"Eva...", Steve blushed as Bucky chuckled. "Well, you two wouldn't mind if I break away with the other girls then, would you? Wouldn't want to show you up, Steve.", he teased as Steve rolled his eyes.
Peggy giggled, "Oh, of course not. Go ahead.", before giving a hand, "Shall we, Steve?", looking at Steve with a smile, and with a deep breath, Steve stood up from his seat, taking Peggy's hand, inwardly in awe of Peggy's flawless, soft skin, and he gulped nervously as he was practically smaller than Peggy, only a half head shorter than her.
"You're very lucky that I'm not in heels. One of the unfortunate effects for my job.", Peggy remarked, and Steve chuckled, "Let me guess, you don't like heels?".
Peggy smirked, "They're effective for talking down idiots, but they're not good for just sitting down on the couch, you know?", seeing that Steve is nervous, and is trying to ease him into the dance, happy that he's not looking down like a pervert.
"I can imagine... from hearing what a few women I've known in my life have said in the past...", Steve said as Peggy nodded. "Yep... so, were you having any plans this evening by the way, Steve?", she asked.
Steve shrugged, "I'm curious about the Stark Expo, as it's a big thing around here for a few days. I heard that Howard Stark got some newfangled inventions to show off tonight as it's the first day of the Expo. And even if I know Bucky is going to lecture me again, I'm giving it one last shot to sign up for the war. I know...I look weak and puny, but I'm stubborn and I don't know when to give up until I need to, you know? Beyond that...probably head home and draw some stuff...".
"You're an artist?", Peggy asked as Steve nodded. "Yeah, was going through art school when the attack happened; then Bucky and I quickly rushed to sign up. Of course, he obviously was accepted; he's in way better shape than me.", Steve explained. "He'll probably be shipping out for training in a few weeks with the army.".
"Well, you might not believe it, but there might be a place in the military for an artist; whether on the home front or maybe even close to the front lines.", Peggy said.
Steve raised an eyebrow, "You think so?", and Peggy smiled, "If you're good at sketching people out of soldiers' descriptions or even the top generals' descriptions, it's possible.".
"Sounds like you know some stuff.", Steve commented, and Peggy scoffed, "I'm a secretariat of an army scientist... Sure, it's simple enough with filling out paperwork and typewriting out reports from lazy soldiers who relay to my boss, but it's damn boring...I wish I'd be something more...I'm not made for being a nurse, even though I know a bit already thanks to my mum.", with a sigh.
"Yeah, I know the feeling, seems like almost everyone wants to fight now but there are so many that can't or won't be allowed.", Steve sighed as Peggy nodded.
"Well, that certainly could change perhaps; after all, you never know.", Peggy chuckled. She was already getting a good idea about who Steve was, perhaps he was the right person that Erskine and Phillips were looking for.
Steve smiled softly, feeling weird, but like weird-good when he sees her smile, and strangely enough, he has a feeling that Eva would be beautiful if she goes all the way beyond her abilities and lovely looks, unknowing that it is just a disguise, and replied, "Somehow I believe you, Eva.".
Peggy blushed, smiling widely before remarking, "You're a natural, Steve. You didn't even step on my feet.", and Steve, surprised, shocked that he's dancing, looked down before blushing and looked away politely when he realized he had peeked at her modestly covered blue dress of her breasts like a pervert for three little seconds, "Sorry!", ashamed, even if Peggy saw that it was only a few harmless seconds, just enough to be innocent, not leering.
"Steve, look at me...You're even better than those idiot soldiers...Your mother clearly taught you well. It's really infuriating at work, trust me...", Peggy whispered, as she knows that she's right, saying the truth.
"Thank you...", Steve said as he took a step back, "Believe me, I didn't mean anything by that.". Peggy smiled, hearing that, "I know. Well then... this night certainly will be memorable now, my previous date's loss. Anyways, shall we head to that expo? I'm curious to see what Stark has in mind especially with the war breaking out.".
Steve nodded, "Sounds good to me...", as they got back to grab Steve's jacket and Peggy's purse within Steve's jacket, even though she knew her most important things are lined in secret pockets of her dress; her army id, her small pocket gun, and her tools for escaping a locked room and all.
After all, she's trained to be an agent through and through. They stepped out of the dance floor of the bar, and Steve saw Peggy shiver at the slight chill as night is already out, and Steve cleared his throat, "Eva?", offering his jacket.
Peggy smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Steve. I didn't count for the slight chill as those quarter sleeves were warm enough back inside.", tucking Steve's jacket around her. Steve smiled in understanding, "It's no problem, and besides, Mom would kill me if I wasn't a gentleman besides dancing and all.", offering his arm.
Giggling, Peggy took his arm as they walked to the Stark Expo that's in Queens which is not too far for a nice stroll, "Well, I'd have to thank her someday.".
