Chapter 35 In Medias Res

I don't own Captain America

Latin: In the middle of

Ten Years Ago

November 1947

Harrison and Amanda Carter Residence

London Borough of Hillingdon

In the backyard of Peggy's parent's house, a very nine months pregnant Peggy was sitting with her back straight in a white outdoor patio chair with her mother around the patio table. Peggy wore a soft Navy Blue button up wool coat that flared just past her knees like the dress she wore underneath. Her mother, on the other hand, wore a long brown jacket that went past her knees. Though it was still a bit chilly outside, the overcast clouds cleared a few hours earlier opening up the sky for some much-needed warmth from the late afternoon sunlight. Peggy leaned back and smiled at her mother as they continued a pleasant conversation.

Peggy smiled, "Thank you again, Mother." For the past few minutes, They've been talking that it's okay to be nervous about parenting. She nodded, "Speaking of, where is my husband?"

Amanda laughed, "Your father took him to meet some of his friends at the pub."

Peggy chuckled, "Good luck."

"Who? To your husband?" Amanda asked curiously.

Peggy laughed and shook her head, "No, to father and his friends. Steve physically can't get drunk."

Amanda's eyes widened.

London

TC's Pub

Harrison pulled up his car to the curb a few blocks away from the pub, the closest parking spot they can get for the evening. From their parking spot, both Steve and Harrison could tell that the pub was extremely crowded with people drinking and talking on the sidewalk by the entrance. It's looking to be a very lively evening.

Harrison smiled at his son-in-law, "ready? This pub is very popular and a local favorite."

Steve smiled, "yeah, I can see that."

"During the war, military men from your country and mine came together here and enjoyed much needed time off." Harrison grinned, "they have a piano and sometimes a band that plays here. But almost always there's singing and dancing."

Steve chuckled, "sounds like just my kind of place."

Harrison nodded, "then let's go. I think my mates are here already."

The two men stepped out of the car and made their way to the pub. Steve and Harrison entered the crowded pub and weaved their way through the lively crowd to the bar. The pub is dim with wood fixtures and furniture accenting the rustic look of the bar. The crowded pub is lively with someone playing an energetic tune on the piano with a vast majority of the people singing along with the song. Though the establishment is crowded, the energy was contagious. As Harrison lead Steve toward the bar, he spotted his two friends sitting at the bar with two empty seats beside them; no doubt saved for them. Harrison nodded toward his friends, "found them! Come on!" He yelled over the crowd and music to Steve. Steve followed his father-in-law closely toward the barstools. Harrison patted a mid-aged red-haired man with a thick mustache, "Ryan! Good to see ya!"

Ryan turned around and hugged his friend, "Glad you could finally join us, Harry! Charlie, here, and is three beers in."

Charlie, another mid-aged man with brown hair, turned around and smiled at Harrison, "late as usual. A usual Carter. What kept you?"

Harrison smiled and stepped aside to introduce Steve, "well first, I'd like you to meet my son-in-law, Steve Rogers."

Ryan looked at the towering American beside Harrison, "son-in-law?" He exclaimed in surprise.

Charlie also looked at Steve with a shocked expression, "wait, Harry. Does that mean Margaret got married?"

Harrison nodded, "Married and nine months pregnant."

Charlie wrapped his arm around Ryan happily, "MARRIED AND PREGNANT! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!"

Harrison laughed, "Year ago and right after the war." He pushed Steve toward his friends, "again, this is Steve Rogers. Margaret's husband." He waved toward Ryan, "this is Ryan O'Donovan. Toughest Irishmen I know. He was RAF."

Ryan chuckled and stood up and greeted Steve, shaking his hand, "Ryan O'Donovan. Nice to meet you."

Steve smiled, "Steve Rogers. A pleasure."

Harrison then waved toward Charlie, "Steve, this is Charlie Hampton. Career beer enthusiasts," he said humorously

Charlie stood up and shook his hand, "I drink, and I know things. Pleasure, to meet you, Steve."

Harrison chuckled, "he can drink you under the table."

