**A/N: Guess who's started writing Winter Soldier plot? That would be me! Still a lot I'd like to cover before then, but it's in the works. I've decided to write it in a separate fanfiction, so when the time comes, I'll let you all know when it's up.

Also, I saw Cap 2 for the fourth time… yes. Fourth time.

Anyways, if you need extra information on little events of this chapter, look up the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Wiki. If I don't explain it, it isn't key. It's just conversation. And making it look like Bethany and Steve are actually working.

Chapter 28

August 13, 2014

Steve and Tony sat at the kitchen table, awkwardly waiting for Bethany to finish changing. She had just completed a three day mission and returned to an apartment to see Tony and Steve arguing over who got to take her out for lunch. More specifically, her birthday lunch. She had rolled her eyes, placed her body in between theirs, pushing them apart before things got serious. Bethany had yelled that their argument was ridiculous and they could spend one afternoon sharing her. Thus, there they were.

"So," Steve started, unable to keep the silence any longer. "I heard about Bruno Horgan. Finally got him yesterday, huh?"

"He was an idiot to ever think he could play that game with me," Tony said, looking at his phone.

"The United States Army has him, correct?" Steve asked, trying to deepen the conversation. When Tony didn't respond, too engrossed on whatever was on his phone. Sighing, Steve leaned forward and took the phone from him. Tony protested, but Steve put up a hand. "I need to talk to you about something that's serious. And since I don't know when I'll see you next, and I'd rather do this in person, I'd like to do it now."

"What? Are you asking for Bethany's hand?" Tony said with a snicker in his voice. Steve didn't say anything and Tony leaned forward to take his phone back. "You are, aren't you? You've been together, what? Two months?"

"Four months since I woke up, seven altogether," Steve corrected.

"Don't you think you're jumping the gun here, Cap?"

Steve nodded. "Look, I'm not planning on proposing today. But I want to. And like I said, I don't know when the next time I'll see you will be. And since you're her only family, I want your permission. I asked your father years ago, and he approved, but it's no longer his blessing to give."

"Seven minus four equals three. My dad gave you permission after three months?" Tony asked, skeptical.

Steve sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Not exactly."

Steve was following Howard around the lab as the man shouted orders. Steve didn't even begin to understand what he was saying, but after a small explosion in the lab leaving a couple scientists injured, he understood why. Nonetheless, he was following Howard around like a lost puppy, waiting for a moment the inventor had to spare.

Steve and the Howling Commandos had arrived back to the base four hours prior, a raid that almost went horribly wrong, and the entire base was running mad. The only thing he saw of Bethany was the swish of her ponytail as she helped bandage one of the injured scientists on a gurney on the way to the hospital wing.

As they walked into Howard's office, he let out a loud sigh. "Okay, what is it?" Howard asked as he settled into a chair, looking extremely exhausted.

Steve, leaning against the pillar, pushed his hands into his pockets. "I know it's only been a month, but I want your permission to ask Bethany to marry me."

Howard didn't say anything for a couple seconds, his fingers playing with the end of his mustache before standing up and crossing his arms. "You do mean my sister Bethany, right? Yay high, blond hai-"

"Howard," Steve interrupted, not wanting to put up with his humor. "I'm being serious."

"And so I am, pal. Bethany is just getting used to the idea of dating, and you want to tie her down with vows of forever? She may actually jump off a cliff."

"I'm not saying for now," Steve explained. "I know she's not ready for that. But I know that when this war is over, all I want is to be able to have that life with her."

Howard sighed, massaging his temples. "As that explosion shook the room, I saw my life pass in front of my eyes. Lots of mechanics, girls and memories of Bethany growing up. I knew she would be fine after the explosion physically, but there was no promise of financially, spiritually or emotionally. I guess… I guess if I couldn't take care of her, you'd be my next choice."

"Is that a yes?" Steve asked, frowning slightly.

"As long as you wait," Howard said, pointing a finger to him. "You may think you're ready to settle down with her, but you've never lived with her. And you don't know her as well as I do. She needs to grow. A lot. But when that time comes, you'll know for sure. She'll start talking about the future like it isn't distant or scary."

