Chapter Nine
Steve had noticed him very soon after leaving S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. And the agent tailing him wasn't entirely unexpected. He hadn't told anyone that he was leaving. What was surprising was that no one tried to stop him.
With hands thrust deep in his leather jacket's pockets, Captain Rogers walked the streets of Manhattan, feet hitting the pavement that had at one time been so familiar. He didn't look around at the changes, instead focused firmly on the past. There were moments when he paused, sure that he had taken a wrong turn somewhere, but soon sorted himself out. While the buildings may have changed, the roads at least stayed the same.
It came as a bit of a shock when he finally arrived. Steve stood still and looked into the enclosed area, picturing when there had been a building and people would wait to enter the famed halls. Now ivy hung on the walls, trees grew, and the loud thundering of a fountain blocked out the city sounds. Taking a deep breath, Steve stepped into the park and walked over to an empty table, turning to face the fountain. He closed his eyes, imagining that the band was playing. As if to torture him more, his mind landed on "I'll Be Seeing You".
Steve leaned forward, folded his hands, and bowed his head. Peggy was walking towards him in that red dress, a smile on her lips. "You're late."
His hand reached up and quickly wiped away the tears that escaped.
OOO
Emily sat at the conference table, staring blankly at the wall, and sliding her locket along the chain. Dr. Thompson had stayed for a while and discussed what had happened, but it didn't assuage her guilt. Were the situation reversed, she knew that she would have reacted in the same way.
Had she been given the option, Emily didn't think that she could have born listening to Garrett's last moments. To hear him having a normal conversation, unaware that his life was soon to be over, and then that horrible silence…Emily shuddered at the thought.
"Be careful, okay?"
"Don't worry, babe, you're not going to get rid of me that easily," he grinned. "I've got something for you." Emily shook her head and forced herself to smile. Garrett reached into the pocket of his fatigues and pulled out a small box. "Just something for you while I'm gone." He opened it and removed a locket. Emily reached for the charm and opened it, reading the inscription on the left panel.
"I am yours, no matter how far." Fighting back tears, she turned and let him put it on her. His emerald eyes bore into hers when they met again.
"I'll see you soon," he promised, resting is forehead on hers. Emily wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her fingers in his black hair.
"You better." Garrett smiled and held her tightly before pressing his lips to hers.
"I've gotta go now." Emily nodded, taking a shuddering breath. "Hey, no tears." He reached up and brushed them away. With one last kiss, they broke apart and he walked towards the security checkpoint. When he'd passed it, he turned and waved. Emily blew him a kiss, which he caught and pressed to his heart.
With a heavy sigh, Emily wiped away a tear and pressed the locket to her lips. Shaking hands drew the laptop towards her, and she began her search.
OOO
For the next three days, whenever Emily and Steve saw one another, they avoided each other's gaze. Steve spent most of his time at the older gym, while she worked in the conference room. Both had noted that the other looked like hell.
Emily had made another trip to her storage locker and retrieved two items: an old Army sweater and a copy of her dissertation. She'd taken to wearing the sweater around, lifting the neck to smell when she was feeling particularly upset, and wishing that it still had his scent.
"Merci beaucoup," she said, pressing the disconnect button on the phone. Sighing, she walked over to a whiteboard and scribbled a date on it. She had just turned to make another call when the intercom sounded.
"Dr. Harthorn?"
"Yes?"
"General Sanders is due to arrive within the hour." Emily furrowed her eyebrows.
"General Sanders?"
"Yes. He's here to discuss Captain Rogers with you."
"With me?" The man paused.
"Director Fury was supposed to meet with him, but as he's still gone…" She pressed a hand to her eyes and emitted a low groan. The last thing she wanted to do was handle a general at the moment.
"Is there any way he can reschedule with the Director?"
"He's flown in from DC, ma'am. He's adamant that the meeting happen."
"Fine, I'll meet with him." Within a few minutes, she had finished jotting down a few notes and was walking back to her room. A quick shower and shave were necessary, as was make-up, Emily noted when she saw the dark circles under her eyes. An hour later, she was dressed in a light grey pencil skirt, teal button-up shirt, black pumps, and make up done. Unsure of where they were supposed to meet, she went two floors up and waited in the building's foyer. It turned out to be a good guess.
