Chapter 7: Unpredictable 2017
August 31, 2016
Trinity College Cambridge
7:47 AM
It was the first day of university and Peggy could feel a buzz run throughout her body. She walked purposefully towards the Trinity Great Gate, one of the ever-famous sights in the college.
Ever since she had arrived last Sunday, with her parents surprising her by driving her to Trinity, she had an awe feeling about her coming days. Surprisingly, she was teary-eyed when she bid goodbye to her parents, even if Amanda Carter quickly dismissed the tears and urgently asked to go home.
Since then, she had the leisure to unpack her things in her own time, roam around the dorm building, visit the college, and stroll around Cambridge.
Now that it was Wednesday, which was the scheduled student orientation and school tour, Peggy was excited to begin her life at uni. Wearing her white and blue striped sweater tucked in her high-waisted jeans, and sporting white sneakers, Peggy was ready for a long tour around the campus.
As soon as she enters the entrance to the main college, she sees students loitering around in the open area, waiting for the exact time before heading towards the main college lobby. Peggy looked around and saw some students she met at the dorm. She was glad to make acquaintances with them.
"Carter!" someone called her, making the brunette look around and quickly spot the person.
Peggy smiled as she waved at her new acquaintance, "Hill, you're surprisingly earlier than me again,"
The brown-bob-haired girl approached her with a smirk on her lips, "Well, didn't want to be late for the orientation," she said. "I'm an American and we don't tend to be late. But I uphold a stricter punctuality principle than most Americans,"
Peggy chuckles at that, "Well, then, it's good to have you as a roommate then. I don't have to worry about disturbing your sleep,"
"Oh, trust me, even if I'm asleep, your noise won't bother me," Maria Hill then chuckles as she points at herself, "I sleep like a dead person, but quick on her feet when awake."
Peggy shook her head as she grinned in amusement.
Maria Hill is a foreign student at Trinity College—an American, born in Chicago. After arriving last week, Maria had been staying in the dorm, settling in as a new student at the college. She had no friends when she arrived. But as soon as Peggy Carter entered their shared dorm room, she knew that this English girl was one hell of a force to be reckoned with.
"So, do we start classes immediately after the school tour?" Maria asked as she walked next to the brunette.
"I don't think so," Peggy then brought out her class schedule, "Although, in the next three days, it's more of getting acquainted and settled in with the classes. Official classes will start on Monday,"
"Great!" Maria beamed, tucking her hands in the back pockets of her pants, "There's more time to explore and get familiar with the place,"
"Definitely," Peggy replies, smiling as she thinks of her plans for later, "Do you want to join me later this afternoon? I was planning to check the different places around here,"
"Sure, count me in," Maria grins at her new friend.
… … … … …
August 31, 2016
Auburndale Art School
2:15 PM
"Last 15 minutes, everyone. Do your finishing touches for the day and then continue it next week," Mr. Gildarts shouted as he walked around the studio, checking on each student's work. He then spots his favorite student.
"Rogers, that's a nice start there," the professor said, tapping the blonde's shoulder, who leaned back to check his work.
Steve looked up in surprise as he saw his professor standing next to him. His cheeks reddened at the compliment before looking back at his sketch on the large canvas.
"What's the inspiration behind that pedestrian lane?" Mr. Gildarts then crosses his arms as he tilts his head to the side, thinking, "Out of all the ordinary things we see around us, why that?"
Steve stared intensely at the canvas as he tried to think of an explanation. In truth, it was simple to explain. The pedestrian lane had a personal sentiment for him. It was at that moment in London that everything seemed to change and somehow made sense for him. It was at that moment, that he fortified that he had strong feelings for Peggy, which could be the 'L' word, but he won't say it just yet. It's probably too early to say so. But he's sure it's between that line.
"Um, it's the definition of ordinary. Pedestrian crossing can be found anywhere, and it's always there. What we don't realize is that we're grateful for it because it gets us to the other side. And sometimes getting to the other side means a lot for people," Steve suddenly had a soft smile on his lips, as he remembered how Peggy grabbed his hand and entwined it as they crossed the street.
"Well, aren't you philosophical," Mr. Gildarts then sniggers as he didn't expect the reason of the student. "Great job, today, Rogers." He then claps his back before leaving the blonde.
Steve sighs in relief as his professor leaves and shouts some reminders again. Looking back one more time at his drawing, Steve couldn't help but smile at the memories he recalls in London. He may have been late to attend school for the year because of all the travel he did for Stark Art Gallery, but he wouldn't trade the experience. Especially, knowing that opportunity led him to finally meet Peggy in person.
Smiling contently at his initial work, Steve quickly put his pencils away and grabbed his canvas to keep it in the storage along with the others. He needs to leave soon, or else he'll be late for his apprenticeship.
… … … … …
Somewhere in Cambridge
7:22 PM
As the night got deeper, Peggy and Maria, along with other new friends they had gained by the end of their first day, their laughter was heard in the streets as they headed back to their dorm buildings. It was exciting to build new friendships in a place where they were all new. They all shared a moment of clumsiness and bewilderment in knowing new people.
Slowing down from their laughter, Peggy and Maria then bid goodbye to their new friends as they all separated and headed home. The two brunettes sighed in contentment as they walked leisurely.
"I can't believe that you actually stole your headmaster's wife's underwear and his expensive brandy," Maria laughed at the story Peggy told them earlier, "All this time, I thought girls studying in a private all-girls school would be prime and proper,"
Peggy laughed at her assumption, "Oh, believe me, my mother thought that too. But apparently, regardless of what school I go to, I'm rumbustious." She sniggers along with the brunette, who looks at her with mirth.
"I can see that," Maria teased, before she wagged her head in amusement, "So, aside from mischief deeds, anything more unruly things you do that your mother might faint on?"
Peggy huffed a laugh, looking away, "Well, just because I was in an all-girls school doesn't mean I'm lesbian," she then smirked when Maria gawked at her.
"I didn't say that" Maria mockingly gawked.
"Oh, I can see it on your face, Hill," Peggy cackled, "I'm not saying that there aren't lesbians in my previous school, because there were, for sure. And I have nothing against it. I'm just saying that I'm not."
Maria hummed in acknowledgment, nodding her head, before looking back at the street. Their building was in view, but they weren't in a rush.
"I'm a lesbian though," Maria muttered softly, biting her lip as she anticipated the gasp. But none came from the English brunette. She then looked at Peggy, who just smiling, stifling her laughter. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing," Peggy sniggers, "It's just that, I had a feeling that you were,"
Maria raised a brow, "Really? And you're not awkward with it?"
"Why would I?" Peggy returns the question with a smile, before rolling her eyes, "Like I said, I don't mind being around lesbians, or gays, or whatever their sexual orientation is. They are just the same as me, a human being."
Maria cracked a soft smile as she ducked her head, "Well, that's really nice you. I can't believe that I got lucky with my roommate,"
"I'm lucky too," Peggy then playfully bumps the American brunette, "I'm glad to have a new friend like you,"
Maria stifles a burst of laughter as she looks away, "So if you're not lesbian, you must be hetero. So, you got a boyfriend?"
"Me?" Peggy points to herself before a flash of a blonde guy with blue eyes and a chiseled jaw crosses her mind. At that thought, she suddenly stops at her pace and stiffens, "Oh my god, what time is it?!"
Maria was alerted at the abrupt stillness of the brunette and checked up on the time, "Uh, it's 7:42 already,"
"Shit!" Peggy cussed before she suddenly sprinted then stopped to turn to Maria, "I have to head back to our dorm first! I'll see you there! Bye!" and with that, Peggy ran towards their dormitory.
Maria tilts her head in confusion as she watches the English brunette speed away and disappears to the next corner.
… … … … …
Peggy scrambles getting inside her dorm room. As soon as the door shut, Peggy walked up to her study table and opened her laptop. She then quickly opened her Skype and impatiently tapped her fingernail at her desk. Grumbling in impatience, Peggy looked up at her wall clock and saw that it was beyond 7:50 already, which meant that Steve was already at the art gallery, starting his shift.
