Forward to the Past [Steggy] ✔

Chapter Twenty Four

Peggy's POV

"You ready to go?" Steve interlocks his fingers into mine, and our eyes meet. His eyes reflect what I'm feeling- he's trying to fight off the pain, trying to be strong for me.

"Yeah," I reply, my voice steadier than the frantic beating of my lovesick heart. "Let's go."

Steve's hand remains in mine as he leads me through the room and out the doors, picking up his shield along the way.

"Thanks for this, Steve," I say with a smile on my face, one that is very real.

"My pleasure, Miss Carter," Steve says, polite as always. "You're the only girl I'd ever dance with like that." He holds open the door of the car for me, and I slide into the passenger seat, Steve joining me seconds later. He starts the engine, and the headlights flicker on.

I take one last look at the Stork Club, wondering under what circumstances I'd see it next. Maybe never. I can't imagine if ever go back. Not after Steve. Before my hands can start shaking again, Steve reaches over and takes one of them, turning his head to smile at me.

"Hey Steve?" I say hesitantly, squeezing his hand.

"Hmm?"

"I... I'm leaving tomorrow. Did you know that?"

Steve's face falls, and he sighs. "No. Nobody told me."

"Well, I just wanted to say thanks. For everything. This has been fun."

"Killing my evil girlfriend was fun?" Steve questions lightly, trying to improve my mood.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "No, not that part. But everything else was wonderful. Tonight was one of the best nights of my life. I just wanted you to know that."

Steve smiles ruefully. "Same to you. I love you, Peggy."

"I love you too, Steve."

° ° °

As if on a silent agreement, I follow Steve into his bedroom and slide under the sheets with him. It's not something we explicitly discussed, but I figured that what with it being my last night here, it should be spent with the love of my life.

As we lay down, Steve runs his hand through my hair and presses his nose into my shoulder. I smile lightly, resting my hand on his side and looking into his eyes. Neither of us say anything for fear of breaking down. If we don't concentrate on the fact that I will never see him again, I can almost forget. Almost being the key word.

Steve's soft breathing brushes across my cheeks, the cool air making my skin tingle. I lean over and give Steve a quick kiss, then draw back, but he stops me and pulls my head closer, kissing me longer and harder.

"Don't let go," I mumble in between breaths, and Steve shakes his head.

"Never," he murmurs, his forehead pressed up against mine. "Not until I have to."

"I don't want you to have to," I sigh, and Steve grunts.

"Shh. I don't have to. Not yet."

I nod, running my nose against Steve's, and he chuckles, biting his lip.

"Let's stay up all night," Steve murmurs, scooting even closer to me and smiling.

"Well, I'm not exactly sure what Howard would think," I start, but the smile I'm suppressing breaks through anyways. "But since when do I care what Howard thinks? Let's do it."

° ° °

We didn't stay up all night.

Apparently we both suck at staying awake at three AM, and we somehow wake up at nine o'clock, Steve still leaning against my shoulder.