A/N: I'm really sorry for the delay, everyone. Exams were crazy, and then this past weekend was overkill. Guys, I'm already getting emotional. Oh, god, how is this story over? I wanted to do one final count up for all of you, so you can compare from earlier author's notes—453 story alerts, 276 reviews, 286 favorite story's, over 45,000 hits, and over 12,000 visitors. I can't even put into words how much I appreciate it. I've had a blast writing this story, and I can't wait to get started on the sequel, which I'll post details about in this story when I finish the first chap. Thank you all for sticking with me, reading this story, sending your opinions, and encouraging me. I love you all, more than you'll ever understand.
I looked in the mirror, turning from side to side, trying to get a good look at the dress from every angle. "Are you sure about all this, Pepper?"
She smiled, clasping a diamond necklace around my neck. "Sweetheart, you look stunning. Stop fidgeting. Everything will be fine." I pulled at the turquoise material of the dress, stopping just above my knees in the front, though I could feel it swishing around the back of my ankles. I smoothed it out across my stomach, taking a deep breath. Everything would be all right. My shiny silver heels made me taller than Pep, and my hair was down to the middle of my back in soft curls. I looked completely different than usual. If today had gone my way, I'd be wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, yet here I was, all done up for the Stark Gala.
"I look so…funny," I said, making faces at myself in the mirror. Pepper chuckled, digging through her closet for something as I picked up the speech I had read over a thousand times. I reread the words into the mirror, annunciating every syllable: "Ladies and gentleman, it is my honor to present this toast to a group of fantastic men and women…"
"Sweetheart, you're going to be fantastic, I know it," Pepper said, reappearing out of her vast closet with a bedazzled metallic clutch. We were in her and Tony's penthouse apartment, finishing up getting ready. In a half hour, we would have to head downstairs and make our grand appearance.
"Why are you making me do this, again?" I asked, glancing over at her as she slid one more bobby pin into place in her hair.
"Because, as Medical Director and girlfriend to Captain America, you are not actually part of the Avengers, but you're as close as it gets, so you're the perfect candidate. You'll be fantastic, don't worry. It's just one toast," she said, waving her hand off like it was no big deal. Pepper had probably given thousands of speeches in her lifetime—as CEO of Stark Industries, it was part of the job. I, on the other hand, was not one for public speaking. She had asked me a few days ago if I would be willing to give a toast thanking the Avengers for all they had done, and I, of course, had immediately said no. However, Pepper was a rather persuasive person, and had somehow suckered me into writing a speech that I was extremely nervous to deliver.
"Where is everyone?" she said, wringing her hands together. "We're going to be late, and we need to all arrive together. They should be here by now." At that exact moment, the elevator in the living room dinged, the doors sliding open to reveal some of the missing members of the SHIELD team. Tony, Clint, Natasha, and Bruce walked into the room, laughing at something Tony had said. Natasha smiled at me, looking stunning in a black gown, and gave me a light hug.
"Rebecca, it's good to see you," she said, looking me over. "You look stunning. And I heard about you and Steve—congratulations. You two must be so happy."
I smiled at her, still slightly amazed that the master assassin could be so kind. "Thank you so much, I appreciate it."
I looked around the room, wondering where Steve could be, just as the elevator opened again, revealing Thor and my boyfriend. He hadn't spotted me yet—he was smiling at something that Thor had said. The corner of my mouth twitched up in a smile, looking over him. He was wearing a simple tuxedo, but god, he looked so handsome. His hands were in his pockets as he looked around, his eyes finally meeting mine. His smile faded and his eyes grew wide, causing me to chuckle. His mouth was ajar as I walked over to him. "Hey handsome," I whispered.
He shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut and reopening them. He pulled his hands out of his pockets and clasped them together. "You, uh…I…um…"
"What was that, Cap? Ice got your tongue?" Tony yelled, swaggering over to us, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets. "You usually start by telling the woman she looks good, or you won't get any ever again. Because then they get spiteful and make you beg for forgiveness."
