Steve Rogers, now enjoying a quieter life, pulled up to a small diner on his bike. The familiar chime of the doorbell greeted him as he walked inside, spotting Tony and Dave seated at a corner table. Both were casually digging into a pile of burgers, clearly enjoying their time off.
"What's the big emergency?" Steve asked with a raised eyebrow as he slid into the booth across from them.
"Emergency? Relax, Cap. Not everything's about saving the world," Tony quipped, smirking as he pushed a freshly unwrapped Big Mac toward Steve. "You need to loosen up. Live a little."
Steve accepted the burger with a faint smile. "Thanks. So, what's this about?" he asked before taking a bite.
"Not much, just a little check-in," Tony replied, leaning back. "How's life treating you? It's been over a month since we handled that whole alien invasion."
"Quiet, for the most part," Steve said, setting down his burger. "Although the World Council has been all over me, hounding me to reach out to Dave and, apparently, confiscate his 'Infinity Sword,'" he added, glancing at Dave.
Dave snorted, swirling his drink. "It's not an Infinity Sword," he corrected casually, shaking his head.
"Try telling them that," Steve replied, rolling his eyes. "They're convinced it's some ultimate weapon we're hoarding."
"They can keep convincing themselves," Dave said with a smirk. "Let them come ask me about it directly—I could use the entertainment."
Tony chuckled, tapping the table with his finger. "Same story with me. They've been whining nonstop about us cutting off Stark tech sales. Like I'm just handing out toys to toddlers. Do they really think that's happening after all this?"
Steve chuckled lightly. "I'm sure that went over well."
"Oh, absolutely," Tony replied sarcastically. "Between that and reporters pestering me about my stance on enhanced beings, I'm thinking of hiring someone just to say 'no comment' on my behalf."
"Well, at least you two seem busy," Steve said, smirking.
"Busy keeping people from losing their minds," Tony replied. "You know, we're like babysitters. Speaking of which, Cap, you ever think about retiring to something more... chill? Maybe running a café somewhere?"
"Not likely," Steve said with a small laugh. "But I'll let you know if I ever consider it."
"Good," Tony said, raising his drink. "Because I'd hate to be the only one with a real retirement plan."
The three of them shared a rare moment of relaxed camaraderie, enjoying the peace while it lasted.
As they exited the café, Dave climbed into his sleek Rolls-Royce, with Tony sliding into the passenger seat. They glanced back at Steve, who stood by his bike.
"Coming with us?" Dave asked.
Steve shook his head with a polite smile. "I've got my own ride."
"Don't worry about it. I'll send someone to take care of it," Tony offered with a casual wave before settling into the car.
Steve gave a reluctant shrug before walking around and hopping in the backseat. "Alright, but don't scratch my bike."
As the car glided through the city streets, a calm silence filled the space before Steve broke it. "So, I take it this isn't just about burgers and catching up. What's on your minds?"
Dave turned the wheel with one hand, glancing briefly at Steve through the rearview mirror. "What do you think of SHIELD?"
Steve paused, mulling over his answer. "It's... complicated. They mean well, but there's a lot of red tape. And lately, I'm not sure their priorities align with what's best for everyone."
Tony nodded, leaning his head back against the seat. "Exactly what we've been thinking. SHIELD has its hands tied by politics and greed. Same with the World Council. That's why Dave and I are tossing around the idea of starting a new organization."
Steve raised an eyebrow. "A new organization? Like what?"
"Something independent," Tony explained. "Focused solely on global safety. No hidden agendas, no power plays. Just real protection."
"Interesting," Steve said, looking intrigued. "And you're planning to run it yourselves?"
Dave shook his head. "No. We've got too much on our plates already."
"So you need someone to lead it? Like a director?" Steve guessed, his brow furrowed.
"Not you," Dave and Tony said in unison, smirking slightly.
Steve blinked, confused. "Then who?"
Tony grinned, pulling out his phone and showing Steve a picture of Peggy Carter. "Your girl."
Steve leaned forward, staring at the image, his expression softening. "Peggy..." he murmured, almost under his breath. "She's—"
"Still got the fire," Tony interrupted. "She's the perfect candidate. She's experienced, tough, and doesn't take crap from anyone."
Dave glanced back with a smirk. "The only question is, how do we convince her to come out of retirement?"
"She's on her deathbed," Steve said quietly, looking at Tony and Dave with a somber expression.
Dave shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back in his seat. "That's nothing I can't fix."
Steve's eyes narrowed slightly, studying Dave's expression. "By 'fix,' you mean...?"
"Yes," Dave replied plainly, "I mean bringing her back to her prime, restoring her youth."
Steve fell silent, the weight of the moment sinking in. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice steady but laced with hope. "If you can do that... If you can truly bring her back, I'll join you and even convince Peggy to lead the organization."
Dave smirked, sharing a look with Tony, who grinned back. "Today's the day you owe us, Cap," Tony said with a chuckle.
"Then it's settled," Dave said confidently. "Next stop: Peggy Carter."
Tony nodded in agreement, while Steve looked between them, still processing what he had just heard. Though skeptical, there was a flicker of hope in his eyes.
The car drove in silence for a moment, each of them lost in thought. Steve stared out the window, memories of Peggy flooding his mind. Tony tapped away at his tablet, already making arrangements for the visit, while Dave leaned back, casually scrolling through his own device.
"So," Tony broke the silence, his tone light, "what's the first thing you'll say to her when she's... you know, back to her prime?"
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