Chapter 8: Final Year
January 1, 2018
Carter Residence
2:07 PM
Sitting on a swing in their backyard, Peggy bites on her fingernails and bounces her leg, nervously, making the chain of the swing rattle. She stared at her phone and rewatched repeatedly Gemma's social media story.
Without being noticed, Michael stepped out into their backyard, as well, and curiously watched his sister. She was preoccupied with her phone, but she looked like she was about to burst into tears. Michael then made his presence known by clearing his throat and the brunette quickly looked up startled.
"Are you alright?" Michael subtly smirks at his sister's expression, "You look like you're panicking and about to cry,"
Peggy's eyes grew wider before she shook her head, "Yes—I mean no, I'm not about to cry. But…"
Michael raised a brow, "But what?"
Peggy bit her lower lip before she handed her phone to Michael. The lad immediately took it and looked down at the phone. He was then watching a clip of Gemma, Alice, and Dina shouting together 'Happy New Year' then twirled around with the camera and stopped exactly at the time Peggy kissing Fred.
"Oh," Michael suddenly uttered, before realizing how he sounded and looked back at his sister, who was curiously staring back at him.
"What do you mean 'oh'?" Peggy then stood up from the swing and grabbed her phone from him.
"Nothing," Michael quickly defended with his hands up before shoving them in his pockets, "So, are you and Fred together? Or was that just a 'New Year's kiss' kind of thing?"
The brunette stared hard at her brother as if she were to burn him with her gaze. But she later just sighed and rolled her eyes, "Fred is my boyfriend…since early November,"
"Oh, wow…" Michael remarked before he chuckled in surprise, "Does mum and dad know?"
"Well, I'm about to tell them," Peggy bit her lower lip again, looking down at her phone.
"Then what is bothering my sister?" Michael suddenly asks, making the brunette girl glance at him.
"Nothing," Peggy whispered before looking away. When she heard her brother huff in disbelief, she looked back at him with uneasiness, "I know it should be nothing…it's just that, I'm a little worried about Steve,"
"Steve?" Michael furrows his brows, "Why would you worry about Steve? What about him?"
Peggy nibbles on her lower lip again before turning away from Michael and dropping herself on the swing, "I haven't…He didn't know."
Michael raised a brow as he took a few seconds to understand the problem. His eyes later went big as it dawned on him, "What do you mean Steve didn't know? Don't you always talk to each other?"
Peggy shook her head, "Not much as of late. Not since September," she sighed melancholily, "Whenever we talked, the topic about Fred never came up and—honestly, I never thought of bringing it up. So, I never got to tell him and now, he'd seen it,"
Michael staggered for a second before he shook his head in concentration, "How sure are you that he'd seen it?"
Peggy pursed her lips, "He greeted Gemma on the exact story,"
"And?"
Peggy rolled her eyes to look at her brother, "And he hasn't greeted me."
Michael could only sigh in defeat before he decided to take a seat on the other swing. They swung gently and silently before he spoke again, "I'm not trying to give an excuse for the lad. But maybe he just fell asleep after the party. I mean, I saw Barnes' posts and they were in a New Year's Eve party too, with Tony Stark, nonetheless. That man knows how to throw a party,"
"Do you think Steve was hurt that I kept this from him?" Peggy worriedly asks.
Michael shrugs his shoulders, unsure either, "He's probably surprised…but I think he'd understand,"
Ting! Ting!
The two were then startled when Peggy's phone rang. She immediately unlocked her phone, and a new message came through her social media. Without waiting further, Peggy quickly clicked on the notification and saw Steve had messaged her.
"He sent me a message!" Peggy exclaimed with wide eyes, looking back at her brother. When Michael urged her to click on it, she quickly did so and read it aloud, "Happy New Year, Pegs,"
She was then silent, staring at her phone. As Michael got curious about what else was sent, he leaned closer to check and immediately saw that a GIF image was sent after the message. It was a stickman with a party hat, pulling a party popper then a large sign of Happy New Year appeared.
Michael could only sigh internally before glancing at his sister to see her expression. He then asked, "Does that answer your question?"
When Peggy looked up, she was slightly teary-eyed, but had a smile on her lips, looking somewhat relieved but not completely. She nodded her head slowly and then looked back at her phone to double-tap the image.
"Happy New Year, Steve." She whispered to the wind as she typed it on her phone.
June 20, 2018
Auburndale Art School field
10:04 AM
"And now, our dear accomplished students will receive their well-deserved diplomas and awards. Confirming them is our institution's Director, Dr. Raymond Faust, who will then assist in the distribution of Diplomas along with each department's Dean, starting with the Fine Arts Department. Graduates, when your name is called, please make your way to the stage…"
… … … …
"Rogers, Steven Grant, Cum Laude for Fine Arts Major in Painting and an achievement distinction in the field of Renaissance and Modern Art!"
A round of applause and a resounding howl was heard as Steve climbed up the stairs to the stage and hurriedly walked up to the school director. Dr. Faust grabbed the tassel on Steve's graduation cap and switched it to the other side.
"Congratulations, Mr. Rogers, well done," he said, offering his hand to the graduate.
Steve immediately shook it with a proud and grateful smile on his face. Soon enough, Dr. Faust draped two graduation cords, gold and white, before handing him his diploma.
As Steve accepted it with an appreciative nod, he later shook hands with the dean for fine arts and the professors before walking up in front of the stage and bowed before the audience. Another round of howling and whistling was heard. Steve couldn't stop himself from grinning as soon as he spotted Bucky, Tony, Morita, Jones, and even Mr. Philips clapping proudly at him.
… … … …
"Ahhh!" Angie bellowed with her arms wide open and ran up to Steve, "Stevie! I am so proud of you!"
Steve laughs as he wraps his arms around Angie's shoulders before pulling back and shyly scratching his cheek, "Thank you. And congratulations to you too! Excellent distinction for performing arts, that's a big deal,"
Angie blushed as she playfully hit Steve on the shoulder, "Aw, thank you. I never thought I'd get the distinction either but look at me,"
"Of course, you deserve it!"
"Rogers!" someone called, making Steve and Angie turn their attention to the new arrivals.
Soon enough, Tony and Bucky walked up to them with wide smiles. Morita, Jones, and Mr. Philips then stood behind them, with proud smiles.
"Congratulations to the two of you!" Tony exclaimed, clasping the blonde's shoulder and then giving a bow to the blonde lady.
