Chapter 4

"Angel" — Sarah McLachlan

"Would you tell me where we're going?"

"That'd ruin the surprise."

"Seriously, what is it?" Greta grabbed Steve's arm. "Come on! First, you make me change, then call in a favor with Tony to fly us out on his private jet to who-knows-where and now you won't even tell me where we're going?! A girl needs to know these things."

Steve laughed and placed his hand over hers. "Just be patient. Everything will be clear once we land."

"That won't help since you blindfolded me." Greta smirked as she touched the silk scarf. "You know I can just untie this."

"And yet you're still wearing it."

Her nose wrinkled. "You're getting a kick out this, aren't you?"

Steve laughed and squeezed her hand. After the beach, he knew Greta needed something to cheer her up. When she had calmed, he had gotten a brilliant idea that was sure to bring back her smile. He made a quick call to Lithia. Luckily, she was able to get Tony on board and pull a few strings in order to make his plan succeed. She even suggested using a blindfold to keep the whole thing a surprise. Steve was grateful for her suggestions, especially when Pepper and Lithia had found an outfit for Greta, and had even helped her dress. Now all he had to do was keep her pacified until they landed.

Greta drummed her fingers on the table. She didn't care for surprises but she was curious to find out what he planned. If she had it her way, she would be on her way home to fall asleep listening to her dad's Sinatra records. Instead she was blindfolded, forced into a freaking dress, and being kidnapped by her super soldier crush. If it had been anyone other than Steve, she probably would've roundhouse-kicked them where the sun don't shine and been on her way. Okay, maybe not with Lithia. Still, she couldn't get one thing off her mind. Where was he taking her?

When the plane landed, Greta was itching to rip the blindfold off. Her hand reached for the scarf, but Steve squeezing her other hand prevented her from doing so. Apparently, she was to remain in the dark for a little bit longer. She followed his lead, from walking out of the plane to a car ride, and finally into a building. She could hear the lull of scattered conversations, while an intoxicating aroma of something delicious caught her attention. She was trying to identify it when Steve stopped.

"Reservation for Rogers," he said.

"Ah yes, right this way, sir. Uh, the young lady?…"

"It's fine. This is a surprise for her."

"Oh, very well then. If you follow me, I will take to your seats."

Oh, so we're at a restaurant, Greta thought, letting Steve continue to guide her. The way must have been cleared because she never ran into a table or chair as they went. When the stopped again, Steve released her hand and helped her into the seat.

"You're waiter will arrive shortly." Greta listened as the man walked away before turning her attention to her date.

"You can remove it now."

"Oh, really? I was just starting to to get used to this."

Steve laughed. "Trust me, I think you'll want to see this."

Rolling her eyes, Greta reached up for the scarf. "We'll see about that, Soldier," she teased.

With the blindfold removed, Greta couldn't wait to see where she had been whisked off to. She was not disappointed. The whole room felt as though they had travel back in time, or at the very least, transported to a page of a Jane Austin novel. Elegant dinning wear, carved wooden chairs with plush seats, and paintings adorning the walls. There was even a roaring fireplace.

"So you're surprised?" Greta turned back to find Steve, in a suite, smiling at her. "I read reviews that this was the best place for a unique experience," he said. "Comfortable setting, wonderful food, and it offers a unique experience that is sure to impress."

Greta smirked. "Did you memorize that?"

Steve smiled and looked away, a little bashful. "I may have read the webpage a few times on the plane… Tony recommend the restaurant and he sent me the information."

"Aww, that's adorable." Greta took another look around the room. "Well, I'll admit, I don't usually go for this sort of thing but I'm impressed. This place is amazing."

"It's charming, though I think you put it all to shame."

Greta caught him gazing at her and remember Pepper and Lithia had blind dressed her before they left. Looking down, she couldn't believe what she was wearing. Her casual attire had been upgraded to a pleated beaded-belt chiffon high to low dress. The pale gold color matched the open toe heels adorning her feet. She grabbed a spoon from the table to check what else had been done. Hair fluffed and tousled into a messy updo, some diamond studs, and even a little makeup. She didn't look bad, considering she'd been blindfolded the entire time.

"Whoa! Pulling out all the stops, huh?" she teased, setting the spoon down. "Seriously, what's the occasion?"

"Can't I take one of my favorite girls out without needing a reason?"

"Oh, I'm one of your girls?" she asked. "Just how many girls do you have to yourself, Mr. Rogers?"

