Chapter 9 Home is where you are

I don't own Captain America or Agent Carter

FLUFF WARNING

New York City Port: One Month After the Soviet Raid

Another early morning at one of the busy piers in New York City but this time there was a large Liberty troop ship that just finished docking at the pier. The troop ship carried Steve, the Howling Commandos, the BRT, 107th, and many other units that were returning from their deployment as occupying forces in Europe. There were hundreds of people crowding the exit of the pier waiting for the troop ship to begin unloading. It was an electric atmosphere full of energy and excitement as families, friends, and loved ones hollered and cheered to see their servicemen come home. On top of that there were photographers and reporters mixed into the crowd to document the return of another troop ship from Europe, and of course take pictures of Captain America returning home. Onboard the ship, soldiers of all types cheered excitedly at the waiting crowd below them as they waited to disembark. Peggy waited impatiently but looked calm at the exit of the pier with everyone else. She wore a dark blue casual V-neck form fitting dress that went just below her knees and accented her curves. She wore her favorite red lipstick and natural make up, and her brown silky hair flowed down to her shoulders like it always was. She looked very beautiful, and it was obvious many people agreed because she turned heads just by standing there in the crowded pier. Her brown purse hung on her shoulder as she fiddled with her diamond engagement ring as she waited with much anticipation. She just wanted the troop ship to hurry up and disembark so she can Steve again.

The ship didn't look like it would disembark any time soon so she continued to fiddle with her ring as she waited. She started to remember the events that transpired the last month since she returned from Europe. It has been a long month, and three of the days of that month been all round stressful. She began to run the events through her head…

Days after returning from the Soviet Union, she and the SSR were hit by a plague of deception and infiltration. The story was… She was arrested for treason for aiding Stark and the SSR was gearing up to secretly go after Steve, but both Peggy and the unknowing Steve got their charges dropped when Peggy explained to everyone why she did what she did. Through the course of events, everyone found out Doctor Ivchenko was actually a wolf in sheep clothing. The doctor had a talent to manipulate minds to bend people to his will. Dotty Underwood, the young woman who Peggy thought was befriending her and Steve was actually an enemy who worked for Ivchenko. Dooley was killed by Ivchenko's manipulation, but before he died he gave Peggy a clean slate and his faith to run the investigation. Stark reveals himself to the SSR and reveals what he knows that Ivchenko is actually Johann Fennhoff and details of the Battle of Finow. It is then decided to use Stark as bait to lure in Doctor Fennhoff (Ivchenko), but it doesn't go as planned as the SSR discovers he got kidnapped before the SSR can spring him.

Peggy and the SSR know that Fennhoff stole the deadly gas agent known as Midnight Oil, an unintended chemical weapon that drives people into violent rage. The same gas found to be the cause of death to 47 people in a movie theater the day Dooley died. Peggy and the SSR discover Fennhoff and Stark are at one of Stark's private airfields just outside the city. They discover that Fennhoff plans to manipulate Stark to deliver the chemical weapon to the city by air, and watch the city destroy itself. Peggy leads Sousa, Jarvis, and Thompson to stop Fennhoff, but when they arrive Stark is already taking off in his private P-51D Mustang. Jarvis takes off in another P-51 to shoot down Stark before he gets to the city in case Peggy is unable to talk Stark out of it. Peggy goes after the radio room on the second floor of the hangar while Sousa and Thompson secure the bottom. But Peggy gets jumped by Dotty in the radio room as Fennhoff escapes, she fights Dotty, but no ground is covered until Peggy throws her out the window into the hangar. At the same time that Peggy is fighting Dotty, both Sousa and Thompson capture Fennhoff after Sousa knocks him out. Peggy gets on the radio and is able to break Fennhoff's manipulation on Stark, who turns around the plane and lands back on his private airstrip.