"Why, thank you, Mr. Stark," Angie teased as she did a curtsy before laughing in amusement.
"Who knew despite the tardiness in Steve's projects he still got a Latin honor," Bucky teased, laughing with the others.
"Just imagine if he did pass his projects on time," Mr. Philips smirked at Steve, making him bashful as he scratched his head.
"I wasn't always that late," Steve defended, making the group laugh.
"Sure, if you say so," Bucky retorts before laughing and pulling Steve in a side hug, "Congrats, punk,"
"Thanks, jerk," Steve gratefully smiled at his best friend.
"So, who wants to celebrate?!" Tony bellowed and the group immediately cheered in excitement, "Alright! To the Palace!"
July 4, 2018
Hampstead, London
4:54 PM
"Happy birthday, Steve!" Peggy greets the blonde as she waves her hands in front of her propped phone and starts clapping her hands in sync with her singing of the birthday song.
When the song was done, Steve had turned red with Peggy's sincere greeting and the brunette suddenly brought out a slice of cake with a lit blue candle.
"It's New York Cheesecake," Peggy proudly said, smirking at the blonde, "I finally spotted the best one here in Hampstead and this is for you,"
Steve sweetly smiled at Peggy, feeling immensely grateful for her thoughtfulness. Despite the gap they had for some time, he was touched that Peggy always made it a point to celebrate his day.
"Thank you, Peggy. It's really sweet of you to do this, every year,"
"Of course!" Peggy widened her eyes to prove her point, "I made a promise to myself that I'll always celebrate your birthday with you. So come on, blow out your candle before the wax messes up the cake!"
Steve sniggered before he pretended to blow out the candle and Peggy followed, exhausting the flame. When done, she clapped her hands and tilted her head, looking happy at him.
"Happy birthday, Steve. I wish you the best and I hope everything will go well as you officially work in the Stark Industries. I can't wait to see you thrive in your passion,"
"Your wish means a lot to me, Peggy. Thank you," Steve smiled, completely ignoring the redness of his cheeks, "So, will this be your first ever New York cheesecake?"
Peggy laughs, "Hm, no. I really had to taste test a lot of cheesecake around London and this by far is the best. Hence, the reason I chose it for your birthday,"
"Well then, I'm greatly touched by your effort to find the best cheesecake for me. I can only imagine how much cheesecake you had to eat," Steve chuckles along with the brunette.
"Oh, trust me, at the start I thought cheesecake was my favorite dessert and now, I think I'm getting over it. I overdid it one time, trying 10 different cheesecakes in a row. Maria nearly punched me for making her do it with me,"
The two then laugh. Without realizing it, like before, they fell into a comfortable conversation and time went on. It was nearly seven in the evening when suddenly, someone tapped on Peggy's shoulder, interrupting her in the middle of her story.
"Honey," the man spoke, making Peggy look up with surprise and gawk at him.
"Fred? What are you doing here?" She then stood up and embraced the man. Fred instantly kissed her cheek before she pulled away.
"We have dinner plans, remember?" Fred then made a quick glimpse at Peggy's phone, which was turned black, "Are you still on a call? I texted you,"
"Oh," Peggy then looked back at her phone and saw that Steve had turned off his camera and was on mute. Looking back at Fred, she gave a tight-lipped smile, "I'm sorry, I forgot about dinner. It's Steve's birthday and we usually do this every year,"
Fred raised a brow, "Is he still there?"
"Um," Peggy turned to her phone, but it was still the same, "He's probably in the bathroom. Why?" she glanced back at the blonde.
Fred was quiet for a second before he shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing, I thought I should greet him,"
"Oh," Peggy smiled, though a little awkwardly, "Um…sure, that would be nice. Come, sit around. I don't think you both have officially met yet,"
"No, we haven't," Fred then took a seat close to Peggy and quickly draped an arm over her shoulder, "This boyfriend of yours," he said, placing his hand over his chest and then pointing at her phone, "hasn't met your best friend,"
Peggy couldn't help but notice the tone Fred used. She was about to remark on it but got distracted when Steve's camera turned on.
"Steve, look who's here to greet you," Peggy gave a sheepish smile.
Steve's eyes grew wide an inch but the blonde American quickly gave a smart smile, "Hello, Fredrick Wells,"
"Hello…Steven Rogers. We finally met," Fred gave almost a sarcastic smile, "I heard it's your birthday,"
"It is,"
"And how old are you now?"
"21," Steve briefly replies, nearly losing his amusement.
Feeling a sudden tension in their tones and expressions, Peggy quickly cut in, "Oh, would you look at that? He's just older than you by a month, Fred." She then looked at her boyfriend grimly, who quickly shrugged it off, "You see," she continued, turning her attention to Steve, "Fred's birthday is exactly a month away from now. By then, he'll turn 21 too,"
Steve just hummed in reply, nodding his head.
"Um, anyways…Uh, I didn't realize that it's past seven already Steve," Peggy bites her lips, suddenly feeling guilty and sad that their time together had to be cut, and had to be interrupted like this, "I have to go,"
"Right, yeah, of course," Steve gave her a genuine smile, "Thank you for spending some time with me,"
"Of course, always," Peggy returns the smile. Silence lingered and neither Peggy nor Steve wanted it to end. But Fred made an obvious clearing of throat to cut the silence, "Alright…goodbye, Steve."
"Bye, Peggy—"
"Happy birthday," Peggy says in a rush, trying to steal more seconds of talking to one another.
Steve nodded his head and then smiled, "Thank you. Talk to you soon,"
"Alright, keep in touch," Peggy waves her hand.
"I will," Steve waves back.
"Bye,"
"Bye."
And with that, Peggy watched her screen return to the main frame of her social media account. She sighed sadly, feeling that tugging in her heart.
"Let's go?" Fred suddenly asks, snapping Peggy out of her thoughts.
"Oh…right, yes," and then Peggy started gathering her things.
August 6, 2018
Stark Industries
8:22 AM
As the Monday morning hustle begins, Steve and Bucky expertly dodge the people walking opposite them as they head to work, finally as official employees of Stark Industries. In the meantime, they were still under a probationary status for three months. Nonetheless, the two best friends were always eager to start their adult life.
