#40s!steve

Today was both the most happiest day of your life, but also the saddest.

Because you’re not sure if you’re going to see your lover again.

The war raged on, and after Steve got injected with the serum he was quickly to be drafted. But before he was sent off to war, the two of you decided to tie the knot.

the church was small, but it worked. Close family and friends were the only attendants. The church was decorated in white flowers and a table with a three tiered red velvet cake covered in ivory frosting. It was absolutely perfect. So perfect, you were able to ignore the dread you would have after your soldier was sent off.

Your mom and Rebecca Barnes helped you with your dress and hair. “You look absolutely beautiful, darling.” Your mom gushed.

You blushed, “Thank you mom. I’m so lucky to be able to marry the love of my life.”

“Trust me, he’s the lucky one.” Becca piped up causing you to laugh. Being Bucky’s little sister, she’s always seen Steve as a brother.

Meanwhile, Steve was stressed as Bucky helped him with his tie.

“This is it, Buck. Im marrying the girl of my dreams and I don’t even know if I’m going to see her again.”

“Look pal, I don’t have much experience with falling in love-bachelor life and all-but you gotta have some faith. Think about it, you have inhuman abilities now. I think if anyone can make it back from war, it’s you.”

The brunette’s pep talk made the captain less anxiety ridden. But of course, it didn’t all go away. Taking a deep breath, he pushed all the negative thoughts out of his mind knowing he’d have to be in a tip top mood for his bride. And he was truly very happy.

“Alright, punk. The ceremony is about to start. You ready?”

A deep breath escaped Steve’s throat as he stared into the mirror. He was in his soldier’s uniform, looking as handsome as ever. You’d always said he would look handsome as a solider even when he was the 5’5 brave little guy from Brooklyn who got into more fights than he should’ve.

He walked down the aisle, everyone sitting in rows of benches turned to admire him. But there too was a sulking look on their faces. The blonde stood at the altar, Bucky by his side as he waited for his beautiful bride to enter the room.

The organ player began to perform as the doors opened and you walked down the aisle clutching your bouquet. Your dress was a white long sleeved flowy gown. Your veil touching the floor. Your hair down up in pin curls, and of course Victory Red lipstick dawned your lips.

The guests stood, looking at you in admiration. But the person who had the most admiration for you? Steve Rogers. You couldn’t help but blush as you made eye contact with him before stopping and standing in front of him.

The officiant started speaking his usual lines before it was time for the two of you to exchange vows.

“Y/n. Ever since I met you in 8th grade, I knew you were the girl for me. I was shocked you even took a glance at a guy like me. You are my best friend, and the love of my life. I promise to protect you and cherish you for the rest of our lives.” Steve said.

You teared up at his words, and by the look in his eyes you knew he truly meant them. “Steve, I always knew we were bound to be together. Like when you attempted to defend me from that bully boy in 10th grade and Bucky had to save your ass,” everyone chuckled at that and your fiancé blushed, “but that’s when I knew you were a true gentleman, one who would defend his lady no matter what. You’re kind, smart, funny, and most importantly, brave. You have my heart, Steve Rogers and I promise to love you for the rest of eternity.” The two of you stared into each other’s eyes.

“The rings please.” The officiant smiled. The ring bearer-your little brother-handed the rings over to the man.

Then, you slipped them on each other’s fingers. “By the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Immediately, the blonde grabbed you by your waist and pressed his lips to yours. Everyone in the church was cheering and crying happy tears.

You pulled away and whispered, “Promise you’ll come back to me?”

1945

“Blow out the candle, baby-love!” you encouraged your now one-year old daughter, Rebecca, as Bucky held her in his arms. Her curious gaze met yours, and you mimicked blowing out the single candle in front of her. She tried to replicate your action, but her breath wasn’t strong enough. Bucky secretly helped, blowing out the candle on the small vanilla cake from behind her.

