A Speech
Steve Rogers, Captain America, was nervous. His tie was either too loose or too strong, his hair was standing up too much or lay too flat on his head and standing in front of the mirror, he just felt ridiculous. Why was he so nervous!? It was just dancing. He could do that now. Thanks so Howard. Who would be there too. In the same room. He would be dancing too, most certainly with a beautiful lady, and he would dance with Peggy, strong, beautiful, intelligent Peggy. Both would be happy. ’’It will be fun,’’, he sighed, ’’so much fun.’’
''Miss Carter?’’, he asked while knocking on her door. ’’Peggy?’’ The door opened and he saw the face of a beautiful woman, red lipstick and marvelous brown eyes surrounded by red locks. Peggy was wearing backless dark blue dress that fit her perfect. However the dress was longer and more feminine than usual, she still looked as strong as if she was ready to punch her way out of a german military prison. When she moved back to let him in the skirt swung with every move she made. As she turned around to him, he already opened his mouth to compliment her, but she spoke first. ’’Good evening Steve, you look great! Ready to go?’’ ’’As soon as you are. You look gorgeous Peggy.’’ ’’Thank you very much. Follow me?’’
They arrived in time at the building the feast would be at and as if its size hadn't impressed Steve enough, the amount of cars was more then impressive and he had nothing in comparison to that, no money, just his name and title, ’’Captain America’’, here he comes, look at him. ’’Everything okay Steve?’’, Peggy asked. ’’Yes, sure, I’m just a but excited, that’s it. Don’t worry Peggy’’, Steve answered, not sure whether it was to so soothe her or himself. Why was he so nervous?! He had been on stages before and none of that had made him that excited. ’So keep it together Rogers,’, he said to himself, ’You do this for Peggy and she deserves a good evening.’ And he had practiced. And there he was again in his mind: Howard.
They went up the stairs to the building and shook some hands, some people thanked him for the service he did for his country, Steve always responded ’’You don’t have to thank me, it’s my duty and my pleasure to be at the service of the dear people of the united states.’’ or similar things but always tried to stay near Peggy. It was her evening after all and Steve didn't want her to be alone. They sat down next to each other on a free table and Peggy asked: ’’When do you think will they really start the music so you can dance?’’ A certain dark haired man came up to their table and sat down facing Steve, then began to talk: ’’They better do it soon, or the alcohol won’t be enough for today.’’ ’’Mr. Stark, not really a big surprise to meet you here but it’s nice to see you again.’’, Peggy said and held out her hand. He took it and they shook hands. ’’The lovely Miss Carter, a pleasure to meet you again too.’’, Howard responded, ’’And you too Captain Rogers, haven't met in a long time.’’, he said and winked at Steve, who also shook his hand. Steve couldn't help but smile ’’Don’t worry about the music, I will take care of it right now. Mister Jarvis?’’, the man Steve already knew appeared behind Howard. ’’Yes, sir?’’ ’’May you inform the maestro that it’s time for the music now?’’ ’’Of course, sir.’’, Jarvis said and turned around to walk to the orchestra, not without a sarcastic sigh and glance towards Steve who just smiled understanding and amused.
’’So with who did you come Howard?’’, Steve asked innocently, preparing to be introduced to some model or actress who he didn't know anyway, but Stark responded: ’’Actually I just came with Jarvis. I like to get to know people on party like this.’’ He turned around. ’’Speaking of getting to know people, Peggy, do you already know Jarvis?’’ He took her hand and gave it to the now returning butler, that then kissed it bowing down. ’’I have to hold my speech now, have a drink or two, and have fun you two. Steve, come with me?’’ ’’What?! Howard, I’m just a guest, Peggy invited me!’’, Steve said horrified. ’’Oh my dear Steve, you’re Captain America! As soon as they heard the THE Steve Rogers is here, currently in the U.S. and at this event, they just had to see you. Hasn’t anyone told you?’’ ’’No..’’, Steve said absentmindedly.
He didn't even notice that Howard pulled him on his arm towards and up the stage.
’’Honored guests.
We got together this evening to celebrate our country’s military progress. To this occasion we are happy to have the genius, brilliant scientist, engineer and businessman today here. As the founder of Stark Industries, he designed and built weaponry and devices that have revolutionized the industrial world; and our military forces. Ladies and gentleman:
Howard Stark!’’
Howard stepped forward. Steve looked at him in awe and admiration, the man bloomed in the face of the cheering crowd.
’’Friends. We are today here to celebrate our nation’s achievements, and I am happy to say that Stark Industries is a part of this. But it isn’t the weapons that win the war. The brave soldiers that fight for our county’s peace and for its people are the back wheel of our great republic. And we have today one great man, who fought with them and led them in the fight. I am happy to present you tonight, my dear friend, Steve Rogers, Captain America!’’
Howard turned around to Steve, looking in his eyes calming, but also determined, pulling him towards him so that he stood now next to the engineer in front of the crowd.
He froze.
Everyone was looking at him, waiting for him to speak, an all he could do was staring back at them.
Howard next to him put then a soothing hand at the small of his back and Steve relaxed immediately. He turned one last time to Howard and looked into those warm eyes, only there for him and still felt his presence when he started speaking:
''Dear guests,
the fact that I’m standing here is for me an surprise as big as it is for you. America is strong and we appreciate every happy messages from home. Let’s drink on our soldiers’ sake.
Have a good evening.’’
The crowd cheers loudly, even after Howard and Steve left the stage. Steve merely noticed that Howard’s hand was still on his back when they arrived again at the bar.
''You were wonderful Captain.’’,
Howard said with a cheeky yet almost shy smile and Steve couldn't help himself but to start thinking about him and his still lingering touch and his smile and these eyes, god, these deep, beautiful eyes…
''Yes, you were really good Steve.’’, Peggy said and shook him with her words out of his dreams. ’’Very well indeed, sir’’, Jarvis agreed appearing behind Peggy.