Bucky was now a civil engineering technologist, working under the Engineering and Infrastructure department, while Steve was now a junior curator under the Art Department. Both men were endorsed by their respective apprentice supervisors to be promoted to a permanent position in the corporation. It was the reason the two did not hesitate to accept the job offer. Tony had explicitly reassured them that none of their endorsement was smeared with good favor from his side. Everything that was stated was purely based on their supervisor's evaluation.
As the two entered the building, they immediately pulled out their IDs and tapped on the ID terminal to enter further. It was a satisfying realization that they both had a stable job now.
"…So, I told Scott, he should be honest with Hope before she starts ignoring him again," Bucky then stops right in front of the elevator, "I mean, Scott can be silly at times. But sometimes, he really messes up,"
Steve chuckles, "He's trying his best not to mess up. But since he usually overthinks, that's when he missteps,"
"Exactly," Bucky agrees with a nod.
Suddenly, a flash of red hair shifted at Steve's side, making Bucky turn his head and look. To his delight, his eyes shone, and smiled immediately.
"Good morning, Ms. Natasha," Bucky greets, bending to the side and waving at her.
The redhead slowly looked at him with an impassive expression before looking at the blonde next to her. She then raised a brow at the blonde, who was snickering at her nonchalance.
"Good morning, Natasha," Steve then gave an amused smile.
"Rogers," the woman nodded to Steve, then looked at the brunette, "Mr. Barnes,"
Bucky had a pleased smile as the woman regarded him. Before he could even say anything more, the elevator arrived, and the door opened. The redhead immediately stepped in and settled at the back. Bucky took it upon himself to press the buttons for them.
"24th floor?" Bucky asks and Steve nods.
When other people started filling in, Bucky quickly settled in between Steve and Natasha. He was trying to control his grin as he tried to appear calm.
"So, what is the art department like?" Bucky asks before glancing at the woman.
"Fine," Natasha replies, shrugging her shoulders, "I've seen worse,"
Bucky immediately turned his attention to the blonde. Steve couldn't help but shrug his shoulder in agreement, "It's a bunch of people with lots of personality. Some can be sexist," he whispered at the end.
"Wait, what?" Bucky then turned his attention to the redhead, "There are people there mansplaining to you or something?"
Natasha side glances at the brunette before she scoffs, "More than just that. But it's not only me,"
Bucky raises a brow, "What do you mean?"
"Rogers didn't tell you?" Natasha then leans forward to look at the blonde, who was acting completely innocent of the topic.
Bucky immediately gawked and looked at his best friend, "Don't tell me you have punched somebody in the art department? I mean, I completely understand the want to punch a bully in the face…but, punk, we're in probationary status," he whispered at the end.
"I know," Steve sternly replies, keeping his gaze on the back of the man in front of him, "And I'm trying my best to stick to this job,"
Natasha suddenly chortles, "I really see the effort, Rogers, truly,"
Steve's face scrunches, "You're one to talk, Romanoff. You almost decked Quentin last week,"
Bucky gawks looking at the grinning woman, "He really deserves it. You shouldn't have stopped me," Natasha said then looked at the brunette, "What?"
Bucky's eyes were gleaming and was slowly smiling, "Nothing…I think you're awesome,"
Natasha huffed a laugh, "Thanks, I guess,"
Ting! "18th floor"
"It's your floor, Buck," Steve announces, making the brunette jump.
"Oh, uh, right. See you later," Bucky clasps Steve's shoulder and then looks at Natasha before he makes his excuse to get out of the elevator.
When the elevator moved up again, Natasha couldn't help but smirk in amusement.
"Buck?" she uttered.
Steve glanced at the redhead, wondering what she was talking about until it dawned on him. He let out a soft chuckle, "Short for Bucky,"
"Bucky? Now, that's even worse,"
Steve laughed, shaking his head, "It's his childhood nickname. His full name is James Buchanan Barnes. He isn't really fond of being called James 'cause that's what his mom calls him when he's in trouble,"
Natasha gave an impassive look, but deep in her green eyes, amusement swirled, "James sounds better,"
Ting! "24th floor"
"Time to work, Rogers," Natasha then walked out of the elevator and Steve trailed behind.
August 9, 2018
Mayfair, London
2:17 PM
Sitting on a blanket in the open gardens, having a picnic, Peggy prompted her tablet on top of their picnic basket as she made conversation with Angie. Gemma and Alice were with her, lounging and enjoying their quiet summer while they listened to the two girl's conversation.
As Peggy popped a grape into her mouth, she leaned close to the screen, "So, he knows Bucky?"
"He does!" Angie then grinned, without looking at the screen, and kept her pace, walking the streets of New York, "So, of course, I had to ask Barnes about Jonathan. I mean, he said they were in the same organization back in City Tech, so obviously, Barnes should have some details about him,"
Peggy chortles, "You seem interested in this Juniper. What's his job at the production?" she then picks up another grape, sitting crossed legs.
"He's an assistant producer," Angie couldn't help but be giddy looking down briefly at her camera, "Hence, why I always encounter him. He's quite a hard worker…and cute,"
Peggy laughed, throwing her head back, "Ah! I knew it! Angela Martinelli, you have a crush on this guy!"
"Goodness, Pegs! You make me sound juvenile!" Angie gawped, but her smile gave away her true amusement, "He's sweet and attentive! What can I do?"
"And good-looking I presume?" Peggy teased before she sniggered at the blonde, "You've got to send me a picture. I shall evaluate him,"
Angie laughed, "My goodness, you are stricter than my mother, English."
"Well," Peggy shrugged her shoulders, "That's what girlfriends do, we scrutinize potential boyfriends first," Gemma suddenly chuckled, making the brunette look at her, "Why are you laughing?"
Gemma looked up at her friend, trying to stop her grin from growing, "It's funny because we never got to scrutinize Fred before you both got together,"
"Ha!" Angie bellowed on the other side of the call, "Nice one, Gems,"
Gemma smirked triumphantly and Peggy couldn't help but gawk. She then glanced at Alice, who was just pursing her lips, trying not to join in.
"Oh, seriously, even you Alice?" Peggy questioned, almost sounding hurt, "I mean, we've spent our high school lives together, and you both have scrutinized Fred for as long as we've all known him,"
Gemma scrunches her nose, "Well, that's the thing. You've always said that you weren't interested in him and yet…here you are,"
"Well," Peggy suddenly felt defensive, straightening her back, looking simultaneously at her friends, "He grew on me,"
Alice raised a brow, "And what about Rogers?"
