Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ava sighed in discontent as she drank her fifth cup of coffee. She glanced down at her wristwatch, she'd been working since four in the morning and it was now almost noon. She noted that she needed to be at work in two hours.

Where was she now?

In her basement conducting her side research on quantum physics and psychology. Well, it wasn't her basement, it was her parent's basement. But they were back in London contributing to the war effort for the Allies by supplying weapons and conducting research to examine the Axis powers. As long as she kept the house clean, she was able to conduct her science experiments however she liked.

What was her job?

Explosive assembling for the SSR. It wasn't exactly what she wanted to be doing but in her attempt to make the war effort, she left her job as a researcher in her own scientific practice to work for Stark Industries, when Howard greed to help the SSR in an upcoming project that was said to "help us win the war once and for all". It was 1940, and certain scientists were about to be chosen to lead the new project. Ava knew her chances were low. Not because of how good she was but because of her gender- and brown complexion. If she were to be chosen, it's not like she would get the credit she deserves. But at the same time, Ava knew that deep down, she wanted to be part of whatever was coming in the biggest way possible. It would be personally fulfilling to know that she, at the ripe age of twenty-one (or however old she would be at the time this project was finished) made history by being a part of stopping the war.

Ava tiredly made her way up the stairs and slowly opened the door that lead her into the living room. Sighing, she took her tangled curlyish-wavyish hair out of the elastic band and shuffled into the bedroom. The house wasn't big, hell, it was hardly even a house. It was one bedroom with a kitchen that her parents also made into a makeshift living room by adding an old loveseat in the dark corner. The television was placed on a stack of textbooks on the floor. Ava's parents would sleep in the basement, letting their daughter sleep on the mattress in the bedroom. Wanting her to have a sense of normalcy. The bedroom had a small bathroom and in there, Ava washed her face, brushed her teeth, and moisturized her hair. She grabbed her lab coat off of the kitchen counter and her work bag filled with her research files. The young woman struggled for a moment to find her heels before she realized she left them by the door to dry from the rain that fell the night before.

The neighborhood she lived in was inhabited mainly by other black women and children, trying to survive the war.

"Hi, Mrs. Owens!" Ava waved to a woman around thirty who was on her porch breastfeeding her newborn child. Her husband, Mr. Owens had been required to enlist for the war months before their baby was born.

"Good afternoon, Starr" Mrs. Owens smiled at the freckled woman walking the sidewalk. She looked worn and tired like she hadn't slept in years. "Be careful at work, okay?" Ava gave her a reassuring smile, noting that she still wanted to buy her a new blanket for her baby.

Ava kept down the sidewalk, stopping to jump a rope with some kids and waving to everyone who was hanging out outside. It was a particularly sunny day with a cool wind blowing through the Staten Island neighborhood.

"Ava! Think you'll make it to dinner tomorrow night?" Asked Mr. Mulligan. He was an older man in his late sixties who threw get-togethers for the community. It kept everyone's minds at bay, knowing they weren't alone. "If you do, bring those cinnamon buns you cook up!"

She smiled. "I'll have to see when I'm off of work to go get the ingredients." Ava was hoping that she would get to come to this dinner, it sucked having to miss the last few because of her job. "I can't promise I'll make it though, I apologize."

Mr. Mulligan waved his hand as if shooing away her doubts. "If not, there's always next week. Don't worry bout' it," Ava hoped she wouldn't have to miss for the eighth week in a row.

At the bus stop that resided at the end of the neighborhood, Ava sat on the bench with a sigh. She had to ride the bus to work every day, but it isn't like she minded much. Ava, knowing that it might be another ten minutes before the bus pulled up, shuffled around in her bag and found the notes she had made that morning. She was getting closer to proving her hypothesis.

"Ava baby! You look tired. When was the last time you slept?" It was Mrs. Thompson. An older woman that was a friend of her parents. Mrs. Thompson babysat Ava until she was thirteen.

"Um..." Ava paused. When was the last time she slept? "Not last night, that's for sure." She quietly laughed.

Mrs. Thompson made an exasperated noise. "You outta start sleeping. You young people walk around with these..black circles under your eyes walkin' around like lost puppies. Living off of coffee and alcohol and...mentality!" She plopped down next to Ava on the bench, lifting her wrinkled fingers to push a piece of the younger woman's hair behind her ear.

"Have you talked to my mom?" Ava asked. Corresponding with her parents was harder these days. "I sent a letter a few weeks ago, but-"

"Oh, honey..." Mrs. Thompson sighed. "You know they are busy people. And the war isn't making it any easier." Ava sighed, hanging her head. "Don't worry, you'll hear from them in no time,"

"I know." Ava huffed. "I'm just worried," The older woman gave a sympathetic look.

Their moment was interrupted by the bus coming to a halt in front of them. Ava shoved her papers into her bag and stood. She took hold of Mrs. Thompson's arm, helping the older woman stand. She let Mrs. Tanner go onto the bus first and she followed closely behind, the two went to the back of the bus- where African Americans were expected to sit. Mrs. Thompson pointed out open seats and told Ava to sit first. Then, she lowered herself carefully next to the girl.

"Are you going to the senior center or your sister's today?" Ava questioned her. Mrs. Thompson smacked her lips together in thought.

"I went to Darline's yesterday, so it's the senior center today, hun." Ava hummed in response. "You goin' to work?"

Ava playfully rolled her eyes. "You know it." She glanced out the window. "It's all I ever do." She half-whispered, not really talking to anyone.

"How about you go out somewhere?" Mrs. Thompson responded. "You are a fine young lady, find yourself a man and go dance somewhere!" She encouraged.

"Oh." That was all Ava could say. She smiled, this wasn't the first time Mrs. Thompson had suggested something like this. Ava only found herself going out on special occasions. But never found time for men.

"You could be like me when I was your age."

"And how were you when you were my age?" "

Mh!" the older woman hummed, remembering her early twenties. "The boys were all over me. I'd dance and dance all night, be with my friends... make love every now and then..." She teased, nudging her shoulder into Ava's in a dancing manner.

Ava, pretending to be disgusted, squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face behind her hands. "I don't have time for that!"

"Don't have time? Or don't want to make the time?"

"Well..." Ava pondered. She knew the answer to that. She'd just always found her work more important.

Mrs. Thompson placed her hand on Ava's thigh, "I just want you to enjoy yourself, Ava. I know our circumstances are tough, especially for our community, but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of YOUR life."

Ava sighed. "I know, I know..." She placed her hand atop hers, "But right now, I just... can't waste any time."

"Well, don't you have friends!?"

An hour later, Ava arrived in bustling Manhattan. Mrs. Thompson got off at her stop thirty minutes before. Ava enjoyed talking to her, their bus rides together were a highlight of her days. Ava made her usual stop at the popcorn cart next to the lab building that was disguised as a candy shop. She shoved her snack into her work bag and walked inside. She made her way up to the man at the counter and showed him her SSR scientist badge. He gave her a side-eye and reluctantly pushed a button under the counter. There was a mechanic-hissing sound from the wall of chocolates and it parted into a staircase leading into the upper part of the building. Ava nodded at him and started up the stairwell, the titanium doors closing behind her.

The tired scientist went to the door with the sign that read 'Scientists Only' and opened it, being welcomed warmly by her colleagues. She shyly waved and made her way to her counter. Darren, one of her coworkers (and a close friend of hers) who was working on the radio station, brought her a mug of coffee. He used to live a few houses down from her until he moved to Queens to take care of his grandma.

"Did you hear?"

Ava quirked her brow. "About what?"

Darren sat down in the chair that was next to hers. "Stark's got an announcement."

"...about what?" Darren shrugged his shoulders. "It's all we've been talking about all day." He called out to the others, to which the other scientists nodded.

"Hm," Ava said. "Well if Stark is taking a break from his mansions to come to talk to us then you know it's a big deal."

"Maybe he wants to try and get us on a magazine cover." The two shared a laugh but were quickly interrupted by Mr. Dooling, their supervisor, opening the door, and pushing up his glasses.

"If everyone would make their way to the main room. Mr. Stark has arrived with important news."

The main room was pretty much where all the scientists sat and ate together in between shifts. There were murmurs among everyone and if you looked among the forty scientists, you'd see that there were only fifteen black people. And only one woman. Ava sat patiently at a table with Darren and a couple of other colleagues. They conversated about Germany invading Denmark and Norway and the 'blitzkrieg' strategy. And then the conversation shifted to the big upcoming project.

"I heard they're building an army." Trey shrugged. He was a personal assistant to Dooling (and Ava's other close friend).

Ava leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "Building an army?" She questioned. "How-"

"Hello, my fellow scientists!" A voice rang through the room. Howard Stark had made his entrance, looking dapper than ever. His beard looked freshly trimmed and his shoes were so shiny, Ava was sure she saw spots when she looked at them.

'Maybe I should start wearing my glasses more' She thought.

"As you all know, this past year has been a tough one for America, the world, perhaps. Us Americans are doing everything we can to give our all and contribute to our country. Courage and unity are all we can count on." He paused and looked around the room. Ava was sure he made eye contact with her for a few seconds. "That is why I and the SSR have come up with a plan to win the war and put it all to rest. This plan... it.. is a long shot. But I think with a perfect selection of scientists, we can make this a reality!" So this is what the announcement was about. The big project and who was going to lead it.

"I have called my friend, Ms. Peggy Carter to assist me in choosing those eligible for the leading position of what we assume will be, the next three years of development."

A woman, who looked more like an agent than a scientist entered the room and stood next to Howard. Her bold red lipstick complimented her doughy brown eyes and her hair was curled. She also looked as if she could beat anyone down, or die trying. "Hello everyone. My name is Agent Margaret 'Peggy' Carter and I am an agent for the SSR. Doctor Abraham Erskine has requested the SSR's greatest New York minds to help him perfect his project and make it useable. We have looked at files, records, and different hypotheses by all of you to determine who would be fit. It is going to be quite the process and require much of your attention. No mistakes can be made." Agent Carter announced.

Ava took note of her English accent. Definitely from the United Kingdom. She also noted that she was holding envelopes.

"Now, If you aren't chosen, it's not because you aren't good enough. And there's a full chance that most of you will join later in the project."

"Just, right now, we need only a few," Stark added on. "Some of you might also be transferred to new departments to suit your paths better."

