A Soldier for All Seasons

He’d dreamt of her again. He dreamt of her every night, in fact. He didn’t know what he looked forward to more; her daily sessions or when nightfall descended, and he could go back to sleep. Either way considered, she was the best part of his day.

Sometimes, he would make a game of guessing little things about her. For instance, would she wear her hair curly and wild, or pulled back in a bun? Or if she’d wear glasses or not? He even found himself guessing what color she’d be wearing and how her glorious hazel and green eyes would stand out in contrast. 

Today, her hair was in tight coils, flowing freely about her shoulders and face. Her spectacles hung from a chain about her neck, and she donned a red dress beneath her coat. When she would laugh, she’d have to push her mane back away from her face. He admired every curve of her caramel colored face, marveling at her cheekbones. Her thick lips were shiny with gloss, and her smile? It could capture one’s heart. She was so beautiful, and yet she didn’t seem to notice or care.

“What are you smiling at, soldier?” she asked of him.

“You look … nice. Can’t I admire you?”

She visibly blushed. “You’re too kind. But thank you. You’re looking good yourself. How’s the shoulder today?”

She put her notepad aside and joined him on his neatly made bed. Sitting gingerly to his left, she checked the back of his shoulder first. He inhaled deeply when he felt her warm touch on his back. She gently ran her fingers along the puckered skin where his flesh met metal. He could smell the oils and perfumes she’d used that day. He also took advantage of being that close to her, examining her face, memorizing the gentle slope of her neck.

“Does this hurt, when I touch you?” she asked softly. Her fingers danced lightly around to the front of his chest, along the incisions.

“No, your touch doesn’t hurt me,” he murmured, never taking his eyes off her face.

When their eyes met, the intensity of his stare took her slightly aback. She let her hand drop from his chest and cleared her throat, backing up slightly. “Looks good.”

“Your eye has healed,” he noted. He knew she didn’t like to discuss her relationship to Johann, but everyone knew where the bruises came from.

“Yes, it has,” she replied softly.

He longed to reach out and smooth her hair back, caress the side of her face. But alas, she was off limits. He’d have to wait until he dreamt for that.

She got up and returned to her chair, facing him. Ever the poised professional.

“You begin combat training today. How do you feel about that, Barnes? You up for it?”

“That depends; am I training with you?” he smiled.

“Oh, you’re not ready for that. We don’t want to put you in traction your first day.” Though she laughed, he had a feeling she was serious. “Two weeks intense training with our best team of soldiers. Shooting drills, hand to hand combat, sword and knife sparring, calisthenics- you name it, you’ll be doing it. 1 week following will be with me. My training will include infiltration, espionage, target research, and basically getting you used to being in the field as a 2 man team.”

“2 man team?” his brow furrowed

“Yes. You’ll be my partner for the forseeable future. We have several highly classified missions on the books in various parts of the world. It requires us to be in total sync with each other. I need to be your best friend, your confidante, your bedfellow. We have to breathe in unison.”

“And Schmidt is willing to put you in harm’s way? I thought you were a medical doctor with psychiatric training.”

“That’s where your problem lie, soldier; thinking,” she smirked. “I’m a living weapon and the key to keeping you alive. Don’t think of me as just your doctor, anymore. I am your commanding officer. I am your salvation. I am your god.”

“And what am I to you?” he asked, staring at her in a way that made her spine tingle.

“You’re my Winter Soldier.”