"How do you know that?" Steve asked, curious.

"Because she and I are alike," Howard admitted. "And I feel the same way. Settling down right now? Committing? Too scary. The future is happening every second. We work in a business where we are constantly trying to plan it out for the universe, but not ourselves. But, like I said. You have my approval. She needs someone like you. Someone who will put her needs over there's, but ultimately will tell her when she's gone too far."

"He gave it to me though," Steve concluded.

Tony blinked a couple of times before shaking his head. "Okay, Jurassic Park. But I'm not calling you Uncle Steve in anyway but to make you feel old."

"Deal," Steve said with a smirk.

"See?" Bethany said coming into the room, completely obvious to their conversation, only their cooperation. "That wasn't so hard now was it?"

"You look beautiful," Steve said standing up, taking in her red leather pants and black leather boots paired with a white t-shirt and black blazer.

"Thank you," she told him giving him a quick kiss. "So, fellas. Where are we going? Did you at least talk about that?"

"I have reservations at Macaroni Grill," Tony said automatically.

Bethany looked to Steve for approval, him just shrugging. "That's fine. If it was just the two of us, I was going to take you out for a picnic."

"Macaroni Grill it is, then," Bethany nodded with a smile, picking up her bag. "So, what were you two talking about?"

"Uh nothing?" Steve tired.

"The Melter," Tony supplied with ease, lying clearly his forte.

"Glad he's finally off your back," Bethany said as they left the apartment. "I wanted SHIELD to get involved, but the United States Army, not the mention the President want us to keep our business separate from the War Machine's until further notice. They're not exactly… comfortable and trustworthy of our motives. But at least you had Rhodie there to help."


"I don't understand what that is," Steve said as he and Bethany laid on the couch watching one of her favorite movies, Look Who's Talking.

Bethany was playing with the green portable hard drive that Tony had made her for her birthday. "You know JARVIS?" She began, putting the device down on the table. "When I connect it to a computer, I get access to him. Although I have to run a decryption before I use it to make sure Tony isn't using it to collect SHIELD Intel."

"You ready for your gift?" Steve asked as the credits rolled by.

"I told you not to get me anything," Bethany sighed, sitting up. "I have everything I need."

"It's your birthday," Steve reminded her. "It's not everyday someone turns 92."

Bethany groaned as Steve got up and jogged off to the bedroom laughing. "You're mean!" She called out to him. "I'm 23, same as last and the year before and the year before…"

"Well if I'm 94, then I'm sure there's something wrong about us dating," Steve said coming back into the room with a box wrapped with purple paper.

Bethany took the box with a heavy sigh. "Fine, I'm 92. There was a time when I thought I'd be dead by now," she told him honestly.

"Just open the gift," Steve insisted, sitting next to her.

As she ripped open the paper and threw off the top of the box, she smiled with the contents. Not only were there a dozen vinyls that Bethany had lost or broke through the years, but also a sketched picture of her, Howard and Tony. She picked up the framed photo, a small smile on her face as she touched the glass lightly. She was wedged in the middle, Howard with his arm thrown around her shoulders and Tony with a plain face, but holding up a peace sign in typical Tony fashion.

"Steve," she said quietly, appreciating every little detail. The small freckles that decorated her nose, the curve of Howard's right eyebrow that was always raised slightly in a smirk-like matter and the cut outs of Tony's beard. "This-I- thank you."

"Anytime," Steve promised her as Bethany leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around her body, kissing the top of her head. "I didn't know what to get you, so I asked Natasha-"

"Oh god, and what did she say?" Bethany said.

He shrugged. "Just that if I had to ask her then I didn't know you well enough. I came home, and you were listening to the record player and you said something about music sounding better through it. Then I was looking through the boxes of old records and noticed that there were some that you used to have and you didn't anymore. Then I researched some old hit songs and wrote down the ones you didn't have and went to the record store."

Bethany leaned forward and kissed him. "You put a lot of work into this," Bethany said. "Thank you."

"Of course," Steve responded. "It was hard to try to one up the last gift," he said touching one of the earrings. "But then I realized it shouldn't be about making the gift better every year, but just finding something that you'll like. And ultimately use."

