The First Avenger [1]

Captain Rogers

Captain America: The First Avenger - Chapter Thirteen: "Captain Rogers"

HIS VOICE crackled through the radio, crystal clear. "Come in."

"This is Captain Rogers. Do you read me?" Steve's voice resonated, cutting through the tension. Diana breathed a sigh of relief. It had only been moments since the defeat of Ares, a victory that left her feeling rejuvenated. It was as if a surge of energy had washed over her, leaving her feeling stronger, more accomplished, and more empowered than ever before.

"Captain Rogers, what is your..." Peggy began, when Diana's hand rested gently on her shoulder.

"Steve, is that you? Are you alright?" She interjected, her voice carrying a note of concern as she hoped for a reassuring response.

"Diana!" Steve's voice came through with a hint of exasperation. "There were explosives on the ships, ready to be deployed. I managed to get rid of them and clear the area."

"What about the plane?" Peggy's inquiry cut through the air, her worry palpable.

There was a brief pause on Steve's end before he spoke again. "That's a little bit tougher to explain."

"Give me your coordinates. I'll find you a safe landing site," Peggy demanded, taking a seat beside Diana, who sat with furrowed brows, her mind racing with possibilities.

"There's not going to be a safe landing. But I can try and force it down," Steve replied, prompting a shake of Diana's head, even though she knew he couldn't see her.

"Steve, I can fly to you. Give me your coordinates now," Diana urged, her voice laced with command and authority.

"I... I can't. This aircraft is badly damaged. I don't know where I am right now, but I do know I'm heading for New York," Steve admitted, causing Diana's heart to sink. Her hand clenched into a fist, gently tapping against the metal table in frustration.

Peggy glanced at her friend with concern before leaning closer to the radio. "I'll get Howard on the line. He'll know what to do."

"There's not enough time. This thing's moving too fast," Steve objected, his tone tinged with urgency. Diana shook her head once more, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

"There must be something we can do," Diana insisted, her mind racing through possible solutions. She could almost sense Steve shaking his head on the other end of the line.

After a few moments of silence, Steve made his decision. "I gotta put her in the water."

"Steve, please," Diana pleaded, her voice breaking with emotion. "We can think of something. We can work it out," she begged, tears welling in her eyes. For a fleeting moment, she entertained the idea of racing into the sky to search for him, but time was running out, and she knew it.

"Right now, I'm in the middle of nowhere. If I wait any longer, a lot of people are gonna die. Diana, this is my choice," Steve's voice came through with determination as he made his final decision.

Diana fell silent, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to accept the inevitability of the situation.

"Diana?" Steve's voice crackled through the static, pulling her back to the present moment.

"I'm here, Steve," she reassured, leaning in closer to the communication device, her heart heavy with sorrow.

"Y'know, I never took you out on a proper date," Steve said, a hint of regret in his voice.

"You never asked," Diana replied, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.

"Alright then, a week from next Saturday, at the Stork Club. Eight on the dot," Steve decided, his confidence unwavering even in the face of imminent danger.

"And you won't be late?" Diana teased, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

"Deal," Steve replied, his words quick and decisive.

"Remember, a deal is a promise, Steve, and a promise is—" Diana's words were cut short as the line suddenly went static.

"Steve?" Diana called out, her heart pounding in her chest, but she knew deep down that it was too late.

Her expression turned solemn, her eyes brimming with tears. Peggy swallowed hard, trying to suppress her own grief as she pulled Diana into a comforting embrace.

There was nothing more they could do.

The war had been won with the demise of Ares and the collapse of the Nazi regime. Everyone across the could finally sigh a collective breath of relief. Everyone, that is, except Diana.

While she was still grateful to have her friends Peggy and Howard, she couldn't shake the ache of missing Steve and Bucky. Losing one had been her worst fear; losing both, was a reality she struggled to face.

But Diana wouldn't hide from her grief any longer. She stayed with Howard and Peggy, sharing in their lives and drawing strength from their friendship. They were her only remaining companions and she loved them dearly.

Remaining with them proved to be the best decision she could've made. As a founding member of SHIELD, she could channel her sorrow into a passion for helping others.

Yes, the war had been won, but her mind still strayed on what had been lost.

"Diana," Peggy called from the commandos boardroom. The men in the room and celebrated quietly, still mourning their own losses.

Diana stood and walked inside, where all eyes happened upon her. She silently moved, taking her seat at the head of the planning table.

Diana's hand hovered over a stack of files. The top folder held all of the information on Steven Grant Rogers: the first super-soldier. She smiled briefly at his pre-serum photograph before moving the file aside. She then took a moment to compose herself.

"What's the plan now, lieutenant?" Gabe asked her, settling into his own chair.

Diana picked up another folder and tossed it onto the table, its label catching everyone's attention.

Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.

S.H.I.E.L.D.

The men looked at Diana with confusion. She rested her right arm on the table and leaned forward, her gaze briefly catching Peggy who wore a knowing smirk.

"There was an idea..."