Ever since they met in person last week, Peggy couldn't stand the idea anymore of not seeing Steve in a day. It was not something different in the past years, but, after meeting up, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her day would be incomplete if she wouldn't talk to him. It seemed pertinent that she heard his voice and knew that he was doing fine.
Twang!
"Steve! I'm so sorry!" Peggy rambled as she took her seat and stared at the messy video in front of her, "I was out with some of my new friends that I completely forgot about the time,"
Steve suddenly chuckles at her worried look, "Why are you apologizing? There's no harm done. We're talking,"
"I know, but now…" Peggy's shoulder sags in defeat, "Now, you're walking around the gallery with your phone in front of you and me distracting you at work,"
"It's fine," Steve then turned his phone around and showed her the nearly empty floor of the gallery, "If you didn't notice, the gallery is quite deserted at this hour. People are still preoccupied with their mid-afternoon errands," he then turns the camera around again to show his face, "And besides I know it's your first day so, I'm assuming you would be caught up with your new friends,"
Peggy stared hard at the blonde, who was giving her his infamous smile, "Still," she whined.
She didn't know why she was complaining when she was the one who was late for their video call. It was just so Steve that he'd brush off her lateness when she knew she would make remarks about his tardiness. Maybe, she was also annoyed with herself for how quickly she'd miss their time just because she was in a new environment.
"So, how's the first day?" Steve suddenly asks, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"It was great," Peggy softly smiles as she appreciates Steve's initiation of asking about her day, "We didn't have official classes yet, but we did have orientation and school tours. Quite a walk actually, as there are numerous large buildings and I realized that my classes are in different buildings, so probably I'll need to sprint going to my classes,"
Peggy and Steve then chuckle. At that, Steve shared his experience of running from one building to another only to realize that his class was in the same building.
As the two were getting drawn to their conversation, Peggy didn't notice that Maria had already entered their room. The American brunette quietly entered when she heard Peggy laughing in front of a computer as soon as she opened the door.
When half an hour had passed since she came in, Maria decided to make her presence known. She cleared her throat by Peggy's bedside, making the English brunette jump in her seat.
"Hi," Maria greeted, smirking as she caught the brunette off guard.
Peggy turned around to look at her, with her face flushed in shyness, "Hill! You're here,"
"Yeah, about half an hour ago," Maria grinned before pushing herself off from Peggy's bed and walking up to her on her study table, "Who's the guy?"
"Oh!" Peggy then turned to her laptop once again and leaned to the side to show her roommate, "Steve, this is Maria Hill. Maria, this is Steve Rogers,"
"Hi, Maria!" Steve greeted with a raised hand, almost like he was saluting, "Nice to meet you!"
"Hey, Steve. You're American," Maria noted before looking at the brunette, "I thought I was your first American friend,"
"Oh, no. He is," Peggy then grinned at the blonde, "He was my pen pal in high school,"
"You're what in high school?" Maria bafflingly looked at the two.
"We met through letters. You're from what state?" Steve curiously asks as he tries to figure out her accent.
"Chicago, and you?" Maria then crosses her arms.
"Brooklyn," Steve grinned.
Peggy entertainingly rolls her eyes at their interaction, "Alright you two Americans, do not start which state is better. I'll have none of that,"
The three of them chuckle as they know that it would have happened if Peggy hadn't called out on it.
"So, how did the two of you meet?" Maria curiously asks as she leans on Peggy's desk to look at her and glimpse at the laptop from time to time.
"Letters," Peggy quickly answers before looking back at the blonde, "Letters that weren't supposed to be delivered in North America, but they did,"
Maria suddenly chortles, shaking her head, "When are you two born? Are you guys from the 40s or something? Who meets each other through letters nowadays?"
Peggy rolled her eyes, but before she could retort, Steve spoke, "Believe it or not we have a program called Cultural Bridge Program where we get to make acquaintances with other people from other countries to get to know their culture,"
Maria gawped at his tone, "Okay, but really? America and the UK? I don't think we are any that different,"
Peggy snorts, "Obviously, that's true. But my letter was sent to the wrong country and Steve happened to receive it unexpectedly when their class ran out of letters from Wakanda,"
Maria's eyes grew wide at the great happenstance between the two. She then pushed herself off the desk and crutched down to look at the blonde, "That is one hell of a serendipity,"
"I know…" Steve beamed, before looking at Peggy with gladness in his eyes.
After a while, Maria left Peggy alone to have her conversation with Steve. The American brunette couldn't help but chuckle at how weird destiny or life could be. Another half hour passed again, Peggy finally walked out of her area and headed to their small kitchen to grab some water.
Maria smirked as she remembered the last question she asked Peggy before she dashed to their room, "So, he's the boyfriend?"
Peggy suddenly spurts out water in surprise. She gawked at her roommate as she stumped her fist on her chest, trying to catch her breath.
"Excuse me, what?"
"I asked you a while ago, if you have a boyfriend, and you didn't answer me directly before you ran off and went straight to our room." Maria continued to grin as she noticed the reddening cheeks of the girl, "Then I see you here, hovering over your laptop, laughing with a New Yorker guy…That only seems to be like a boyfriend-girlfriend thing,"
Peggy was silent, gawking at her roommate's assessment of that brief instance. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she quickly schooled her face to be neutral, "Steve is not my boyfriend, but he is my best friend,"
"Just best friend?" Maria teased.
"Yeah," Peggy then walked past the brunette quickly to avoid any further questions.
"But you do have a boyfriend?" Maria followed up as she turned to follow her roommate.
Peggy turns around to look at her inquisitive roommate, and slowly smirks, "No, I don't…though, I think it's right to say, I don't have yet, maybe soon," she then winked at Maria causing her to laugh.
September 24, 2016
Brooklyn, New York
9:28 AM
Working in the living room, Steve concentrated on his painting project. He was supposed to submit the final product last week, but because of his apprenticeship, his time to finish it on time had been compromised. As an accommodation to his present curriculum, Mr. Gildarts gave him the deadliest deadline, which was on Monday. So, Steve tries to work on his painting and do the final touches.
Steve has been trying to juggle his time with classes and Stark Art Gallery. Because of that, he had not enough time to work on his school projects. As a third-year college student, many of his classes were output-based assignments and he tries his best to catch up on many of his school requirements. But being an apprentice to a popular art gallery was time-consuming too. Nevertheless, he was grateful for the opportunity.
Being an apprentice at the Stark Art Gallery made him use all his background in art history and art appreciation. Shadowing an art curator was fulfilling too, as he was encouraged to explore various art forms and learn more about them to be able to present the art to the public in an interesting storytelling way. Steve couldn't be happier with his change of job. He finally had a job that was in line with his passion. Although, working for Mr. Philips in Brooklyn Daily Eagle was also remarkable to him as he learned to be opinionated about things that matter.
Unaware of his surroundings, Steve barely noticed that Bucky had woken up and looked at him curiously.
"Since when did you finish your painting?" Bucky asks, startling the blonde.
"Shit!" Steve quietly cussed, jumping as he pulled his hand back to avoid swiping his paintbrush in the wrong way. He then turns around to glare at his best friend, "Jerk! You scared the shit out of me,"
Bucky snorts, "Sorry. I didn't mean to start you. But seriously, punk, when did you finish your painting? This wasn't like this last night,"
Steve sighs in tiredness, "I worked on it, obviously,"
Bucky raised a brow, "I know, but what time did you start?"
Steve tried to act nonchalant, shrugging his shoulders, "Around 3 AM," he then sheepishly smiled at his best friend who was scowling at him, "Peggy made an accidental call and I happened to be having a hard time sleeping so, after her call I worked on it,"
"And you haven't slept since," Bucky frowns at his conclusion.