Angie couldn't help but gasp, making her quick to mute herself while she turned off her camera. Peggy quickly saw that, and she didn't know if she was relieved that Angie did that or felt worried, as it could imply Angie had the same sentiment.
"Steve is my friend," Peggy wrings her hand as she tries to explain, "A special one, to be precise. But…did we really expect that he and I would be anything more than that given the distance?"
Gemma and Alice looked at one another, then glanced at the turned-off camera of Angie.
Gemma sighs in exasperation, "Well, at the beginning that was the impression. I mean you two were inseparable,"
"Through chat," Peggy muttered, rolling her eyes but keeping her gaze low.
Alice reached out and brushed her hand to the brunette, "I guess, you're right, Peggy. It's probably not the best for you and Steve since you only met each other once in person,"
Peggy furrowed her brows, "We spent weeks together, hanging around when he was in London,"
Alice shook her head, "Besides that. But that doesn't matter, anyway, right? You chose Freddy,"
Peggy stared at the two, slowly breathing out the uneasiness in her chest, "I did and there is nothing wrong with that. So, please do not give me those looks,"
"Can I scrutinize Fred?" Angie suddenly spoke, making the three girls jump a little, "I mean I'm the only one left who didn't,"
Gemma chuckles, "Oh, please do so. Among us, you're the only one who hasn't said anything,"
Peggy grunts for a second before she looks at Angie with a tight smile, "Fine, to be fair. You get to say something about Fred so that I can check up on this guy you like,"
"That's fine with me," Angie grinned. She then pushed a door open and greeted a few people. As she settles on a corner, she prompts her phone and starts taking off her coat. "Hmm, let's see, Frederick Wells,"
"Oh, this is gonna be fun," Gemma whispered.
"In all fairness, he got the looks. Tall, blonde, lean…typical," Angie then shrugged her shoulders. Gemma couldn't help but chuckle, earning her a swat from the other brunette, "Is he smart? I guess, he got into your school. But he did not finish his initial degree and had to shift…I wonder why?"
Alice chuckles too, and Peggy quickly throws a glare at her.
"Now, the question is, is he sweet? Considerate? Does not overstep his boundary and act possessive of you? Or treats you like he owns you?"
Gemma and Alice quietly looked at each other and peeked at Peggy's impassive look. They knew Angie was tapping into a sensitive topic recently.
"He does not…" Peggy suddenly answers, "Most of the time. He can get a little anxious because I'm not always that affectionate compared to him. So, sometimes I must reassure him,"
Angie raised a brow, "There is nothing wrong with reassuring someone. But it's not a must in a relationship, otherwise, that can become toxic in time,"
"I can assure you, Fred is not the toxic type," Peggy gave a stern look at the blonde, who in return nodded in acceptance.
"Okay, if you say so. But that doesn't mean we're not on the lookout!" Angie points with her finger, "No one is allowed to hurt my friend,"
Peggy huffs laughter, "Don't I know it,"
August 17, 2018
Art Department, Stark Industries
Natasha Alianovna Romanoff was born in Volgograd, Russia, and grew up there, living under her adoptive father who was strict and controlling. By the time she was 17 and passed her Unified State Examination, she had left the country and hid in the United States.
By 2014, while she hid in Ohio from her father, she had supported herself by working part-time diner server and figure model. When she had enough money to stand on her own, she enrolled herself at Columbus State and earned a psychology associate of arts degree in 2016. By then, she looked for better jobs to earn more and get herself a bachelor's degree someday.
Somehow, even if she did not have a related educational background, Natasha had landed a job in the art industry. Being a figure model for two years had piqued her interest in the art and learned to appreciate it. With her psychology background, she somehow was able to use it to become an effective artist agent.
She started as a freelance, convincing potential artist to take up her offer to help them promote their work. Surprisingly, she knew how to work around people, making her one of the best. Slowly, she was being recognized by art institutions. However given her lack of bachelor's degree, no one had offered her a permanent position. Not until, she approached Howard Stark and convinced him to buy a sculpture art from a struggling talented artist. Recognizing her exceptional skills, Howard Stark offered her a job at Stark Industries, becoming one of the first in-house artist agents for Stark Industries.
Walking fiercely to the curator's area, Natasha quickly searched around for the newbie. As soon as she spots him, she makes her way to Steve.
"Rogers," She called, and the man quickly turned around from his peg board.
"Yeah?"
"Here is a new set list of paintings of Cooper, she said she had some new additional ones, small ones that she wanted to display," Natasha then handed a folder.
"Oh, sure. There's still room for about three canvases," Steve then opened the folder and read through it, "Are these meant to be sold or just for display?"
Natasha slightly tilted her head as she crossed her arms and leaned on the table next to her, "Hm, more like a way to introduce her present phase. Cooper wants to set a certain tone of what kind of genre she was fixating on,"
Steve smirks and nods to the redhead, "Right, noted on that." He then closed the folder and returned to his peg board.
As Steve returned to his analysis of how the show was going to be set up, Natasha lingered in the area and watched him work. The blonde barely noticed that she was still around. She was too silent, no one could even hear her breathing.
Romanoff observed the blonde mumble to himself as he worked out trying to put the art pieces together. He tried out different pictures first before settling on one art piece and then moved on to another space. Later then, he blindly reached out for the folder she just handed.
Raising a brow at the man's antic and unsuccessful attempt, she couldn't help rolling her eyes and quietly pushed the folder closer to Steve's wandering hands. When his finger brushed it, he swiftly grabbed it and flipped it open.
"Do you plan to finish that today—?" Natasha suddenly asks, obviously startling the man as he jumps turning around.
"GOD!" Steve bewilderedly stared at the redhead, "How long have you been standing there?!"
Natasha skeptically looked at him, "Since I came here to hand that folder to you,"
Steve looked down at the folder in his hands then back to Natasha, "Really? I thought you left,"
"Obviously, I did not," She replied, rolling her eyes. "Aren't you heading home yet?"
"What do you mean?" Steve shook off his nerves and then returned to study his peg board, "It's barely 4 PM,"
Natasha suddenly scoffs, making the blonde check on her over his shoulder, "You have no concept of time, do you?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"It's beyond 5 PM, Rogers," Natasha then pulled out her phone and showed the time on her screen, "It's 5:34 PM already,"
"Oh," Steve's eyes grew wide, and then looked down at his wristwatch. It was indeed past his work hours.
