Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel; only Rebecca and the world surrounding her.

Home - Phillip Phillips

Welcome to Lithe from the To Build A Home Series!

Thanks to Taylor Noelle Hood, Guest, Kadence1,

and everyone that reviewed, favorited, and subscribed to this story so far!

This is it. This is the officially the Finale for Book 1 of the To Build a Home Series! It's been a wonderful, crazy, amazing year and I can't thank you all enough for coming along on this crazy ride that is just beginning. Thank you for the comments and the support. You are all the ones that truly pushed me to keep going and now I get to show you more this world in books to come.

Once you are finished with this chapter, you will be able to find Book 2 Impulse ready for you to follow. This way you won't miss out on a second of the story!

Thank you again, and here is the Finale of Lithe!

Home

Hold on to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave, wave is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

June 28th, 2012

One way to truly let all your secrets escape is going on a road trip together. Spending every day together, whether that be in a car or a single hotel room or the places being explored. There was no alone time that lasted longer than 15 minutes, so this trip would seriously put their friendship to the test. Becca and Steve packed up a car that Tony had let them borrow and set out their exploration on Monday.

They first drove to New Jersey. Each picking stops for every place they were going. Becca wanted to stop by Asbury Park for the beach, shopping and showing Steve the pinball and arcade center that the two of them got lost in for over 2 hours. Steve picked the Thomas Edison Nation Park where they took their time learning more in the Inventor's home and laboratory. Also the park was easily enjoyable to sit outside and stare at.

June 29th - June 30th, 2012

Traveling to Philadelphia truly had them testing their demeanors with the dead stop traffic that always seems to be everywhere in the city. Traffic in Philly compared to NYC was two different monsters entirely. Once they finally made it to the hotel, each hot and in desperate need of food, they parked the car and either walked or took a taxi from there. The two hit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal, and Magic Gardens. There was so much to do and see they spend a day and a half before heading to Wilmington, Delaware for an easy day. The duo wandered the cobblestone streets. Steve and Becca lazily walked around taking in the old colonial town and the pleasant atmosphere.

July 1st, 2012

Finally they made it to Baltimore for a day, spending most of it in the Inner Harbor. Exploring the Science Center, the aquarium, and especially the Historic Ships. They relaxed on one of the sightseeing boat tours, allowing Becca to sit back and watch Steve's eyes enthralled by everything around him the same way he had been the past few days. Her favorite thing was going into the 'Ripley's Believe it or Not!' and truly watching the soldier's head spin around at everything. They were such tourists and she loved every second of it.

July 2nd, 2012

As Friday was already upon them the duo made their last stop in Washington D.C. It probably wasn't the smartest idea to do all of this the week of July 4th weekend, but it was what it was. Becca was also quite aware of a birthday that was upon Steve. He hadn't brought it up, but she had a feeling Steve knew Becca was aware of the day. And depending on how the following day went, either she had a good present for him or it would blow up in her face.

Not only was she on edge of the rest of the weekend, but as soon as they checked into their hotel, Becca immediately had to start getting ready for her meeting. Her nerves must had to even attach on to Steve because as she began to get her outfit ready he decided to head out for a bit, saying he was going to give her space.

Becca assembled an outfit she felt comfortable in but still professional enough. It was a blue, green, and black plaid skater skirt with a high neck, white, silk tank top. A black blazer rested on a hanger over the bathroom door to be put on last. For being a professional spy and the grace of a ballerina, the girl couldn't help the nerves that were attacking her hands. A steady shake that had her reapplying her eyeliner for the third time. It was now very know to her that she had begun holding her tension in her hands. Something that she wasn't along in noticing. The man that just returned had been watching said fingers start to tap increasingly more each day they had traveled closer to the Capitol.

"I'm back." Steve spoke loud enough for her to hear over the sink that was running in the bathroom where she had stationed herself. "I brought you coffee and yogurt."

"You're a saint!" Becca called out in acknowledgement.

He could still hear the tension in her voice even though she tried to sound upbeat. He sat down at the little table that was set up in the corner with two chairs. He emptied the bag of the items he had bought at the coffee shop down the street; a cinnamon raisin bagel for himself with her yogurt. They had left early to get here, skipping out on breakfast since they were allowed an early check in time. The two had taken turns driving throughout the week but Becca had insisted on being behind the wheel that morning, needing to put her mind someplace else.

The sound of items falling and Becca cursing had Steve nearly rushing in to check on her. "Becca, you okay?"

The question was answered by the door opening and the young Stark exiting the small room with a sigh. Even though she was almost stomping her bare feet she still walked with grace. "I'm regretting everything."

Steve handed her the ice coffee he had gotten for her as soon as she fell in her seat. "You ever meet them before?"

