AN: Jessica's outfit is up top. I'm sorry if this isn't historically correct. I did research Army nurses outfits and this is basically what I got for everything.

✧

Jessica stood stiffly beside Dr. Erskine, two thoughts circulating in her head.

One, she just wanted to find Steve and make sure he was okay. The second one, however, was about herself.

Don't let them know you have powers.

This thought had been on Jessica's mind since Dr. Erskine recruited her, the woman having to learn how to suppress her anger. Jessica Martin had always been one to anger easily, the woman having chronic anger ever since her father had left that rainy night many years ago.

Jessica's chronic anger had been rooted deep, mostly toward herself. She hated that she had ruined her family.

She hated that her father left them because of her; that she was a monster.

A voice brought her out of her self-hatred, Dr. Erskine waving a hand in front of her, "Ms. Martin?"

"My apologies, Dr. Erskine," She shook her head, wiping her hands on her new Army uniform, "What was the task? I was in my head for a moment."

"Like I had said," He chuckled, holding a file, "I'm looking for someone very special for a procedure. I want a man who is a real hero. Not necessarily physically strong, but mentally able to endure much."

Jessica nodded, taking in the information that the elder doctor was telling her. She furrowed her brow, "Aren't I just a little prejudice though? I mean, you're assigning me to Steve's division."

"Exactly," He smirked, placing a hand on the middle of her back and starting to walk them out of the medical building.

A dark-haired women in a British Army uniform looked back at them, eyes looking Jessica up and down before she said, "Is this the new recruiter?"

Dr. Erskine nodded and Peggy Carter put a hand out, Jessica shaking it as she said, "Agent Carter, but you may call me Peggy. I'm not your boss and I hope we can become friends given the circumstances. You will be shadowing my recruits and I."

"Jessica Martin," Jessica introduced herself, "But you can call me Jess."

The pair pulled back to from one another and Jessica turned back to Dr. Erskine, "If I may... why am I the one having to chose this recruiter? What's so special about me?"

"I have a feeling that you are very intuitive with the people around you," Dr. Erskine proded, "You have a certain energy I feel."

Jessica didn't answer, knowing that the man was right. The land spirits were always whispering whether people had good intentions, their energies vibrating through her when they met her has.

Being a banshee also helped with that.

If someone were to cause her ill will or harm, she could feel herself or others she was with closer to death and was able to leave the situation before things were to happen.

"Well then, shall go, Jess?" Peggy questioned. Dr. Erskine handed the red-headed woman the clipboard along with the files and said, "Duty calls, Ms. Martin."

Jessica nodded and began walking along the field with Peggy to a line of men. The woman chuckled as she was easily able to identify who Steve was, the man being shorter than the rest of the men in line.

"Recruits, attention!" Peggy yelled as the women walked over to them, the men suddenly standing tall, "Gentlemen, I am Agent Carter and the lovely woman to my left is Jessica, but you all shall address her as Ms. Martin and with the same respect you will treat me or anyone higher than me. I supervise all operations for this division."

Jessica glanced up and down the line, eyes lingering on Steve longer than they should have making the man blush. The man beside him noticed and licked his lips toward the woman, Jessica giving him a disgusted look before she went back to her best friend.

The red-headed woman gave Steve a smile, biting her lip slightly as she winked at him, making sure the man beside Steve knew it was for her friend.

Another man took everyone's attention as he spoke directly to Peggy, saying, "What's with the accent, Queen Victoria? I thought I was signing up for the U.S. Army."

"What's your name, soldier?" Peggy immediately questioned, face showing no emotion as she walked over to him. The man rolled his eyes, "Gilmore Hodge, Your Majesty."

She rose a brow, "Step forward, Hodge."

Hodge immediately did so, looking to the men beside him before Peggy said, "Put your right foot forward."

"We gonna wrassle? 'Cause I got a few moves I know you'll like," He smirked, Jessica narrowing her eyes at him as they turned a bright green.

Steve clearing his throat shook her from her anger, momentarily meeting his eyes before she went back to Peggy. The brunette woman rose her right hand and punched Hodge in the nose, Jessica biting back a laugh as blood dripped down his face.

A new voice from behind her caused her to turn around as it said, "Agent Carter."

"Colonial Phillips," She saluted him, Dr. Erskine following quickly behind him. Jessica walked over to the doctor, knowing her place was with him as Colonial Phillips said, "I can see that you're breaking in the candidates. That's good!"

He turned to Hodge, an unimpressed look on his face, "Get your ass up out of that dirt and stand attention until somebody tells you what to do."

Hodge scurried back and Phillips stood before the men, inspecting every single one, "General Patton has said that wars are fought with weapons, but they are won by men."

Jessica gave Steve a smile at that, knowing the man was nervous and he gave her one generously back.

Phillips continued, saying, "We are going to win this war because we have the best men."

The man cut himself off as he saw Steve, causing him to turn to Dr. Erskine and Jessica, who only shrugged in response.