Soon, The scientists were sent back to the experiment room in anticipation. As everyone huddled in the middle of the room to talk about who would be chosen, Ava shrunk into the back, by the coffee pots. She knew that her chances were low. But there was that glimmer of hope that said she was good enough. Ava knew she had so much to offer, she just hoped that Howard Stark was actually as smart as everyone says he was to not overlook her because of her race and gender... that was the case for most things like this.

Ava spent her day researching things like brain chemistry and working on her hypothesis. The usual. And every hour, someone was called back by Mr. Dooling and came back celebrating with an envelope.

Trevor Tordgman

Charles Taylor

Trey Barksdale. Hey, she was glad someone of color got in.

Andrew Gabe

At seven, All the scientists were going to go home. Ava walked out of the candy store with Darren and Trey, smiling and laughing at her friend's success. She was truly happy for him. It was hard for people like them to come across an opportunity like this.

"Aye, we should go to the bar sometime! To celebrate!" Derron suggested.

"Hell Yeah, Man!" Trevor shouted. "Ava, would you like to come?!" The two men turned to Ava, hopeful. They knew she usually turned down invitations like this.

Ava thought for a moment. This was a special occasion..and it would be bitchy of her to refuse the invitation to celebrate her best friend. Also, she needed a drink..."Oh, what the hell. Of course, I'd love to."

"Wait, really?!" They gasped. Like two children getting confirmation from their parents that they could go to the playground.

Ava took a step back, rethinking her decision. She realized it was too late though when Derron and Trey went on either side of her and took her arm.

"To the 'Cool Kids' bar?" Trey asked, looking at Derron.

"The 'Cool Kids' bar it is!" Derron replied Ava wanted to curl into a ball.

The Cool Kids Bar was the name of a negro bar in Manhattan. It's where many went to chill, drink, and listen to music. This was not a place you would catch Ava at.

First time's for everything?

The three ecstatic scientists found a circular booth. Derron and Trey protectively made Ava sit in the middle, away from passersby, and tried to make their shy friend feel as comfortable as possible. They had a round of rum shots first, then ordered Singapore slings (with a recommendation from Derron) and by the time the slings arrived at their table, Ava was feeling a little looser. Even making a little joke here and there. She had tied her hair up and shrugged off her labcoat, showing off the plaid blue dress she'd bought from a yard sale a few weeks before.

A waitress arrived with their glasses and she set them carefully on the table. They thanked her graciously. Ava slowly stirred the drink with the thin straw.

"Shall we make a toast?"

"To what?" Derron asked, already raising his glass.

"To..." Ava's mind came up blank. She looked at Trey for ideas.

Trey raised his glass, and Ava and Derron followed suit. "To makin' it. When nobody else wants us to." Ava nodded, Derron smiled brightly, and some of his drink dripped onto the table.

"To makin' it when nobody else wants us to!" They cheered.

An hour or so later, the three were munching on breadsticks and pizza to fight away the euphoric numbness and dizziness of their surroundings. Because they needed to at least try to get home sober. Trey laughed loudly, his mouth dripping in pizza sauce. This caused Ava and Derron to fall into a burst of contagious laughter at their friend, who coughed, trying desperately to not suffocate from the food in his mouth. When it all died down and they felt decently sober, it was almost ten. They all decided that they would take the bus and Ava would let them crash on the couch in her basement.

Ava was coming back from the bathroom when she noticed Agent Carter and Howard Stark standing in the middle of the bar, sticking out like sore thumbs.

Ava rushed back to the booth. "Why are they here?" Derron and Trey skeptically turned their attention toward them. An agent and a playboy, a philanthropist, an inventor......whatever caught a lot of attention in a bar.

They whispered to themselves for a few minutes until it looked like they noticed who they were looking for.

Ava.

"Hello there," Trey greeted them, once they were at their table. "Would you like to have a drink with us?"

"We have breadsticks!" Derron gestured at the basket with only two left in it. Ava kept quiet. Why were they there?

"Mh!" Howard hummed loudly in contentment. He slid into the booth next to the slouching Trey, who fixed his posture and made a little more room. "Don't mind if I do!"

Carter rolled her eyes at Stark, sighing. "Mind if we sit?" She asked the three. Ava cautiously nodded her head as Derron, confusedly, made room for the SSR agent.

Howard rubbed his hands together and took a bite out of the crispy and oily bread like he hadn't eaten in days. "Peg, These things are amazing." He chimed.

"Would you like to have the last one? Agent Carter?" Ava asked the agent. She shifted in her seat as she took her hair out of the messy ponytail. Trying her best to look professional

The woman shook her head, her hands out in front of her. "I couldn't," She resisted. "Thank you."

Howard leaned over to Trey. "Her loss," He whispered. Trey just smiled. "We're here to talk to you two," Agent Carter shifted her glace to Derron and Ava. Ava cautiously pointed at herself in disbelief, Derron raised his brows in question.

"So," Howard stated, gripping his chest as he swallowed the food. "Calloway, your work in radios isn't needed for the project...yet. But I do still want you stationed near. I've talked with Peggy and I want you to come work directly for the SSR communications floor."

All three of the aspiring scientists gasped. "Really?!" Derron gushed. "I would like that very much, Mr. Stark!"

"Good." Peggy smiled, handing him a blue envelope. "You start next week, I've referred you to my boss." Trey and Derron shared a loud high-five over Ava's head, who laughed, clinging onto Derron in excitement. "Now Ms. Starr," Agent Carter looked at the nervous freckled woman. To Ava, it seemed like her eyes were boring into her soul.

"Yes?" Ava responded after a few moments.

"Your hypothesis about the connection of quantum theory and psychology was fascinating." Howard leaned toward her. "Also your statements about how altering psychology plays the main part in a human's psychics and properties."

"Do you think that could also play part in physiology? In someone's agility, reflexes, and strength Ms. Starr?" Carter asked her.

All eyes were on Ava. She folded her hands together on the table. "Well, yes. I believe that if we were to change a human's biochemistry, psychology would play a huge part in how that human body changes to become...almost inhuman. A fair amount of quantum psychics could go into it but the psychology of the motor cortex and the hypothalamus would be a huge part of...that, so." Ava shrugged and looked at everyone.

Trey and Derron looked at her like proud big brothers. Agent Carter and Howard smirked at each other, knowingly.

"Well, you left before we were able to hand you this." Howard reached into his back pocket and pulled out a yellow envelope. "We can't wait for you to start with us." He held the envelope out to her. Ava looked at him for confirmation, Howard gave her a reassuring nod, and Carter smirked confidently. Ava, in disbelief, took the envelope from Howard. She cautiously held it in front of her face and read the front.

AVA STARR

"Uh.." Ava pondered. "Am I still drunk?" The table erupted in laughter. Trey and Derron squeezed Ava in a hug.

Ava couldn't believe it! She was moving up in her position! And it actually seemed like she was going to be recognized for her work. Ava could've cried and danced through the entire bar. A waitress brought the table a new basket of breadsticks which they all happily ate from. Even Agent Carter ate a couple. Howard bought all of them a shot of tequila in celebration. And when they decided they were done around midnight, the five of them walked into the cold night air. Stark had offered to give Trey and Derron a ride to Brooklyn in his limo back to Queens. Carter had insisted that she'd give Ava a ride home so she wouldn't be subjected to taking the bus home this late at night.

"My car is back at the candy shop, where do you live? I'll happily drive you home." She consoled.

"Really?"

"Yes!"

Fifteen minutes later, Carter was giving Starr a ride home in her car. Ava was perplexed. She never saw other women driving unless it was for farms. They rode in comfortable silence.

"I'm very excited you were chosen. You are perfect for this." Peggy said after a while.

"If I may ask, Agent Carter-"

"Call me Margaret...or Peggy" Agent Carter offered.

"Okay.." Ava pondered. "If I may ask, Ag- Margaret. What is this project?"

Margaret nodded. "We are looking to build an army of super soldiers."

"Super soldiers?"

"Enhanced human beings meant to end the war. Doctor Erskine has developed a serum, but it needs to be perfected. We are trying to crack the code as to how we can inject this serum into someone without it going completely wrong. I've heard that if the serum isn't ready when it's being used, it can cause a drastic change in a human. Making them mad." Margaret explained.

"So right now... it's just a prototype?" Ava clarified.

"Correct, Ms. Starr."

"You know," Ava laughed. "You can call me Ava." She offered.

Margaret smiled. "Alright Ava," She glanced at her. "I believe you'll be an amazing part of this."

"Thank you." Ava graciously said. "I'll do whatever I can."

"You know," Margaret laughed. "Us women have to stick together. No matter what society insists stands in the way." Margaret declared.

"That, I wholeheartedly believe," Ava exclaimed. "We are human after all."

Chapter Text

"Wonderful weather today, Isn't it?" The old woman asked.

"Yeah," Ava answered. "But I always carry an umbrella."

This was the code for the new SSR building Ava was now stationed in. Showing an ID wasn't going to cut it here. The library shelf opened and Ava walked inside. Her place was inside the lab on the main floor. This had been her life for the last six months. It added new excitement to be part of something so huge. And every day, she was learning more and making progress with the others. And Doctor Erskine seemed to like her.

"Good morning, Dr. Starr." Dr. Erskine greeted. Ava also loved that she gained the title of "Doctor", even if it wasn't official it still made her happy. "We're continuing our work from yesterday, hoping to make progress."

"Good morning Doctor, and yes, of course," Ava responded. "I'll get the research reports to you today or tomorrow." She and Dr. Erskine spoke for a few more minutes before Ava went to her desk, setting her work bag by her chair.

     Her life had changed a little since she'd begun working on what they were calling- "Project Rebirth". Ava had a more strict and demanding work schedule. She'd started riding the bus in the early morning rather than the afternoon. This meant she didn't see Mrs. Thompson as much as she wanted. Only on her way down the sidewalk at night when she was walking home. She'd still stop and sit on her porch to talk to her for a short time, though. And when she was finally home, she'd work on her quantum experiments well into the early morning. Ava also missed always seeing Derron and Trey. Although Trey was in the same facility as her, he was working on mechanics, Ava was in Psychology. Derron had moved into Stark's facility in upper Manhattan for radio experiments. But on weekends, Ava was off work. And when she wasn't sleeping her life away, she'd make an effort to meet with them at the park or a bar.

