It's Been A Long, Long Time // Steve Rogers

Chapter 21

December in New York, 1948. New York seemed to be busier than ever. It was always busy but even more especially during this time of the year when everyone came out for Christmas shopping, ice skating, and other festivities. Steve and I were no different. We took every moment we could to go make memories. Of course as the city was busier, there was more crime and Steve was being pulled every which way for drawings of possible perps. But at least it was bringing in a steady flow of money. Me on the other hand, I decided not to quit working with Howard on the promise that I could stay away from Peggy and Zola. Zola because he was creepy and Peggy because, well...she was a bitch.

I had been busy at Stark Industries because Howard and Riley assured me that this flying car would be ready for the holidays. I thought they were full of shit. But regardless, Howard had me planning another Stark Expo...Christmas themed...that would take place right before the holiday.

"Howard?" I stepped into his office one morning and saw the plans to the flying car scattered across his desk. Meanwhile the man in question was asleep and drooling onto said plans. "Howard?" I said again, shaking his shoulder gently. He shot up suddenly and looked around, "Yes?"

"Don't tell me you spent another night here?" I asked him. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. There's just so much to do."

"Can I get you any coffee? You've been here all night." I offered. "Coffee, yes, coffee would be great." I smiled at him and made my way towards the break room to get him a coffee. That's when I ran into Riley who I learned a few weeks ago had been dating Maddy. Small world.

"Morning Becca." Riley smiled at me and poured me a cup of already made coffee. "I assume this is for Howard?" He raised his eyebrows and I laughed. "How'd you know?"

"The man never stops working this time of year. Stark Industries is always making the next best tech gadget for Christmas." He laughed. I added Howard's typical milk and sugar to the coffee before standing in front of Riley.

"Are you and Grant doing anything for Christmas?" Riley asked. "Uh no, it's just us." I smiled. "How about we all get together? Lois, John, Maddy and I, and then you and Grant?" He offered. "That would be great, Riley. Thank you." He smiled and took a sip. "We could do a friendly white elephant maybe." I nodded in agreement and we chatted a little longer before I took Howard's coffee to him. Thankfully, he was awake but he was pacing in front of his chalkboard. "One coffee." "Thank you, Becca."

"So the Stark Expo...everything is planned and should be good to go. I just need your entrance song..." I said. Howard and his entrances. Always one for the theatrics. "Something dramatic." He said. I nodded and jotted 'dramatic' down on my notepad. "Anything else that needs to get done?" I asked. "Can you get me the Rockettes? Tell them I'll pay anything for them to come dance." I nodded and wrote that down. I don't know how I was going to get that done but usually name dropping Howard's name helped.

"Something dramatic and the Rockettes. Got it. I'll get started on this." I gave him one last smile and walked back into my office.

If I were wanting to hire the Rockettes, who would I call...

Steve's POV

It was cold in New York. Winter was in full effect and so was Christmas time. I watched the people bustle around as I sat in the Moonlight Diner with a cup of hot coffee warming my hands. I might be a super soldier but I was still a bit cold.

"Can I get you another dear?" Betty asked, walking up to me with a pot of coffee. "No thank you, Betty, but I do have a question." She nodded and let me continue. "Know where I can get a puppy?"

She smiled at me, "you thinking about adopting one for Miss Becca?"

"It's what she wants and honestly, I think we could both use the companion." I said with a smile. I had thought about it and a dog would be good for Becca to have when I wasn't home. Something to cuddle up with if I had to go to work. But also for me, it was a companion that I could take out on runs when Becca was at work. The apartment wouldn't be so quiet without her there.

"How about the shelter? They've always got dogs coming in this time of year." I nodded, I had thought about that but Becca was specific about a golden retriever. "Think they have golden retrievers?" I asked. "They just might." She winked at me and I pulled out a dollar for the drink. "Oh put that away. On the house." She swatted my hand away and I huffed and laugh. "You make my life so difficult Betty, I just want to pay you." She rolled her eyes and pushed me out of the diner. "Go get that girl a dog." I laughed and shook my head before making my way towards the Brooklyn Animal Shelter.

I walked in and was immediately met with the sounds of barking dogs. "Hi! How can I help you?" The man at the desk greeted me. "I'd like to adopt a dog for my girlfriend." I said. "Got a specific idea in mind?" He asked. "A golden retriever?" I said hopefully.

"Well you're in luck! A litter of them were brought in last night. Already a few of them have been adopted." He said, leading me past the kennels of dogs. It broke my heart to see some of them in here. He stopped in front of a specific kennel and there were about 7 golden retriever puppies bouncing around. I kneeled down and put my hand up against the metal bars. "How much for one?" A few dogs enthusiastically licked my hand and barked. "For one of these? $30." I nodded and smiled at the puppies.

"I'll take one." I said. Now it was a matter of WHICH one. I stood back up and watched them play. My eyes landed on the one who kept getting picked on. He wasn't the smallest of the litter but he certainly wasn't the biggest. I watched the other dogs chase him around for a moment before tackling him to the ground. "That one." I pointed at him. "Alright." The man opened the cage and picked out the dog. "You sure?"

"He's perfect." I nodded. The man locked the kennel back up and passed me the dog who immediately started licking all over my face. We made our way back to the front where I paid and filled out the proper paperwork. "Got a name for him yet?"

"Uh no, I'm gonna let my girlfriend name him." I said. The man gave one last nod before thanking me for my adoption. He was kind enough to give me a makeshift collar and a leash but I decided on carrying the pup since there was snow sticking to the ground. "Come on puppy, let's get you some stuff before we go home to your new mom."

And that's exactly what I did. I stopped at the nearest pet shop and purchased him a new collar, leash, bowls, food, a bed, and of course toys. This would be one spoiled pup. I decided to set him down and he was quick to play in the snow. We walked the rest of the way home where I wiped off his paws and brought him into the warm apartment.

Becca would be home soon, so I hid the dog supplies and kept him with me. I couldn't wait to see the look on her face. For dramatic effect, I even wrapped a little box to put him in with a bow.

A few hours later, I heard her walk up the stairs and quickly put the pup in the box. "Okay, be good." I whispered. The door twisted open and in came Becca, taking off her snow boots, jacket, and hat.

"Hello, beautiful." I walked up to her and gave her a quick kiss. "Hi." She smiled at me and shut the door behind her. "I have a present for you." I said. "Steve it's not Christmas yet." She laughed. "I know but this one can't wait." She watched me walk to the table and pick up the somewhat medium sized box.

"Sit." I said, motioning to the couch. She obliged and sat down. I set the box in her lap and her eyes widened. "Steve...did this box just..." She gasped as she felt it move again and pulled off the top. "Oh my god! Steve!! A puppy!" She pulled the puppy from the box and he licked her face. "I love him!" I smiled and sat next to her. "I knew you would." She turned and gave me a kiss. "I love you, thank you." "I love you too, sweetheart. He needs a name."

She looked back at the dog in her arms and smiled.

"Scout."

She leaned against me and I pet him behind the ears. "Welcome to our little family, Scout."