（ ＶＩＤＥＯ ）

[uprightness]

Who: peggy carter, steve rogers and all of you guys

Broadcast:  amazingly, yes

Action: on the starstruck, if you're so inclined
When: current.

[ New Year’s Eve has come and gone without anything exploding or going awfully wrong and so today is just safe enough for something else. Steve Rogers doesn’t address the network for no reason, after all. Only today he keeps looking back and eventually, calls: ]

Are you really going to stay there throughout the whole thing?

[ There’s a flicker to Steve’s left: dark curls and a flash of a silk blouse as Peggy leans into view. ] Perhaps. After all, of the two of us, you’re the one with experience in addressing the public.

[ But! Fine! Here she is, framed beside him onscreen, and refraining from making any more jokes about the old USO show. ]

Very funny.

[ but he is smiling, small but amused. For all of his experience, he seems as if he’s been practicing his lines for this one broadcast. ]

I know some of you will say this is long overdue, but after months of asking, mostly on her part, I’ve said yes and we’ve decided to get married.

[ -- and that’s when Peggy slaps the back of her hand against Steve’s shoulder, hissing something (something for him alone) about twisting the truth and tarnishing her well-earned cred. ]

I mean, after a careful observation of mutual interests, we’ve decided to get married. What this is really about is a simple matter of proving me right. I’d like you all to tell her three weeks is a perfectly reasonable duration for a honeymoon.

[ She reaches for the device, tugging its focus onto herself. ] -- For God’s sake, don’t encourage him. We’ve only just got engaged; it’s far far too early to start discussing the rest. [ Aside, to Steve: ] I warned you when I agreed to this ridiculous message. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

[ But she’s laughing. ]

It's not getting too ahead of ourselves. Call it careful consideration of facts.

[ he'll reach out and close the device for the sake of this banter. ]

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

We're talking about the fact you finally wore her down.

[TEASING.]

And publicly.

[uprightness]

Hey, the part where she asked wasn't a lie. I didn't do anything except say yes.

[ so what if he's pestered her for months. ]

thank you.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha will let that go unchallenged. How much he nagged her before she turned the tables on him is between the two of them.]

So can I call being best man? I look good in a suit.

[uprightness]

I think we can manage without one but I'll pay to see you in a suit. You can wear mine, for all I care.

[ he hates formal wear. ]

[outstandingbalance]

[Look, she just likes the idea of stealing the job from Bucky and Sam.]

I don't think it would fit.

[uprightness]

we can work something out. you know how awkward I am in those.

[ suits, that is. ]

wouldn't mind doing the whole thing in a pair of jeans and a nice shirt.

[ but then again, if there's one thing he knows for sure is that peggy wouldn't have it. ]

[outstandingbalance]

But you look damn good in them.

[A pause as Natasha considers, then:]

What if we could dig up a dress uniform? Would that be a little more comfortable?

[uprightness]

It'll be a bit odd. I haven't been in the army for years. I don't think they would like the idea of a wanted criminal donning the uniform.

[ he shakes his head. ]

it's not me anymore. I guess I'll just have to settle for the tux.

[outstandingbalance]

Technically, you're still allowed to wear it until you're dishonorably discharged. Still... I take your point.

[She nudges his arm with her shoulder.]

Don't wear it if it's not you. Peggy will understand.

[uprightness]

you know, I'm pretty sure she has a dress.

[ HE HAS HIS SUSPICIONS okay. ]

[outstandingbalance]

So what you're telling me is that the lady is prepared.

[Was there really any doubt?]

[uprightness]

I don't even know how it happened.

[ or more accurately, when it happened. it'll take him a while to figure out everything begins and ends with christmas. ]

[outstandingbalance]

You going to tell me just what is? Or is that staying just between the two of you.