Chapter 3: College Era
(Part 2)
From: Peggy Carter [cartermepeggy]
To: Steve Rogers [sgrogers]
Date: April 29, 2015
Subject: Re: Peggy I'm sorry
Steven,
Your words are preposterous. Did you really think that I was this shallow?! You, suggesting your best friend would be better than you is the most outrageous idea you have ever told me. So, what if you say you're scrawny? Just because you think and see yourself as one doesn't mean you're dislikable. Did I ever give you the impression that I wouldn't like you because you're not as tall or bulky as a man? Did I ever give such preference for you to think that I wouldn't want to be friends with you either way?
Steve, I'm gravely hurt for you to think I am this shallow. I understand that we all have insecurities, and I do too. I am not invalidating your feelings, and I understand that it's difficult to challenge all our doubts every day, especially when there are people who continuously make it hard for us to believe in ourselves. But the least you can do is trust me as your friend, to think that despite all these people, you have at least another person who is on your side. ME.
So, I don't understand why you must push yourself away from me and offer someone else to be my friend. Have you ever considered that I liked you already as a friend regardless of what your face looked like? Hearing you belittle yourself in your email is just heartbreaking, and to think that you think I would hold the same opinion about you just breaks me even more.
Steve, I understand your sentiment that you need to find the courage before revealing your face. I won't question you or even judge you for that. But to suggest your best friend to me? as if I need a friend desperately gives me the impression that you don't know me well enough. So, I'll give you time as you have asked. But at the same time, don't expect me to reach out to you.
You know how to reach me. But only do so, when you're ready to be my friend, without pretenses and with complete trust.
Your friend,
Peggy
"Hey, Steve! You ready?" Bucky calls as he walks up to the blonde, sitting on one of the pew benches of the chapel.
It was a Sunday morning, and Steve and Bucky decided to join the Barnes family for a eucharistic mass. It has been a long time since the two attended one on a weekend. Mama Sarah would have scolded Steve for skipping mass, but he had some lame excuses for missing it. But nowadays, Steve felt like he needed to do this, a venue to reflect on himself.
Steve didn't hear Bucky, so he jumped when the brunette suddenly sat next to him and draped an arm over his shoulders.
"Whatcha looking at?" Bucky snooped as he leaned close and tried to see what Steve was reading on his phone. But before he could even see what was on the screen, Steve had turned his phone upside down and looked at him.
"Nothing," Steve replies as he presses a button on his phone, "Are you ready to go?"
Bucky stared at the blonde for a moment, recognizing that attitude of his best friend when he was dealing with something but refused to talk about it. Sighing to himself internally, Bucky puts another slash in his mental tally of the times Steve had been acting this way.
"Yeah, everybody's ready to go. Ma said you are to join us for Sunday lunch. No excuses, come on," He then stood up and let Steve have a little moment to himself. It was the least he could do, to make the blonde at ease.
As he walked ahead, leaving the chapel, Bucky looked over his shoulder and saw Steve looking back at his phone again. He wasn't fumbling with it—which means he wasn't texting. He was just staring at it—probably reading something.
Sighing to himself, Bucky looks away and grumbles to himself. He wishes Steve would just open up and tell him what was going on because if he didn't, he would probably have to steal his phone.
"What date is it today, dear?"
A hand suddenly taps on Steve's arm, making him jump in his seat and look away from his phone. As he sees Mrs. Barnes writing something down, he dipped his head trying to catch the glance of the older woman.
"I'm sorry, what was that Mrs. Barnes?" Steve sheepishly smiles at the woman, who looks up at him with wonder before softly smiling back at him.
"I asked, what date it is today? You've been holding your phone all day," Mrs. Barnes goes back to writing down in her small notebook, "Looking all serious, is everything all right?"
Steve was stunned for a moment. He barely realized that he had been doing that. But he was drawn to it. Not because he was looking at something pleasing but rather as a reminder to make reflections on himself.
"Date, Rogers," Mrs. Barnes said, snapping the blonde out of his thoughts.
"Oh, uh, sorry…" Steve suddenly fumbles with his phone, "Um, it's June 7,"
"Thank you," Mrs. Barnes gave a pleasing smile at the blonde before looking down at her notebook again.
When a few seconds had passed, she peeked over her lashes and saw the young blonde shuffling with his phone, as if seriously stopping himself from looking back down at his phone once again. She then sits up straight and notices her son standing at the other side of the room, just leaning on the doorframe, watching his best friend.
"James," Mrs. Barnes called, making the younger brunette start and stand up straight before walking toward them.
"Yeah, ma?" Bucky greets as soon as he is close by.
"Do you mind, if you and Steve give out the cinnamon buns I left in the kitchen to Mrs. Dolores? I had promised her a tray of it,"
"Yeah, sure," Bucky then headed toward the kitchen to retrieve the tray.
As Steve slowly stood up to do what was asked, Mrs. Barnes suddenly held his wrist, catching his attention.
"As you two do what I asked, do you mind talking about your problem with James? Maybe he can help,"
Steve was silent as he quickly realized that it was obvious to Mrs. Barnes that something was bothering him and he hadn't talked about it to anyone, even to her son. Having that, it was certain for the mother that he was keeping things to himself again and that was the least they wanted him to do, secluding himself.
