Forever Friends

Chapter 3: Captain America

You laugh softly, a small tear of relief rolling down your face, "Thank goodness you're okay!"

His breathing steadies as he steps out of the machine. You look up at him, feeling your cheeks flush. He stands at least a foot and a half, if not more, above you.

You grin as he looks down at you, "Don't think this changes anything, Stevie. I can still take you."

"Stevie? Still? Come on!" He laughs and rolls his eyes before bending down, cupping your chin in his hand. He brings his lips down to caress yours before pulling on a white shirt. You barely notice the noise around you of people staring and talking in awe.

Before you realize what is happening, a hand grips your wrist and rips you backward. You feel the barrel of a gun press against your temple. He slides his arm around your waist, securing you to himself tightly. You look at Steve as Peggy runs beside him.

"Move and she dies," he says, his thick accent sending a shiver up your spine. Steve puts his arm out in front of Peggy to stop her.

"The serum, all of it, put it in the box," he throws the box at Peggy. Steve catches it mid-air before it hits her and hands it to her. His eyes never leave yours.

"Do as he says," he and Peggy exchange looks before she goes to gather the serum.

"It's going to be okay," Steve reassures you. You shake your head, squirming against the man's tight grip. He is stronger than he looks. He presses his body closer to yours.

"Feisty, aren't you?" He whispers in your ear. This makes you tremble with disdain and frustration.

"Let me go and I'll show you," you spit, gritting your teeth. Peggy brings the box to him that contains the last of the serum- 11 vials.

"Now, if you would be so kind," he yanks you backward.

He is having trouble holding you, the gun, and the serum. As he pulls you backward out of the door, you take advantage of this. You bring your elbow down into his stomach and try to wretch the box out of his hand. He points the gun at you. The next thing you hear is the bullet ricocheting off of something metallic. Steve has already placed himself in front of you, shielding you with a metal sheet. Steve chases him out and onto the street. The last thing you see is Steve chasing him down the street on foot. He is extremely fast. You lose sight of him as the man climbs in a cab and turns the corner.

You run back inside to grab your pistol. You see Dr. Erskine lying next to the entrance. Forsaking everything else, you run over to him. His blood is soaking through his white lab coat.

"Doctor?!?" You sob, trying to apply pressure. Peggy is standing behind you, her hand covering her mouth as tears stream down her face. "SOMEONE HELP ME!" You scream, blood painting your hands.

"Take care of each other," he smiles, bringing his hand up to cup your cheek, "You know what he is capable of." He lays there for a few moments until his hand falls as he takes his last gurgling breath and closes his eyes.

You lay him back, your heart aching, "Who did this?" You look up at Peggy for answers.

"Hydra," Steve answers, stepping back inside. You stand up as Steve comes and takes you in his arms, holding you as you cry.

After a few moments, you compose yourself. "We need to get back to camp but first, I need some blood samples," you look at Steve, "maybe I can resynthesize the serum." Your voice is now steady and strong. You get several vials of Steve's blood so that you can start research as soon as possible.

Peggy, Stark, Steve, and yourself load into the car. Steve explains the man was a member of Hydra. He chased him to a submarine waiting in the harbor. He was able to rip the top off and pull him out but as he was trying to get information, the serum was destroyed. The man then bit into a cyanide capsule and used his dying breath to spit, "Hail Hydra."