The group of Commandos and agents alongside you, Bucky, Steve, and Peggy exclaimed and clapped, causing Rebecca to laugh in excitement. Rebecca had grown up alongside this infantry, her being one of the very few things that brought the group joy. She had you and Bucky as her parents, Steve and Peggy as her godparents, and the Commandos as her guardians, her protectors. Rebecca reminded some of them of their own children, whom they hadn’t seen in several months- she reminded others of what they were fighting for. For children to grow up in a world without war- their freedom guaranteed.

You began to cut the cake, handing out small pieces to those around you listening to Rebecca coo and giggle as Bucky handed her off to Peggy. She seemed to like Peggy the most out of everyone who wasn’t you or Bucky. “Exciting day, isn’t it Rebecca?” Peggy asked your daughter, “A year old! In a time like this? That’s an achievement!”

“You want to relax for a little bit?” Bucky whispered to you from behind, setting his hands on your waist. It was rare for him to show his softer side around the other men, but he didn’t care right now. It was his daughter’s birthday, and you were up before him planning the day out, so you were a little strung-out.

“I’m alright,” you insisted, looking up at Steve making googly eyes at Rebecca as Peggy held her. You still weren’t sure the exact status of him and Peggy’s relationship, if they’d confessed their feelings for each other or even kissed. But they looked so happy together. Even a year later, it still shocked you sometimes to see Steve’s figure. He was so drastically different from when you met him- he’d learned early on to approach you with caution, remembering all the times he’d simply approached you from behind and you nearly screamed, not recognizing him at first. He was especially careful when you were pregnant, knowing that if he’d done anything that scared you too much, he’d never hear the end of it from Bucky.

Bucky. Over the year, he’d slowly confessed all the things that happened to him while he was captured by HYDRA. All the times he was sure he’d die, all the times they tortured him until he’d almost forgotten who he was. The thought of you was what kept him going. What kept him alive. He’d been tested on, treated like a science experiment- and he didn’t even know most of the things they injected him with or what it did to him. He didn’t feel any different- physically, he felt better than before, which was odd. Mentally, it took a long time to feel better. He’d wake up from a night terror, the only thing calming him being the sight of you, still fast asleep right next to him. You’d wake up like that too- memories of battle wounds and dying soldiers plaguing your mind. You always did the same things with each other after one of you woke up from a nightmare- you’d wake up after the other, rub their back and tell them that everything was going to be okay. Then you’d get them a glass of water and stay awake until the other was back asleep. Since having Rebecca, the nightmares weren’t as frequent.

“Have some cake,” Bucky said, handing you a plate with a single slice on it. “Look at her. She’s happy-”

“Bucky, I have to ask you something.” You confessed, a question plaguing your mind for the last year. Since Rebecca was born, you’ve been holding your tongue, not wanting to upset him. But now that she was older, you figured it wouldn’t hurt.

“Anything, honey. What’s wrong?”

“Do you think that Rebecca, I don’t know- you said you were tested on when you got captured, what if that went down to her?”

You could tell your words hurt Bucky. Not because he was upset you insinuated anything- the same question had been plaguing his mind since he found out about Rebecca. He was hoping you’d never ask, but now the idea that something could be affecting his baby- because of him- it broke his heart. “We can take her to a doctor, but honestly, hon- I feel fine.” He massaged your shoulders as you closed your eyes, hearing Rebecca coo and giggle even more. Everyone else at the party was completely oblivious of you, too caught up in their own conversations or your homemade birthday cake to notice.

“Rebecca’s perfect. She’s this perfect thing- I just want to be positive she’s okay. Sometimes I just get this terrible feeling that-”

“I would die before I would let anything bad happen to her. Or you. I know you worry, love, but look at her. She’s smart, she’s strong. She’s happy. There is nothing to worry about.” Bucky leaned in to kiss you, finally earning the attention of one of the party-goers.

“Hey, break it up, lovebirds! We barely have room for one baby around here.”

