compelledtoprotect

[He hung his head. It wouldn't be the first time he'd done something stupidly pathetic. Torturing himself with visits to Peggy even though half the time she couldn't remember him. Touring the exhibit to gaze on the public face of his own life. Wandering the streets looking for familiar faces he knew he'd never see again . . . The idea of getting to know someone who could at least talk about Setsuna with him seemed pretty sane by comparison.]


I'm gonna live an awful long time Setsuna. To be honest, I'm gonna lose everyone eventually. If I end up following around an angel when remembers you like I do . . . At least we can remember you together. That's something.


[He sighed and cupped Setsuna's cheek, wishing he could take all that pain and unhappiness away. But he couldn't. The kid's life was so miserable, and somehow he still looked so happy! It was amazing!]


Bucky was . . . amazing. I was a shrimp when I was a kid. Sickly and skinny and washed out, and always getting beat up since I never could back down from a fight. Bucky was everything I always wanted to be. He was tall and handsome and strong. He was popular too, which always made me wonder why he bothered with me. He grew up to be a soldier you know? He was a war hero too even before we all got together. He . . . mn. I lost him during a mission. Literally. I just couldn't reach him and he . . . he fell . . .


[God it hurt! He could see the memory so clearly . . . Steve shut his eyes against the tears and took a moment, swallowing hard. Although he treasured those memories, they sure could cut.

Steve was breathless before he finally let the kid go, eyes sparkling at the way Setsuna was finally looking a little happier. It was just so cute!]


Ok ok! I'll stop. But admit it. That was fun!