"You have plans on a Friday night?" Natasha then pushed herself off the table and turned away from the blonde, "The whole team was planning to have some drinks,"
"Oh…" Steve mumbled, and the redhead couldn't help noticing the change of tone. She then glanced back at him.
"You didn't know?"
"Well, um," Steve scratched his head, bashfully, "I'm not quite sure they want me there,"
"And why not?" Natasha fully turns to look at him and crosses her arms over her chest. She raised her brow at him as if she found him stubborn.
"I don't think they are comfortable being around a person who was said to get a job because they were friends with the owner of the corporation," Steve then shrugged his shoulders, turning away from the redhead, "Even if the truth is far from the rumor, I don't think that matters to them. I'll always be that guy,"
"I had connections," Natasha blurts out, "I got this job without a degree and yet I'm a senior artist agent,"
Steve looks over his shoulders, "You probably merited it. You're a great agent,"
"Just like you," Natasha then scoffed, "We're nearly the same. We're just lucky enough to meet the right people to give us the opportunity. But that doesn't make our skills any less. We deserve this job because we have what it takes to be good at our job. Other people are just insecure that we got skills and connection,"
Steve heaves but smiles small. He then nods his head, "I guess so,"
Natasha watched him again for a moment before she sighed and turned away, "Well, I'm heading home. See you on Monday, Rogers,"
"Yeah, sure. Bye," Steve glanced at the woman again and watched her disappear behind the wall.
Looking down at his wristwatch again, it was quarter to 6 PM already and this gave him a jolt once again.
"Shit," he muttered before he dashed to pile up his documents together and headed out of the conference room. As he walked up to his cubicle, Steve pulled out his phone and dialed Bucky.
"Hey Buck—"
"Where the hell are you?!"
"Um-I'm—"
"Are you still in the office?!"
"Uh-yeah?"
"Punk! It's 5:46 already! Get down here at the lobby!"
"I'm trying," Steve whined as he shoved some files on his messenger bag.
"How is it possible even going home, you're still late?" Bucky grumbles, making Steve chuckle.
"Well, there are some things that can't be changed," Steve immediately grinned when Bucky groaned, and then soon enough, he ran for the elevator.
September 5, 2018
Trinity College Cambridge
8:13 AM
"Oh, would you look at that," Maria grins as Peggy and her walk the path towards the main building and sees a bunch of freshmen huddled up, following a student guide, "We were just like them two years ago and now it's our final year,"
Peggy had a soft smile on her face, reminiscing as she watched the new students excitedly looking around. She then glanced at her roommate for three years too, "It's quite fast, don't you think?"
"Oh, it is," Maria then chuckled, "But I can't wait to get this degree. I want to be done with doing term papers and assignments, it's overrated," the two then laughed.
"Margaret!"
Someone called the brunette from the opposite side they were walking on, and immediately smiled, knowing who it was. As Peggy waved at the blonde man, Maria couldn't help but groan softly as she looked away.
"Hi, Fred," Peggy said as soon as the man stood before her, "I thought your classes aren't till 10 AM? You're quite early today,"
"It is, but I got an email yesterday saying that I got accepted for a trainee position in Freedom Insurance. I submitted documents to the department," Fred proudly grinned with both hands on his hips as if standing like a superhero.
"Oh, wow. That's great news, so you'll be going back to London?" Peggy asks, excitedly.
Fred suddenly laughed, "No, I'm staying here in Cambridge. It's easier to travel back to the dorm if I work here. And you should consider that too,"
Maria, silently, rolls her eyes again but tries to keep them hidden from the couple.
"Oh, well, SSR Law Firm is located in London, and I want to get a trainee job there," Peggy then purses her lips when Fred raised a brow at her, "It's worth the travel if I have to get to school on days I'll be working,"
"No," Fred shook his head in disagreement, "I don't think it will be worth it in the long run. You should reconsider. There are law firms around Cambridge you can apply to. Trust me, Margaret, it's a smarter choice."
"How about we just make our own choices?" Maria suddenly cuts in, and the two quickly look back at her. Smiling sarcastically at the blonde man, she continued, "I mean, if you prefer an easier commute, sure why not? But Pegs prefers quality of experience rather than an easy life,"
Fred scrunches his face, "Who wouldn't want an easier life? If there are ways to make life easier, I think we should choose that. Don't you agree, Margaret?" he then looked at Peggy.
The brunette was startled for a second at the intense look of the man. But recognizing the expected look on her roommate's face, made her feel cornered.
"Well, you both have a point. But…right now is not the time because you and I," Peggy then looped her arm to Maria and pulled her, "are going to be late for our morning class. Fred, we'll talk later, okay?"
"Oh, okay, sure," Fred looked baffled for a second before he waved goodbye, "See you later, honey,"
As Peggy and Maria turned away, the American brunette quickly gave an unimpressed remark, "Honey? I can't imagine you as a honey type,"
Peggy furrows her brows, "It's his endearment for me,"
"Exactly, and it doesn't fit you," Maria then physically cringed, making Peggy gawp before chuckling.
"Then what endearment suits me?"
"Hmm, I don't know…" Maria tilts her head as she tries to think, "It must be something personal and sweet,"
"How about sweetheart?" Peggy asks before she quivers along with Maria in distaste.
"No, not that either…"
… … … …
Sitting in a café, Peggy and Maria silently worked on their same class, International Security. The two were simultaneously reading multiple articles as they tried to know the scope of their term paper.
The first day of classes is barely done, and yet the two are already immersed in their subject that it felt for them it has been nearly a year. Soon enough, Maria sighs in exhaustion as she cracks her neck to relieve some muscle pain.
As she did so, she watched silently the English brunette. Peggy was multitasking; reading; taking down notes and listening to music, all at the same time. She couldn't help but chuckle at how dedicated Peggy was working.
"With the way you work, I bet SSR is going to offer you a permanent job," Maria teased loudly to get Peggy's attention, to which she immediately took off one of her earphones to listen.
The brunette chortles and smiles, "Well, I really do hope so. Starting my career as a foreign relations assistant can get me somewhere,"
Maria proudly grinned at her, "It's good to know that Fred hasn't deterred you from choosing SSR." She then rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"He means well," Peggy defended, earning her a grunt from the American, "He's just being practical,"
"Practical?" Maria scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, "If he wants to be practical and not ambitious, that's his call. But to insist on you to reconsider? Now, that's bullshit,"
Peggy huffed a laugh as she pulled off her other earphone and kept it away. "Of course it is. But I'm not going to say that to his face. I don't need another argument with him." She then slumps her earphones down on the table with a little force.