"I don't have, what I mean is … I, uh…"

"I'm kidding, Steve," Greta said, placing a hand over his. "I know you have a mega fangirl base, and don't think I forgot about Peggy. I know she'll always be your best girl."

Steve grinned. "Well, aside from that, I also thought taking you out might cheer you up."

"Yeah, I was a mess, wasn't I?" Greta admitted, her cheeks blooming a deep pink. She still couldn't believe she had done that in front of him. Talk about embarrassing. But in a way, it had really helped. Knowing she could be that open with him. She hadn't been that way with anyone since her father. It was nice.

"Okay, okay. Now quit stalling," she said, bring back the topic. "You said you had news so spill!"

"All in good time," Steve replied, picking up the menu. "Let's have a little dinner and talk for a bit. I hear the monkfish is pretty good."

The talked for a little bit before the waiter arrived. Steve couldn't help the sheepish look on Greta's face when she asked if he'd like the Red, White & Blue soft, raw cow milk. He politely declined and ordered the roasted chestnut soup instead. For the second course, they shared some Alba White Truffle Risotto. Deciding to skip the monkfish, Greta and Steve each chose Rack of Colorado Lamb and Cervena Venison Loin for the third course. While they ate, they talked a little more about other things. Greta got a little perceptive of how things of the present day varied from the 1940's. Steve was actually surprised she asked him. Most people he talked with about the past got bored. Tony even commented that it made him sound like an old man.

Greta was more than fascinated. She had always admired the forties, though she wouldn't tell Steve it had been her grandfather that had piqued her interest. She was just happy to spend time with him. It was nice.

After they finished dessert, Steve replaced the blindfold on Greta and led her out into a car. Greta laughed, started to like being guided around.

"Now where are you taking me?"

"Relax, it's all part of the surprise," Steve said, gripping her hand.

"Really? Cause that dinner was enough," Greta insisted. She still couldn't believe she had managed to eat all that food for dinner. "I still can't believe you let me have that sorbet."

"You were enjoying yourself. It was my pleasure. Though I wish–"

"Don't start about the bill again!" Greta scolded. "It's only fair I pay for half. The deed is done, so you can stop it, okay?"

"All right. Far be it from me to argue with a lady."

Greta smiled. "Good. Cause you know you always loose."

Steve chuckled and squeezed her hand. The drive was a little longer than from the airport. Wherever he was taking her, it must have been pretty amazing.

"Are we there yet?" Greta asked. She patience was slowly beginning to give out.

"Just a little longer. Trust me, it'll be worth it once you see the view."

"Good lord! What are you doing, taking me dancing under the moonlight or something?"

"You know I'm not the best dancer," Steve joked. "Though there may be some moonlight, if we're lucky."

The car finally stopped. Steve got out first and opened Greta's door. She gave him her hand and began another game of follow the leader. This time her surroundings were much different. The chill on her skin indicated they were outside and she could hear many more people, meaning they were near a large crowd, possibly several crowds. When Steve paused, he grabbed ahold of her other hand.

"Now, this time we'll go a little slower," he said. "We have a few steps to climb and I don't want you tripping."

"Steps? As in stairs?" Greta questioned. She tested her footing and found the dreaded steps. "Just how many we talking here?"

Steve laughed instead of answering her. They began the climb. After the first two flights, Greta was ready to drop. She never liked stairs that much. Unfortunately, Greta fell for a man who enjoyed exercising. She wanted to drop when she felt him drag her up another flight of stairs. She was out of breath when she reached the top.

"Seriously, what is wrong with you?" she said. "You're like a machine."

"Sorry, but I wanted to get us up here before we lost the light." Steve released her hands and moved behind her. "I think you're really gonna like this, Greta."

This time when the blindfold was removed, an entirely different sight met her eyes. Before her was a Greek-like temple surrounded by columns. The interior housed a lone statue of a solitary figure sitting in contemplation. Above it read the words:

IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCON
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

Greta felt her heart racing. She ran out of the building, stoping when she reached the edge. She looked out past the stairs and crowds of people. Her eyes found a long and large rectangular pool with a large obelisk at the end. She couldn't believe it. The obelisk was non other than the famed Washington Monument, making the pool the Reflecting Pool. She was standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

"What are we doing here?" she asked, looking around.

"Thought you'd enjoy the view," Steve said, taking in the sight. "The Lincoln Memorial is beautiful at dusk. You can't see it from my new apartment, so I thought I'd bring you here to enjoy it."

