The Lakes (Steve Rogers AU)

24

The snow had fallen even more over Westview through the course of the week, making it look more magical than it really was. Erskine was settling into his new home and would be making his debut at the Christmas fair. Steve had brought him a collar to fit the theme of Christmas, although he was sure that Nell had spoilt the pup when she'd gone to get all the essentials he needed.

"Don't you look cute!" She grinned, putting Erskine's paw through the waterproof coat she had to keep him warm. Steve was going to carry him anyway, just so that the dog didn't pick up anything he shouldn't.

"Thanks, I try". Steve smirked as he now stuck his head around the bedroom door.

"And I suppose you're ok too". She grinned and looked at Erskine. "Doesn't he look great in his little raincoat?"

Steve now emerged fully and crouched down in front of the pup. "Like a champ, keep him nice and warm too - you ready?" He asked Nell who nodded. "C'mon then Ersk, let's go meet some people".

They walked into town, hearing the traditional Christmas carols being played by the band in the band stand, the place was heaving with people, but not enough to consider it too overwhelming.
They walked together, saying hi to everyone while Erskine enjoyed all the attention, he was getting from everyone, the kids especially.

"Miss Harding!" Some of the kids in her class had noticed and had come over to say hello and to show her what they'd brought or won from the stalls lined up either side through the town.

"A good turnout" Mayor Fury suddenly manifested beside them. "And dare I say that you two are look particularly happy, wondered how long it would take before you finally did something about it".

Steve smirked. "You've been watching us"

"I see everyone Rogers". Fury nodded curtly and then moved on to go and mingle with some other townspeople and tourists.

Wrapping her scarf around her a little more, Nell huddled closer to Steve as they strolled around the stalls, grabbing some coffee from Nat's and chatting to people who stopped them. By tonight it would be around town about their relationship and no doubt more questions would be coming there way.

"We should really get some tree decorations, and just decorations for indoors in general. Having a bare tree isn't exactly making me feel festive at the moment". Nell said, stopping at one stall to have a look.

"Gotta admit I haven't decorated a tree in years". Steve told her, causing her to suddenly turn to him.

"What?" She was a little surprised by this. 

He shrugged it off. "Last few years haven't felt festive, so I didn't really bother putting anything up".

There was no need for celebration when he had been on his own, plus he usually worked over Christmas Eve and Christmas day so this year wouldn't be any different. Nell knew he was working anyway so they'd arranged to have their Christmas Day on Boxing Day.

She gave him a light kiss. "Well, I think it's about time that changed, isn't it?"

He nodded with a smile. "Yep. Guess it is".

Getting some tree lights and ornaments from various stalls, night descended over the town. The band continued to play carols, and everyone gathered to watch Fury officially switch the towns lights on, the tree lighting up in colour and the lights hanging from the streetlights and shops sending the town into a haze of multicolours. Some flashing and some not.

Steve looked across at Nell who was in awe. Her aura shining just as brightly as those of the lights. He'd never thought he'd look at a woman again in the way that he did with her, but part of him still felt guilty for beginning to move on.

"Think it's time we got home". He suggested, noting the cold was rolling in more. "Ready to go?"

Nell nodded and together they made for home, to get warm and enjoy another winters night together.

**

"You ok pal?" Bucky had noted his friend's mind was elsewhere the next day. 

"Just thinking" 

"About Nell" Bucky now waggled his eyebrows. "I mean I'd be too", and then saw Steve's face. "Not Nell?" 

He shook his head. "No...Sharon..." There was a pause. "I just feel guilty for beginning to move on. Even when I said I wouldn't. That bad?" 

Bucky sighed. "It's alright to let go pal. You've been clinging to that last thread for a long time. But she's gone. You don't deserve to be on your own and feeling guilty for feeling happiness. I've told you before, you won't forget her, but you need to let her go now. And I know I'm gonna sound harsh here, but she never wanted a family. You still do, I can see that - and you've got that chance before we end up as two old guys in their rocking chairs, yelling at the kids from their porches for running on our lawns". 

Steve chuckled. "Yeah...I guess you're right there. It was just when I looked at Nell yesterday, I had this moment where I just thought 'wow...I wanna spend the rest of my life with you' and after it crossed my mind? I then thought that perhaps I don't deserve that". 

"Steve. For God's sake! You deserve more than you've been served with over your life! You lost your parents, Sharon, your home was freaking destroyed. Apart from me? Nell Harding is the best fucking thing that has happened to you! I'm pretty sure that other than her job, she was meant to come here to meet you - and I don't do all this 'fate' and 'soulmate' stuff, but this is something I'm pretty sure about". 

They were interrupted by a call coming into their radios, but Steve knew Bucky was right.

It was ok to let go. It was ok to finally be happy and content for once in his life.