He went back to his speech, "And because they are going to get better. Much better. The Strategic Scientific Reserve is an Allied effort, made up of the best minds in the world. Our goal is to create the finest army in history. But every army starts with one man."

Phillips then pointed to Jessica and Dr. Erskine, making the woman's eyes go wide as he said, "Ms. Martin has been assigned to choose who this man will be by the end of the week. Wow her. Show her you have the heart of a soldier."

Steve looked to the woman and they shared a look, Jessica's face expressing her visible panic at the thought. The blonde man gave her a small grin, nodding as he mouthed, "You got this."

Jessica nodded and Phillips spoke once more, "He's going to be the first of a new breed of super-soldier. And they are personally going to escort Adolf Hitler to the gates of hell."

And Jessica knew her decision had already been made on who it would be. Not because he was her best friend, but because she knew Steve Rogers' heart.

And Steve Rogers' had the heart of a soldier.

✧

Later that night, Jessica sat on the steps of her small cabin, looking up at the sky as she was in her own head.

A voice took her from her amazement of the bright stars above, saying, "Is it same to presume you have already made your decision?"

"I told Erskine I was prejudice," Jessica smirked, turning to Peggy, who was in the door seal.

Peggy walked over to the woman she was sharing a bunk with and said, "But that's not why you are picking him. Erskine told me of Rogers. Of his heart."

"Everyone is telling me to keep their hearts into account," Jessica shook her head as Peggy sat beside her. The brunette nodded, "He believes it's important that they are more mentally capable than physically."

Jessica sighed, "And I don't know a man more worthy that being told they have the heart of a soldier than Steve. He has wanted this since the war started, not that I can understand."

"You joined the war, too," Peggy pointed out, folding her hands in her lap, "Why is that?"

"Dr. Erskine said to," Jessica shrugged. Peggy rose a brow, a small smirk playing at her still red lips from her lipstick, "And is that all?"

Jessica tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at her. Peggy stood her ground and Jessica gave her an impressed look, pointing to her, "I like you. We are going to get along."

"Well it would be nice to have a female friend," Peggy softly smiled. Jessica did the same, "Well, I've been told I'm one of the guys, but, I guess you can consider me a female."

"Don't worry, darling. You shower regularly. You're a girl," Peggy huffed, causing Jessica to laugh. It was quiet for a moment before Peggy spoke again, saying, "But you never answered my question. Why did you join the war?"

Jessica bit at her lip as she looked to her lap, thinking for a moment.

Why had she joined the war?

Of course Dr. Erskine made it seem like she hadn't had a choice in the matter, but of course she had.

"I wanted to stay with Steve," She finally whispered, "The thought of leaving him made me go into shock. I can't lose him. Our best friend is already at war overseas and Steve... Steve is fragile. I needed to protect him."

"Why is that?" Peggy questioned, genuinely curious to see what the woman had to say about Steve Rogers.

Jessica let out a long breath, wetting her lips before she said, "Because Steve is the perfect man. Yes, he may not be physically able all of the time. But he has the spirit and heart that makes someone melt. It doesn't even matter that we are the same height or that I've won more arm wrestling matches than he has. He's sweet and kind and compassionate. He listens to everything anyone has to say. He can somehow sense when something is the slightest bit off. He's... he's just the perfect man."

"So, how long have you been in love with him?" Peggy asked knowingly. Jessica reeled back, eyes wide, going to say something when Peggy simply rose a brow.

Jessica huffed and shook her head, "Since sophomore year of high school."

"How did that happen?"

"Well, I was sitting under a tree at lunch one day, reading. My twin, Lydia, had just started going steady with her husband, Stiles, and I felt lonely. I wanted to be alone, but of course Steve found me," Jessica smiled fondly, remembering Steve's relieved grin when he saw her under the willow tree at school, "He always knew when I was upset. Like he could sense it. He was making his way over to me and he tripped on his shoelaces. I ran to him because he hit his head on a tree stump."

Peggy laughed at that, shrugging a bit, "I can picture that."

"He was smiling when I got to him," Jessica chuckled, "Said that I looked like an angel illumintated by the light behind me. Steve Rogers got my heart that day. Not because of his looks like the boys always think it is... but because of that sweet heart of his."

"Then make Steve the candidate," Peggy told her, grasping onto her hand. Jessica turned to her, brow furrowed, "If I choose Steve, everyone will say it's because I know him already."

Peggy shook her head, "Then you tell them what you just told me. Trust me, I think they'd agree with you just based on the look you have when you talk about that poor boy."

Jessica's cheeks flushed and she gave Peggy a smile, "That's why Erskine chose me, isn't it? Because he already knew I was going to choose Steve."

"I think he had a feeling, yes," Jessica's new friend told her. The red-head nodded as Peggy continued, "Did you tell him goodnight?"

"They had already entered the bunks when I found the time to see him," She sighed, turning and looking at the cabin that was still lit behind the curtains. Peggy thought for a moment before she said, "You can enter the bunks."

Jessica met her eyes, a confused expression on her freckled cheeks, "Wait, what? Is that allowed?"