"No." The word was more of a sign then spoke. "Just the stories from Clint and Fury. I'm probably freaking out over nothing."

"Maybe." He shrugged, taking a sip of her own coffee. "Or your instincts are telling you something you should listen to."

Becca only shrugged, pulling her leg up under her to sit. "What's your plan?"

As the bagel was chewed in his mouth, Steve's eyebrows creased at her question. "Meaning?"

"While I'm being filleted alive," she pulled the aluminum off her yogurt, "what are you going to do?"

He wiped his mouth with a napkin before answering in almost an obvious tone. "Wait for you."

"That's ridiculous." The brunette ate a spoonful. "This isn't going to be a quick meeting. You should go exploring or do just about anything but sitting in that building longer than need be."

He didn't answer, only taking another bite from his bagel. Mind overthinking now like she herself was. She seemed to pick up on that uneasiness off of him. "I'm not trying to push you away, I just that there was more things to see than being locked away for the day. I mean we're literally in the middle of the hot spot of D.C." She spoke around another spoonful. "Arlington National Cemetery on one side and then every memorial and monument you can fathom on the other."

Steve thought about it for a second, eyes trailing across the wood table while he chewed slowly on his breakfast. He knew she wasn't trying to push him away, she was actually thinking about him. But was also trying to push away her own damn nerves. Him waiting for her there would probably be on her mind, feeling bad about leaving him to his own devices, thoughts not on the meeting she as in. It would also give his anxious energy somewhere to nestle.

"Alright, I'll got to Arlington."

"Becca's eyes grew with happiness of his decision. "Perfect, you're going to love it. It's very somber but beautiful."

At the opportunity of his visit, it gave Becca something else to think over and tell him about. Her thoughts of work escaping for a second. Steve let her talk with enthusiasm about the sights he would be seeing, happy to watch her shoulders ease down from the spot by her ears. That was until she checked the clock and noticed they would have to be leaving soon.

The ride to SHIELD's headquarters was anything but silent. Becca pointed out every sight they passed by, but her fingers kept twisting around themselves. The Triskelion was now in their vision, just a bridge between them. The man that was stationed at the gate was clearly not expecting two Avengers to be rolling up today, showing their SHIELD IDs. Steve pulled to the side under the underpass, Becca looking into the entrance where people were walking about.

"We can just go." The soldier's words were a whisper in the small car they shared. "I can turn around and we can just leave. Never look back."

A soft grin fell on her lips, eyes gazing down to her lap. "I wish, but I got to get this done."

"The second you're ready, just call me. I'll come get you immediately."

The spy nodded, looking up to find his blue eyes filled with compassion. "Go learn something, God knows you need it."

He laughed at her joke, eyes rolling. "Good luck."

With a final thanks, Becca finally got out of the car, no doubt going to be late for the meeting at this point. Walking across the lobby her eyes couldn't help but lock on to the giant SHIELD emblem that sat in the middle for everyone to see, just if you forgot where you were located. She took the elevator up to the World Security Council where she was supposed to be meeting Alexander Pierce.

As Becca exited the glass elevator, that's when her emotions changed. No longer was she the timid girl of a few minutes ago, she was now and would always be Lithe, the Avenger. A team member that a fought a god and alien-kind from taking over their planet. Whatever was about to take place, she would do what was in her best interest.

"Mr. Secretary." Becca gave the older gentleman a tight-lipped smile as she walked towards him.

"Agent Bex," Pierce shook her hand, his own smile on his face, "thank you for coming."

"Of course. I heard it was of utmost importance."

"As was your work in New York. We are grateful for you service in that battle."

She didn't comment on the battle, just nodded and moved along. "Will you be in the meeting?"

The man nodded, hands resting in his pockets. "I'll be introducing and then sitting off to the side. If you need anything, I'll be happy to assist." He took her nod as a sign that she was indeed ready and moved them towards the open room. Four empty chairs were pointed towards the center of the room, the walled windows sitting behind them. Around those chairs were a thick piece of glass. One more chair sat on the inside, facing the others. Clearly the one for Becca.

"Only two council members will be with us today."

The statement had a deep breath being internally released from her. It was at least 50% less of the pressure than all four of them at once. Becca took her seat, bag resting on the ground and crossed her legs as Pierce started the call. Two members appeared, sitting on the two chairs in front of her. A vision decay from wherever they were in the world at the moment.

"Good Afternoon, Councilman Malick," the Secretary nodded at the man before turning to do the same to the woman, "Councilwoman Hawley. Thank you for taking some time out of your morning for this meeting."

"Well, after two months of asking it was about time this meeting happen." Malick said, his voice one of annoyance.

Becca held back the glare and volatile words that were on the tip of her tongue. The man clearly was used to getting what he always wanted.