"I'll be fine, I promise," Steve then turned away from the brunette and started working again, "I'll be finished soon. And once done, I'll catch up on sleep,"
Bucky could only roll his eyes before turning away from the blonde and began to work up some breakfast for himself and Steve. As he handed Steve the sandwich, he lazily dropped himself on the couch to watch TV.
Time passed by and Bucky noticed how Steve immediately slipped into his focused zone. He would glimpse at the blonde and see him completely unaware of his surroundings to the point that he had forgotten to eat his sandwich again after one bite.
Bucky tsked, shaking his head, "Punk, eat up," he briefly looked at the blonde, who was startled a little before doing what he was told to do. Bucky then returns his attention to the television.
Soon enough, the time was close to lunch when Steve sighed in contentment and put down his paintbrush on his dirty cup of water.
"I'm done," Steve remarked leaning back to appreciate the painting he finished.
"Let me see," Bucky then stood up from the couch and stood behind the blonde.
He stared at the painting that was a pedestrian crossing, with night lights gleaming in the background and a few people gathering on one side. One person stood on a platform, and another held a guitar.
"Where is this?" Bucky curiously asks.
"Charlotte Road," Steve simply replies, before a smile appears on his lips.
"Where's that?"
"London,"
"Oh…" Bucky then chortles, "Have you told her yet?"
Steve held his breath for a second, before shaking his head, "No…"
"Why not?" Bucky felt stunned at the admittance, making him turn his best friend to face him. But even as he did, the blonde kept his eyes low, deliberating keeping his attention to his task of cleaning his hands with a dirty cloth.
"She's busy and she doesn't need distractions like this," Steve then looked up at his best friend and huffed in finality. His lips slightly lifted as a reassurance, but it barely conveyed it.
"Steve," Bucky called as he followed the blonde, who quickly stood up and headed to the kitchen, "I don't think telling her how you feel about her would be a distraction,"
"Trust me Buck, she has a lot on her plate nowadays. She doesn't need another thing to think about," Steve shrugs his shoulders.
"But Steve—"
"Buck," Steve sternly looked at his best friend, "Drop it,"
Bucky stares at Steve for a long moment, contemplating whether to push further or not. But with the growing frown on the blonde, Bucky was left to sigh and keep silent.
October 27, 2016
Student Castle Cambridge Dormitory
11:23 PM
"I'm going to bed," Maria announced as she shut her laptop down and pushed her computer chair backward. "Don't stay up too late, Carter. You don't have to perfect the midterm exams tomorrow,"
Peggy snorts at her roommate's comment. She then sighs in tiredness as she leans back on her computer chair and lets it swivel around. She has been feeling exhausted with all the paper projects that she had to submit prior to the midterm week, and now the exams themselves.
She then heard Maria stand up from her chair and pushed it back in place. Peggy then slowed down her chair to face her roommate, "How many more exams do you have tomorrow?"
"Just one more and then a midterm paper project," Maria shook her head, "I cannot do another hour of writing. My brain is fried,"
Peggy lets out a chortle for a moment before sighing in defeat. Maria quickly catches the brunette's growing frown on her lips. "Are you and Steve, okay?" she asks, making Peggy look up at her with surprise.
"Yeah, why'd you ask?" Peggy tilts her head in wonder.
"You guys haven't called each other this week," Maria then turns around to grab her pajamas, to appear less worried, "It's quite odd not to hear you laugh or him, making you laugh," she then glances at the brunette over her shoulder.
Peggy was looking down at her fumbling hands, "I know…" she then exhaled jadedly, "It's just that, I've been so preoccupied with studying for the midterms that I can't even hold an hour-long conversation with him. He told me it was alright, that I should focus on my exams, which I think I really should," She then looked up at her roommate, "But honestly, I miss him,"
Maria couldn't help the small genuine smile on her lips, "You really do like him, huh?"
Peggy astoundingly looked at her roommate, "Pardon me?"
"Why haven't you told him yet?" Maria asks, ignoring her surprised look.
"Uh-um…" Peggy swallowed hard as she felt her heart beat stronger, "I…I don't think I should be worrying about that right now." She then shook her head, "A lot of things are happening in school. He has a lot going on too, with his school and work—I-I don't think he'd want some emotional dilemma to think about,"
Maria stared dubiously, "So, you're just going to leave everything hanging?"
Peggy kept quiet for a second, thinking about it. She then huffed in surrender, "It's not like it would be an ideal kind of relationship. He's in New York, and I'm in London," she suddenly felt a pinch in her heart at the realization, and it worsened when she said, "I don't even know if we'll ever meet in person again,"
"So, just like that?" Maria furrows her brows, "From what I've seen from the both of you, I think the two of you would try to work it out, regardless."
Peggy shook her head, "It doesn't matter. It's not my priority nowadays. Steve will always be my friend. Whatever spark we have, it will be there if it does exist," she then turned away and resumed her studies. Obviously, not interested in having that conversation anymore.
Maria could only stare, baffled at the brunette, before sighing in loss and shrugging it off.
November 8, 2016
Trinity College Cambridge
10:33 AM
The final bell for the hour chimed indicating the end of their class. Soon enough, everyone started packing up as Peggy's professor wrapped up her lecture and reminded them of their reading assignment for the week.
As Peggy closes her notebook and puts her things away, one of her classmates suddenly walks up to her, making her glance up in attention.
"Hello, Kevin," Peggy greets, smiling before returning to her previous task.
"Hey, Marge," the said classmate then takes the empty seat next to Peggy, making her quirk an eyebrow, "So, our next class is in about two hours after,"
"Yes, I know," Peggy nonchalantly replies, before looking back at the redhead, "What about it?"
"Do you want to have lunch with me?" Kevin then smiled at the brunette, who was stunned a little at the sudden invitation.
"Oh…" Peggy bashfully stared at her classmate, "Do you mean as a casual lunch or—"
"Like a date," Kevin frankly states, smiling after, "I believe there is no one who will be offended if I ask you out,"
Peggy was astounded for a second before her frown suddenly appeared, "And why would you think that?"
Kevin shrugs his shoulders, "People talk. But I don't care actually if you're dating someone or not, I really want to ask you out,"
Peggy suddenly gave a sarcastic smile, "Well, my answer is no, thank you. I'm having lunch with Hill, my girlfriend," she then stood up and sharply pulled her backpack over her shoulder and turned away from the stunned redhead.
As soon as Peggy leaves the hall, she spots her American roommate. She immediately called her and skipped towards her.
"What's with the rush?" Maria teased, "You're going to call New York?"
Peggy stunned looked at Maria before chuckling and looking away, "No, Steve is probably still asleep. His class starts at 10 every Tuesday."
Maria sniggers, amused by how Peggy knew Steve's schedule and yet claims they were just best friends. If that was her, she'd put that kind of effort into her girlfriend.
"I can't believe students here are such nosy people," Peggy suddenly muttered, snapping Maria out of her thoughts.
She raised a brow, "What do you mean?"
"Kevin Williams, my classmate, said that people talk about me not having a boyfriend, hence the promiscuous invitation of a lunch date," Peggy then groans, shaking her head in displeasure.
Maria chortles, making Peggy scowl at her roommate, "Well, what did you expect? They all think you're pretty,"
Peggy rolled her eyes in annoyance, "And who'd think that?"
"Majority of the students on campus," Maria says, stifling her laugh, "You're on the list,"
"What list?" Peggy irately states.
"The list," Maria then stopped and halted Peggy as well, "You do know what I'm talking about, right?"
"No," Peggy exasperatedly uttered, widening her brown eyes, "What list are you talking about?"
"Uhh…" Maria gawped for a second before she chuckled and scratched her head, "The Trinity Pretties and Handsomest Students 2016."
"What the hell is that list?" Peggy then shook her head, "Where is that list?"
"There is this student community online, called Trinity Secret Wall," Maria grinned, "And they named Margaret Elizabeth Carter, the prettiest student of the Human, Social, and Political Sciences Program. Congrats," she then teased, making Peggy roll her eyes and grumble walking away.
