One month passed. Steve saw very little of Natasha, and when he did, she only spoke about the wedding. He just wanted to kiss her and tell her that he loved her, but she was already taken. Why did he have to love her? She was perfect, she was a great person underneath the mask of "Black Widow", and he was letting her go. She was going to be happy. That was enough not to go and be like a fool in a romantic comedy and fight for her. If he loved her, he had to let her go. God, even for a guy from the 40's, that was pretty sappy.
On the day of the wedding he slipped a note onto a pile of letters, presumably a stack for Natasha.
Dear Nat,
You're probably going to hate me for writing this, but I can't go and see you get married. I'm sorry that I'm putting a damper on the happiest day of your life. Really. I am. But the fact is that I've been in love with you ever since I met you and I was going to ask you to be my dame the day of your first date with Clint. Tell him I'm sorry too, I don't like loving a pal's gal, but I honestly loved her, and wish he treats you well, like you're his world.
We can't be a team anymore, my feelings will get in the way of what needs to be done. I'll still be an Avenger, but we both know that with these kinds of feelings, the close buddy-buddy team we were when we were running away from SHIELD can never happen, not when a dame is married.
It's the hardest thing I've ever done, not going to your wedding, but I love you, and if love means letting whom you care about the most in the entire world be with another feller that makes her happy, then I can't complain. I'm happy for you really. You've found the love of your life, and I'm happy that the woman I love will be happy.
Goodbye,
Steven Grant Rogers
Steve put Natasha's name on it, and went back to his room to change into regular clothes to leave the ceremony. After a shower and a change of clothes, Captain America walked out in plain clothes to escape unnoticed, Sam having already prepared the car out front. He passed through the ceremony unnoticed, unseen my everybody, and stopped short.
Letters were being read by the bride and groom. From the pile he had put his letter on.
Natasha picked up the first letter, and began to read it, beginning with, "Dear Nat,"
-Author's Notes-
Thank you everybody who has read this far. I'm really grateful! Last two chapters will be up tomorrow.
Thank you to all the wonderful people who were willing to read my work, and who have continued to read my story.
Have a nice day!