Hey, everyone and welcome back! I would like to first, thank those who reviewed...
hogwartswonderland
spiritofawatergoddess
Call Brandybuck
So, here's the next installment! Please don't forget to check out my Thor and Ironman fanfic because those will tie into my Avengers' fic that I will write once these three are done. So, without much more delay, enjoy the read!
~oOo~
America. Such a strange word on my tongue every time I say it and my English isn't too bad but my accent make the words slurred and hard for people to understand. It has been a few weeks since I saw the green lady holding a torch towards the sea. Uncle said she is known as Lady Liberty to the Americans and I've never seen such a towering statue besides the Eiffel Tower in Paris when my parents and I went there for a family vacation.
It's a Monday and it's raining down on the small house we were given when we first arrived. Uncle is ever busy now, trying to recreate this 'Super Soldier' formula for the American military in order to win this Second World War. I sit here, on the window seat looking out the window, watching the raindrops patter against the glass. I remember days like these...I remember such happier days...
"Do not think of that time." I turned my head to see my Uncle, who is working at his desk in the study I am currently studying the rain with, to see him looking at me with is pen frozen on his paper.
"What else can I think about? Everywhere is war and bleak. There is no sun." I turned and faced the window again. "They said the sun would come back and it hasn't." I muttered the last part to myself.
"We're going to see the future tonight. Are you not excited about that? Stark promised us something amazing." My Uncle said and I smiled. Uncle and Howard Stark have become close friends ever since they were introduced. Howard's curiosity about the formula has quickly made him one of the people my Uncle trusts nowadays. It has been awhile since I've seen my Uncle talk to someone who wasn't threatening him for his work.
"I bet he will Uncle." I looked up at the clock and saw it a five past five so that only gave me an hour or so to get ready. "I think I am going to go freshen up before we leave. I'll be in my room getting ready Uncle." I said and got up from my spot, going over to him for a quick kiss on his cheek before moving to the door.
"I'll ring the bell when our car arrives. Mr. Stark will be picking us up tonight." My Uncle said and I nodded before closing the door behind me, going up the flight of stairs, down the hall to my room. I locked my door and turned on radio for the classical music station I listen to. I undressed and slipped into my dressing robe before moving to my closet to pick out my outfit for tonight. I picked out a dark chocolate dress with short sleeves with v-neck that doesn't show much to look trashy and with small bunches of yellow flowers on it. I also picked out my underwear, black pantyhose, and a pair of dark brown pumps. Once my outfit was all laid out I went into the bathroom and started the hot water for my shower. I would've taken a bath but I don't have the time to relax and still get ready.
Once that was done I dried my hair and put curlers in it so right before I leave I can take them out and have curly hair. A classical piece of piano and cello played in the background and I found myself moving to the lovely tune. I imagined myself in a beautiful ball gown, dancing the night away with a handsome man by my side and yet...those were just dreams, not real life. That picture will never come true. It will never be painted and it will never happen. Shaking those images away I dried myself and dressed before applying make-up, only a very little, on right when the bell rung near the door. I pulled out my curlers to see my blonde hair fall into ringlets of gold that framed my face perfectly. After I checked everything over I grabbed a sweater, unlocked my door, and quickly ran down the steps to see Uncle and Stark talking about the Future Festival. When I landed on the bottom step both men turned towards me and smiled.
"You look lovely my dear." Uncle said and smiled.
"Thank you Uncle. It's good to see you again Mr. Stark." I said towards the man who came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"You look beautiful as ever Miss Lily. Your Uncle will be beating men away with sticks tonight." Howard Stark said and I chuckled at his humor. When I first met Stark I only saw him as a big brother or a father like figure to me and he saw me the same way. He said I reminded him of a friend he knew when he was little before she died of pneumonia when they were little.
"I think I'll be doing the beating since Uncle has his hands full with your experimentation of the future." I said to them as Stark handed me my coat. I accepted it and the three of us left the house, locking the door behind us. Once in the car Uncle and Stark began talk and I turned towards the open window, enjoying the smell of the fresh fallen rain that still hung in the air from hours past. As we headed towards the Starks Future festival I couldn't help but smile as we past people, ordinary people living their lives, on the street. They know of the war, yes, but that doesn't stop them. They don't care if you're Jewish, German, or anything. They base their opinions on who you are, not what you are. And I'm talking about culture background not someone's looks because people are shallow when it comes to what is beautiful, handsome, and all around perfect. No one is perfect, everyone has flaws. A mirror, a mirror that shows you all your flaws...that's what people need, a good look in the mirror to see themselves as other people see them.