At the end of that ordeal, Peggy, Jarvis, Stark, Thompson, and Sousa return to the SSR with Fenhoff under arrest and gagged so he doesn't talk. Dotty was no where to be seen, the only thing Peggy knows is that she escaped and she was injured. When the group arrived in the office Peggy is given a standing ovation from everyone from the SSR. After that long night, Thompson ends up getting the credit of the whole ordeal and the Chief position of the New York City SSR office. Much to Sousa's dismay, Peggy doesn't mind because she isn't in this job for the glory or the medals.

As a reward for her services, and a wedding gift in advance, Stark gave Peggy one of his smaller luxurious neoclassical penthouses free of charge for her and Steve to live in for as long as they like. The smaller luxury penthouse has 3 large bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large kitchen, dining room, living room, and a large balcony, its one of Stark's smaller places to go for entertainment. Peggy declined his offer and didn't want the penthouse because she didn't feel right nor did she feel comfortable to live in a place like that. She also didn't think Steve would be comfortable living in a penthouse of that luxurious style either. Also she didn't really want to know what Stark did on his private time in the penthouse either. Instead, Peggy offered the penthouse to her best friend Angie, for covering for her when the SSR showed up. Plus, Angie has been going on through tough times for a while, she deserves the new home. Stark was completely fine with it, one of the reasons is that he is actually afraid of Peggy so saying no would be a problem.

Peggy decided she wanted something else from Stark. Stark naturally agreed because he owed her and Steve a great deal…

Peggy was quickly brought back to the present when she heard an escalated roar from the crowd around her. She looked around trying to figure out why everyone got suddenly louder but then realized the soldiers on board the ship began disembarking. She started to see servicemen after servicemen return to their families and friends. She smiled anxiously to see Steve again as more and more servicemen passed by her to the arms of their loved ones. If the serviceman didn't live in the city, then they went to the busses parked on the side to be transported to the train station. Peggy started to bounce on her high heels as she started to build with excitement. She turned and saw a young little boy run to his father in uniform. The father dropped his Army canvas duffle bag and went down to his knees and embraced his little boy as his wife and daughter approached to embrace him as well. Peggy smiled and realized that some of the soldiers on board the ship stayed in Europe since the end of the war last year. But, that family scene she just watched got her thinking for a moment.

As she turned to face the ship again, she caught a glimpse of a very unique and memorable individual walking to the exit of the pier. She smiled widely and happily at the love of her life walking happily down the pier toward her. Steve didn't wear his helmet with his Captain America "Stars and Stripes" combat uniform, his shield was on his back, and he carried his large Army green canvas duffle bag with one hand as he walked with his commandos down the pier. Peggy looked down at her engagement ring and smiled excitedly, anxious to be back in Steve's embrace again.

Jim walked to Steve's left and laughed, "Can't wait to spend some much needed time off."

Dugan who was walking to Steve's right chuckled, "So you can chow down on noodles or something? What is that Asian stuff called?"

Jim rolled his eyes, "I'm going to eat a cheeseburger Ace!"

Steve laughed, "I'm going to…"

Dugan looked at Steve, "Marry your best girl who is standing right over there ahead of us." He nodded to Peggy in the distance who was standing out in the crowd in a dark blue dress. She looked very beautiful, and she caught the all commando's eyes in a heart beat.

Steve smiled, "Yeah." He smiled a warm smile at her. He said softly, "Going to marry her."

Falsworth nodded, "with that Stark thing done with, nothing can stop you."

Steve turned and smiled at him, "Nothing and nobody will."

Dugan patted Steve on the shoulder, "As long as you invite us to the wedding, we won't stop you!"

Sawyer in his usual negativity, "Like we can do anything to stop him." Everyone chuckled.

Dugan turned around to Junior, "Hey Junior, heading back to high school?"

Junior rolled his eyes, "That's funny thank you." Pinkerton laughed and wrapped his arm around his shoulder then gave him a noogie.