Maria suddenly leaned on the table with her chin prompted on her palm, "What kind of arguments?" she asked, as she noticed the brunette's reaction.
Peggy sighed, exasperatedly, "Marriage, apparently," she then leaned back on her chair as she watched her roommate gawk at her.
Maria then pulled back in surprise with her brows furrowed, "Excuse me, what?"
"I know," Peggy shook her head in disbelief, "I don't know why all of a sudden, he's eager to talk about getting married. I'm just 20 and there are a lot of things I still want to do. Marriage is not on my top list,"
"He's eager?" Maria bafflingly repeats, "As in, he's hinting at proposing to you?"
Peggy shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know. Maybe? But I have been vocal about not being in that mindset. Hopefully, he gets it."
"Wow," Maria gawps before she starts chuckling, "I hope he's not assuming that you will be anything else other than a career woman,"
Peggy tilts her head, looking at her roommate deadpan as if annoyed that she had put that thought out into the world.
"Maria Hill, stop tempting the universe to hear your ideas," Peggy then points at Maria's laptop, "If I were you, continue reading and I shall continue mine,"
Maria smirked, bemused at the brunette, "Noted, ma'am,"
The two then chuckled before they quickly slipped back to their studying mode.
November 8, 2018
Brooklyn, New York
8:42 PM
Typing away on his laptop, Steve was immersed in his research about an art collection owned by a diplomat from Sokovia that Stark Art Gallery Los Angeles was bidding to present. It's a big project for the department to snatch this bidding and have the title to present those historical art pieces. So, he was working hard alongside his previous boss, Agatha Harkness. She gave him her infamous smile, the threatening kind wherein if he messed up, he was getting a piece of her wrath.
As he was alternatively reading backstories about the artist and the art pieces, Steve's messenger suddenly rang, startling the blonde out of his concentration.
"Peggy?" He whispered as he saw her name on the screen. He then checks the time and calculates the time zone, "Why is she calling at a late hour?"
Despite his question, he accepted the call and immediately Peggy's face filled his screen.
"Hi, Steve,"
"Hey," Steve smiled, although unsure, as he stared at the wary look of the brunette, "What's up? It's kind of late there, isn't it?"
"Oh…" Peggy looked down, probably at her watch, before looking back at him, "It is late. I didn't notice that it was nearly 2 AM. Am I disturbing you?"
Steve shook his head, "No, not really. What's the matter? Is everything alright?"
Peggy stares at him for a second before she softly smiles at him.
"Yes, everything is fine. It's just that…" she sighed exasperatedly before she shook her head, "Never mind, it's ridiculous. I shouldn't be bothering you with these thoughts,"
"Hey, come on. You can talk about anything with me," Steve then gave a sly grin, "Maybe I can help,"
Peggy suddenly chortles at the teasing look of the blonde. Defeatedly huffing at Steve's convincing smile, she slumped on her headboard and stared at him.
Steve didn't push as he patiently waited for her to begin. After some time, when Peggy was settled, she averted her gaze and spoke.
"Fred and I celebrated our first anniversary,"
Steve stiffened momentarily before he swallowed down his nerves and nodded his head, "Congratulations, it's been a year then,"
Peggy quickly looked up at him, and Steve immediately noticed the tinge of guilt and sadness in her eyes, making him wonder even more.
"Shouldn't you be happy?" Steve questioned with caution.
"Well, I was…" Peggy answered honestly, "We were celebrating happily during dinner. He took me out to a restaurant; we strolled around in the park and hung around for a moment."
Steve nodded his head, "That sounded romantic," he said, even if he wasn't sure if that was indeed romantic for her.
"Well, knowing Fred, that was his usual date plans for us," Peggy sighed in laughter, "So, yes, it was romantic,"
"Then, what's the matter?"
Peggy suddenly bit her lower lip in hesitation. Steve couldn't help but notice it and ended up staring at her bitten red lips.
"He talked about…our future together," Peggy then fumbles with her hands, "He talked about setting goals for us, getting jobs close to either London or Hampstead, getting married…" She then stared at Steve and watched his reaction.
She saw how Steve stiffened and how his Adam's apple bobbed. Slowly lifting her gaze to his ever-comforting blue eyes, Peggy couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.
"Well, how do you feel about those plans?" He asked.
"Overwhelmed," Peggy replies, "I've always told him I'm not ready for that mindset. Marriage has never crossed my mind. Right now, I just want to graduate first in university and get a job in my dream law firm. But he seems to be more advanced in our relationship than I am,"
Steve thought for a moment, "Maybe he just feels so secure in your relationship that it gave him the courage to think about your future together,"
"Are you saying I'm not secure in our relationship?" Peggy then raised a brow.
"No," Steve contends calmly, despite the accusing tone of the brunette, "I just meant that he probably sees his life spending the rest of it with you,"
The two were then silent as the weight of that thought was realized. Peggy could feel her heart pound as Steve gazed at her like he was expecting her reaction.
"Well, what do you think?" He continues, "Do you see yourself one day spending the rest of your life with him?"
The thumping inside her chest grew louder in her ears. Suddenly, she was afraid that Steve would hear it. So, she cleared her throat and replied, "Like I said, Steve, I haven't thought of that. None of those future things I have pondered on. All I care about right now is getting that trainee position in SSR and graduating by the end of the school year."
Steve hummed, not pushing the topic anymore. "Alright. There is nothing wrong with that. But you have to let Fred know where you stand in your relationship. Otherwise, one of you will be bound to get hurt,"
Peggy let out a staggering breath, "I know…and I'm afraid, I'll hurt him,"
"What do you mean?" Steve questioned with furrowed brows.
Peggy's eyes slowly grew wide in the realization of what she said, "Um—well, I'm afraid that I'll take so much time to get there to the point he'll get tired of waiting,"
Steve shrugged his shoulders, "Well if he loves you, he'll wait for you,"
Suddenly, Peggy was stunned by his words, and a rush of 'what ifs' crossed her mind. Her heart pounded harder and clenched, making her nearly teary-eyed.
"Alright, Steve," Peggy suddenly said, cutting off the topic, "Thank you. I think I should head to bed."