"You don't have to tell everything. Only things you're comfortable with. But letting out your feelings and worries can give you a sense of relief. A listening friend may help,"
Steve smiles at the reminder, "Thank you, Mrs. Barnes,"
"So," Bucky initiates as soon as he and Steve were far away enough from the house to begin a heart-to-heart talk, "I know Ma wanted us to do this so that we'd talk." He glances at the blonde, who keeps his hands in his pockets and has a set jaw, "Do you want me to pry it out of you or…"
Steve huffs a laugh as he shakes his head before looking back at his friend. Bucky didn't know how to waste time when it came to this stuff, "No need to pry. Mrs. Barnes already reminded me to talk to my friend,"
"Aw, Ma, I ain't just a friend. I'm the best bud," Bucky grins when Steve smirks at his comment, "So, what is it? What can your best friend do for you?"
They continued to walk in silence for a moment until Steve felt he was ready to spill his problem. "A month ago,"
"A month?" Bucky repeats in surprise, earning him a deadpan look from the blonde, "Sorry-sorry, go on," he then zips his lip before he waves a hand for Steve to continue.
After rolling his eyes, Steve heaved deeply and started again, "A month ago, I said some things that I shouldn't have said to a friend. I thought, saying those words to that person would fix what I initially did wrong—"
"Which is?" Bucky interrupts as he tries to grasp the issue.
Steve was then dumbstruck for a second as he realized that Bucky didn't know the whole story and he was just telling him the aftermath problem of the initial mess he made. Groaning to himself as he thought that he had screwed up big time.
"I omitted some truth," Steve vaguely says, watching the brunette grasp what he was trying to say. But when Bucky was shaking his head, getting more confused, he decided there was no point in keeping this secret, "I had this friend…virtual friend,"
"Oh, okay…" Bucky finally nods in comprehension, "Continue,"
"So, this virtual friend, we've been communicating for quite some time. And in that span of time, not once did I show my face even if that person had been open about who they are. One day, this friend pointed it out and I deliberately avoided answering inquiries about how I looked…"
Bucky's eyes suddenly grow wide as it finally clicks on him. He knew Steve had this tendency to be conscious of his appearance. It's even worse when Steve is being compared to him in terms of their build and looks. He hates being used to make Steve feel bad about his physical appearance. It wasn't fair, and to be honest, what people say was bullshit, Steve is a dashing man. He'll vouch for his friend any time that Steve is handsome and a good man.
"Steve, why would you do that?" Bucky suddenly accused. It was late when he realized that his job was to listen and not accuse. Steve looked back at him, looking all guilty. "Look, bud, sorry. I know I shouldn't have said that, but didn't you trust this friend enough to want to be honest?"
Steve looks away, looking even guiltier, "That's the thing. I trust this friend so much, and yet doubt that I'll be judged just like everybody,"
"You were scared that he'd treat you just like how others do?" Bucky inquired, making Steve nod his head in response. "Then you don't trust him,"
"Her," Steve mutters before looking at Bucky, "I'd like to believe that I do trust her. I'm just scared to lose her because I'd disappoint her expectations. But later I realized that I was too caught up in my insecurities and focused on the wrong things,"
Bucky watches the blonde sigh despondently. He then stops in his tracks as they reach Mrs. Dolores' house. He didn't have to tell Steve to wait up as he just stopped and looked away into the street.
As soon as he handed the tray to the elderly woman, Bucky jogs back to Steve and drops an arm over his shoulder, "Come on, let's go to the L&L,"
The duo was soon seated in the automat and ordered some snacks. It was a common place for the two to hang out, especially knowing that Angie works there. But given it was a weekend, the young blonde actress-to-be was probably having a day off.
"Okay, so, you omitted telling her how you look. Did you lie to her about how you looked?" Bucky asks as soon as the waitress leaves their table.
Steve looked back at Bucky with alarm, "No," he quickly said, shaking his head, "I just…I just ignored her hints and questions, in the hopes that she'd forget it. But who was I kidding? We've been talking for a year, and not once did I even try to show her who I am."
Bucky winces at the thought of hiding your identity from a friend for a year. That was too much if he'd comment. It's long overdue and quite creepy.
"Okay, I kind of get the problem now," Bucky says nodding his head. But then he stopped when Steve shook his head.
"That's not it," Steve says, "When she emailed me pointing out her concerns and told me how I was acting indifferently, I thought I had this small chance to fix it. She still wanted to be friends, but she wanted the truth…For some reason, I got cowardly, and told her…to make friends with you instead,"
"What?" Bucky bafflingly bawls, as he widens his eyes at the blonde.
Steve shook his head in disappointment in himself, shrugging his shoulders as he felt defeated. It was too late to realize the foolishness of his actions.
"I screwed it up," Steve mumbles softly, looking down at his clasped hands.
"Okay, maybe…a bit," Bucky replies, trying to think how to help, "But, you can fix this…how long since you two talked?"
"More than a month now,"
"Right…a month…" Bucky looks down at the table, contemplating how Steve could have let this go on for such a long time without talking. This was crucial.
"All right, I hope there aren't more problems that you haven't shared—" Bucky takes a deep breath when Steve looks at him and cringes in self-reproach. "What?"
"Um…I gave your photo to her," Steve pursed his lips as he watched the brown-haired man ogle at him in disbelief.
"You—you gave my photo to her? What were your exact words, Steve?"
Steve swallows the growing knot in his throat. He pulls out his phone, opens his email, and hands it over to the man. Bucky immediately read the whole thing and then sputters to himself.
"In the meantime, you can make friends with Bucky. Here's a photo of him, you'll like him better than me. He's got a killer smile and knows how to talk to women. You'll like him." Bucky suddenly looks up at the blonde man, staring hard almost like he wishes he had laser eyes. "Why would say that?"
Steve was silent, cringing at the words he used. He just shrugged his shoulders before leaning over the table and hiding his face over his crossed arms.
