A Love Through the Decades

June 17th, 1943

As Steve stands in line with the other soldiers, a woman approaches them, trailed by two men behind her. One walks backwards as he follows her, taking in the soldiers training around them while the other follows behind her and passes out clip boards. “Recruits, attention! Gentlemen, I’m Agent Carter. I will be one of two who will be supervising all operations for this division.” one of the men in the line up laughed at her as one of the men started handing out clipboards. “What’s with the accent, Queen Victoria? Thought I was signing up for the U.S. Army.” he said, earning a few chuckles. She gave him a stern look. “What’s your name, soldier?” He gave her a small smirk. “Gilmore Hodge, your Majesty.” he said mocking her accent. The man that trailed behind a bit came over and started to walk behind the line up, his eyes lingering over the back of Steve’s head for a moment. “Step forward, Hodge.” he complied while smirking, a few men whistling at them. “Put your right foot forward.” she said with a firm voice. “Mmm.. We gonna wrassle? ‘Cause I got a few moves I know you’ll like.” he said looking back at the others before facing her again, only to get punched in the face, causing everyone to go silent and stare at them, while the man behind everyone laughed loudly. “Oh wow, you new recruits really wanna get your domes busted in, huh?” He said with a laugh and his voice light hearted as he stepped over Hodge. Steve’s head snapped over to the source of the voice. “(Y/N)?” he muttered as he stared at him laughing. He gave Hodge a hard kick to his side before standing next to Peggy. “Apologize to Miss. Carter, soldier.” (Y/N) said in a more serious tone as he looked down at him. Hodge looked up at him with an odd expression before looking over to Peggy. “I’m sorry Ma’am. Won't happen again.” (Y/N) raised an eyebrow at her and she gave him a subtle nod. “It better not, soldier. You should watch that tongue of yours before you lose it.” he said loud enough for him and the two closest recruits to hear him as he sent him a glare. “You lot will treat Agent Carter with the utmost respect and if you don't, I will personally you will certainly learn how to. Do I make myself clear!” He said harshly with authority in his voice that had Steve trying to hide his smirk from the others. “Sir yes Sir!” they responded while Hodge looked down, avoiding their gaze while someone else walked up behind Peggy and (Y/N). “Agent Carter, Captain Cohen.” Peggy straightened herself up, fixing her top slightly. “Colonel Phillips.” They said at the same time while (Y/N) tried to contain his amusement. “I see you’re both having fun breaking in the candidates. That’s good!” he said, only slightly amused. “Get your ass up out of that dirt and stand in that line at attention 'til somebody comes ‘nd tells you what to do.” Hodge scrambled to get up and stood back in attention. “Yes Sir.” he said just loud enough to be heard. (Y/N) let a few snickers out before standing up straight, hands interlocked behind him. Phillips looked over the men and began to address them. “General Patton has said that wars are fought with weapons but they are won by men. We are going to win this war because we have the best men..” he paused, taking a disappointed look at Steve. “And because they’re gonna get better. Much better. The Strategic Scientific Reserve is an Allied effort made up of the best minds in the free world. Our goal is to create the best army in history. But every army starts with one man. At the end of this week we will choose that man. He will be the first in a new breed of super-soldiers. And they will personally escort Adolf Hitler to the gates of hell.” (Y/N) exchanged a look with Peggy and gave her a small smile and a nod as Phillips started to lead the recruits to where they would be staying. “That was a hell of a punch you threw, Carter. You sure are a pistol.” he said, earning a small smile from her and a shake of her head. “(Y/N)..” Steve said as he caught up with the two, heaving slightly. “Stevie! I told you number six was lucky.” he said with a knowing smile. Steve let out a slightly strained laugh. “It seems so, yeah. What are.. what are you doin’ here?” He asked with a small head tilt as they walked to the barracks. “Well, remember Pearl Harbor and when I told you guys that I was gonna be tied up for a while? I was asked to help put some things in motion. Due to that, Colonel Phillips and Sergeant Duffy requested I help whip you lot into shape after Doctor Erskine talked to them and asked me to lend some help and knowledge where I can. He's a good man.” he said trying not to give much away. Steve let out a small laugh and nodded. (Y/N) patted him on his back slightly. “Go get your stuff settled in. I’ll be watching you.” Steve nodded a bit, his gaze lingering on Peggy for a few moments before he rushed off, following the other soldiers. “So, that's Steven, yes?” he hummed softly with a slight smile. “Brightest kid in Brooklyn.” He said fondly as he watched him disappear into the building as he walked with her. “Also the toughest really.” He said with a small sigh, remembering all the fights he got into over some blockhead running his mouth or put his hands on someone. She had a small smile on her face as she nodded. “Doctor Erskine said he showed great promise when he met him. Do you believe he’ll be picked for the test?” (Y/N) laughed softly. “Of course I do. That's hardly a question to me. He’s got more heart than most of them here and he's worth more than ten soldiers..to me at least, in my personal opinion.” Peggy laughed softly at him. “Yes, I can see why you would think so. I shall see you in the morning, Captain Cohen. Try not to be late.” He gave her a half assed salute with a small smirk. “Of course, Agent Carter. See you in the AM.” he said before heading off to where he would be sleeping, leaving Peggy shaking her head slightly at him, akin to an exasperated mother interacting with her child.