"Can you put this in?" Bethany asked, picking up the Nat King Cole vinyl. Steve did as she asked, and as the music filled the room, he held his hand out for her.

"Care to dance, Miss. Stark?" He asked with a smile.

Standing up and taking her position, she answered with "of course Captain Rogers."

"L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very very extraordinary. E is even more than anyone that you adore…"

"So your birthday was good?" Steve asked as they swayed along, careful to mind Molly who was trying to rub her head against their legs.

"Perfect," Bethany said. "I saw Tony, I have you. I'm not worried about anything and I know my future is bright. I don't think I've ever had a birthday like this. So simple, but perfect."

"And love is all that I can give to you. Love is more than just a game for two. Two in love can make it. Take my heart and please don't break it. Love was made for me and you."


August 20th, 2012

"Agent Stark," she heard behind her as she handed an operative some files to be proofed. The fourth Mandarin bombing just occurred the day before, and SHIELD was working overtime to try and catch the guy despite the many phone calls from the President telling them he had it under control and for SHIELD to keep out of it.

Bethany turned around, giving the agent a smile. "Sharon. Hey, how are you?"
"Good," she said with a nod. "Can I have a word alone with you?"

"Sure," Bethany said before leading her to her office and securing it. "What can I do for you today?"

"Well one, you visiting Aunt Peggy would be nice," Sharon reminded her.

Bethany groaned, plopping into her chair. "I know, I know. We're trying. We really are. Since we got back from vacation, Steve and I have had a collective of 5 days together and we want to go together."

"She doesn't have forever," Sharon said with a sigh. "She's getting worse. Her memory is foggy and some days she doesn't even know who I am. Just… please see her soon."

"Okay," Bethany said nodding. "We'll go before the end of the month. I'll clear our schedules and pray that we don't get any time sensitive assignments. We've been slammed with those lately."

"I know," Sharon said, settling into a chair. "Which another reason why I wanted to talk. I've been given a long term assignment and it involves you. Well, Steve, really."

Bethany frowned, pushing some blond hair behind her ear. "Umm… and that's what exactly?"

"Fury has asked me to move into the apartment beside yours and keep an eye on Steve," Sharon explained calmly. "He wants someone to protect him and make sure that he's doing okay in this new world."

"That's my assignment," Bethany said louder than she anticipated.

"He's worried that you're too emotionally involved," Sharon said. "Not only that, but you said it yourself. You two haven't been together as much as you want. Look, I'm not trying to replace you, but wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry? And at least its me, and not some agent you barely know. I mean, you're the one who gave me advice on how to sneak out the house when I was sixteen."

Bethany took in a deep breath, releasing it through her mouth. "I see your point. Why didn't Fury discuss this with me first though?"

"I asked him if I could tell you," Sharon answered. "I just wanted you to hear it from me. He wants me to go under cover too. He has a feeling Captain Rogers wouldn't approve to him being watched over."

"That's for sure," Bethany replied, massaging her temples for a couple of seconds. "You start to build your cover?"

"It's slowly coming together," Sharon said with a nod. "But I don't want to tell you anything. Just let you meet Kate and learn about her like you would."

"Kate, huh?" Bethany said with a smirk. "Well, tell her that when she moves in, I'll bring over some lasagna for her."

Sharon laughed, pushing some hair out of her face. "Sounds good."


August 24th, 2012

Bethany liked a lot of things. The smell of baking bread, sea-salt chocolate and sleeping in. But there was also things she hated like cleaning the dishes, parody movies and the smell of retirement homes. In fact, there was only one thing she liked about visiting the home and that was Peggy. Everything else was awful. The colour of the walls, the food they served, the receptionist... awful. Not to mention the reminder that she should be either in that home with the seniors or in a grave.

"You ready?" She asked Steve as they stopped in front of the door to Peggy's room. He looked on edge. She put her hands on his shoulders to stop him from bouncing on the balls of his feet, but he had a good few inches on her, especially in her converse, making her efforts futile. "Steve, relax."

"I know, I know," he said, pushing some hair back into his coif. "It's just… I don't know what to expect."