The Secretary ignored the comment and continued. "This is Agent Bex-"

"-Rebecca Stark," Hawley smiled at the young woman, "it is a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Councilwoman," Said girl returned the smile before turning to the man with a solemn nod, "Councilman."

"We've been wanting to meet with you for quite some time, Agent. It seemed that Fury has been stalling every street to get you." Malick started at her. "How do you feel about him holding this away from you?"

"I believe my Director does was he believes is best for every situation."

"And was the creation of the Avengers the best situation?"

Her eyes narrowed at the man now, hands coming to fold against her lap. She could feel the knife holster that was hidden under her skirt, giving her a sense of calm in an outrageous situation. "What can I do for you today?"

"Despite the actions that have happened in the past, first and foremost you are a SHIELD agent." The elder woman took over the conversation now. "But you are also a Stark, and that name alone holds high regards."

"Director Fury and I have discussed the repercussions from that knowledge."

"And for four years we were lucky enough that you were never put in the spotlight because of your job. And right now SHIELD is still an unknown entity to the public. But you yourself is a public figure."

"Ma'am?" Becca wasn't following where she was going with this.

"We've all seen the news reports, Agent." The older man spoke up. "Everyone thinks you are a part of the Avengers, looking for you and where you ran off to for the past few months. The entire world is trying to put together who the cracked up team was-"

"-A team that wouldn't have been needed it you didn't order Project PEGASUS to begin in the first place." She had it was the vile words this man decided to speak.

"Excuse me?" Malick leaned forward in the seat, hands gripping the chair's armrest. He clearly was not expecting the change of attitude from her.

"If you hadn't had ordered SHIELD into working with the Tesseract without having any backup of a plan B, C, or D you wouldn't be so sore over the creation of the Avengers." Pierce and Hawley just watched the interaction between the two develop.

"Well, Fury definitely put ideas in your head."

"No sire, these are all quite my own thoughts, feelings, and actions." Becca's tone remained to be solid, no emotions allowing to take its place. "Myself, and my equals, have been risking our lives because that is our choice, sir. That is why we joined SHIELD. But how dare you sit there and blame the rest of us for trying to clean up the mess yourselves created. That blood is on your hands."

Malick was glowing in anger at this point, possibly annoying him more that he wasn't there in person to truly try to intimidate her. "Feel better after that outburst, Stark?"

"I don't know. I still might be a bit touchy after you sent a nuclear bomb to kill me." She challenged him to respond with an eyebrow raised.

And for once, Gideon Malick was silent.

"Agent Bex," Hawley spoke to break the tension that was growing, "what you did in New York was admirable."

"Will all do respect ma'am, I'm not looking for a gold star. I'm looking for responsibility of actions and how they can be changed to positively affect the future."

"Understandable. And that's what leads us back to the real reason you were asked here today." She looked to the right to see that her cohort was not going to continue in any action. "For the time being we would like to continue to keep you under spy status. Your identity to continue only as Agent Bex or Lithe."

"Okay." Becca was confused. Why couldn't have this just been a phone call? Better yet, just have Fury tell her this.

"After many years, this organization continues to grow. And now with the knowledge of extraterrestrials coming to earth, SHIELD's role continues to get larger and is bumping against the government in aspects. When the time comes, and talks need to be had in public and in private, we would like you to be the face of SHIELD."

Now those were the words she was not expecting. "The face of SHIELD. Is this because of my last name?"

"This is what your grandfather wanted for you, Bex." Pierce now spoke up from where he was a step behind her. "He wanted you to be the voice of SHIELD."

"And you have proven today you are quite capable of holding your own in a room." Malick voiced his opinion now.

"What all does this entail?" Becca looked back to Hawley.

"The details have not been hashed out yet. We first wanted to speak to you and the matter, see where you stand." The woman smiled softly towards her now. "We want to have you higher and more integrated in this organization."

It was a big step. Something she never saw herself doing. Becca never wanted the image from Stark Industries because she was never invested with what was happening. But since the first day Clint had crashing into her apartment to save her life and hearing out Fury, this was the next step that would one day happen. And like Alexander Pierce said, it's what her grandfather wanted.

"I have some stipulations."

Malick cleared his throat in annoyance. "They are?"

"You reinstate Clint Barton to good standings."

"You can't be serious? He has killed many people."

"That man was under mind control and you know it." She looked back and forth between the council members. "If you don't trust him, than you should not trust me because that man has taught me everything I know."

The two on the council were quiet as they looked at each other. Both having a silent conversation before Hawley turned back to the younger woman to ask if there was anything else.

"It deals with Captain Rogers. I am asking you to have Secretary Ross stand down."

"Excuse me?"

