Looking at the entrance to the building, my resolve cracked and for a moment I didn't know if I could handle going in. Coming here was a dream, a hopeless wish that the events of last week were all imagined, a bad dream. Taking a deep breath I mustered up the will to enter the establishment. Silently, except for the sound of my heels clacking against the ground, I walked into the Stork Club. Looking around at the beautiful decorations, furnishings and happy looking couples only served to darken my mood further.
Biting my lip slightly I propel myself forward and sit at a small, reclusive table for two- trying to not be bothered by the fact that the other seat would never be filled.
After sitting for about half an hour sipping on a cup of coffee I begin to wonder why I even came. It's not like I can just will it all to go away, for the clock to turn back and the situation to come out in my favor. It so far past the time I told him to be here, I'm just a fool.
looking around I see a the Howling Commandos gathered at a table, all raising a glass to the Captain- to Steve and I remember why I came.
Closure. To say goodbye to what might have been. To try and move on before it consumes me. As I watch them I can't help but think about all the missions they went on, and how selfless he was. Maybe I should join them, join my friends.
"Peggy?" my head snaps up at the familiar voice and I spin around in my chair to see if I'm dreaming again.
My eyes widen at what I see, Steve Rogers is standing in front of me in his uniform, giving me an embarrassed, hopeful smile.
"Steve." my voice breaks as I nearly jump to my feet, "Is it really you?" I'm barely holding back tears.
"Yeah Peg, it's me. I couldn't leave, not when I owed my best girl a dance." I reach out and place a palm to his cheek, testing his words. He smiles at me and his hand reaches up to cover mine, only solidifying my belief that he's really here.
I'm at a loss for words, opening and closing my mouth repeatedly, a single tear trailing down my cheek before he puts his arms around me.
"You're late." I choke out, still working on believing that this isn't a cruel dream.
"I know." I pull back out of his arms to stand but few inches away, "I couldn't call a ride." He smiles sheepishly again and I'm reminded of one of the reasons I fell for him.
"I've missed you." we manage to say it at the same time, he reaches for me again and I allow him to pull me in. This kiss is less rushed than the one I gave him before he had to jump from the car and somehow climb into the aircraft plane Schmidt designed; it's softer, slower, sweeter.
We pull away this time to cheering from the Howling Commandos and the rest of the club.
I glance away slightly, towards Steve.
He chuckles nervously, "Uh- Shall we- shall we dance?"
"I would love to Steve." I take the arm he offered me and we joined the many dancing couples on the floor, settling into a comfortable hold. He, for not having danced with a girl before, was quite good at leading the dance- not that we did much more besides sway and gaze into each others' eyes.
Just being in his arms was enough for me to forget all my troubles, I have plenty of time to worry about them later. For now, I just want to focus on the incredible man in front of me and enjoy myself for the first time since I thought he died.