The dance is perfect.
Steve placed his chin aboveherhead as he closed his eyes and moved with the rhythm of the slow song playing through the phonograph at the corner of Peggy Carter's living room where they are right now, fulfilling the date they should've had three years ago.
He came back here, specifically on the second anniversary of his disappearance. Now, he is back at the army, re-earning his name as Captain America and right now he needs to fly to China for a short involvement in Operation Beleaguer. There had been an ambush, and though he isn't part of the marines, he couldn't just ignore that. They know he is capable enough for that and help from Captain America himself would be highly appreciated, but he's definitely not flying the plane now.
Before that though, hisperfect partnerinsisted to do the dance now. There is definitely no way she is gonna let him go to another mission without an assurance that he will return for that date and that dance some other time. So from New York, where he is based, he flew to Los Angeles first where Peggy is currently supervising the construction of the second S.H.I.EL.D. facility to be built.
Dancing was never his thing. He never learned it because girls didn't exactly line up to invite him to a dance party when he was still this skinny boy who only ever knew how to sketch and draw. But right now, as he glided smoothly on the floor and led the steps for his partner to follow, Steve felt like he had been doing this for centuries. He wasn't wrong when he told her that he just needed the perfect partner to teach him how to dance. Now, looking at him, Peggy cannot help but smile, seeing that he is in fact a better dancer than her.
The record player then reached the final rotation, making the music stop. However much they wanted it to last a little bit longer, it can't. But they sure are thankful for that time together. A beautiful goodbye compared to the other ones they have had before. Like when Steve sneaked in the Nazi facility at Berlin only to jump off of Howard's plane, or worse was when he called her through comms only to promise a date that had only been consummated three years after. It was indeed, a proper closure. And when she had to send him off to the front door, she left him with words that will surely make him come back safe and sound, or else he will beseverelyhurt.
"Don't you dare do anything stupid there, Steve. Do your best to come back here with the least scratches on your body or else--"
"I know. My future wife will shoot me," he giggled, draping the duffle bag over his shoulder.
Peggy smirked playfully. "Not only will she shoot you but she will also hunt down whoever the hell it is that would hurt you and no one finds their body." She stepped closer to him to flatten the collar she sure had messed up a while ago while she rested her face by his neck.
"Scary," he noted, still chuckling. Just then did he meet Agent Carter's sincere gaze.
"Thank you, Steve, really," she breathed in, and then out. "For carrying out your promise."
"Always," he smiled. And after two goodbyes, they finally detached. With Steve walking the road to the headquarters and Peggy closing the door behind her to dress up and attend to her job at S.H.I.E.L.D., both letting relieved and happy breaths escape their lips after a majestic parting encounter that marked another tomorrow of a golden scenery, with his future wife and her soon-to-be husband.
She can't wait.
The coast was calm when he saw it from the docks. Three marine officers surrounding him just so they are sure that he enters the ship safely. He even got greeted by the ship captain himself, giving him a salute and a handshake and offering him the vacant seat in his cabin. They will board with a hundred other soldiers to occupy this one ship and a battalion of others for the boats that'll follow. He walked after the ship's master to his cabin and started working on the engine. Not long after, they were sailing the ocean, and he can't keep his eyes off it. Not when these waters remind him of what the woman he always loved would compare his eyes to.
"Great view, Captain?" The guy sailing the ship asked him. Because of wanting to talk casually, his eyes landed on the guy's nameplate but it only ever had his surname "Williams".
"I just remembered someone..." he intentionally hung his words and uttered a silent question that Williams understood, making him state his name.
"Phillip. You can call me Phil, I'm a big fan."
"Phil," he repeated, looking down to smile. He remembered Coulson. That guy in the future who was also the one to lead him inside the ship. Hewas,or will also be a big fan of him.
"Can I know who this is that Captain America daydreams about?" Phil shot his eyebrows up at the silly question.
Steve sighed, remembering that day he first saw her deadly eyes and delicate smile against the daylight. "The woman I am intending to marry."
Phillip Williams smiled at his regard. "She must be so lucky."