"Since the wake of Captain Rogers, Secretary Ross has done nothing but try to get to him. With all due respect, he's not a lab rat. That man has done nothing but risk his life, multiple times over, for this country since becoming Captain America. The second we walked into this area he was scouting the Captain out. I'm asking you, again, to have him back off."

This one had no hesitation. "That will be easily taken care of. Is that all?"

Becca nodded her head. "That is all for the moment."

Looking back at the situation, she probably should have bargained for more. But that was the two biggest problems that had been yelling loudly in her mind.

The conversation ended peacefully with council before Becca finished things with Pierce. After the nerves she had been having for the past week, the ending was so anti-climactic. She texted Steve on the way down, taking a seat outside to wait for him. The bench sat with a view of the water and the land on either side.

The warm wind slowly thawed her out to her bones as she thought about the situation she just agreed to. Basically, at any second her life could change, and she had no control over the situation or when it would happen. Like she told Clint, she wanted to get on the inside and if this was the first step, then she was ready to take the stairs.

"Hey." A voice broke her concentration but wasn't at all surprised by Steve's appearance so soon.

She looked over her shoulder at him as he walked from their car that was idle on the side. "Hey there."

Steve pulled a pair of aviator sunglasses off his face as he took a seat beside her. "So, how'd it go?"

"Impatient much?"

"Always." His answer finally broke a big smile and laugh from her. A smile he had been missing.

"It went a lot better than expected."

"Good!" He was joyed with her answer, but still saw a bit of hesitation on her face. "Not good?"

"Either I agreed to something that will better my future or I set myself up for failure." Becca explained to him the situation. All of it, not leaving anything out.

"That's a lot, Becca." Steve rubbed his eyes, taking in the new development. "That would mean you playing their spokesperson."

She nodded, thinking of the new position but also feeling a bit relieved. "Yes, but I got something for you out of it."

"Me?"

"I got them to agree on keeping Ross away from you. He won't be bothering you anymore."

"Yes, but he hasn't been bothering me."

"Because I have stopped him midway." She pointed out. "Now we no longer have to worry about him at all."

"So, instead of making an ultimatum for yourself, you did something for me?" He rose his eyebrows to look at her. "You're something else."

"Thank you!" The brunette pushed all her hair over one shoulder before changing the subject. "How was Arlington?"

"Somber, like you mentioned." Steve looked over the landscape in front of them. "But also gave me a better perspective."

Becca turned towards him to give him her full attention. "Of what?"

"The people that had served in many ways before me and after me. Now included. Just knowing that those who have lost are still honored for their lives." He looked over at her with a sliver of a smile. "Lost but not forgotten."

She knew who he was specifically referring to and it broke her heart knowing he still had visions of Bucky falling before him, similar to the ones she had of Coulson. But she knew where she needed to take Steve next. To fully show that the words he just spoke were very true.

"Come on, I want to take you somewhere." She stood from the bench, waiting for him to do the same.

"Where?" He placed his sunglasses back on.

"Trust me?" Becca held a hand out to take the keys. And without hesitation, he dropped them in her open palm.

July 3rd, 2012

"One large coffee, black. And a large, iced coffee with a caramel swirl. Thanks."

The cashier at the cafe smiled at Becca, after taking her order and finishing the payment. The brunette pulled the baseball cap lower on her head, sunglasses still perched on her nose, as she walked to the other end of the counter to wait for her order. With it being the day before July 4th, the city was packed everywhere they turned. All the festivities had Becca hiding in plain sight more than usual.

She turned to look out the glass windows to see that Steve was still where she had left him; sitting at the small table outside waiting for her. He was occupied with something on his phone, not letting her get a good ready of emotions after their day yesterday and the long night.

Thinking it would be a good idea, and it wasn't a bad one necessarily, Becca had taken him to the SHIELD Academy the day before. With all of his talk of memorials, she thought it was best to show him the Wall of Valor, and more specifically who was first etched into the marble. Steve all but stopped breathing entirely seeing 'Sgt. James 'Bucky' Barnes' etched under the SSR symbol. His jaw clenched tightly, eyes looking over every name after, seeing other Howling Commandos later on in the years. Their legacy written right there for old and new members to see.

"Not forgotten." Becca whispered softly so only he could hear in the rather scarce entrance way.

Steve could only nod, eyes going back to Bucky's name. His throat tightened with memories so vivid flashing across his mind. She could feel his heavy emotions and gently weaved her hand into his own. The feel of her palm keeping him grounded. The rest of the evening had him finally opening up to her about those times. He told her story after story of the missions and the shenanigans the Commandos had accompanied together. Letting her into those deep memories he had not shared yet.