You and Bucky laughed and joined the group, living in bliss for a few hours. It was early December, and the Commandos, agents, and nurses would be spending yet another Christmas away from the people they loved most. Christmas music filled the pub you were celebrating in, and you found yourself more grateful than ever that you had everything you needed right here. Your husband, your baby, your friends- you weren’t missing anyone this holiday, they were all celebrating alongside you.

Bucky didn’t want to ruin the holidays by telling you there was another mission coming up- one that he absolutely needed to go on. It’d send you into a worry, and he knew your anxiety levels would never recover after he was captured. But he had to tell you eventually. The plan was to leave the day after Christmas and return before the new year, and he only had so much time before it was too late to tell you. He swore to be careful, thinking only about what would happen if he didn’t return. Your heart would break, and he didn’t want to think about you having to raise Rebecca all by yourself.

He broke the news to you a week before Christmas, seeing exactly what he feared. Your eyebrows furrowed together in worry, you mouth open, immediately ready to convince him to stay, and he could’ve sworn he actually saw your blood pressure rise after telling you. “Love, this will be my last mission. I told Steve I’m ready to go home.”

“What?”

“We’re going back to Brooklyn after this, doll. For good.” Bucky promised, bringing your hands to his lips to plant soft kisses on them. “Remember our promise?”

You nodded slowly, not wanting to face the possibility of things going completely wrong, “If anything happens, Steve will help me take care of Becca.”

“And he knows that. If anything happens, doll, you won’t be alone. But I promise, I won’t let anything bad happen-“

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” You admitted, looking at the floor. You weren’t mad at Bucky, you could never be. Talking about it too long would just make you upset.

Bucky nodded, kissing your head. He’d keep his promise to the best of his abilities. The second he kissed you and Rebecca goodbye, boarded the jet and fought the enemies, he was thinking about you. Ways he could protect you and Rebecca. What he’d do and how quickly it would take to pack everything up and go back to New York and live a quiet life with his family. This was his last battle, he made that clear to Steve.

So when he found himself hanging off of the train, slowly losing his grip as it flew at a tenacious speed, he was the most terrified he’d ever been in his life. More terrified than when you told him he was going to be a father. More scared than when he heard the first gunshot in his first battle, being just a scared kid from Brooklyn who didn’t know anything about that level of fighting. Steve tried to reach for him, knowing how bad things would be if Bucky let go. Things wouldn’t just be bad for him- losing his best friend since childhood and the only person in the world he felt truly understood him- it’d be even worse for you and Rebecca. You’d lose your husband, the love of your life and the father of your daughter. Becca would lose her father, barely even knowing him. She meant so much to Bucky and she’d only been in the world for a year. The idea that she would have to grow up not knowing that- unaware that if Bucky were to die, it’d be for her- it sent chills down Steve’s spine. He did everything he could to get him- that baby needed her father. You needed your husband.

But he couldn’t erase what happened. As much as he wished he could, he couldn’t go back in time and stop Bucky from letting go. He sat there, motionless, as Bucky fell to his death. He still heard his screams, he could’ve sworn he heard him yell his daughter’s name.

Steve couldn’t help but beat himself up about it, living with so much guilt. No- just living. It should’ve been him to fall. Bucky had a family- he had a wife and a daughter to take care of. Now he had to be the one to break the news to you that he wouldn’t be coming back.

Steve would go through with his promise, holding you tightly as you screamed and cried for Bucky. You had the aching feeling since before he left that something awful was going to happen. Things were too good to be true. Now he was gone. Your Bucky was gone, and there was nothing you could do to bring him back.

1946

Settled back in Brooklyn, you found a routine again, only now it was just you taking care of Rebecca. You didn’t realize how much more difficult it would be to make ends meet, take care of a baby, and try to have a little free time for yourself all at once. You were grateful Steve was there to help you- he’d babysit Becca while you worked, though your hours changed drastically after becoming a single mother.