The following day (Y/N) helped train the recruits, giving the others a bit more shit after they messed with Steve. When Hodge had intentionally kicked the barbed wire post down and onto Steve, he pulled him up as he crawled out from the other side. “You think this is some game soldier? Do you?” He said with a scowl as he held onto the back of his uniform. “No.. No sir I do not.” he said loud enough to be heard. “If I see one more “joke” like this outta you, you are gonna regret it. Do I make myself clear boy?” he said, trying to keep his anger from forcing him to hit Hodge in his face. He nodded and swallowed hard. “Yes sir. Perfectly clear sir.” he gave him a harsh glare as he let him go with a push, making him stubble backwards. “Good. Now what you’re gonna do is go in and grab one of the 40 pound weights. You're gonna run laps with it till I tell you otherwise.” Hodge looked at him like he was waiting for a ‘Just kidding get back to the group’. (Y/N) tilted his head a bit, silently challenging him. Hodge’s eyes widened slightly before he rushed off to retrieve the weight. He nodded to himself and looked back at the group, not noticing the look Peggy sent him. “Rogers! Get that rifle outta the mud!” Sergeant Duffy yelled at Steve as he struggled to get through the mess that Hodge just made for him. (Y/N) huffed slightly. He’s never hated a group of men more than he did in that moment. After they were given the chance to clean up the mud that got on them, Duffy had them get into formation. Peggy headed into a car with one of the other soldiers (Y/N) couldn't remember the name of and she motioned him closer. He huffed slightly and made his way over to her. “Yes Ma’am, how can I help you?” he said with a slightly sarcastic tone. She did her best to hold in her laughter. “Captain, you’re welcome to travel with us till we get to the halfway mark.” He let out a genuine laugh before he shook his head. “Thank you Agent Carter, but I'm good runnin' with the cadets. A man’s gotta keep his figure right?” He said as he patted his stomach a few times causing the man to let out a small laugh and Peggy gave him an unamused look. “Fine, suit yourself Captain. We’ll see you when they arrive at the halfway point.” she said before taking out her note book, making a few notes. He raised an eyebrow at her before giving the two a salute and heading back to the group. (Y/N) sent Steve a quick wink before putting on his serious Captain face. “Alright ladies! Let's get a move on.” Duffy said before he started running ahead of the group, letting everyone follow him. (Y/N) stayed jogging on the outside of the group, sticking closer to Steve without it being obvious. On more than one occasion (Y/N) had to yell at the other recruits to quit the talking when they tried to bully or comment on Steve. “If you rookies can talk, you're not pushing yourself hard enough! Get a move on!” he yelled at them, causing them to pick up the pace. “Sir yes Sir!” they replied and he let out a huff of annoyance. “Blockheads..” he mumbled under his breath, causing Steve to let out a pained chuckle between his ragged breaths. He could tell his asthma was getting him and unfortunately he couldn't help him. He could only jog by his side, a few paces ahead of him so it wasn't obvious. “Pick up the pace, ladies! Let’s go! Double time! Come on! Faster! Faster! Move! Move!” Duffy yelled out as they got closer to the flagpole. (Y/N) groaned internally when he saw that damned thing. “Squad, halt! That flag means we’re only at the halfway point. First man to bring it to me gets a ride back with Agent Carter. Move, move!” (Y/N) slowed to a stop and crouched down, resting for a moment as Steve joined, panting as he tried to breathe. He laughed softly as he watched everyone but Steve rush the flagpole, trying to climb it. “If that’s all you got, this army’s in trouble! Get up there, Hodge! Come on! Get up there!” Duffy yelled at him, only to see him slip back down. “Nobody’s got that flag in 17 years! The only person who even got close was Cap’n (Y/N)!” he said with a laugh, taking a glance at him as (Y/N) rested on his heels as he squatted, watching as he sent glares towards a few of the cadets. Duffy clapped his hands together, gaining their attention. “Now fall back into line! Come on, fall in! Let’s go! Get back into formation!” (Y/N) raised to his feet as he waited, watching Steve. Duffy glared slightly as Steve ignored his orders. “Rogers! I said ‘fall in!’ ” (Y/N) held up his hand at Duffy as he watched Steve eyeing the pole. “Let him, Serge.” Duffy huffed slightly but crossed his arms as he watched. Steve ended up pulling out the two pins at the base of the pole, causing it to fall over. He grabbed the flag off the pole and handed it to Duffy as (Y/N) watched on in amusement. “Thank you, sir.” Steve said before he climbed in the truck, sitting in the back. “Captain Cohen. Will you be joining us back or would you rather help Sergeant Duffy control his platoon?” Peggy asked with a small smirk causing Duffy to huff indignantly. (Y/N) let out a light hearted laugh and nodded a bit as he walked to the truck, gracefully jumping into the back. “I think Duffy has his platoon under control, don't you, Serge?” His face went a light shade of red. Whether that was due to anger or embarrassment, (Y/N) had no idea but he let out a small laugh as they started to drive, barely able to hear Duffy’s orders as they all started to jog again, following their truck. (Y/N) shook his head in amusement as he looked over at Steve. He leaned over to him whispering, “Good job Stevie. M’proud of ya.” Steve puffed out his chest slightly at his praise.

When they got back to base, Steve took another moment to relax and fully catch his breath before everyone else came back. Immediately they were once again lined up. “Alright ladies! Drop and give me push ups till I say to stop!” without hesitation they all dropped down and started to do push ups. Steve struggled the most trying to push his body up once it crashed down into the dirt. “Faster, ladies! Come on. My grandmother has more life in her, God rest her soul. Move it!” Peggy called out as she started to walk around the recruits, (Y/N)’s gaze following her for a moment before looking back at Steve as he stood in front of them with his arms crossed over his chest. “Come on, move soldiers! If this is the best you can do, your best ain't good enough. There will be no room for inadequacy in our army!” (Y/N) barked out as he looked over everyone. As Phillips walked over to everyone with Dr. Erskine, he heard him complain. “You're not really thinking about picking Rogers, are you?” he all but hissed at him in annoyance as they made their way over to one of the large trucks that held equipment. He shrugged slightly. “I'm more than just thinking about it. He is the clear choice. (Y/N), join us for a moment please?” he said louder so he could be heard clearly. (Y/N)’s attention snapped over to him and he silently made his way over to them. “Sir, Doctor.” he greeted politely. They nodded at him with his arrival before Phillips started talking again. “When you brought a ninety-pound asthmatic onto my army base, I let it slide. I thought, what the hell? Maybe he’ll be useful to you, like a gerbil. I never thought you’d pick him.” he complained as he crossed his arms. (Y/N)’s eyebrows drew together in annoyance as he listened to him talk, ignoring Peggy as she commanded the recruits. “Up! Come on now! Jumping jacks!” she said with a stern voice. “You stick a needle in that kid's arm and it’s gonna go right through him.” he said with a shake of his head before looking back over at everyone doing their exercises. Steve was still struggling, going while everyone was far ahead of him. “Look at that, he’s making me cry!” he said, slightly exasperated, leaning against the jeep. “Come on, girls. Up and down, it's not that difficult!” (Y/N) heard Peggy yell at the men, causing him to smirk slightly to himself. “I am looking for qualities beyond the physical.” Phillips scoffed and turned to look at him fully while (Y/N) just raised an eyebrow at him, not wanting to voice his opinion just yet. “Do you know how long it took to set up this project?” he said a bit angrily but Erskine simply nodded. “Yeah, I know.” he said calmly as he watched Steve struggle but pushed through, getting out another push up. “All the groveling I had to do in front of Senator What’s-His-Name’s committees?” he questioned and (Y/N) spoke up. “Brandt, you mean. Colonel Phillips, we’re all aware of your efforts, I was present for half of it, sir and Doctor. Erskine was made aware of all of it via Agent Carter and myself.” Phillips rolled his eyes and ignored him. “Throw me a bone. Hodge passed every test we gave him. He’s big, he’s fast, he obeys orders. He’s a soldier.” he said defending his choice of wanting that pigheaded man to get picked. “He’s a bully.” Erskine stated and was less than pleased. Phillips scoffs at him as he picks up a hand