Steve chuckled, "I don't think so."

Charlie laughed, "that sounds a lot like a challenge. I like this guy already!" He nudged Steve, "be careful what you wish for, my boy."

Harrison smiled, "He's Captain America."

Ryan smiled, "Wait, you're that Steve Rogers?" He asked in shock.

Charlie laughed, "Peggy sure knows how to pick 'em." He waved to the seat next to him, "pull up a chair. First drink is on me." He smiled at Harrison, "your cheap arse can buy your own drink." Steve took a seat next to Charlie while Harrison sat down next to Steve.

Harrison laughed, "naturally."

Steve waved his hand to the other men, "uh lets' not mention me as Captain America to anyone else. Don't want to draw too much attention."

Harrison laughed, "no problem, Steve. We completely understand." The other two men nodded in agreement. Harrison chuckled, "But, no promises once we start drinking."

"Here, here," Charlie said energetically. Charlie then called the bartender, "hey mate! two beers!" The bartender nodded and poured two beers into glass pints and served them to Charlie. Charlie then passed a beer to Steve."

Steve took the beer, "thanks," and clinked glasses with Charlie in cheers.

Ryan leaned forward and spoke up to Steve, "Steve!"

Steve took a swig from his beer, "yeah?"

"We got to know. How did you meet Peggy?"

"I met her while I was training."

Harrison spoke up, "they ended up serving together."

Charlie looked over at Steve and took a swig from his beer, "didn't you go missing a while ago? Stop Hydra from dropping their version of the Atomic bomb on the united states?"

Steve nodded, "yeah. But let's not talk about that. That's a...difficult subject."

Ryan jumped in, "were you and Peggy intimate then?"

Steve shook his head, "No. though we had feelings for each other, we didn't act on the feelings until just before I went missing."

Charlie grinned, "almost missed your shot huh, Steve? God must love you. You're one lucky bloke."

Steve smiled, "I'll drink to that," he said as he raised his glass and took a big swig of his beer.

"So after you were found you and Peggy got married."

"Exactly," Steve said finishing his first glass.

"Didn't waste any time I see. Can't say I blame you," Charlie said. He chuckled, "when did you get married?"

"July of last year."

Charlie laughed, "sure work fast. Married and pregnant after a year."

Ryan nodded at Steve, "take care of her. She's a good woman to have."

Charlie finished his beer, "She's as much a daughter to us too." He slammed his glass down on the bar, "you mess up, ill kick your arse. I might not do much, but you'll regret, boy!"

Harrison laughed, "relax, gentlemen! Steve's a good one. I know it, and Peggy knows it. I was sold on his first impression."

Charlie nudged Steve, "let me get you another beer!" He called the bartender again, "Hey mate! Another two!"

Harrison raised his hand and showed three fingers, "make that three."

Ryan slammed his glass and called out, "four!"

The bartender laughed, "are you gentlemen having another beer drinking competition?"

Charlie grinned and wrapped his arm around Steve, "we have to show this American who's boss! He just married our best friends daughter. Got to test his metal."

The bartender chuckled, "four beers coming right up."

Steve laughed, "I guarantee you that ill win." He chuckled, "I can't get drunk."

Charlie laughed, "Those are fightin' words!" He grinned, "I too don't get drunk."

Harrison leaned toward Steve, "he does. And he's a shitty drunk."

The bartender slid four beers to the men at the bar. The night continued with the bar erupting further with more people singing, dancing, and drinking. The four men at the bar continued to hold conversations, to the best of their abilities, while also chugging astronomical amounts of beer. Steve was thoroughly surprised at the numbers of alcohol the three other men could drink. It reminded him of his commandos back home and their fantastic drinking abilities.

Harrison gripped Steve's shoulder and raised his beer glass, "Steve." Steve turned to face his father-in-law. "Cheers, son."

"Cheers," Steve replied as he clinked his glass with his father-in-law.