General Sanders strode in, confidences rolling off of him in waves. A younger soldier walked behind him carrying a briefcase. The General scanned the area before his brown eyes settled on her. "Dr. Harthorn?"
"General," she replied, walking forward and reaching to shake his outstretched hand.
"Thanks for meeting me on such short notice, Ma'am. Director Fury seems to have forgotten about our little meeting."
"It's my pleasure," she lied.
"So, where is he?" he asked, rubbing his hands together.
"Not here, actually." She'd checked with the front desk agent. "But I'd be more than happy to bring you up to speed-"
"My driver will take us wherever we need to go," he interrupted.
"I'm not quite sure-"
"It's fine, Doctor. I didn't fly all the way up here for just a chat with Fury. I want to see him." The gleam in the General's eyes made Emily uneasy. But, unable to see a way of dissuading him, she told the desk agent where they were going and followed Sanders out. She gave the younger man the address to the gym and slid into the back of the black sedan.
"How is the transition going?" General Sanders asked as the car pulled away from the curb.
"Honestly," Emily sighed, turning to face the older man, "slowly. Captain Rogers is refusing assistance and is muddling through on his own." The General nodded, running a hand through his clipped salt and pepper hair.
"It's my understanding that you were brought into help him."
"I was," she nodded.
"May I ask what you've been doing while he's been 'muddling though'?" Emily blushed at the implied slight.
"I've been trying to find a way to get him to open up," she stated, "and compiling lists of what historical topics we would cover."
"History? What about modern technology?"
"Of course." General Sanders nodded and looked out of the window as the city sped by.
"The military has a vested interest in getting Captain Rogers in fighting form. The Department of Defense would like to see him on the front lines again."
"What?" Emily gasped, her hand clenching the locket tightly.
"He's a soldier, Dr. Harthorn," the General stated. "We need good soldiers overseas."
"Sir, I don't know if that's the best decision-"
"It's coming from up high, Doctor. I'm just here to see if he would able." Emily pressed her lips into a tight line, trying to keep the words she dearly wanted to say from escaping. He seemed to realize this and turned to face her. "Yes, Dr. Harthorn?"
"I just don't think that sending yet another soldier over there is the best idea."
"Yes," he nodded, his eyes meeting hers, "I know all about your sentiments with the War. And about your personal sacrifice." Emily blanched, shifting away from him even more. "And, between you and me, I agree. My son lost his leg over there, Ma'am. But I'm just doing my job understand? I don't make the policy." They passed the rest of the ride in silence.
When the driver pulled up to the older gym, Emily reached for the door handle, but it was opened for her. "Thanks," she said quickly. The General strode around the car, hat once again on his head, and motioned for her to proceed. "Captain Rogers has been spending most of his time here," she said, swiping her S.H.I.E.L.D. ID card on the newly installed security panel. There was a buzz as the door unlocked.
"Run down, isn't it?" The General said, removing his hat and tucking it under his arm as they stepped inside the cool building. The stale smell of sweat and mold clung to the air, and paint was peeling from the walls.
"A bit," she sighed. "But from what I've been told, it's in good shape." Her heels clicked on the wooden floor as they followed the 'thuds'. Captain Rogers was standing at a punching bag, sweat dripping from his face, huffing as he hit the bag again and again. In a sudden burst of energy, he hit harder, his fists nearly blurs as he pulled back, landing a hard one at the very center. Emily gasped as it flew across the room, hitting the wall with a sickening 'thud' before sand began leaking out of the bottom.
"Impressive," General Sanders said, stepping away from where Emily and his assistant stood. "Very impressive." Captain Rogers turned to face them before snapping to attention.
"Sir," he said quickly, saluting the General.
"At ease," the General said. "You pack a hell of a punch, son."
"Yes, Sir," Captain Rogers nodded. Emily looked from the bag to the younger man again before stepping forward, clearing her throat as she walked.
"Captain Rogers, this is General Sanders. He's just come in from Washington to see you." He regarded Emily for a moment before turning to face the General again.
"General Phillips didn't lie about you, did he?" an almost greedy look crossed the General's face as he passed a critical eye over the Captain.
"General Phillips?" Rogers asked.
"He was with you from the beginning, son," the General looked at Emily as if to ask if the Captain's brain had been affected.
