Peggy Carter

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"What do you think? Should I make the suit again?" Tony asked Kai and Steve.

"I already promised Pepper last time, but now, after so many days, I find myself missing the suit again."

Hearing Tony's question, Kai and Steve exchanged glances but didn't respond immediately. They were both considering how to answer him.

After a moment, Kai spoke. "Tony, I don't think this is a question for us."

Steve nodded in agreement. "Kai's right, Tony. The person you should be asking is Pepper, not us."

"Exactly. If you want to rebuild the suit, talk to Pepper first. Once you two reach an understanding, then you can move forward," Kai advised. "If you're worried, just act a little more pitiful when you bring it up."

Seeing Tony's hesitation, Kai added with a smirk, "For the sake of your suit, you're not even willing to act pitiful in front of Pepper? If that's the case, you might never get to build it again."

Tony considered Kai's words and, despite himself, decided to follow the advice. He really wanted to remake the suit but was unsure how Pepper would react.

With that, they all returned to their rooms for the night.

The next day, Steve visited the Smithsonian Museum alone. The largest exhibition hall featured records of his journey from enlisting in the army to the present day. Wearing a jacket and a baseball cap, he walked through the museum, listening to the narrated history of his life while smiling at the children who admired him.

As he moved through the hall, he noticed a boy wearing a cap who met his gaze. Steve raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. The boy nodded quietly as Steve continued on his way.

Steve stopped at an exhibit dedicated to Bucky Barnes, his best friend. The display made him nostalgic, reminding him of everything they'd been through together.

Later, he found himself in the image gallery, looking at records of Peggy Carter. Eventually, he arrived at her bedside.

"You should be proud of yourself, Peggy," he said softly.

Peggy, now frail and white-haired, smiled. "I've had a good life," she said. Then, looking at Steve, she sighed. "I just regret that you never got to live the life you deserved."

Steve hesitated. "I always thought I was doing the right thing," he admitted. "But now, I'm not so sure."

Peggy chuckled. "You're always so dramatic."

They both laughed, then Peggy continued, "Listen, you saved the world, but after that, we made a mess of it."

"You didn't," Steve interjected. "I stayed with SHIELD because you helped create it."

He paused, debating whether to share his thoughts, but Peggy saw his hesitation. "What is it?"

"I joined SHIELD because of you," Steve confessed. "But over time, I realized that I disagreed with Director Fury on too many things. So, I left yesterday."

Peggy smiled warmly. "Steve, I'm glad. After all these years, you finally made a choice for yourself."

She reached out, and Steve quickly took her hand. "For so long, I regretted leading you down this path. You took on so much responsibility that you forgot to live for yourself."

She sighed. "Leaving SHIELD is a good thing. Now, you'll have time to do what you want. You're no longer just Captain America—you're Steve Rogers."

Peggy fell silent for a moment, then looked at Steve again, her expression suddenly changing, as if she had forgotten their conversation. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Steve, why did it take you so long to come back?"

Steve gave a sad smile. "I'm not going anywhere, Peggy. You still owe me a dance."

Time had taken its toll—Peggy suffered from Alzheimer's. Sometimes, she forgot recent events, lost in the past.

After gently reassuring her, Steve left the room. Looking back through the glass door, he saw Peggy asleep. He sighed, feeling the weight of time more than ever. He had returned, but Peggy's journey was nearing its end.

That evening, Kai noticed Steve's somber mood and had a good idea of where he had been. But some burdens, like grief and nostalgia, could only be carried alone.

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