Chapter 1: Smithsonian Exhibit
Staring at his face on the screen, the winter soldier's eyes scanned the paragraphs describing his rescue from his captors with the help of Captain America right down to his heroics and ultimately a death that never occurred. That man in the stars in stripes costume didn't lie. Looking at the picture he glanced into the screen and saw his own reflection as well. The two of them were one and the same and yet they couldn't be. He'd done nothing but finish each mission for years then sit back in that chair. Darkness until he was needed again. This soldier had no memory of any life before that. Yet strangely he remembered first waking up to the metal being applied to his left arm after encountering "Captain America" the first time. What does it mean? Gritting his teeth and squeezing his fists in his pockets, he released when a younger woman stood next to him.
"Pretty crazy huh?" she asked, smiling slightly before returning her eyes to the screen. "Captain America's best friend and I never even heard of him, 'til now that is. I can't imagine what it'd be like to lose your best friend. Could you?"
Kelly Olson looked towards the strange man standing there but his lips stayed straight and no sound came. He didn't even glance her way or at least she didn't think so. She could barely see them beneath the baseball cap he wore. Looking back at the screen she sighed, reading the rest of the blurb. She didn't know why she just felt the urge to go over to him. That was the next screen in the exhibit anyway and maybe it was because he seemed so mysterious with the scruff on his face, baseball cap and denim jacket. Or maybe she'd been alone too long and he's the first guy who really caught her interest since Jacob. Glancing at him again, she looked up and down. He really is attractive. Though I think a smile might kill him, then me. Who knows if it'd be from pure shock of a reaction or the sheer beauty of the pearly whites that have to be hiding behind those lips? Those totally kissable lips... What the hell am I talking about? Get it together Kelly, geeze. You act like you've never found a guy attractive before.
In any case, something pulled her towards him but Kelly didn't know what. He watched the screen so strangely, as if he was trying to do more than read about the James "Bucky" Barnes. She tried not to stare but she found him to be an interesting puzzle. Still, he stood there, hand in pockets and ignored her. This guy clearly didn't want to talk so she sighed and started to walk away.
Stopping after a few steps, Kelly paused. He's really quiet and we're in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. I can't see anything under his jacket other than his shirt and he's kept both hands in his pockets this entire time. Plus, he barely talks. He doesn't look nervous or anything but what if he's just biding his time? What if he's some crazy assassin dude with a gun in his pocket? Turning to face him, he still stood there, staring at the screen. Biting her lip, she debated. Maybe I've watched too much Law and Order and he's just a normal guy but what if he's not? What if I could save him or anyone else from whatever he might do?
Once he saw her leave in his peripherals, the winter soldier studied the screen more. What information it gave could not sustain him. He needed to know more. Another memory flashed of his fall from the train. The last thing he saw was Captain America yelling his name as he fell. He remembered preparing to hit, readying himself for death. But he didn't die. Why? He knew he shouldn't bother with these questions and in the back of his head he heard the order to return to his superiors loud and clear. Once he returned however, he knew he wouldn't be back. Like a good operative, the winter soldier would lean back in the chair and feel the sharp pulse through his brain, wiping any memory he had. Stepping backwards, he almost collided head on with the same young woman from before. She put her hands up and said, "Sorry! I didn't mean to do that."
Kelly's cheeks reddened. You idiot you're not supposed to run into him. Now he's going to think you're a total blonde and not just because your hair is. On the plus side maybe he'll say something. Looking up, she swallowed, barely able to keep her mouth shut in awe. Those blue eyes held her captive with one glance. She inhaled sharply as his gaze trailed upward from the tips of her toes before returning to her eyes. God stare much? Not like I'm a total loss but I'm only 5'4" and I could probably hit the gym more than I do. His eyes locked on hers, unflinching and cold, definitely not in the finding her attractive category. Swallowing she said, "I'm sorry again. I just—well you looked kind of, I don't know, worried or something. I just wanted to make sure you're okay. Are you?"
Their eyes stayed on each others. No answer. Kelly nodded and turned around, walking away. This time the soldier's eyes followed her completely. Even in civilian clothes, people kept their distance from him. Kids, adults, anyone—it didn't matter. One glance could send anyone scurrying, but not her. That alone begged the question, why? He thought a moment then followed, knowing full well she'd never see him if she turned around.