It didn’t help that Rebecca was visibly confused at this transition. She didn’t know any better, but that didn’t stop you from nearly having a breakdown in front of Steve when your toddler looked at him and said ‘Dada’ for the first time. You knew she needed a dad- she was looking for one. And Steve was there- she’d have memories of him, and not of Bucky, and it broke your heart. Steve tried to save it, saying “No, no… Steve, can you say ‘Steve?’”

You got flashbacks when Steve said he’d have to go back to Europe for a few days. You didn’t want him to leave. He’d become your best friend since you moved back to Brooklyn. You’d already lost so much, you couldn’t lose him too. He assured you it was just for a meeting with Peggy and the Commandos. He even admitted to you that he’d kissed Peggy, and was also hoping that this trip would help turn their relationship into something more.

“Fine. But if anything happens-“

“Nothing is going to happen. I promise.”

“Don’t say that, Steve. Don’t lie to me. Don’t give me hope.” You had to finish your thought, “If anything happens… You mean the world to me. You didn’t have to take care of me, but you did. You’re my best friend, Steve.”

There was more to the story than Steve was letting on, that his life could very well be in danger during this trip. He was Captain America, after all. People relied on him, he was the super soldier, the leader, the first one to go down if anything went wrong. He couldn’t make any promises he couldn’t keep. He brought you in for a hug. “It’s what Bucky would’ve wanted.” He said quietly, “You’re my best friend, too. Rebecca is so lucky to have you as her mother.”

When Steve didn’t return, it felt entirely different from when Bucky didn’t return. You’d been let down so many times, this loss wasn’t a surprise to you. Peggy only confirmed what you assumed to be true; that Steve went down to save the world. You’d never felt like this before… you were empty. You felt nothing, not even when Rebecca looked at you, which used to fill you with so much joy. You couldn’t even cry. Feelings were foreign to you. Happiness was something you hadn’t felt in a long time.

You struggled to make ends meet now that you were by yourself, looking for any job, regardless if it had to do with nursing or not. Rebecca was looked after by your mother, who’d come up to New York to help you get back on your feet. She was smart to not make any comments. She kept her thoughts to herself, letting you grieve and taking care of your baby. It was the support and comfort you needed.

You received a telephone call a few months later, offering you a medical job for a newly formed charity in the Brooklyn area. It paid well, was close to home, and in your field. It almost felt too good to be true. The relief you felt on your first day was something you hadn’t felt in a long time, aiding homeless veterans as other members gave them food. They even let you bring Rebecca to the office, her presence not being an issue at all. They loved her, going as far as offering to babysit if you ever needed some alone time.

Your mother moved back to your childhood home after she felt you would be fine on your own, and though it hurt to be happy sometimes, you were able to find peace. You still thought about Bucky and Steve nearly every day, you wondered how Peggy was doing, but you were able to live your life again.

“Mrs. Barnes? I need to speak with you privately,” your boss, Hugh, asked as he stepped into your office. Worries began swimming in your mind, wondering what he would possibly needing to discuss with you. You had brought Rebecca with you to work today, many of your coworkers ensuring it wouldn’t be an issue. Had you done something wrong? Thinking back on all your practices, you couldn’t remember a time where you doubted yourself or did something out of the ordinary. You tried to calm yourself, ensuring that whatever it was, you most likely weren’t in trouble.

You tried handing Becca to the secretary before Hugh stopped you. “Not to worry, you can bring Rebecca with you.” Sighing with relief that you weren’t in trouble, you kept holding onto Rebecca, but she began to wiggle around in your arms, a sign that she wanted you to let her down. Setting her on your feet, you grabbed onto her tiny hand and watched her carefully as she stumbled at first, then began following you. “She’s walking already?” your boss commented.

“She sure is! She’s strong like her daddy.”

You followed Hugh into a back room, a room you’d only been in once because it was reserved for special patients, though Hugh never told you what ‘special’ meant.

“Mrs. Barnes, we’ve noticed over your time with us that your daughter may have enhanced abilities.”