It was no wonder she spent the night listening to him roll back and forth on his bed. He drug up old times that were subject of a few dreams and nightmares alike. But he played it off as nothing was wrong, not wanting her to worry. This led them to now, guzzling down coffee that they needed to get through today, even after the breakfast they just enjoyed. But more specifically to get to the next part.

Becca grabbed her drinks when they were called and made her squeeze back through the crowd to the front door. "I think New York gets busy but moves faster, now is that possible?" Her words gained Steve's attention with a small smile.

"I think you're just cranky today." The man pointed out. He stood from his set to stuff his phone in his pocket before accepting the coffee cup she offered him. "Thank you."

"I think my nerves are officially shot." She agreed with him, taking a pull from her straw. "You ready?"

Steve nodded, the two making their way towards the car. As soon as Becca got behind the wheel, she threw the baseball hat to the backseat and started their drive to the retirement home. It was a bit of a drive and also adding on to the holiday traffic that surrounded them. Today was their last day in the capitol before they began their drive him the next day. So it was either get Steve there now or never. The man next to her was on high alert as she turned the car down a gravel road, trees on either side before the vast, white building was in front of them.

"Where are we?" Steve hesitantly unbuckled his seat belt, eyes still searching as she began to get out.

"There's a surprise for you inside." Was all Becca said before getting out of the vehicle, followed by Steve.

"I don't understand." Steve's eyes looked over the wide building in front of them, looking more like a mansion than anything. "Becca, where are we?"

She stopped a few steps in front of him, so close to stepping on the stairs. She had gotten them there and was working off of instinct to get him inside, but this wasn't a mission. This was a more emotional moment and was about to lead into an overall 'now or never'. Becca turned around to glance up at him. The sun was in her eyes, but that didn't matter. Steve stood a head taller than her like always and he was bathed in the glow. He had followed her down here, agreeing to the trip and everywhere she thought to go. But now this was specifically for him. A moment that was far too long overdue.

"This was a big reason I wanted you to come with me on this trip."

"A nursing home?" He questioned, reading the sign on the brick building. "Why?"

She nodded, pushing her wavy hair behind her ear. "I've been here once before when I wanted to get some answers about my place in SHIELD and my grandfather."

"Okay…"

It was now or never. "Peggy is here."

With those words, Steve's whole demeanor changed. From one face of confusion to now complete shock. His blue eyes bouncing between her and the building. Almost not believing what she was telling him. "How...I thought…"

"She's not in England. That's a false location for her safety." Her heart was beating out of her chest waiting for his response. Waiting for anything, whether that was agreeing to go in or getting back in the car and never speaking of this again. Seeing Bucky's memorial was one thing, but actually being with a person from his past, this was now or never. "She, um...she has the beginnings of Alzheimer's. It's in her best interest to be kept safe if something happens."

His brow creased at the news, jaw clenching tight to hold whatever emotion was bubbling inside. She couldn't tell if it was anger or grief or shock, maybe a mix of everything. In the 10 months that had had been in this new world the thought of seeing anyone from his past had never been brought up or even a possibility. Now it was slamming him head on full force.

"We can leave if you really want." Her voice was soft, only inches away from him now to talk. "We can get back in the car and go. But I know you don't want to."

"Becca…" He trailed off.

"You can do this." She held out a hand for him to take and with a second thought he grabbed it. "We go at your speed, okay?"

"Okay."

Becca guided them up the stone steps and into the rather busy building. People were bustling about as they walked to the front desk, Steve's hand slipping from her own as she got the attention of the man at the desk. "Hello, my name's Rebecca. I'm here to see Margaret Carter."

"Rebecca, yes," the younger gentleman looked over the thick book, "we have you down here for a visit. Ms. Carter is upstairs in room 201. You're free to head up there."

"Great, thank you so much." She turned from the desk, finding the main stairs could be seen in the middle of the building for anyone to take if they would like. She cocked her head and Steve followed along, staying silent and just observing his surroundings.

As they reached the top of the stairs and took a left, the room was right there. Easily accessible and just calling out to them. But as Becca stepped forward to keep going, Steve's hand grabbed her own tightly to hold her back, the look he gave her was surely nerves as she looked back in question.

"I can't do this." He voiced his fears, whispering to her. "What if she doesn't recognize me, or what if she's angry that I didn't-"

"-Stop." She hushed him. Her hand that wasn't trapped in his own came to rest against his shoulder, thumb brushing against the bone. "You're overthinking this way too much. She is going to be delighted to see you. She's been dreaming of this day just as much as you have been. It's like ripping a Band-Aid off, okay?"

Steve took a deep breath, trying to level his head, before nodding. "Will you go in first?"

"Of course." Becca gave him one last reassuring smile before this time going to the door, leaving him to wait on the corner. She stuck her head inside, seeing the women sitting in her chair next to the open window, reading a book. Her silver curled perfectly around her head as she sat their in elegance that only Peggy Carter to give off. Becca knocked on the open door, gaining her attention. "Hi, Peggy."

