Chapter 4 Dr Erskin

Right...", Steve took a deep breath, knowing he had to get prepared mentally for the change.

It was strange that now that he was here, he somehow had the moments to think back and reflect on the chain of events that led him to this moment. His meeting up of

Dr. Erskine when he tried to volunteer, the doctor sweeping him up into the Office of Strategic Services that would end up having him be the best choice for the program.

Of course, there was last night when Erskine told him about Schimdt and his concerned feelings about the enemy giantess being related to Schimdt in ways.

Still, after hearing that the enemy giantess was clearly intent on being powerful and dangerous,

Steve is the opposite of that, wanting to feel worthy and helpful, and that, with heart, is supposedly the most important thing for the test to be successful.

Steve really wants to make Erskine proud, to make everyone see him as not something weak or sickly, but something brave and strong, to have

Peggy smile at him with love and confidence, and he had a taste of that for a few precious minutes.

As he made it back to the main hallway where the escort had been waiting,

"Took you long enough, man.", and Steve replied, "Sorry, needed a breather after taking a piss. Is Captain Carter waiting up ahead?".

The escort snorted, "Apparently, you haven't heard that ladies take their time putting up their makeup, and-", and a female voice replied, "

You were saying, soldier?", as Peggy walked up to them with a raised eyebrow.

The escort shook his head, "Nothing, ma'am!", and Peggy nodded, "

That's what I thought.", before smiling politely, "Shall we?", at Steve who nodded with a smile,

."Yes, let's not be late.", and all started off to head further down to the lab with the escort guiding them.

"How are you feeling?", Peggy asked as she and Rogers walked, following the escort. "Nervous.", Steve admitted.

"Any second doubts?", Peggy glanced over to him as he smiled,

"I put those away last night, I'm prepared for whatever comes.".

Peggy gave him a small, supportive smile, "Good to know.",

and subtly touched his hand with a finger barely breezing across the skin, with Steve realizing that the gesture was to signify her love to him.

Steve returned the smile, and there was a comfortable, companionable silence, with their footsteps echoing as they soon made it to the underground lab, with

Steve widening his eyes in amazement to see the technology,

the secret technology that the government has been developing with Howard Stark's help.

And there, is a steel, layered, large, and strong enclosure, in the center of the lab. "

Gonna be a little cramped in here.", that was the first words from Steve's mouth as he looked around while Peggy chuckled.

"I'm sure they've planned ahead for this.", Peggy told him. Steve nodded,

"I hope so. I don't know if it's instant or it takes like several minutes to grow.

After all, we don't know much about that enemy giantess.".

Peggy nodded, "Good point, but they have thought similar,

I am sure.", smiling with a gesture at everyone, and Dr. Erskine saw them, coming up to them, "Ah, hello, Agent Carter.

And Steven. Brilliant, isn't? Mr. Stark over there has been helping around.".

Mr. Stark waved his hand, "Hello, I am so stoked for this. I can't wait to see the results, and I know my tech.

", and Steve nodded, "I believe you. I saw you at the Expo. I am sure your technology is strong for this.".

Mr. Stark grinned, "Thanks, kid. Doc, shall we start?", and Dr. Erskine nodded, "Oh, yes. Agent Carter, would you be more comfortable in the observation room?".

Peggy shook her head, "I'll stay down here, and besides, I am a woman of my word. I won't touch anything,

Dr. Erskine.", with a small smile at Steve, and Steve gave her a small smile. Dr. Erskine blinked in slight surprise, his mind observative of anything and everything, and then nodded, "Alright, then.",

seeing the obvious love between the pair.

"How are you feeling, Steve?", Erskine asked as the two of them walked towards a different part of the room. "Alright, better than alright in a few ways.", Steve admitted.

"Certainly from the time you spent with Carter there?", Erskine chuckled as Steve blushed. "Don't be embarrassed, son, it's natural.

I was in love once myself...", he sighed, his memories going back to Gerta and their children,

lost to Dachau... the first of the concentration camps which now were turned into factories of death for his people and others the Nazis deemed 'undesirable'.

Steve replied, "Is it really good as everybody said? Falling in love? I mean, Peggy is the first woman that has ever liked me for me...".

Erskine blinked, refocusing on the present, and then smiled as he patted Steve's shoulder,

"It's slightly different for everyone, but it's pretty much the same. When you're in love, you put them first before yourself...

My wife used to say something for our children...'People always do crazy things when they're in love.'...", with a fond nod.

Steve blinked in slight confusion, wanting to understand what he meant by that...

After all,

Peggy is the first one to give him feelings, where he couldn't help thinking almost every moment, how it makes him feel like he's both free yet breathless.

Erskine chuckled, seeing the look in Steve's eyes, and spoke, "Don't worry, you will understand in time.

Now, let's get that jacket and shirt, and the shoes off. I believe it won't be instant, but we need you to be exposed to the

Quantonium and the serum in an effective, respectful way, and you will be fine with the trousers on.

After all, we have highly respected people watching including Carter.", with a smile.

"Guessing what I've got isn't going to fit long then?",

Steve asked as Erskine chuckled, "Well, at least we came somewhat prepared for that, but it'll remain to be seen.".

Steve nodded, and went to take his shoes, jacket, and shirt off, and followed Erskine up to the platform, and