"Time for a little father and son-in-law conversation before we get lost in the beer." Harrison smiled, "I'm glad you and Peggy found each other. You two deserve this happiness together. Anyone can tell that Peggy loves you and I can tell you love her." Harrison took a swig from his beer, "My wife and I were talking and said that Michael would've loved you. And that's high praise. You two have our support."

Steve smiled, "thank you, sir."

Harrison smiled, "when you got back to America. Don't be a stranger." He chuckled, "I'm glad our Margaret decided to come home. It's great to see her, and we welcomed the wonderful surprise of seeing her husband and finding out she's pregnant."

Steve smiled, "I'm glad to meet you and Mrs. Carter finally."

"Do me a favor before we drink some more, and I get to know more about you."

"What's that?" Steve said drinking his beer.

"Don't break her heart. Promise me that," Harrison said in a deadly serious tone.

Steve nodded, "I promise."

Harrison spoke in a severe tone, "I'm not just talking about divorcing my daughter. I'm also talking about always coming home. I know you said you aren't planning to stay in the Army, but your country might call you again to fight. If history proved anything, a war would always return. No matter how terrible." He sighed, "I know it's an impossible thing to promise, but come back to her no matter what if you get sent to war again." Harrison nodded, ". I know you're a warrior, and she is too, but you have no idea the level of her feelings toward you. She can't lose you too. It'll tear her up. She's a strong and independent woman, but even the strongest people have their weaknesses. Losing you would kill her especially after you two almost never got this chance." He sighed, "Out of everyone she ever met in her life, I've never seen her look at anyone else like the way she does to you."

Steve nodded, "I always plan to come back." He sighed, "I know I almost didn't during the war. I realized, almost too late after years of fighting in the war, I wanted the simple life. And I almost didn't get that chance. I plan to get there someday. Find some peace. Someday," he said reassuringly. Steve nodded, "Just have to fulfill my commitment and stop the remnants of Hydra and other terrible people." Steve couldn't discuss the details of Hydra and Leviathan's infiltration into the United States government during the "SHIELD Incident," but he implied his involvement which was enough information for his father-in-law.

Harrison nodded, "I understand, and I believe you. But realize bad people will always be present, and as long as people like you exist there will always be people to stop them. If anything, the war proved it. But One tyrant will always replace another, and it's not your responsibility to stop all of them." He patted Steve on the back, "it's okay to live a little and settle down. No one can blame you."

Steve wanted to settle down eventually, but he feared the consequences of that decision. No doubt, someday he'll settle down with Peggy and be a loving husband and, soon to be, father, But he didn't know when that'll be, especially since Hydra continues to pop up from the ashes. Steve felt responsible for destroying leviathan and Hydra, and to see the job done. But that could take a long time based on the pattern of recent events. Steve didn't know when to put the shield down, but he hopes someday that he'll be able to read the right time. Hopefully not too far in the future.

Steve smiled and responded, "I've come to realize that. Someday, after my commitment, Peggy and I will eventually settle to a simple life." He wasn't lying, and yearned for it, but, again, he didn't know when that'll be.

Harrison nodded, "I have no doubt you'll continue to make my daughter happy." He patted his back, "lets drink." He leaned on the bar, "AND ANOTHER ROUND!"

Charlie chugged the remaining beer in his glass, "here, here!" He looked at Steve, "Are you feeling it yet, Steve?"

Steve chuckled, "I can do this all day."

Ryan cheered, "let's keep it going!"

The evening continued with more alcohol for the four men sitting at the bar. The pub only got more electrifying with more people coming in drinking, singing, and having a fun evening. Harrison slammed his pint on the bar, "then Michael accidentally throws Peggy off the tree thinking that would make her fly, and Peggy just slams into the ground with this massive thud!" He slaps the bar causing a loud bang, "WHAM! Amanda and I rushed out to check if she was okay, and guess what?"

Ryan grinned, "she was completely fine." Steve laughed.

Harrison grinned, "Yeah! She stood up, brushed the dirt off and went to go climb the tree to try it again!" Everyone laughed. "Boy, Amanda gave her hell for that. She got mad at me because I was laughing and seemingly allowing for this un-ladylike behavior."

