Steve passed for the fifth time that day and I sighed at his mocking in his "on your left!" comment. I've tried running at different times as to not have his continual bullying at my slower pace, but there's only so much you can do with such a limited schedule. I know Steve isn't a bully, he hates bullies, but he was in the army in 1940. I don't think his teasing skills have evolved to the less aggressive 21rst century.
A laugh startled me and I looked over my shoulder. It came from a short, blonde haired woman with no legs. Metal robotic legs pushed her along effortlessly and I couldn't help but notice Starks name along the sides.
"What're you laughin' at?" I scowled as she shook her head and slid up next to me.
"I think he was challenging you."
"Well he aint getting a rise outa me! I aint no fool enough to challenge the Captain to a race. He'd make me eat his dust!"
She laughed again. "I know. How many times has he past you? Four"
"Five." My blunt reply got another laugh. "Hey! If he left me in to eat his dust then he left you to!"
"Yeah? Well I got no legs. What's your excuse?"
It was followed by an awkward silence, the only sound was our sneakers slapping against the concrete and our heavy breathing. Well, my heavy breathing, she didn't seem to be tired at all. Those metal legs must really be helpful.
"How'd it happen?" I didn't look at her, embarrassed by my straightforwardness. "I mean, if it's-"
"No, it's fine." She was silent for a moment. "I used to disarm explosives. Went overseas a few years back and didn't think much of it. You see, I was used to bombs above ground, never had I needed to look under the dirt. Stupid me, I didn't watch my feet. Legs were blown right off."
"I'm sorry. I know what it's like over there. I did two tours, para-rescue." She nodded and we both shared a moment of silence. "I didn't know Stark did prosthetics?" I motioned down at her legs.
"Oh, yeah. I'm the guinea pig for these. Brand new and they want me to test drive and check for malfunctions."
"Well I know Stark and he doesn't make mistakes. If anything he makes things to well…"
She laughed at that. "Yeah, I heard about Sokovia."
"I think everybody's heard about that." She laughed again.
"You crack me up man. The names Cary Withers by the way." She nodded at me.
"Sam Wilson."
"Nice to meet you Sam. Not every day you meet people who make you smile."
We heard Steve's footfalls approaching us quickly from behind. I sped up my pace a little as he passed by. "Don't you dare!"
"On your left!" He chuckled at my deepening scowls.
Cary watched him as he ran ahead, carefully judging the distance. She looked to me, "Don't worry soldier boy, I'll beat him for you." Reaching down she turned a dial on her legs and shot after Steve.
"Give 'im hell Cary! And don't hold back! "
I chuckled as she past Steve, waving at his most likely shocked face. If only I could see his face now. I think the super soldier's finally met his match.