Author's Note:
No trigger warnings for this chapter. Just some good old Steve and Astrid fluff. As always please review and let me know what you think.
"Zygmunt," Astrid replied removing her mask. A big smile on her face. "It has been far too long." Her Polish was not as good as her French or English but it would do. He picked her up in a big hug. Lifting her up off her feet.
"You look like you've seen better days," he pointed out putting her back down in the snow.
She shrugged. "Comes with the job." He gave her a look. "Ran into an SS commander who gave me some trouble. But if you think I look bad you should see him." He let out a chuckle before turning to Shamira.
"Shamira," he called out. Holding out his arms. "Don't think I'm ignoring you."
She removed her own mask and embraced him. "Never Zygmunt." Her turn to be picked up off her feet.
"What are you doing here?" he asked. "I thought both of you got out of this."
Shamira bobbed her head back and forth. Glancing at Astrid. "Let's just say we got dragged back in."
He clasped them both on the shoulder. "Not that I'm glad to hear it but I can't say I'm not happy to see you." Zygmunt turned towards Astrid. "We could use your help."
She gave a nod. About to gesture for him to lead the way when she heard a sharp cough behind her. Turning towards Bucky. Who was not so subtly trying to get their attention.
"Mind introducing us to your friend here?" he asked.
Astrid blushed. Looking somewhat sheepish. "Sorry." She gestured towards Zygmunt. "This is Lieutenant Zygmunt Gorski. A leader in the Polish resistance." Astrid turned back towards him. "I thought you were further east."
He shrugged crossing his arms. "You haven't been the only ones to move around. We've been chasing the Nazis all over the place." He looked straight at Steve. Still unsure of the man.
"Anyway, Zygmunt," Shamira interrupted getting his attention. "Meet Sergeant Timothy Dugan." He tipped his hat in return. Zygmunt gave him a nod. "Sergeant James Barnes." Bucky gave him a nod. "Private James Morita, Major James Falsworth, Private Gabe Jones, and former French resistance member Jacques Dernier." They all gave him a nod.
Zygmunt arched an eyebrow. "Are almost all of you named James?" Astrid and Shamira glanced at all of them. As if only just now realizing it.
"We don't tend to use first names," Shamira continued. "Finally, we have Astrid's husband and leader of our merry band Captain Steve Rogers."
"Your married?" Zygmunt asked giving Astrid a toothy grin. "I must say congratulations are in order." He turned towards Steve. "Apologies for my English." His accent was thick but he spoke perfectly. Having been educated in England. "But I must say. You are one lucky man."
"Something we can definitely agree on." He held out his hand and Zygmunt took it. Giving him a hearty shake.
"As I was telling our dear Astrid, we could use some help back at camp." Steve leaned in. Listening intently. "We are in need of help that only a doctor can provide."
Steve looked at Astrid who nodded before he turned back to Zygmunt. "Whatever help we can give."
He clapped Steve on the shoulder before turned towards his men. Giving them a few short orders. Soon they were been led to the camp. Deep into the Polish forest. Trees becoming denser. Almost suffocating. Not helped by the snowfall increasing. The Howling Commandos mixing in with the Polish troops. Still unsure of everything. Steve, Bucky, Shamira, and Astrid staying in the front with Zygmunt.
"I must say," Zygmunt stated making his way through the snow with ease. The rest of them except for Steve still struggled. "You're not the man I imagined Astrid would marry."
Steve furrowed his brow. Astrid taking his hand and gave him a tight squeeze. "Steve is one of a kind."
"He has to be if he's married to you. Though I am curious as to why an American force is this deep into my homeland." He stressed the word American. Astrid wasn't surprised. Outside of Soviet Troops, not many Allies made their way this deep into Poland.
"We have our own unique mission," Steve replied. Zygmunt hummed in response. Clearly not fully happy with that answer but knowing that he wasn't going to get any more.
"How long have you known each other?" Bucky asked curiosity and suspicion leached into his voice.