Maria couldn't help but laugh and chase after her roommate.
November 18, 2016
Stark Art Gallery, New York
4:07 PM
Knock! Knock!
Steve stops typing as he looks up and anticipates for the person to open the door. As it did, Jenna Rodriguez, one of the assistant art curators peeked her head in and smiled at the blonde apprentice.
"Hey, Steve, are you busy?" Jenna asks as she steps inside the shared office.
"Uh, just finishing up the wall text for art piece #13, why? Is there something I need to do?" Steve then pushes his chair back to stand.
"Agatha wants you to shadow her today as she talks up to a new artist," Jenna then handed a portfolio to Steve, "She wants you to share some artistic opinion about the pieces that the artist brought,"
"Oh," Steve takes the documents and softly smiles as he feels overwhelmed by the trust of their curator, "She wants my opinion?"
"Yep," Jenna smiles proudly at the apprentice, "Agatha may not be as friendly as she looks, but she likes your perspective about art. Well, I think it's given since you are an artist yourself. It just makes sense,"
Steve huffs a laugh as he ducks his head, "Well, I'm not yet a graduate yet—"
"So?" Jenna gave a dubious look, "Diploma or not, you are one heck of a talented person. I think out of all the interns that the gallery I encountered here, you are the most sensible and perspective person I've met. Many of our interns aren't that interested in the curating part as they reason that they were the artists, not curators,"
Steve shook his head in disbelief, "Well, curating is important too. How would artist show their art to people if they wouldn't find a way for others to see it and learn about it? It's just as important as making the art itself,"
Jenna couldn't help but beam at him, "You're such a great guy, Steve." She then suddenly blushed at her admittance, making the blonde blush too. "I mean, you-you're talented and perspective!"
"Um, thanks," Steve bashfully replies before he subtly shakes his head, "Uh, I'll head outside soon. I'll just finish this up,"
"Right! Yes, um, yeah, I'll tell that to Agatha," Jenna then abruptly turns away as she mumbles to herself.
As the door closed, Steve was astounded for a moment by the interaction he had with Jenna. She was the latest assistant curator at Stark Art Gallery and had been working there for a year already. Jenna was relatively a new graduate, making her the youngest assistant. She was the one who related most to him given their close age. It was no wonder that they'd spend more time interacting with one another than with the others.
When Steve finished up his initial task, he quickly grabbed the portfolio and his phone. Steve immediately went out and searched for Agatha, who was probably having a meeting already. He needed to be quick, otherwise, his boss would be frowning at him again.
As Steve hurried to get to the conference room, he took a glimpse of his phone and saw no new notification. Peggy was probably tired and didn't feel like video calling. It had been three days since they spoke through video call. However, he and Peggy still chatted with one another when they had free time. And those times were getting rare by the time.
Swiftly tapping on his phone, Steve checked on his social media and saw that Peggy had seen his last message but didn't reply. He stared at their conversation.
-November 17 AT 7:49 PM-
Isn't Diane your partner for the presentation? sgrogersart
wellpeggy she is
wellpeggy apparently, she'd rather ignore me than help me just so her boyfriend wouldn't tag along.
wellpeggy I don't really get her problem about that.
wellpeggy I don't care
wellpeggy If she's not helping, I'm not writing her name on the presentation.
Have you talked to her yet? sgrogersart
Maybe she can't focus on her studies if her boyfriend is around sgrogersart
Steve sighs as he shakes his head, trying to dispel the growing wariness he feels nowadays. He expected this to happen, that by the time Peggy gets to university, her time to video call or chat with him would be altered to the point that ceased. But he won't feel bad about it. He was guilty of it too. There were times that Peggy would call, and he'd be unavailable to do some training in the gallery. Their schedule just doesn't blend in anymore recently, and he can't be frustrated about it. Besides, he had no right to demand time from Peggy when they were just friends.
It was probably the right decision that he didn't tell her how he felt. In that way, Peggy doesn't have to feel awkward about it and feel the need to tell him that they wouldn't work. It was better to be friends from a distance rather than be strangers at all.
Sighing in defeat, Steve shoved his phone into his pocket and quickened his feet. He was very late.
December 16, 2016
Trinity College Cambridge, London
4:08 PM
As everyone files out of the building, Peggy sighs in respite. Looking up at the grayish sky, tucking her hands further in her puffer jacket, she enjoys the cloudy huff of her breath. Final exams were finally done, and all of her final papers were submitted. Winter break is finally here.
Peggy beams at the thought that she could finally rest and catch up on some sleep. She'd be going home tomorrow morning, dragging Maria with her to Hampstead given that Maria had no place to go for the break. She was excited to come home as she had missed it. She'd be meeting up with friends too once she's in Hampstead. Gemma had some news to tell her and she's excited about it.
She then remembered her blue-eyed overseas best friend. As she starts her way back to the dorm, Peggy pulls out her phone and quickly taps on one of her social media accounts. Steve was online, making her more excited as she tapped on the video icon.
As the call rang, Peggy quickly put on her earphones and placed her phone in front of her. Soon enough, Steve appears on her screen.
"Hello, Steve!" Peggy greets, smiling widely.
"Hey, Pegs!" Steve greets back with a wide grin on his face, "Guess what?" Peggy just chuckles as she waits for the blonde to continue, "I'm finally finished with all my projects!"
Peggy beams at him, "Submitted on time?"
"Yep!" Steve laughed along with her.
"Congratulations, Steve! For the first time in your third-year college life, you submitted requirements on time!" She laughed, shaking her head in amusement, "Your professors must have been surprised,"
"Oh, believe me, Professor Harrison didn't expect my final paper would be handed over along with my classmates. She even called out my name and asked if it was real," Steve chuckles again. When they slowed down in their laughter, he looked straight at her, "How about you? How's the exams?"
"Marvelous, as usual," Peggy smirked, "I'm finally done too!" she exclaimed, and Steve immediately glowed at her news.
"That's great! You can finally do what you've been craving for," Steve then grinned, "Sleep all day,"
Peggy laughed in confirmation, "Absolutely," she then looked up when someone called her. When she saw it was her dormmates, she waved at them before looking back at Steve, "So, now that you're done with your requirements, what's left for you?"
"Well, nothing much. Although, I'll be busy in the gallery," Steve shrugs his shoulders, "Who knew Mr. Howard Stark likes having Christmas-themed art exhibits?"
Peggy's eyes widen, "Oh, so, you'll be continuing your apprenticeship even on holidays?"
"I have to," Steve shook his head, "A major event had been scheduled by Agatha and said that it was important that all hands would help,"
Peggy somehow felt despondent, "Well, I still hope that you'll get to have some rest. I mean, you work and study at the same time. You've got to take a break. What did Bucky say?"
"Of course, he wasn't thrilled. But it's work and…it pays, so, I gotta do what I gotta do," Steve's lips lift slightly but don't reach his eyes, "But I promise, once the event is done, I'll take that break,"
"You should," Peggy tries to smile assuringly, "I heard Angie has a Christmas show,"
"Oh, yeah, she does. I'll be watching her with Bucky and Becca," Steve's cheeks then redden, "I wish you could join us,"
Peggy sighed as she thought the same, "I wish I could too. It would be nice to watch Angie live out her dream and sit next to my friends…especially you,"
The two were then quiet. As Peggy arrived at her dorm building, she looked up to see some of her dormmates stepping out.
"Hey, Peggy! Are you free later? We're planning to go to the Midnight Crown," one of the girls asked as they approached her.
Peggy slowly pulled her phone close to her chest, "Uh, yeah, sure. I'll join you for a couple of hours. I'm heading home tomorrow,"
"Oh really? I'm heading home too. You live in Hampstead, right? You want a ride tomorrow?" Another girl offers the brunette.
"Oh, I don't want to be a bother. My brother is picking me up," Peggy then laughed when she saw the mirth grin of her dormmates.