"Do we really need to go back to the whole 'twelve percent' thing? Because I'll go there," Pepper said, looping her arm through Tony's.
"That was one time!" he shouted in reply, and the two giggled, while the rest of us had no idea what the "twelve percent thing" was.
I looked back over at Steve, who was still flustered. "Uh, I'm sorry…I just…I wasn't expecting you to look…so beautiful."
"Oh, so what, you thought I'd look hideous as usual?" I teased, smirking at the way his face snapped up to mine. His eyes were bulging out of their sockets, his mouth wide open.
"No, that's—no, I meant that, you know, tonight, you looked especially gorgeous, it just—it all came out wrong, I'm sorry…" He rushed out, mumbling towards the end.
"But you agree that I usually look hideous?" I continued, almost feeling bad for teasing him. Almost.
"Becky, no, you know I don't think that!—you always look beautiful!" He nearly shouted, stepping forward to take my hand. I smiled like an idiot, shaking my head at him.
"I was just teasing, Steve, I promise. You don't look so bad yourself," I said, trying to ease his nerves. He gave me a shy smile and leaned down to kiss me.
"All right, all right, let's go, I'm starting to get sick," Tony shouted, clapping his hands. The group made their way to the elevator, Steve and I bringing up the rear. He offered his arm out to me, grinning.
"Ready to go?"
I smiled, looping my arm through his. "I promise I'll be on my best behavior."
Steve smirked, pulling us into the large elevator with the rest of the group. "I doubt that," he whispered. He was probably right.
The elevator opened into the main lobby of Stark Tower, where a red velvet rope led the way to the doors of the (newly added) ballroom. Why did Stark Tower need a ballroom, you may ask? "For events such as this, obviously," Stark had told me, as if the question had been stupid.
Cameras were flashing everywhere and men in black suits with earpieces much like the ones we used on the helicarrier were standing about, pushing back the photographers. Tony made us stand for a few pictures, making me nervous, but Steve's hand was always on the small of my back, never abandoning its position.
We made it through the sea of paparazzi, entering the vast ballroom. Tables draped with white tablecloths were scattered around a large dance floor. A curved stage was against the front wall where a small band of violinists was playing. A long rectangular table was just in front of the stage, which Tony was leading us to. All along the table were place cards with each of our names on them. Mine was towards the middle, beside Steve.
"Are you sure I can sit here? I mean, I was just the Medical Director…" I said, picking up my card.
"You're here because you're Captain America's girlfriend, not because you were important," Tony said, rolling his eyes, as if it was obvious. Pepper smacked him, and he shot her a glare. "What? It's the truth!"
Pepper scoffed, looking over at me. "You're here because you were part of this team."
I gave her a smile and stuck my tongue out at Tony, who smirked. Many other guests were now filing into the room, all of which I had to greet like we had known each other our whole lives. I was hooked onto Steve's arm, smiling and shaking hands with hundreds of celebrities and members of SHIELD. "My cheeks are starting to hurt from smiling," I whispered as yet another executive-somethingorother walked away from us.
"You're doing fine," he mumbled back, giving me a smile. "We can go sit down now—Tony looks like he's going to make a speech."
Oh, shit.
We walk back to the table and I reached for my clutch, fishing out the creased piece of paper, the words on the inside printed on the back of my eyelids at this point. Pepper had told me that after Tony had given his opening address, I was to walk up on stage and deliver my speech.
I had obviously known I was giving the toast—the words were easy enough to understand. But the actual thought of going up there, and giving it? Was it really happening right now? How was it already here?
"Attention," Tony said into the microphone, tapping a fork to his glass a little too hardly, causing it too shatter. "Guess Iron Man doesn't know his own strength," he said, smirking at his cockiness. "I would welcome you all, but I did invite you here, so you should really be the one thanking me. You are all welcome for being permitted to attend this gala for the reopening of my baby, Stark Tower. Now, my assistant, Miss Pepper Potts, has told me I'm only permitted two minutes up here due to another toast, which she would not give me information on, even though this is my party. And seeing the way she's giving me an inappropriate hand gesture, (I mean, come on Pepper, this is supposed to be a family atmosphere) my two minutes are up. And remember, you're all welcome." Tony walked off stage, smirking like he had just pulled the greatest joke ever.