Bucky groans in exasperation as he puts down the phone and slumps back on the couch. Eyeing his best friend, he didn't know exactly what he could suggest to make things right. Suddenly, he was curious about what this friend said back.
It wasn't his place to pry but he needed the context of how they ended up not talking for a month when they have been communicating for more than a year without even showing face.
I'll give you time as you have asked. But at the same time, don't expect me to reach out to you.
You know how to reach me. But only do so, when you're ready to be my friend, without pretenses and with complete trust.
Bucky turns off the phone and hands it over to Steve. He was still slumped over the table, blocking out everything around him. Sighing, he taps the head of the blonde, and mutters, "You'll find a way to fix this, punk."
June 17, 2015
7:23 AM
Sitting on her computer chair, Peggy hesitantly stares at her laptop. It had been weeks since she last did this.
After sending that message last April to Steve, Peggy did not check her email again as she couldn't bear to read another excuse from him. But when the month of May came close to an end, Peggy gave in to her curiosity and opened her email. To her dismay, Steve didn't send any. But that didn't stop the brunette. She had checked her email for a week until she decided it was foolish of her to think that Steve wanted to remain friends.
After a month passed without hearing anything from Steve, it made Peggy believe that maybe that was the end of their friendship. At some point, she even questioned if she was too harsh in her last email. But as she kept on reading his email and her reply, she couldn't help but feel that she wouldn't change a thing. She had poured her heart out. She was hurt, but that didn't mean Steve couldn't do anything to fix it. Apparently, he chooses not to fix it.
Sighing, Peggy braces herself for another disappointment. She knew she wouldn't see any new emails coming from Steve, but there was no harm in double-checking. As she clicked on the icon for email, Peggy waited for a moment to let the app load. When it did, two new emails came in, making the brunette sit up straight in anticipation.
One was from her current school reminding all incoming graduate students for the next school year to submit their application forms to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services. Another email was from Trinity College Cambridge, acknowledging her submitted application. These emails should have uplifted Peggy, which somehow did, but not the same as she would have felt if the email was from Steve instead.
Sighing for the second time, Peggy closed her email and put her computer to sleep. Soon enough, she grabbed her bag and left her room.
"All right, girls, we have at least four more weeks before you begin your summer break." Ms. Watson mentions as soon as she puts down her things on the teacher's table. "I assume that you have worked your applications as it has been reminded to you girls already,"
The students mumbled in agreement before they started a small chatter among themselves about the schools they had applied for. Ms. Watson then knocks on her table to grab the attention of the class.
"May I know any updates from you girls? Who has received emails from their prospective schools?" She looked around and waited for any hand to rise, but none came up, making the teacher furrow her brows. "None?"
Gemma, sitting behind Peggy, waited for the brunette to raise her hand. But seeing how the brunette was sitting still, she couldn't help but wonder.
"Hey, Peggy, why aren't you raising your hand?" Gemma whispered.
Peggy suddenly snapped out of her thoughts and half turned to look at her friend, "I'm sorry, what?"
Gemma was surprised a little at the distracted state of her friend, before shaking her head, "You received your acknowledgment email, remember?"
"…Yes," Peggy scrunches her brows in confusion, "What about it?"
Gemma stared, baffled, before she shook her head again, "Never mind," she then tapped Peggy's shoulders before sitting back in her chair.
After Ms. Watson had dismissed them, the girls were now set to go home. Gemma went ahead of Peggy and subtly talked to Ms. Watson, telling her about Peggy's acknowledgment email. After her interaction with Peggy, she knew her friend was distracted. She didn't want to be intrusive, so instead, she'd help her out in school.
As Peggy left their classroom last, she slightly jumped when someone called her. Ms. Watson was leaning on the side of the door frame, almost like she was intentionally hiding and wanted to surprise her.
Peggy clutched her chest in surprise as she muttered a few curse words. When she realized that it was her teacher, she felt her cheeks warm at her indecent words.
"Sorry, Ms. Watson, I didn't realize you were there," Peggy mumbled as she stood straight to face her teacher.
"It's alright," Ms. Watson grins, "I think I really wanted to scare you,"
Peggy scrunches her brows in wonder before she chuckles along with her teacher.
"Anyways, Ms. Carter, you seemed to be…quite not yourself today," Ms. Watson then tilts her head as a sign to walk with her. The two then slowly walked the corridors, heading towards the faculty area.
Peggy purses her lips in guilt. She knew she shouldn't have checked her email. If she didn't, she wouldn't have been feeling dejected all day.
"Is everything all right, Ms. Carter? Ms. Cooper mentioned that you have received your acknowledgment email and yet you didn't raise your hand when I asked," Ms. Watson tips her head to look straight into Peggy's eyes.
Peggy looked back at her teacher and gave a sheepish smile, "Sorry," she muttered before looking away and clutching her books closer to her chest, "I was quite distracted with my thoughts. The whole day, apparently, I was distracted. I was just writing my notes, not particularly listening, I wasn't able to recite in my classes, thinking about—"
Ms. Watson dips her head lower when Peggy suddenly stops ranting. When the brunette student realized what she was saying, she felt her cheeks burn. The least she wants to rant about to her teacher is about a boy who didn't trust her enough to tell her his whole identity.
"Sorry," Peggy ended, making the teacher question at the abrupt end of that outburst. But knowing students, nowadays, it is best not to pry especially when it's too personal for them. "I didn't mean to bluster all those things."
"Well, it's all right with me. If you want to tell me what's bothering you, I just want you to know I'm willing to listen," Ms. Watson then smiles at the brunette.