The older woman squinted her eyes to adjust to her face for a second before you could see the light change in her face. "Rebecca. Oh dear, it's so good to see you."

"You as well. I'm sorry it's been so long since I last came here."

"Oh nonsense." Peggy waved her off, setting the book down her table. "From the looks of it, you have been quite busy."

"You could say that." She stuck her thumbs in the denim of her shorts, not knowing what else to say but to get it over with. Rip the Band-Aid. "I actually have something for you this time."

"For me? What is it, dear?"

Becca felt time stand still as Steve entered the room and they each looked at each other. Peggy's eye widened, almost not believing the sight before her. The man that she had lost so many years ago was in her presences.

"Hey, Peggy." Steve whispered, the knot stuck in his throat at seeing the woman again.

"Steve…" Peggy breathed, eyes drowning in tears. "You're-you're alive."

"Yeah, Peggy. I'm alive." He walked to her corner as she carefully stood from her seat. She was easily brought into his arms, holding each other close as tears and mumbles of missings were exchanged between the two. Becca stayed back, her own tears blurring her eyesight of seeing the two reconnected after so long apart.

"I knew it was you. I just knew it." Peggy broke out, allowing Steve to help her back in her former seat, kneeling down in front of her. "The news and the talks of Captain America, I knew it had to be you."

"It was me." He held onto her hands tightly, but not to hurt her. He was not able to take his eyes off of her, and she him.

"I'll give you two some time." Becca spoke softly, quickly breaking the small bubble that had surrounded around the two. "Take as much time as you want."

"Thank you, Becca." Steve gave her a tear-filled smile before looking back at Peggy.

Becca left them alone, closing the door to be only open a smidge to allow them the most privacy they needed. The young Stark didn't waste long to make her way out of the building, the tears she had held in threatening to erupt from her chest. Thankfully no one was outside the building as the rivers began falling from her cheeks as she blindly stumbled down the stone steps. She ran to the car, leaning against the driver's side until she found herself sitting on the gravel out of sight.

She cried and cried for anything and everything. Seeing Steve's true fear in the past two days, the fear that he will truly have everything taken from him like it has time and time again and be left alone. That the most important people in his life had been taken from him in one way or another. And also thinking he did the hurting. And it crushed her, because she cared for this man deeply. In a sense she had never cared for someone before. She thought the world of him and all she could continue to do is stick by his side and show him she wasn't going anywhere.

But it was deep down, her fears projecting themselves from him. It be left alone was hers, but in the sense that everyone would walk away from her. She would be left alone because it was their decision and she started realizing on this trip was that she didn't like being alone. It was why she never stayed alone in her apartment for longer than a day, it was why she loved New York knowing she could walk out her door and feel surrounded, it was why she always gave people second chances than dropping them from her life.

The tears settle for a bit, her hand pulling her cell phone from her jean shorts pocket. It was easy to find the contact she needed at this moment and she would always need. The line rang as she calmed for breathing to sound normal.

"You tired of the Capsicle already?" Tony's voice was light coming through her phone.

She laughed but rolled her eyes. "Not in the slightest. Can't I just call to see how you are?"

"Yes, but it sounds debatable given that you are in D.C. You know, my least favorite place in the world."

"I thought your least favorite place was an Apple store."

There was a pause on the line followed by a groan. "Okay, now you're just being mean to your father."

Becca chuckled, wiping the last of the tears on her face. "I have to keep my game up with you," she heard the distinct sound of metal being placed together. "Did I interrupt you? You can get back to work."

"Nonsense, I always have time for my favorite daughter."

"Your only daughter." She corrected him.

"If that's what you want to believe." Tony joked, dropping some tools on the bench. "It's about time I took a break anyways."

"You've been working for 36 hours, sir." Jarvis spoke, easily being heard through the phone since it was part of his system.

"Dad!"

"Thanks for the heads up, Jarvis." His tone one of sarcasm. "It's nothing, honey. You know when I start on something, I get lost in it 'til it's done."

She was quite away of the trait. There were plenty of times that he would be stuck in his lab for days at a time, Becca only seeing him when she got home from school. That drive ran in the Stark family. "I miss you, Dad."

"Miss you too, baby girl. Pepper and I are supposed to make a trip sometime in the middle of the month to finish the final remodels on the tower."

Becca had been watching the slow work that had start on the newly named 'Avengers Tower' since the battle. They had been more focused on helping the city than getting the tower up and running ASAP and she liked that idea. Tower however was now equipped with a section for each Avenger, a home base for them you could say.

"I'm looking forward to it." Her voice was soft again, everything falling on to her again.

