“You’ve always been so much braver than me,” admitted Steve, shaking his head as he leaned back against the counter. His blue eyes remained on Peggy, insuring that it wasn’t just some figment of imagination that caused her to appear. “From the moment we met I knew you were special. I just didn’t completely understand how deeply you’d be impacting my life. Now... now I know and have seen it, lived it, for all these years.” He marveled at her - for a moment, he was that gawking kid in Brooklyn who figured a gorgeous girl like her would never go for someone like him. Then he was the soldier, standing in the reception area of her office and watching her at work. He’d been so tempted to just walk in. His heart ached for it. But now she was here.
“No, we don’t.” It was with profound relief that he kissed her back as she moved in closer to him. Steve’s arms looped around her waist, holding her to him and kissing her back. For the first time - possibly ever - Steve let go of that passion he’d been holding in his heart for decades. Wishing, dreaming, wanting, desiring. Now the real thing was right here with him and he wasn’t about to let go.
“Peggy,” he whispered between kissed, head turning from the left to the right. The kiss had moved into some other phase, new to him, but feeling so right. Fingers slid up her back and into her hair, holding her head as Steve deepened the kiss with his beloved. There was no one else. There never would be anyone else. Peggy Carter was the love of his life and tonight, he had the chance to show her. So he would.
“Thanks” Wendy smiled back. “If anything, i’m glad someone can understand where I’m coming from. Family comes first and even if my parents weren’t always there for us, I can vow that one day if I have a child, I’ll make sure to make them my top priority.”
“I have no doubt that you will,” Steve reassured her with a nod. “Parents get involved in so many things and in a way, you give up your life when caring for your child once they arrive. At least now, for a while, you can live your own life and then, when yours comes along, they’ll be well cared for and loved.”
“Yeah, no that makes a lot of sense actually.” Wendy agreed. “I couldn’t ever feel like I could hang out with friends, I mean I barely had any but the ones I did have kinda took me as a weirdo for looking after my siblings. What was I suppose to do? But I’m glad I can always rely on reading.” She smiled down at her book. “It’s just something that’s made sense to me. I’d read to myself, my brothers, anyone who wanted to wanted to hear me read I guess.”
“Looking after your family is a noble thing,” Steve replied with a nod. He’d looked after family - real or adopted - for so long, he knew hardly anything else. “You sacrifice your life and adventures and what you want to do for them. You have nothing to feel bad about,” promised the man.
“If I didn’t pick English? Probably childcare.” She responded. “I helped care for my little brothers as my parents didn’t do much of that. So I somewhat felt responsible to bring them up into the marvelous gentlemen they are today.” She didn’t mean to sound like she hated her parents, but she did resent them for making them grow up too fast. Especially Wendy being the eldest.
“Sorry to hear that.” Steve had come from a quite nuclear family - then again it was the 1920s when he grew up, so that was a given back then. You didn’t hear of divorce or whatever compared to the norm of today’s world. “I can’t imagine that gave you much time to just... be a teen yourself or whatever?” he asked, brow furrowed. “Maybe you’re just a ‘late bloomer’. Now you can really let loose and live some of these adventures you’ve been reading about.”
“Whatever you read seems to be correct, in a way.” Wendy admitted. There was a reason perhaps she wanted to go back to her childhood. Maybe to protest to her parents about them going out and leaving a dog in charge of their children. It seemed absurd when it was thought about. “Oh, I’m studying English Lit. It’s really something that’s taken an interest on me.” She smiled at the man.
“English literature? That’s a good one,” admitted Steve with a nod of his head. “I suppose with that you can move it into whatever field you want to work in. Or just becomes a teacher later yourself,” he suggested with a nod, running a hand through his thick head of hair. “If it wasn’t English for you, what would you be studying?”
“Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia after all, as long as you know to keep moving forward and not backwards.” She informed the man. “I was always a goody good in school, I made sure to complete my homework as soon as I got it handed to me, my teachers were more than impressed. Oh, just the old classics. Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass. Fairytales really.”
“It’s a hard mix. I read somewhere that nostalgia is great for wanting secretly to be in that time of carefree again. Only reality has this way of biting us in the rear,” Steve admitted with a shake of his head. “You sound really studious, are you studying something particular here?” asked the professor, thumbing over his shoulder. “This place is hardly a fairytale, of course.”
Blue orbs shut as they kissed. He’d never thought it would happen to him. Steve had believed himself to remain the eternally unloved. That there was no way he’d ever find the love of his life. That finding Peggy on that army base was a fluke of nature and he’d never be happy. Only now, here she was. In his arms. Kissing him. Like he’d never been kissed before. The last eighty years were erased by the touch of her lips, the closeness and warmth of her body as Steve held her to him.