As the commandos reached the exit of the pier the cameramen and reporters in the crowd emerged and started to snap pictures of Captain America and his commandos. Many of the reporters stepped in front of them to ask them questions, but Steve and the commandos never stopped to answer any questions or pose for any pictures. As soon as Steve was close enough he jogged toward Peggy making the reporters and cameramen not dare stand in his way, but they did follow him. Peggy saw him jogging toward her and she quickly walked toward him to meet him half way. As soon as they were close enough from each other, Steve dropped his canvas duffel bag on the ground then quickly embraced Peggy.

For a moment they were by themselves on the pier, no one was watching them, no one was taking pictures, it was just them. They held the embrace for a long moment, Peggy rested her chin on Steve's muscular shoulder with her eyes closed and said in a soft tone, "I missed you."

Steve kissed the side of her head, "I missed you too."

Peggy leaned up and kissed his lips. Steve happily reciprocated and held her tightly as she poured all of her passion into the kiss. Steve leaned her back slightly as they held the kiss for what seemed like an eternity. Peggy gripped his uniform with her hands, it may have been a month but it seemed like a life time to her. They finally broke the kiss for air, Steve smiled down at her, "I love you."

Peggy smiled, "I love you too." After those words, reality finally came back as they realized they were still on a busy pier with cameramen and reporters.

Steve and Peggy straightened but still in each others arms. The couple smiled at each other humorously when they saw that the commandos standing in a circle around them. The commandos had their arms wide open to prevent unwanted crowding on Steve and Peggy. The highly trained soldiers even did their best to block cameras from getting a picture of the couple kissing and embracing. Dugan's loud voice was heard above the loud commotion on the pier, "Hey Press, get a shot of this!" He tilted his head to the right and flexed his right arm, "This is my good side!"

Peggy and Steve laughed. Steve looked at Peggy up and down, "you look… absolutely…beautiful…" He chuckled, "Wow." He shrugged, "But I'm sure you hear it enough from me and…well you're always so beautiful…'

Peggy giggled, "Thank you darling." She leaned up and kissed his lips again, "Welcome home Steve."

Steve smiled, "Thank you." He held her close.

Peggy smiled up at him, "Ready to come home?"

"Home is where you are." Steve smiled. Peggy blushed and kissed him again.

Peggy smiled and took his hand in hers, "Then let's go darling. I got a surprise to show you." She looked up at him, "And I'll tell you all about the Stark case in the car."

Steve smiled, "Sounds like a plan." He turned to his commandos, "Thanks guys! Now go home and enjoy your vacation!" The commandos turned and smiled at their Captain.

The commandos said a variety of goodbyes, "See Ya Cap!" Called out Jim.

Peggy drove their car through the busy streets of New York City while she talked to Steve about the events that happened when he was gone. Steve's duffel bag and shield sat idly on the back seat so Steve had space in the front. His head was turned to face her as he listened intently to her words. Peggy talked nonstop about the events that's transpired when he was gone, she made sure her tone didn't make it sound like she was upset with him being gone. Truthfully in her mind she was just happy that Steve is home. She was more focused on him being back than actually telling story.

Once Peggy said the final detail, Steve smiled at her, "Wow…Peggy. That's…"

Peggy rolled her eyes, "A big pain in the bum I know." She sighed.

Steve gave her a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry about Krzeminski and Chief Dooley. I know they didn't treat you right, but…"

Peggy smiled reassuringly at him, "I know darling. I already paid my respects and said a small prayer for them" She took his hand with her right and interlaced their fingers while she drove. She spoke warmly, "But, we found the ones who did it and got Fennhoff. They'll be proud and I'm sure even Krzeminski will be proud."

Steve shook his head, "All but Dotty. Can't believe she was the enemy this whole time. She was so close to us and she wanted to befriend us. She seemed so… goofy to be an assassin"

Peggy nodded, "I know. I think that's why she acted goofy so it would not attract suspicion toward her. No one would ever think someone as bubbly and clumsy as Dotty would ever be a deadly assassin."

Steve agreed, "Yeah makes sense." He shook his head, "Ivchenko played us this whole time…and his name isn't even Ivchenko…He could've taken us out in Belarus."

