"It can make you young again," Steve said softly, his voice trembling with hope. "It means we can do more together. Peggy, will you keep our promise? Will you dance with me?"
Peggy Carter's eyes lit up as though she had just recovered a lost treasure.
In all the world, nothing was more precious than Steve Rogers standing before her.
"I will, Steve," she replied, her voice filled with emotion. "Of course I will."
"Come, Peggy."
Steve gently helped her up, then brought a small, palm-sized bottle to her lips. Tilting it slowly, he ensured every last drop of the spring water slid down her throat. Peggy never looked away from him, her gaze locked on his steady, tender movements.
One was young and strong, the other frail and weathered by time, yet the moment felt whole, like a couple bound by love that had never faded.
"How do you feel?" Steve asked, watching her intently.
Peggy hesitated. "It feels… ordinary. Like drinking warm water, with the heat spreading from my throat through my body."
"No sensation at all?" Steve's brow furrowed with disappointment.
But the change began almost instantly. The warmth was no simple comfort — it was pure life force. It surged through her veins, seeping into every cell. Then it burned, a fierce vitality igniting inside her.
A flush of color returned to Peggy's face. Her blood coursed faster, her breathing deepened, and even the bones in her body seemed to regain their youthful strength and smoothness.
"What… what's happening to me?" she murmured, astonished.
Her mind felt sharper, memories snapping back into clarity as the warmth wrapped around her like a hot spring. She brushed her fingers over her arm, and old, dead skin crumbled away, revealing smooth, youthful flesh beneath.
In less than a minute, white hair loosened and fell, replaced by thick, vibrant brown curls. Her loose skin tightened, wrinkles fading completely. In the blink of an eye, she didn't just return to her twenty-year-old self — she looked even younger.
Steve stared in disbelief. "That stubborn genius Tony… I might actually love him right now."
"Tony?" Peggy repeated, startled. "Steve, did little Tony give you something that could… restore me like this?"
Her tone was a mix of shock and wonder, her expression softening into the look she wore when they had first reunited — gentle affection without the overwhelming intensity.
Steve nodded. "Tony gave me this," he said, placing the jade bottle in her hand. "He told me it's a magical spring water from the highest peak in the universe. It can reverse aging."
Steve believed every word of the story Tony had told him, never realizing it was all an elaborate fabrication. "Tony said you waited for me for decades. You shouldn't leave this world with regrets. That's why I came back for you, Peggy."
Her gaze grew thoughtful. "If this water can restore youth, it might do far more than that. Little Tony was more considerate than I thought."
Steve's eyes lowered slightly, guilt flickering across his face. "I misjudged him at first. That was my mistake. But now… Miss Carter, I think there's something we should do."
Straightening, he extended his hand with the poise of a gentleman. "I've kept you waiting far too long. A promise seventy years overdue."
Peggy froze for a moment. She should have been overjoyed — she had her youth back, and the man she loved stood before her. Yet a strange unease stirred in her chest, tugging at her smile.
"I… should we dance right now?" she asked, forcing a light laugh.
Steve's brow lifted in confusion.
"I mean," she quickly amended, "shouldn't we find a proper day? A jazz bar, evening wear, maybe even a little makeup?"
"You… want to dance later?" Steve's frown deepened.
It wasn't what he imagined. In his mind, she'd leap into his arms, and they'd sway cheek to cheek, two swans reunited.
"No, I mean…" Peggy backtracked again, taking his arm. She rose too quickly, misjudging her strength, and stumbled into his chest with enough force to send him toppling backward. A shower of dried skin flaked to the floor.
"Steve! Are you hurt?" she asked in alarm, helping him up.
He winced but laughed it off. "You're a little too young now, aren't you?"
Peggy grinned. "Just a touch younger than you."
They stood face to face, their gazes locking in silent understanding. Then they began to move, stepping in rhythm together, circling in the small hospital room as though no time had passed at all.
Only the soft sound of their synchronized steps filled the air. Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, the last traces of light fading into the room.
Peggy's hospital gown twirled like a modest dance dress as she lifted her chin, moving in perfect harmony with Steve's lead. At the final spin, she pivoted gracefully, her bare feet tapping lightly against the floor. Even without silk and lace, she moved like a swan in her element.
Steve's arm steadied her, one hand holding hers, the other supporting her waist. They ended in a poised lean, eyes shining like twin stars in the dimness.
Neither noticed the quiet creak of the door. An elderly man, hair white and eyes sunken with age, peered in. His expression shifted from shock to relief — until his gaze fell on Peggy's vibrant, graceful figure. Then his breath caught, and he stood frozen in awe.