I slowly opened my eyes. The sunlight was bright and it took some time to adjust. I tried moving but it hurt too much.

Wait. Where was I? When my eyes got used to it, I looked up at Steve's face. He was carrying me. Bridal style. I squealed a little and he looked down at me, startled.

"Are you okay, Cynthia?" he asked, concerningly. I nodded a little bit. I felt myself slipping so I placed my hand on his shoulder and he held me tighter. I blushed, probably not from the heat.

"My leg hurts less. I'm sure I can walk." I tried to budge it again. I couldn't, instead I let out a muffled groan. It was wrapped with cloth. It hurt a lot but it was better than before. As if it was already healing.
"It's fine." he reassured. "We're almost there."

"Did you get your friend?" I looked around. "Bucky?"
He nodded with a smile and gestured a little to his left. I remember him. I had seen him when he was talking to Steve and Dr. Erskine was watching them.

He looked the same but a little scruffier. His cheeks were hollow and he didn't have much life in his eyes. He caught me staring and grinned, flirtatiously.
"You want me to carry you, doll?" he winked.
"I think Steve can handle me but thanks." I replied with a smirk. He chuckled and shook his head. I glanced at Steve to see he was blushing.

"You can handle me right?" I laid my head back against his arm because it was hurting from the strain.
"I can," he replied and kept walking.
"Thank you." I whispered, not sure if he heard me.

We reached our territory soon after. Steve walked in the front, carrying me and leading the group in through the entrance. The soldiers were waiting and cheered and congratulated us. It felt a little embarrassing to be carried by Steve. I tried convincing him to let me walk but he stubbornly refused.

"Some of these men need medical attention." he reported to Colonel as he carried me towards the infirmary. "I'd like to surrender myself to disciplinary action."
"I will too. As soon as I get this bullet out." I added.
"That won't be necessary." he slightly smiled. Which took me by surprise. "Get her to the medics."
"Yes, sir." he replied.

"Cynthia!" Peggy greeted me from behind him. "Are you okay? What happened?" Peggy gave me a look over.

"Bullet through the leg. Another grazed my hip but it was a clean one." I reported. "It barely hurts anymore. I think it's because of the serum."
Peggy looked pained as she grabbed my hand and squeezed.
"I'll be fine, Peg." I smiled in reassurance.

"By the way, you're late." she joked. Steve held up the device they had given us. "We couldn't call our ride."
"Mine was broken too." I fished mine out from my jacket and showed her.

"Hey!" Steve and I turned around to Bucky. "Let's hear it for Captain America and the Sapphire Soldier!" he yelled. Everyone cheered for us. I blushed at the attention.
Peggy looked at me with a questioning glance.
"I had time to think. If Steve has a cool superhero name, I want one too!" I demanded with a pout. She chuckled.
Steve placed me down on the bed and stood up. He stood there hesitantly before walking back out. I watched him away with a frown.

"You like him don't you?" Peggy teased.
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" I scoffed. Peggy was ushered out as a couple nurses and the doctor came in for my injuries. Did I like him?

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Peggy do be knowing the facts though. And what do you guys think about STEVE CARRYING OUR GIRL BRIDAL STYLE?! Foreshadowing? 👀 Btw. If you guys like this please check out my Avenger Imagines book and my Avengers Soulmate AU book! (shameless self promo)!!! Love you my readers!!❤️