A Second Chance

The grand hall of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. is full of reporters, government officials, and onlookers. Cameras flash as the room buzzes with anticipation, the scene only making Steve’s nerves worse.

Steve stands at the podium with Sam and Natasha by his side. Tony is sitting behind them, looking sharp as ever in a charcoal, tailored suit. Steve takes a few deep breaths to settle his nerves, but the knots in his stomach don’t go away.

He’s faced countless battles in the past, fighting for what was right, but standing here as a soldier-turned-fugitive seeking forgiveness from the very country he fought for, seems oddly foreign.

He glances behind his shoulder, meeting Tony’s eyes. For once they’re not hidden behind a pair of designer shades, giving Steve a good look of the hope and reassurance Tony holds in his eyes. Steve turns back around, standing a little straighter now. He was going to overcome this and be a free man. He’d get to live his life with Tony and Morgan.

“After careful consideration,” the President says, “and with the understanding that redemption is not easily earned but must be granted, I am announcing today that Captain Steve Rogers will be pardoned for his actions.”

There’s a collective gasp in the room, followed by murmurs of disbelief and surprise. Steve’s heart leaps in his chest, his eyes wide, and for a moment, the world seems to spin around him. He’s given a second chance.

Steve’s gaze drifts to Tony and their eyes meet. Steve can see the pride, the relief, and the unspoken promise of what comes next. Tony’s smile is small but knowing, a silent reassurance that everything is about to change.
The President’s voice grows softer, but no less firm. “Let this be a reminder: we are a country that believes in justice, in accountability, and in the power of redemption. Captain Rogers, this is your moment to prove that you can stand as a symbol of the very ideals we hold dear.”

Steve’s breath catches again, and for the first time in what feels like forever, he feels like he can finally breathe.

He steps back slightly, turning to Sam and Natasha, who nod at him, their expressions filled with support. But it’s Tony’s steady, unwavering gaze that reminds him of everything worth fighting for.

The room erupts into applause, but Steve barely hears it. The weight of the decision has been lifted, and the future—his future—is finally within reach.

“Thank you,” Steve says quietly, his voice breaking with emotion, but he forces the words out. “Thank you, Mr. President.”

As the room begins to clear out, Steve steps away from his friends to join Tony in a quiet corner. They share a smile, both of them feeling relieved and hopeful. It was finally over.

“Thank you, Tony,” Steve says. “We would all still be running from Ross if it wasn’t for you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Tony gives a dismissive wave. “Believe it or not it’s been something I’ve thought about doing for a while now. I just wasn’t sure if you would ever come back. I’m glad you did. Morgan really needed you.”

“And now she has me.” Steve smiles. "I promise I'm never leaving again. Ever."

"I know you won't," Tony says and he offers his hand for Steve to take. Without hesitation, Steve takes it and together they make their way toward the exit. "Hey, you know what?" Tony asks.

"What?" Steve replies, looking over at Tony.

"Now that you're free and all, I guess we can start planning the wedding. The cabin is really beautiful during the Fall if you--"

Steve stops in his tracks, forcing Tony to do the same. "What?"

A grin spreads across Tony's face as he turns to face Steve. He takes both of his hands in his. "I want to marry you. I lost you once, and I'm not going to let that happen again. I've always loved you, and now I get another chance to spend the rest of my life with you."

Steve smiles back. "Okay."

Tony blinks, trying to process Steve's response. "Okay? As in--"

"Yes." Steve laughs and he pulls Tony in closer. "I'll marry you."

"Good," Tony says, leaning in. "Because that would be awkward if you rejected me."

Steve huffs out a laugh, his breath mingling with Tony's. "Just kiss me already."

Tony doesn't hesitate, and he pulls Steve in, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss. As the kiss deepens, all the unspoken words and emotions they've carried for so long seem to fade away, leaving only the feeling of being home.

When they finally pull away, Tony's eyes are bright with happiness, his hands still cradling Steve's face. "You make me so damn happy, you know that?"

Steve grins, his thumb brushing over Tony's cheek. "I think you might've mentioned it once or twice."

