Legacy

Steve could hear people talking in the background, the hospital was showing off it's new facilities and thanking all the donors for their help in financing the renovation. He just needed a moment, there were too many people and it was just too much, they all wanted Captain America, the flawless hero who saved the world. He didn't want to be some hero, he just wanted to be Steve. But his participation helped bring in more people to donate for their cause.

He hated the fame, it made him sick, being worshipped like he was, but he was helping people. All Steve had to do was show up and give a few speeches, talk to some people, be friendly, let the wealthy pay for his company so that the money could be used to heal the sick, to save lives.

Charity, the word made him laugh. Charity did not exist these days, people only helped to get something in return. It was sickening, how greedy the world had become. But Steve would play their game, act as though they were the greatest people in the world, so kind and selfless. He would thank them, praise them for their contribution, just like they wanted him to do. And then he would go home and do it all again another day.

The tall blond man pushed himself off the white plaster wall he had been leaning against and ran his hands down his broad frame to ensure that his suit was not creased. He had wasted enough time and he had to get back to the event going on in the new wing of the hospital.

Rounding the corner Steve suddenly found a young woman in front of him. With his reflexes he was able to step back before they bumped into each other but she dropped her bag in surprise.

"Sorry," the pale woman apologized, immediately reaching to collect her bag and its spilled contents.

"Let me," Steve insisted, crouching to help her. His blue eyes met her hazel ones and he smiled awkwardly and he scooped everything into the large tan handbag.

"Thank you," she replied as he handed it back. "I'm Moira," the woman in the pink floral dress held out her hand in greeting.

Steve Rodgers took the frail hand in his large one and smiled again. "Steve," he replied, noticing her skin was just a bit cooler than was normal. Moira was not much shorter than Steve, but she was quite thin and her unusually pale skin made it clear she was not in perfect health.

"Are you here for the party?" The ill woman asked, gesturing down the hall where the celebration was being held. Her hand found her head and one long finger tucked the fabric of the creamy pink bandana she wore behind her ear to prevent it from slipping.

He wanted to say no. "Yeah," Steve mumbled, "just needed some air. "Where are you headed?" He asked, preferring to speak to Moira than the pompous rich people down the hall.

"Home," she told him with a happy sigh.

"Long day?" Steve asked, the purple bags under her eyes suggesting there had been many of those in her recent past.

Moira rolled her eyes, "You have no idea," she told Steve, sliding the strap of her handbag further up her shoulder. A large smile graced her face and she stood taller, prouder, Steve couldn't help but smile back at her obvious joy. "There shouldn't be many more of those though," Moira told the supersoldier happily. "I'm in remission, just getting my last few treatments and then I'll be free."

"That sounds great," Steve replied, joining her in the rejoice of her good news. "So no more doctors visits soon?" He understood her happiness, not just at being well, but at being free of the frequent hospital visits. Before being injected with an experimental serum which cured all his issues, Steve had been very ill. He knew the struggle of returning to the large sanitary building every few weeks or months if he was lucky, to be poked and prodded with needles only to be back again when the next illness arose. It was a liberating feeling, being free of it all. "Is there anybody special you plan on celebrating with?"

The sick woman shrugged. "I wouldn't mind the company if you're offering?" She replied with an inviting smile.

Steve blushed, he was never good at talking to women. Before the large man could respond his friend appeared from down the hall. "Ah, Steve, there you are." Tony Stark announced as he approached. Being a wealthy man used to such events Tony had offered to help him out, teach him how to act and introduce him to everyone. "I've been looking for you." The shorter man went on, clapping a hand on his friends broad shoulder. "Got some people you need to meet. Who's your friend?" The genius asked, acknowledging the girl in the light pink floral dress.

"Tony, this is Moira," he introduced, momentarily hating his friend from taring him away from the only good company he had had all day. "Moira, my friend Tony."

Moira nodded her head in greeting, "it's a pleasure Mr Stark." Steve wasn't surprised she knew him, not only was Tony one of the most famous men in New York, but the pale blue light peeking out from underneath his fancy suit made it hard not to recognize him.

Tony bowed ostentatiously. "The pleasure is all mine Madame," he insisted in his usual charming manner. Moira just rolled her eyes, not falling for his overly charming demeanor, not that Tony had been seriously attempting to charm her, ever since the playboy had settled down with his former PA and now CEO of his multi billion dollar company, his 'flirting' if it could be called that, had become more comical than seductive to make it very clear he was taken. "Sorry to steal him away from you but we have to get back."

"It's fine," the hazel eyed woman waved it off with a frail hand. "I have time to wait." Rummaging through her handbag Moira produced a scrap of paper and a pen, she quickly scribbled a series of numbers on it and held it out to Steve. "Give me a call when you're free and we can go celebrate." She instructed as the shy man took the paper.

"Sure," he agreed and she walked past him, continuing on her way to the main exit.

Steve blatantly ignored Tony's raised eyebrow as they headed back to the party. "What was that about?" The annoyingly nosy man interrogated.

"Nothing," Steve insisted, his eyes focused forward. "Moira has had good news and wanted to celebrate." He tried to shrug it off but he couldn't deny her attitude may have been a tad flirtatious. But it could have meant nothing, she was just in a good mood is all.