"I've known Astrid since she was 17. Shamira I've known longer. 16 was it?
"15," Shamira replied.
"Right. That's when you first started serving under my brother." Understanding dawned in Steve and Bucky's eyes. "May he rest in peace." His voice was harsh and soft. A bitterness to it. Not that Astrid blamed him. She often had the same tone when she spoke about those that she lost.
They continued in silence for a while. Zygmunt lost in the memories. Snow did that Astrid found. Constantly fighting the memories trying to encroach on her mind. Taking comfort in those surrounding her. She wasn't sure how far they had walked before Astrid spotted smoke from campfires. The sounds of people coming to her ears. Zygmunt relaxing as they entered the camp. Filled not only with men but also women and children. Those who had been chased out of their homes by the Nazis. Having nowhere else to go.
The Howling Commandos' eyes going wide with surprise as they watched the children running around. Throwing them suspicious looks. Running back to their parents who also gave them distasteful glares. Hiding their children behind themselves.
"Zygmunt!" A voice called out. Astrid felt her stomach drop. She would recognize that voice anywhere. A woman with dirty blond hair came out of the camp. Walking towards Zygmunt. Tall and slender she still carried a powerful presence. Stopping dead when she saw Astrid and Shamira. Giving them a scowl strong enough that Astrid was surprised it didn't turn them to ash.
"Astrid, Shamira," Krysia growled. Jerking her heads towards one of the tents. "Go. Make yourselves useful. We have sick people to treat." She turned and started yelling at Zygmunt. Speaking too quickly for Astrid to catch much. But judging by the tone she wasn't happy. She glanced at Shamira who shrugged. After a few quick hand gestures, Astrid made her way to the tent. Shamira staying with the Howling Commandos. Serving as the translator.
Steve joined her. Staying by her side. It would probably be a long time before either of them was comfortable being out of each other's sight completely. Even Astrid's brief trip into the woods with Shamira bothered him greatly.
As soon as Astrid opened the tent flap the smell hit her. Of sickness and medical disinfectant. The sounds of people moaning in pain. Especially the children. Parents clinging onto them. Men and women running around to treat them all.
Astrid stopping at the first child she came to. A little boy. His mother not even looking up as Astrid looked him over. Skin hot to the touch. Coughing up a storm. She looked around at the others. Facing similar symptoms. Seemed like they had a bit of an epidemic on their hands. Asking the mom a few quick questions in Polish but it didn't produce much. Only that this disease arrived a few weeks ago and the first ones affected had already passed on.
She barely noticed Zygmunt and Krysia come in. Not even giving them a glance as they came up. Standing by Steve. Krysia still giving her a death glare.
"You know what's wrong with them?" Zygmunt asked softly in English. Not wanting the others, the others to overhear.
"I do," Astrid asked letting out a soft hiss. "It's not good."
"Can you treat them?" Krysia asked also in English though not as polished as Zygmunt's. Her arms crossed.
Astrid slowly shook her head. "Not with what I have on me." Krysia was about to ask something but Astrid beat her to it. "And unless you have a lab in one of these tents, I'm not going to be able to create it either." She let out a sigh. "I can manage the symptoms but that would only delay the inevitable."
"Would the Nazis have it?" Zygmunt asked softly. Astrid looked up at him. "This all started after we attacked their supply lines."
Astrid wished she had an answer for him. That she could offer him hope. But she was always a realist. And more importantly, she always told the truth. "I honestly don't know. Maybe. If they are suffering from the same problem."
He let out a sigh. Aging about ten years. Gesturing for the two of them to leave the tent. Taking them towards a more private corner of the camp. Krysia joining them as well. English once again falling from his lips.