     Other times, when Peggy wasn't off being the best agent ever- she'd come to see Ava for lunch. Ava adored hearing the stories her friend would tell of her missions. She'd often wonder what it would be like to be a secret agent herself.

Sometimes, Peggy would take Ava down to the SSR's gun range to practice shooting. It was protocol for scientists in 'Project Rebirth' to invest in a weapon for safety precautions. And thanks to her friend's helpful tips, Ava became a great shot with a range of weaponry. To ensure her safety, even more- the young woman bought a boxing guidebook to skill herself in some kind of combat. A punching bag and gloves were given to her by one of her neighbors that retired from the sport.

    But there's a downside. Of course, there's a downside. Andrew and Trevor-her damn coworkers. Those two were the only other people she saw during her shifts besides Dr. Erskine. When Doctor was away supervising mechanics or not looking, Trevor and Andrew would take every chance to demean her and her efforts. Andrew would roll his eyes whenever Ava would do something as minor as walk by with a cup of coffee. Or he'd scoff at her when Ava's cup of pencils would crash to the floor from her desk. He'd say something along the lines of-

"Didn't you make an effort to organize your desk like a decent scientist? A real one."

Trevor would try his absolute most damn to make Ava look like an idiot in the meetings that took place once every few weeks. The five scientists(not to mention, Dr. Erskine) would gather in the conference room on the fifth floor of the SSR building. They'd discuss plans and research to ensure everyone was on the same page. There were only two reasons Ava liked these meetings. The first one is because these were when Ava could catch up with Trey and see the brilliant things he was working on in mechanics. The second reason was that she'd love receiving constructive criticism from Dr. Erskine, Trey, and sometimes that Charles guy. But everything else- she hated. Everything else, being the way Trevor had a private agenda of making her look bad at her job.

"Great job Dr. Starr." Dr. Erskine told her. " But don't you think that the topic of character in humans should be studied more before we choose a person to take the serum?"

"In fact, Dr. Erskine." Ava happily responded. "I believe we should start assessing our options now. So we can determine if our serum is ready for whoever takes it. So-"

"Did you even look at the DNA functions compatible with the serum?" Trevor interrupted.

Ava cringed. "I've started the research, yes."

"You mean you haven't looked, have you?"

"Be quiet, man!" Trey shot at him. "We're all navigating here. You don't know any more than she does."

"Oh look at him, sticking up for his homegirl". Andrew cut in. Ava took a sharp breath in and Trey's stare hardened.

Dr. Erskine sighed. "Andrew and Trevor. That is not how you speak to your teammates here- or ever." He stood, looking at the two. "This is your second strike."

Ava wanted to die. She hated being the reason Dr. Erskine was upset. "Ava, I believe your hypothesis is valid and would like to see more work into it as your next steps." Dr. Erskine announced.

So Ava deepened her research. Her normal time of leaving the lab around eight or nine came to eleven or twelve at night. And to avoid danger, Ava would be sure to hop her ass straight onto the bus to Staten Island.

But one particular night, Ava was starving. She had been avoiding the cafeteria because of Trevor and Andrew. She'd stay at her desk and work but forgot to bring her lunch. So to avoid throwing up from starvation on the bus, she stopped at 'Henry's 24hr Bodega'. Ava walked into the shop as the bell over the door rang, and the old black woman at the counter waved at her. She smiled back and started her way toward the potato chips. 

Ava moved her purse onto her should and bent down to look at the options. A few seconds later, the bell over the door rang again

"Good evening, ma'am," Ava heard.

They talked for only a few minutes and when the conversation was over, the woman shrugged and left the counter. The man looked around, worried. Ava locked eyes with him for a second but both of them looked away. Out of the over of her eye, she saw him look down at her purse.

"You've got to be kidding me..." Ava muttered to herself.

On a whim, Ava ditched the chips and went to the exit of the store, avoiding crossing paths with the man. She busted out of the door, the bell ringing, and began walking to the bus stop. Her shoes clicked against the sidewalk and her hair was blowing in the wind trailing behind her. From a distance, she heard the bell of the store ring again.

He was following her!

Coincidently, there were no other people in sight. Ava walked as fast as she could- wondering if she should've started running. Was he a German spy? Did he know about Project Rebirth?

His heavy footsteps trailed behind her quiet and hurried strides. Ava gripped her purse with her right hand and dug into the small pocket with her left. A heavy hand was placed on her shoulder. Ava whirled and punched the man in the jaw. He groaned in pain as he stumbled backward. She stepped toward him, grabbed him by the shoulders, and kneed him in the groin.

The man's hat fell off his head as he dropped to his knees holding his upper thigh. "Oh, God!" He yelped. Ava nervously resumed digging in her purse and whipped out her revolver, she pointed the gun at his chest. The man looked up at her in horror as he raised his hands, looking around desperately for help.

"Who do you work for?" Ava lowly asked him. He didn't speak. After a few seconds, Ava asked again. "Who do you work for?"

At the click of the revolver, the man spoke up. "Marlin's boat docks!" He confessed.

Ava narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me?"

"I work at the docks! I'll be enlisting for the war soon, though. But now, I just catch fish, fix boats, and paint em'." He looked terrified. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"Why were you following me?!" Ava growled. 

"I wanted to ask you when are the best bus times to Staten Island in the mornings!" The man said.

"What? But you looked at my purse?" Ava questioned him.

"Because!" He yelled, hands trembling. "Your work badge is hanging from it! It says you're from Staten Island so I figured you'd know a thing or two." Ava softened and looked at her purse. The man started to stand.

"Stay down!" She ordered, sharpening her stance. He dropped to the sidewalk once again.

Ava realized that she did have her badge clipped to her zipper. Slowly, she unclipped it and dropped it into the pocket. Looking back at the man, she turned the safety back on. "You may stand. Slowly." The man sighed in relief as he cautiously got to his feet. He pushed his brown hair, which was down to his jaw, back into place. As a show of mercy, Ava bent down and picked up his hat.

She handed it to him. "Thank you." He said. She could hear the underlying fear in his voice still.

Ava cringed at herself, feeling like a fool. She put the revolver back in her purse. "Sorry." She said to him. "I just thought I was going to be kidnapped or something."

"Oh, no I can understand that." The man said. "In times like these, it's important to have as much protection as possible." Ava smiled shyly at him.

"It's just..." He began. "I've never seen a.. uh... a dame hit like that. Nor carry a gun. Is that even legal?"

Ava looked down, smiling once again. "Well... better safe than sorry."

”Yeah,” He responded. “Look, I really am sorry for scaring you…you didn’t even buy your chips in the Bodega” He looked at her, remorseful.

”Oh, it’ll be fine. I can just eat once I’m home.” Ava assured. “I have a bus to catch anyway.”

”Now what is a beautiful doll like you doing out this late? And about to take the bus? You might actually have to use that revolver.” He said. Ava took note that he likes pet names. She didn’t want to admit to herself that she didn’t mind.

”Well, I’ve done it the last couple of weeks. Work isn’t always too kind on a girl like me” Ava halfheartedly replied.

The man nodded. He seemed to understand her- or at least he was trying to. “Well at least take the subway? It’s faster.”

Ava tisked, looking at her watch. “The negro subways don’t run 24 hours like the whites. And even if they did, it always gets delayed..”

”Really?” He raised his brow. “Well, you’ve got to be kidding me.” He mumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets.

”Yeah so… I’ll just take the bus!” Ava said to him, pivoting around. “Have a great night!”

”Wait!”

Ava stopped. He stepped in front of her. “May I at least accompany you to ensure your safety?”

”um..” Ava looked around. To onlookers, this could seem very- out of place. “No..”

”I know what you’re thinking.” He said to her. “But I just want you to be safe,”

Ava sighed. “I won’t be getting rid of you, will I?”

”Not until you’re home at least.” He smiled. “But I can stick around if you’d like.”

”Ha!” Ava laughed. “Let’s go, dreamboat. I and you have a bus to catch I guess.”

The two of them stood at the bus stop in awkward silence. Ava stared up at the sky at the blossoming rain clouds. After a minute or two, she realized the man was sneaking a few glances at her and then looking at his shoes.

He was probably a foot taller than her. Definitely looked like he worked out but doesn’t overdo it. He wore a casual button-up shirt, a jacket, and slacks. And his yarn cap was turned slightly at an angle on his brown head of hair.

This guy was definitely dreamy. And a gentleman. More points.

Wait for what? Why was she worried about how dreamy he was?

The man thought Ava was quite a dame. Her wavy brown hair blew in the wind as she stood hugging herself from the cold air. She was dressed in a cream-white dress with a lab coat. Of course, this fascinated him even more but he figured it was too early to ask about her job. He didn’t even know her name yet.

”What’s your name?” He blurted out. The question caught Ava off guard.

Her stare at him lingered until she eventually peeled her eyes away, sighing. “I’m Ava.”

The man smiled. “That’s pretty.” 

Ava smiled back. “You?”

”James. But my friends call me Bucky.”

“Oh God are we friends?" Ava teased.

James chuckled. “Maybe,”

”I think I’ll stick to James…I like that better.” Ava told him.

James jokingly gasped. “You don’t want to be friends?”

”Oh, I’m sure we can. As long as you don’t try to kidnap me,”

The bus pulled up. The doors opened and James kindly let Ava climb the stairs first. 

When on the bus, Ava immediately went to the back. James was confused by this and asked. “Why don’t you want to sit up here?”

Ava frowned. “Have you ridden a bus before?”

”Only once or twice…”

”Well, it’s better if I sit back here. You can stay there if you’d like.” Ava shrugged. James took notice of the ‘Whites Only in Front’ sign. He confusedly looked around and went to sit by Ava.

Ava was a little surprised by this but chose not to acknowledge it. “So, James…we have an hour bus ride ahead.”

”Well…Ava, I don’t mind being here with you.”

Both of them liked the sound of their names in each other’s voices. Ava turned her head to look out at the passing buildings and James, after a few minutes of looking down at his fingers, decided to start up a conversation. "So what do you do in your spare time?" Yeah. This was a decent question to ask.

Ava took a breath in as she thought. "I like to hang around with the folks in my neighborhood. Or go to a bar with my friends, Trey and Derron. But most of the time I like to sit in my house and research." She nodded. Pleased with her answer. She was happy she didn't sound completely boring. "What about you?"