"After the War, Colonel Phillips rose to a four-star general," she stated, crossing her arms under he chest.
"No kidding," Rogers smiled.
"He was my advisor at West Point," the General nodded. "Spoke very highly of you." Rogers chuckled and crossed his arms, looking at the ground.
"A four-star general," he said under his breath. "Where is he now?"
"He died about eight years ago," the General replied. A pained look crossed the Captain's face, but he pushed it away. Emily, however, pressed a hand to her heart and frowned. This was definitely not how news like that should be broken.
"He was a good man," Rogers stated.
"He was," the General agreed. "It took three heart attacks to get him in the end." Emily cleared her throat, drawing the three men's attention. She subtly shook her head at the General, which caused the Captain to frown.
"What can I do for you, Sir," Rogers asked after a moment.
"I'm actually coming on behalf of the-"
"General," a voice rang out. Emily turned to see Director Fury sweeping into the room, followed by Agent Coulson.
"Director," General Sanders greeted him, turning to shake the man's hand. Although he had a smile on his face, it was rather fixed and didn't reach his eyes. "A pleasure, as always."
"I was surprised to hear that you'd left headquarters before our meeting," Fury said. Coulson walked over to Emily, and placed a hand on the small of her back.
"He wasn't supposed to meet with Rogers alone," he said quietly in her ear.
"One of the agents asked me to fill in," Emily whispered back, aware of piercing gaze the General's assistant as he watched them converse quietly.
"Unless it comes from the Director, Agent Hill or myself, never trust them," Coulson stated, giving her a look that spoke volumes.
"I was just hoping to get a private word with Captain Rogers," the General stated, puffing up his chest. "You aren't trying to stash him away in here, are you?"
"Of course not," Fury countered, "but sending him to Iraq or Afghanistan isn't exactly in our immediate plans for him."
"Excuse me?" Rogers said. The two men ignored him as their power struggle continued.
"He's going to try to get you to go with him somewhere," Coulson continued his quiet instructions. "Go with him. You're an outsider, he might let more slip."
"What?" Emily hissed, her eyes darting to the silent soldier. He was watching her, one eyebrow raised.
"And what is? This Avengers Initiative nonsense? From what I've heard, it's not going to well."
"It's above your pay grade." The General flushed and turned to point at the Captain.
"That man," he spat, "is a member of the United States military. And if he wants to continue to serve his country than nothing you can say can stop him."
"There's more than one way to serve your country," Fury said coldly.
"Excuse me," Rogers said again, more loudly this time. Again he was ignored. Coulson nodded to Emily before striding over to the angry Captain. She wasn't able to hear the conversation that they were having, but it was a relief to have the assistant's probing gaze off of her. She tried to read Coulson's lips as he spoke to Rogers, but he barely seemed to move them.
"Pull the car around," the General snapped. The assistant strode from the room. "Dr. Harthorn." Emily jumped slightly and looked at him.
"Y-yes?"
"Would you like a ride back to S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"N-no, thanks." She felt her cheeks burning as the five men watched her. Coulson twitched an eyebrow, as though he wanted her to do something. "S-shall I see you out?"
"Fine. This isn't over, Fury," the General snarled as Emily walked over. He fell into step beside her as they swept from the gymnasium.
"I'm so sorry," she said. "I had no idea that we were supposed to wait for the Director before coming." She looked over and saw his brown eyes still burning with anger. "This is all my fault."
"Of course it's not," he said, pushing the door open for her and jamming on his hat. "It's that idiot that told you we could."
"Still," she said, looking down at the ground. Her heart was thumping so hard she thought it was a miracle that he didn't hear it. "Sorry." He let out a deep breath and looked at the car.
"It's my fault," he said finally. Emily looked up and forced herself to give an embarrassed smile. "I'm sorry if I gotten you in trouble with your boss. How about I make it up to you?"
"It's not necessary," she waved off the offer.
"No," he shook his head. "You'd actually be doing me a favor. I've got this gala to go to tonight, and I could use a beautiful woman on my arm." Her smile froze on her mouth.
"I don't know," she said slowly. Please, please don't push it, she silently begged.
"It's just dinner," he gave her what he apparently thought was a roguish smile. "I'm sure it would piss Fury off, and that seems like the kind of thing you like to do." Emily looked back at the building before taking a deep breath. Coulson had asked her to do this. And he was one of the few that had shown her any kindness since she'd been at S.H.I.E.L.D.