grenade. “You don't win wars with niceness doctor. You win wars with guts.” he said before tossing the grenade over at where the recruits were and yelled out, “Grenade!” (Y/N) closed his eyes briefly at Phillips' idiocy before opening them to see everyone but Steve scatter and hide while he dove for it, curling up on top of it, covering it with his body. “Get away! Get back!” he said, making a quick and panicked shooing motion towards Peggy who made her way for it, waiting for it to explode. When it didn't, everyone let out a breath of relief after an officer spoke up. “It was a dummy grenade, all clear. Back in formation.” Sergeant Duffy announced and everyone slowly got out of their hiding spots but Steve. He slowly pushed himself up and looked over at Phillips, Eriskine, and (Y/N) who had a gentle smile as he looked at his friend. Steve huffed slightly. “Is this a test?” (Y/N) simply nodded at him, causing him to tilt his head back slightly as Erskine looked over at Phillips, silently conveying his point in choosing Steve. (Y/N) laughed gently, surprising the two men. “Colonel Phillips sir, the difference between a weed and a flower is a judgment. It's true that you don't win a war banking on being kind, I am more than aware of it, however you don't win it by being full of yourself and being a bully. Hodge is the kind of man who kills all in his path, shooting first before thinking. Just by watchin’ him I can tell he would let his comrades and innocents die before letting himself die. He’s no “soldier”. He's a coward, a liability to the unit he will be in. Rogers is the kind of man who thinks every possible action through then follows through with the best decision and is willing to sacrifice himself for the betterment of his unit and for others. You say you win it with guts, well Private Rogers is as brave and courageous as they come. He could easily be worth ten other guys with how determined he is and the type of man he is, sir.” he said in a stern but respectful tone, not shying away from the eye contact that Phillips tried to level him with. “We truly couldn't wish to have a better candidate to work with sir.” he said in a softer tone before looking back over at Steve who was now back in formation, once again struggling to do the exercises. He didn't miss the look that Peggy sent Steve as she hesitated a moment before barking out orders again, just like (Y/N) showed her how. He couldn't quite decipher the look on her face but he chalked it up to adoration. Phillips was quiet for a moment before he huffed, looking back over at Erskine who looked elated that (Y/N) was on board with his choice. “He’s still skinny.” he said before walking away, leaving the two standing by the truck. The silence stretched on between the two men as they watched Peggy and the recruits. “Steven is your friend, yes? Is that the true reason why you advocated for him?” (Y/N) looked over at him for a moment before looking back at the group, his gaze softening slightly as he spoke. “No.. that's not the reason Doctor. I've known that kid since we were eight. The only person who knows him better than me is James. We both could tell you how he’s never backed down from a fight or how many punches he took when he stood up to some mook who was three times his size before James or myself stepped in but he’s only done so for the right reason and never because of ill intent. He’s stubborn, bullheaded even, sometimes too dumb and stubborn to run away from a fight. But he’s got a good head on his shoulders and an even better heart, sir. I can't see most of these guys being the right candidate. He wants to do what's right, he wants to protect and not just mindlessly kill someone because it’s what his orders would be. He wouldn't want bloodshed. He would make a difference, and I can't stress that statement enough.” he said softly with a concentrated look etched onto his face. Erskine smiled softly before gently but firmly patting his shoulder with a small smile. “You have a lot of faith in him, Captain. I think.. the war already has enough big and strong men in its arsenal. What we need is one of the little guys. I believe he is what we need to win this war, don't you think?” He said in an equally soft tone, causing (Y/N) to give him a smile and a slight nod. “I couldn't agree more, Doctor.” As they watched them for a few more moments, (Y/N) began to step forward to go and join Peggy but he was stopped by a hand on his arm, pulling him back gently. “Captain, if you would join