Connections

3: Hit Me

The next few week I spent with Peggy and Dr. Erskine at the training camp. Well, few weeks in their time. It was only a couple of hours for Shield. Peggy instilled fear into the soldiers. I loved it. She was someone strong who didn't care that men believed she didn't belong there. It was inspiring.

It wasn't long before Steve received the serum. He was the obvious choice. Between us at least. It took some convincing however, agreement came once Colonel Philips threw a dummy grenade into the field. Everyone ran, but Steve was the only one to throw his body on top of it.

I admired Steve. Though, I could tell I wasn't the only one who did. Peggy seemed to grow a liking to him as well. I couldn't help but enjoy watching the cute looks they gave each other. I was still waiting on seeing one person. The one person that had been on my mind since we met. However, the second Steve received the serum, things moved quickly.

It was amazing to see the physical transformation. It was even more fun to see Howard Stark in action. It was like reading a history book the way things played out. I stood with Peggy as the new Steve was revealed. I could see Peggy's face began to blush as she looked at the large muscles Steve suddenly grew. I just nodded at him and responded with, "not bad."

We couldn't sit and celebrate. A Hydra agent had snuck his way in to steal the serum. In the midst of running away, Dr. Erskine was shot and killed. It wasn't long before Steve was put into his costume and used as a mascot with the USO. It was unfortunate to see.

What was even worse though is that since I worked closely with Erskine I was stuck with sticking with Rogers. Wouldn't be half bad however every city he went to promote supporting the war was every city I had to sit and hear that ridiculous song.

We arrived to an Army base in Italy. I stood behind the curtain as Steve did his usual show. However, this crowd wasn't enjoying it as much as the crowds of people not experiencing the war. They booed and threw stuff at him as he tried to continue.

I looked at the girls back stage as they shifted around nervously. I turned to one swiftly.

"Go back out there quickly." I hissed. She nodded as the rest of them followed behind. I watched as Steve came backstage and walked down the stairs before landing on the ground. He quickly began to walk as I followed next to him.

"That wasn't my best." He said sounding a bit defeated.

"They're the ones experiencing the war, Steve. Half of them were forced here. Away from families and friends." I began to say. I quickly grabbed Steve's arm before he could walk away farther, "They don't get the whole stars and stripes gig. They've seen nothing but bloodshed. Lost friends. Give it time."

Steve looked away. I could tell he understood however he didn't want to be doing this in the first place.

"Thank you, Layla. I don't' think I could've handle this without a familiar face." He said with a smile. I nodded. A smirk landing on my face.

"Yeah, you owe me a drink when this is done for listening to that song so much." I chuckled. Steve smile grew bigger as he shook his head.

"Its a deal." He said as he held his hand out. I grabbed it as we shook on the promise.

"Hello, Steve." A familiar soft British accent spoke behind me. Steve looked up as a shocked look landed on his face. I quickly turned to see Agent Carter standing behind me. I quickly saluted her, standing straight.

"Layla we've known each other long enough for you not to do that." She chuckled a bit. I shifted nervously.

"Yes ma'am." I said quietly. I stepped out of the way as her and Steve stared at each other. I could help but smile as they both looked happy to be around. I also couldn't help but feel like a third wheel.