Greta turned around, her eyes wide with shock. "New apartment?"

"Yeah, that's what I wanted to tell you…" Steve rubbed the back of his neck. "S.H.I.E.L.D. has reassigned me so I'll be living in D.C. for now. It's a bit of a distance, but I can come and visit on occasion when they don't have an assignment for me."

"Y-You… You brought me here…to tell me that?"

"I know, it's a little sudden," he explained. "S.H.I.E.L.D. wants me working with the counter-terrorism division. It's a good opportunity."

"How long?" By this time, her voice was void of emotion.

"I don't know how long I'll be stationed here," Steve said, unaware of her change in demeanor. "I leave tomorrow. I was supposed to leave a week ago, but I asked for an extension so I'd have a chance to spend some time with you and the others before I left."

"Were you always planning on telling me today?"

Steve was about to answer but stopped. Greta wasn't looking at him anymore.

"Greta, please, tell me what's wrong?" Steve asked. He took a step closer to her. "I thought you'd be a little excited."

"Excited? You seriously thought I'd be excited about this?!" She turned to face him, and her expression surprised Steve. Her eyes were fired with an anger he hadn't seen since Loki left Lithia. He never thought that kind of rage would be directed at him. However, this was by far worse as her eyes not only her fury, but were also spilling over with tears.

"Greta, are you all right?"

"I didn't think you'd be this stupid." She turned to fully face him, her expression never wavering. "What, I thought your S.H.I.E.L.D. access allowed you to do background checks."

"What?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot. You would never look into a person's personal file, right" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Then again, if you had, maybe then you wouldn't have brought me to the one place I never wanted to go back to again!"

"What are you talking about?"

"You MORON!" she shouted. "You knew you were leaving and waited until the day before you leave to tell me. What is wrong with you?! I mean, seriously, who does that! And to top it off, you had to bring me here. Here, of all places!"

"I don't understand. Why are you upset?"

"SHUT UP!" Her breathing labored and she was on the edge of another meltdown. Her whole body was shaking. "You had no right, Steve. No damn right! God, I can't believe I was so stupid to think I could trust you."

Steve tried to reach for her but she smacked his hand away. He winced. Her hand would have a bruise from the she'd hit him.

"Don't you dare touch me!" she shouted. "I don't want to be near you. I can't even look at you right now!"

By this time, they had started drawing a crowd. Before, people had ignored what they assumed was a lovers quarrel, but when someone pointed out that the man was the famed Captain America, many flocked to see what was going on. Steve noticed the attention they were drawing.

"Greta, please, let's talk about this somewhere more private," he pleaded. He needed to get them out of the public eye before someone put the spectacle on the internet. The last thing he wanted was for Greta to be embarrassed. Besides, this was a personal matter they should talked about alone. Maybe once they were alone they could talk things through more rationally. "We'll go back to the plane and try to talk things out," he suggested. "I get the transfer is sudden, but–"

"You really don't get it, do you?" Greta seethed. "This has nothing to do with the fucking transfer! That I could've forgiven. But what I can't forgive is the fact that you brought me to Washington D.C. to tell me you're leaving. And you did it at the fucking Lincoln Memorial? On Veteran's Day?!" Her face was stained in tears and she had to close them to catch her breath.

"What does that have to do with any of this?" Steve asked. "Please, tell me."

"I thought you'd understand…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I guess that's what I get for opening up to someone I thought I could trust."

"You can trust me," Steve pleaded. "Just tell me what I did wrong, and I'll make it up to you."

"NO!" she shouted, eyes snapping open. "You crossed a line, Steve. Just stay away from me."

Greta turned on her heel and ran. She stopped at the stairs and removed the heels. She chucked them to the side and raced down the stairs, avoiding the people along the way. Steve barely had a chance to think. When he realized what happened, she had already slipped into the crowd.

"Greta! Greta, come back!" But it was too late. He lost her in the sea of people. Steve ran the entire area of the Lincoln Memorial three times, but there was no sign of her. Her reaction to the news had been a complete shock. He figured she might not take the news of him leaving well, but for her to scream and then run out on him made no sense.

An hour past but still no sign of Greta. Steve began to panic. He had tried calling her cell, but there was no response. He remembered that phones nowadays had special GPS tracking. He could find her that way. Only, he had no idea how it worked.

Pulling out his phone, he dialed the number of the one person he could think of to help him.

Hello?