me later in my quarters, I have a few things that need to be discussed before you retire for the night.” He said in an almost nervous tone. (Y/N) tilted his head slightly but nodded. “Of course, Doctor. I’ll stop by before going to mine.” He gave (Y/N) a slightly stiff nod and released him, letting him go. (Y/N) took his place next to Peggy as she walked around, checking on the recruits as they did their exercises. Not long after Sergeant Duffy made his presence known once again. “Alright ladies! That's enough for today. Hit the showers and report to the mess hall.” Everyone let out small laughs as they began to shove each other as they started to make their way up off the ground and towards the showers. Steve let out small huffs as he got up, refusing the hand (Y/N) extended him. “I’m.. I’m fine. Can get up by myself.” He said stubbornly, causing (Y/N) to let out a soft laugh that made Peggy give the two a soft smile of her own. “You did exceptionally well today, Rogers. I suppose I can wager that you’ll continue performing as such, yes?” She said in a warm tone that she didn't use with the other recruits and (Y/N) noticed it immediately. (Y/N) smirked slightly when Steve could all but nod at her and stumble out a soft “Of course ma’am.” She smiled at him and held her hands behind her back in a formal manner. “Excellent. I’ll be seeing you then, Rogers.” she said as Steve nodded, walking towards the showers. He sent (Y/N) and Peggy, mainly Peggy, a smile and a few glances before he was out of view. (Y/N) let out a soft laugh as he and Peggy started walking towards the mess hall. “What's so funny Captain?” She said in a slightly annoyed tone. (Y/N) just shrugged a bit, putting his hands in his pockets as they walked. “Oh, nothing at all Pegs. Just you gettin’ all soft on Rogers.” he said in a low tone, enjoying how her cheeks heated up slightly, giving her a light rosy complexion. “I most certainly am not. Mind your tongue Captain Cohen, or I will make you myself.” she said sternly but it didn't quite have the same effect with her pink tinted cheeks. “Oh come on Peggy. No need to snap your cap at me, I’m only joking with you.. slightly.” he said with a smirk that caused her to slap the arm that was closest to her and landed a few on his chest. He wheezed out a laugh as she continued her weak assault on him, not bothering to defend himself since she wasn't actually trying to hurt him. She huffed softly before straightening up, fixing her jacket and pointing at him. “You have no idea what you’re talking about Cohen, so I suggest you keep your nose out of things you don't understand.” she hissed at him, her cheeks growing redder by the moment, due to both exerting herself slightly and from embarrassment. (Y/N) calmed down a bit and looked down at her, smiling softly. He slowly reached out and tucked a lock of hair that came loose back where it belonged, causing her to drop her hand back down to her side. “I’m sorry Pegs, I’ll stop. If it makes you feel any better, Stevie is an amazing man.” he said before he started walking again, letting Peggy catch up to him again. “You have got to be the most difficult person I have ever had the displeasure to work with.” she said, sounding slightly annoyed but mostly amused. He just shrugged a bit before placing a hand on her back protectively as they walked past a few of the others eyeing her with less than pure intentions. “Oh please Peggy. You love me. I think I’m the most enjoyable man you’ve worked with. I know how pigheaded these boys can be.” he said with a small glare towards them, causing them to shy away a bit. She was about to complain when she noticed their stares and smirked to herself. “Captain (Y/N), your possessive streak is making itself known again. And as endearing as it is, I suggest you remove your hand before you lose it.” she said jokingly with a small shake of her head. (Y/N) let out a deep laugh before he snaked his arm around her shoulders, taking his hand off her back. He would never get over the fact that she was so much like Dot that he had to remind himself that she wasn't her. “Agent Carter, if I didn't know any better, I would say you were threatening me.” She stifled a giggle and put on a serious look. “Well then Captain, you are certainly more of an idiot than I initially believed you to be, because I am.” he rolled his eyes with a smirk. “Oh Agent, I'm disappointed in you. Is that any way to talk to your superior?” She let out a laugh at that and immediately covered