Behind Blue Eyes

08

Captain America and his Howling Commandos fought HYDRA.

While watching a movie of Captain America and his Howling Commandos, Bucky appeared on screen next to Steve.

Essie noticed a picture of herself in Steve's compass. Colonel Phillips and Peggy glanced at her and Essie smiled and looked at the man she loved.

---

Steve was returning from on a mission after hearing word that Essie went into labor.

It was difficult and put incredible strain on her body.

When she finally delivered the baby, she smiled and said softly, "Her name is Jane. Jane Sarah Rogers."

One of the nurses noticed she was bleeding profusely, and tried to stop it and to stabilize Essie, but wasn't able to do so.

Steve rushed into the tent to see his wife and newborn daughter.

The doctor pulled Steve aside and said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could."

"What?"

"Captain Rogers, I'm sorry, but she's gone."

Steve blinked back tears as he stroked Essie's face.

---

Bucky and Steve were on a snow-covered mountain while the Howling Commandos prepared to zipline onto the train.

"Remember when I made you and Essie ride the Cyclone at Coney Island?" Bucky asked.

"Yeah, and I threw up and she screamed bloody murder?" Steve replied, swallowing heavily at the mention of Essie.

"This is payback, isn't it?"

"Now why would I do that?" Steve answered in a smug tone.

"We were right," Gabe Jones said. "Dr. Zola's on the train. HYDRA dispatcher gave him permission to open up the throttle. Wherever he's going, they must need him bad."

"Let's get going, because they're moving like the devil," James Montgomery warned.

"We only got about a ten-second window," Steve informed. "You miss that window, we're bugs on a windshield."

"Mind the gap."

"Better get moving, bugs!" Dum Dum Dugan said.

"Maintenant!" Jaques Dernier yelled as Steve, Bucky and Gabe ziplined onto the train.

(Now!)

Dr. Zola, watching Steve on a monitor as he fought his way through the train, cried, "Stop him! Fire again!"

Steve noticed Bucky on the other side of the door.

Bucky shot the man coming for him. He continued shooting and soon ran out of bullets. He ducked behind a pile of crates, choosing to embrace death as an old friend rather than a bitter enemy.

Steve opened the door, nodded to his friend, and tossed Bucky the gun. Bucky caught the gun.

Steve darted forward and pushed a crate, causing the HYDRA soldier to move to one side.

Bucky shot the HYDRA soldier and killed him before saying, "I had him on the ropes."

"I know you did," Steve replied as another trooper with a blaster appeared. "Get down!"

"Fire again!" Dr. Zola ordered. "Kill him! Now!"

Bucky picked up the shield and continued firing.

The robotic man fired again and he was blasted through a hole.

"Bucky!" Steve yelled, moving to get his friend. "Hang on! Grab my hand!" Bucky tried to grab his hand, but couldn't and fell. "NO!"

Steve rested his head on the side of the train, fighting against the forming tears. His best friend, just like his wife, was gone. He hadn't been able to do anything to stop either and he felt utterly helpless.

LONDON - BAR

Steve made his way to the bar where he had enlisted his Howling Commandos. His infant daughter was sleeping in his arms.

Peggy followed the voice of a radio through the rubble.

A man on the radio said, "Blackout is still in effect throughout the London area. Please wait for the all-clear. Your attention, please. All citizens shall remain indoors until further notice. Blackout is still in effect throughout the London area."

Peggy found Steve pouring himself a drink.

Steve glanced up and said, "Dr. Erskine said that... the serum wouldn't just affect my muscles, it would effect my cells. Create a protective system of regeneration and healing. Which means um... I can't get drunk. Did you know that?"

Peggy looked at him before saying, "Your metabolism burns four times faster than the average person. He thought it could be one of the side effects." She changed the subject. "It wasn't your fault. Just like Essie's wasn't."

"Did you read the reports?"

"Yes."

"Then you know that's not true."

"You did everything you could. Did you believe in your friend? Did you respect him?" Steve looked at her as if to say yes. "Then stop blaming yourself. Allow Barnes the dignity of his choice. He damn well must have thought you were worth it."

"I'm goin' after Schmidt," Steve decided. "I'm not gonna stop till all of HYDRA is dead or captured."

"You won't be alone."