Peggy materializes out of the darkness as Steve starts back toward the cluster of tents they'll be calling home for the next week or so. She jogs a bit to catch up.
"Captain Rogers, a moment?" Her voice betrays no hint that she's been waiting for him. No hint that they had dinner together just a couple of hours ago. She's all business.
"Of course." he says, slowing his pace to let her fall into step beside him. He pushes his hands into his pockets self consciously when she draws level.
"You… you really don't need to call me 'Captain', Peggy... I was just being a jerk up there."
He'd been surprised enough to hear the Colonel call him 'Captain' a few minutes ago... But then at least it's not 'chorus girl' or 'Star Spangled Man With a Plan' anymore. Phillips' aide had started humming the damned song every time Steve walked past and it was becoming all Steve could do not to sock the guy one.
If he's got to have a stupid nickname around camp, being called 'Captain' isn't so bad. Anything's better than 'Star Spangled Man'.
He's not about to hold Peggy to some stupid sarcastic crack he made when he was about to jump out of an airplane, though.
"As a matter of fact, Steve-" the corners of her crimson lips tip up in the barest hint of a smile, like she has a fantastic secret that she can't wait to share, "- I do. Though in the spirit of fair-play, I must warn you that should you attempt to give me orders again, we will have very unpleasant words, you and I."
He's fairly sure she's only joking, but he's not about to push his luck. Steve nods uncertainly as Peggy continues, lips inching ever upward at the edges. "Your rank became official while you were believed killed in action. I think it was intended more as a posthumous honorary title than anything... but we just received word that your commission remains intact." She holds out a small flat black box. "I've been asked to present this to you officially. Congratulations, Captain."
He blinks, accepting the box, and cautiously lifting the lid. Silver captains' bars gleam against the black velveteen lining, twinkling faintly in what little starlight there is. He stares at them for a long moment, barely breathing, then up into Peggy's face. Her eyes are warm and pleased. She's smiling at him.
She's not kidding.
Peggy's not kidding and this is really happening.
He really is an officer.
...A captain…
Bucky's never going to believe this.