"Peggy Carter," Bethany said plainly. "Personality wise, she hasn't changed. Her appearance, yes. But you need to relax."

He nodded before turning to the door and bravely opening it. Bethany chuckled as she watched him peek his head inside. "Peggy?"

"Steve?" Came Peggy's old battered voice. "It's about bloody time."

"Yeah, that's my bad," Bethany said stepping in behind Steve. "Sorry Pegs."

"Your-your hair," Peggy said shocked taking in her blond hair, perfectly straightened.

Bethany gave her a small smile, taking in her appearance. She looked visibly older and weaker than she did when she visited six months prior. But on her face was a huge smile and a shine in her eyes. "How are you?"

Bethany moved over to kiss Peggy's cheek, Steve doing the same, only to be caught in Peggy's arms and brought in for a hug. "Oh so happy now that you two are here. Together."

Steve gave her his sweetest smile as she released him, sitting on the edge of her bed while Bethany pulled over a chair. "It's great to see you, Peggy," Steve told her honestly.

"I couldn't express my happiness when I saw the news on TV regarding what happened in New York," Peggy began. "Well, I mean it was awful, but just to see that you were alive, after all these years of looking and waiting… Oh and to see you both here, together. It's all I've wanted through these years. Now tell me everything."

"I think there's more for me to catch up on your life than on mine," Steve answered with a chuckle.

"I got married, had kids, yadda yadda yadda," Peggy said with a wave of her hand. "No, I want to know about what you two have been up two since the battle, since clearly you were too busy to visit me-"

"You speak as though your life hasn't been this amazing experience," Bethany interrupted, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, well a story for another day," Peggy said, getting slightly annoyed. "Now are you two a couple or not?"

Steve and Bethany looked at each other, both chuckling slightly as Steve took her hand. "Yeah, Peggy. We are."

After an hour of talking, laughing and reliving old times and tellings of new ones, Steve excused himself to get some food for the three of them, leaving just Bethany and Peggy.

"So, you still mad at me?" Bethany asked as she crossed her legs.

Peggy gave her a tired smile. "How can I be mad when I'm so happy? Just knowing that all that work spent looking for him… I just wish it wasn't so long. Your brother and I knew that the only way to make you happy was Steve. And we couldn't bear to see you like that forever. I can only hope that you can put the last 70 years behind you and spend the next 70 with him. You're happy?"

"Ecstatic," Bethany admitted. "He's accepted me for all I've done and become, and has helped me be the best I can be. It's weird, he hasn't treated me any differently than he did before, but I appreciate it so much more than before."

"It's because you're emotionally mature this time," Peggy said with a small smirk. "What happens now?"

"Ideally, we live happily ever after," Bethany answered with a sigh.

"But it's not that simple," Peggy said sympathetically.

"No," Bethany replied heavily. "And it's been weighing on my mind. I think you more than anyone understands the ultimate battle I'm fighting."

She hummed in agreement. "Wanting to save the world, fight the bad guys and be an agent of SHIELD but also wanting a family and knowing that you can't have both?"

"Exactly," Bethany said, leaning forward in her chair. "How did you decide?"

Peggy sighed, closing her eyes momentarily to think about it. "I knew I wasn't getting any younger, and I wanted a family. As much as I wanted to stay at SHIELD, I knew when I was at this moment in my life now, I would want to look back and know it wasn't all just work."

"You always know what to say," Bethany said with a chuckle, getting up off the chair and closing the window to the room, seeing that Peggy was trying to pull her shawl tighter around her. As she took her seat again, Peggy's eyes were closed, as if she was thinking deeply about something. "Peggy?"

When the elderly woman opened her eyes, her mouth went agape. "Bethany! Your hair!"

Bethany looked at her lap for a second, trying to regain her patience as Peggy's memory once again failed her. "Yeah, I went back to blond."

"Suits you much better," Peggy said, reaching to touch it lightly. "How's your brother?"

Bethany swallowed hard, ready to play along just as Steve walked back into the room. "Sorry, the line was really long and I ended up retelling some old war stories-"

"Steve!" Peggy expressed wildly. "You're-you're alive!"