My hands started to shake as I stood from my chair, Steve looking at me in confusion. I walked up onto the stage, amazed that I hadn't stumbled. The microphone stared at me tauntingly as I unfolded my speech. I took a deep breath, looked around the room, and closed my mouth, too afraid to speak. My eyes met Steve, who gave me a small smile. I looked back down at my toast, and began.
"Ladies and gentleman, it is my honor to present this toast to a group of fantastic men and women who have, without sounding dramatic, saved all of humanity." I paused, my confidence wavering, but my eyes glued on Steve. "The Avengers Initiative began as a backup plan—a group of fantastic men and women that would fight off potential threats. However, when one of these threats grew to be much more than the world could handle, they grew to be so much more. I have had the pleasure to work alongside these not only talented but genuinely good heroes.
"Our team consisted of many different people in unbelievable circumstances. A World War II hero, a man frozen in ice for nearly seventy years. A 'genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist' with an ego as big as his tower. A Norse god with the ability to call down lightning. Another genius that happens to appear as a raging green monster on certain occasions. Throw in two master assassins, and you have our soldiers.
"However, soldiers are not the only members of a true team. Pepper has forced me to mention myself, the Medical Director—"
"Just as much a part of the team as the rest of them!" Pepper shouted, standing up from her seat. Dr. Banner even gave a fist pump, causing me to giggle. Steve sent me a thumbs up as a few claps were heard all around.
"Thank you," I said with a blush. "But as I was saying, it wasn't just our soldiers. Agent Maria Hill, who rose above and beyond in helping lead this team. Director Fury, who, despite his rough exterior, will do whatever it takes to accomplish what is right. However, the most important member of our team could not be here today."
When I had told Pepper where I wanted to go with this speech, she had nearly teared-up. She and Phil had been very good friends, and his death had been hard on her. Phil truly had been the most important part of our crew. He had been the first one to ever say the word SHIELD to me. I'll never forget the little reassuring smile he had given me during my first debriefing. He had been a role model to everyone involved with the Avengers, and we owe him everything.
"Agent Phil Coulson had been my friend. I remember the first day I had met him—for such an innocent looking guy, he had a lot of confidence in his abilities," I said with a sad chuckle, remember how he had said he would "persuade" me. "He believed so strongly in the Avengers Initiative—he was Captain America's biggest fan, a friend of Iron Man, a true leader in SHIELD. He had so selflessly given his life to try and defeat Loki that infamous day on the helicarrier," I said, watching the glistening eyes of the members of the audience. I took a deep breath, steadying my emotions, and continued. "Agent Phil Coulson was the Avengers Initiative. I believe it's safe to say that he touched all of our hearts in a special way. He will forever be missed. So, let's raise our glasses together for the true Avenger—Phil Coulson." I raised the champagne glass in my hand, tears threatening to bill over. The clinking of glasses was heard all around as I stepped off the stage and back to my seat. Steve immediately took my hand, leaning over to peck my cheek.
"You were fantastic," he whispered. "I know you must've been nervous. You should've told me."
I gave him a sad smile, placing my other hand on top of our conjoined ones. "It…it was something I had to do. I wanted it to be a surprise." Steve offered me another smile as the other members of the team came up and congratulated me. Pepper, who had a few tears streaming down her face, embraced me.
"You were fantastic, sweetheart," she whispered. "He would've been proud." And that was all that really mattered.
The rest of the gala continued as you would imagine a Tony Stark party would go. Dancing, liquor, Tony being an idiot—all were present. I laughed with the people at my table and actually truly did enjoy myself, despite my original fears.
As I was standing at the bar, sipping my glass of wine with Pepper, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, finding Steve, and offered him a smile. "Hey, how are you?"