Your eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. “Because she’s already walking? I’m sure other babies walk around this age- she just doesn’t trip over her feet as much.”

“Tell me, did Mr. Barnes pass down his new abilities to your daughter? Did the serum spread to the child like we planned for it to?” The more Hugh spoke, you heard his voice change. It was no longer the New York style accent you’d grown used to since working for him. It was softer now, more sinister. More… German.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about-“ You were cut off when Hugh, if that was even his real name, struck you, immediately causing you to fall to the ground as Rebecca began to cry in confusion.

You touched your face, a long slash across your cheek which was now dripping with blood. Hugh scooped up Rebecca, and you screamed, grabbing onto his feet and trying to fight him off. You felt stronger than you normally did, and you could only assume it was because your baby was in danger.

It made sense, as much as you didn’t want it to. HYDRA was still out there, searching for you now that Bucky and Steve weren’t there to protect you anymore. They wanted Rebecca. You didn’t even know if it was possible for her to inherit any super soldier abilities, and you didn’t want to imagine what they would do to her if she had them- or if she didn’t have them.

“Get away from her!” You screamed, putting up a fight before Hugh took his boot and struck your face with it, knocking you out entirely.

Hugh took Rebecca in his arms, taking her away and leaving you on the floor to wake up alone.

-----

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The story continues... Echoes of the Past

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But when the mess was over, what would you want to come of it? Do you even want to be with Steve any more? Or do you just not want him to be with Peggy? Thinking it through, what you felt for Steve was real, real enough to pull on your heartstrings and real enough to hurt. After all of the grief that Steve has caused you you’re not sure that you could properly forgive him. Maybe over time but you couldn’t see yourself trying to rebuild your relationship when the two of you had so much else to focus on.

So now you were caught in some sort of relationship purgatory because you were too afraid to end it. And he was too much of a coward to admit he’s been in the wrong this whole time. Honestly you can’t justify Steve’s actions on any level when it came down to it. His men are in the midst of war and fighting Hydra and he really thinks that a relationship is going to be their saving grace and reassurance? Bull.

On some level, no matter how deep it is, Steve saw something for her that he didn’t see in you and he felt some affection for her. Maybe saying that the relationship was just a front was his way of covering his real feelings for her. But he’d be damned if he thought he could have his cake and eat it too. You’d spent many a night cycling through this thought process and ending up right where you started.

Getting nowhere in your deliberating you decided to bury yourself in your work. You’d always felt that it was fulfilling work, you helped civilians and military alike with your work and you were damn good at it. So you plunged head-first into your codebreaking and strategy-forming and put your in-limbo relationship on the back burner.

Throwing yourself head first into work turned out to be in your best interest for the time being. The last two missions had been a success but per usual, you had gone unrecognized. That’s fine, you didn’t need to be patted on the back every time you excelled but every once in a while it would be nice. And thanks to your codebreaking, once again, you find yourself stuck in the corner of the dingy pub you had lost your mind in just a week ago. Unappreciated. Or so you thought.

You sat back thinking Steve wasn’t under Peggy’s thumb this time but he was trying his best to make the most of the moment over a pint with the rest of the commandos. And you were back in what was becoming your usual corner of the pub, sipping on a dry red wine. It was bitter on your tongue but after the week you’ve had you needed a drink, even if it meant seeing them.

“You did good back there, thank you” Bucky’s voice shook you from your thoughts. “Okay if I sit?”

You were so caught off guard by anyone really speaking to you, let alone praising you that you couldn’t find anything to say. You just stared at Bucky with wide eyes before nodding slowly. He settled into the chair next to you and took a swig from his bottle.

“You know, on the outside you don’t seem like you’re gonna be much but when you put yourself to work… it’s somethin’ else. You’re a natural.” Bucky told you.

“Um, thanks, I guess?” You brushed off the compliment to give him one of your own, “We wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it weren’t for you all. I’m just some codebreaker, you’re the one doing the leg work”

“Give yourself some credit, you deserve it.” Bucky patted you on the shoulder and for the first time in weeks you felt a spark of genuine happiness. You shyly smiled up at Bucky and took a sip of your wine.

