Doktor Karl Scmidt(Sesbastian Shaw) worked closely with other Nazi scientists such as Johann Schmidt, the Red Skull. It is in his care that the Doktor leaves Erik for further "experiments" and "training" when he cannot continue the work personally. Being in the grip of the Nazi's nightmare subdivision, HYDRA, puts Erik in place to be found by a recently made Captain America on his first rescue mission. Now instead of being trapped by his tormentors, Erik finds himself cared for by a different sort of human in the forms of Howard Stark, Peggy Carter, and Steve Rogers as he discovers his powers and himself.

In a near canon world where orientation refers to dominance or submission, not sexuality, almost everyone has a soulmate that is supposed to complement their personality, biology, orientation and heart. Most people look forward to the day when the psionic bond sparks into existence, connecting them to their other halves. However, a trauma left Bob wanting anything but the bond he sees as a dangerous trap, and he takes matters in his own hands to chemically prevent his bond from effecting him. Patrick doesn't know what he did wrong but he knows that for some reason, his soulmate has rejected him and he has to learn to live with that. Between their pasts, their bands, and their hopes, neither of them expects end up where they do - so close with so much distance still between them.