"Tony, is that you?"

No, this is Lithia. Tony and Pepper took Evangeline to a movie. It's just me and Loki at the house.

"Sorry but I need to talk to Tony," Steve said.

Well, what's the problem, Spangles? Lithia asked, her tone slightly annoyed. You know, I can basically anything he can.

This wasn't good. He hadn't wanted to tell Lithia about his fallout with Greta, but it appeared the universe was not on his side tonight. "Greta's gone and I can't find her anywhere," he said.

What?!

"I told her that I was being transferred to Washington D.C. and she didn't take the news very well."

Well, duh! That kind of thing isn't exactly what a girl wants to hear, Lithia berated. Natasha told us at the party. Seriously, you should've told her much sooner. Like, tell her the day you find out.

Steve pinched the bridge of his nose. "I realize that. Can you find her or not?"

Give me two minutes, Lithia said. Okay, you're on speaker now. I'm having J.A.R.V.I.S. check for her signal, but knowing how mad she must be, she would have it off. However, I might be able to hack the system and get a general idea of where she went.

"Are you using the restricted S.H.I.E.L.D. database again?" Steve questioned.

… Maybe… The connection went silent for a moment. The only thing Steve could make out was a steady clicking. Okay, looks like I got something. The phone is on the move, but that doesn't mean Greta didn't dump it somewhere to throw us off track. It'll take some digging but I should be able to get a better reading soon.

"That's good to hear."

Hey, while I've got you, there's something I gotta ask. The scanners are picking up that Greta's phone is in Washing D.C. but that's impossible. Greta would never set foot there.

"Lithia, we are in D.C."

WHAT?! Why the hell are you in D.C.?! Lithia shouted. Natasha said you were being transferred there, so I knew Greta would be pissed, but I didn't think you'd actually take her there. What were you thinking?!

"What's wrong with Washington D.C.?" he asked. "When I told Tony, he thought bringing her here was the best way to tell her. He found the restaurant and made the arrangements to bring us to the Lincoln Memorial after dinner so I could tell her."

Crap! I knew I should've checked where Tony was sending you. He could hear Lithia groaning over the phone. Listen Steve, you didn't know, but the reason Greta never sets foot in D.C.—and why I never asked Greta to do anything on Veterans's Day—is because her dad died there.

Steve blood went cold. His grip tightened on the phone as he listened to Lithia continue. "What did you just say?"

It was before her dad's unit was getting reassigned, the day after Veteran's Day, Lithia explained. Greta and her dad were gonna spend the day together at the Smithsonian Museum. They were passing by the Lincoln Memorial when they got into a crash.

"A car had run a red light and Greta's father threw her from the bike…" Steve finished. "He died before the ambulance reached the hospital."

Yeah, exactly. Wait, how'd you know?

"Greta told me before we left," he explained, feeling about as low as a person could feel. "Well, she didn't tell me everything exactly, but I should have asked her more about it. I didn't even… I should've… Damn! I thought bringing her to D.C. would make breaking the news easier."

Hey, hey. Easy Steve, Lithia said. You didn't know. It was an honest mistake.

"No, I should've known better. Now she's run off and I've no way of finding her."

Hey, don't say that. We'll find her. If nothing else, I can have Loki do a mind scan for her.

I would prefer to be left out of this matter, Loki called out.

Hey! She's my best friend. You'll help.

If the Solider of America made a mistake, he must learn to face the consequences, Loki replied. I should know. Though from the sound of things, he almost makes what I did sound harmless.

Don't be playing the Blame Game, buster!

"No, Lithia, Loki make a point," Steve interrupted. There was a unison of gasps heard over the phone. "Yeah, I'm surprised to hear it myself. Yet it is still true. I'm the one who hurt Greta, and I'm the one who has to make it right."

That may prove difficult, Loki stated. Given my experience, Greta is not the type to forgive easily. No matter how you may plead, she will not listen.

Oh, point made, Lithia added. Plus, aren't you're supposed to report to S.H.I.E.L.D. in the morning?

"What about Greta? I can't just leave her."

You leave finding Greta to me, Lithia said. You worry about Furry coming down on you.

"But–"

It's non-negotiable. Now, hung up and get moving, Soldier, she ordered. I gotta get to work. The line went dead after that.