"No, honestly, I am the lucky one. I just got the most beautiful and skilled and fierce loving and the strongest of all the women I have ever met to share the rest of my life with." He smiled and then pulled out a locket from his pocket, containing a picture of the woman he's talking about. Phil peeped at the thing, seeing a uniformed woman. An agent, precisely.
"She looks perfect," he commented.
Steve shot back. "Sheisperfect."
They'll be above these waters for at least a month before they step on land again. The destination is China, particularly in the province Hebei. And in that long span of time in this particularly signal-deprived area, he will find it hard to contact the one person he left at home even through their upgraded communication devices, designed and made exclusively by a Stark. He's been inseparable with her so not being with her for a matter of months or maybe even years would be bloody hard. But they've talked about it, and they promised to come back to each other. Even without a promise, they will. And once he ends this war, he will not waste another day. He will put a ring around her finger and they'll live happily ever after.
Cold nights, raging storms in the middle of the ocean almost every week and yet fortunately, the lot of them are still well and healthy. None of the other ships that sailed with them got lost in the radar and through reports, they hear that no one suffered from anything while sailing. Also, they're not running out of supplies. They carried enough coal and oil to keep the ship running and give them enough warmth when it's freezing. Steve, amongst all, is the one who will definitely live through this. He has went through tougher times, but nothing's tougher than having to miss her so much again and only having a miniature photograph of her to live through the day. He might want to ask if she's okay, if she's missing him, too; but now he could only hope that she doesn't suffer from anything.
She's her own knight in shining armor, that's for a fact, she can handle herself. A talented and skilled agent. And he is the super soldier. They're stronger together than alone, though.
Exactly twenty-seven days after Los Angeles, they were finally approaching the lining of the land. However, that's when the fight started. Vessels launched missiles at their ships and they weren't told to fire unless fired at. So that's when it began. The American force was still stronger, thankfully, and they didn't lose much men. Still had enough to combat what's waiting for them on the ground. So he did what he was called for: defense. While the other marines went their way to lead the repatriation of Japanese and Koreans to where they should be.
It wasn't an easy task for him, too, despite being the most capable person there. It took him eight months to make peace with the Chinese army and therefore set free everyone who has been stranded and for the latter months, he was just helping the foreign citizens ride their boats home and going back and forth to let passengers hop in to their limited ride. As Doctor Erskine told him, he's never gonna be a perfect soldier, but will always be a good man. That's why when he saw an old croon waiting for someone to call her to hop into the boat while helping herself with a hot potato she could barely peel and with only a thin blanket and a small bag of her possessions beside her, he immediately went to her place and helped her with her food. Though unable to communicate through words, his kind eyes did their best to charm the old lady.
When she understood what his intentions were, she gave her what she was eating as they were loading the ship with desperate passengers. Steve accepted it with his palm and signaled one of the marines to save a space for the lady and then he proceeded to peel her potato. When it was done, he pulled out the handkerchief he had in his breast pocket, planning to use it as a wrapper for the burning thing but then he saw what's embroidered there and it made him think twice.
Red thread used to create an imperfect smiley face. He can still remember how she pricked herself a lot of times trying to give him this gift since she wants to be a wife material even though she's trained with guns. He chuckled at the memory and proceeded to cover the potato with this unused handkerchief of his. He knows that the person who gave him this would rather have him giving it away to anyone who needs it rather than keeping it for his own selfishness. So he unfolded it nicely to put a nice handle for the lady to eat on. She smiled at her wordlessly, trying to express her gratitude through her shining eyes. Steve gave back the look and he patiently waited for her to be done before he led her to the ship where he assured her a space. The soldiers were all over the vessel and just making sure everyone is comfortable and that included him because he didn't consider himself higher and therefore didn't take this trip as a break from the exhaustion. He roamed around each side, watching over everyone and making sure they weren't followed or attacked. To his surprise, while he looked behind binoculars, someone called him from behind.
"Cap," said Officer Miyagi, one of the marines who served as their translators. He turned around to see that he was with someone familiar.