"I know this is a lot to ask," he said softly. "But my men are weary and we've lost so much lately." He took a moment to find the words. "There is a Nazi encampment not that far. Maybe a day and a half away. Just to the northwest of us. Impossible to miss. They haven't even bothered to hide themselves." He sounded bitter at that. She knew that feeling. They could afford to be out in the open. Meanwhile, they had to remain hidden scavenging for what little supplies they had. "If you-"
"Consider it done," Steve responded placing a hand on the man's shoulder. The look of relief was immediate. "I'll go gather my men right now." Steve looking back at the sick tent. They all knew. There wasn't a moment to lose.
Zygmunt seemed at a loss for words. Unsure what to say. Krysia did not have that problem. Firing back at Zygmunt with a ferocity. Before turning to face Astrid.
"If you can delay the disease you may want to leave tomorrow morning," Krysia said in English looking up. "There is a storm approaching."
Both her and Steve nodded. Taking each other's hands. "We'll go inform the rest of the team," Astrid responded. Pulling Steve away. Making their way back through the camp. If there was a storm approaching they needed to bunker down now. Steve tapping the side of his head.
'She seems pretty fiery,' Steve stated moving around the children who were looking up at him with curiosity. Not every day you saw a man dressed up in red, white, and blue.
'Actually, she's one of the sweetest women I've ever met.' Astrid replied. Wondering if she was ever going to see that version of her again. 'She just hates Shamir a and I.'
Steve scoffed. Not believing her. 'Why?' A frown formed on his face. 'What happened?'
'She blames Shamira and me for her husband's death.' This is not how she wanted to tell Steve this. If she was going to tell him at all. 'Her husband was our former commander.'
Now Steve was less worried and more confused. 'I thought that he died in an explosion.'
'He did. Ambush. Caught us completely off guard.' Memories of that day rippled through Astrid's mind. She could still feel the heat of the explosion. Her sheer desperation to reach the others before the second and third one was set off. 'There was nothing that we could do. But they were the loves of each other's lives.'
'That part I understand.' Steve wrapped an arm around her waist. 'I'm not sure I would be able to forgive either. If anything were to happen to you and I wasn't there.' Astrid nodded in response. She understood the idea of losing Shamira. However unthinkable that may be. But is only when she fell in love with Steve that she really understood. Krysia would never fully forgive them. Always plagued by the thought that something else could have been done. Astrid felt guilty enough as it is without her.
They made their way back to the rest of the Howling Commandos. Who were milling around wondering what was going on. Most of them sitting down in the snow. Leaning against nearby trees.
"We're heading out Cap?" Morita asked standing up.
"Not quite," Steve replied. "We have a Nazi encampment to get rid of."
"Beg your pardon, Sir," Falsworth stated. "But are you sure that's the smartest idea?" Both Shamira and Astrid shot him a withering glare. To his credit, he didn't blink. "Only pointing out that Red Skull isn't going to be in Poland forever. If we take any more time, we might miss him."
Astrid clicked her tongue. He was right. Catching Red Skull was the mission. "Falsworth right. Therefore I think I should-"
"You are not going in alone," they all said at the same time. Well, that idea died quickly.
Bucky gave her a cocky grin. "Astrid, I'm pretty sure none of us are going to allow you to go anywhere alone again." They all nodded. She did see their point. Considering what had happened recently.
"We'll take the risk of missing Red Skull," Steve responded. "Given the weather, he'll have as much trouble moving around as we are. We have a chance to save lives here. And that is exactly what we are going to do."
Astrid couldn't be prouder of him. As she listened to the speech that he was giving. So happy to be married to the man. Watching as he inspired the Howling Commandos to sit up. Hanging on his every word. Ready to go and take out some Nazis. All of them willing to walk back into the snowy forest.
"Though it should wait till tomorrow. Apparently, there is a storm approaching." All of them nodding. Setting up near the trees. Hoping to block the wind. Astrid taking Steve's forearm. Grabbing his attention.