"Oh, right, yeah…" Steve scratched his head, embarrassed for forgetting the time, "Take a rest now. It's almost 2:30 there,"
Peggy softly smiled at him, and gradually her eyes watered. She nodded her head in response, "Good night, Steve,"
"Good morning, Peggy,"
She chortles and pauses as she just stares at him, "I miss you, Steve,"
The blonde was stunned at her declaration, but he immediately smiled and replied, "I miss you too, Peggy. Sleep tight,"
Peggy smiled for the last time before the video call dropped. As his screen returns to his previous work, Steve lets out a staggering breath. He felt like he was going to have an asthma attack with the way his heart was beating.
… … … …
As her phone returns to the main page of her messenger, Peggy lets out a shaky breath. She slowly slid down on her bed and stared at her ceiling.
"Why the hell did you say that to Steve?" she scolded herself softly.
Silence resounded but somehow, it felt appropriate for her to respond to her question, "I mean, I really do miss him…but why did he have to say that back to me?" she then whined in bed before she suddenly sat up and glared at the opposite wall, where Steve's painting was hung.
"When you say stuff like that Steve, you make me feel confused…" She then stared at the painting as if she were talking to the artist and waited for him to reply.
"Would you have waited for me?" Peggy suddenly asked, hoping for a yes in her mind. Her voice quivered, realizing what she was asking for. She immediately shook her head, trying to dispel the thought. But it remained no matter what she did.
As she regarded the painting again, she mumbled, "You know, what's weird Steve? Fred is my boyfriend, and yet I can't make myself think of a future with him yet. But with you…" she sighed, closing her eyes and tucked her head between her folded knees. "Why is it easier for me to think I want you to be in my future?"
Peggy felt another tugging in her heart, making her groan in frustration before she dropped herself in bed.
November 18, 2018
The Flask Pub, Hampstead
9:19 PM
"Well, here we are dear sister," Michael grinned as he draped an arm over Peggy's shoulder, "What do you want?"
Peggy heaved deeply, "I'll start with a beer,"
The man immediately chuckled as he nodded, "Beer it is. Go look for us a table, I'll get our drinks,"
Peggy quickly slipped out of her brother's hold and searched for a corner. Luckily enough, a group of friends decided to head out and left their booth for Peggy to steal. She immediately settled and waited for her brother. As she did, she easily drifted to an unfocused stare.
She was in a fight again with Fred. Maybe the 8th time since the school year started. Ever since they started their final year, Fred had become more vocal about his plans. Well, he insisted it was their plan. But she can't find it in her to agree to it.
This time, Fred insists on the idea of staying in the countryside in Kent, where they can start anew. He had this thought that it was nice to live in a place away from the city, from the noise and chaos of city life, and settle in a place where everything was new for them. He started throwing ideas of building a house life in the country and living simply, away from a complicated lifestyle. He then gave the idea that Peggy didn't even have to work. She could make a home if preferred, as he could care for her.
Now, this irked the brunette. It was the last straw for her. Peggy had bellowed about how he wasn't really making plans for them, but rather for what he wanted in his life. Everything that he was laying out was his preference and not once did he ask, what she wanted. Fred had insisted that it was only some plans that he was throwing to the world, just a way to gauge how ready she was to spend her life with him.
And so, Peggy walked out on the man in the middle of their argument. She couldn't deal with the conversation any further and felt like drowning it with some alcohol. So, in less than an hour, she sought out a drinking buddy, who happened to be her brother.
"Alright!" Michael exclaims, slumping the two glasses of beer in his hands on the table, snapping the brunette out of her thoughts.
"Finally," she muttered, fixing her sitting position before grabbing a glass.
"So, is this about Fred again?" Michael questioned with a tone of sarcasm.
Peggy instantly raised a brow, "Why would you assume that this would have something to do with Fred? Can't I just ask my brother for a hangout?"
Michael scoffed, "Well if you had invited me for drinks Friday night, I would have assumed that you just wanted to relax. But it's Sunday, in which you were supposed to head back to Cambridge, and yet here we are, in a pub, past 9 PM. So?"
Peggy rolls her eyes, "Fine. But why would you assume it's about Fred?"
"Let's just say, I had this feeling that this day would come," Michael then shrugged his shoulders, making the brunette even more annoyed, "What? You don't like my assumption even if it's true?"
"I don't like it that you assume the worst about us all the time," Peggy exasperatedly sighed before gulping some of her beer.
Copying his sister, Michael drinks some of his beer as well while keeping an eye on her reaction. When Peggy slams her glass down, he wants to chortle at how good he was at triggering his sister. But for some reason, he thought it was too cruel as this situation seemed crucial.
"Teasing aside, what's the problem?"
Peggy looked at her brother for a second before giving in, "I hate how you're right about my concern,"
"Well, I know you well enough," Michael then gave a reassuring smile, "So, what is it? What's bothering you that Fred instigated?"
"It's just that…" Peggy sighed for the nth time, "He keeps on making these plans for us and he seemed to have this idea that I will just get along with it, play as a housewife at this age, live in the country, settle in a quiet life, and—I don't know, does he even know who I am?"
Michael furrows his brow, "With what you said, it sounds like he doesn't,"
"I know, and it bothers me. I mean, am I not transparent enough for him to figure out, that I am not that kind of woman?" Peggy shook her head in disbelief.
"Well, maybe because you're with the wrong person,"
Peggy looked at Michael with a displeased look, "And what, you believe that someone else is better suited for me? Michael, I know who I am in a relationship with. I wouldn't be with Fred if I knew he wouldn't be the one for me,"
"But is he?" Michael then shook his head, "Peggy, I've known Fred since high school, and not once did I really like the guy. I mean, I'm trying to tolerate him because he's your boyfriend. But if you ask me, I don't think so. Unless he's the love of your life."
"That's not the point," Peggy sternly replies, as her cheeks reddened.
"No, that's exactly the point, because if you see yourself settling with a guy who doesn't seem to know who you are and what you value, then the only reason why you are staying with him is because you think he is the love of your life. All reasons damned." Michael ranted in one breath, firmly looking at his sister.
"And you think you know better than I do," Peggy replied, pained, with her chin trembling in anger.
"No, I don't Peggy," Michael sighed in defeat, "But I saw something before that I thought was the best for you. And yet you let it slip away,"
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about Steve. How could you just give up so easily? Just because of distance, you thought it wouldn't work, that it would be stupid to start anything with him? Have you not realized the kind of connection you both have?"