"Ohh, we're finally meeting the infamous brother," the previous girl said, making them chuckle, "Alright, then, we won't stay out late. Tell Maria too, I'm sure she needs a drink,"
"Definitely," Peggy laughingly said before she bid goodbye to her dormmates, "See you later girls," she then started walking towards the building and pulled her phone away. "Sorry about that,"
"It's alright," Steve muttered after swallowing down his food, "So, you're heading home for Christmas?"
"Yes, mother insists that I come home. But honestly, I wish to be back home too," Peggy chortles in her admittance, "I may not miss my mother's nagging during Christmas dinner but, I miss them tons,"
Steve chortles, "You never know, your mom might lessen the lecture as a Christmas gift,"
"Oh, how I wish," Peggy said, rolling her eyes, delighted. "That would be a generous gift from her,"
The two then laughed before they continued to talk for another half hour.
December 23, 2016
Brooklyn, New York
3:11 PM
Knock! Knock!
"Can someone get that?!" Bucky shouts in the kitchen as the sound of knocking is heard for the second time.
"Alright, I'll get it!" Scott bellowed, standing up from the couch, "Don't you dare move my pieces!"
"I won't!" Morita chuckled, raising his hands in surrender.
Scott immediately opened the door and was a little surprised to see a mailman carrying a package.
"Package for Steven Grant Rogers?" the mailman asked as he offered his clipboard.
"Oh, he's still out," Scott replies, "But this is his apartment, can I receive it for him?"
"Sure, whatever," the mailman tiredly muttered then handed the box with the clipboard on top.
"Okay," Scott shrugs his shoulders as he quickly accepts the package and signs the paper. As soon as he was done, the mailman grabbed the papers and left. Scott bemusedly just stared at the man before shrugging it off.
"Hey, Bucky! Steve got a package," Scott then reads the address, "From Margaret Elizabeth Carter?"
"Oh, nice, it's from Peggy," Bucky then walks up to his co-intern with a knowing smile on his face, "Let me, I'll put it in his room,"
"Who's Peggy?" Scott asks, handing the box to the brunette, "Steve's girlfriend?"
Morita perked up as he remembered the small picture on Steve's desk before, "Steve has a girlfriend already?" he asked in excitement.
Bucky snorts as he shakes his head, "We all wish," he said before disappearing inside Steve's room. When he stepped out again, he continued, "She's the girl that Stevie likes but, they aren't together, yet"
"Oh," Scott smirks mischievously, "When do you think he'll ask her out?"
"I don't know, man. That punk had been pinning over her for more than a year now for sure. It's just a miracle that no one got in between them yet," Bucky says shrugging his shoulders, "I can just hope that punk would do something about it before it's too late,"
December 27, 2016
Carter Residence
9:15 AM
Knock! Knock!
"I'll get it!" Peggy shouts as soon as she hears the knocking. She runs down the stairs and quickly opens it expecting Gemma or Alice. But to her surprise it was a courier, carrying a slightly flat rectangular package.
"Package for Margaret Elizabeth Carter?" the carrier said, asking.
"That's me," Peggy excitedly utters, stepping outside of their home. She then accepts the package and signs her name on the receiving slip.
As she stepped back inside their home, Peggy couldn't help the smile on her lips as she saw that it was a package sent by Steve. It was definitely from him, as she could easily recognize his handwriting already.
She immediately headed to the living room to open her parcel. Soon enough, Michael comes down from his room and sees his sister busy.
"Well, isn't that gift a little too late?" Michael teased as he rounded the couch and sat next to his sister, "Who is it from?"
"Steve," Peggy proudly says before she begins to pull out the object from the rectangular box. She immediately gasps as she recognizes the painting. "It's Charlotte Road," she whispered.
"Charlotte Road?" Michael repeats before looking at the painting, "It's just a pedestrian crossing, how'd you know it's Charlotte Road?"
"Because that's the title of this painting," Peggy muttered firmly, before turning the canvas around. She was surprised once again when she noticed a small letter envelope tucked at the bottom of the frame. She quickly opened it and read the card.
December 13, 2016
Dear Peggy,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I'm giving you the original painting as a remembrance of the most memorable summer I had in 2016. I hope there will be more Charlotte Road experience for us.
Take care and Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Steve
Peggy felt her cheeks warm up as she reread the second to the last line of his message.
I hope there will be more Charlotte Road experience for us.
Her smile broadens, making Michael raise a brow at her but grin in amusement as well. He then curiously asks, "What Charlotte Road experience is he talking about?"
Peggy's cheeks brighten even more as she remembers that her brother was next to her. She quickly slipped the letter back inside the envelope before answering, "Nothing," she then stood up and gathered all of her things before escaping her inquisitive brother.
As soon as she ran up the stairs, Michael was already laughing at his sister's bashful face, "Did you both kiss?!"
"Shut up, Michael!" Peggy bellowed before disappearing inside her room.
January 4, 2017
Trinity College Cambridge
10:32 AM
As the first class for the second term was done for Peggy, she fixed her things back inside her bag as soon as the bell rang. Within minutes she left the hall and headed to go to the library while she waited for her next class.
Seeing familiar faces once again, Peggy casually greets some of her schoolmates while she ignores the lingering looks from some boys and girls, she didn't pay attention to. Now that she has started the spring term, she has become more familiar with the students around her. Just like before, there are factions within the student community. There were those overly grade-conscious students, then there were those relaxed students, and then there were those flirtatious students.
In all honesty, Peggy would rather deal with the two former groups than those flirtatious ones. Students in Trinity were book-smart and relatively grade-conscious, but then, this group of students tended to use their free time to always flirt with somebody just for the sake of flirting. It was horrendous for her, but lucky for them, she'd be willing to look past it as long as they knew what to prioritize.
As Peggy abruptly opens the door to the library, she suddenly stumbles upon another student coming out. They were startled by one another, making them both take a step back.
"Margaret?"
The English brunette suddenly opened her eyes and looked up. Her eyes widened in shock while her mouth gawped, "Fredrick?"
"Hi," Fred Wells suddenly beamed at the realization that it was indeed Margaret Carter standing in front of him, "How are you?"
Peggy was still flabbergasted that she didn't immediately reply. But when another student suddenly stepped out of the library, the brunette girl quickly shook her head to wrap her mind around the scenario in front of her.
"Fred, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Leicester?" Peggy questioned, almost with an accusing tone.
"Ah," the English blonde chuckled, shaking his head, "No, not anymore." Peggy dubiously stared at the blonde, making him chortle even more as he explained himself. "I transferred school,"
"But you can't do that," Peggy quickly retorts.
"Unless I repeat," Fred then gave a knowing smile, as if he was proud.
"Repeat?" Peggy echoed, trying to comprehend it until she grasped the notion, "You're back as a freshman? As what?"
"Economics," Fred gratifiedly states, boasting his chest before remembering he had books in his hands, "See, I got my books ready. I'm all set,"
Peggy astonishingly stared at the blonde, unsure of what to think, and said, "Oh, I see…"
"So, it seems like we'll see each other more often now," the lad then gave a soft smile to Peggy, who quickly quirked an eyebrow at the sudden change of tone and expression.
"I guess we'll do…" Peggy gave a tight-lipped smile before taking a side step to let Fred walk past her, "It's a surprise to see you here. But, have a great stay, Fred,"
"See you around, Margaret," Fred says at last before he watches Peggy enter the library.
February 14, 2017
Trinity College Cambridge
7:52 AM
"I'll go ahead, Pegs!" Maria exclaimed as she finished checking herself in the mirror. She then grabbed her bag and books and headed for the door.
As soon as she opened it, she nearly trampled on a bouquet of roses on the floor. Cussing out at the sudden shift of her footing, Maria stumbled onto the hallway and glared at the sudden obstruction. She glared at the object for a second before she noticed a card.