Peggy squeezed his hand gently, "I think he wanted to get you. Or at least Leviathan wanted to get you thus the Winter Soldier in Belarus. But you were able to out match their super soldier so their plans changed." She tensed just thinking about Steve's opposite.

"Sheesh. What a mess." He smiled happily at her. He changed the subject, "This Stark thing is finally over. Stark is a free man once again." This time he squeezed her hand. Peggy stopped the car at a red light at an intersection then she turned her her head to meet Steve's loving gaze. He smiled warmly at her, "I know Thompson got the credit and the awards for your achievement, and I know you are fine with it. But, I just want to let you know that you'll always be the hero. You'll always be my hero. You were the same as me before, except everything was against you more than it was against me. Every door was shut in your face, but you over came that time after time. You kept going and proved yourself, and eventually made everyone notice how good you actually are. Your determination and that drive, makes you my hero." He smiled, "Who cares what other say, you know who you are and you know you can do anything. No one can change that." Peggy blushed red at his words. Steve smiled, "You saved the bloody city. Be proud of that." They were leaning toward each other but the cars behind them honked their horns.

Peggy realized and let go of Steve's hand so she could grab the wheel with both hands. She started to drive and accelerate across the intersection to keep up with traffic. Peggy laughed as Steve shrugged, "Sorry. I got carried away."

Peggy glanced at him briefly, "No, it's fine Steve." She interlaced her hand with his again, "God, I love you so much..." She smiled happily.

"You're my motivation." He said honestly.

"And you're mine." They smiled and sat quietly for a moment. Peggy realized something, "Darling." Steve looked at her curiously. She smiled, "Did you say 'Bloody' in the way I thought you said it?"

Steve turned to her with a raised eyebrow, "I did what?"

Peggy laughed, "I heard you say the word 'Bloody' like an Englishmen."

"What? No way!" He waved his free hand dismissively with a smile as he pretended to lie.

Peggy chuckled, "Mhmm sure."

"So what happens to Stark now?"

"He's cleared of all charges and now he's trying to get custody of his inventions back." Peggy turned the car right and down another road.

Steve laughed, "Is he going to build a better vault this time?"

She shook her head, "No, he's going to destroy them all once he gets them back."

Steve looked shocked, "Wow…that's…" He noticed they were leaving the main area of the city. The Griffith was completely the other way around, "Uh darling?" He asked curiously.

Peggy looked at him relatively shocked at his choice in words. She chuckled, "Yes Steve?" He's starting to say words and phrases she says. Granted she says something that he does too, and she starting to get into sports, particularly the ones he watches.

"Where are we going?" Steve asked curiously as he looked out the window.

Peggy chuckled, "It's a surprise."

"As long as it's not a crazy psycho little girl with a gun. I approve." He laughed.

Peggy laughed, "Darling you have no idea."

Scarsdale, NY

After a while Peggy pulled the car up up to the curb in front of a medium sized yellow house. Steve been all over New York City, but never really spent time outside of the area until now. After quite a drive, they were now in a Scarsdale suburb, a calm and sleepy area just outside of the city complete with beautiful neighborhoods and beautiful downtown. Steve looked out his window with a calm happy smile as he looked at the peaceful neighborhood. The medium to large sized houses, trees blowing in the calm New York breeze, the green grass just told him of a life he thought would never exist for him. A white picket fence dream. He looked at Peggy with an astonished smile while she looked at him with a loving gaze of her own. He couldn't help but ask, "Want to tell me what we're doing here now?"

Peggy giggled, "Yes." She nodded to the house they are parked in front of, "Welcome home." The house is a two story yellow house with long covered porch at the front that spanned from the front door and to the left of the house. The covered porch had white columns and a white fence that lined the porch. The house itself looked like it was recently built and the outside is styled like the family homes of the 40s. The outside of the house has stunning curb appeal with a tall Sugar Maple tree on the front yard. On top of that the house has plenty of green bushes lining the perimeter of the house, additionally there is a nice white picket fence that lined the property perimeter.

Steve looked at the house again then back at her with a surprised look, "Wh-what? I thought it was at the Griffith or out last..."