He was wringing his hands with a shy smile on his face. He didn't break eye contact, like he usually would, and his grin slowly grew until it was taking up his whole face. "Would you like to dance?"
My mouth fell open, my brow furrowing. I remember talking to Steve about Peggy for the first time—right after the big New York battle, when he woke up in the hospital wing. He had told me how he had missed his date with Peggy to go dancing. He…he had told me he didn't know how to dance—he was waiting for, as he had said it, "the right partner."
And here he was, asking me to dance.
"Are you sure?" I asked, even though I was already shoving my champagne glass into Pepper's hands.
The corner of Steve's mouth quirked up and he nodded. "Positive."
An infectious grin took over my face, and I stepped up to take his outstretched hand. He led me over to the middle of the dance floor while the band started to play something slow. Steve looked at me sheepishly, making a silly embarrassed face. I chuckled, grabbing his one hand and placing it on my waist. "It's not that hard, I promise. I'll be right here." I picked up his other hand in my own and wrapped my free arm around his neck. Our faces were mere inches apart, our noses nearly touching. I chuckled at his thrilled smile, and tilted my head back.
"You're a fantastic dancer," I said as we swayed back and forth. "A natural, really."
He laughed, shaking his head. "It was worth the wait."
My face fell slightly serious, and I searched his face. "Are you sure? About…me?"
Steve quirked an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," I said, breathing out a nervous sigh. "Am I the 'right partner?'"
He smiled at my use of his own words and looked around the room. "You know, my life's been…a little rough. I woke up in this new world and realized that everyone I had ever loved was gone. Bucky, Peggy, everyone. And then…" he said, finally meeting my gaze again. His warm smile made my nervousness flew away, and I felt my confidence coming back. "Then I met you. And…I don't know. I feel like this was supposed to live in this world. And…I, uh—" Steve stuttered, suddenly embarrassed again—like he used to be embarrassed, before we were a couple. His face turned scarlet, and he wouldn't meet my eyes. I squeezed his hand in mine and he looked up at my through his lashes; so shy and innocent it nearly broke my heart. "I love you, Becky. So yes, you're the 'right partner.'"
I nearly squealed. I smiled like a little girl on Christmas. Steve had told me once that he was falling for me, but he had never said those three little words, exactly. Knowing that Steve loved me…that was a game changer. I felt that last little piece of the wall I built up crumble down, and I smiled at him. "I love you, too, Steve."
His eyes shot up to meet mine, fully, and he smiled so big I thought his face would split in half. I giggled as he leaned down to kiss me as the song ended and I wrapped both arms around his neck. A future with Steve—that looked pretty good. I didn't care how many times my heart had been broken, or the fact that he had the full potential to snap my heart like a twig now. I had Steve now—and for as long as we both wanted to. For the first time, loving someone was completely worth it.
Looking back on that day, I smile, giving Steve's hand a squeeze. I look up at him, sitting next to me on the couch, and I chuckle at his grin. "That was one of the best days of my life," I say.
Steve smiles back, leaning forward to bump my nose with his. "Me too. I had been so nervous—I didn't know if you felt the same way. I had been thinking about telling you for days, and I had planned to finally say it, but it almost didn't come out of my mouth. Then, somehow, it literally just flew out—and then it was out there."
I chuckled, shaking my head at him. "You didn't think I'd feel the same way?"
He shrugged, pulling me closer to him. "I had hoped so, but I wasn't positive. No one ever is. I just knew that I loved you."
I smile, bumping my shoulder with his. "And that I was the 'right partner.'"
Steve laughed, rolling his eyes at me. "Yes. You always were."
A/N: I'M ACTUALLY CRYING. Real tears. God. It's really over. I'd once again like to thank you all for taking me on this crazy emotional journey. This has been one of the most inspiration and eye-opening experiences of my entire life. It's been fantastic. I love you all so so much. I'll get started on the sequel pretty soon, and I'll let you all know about it. I love you guys. So much. Thank you for everything.