Peggy shook her head as she felt tears welled up in her eyes, "It's none of your business. Steve and I will never work,"
"Who says so?" Michael questioned, "Your fears?"
Peggy was stunned silent. She wanted to counter what her brother said, but he was on point when he said that. She felt hot tears drop on her cheeks and she quickly brushed it off and grabbed her glass. She drank it dry and slammed it on the table.
"You know nothing of what is between—"
"Maybe," Michael interrupts, "But I know one thing, and that you care for him, and he cares for you more than virtual friends could ever be,"
Michael looked at Peggy sternly, knowing well her expression of shock, admittance to the truth, and sadness. But Peggy quickly shifted her expression into impassive and gave a cold glare at her brother.
"I am done with this conversation," then she stood up and grabbed her bag, leaving her brother in the booth.
As she stepped away from the booth, Michael whispered, "I just hope you don't regret what comes after this,"
Peggy clenches her fist and jaw as she stares ahead, shaking her head in disbelief.
November 19, 2018
Art Department, Stark Industries
10:28 AM
"Alright, thank you, everyone, for being here on time," Agatha then glanced at Steve, and gave him a sly grin, making the blonde rigid for her sarcasm, "I appreciate your effort. Anyway so, we are close to ending the year, and we still have tons of events to hold in each gallery. Now, updates, Johnson?"
"Well, in DC gallery there will be two artists that will be having an exhibit, both contemporary. They each have 10 days of art show. By Christmas time, we will be partnering with the Smithsonian Institute to sponsor an art Christmas-themed contest."
"Perfect," Agatha said with a chef's kiss, "Morse?"
"New York Gallery will be having one major event before Christmas. We will be exhibiting Shuri's technological art pieces that she is willing to display for two weeks. After that, the gallery will be holding an art auction for the Children's Aid Foundation,"
"Excellent," Agatha gave a satisfied smile before looking at Natasha, "I'd like to commend Romanoff for pulling that stunt, you are indeed the best agent of Stark Industries,"
Natasha shrugged her shoulders as soon as everyone on the table clapped their hands for her.
"It was pretty much a team effort," She then glanced at the other art agents, "Well done team,"
"So," Agatha suddenly exclaims, grabbing everyone's attention, "While waiting for another agent from California, I would like to begin our discussion for Shuri's exhibit. Rogers?"
"Yes," Steve then stands up from his seat and prepares his computer. As soon as it was set up, he began his presentation, "May I present the technological art pieces that Ms. Shuri, from Wakanda, had provided for us,"
Steve quickly fell into an informative discussion of Shuri's technology inventions. From time to time, Romanoff added details to Steve's presentation and each person in the meeting took notes. Without realizing it, an hour had gone by, and lunch quickly approached. A staff assistant came up to them to take note of their lunch orders while enabling them to continue with the discussion.
Soon enough, another hour had passed, and Steve finally concluded his presentation with the floor plan design for the exhibit in the Manhattan gallery.
"Well done, Rogers." Agatha smirked, "I've trained you well. This is the kind of curating I expect in each exhibit we'll be having. Shuri is a very important artist for us, and we can't take lightly her contribution to art. Morse, I entrust that these details are well noted and will be executed,"
"Of course, Ms. Harkness,"
"Good!" Agatha then looked up just in time for someone to enter the conference room, "Ah, finally you're here,"
Natasha and the rest looked at the doorway and saw a beautiful woman leaning by the wall. Steve then turns around and immediately sees the newcomer.
"Everyone, I'd like to introduce to you the new senior art agent for our newly established gallery outside America, Ms. Carter," Agatha opened her arms as a welcome, and the agent couldn't help but nervously laugh at the introduction but still smile.
"Thank you, Ms. Harkness. I apologize for being extremely late. I forgot how traffic it can be in New York," the woman then glanced around the table, ending her gaze at Steve, who was curiously looking at her. "I'm Sharon Carter, originally an art agent in our California HQ. But since Stark Industries had recently opened a new gallery site outside America, I have been tapped to lead the art agents that will be hired,"
"Just for everybody's clarification, I know it was announced last week that the Stark Industries Art Department is expanding its HQ. Our department has been excelling for the last two years and it has been green-lit that we'll be opening a new gallery site in London,"
Everyone in the conference room made a sound of excitement. Steve's expression brightened even more as he heard where the site would be.
"I guess, this is the best time to announce the curator who will oversee the initial opening of the gallery,"
People in the conference murmured their guesses of who it would be and Agatha just grinned as she watched them.
"Rogers,"
Steve stepped up at the call of his name, "Yeah?"
Agatha furrowed her brow in confusion for a second, "What do you mean 'yeah'? I just announced who the curator would be,"
Steve tilts his head in confusion before it makes sense for him. His eyes then grew big and quickly looked at the other curators sitting by the table.
"Wait, what? W-why me?" Steve alternately looked at Agatha and then at the other curators, "Why not them?"
"Why not you, Steve?" Daisy throws the question back, before chuckling at the reddened face of the man.
"Well, don't get too excited Rogers. Your performance there will still be evaluated and dictate your future here in Stark Industries," Agatha then gave an impassive look, "So you better make it work if you want to stay,"
Agatha then stood up, startling most of them, "Alright, dismiss!" and with that, she stepped out of her chair and quickly left the conference room.
When most had left, Steve's shock was still apparent. He suddenly jumps when someone taps his shoulders.
The newcomer chuckled, "You're quite jumpy,"
"Oh, sorry. I mean, yeah, who wouldn't?" Steve chuckles at his antics, "I'm practically still new in the company and yet, my fate is almost decided,"
"And that is?" the blonde asked, stepping closer to Steve while crossing her arms.
"A fate that I could get fired,"
The blonde woman then laughs heartily, making Steve blush at her sweet laugh. "Well then, let's work diligently together to make sure you won't get fired,"
Steve stared at her for a moment before he chuckled, "I'd like that. I'm Steve Rogers by the way. You can call me Steve," he then brought his hand out for a handshake.
The blonde woman's smile grew wider as she took and shook his hand, "Nice to meet you, Steve. You can call me, Sharon."
To be continued…
Author's note: Thanks for reading. I'm not sure you liked the ending of the chapter but I promise, I'll make up for it on the next one. This is sort of part 1 only and I'm still writing the next part, so, maybe expect another update for this? cross fingers. Stay tuned?
❤️, Monsterinacup