"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?"
Steve blinked, startled by the question. "I... I don't know. It's been so long. What do you even say to someone after decades apart?"
"'Hey, remember me? You left me hanging on that dance,'" Dave quipped, smirking.
Steve shook his head, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Not exactly how I'd put it."
"Better think fast," Tony added. "Once she's back, you'll have to deal with the fact that she might not want to join your little superhero club."
Steve frowned. "Peggy's always been about doing what's right. If we can convince her that this organization is about protecting people and not politics, she'll step up."
"Fair enough," Dave said. "But just so you know, this isn't just about convincing her. If she's going to lead, she needs to see that the world still needs heroes."
"Isn't that your job?" Steve asked, raising an eyebrow. "You and Tony seem to have plenty of power between you."
"Yeah, but leading is different from fighting," Tony chimed in. "You know that better than anyone, Cap. Peggy's got the experience, the vision. She's the type of leader people listen to."
Steve leaned back in his seat, digesting their words. "And if she says no?"
Dave shrugged again. "Then we find someone else. But let's cross that bridge when we get to it."
Tony's car pulled into the hospital parking lot, and the three stepped out, each adjusting their jackets against the cool breeze.
"Ready?" Tony asked, looking at Steve.
"As I'll ever be," Steve replied, his voice steady but his hands clenched at his sides.
Dave walked ahead, his confidence unwavering. "Let's make history, gentlemen."
"That was cringe," Tony quipped from behind him, to which Dave casually responded with a raised middle finger.
Tony chuckled, shaking his head as he followed Dave. "You know, one day, that finger is going to get you in trouble."
Dave smirked without looking back. "Good thing I can handle trouble."
Steve, walking alongside Tony, sighed. "Do you guys ever take anything seriously?"
Tony grinned. "Oh, we do. Just not when we're with Mr. 'Middle Finger to the World' over here."
Dave shot them a quick glance. "I take the important things seriously. Everything else? Not worth stressing over."
Steve shook his head but smiled faintly. "I hope you've got a solid plan for this."
Dave stopped and turned to face them, his expression calm but determined. "I always do, Cap. Trust me, you'll see soon enough."
Tony clapped Steve on the shoulder. "Relax, old man. Dave's plans might be unconventional, but they tend to work... most of the time."
"Comforting," Steve said dryly as they continued walking together.
The trio made their way inside the hospital, their footsteps echoing through the sterile hallways. Tony led the way, his hand on his phone as he coordinated with their contact to ensure everything was set up. Steve's face was a mix of determination and apprehension, each step bringing him closer to a moment he wasn't sure he was ready for. Dave, as usual, had a calm, almost detached air about him, though his eyes remained sharp, scanning their surroundings.
They reached the private room, a small but well-kept space at the end of the hall. The door was slightly ajar, and they could hear the soft murmur of voices inside. Peggy Carter, though aging, still carried an aura of strength, even in her frailty. A nurse was attending to her, adjusting the pillows beneath her head. She looked up when they entered, her eyes immediately locking onto Steve's.
"Well, well," she said, her voice weak but filled with that same sharp wit Steve remembered so well. "If it isn't the soldier boy. I didn't think I'd live long enough to see you again."
Steve swallowed hard, stepping forward, his voice catching for a moment. "Peggy, I—"
"Save it," she interrupted, a tired smile on her lips. "You don't have to say anything. I knew, deep down, I'd see you again someday."
Tony stood back, letting the two of them have their moment. He exchanged a look with Dave, who nodded, signaling that they should give them some space.
"Peggy," Steve continued, his voice steadier now, "we need you. The world's changed since you were last active, and we could use someone like you to help us put things back together. Lead the charge, so to speak."
Peggy's eyes twinkled despite her frailty. "I never thought I'd hear that from you. The boy who once thought he was the only one who could get things done."
Steve chuckled, the sound lighter than it had been in a long time. "I guess I've learned a thing or two about teamwork."
Peggy's gaze shifted to Tony and Dave, who were watching from a distance. "I see you've got quite the team now. But let's not kid ourselves. You're all still figuring things out. And if I'm going to help you, I need to know one thing."
Steve looked at her, waiting for the catch.
"Why me? Why should I be the one to lead this... organization?"
Tony stepped forward, speaking up for the first time since entering the room. "Because you're Peggy Carter. You've always been about doing the right thing, no matter the cost. People believe in you, and that's what we need. A leader who's willing to make the tough decisions. Someone who won't back down when it matters."
Dave gave a small smile. "You've got the experience, the conviction. This world needs a guiding hand, Peggy. It needs you."
There was a long pause as Peggy considered their words, her eyes flicking between Steve, Tony, and Dave. Finally, she let out a deep breath and chuckled. "And here I thought you guys were serious," she said. "Look at me. What can I even do? I can barely move my body," she added, letting out a sigh as Captain America looked at Dave.
"Well, that's where I come in," Dave said. "I can fix you, bring you back to your prime."
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