"I mainly hang out with my friends, too. Especially my best pal Steve. We go way back." James said, laughing to himself. "It's funny, too- because he's kinda a small guy but he always gets himself into fights."

Ava's head tilted in curiosity. "Why?"

"He always just stands for what he believes is right," James told her. "I always have to save him...most of the time."

They shared a laugh. “I don't mind it, though." He said.

"That's good," Ava replied. "You two sound close." They smiled at one another. Ava began to play with her bracelets...she wanted to ask him something to keep talking but she didn't know what to say.

What was happening to her? All of a sudden she had a ton of interest in talking to some man she met on the sidewalk.

"What do you do for a living?" He asked her. Ava's breath hitched as she pondered her answer. As a scientist for the SSR, it was her responsibility to keep projects a secret.

"I'm a scientific researcher. Making an effort to end the war." She answered. Glad she kept it brief.

James stared at her. Shocked. "Huh," That was all he could say.

"Yeah..." Ava shyly looked out the window. "My parents are doing the same. Except in Europe. I haven't heard from them in a while..." She trailed off...were they okay? There had been no reply to her letters.

"Really?" He looked at her in awe. "That's amazing." Not only was this girl beautiful... she was also tough, kind, funny, and intelligent! "I'm pretty big into the advance of technology myself."

Ava turned to him smiling at the cheery look on his face. "I like figuring out how the world works. Piece by piece." She said. James nodded.

"Yeah," He said. "I'm especially a fan of Stark Industries. He really is the future!"

Ava chuckled. "He definitely has something going on. He's one of my bosses." Jame's eyes widened.

"Really?!"

The rest of their bus ride was filled with calm conversation and laughter. The two of them got along well and loved each other's company. It was to the point where both of them were a little sad when they arrived at Ava's stop on Staten Island.

James stood first, kindly taking Ava's work bag from her hands to allow her to stand and let her walk in front of him. The two got weird looks from the bus driver and another passenger on their way out. Both James and Ava pretended not to notice.

"Careful," He bade her as she playfully hopped off of the last step. "Don't hurt yourself doll." He smirked

"Whoa…Don't be sayin' allat' now." She joked.

”I called you doll back there!” He defended himself.

”Yeah but you said it in a whole different way this time!” Ava chided.

”So you’ve never been dancin?” He asked her once they were walking down the sidewalk. 

“I mean, no..” Ava said. “Not really- I can dance, though.”

“What about…” James started. “With a partner?” He looked down, putting his hands in his pockets.

Ava lit up. Did he want to dance with her? “I’d be open to learning. I’ve been a solo act all of my life.”

James stopped walking and so did Ava. “Well maybe we can perform together” He shrugged.

”I think I could be down with that” Ava glanced up at him.

They faced each other. Neither of them said anything, just two young people under the cloudy night sky, wondering what would happen next.

Their hands were almost touching. Their pinkies grazed each other until a raindrop fell onto Ava’s nose.

Another raindrop. And then another. Followed by many more. Ava sighed as it drizzled. She reluctantly pulled her pinky finger away from his, digging in her bag for her rain poncho.

James wasted no time shrugging off his jacket and using it to shield the small woman from the rain. He held it over her. Careful not to mess up her hair.

Ava stopped digging in her purse and looked into his eyes…very dark eyes. She felt safe under his arms. He looked at her with this compassion that she couldn’t pinpoint. Dammit, why was he so kind?

”Thank you..”

”Always.” He replied. “Now.. which way to your house?”

”Oh right, my house!”

The two walked through the rain talking about science, the ocean, life, you name it. By the time they made it to the shelter on Ava’s porch, James was about soaked from the rain.

”Do you want a towel to dry off?” Ava asked him.

”Mmnah,” James said. “I’ll be okay,”

Ava nodded as she held the jacket. She wanted to look away from him but she couldn’t. Both found the other very captivating.

James couldn’t tear his eyes away. He was unsure but... this uncertainty felt promising. He knew that he was a known ladies' man and honestly, he had no idea what he was doing when he offered to take Ava home. He knew that the offer and his interest in her was something that could be looked down upon.

But sometimes, wrong things are actually right. And looking at the beauty in front of him…this was very right.

Ava broke him away from his thoughts. “I really appreciate you walking me home.”

”Hey,” He breathed. “I have no doubt that I’ll do it again to spend time with you,”

Ava’s heart melted.

”Totally worth my life being threatened for.” He joked.

”Yeah…” Ava trailed off. “I really am sorry for that,”

They laughed. “You work tomorrow?” He asked her.

”Yeah,” Ava replied. “I’m off on weekends .” She didn’t know why he needed to know that.

”Same here!” He added. James didn’t want to sound desperate but he really...really wanted to see her again.

Ava fished her key out of her bag as James looked out onto the neighborhood. 

“This seems like a nice place to be, Ava,” he said. It was clear this was a lower-class community but that meant nothing to him. It seemed welcoming more than anywhere else.

Ava looked at him. “Um, thanks,” she said. She knew he was being honest but usually, the white and rich who came around would be saying that sarcastically. Ava finally found her key and stuck it inside the doorknob.

”Do….you write letters?” She asked him. 

James smiled at her. “I was going to ask the same damn thing. I’d really like to see you again.”

”Whenever possible, yes” Ava added. She was smiling bigger than ever.

James tenderly wrapped her hand in his. “Then it’s official.” He declared.

”I’d say so.” Ava said, squeezing his hand back. She reached to her shoulder for the jacket. 

“Keep it,” James told her. He smoothly stepped backward, down the steps of her porch. Ava leaned back on her front door, impressed.

”So I have a reason to come back.” James held his arms out. Not caring about the rain now soaking his clothes. Ava stared at him in awe.

Yep. He was going to be trouble.

”Well make it soon, okay?” Ava asked. “Some men like to charm a woman and ... you know-forget.”

”Quick question,” James said. “What’s your last name?”

”It’s Starr,” Ava answered. She could feel her blush creeping up her neck.

”What makes you think I’ll forget you, Ms. Starr?” He relayed.

Ava shyly looked down at her shoes. “Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see Mr….?”

”Barnes”

”Mr. Barnes” Ava finished. He stood in the rain, cheesing at her.

Ava turned, opening her front door. “Goodnight, James.” She cuddled the jacket. His scent was littered all over it. Looks like Ava had a new pillow.

“Sweet dreams, Ava” He waved. 

James stood, dazed a few minutes after Ava had closed her door. He took a deep breath, looking up at the sky.

"Yeah," He said to himself. "She's gonna be some trouble." He laughed quietly, looking down at his soaked outfit but he couldn't care less. James lingered in front of her house a little longer before reluctantly pulling himself away. Toward the subway a few blocks over.

Ava sat at her desk in the basement. Every now and then, she'd glance over at the coat rack at the soft brown jacket that was a constant reminder of how her chances at love had skyrocketed. She couldn't wait to tell Peggy. Or Mrs. Thompson!

It had been an hour since she saw James and now she was working on her quantum experiment. The small glass chamber sat a few feet away from her desk. Ava was trying to see if the atoms inside could work around a physical object. The young woman dug around in her work bag for a moment, finding a pen. She placed it on the small pedestal inside the glass chamber.

"Okay..." Ava said to herself. "First test of the night."  She grabbed the notepad and pulled the lever next to the chamber.

Nothing happened for the first few minutes. Ava was about to turn off the test and try again.

But.

Gold particles started to swirl around the pen.

Ava's eyesight became blurry- she couldn't see anything besides the particles. She looked around and like a lightning bolt- another world flashed in front of her.

Ava yelled, falling to the floor. Her sight was better- but what the hell was that? She craned her neck, looking up at the chamber. The pen was gone.

She stared at it. Confused, she stood and opened the small door to her experiment. There weren't any particles as Ava reached inside and touched the pedestal where the pen had sat. When she felt nothing there, she looked around the floor.

"What?!" She said. "Where'd it go?"

After a minute of searching, Ava stood in front of the glass chamber with her hands on her hips. Irritated. She sighed.

Then, the pen was back! But it flickered in place like an old television. Ava frowned, reaching her hand back into it to touch the pen.

Her hand ran straight through it.

She jumped back. Did what she think happened just happen?

The pen flickered. It seemed like it was going in and out of reality.

It wasn't invisible. No.

Intangible.

Chapter Text

Intangible. Intangible. Intangible. How the hell did the pen become Intangible?! How did Ava do that?

Ava stayed awake through the night following her experiment. However, she didn't really know what had happened.

And what was that place she saw? The blue metallic land that flashed before her eyes? The sky was purple and yellow. It looked almost...futuristic. Her eyes couldn't have been playing tricks on her. Ava chose to start a journal that night.

Dear Journal,

I'm a fucking genius. Andrew and Trevor...suck my dick.

Ava<3

That's the entry. Just that.

Her following days at work were a blur also. Ava had started looking at potential candidates for the serum. Thousands upon thousands of pages of soldiers from all around the country. All in all, there were seven thousand files to go through. And that was just for the state of New York. Dr. Erskine had been a great support system for her at her job. He seemed to recognize her struggles with her main coworkers. To make up for it, he started going out of his way to make her feel more welcome.

"Four sugars and two creams, Dr.Starr. Just as you asked." Dr. Erskine placed the mug of coffee in front of his young employee. Sometimes, Dr. Erskine saw Ava as an apprentice. Or as the daughter, he'd never had. "Have you gotten a letter from your parents?"

Ava's mind reeled from her files to her hiatus parents. "No...But I've sent more letters. And telegrams." She tentatively picked up the mug of coffee. "...and radio signals."

Dr. Erskine's heart hurt for her. He could see every day that the young woman worried more and more for her parents. It reminded him of when he was young and his mother was constantly away with no contact. His letters never did find their way to her.

"Tell me," Dr. Erskine rolled a second chair up to Ava's desk. "Have you found any possible candidates?"

Ava shook her head. "No man is seeming to fit here. If we're going to administer the first tube to someone, we need to make sure it fits their psychology and mass perfectly, so-"

"We could make adjustments to everyone else." Dr. Erskine finished. Ava nodded. Pulling the next file in front of her.

After a few minutes, Dr. Erskine, quite frankly said, "This could take years."