"I'm going to head back to the medical tent." She jerked her head in that direction. 'I wouldn't mind them help." Not that she needed it. She just wanted to be close to Steve. He smiled. Kissing her softly. Before heading back to the tent. Moving from patient to patient. Steve helping out however he could. Helping patients sit up and move them around. Allowing Astrid to check their temperature, pulse, glands. Everything else. At one point Zygmunt coming in. Helping to hand out food to the sick and their families. Some sort of stew. Just as Steve and Astrid helping out the last patient. A young man with a racking cough. Pale and shivering. Barely able to breathe. Muttering thanks as Zygmunt handed him some.
"There is some for you and your men," Zygmunt told Steve. The two of them standing up. There work done for now.
Steve shook his head. "There's no need."
"Nonsense!" He clasped his shoulder. "What's ours is yours. Whatever we can do for our friends." He slipped his hand off Steve's shoulder. "I would eat now while you can. It's going to be cold tonight." Zygmunt headed out. Helping some of the other men carry blankets in. He wasn't wrong. Even Astrid felt it. It was going to be cold tonight.
They made their way back to the others. Eating at the stew around a dying fire. A little bit away from the main camp. The chill already starting to set in. Bucky handing Steve and Astrid their bowls. Astrid settling next to Shamira while Steve sat next to Bucky.
"I feel like we should be sharing our supplies," Jones said lifting his spoon out of the bowl.
"You get used to it," Shamira stated finishing up her own. Astrid put a spoonful into her own mouth. The familiar taste of cabbage hitting her tongue. "Hell Astrid and I basically had to survive on this whenever our supplies ran out. Well, this and whatever else we could get our hands on." Astrid smirked. She did not miss those days.
"You know you two never talk about it," Morita said pointing at Shamira and Astrid. The two of them exchanged a glance between themselves.
"Talk about what?" Astrid asked.
"Your lives before. Back when you first rescuing people."
Astrid wasn't entirely sure why they didn't. Everything else about their lives was on display. Looking towards Shamira. Her eyes closed. Head downcast. Maybe it was their way of trying to keep them alive. Or an attempt to move on. But Astrid knew the truth. There were gone. And nothing they said or didn't say wasn't going to change that.
"There were six of us," Shamira stated her voice starting soft. "Astrid and I included." She looked up. Trying to get the words out. Astrid reached over and placed her hand on her back. Anchoring Shamira. She had known them for longer. This was her story to tell. "Bashir, Mihail, Zhang, and finally our leader Tomasz." She closed her eyes. Savoring the memory. Those names on her tongue. "We had no idea what we were doing most of the time. The only thing that held us together was our hatred of Nazis and our love for each other." She brought her head down. Bit her lip. "They taught me everything." She wrapped an arm around Astrid's shoulders. "Brought us back together."
"Something we are all incredibly grateful for," Jones said. To the smiles of everyone. Didn't last long. The wind starting to pick up. And with the wind came the flurry of snow. Everyone quickly finishing their food and ducking into their tents. What cover they could provide. Astrid cuddled next to Steve. Listening to the roar of the wind. Trying to fight the chill set in her bones. Though somehow Steve was completely unaffected. His body still radiating heat. Pressed up as close as she could be. Despite the bruises still littering her body.
Neither of them said anything. Steve curling around her. Using his large body to shield her from the cold. Just as she used to do for him so many times before.
'I hate these storms,' Astrid thought. Pressing her face into Steve's chest. 'Last time we ended up getting snowed in for three days straight. Tomasz had to navigate us out.'
'Sounds like you got into some amazing adventures.'
Astrid snorted. 'You have no idea. Remind me to tell you about the time we stole a U-Boat and crashed it on the coast of Italy.' She shook her head and Steve chuckled. 'Zhang could make any mechanical thing work but there was something about that U-Boat.'
'I would have liked to meet them.' Astrid let out a sigh. Appreciating the thought. She would have loved for them to meet Steve and Bucky and all the others. But that was never meant to be.
'You would have fit right in.' He hummed in response. Pulling Astrid closer. Being her shield against the storm raging outside. And right now that is exactly what she needed.