework sounds. Every other sound on the battlefield didn't seem to bother him. Hell, even the sound of his rockets didn't bother him one bit. Over the years, nobody really (other than him) celebrated the Fourth of July. He did, rather silently with his raccoon friends in his room, fireworks free! But this year was different.

Demo, our favorite explosives expert, of course suggested celebrating because he's a terrific friend of Soldier's. He knew about his love for his country, but not so much about the anxiety brought upon Soldier when fireworks get involved. The team got together and planned an entire fireworks show!

July 4th, 1968.

It was pretty late in the day and everyone was prepared for the show. Except Demo, because he already got drunk off his ass so Engineer's taking over on firework duty, but who's surprised? Now the Soldier just needed to be dragged out.

“ What are you maggots doing now..? “

He grumbles skeptically with a bandana over his eyes as he's dragged outside by you and Scout. The blindfold is taken off and everyone expects the happiest look anyone's seen on the man's face.

Boy, were you all wrong.

His skeptical look dropped. As soon as the first firework shot up, he was outta there. He ran back inside the base, tears pricking the corners of his eyes as he ran to his room.