His hand slipped up and both cupped her head, daring his tongue to cross her lips and meet with Peggy’s. A soft moan... or mew... or sob... escaped into that kiss. Steve no longer knew the line of what was what. Only that this was Peggy. His Peggy. And for a chance in his life, Steve was not going to be the guy on the sidelines. It was like from the moment his feet hit Time Square when he woke up in the modern world, he’d been running. Now he knew, he’d been running back to her.
The kiss finally... reluctantly... broke and he found himself panting softly as he gazed into her eyes. “I just didn’t believe... when you showed up at the coffee shop, I...” admitted the man, shaking his head. “But here you are... real.. beautiful... and I’m not wasting any more time, Peggy. I’ve been imagining about what it would be like to be with you for so long. Now, finally, I have you and I’m not wasting any more.” Steve’s forehead touched hers, inhaling her very breath.
“Oh really? My mother used to read it to me too, what a small world.” She laughed. There was something about this book, it all seemed somewhat real to her. “Oh come on, surely being younger means more naive and not needing to worry about adult life. I loved that back in the day. The only thing to worry about was bedtime and the monsters under your bed. Plus, mermaids and pirates? Sure, why not?”
The tall man leaned back against the wall, deep in thought for a few moments. “I’ll admit, there is certainly a lovely bit of nostalgia associated with thoughts like that. When we had nothing to worry about except if we did all our homework and if Becky Gunderson from second period liked us...” Smiling, the old reverie was brought back to reality as he looked to the brunette. “What other books did you have read to you when you were young?”
“am i describing her that well? i’ve been sitting here thinking i’m not doing her justice but then you chime in with such an accurate statement of her, it’s as though you got to know her personally,” katniss said, looking at steve in wonder only for the look on his face to immediately cause one of curiosity and some concern to appear on her own. “is it okay for me to ask what it was like? in your time? what your family was like? the only things i’ve ever read about the 1940s revolved around the second world war. i think i’ve had enough of learning about that. there had to have been good moments too, right? i’d like to hear about those moments for once.”
The super soldier let out a light chuckle and nodded. “I guess you have. Somewhere between the story of her, and your obvious love of her, the way she is and expression on your face, you can tell that she’s precious.” He hoped that when the time comes, he could describe someone with as much panache and emotional detail as Katniss did her sister. He leaned back on his hands and Steve’s blue eyes grew distant. “Not at all like today... I mean, in pre-war times we were all nervous about the growing threat of the Nazi party in Europe and what it meant. We were only blind to the fact that they’d been at war for years before we joined back in ‘41...” He sighed out. “But there were nice times. Kids playing in the street with no worries. Family dinners. Gathering around the radio to listen to whatever dramatization since not everyone had a TV. Getting the newspaper and checking out what sales would be happening that weekend. Fireworks during the holidays and everyone spending time together talking rather than with eyes glued to their mobile phones.”
“in the poorer districts, that was the case for the most part. she spent some time in district 13 before she- while district 13 was more militaristic than medical, they had more than we did in district 12. the capitol and the districts closer to it had technology and medicines that don’t exist in this time and district 13 wasn’t far behind. i think if anything would phase prim, it’d be how easily accessible it all is and how greedy it makes people. she grew up in a world where needs outweighed wants thoroughly. here, i couldn’t help noticing it’s nearly the exact opposite.”
“Welcome to the way the modern world works,” he replied sadly with a shake of his head. Steve’s face showed the decline of things like caring for one another as people got more impassive with the passage of time. It was a shame. Gone were the table-set dinners and sitting around the radio listening to the programs at 8pm. Big Christmases seemed so commercial rather than filled with warmth and joy - buy your happy Christmas instead, starting earlier every year. “But sounds like Prim would be the one who’s in a homeless shelter, helping those who can’t help themselves to medicine or finding a cure for the worst of diseases.”
“Oh, that sounds like a marvellous plan, thank you.” Wendy smiled back at the man. She wandered around the libarary, putting her old book back and finding the one she always went for, Peter Pan. Sure, her family read her that book as a child but she always felt more of a connection to that one than any others they had read. But she wasn’t totally sure why. “I’ll just pick this and get out of your hair.”