Maria picked up the bouquet and saw the scribbling of 'Margaret' on the card. Snorting at the cheesy gesture, given that it was Valentine's Day, Maria couldn't help but want to tease her roommate. She was willing to spare a quarter of her time just to annoy the English brunette.
"Hey, Pegs?" Maria called as she stepped back inside their dorm room. She quickly shut their door close and looked for her roommate.
"Maria? I thought you left?" Peggy muttered with a towel on her head, pulling up shirt down, "Did you leave something?"
"Uh, no, but I nearly tripped on something," Maria then smirked, waiting for the other brunette to look at her. When Peggy did, her grin was so wide that it made Peggy raise a brow. "Look what I found," she sang.
"Uh, a bouquet of roses," Peggy then turned away, ignoring the object in Maria's hands.
"Yeah, and guess what?" Maria paused, making the English girl roll her eyes.
"What?" Peggy exasperatedly uttered before turning to look at her roommate.
"It's for Margaret," Maria grinned even wider as she handed the flowers to her, "I have a good guess who is it from,"
Peggy sighed as takes the flowers. She immediately noticed the card and grabbed it to read. As she had suspected, it was from the same guy who had been lingering around her for the past month.
"It's from Fred," Peggy then gave a tight-lipped smile before rolling her eyes and putting down the bouquet on her study table. "He's just being nice,"
"Oh," Maria suddenly sniggers, shaking her head, "I don't think so, Pegs. I mean, just admit it, Fredrick Wells is asking you out,"
"And I'm not interested," Peggy irately denies, before walking passed her roommate, "He knows that I'm not looking to be in a relationship right now. Even back then, he knows I'm not interested,"
"Oh, but that's because you were in constant communication with Rogers," Maria then gave a pointed look, making the English lass silent, "But now, Fred goes to this school and he talks to you more than you get to call Brooklyn boy,"
Peggy's face hardened at the fact being pointed out to her. She hated how it was true, but she refused to accept that. She is certain that she has feelings for Steve and distance is not going to be a bother to her.
"We chat, call, and send each other gifts if we have loads of free time. But right now, I'm busy trying to survive my first year in university while he's trying to survive juggling work and studies. I think that's enough excuse to not pressure each other about…any of these," Peggy flails her hands trying to explain her point.
Sighing in annoyance, she turned away from Maria and began to fix her things, madly, "Hill, if you are enjoying this moment, please have enough of it. I don't care if it's Valentine's Day, go find romance somewhere else,"
Maria's eyes grew wide at the stern tone of the brunette. She quickly sucked in her lips as she felt a certain amount of guilty. She softly then said, "Okay, sorry. I'll go ahead,"
Peggy dropped her shoulders as she heaved in defeat, "Bye, Maria,"
"Bye, Pegs."
… … … … …
February 14, 2017
Stark Art Gallery
7:44 PM
Feeling agitated as he walked around, Steve couldn't stop checking his watch every 5 minutes. It was close to midnight in London, and he hadn't sent Peggy his gift yet.
He made this digital art of her standing by the rose wall bush that they saw in Kew Gardens. It was a spontaneous trip, and Mr. Jarvis thought it would be a nice change of scenery from the museums they were hopping to. He secretly took a picture of her, standing on one side only as she admired the roses. Just like the first picture he had of her. But this time, it was him who took the picture. He wanted to give her that artwork.
But seeing that it's nearly 10 minutes away before it's midnight in London, he was scrambling to get his work done. Out of all the times the gallery had to be busy, it had to be Valentine's Day. Suddenly, people are now interested in having an art exhibit date. He should be happy that people are starting to appreciate art more, and he is happy. It's just that, it's frustrating for him that on the day of love, wherein he planned to surprise the girl he likes, he couldn't show his romantic side to her because other people decided to be romantic too.
"Steven, are you even listening?!" Agatha's voice rang on the third floor, making the blonde jump out of his skin and astonishedly stare at his boss.
"I'm sorry, what?" Steve bashfully asks as he shakes his head, "I was just…"
"Never mind," Agatha groans, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Just check up on the souvenir shop and then help out in closing,"
"Yes, ma'am," Steve then stumbles off to the stairs to get to the main floor.
As Steve made his way to the shop, he quickly pulled out his phone and started opening his email app. He needs to work quickly. He immediately attached the photo to his mail and typed in a very simple message.
Dear Peggy,
Happy Valentine's Day.
You stand out even among the beautiful red roses.
Sincerely,
Steve
As Steve stared at his email for the last time before sending it, he saw the time was 7:59 PM. He quickly taps send.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Peggy," he softly muttered before he shoved his phone into his pants pocket and hurried to get to the souvenir shop.
March 10, 2017
Barnes' Residence
8:23 PM
Mrs. Barnes, Rebecca, Eliza, and Kathrin sang 'Happy Birthday' together with Steve, Scott, Angie, Tony, and Pepper, as they walked up to Bucky, sitting at the head of the table. Mrs. Barnes was carrying the cake she made for her only son.
The birthday boy couldn't help but beam in happiness and snicker in astonishment as he watched his friends and family sing to their heart's content while his youngest sister, Kathrin did her birthday dance.
"Happy birthday, Bucky!" Everyone exclaimed, ending the song.
"Make a wish, Buck!" Steve shouted over the clapping.
Bucky shook his head in giddiness before he grinned and closed his eyes. After a few moments, he blew his birthday candles, and everyone cheered.
"Alrighty then!" Tony exclaims, enthusiastically clapping, "You are now legally allowed to drink at my parties!"
Everyone laughed before they laughed harder when Pepper nudged the billionaire in the ribs.
"Ow—what? At least now he doesn't have to show his fake ID—" Tony then groaned when Pepper pinched his side.
"James Buchanan—" Mrs. Barnes scolds, jokingly, at the lad.
"I don't have a fake ID!" Bucky defends, eyes growing big, before looking back at Tony, "Tony!"
"Happy birthday, jerk!" Steve bellowed, clapping Bucky's shoulders, then laughed at the red face of his best friend.
"Thanks, punk," Bucky grins back before standing up and clapping his hands, "Alright, who wants some cake?!"
"I do!" Scott and Kathrin shouted and raised their hands at the same time.
Bucky looked at the two with surprise before chuckling and nodding his head, "Alright, you guys get a bigger piece,"
"Yey!" The two chimed in sync.
… … … … …
As midnight arrived, the adults had dragged the party on the rooftop of their brownstone apartment. Bucky and his friends thought that the night was warm enough to enjoy their drinks outside and chill out for a few more hours before heading home.
"I can't believe you guys aren't head over heels for La La Land. I mean seriously, that is like the life I'm waiting for," Angie looked up the sky dreamily, before remembering the ending of the movie, "Well, except for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's love story ending. I want a happier tone than that,"
Pepper chuckles at the blonde enthusiasm, "You know what, after seeing you in that Christmas play, I think you'll go far," the redhead smiled beautifully.
"Really?" Angie glowed, grasping Bucky's arm, "Bucky! Did you hear that?! I'll go far!"
"Ow—yeah, I heard that," Bucky groaned as he felt Angie's sharp nails dig into his arm, "Pepper, don't get Angie too excited,"
Pepper laughed, shaking her head happily, "What? It's true. She should be in Hollywood,"
"Ahh!" Angie shrilled before she stood up from her folding chair and twirled around the roof, "Hollywood! Just wait and see!"
Steve laughs at the enthusiasm of his friend. Suddenly, his reverie was cut off when Tony cleared his throat. Steve then glances at him and raises a beer.
"It was just handed to me," Steve joked, making Tony snort.
"I know. I did that," Tony chortles, looking away. When silence lingered for a moment, he then sighed before he began to ask, "I heard that the gallery was doing better than the past three years,"
Steve raised a brow but kept quiet.
"Got any plans when you graduate?" Tony curiously asked, before looking back at the blonde.
Steve kept his eyes on his friends as he thought about it. He huffed, then answered, "I want to paint or make art for a living. But, with every debt I got, I don't think being a full-time artist will help me right now."