Tony chuckles, resting his forehead against Steve's. "Well, it's worth repeating. Every single day."

"Then we'll make sure we have plenty of days to repeat it," Steve replies softly, a promise in his words that makes Tony's heart swell.

The trees are in full autumn glory, their vibrant hues creating a stunning contrast against the deep green pines that line the edges of the property. Everything feels warm and peaceful, a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and home.

Morgan’s laughter echoes around the property as she plays in the pile of leaves Tony spent most of the morning raking. Steve will never get tired of that sound, and he’s thankful for getting to listen to it every day.

Steve grabs a box from the back seat of the SUV, only to have both Natasha and Sam rush over to help him.

“Guys, come on,” Steve says, rolling his eyes. “It’s not that heavy.”

“Tony made us promise not to have you lift a finger.” Sam takes the box from Steve and makes his way toward the house.

Steve huffs and looks at Natasha for support, but she shakes her head. “Sorry. Tony’s overprotective.”

“You could easily take him.” Steve quirks a brow at her.

“True,” Natasha says, as she grabs another box. “But he saved my ass so I owe him.”

“That’s fair. Fine. So what do I do?”

“Nothing. You got a lot going on enough. You’re getting married tomorrow.”

“Then tell me why Tony wanted to start the nursery today?”

“Because,” Tony says, coming down the porch steps to help. “We have two tickets for an extravagant vacation after the wedding, and I don’t want to worry about the baby’s room when we get back.”

Steve shakes his head, but he’s unable to hide his smile. “We have plenty of time before the baby gets here.”

Tony hums and reaches out to place his hand over Steve’s belly. The bump is still fairly small, easy enough for Steve to hide under his clothes, and he’s thankful no one would really notice once he’s in his suit. He already had to get it tailored, and he hopes he won’t have another growth spurt overnight.

“I know, but I just want to make sure we’re prepared.”

“I think we’ll be fine,” Steve assures, laying a hand over Tony’s.

“Are you guys done yet?” Natasha questions. “You make me want to vomit.”

“You’re excused then.” Tony waves her away. “Be careful with that box, Romanoff. It has the baby’s new lamp.”

Natasha rolls her eyes and turns away to go inside. Pepper comes out right as Natasha heads in, a look of annoyance on her face.

“Tony, I swear to God if you don’t help me with that crib…”

“Uh-oh.” Tony winces. “This might’ve happened before.”

“Seriously?” Steve asks.

“Seriously. Honey, I’ll have to catch up with you later. Please take it easy.”

“I will,” Steve promises, knowing there’s no point in arguing.

While Tony returns inside to help Pepper assemble to crib, Steve walks over to where Morgan has decided to swing from the tire swing Tony set up for her.

“Having fun?” he asks.

“Kinda,” Morgan replies. “Why is everyone running around and moving boxes?” 

“Because Daddy thought today we should prepare the baby’s room.”

“I think the baby has more stuff than me.”

Steve frowns. “Let’s hope not. Are you excited?”

Morgan nods. “Uh-huh. I told Gerald about the baby, but I don’t think he really cared. He will once the baby gives him snacks.”

Steve chuckles softly. “Yeah, he will.”

“Mama?”

Steve glances down at Morgan. “Yeah, sweetheart?”

"You won’t love the new baby more than me, right?"

“What? No, of course not. I love you both the same. And besides, you’ll always be my baby.”

“I was just checking.”

“Come here.” Steve opens his arms and Morgan leaps off the swing and into them, holding him close. Steve tightens his arms around her, feeling the weight of his little one against his chest. “You’re my first, you know. There’s nothing that can ever change that.”

A small sigh of content escapes her. “Good.”

Steve smiles, pressing a soft kiss to her head. “You’re going to be an amazing big sister. I know it.”

Morgan pulls back, looking up at him with serious eyes. “I will. I’m going to teach them all the important stuff. Like how to swing really high and jump in the lake!”

Steve laughs, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I’m sure you’ll do a great job. And I promise no one will ever replace you. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Morgan grins and hugs him tight. “I love you, Mama.”

Steve holds her just a little longer, his heart full of love and joy. “I love you more, sweetheart.”