Fallen | Steve Rogers

6

It's not a happy day. Not by a long shot.

Today is the day of Peggy's funeral. In London.

Sam and Lauren are sitting in the front row of the church. Steve is helping to bring Peggy's casket inside as the choir serenades in harmony.

When Steve takes his seat, Lauren rings her arm around his, the inner part of their elbows touching as she intertwines her fingers with his. He brings their hands up to his lips, gently kissing his knuckles, then sets them back down on his lap.

Sadness radiates off of him. Lauren empathizes with him. 

It's selfish of her to say that she's glad he crashed into the ice. It's selfish of her to say that she's glad he and Peggy never ended up together.

It's selfish.

All she wants is for Steve to be happy... no matter what that may take.

" And now, I would like to invite Sharon Carter to come up and say a few words", The priest says from his podium.

The blonde Carter then takes her place at a side podium, glancing over at Steve who seems surprised.

"Margaret Carter was known to most as the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. But I just know her as Aunt Peggy. She had a photograph in her office: Aunt Peggy standing next to JFK. As a kid that was pretty cool. But it was a lot to live up to, which is why I never told anyone we were related. I asked her once how she managed to master diplomacy and espionage at a time when no one wanted to see a woman succeed at either. And she said, "Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say, 'No, you move'."

Steve seems to be entranced by her words. He can't keep his eyes off of her. Lauren's eyes flicker between the two, sensing a connection between them that should not be there. She gently plants a kiss on her husband's broad shoulder as her thumb gently rolls over his palm. He seems to move away from her touch, or rather not welcome it.

A frown forms upon her lips.

Lauren looks over to Sam, who's giving her an 'I know what you're thinking' look. He puts his hand on her knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She smiles at him, as if saying 'thank you'.

After the mass is over, the church quickly emptied out. Steve and Lauren are the last ones standing.

" I managed to get this bottle of vintage Scotch. The one you said was your favorite in the 40's. We could drink it together ," Lauren suggests, standing a few feet in front of him.

He shakes his head 'no'.

" We could go site-seeing. I know you've always wanted to go on the London Eye," Lauren says.

" I think I just need some air", Steve says.

" We can go to the p--", Lauren start as she puts on her coat.

" Without you", He says, catching her off guard, " I'm sorry, Lo... I-I just need some time."

His words sting, but she thinks nothing of it. He's grieving.

" Of course. I understand. I guess I'll meet you back at the hotel", Lauren says, then gently peck his lips, " I love you".

Steve hums in response as she make her way towards the door, where she see Natasha entering.

" You guys okay?", She asks.

" I'm fine. Steve... I can't say the same. I've been trying to help... but apparently I don't know how," Lauren says.

" Brushing you off?", Natasha asks.

" Bingo", Lauren says.

" I know you said that it's just a rough patch between you two... but what if it's more than that", Natasha says.

" We'll get through this together", Lauren says.

"It's not him I'm worried about", Natasha says.

"Do me a favor and take your name off the accords list. We don't need anymore division in this team", Lauren says as she walks out the door, only to be greeted by the brisk London air.