After meeting with Fury, Jessie and Steve decided to take a trip to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to see the Captain America and Winter Patriot exhibit. There they saw many kids looking around with their parents and pointing in awe at the pictures and displays. Both soldier’s wore a slight disguise, Steve wearing a baseball hat and Jessie wearing fake glasses. Both stayed to the side.
“Symbol’s to the nation,” the announcer said. “Hero’s to the world. The story of Captain America is one of honor, bravery, and sacrifice. The story of the Winter Patriot is one of the same.” The two continued to walk. They got to where Jessie’s before and after pictures were.
“Denied enlistment due to poor strength, stamina, and asthma, Jessica Evans was the first chosen for a program unique for the American Warfare. One that would transform her into the world’s first Super Soldier and first female soldier in history.” The screen showed a before picture of Jessie which kids tried to match their height to with the measurements on the wall, then it showed an after picture which showed a taller Jessie which they awed at. Jessie noticed a little boy looking at her and Steve. He had a Captain America shirt on. She looked to him and pressed her fingers to her lips as if telling him to not say anything. He nodded.
“Battle test.” Jessie and Steve walked over to the area which showed his old motorcycle and all the uniforms of the Howling Commandos including a line up picture of them behind it. The only one that was a replica was Bucky’s uniform. “Captain America and his Howling Commandos quickly earned their strides. Their mission; taking down Hydra, the Nazi Rouge Science division.” Jessie saw the replica uniform for Bucky. She noticed a pair of dog-tags and knew they weren’t the real ones. Steve looked at Jessie and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Jessie looked over to see a picture of Bucky next to a short biography of him on a dedicated display. Underneath the paragraphs it read:
Bucky Barnes
1917-1944
“Friends since childhood, Bucky Barnes, Jessica Evans and Steven Rogers were inseparable on both school yard and battlefield.” Jessie walked up to the picture. “Barnes is the only Howling Commando to give his life in service of his country.” The female walked away from the picture, grabbing Steve’s hand, and walking to a room where there was a video of an interview with Peggy showing.
“It was a difficult winter,” she said. “A blizzard had trapped half of our battalion behind German lines. Steve-Captain Rogers and Sergeant Evans fought their way through Hydra blockade that had pinned our allies down for months. They saved over one thousand men, including the man who would become my husband as it turned out. Jessie said she did it for her friends in the unit, including Bucky who, I later found out she loved. Even after he died, Steve was still changing my life.” Jessie looked at the dog-tags she was wearing. She remembers how he had given them to her before the train mission in ’44. The two left the museum and began to head to a retirement home. They entered a room where Peggy was. She had aged. She was lying in a bed that had pictures of her family on the bedside table.
“You should be proud of yourself, Peggy,” Steve said sitting down in a chair and looking at the pictures.
“Mm-hmm,” she agreed. “I have lived a life. My only regret is that you both didn’t get to live yours.” She looked to Jessie and took her hand and Jessie gave her a small smile. “What is it?”
“For as long as I can remember is that I just wanted to do what was right,” Jessie spoke. “I guess I’m not quite sure what to think anymore. And I thought I could throw myself back in and follow orders, serve. Just not the same.” Steve gave her a smile. She chuckled.
“Why so dramatic? Look. You saved the world. We rather… mucked it up.”
“You didn’t. Knowing you helped found S.H.I.E.L.D. is half the reason we stay.”
“The world is changed. And none of us can go back. All we can do is our best. And sometimes the best that we can do is to start over-“ Peggy began to cough. Jessie got up to grab a glass of water for Peggy. Steve turned as if to get it himself. Jessie handed the glass toward Peggy once she recovered from coughing. She looked to the Sergeant and Captain. She had tears in her eyes.
“Steve… Jessie…”
“Yeah..”
“Y-Your alive.” Tears had begun to run down Jessie’s face. “You came-You came back.”
“Yeah, Peggy.”
“It’s been so long.” Peggy had begun to cry. Steve had tears in his eyes but was holding them back. “So long…”
“Well I couldn’t leave my best girl. Not when she owes me a dance.”
“Jessie.” Jessie put the glass down and kneeled next to the bed. “I’m so sorry. About Bucky.” Peggy held her arms open as if wanting to give Jessie a hug. Jessie gave Peggy a hug. “Has she been talking lately?” Steve looked at Peggy. Jessie pulled away from the hug. “I remember when you came back from the train mission she wouldn’t talk to anyone, besides the fact Howard kept her isolated for people’s safety. I told him not to, but he wouldn’t listen.” Jessie looked sad.
“It varies,” Steve replied looking to Jessie. Peggy took Jessie’s hand.
“I know you don’t like to talk anymore, but don’t worry. The world has become a terrifying place lately. I understand. Howard kept you isolated for a year, and he was the only one you were able to talk to.” Jessie nodded.
“Thank you, Peggy,” she quietly said. Jessie and Steve left, deciding it was best to head to the VA to see Sam.
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'Til The End - Bucky Barnes Fanfic
Fanfic[COMPLETED] **This is a sequel to Things We Lost.** Two years after the alien attack in New York. Four and a half years of running from the past which will soon come back and bite Jessica Evans and Steve Rogers in the behind. Life in D.C. is differe...
