My Darling (Steve Rogers Love Story)

Chapter 5

Steve was constantly traveling. Doing shows in every major city in the US. He wrote when he could, and Alice even got to go to a few of the shows. It took quite a bit of effort on her part to not laugh every time she saw him on that stage. She knew this was not what Steve had in mind when he was asked to help America win the war.

Alice glanced at the today's newspaper that laid on her bed. There was a picture of Steve in his costume, wearing an awkward smile and holding a crying baby. She couldn't help but chuckle. Alice finished packed her small bag and set it by the door. Tomorrow she was headed out to an army base where Steve was performing one of his shows. The Times was sending her to get some inside details about where the army is at in the war. She had just conveniently chosen the same weekend Steve would be there. Alice had decided to surprise him, figured she might be able to cheer him up a bit.

"Oh God," Alice muttered watching Steve up the stage. Agent Carter shook her head in agreement. Steve was dying up there.

"Hey, Captain! Sign this!" A soldier shouted. He stood up, turned around, and pulled down his pants. The crowd laughed, both Alice and Agent Carter cringed. The men threw a couple of tomatoes a Steve, who held up his shield to protect himself. Steve sighed in defeat and marched off the stage as the showgirls walked on.

It had started to rain. Alice pulled her coat closer as she made her way to the stage setup, where Steve sat on the steps talking to Agent Carter. As Alice reached them Agent Carter stood and smiled at her.

"I'll leave you two alone,"

Alice nodded in thanks as Agent Carter walked away. She sat down beside Steve who kissed the top of her head.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes,"

"Was hoping to come cheer you up," Alice responded starring up at him. She would never get over how tall he was now. "You did well."

"I sucked," Steve grunted turning back to his notebook. Alice noticed a drawing of a dancing monkey wearing a costume like Steve's. "All I've ever wanted is to serve my country, travel. And when I finally get everything I wanted, I'm wearing tights."

"At least your ass looks good."

Steve laughed at that. The sounds of shouting and an ambulance interrupted him. They looked over to see injured men being brought into the hospital tent. "They look like they've been through hell."

"These men more than most," Alice commented. "Agent Carter told me Schmitt sent out a force to Manzano. Two hundred men went in, and less than fifty returned. Your audience contained what was left of 107. The rest were killed or captured."

"The 107?"

"What is it?" Alice asked surprised.

"Come on!" Steve shouted tossing her coat to her and taking off.

"Colonel Phillips," Steve spoke as they entered the tent. They walked over to the Colonel's desk where Agent Carter stood beside him.

"Well, if it isn't the Star-spangled man with a plan. What is your plan today?"

Alice made a mental note to tease Steve about that later.

"I need the casualty list from Manzano."

"You don't get to give me orders son."

"I just need one name, Sargent James Barnes from the 107th," Steve asked.

Alice bit back a gasp. How did she not realize it before!

"You and I are going to have a conversation later that you won't enjoy," Philips stated pointing at Alice.

"I'm not revealing my source." Alice acknowledged. She would never throw Peggy under the bus, especially since she was Alice's top source for info.