Steve's mood darkened a bit as he sighed, "Sadly, you'd never get that chance unless you visited her grave.", as Peggy's mind soon clicked by what he meant.
"Oh...", Peggy stopped. "I'm sorry... I didn't know... I know how you feel though... I just lost a brother recently myself..." Steve frowned, "May I ask what happened if it's okay? You don't have to tell me if you're not ready.".
Peggy smiled softly, "It's okay, Steve, and besides, I need to keep remembering him...If you hadn't noticed my slight British accent by now, I moved from Britain long ago, and my brother, he had to finish boarding school over there as my parents wanted me to be safe...Anyway, he signed up for the army sometime later, and he...he didn't make it...He was saving many lives while trying to hold the perimeter when Britain forces were trying to escape France.", with a hand wiping a couple of tears away from a cheek.
"Left behind at Dunkirk...", Steve whispered. "Certainly probably saved Britian for sure from the sounds of things.", with an exhale.
"The Germans may still hold much of the continent, but Britian still stands... and of course, now America is coming to join too...", Peggy replied quietly.
"HEY! THE KRAUTS JUST DECLARED WAR ON US!", someone shouted as the two of them looked to each other and walked over to where a bunch of people were listening to a radio in a shop.
"'-has strictly adhered to the rules of international law in her relations with the United States during every period of the present war, the Government of the United States from initial violations of neutrality has finally proceeded to open acts of war against Germany. The Government of the United States has thereby virtually created a state of war. The German Government, consequently, discontinues diplomatic relations with the United States of America and declares that under these circumstances brought about by President Roosevelt Germany too, as from today, considers herself as being in a state of war with the United States of America.' That was the letter from Germany's Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop to our acting ambassador in Germany Leland B. Morris.'", the man on the radio said.
"Welp... so much for just being at war with Japan.", Steve said as Peggy nodded; very deeply relieved to hear that the Germans declared war on the United States. It might have been a bit difficult for Roosevelt to convince congress to declare war on Germany since they 'technically' hadn't committed any aggressive acts against the States like Japan had done. But now that pretty much was all mute now as Hitler did the job for him.
Peggy replied, "I know you're probably anxious to go sign up right now, but can you please spare some time while we're going to the Expo?", and Steve replied, "Hey, I would never leave in the middle of a date, especially when this is my first date...", with a blush.
Peggy gasped in mock surprise, "No! What about school when you were a teenager?", as they reluctantly left the shop, as a crowd was gathered, listening to the radio.
"Yeah... school was rough; not much different to what I am now. I was just lucky that Bucky was watching out for me during that time, or I might not be here today, if I'm honest.", Steve said.
Peggy exhaled, "Really?", her heart beating in terror at the thought of not being able to see Steve as he's clearly one of the good men.
Steve nodded, "I get sick easily if I don't watch myself, along with a couple of things that's embarrassing for a man...", with a sigh, and Peggy realized that Steve is not a good runner as he's an asthmatic, and she can guess easily of what he meant by embarrassing in a man's perspective of having a woman.
"Yet you have a strong heart, and a kind personality, and of course, being cute doesn't hurt.", Peggy smiled wryly, and Steve blushed, smiling, "Thanks, Eva...It's not every day a lady compliments me for those things.".
"Well, today's not any normal day...", Peggy said as Steve nodded. "For better or worse.", he replied as she nodded as it was very much true, "Come on, let's head to the Expo, before the crowds get really bad."
Steve smiled, and so they strolled on for several minutes, making it to the Start Expo, and Steve whistled in appreciation at all the inventions on display by several scientists, "If only I had my drawing pad, this would be incredible...".
Peggy chuckled softly, "I think you might have to ask for permission on that one, through I'm sure the food stands wouldn't mind a glimpse in your drawing pad.", and Steve realized that he had forgotten something.
"I know it's not proper date food, but would you like a hot dog? I think I have some dimes in a pocket somewhere.", glancing at his jacket upon Peggy's shoulders...She looks really pretty in his jacket.
"Sure, believe it or not, I actually have never really tried one before.", Peggy told him as he smiled. "Well, it sort of depends. Some folks make them better than others... hopefully we'll get some good ones.", Steve chuckled.
Peggy smiled softly, "Lead the way. You probably know the best hot dog carts.", and Steve grinned, "I don't know about the best, but a few food carts are pretty excellent, considering their brand and all.", leading her warmly.
After pulling out some dimes from Steve's jacket pocket via Peggy, the couple went to eat their hot dogs, keeping to classic tastes as they sat down on a bench, "Oh, this is so good!", Peggy exclaimed excitedly as she ate almost eagerly yet delicately.