"Hundreds," Ava added. They both looked at each other. But neither of them had a glimmer of hopelessness in their eyes.

The following weekend, Ava decided to sport out her exhaustion and invite Trey and Derron to her home for dinner. The AA radio station was playing Jazz and the three of them relaxed on the couch in the basement. Rum glasses in hand and laughter that could be heard a few houses over. Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie's art played over the speakers. Ava's mind raced at the fast tempos and the slight tipsiness that was taking over her. The three conversed over work until the topic randomly got to marriage.

"I might just marry Victoria. Me and her have been gettin' along." Derron proposed to his friends.

"Yeah." Ava scoffed. "Her shoving an ice cream cone into your face is...' gettin' along' " She and Trey laughed. Derron rolled his eyes.

"She loves me." He shrugged.

Trey shot back the rest of his rum and sat the glass on the floor. "Man..we can always count on you to be the delusional one." They all giggled.

"What about you Ava?" Derron asked.

Ava furrowed her brows. "Mmm... what about me?"

"Has anybody caught the... untouchable Ava Starr's heart?" Trey shimmied his shoulders. Derron made exaggerated kissing noises. In these situations, Ava would usually feel that she was going to puke. But she looked at the floor as her mind drifted to a certain handsome, smooth brunette with blue eyes who had walked her home just a week beforehand. She thought about his jacket that was currently in her bedroom upstairs. Waiting for her to lay with it whenever she was going to sleep.

"No comment." Ava sipped her glass.

She didn't budge the entire night as Trey and Derron pestered her about the lucky guy.

Ava shot at the target. Every bullet hit the bullseye. She smiled to herself, grabbing the nearby towel to wipe down the weapon.

"Well, shit!" Peggy Carter gasped from the bench. "I should have you giving me lessons."

"I have a great teacher." Ava shrugged.

Peggy stood up. "Oh please. I barely taught you anything." The two women talked for about an hour on the bench. Both Peggy and Ava loved their meet-ups. Usually, they were able to have them once a week. But with all the craziness about the serum, Ava had started to pull away from friendships. Good thing Agent Carter kept herself prominent. Ava loved having her company.

"I need to tell you something," Ava said to her.

Peggy cautiously nodded, turning her full attention to her best friend. "Spill."

"I think...I've met someone?" Margaret looked at Ava in disbelief. Out of all the things she could have said, this, was not one she could have thought of in a million years.

"Look, nothing is official. But I think he's actually into me!" Ava defended herself. "He's handsome, dark, tall. And a total gentleman."

"Hm." Peggy thought. "I'd like to meet this...?"

"I'm not giving a name."

"What?! Why!"

Ava smiled. "I want to be sure!" She and Margaret held hands, laughing together. Onlookers would think they were schoolgirls.

"Have you guys written to each other?" Margaret asked. 

"He said he would write.." Ava told her. "It's been a week."

"Maybe you should write first," Peggy said to her

"Should I?" Ava responded. She'd be lying if the idea hadn't crossed her mind a few...hundred times...but she didn't want to seem desperate.

Margaret shrugged. "If you don't give him your intentions first, he might never tell his." She began fixing a button on her jacket. "At least that's what my mother always told me."

Continuing her experiments on quantum became a new challenge. Ava desperately tried to figure out what had happened inside the little glass chamber. Anything she put inside of it became intangible also. But she never did. Just objects like food, books, or coins.

Was there a way that she, herself, could become intangible?

Ava sat in the kitchen writing in her journal. Writing about work, friends, her scientific discoveries, and of course- him. Her mailbox clicked from outside. Which meant she either had bills or a letter. Ava hoped it was from her parents. She took the mail downstairs to her basement to read. Draping a blanket over her legs, Ava opened the envelope. She saw no stamps from Europe.

Dear Ava Starr, (I think there's more than one r)

Sorry for not writing you sooner. I wasn't very sure if you wanted to hear from me. But Steve told me to just write you and stop being a pussy. So here I am, not being a pussy. Sorry if the letter smells like fish- I am writing this at work. I just wanted to ask you if you'd like to meet me at Henry's Bodega tomorrow for a date. I could make everything up to you by buying you those potato chips. I'll be there at six. I'll wait for you.

JB. Barnes 10/25/1940

"Oh, God!" Ava cried out of joy. "I think I have a boyfriend!"

It just felt natural.

James Barnes waited outside of Henry's 24hr Bodega, playing cards with a few homeless men on the nearby bench. And every time a bus came by, he always double-checked it to see if the beautiful girl with freckles and brown hair was walking down the sidewalk toward him. He wondered if she worked overtime today and would show up in her lab coat. Or if she took the day to rest and was wearing a pretty dress. He wondered if she had any yellow dresses. She would look amazing in a yellow dress.

James checked his watch. It was almost six, he had been there since four. It's just that he wanted no chance of Ava showing up early and having to wait on him. James was ready to sit and play cards 'till midnight if he had to. But there turned out to be no need for that.

Down the sidewalk, Ava cautiously stepped off of the bus, hair pinned up and wearing a black dress. It stopped below her knees and the bodice closely clung to her, showing off a figure that not even Ava knew she had until she put it on. She paired the dress with some black flats. And Margaret had recommended her the hairstyle. And the shoes. And she also gave her the dress.

Thanks, Peggy!

Ava spied James in front of the Bodega. He wore a button-up, clean slacks, and what looked like to be some shiny new shoes. His hair was pushed back under his brown knitted cap.

Both of them felt a jolt of joy at the sight of each other. "Well, Fellas, That's my queue." James stood up handing each of the men some money. He gave one of them a handshake and tipped his hat to them, fixing his hair before placing the cap back on his head.

"Hey, Doll!" James jogged up to Ava, holding out an arm to her.

Ava took it, her nervousness flushing away. Dear, Lord. He was all muscle. "I'm beginning to think that I should have a pet name for you." She teased.

"I love the dress." James paused, taking a look at her. "And here I was, thinking that you'd show up in your lab coat."

"Is that what you wanted?" Ava incredulously asked, staring up into his eyes.

"You could've shown up in a dirty garbage bag and I would've still swept you up."

Ava rolled her eyes, trying to hide the heat starting to creep onto her face. "Good to know," They started to walk once again.

"I love the shoes." Ava quietly told him.

"Thanks." James smiled. "Thought I'd tap into my savings..this is our first date after all." Ava smiled and leaned into James a tad more, and James pulled her a little closer. They almost looked like a socially accepted couple. A few passersby looked at them. James could tell Ava was starting to feel a little uncomfortable.

"We're almost to our destination." He told her. Ava looked at him, confused.

"I thought we were just taking an evening stroll," She laughed.

"We can take one later!"

The pair stopped at an alleyway. Being sure to stay out of sight of others. Ava started to question whether meeting up with James was a good idea. He was aware of her discomfort and he assured her they were almost where they needed to be. After a minute of creeping down the alley, they arrived at a ladder.

"You okay with heights?" He asked her.

"Um, I think so," Ava answered. "Don't know how I feel about climbing in a dress, though."

"We'll only need to climb up, we'll take the fire exit down. The building is locked from the inside."

"We're going to the roof?" Ava asked.

James nodded and gestured for her to climb first. "I'll wait until you get up there a little more to follow."

"Ohh.." Ava realized. He didn't want her to feel that he was looking up into her skirt. Ava's heart melted once again at his kindness. She began to climb the ladder.

About ten minutes later, Ava reached the top. The climb wasn't awful, there were just a few spots where she questioned if the ladder was too rusty to hold both of their weight. She hoisted herself over the ledge, swinging her legs, and landing her feet on the ground. She slowly stood and walked around in awe of what she saw in front of her.

The Manhattan skyline shined from miles over the river. The sunset gave the sky a pink glow behind the buildings. Behind her, James had made his way to her. He walked behind her and slowly placed his hands on each side of her waist.

"You like it?" He asked her.

Ava nodded, stepping back to lean into his chest. "This is beautiful, James."

"Well, we aren't just here for sightseeing. I've set us up a picnic over there." He slightly turned Ava toward a small area. There, lay a blanket, a candle, and a basket of snacks.

Ava slightly gasped. "Are those the chips I wanted?" James laughed, taking her hand and leading her to the knitted blanket. He let her sit down first. And then Ava playfully yanked him down next to her.

He almost landed halfway on top of her and after a few moments of awkward cringes and giggles, James situated himself next to her, "I said that I'd make it up to you." He smiled to himself as he watched Ava hungrily tear the bag open.

After a few minutes, Ava asked him "So...does this mean we are a couple?"

"I was going to say the same thing."

And so they were.

Chapter Text

Pirouette, Arabesque....Pirouette, Arabesque...

shit.

Ava looked to the corner of the room for guidance.

James flipped through his notebook. Recognizing his lover's small struggle. "Fourth position, Doll"

"Thanks!" Ava smiled. She moved her feet into the fourth position as gracefully as she could. Left arm up, and her right out to her side—third position.

The quiet classical music stopped and James got up from his seat on the floor. "I don't know much about ballet but that looked amazing."

"You think so?" Ava leaned into him for a quick peck on the lips and turned to look at herself in the mirror. It was now 1943. Ava and James had been dating for almost three years. "Ready to go back to my house?"

"I'm cookin'" James announced. They grabbed hands and headed out the back door of the studio.

Ava was making quite the name for herself in the intelligence community. Over time, she trained in the SSR agency and finished the serum with Dr. Erskine. All they needed was a candidate. "Have you found anyone who is going to take the serum yet?" James asked her on the bus.

Ava liked keeping James updated on her job advancements. He always supported her by reading every file, hearing every crazy hypothesis, and helping to write every thesis. She even kept him updated on her personal experiments. 

Two years ago...

James slowly circled the capsule. "Why is that pen invisible?"

Ava stood off to the side, biting her nails. "Touch it."

"What?"

"Just try!"

James looked at her suspiciously and rolled up his sleeves. "If I die...I'm gonna haunt you." He opened the chamber door, reaching out his hand. He stepped back in shock as he watched the pen glitch in and out of reality.

"James," Ava said to him. "I don't know how I did it,"

"Have you told anyone else?"

"No."

James sighed. He ran his hands through his hair as he was trying to reel from his girlfriend's discovery. "And that place you saw... you haven't told anyone about that either?" Ava shrugged.

"Nobody would believe it anyway."