Peggy laughed, "No." She squeezed his lap, "This house, is our luxurious home now."

Steve took a second to register what she said, "How did you swing that and how much did it cost you?"

"Well darling, it only cost me and you to clear Stark's name, and other than that it's free." She smiled.

"Remember you cleared Stark's name. I just helped." Steve chuckled.

"Stark gave us this house to thank us for clearing his name." She nodded, "This is his wedding gift in advance." She chuckled, "Well actually…he gave a us a neoclassical styled penthouse in the city, but I decided to give it to Angie. She deserves it." She shrugged, "I can't see us living in another penthouse of that caliber. So instead I asked Stark for a nice house."

Steve nodded, "Me neither." He smiled, "I hope Angie love her new home. I agree that she deserves it."

"She is darling. Though she would like to visit us some time, which I don't mind." Peggy laughed, "You did say you wanted to move to a house after we're married. But I jumped the gun a little."

"No. This is perfect Peggy. I mean wow…" He smiled at her then looked out the window again, "This is awesome. This is really, really great." He smiled to himself, "This is perfect. Back in the past I would never imagined to have a life like this. A perfect white picket fence scene…" He didn't realize he was talking to himself. He laughed, "Steve Rogers. Once a skinny asthmatic kid said to never do anything remarkable with his life…Is now a strong super hero with the weight of the world on his shoulders…and is soon to be marrying the most beautiful and the strongest dame in the world…"

Peggy gripped his hand, "This is home now Steve." She said gently causing Steve to return to reality. He turned to see her smiling face. She smiled, "Margaret Carter, a woman who works in a profession dominated by men. She was told that she would never be anything more than a housewife. She's now a respected and proven agent in the SSR…and is soon to be marrying the kindest, fairest, strongest…" She squeezed his hand, "and the most handsome man in the world." Steve just smiled. Peggy opened her door and turned off the car, "Come on, I'll show you our home darling." She said as she stepped out of the car. Steve smiled and stepped out as well. As Steve grabbed his gear from the back seat, Peggy walked on the path to unlock the front door of the house. Steve strapped his shield to its usual spot on his back and carried his duffel bag with his left hand. Steve walked the path slowly as he looked around the neighborhood and the surrounding houses. Peggy stood with the front door open behind her, "You coming Steve?" She said playfully.

Steve smiled, "Yeah." He walked up the few steps onto the porch then followed Peggy in. She closed the door behind him.

Immediately inside the house Peggy put her keys in one of the drawers in the large Asian wood console tables located next to the front door. The console table had a nice blooming plant in a vase on top of it. Steve put his duffel bag on the hard wood floor next to the console table and smiled as he took in the immediate interior of the house. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "You said a while back that our last move was temporary." Steve nodded. She continued, "Well, Mr. Jarvis, Howard, and Angie helped me move all of our things from our original apartment and the Griffith to here. So now it's permanent." She gazed into his eyes, "Hope that's okay at least…" She knows he trusts her, but she just hopes she didn't do anything too hasty. This isn't conventional in todays society, but since when were they ever conventional. She was active in the Army, she's a lethal spy, she works, and Steve is a super soldier super hero. Nothing about them is normal.

Steve smiled, "Wow that's great!" He chuckled, "You thought of everything."

Peggy smiled, "Well, nobody is perfect."

"You are." He kissed her on the lips tenderly.

Peggy tugged on his arm, "Come. Let's see the place."

Peggy began introduce their new home to Steve. She began to lead him to the family room that was down the short hallway and to the left. Peggy turned to Steve who was following close to her, "here is the…"

Peggy jumped in surprise when Mr. Jarvis spoke, "Ah Welcome Home Captain Rogers." He wore a dark grey suit and striped tie, and stood next to the couch and end table with a flower on top. Steve noticed the family room was furnished and wonderfully decorated. Peggy and possibly Jarvis and Angie moved in everything well. The family room furnished with two couches formed in an "L", arm chair, coffee table in the center, end tables at the ends of the couches, radio, plants, pictures, and lamps. There is also a stone fire place, and the wall the fire place shared is made of masonry as well.

