There was little for Steve to focus on but his anger at Hydra. Hydra had destroyed a good man. It had allowed that man to be tortured, brainwashed, and then be spit back out only for the world to see him as a monster. It was sickening to Steve. It truly was, because Bucky still didn’t feel safe with himself. He might never feel safe at this rate, and he felt that the best thing he could do was to go into cryo. Bucky would rather be in cryo than to risk hurting another individual again. And people said he was a monster.
Something in Steve had snapped. Though he was a fugitive in the United States, it was simple enough for him to stay undercover in other countries. Switzerland wasn’t too bad at all. At least, the use of a hat and sunglasses worked well enough for him to go unnoticed. It might not be foolproof, but it worked for what he needed. And that was to get to this base.
Steve approached the base warily, a little more cautious as he was using different tools than he used to. It was weird without his shield, though he grew more accustomed to it the longer he fought without it. He took a step forward and then gaped as a shield much like his own came swinging at him. A hand went up to block the blow from hitting him, the rest of his body moving out of the way. Once the swing had been stopped, Steve had himself leap back so that he could get an idea of just what was happening. And then his gun was out, looking in disbelief at a woman who seemed to be…posing as him? What the hell?
“Drop it. That shield is the property of the U.S. government. I don’t know how you got it, but you should unhand it if you know what’s good for you.”
—- ☆ PEGGY deflated, the rage that burned inside simmered away at the sight of him. Her fighting stance weakened and her breaths caught in her throat. It was some cruel joke of God for them to face off like this, though maybe it was not a joke at all. It was a punishment for the lies she led and for failing S.H.I.E.L.D. Though as her shock settled and Steve’s words resonated, the desire for nostalgic snark came through with a small smirk.
“Steve, look closer at the shield. There are dents, last time I checked vibranium and adamantium compounds don’t allow that to happen.” Peggy’s red-lipstick smile faded. By saying his name out loud, replying to him left her brewing in rage, sadness, and joy. She gulped and raised her hands up in defense. “I want justice just as much as you. Look around, do you see any H.Y.D.R.A agent having a laugh?”
Peggy started to feel shame for the uniform she was wearing, it felt heavy on her skin. She almost felt like a child being caught with a cookie in their mouth with one hand in the cookie jar. She knew that he buried her, the agent who was tasked with the duty to pose as Peggy Carter. The pain of it all and the reality that she was alive, would not settle right with him. She would be called a liar, be called a H.Y.D.R.A agent.
“Put the gun down, Steve,” she said softly. “I don’t want to fight you.”