Steve sighed. This was ridiculous. He should be out there looking for Greta. He was the one who needed to fix this. Yet, they had made a point. There was no way Greta would listen to him. The basic truth was that he had deeply hurt Greta. Even if it was unintentional. He could plead his case all he wanted but it was doubtful that she would listen to him. Perhaps she would forgive him, but it would not be today.

XXX

Far off on the outskirts of town sat a quiet little house. The current resident sat in front of the television set. He was an elderly man in his early nineties. White hair covered his aging head, matching the scruff on his chin. He had the television on, though he was hardly watching it. That wasn't even due to the fact he was blind in one eye. He just wasn't invested in the news report. It was some pretty-boy reporter talking about some hotshot scientist in New York or Hollywood. He could care less. It was just background noise anyway. Outside he could hear the steady pitter-patter of the rain. It helped relax him and he began to doze off.

Knock, knock.

"Shit…" he grumbled. He took out the golden pocket watch from his breast pocket and checked the time. "Who the hell comes knocking at 2:00 am in the morning?"

Knock, knock, knock.

"I'm coming!" he yelled. He shut the TV off and rolled his wheelchair to the front door. He grabbed a large sawed-off shotgun from the cabinet. When he got to the door, he readied his gun.

"Didn't anyone teach you read?" he called out. "Sign says trespassers will be shot, and survivors will be shot twice."

"Open the door, old man, or I'll have your tired old ass hauled off to the nursing home."

"What the devil?" He set the gun in his lap and checked the peephole. The sight of the person outside caused him to do a double-take. He removed his thick glasses, rubbed the lenses on his shirt, and checked again. Nope, his trifocals weren't deceiving him. He set the gun against the wall and undid the locks. When he opened the door, a young girl stood there. Her shoes were missing, and her hair and dress were plastered to her body from the rain. Her makeup had run, but it was her red-rimmed eyes that caught his attention first.

"Hey Granddad," Greta said, her voice raw and gravely. "Sorry, meant to call you first, but I threw my phone in front of a semi-truck."

"Holy shit! What the hell happened to you?" He looked her over again. "You look like something the damn cat dragged in last week. Only that thing had more life."

A weak smile pulled at Greta's lips. "Really bad day, Granddad," she said.

"I can see that," he said, moving to the side. "Now get your little rump in here. The old witch will hex me good if you catch a pneumonia or something. You come on in and I'll crank the heat. Should have some of your gran's clothes you can borrow."

"Thanks. It's good to be back." Greta sighed. It had taken hours to reach this place. Her body was exhausted, physically and emotionally. "If it's alright with you, Granddad, I'd like to take a bath and get to bed. I really wanna forget today ever happened."

"I can see that." The old man watched her as she enter the home. "What the hell you doing running around in weather like this? Matter of fact, what're you doing in D.C.?" he asked. "Not that I ain't happy to see you, little nipper, but today ain't exactly your favorite day to be about."

Greta stepped into the house, grateful to be out of the pouring ran. She waited until her grandfather closed the door before turning back to him. Against her will, a fresh set of tears spilled from her eyes. She collapsed against the older man, her body worn out from the emotional strain. She felt her grandfather gather her into his arms. He held her tight, placing one hand on the back of her head while the other rubbed her back.

"Oh, little nipper. Who done and hurt my little girl?" he asked. "You just give me the name, and I'll show him what happens when you wrong the family of Ernest Gregory Carthrow."

"Nobody, Granddad," she whispered.

"Bullshit, and you know it. Now, give me the name."

Greta bit her lip. Despite how furious she was, she did not want to sully the image of the American Hero who had saved her grandfather's life. She wouldn't do that to him. No, for now, she would keep it to herself. She could always tell him when he lost his high approval of Steve diminished.

That should be about, oh, never, Greta thought bitterly. Everything had been going so well too. I really thought he… He saw how much it hurt, and how hard it was to talk about my dad. Even talking with Lithia hadn't been as hard to talk to as Steve. But, when broke down like that and he held me, I really thought I'd be okay. If only we could've stayed like that.

"We'll talk later," her grandfather whispered. "Come on. Let's get you that bath and bed. Your gran always said a warm place to rest the head always did a body good."

Greta nodded. She really did want to sleep. Her grandfather was right. She needed to rest and let her heart heal after all she had been through.

Besides, her problems with Steve could wait until another day.

The End

AN: I know, I'm horrible. In my defense, the song at the top was a clue that this would not end well. Don't worry though, things won't stay this way. However, the next installment won't happen till a certain Winter Soldier fic is published. I hope you enjoy this story and please leave a review.