"Huh?" Steve said, looking to Bethany who just gave him a sad smile. "Uh, yeah Peggy."

He put the food down as he moved to the side of the bed, reaching out to wipe a tear from Peggy's face. "Oh, it's been such a long time. I never gave up hope. Oh, I'm such a mess-"

"You're beautiful," Steve told her with a smile. "Always have been."

Peggy smiled, another tear running down her face. Bethany almost cursed out loud as her phone began to buzz in her pocket. "Sorry," she mumbled getting out of her chair. "I just need to make a phone call."

As she stepped out, Peggy took Steve's hand. "I don't think I've ever been this happy."

"I'm sorry I've been gone this long," Steve apologized with a sheepish smile.

"I'm sorry it took so long for them to find you," Peggy replied with. "If only we looked harde-"

"Hey, don't blame yourself for anything," Steve insisted. "I'm just grateful I'm here now, and get to live my life."

Peggy reached out to cup his face. "And that life will be with Bethany?"

"Hopefully," Steve admitted. "I love her."

"I know you do," Peggy said with a chuckle. "I've always known you did. Alls forgiven?"

"I understand her now," Steve responded. "And I know that she wouldn't make the same mistake twice. I love her and that means forgiving the unforgivable."

"She needs you," Peggy replied. "I've never seen anyone in a darker faze than the months following… well, the months after you left. If she could die, she would've. She just stopped caring. Thank god McCain and Howard were able to give her life some meaning again. I don't know what would've happened if they didn't."

"I owe them everything," Steve said. "And you. I owe you a lot too."

"Just don't muck up the world," Peggy said with a wink. "Don't let her escape your clutches. Or let her mess it up."

"I won't," Steve said with a chuckle, looking at the door, seeing that Bethany had closed it as she left the room. "Can you keep a secret?"

"I was a spy, Captain," Peggy reminded him. "And who would I tell?"

Steve gave her a small smile before reaching in his pocket and pulling out a black velvet box. "I need your opinion."

Peggy took the ring box, her weak fingers struggling for a couple of seconds to get it opening, but gasping at the infinity twist engagement ring, a large round diamond in the center. "It's beautiful," she said. "Blinding almost."

Steve chuckled. "Is it too flashy?"

"Maybe for some people," Peggy said, closing the box and giving it back to Steve. "But not for Bethany. It'll look nice with her earrings."

"Yeah," Steve said pocketing the box. "I went into a jewelry store the other day to find something for Bethany's birthday, and I saw this… I just couldn't help but think of how great it would look on her finger."

"Yes, it'll look lovely," Peggy agreed. "Planning on giving it to her sometime soon?"

"No… Well, actually, I don't know," Steve admitted. "I want to, but I don't want to rush into things. Things are good between us, but since I started working for SHIELD, we've been apart more than we've been together. It's…"

"Complicated?" Peggy tried. "Love always is. But if it was easy, then it wouldn't make the great times just that."


September 3rd, 2012

Steve peeked around the corner before turning down the hall. One guard came out to attack him and Steve knocked him to the side in one swipe before continuing down the hall. "Beth? You finish hacking into the system?"

"Almost," Bethany's voice came through as Steve used his shield to break into a locked door in search for a Chitauri weapon some billionaire in Paris had bought off the black market. They had been running tests and using the weapon to develop even more. SHIELD had caught wind of the operation and sent Bethany, Steve and a standard strike team to erase the system, get back the weapon and take everyone involved into custody. So far, so good.

"I deactivated the system, only after replicating the files so Fury can take a look. Also, this nut has his DVR connected to his internal system, so I erased that too. Revenge is sweet."

Steve shook his head, amused as he finally found the sharp weapon. "I have it," he told her and the strike team. "Heading back to the rendezvous point now."

"Copy that Cap," Rumlow's voice responded. "We have the prisoners secured and waiting your orders."

"The system is down," Bethany replied. "But I'm gonna be another minute."

"Why?" Steve asked, climbing the stairs two at a time. "Trouble?"

"Nah, this guy has his credit card programed into the computer. I'm going online shopping."

"Bethany," Steve said strictly.

"Fine, be there in two." She grumbled.