He pulled her into a hug. Ava rested her head on his chest. "You are brilliant," He told her. Ava chuckled.

"I don't know much...but it's probably best if nobody else knows," James said. "This could put you in danger."

Ava knew he was right. Information like this could fall into the wrong hands- especially during a world war. So she continued to study it in secret.

.....

To cope with the stress of her job and research, Ava picked up something she'd always wanted to do. Ballet.

"You're going to be like those dancers in the Nutcracker," James said to her. "With the purple tutus and...sparkly hair,"

Ava laughed. "Oh, I don't think I'll get that far.."

The couple sat on the bus. Talking and laughing as they always did together. Over the years, they had gained a bond with each other that neither of them knew was possible. In a world where everything was separated and confusing, they had each other.

When they arrived at Ava's house it was almost midnight. To contain the secrecy and away from prying eyes, the two of them always met up in the evening. After he shut the front door, James picked Ava up and she squealed into the nape of his neck as he carried her into the bedroom. He playfully slammed her onto the bed, jumping to lie next to her. They lay there and laughed, after a few minutes Ava turned her body to face him and he did the same.

"I have something for you." She whispered. Ava gently glided her fingers along his jawline, taking in every feature. James gently tangled his fingers into her, now a little more curly than wavy, hair.

"Shouldn't I cook first?" He inquired.

Ava looked up in thought. "Hmm...Pancakes?"

"Pancakes."

Ava would constantly call James the greatest cook in New York. Especially when he made pancakes. James would always thank his mom and sister for their skills. In about twenty minutes, the couple was feasting on cinnamon pancakes on Ava's couch and watching Looney Tunes on the television. Ava poured maple syrup on James' pancakes and then her own. As she bit into them, she savored every little moment of watching James' eyes light up when she praised his cooking.

"So..." James started. "What was that something you wanted to give me?" His blue eyes pierced Ava as he smugly moved closer to her.

She playfully smacked him and he began to laugh. "Get your head out of the gutter, James." Ava laughed.

"Okay, but seriously what did you want to give me?" James asked her. She reached under the couch to pull out a paper that was wrapped tightly with a ribbon. "Well, what do we have here?"

Ava shyly looked down. "I didn't have much time to find a pretty box."

James scoffed. "You know that doesn't matter." He began to open it.

"Do you like it?"

James held up the chain with the metal tag hanging from it. On the tag, there were words in Ava's handwriting that read:

Our Story. A+B

James was in awe. "My idea was...that because soldiers wear dog tags with information or whatever- you could wear this while you're on the field. To have me with you."

Almost three years ago, James was planning to enlist in the army to fight the war. But when he met a girl who changed his life he decided to hold off on the enlistment. Now he couldn't avoid the drafts much longer in the darkest part of the war. He was set to go overseas in two days as the 107th infantry called his name. He unfocused from the gift and back onto his girlfriend. Ava had tears in her eyes.

"Ava..."

"Do you really have to go?"

He pulled her into an embrace and they sat like that for what seemed like ever. Eventually, Ava fell asleep on his shoulder. James carried her bridal style to the bedroom and gently laid her onto the pillows and covered her up with the duvet. Ava stirred, opening her eyes. James kneeled down, kissing her temple.

"I'm going to clean up the kitchen, okay?" Ava tiredly hummed in response.

"Don't be gone forever." She whispered to him, before closing her eyes once more.

James sighed. God, this was upsetting. In less than 48 hours he'd be leaving his favorite girl with the unknown answer of if he'd be coming back or not. Sometimes he wished that he and Ava could cut just...all ties and run away. Maybe to a place that has a beach. Like Mexico or Barbados.

James picked up the dishes and quietly washed them in the sink. He looked out the small window into Ava's neighborhood. Good people lived there. He didn't see much of them but when he did, they were welcoming. He always felt secure in knowing that Ava was surrounded by good people and those that care for her. Especially her best friends Trey and Derron. He had only hung out with them a handful of times but they seemed to like him.

10 months ago...

"Where the white boy at?!" James heard Derron ask from upstairs.

"Downstairs. Derron." Ava pointedly said. But there was a sense of joking in her tone.

Derron and Trey quickly descended the stairs. James was sitting on the couch reading a magazine. "Hey guys," He said.

"There he is!" Trey shouted. He hopped onto the couch, Derron following suit. "What you been up to Bucky?"

"Oh you know, working at the docks, helping my mom and sister, treating Ava like a princess." The three of them laughed. "The usual!" James added.

.....

Once he was done with the dishes, James went to turn off the television but the simple task turned into him sitting on the small couch and zoning out watching Bugs Bunny. He shifted his eyes down to the drafted letter Ava was beginning to write to her parents. She still sent communications frequently with no answer. James often found himself helping her send out telegrams or letters.

If there was only one thing he could choose to love about Ava; it would be that she never lost hope. When she would send letters to her parents she would always hope for an answer from them. When she studies quantum, she'd keep hoping for a breakthrough. No matter the constant deadends she met. And at work, she kept hoping for the serum to get finished and now her progress was being rewarded by being in the last stages and needing a candidate. In general, Ava's hope is what keeps her going in a world that doesn't accept her at first glance. Her hope is what made her a great scientist, an amazing friend, and a phenomenal woman.

Her hope is what made her... well, Ava.

And now... it was James' turn to receive Ava's hope. That he'd come back to her. Get out of this war unharmed.

Before he went to lie down with her, James got out the gift that he'd collected for Ava. He got it out of the shopping bag and tenderly laid it out on the couch. As he walked into the bedroom, the yellow dress gracefully sat there. Ready to be worn by a certain, beautiful, scientist.

The next night, Ava and James planned a date to Stark's Expo. James had left earlier in the day to go find his buddy, Steve Rogers. This was going to be a double date Ava considered inviting Peggy to be Steve's date but the agent was overseas until the next week. So Ava invited a girl who she had saw at the ballet studio.

Ava had never had the pleasure of meeting Steve. James said it was mainly because he was either too busy fighting, being in a clinic, or enlisting for the army but getting denied. To Ava, Steve sounded like he was some kind of..adventurous guy. But she was excited to meet him nonetheless.

In front of Stark Expo, Ava stood trying to scope out James.

"He'll be here, don't worry." Dr. Erskine said to her. Erskine was there to scope out candidates for the serum. He also agreed to drive Ava there.

Ava looked at her reflection on the shiny floors, trying to perfect her hair. It was becoming more curly since Ava stopped using the straightening comb on it a year ago. "I know. I just don't want to lose any time since he leaves tomorrow." Ava began to become sad at the thought of James being on a ship to England the following morning.

Dr. Erskine held his breath, thinking of what to say. "You enjoy your time with him right now. Doctor."

"What if he doesn't make it?"

Dr. Erskine sighed. "I'd take the security in knowing that he loves you." He pulled her into a hug. "And nothing. Absolutely nothing. Can ever stop love from reuniting two people." He said to her. Ava sniffed and pulled away.

"You have fun tonight, okay?" He smiled.

Ava smiled back, softly saying, "I will. I promise."

"Now if you excuse me..." Dr. Erskine turned. "That cotton candy is calling my name."

Ava chuckled as she watched her boss almost skip to the cotton candy cart. She turned her head up to the sky. There weren't any stars but a full moon did show itself from the rolling clouds. Ava breathed in the night air. She was going to try her best to not cry.

"Hey!" James called from yards away. His arm was around a much shorter, skinnier, blonde walking next to him. That was the Steve motherfuckin' Rogers.

Ava slowly realized James was wearing his military uniform. A flash of sadness washed over her face before the men were closer to her. "You wore it!" James excitedly said.

She looked down at the yellow dress that he bought for her. "Of course!" She looked at Steve. "I'm Ava."

They shook hands. "I've heard a lot about you, Ava. I'm glad I finally get to meet you," Steve smiled. He seemed like a very sweet man. No way that this guy gets into fights and illegally enlists.

Bucky kissed Ava on the top of her head. "Hey! There's your date!" He pointed out the woman walking towards them in the crowd.

Steve stiffened and fixed his hair. "What did you tell her 'bout me?"

Ava placed her hand on Steve's shoulder. "All good things, don't worry. Just be a gentleman you'll be fine."

"Hi, I'm Dana." The woman said to Steve. They shook hands. And the more Ava thought about it... the more Peggy would like this guy.

She's into the shy type.

"Upgrade your world. A better world!" The speakers overhead rang out. The group walked into Stark Expo, talking and laughing. Ava was happy that she and Steve were getting along.

"Oh my gosh!" Dana said excitedly. "It's starting!" She grabbed Ava's hand, who grabbed James' hand, who grabbed Steve's arm.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Howard Stark!" The announcer said. Howard came onto the stage in a suit and a tophat, and five pretty women stood on the stage to introduce him. That man always had to have ladies around.

James tenderly pulled Ava closer to him as he and Steve whispered to each other. Steve offered up popcorn. To which James and Ava gladly took some.

Howard Stark kissed one of the women and spoke into the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen...What if I told you..." He paused. Ava glanced back at James and he smiled at her. He was always so excited to hear about science. Although Ava wasn't too esteemed to see what her playboy of an ex-boss was up to, she agreed to attend the event for her lover.

"That in a few years...your automobile won't even have to touch the ground!" Gasps sounded from the crowd.

Flying cars? wow.

"Yes." Howard Stark said. The five women removed the wheels of the car. "Thank you, Mandy." The playboy said. "With Stark reversion technology...you'll be able to do just that." He flipped a few switches.

The car began to slowly raise a few feet off the ground as everyone in the crowd stared at the phenomena in shock. "Holy cow." James and Ava said. Dana and Steve nodded in agreement. And after a few more seconds, the car fell back with a small crash. James protectively wrapped his arms around Ava, stepping back. He flashed Steve a thrilled smile. Steve stared at the car in confusion.

"...Well I did say a few years, didn't I?"

Outside of the Expo, the group got together to make plans for the rest of the night. Dana left to use the restroom, and James and Steve pulled away to chat. Steve mentioned that he wanted to go home. So they were probably saying their goodbyes. Ava once again stood in front of Stark Expo. Dr. Erskine approached her once more.

"Hey doc," Ava said.

"Yes, Doctor. Starr?"

Ava smiled, looking at Steve and James. "I think I have a candidate for the serum. You see the blonde one?"