Peggy put a hand on her chest and calmed herself. She wasn't expecting Jarvis to be here. She thought he would be with Howard Stark. After she calmed herself she turned to the group, "Yes, glad Steve is home." She walked next to Steve.

Steve smiled, "Thank you Mr. Jarvis." Steve nodded, "This house looks very nice. I love it."

Jarvis nodded, "Well you two deserve it." He put his hands in his pockets, "Before Ms. Carter moved in, Mr. Stark and I made…certain renovations to the house. I'll be happy to show you if I may."

Peggy and Steve shared a loving glance then wrapped an arm around each others backs. Peggy smiled, "Mr. Jarvis, I'm not complaining, but why are you here and how did you get in?"

Jarvis was about to speak when a familiar over confident voice rang through the room. Stark appeared from the far right of the family room coming out of the adjacent eat-in kitchen Stark wore a fancy tan suit and matching tie with a white button up shirt, "He's here because I asked him to be here." He stopped at the couches where Jarvis stood. He put his hands in his pockets, "I…We wanted to see Captain Rogers come home."

Peggy rolled her eyes, "I don't even want to know how you got in…"

Steve chuckled then nodded at Stark, "Glad to see you're all right Mr. Stark."

Stark nodded, "Yeah. Thanks Captain." He said genuinely, "Thanks for everything you did for me."

Steve looked at Peggy, "Thank her. She did the most."

Stark nodded, "I know she did, and I owe her a great deal. I can't ever repay it." He looked down, "I know I probably haven't done all the right things in my life, but I just want to let you know Captain… that in all the screw up and mistakes I did. I'm glad I did you right. You are my greatest invention." He was completely out of character. The whole ordeal he went through changed him, what he was doing right now is something completely new. Stark shrugged, "I don't know if that makes sense. I don't want to call you an object…"

Steve nodded, "I know what you mean Mr. Stark." He smiled then let go of Peggy. He walked over to Stark and held out his hand for a handshake, "I hope it's not too late to say welcome home."

Stark smiled and shook his hand, "I thought I was supposed to say that to you." They both smiled and laughed.

Steve nodded at him, "you know come to think of it…I might have a way for you to repay us in the future."

"What is it? Anything you need you can come and get me." Stark said sincerely.

"In the future, but right now just be aware I might come collect the favor." Steve patted him on the shoulder.

Stark nodded, "You got it Steve." Peggy and Jarvis smiled warmly at the two men shaking hands. This is new ground for Stark, since coming back he has changed his all round attitude and behavior. It's still surprising. Stark smiled at Peggy and Jarvis, "Shall we take him on a tour of his new home?"

Peggy laughed, "Let's"

Steve smiled, "Can't wait to see our new home." He calmly said with a hint of excitement.

Jarvis smiled, "I love his enthusiasm of the finer things."

Peggy rolled her eyes as she walked to her fiancé, "Oh come off it Mr. Jarvis."

Peggy, Jarvis, and Stark took Steve through a tour of the house. In the down stairs, on the left through the small hallway from the front door is the family room adjacent to the eat-in kitchen. Immediately in front of the front door is the stairs that lead to the second floor. Around the stairs and to the right of the kitchen is the formal dining room that is adjacent to the living room. Adjacent to the front door is the door to the downstairs guest room then a few steps away from the front door is the downstairs bathroom followed by the glass door to the study. From the back door in the kitchen lead to the outside porch and patio. The wood fenced backyard was equally impressive with a lot of open space to garden. Upstairs lead to four bedrooms including the master bedroom and two bathrooms. The house was big but not too big for them. So hands down this house is the perfect house for them. Yes, they aren't married and none of this is technically socially acceptable in the society, but they don't care. Peggy would wait a thousand years and a life time for Steve, and Steve would die everyday just to wait for her. But luckily they are getting married soon.