Peggy thought for a moment, considering confiding to her teacher. But then, she wasn't comfortable telling Ms. Watson it was because of a boy she had met through the school's program. The last thing she wants is for another person to tell her that continuing communication with a person she hasn't met is a bad idea.
"Thank you, Ms. Watson. I appreciate that and I'll keep that in mind," Peggy softly smiles at her teacher, to give assurance, "And yes, I did get my acknowledgment email from Trinity College Cambridge. It was my top school preference and I'm looking forward to it,"
"That's great!" Ms. Watson beams as she waits for her to continue. But the student just smiled back at her before bidding goodbye. "Oh, um, for a moment, Ms. Carter,"
Peggy halts in her steps, walking away. Ms. Watson suddenly turns around and gestures for her to follow.
"I was informed by Ms. Robinson that she received a letter,"
"A letter?" Peggy repeats, intrigued by the information.
"Yes," Ms. Watson then glances at the student next to her, "As you know, grade 11 students participate in the Cultural Bridge Program and apparently, she received a letter addressed to you."
Peggy was stunned causing her to stop in her tracks. The teacher barely noticed it as she looked into the pigeon box and grabbed the letter sitting on her box. She then turns to hand the letter to the brunette.
"Here," Ms. Watson softly smiles, "Probably, it's from your previous pen pal,"
Peggy slowly took the letter and read the return address.
Steven Grant Rogers
1404 Alameda Ave., Brooklyn, New York
United States of America
"Is everything all right?" Ms. Watson suddenly was alarmed when she saw Peggy silently crying as she stared at the letter envelope.
Peggy sniffs, trying to contain her sobs. She inserted the letter into her book and looked up at her teacher as she quickly wiped her tears. After a month of silence from Steve, Peggy finally feels like she can breathe, "Yes, Ms. Watson. Everything is all right now,"
"I'm home!" Peggy shouts as soon as she opens their door. Without waiting, she ran up the stairs and headed to her bedroom. But before she could even reach the top floor, her mother quickly called her.
"Margaret! Can you please come here for a minute?"
Groaning with impatience, Peggy rolled her eyes before turning back and headed to where her mother was. As she finds her mother in the kitchen, Peggy quickly stops in her tracks as she stares at a huge bouquet of various flowers that almost looks like it has no pattern.
"Mum?" Peggy whispered almost too soft for her mother.
"Oh, dear, these are for you," her mother replies as she pushes the vase, "It has a card—guide or something,"
Peggy then took a step closer and grabbed the card. She then read out loud, "Daffodils symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, truth, honesty, and forgiveness. White tulips symbolize forgiveness, consideration, and respect…These are the perfect…apology flowers," She then looks up at the bunch of flowers and sees numerous white tulips, daffodils, and more that mean the same thing.
"Apology flower?" Her mother inquired, snapping the brunette out of her reverence. "Who's apologizing to you?"
"No one!" Peggy mutters in rattle, making her mother raise a brow at her odd response.
"Margaret, it's impossible that no one would send such a lavish bouquet out of nowhere. It seems like the person who sent this intends to apologize." Her mother looked at her suspiciously, "Who is it? Is it Fred Wells?"
Peggy quickly rolls her eyes as she grunts, "Mother,"
"What?"
"It's not from Fred…" Peggy then grabs the vase and turns around quickly to avoid talking to her mother further.
"Then from whom?" Her mother asks out loud as she watches the brunette leave the kitchen.
"From Steve," Peggy whispers as she stares at the beautiful flowers in front of her.
Soon enough, the brunette was out of sight and locked herself up in her room.
June 7, 2015
Dear Peggy,
I'm [reallyimmenselytremendously] sorry. I'M SORRY. I really can't express how much I want to convey my regrets about the things I did and said to you. These words aren't enough, and I wish I could find them so that I could tell you how much I wish I did things differently. I know I can't bring the past back and change what I did. I can only apologize for it now.
Peggy, I'm sorry if I made you feel like you were shallow and think that I doubted you as my friend. I'm sorry that I let my insecurities get between us. It shouldn't have. You had always made me feel that I was more than just my appearance. You always talked about my skills, my passion, and my principles in life. You have always told me that you admired what I did and how I dealt with life. And yet, I let my fears rule my thoughts and ruin the friendship we had built. I should have trusted the foundation we made in our friendship rather than the doubts I listened to, which had no basis. I should have been more honest with you. I'm sorry.
It's just that, for half of my life, I heard people question me and looked at me indifferently. I knew that I couldn't be like most people. Healthy and strong. I learned to accept who I was, and how I will grow up. But then I met you, who is an incredible person, who is wise for her age, passionate, and dedicated to making a change in the world. I thought you deserved someone who is on par with who you are. But I was blind with insecurity and never saw the things you saw in me.
Peggy, if you'd give me a chance to make it up to you, I promise I'll be more honest. I promise to trust you and our friendship more than my negative thoughts about myself. Having you as my friend has been one of my best memories. It would be idiotic of me if I let our friendship go.
Again, I'm sorry, Peggy. Will you forgive me?
Sincerely,
Steve
Tears rolled down Peggy's cheeks as she read the letter. He had told her already how his insecurities ruled his thoughts and made him decide what he did. But hearing him apologize for jeopardizing their friendship because of it, she had the sudden urge to hug him. She wants to hug him and make him believe that he is a good man, an incredible man. If he thought she was a role model to aspire to, it was because she aspired to be like him. She believes in his principles.
Sniffing her sobs, Peggy holds the letters close to her heart. She felt his heart and she wished to respond to it. She thought she'd have to reply to him in the same way, a written letter. Receiving his letter just like before brought so much joy and memories. Except now, they were somewhat rewriting a few things.
