Chapter Text
Steven Grant Rogers hadn’t had a normal life in two years.
He was twenty years old when he joined the army and became Captain America at the ripe age of eighteen.
Ever since he had turned eighteen he had been trying to make his way in, despite having asthma. It only took him about the fifth try with fake information that he was finally let in.
Thankfully Doctor Erskine was understanding and despite finding out the truth, he still let Steve in.
Steve was going to help his country, that’s what he swore to do the second he stepped foot on that soil in Camp Lehigh.
He had wondered how Bucky was doing, wondered if he was still alive. That was the only person on his mind, despite Peggy who had taken an interest in him.
Bucky was like a brother. He always stood up for Steve every time he got kicked or pushed around; he always tried to set Steve up with girls despite none of them being interested in him. Usually Buck had taken care of and entertained both the girls during the double date, but Steve didn’t really mind. Girls just weren’t really his thing. He just didn’t seem to dig them.
Peggy was another story. Over the years he had taken somewhat of a liking to her, but it wasn’t anything huge. If he found out she got with Howard or some other guy Steve wouldn’t really mind. He’d be proud if anything.
The first thing Steve saw when he awakened from the ice was Peggy’s concerned face. He must’ve been making some kind of noise or movement to cause that reaction, however he didn’t really mind. He was just relived to see Peggy after that plane crash.
”I made it,” Steve said as though he was out of breath. Peggy visibly winced, a hint of realization dawning on her face. “I thought I was done for… I crashed into the ocean, didn’t I? Is everyone safe?”
Peggy gave him a sympathetic smile, gently rubbing his shoulder. She still looked youthful and gorgeous, dark red lipstick covering her perfectly shaped lips. “You should rest.” Her smile became more saddened, her eyes half-lidded.
“How… Long was I out for?” Steve questioned in a hoarse voice. He was slightly surprised by his own voice that sounded like it lacked use. Maybe something happened to my vocal cords?
Peggy’s eyebrows scrunched in worry, like the question pained her. “Oh Steve…” she trailed off, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
Suddenly the door opened, and a young man no older than thirty stepped in.
He had dark skin, an eye patch covering his left eye, and a short buzz cut. He walked with grace and calculated movements, eyes examining the room for any potential threats.
”Steve Rogers. I’m Nick Fury.” Fury stopped before Steve’s bed, holding out an outstretched hand. Steve reluctantly took it, nodding his head.
”Pleasure to meet you Mr Fury.”
”The pleasure is all mine, call me Fury.” his hand retreated back to his front pocket. “To answer your previous question, you’ve been out for—Years, to put it the least.”
After Fury had filled Steve in, he had explained to the dumbfounded man that Howard Stark was on his way.
“No. You gotta send me back—“
”Steve, that’s not possible,” Peggy explained. She adjusted her grip on Steve, placing a hand on his back and the other on the thigh closest to her. “Our technology isn’t that advanced. As far as we know time travel is impossible.”
Steve wanted to cry. First he lost Bucky, then Peggy, and even though he may have had Peggy back now she wasn’t his Peggy. The Peggy he knew was decades into the past, waiting for Steve to come home.
“I’m sorry that I had to deliver this news to you Mr Rogers, but you deserve to know,” Nick Fury said empathically. “Howard will be here soon, we have a mission for you that can help you ease into this new life.”
”A mission?” Steve asked. How could they want him to do a mission when he just found out he was frozen like a popsicle? Sure he ended World War II, but he basically sacrificed the life he knew and loved for it.
“I know it might be… confusing to say the least. But we figured you’re the best suited being the youngest person available. Howard will give more details but it will be able to help you adjust to this world while helping us,” Nick explained thoughtfully, voice slightly softening. His expression stayed neutral and sharp.
“Okay,” Steve breathed, “okay.”
Fury simply nodded once assuringly before Howard entered the room. “Fury this better be worth my—“
”Steve?”
Nick Fury looked somewhat annoyed with Howard, presumingly by the words the man had first entered with.
“The one and only,” Nick said flatly, “this is Steve Rogers, we found him frozen in ice east at the Atlantic. Merry Christmas, you’re welcome.” Any hint of amusement was gone, a plain tone that seemed to say that Fury didn’t have very wild feelings about Howard.
”Hey Howard.” Steve smiled, greeting his friend.
“Captain America! Thought I’d never see you again,” Howard exclaimed, clapping him on the back. “My kid hears all about you.”
Steve didn’t know what to think about that last statement, so he just said: “You two had a kid?!”
Howard looked grossed out for a second. “How would I have a kid with Fury? We both have penises.”
“What?” Steve said, confused. Peggy let out a little giggle, looking between the boys amused. “I meant you and Peggy!”
”Oh. No.” Howard said, taking another glance at Nick who was looking at him unamused. “I didn’t take your girlfriend, she’s my son’s godmother.”
Steve blinked. “Me and Peggy are dating?”
“What drugs did you put him on?” Howard asked flatly.
At this point Peggy was full on laughing, looking between Fury’s crossed arms and raised eyebrow, Howard’s skepticism, and Steve’s utter confusion.
”I didn’t put him on anything. He’s a super soldier, there’s no point.” Fury said matter-of-factly.
Howard looked at Peggy who was still laughing more quietly this time. “Glad someone finds this amusing.” He shook his head.
“Anyways, Fury told me we should initiate the mission—And I’m guessing that’s for you?” Steve nodded his head at Howard’s words. “We need you to go undercover…
”At a high school.”