Dr. Erskine adjusted his glasses and rose his eyes to look over at Steve Rogers. "Well," He started. "We are looking for character. Not physicality."

"You gonna check it out?" Ava asked.

"I shall."

Ava hummed. She might be seeing Steve again sooner than she thought.

Ava and James held onto each other tightly. Swaying to the muffled music that played below them under the sky.

Steve didn't want to dance and Dana decided to go home. So Ava told Steve goodbye and she watched the two men exchange one final hug. James and Ava retreated to go dancing. But because of their...socially unacceptable... relationship, the two did what they did best together. Climb to the top. Jazz music played in the dance club loud enough to where they could hear it. The two had been slow dancing for an hour.

"I can't believe you're leaving," Ava choked out. Her face was buried into James' chest. His chin rested atop her head.

James couldn't. He couldn't hold back his tears any longer. "This is our story." They pulled away. Tears were staining both of their faces.

Ava sighed. She stared at him for a good minute. Memorizing his features for what she hoped wouldn't be the last time. "It is."

James held her left hand and raised it to his mouth, kissing the diamond on her fourth finger. "Besides, I have to come back. We have a wedding to plan."

They were technically already married. A late-night visit to the courthouse a few months ago made the two Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. It was hardly a ceremony...just a quiet joining of two souls. The only people who knew about their marriage were the pastor, the pigeon on the side of the road, and Ava's parents. If they ever get her letters.

Trey and Derron drove James and Ava to the shipping port. It was nine in the morning and after one last night in Ava's home, the couple reluctantly climbed into the car. The car ride was quiet and heavy. Nobody wanted to say anything. Ava dug her nails into James' arm- hoping that this was all a bad dream.

At the loading dock, Ava and James climbed out of the backseat. Derron spoke first. "Aye, take care, white boy."

"You can't get yourself hurt out there," Trey added.

James nodded, "I'll try not to." Ava stood a few feet away. She paid no attention to the conversation but to the huge ship that dawned itself in front of her. And the crowd of people in front of it. Doing the same thing as them.

Saying goodbye.

James glanced back at her and turned back to Trey and Derron. "Please, watch over her." The other men nodded. A handshake was exchanged and James gently grabbed Ava's hand.

"You ready?" Ava asked him.

"For war, sure," James shrugged. "But to leave you.." He trailed off. Ava looked away, and without a word, she began walking closer to the ship and into the crowd, pulling James along with her.

They stopped in front of a pole. Ava sadly looked up at the ship. "I hope there's enough room in there," She sighed.

James put his hands on Ava's waist, turning her to face him. Ava wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You'll write me, right?"

"Every chance I get."

"You'll say your prayers? For protection?"

"I know them word for word, doll."

Ava nodded. 

"You'll send me letters too right? Telling me all about your science and ballet?"

"Of course."

A loud horn sounded love the crowd and men began to file onto the ship. The couple looked around in panic.

"Can't we just run away?!" Ava said.

James touched his forehead her hers. Ava began to cry once more and so did he. They shared a kiss.

"I love you." They said to one another. "Be safe or I'll fucking kill you," Ava added.

"I know.." James chuckled. He looked up at the ship, to the men loading onto it. It was time for him to be a soldier now.

He bent down, grabbed his duffle bag, and threw it over his shoulder. He slowly let go of her and began to walk away.

"James!" Ava called to him. Tears were flowing from her eyes.

James turned once again. "I'll be back, Ava."

Ava sniffed, choking on her sadness. "Promise?"

"Promise."

Ava smiled through her tears. "You're trouble, James Barnes."

"So are you, Ava Starr."

Chapter Text

5-12-1943
My beautiful Ava Starr,

    How are you doing? I’m glad I’ve gotten the time to write you another letter. I want to start off with telling you that I’m in good shape. The sprained wrist has healed and I’m back to fighting fully. I’m putting my entire body into these battles but my mind continues to focus on you.

I should be an author when this is over. Think I could sell a book or two doll? We’re in Germany and I expect us to be here until at least October. I will spare you the details of the fights, my love. But you should know that I’m coming out of these unharmed(mostly). The last couple of weeks I’ve had dreams about our wedding. Should we get married in Barbados? I think we should. Tell me what you think.

How are your experiments? Trey and Derron? Have you gotten a letter from your parents? How’s Margaret? Your ballet?

I got your photograph. Your hair is getting longer and curlier by the day. I can’t wait to see you again. I mention you in my prayers every night. I never take off the tag you made me. And I stare at photographs of you before I fall asleep every night. In each of my dreams, I go back to our nights in bed. Or our early mornings. And dancing with you on the rooftops until our feet hurt. I miss you so much. Tell me everything that’s been going on with you.

With everything I have, 

Love James B Barnes

Ava clutched the letter to her chest as tears escaped her eyes. It was now May 1943. A year since James left on that ship. Leaving Ava on the dock praying that she’d get to lay eyes on him again. Carefully, she folded the letter and set it inside the old shoebox, with the other letters James had sent her. Ava sat there, for a while, alone on her bed. Besides the season's warm weather, Ava had never felt so cold. Her body craved the warmth of a man who was an ocean away. Fighting for his life.

Or the country or whatever.

Ava had become more skilled in everything she strived to do. Her ballet was on pointe, her agent skills were thriving, and she and Dr. Erskine had Steve Rogers in camp Lehigh, New Jersey. Ready to give him the serum whenever they felt he was ready. The end of the war was getting closer.

Absentmindedly, Ava fondled the diamond ring on her finger. The sparkle danced in the rays of sunlight shining through her blinds. Ava sighed, eventually getting up and walking downstairs to her basement. She sat at her desk, getting out the materials to write her reply. She was about five minutes into writing when her quantum chamber sparkled from the corner of her eye.

Lately, Ava had been thinking about upping the scale of the power of quantum. By trying to make other things glitch out of reality besides pens, fruit, and paper.

Ava stood from her desk, walking over to the glass chamber, an orb had taken shape about a year ago whenever she experimented. "Do you have any limits?" She asked it. It began to illuminate to a brighter gold. Was it replying to her?

Maybe the letter could wait?

-

Ava crashed into her front door, car battery in tow. "More energy. More tangibility." She hummed to herself. Buying the battery wasn't the weird part. Holding it on the bus ride home was, though. Once she was in her basement, Ava unhooked the cables from the chamber and placed them onto the car battery.

"Alright..." Ava sighed, placing her hand on the lever. "Here goes nothing." Ava pulled down the lever, powering on the chamber. Already, that floating gold orb began to illuminate. It danced around for a minute and she began to take notes. For a few moments, Ava turned her back to the orb to grab something to place inside of it. She was thinking to try a record player.

Glass crashed to the floor behind Ava, making her flinch. There her work was. On the floor in pieces. But before Ava could gather herself to investigate what happened- an angry flash of orange and purple overtook her vision.

The last thing she remembered was her back hitting the staircase before she was out cold.

Small glass shards from a lightbulb sprayed onto Ava's face, welcoming small cuts on her nose and eyebrows with small trails of hot blood racing down her face. Ava slowly opened her eyes at the slight stinging and aching of her body. She was met with a myriad of ash and fire where her experiment was. Trying her best to sit up but only making enough progress to prop herself up on one elbow, Ava realized she hit the railing of the staircase and was laid out on the floor. To her dismay, she was met with a minor puddle of her blood that seemed to have made its way out of her lower back.

Crimson red seeped its way through her purple dress. Ava began to cough relentlessly- trying to get the taste of smoke out of her lungs. Wincing, she grabbed hold of the railing, which was stained with her blood, and hoisted herself up. She squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to gain her balance. Gold particles kept occupying her vision.

As fast as she could, Ava began to climb the stairs. As she tried to open the door to her home, she could've sworn that her hand phased through the knob. Ava furrowed her brows, exhaling as she tried again.

Her house wasn't a pretty sight either. Smoke arose from the basement and it looked as if it was going to crumble from the impact. Ava's foot scraped the fabric of her work bag and she promptly picked it up, wanting to at least try and save her notes. She coughed, squinting her eyes to see if she could catch sight of her front door. Images flooded her mind of a futuristic city engulfed in clouds and a man wearing purple. And then he was in blue. His face was blue. Or was it a mask?

The gold particles began to cloud her sight. Ava was so dismantled by the tricks her eyes were playing on her that she didn't notice that her knees began to buckle and she collapsed back onto the ground.

She weakly tried to push her files back into her work bag. A wall collapsed in front of her and she was no longer able to reach her front door.

”No!” She yelled. In her head, this was finally going to be it unless her black ass found a way out.

Weakly and helplessly, Ava scratched at the front door. She could’ve sworn she left marks in the wood. But then something weird happened.

Ava was now outside?!

Did she just go through the wall?

Sirens and bright lights filled her vision before she passed out once again from exhaustion.

The machines around her were deafening as she slowly rose from sleep. As Ava looked around she realized that she wasn’t in any hospital room. She was in the SSR. As she let out a cough or two, Agent Carter rushed in.

”Thank heavens!” She sighed. Ava was soon taken up in a tight hug, almost unable to hug back. “You’re alright!”

”What…What happened?” Ava whispered. Her voice was hoarse. “How long was I out?”

”A day and a half. Dr. Starr.” Dr. Erskine stepped in. Ava felt relieved that she was at least surrounded by people she knew and not random nurses.

”It’s a miracle you’re alive…” Dr. Erskine told her.

Ava tilted her head to the side, confused. “A miracle?” She looked to her friend for answers.

Agent Carter took in a deep sigh. “No human being can handle as much smoke you’ve inhaled.”

”The injury on your lower back should’ve also paralyzed you, Ava.” Erskine added in.

Ava looked at them in horror. Was it because of her science experiment?

”We are so relieved you’re alive, Ava.” Peggy said before hugging her once again. Ava weakly hugged back, looking at Dr. Erskine- who gave her a small, but knowing, smile.

Ava was no longer able to stay in her house because the SSR was concerned that she was being spied on by Germans. And as much as she wanted to say something about her science experiment- she wasn’t sure her own damn self about how or why this happened.

The SSR moved Ava to a private apartment in Manhattan. Ava was able to recover a few items that weren’t damaged from her home. Which was her letters, the yellow dress, and her files. At the apartment, Ava couldn’t help but miss James even more. She knew that he would’ve been able to reassure her that everything was going to be alright.