Peggy then decides to write her letter immediately and grabs the letter envelope, when suddenly a small caricature drawing slips out of the envelope. Smiling to herself, Peggy took the small drawing and gazed at it. It was a drawing of a guy with a thin body, big head, blonde hair, and blue eyes.
"It's Steve," Peggy mumbles to herself as she slowly runs her finger over the drawing. She then chuckles as she sees him holding a bunch of flowers with a bubble on his head saying sorry.
Looking up at her bouquet on her table, Peggy couldn't help but smile gently at it. The flowers were all random. There were white tulips, daffodils, pink roses, snapdragons, hyacinths, yellow carnations, and statice. It barely had an arrangement and Peggy couldn't help but chuckle at the randomness of it.
Taking the attached note to it, Peggy read it once more to understand the meaning of the bouquet. To her amusement, everything in the bouquet meant the sender's intention to apologize and ask for forgiveness. She then thought how Steve probably requested to give all the flowers which meant 'sorry'.
Steve really meant his apology.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle Building
June 17, 2015
11:38 AM
Ping!
Steve starts as he hears a faint sound of a phone ringing for a notification. He looked around the conference room and observed if anyone had left their phone on. Leaving your phone not in silent mode during a meeting with Mr. Chester Philips was a no-no. The least anyone wants is to be lectured by the head department of politics and crime news section. He didn't even understand why he had to be there. He was a part-timer for the Arts and Entertainment section, doing newspaper illustrations.
Ping! Ping!
Steve's eyes went wide as he heard the sound again but this time closer to him. No one was looking and reacting to the sound, so it meant it probably wasn't theirs. So, he nervously pulled out his phone under the table and checked.
Steve gasps, making other people around him glance in his direction. The blonde artist quickly looks up and blushes at the sudden attention.
"Rogers! What's got into you?" Mr. Philips inquired with a resounding voice, making the others flinch.
"Um, sorry, Mr. Philips…" Steve gulps down his nervousness, trying to think of an excuse, "Just um…received surprising news,"
"Surprising news? More surprising than what we're going to cover?" Mr. Philips challenged with furrowed brows.
Stan, who was sitting next to Steve, was trying to hide his chuckles as he notices the blonde grasping his phone tightly. The young lad received some good news, he thought.
"Uh, of course not…but probably for me, it is," Steve then gave a tight-lipped smile before shaking his head, "Sorry to interrupt, please proceed,"
Mr. Philips grunts softly before shrugging his shoulders, "All right, let's have a 10-minute break, then we'll begin assigning and brainstorming for our upcoming weekly news,"
Everyone in the conference room sighed in relief before they all pushed back their chair and stood to grab some coffee or lunch. As most people left the room, Stan ribbed the blonde and smiled.
"So, who texted you?" Stan grinned.
"Excuse me?" Steve bashfully looked at his senior.
"Your phone wasn't in silent mode and received a text message. Who is it?" Stan then leans closer to the blonde with a teasing look, "Is it from your lady friend?"
Steve's eyes went big again, feeling his face warm up, "Um, I don't think it's really your business,"
Stan laughs at the embarrassed look of the young artist. By the looks of it, he knew it was from that same person whom he had teased the lad with. It had been a long time since he saw Steve blush like that. It was nice to see him glow like that again.
"Rogers, when will you ever learn? I'm just teasing," Stan sniggers as he stood up and claps the shoulder of the blonde, "Check your phone while we're on break because the next time Philips sees you looking into your phone again while in a meeting, tsk-tsk,"
Steve was then left alone at the table while the others were busy chatting among themselves. He finally pulled out his phone and looked at the screen.
...
Notification
wellpeggy tagged you in a photo.
...
Seeing the notification made Steve smile and he could feel those flutters inside his chest. It has been a long time since he felt like this. Clicking on the banner, he was brought to his social media and saw the photo Peggy had shared.
It was her, hiding behind the bouquet of random flowers that he had ordered online. It was his first time ordering a bouquet and it was more challenging because it had to be bought in London and be delivered to Peggy's home.
Smiling at the photo, he admired the spark in Peggy's eyes. Seeing her like this made his heart flutter and could feel his face burn red.
He looked down at the caption and suddenly felt his eyes sting and blurred.
Apology accepted.
"Oh, thank God…" Steve mutters in relief, "Thank you, Peggy."
July 3, 2025
12:07 PM
Sitting in their small dining room, Bucky watches Steve walk around the apartment with a smile on his face. He was constantly on his phone, texting, he assumed. Ever since that night that he saw him come home with a big smile on his face and said that Peggy had forgiven him, he had never seen his best friend sulk again.
It was great to see his best friend happy like this. But he wonders, are they really just friends?
"Who are you texting, punk?" Bucky asks, letting his Brooklyn accent slip as he tries to be nonchalant.
Steve looks up from his phone before he slowly puts his phone behind his back, "Um, just Peggy."
"Ahh, so I'm guessing the two of you are back to your usual now?" Bucky inquires even though he knows the answer.
"Well, yeah. I guess…" Steve replies, trying to stop himself from smiling wider, "I didn't realize that this app you can send direct messages already,"
"Oh…then what did you usually use to communicate?" Bucky tilts his head in confusion.
"Emails," Steve quickly replies and hears the brunette lad chuckle, "What?"
"Nothing," Bucky waves a hand as he tries to stifle his laughter, "You seem to be an old-fashioned guy,"
Steve rolls his eyes at his best friend before he turns to pick up his bag, "I'm heading out. I'll be home late,"
"Hey, wait!" Bucky stands up and rushes to the door.
