Sooooo heyyyyyy…*dodges computers, tablets, and phones* I totally did not mean to leave this story for that long but as I moved further into my college studies, the more work I had to do and the more stressful school became and the more I forgot to write chapters. But then I was sitting in class, bored even though it was a subject I really like, and thought 'hey, where did I leave off on my fanfiction stories?" Well I found out and was appalled with myself for doing this to everyone. So enough of my babbling, let us now finally see what chapter 9 brings. And for everyone who is also reading my Winter Hacker story, I will also be trying to finish that chapter (I've had it started for over a year now) as soon as possible.

*Tony POV*

"What do you mean by when," Pepper asked confused.

"When we destroyed the city, as it seems we did because you all are still alive, we got transported back to Cap's time," I said typing away to try to establish a video connection.

"How are you-" Pepper stopped herself, "I'm not even going ask, I learned that long ago from you."

"Honey, do you mind putting us on speaker," I asked looking at the screen that showed a close up of her ear, "As much as I like you ears I would like to see you too."

"Sorry," she mumbles before pulling the phone away and placing it in front of her.

"So this is Pepper," Howard said strolling forward.

"Who is that?" Pepper asked.

"So how is it like to be the CEO of my business?" Howard continued answering her question for her.

"Oh," she said bringing on an impassive face, "How are you Mr. Stark?"

"Well I was fine till my son here told me that he gave away the company," Howard said, "To you."

"With all do respect sir," Pepper said, "That was Tony's choice. I tried to give it back to him but he refused."

Howard sent an angry glance in my direction and then looked back at the screen, "How is the weapons manufacturing coming? Many new products? I heard there are troops fighting."

"We have stopped doing that," Pepper said.

I saw Howard's face turn bright red and before he could say anything she followed up with, "That was Tony's decision when he returned from his time captive in the Middle East. He felt that it would benefit no one if he continued to make weapons that were used by both sides."

"What!" Howard screamed out, "How dare you!"

"Dad," I said before he could get in another word, "I watched good men and women die in front of me, to protect me from being captured. They died because of my technology. Because my Vice President, that you hired, was dealing to both sides!"

"That still doesn't mean that you should have stopped manufacturing weapons!"

"It did," I said back, "I was not going to sit back and watch more innocent people die by my weapons."

Howard turned and stormed out of the room before another word was said. Loud crashing noises soon followed and I immediately felt bad for Jarvis. I would have to work things out with my father later, but for now I am going to spend some time with Pepper.

"I'm sorry Tony," Pepper said shedding a tear.

Pepper was one of the only ones who knew fully knew about the relationship I had with my dad when he was alive. I mean yes I told many people he was brilliant and was gone often but I never got into detail.

I whipped away a tear that was threatening to spill out, "I am just trying to establish a video connection with you so you can see us too."

"Ok," Pepper said, "Just stay on the line, just so I know that you are really ok."

I smiled, "Of course."

*Steve POV*

Howard storm out followed by a few choice words and a lot of smashing. Once I heard a door close I signaled the rest of the group out of the room so Tony and Pepper could have a moment. Once outside the room I saw Jarvis sighing at the damage that Howard created. What were once small tables, vases, and chairs lay destroyed on the floor in various spots.

"I'm afraid that Mr. Stark just needs a moment to himself," Jarvis said going over to phone that was not destroyed and dialing up someone.

We continued and decided that we should rest a little before dinner. Skye and I made our way up to our room and the whole time I felt like someone was watching us.

"We should split up for a minute," I whispered lowly to Skye so no one else could hear.

Her slight nod of agreement meant that she also felt like someone was watching us too. Once we reached our room I stopped as she kept walking. A few doors down she stopped and went in, probably to Wanda's room. I sighed before opening my door, when I turned to close it, Peggy was standing in the doorway.

"Peggy," I said surprised, "Is everything alright."

"Yes, yes," she said looking down at the floor, "I just want to apologize for zoning out before, I think I just needed a glass of water."

"I see," I said nodding, "When I first woke from the ice it was a big shock for me too, the world how it was changed, and my team."

When she didn't move away from the door I got the feeling that she wanted to talk to me so I moved aside and gestured for her to come in. She smiled and proceeded into the room and went to sit on the sofa. I noticed that Skye's clothes from last night were in a pile on the floor and I quickly walked over and kicked them under the bed, acting like I was returning a pillow to the bed. Then I turned and sat down on the sofa too.

"Steve," Peggy spoke up after about a minute of silence, "I know that you were frozen for almost seventy years and everything, but I hoped that you would still be able to take me dancing."

Oh shit.

I reached over and held her hand, "Peggy, I never forgot about my promise to you but things have grown more complicated since the war ended."

As soon as I said 'but' Peggy's face fell into a frown.

"I don't understand," Peggy said.