"Debt?" Tony turned to him, "Like how much?"
"Large enough but none of it would be your concern," Steve then gave a stern look to the genius billionaire.
Tony knew that look and quickly rolled his eyes as he returned to his previous stance, "I was just curious…but seriously—"
"Tony," Steve firmly called before chortling and shaking his head, "I'm grateful for you that you suggested that I'd take an apprenticeship at Stark Industries. Being an apprentice at the gallery is helpful enough for me as a working student,"
Tony slowly nods his head, as he keeps his eyes on his girlfriend, laughing with the others. "I know…and I was thinking to suggest that you'd work for Stark Industries too once you graduate. You know, as a regular employee, with company benefits, paid leaves, etc."
Steve stared at the brunette, staggered. That kind of offered job in Stark Industries will help him out, in a lot of ways. But he knows that there is a hiring process that needs to be followed and being a friend to the owner of the company was not one he'd like to pursue.
"Tony, that offer is such a great honor. But you can't just hand that kind of job to me, there are a lot more—"
"Uh-uh!" Tony raises a finger to stop the blonde's rambling, "You're an apprentice of the company and I heard a lot of positive feedback from your heads. I don't doubt that they'd want to absorb you by the time you graduate. And besides, it would be idiotic of them to let a talented and dedicated artist-curator go. Other art institutions will just steal you from us,"
Steve suddenly chuckles at the confidence Tony has in him. It was nice, to be reminded and be affirmed sometimes of your skills. He had moments that made him doubt if he actually had a future in the field of art.
"Think about it, okay?" Tony nudged the blonde, "Think of yes until you graduate next year,"
Steve just chuckles at the man's insistence, and then they fall into a comfortable silence.
Soon enough, they get distracted by their boisterous friends who start talking about summer plans they want to do once the school year ends by July. Steve and Tony easily fell into a comfortable banter with the others.
As the gang went on with their conversation, Bucky suddenly joined Steve sitting by the ledge of the rooftop. They kept their eyes on the group, laughing along with them. It was past 1 AM already, and everyone was slowing down from their drinks.
Steve didn't have more than two bottles of beer and just casually enjoyed everyone's company. The blonde could feel the stare of his best friend as if waiting for the right time to ask.
"It's past midnight now, Buck. Your birthday immunity had expired," Steve then gave a mischievous grin, "But since you're my best friend, I'll indulge you for the last time, what is it?" he questioned, having enough of the charade.
Bucky was quiet for a second before shaking his head "Never mind, nothing,"
"Come on, Buck. Ask now or hold your peace forever," Steve chortles in his joke before glancing at the brunette, "What is it?"
"You talked to Peggy all day?"
Steve didn't expect that question, leaving him mum, but he quickly swallowed down the lump in his throat before smiling, small, "No, I haven't. We haven't talked for weeks already,"
"But you chat with her?" Bucky worriedly inquires.
"From time to time," Steve muttered softly, feeling uncertain about how to explain what was really happening. "When she's free, she replies. When I'm free, I reply. We can't hold an actual conversation nowadays." He then looks down at his shoes, feeling glum at the reminder.
Bucky was then silent. He knew that something had changed with Steve. He noticed how Steve was way busier now at the gallery but could keep up with his school requirements on time. Steve seemed to have no time to socialize but at the same time, had more time to keep on track with his papers and projects. Given that shift, he then quickly observed how he barely heard Steve laugh anymore secretly in his room. It was way too quiet for him.
"How'd your Valentine's gift to Peggy go? You didn't tell me how'd she react to it," Bucky leans his head, trying to see Steve's face. But the blonde just slouched even further, hiding his face with his long blonde hair.
"Uh…she liked it," Steve muttered as he suddenly grabbed the empty bottle on his side and found it more interesting, peeling off the beer's label, "She didn't know actually that I sent her an email until I told her,"
"What?" Bucky whined, feeling a little annoyed at Peggy's carelessness.
"She didn't notice my email when her email got flooded with school newsletters and requirements. She accidentally unread it and didn't realize that it was from me. So, when I told her, she had to search for it," Steve then looked up at Bucky and tried to give a reassuring smile.
"Like, how long did she not know?" Bucky raised a brow.
Steve pursed his lips, knowing that his friend would be baffled again. He couldn't help but pick on the bottle he was holding out of frustration. "I just told her last week,"
"That long?! That's like two weeks' worth of emails," Bucky then faces Steve, standing firmly, "Are you and Peggy in a fight or something again?"
Steve's eyes grew wide, "No, we're good. We're okay, it's just that…she's really busy and…" Steve shook his head, "You can't expect that we'll constantly talk. We have different time zones, and she has a lot going on. She's in college, Buck. You know what it's like to be a freshman in college,"
"But Steve…" Bucky didn't know how to point out what he wanted to say without sounding intruding. But the blonde figured it out.
"Buck, nothing is going on with me and Peggy. We never made a promise or anything about…" Steve swallows down the growing lump in his throat, "We never talked about pursuing a relationship with each other. We're just friends,"
"But you like her," Bucky reiterates.
"I know," Steve then sighed before shrugging his shoulders, "But that doesn't mean I have to tell her and make it awkward for us. I'd rather be friends with her than be pushed away because she won't engage in a long-distance relationship. That's for big adults,"
Bucky stares at Steve, baffled.
October 2, 2017
Lighthouse Café, Cambridge
2:11 PM
Sitting quietly in the café, Peggy concentratedly read her International Organizations book and highlighted important details. She had been doing this for the past hour already. Ever since the new academic year had started, Peggy thought that it was important for her to get ahead of her reading assignments for her subjects. Given her situation, she couldn't let herself slack in her studies.
Ping!
Her concentration suddenly breaks for a second to check on her phone.
Notification
theangiemartinelli posted a story
Without hesitation, she tapped on her phone and waited for Angie's story post to appear. Soon enough, it popped up with a boomerang clip. Angie was leaning her head to the side to show a large canvas and Steve appeared, laughing. She put a caption on the boomerang,
'Number one artist in Auburndale sgrogersart! Woohoo, so proud!'
Steve…
Peggy felt a prick in her heart as she repeatedly watched Angie's boomerang with Steve popping up after. It has been months since they last spoke. The longest conversation they'd ever had this year was on her birthday and then his. After that, it had been nearly radio-silent, on both sides.
She was now in her second year in university and paper assignments immediately flooded in as soon as classes started. She barely remembered how her summer break went when she came home to Hampstead. But she did remember to bring a few more things from her room to her dorm room, such as Steve's Christmas gift. It hangs over her study area, her respite spot when she gets stressed with long essays and readings.
Steve was graduating by the end of the academic year. She felt excited and proud of him. She remembers him telling her that Tony had offered a permanent job at Stark Industries, in the multimedia art department as an assistant curator. She couldn't wait to witness Steve living out his dream too, just like their other friends.
If only she could keep up with their lives and still connect with them.
Suddenly a hand covers Peggy's eyes, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Guess who?" the person whispered to Peggy's ear.
Peggy couldn't help but chortle as she peeled off the hands covering her eyes, "Fred, what are you doing here?"
"How'd you know it's me?" Fred pretentiously gawks at the brunette before chuckling and taking the seat in front of the brunette lass, "I wanted to surprise you,"
"Surprise me?" Peggy rolls her eyes, "For what?"
"For just," Fred then smirked, "I got you an Earl Gray tea latte," he then put down the large cup and pushed it toward her.
Peggy suddenly snorts at the man's effort, "Thank you,"
"Anytime for my lady," Fred teased with a knowing smile, making Peggy roll her eyes playfully.