"You have the same authority here as I do under Dr. Erskine's orders. They have to respect you as their superior. Your evaluation just doesn't end when the sun sets either. You can go in there and evaluate them, too," Peggy stood, dusting off her skirt, "But I didn't tell you anything."

Jessica smiled, chuckling a bit and saying, "Yes, ma'am."

"Oh, please. Not ma'am. You say that as if I'm old and grey," Peggy huffed, turning on her heel, "Go see him."

With that, Peggy went inside the cabin, leaving Jessica alone with her thoughts. After a moment, Jessica stood, picking up her clipboard that Erskine had told her to keep with her no matter what.

Her heels clicked against the small concrete path as she made her way to her best friend, building the confidence to open the door to the cabin the men were in. She slowly grasped onto the knob and shook her head, knowing she may see something she would rather not see.

"Don't be a coward, Jessica Lynne."

With that, Jessica walked into the cabin, head held high as every man in the building turned to her. She rose a brow, lips pursed as she made her way past the beds.

Wolf whistles were heard and she stopped, turning to the man that had whistled toward her. She licked her lips, eyes flashing a bright green momentarily as she said, "I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Nothing, sweetheart. Just looking at the most gorgeous gal in New Jersey," The darker-haired man smirked, licking his lips. Jessica's look grew dark as she chuckled, causing a shrill of fear to silence the cabin and she said, "Come here."

The men beside them clapped and Jessica smirked as the man came closer, stopping a foot in front of her, "What's your name, soldier?"

"Kingston. Preston Kingston," He gave her a charming smile, "And what's your name doll?"

"Well, Mr. Kingston," She gave him a smile before her knee met with his groin, causing him to groan out in pain. Preston fell to the ground, grabbing himself as Jessica sighed, straightening out her skirt before stepping over him and saying, "You're a dick."

Everyone was silent as she found Steve, giving him a small smile, "Hi."

"Hi?" Steve smiled, "What are you doing here?"

"Conducting research for the experiment, silly," Jessica wrinkled her nose before she turned to the men in the cabin, who were still looking at her, "As you were, soldiers."

They all turned and went back to what they were doing before, causing Jessica to shake her head in disapointment before saying, "May I?"

"Oh, sure- um, sure," Steve quickly cleared a space on his bed for her to sit, standing. He placed a hand on her back as he lead her to the bed, allowing her to sit as he stood in front of her.

Jessica furrowed her brow, "You aren't going to sit with me?"

"Um, wouldn't it be, um, inappropriate if we were in the same bed?" Steve blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. Jessica deadpanned and moved his belongings by the headboard, saying, "Just sit on the goddamn bed with me, Steve. It's not like we're doing anything on it."

Steve turned a hue of red Jessica had never seen before and chuckled as he sat beside her.

The two shared a look and Jessica placed her clipboard in her lap as she spoke, "How was your first day?"

"Interesting to say the least," Steve shrugged, trying to remain neutral, "Yours?"

"Interesting," Jessica repeated, making Steve chuckle. She gave him a soft smile and said, "i wish we could have spent more time together. I'm sorry we are so far apart."

Steve shook his head, "You're only across the sidewalk."

"How did you know that?" Jessica rose a brow toward him. Steve blushed once again before he answered, "I saw you from the window."

Jessica's heart tightened in her chest at the thought of him watching over her, "You were making sure I was okay?"

"I always do, Brooklyn Baby," He shrugged, "It's my job."

Jessica softened and grasped onto his hand that was at his side, whispering, "Thank you."

"Of course, Jess. You're my bestfriend. I love you," Steve told before he realized what he had said. His eyes widened, "Of course I love you because you're my best friend."

Jessica couldn't help her heart clenching at that and said, "Of course. Best friend."

She stood and turned to him, pursing her lips before she pointed a thumb toward the door, "I should probably get back to the cabin. Agent Carter is waiting for me to turn the lights out."

"You don't have to," Steve protested, getting up and coming chest to chest with the woman. They cleared their throats before Jessica took a step back, saying, "I probably should. It's late and we have an early day tomorrow, soldier."

Steve sadly nodded and said, "Okay... if that's what you want."

"Goodnight, Steve," Jessica gave him a small smile, turning and walking away before he could respond. She walked past Preston, who was still holding himself, face red as he looked up to her.

"You know, I'm a nurse and I would suggest putting some ice on that since it's already small. I don't think it could get smaller," Jessica winked at him before walking away, hearing laughter come from the men around Preston, "Oh, and my name is Ms. Martin to you."

She then walked out of the cabin to the sidewalk deflated, steps heavy as she climbed the stairs to her shared cabin with Peggy.

Before Jessica opened the door, she turned back to Steve's cabin, the said man staring back at her through the small window beside his bunk. She couldn't help but give him a grin, waving at him her small goodnight.

Steve rose a hand and waved back, heart heavy as she shook her head to the ground, concealing a smile before she walked into the cabin.

Steve watched the door after she walked in and sighed, shaking his head at his cowardness.

"Goodnight, Brooklyn Baby."

✧

AN: Does anybody else love them as much as I do?