“So, you wanna tell me what’s got Steve snappin’ his cap at everyone? You two break up?”

Your eyes rounded in surprise. You were so sure that no one had known. You were so sure Steve didn’t want anyone to so it didn’t occur to you that Bucky might’ve known.

“Did… Steve tell you? About us?”

“Didn’t have to. I ran after him to talk a few weeks ago and found you two smoochin’”

Your face heated in slight embarrassment but you nodded in understanding.

“I just… it’s not fair that he should show her off like she’s his sweetheart while I’m treated like some dirty secret. I gave him a piece of my mind and he wasn’t able to cope. But I don’t know where this leaves us. He didn’t split but there’s just no way we could go on like this.”

Bucky looked a little miffed but grunted in affirmation. He shook his head and clenched his jaw.

“I knew he and Peggy weren’t for real but what he’s been doin’ to ya ain’t right. Sorry Steve’s been such a knucklehead. My two cents, you go back to him and confront him. And if he’s too much of a punk to see what he’s got you walk.”

You shakily exhale and take another gulp before setting your palms flat against the table.

“Easier said than done, but you’re right”

“I love him, he’s my brother but forget him if he’s too much of a jerk to know what he’s got. But for now let’s just get pleasantly drunk, whaddya say?”

Rather than giving him an answer you downed the rest of your glass and put it down on the table. Bucky was looking at you with a toothy grin.

“Atta girl”

____

The evening had been as promised, you were pleasantly drunk and for the first time in weeks you were letting yourself enjoy the moment. Bucky was funny and kind to you when no one else had even batted an eye and you found yourself grateful for his company that night.

You were humming to yourself as you walked back to your room but just when you reached for the door a hand reached out for your wrist. You didn’t need to look up to know that the hand belonged to Steve. You denied yourself the comfort you found in physical contact and reminded yourself of the situation. You sighed and looked up to him expectantly.

“You and Buck? Just what the hell’s going on?” Steve demanded.

“Oh so now you want to talk to me? You only care now that you’re not my main focus?” You shot right back at him. You swayed slightly, tipsy still from the wine.

Steve’s jaw tensed and he schooled his features though you could tell he was simmering on the inside.

“No”, he said calmly, “I just wanted to know. If you’re trying to make me jealous it’s not going to work.”

“Well I wasn’t trying but apparently it is working.”

Steve’s hands balled into fists and you could see veins beginning to spout in his hands. He didn’t say anything so you continued.

“I give you an ultimatum and tell you how much you’ve hurt me and you only come back once I turn my attention to your best friend? He’s the only one that’s said a nice word to me this whole time. The rest have been caught up in the lie you’ve been spinning with Peggy!”

Your anger was getting the better of you but you were letting it. Anger got you through it the first time, it’ll get you out no matter how it ends.

“That’s not fair-”

“You’re not fair, Steve. The way you’ve been treating me, it isn’t right! I gave you a choice and you’ve been dragging your feet. I’m going to ask you one more time, Steve. Me? Or Her?”

Steve was silent again, you could tell he wasn’t thinking about what he wanted, but he was forming an answer. Deep down you knew it would come to this. He’s never going to hold your hand in public, there’s never going to be an apartment in Brooklyn, there’s never going to be an us between you. Maybe there never was.

Steve started to call your name but you shook your head and scrunched your eyes closed in a mixture of frustration and pain. Tears were welling in your eyes but you’d be damned if Steve Rogers would see a single one fall. He doesn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve you, he never did.

“I’m sorry…” Steve offered lamely.

“No, you’re not.” Maybe that wasn’t fair of you to say, Steve did look to be in genuine emotional pain over this but right now you didn’t care. If he had felt any true remorse he wouldn’t have let himself get anywhere with Peggy in the first place.