When Steve stops by the front porch, Bucky quickly leans close to him and asks, "What's our plan for tomorrow? It's your birthday,"
Steve thought for a moment and realized the date, "Oh, right…Uh, well I don't have to be at work tomorrow. We can go to the community center and help out in the outreach,"
"Okay, sure," Bucky shrugs his shoulders, "Then let's go to Ma. I'm pretty sure she's going to ask me to bring you home to celebrate,"
Steve chortles at the memory of being dragged to the Barnes' residence to celebrate his birthday even if it was everyone's occasion for Independence Day.
"Yeah, sure, we'll do that," Steve then taps Bucky's shoulder before turning to leave, "See you later, jerk!"
"See ya, punk!" Bucky smiles as he watches the blonde disappear in the next corner.
Soon enough, Bucky returns inside the apartment and begins to work on his project. It was a project that he needed to accomplish so that he'd be able to apply for a part-time job at the Stark Industries Corporation.
Hours went by when suddenly a knock was heard at the front door. Bucky quickly attends to it and is stunned to see a courier.
"A package for Steven Grant Rogers?" the courier said, sounding like he was asking.
"Uh, yeah, this is his apartment," Bucky replies, curious at the box settled on the floor.
"Kindly sign here to receive the package," the courier then hands a clipboard with a receiving paper. Bucky quickly wrote his name and relationship to Steve.
When all the papers were signed, the courier handed the box to him and quickly left. As Bucky closes the door, he read the sender's details, "Margaret Elizabeth Carter, 58 Priory Road, West Hampstead, NW6, London, England, United Kingdom,"
Bucky placed the box on the table and curiously looked at the package. He suddenly leans on one leg, with his hands placed on his hips, "Who the heck is Margaret Elizabeth Carter? And how did Steve know someone from England?"
Next day
"Happy birthday, punk!" Bucky greets as soon as Steve steps out of his room.
The blonde slightly jumps in his walk, making him lose his grip on his phone. As he catches his phone, he looks stunned at his best friend, who is grinning at his state.
"Who are you texting?" Bucky asks.
Steve knits his brow in wonder, "Uh…no one really…just Peggy,"
"Ahhh…Just Peggy," Bucky nods his head and tries to keep his gaze neutral but deep inside curious as to who Margaret is to Steve. "So, no new friend?"
"New friend?" Steve echoes, quite confused by the sudden question, "No, there's no new friend. The semester just ended, Buck,"
"Right, right," Bucky nods his head again, trying to think of a new question, "How about in the Daily? No new co-worker? Let's say who lived abroad?"
Steve stood straight and thought for a moment, but then shook his head, "Nope, just the same people at Daily. Although—"
"Yeah?" Bucky leans with interest.
"Some new interns are coming in on Monday. So, probably new people," Steve stared at the brunette lad, who suddenly sulked in disappointment, "Why are you even asking?"
"Nothing," Bucky replies with a shrug, "I was just wondering if you had other new friends I didn't know about,"
Steve scrunches his face in contemplation, "I think I've mentioned to you all the people I've made friends with on campus and at work."
"Well, you didn't tell me about Peggy until a few weeks ago," Bucky then smirked when Steve suddenly flushed, "Why didn't you tell me who Peggy was? It took you a year to tell me who she is,"
"Oh, about that…" Steve suddenly rubs his hand over his neck, feeling a little embarrassed and guilty, "Believe it or not Buck, I was conscious to tell you about Peggy and afraid that she'd lose interest in talking to me if she knew who you were,"
Bucky drops his jaw in bafflement, "You are a punk, you know that? Why would you think that?"
Steve grunts in annoyance to himself, being aware now of his mistake, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize how deep my insecurities went, only to know that I had ruined my friendship with Peggy."
"Well, at least now you know, and you've learned," Bucky then clasps a hand over Steve's shoulder.
"Yeah, I wouldn't know what I'd do if I lost Peggy," Steve softly smiles at the thought of the English brunette. When Bucky doesn't respond, he looks at his best friend and sees him giving a teasing smile. He then realized what he'd say. "I-I mean, as a friend,"
Bucky's smile grew bigger before he slowly nodded his head, "I know…But are you sure she's just a friend?"
Steve was silent but he knew his red face gave off his true thoughts, "Maybe not really just a friend…I mean, we are just friends. It's just…"
"I get it punk," Bucky chortles, "You like her,"
Steve nervously laughs, "Yeah…I really do,"
"Well, great!" Bucky then turns away and heads inside his room, "I wouldn't have to worry that this Margaret is going to ruin your chance with Peggy,"
"Wait, what?" Steve confusingly looked at Bucky, "What did you say?"
"Here," Bucky says as he steps out of his room with a large box in his hands, "This came in yesterday. Margaret Elizabeth Carter, from England. Who the hell is she?"
Steve was astounded as he slowly took the box from Bucky. His smile just grew bigger the longer he stared at the box.
"Hey, punk," Bucky waves a hand in front of the blonde, "Who's Margaret? Why are you smiling like that? I thought—"
"It's from Peggy," Steve cuts off, looking up at his best friend.
Bucky was stunned, and contemplated for a second, "Oh…So, Peggy and Margaret are just the same person?"
"Yeah," Steve's glimmering smile made it clear to Bucky that it was indeed true.
Steve immediately grabs a cutter and opens the box. It was covered with a bubble wrap. But as soon as he pulled it out, he saw various trinkets. Steve's smile couldn't get any bigger with how much joy he felt in receiving such gifts from Peggy.
