I wrote the beginning of this scene as part of a final project on the value of fanfiction, and it was a lot of fun to flesh it out a bit more for Steggy Week! I imagine this AU sticks pretty close to the movie up through Westley's fight with Fezzik and begins to diverge here at what would be the battle of wits with Vizzini. (By the way, I have MCU characters in mind for most of the major roles even though they aren't mentioned here, so feel free to ask about mine or include your own candidates in the comments!)

Steve crested the hill, expecting to see Zola with some kind trap on the other side. The vial of iocain powder was heavy in his pocket. A small sitting area was set up as he expected, but instead of Zola, Peggy was sitting on the far side. Steve's heart skipped at seeing her up close after all this time, but he strode firmly to meet her, not sure what kind of welcome either he or his pirate persona should expect.

"I thought I'd find Zola here," he said.

"So did he," Peggy said. "However, with his guards gone, it was a simple thing to knock him out. I tied him up with the same ropes he used on me. I think he's over in those bushes, if you want him."

"I was only chasing him because of you," Steve said. "You're free and seem to have dealt with him. I see no need to wake him from his nap."

Peggy didn't react to his poor attempt at a joke. "And why are you so interested in me?"

"You don't think it could have something to do with your love? That, uh," Steve was terrible at undercover work. Why had he ever thought it was a good idea to talk to Peggy as someone else? "That seems like a lack of foresight."

Peggy glared at him. "My fiancé is not actually the center of the world, whatever he may think, and my love is dead. I do not tolerate people confusing the two." She glared at him. "But I assume you already know that. You'd have heard it if you listened to any gossip at all before setting off to play third wheel to my kidnapping."

Steve had heard the rumors, but he wanted to be sure of Peggy's feelings before abruptly reappearing in her life. He'd expected a longer conversation, but he couldn't do this anymore.

"You're right," he said, "I have heard the rumors, but you're also wrong." He took a deep breath and lifted the mask. "I am here about your love."

Peggy stared at him. Steve's heart was pounding faster than it had when he proposed, and if this went on much longer, he thought his muscles would snap from the tension.

Finally she spoke. "Steve?" There was a quiver in her voice that spoke to years of grief.

"It's me, Peggy," he said, stepping forward softly. "I'm so sorry I'm late."

Then she ran to him and they were both crying and laughing and holding on to each other like they would never let go. When they at last pulled away enough to see each others's faces, Peggy ran her eyes over his black pirates' garb and raised an eyebrow.

"No wonder I didn't recognize you. Please tell me you have a good reason for looking like another evil kidnapper?"

"To be fair, I did think I was going to free you from your previous kidnapper," Steve said. "Some would consider that kidnapping as well, but I should have known you'd handle it on your own."

"I've handled a lot of things on my own these past few years." Peggy's eyes were serious now. "Please—never die like that again. I couldn't bear it."

Steve nodded, knowing there was still much to explain but that this was a promise he would always make. "As you wish."