I sighed, "This will be really confusing but I will tell you anyway. When I woke up from the ice I had no idea where I was and the organization found me tried to ease me into the news slowly but I saw through their lie quickly and I ran. New York, it had changed drastically. I was stopped by the director of the organization and all I could think about when he told me the year was that I missed our date. From that day on I searched for you everywhere. I knew you were still alive and eventually I found you. You told me 'We were great friends once but it is time for you to move on in this new world.'"

I saw Peggy tear up and look away from me, "I see."

"So I did as you said and tried to move on," I said slowly judging her reaction, "Most girls Tony set me up with just liked me because I was Captain America and Natasha tried to get me with everyone in SHIELD. But finally I found a girl on my own. She infuriated Tony because she could hack into his servers and he isn't able to hack hers. I asked her out and the rest is well….."

"Well," Peggy said getting up and moving to the door," I am glad that you…and the girl, are happy. If you will excuse me."

"Peggy-" I tried to get her to stop but it was too late. I put my head in my hands when I heard a door at the other end of the hall slam shut.

"Steve?" I heard Skye ask as she slowly walked into the open doorway, "I am guessing you told her?"

I nodded and rubbed a hand down my face while Skye came over to the bed.

"I am guessing she did not take the news well?" she asked gently rubbing my back.

"She is a strong dame, like you," I said taking Skye's hand in mine, "She never liked being told no."

"I believe that she will eventually learn that this is not your time anymore," Skye said leaning her head on my shoulder, "And that your time is in the future."

"I hope that she does realize that too," I said resting my head on the top of Skye's.

We stayed like that for a while until Wanda appeared at the door, "Steve, Skye, Tony wants you guys to come back to the lab."

"We will be right there," Skye said.

Wanda nodded and left.

"We better go," Skye said pulling away, "If Tony wants us both down there it has to be very important."

I nodded and we started to head down to the labs again. When we get there, SSR agents and the rest of the team are there looking up at a static screen while Tony types away on the computer.

From almost out of thin air I hear voices.

"Press that do-hickey there."

"Darcy! That is a proton fuser. If we turn that knob-"

"Boom."

"Thank you Fitz."

"Jane! You need to eat something!"

"Not until I can see him!"

"Will you all shut up!" a voice rang out above everyone, effectively making everything quiet.

"Tony, I am hooking up the feed cord now," the voice said again.

"Ok Sammy," the feed should be up in three…two…one…show time."

All of a sudden the screen blinked to life and on the screen stood the rest of the SHIELD agents and the others who lived at the tower. As soon as the screen came on, Peggy walked in and took her place in the front of the SSR agents.

"Tony!" Pepper said clambering in front of Sam and pushing him out of the way.

"Pepper!" Tony said moving in front of the camera.

"Thor?!" Jane said trying to push through the crowd of people trying to get closer to the screen.

"Jane!" Thor said going up to the screen and touching the screen lightly where Jane's face appeared.

"Bucky Barnes!" A voice from the back screamed out making everyone in the crowd move aside.

I looked over to see Bucky flinch and come forward slowly with his head down.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again!" Jemma said with tears in her eyes.

"Doll," Bucky said lifting his head up, "That's just the life I live."

"I miss you so much," Jemma said tone softening, "Are Skye and Steve alright?"

"We're right here Jemma," Skye said waving her hand in the hair.

"Skye!" the SHIELD agents exclaimed.

"Are you hurt?" Coulson asked, "Steve so help me I don't care that I idolized you for so long but if she gets hurt I'll-"

"I am fine DC," you don't have to take his manhood away.

"What's up tremors," Mack said coming into the picture, "Still kicking butt?"

"You know it," Skye said giggling.

"Not too much though," Mack said cracking a smile, "You have to save some for me."

"Don't worry, there will be plenty for you."

"Falcon, status report," I said wanting to get back to business.

"Well, you obliviously destroyed the city that was about to crash down on us, a few chunks fell into the mountains but no casualties that we know of now that we know you guys are alive. However, the rest of the world doesn't know that and have fallen into chaos. They think you guys died on the city but we have been trying every effort to let them know that you are still alive. We've been carrying out small missions. Bobbi has been posing as Black Widow, Hunter as Hawkeye, Melinda as Quake, and Pepper has been posing as Iron Man…"

"You have been doing what!?" Tony exclaimed standing up and coming closer to the screen.

"Someone had to do it," Pepper said challenging Tony, "And beside Rhodes, I have the most time in your suits."

"That's because terrorists were bombing the house!"

"Still counts," Pepper said walking away from the computer.

"Anyway, we told the public that you guys are still healing from the city and will not be making any tv appearances anytime soon. We said that Thor went back to Asgard for the time being and the Cap is taking a small leave of absence to catch up with his long lost friend. It's kind of hard to replace you Cap. And Dr. Banner is in his labs creating something new."

"Good work Sam," Steve said.

"We have one more surprise though," Sam said nodding behind him.

"It can't be," Skye said as the surprise came into view.

Did I just leave a cliff hanger? Why yes, I did.

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