Bucky curiously leaned in and looked at the items inside the box. There were ref-magnets, keychains, greeting cards, pictures, and letters. He then looked up at Steve, who seemed to be too stunned in excitement to touch any of it.
Bucky slowly picked up a photo of a brunette girl, smiling behind a birthday cake. She was smiling at the camera and her background was at McDonalds. "Who's the girl?" he asks, even if he guessed who it was.
Steve looks up at him and then at the photo. He smiled softly as he took the photo, "It's Peggy. She did this last year, on my birthday,"
Bucky suddenly felt giddy for his best friend, "Well, that's sweet," he then looked back at the box and saw another photo of Peggy, "She's stunning,"
"And awesome," Steve adds with enthusiasm as he sees the photo Bucky is holding. "That's a photo of her when she and her family stayed at their summer house last year,"
"I can't believe that you have kept her secret from me for a year," Bucky shook his head in disbelief.
"Well, I didn't really keep her a secret. It's more like…I didn't tell you that I kept in touch with my pen pal,"
"Wait, what?" Bucky staggeringly looked at the blonde, "She was your pen pal back in high school?"
Steve chuckles, "Yeah…it was serendipitous,"
Soon enough, Bucky left Steve alone to enjoy his package on his own. He knew that it was a sentimental moment for Steve and the least he could do was give him privacy. But seeing how happy Steve was, Bucky couldn't help but feel like taking a picture of the blonde.
Suddenly Steve's phone on the side table lit up as a message came. Bucky leans down to pry and sees it was from Peggy.
...
wellpeggy
I'm planning to buy some cake, in your honor of course.
...
Smiling to himself, Bucky suddenly grabs the phone and clicks the camera app. He then snaps a photo of Steve grinning while he is reading a birthday card. Without hesitation, Bucky sends the photo to Peggy in response to her greeting. He then adds,
sgrogersart: Thanks. That's him enjoying your gift. —Bucky
Hampstead, London, England
July 4, 2015
11:21 PM
Sitting comfortably in her bed, Peggy leans on the wall with a book in hand. It has been a day for her, spending it with Gemma and searching for an apple cinnamon pie. It was Steve's favorite and she thought it would be nice to try one in celebration of his birthday.
Peggy was really glad that the box she had sent to Steve came in just in time for his birthday. In fact, it came a day early and Bucky had received it for him. Steve even told her that Bucky had mistaken her as Peggy and Margaret for two different people. Hearing this made Peggy laugh, considering that this was all Steve's making for not telling his best friend who she was in the first place.
Everything about the last rift was now behind Peggy. She has forgiven Steve and is willing to put everything behind her. Although, of course, Peggy would still love to tease Steve about his mishap from time to time. Especially the last one.
Peggy was glad that Steve loved her gift. It was all the trinkets she had collected ever since knowing Steve. She didn't realize that she had been doing it until she gathered everything on her bed and tried to think of what she could gift the artist. She had thought to attempt to create art, but seeing her collection, reminded her of how much she had thought of Steve in all of her adventures. At that moment, she knew, it was time to send those items. So that he'd be reminded of all the times they shared even from afar.
Smiling to herself, Peggy grabbed her phone and opened her social media account. She and Steve had been continuously communicating now. Not through email, but chat. It was better because it was real-time.
Shy to admit to herself, but she likes Steve's face. For the first time, she had finally seen his face, thanks to his best friend Bucky. Although, of course, his face wasn't in full view but still. It was nice seeing Steve.
Clicking on the photo again, Peggy admired how Steve smiled. It was so big that his face looked like it was about to split in two. She was glad it was because of her.
Peggy suddenly stiffens and then shakes her head as she realizes her thoughts.
"Margaret…" She calls when she wants to scold herself, "He's just a friend,"
Peggy swallows hard as she can feel her heart thump a little harder. She then tried to slow down her breathing and when she felt like she was calm, she looked down at her phone again and stared at the image.
Helplessly, she smiled to herself again and felt her face become warm.
"Steve's just a friend…" She mutters to herself, trying to shrug off the giddiness she was feeling in her guts, "A really good friend…that is nice, well-mannered, smart, and—" She then groans in desperation as she drops to her bed and wails in her pillow.
I like him…
Knock! Knock!
"Margaret-dear?" her mother calls, making Peggy snap out of her fancy and quickly stand up to turn off her bedroom light and leave her bedside lamp on.
She opens the door slowly, "Hi, mum…"
"Why are you still awake?" her mother asks.
Peggy sheepishly smiles, "Um, I was about to…go to bed. I was just reading a book," She then lifted her unread book to her mother, who gave her a dubious look.
"All right, enough reading and go to bed. We have church tomorrow,"
"Right, of course," Peggy gave a tight-lipped smile before leaning to her mother and giving a good night kiss.