Tony heard the tone difference immediately. "You okay, Bec?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I just...I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For a lot I guess." She chuckled a smidge to try to not cry again. "Letting me pursue my dreams and then not dragging me out of hellfire when I decided to change everything and not tell you. Just...letting me figure myself out."

"Rebecca Maria Stark, you are allowed to be whoever you want to be, and I will be proud and supportive every step of the way."

It was the words she needed right now, especially with the possibility of a new assignment on her from SHIELD. She would always be the little girl who needed her father's jumpstart to the future.

"How does it feel to be going on 94 in a 27 year old's body?"

Steve chuckled but rolled his eyes at Peggy's words. "You're being ridiculous."

"And you're being dramatic as ever." She laughed as well that turned into a small cough. "Anything special planned for your day tomorrow?"

"I don't think so." He shook his head, settled in the one extra chair that was placed beside her table by the window. "Becca and I are planning on going by to New York tomorrow to beat some of the holiday traffic early." He said the words before realizing he would be leaving her again.

They had caught up quickly. A little emotional at first but it easily enough to fall back into their old repetuar. Each of them just so enthralled to be beside each other again, no matter the time that had been placed differently between the two.

"Very smart. That girl has a good head on her shoulders." Peggy moved past the thick emotion he exhaled at the previous thought. "You stick with her, hopefully she'll be someone to keep you out of trouble."

"I'm not trouble."

"Steven, your picture is in the dictionary next to the word." She watched him laugh again, happy knowing he was happy. "In all honesty though, you have to be comfortable enough with her if she got you here."

He nodded, eyes drifting down to his lap before answering. "She's been with me from the beginning. Has helped me every step of the way so far. I honestly don't think I could have done any of this without her."

The former agent 'Mmm'ed in agreement, watching his eyes glow softly at the talk of the girl. "Would never expect her to be Howard's granddaughter with how she handles herself."

"No," Steve shook his head, thinking of the argument months ago because of it, "she is truly something special."

It was that moment before anyone else truly stated it, especially Steve and Becca, that Peggy already could see the outcome of their fates before anyone else. She would be the first one to hear Steve's true confession of Becca almost a year before anything would evolve into something more. It was that moment that everything had changed without them knowing it.

"I am sorry, Peggy."

"Oh darling," she shook her head at him, grabbing his hand once again, "you need to stop apologizing for something that wasn't your control. You did what was best for the greater good, and we are thankful for that. My only wish now is for you to try to live your life to the fullest. You deserve that."

He never truly thought he did, saying those same feeling to Becca a few weeks back. But now hearing it coming from someone that he had always and will always admire might change him in a new direction for the future.

A knock came from the door having the two of them turn to see Becca standing their with an almost guilty face. "I'm so sorry to interrupt, but they're saying visitation is over for the afternoon."

"Oh, that's alright." Peggy saying softly, seeing that 2 hours had passed since they first sat down.

"I'll try to come down again as soon as I can." Steve leaned forward to be closer to her one last time, hands still tightly bound together.

"It's no fuss, my dear. You can call me anytime."

He nodded, dragging out the time the best he could but still knowing they needed to leave. He stood from his seat and bent over to gather her in his arms one last time, holding on tightly. "I'll talk to you soon, Peggy."

"Sounds wonderful." She gave him a quick kiss on the check before letting him stand to his full height again. "Be safe, my darling."

He nodded, giving her one last hand squeeze before heading over to Becca.

"It was brilliant to see you, Angie. Please don't be a stranger."

The name Peggy spoke had both Becca and Steve, stagger in their steps for a second confused. Angie. Why would she call Becca Angie? The two only said their goodbye's again before leaving the room. The first question leaving Steve's lips was the same as the one she was thinking.

"I don't know." Becca replied, the two thank the man at the front desk who was holding the door open for them to leave. "Let's not worry about that right now. How are you?"

They stopped at the trunk of the car, to regroup before they headed out for the rest of the day. What Becca didn't expect was the hug that Steve pulled her into as they stopped. This one so much different than from when he gave her in comfort in the tower after the battle.

"Thank you, Becca. Thank you so much for everything." Steve's words spoke directly into her ear.

She squeezed him back in the comfort she found. "You are so welcome, Steve."

"Is this even allowed?"

"It is if you don't think about it."

"What if we get caught?"

"Then play dumb. That we definitely didn't know the words 'Employees Only' was on the sign."

"Rebecca."

"Fine, then jump off the roof, Steven. Damn, I didn't think you would be the one to comment to me about breaking the rules."

"Only because I know you'll freeze if we are caught."

This finally got Becca to stop climbing the stairs, turning on her toes to looked down at Steve with shock of his words. He only smirked, daring her to prove him wrong. "So help me God, I'll push you off the roof myself."