"I'm not your lady—"
"Yet," Fred counters, "And you don't have to tell me your answer either. No rush, I just want you to know that I like you, Margaret Carter, from the bottom of my heart,"
"Fredrick," Peggy whines, looking at the blonde with a little impatience, "I know you have been asking me out since summer. And just like I said before, I'm…not ready yet,"
"I know," Fred nodded his head, "But I'll always be here, waiting until you say yes," he then gave a soft smile to her before he reached out and tucked a loose hair behind her ear. "Now, come on, do your readings and I'll sit here, admire you,"
Peggy chuckles, "Please don't. Either you stay and study, or you leave,"
"Alright, Margaret," Fred teased before pulling out his textbook, "I'll read and admire you at the same time,"
Peggy blushes but quickly looks away as shook her head.
December 31, 2017
Stark Industries, Manhattan
11:33 PM
The top floors of the Stark Industries were booming with loud music and flashing bright lights. It was indeed a New Year's Countdown party, planned by Tony Stark. In less than half an hour, the new year was arriving, and everyone invited to the party was all hyped to dance and sing.
All of the party guests were wearing their black, red, and gold attire to welcome the new year. As Tony prescribed, everyone had to look dashing and golden for the year 2018.
Swiftly walking past the partygoers, Tony successfully brings the drink of Pepper Potts to her. A lot of people were swarming around the bar, trying to enjoy the unlimited alcohol they were giving.
As he takes his rightful seat next to his exclusively dating partner, Pepper, Tony inquires what the gang is talking about. Morita and Jones, the new photographer in Brooklyn Daily Eagle, were telling their story about Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, about the alleged arms dealing he was doing in New York.
"Woah-woah-woah," Tony suddenly waves his hands in front, "We are waiting for the new year and we're talking about Kingpin?!"
"Yeah," Steve raises a brow, "That man is making the streets of New York unsafe. Just imagine—"
"Okay, Captain America, hold your horses. I know you mean well for all the New Yorkers and Americans, but seriously, Rogers," Tony shook his head in disbelief, "It's New Year's Eve! Let's talk about something lighter!"
Bucky suddenly snorts, making Steve glare at him, "Sorry, punk, it's just the name,"
"What name?" Steve furrows his brows.
"Captain America," Bucky uttered then chuckled, and soon everyone did too, "It suits you!"
Steve rolls his eyes before he crosses his arms over his chest and slumps back in his seat, "No it doesn't. That name sounds like a guy with big muscles. That ain't me,"
"No, it does not!" Angie counters, leaning closer to Steve to be heard, "It sounds like a guy who'd do everything to protect the people!"
"Oh, that for sure is Steve!" Tony chimes in before he laughs in agreement along with the theater actress protégé.
"If you'd be a superhero, what would be your powers?" Scott suddenly asks as he joins the banter, "I think the power of ants would be cool,"
"Ants?! How would that work Lang?!" Morita bellowed, shaking his head.
"Science! You never know!" Scott proudly grins at the journalist.
"Me, I think a mechanical arm would be awesome!" Bucky blurts out before Jones and Pepper raise a brow at him.
"Are you sure? You'd trade your human arm for a metal arm?" Jones questioned, before sniggering.
"I think that would be painful, Barnes," Pepper muttered, shrugging.
"I'd like to have a metal suit!" Tony suddenly interjects, "You know, you just tap here in the chest then the suit spreads out through my body, putting me inside a metal suit immediately,"
Angie suddenly snickers, "That would be too heavy,"
"And so? I'd train for it," Tony rebuts with a roll of the eyes, "It would be a cool suit. Red and gold," he whispered dreamily, making the other laugh.
"How about you Steve?" Jones suddenly turns his attention to the blonde, "What's your power?"
Steve raises an amused brow, "Me? I don't know, a good healthy body and stamina?" he chuckles self-depreciatingly at himself, "I don't know, a shield maybe,"
"See! I told you!" Angie points at the blonde boy, "You like to protect people!"
"True! That's Steve for sure," Bucky exclaimed, wrapping an arm around Steve's shoulders, "The ever-righteous man I know,"
"Shut the fuck up, jerk," Steve playfully shoves the brunette.
"Uh! Rogers, language!" Tony teased before everyone erupted in laughter again.
Suddenly the DJ announced that it was 10 minutes away from midnight, making everyone shout in excitement. The gang bellowed too in thrill and slowly stood up from their table.
"Come on! Let's dance you guys!" Angie then pulls Pepper onto the dance floor, in which she pulls Tony too.
The other boys immediately shrugged their shoulders and followed too.
As Bucky was weaving through the crowd, he noticed the desk clerk on the 50th floor. He then looked at Steve, "I'mma greet somebody there,"
Steve quickly noticed the line of sight of the brunette and chuckled, "Go ahead, jerk. Have a great year!" he then pushed his best friend in the direction of the girl.
Soon enough, Jones disappears within the crowd just like Bucky, while Morita asks his wife to join him for some dancing. Steve was then alone, standing by the table. He thought for a moment if he'd want to dive into the dancing crowd. But then thought against it, it was too crammed out there. Besides, he didn't think anyone would be interested in dancing with him.
Steve then leans on the table and pulls out his phone. In London, it was 2018 already. Peggy, Michael, and their friends had probably counted down and posted some pictures. He then taps on his social media and checks out his friends' story posts.
Michael had photos of New Year's Eve dinner at their home, with his parents and Peggy. The next ones were pictures of him and Peggy at a New Year's Eve party with Gemma, Alice, and Dina. His last one was a boomerang of him kissing a blonde girl on the cheek, tagging her as DUnderwood, with a caption, 'Happy New Year everybody! I Love you DUnderwood'
Steve smiled when he remembered that Michael called him and asked if he could draw Dottie Underwood as a way to ask her if they could start dating. Certainly, the charcoal sketch he sent to Michael worked.
Next in line was Alice, Peggy's high school friend. Similar to Michael, she posted photos of herself wearing 2018 headbands, and then the next ones were her and Gemma, with Peggy and Dina taking shots. Steve couldn't help but chuckle at the sour look of the four girls.
Steve then swipes to the next person. It was Peggy's and she only posted four photos. She was with her parents and Michael with Dottie, then the next one was with her high school friends at the party. Peggy's third story was the same shot video of them, four girls, and last was a boomerang of her and Gemma blowing out a toy horn.
He misses the lively energy of Peggy. It had been quite a long time since they talked in real-time. They still communicated, but just in chat now. Video calling has been very rare in the past year. But he wasn't gonna start complaining. He thought he had no right to. So, he'll take what he can get. Besides, they were both preoccupied with their lives.
Next up was Gemma's. She had tons of stories, which was expected. Gemma was such a social animal and loved to document every single moment. She probably posted around 10 stories in the past 6 hours, London time.
Steve briefly scans the first five photos of her and her family. The next three stories were similar to Alice and Peggy. Then the second to the last story was a minute-long video of her singing with Alice and Dina to the song 'Shut up and Dance' before they started counting down.
To his surprise, everybody was then starting to count down too from 15. Steve slowly stood up as he anticipated for the count to reach 1. But as he did, he looked down at Gemma's story again and switched to her last story.
It was them, three girls, shouting out 1 altogether and then started jumping in excitement. As she twirled around with her phone, she suddenly stopped just in time to capture Peggy kissing a blonde guy, with her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
When Gemma shouted out 'Happy New Year' to the camera, Peggy slowly pulled away from the man and noticed her friend. She quickly grinned and then draped her right arm around Gemma, while her other arm was still around the blonde lad, pulling him in towards the frame of the video. Soon enough the three of them started cheering and greeting everyone a Happy New Year.
Steve was frozen in place as he stared at Peggy's happy smile, with the blonde lad wrapped around her. He recognizes the man.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone on the dance floor shouted and the music quickly blared up. However, even with the sudden loud volume, Steve felt stuck and numb in place.
He gradually looked up and felt like everything moved very slowly before him. Everyone was cheering, dancing, and kissing as the New Year Ball dropped and 2018 arrived. Everyone was happy, and he knew that he should be feeling happy too. But for some reason, he feels a stabbing pain right in the middle of his chest instead.
Peggy is with Fred now.
To be continued…