The Promise

Howard Stark

Only a day goes by and nothing is the same. I have nothing to do. I want to talk to them so badly right now, but can't. My house is too quiet. I sit and I draw for what feels like hours. I take a trip to the market for food, before realizing I'm a terrible cook. Steve was the only reason I survived honestly. He cooked a lot of my meals, since he was at the house anyway. I guess I'm going to Howard's to eat something. I got in my car and drove to the fancy house.

"There she is. I figured you'd be here eventually." I ignore the sly comment from my cousin and hug him.

"Hungry, aren't you?

"Hmmm. How'd you know."

"Well, with the one scrawny boy gone, I knew you'd be hungry. It's surprising how someone can cook well, and still be skinny." His arrogance continues, but I try to tune it out.

"How'd you know he was gone? I never told you they were leaving."

"Oh, the boy is a candidate for the serum." My eyes question him. "The super soldier serum? With Doctor Erskine? None of this rings a bell." I shake my head. "I doubt he'll be chosen, though. He's kinda.. small." He laughs. and I roll my eyes and smile.

"Come on. The chef just started lunch."

We walk into his gorgeous house and take a seat at the table. We are served with some chicken dishes. It tastes great, but Steve's made better.

"So Y/N. I need your help. I need another mind. Do you think you could look at the serum with me? I'm almost there. I'm working on an agent that can cause the serum to become effective immediately, otherwise the body will metabolize it before it can cause the cells to change."

"Of course, Howard. I'll take a look." After lunch he takes me to his lab. I always dreamt I could have the opportunity to work with this kind of equipment. I guess today's the day.

I study the serum for hours. I find it nice since it's been years since I've had a chance to show off my skill. Many people don't take me seriously since I'm a woman. It's a miracle I got my education. Working on the serum also takes my mind away from the fact that arrogant Howard Stark is the last person in my life. I scribble notes in a notebook.

"Howard! I did it!" He comes racing in. "Once again, I did your job for you, and you'll get all the credit."

"What's the secret?" He says, ignoring my jab.

"Vita rays." He looks at me inquisitive. "Vita radiation, Stark. A form of radiation that uses electromagnetism to..."

"I know what vita rays are. How is that gonna work?" He interupts.

"Come over here and look." I explain the concept to him slowly and he finally gets it.

"You know, you could be a real asset in this. What if you pick the recipient? You seem to understand this stuff pretty well. And you're a good judge of character." You smile at the offer.

"You're just trying to butter me up so I don't tell the world it was my discovery." He smiles. "I'll take the job not because I was fooled by you, but because I'm bored at home alone" He smiles at me. "Ok great. You start tomorrow." He quickly walks away to avoid my rant.

"TOMORROW?" I yell at him from across the room.

"You already agreed, sorry." He exits.

I sit there continuing to examine the serum, thinking back to the conversation I had with Bucky just a day ago. He told me to ask Stark for a job and I told him I already did. I don't think this is exactly what Bucky had in mind, but at least it's something.