After the touring the house and having conversed for much of the day while listening to Big Band music, Jarvis and Stark prepared to leave Peggy and Steve alone. Steve still wore his Captain America "Stars and Stripes" combat uniform because he didn't have a chance to change, but his shield was leaning against his duffel bag that was on the hard wood floor next to the console table near the front door. They all stood by the front door saying their goodbyes. Stark nodded at the engaged couple, "Thanks for everything. I really appreciate it." He smiled and spoke sincerely, "Thank you."

Steve nodded, "Any time Mr. Stark." He shrugged, "though, please stay out of trouble. I want to spend some time with no crisis." Everyone chuckled.

Peggy nodded and wrapped her arm around Steve, "Yes please. Let us enjoy our lives."

Stark laughed, "Sorry Peg." He turned around and opened the door. He looked back at Peggy and Steve, "I'll be waiting for the wedding." He laughed, "Let's go Jarvis." He walked out.

Peggy rolled her eyes, "Don't break into our house again either!" Everyone laughed.

Steve nodded at Jarvis, "Have a good day Mr. Jarvis."

Jarvis nodded, "Captain Rogers, Ms. Carter. If you ever need to acquire my services again." He bowed slightly, "I'll be happy to assist you. It'll be nice to serve under someone who is not as egotistical." He smiled.

Peggy smiled, "Thank you Mr. Jarvis." With that Jarvis turned around and left the house and closed the door behind him to go drive Stark back to the city.

Peggy locked the door then returned back to Steve. She put her arms around him and kissed his lips tenderly. She smiled up at him, "Well darling. Welcome home." She kissed his lips again, "Now, go to our room, get undressed, and unpacked. We have something to do in the city." She swayed her hips in front of him, "Take your time." She kissed him again.

Steve smiled, "Will do. So what are we doing in the city?"

"It's a surprise darling."

Steve laughed, "Very well then." He kissed her before he grabbed his duffel bag, leaving his shield by the door.

Steve had unpacked his duffel bag and placed his various items in the dresser, closet, night stand, and master bathroom. Over the dark brown wood dresser was a large square mirror hanging on the wall with the same dark brown wood frame. Steve looked at himself in the mirror for a moment remembering who he was before. He's been enhanced for a long time now, but he still remembers where he came from. He remembers being that short skinny kid that everyone was afraid to step on. He looked slightly to his left and saw a picture frame on the dresser. The picture was of him in his dress uniform and Peggy in an elegant blue dress in the Stork Club during the VE day celebrations. He smiled warmly then looked to the right side of the dresser and saw another picture frame. This time the picture was of Steve when he was skinny, the picture was taken right before his procedure with Doctor Erskine. Steve smiled at the thought that Peggy fell in love with him even before he was enhanced. In between the two picture frames Steve saw Peggy's closed wood Sorrento music box with a rose design on the surface with the key was inserted in the lock. Steve remembered Peggy telling him that the music box belonged to her late grandmother.

He smiled warmly then started to slowly undress himself from his uniform. He dropped his leather shoulder shield holster on the floor then as he started to take off his top he felt a pair of gentle arms wrap around his torso. He smiled and caressed the arms around him. He then felt a pair of soft lips kiss the back of his neck. He heard the wonderfully familiar gentle English voice behind him speak, "what are you thinking about?"

Steve smiled, "Thinking of us."

Peggy turned him around then brought him close to her by yanking on his leather war belt, "I can't wait to get married."

"Me too." He smiled. Peggy kissed him gently at the same time she undid his belt. He broke the kiss and smiled, "Peggy, I thought you wanted to go to the city later." He kissed her again, "I'm not complaining but…"

"Shut up and kiss me Steve." She said in a gentle tone. Steve kissed her again. "The city isn't going anywhere." She said in between their heated kissing.

