Chapter Text
Cap mulled over documents, as he did every other day. His thoughts were constantly disassembled; mind drifting away, dreaming of what the Lieutenant would be doing on the other side of the world. Havers seemed to be a topic his mind defaulted to and he was unsure why. He looked over to the slip of paper propped up on the corner of his desk.
OPERATION COMPASS: ALLIED VICTORY!
He hadn’t heard from William since the operations began in December, and could only assume that he was doing alright. He was in the hands of some of the best soldiers around, and the news reports were fairly promising, claiming only 10 percent losses.
He reached into a drawer and fished out a picture of the Lieutenant, flicking out the stand from behind and setting it on the table. He walked over to his alcohol cabinet and retrieved a bottle of sherry; a parting gift William had left behind. Setting two glasses on the table, he filled them both and started mumbling to himself.
“To a successful war effort on the North African front. To coming home in one piece, heart still beat-”
His “mourning” session was quickly disrupted by knocking at the door.
“Sir, letter just came in from someone named Willy. North African Front. Addressed to you.”
“To me? Hand it here.”
“Having a drink all by yourself? Or, a ghost perhaps?”
“Toast, to an old friend.”
“I see. Have a good night, Sir. I’ll be off.”
Cap looked at the envelope.
TO: CAPTAIN THEODORE
BUTTON OUTPOST
Glancing up at the Lieutenant, he gestured to her.
“Oh, how rude of me, Carter. Would you care to join me? Sherry won’t disappear into thin air.”
“I suppose I could hang around for a drink or two.”
The Lieutenant walked over to the empty seat across Cap, setting her reading glasses on the table.
~~~
Lieutenant Carter watched as Cap held the envelope in his hands, inspecting every corner of it.
“Loved one? Go on, read it! I’ve never had to one myself”
Opening the envelope, he retrieved the letter and sank into his seat. He began reading it. January 18; almost an entire month old.
“No wonder you wanted to know about the North African front. Sounds like a lovely chap, how long have you known him?”
“Start of deployment here. Never left my side.”
“I’m sure wherever he is out there, he feels the same about you.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Sir, if I may share a personal secret with you, I perfectly understand.”
“I’m not sure I catch your drift.”
“Since I was a young girl, maybe 20 years ago, I never found myself chasing boys. My parents always spoke about being a “good wife”, never really understood what they meant. Felt different from the others, found myself ogling at other girls more often. I haven’t told anyone else, but I saw a little of myself in you when you read that letter.”
“Nonsense. He’s strictly a close personal friend. I’ve simply prioritised my work life over my social life.”
“Sir, there’s signs… Those aren’t initials scribbled at the end. They’re kisses.”
“Kisses? No… They’re meant to be…”
“Sir, you know, deep down, that’s not true. One wouldn’t think of a close friend every night, one would certainly not write kisses on a letter. Out there, on the North African Front, staring explosions in the eye; would he have penned a message to some random friend of his? I’ve written my fair share of letters, and I’m not even sure a Lieutenant ready to lead his men into battle would write a letter as such? He doesn’t want you to worry about him, because he knows you will.”
“I suppose. But it’s strictly against the code-”
“Sir. You and I both know the code is bull. It’s just not our time.”
“Our time.”
“Well Sir, I better be off. It’s getting late. Your secret is safe with me. I’d recommend getting some rest.”
“Rest well.”
His eyes tracked the Lieutenant as she left the room. Cap took a swig of Sherry and reclined deeper into his chair. Her voice kept playing over and over.
“Our time?”
His mind wandered. Kids running in a field. A familiar silhouette watching over them in the distance. He began to wonder if it was a result of the alcohol or the sleep deprivation, or perhaps both. Either way, it was a clear sign he had to tuck in for the night.
~~~