When Peggy closes her door, she sighs in relief. She puts down her book on her work table and prepares to go to bed. As she tucked herself under her duvet and leaned behind her headboard, she grabbed her phone and turned it on. She was still in her chat with Steve.
sgrogersart: The little Eiffel Tower keychain is adorable. I didn't realize you went to Paris last time.
wellpeggy: That's the funny thing, I didn't go to Paris.
wellpeggy: I found it in a souvenir shop when I went with my friends to an amusement park.
sgrogersart: Hahaha. Out of all the things there, why that?
wellpeggy: Aesthetic purposes
wellpeggy: Who said you couldn't buy any reminder of Paris without being in Paris?
sgrogersart: Hahaha
sgrogersart: Of course, you can.
sgrogersart: What Peggy wants, Peggy gets.
wellpeggy: Now you get it
sgrogersart: Hey, thanks really for the gift.
sgrogersart: I love it.
wellpeggy: You're welcome.
wellpeggy: Happy birthday, Steven.
sgrogersart: Thanks for the birthday card.
sgrogersart: I read your letter.
wellpeggy: Letter?
sgrogersart: Yeah
sgrogersart: The letter that you wrote in response to my apology.
wellpeggy: Oh that…
sgrogersart: Thank you for giving me another chance.
wellpeggy: Of course. I wouldn't want our friendship to end too fast
wellpeggy: I like being friends with you.
wellpeggy: And whenever you're ready, I'd like to see you truly.
sgrogersart: Me too…
sgrogersart: Thanks for understanding.
sgrogersart: Oh, I gotta go. Bucky and I are heading to his ma's place. She's making dinner for me.
sgrogersart: to celebrate Independence Day.
wellpeggy: Ha-ha-ha, you, silly oaf
sgrogersart: hahaha
wellpeggy: Have fun!: wellpeggy
sgrogersart: Thanks! Talk to you later, pegs!
...
Peggy smiled contently at their message and was now ready to put her phone away when suddenly a bubble with three dots popped up.
Her eyes grew big in anticipation as she looked at the time. It was 11:47 PM, technically still his birthday. Bracing herself, Peggy goes back to her direct messages with Steve.
...
sgrogersart: Hey, Pegs.
sgrogersart: Just finished dinner and got away from Bucky for now hahaha
sgrogersart: Are you still awake?
...
Peggy bites her lower lip. She was told by her mother to go to bed and here she was still wide awake. But Steve didn't know that. Contemplating what to do, Peggy looked up at her closed door and tried to listen for any noise around the house. Everyone seemed to be asleep.
Exhaling with conviction, she looked down at her phone and began to type.
...
wellpeggy: Yep, but lying around in bed
wellpeggy: Waiting for sleep to take me
sgrogersart: Hahaha, then let me help
sgrogersart: Wait sorry, that sounds wrong
sgrogersart: I mean, let me take your sleep away
sgrogersart: wait
wellpeggy: Hahaha, Steve! You're rambling
sgrogersart: sorry
wellpeggy: Hahaha, it's ok. Now, I'm awake. What's up?
sgrogersart: Right
sgrogersart: So, have you heard of Skype?
wellpeggy: Yes. I actually have an account. I use it with Michael.
sgrogersart: Right
wellpeggy: Why? What about it?
sgrogersart: well…I have an account too
sgrogersart: Just now…
sgrogersart: Bucky made me one
...
Peggy's eyes grew wide in keenness. She could feel fluttering in her stomach as she wondered if Steve was going to suggest that they'd call each other. If he was suggesting it, it would be her first time seeing Steve in full view and then hearing his voice for real.
Biting her lip, she types.
...
wellpeggy: Oh.
wellpeggy: That's great
wellpeggy: It can be helpful in school
...
"What am I talking about?" Peggy grumbles to herself as she slumps herself further to her headboard.
Ping!
Peggy sits up again and checks her phone.
...
sgrogersart: Oh, really? Then there is another reason for me to use Skype.
wellpeggy: Huh? Why?
wellpeggy: What was your initial reason to download it?
sgrogersart: So, I could see you.
sgrogersart: I mean call you
sgrogersart: Sorry, no. Talk to you.
...
Peggy's smile was now evident as she felt her cheeks burn in enthusiasm. She has never felt like a schoolgirl as she is now. Steve wants to see her, call, and talk to her—in person. Technically, still not in person but at least virtually.
...
wellpeggy: Well, that's nice to hear.
wellpeggy: You can call, whenever you're ready.
wellpeggy: I use the same email.
...
Peggy then anticipates a new message from Steve. But the young lad didn't reply in the next three minutes. Sighing at the sudden end of the conversation, Peggy decided that it was time to go to bed. She'd said what she needed him to know. She was ready to meet him whenever he was.
As Peggy puts her phone on top of her nightstand and turns off her lamp, she then snuggles herself under her covers. Suddenly, her phone rings to the sound of a Skype notification that she has a new contact request.
Peggy swiftly grabs her phone and clicks on the notification. Without realizing it, Peggy had a smile on her face as she accepted the new contact. Within that minute, her phone rings to the sound of a Skype call.
This made Peggy sit up straight and yelp in surprise. She gawked at her phone as she saw Steve's name on her screen.
"Oh, my goodness," Peggy mutters in surprise before she tries to find a way to look presentable. She then realized her room was severely dark, making her scramble to turn her lamp on.
As soon as she was set, Peggy shook her nervousness and clicked accept.
Twang!
Peggy and Steve held their breath as they waited for their screen to show each other's faces. When suddenly they were finally staring at each other.
Peggy tries to contain her smile as she stares at the face of Steve, who has a sharp jawline, a beautiful set of blue eyes, and adorable blonde hair that looks soft to the touch.
Meanwhile, Steve couldn't help to smile wider and wider as the seconds went by. He was staring at the most beautiful lady he had ever seen. Her pictures were stunning but seeing her through the video call was even better. He could only imagine seeing her in person.
"Hi," Steve greets with his deep voice.
"Hello, Steve," Peggy replies softly with her English accent, making the man in front of her smile even more.
"I finally heard your voice,"
"I finally met you,"
The two suddenly chuckle shyly as they realize that they have finally achieved what they have yearned for quite some time.
Peggy suddenly saw it was still July 4, 11:59 PM.
"It's still your birthday," Peggy comments.
Steve sniggers in joy, "I guess it is…the best birthday yet,"
To be continued…