It was that lady on the docks three days ago, now standing in front of him with the same big smile on her face while bearing a neatly-folded handkerchief with a smiley face embroidery. Steve smiled at her and then walked toward them.
"She was insisting to talk to you," said Miyagi, in an embarrassed tune, but he just shrugged it off and thanked him anyway. The woman obviously wanted him to have his handkerchief back, and that's what she did. She stole his hand and put the fabric on his palm then closed his fist, squeezing it with her strength while emotionally looking at him as if trying to say something.
"Domo arigatou gozaimashita," she quietly said with a bow while her hands were still around his. Steve would've wanted to pay attention to what she said but he felt something bulging from the layers of fabric in his hand. Like a rock that's almost the size of a penny.
"She's thanking you," said the officer beside the woman. Steve nodded at her respectfully but then curled his brows to check on what foreign object she put in his handkerchief. He was just about to unfold it when she rendered his fist closed again. And he honestly didn't see anything but he's sure that it sparkled against his eyes.
"Sore wa anata no tamedesu," she said as she closed his hand, clasping it around what she returned, andgaveback in return for the kind man's compassion.
Again, it was translated. "She said that it's for you."
A few more bows and sincere, wordless thanks were given to him before the woman left, escorted by Miyagi back to her place. Finally, Steve was able to see what was given to him. He stepped on the part of the ship that's exposed in sunlight to get a better view of it but when he did open the surprise, it made him squint.
It was a diamond the size of his wrist watch.
That's such an expensive thing to give off, he almost wanted to give it back, but the one who gave it to him for sure wouldn't want that for all she did was thank him and say that he deserved that present. Steve tried to look back but he decided that he will just thank her later when they bump again, because she just gave him the most wonderful gift for the most wonderful woman.
He knew exactly what to do with the stone, and he can't wait for them to land.
It will surely make an exquisite engagement ring.
"Two months more," he whispered to the wind, smiling at the thought of her. "I can't wait to see you any longer,Missus Rogers."
A clean table, devoid of paperwork she'd usually never get done but now they weren't there anymore. Only a coffee cup and a picture frame containing Steve's image in front of the vintage computer she sat in front of, telling the tale of how she drowned herself at work for a year and a month of not seeing him.
"I hate you now," she talked to his picture, pouting. She really cannot take this anymore. They've been alongside each other for a decade and even when she thought of running by herself during their fugitive era, she didn't succeed in fighting the feeling of missing him. She still traced him and ran with him.
Now, they haven't called each other for a damn year. No nothing. Not even an overseas call because the comms didn't allow contact in between so much distance even though they're using Tony's technology already. Their quantum suits and comms were the only things left to them by the past they had which is the current future, and they are very careful of using it because they don't want to mess up history. So they just use it for silly, romantic calls. Just the two of them.
She sighed, remembering that she wasn't even the last person he saw or talked to before going to China. Nat even low-key fought with him over their last call.
"Are you through?" She asked, keeping it silent because she was surrounded by co-workers at the time.
"Yep, near." He answered then, nervousness and big breaths audible from his voice.
She chuckled, almost heard by the other agents but she pretended to laugh at what she's writing. "You sound nervous."
"I am," Steve admitted, then sighed loudly.
"We've had a hell of a rehearsal, Rogers. If you really step on her toes I will kick your thighs," she threatened, because his feeling of agitation seemed to have magically transferred to her and now it's making her heart race.
"I know, coach. I will do my best, I promise."
She hissed silently. "Don't just do your best, do it. If Peggy gets an injury, Steven Grant--"
"I love you," he cut her off. "You know I'd really kiss you right now if I weren't miles away because you won't stop talking, but now an I love you would have to make up for it."
That made her shut up and blush. God, how lucky she is to be facing a computer. Because she couldn't ever afford for them to see how their lead agent who's known to be so serious and cold just blush over her man's sweet nothings.
"I love you, too," she replied quietly. "Come back to me without a bullet hole through you, alright?"
"Yes, ma'am. I will. I don't want you to kill me." He jested.
"See you when I see you, my love."