The sun was just beginning to set and the dimming sun light peered through the window into the master bedroom. Steve's combat uniform was sprawled on the floor in a messy pile next to Peggy's dress and discarded clothes. Steve and Peggy were under the thin bed sheet, cuddled asleep on the bed after their heated session. Peggy's bare back was against Steve's chest and her hands were under her pillow as she slept soundly with a small smile on her face. Steve was wide awake with his right hand running up and down Peggy's smooth skin. He's happy to be home. He just couldn't resist admiring Peggy in all of her naked glory, though that's not the reason he loved her. He started to think about planning the wedding, they have lots to do and all the time in the world to do it. But the quicker the better. They needed a venue, the guest list, the food, the dress, and other things Steve figured they'd need. He was brought to reality when Peggy turned toward him as he hand made another trip down her arm with his hand. She smiled, "Hey." She said gently.

Steve propped himself onto his elbow and smiled warmly, "I had the craziest dream earlier."

Peggy giggled, "Me too." She kissed him briefly. "I'm so happy you're home. I've missed you so, so much."

Steve laughed, "I could tell."

Peggy wrapped her arms around Steve and kissed him again. This time a little longer than before. After a moment they broke the kiss and Peggy smiled, "come on. Let's get dressed, got something to do in the city."

"You and your surprises." He laughed.

Brooklyn Bridge

The sun was getting closer and closer to the horizon, and the orange glow of the setting sun draped the city. Peggy and Steve walked arm in arm onto the Brooklyn Bridge like they've never been away from each other. Everything was back to normal for them. Steve wore a blue checkered button up dress shirt, dark brown dress pants with matching belt, and brown shoes. Since Peggy's dress she wore earlier is wrinkled, she wore a long sleeve yellow collared button up blouse, grey business skirt, black heels, and her brown purse across her body. They walked happily together arm in arm as they enjoyed conversations with one another. Peggy stopped in the middle of the bridge and faced the sea with Steve by her side. Just like the few days after he left the hospital. Steve smiled with his arm around the small of her back, "This view never gets old." He chuckled, "Though I feel like we had this conversation before"

Peggy reached into her purse and pulled out the blood vile from the Blitzkrieg Button. Peggy smiled, "This…" She showed it to him.

Steve looked at it astonished, "You have another one?"

Peggy nodded, "The government was supposed to have eleven vials of your blood but they ended up having ten when Stark stole one from them. That was the one I had a long time ago." She looked at the vial in her hand, "This one is Stark's. He was entrusted with one of them. The government has exhausted all their sample's of your blood and are looking for more…"

Steve shook his head, "I'm not going to give them anymore of my blood. I'm still human and I won't have them take me to a lab and dissect me to figure out how to remake Erskine's serum."

Peggy smiled, "I know darling." She paused, "This vial is Stark's and he planned to use it because he thought it change the world. I didn't think anything other than him wanting to line his own pockets with your blood." She sighed, "Then after we rescued Stark, Mr. Jarvis gave me this telling me that I'm the only one who knows what to do with it." She sighed again, "I don't know what my problem is with this darling. Maybe I just don't want anyone harming you because you were given the serum, or I don't want anyone tainting who you are…" She leaned against him, "Darling, I know you can take care of yourself and protect yourself…you're a bloody super hero." Her shoulders slumped, "I guess I just want to always be able to protect you."

Steve smiled warmly and hugged her close and kissed the top of her head. He had her look at him, "Peggy. You saved me in more ways than one. I know you'll always watch out for me and protect me, and I'll do the same for you." He smiled, "Doesn't matter how strong I am, I will always need you in my life and I will always need your protection. Because in the end…I'm still human." Peggy smiled and kissed his lips briefly. They stood there in silence for a moment and gazed into each other's eyes. Steve broke the silence, "What shall we do?"

Peggy smiled, "Like last time." She carefully opened the vial and poured it into the sea.

FLUFF

Remember I said an accelerated timeline. I just wanted to hurry up and find Stark so they could continue on with their lives.

I also had people meet at the pier, for fluffy reasons

Yes, I know…in the 40s couples didn't move in with each other till they were married, but alas they aren't the conventional couple.

Also got them a house instead of using a penthouse. Captain America doesn't look like a penthouse style man.