"War continues to ravage Europe. But help is on the way. Every able-bodied young man is lining up to serve his country. Even little Timmy is doing his part collecting scrap metal. Nice work, Timmy!"

"Who cares? Play the movie already!"

"Hey, you wanna show some respect?"

"Meanwhile, overseas, our brave boys are showing the Axis powers that the price of freedom is never too high."

"Let's go! Get on with it! Hey, just start the cartoon!"

"Hey buddy, you wanna shut up?!"

"Oh, Steve. Why do you do this to yourself?"

—————-

Willow Rogers had no problem dealing with the jerk who dare lay a hand on her brother. In fact, it was almost fun to see him run off with his tail between his legs, embarrassed by the fact that a young woman had bowled him over with a simple knock to the face.

Steve wasn't as amused.

As an older brother, he wished he had the ability to be the protector instead of the victim. He'd gone through his school years being teased endlessly for his size and Willow had always been right there to shape them up. He was grateful, but it didn't change how he felt.

Now, he watched as one of the officers their best friend Bucky had set up with Willow held her hand and gave her an adoring smile as they walked around the Stark Exposition. Steve didn't mind and the young man was respectful enough to heed by his word of taking care of her. She deserved to be happy.

It was at yet another recruitment center that Willow found her brother, talking to Bucky with that determined look on his face he always had when he wasn't prone to listen to anyone unless they were agreeing with him.

"Make sure he doesn't go running off to the battlefield, would you?" Bucky had asked her before giving both the Rogers siblings a hug and leaving to enjoy the rest of his last night in New York.

She simply nodded.

She sent the soldier—John was his name—along with Bucky and looked at her brother, knowing there was no use talking him out of it. He might have been little, but the size of his stubbornness was that of something much bigger.

Willow never left him behind. She wouldn't dare.

"He's a nice guy."

"I know."

"You gonna stop me?"

"You gonna listen?"

Steve chuckled.

"Wanna wait for me out here?"

Willow shook her head and took his hand.

"This time...we'll do it together."

——————
☀︎ celine's corner ☀︎

hee hee ash i copied you bcuz i thought it was cute—but anyways y'all can't tell me pre-serum steve wasn't the most adorable boy in new york!!! btw, this is an alt fic diverging from certain events—2012 avengers will be something to get through so here starts the journey! thank you for reading <3