She smiled. At least the last thing she told him was hopeful and affectionate.See you when I see you, because she'd been traumatized by specifying when. Andmy love,to declare what he is to her. At least that way she put the specifications at the right places.
His confession at Vormir rendered her speechless and just... frozen. She didn't expect the degree of what he felt for her be that heavy for her heart to take. So much, that she didn't even think twice about flying with him anywhere using two of the last three pym particles he had left.
They figured it would be nice to live in his time, to achieve that normal and simple life the both of them always wanted. And this way, he could have his closure with Peggy—at least get her blessing for their relationship and help her move on; and also, they can prevent HYDRA from infiltrating the now newly-founded S.H.I.E.L.D. where she is currently working at alongside Peggy. Natasha was introduced by Steve as who she really is, (because he's a terrible liar.) A Russian trained spy who came to his rescue after his plane crashed. It was the truth without mentions of time so they'd be safe. At first, they were careful of trusting her considering that she is from the Soviet Union, but later on became everyone's best friend because of her compassionate nature and not to mention her skill set that just proved herself worthy of being one of the top agents of their team.
Honestly, she didn't imagine she would be friends with her current boyfriend's ex and first love not until both of them found things and traits they liked about each other, just like how straightforward and sassy the two of them are.
She was lost in her thoughts when the telephone beside her rang loudly and she almost jumped when she heard it. A reflex of picking it up and answering got her talking to the other person.
It's Peggy.
"Nat," she started, sounding a little shaky.
"What's wrong?" She immediately asked. Peggy never called her line and never sounded this weak.
"It's Steve."
The way the other agent said that made her ears tingle. It's like they heard something they didn't want to. It sounded like something bad happened.
"What about him?"
"He..." Peggy's voice turned brittle. "T-Their ship..."
Right when she heard the word "ship", she slammed the mouthpiece back to the table, breaking it. Then she immediately ran up the tower, not minding if she was getting in the way of the other agents who surprisingly didn't act weirded out by her sudden burst.
She ran the stairs up two steps at a time but she almost slipped on her heels because those are freaking high and pointed. She removed them and pulled her skirt up to free her thighs and make bigger steps.
"Why does it have to be a skirt? God damn it!" She said as she carried her slippers and ran up the spiral staircase, heading to the rooftop where the helipad is at. She is not gonna wait for anyone to say anything. She will go there right now.
The worry of losing Steve in ice rumbled in her brain and she can only think of that now as her big red curls bounced on her shoulders while hopping up. She fetched herself a headset on the way because she will drive that helicopter by herself and get him.
"Fuck you, Steve. I will really shoot you." She mumbled breathlessly, and finally, she was facing the double steel doors of the rooftop. She pushed the open button relentlessly as she caught her breath and leaned on it while waiting, using the palm of her right hand where the headset dangled by her fingers.
It took a few seconds for the doors to finally open for her, and she was greeted by a warm sunset that ultimately made her close her eyes and cover them with her right hand just to continue walking to the helicopter, but when she was finally able to see things clearly, she realized that there wasn't any helicopter there, that's how the sun hit her eyes directly because nothing was blocking it.
But then, something else blocked it for her.
A red rose...
She looked beside her, where the guy held the flower in front of her face. It's Peggy's husband, Agent Daniel Sousa who offered her the thing with a little smile on his face.
Confused, she didn't know if she'd accept it or not, but the man let go of his left crutch to steal the headset from her hand and replace it with the rose.
Just when she was about to ask, another stem of rose approached her, now offered by Jarvis.
"You might want to put your shoes on, Ma'am." He suggested. Though it made her embarrassed and dumfounded at once, she did put her shoes on and fixed her skirt when she realized that she's surrounded by agents from this building.
That's why I wasn't bumping with anyone on the way up,she thought.
Every step she takes, guys offer her a stem of roses until she gathered eight. Peggy and the other female agents were watching with smiles on their faces and they're almost applauding. Nat wanted to ask why her friend was there and what about the dramatic call she made earlier but she was just giving her a lopsided grin.