“Peter Pan?” Steve asked, a light smile growing on his face. “I remember by mom reading that to me when I was young,” he said, escorting her back to the surface. “It’s a pretty great book, full of fantastical stories and an interesting lesson. I mean, who wants to be young forever?” He was one to talk about that particular subject, of course.
ethereal ; the moment she found herself standing before him. eyes connected and she could almost forget that time attempted to thread itself between them. while fate itself is a questionable subject , the way their lives intertwine despite it defying all logical reasoning. and while always being the logical thinker , she is grateful for the twist of events. the man who placed himself in front of her , eyes meeting with her own , is the same man that had a firm grasp on her heart. while everyone found it an impossible task to reach her , steve rogers managed the unachievable feat. In that moment she found her equal , someone that gave her a glimpse of what a life would be like beyond the fight. no one else could implant that reverie in her mind.
that smile became present as he said her name , she stared back into his , nodding to signal the action of / that’s better/. and as she followed at his side , watching his features as he spoke. ‘ only a little ? ‘ she inquired , ‘ do you remember what dance ? ‘ knowing that would help her know where to start for whenever they begin. there is existing question in her mindset as she followed him into his private quarters. the familiarity that existed between them , it was hardly a concern on her part. a soft laugh escaped her as he mentioned the students and their shenanigans , ‘ oh believe me , I ‘ve noticed. ‘ she’s had her fair share of interesting encounters with the students in everly. but there is a gentle smile , ‘ same for me , but you know - when have you ever known me to do what’s expected of me ? ‘ she asked as she followed him to the small kitchenette. of course there were some rules that could be bent , but others that had to stick. but this was definitely not the latter. ‘ besides , i can’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be right now. ‘ time Is a fragile thing , and they both knew how cruel it could be.
‘ a water please , ‘ she answered as she took a moment to let her gaze take in their surroundings and she finally released a breath.before turning back to him , eyes trailing falling along his sculpted arms and falling down his torso – before looking back up in manner of registering the moment. when he does hand her a water , she’ll take a drink before setting it upon the counter . a honest smile curled upon devilish red lips. ‘ while the concept of this place is still a mystery , to be here – it’s like a dream i’ve dreamed before … but i know you’re real. that probably sounded silly - “ she chuckled softly as the words left her , there is a brush of red upon her cheeks , but it was faint.
He passed her the water, but Steve and Peggy’s eyes remained in each other’s. It was the first touch for the man against her, as their fingers brushed along each other’s for a moment. His brow furrowed and his eyes filled with conflicted emotion. She was real. She was here. Her skin was warm and soft, and he could just catch the fresh scent of her body. It was... intoxicating, in it’s own way. “I know. I don’t completely understand this place, but... it is giving me something I’ve only dreamed about for... eighty years now...” admitted the man, shrugging softly. “Everyone thinks that it’s the ‘modern era’. But to me... It’s not that long after I took off in that plane with the Skull... flying away from you was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I know it was the right thing to do. Doesn’t mean I wanted to.”
His jaw worked for a moment and Steve pulled out his mobile. “I sort of hate these things,” the man admitted as he thumbed it to life and scrolled a bit. “But I do like some things about it. You asked what I remembered about dancing. I do remember a little bit.” Putting the phone down, the man touched the surface and it glowed, then grew dark. The sound of horns emanated from the small speakers, but in the echo of the kitchen, it filled the space just right. Harry James’ orchestra started to play along with the trumpet, a song from 1945 - Steve’s favorite song.
Moving closer to her, he felt the swell of feeling once more. One hand slid along the woman’s side and around to her lower back. Steve’s other hand took hers, holding it close to his muscled chest as he started to sway with her. Strong arms held her closer and closer as his cheek came to rest on her forehead. Jesus...
Never thought that you would be
standing here so close to me
there's so much I feel that I should say
but words can wait until some other day
How long had his soul been aching for this moment? How many dreams of getting to be close to her? Getting to touch her? Having the ability to tell her how he felt, to show her what he felt and how much he owed her. The super soldier was careful not to wrap her too tight in his arms lest he hurt her, even as much as he wanted to. Steve feared if he let go, she would just disappear.
Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
Haven't felt like this, my dear
His eyes screwed shut as he moved along with Peggy. Tears ran down his cheeks. A soft sob came from the powerful man, suddenly vulnerable and daring to feel things he’d pushed down for so long. Steve released her hand. Shaking badly in fear or anticipation or both, it touched her back. Slowly it moved up and his fingers spread apart, sliding into her hair. Holding her head to his chest, tears flowed freely as he cried. The man’s voice, normally commanding over armies, was barely above a cracked whisper.
“...Peggy...”
Since I can't remember when
It's been a long, long time
You'll never know how many dreams
I've dreamed about you
Sobs wracked his body. Steve was holding her tight, trying not to crush her, but emotions tended to be something he didn’t have as much control over. Steve pulled back, looking down into her eyes. “I...” he started, but could only shake his head. Swallowing back another muffled cry, he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. Eyes shut more, harder, the feelings of loss and missing her and desire and loneliness pouring into his kiss all at once. She was, he knew, the love of his life. And no one would ever be her. Whatever brought them together here, he didn’t know why, but Steve actually owed them a debt now. Peggy was in his arms and he was, for a moment, at peace.
