Letters

Star Spangled Man

"Great job out there as usual." Olsen said, clapping Steve on the back. Steve smiled warily as he pulled off his gloves and mask.

"Thanks." Steve murmured as he went on to congratulate the girls. Licking his lips, Steve ran a hand through his hair and pulled the most recent letter from Willow out of his bag. He hadn't replied to her yet. Steve had gotten it yesterday and he'd read it so many times already but he had yet to reply.

"Another letter from your girl?" A sweet voice asked. Steve looked up and found Callie standing in front of him. Callie was a small, cute girl with curly red hair that she somehow managed to tame before every show. She was the only one who was interested in being friends with Steve. Everyone else fancied him. Steve smiled softly and put it back into his bag.

"Yeah. I haven't replied yet."

"Well why don't you do it now Star Spangled Man. You've got time before the pictures." Callie said, gesturing to the bench in front of them.

"Captain America!" Someone called. Steve turned his head, having grown accustomed to answering that name. Olsen stood by the exit of the stage door trying to wave him over. "Come on, picture time." He said, imitating a camera with his hands. Olsen laughed as he snapped several pretend pictures and headed out the door. Steve turned back to Callie who was smirking a little.

"Captain America never rests." Steve said with a sigh as he put his mask back on.

"Smile pretty for the cameras Steve." Callie replied, shaking her head at him.

"Don't I always?" Callie laughed as he pulled on his gloves and headed for the door. Just outside the exit were several children with their parents. Some of the kids were awestruck, others were clamoring for pictures and autographs.

"Move back kiddies, let the Captain through." Olsen exclaimed, trying to be heard over them as the kids tried to rush him.

"Aw let them through." Steve argued. Some of the kids agreed with them, whining about wanting to meet Captain America. Olsen moved in closer to Steve and said the same thing he always says after the show.

"If they want a picture or an autograph, they have to pay Steve."

"I'm the one getting their money Olsen." Was Steve's reply. "Let them through." And Olsen would step back, line the kids up and Steve would meet with them for free. Most of them didn't say anything as Steve signed a picture of himself, others had a lot to say.

"You're my favorite hero. You knocked out Hitler!" A little boy exclaimed.

"Yes and I'll do it again if I have to." Steve replied. The boy was in awe.

"Aren't you scared?" He whispered.

"Of course I am. Everyone gets scared. You just can't let fear control you." The boy smiled and threw his arms around Steve, hugging him.

"I wish you were my daddy, my daddy went off to war but he's not coming back. Mommy said he died and.."

"Henry." A blonde women said sharply. The boy stopped talking and looked at his shoes. Steve glanced up at the women and smiled warily. He handed the autograph to the boy and stood.

"I'm sorry for your loss ma'am." The women pursed her lips and nodded before taking her sons hand.

"Thank you." She said quietly. "Now what do we say to Mr. Captain America?" She asked in a cheerful voice to her son.