"Lily, we're here." My Uncle said and I noticed that the car had stopped. Stark got out first then my Uncle then me. Once outside the car I smiled at the amazing things in front of me. Everything seemed so new and fresh. It was amazing.
"So Miss Summers, what do you think?" Stark asked a cocky smirk on his face. I chuckled, swatted his arm then linked my own through it.
"It's amazing. Everything is so...futuristic." I said and that made Stark smile, leading us through the horde of people towards a stage area.
"This is where I must get ready. I hope you two enjoy the show so go and look around, have fun." Stark gave me a kiss on the cheek before heading backstage. My Uncle and I looked at each other before smiling and shaking our heads. I linked arms with my Uncle, letting him lead me to the other exhibits that Stark had thought of along with other great inventions by other great minds (Some not as great as others like Stark but it's a start.).
More and more people started to arrive and my fear of large crowds started to creep up my spine, causing Goosebumps to appear on my arm. Evers since...that day I never really liked crowds, very large ones at that too. I guess my Uncle to sense that I was getting nervous because he pulled me to one of the food stands for us to get something to eat.
"I'm sorry." I said, eating the powdered confection.
"It's quite alright my dear. You've been through enough in your lifetime." He said, eating beside me in silence. Once we were finished eating and I had calmed down some we continued to look around. "Smile my dear, don't look so grim." Uncle said and I made a small smile appear. "It's a start." I chuckle and gave his arm a squeeze.
As we continued on we ran into a few people my Uncle knew from Germany and I was glad her got a chance to talk to them before Stark's presentation started. We made our way over, mostly staying in the back because of me.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Howard Stark!" One of the girls on stage announced, making the audience clap. She walked over to Stark, taking his hat he handed her then allowing him to kiss her. My Uncle and I chuckled and shook our heads. Stark will be Stark, not matter what or anyone says. We watched as he spoke but the future cars flying, gesturing the girls to take off the tires of the car.
"Dr. Erskine?" The both of us turned to see a man dressed in military uniform. "I'm sorry to interrupt but you are needed at the recruitment office." He said. My Uncle gave me a look that said he was sorry work had come up so I gave him a small smile.
"Don't worry, I don't mind. Let's see what they want." I told him. My Uncle gave my arm a pat before we followed the officer to the recruitment office. In the entrance way there were signs of strong American men pointing at the reader to join the army, to give their lives for a war they did not wish to take part in, only to be dragged in by the death of thousands. Most of these works are propaganda, like the ones we had back in Germany, only the Nazi symbol was everywhere, spreading Hitler's idea of a perfect race of blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Wait here in the waiting room my dear, I will be right back." Uncle said then disappeared behind a door that leads into the offices. I sat in one of the chairs waiting patiently for Uncle to return. As I waited I watched as healthy young men, some just boys in their teens go with doctors to see if their fit to be in the army. Just seeing them made my heart ache. "All set to go?" I looked up to see my Uncle with a sad look in his face.
"No candidates?" I asked him and he shook his head. Since Uncle's formula worked and we moved here the military had been trying to create an army of super soldiers, to battle Hitler's army. We have men who are more than capable but we need one person to try the formula on. The first batch...was just an experimental and wasn't really finished but now that it is, we need someone to our guinea pig and see if it works once again.
"None that I haven't seen before. Come my dear, I'm sure Mr. Stark would like to question us about his performance." My Uncle said and I took hold of his arm.
"I'm sure the woman he locked lips with was certainly pleased with his performance." I said with a sly smile, causing my Uncle to laugh loudly.
"I'm glad you know your humor is still intact." My Uncle said as we rounded a corner.
"I know it's a war."
"Why are you so keen to fight?" The both of us slowed our pace when he overheard an argument from two men in front of us once we turned the corner. "There are so many important jobs."
"What do you want me to do? Collect scrap metal in my little red wagon." A man, much smaller than the other with blonde hair and blue eyes argued with a taller man in military uniform.
"Yes. Why not?"
"I'm not gonna sit in a factory, Bucky. Bucky, come on. There are men laying down their lives. I got no right to do any less than them. That's what you don't understand. This isn't about me." The small man said.
"Large words for a small man." I whispered as my Uncle and I stayed within hearing range, trying to look like we weren't listening in.
"Right."Cause you got nothing to prove." We watched as a woman called to the military man from outside. "Yes, we are." He called back before returning to face the other man. "Don't do anything stupid until I get back."
"How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you." The small man joked. The military man stopped to move back to his friend, embracing him in a brotherly hug. "Be careful." The small man was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. "Don't win the war until I get there!" His friend saluted him then turning to the women he was with. The small man turned and walked past us towards the recruitment offices. I looked at my Uncle who had this look in his eye I knew too well.