her mouth slightly as they entered the building, (Y/N) taking his arm off her. “Have I ever told you how much I adore you?” he said with a smile as they went to get food. Peggy shook her head a bit. “Only when you need something from me or when you get too annoyed with Sergeant Duffy.” she said with an amused tone as she grabbed a tray of food for herself. (Y/N) shrugged a bit but didn’t deny it. Maybe Bucky was onto something about being sweet on feisty women. “Well, I don't need anything nor am I currently annoyed with Duffy. I adore you Peg.” He said somewhat fondly as he got a tray of food, following her to a place to sit. She was kind enough to pick a somewhat empty area where he could observe all exits and keep his back to the wall. “Don’t you start going soft on me Captain. You’ll make a lady start to think things.” she said jokingly before taking a bite out of her food. He simply let out a small snort as he laughed. He fished his dog tags out from under his shirt to show her his ring that he put with his tags so they both didn't get lost and wouldn't get in the way. “Don't worry Peggy. You know I’m a faithful man.” he said as he dropped them against his chest and began to eat. Peggy looked at his tags for a moment before gently lifting them off his chest and leaning into his space to look at them along with his ring. “You told me you were engaged, I just assumed you said it to keep the ladies away.” she said softly, gently tracing the inlaid diamonds in his ring. He smiled softly as he thought of Bucky. He shook his head slightly and cleared his throat a bit. “Married, actually. The week I was off, we got married before I came back. I forgot to mention it.” he said a bit awkwardly. Peggy gave him a mischievous smile, sensing something was off when she saw that the small dog tag wasn't his own. “Oh? Why so soon? You got engaged not long ago didn’t you?” He let out an awkward laugh and shrugged a bit. “Well.. we’ve been engaged since we were nineteen? So it was long overdue.. Besides. She was worried that somethin’ would happen to me before we managed it. Plus, I wanted to know that she would be taken care of while I was gone and if I died. Got a bunch of stuff signed up for her so she’s all set regardless.” Peggy’s smile dropped a bit but nodded and carefully let go of the mismatched tags, going against saying anything about them. “That is a long time to be engaged to someone. I’m happy for you (Y/N). Truly.” He gave her a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “Thanks Pegs.” he said softly before hiding them back under his shirt. As they ate, they shared what had happened since they saw each other last. (Y/N) was immensely pleased that she yelled at Howard to get his act together. “Honestly, it’s as if this.. car of his is more important than project Rebirth. He hadn't even tested anything last week and I had to threaten him. Again. And he had the nerve to ask me out to dinner!” she quietly complained to him while he did his best not to laugh. “I only met him a few times but.. That sounds like him. I'm sorry you gotta deal with that, doll.” he said without thinking, causing his brain to pause. He gave her a small awkward smile but she simply rolled her eyes and waved it off. “It’s fine I suppose. He’s nothing I can’t handle. He said that everything should be ready when we meet again with our candidate. Maybe you can help him finish that blasted car of his so can move onto things more important.” she said with a small smile. He just shrugged a bit. “I doubt he’d let just anyone help him and how many times do I have to tell you Pegs. I'm not good with the whole.. inventin’ and buildin’ thing.” he said giving her puppy dog eyes that made him look a bit like a sad kicked puppy. “Come on (Y/N), in the few years that I've known you, you have been able to do anything you set your mind to. Think about it, at least for me?” he gave her a heavy sigh before he stood up with their empty trays. “Okay okay, fine. You damn She-devil!” he said with a small frown. “You're damn persistent when you want somethin’.” he mumbled but she just smiled victoriously. “Come on Pegs, I’ll walk you to your quarters, you should stay with me though after I get back. The Doc wants to talk to me about something before he retires for the night.” She let out a gentle laugh as she followed him, waiting for him to return the trays. “If I hadn't known any better, I'd say you were just trying to get me into your bed, Captain. It's very sweet that you're as