“I really did want all of that with you, I still do. We could still have it, we just need to get through this, please.”

You shook your head and started ushering him towards the door.

“No, Steve. That’s all gone now. You had your chance but I’m worth more than how you treat me.”

You opened the door and waited for him to leave.

“I think you should go. I don’t have anything left to say to you.”

With that Steve sighed heavily but left with his head hung between his shoulders. You could’ve sworn he was crying but you didn’t care if he was. He made this happen and he didn’t treat you right. So this is what happened.

The serum brought all sorts of strange changes. He could breathe easier, ordinary objects felt lighter in his palms, women were suddenly interested in him. The serum had been his ticket into fighting the good fight, getting benched before he could even try wasn’t the plan. The defense bond campaign was the start of feeling useful. It quickly snowballed from two shows a week to another show every night in a new place. The shows brought tons of other entertainment contracts. Steve got roped into everything from comics to radio shows and all the way to the film industry.

Captain America leading brave soldiers into battle and fighting the good fight, saving the girl and protecting his country. Acting was a new feat for Steve and it pained him to know he could be doing more for the world on the front lines than he could in front of a canvas backdrop.

Steve sighed deeply and took his costume cowl off. He felt ridiculous. Handing his prop shield off to the prop director as he hurried to get to his own dressing room. The director flew back down the dressing room hallway, clearly in a state of duress.

“Has anybody seen L/N?!”

Steve turned to look back at the director as he searched for his leading lady before completely bypassing his dressing room and slipping out the back door. He closed it behind him and rested his forehead against the cool metal.

“Rough scene Cap?”

Steve abruptly turned around at the sound of her voice.

“You know they’re lookin for you in there.”

Y/N leaned over the railing of the dock ramp, staring down at her polished t-straps through the bars, deep in contemplation.

“I’m sure they are, I just needed some peace before they tie me to that big paper rocket again.” She laughed quietly.

Y/N L/N was quickly becoming a rising star in the film industry, many of her roles landed her in the ‘damsel in distress’ position which is where she now stood. Despite working under men just to make a living, she was known to be an active feminist, fighting for equal rights and equal pay.

“We should both get back in there before they come looking and find us together outside of a scene.” Y/N smiled and squeezed Steve’s arm gently to knock him out of his stupor.

Steve quickly came to his senses and opened the door for her, quickly following her down the hallway and towards the set. They were quickly pulled apart from each other by makeup artists and the less-than-pleased director.

Steve was put into place behind a tank, surrounded by his soldier cast mates as Y/N was tied to a German missile to the far right of the soundstage where the the backdrop changed to create the set of a German lab.

“Roll sound!! Alright annnnd action!”

Captain America quickly sprung into action, leading the troops out from behind the the tank and defending against enemy fire. He shot back against them and cleared the field before signaling for the troops to follow him quietly into the building ‘Delta Rose’, daughter of American general Robert Johnson, was being held.

The Captain carefully lead his troops into the heart of the German facility, signaling for them to secure the floor as he ran into the lab to find and save Delta. He was surprised to find her strapped to the base of a missile, struggling against the ropes.

“Captain America!! Thank heavens you’re here!! Dr. Braun is gone but I’m afraid this missile is on a timer!” Delta pulled against the ropes as the launch count down ticked menacingly.

“Don’t worry Miss Johnson, I’ll deactivate the missile and have you home before dinner” The Captain rushed to the control console and assessed the situation before pressing a large button, stopping the ticking missile launch count down. Delta signed in relief, The Captain rushing to her and untying the ropes. She fell off the missile and into his arms.

“Oh Captain thank you! How can I ever repay you for being my hero?” She held into his broad shoulders.

“No need to thank me ma’am, it’s all in a days work.” he stated, a little more stiff than he should be.

“It would be my greatest honor Captain.” with that Delta gently pulled on the back of his neck to kiss him gently in thanks.

“Cut! That was fantastic Rogers, little stiff on that ending, let’s wrap it up gentleman!”