"Empty threats don't suit you." He stepped up to the stair right below her own, basically bringing them face to face in the dim light stairway.

"Say that to my very sharp knife attached to my belt." She pushed him back a step before racing up to the top finally with him hot on her heels. She pushed the roof door open with ease and let him by, before looking around to spot a cinder block that she instructed him to put in the door jam so they didn't get locked up there.

"You do this often?" He asked, watching her get a lay of the roof.

"I'm a Stark, remember." She looked out of the dark landscape for the perfect spot. "That means that I was being watched over my entire life and had to find secret places to escape." She picked a spot and dropped her things to the cement roof. "Also, a bit of mischief runs in my blood."

Steve only smiled, happy to learn new things about her just as much as she did him. "You haven't even told me why we're up here."

The blanket that she stole from their hotel room was now being placed on the ground for the two to sit on. "Well, it's our last night and it just happens to be Saturday of July 4th weekend, which means fireworks. Over the water and other places around the city." She crossed her legs as she sat down, two plastic bags next to her. "Now, I figured we could take our chances with them, might not be as loud from up here and farther away from them."

He stood at the edge of the blanket looking down at her in awe once again. Everything she does, every single time, she thinks every possible outcome from everyone else but herself. The easiness that came from playfulness just a second ago to endearing. Without another thought, Steve sat down the blanket next to her. His head nodded towards her bags. "What you got there?"

"Drinks and snacks for the event." Becca handed him a soda before dumping out the junk food in front of them for their choice during the evening.

The summer air was still a big sticky in the July night. The sound of insects in the night sky and the floating noise from the streets down below them were surrounding the small bubble the two of them had created from themselves on the top of their hotel. And after a week of being busy physically and going through emotional responses, it was the perfect way to end their mini-vacation together.

"I had a really good time this week." Steve spoke up first, wanting to get the words out there before the fireworks would start any minute now. "Thanks for doing this, Becca."

She gave him a big smile, pulling apart a twizzler to each. "Me too. I'm glad we got to do this." The girl ate a piece before offering some to him. "I think it's safe to say I do enjoy your company, Steve Rogers."

"Well the feeling is mutual, Rebecca Stark." He swallowed the piece she gave him before continuing. "Thank you for not telling me about Peggy. I think if I would have known I would have stalled on going to see her and would have only regretted it more in the long run."

"How do you feel now that you've seen her?"

Steve leaned back on his hands, watching the city skyline to contemplate how to answer. "I feel...like I can finally exhale. My peace, for the most part, has been finally made with my past. Now I can start looking forward to the future. Whatever the hell that might be."

"Do you think you would want to be here? To be closer to Peggy?"

"I don't know. Yes, it's true she is the closest thing I have from my previous life. I definitely felt relaxed being in her atmosphere, almost the feeling of home."

Becca nodded, understanding his words. Did she want Steve to leave New York, of course not. She didn't want him to move away from her, but she also wasn't one to stop someone from doing what they truly wanted in their heart. So, if moving to D.C. was what would make Steve ultimately happy than she would help him move.

"But I think I might be building a new one for myself. In New York."

She didn't know if Steve saw her reaction, but it was one of relief. But he looked at her like she should have known that answer from him anyways. That she should have known Becca was becoming his new safe house. His home base.

Before either said anything else, the sound of the first pop from a firework went off over the water. It was far enough away that you could barely even hear the booming thunder, but that didn't mean Becca didn't keep a close eye on Steve just incase it got too much for him. The duo sat back, watching the bright colors fill the dark sky. Each one different as it exploded, raining rainbows of colors. No words needed to be said. Just the comfort of being next to one another was enough as they created another memory. That's what Becca truly wanted to do with him. Create memories that would push away his hard times. To give him something to grasp on to when it all felt like too much.

"What else do you got over there?" Steve broke the silence between them as there was a lull in the display. Becca had been digging through a plastic bag and doing all sorts of things that he could only hear.

"Don't look."

"Don't look? So you are planning on pushing me off the roof."

"Not exactly."

She turned towards him now, with something special. Steve's eyes widened at seeing a single cupcake in her palm with blue icing that had a candle sticking out the top of it. The surprises just kept coming.

"I know your birthday is technically not for another 3 hours, but I wanted to let you cherish it now before our drive home tomorrow."

He looked back and forth from the lit cupcake to her smiling face just a few inches above it. "I don't know how you always seem to surprise me, Becca."

"Just here to keep you on your toes."

"Don't ever stop." He whispered, before blowing the candle out with a wish. One that even he couldn't believe he made. "Thank you, Bec."

She bit her lip to try to keep the ever-growing smile that was forming, but it was overpowering. "Happy Birthday, Steve."

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