“I’m sorry.” Wendy jumped, she didn’t realise someone had been around to stop people from coming in. “I never meant to intrude, I promise. I hadn’t noticed the place was flooded before I got here. I was just trying to return a book and was hoping to find a new one but I can see my plans for today has gone out the window.”
“It’s all right... I’m just trying to make sure no one gets hurt through all of this,” Steve replied, putting on a smile for the girl. “It’s a shame this is happening - I hate the thought of books being damaged in any way. So if it’s all right, I’ll just stick near you until you find what you need? Better safe than sorry, and I’d hate to see anyone get stuck down here.”
❝ OR SOMEONE’S TRYING HIDE SOMETHING, , you can’t tell me that nothing about this place seems off to you. maybe someone got too close. ❞ hell , he’s another phantom that shouldn’t even be out of the soil and out of the box. he wanted to investigate further but he knew that it would have been a moot experience at this point. the water damage is too intense for anything paper too have survived. he grabbed what he could in his vicinity and rejoined Steve to a safer ground. ❝ i’d say it’s good to see you , and it is , but it would be better outside of a hamster wheel. ❞ as he said this the suit slithered away to reveal himself. from his fingertips to his elbow , his arm scarred severely from the after effects of the gauntlet. more existed underneath his shirt and along the right side of his neck. ❝ i don’t know who decided to pull me into the game , but they did a bang up job finding my soul to shove it back in this body. ❞
Steve stood there for a moment. There was a part of him that still held onto the old - spiteful - soul blackening resentment of the division that tore the Avengers apart. Years ago. It wasn’t like adversity was something they were unused to. Still, no matter what, he peered into the eyes of the man standing before him. Steve was a pretty spot on judge of character (even if his morality compass always pointed North and he tended to believe the best in everyone). His head shook once.
And then he embraced him.
It was a rough turmoil of emotions that went through Steve. Elation, surprise, relief, questions, everything was bubbling up all at once. But he held onto Tony with a fierceness born of that one moment when you can say something to someone, and you never got a chance to in life. When he finally pulled back, Steve’s eyes were wet, tears running down them. He’d watched Tony die.
“You’re the bravest man I’ve ever known.”
He looked down some, giving the inventor a pat on the shoulder and finally stepping back. Steve ran a hand over his cheeks and inhaled, clearing his emotions from his face. “I’m glad to see you... only I sort of doubt that a makeshift flooding of the school is why you were brought here. I’m still trying to figure it all out myself.”
On any other day, Felicia would have been terribly distracted by the presence of the other. She had only heard stories of Steve Rogers back on earth 1048 where things were somewhat similar to the ones mentioned by the other heroes, but now wasn’t the time to be gawking senselessly at his biceps. Though, it was astonishing to see him throw the shield up close like this. She quickly shook out of her small gaze and gathered all the art she stole that luckily was high enough above the ground to avoid any water damage. “Captain America in the Navy? Your image doesn’t really scream sub or seaman to me, but I think you got the right idea,” she slipped in a smirk, quickly packing up all the art into the bag. “That’s all I need from here unless you’ve lost something along the way.”
He glanced over to the girl and let a little smile tug at the corner of his mouth. “I didn’t remember signing up for that branch on my enlistment papers,” admitted Steve with a chuckle. “Then again, I would probably of taken any chance I could to serve at that time.” So she knew who he was - it was a somewhat comforting feeling for a change. He took a few moments to gather what he could in his arms. “You’re much more efficient at this than I am,” he complemented the girl, then nodded his head for her to lead the way out of there. Not that he wouldn’t of gone first - Steve just couldn’t live with himself if he went first and the place collapsed behind him on her. Once outside, he took a moment to carefully sit the valuables he had down on an elevated grassy area. “I think I’m at a disadvantage,” he said, looking back to her. “I’m Steve...” he said, kneeling still.
tony stark had already been in the vicinity. though it’s kind of hard to keep a low profile when you’re supposed to be dead , it’s not exactly the easiest thing to do. andno doubt steve rogers would also be drawn to find the center of the problem. ❝ they’re not exactly pristine , but i don’t think these pipes were damaged by ACCIDENT. ❞ he speculated , deciding that holding off on explanations of his revival would be best. his latest FAILURE. ❝ if this place doesn’t have a security system it’s about to get one. ❞ his architectural mind also already conjured up the idea off renovation. finding the possible suspect came first though.
Bristling somewhat, Steve bit back the natural comment that might have threatened, and overflowed in someone else’s vocabulary. There were greater threats at the moment and all he could do was nod. “That means that someone has it out personally for this place. And flooding the basement is pretty extreme for someone who wanted to skip a class or avoid a test.” He’d managed to sling some of what appeared to be the more important things onto a makeshift sleigh, two poles from the stairs and a tarp stretched out over them. Lifting one side, he slid the things out through the door and dropped them in a safe place, turning around to wait for Tony... and an explanation.
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