Steve chuckled, "Classic never fails. It's never wrong to have a hot dog on a good day or a bad day.", between bites of his hot dog. He had plenty of memories involving Bucky and hot dogs, but here, on his first date, with a woman who likes him for him, it's like a dream!
Dancing, strolling, conversating, and now eating...What would be better than this? As they almost got to the end of their hot dogs, Steve glances at Peggy and blinks, "You got something right there.".
Peggy blinks before moving her lips and tongue to search for the droplet of mustard or ketchup, missing it, and Steve stammers, "Not quite. Here, let me help you.", using a napkin as he leans in, and wipes the droplet away, "Got it.", before realizing that he was close, looking into her eyes and all.
"My, what a gentleman you are... if one would guess, you'd be mistaken for an Englishman, almost.", Peggy teased as Steve blushed, "I just do what I would think a good guy would do on a date with a fantastic woman...".
Peggy blushed, smiling shyly, "You think I'm fantastic?", and Steve nodded softly, "Who wouldn't? You probably hear it from other guys...".
"No, not really...I get it when they say pretty, lovely face, pair of legs that go on forever, but fantastic...Well, let's say that second and third dates are rare for me...", Peggy shrugged softly.
Steve scowled, "That's absolutely ridiculous! I'd gladly go for a second and third date with you, Eva!", and Peggy blinked in surprise, "Really? Even if I'm not one of those dames who has a one or two-night stand beyond...what was that phrase I heard...Went all the way to home base?", quietly saying the last part, even if the Stark Expo is noisy and all.
"I'm not that kind of guy looking for a woman like that. I'm not the kind of guy that wants to go all the way to home base in such a quick fashion. I'm a guy who likes to take it slow, to make it worth something... maybe I'm a bit old fashioned even for this day and age... but... it's the truth.", Steve told her.
Peggy smiled, "That's actually what I like to hear...You have no idea how many idiot soldiers that have the look, and I had to refer to my job to ignore it, and so they walk off, and I save myself. Through there's something I've been thinking of...Is a kiss too fast for a first date?".
Steve blushed, hearing that as he gulped before he regained his composure. "Well, that fully depends on you... personally I think the first date might even still be a bit too fast.", he admitted as she chuckled.
"Well, I certainly hope you wouldn't make a girl wait dozens of times before finally taking that first kiss.", Peggy smiled. Steve shook his head, "I'm not even that rude...And honestly, I wouldn't make you wait dozens of times...Perhaps the next date?", with a small smile.
Peggy smiled, "Are you asking me out, Steve?", and Steve blushed, "Maybe?", and Peggy smiled, "Well, I'd have to check my schedule, but I think I'll be free for another one.", before noticing that they had finished their hot dogs, and replied, "Let's see what Stark got for his inventions, unless you want to sign up now?".
Steve exhaled deeply, "I think I got a bit of time then before I head to sign up.", with a warm smile, and Peggy smiled, "Good.", and they got up to head to the main stage where they heard people cheering as Howard Stark showed up.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you all enjoy tonight's several showings of excellent ideas that has turned into inventions. Take me for example. Right behind me is a hovering car. With more configuration and such, who knows? It might be a flying car! Now, this is just a prototype, so don't get too excited or you'll faint at a miracle.", as he pushed a button on his remote holder, and the car slowly lifted up, shaking and hovering.
Everyone in the crowd gasped and gaped in awe and shock and admiration as the car kept up for several seconds before it thudded back into the stage, loudly with sparks at the wheels.
Howard Stark laughed as everyone cheered, "With that, I introduce you to the Stark Expo where several scientists from everywhere is eager to show what they got for the world, not just for you or me, but for anyone who needs it. So, welcome to the very first Expo's Fair where the future waits for you all!".
Peggy smiled, "I don't know about you, but I'd prefer the near future better...", and Steve hummed, "Like what?".
"The war ending, the world at peace, and more dates with you...hopefully settling down with the right partner, perhaps in you.", Peggy looked at him with a kind gesture of squeezing his arm gently, "I hope I'm not too forward like that, but there's something about you, Steve...".
Steve blushed as he took a deep breath, "Well... I certainly could imagine the idea; but I think we should at least take it slow... after all; probably going to be a long road to victory.".
Peggy nodded as she glanced around when she saw Phillips and Erskine. Phillips split off, leaving Erskine to talk with what looked to be a few folks in both science and engineering fields if she had to guess.
Peggy smiled, "Well, this date's not over yet, if you want to see more?", and Steve smiled widely, strolling with her side by side as they checked out a few more inventions.
And then Steve noticed the sign-up post, exhaling, and Peggy noticed, taking a deep breath, "Steve, there's something I have to tell you, but not here...I know a place inside that building where we can talk privately, because of my job...Do you trust me?", not wanting to see Steve looking betrayed if Phillips reveals her in there, as she decently knew that Erskine had known of her but hadn't met her properly yet.