Following Team Orders (A Steve Rogers AU x F1)

Silverstone

It's been an emotional two weeks.

David Williams was laid to rest in the family tomb in England, at the same church where he was baptized so many years ago. Liv didn't acknowledge the amount of people that had come to pay their respects to him. She was numb. After her crying session, she avoided the team, boarding a plane with Frank as soon as she could pull herself together. She texted Steve and Bucky if only to reassure them that she was, in fact, still alive.

Between her mother, sister and herself, they decided that Olivia would be the one to deliver the main eulogy for her father.

"David Williams was a girl dad. Two girls but he kept the racing alive. My sister went into the business on the actual business side, and I was his daredevil."

She took a breath and looked out. So many people that knew her father and respected him. Her eyes moved but locked on the ocean blues who hadn't given up on her. He nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"I don't think my dad ever said no. Maybe to the late underage nights or the questionable hair colors. Maybe even questionable life decisions. But they were far and few between. Most of you know that I was their miracle. His miracle princess. One who wanted to experience everything life had to offer. And my dad didn't tell me no."

She wiped the tears that had fallen and continues. "He took me to do a lot of my first. First bike ride, first go-cart, first drink, first tattoo, sorry mum." The crowd laughed and her mother shook her head. He took me to my first race, bought me my first motorbike. Took me in his F1 car but don't tell Andy." Another laugh. "He was the first person I talk to about my opportunity in Formula one. He was my first call after my first race."

"My dad was someone who you could rely on. Who gave all of himself to his family and friends. He was a mentor, an inspiration, a co-worker, a racer, an owner, a husband, a father. A friend. David Williams would not want us to say 'I can't.' He would want us to say when. When will you finish? When will you succeed. Because if anything, dad was a believer. A girl dad, my best friend. Dad, no, life won't be the same without you but yes, we go on for you. I love you and I'll see you on the flipside."

After the funeral, Liv was still seated in the front of the chapel, staring at the little trophy in her hands. Her first race. She blinked back the tears from the memory of her father looking so proud.

"I'm sorry doll."

She looked up to see Steve standing at the end of the aisle.

"You know, he would be interested in your opinion about my performance. And to argue with you how wrong you are," she said with a smile.

"I'm sure." He slid in to sit next to her. "You did wonderful today."

"He would have hated this. All this fuss."

"Probably." He caressed her cheek. "But he would have been so proud of you."

She looked forward as the tear rolled down her cheek. "I can't say goodbye," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"I know baby, I know."

"I'm sorry that we can't move forward right now. I just... can't."

"I understand. I'm not going anywhere. But I think it's time for you to join everyone else."

She turned to look at him. "Do I have to?"

"You know your father would want you to." He wiped the tears from under her eyes.

"I hate you. Just for this moment, I really hate you."

He offered a crooked smile. "I know."

**