Steve chuckled, "that sounds like Peggy. Stubborn and never willing to quit."

Harrison nodded, "from what I hear; you're about the same."

Charlie nudged Steve, "got any good stories." He chuckled, "we told you a bunch of ours and a lot about Peggy."

Ryan grinned, "just don't tell Peggy about that time she shaved the side of her head on accident."

Harrison laughed, "she would kill us." He shrugged, "her adventurous nature generally got her into trouble." Steve chuckled. "For instance, Peggy got married, and now she's pregnant. Consequences for being adventurous," Harrison said laughing loudly and slamming his hand on the table. Steve and the two other men also laughed hysterically at the joke. Harrison patted Steve on the back, "you're alright, Steve. You're alright. I like you better than her former fiancé. He was a trout. You got backbone kid."

Ryan smiled, "Steve's turn. What do you got?"

Steve grinned, "well... since we're talking about Peggy. Boy, do I got a story."

Harrison grinned, "let's hear it," he said angling himself toward Steve.

Steve sighed and downed his half a pint in a blink of an eye before slamming it down on the bar, "well. On my first combat mission into Hydra territory, Peggy rode in the plane with me piloted by Howard Stark. She was briefing me on the mission, and Howard Stark asked her for some late night fondue."

Charlie grinned, "uh oh."

"By that time I had some feelings for Peggy and was interested in her. But, from what Howard said it sounded like he and Peggy were together." Steve shrugged with a grin, "or at least sleeping together."

Harrison chuckled, "that doesn't sound like my daughter, and you do know fondue is just cheese and crackers, right?"

Steve sighed, "yeah," he said looking down. Everyone laughed.

"Go on!" Ryan said excitedly.

Steve sighed, "well...I felt dejected at the idea that Peggy was with someone else."

"Here we go," Charlie replied.

"So after rescuing those 400 prisoners from Hydra, I returned to London and waited for my debriefing. While Peggy was in a meeting with the brass, I waited outside for them, and a... gal threw herself at me and kissed me."

Harrison grinned, "let me guess. Peggy came out right at that exact moment."

Steve again looked down and replied with an emotionless stare, "yeah..."

Charlie put his fist in his mouth, "oh! That's got to sting! What happened next?"

"So I met with Howard Stark to pick out a shield to use as both a symbol and a tool, and he then explained what fondue was. He also told me that Peggy rejected him numerous times." Steve sighed, "then when I picked up my shield of choice, Peggy came in and immediately put the shield to the test." He shook his head, "she shot me."

Ryan dropped his jaw, "she shot you?"

Steve nodded, "she shot my shield, but...yes she shot me."

Charlie laughed, "so if that shield didn't work she would've..."

"Killed me...yes. Good thing, that shield is made with the strongest metal on Earth because she shot me with a pretty big bullet," Steve said with a thankful smile.

Harrison laughed loudly, "definitely sounds like my Peggy!" He patted Steve on the back, "but hey! It worked out, now!"

Charlie chuckled, "you got your hands full with that one. Too strong of a woman if she's willing to shoot you, and you two weren't even together yet."

Ryan laughed, "now that's a funny story. You have to tell your kids that someday."

"Oh, I will," Steve replied.

"Serious Balls," Charlie said. "Marrying the gal who shot you." He shook his head, "Women."

Harrison laughed, "You better watch that tone. Your wife would bury you for such a tone and implied meaning."

"Case in point," Charlie said as he drank.

Harrison clapped Steve on the shoulder and raised his cup, "Oi, Steve. Peggy's your problem now!" Everyone laughed and took a drink. He coughed as he finished his cup, "Don't call me for help when she tries to shoot you again!"

Steve laughed and raised his glass, "Well, she might actually wear the pants in the relationship."

Ryan chuckled, "And that I have no doubt. I don't think opposing Peggy in the subject would be smart."

"We only need some liquid courage, boys!" Charlie called.

Harrison raised his cup, "more beer and more stories?"

Everyone nodded. "Keep it going until one of us drops!" Charlie cheered.

