I own nothing.
Even though he knew it was true, Steve Rogers still couldn't believe he was holding Peggy in his arms. It had seemed like forever since they made plans to go dancing, and now it finally was happening as he swayed with her across the dance floor.
She was dressed to the nines in a stunning red dress much like the one she had worn when she came into the bar when he had been out with his men. Steve himself wore his dress uniform, his medals shined and shoes polished. Across the room "Only Forever" streamed out of the gramophone, Bing Crosby's deep voice serenading the couples enjoying the music.
"I always knew you'd be a good dancer." Peggy's soft voice spoke, tearing him from his thoughts. Her head had been resting on his shoulder, one hand clasped in his, the other in the middle of his back.
Smiling Steve answered, "My mom taught me. One of the few physical activities that didn't interfere with my health issues."
"Well she was a very good teacher. I wish I could have met her."
"She would of loved you." He assured giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
Peggy let out a small contented chuckle before placing her head back on his shoulder. For the rest of the song they danced in silence, enjoying each other's company and the music. As the last strains of the melody died, Peggy lifted her head and stepped back slightly.
"I'm sorry Steve, but I've gotten really tired suddenly. Do you mind if we sit the next one out?" Her brow wrinkled in confusion and disappointment.
"Of course. Whatever you'd like." He assured her. "Now matter what Peggy, remember, you were my first gal. My first love." He gently kissed her hand and then her cheek before releasing her. Peggy giggled like a schoolgirl as she turned and walked away.
Steve's smile faltered a bit as he watched one of the nursing home attendants step forward and help Peggy back to her room. He didn't think he would ever get used to seeing her like this. Frail and forgetful, and according to the doctors and nurses, it was getting worse. Most days she still thought it was the 1940's and she wondered where Steve, Howard and Colonel Phillips were.
Once a month the nursing home held a dance for the residence, they pulled out old records and played them in one of the larger activity rooms. Steve would sometimes come to listen to the music and talk with some of the Veterans and other residence when he was feeling especially nostalgic. But tonight had been about trying to help both Peggy and himself make peace with a past they had never had. And now, Steve at least was able to look to the future.
"That was really wonderful of you Steve."
Turning his head Steve caught sight of Natasha Romanoff standing off to the side of the dance floor wearing a navy blue halter dress with white polka dots that ended just below her knees. Her red hair was cut short like when they had first met on the helicarrier nearly three years ago.
Bowing his head slightly he responded shyly, "I did promise her a dance."
Smiling Natasha took his hand. "You promised me one too."
"That I did." He chuckled pulling her closer. "And I'd never break a promise to my best gal." He kissed her sweetly on the lips. "Thank you for going along with this, it means more than I can say."
"You know I'd do just about anything for you. Making you happy by bringing this peace to Peggy is the least I can do."
Looking at her, Steve swallowed thickly. He wondered everyday how he got to be so lucky as to catch the attention of The Black Widow. She had accepted him for who he was, yet helped him break out of his shell and enjoy the world as it was now. She also accepted the fact that part of him would always love Peggy as his first love, but his heart now and forever belonged to Natasha.
"At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song"
"Why Captain Rogers, I do believe they are playing our song." Natasha raised an eyebrow at him as the music started, a small sweet smile playing on her lips.
Smiling sheepishly he kissed her again and held her a little closer saying, "Yes. Yes they are."
As they swayed across the floor Steve found himself grateful that he had been frozen all those years ago. If not, he would have never met the beautiful, extraordinary woman in his arms. As they song ended Steve dipped Natasha low and let his lips upon hers tell her everything he couldn't possibly hope to put into words.
"And here we are in heaven
for you are mineā¦
At Last"
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