As they all met at the rendezvous point and got into the SHIELD aircrafts, Bethany looked out the window, sighing. "I love Paris. I wish we got a day to just explore the city."

"You get to interrogate this guy," Rumlow reminded her. "Isn't that better than wandering the streets with a bunch of couples showing more PDA than necessary?"

"PDA?" Steve questioned.

"Public displays of affection," Bethany answered quickly. "And no, actually. I'd rather do just that. I don't enjoy interrogating people."

"See, you'd convince me otherwise during the Yolkov interrogation last year."

"That wasn't interrogation," Bethany reminded Rumlow. "It was torture. Done creatively."

"How is torture ever creative?" Steve asked, brows furrowed slightly.

"Oh, we played Aqua on repeat for 129 hours until he broke," Bethany said with a shrug. "He was Russian, and Aqua is a music group that sings overly excited and happy songs. It was all too easy. Even Natasha got a kick out of it. Although, she left the room 2 hours in."

"This one stayed for the full 129 hours," Rumlow said pointing to Bethany.

"Yes I did," Bethany said proudly. "I will never look at a Barbie the same way again, but who cares? He cried like a baby."

Bethany's phone started to ring and she pulled it out of her boot as her dark purple jumpsuit was too tight for any pockets. "Director?" She asked as she picked it up.

"Stark, heard the operation was a success," Fury replied.

"We're on our way back to headquarters now," Bethany told him.

"No. Bring it to The Fridge. They're waiting for the weapon there. As for the data you collected, keep it and give it to me in person. Don't let anyone else get a hold of it."

"Whatever you say, Nick," Bethany responded before hanging up and then leaning toward the pilot. "Change of plans; we're heading towards The Fridge."

As the aircraft switched positions, Bethany lost her balance momentarily, Steve placing his hands on her waist to keep her steady. "What about the prisoners?"

"Clearly Fury thinks this is a top priority," Bethany answered, turning around to admire his new suit. "I like it," she said poking the fabric covering his abs. "It's more… what's the word?"

"Practical?" Steve asked.

"Practical, yes. That's it. I do, however, miss the red stripes," She admitted, tracing the star on his chest. "But I like the fit. Good padding, good colour. Still unique. Iconic."

"I like yours," Steve said, his eyes taking in her perfectly framed body in the deep purple suit. "Although, I think I'd even like you in a trash bag."

Bethany rolled her, an amused smirk on her face. "Stop flirting, we're at work."


September 5th, 2012

Steve was filling out the last of his paperwork when he felt a brushing over his shoulder. He jumped as he turned to see Natasha looking over his shoulder at his words. "Gesh, Natasha. What are you doing?"

"You're hiding something Rogers," she said before pushing away and sitting in the chair opposite of him. "I'm trying to figure out what it is."

"I'm not hiding anything," Steve responded, not knowing what she was talking about. "I'm trying to finish this paperwork so I can go home and start my weekend."

"What's this?" She said reaching into the leather jacket pocket thrown over the chair she was sitting on and pulling out the ring box. "'Cause it looks like a secret to me."

"Give it," Steve said with a heavy sigh, holding out his hand.

Instead, Natasha opened the box, studying the ring. "This must have cost you a small fortune."

"My mom taught me that there's only two things to spend money on and that's medicine to stay healthy and presents to stay in a relationship."

Natasha smirked, taking the ring out of the box and slipping it on her finger. "I must say, you did a good job. She'll love it."

"I hope so," Steve said catching her hand and pulling the ring off of it and putting back into the box.

"She will," Natasha insisted. "I mean, she loves those earrings. I've never seen her without them. And for a spy to wear jewelry in public and on assignments… that's a big deal. When are you planning on asking?"

"I don't know," Steve admitted, gesturing for his jacket and shoving the box back into his pocket. "Tony keeps sending me texts telling me not to rush into things. And I don't want to complicate things."

"It's never not going to be complicated with Bethany. But as for rushing into things, don't let Tony get into your head. He's only in his first serious relationship now. If you think it's the right time, don't let anything, or anyone stop you."