When she was finally humiliated by her exposure to these people who put all their eyes on her, she wanted to ask, but the noise of an approaching helicopter got the attention first.
It was the helicopter that's supposed to be here, and it's just about to land. Containing only five men including the pilot...
...and Steve.
The three uniformed men from the marines got off of the chopper first before the passenger door opened for Steve, who wore his green office attire in all glory, shining with the sunset behind him, and that same light made the chain of his locket—where her picture is kept—glimmer. The three marine officers behind him stood by with their salutes up as he walked to her, taking his sunglasses off and giving her a smile.
Cheers and applause were loud but nothing beats the volume of her heart hammering inside her chest. She felt like she was deaf for it was the only thing she was capable of hearing. Heck, she didn't even realize that the propellers of the helicopter were still turning because for her it didn't make a sound. It was only her heart that mattered.
He's not even that close yet, but she could already feel her tears forming in the back of her eyes as she got to see him clearer and clearer. He's real. He's there. And probably the reason why Peggy did that was because it was their plan all along.
He knew she'd run here because she'd not hesitate to fly wherever he is if it's a life and death situation.
Finally, Steve reached her. A foot apart. No matter how much he longed for her, the awkwardness of having a lot of people surround them made him all shy as to only be able to say a little "hi" to which she didn't reply to.
Steve stepped an inch closer, framing her face lovingly. "I've missed you," he said softly while she looked up at him with teary eyes.
"Do you have any idea how I almost died with your prank? Do you want me to shoot you?!" She half-whispered half-yelled. The adorable anger was there again, making him vulnerable to holding back. He just found himself stealing a kiss from her. Short but sincere.
"I can't lie, that was quite a war we've been through out there," he smirked, but then it faded into a loving gaze as he caressed her face. "So forgive me for doing this right now but missing you for a year and a month has been hell and I just know I cannot be away from you like that again."
And that was when he knelt, making everyone yell and squeal and Natasha, well, surprised and crying. Steve pulled out a red velvet box from his pocket, containing the ring he made customized during his last trip to Korea. It was the gem that the elderly woman gave him in return for his kindness. Now, it's gonna have to symbolize the love that had been the root of that kind gesture he did.
He looked up at her, nervous like she is. She almost dropped the roses she held in her right hand because of trembling too much, and Steve snatching her left hand didn't help to alleviate that.
"I just want to hold your hand for as long as I'm permitted to," he started off, tearing up himself. "In this life and in the next, In this universe and all the others. I want to love you with everything I have and whatever it takes." He sniffed, and then finally looked in the eyes of the woman of his dreams.
"I am so in love with you, and I don't know who else I'd rather spend my life with and call my wife other than you, Nat..." he opened the box and pulled the ring from it, gripping it tight.
"Please say yes," he said, looking down. Too anxious and too desperate.
"Yes," she replied, voice broken as tears streamed down her face. Just then, everyone surrounding them cheered once again.
Steve was still not absorbing her answer but he just knew she's permitting him to put that ring around her finger, and it fit perfectly. He thought he wouldn't get the measurement right because he never really did measure it, just the feel of her hand laced with his own was what he used. Yet it hugged her ring finger flawlessly.
Natasha used that same hand to hold him and assist him up, pulling his tie to close the gap in between them. He felt the tears brush from her cheeks to his as he settled his hands on her waist, then it became a hug. A very tight hug when the world quieted down for them at the fall of dusk, when the moon replaced the sun and subtle darkness made some of the stars shine like the ring inserted to her finger.
"I love you," Natasha whispered weakly, trying to speak straight while crying.
The daze enveloped him as he spoke against her temple. "Did you just say yes?"
That made her giggle. "Yes."
"You're gonna be my wife?" He sounded like a little boy because he felt like one. He can't believe what just happened.
"Yes," she answered again, speaking by the crook of his neck so he hears it directly from below his ear.
His breathing stiffened. "Nat, will you really marry me?" Excitement is evident in every inch of him, mixed up with confusion and adorable fluster that she chose to put an end to.
"Yes, Steve," she pulled away from the embrace and pressed a kiss on his lips. "A thousand times yes.