Title : An Honorable Man
Fandom : The Avengers/Captain America (movie)
Rating : PG-13
Written as the first fill for my Steve Rogers Avenger Prompt Table.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.
An Honorable Man
Steve is an honorable man. He doesn't intend to let that change if the serum works. He believes in treating his elders and women with respect, in serving one's country, in doing one's best in all things. Steve believes that a man should strive high, not give up in the face of bullies, whether they be the thug from down the street or Hitler's Nazi forces. Steve believes a man should be given the chance to be everything he can, asthma and other weaknesses aside.
Steve doesn't really want to kill anyone, but he wants to serve and protect and fight for right and justice. That is why he kept on trying to enlist, disregarding every rule that says he shouldn't be reapplying.
He's pretty sure that it's all of those reasons that let him be the one that Erskine selected, not just his dogged persistence.
Steve's in a new body, or at least nothing about it feels familiar. Weeks later and he's still getting used to the power, the strength, just the sheer health and vigor in this body. It takes time to really understand the potential he's got now, but inside he hangs onto the old Steve. People are fascinated by this new person they think he is, like something has changed. The truth is it's just a façade, albeit a stronger, healthier and apparently, if the attention he's getting is anything to go by, a far more attractive one. Steve is the same person he ever was; he has the same core strength and belief in what's right, and the same insecurities of not really knowing how to deal with anyone without Bucky at his side.
He can honestly say that he still hates that people can't see beyond what's on the outside. He's got the same belief and intentions to fight for what's right, for justice and freedom, but people are still distracted by what they see first, which isn't the real Steve at all.
Letting Howard drop him alone behind enemy lines is beyond foolish, suicidal more like, but he can't sit back and be the unwanted part of some chorus line. He can't do nothing when there are good men trapped and in need of help. Bucky might be there. He knows it's a 'might'. He knows the likelihood of him being able to save anyone, even himself, from the madness is slight, but it's Bucky and Bucky has always been there for him, stood by him in a way no one else ever has. Bucky had never hesitated to come and save him. He owes it to him to do the same. It's more than just a matter of honor.
Returning with those soldiers, with Bucky, made everything worthwhile. He wouldn't change a thing. This alone made Erskine's serum worth it whatever happens next. It's not the glory he wants, it's all those soldiers back where they belong. It's the only point to doing this. It's about doing what's right, and that is something Steve will always strive for.