The door slid open, Bethany stepping inside. "Change of plans," she groaned. "We're needed at the Academy tonight. There's field operative training and Fury wants us both there to demonstrate."

"Lucky you," Natasha said. "Last time I did that, some kid got so nervous, he passed out."

Bethany scrunched her nose as if she was disgusted. "Yeah, well it wasn't optional. But he promised we get the next week off if we do it with no complaints."

"Fine," Steve answered, secretly dreading it. All he wanted was to curl up in bed with Bethany and Molly, falling asleep to a sit com. "I just need to finish this last report and then we can head out."

"Cool, wake me up when you're ready," she said before lying down on the couch in the corner.

"Tired?" Natasha asked, smirk on her face.

"I'm aware I used to go days without rest to do assignments, but I think age is catching up with me," Bethany mumbled before a yawn escaped her lips.


Bethany cracked her back as she and Steve were finally released from their demonstration. Many of the applicants had cowered as the two stepped into the room, but none of them passed out as Steve and Bethany aggressively fought each other, showing what exactly these people would be facing in the field.

Over the months, Steve and Bethany had sparred almost every day for at least half an hour. It made both of them stronger, and Steve was learning so much from both her and Rumlow. During the spars, Steve learned not to hold back, seeing how much Bethany could handle. But everytime he did any sort of damage, he always made sure she was okay before attacking again.

So instead of one kid passing out as Steve's foot collided with Bethany's ribcage with a sickening crunch, he puked. Bethany wasn't sure if that was worse or better, but she was grateful they had the week off. She could feel some bruises that hadn't yet healed and all she wanted was a bubble bath.

"You okay?" Steve asked as he watched Bethany wince in pain.

"My ribs are a bit sore," She told him as they walked down the halls. Some students stared at them as they passed, but Bethany kept her eye on the prize. The exit.

"Sorry," Steve responded.

"It's not the worse pain I've ever felt," Bethany admitted, slowing her steps as something passed her eye.

"What?" Steve asked, stopping beside her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Bethany said before grabbing his wrist and leading him in one direction. "I just want to show you something."

Steve frowned, but didn't say anything. As they came to a halt, his eyes scanned the giant marble plaque. "What's this?"

"The Wall of Valor," Bethany explained. "It's a memorial dedicated to the fallen agents of SHIELD and the SSR. Howard had it made back in '69."

Steve stepped closer, reading the names. He reached out and touched his own name before noticing the one engraved above it. "Bucky?"

Bethany smiled, moving close to him and snaking an arm around his waist. "I miss him."

"So do I," Steve said with a sigh. "Sometimes I'll be doing something and think 'I can't wait to tell Buck'. You think he's happy up there?"

"I hope so," Bethany told him, leaning her head on his chest. "I guess this just goes to show that we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow and to not wait for opportunities. You may miss your chance."

Steve nodded, looking down at her as her long lashes fluttered against her skin, a yawn escaping her lips. It was all he needed to hear. There was no saying what would happen in their life next, but he wanted to be with her no matter what. Collectively, they hadn't been together longer than a year, but it didn't matter. He had loved her so much longer than that, and experienced life without her. He never wanted to go back to those days of loneliness. She gave him hope for the future, a hope that was only a dream. Not to mention, she gave him opportunities.

There was no more waiting. There was no more caring about what other people thought. He loved her, and she loved him. He was going to propose, and they were going to get married and have kids and live happily ever after. It wasn't an idea, or a dream. Steve was determined to make it happen. Have them grow old together and when they were too weak to take care of themselves, spending their days in an old age home, they'd look back on their life with a sense of accomplishment for more than lasting longer than a Russian criminal in a musical torture session.


**A/N: So my plans is for the next chapter to be long since I leave for a week and a half vacation next week and won't be bringing my laptop with me.

BellaDamonLover: Aw, it's okay. They will! Sooner than they expect too (that's all I'm gonna say).

FeliciaFelicis: Yeah, as a history major, I've always wanted to go to a history themed party. And yup! Blond hair is back. Her appearance is a reflection of herself and going with lighter hair means a brighter person.

DJK: I've been waiting to write that chapter since the beginning of the story. It only took 27 chapters…