concerned as you are, but I can take care of myself. I have been for a long time.” She said softly as they started walking to her quarters. He just shook his head, putting his hands in his pockets. “I know Peggy. I know. I can't help worrying about you is all.” he said softly, bumping into her slightly as they walked. She shook her head and linked arms with him. “And I can’t stress it enough that I am indeed thankful for your worry, but you don't need to coddle me or watch out for me all the time. If anyone tries anything I’ll shoot them between the eyes.” She said with a small smirk as (Y/N) let out a laugh. “Alright, but if anythin’ happens, promise to tell me?” She let out an exasperated sigh but nodded a bit as they stopped in front of her quarters. “Of course, Captain. Try to hold off on anything stupid till the morning, will you? If I have to leave this room before morning, you and I are going to have some strong words.” she said with a stern look. (Y/N) smiled softly and nodded a bit. “Of course, Agent. No need to worry ‘bout that. I’ll see you in the morning.” he said with a small nod before leaving her to get ready for bed. By the time he made it to Erskine’s quarters, everyone was already in their beds or just about to be. He gave the door a small knock and a moment later it was opened and revealed a slightly worried Erskine. “Hey Doc, everythin’ alright?” He said as he was let in. When the door was closed, he crossed his arms a bit and waited for the reason why he needed to speak with him. After Erskine collected himself, he pulled out a medium sized leather pouch and sat on the edge of his bed. “Sit, please. I promise this won't be long.” (Y/N) nodded a bit and sat next to him. “What's the matter? Did the date get pushed?” he said, worrying that their hard work would be further postponed. Erskine just shook his head. “No no, that is still on and happening at the end of this week. This matter is related to it though.” he paused, debating for a moment. “You and Agent Carter are the two I trust the most with this, this project.” He said as he handed (Y/N) the pouch. (Y/N) raised an eyebrow before opening it slowly. He let out a small gasp and his head snapped up to him, giving him a shocked look. “Abraham.. Is this?” He simply nodded. “Yes, it is. It’s what will be left after the experiment. You must promise me that if anything is to happen, you do not let these get into the wrong hands. Continue my work, let Carter help you, but do not let anyone take these from you. Promise me.” He said in a low and serious tone, desperation etched into his features. (Y/N) took a deep breath as he closed the pouch and gently closed his hands around it. “Are you sure about this? This is.. This is a big deal. Are you sure?” Erskine gave him a gentle smile and nodded. “Of course. I can tell you are the type of person I can entrust this to in the event something happens. Think of it as a plan B. You don't have to accept but it would take a weight off my chest if you would take this for me. On the day of the procedure, I’ll leave some of my research with you, the most important parts. Without it, the rest of my research is useless to those who don't know what to look for.” (Y/N) sighed softly but nodded, giving him a small smile. “If you trust me with this.. Then I will. I promise I won’t let anything happen to it.. Any of it.” Erskine let out a sigh of relief. He patted (Y/N)’s hands softly before gesturing to some alcohol. “Would you like a drink before you retire?” (Y/N) let out a small laugh before shaking his head a bit as he stood up. He patted Erskine on the shoulder as he carefully put the pouch in his pocket. “No thank you Doc, I never drink before bed. Gives me nightmares.” he said softly as he stood up as well to walk him to the door. “Thank you though, I appreciate it.” Erskine nodded and patted him on the back. “I understand Captain. Be safe alright? I’ll be joining you and Agent Carter the next few days before I have to go and prep the machines and everything.” (Y/N) nodded a bit as he stepped out of the building. “Of course Doc. I’ll be seein’ you.” When he returned to his quarters, he let his back slide down the door before he took the pouch out again. He opened it, revealing once again the five tubes of the blue tinted serum. He closed it back up and turned it over in his hands a few times before sighing deeply. “What the hell did I just agree to?” He whispered to himself as he started to get a bad feeling about the whole procedure.