Ava didn’t even know how to start her letter to him.

     My lovely James Barnes,

     This is going to be a long letter.

It took Ava a day to write it. Mainly because her hand couldn’t stop phasing through the pen.

Chapter Text

"Are you ready, Dr.Starr?" Erskine asked her. The two stood at the railing of the test lab. A human-sized chamber was below them with many controls around it. Today was finally going to be the day. Ava's hands were sweating as she clutched her clipboard with all her might. She was beginning to feel a little more dizzy these days. She knew it was the aftermath of the experiment.

"I'm trying to be," Ava mumbled. "I hope this works...years of work and tests, doctor."

Dr.Erskine turned slightly to her. "Are you feeling okay, Dr. Starr? It seems that since your...accident- you've been sick."

Ava shook her head. She struggled with getting out of bed daily because of her fatigue. She'd had a hard time holding onto things because everything physically wanted to fall through her being. Ava could tell that the quantum was affecting her body slowly and honestly- she was barely hanging on. "I'm fine.." Ava finally answered.

"You're holding on to that clipboard rather tight.." Dr. Erskine countered. Ava looked at him as she loosened her grip. But seconds later she felt herself about to phase so she death-gripped it again.

Ava didn't know what to say. "I can't control it." She murmured.

Dr.Erskine seemed relieved that his apprentice finally opened up. He'd been watching her struggle the last two months since the fire in her basement. He watched her sweat while holding pens, constantly look at the ground while walking, and take more breaks than usual. "Tell me what's going on," He gently urged. Ava grabbed his arm and led him into an empty office. Dr.Erskine could've sworn her hand went through him for a few seconds.

Ava closed the door as Dr.Erskine stood, waiting for her to say something. "I did something to myself. I don't think I can reverse it." She barely made eye contact with him. Ava was too focused on not falling through the floor.

"What are you talking about, Ava?"

She ran her hands through her hair for a few seconds, trying to think. Finally, Ava grabbed the stapler from the desk and held it in her hands in front of her.

"Watch."

Dr.Erskine looked closely. For a minute or two, nothing happened. But slowly, her hands began to fade and the stapler slipped through her palms. It crashed to the floor, releasing all the staples that were inside of it. Dr.Erskine looked back up at the young woman. Who looked at him helplessly.

"I started experimenting with quantum energy before the war. It was my personal project. But then, I discovered that objects became intangible when I experimented." Ava explained. Dr.Erskine nodded slowly, urging her to go on. "And then I began seeing things, doctor. Unimaginable things. And then that night, my experiment exploded and my body absorbed it for some reason. Now I can become intangible."

The room was silent. Until Dr.Erskine asked, "This is affecting your health? Dr.Starr?"

"I think so." Ava sadly replied. "It's spreading slowly. I believe it's going to become uncontrollable and...painful."

Dr.Erskine looked down. Thinking.

"The reason I haven't asked for help is because I'm scared... I really am." Tears burned her eyes. "I don't know if I can be cured."

Dr.Erskine grabbed Ava's hand. "I don't know if you can necessarily be cured, Ava...but there can be a way to control it."

"How?"

"Machines. Medicines. We might have to invent some technology."

"Oh. Cool." They laughed. It felt good to laugh once again.

"I have a few friends and a laboratory that can probably do you some good. We'll have to make the trip to Rome...but, we can figure this out. I am not going to allow you to suffer as long as I'm breathing." Dr.Erskine told her.

The tears in Ava's eyes began to flood out of her eyes. Quickly, she made haste to wipe them away. "Thank you!" She wept.

"After this super soldier business...we can make the trip and get this under wraps." Dr.Erskine continued. A tear ran down his right cheek.

The two scientists shared a hug. They squeezed each other until they couldn't anymore. Ava felt safe.

"Good morning." Dr Erskine and Steve Rogers shook hands.

"Ava? You're a scientist here?" Steve asked her in wonder.

Ava smiled proudly at Steve and then to Peggy behind him. "Been developing this for years. Today is the day."

It's nerve-wracking wondering if you're labor is going to do what you want it to do. And there's only one shot to prove it. A camera went off, causing Ava to drop her clipboard. Steve quickly bent down in front of her to retrieve it.

"You ready?" Ava asked him.

Steve warily nodded. "Good." Dr Erskine responded. "Take off your shirt, your tie, your hat." Steve pondered as he removed his hat, handing it to Ava.

"You got this." Ava encouraged him. "Don't fuck this up."

After Steve laid down in the chamber, Ava and Dr. Erskine made sure he was comfortable. "Mr Stark? How good are your levels?" Ava turned to the playboy.

Howard walked up to them in a haste. "Levels are 100%. We might dim half the lights of Brooklyn but... we are ready."

Ava, Steve, Dr. Erskine, and Agent Carter nodded to each other and then to Howard.

"...as we'll ever be" He added. 

"Agent Carter?" Dr.Erskine chimed. "Don't you think you'll be more comfortable in the booth?"

"Oh yes, Sorry," She replied, turning toward the stairs. She gave Ava a thumbs up and continued to not take her eyes off of Steve as she climbed the stairs.

"You guys are adorable." Ava teased.

Steve turned his head to her. "What?"

A screech from the microphone. "You hear me? Is this on?" Ava?"

"It's on doctor!" Ava told Erskine.

"Ah, okay." He cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, Today we take not another step towards annihilation, but the first step, on the path to peace. We begin with a series of microinjectections into.."

Ava could hardly breathe. She placed the capsules of the blue serum into the compartments of the chamber. Ava carefully took the penecillan and injected it into Steve's left arm.

"That wasn't so bad," Steve sighed in relief.

"That was penecillan.." Dr Erskine responded. Ava chuckled. "Serum infusion beginning in...five!" Dr.Erkskine kept counting.

Ava strolled over to the lever, proud of how she was keeping her cool. Once she heard "one!" from Dr.Erskine she pulled down the lever, activating the serum. For a few seconds she saw her hand go intangible. Next thing she knew the chamber was rising and enclosing Steve inside.

"Oh God." Ava whispered to herself.

"That's ten percent..." Howard yelled out.

Ava and Dr.Erskine locked eyes.

"Twenty!"

Ava's hands were sweating.

"Thirty percent!"

Ava looked down to check Steve's vitals. She reached for her light blockers and placed them on her face. "Vital signs are normal," Ava announced.

At seventy percent, the whole building could hear Steve's screams. In a panic, Ava and Dr. Erskine ran to the chamber. "Steven!" Dr.Erskine yelled.

"Shut it down!" Ava heard Peggy from the booth. Their screams echoed around the room. "SHUT IT DOWN!" Peggy shrieked.

"Kill the reactor, Mr. Stark!" Dr.Erskine hollered. 

"Everyone! Shut down!" Ava shouted.

"No! Don't!" Steve responded. "I can do this!" There was silence around the room.

Ava nodded to Howard. "Eighty percent!"

"Ninety!"

The room grew brighter, Ava turned away from the chamber, trying to protect what she had left of her sight. Sparks flew from all around the lab and the lights above dimmed, brightened, and repeated.

At 100%, the whole room shut down and the chamber went dark. Ava slowly approached Dr. Erskine, both had worried looks on their faces. "Is he...dead?" Ava breathed while removing her glasses.

Howard Stark pressed a button and opened the chamber. Smoke enveloped the room as this glazed doughnut of a man with muscles that Goliath himself would've been jealous of lay there dazed.

"Steve...?" Ava asked. He opened his eyes slightly. Everyone who was in the booth made their way down the stairs, chattering excitedly. Dr.Erskine helped Steve, who was now clearly over six feet, out of the chamber. Once Steve got his footing and Peggy touched his chest, Dr.Erskine turned to Ava.

"Dr.Starr, it's done." He told her with a smile on his face. Ava looked at him.

"We did it!" She cheered. She and Dr.Erskine shared a passionate hug, rocking back and forth and being full of laughter. It was only when Ava noticed that her father figure seemed to see something nobody else did, that the booth above them exploded.

Glass flew everywhere, Steve covered Agent Carter and Ava covered Dr. Erskine. A man in a suit took the last vile of super serum from the machine and went toward the exit. Dr. Erskine started toward the man with Ava trailing behind.

"Doctor, No!" Ava yelled. It was too late. Two gunshots went off and she screamed as she saw him fall to his knees.

Ava fell to her knees over her mentor's body, Steve at her side. Agent Carter was already out the door toward the man in the suit, gun in hand.

"Doctor.." Steve breathed.

"Steve, go!" Ava told him. Steve looked at Erskine, and then back at Ava. He placed a hand on her shoulder and ran out of the room.

Ava looked down at Dr. Erskine. "Hey! Stay awake! Please!" She grabbed a handkerchief from her lab coat and placed pressure on one of his wounds. He was losing too much blood.

Dr.Erskine looked up at Ava and he took her hand from his wound. "You...can"

"Doctor please!"

"control..it"

"No!"

His hand went limp. Ava felt her heart stop along with his.

Later on, Ava stood alone in Erskine's office. Her mentor, father figure and friend was pronounced dead at the scene. She'd spent a long day at the hospital along with Trey and Derron and a few other scientists. The world went dark and all she wanted was Bucky to be home.

What was she going to do without the proper help for her...condition? What was her next move in her career? What was she going to write to her love overseas?

How the hell was she going to attend the funeral?

"Ava?"

Ava looked toward the doorway. Steve, newly muscled, stood there shift uncomfortably.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" Ava chimed darkly.

Steve stepped toward her. He had this overwhelmingly sad look on his face, Ava couldn't bear to look at him. "I'm... so sorry," Steve said.

"It isn't you're fault."

"You lost someone like a father to you. Bucky tells me he is-"

"Was." She quietly interrupted.

"...was the closest you had to any parent." Steve sighed. "I know you can get through this.." Ava could tell he didn't know what else to say. 

"I hope so," Ava whispered. She grabbed her lab coat and her bag, staring out the door. "He's proud of you, Steve." He looked up at her.

"And so am I," Ava finished. "Bucky would be too."

"Thank you."

Ava left Steve there. She went to her desk and packed her belongings into a box. Everything now felt aimless to her. There was no point in persuing science anymore.

In her apartment, Ava wrote another letter to Bucky.