Marvel One-Shots

Steggy (Steve + Peggy)

Title: Smooth Operators

The bar was buzzing with the usual chaos of soldiers letting off steam after a long day of war. The jukebox crackled with old tunes, the kind that made the weary men sway a little softer.

Steve Rogers sat quietly at the table with Bucky Barnes and the rest of the Howling Commandos, nursing a beer that he wasn’t entirely sure he even liked.

Bucky was leaning back in his chair, eyes scanning the bar with a mischievous grin. He nudged Steve.

“You know, pal, now that you’re a foot taller and less like a broomstick, you’ve got some options. See any ladies you’d like me to introduce you to?”

Steve rolled his eyes. “I think I’m good, Buck. Besides, I don’t really—”

But Steve’s words caught in his throat as the door to the bar swung open, and Peggy Carter walked in, all business in her sharp military uniform.

She strode toward their table, exuding the kind of confidence that had most men sitting up straighter without even realizing it. Even Bucky let out a low whistle under his breath.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Agent Carter herself,” Bucky said, with a grin that had melted the hearts of many a woman before. “What brings you here, sweetheart? I mean, ma’am.”

Peggy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “I’m here to speak with Captain Rogers, not to flirt with you, Sergeant Barnes.”

Bucky laughed, throwing up his hands. “Hey, can’t blame a guy for trying.”

Steve, meanwhile, was still caught halfway between standing up and sitting down, a little flustered by her sudden appearance.

“Peggy,” he managed to say, straightening his posture as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. “What’s going on?”

She crossed her arms, her gaze never leaving his. “We have a briefing with Stark tomorrow morning. 0800 sharp. Don’t be late.”

Bucky grinned like a Cheshire cat, leaning toward Steve. “You better set an extra alarm, Rogers. Wouldn’t want to keep a lady like that waiting.”

Peggy shot him a look. “I have every confidence Captain Rogers knows how to read a clock, Sergeant.”

Steve, trying to ignore the fact that his face was probably turning as red as his uniform, smirked and leaned back in his chair, doing his best to match the easygoing confidence Peggy always seemed to carry.

“Don’t worry, Peggy,” he said smoothly, “I’ll be ready. Wouldn’t want to miss a chance to see you first thing in the morning.”

For a second, Peggy’s composure wavered ever so slightly. Was that a blush? Maybe. Steve certainly hoped so. Bucky let out a low, appreciative whistle.

Peggy recovered quickly, raising an eyebrow and tilting her head as if to say, Really, Rogers? “I’m sure you’ll manage,” she said, a touch too casually.

Bucky, sensing an opportunity, leaned in even further. “Steve’s been practicing, you know. Being smooth. I’d say it’s working, wouldn’t you?”

Peggy glanced at Bucky, then back at Steve, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Smooth? Is that what we’re calling it now?”

Steve grinned, leaning forward, now fully embracing his new, confident persona. “Well, it’s better than what Bucky calls flirting.”

Bucky nearly choked on his drink, laughing. “Touché, Rogers. Touché.”

Peggy’s lips twitched, fighting back a smile. “Very well, Captain. I’ll see you tomorrow. And Sergeant,” she glanced at Bucky, “try not to cause too much trouble in the meantime.”

As she turned to leave, Bucky couldn’t resist calling after her, “You know, Peggy, if Steve ever forgets how to be smooth, I’m always available to pick up the slack.”

Without turning, Peggy shot back over her shoulder, “I’d rather take my chances with the Captain, Sergeant.”