"What time?" she asked finally.
"Eight o'clock. I'll send a car for you," he grinned before taking both of her hands in his and leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Formal attire."
"Okay," Emily nodded. The General slide into the car and the assistant tipped his hat to her before walking to the driver's side. As the car pulled away from the curb, Emily lifted her hand and waved. "What the hell did I just get myself into?" she asked herself, taking a shaky breath.
After taking a moment to collect herself, Emily turned and reswiped her ID. When the alarm buzzed, she slowly pulled the door open and walked back into the building. Rather than rejoining the group in the main gym, she walked over to the water fountain and took a long drink. Still unwilling to go back, she leaned against the wall and slid down it, putting her head in her hands.
"You okay?"
Emily looked up and saw Steve standing in front of her. "Yeah…no." The corner of his mouth tipped up before he leaned over the water fountain and took a drink.
"They're not too happy with you," he jabbed a finger over his shoulder. Emily shook her head before folding her arms over her knees and resting her head on them.
"When are they ever?" Rogers leaned against the wall and looked down at her in silence. "Why the hell did I turn down the post-doc job?" she groaned.
"Sorry?"
"Nothing," Emily said. She took a deep breath before pushing off of the wall. Rogers pushed off as well and offered her his hand. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," he replied, quickly dropping her hand. Emily gave him a weak smile before walking to the entrance of the gym and, pausing only to steel herself, strode in.
"Did he ask?" Coulson said when he saw her enter. Emily gave a curt nod, watching the look exchanged between the agent and the Director.
"She'll need to be prepped for tonight," Fury said, turning his back to Emily and addressing Coulson. "Romanoff if possible, Hill if not."
"Of course."
"She'll have to be convincing."
"Hey!" Emily said, narrowing her eyes, "I'm right here. You can talk to me." Fury regarded her for a moment before turning back to Coulson.
"She's on you."
"Understood," Coulson nodded. When Fury turned and walked towards the door, Emily stepped in front of him.
"Look, you may think that you can order people around because you're the Director and all, but my contract never said anything about this." Fury's mouth twitched, almost as if he was fighting a smile.
"Doctor," he said, leaning over her slightly, forcing Emily to step backwards, "Believe me, I'd rather have anyone else doing this."
"Good," she snapped, "Because I'm not a god damn spy."
"That's obvious," he said coldly before walking past her. Roger watched from the doorway and shook his head.
"Captain," Fury inclined his head as he walked by.
"Sir," Steve said. He waited a moment before following him. "Director Fury?"
"Yes, Captain?" Fury paused but didn't turn around.
"I don't like bullies," he stated plainly. Fury waited a heartbeat before turning around.
"Excuse me?"
"I don't like bullies," Rogers repeated, "and that woman in there, she's trying. Now I don't know what plans you have for me, but if you want me to go along with them at all..." he trailed off.
"Dr. Harthorn is a grown woman," Fury stated. "She can stand up for herself."
"Sir-" Before he could continue, Fury threw open the door, letting it slam shut.
Author's Note: As you've noticed, this chapter is a lot longer than the other ones thus far. And there's a good explanation for that: the meeting with General Sanders was meant to be the entire chapter, but after the last one, I felt like the first two scenes were necessary. And I want to thank those that reviewed, because you guys made me think about how that would affect Emily, which spawned the Stork Club visit and Garrett being introduced early.
Side note: When Steve hears the song playing, I've always connected it with the Billie Holiday version. The song became very popular during WWII, with both American and British soldiers embracing it as a kind of anthem. If you want more great music from the 40's, I suggest Martha Tilton, Vera Lynn, and Edith Piaf. I usually listen to them while writing/daydreaming, so don't be surprised if they show up in later chapters!
So, this covers a lot of ground and sets up the next chapter where Emily's connection to Steve will be explained! I've got a lot of great guesses so far, and I'm really excited about that. Things are going to pick up relatively quickly after this.
As always, thank you for reading! I love checking my e-mail and seeing double digits with subscriptions, favorites, and reviews =] The previous record you guys broke for hits (1.44K) was broken again on Wednesday with 1.53K! You guys are so awesome!