Steve’s face was flushed bright red as we wiped her red lipstick off the corner of his lips. She smiled at him and walked off set and back towards her own dressing room, disappearing behind the door. Steve watched her go before he was surrounded by his cast mates, smiling bashfully as they commended him on a job well done. The director came to talk to him about the scene and what they’re going to be doing the next day. As soon as he could, he slipped away and allowed them to start deconstructing the set, hurrying back down the hall and stopping right outside of Y/N’s door.

“Steve, hi come on in I was just winding down.” She walked back over to the vanity mirror and removed her earrings before returning to the task of removing the makeup.

Steve cleared his throat nervously and walked into the room, feeling ridiculous for still being in his costume suit.

“You- uh you were great out there.” he stumbled over his words.

She smiled brightly, wiping off the remaining lipstick. “Thank you, I’ve been told I make a fantastic damsel in distress. You were a great hero, you seem a little tense though.”

“I’m not used to the whole silver screen thing.” he looked down at his boots as he made his way to sit down on a couch to the left of her vanity.

“How do you do it so well?” He asked quietly.

“Do what Steve?” She began brushing her hair out and putting it safely back into pin curls to hold their shape.

“Pretending to be something that you’re not.” He clarified, nervous that he may be over stepping.

She halted her movements for a second, glancing at him in the mirror before straightening up a little and continuing to care for her hair.

“We all do things to survive. I know that my roles are against what I stand for, it’s difficult to push that envelope without being fired. As long as this industry is ruled by men, there will never be change. I’m trying to get my foot in the door without sacrificing my dreams. With any luck I’ll be able to move into more ‘masculine’ roles and push the equality fight forward. I don’t have much of a choice.” She stared down at her hands as she tidied her pins all into a neat pile out of nerves.

Steve watched her fingers nervously fiddle with the pins. He related to her more then he thought that he would. He turned his gaze down to his hands, pulling off his Captain America gloves.

“I never- well I didn’t mean- I didn’t think I would end up here. The serum was supposed to be my ticket to help people, to really make a difference. My buddy- his name is Bucky- he’s out there laying down his life and the only thing I can do to help is be America’s poster boy. I’m nothing but a dancing monkey.”

Y/N got up and moved to sit beside him taking his right hand and holding it gently between her own.

“You’ll find a way to fight the good fight Steve. You’re not just silver screen Captain America, you’re a good man from what I hear and I’d love to learn more about the real you. Find a way and make a plan.” She reached up to cup his left cheek with her right hand.

“You’ll make the right choice when you get there.” She rubbed her thumb over the sharp turn of his cheekbone.

Steve was silent, distracted by her makeup less features and the genuine look in her eyes. He can’t help but wish he didn’t have obligations or plans so he could fall head first into her. He knew they both had complicated lives that neither of them could even begin to understand for the other but her comfort made him want to try.

Y/N admired his face, glancing down at his lips. Steve was a very nervous guy, the most respectful she had ever met in the film business. He didn’t treat her like a piece of meat the way most men had after an on-screen kiss. She began to lean in slowly, testing the waters. A mere inch away, Steve blurted out.

“W-would you maybe want to get dinner? With me I mean to- so we can get to know each other. The real each other...?” He was bright red as he stumbled over the last sentence of his proposal.

She smiled brightly. “I would love to.” She opted to kiss his cheek, squeezing his hand before returning to her vanity.

“I’ll meet you in your dressing room tomorrow evening?” She asked, leaning back against the table.

“Yeah- yes! Yes that would be perfect I will definitely be there.” He smiled walking towards the door, opening it and preparing to leave.

“Wait Steve-“

“Hm?” Steve whipped around quickly to look at her.

Y/N picked his costume gloves off the couch and bounced over to the doorway.

“You forgot your gloves.” She placed them in his hand and went to pull away but Steve held onto her hand.

“Yes Steve?”

Steve leaned in and kissed her cheek, returning her previous affection.