Harrison and Amanda Carter Residence

London Borough of Hilling

12 AM

Amanda sat alone in the dim living room reading a book on the couch with a single lamp on the end table giving her some light. Amanda decided to stay up and wait for her husband and her son-in-law to get home while Peggy went to bed early. Although Peggy wanted to wait up for her husband too, she knew sleep was important for pregnant women, so she went to bed and left her mother alone in the living room.

It's been a quiet day for Amanda and Peggy. They enjoyed each other's company, listened to music, drank tea, did crafts with dried flowers, and even spent time with Victoria when she swung by for a little bit earlier in the evening. All-together, it was a fun day for the ladies.

As Amanda flipped the page to her book, she heard the front door swing open. Amanda immediately put her book down on the couch and walked over to the front door and saw Her husband being held up by Steve. Amanda gasped, "what happened?"

Steve shook his head, "they insisted to out drink me. It didn't work."

Amanda sighed and let Steve in, "lay him down on the couch. Goodness, you two smell like alcohol. Didn't know you two would be out for that long." Steve walked into the living room and laid his father-in-law on his side on the couch. Amanda immediately started to remove his shoes, "did you two have fun at least? Hopefully, he wasn't too much of a pain as a drunk."

Steve chuckled, "he wasn't a bad drunk. But now he's just blacked out. I did have fun though, had nice conversations with him before he got drunk. We got to know each other very well. It was all good fun."

"Hopefully, he didn't scare you too much because we do like you and are happy for the both of you," Amanda said with a smile.

"Not at all. He's a nice guy."

Suddenly, Harrison started to groan and exhibited warning signs of vomiting. Amanda sighed, "I'll get a bucket," she said as she removed the last shoe. She smiled at Steve, "go ahead and go up, Steve. Peggy is fast asleep in your room. I can take care of my husband from here."

Steve stood up, "Are you sure?"

Amanda smiled at her son-in-law, "I'm sure. Go join your wife in bed."

Steve smiled, "thank you, ma'am. If you need anything, let me know." Amanda waved and let Steve head up to get ready for bed.

Steve quietly went upstairs to Peggy's old room and snuck in, doing his best not to wake his wife. He grabbed his sleepwear and his toiletries and silently left the room again to the bathroom down the hall to brush his teeth and shower. After he cleaned himself up, he quietly snuck back into their room and silently put his dirty clothes on his suitcase before turning for the bed. Unfortunately, Peggy woke up from his footsteps on the creaky floor.

Peggy slept on her side with her back turned to Steve. "How's my father?" Peggy asked tiredly with her eyes closed.

Steve slid into bed, "passed out drunk on the couch. Your mother insisted on caring for him."

Peggy reached behind her and took Steve's hand and yanked his arm to drape over her body. "Did you have fun?"

Steve kissed Peggy on the cheek, "definitely."

Peggy hummed, "you still smell like alcohol, darling." She gripped his hand, "but I'm glad you had fun and came to bed. Good night, darling," she said as she drifted back to sleep.

"Good night." Steve couldn't help but smile, but the promise he made to Peggy's father lingered in his mind. Steve is exactly whose he supposed to be within life. But, now, Steve just needs to find his way to the simple life. Steve knew it wouldn't be easy to see his way to some normalcy, but he will give everything he got to get there. After getting a glimpse of the joy he had among Peggy's family during this vacation, his father-in-law was right about one thing. It's okay to settle down, and it sure feels like the good life.

Hope you liked this little flash back.

Blackbird, I hope this chapter brought you some joy :) It was a little difficult to toy which idea would work with this memory. I decided to have a short serious talk between Steve and Peggy's father since they only first met recently and then pick up to light hearted stories. Hope you enjoyed.

Short feel-good chapter before seeing what happens to the growing Rogers family in the 1950s.

Tried writing a light hearted moment combined with serious talk between father and son-in-law. Especially since Harrison just recently found out his daughter is married and pregnant. What better way to get to know someone than go to a bar and talk for hours.

Stay tuned for more.