The Light that Shines Within

The Museum Pt.1

The elevator let us off on the lobby floor and we walked out into the street. Steve turned to me and gave a nervous smile. Gesturing to the old Indian motorcycle parked on the curb in front of us. "I hope you like motorcycles..."  I nodded and was instantly drawn to the bike in question. I loved all things motorbikes and old cars, from a simplier time. Vintage was cool to me. I pointed with a knowing smile. "Fourty-Three I'm assuming? Standard military issue for its day?" I looked at his surprised face.

"Uh..yeah..you know bikes?"

I nodded. "And cars...you know, the older models of things were always built sturdier, to last longer than things today...and now I'm rambling like a Car and Driver magazine..." I heard him chuckle and shake his head as he pulled the two helmets off the handlebars, giving one to me. I took it and put it on snugly. "No, its alright. I just didn't peg you as a motorhead. Its refreshing. " I felt a blush coming on and I looked down in hopes he didnt see it.

"You ok there Cass?"

I smiled looking up at him and right into his soft blue eyes. Had they always been that blue? I couldn't remember.  But they sure were pretty nice if I said so myself. "Y..yeah I'm great Steve, just checking to make sure my laces are tied is all. "  Then he smiled. "Are you ready? The exhibit opens in a half hour. And knowing these streets it will be hard to get there. " I nodded and he climbed on in front, and looked at me. Me swinging my leg over one side and wrapping my arms securely around Steve's waist which made me want to blush profusely as I'd never been so close to him before. I felt his chuckle and soon the bike started to life with a gentle roar. And then we were off...

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We parked in a parking garage in a darker corner and Steve pulled out a pair of sunglasses from his blue leather jacket. I smiled knowing it was a disguise he used in public outings. I was so glad I was the unknown Avenger no one cared about then. I was just The Shadow, no more, no less. A figure that helped in the Battle of NY and was never seen or heard from again. A phantom in the night who would return if this city were threatened once again.  I liked it this way for the most part.

"Disguise?"

He nodded with a half smile and looked at my hand. "You..want to hold my hand? So..uh..we blend in more?" I thought about how much bull that was; but thought his attempt at slyness was cute and slightly truthful. We would ​​​​​​ blend in more if we held hands to act the part of a couple, but I knew that wasn't the only reason he asked and it was kinda nice to see from the spangled man with a plan. So, nervously, I gave him my hand to hold. It felt warmer than my skin but not uncomfortable in the least. It was like having a anchor in a cold sea and I wasn't going to complain as we moved closer together, our hands loosly swinging in between us. 

"So..what exhibit are we going to see? The one you were talking about earlier?" He looked embarssed to say it but took a deep breath and said it anyway. "Well....its more or less about...me. World War two but based around the stuff I gave them after I came out of the ice. Some, like my old suit and a motorcycle went to the Smithsonian along with other stuff. But the more personal, science type stuff is staying in New York where it belongs." I nodded as we walked onto the street and towards the Museum of Natural History. 

So that's why his room was so...empty. He had given everything before he woke up away. All he had now from the 40's was his shield, his bike, and that compass he looked at sometimes when on the quinjet or when he thought no one was looking. The one with Peggy Carter's picture inside. I felt that pain..I knew what its like as a creature of the night to have to change who you were and leave everything behind and become someone else.

I understood Steve.

"Cass?" I shook my head out my reverie and looked at him with a sheepish smile. We were still walking but it felt like memory lane had taken me on a time warp in Marty McFly's Delorian. It took me a minute to get my bearings again. Steve was looking at me confused and maybe a bit worried. "Sorry Steve...I took a trip down memory lane is all." He gave me a look of understanding. "You were on ice too I heard? Hydra caught you or something? That's what Tony was telling me.." He started slowly.