"I know that look Uncle. We can go back." My Uncle looked at me and patted my hand as we headed back to the offices. We waited until the small man was behind the curtain before my Uncle started to talk with the doctors and nurses about him. I let him do the talking while I sat and waited.
After a while my Uncle sent a nurse into to tell the doctor that my Uncle would like a word with him. The doctor came out a few seconds later, giving my Uncle the small man's file.
"Asthma? Scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, sinusitis, chronic or frequent colds, high blood pressure, pounding in heart or palpitation, easy fatigability, heart trouble, nervous trouble of any sort, in contact with tuberculosis, and parents/sibling with diabetes. Uncle, this man, you can't seriously think..." My Uncle gave me a look to be quiet and told me to follow him. My Uncle pulled back the curtain and walked inside.
"Thank you." He said to the guard and dismissed him. I smiled at the guard and pulled the curtains closed myself. "So, you want to go overseas. Kill some Nazis." My Uncle said, opening the file as I sat on the examination bed.
"Excuse me?" The small man asked.
"Dr. Abraham Erskine. I represent the Strategic Scientific Reserve." Uncle Walked over to him and shook the small man's hand as he stood up to do so.
"Steve Rogers." The small man introduced himself. I gave a small cough to let the two know I was still present.
"Ah, of course, I'm sorry my dear. This is my niece, Lily Summers." I held out my hand and Rogers took it.
"Nice to meet you." I smiled at him politely.
"Likewise." He answered with the same smile. "Where are you two from?" He asked, picking up on our still existing accents.
"Queens. 73rd street and Utopia Parkway." My Uncle answered.
"But before that, we came from Germany." I finished what my Uncle was saying. "Why? Does this trouble you?" I asked him as he stood there, stock.
"No." Rogers answered simply.
"Where are you from, Mr. Rogers? Is it New Haven? Or Paramus? Five exams, in five different cities." My Uncle read off and I sharply turned and took the file. How could I have missed that little tid-bit of important information?
"That might not be the right file." Rogers started but my Uncle cut him off.
"No, it's not the exams I'm interested in. It's the five tries. But you didn't answer my question. Do you want to kill Nazis?" I looked up from the folder to see that my Uncle now stood in front of Rogers. I closed the folder and looked at him. Roger's eyes quickly turned over to me then back again to my Uncle.
"Is this a test?" Rogers asked and I giggled that got both attention of the men in front of me.
"Sorry." I said with a smile that made the corners of Roger's lips turn upwards.
"Yes." Uncles' eyes were on me and I quickly refrained from making any more noise.
"I don't want to kill anyone. I don't like bullies. I don't care where they're from." Rogers answer made my smile turn a little bit larger. Big words for such a small man.
"Well, there are already so many big men fighting this war. Maybe what we need now is a little guy, huh?" My Uncle smiled. "I can offer you a chance." My Uncle turned and drew open the curtain. "Only a chance." Rogers and I both followed as my Uncle took the file from my hands.
"I'll take it." Rogers said.
"Good. So where is the little guy from? Actually?" My Uncle asked looking for the right stamp.
"Brooklyn." Rogers said with a smile.
"Congratulations, soldier." Uncle stamped something and handed the file back to Rogers. Uncle gave me a look that told me it was time to go.
"Good luck Steve. I hope to see you again soon." I said and gave him a nod.
"Same here." He gave me an awkward smile that made me giggle and shook my head. I have him a wave good-bye before rushing to catch up with my Uncle.
"So, that's what you were up to." I said and took my Uncle's arm.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Uncle said. I smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"You always see the good in people Uncle." I said as we walked back outside.
"No, I see the good in good people." Uncle answered me then looked around. "Are you ready to head home?"
"Yes, I grow tired of large crowds." I said dramatically that made my Uncle chuckle. We walked towards the street and hailed a taxi. My Uncle gave directions and soon we were pulling away from the Stark's future convention. When we reached home I told Uncle I was going to bed early, feeling really worn from today's activities.
"All right my dear, sleep well." He gave me a kiss on the cheek and I went upstairs to my room. I took off my dress and put on my long nightgown. I brushed my teeth and washed my face before climbing into bed. As I lied there my thought went back to the small man named Steve Rogers. There was something about him that stood out. He's seemed more...what's the word...simple. He favored his head than his size and he had manners that more men should make note of.
As my eyes began to close my thoughts wouldn't let go of the image of Roger's smiling at me when I giggled that first time. I closed my eyes tight as tears pricked my closed eyes.
That was the first time in a long while that I actually giggled and felt happy.
~oOo~
There you go! Another chapter! Please review and tell me what you think!