warning: smut literally at the beginning of this chapter. it ends with they stay there for a minute in the aftershocks. it's pretty short lmao

( BIG, BRIGHT FUTURE )

EDITH WOKE UP, SNUG AGAINST STEVE'S SIDE, WARM AND FULL WITH THE AFFECTION... AND OTHER THINGS. A groan escaped from her mouth as she felt her sore muscles, knew she had bruises on her hips, love bites across her collarbones and chest, and her thigh was especially aching. She felt herself start to laugh at the thought of Steve between her thighs the night before, getting a little too happy with his nips to her inner thighs that he bit so hard on her left thigh that it had broke skin and was probably going to scar. Edith's pretty sure Steve was going to stop his ministrations, but Edith had made a noise she never had at the feeling and so Steve had lapped up the blood, planted a kiss to the wound, and continued. 

Above her, Steve looked down at her, the softest smile on his face as he asked, "What?" Edith looked back at him, noticed he had one arm wrapped around her, keeping her as close as possible, while the other one was reading a book she must've had on her shelf, given to her by Natasha. 

"You probably scarred my thigh," she told him and loved watching his face all the way down to his chest flood red with a blush. She shifted, and felt a moan slip from her mouth when she felt Steve inside her. It had felt right the night before to stay connected and Edith had been too tired after Steve had worked his way through as many rounds as his stamina could let him that she had fallen asleep as soon as they were done. 

Edith couldn't help herself, moved forward and started peppering her lips over his chest, a little sad the hickies she had sucked into his alabaster skin weren't still there, staining it with blossoms of red. Her lips made their way to one of his nipples, giving it some attention and hearing the whimper that escaped Steve as she lapped at it with her tongue before gently nibbling on it, before soothing it with her tongue again. 

"Edith," Steve panted above her, and she didn't know what he did with the book he was reading because his hands grabbed her face, tugging it up so that she could kiss him. It was a sloppy one, all tongue and no technique but Edith whimpered her own sounds into how mouth as she felt his hands move down her body, pinching and prodding at spots he knew would get a sound from her. His hands mapped out her skin, made her arch into him as Steve rolled them over so she was straddling his waist. There was a moment where the two of them just kissed, still sloppy and wet, before Steve was guiding his cock back to Edith's entrance and pushing it back in.

It was slow, this time, more about pleasuring each other than getting off. Steve's hands rested on her ass and gripped, pulling her cheeks apart squeezing as Edith moaned and grinded down on him. Their mouths never strayed far from each others and Edith loved the feeling of being close, connected, and loved by Steve. Even when he flipped them over, and pushed on the slight bulge that was in Edith's stomach from the new angle and the size of Steve, the pressure and Steve flicking telling her to rub herself as he bit into her collarbone again making her arch into him as she came. Steve kept going, Edith clenching around him to bring him closer and closer until she felt his warm come flood inside her.

They stay there for a minute in the aftershocks, Steve kissing her tenderly, holding her as close as he can when they break, breathing each other in and sharing a moment where they bask in the fact that they're together again. It's probably too long before Edith squirms her way out from under Steve, who had put his weight on her, head on her chest, waist between her thighs, reading the book he had been when she had woken up as she runs her hands through his hair. She plants a kiss on his hair before telling him she's going to shower, making her way to the bathroom connected to their room. 

She makes sure to clean up the bite wound from Steve, wiping it down and washing it with an unscented bar of soap they have that nobody really uses. Steve had gotten into the habit of washing with her body wash (which Natasha had shown her as well, the smell something floral and subtle) and they have different shampoos and conditioners. When Edith had went to pick up shampoo and conditioner for Steve, she had asked for the agent's help, and Natasha and her had made a little day of trying to find the perfect hair products for Steve. They also had a hard time finding an old shaving blade and bowl and stuff for the shaving cream that Steve was used to. Natasha had to order it specially for them, which Edith had been grateful for, the internet still a little scary for the girl. 

When she was done washing herself, Edith got out of the shower and dried before taking a better look at the teeth marks on her thigh without the water and blood in the way. She was correct in that it probably was going to scar, remembering the pain that had melded into pleasure when Steve had bit way too hard. Edith carefully bandaged it, before dressing in a pair of light wash jeans and a striped white and navy t-shirt tucked into them, tying her hair up in a towel so it wouldn't drip everywhere. She hoped Natasha would approve of her outfit of choice, hoping she didn't look too old, even when she grabbed the cream cardigan.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Steve was up. Edith stopped in her tracks, watching his back muscles tense and move under his skin as he stretched. She also couldn't help herself from looking at his ass, but felt herself turn red at such an indecent act. 

"Bathroom's free," she announced, taking her step forward to go to the vanity to play with the makeup Natasha had helped her pick out. (Edith was so very thankful Fury and Steve from the other timeline had introduced Natasha to her. The agent had been super patient and nice as Edith figured out the way of the world nowadays. There was so much she still needed to learn, but Natasha had definitely helped her get a start and Edith would be forever grateful.) Steve passed her, catching her elbow and leaning down to kiss the corner of her mouth. Edith smiled at him, grabbing Gordon's dog tags, slipping them on, and tucking them under her shirt, before taking a seat at the table. 

Newer makeup still confused Edith, so she used everything sparingly, not wishing to look like a clown. The only thing that was semi-recognizable was the lipstick and mascara, things that Edith would have to save for since they weren't really necessary in her time in war. Especially when her and Steve got married and she didn't need to look for a man. 

When she thought she looked alright, Edith let her hair out of the towel, drying it a bit more, before walking into the bathroom to hang it up. Steve was humming show tunes from his performing days and Edith couldn't help but smile, her chest warm. Leaving the man to it, she made her way to the kitchen to make them some breakfast. One of the better things about this time was that everything was readily available and not being rationed due to the war. 

Edith was used to how much Steve consumed because of the serum and made enough for them both accordingly. She dished them up and made sure to clean up after herself, before taking their plates to the table and getting herself a glass of water. Steve walked out of the room, his hair slightly damp, wearing a button up shirt and some slacks and Edith took a moment to look at him as he went to their fridge and grabbed a carton of orange juice.

"What?" Steve asked as he brought the carton to his mouth and taking a drink as he grabbed a glass. 

"We should go shopping for clothes," Edith told him. "You look like an old man."

Steve blinked at her, before looking down at his clothes. He looked back up at her with a slight frown on his face as he frowned at her. "What's wrong with that? I am technically an old man."

Edith felt herself roll her eyes. "Steve," she whined, using her fork to stab at the eggs she had made, "we're literally in the future, and you look like you're stuck in the past." She pouted, using the fork to point at him, "You need an update, as the younger generation would say. You're twenty five, you should look like it."

Steve's eyebrows furrowed, mumbling, "I like my clothes though," under his breath. Edith smiled, taking his hand when he put it on the table as he sat down, giving it a squeeze. 

"They could be a little better, dear."

"Oh no," Steve blinked at her, as he started to eat. "You called me dear, I don't like where this is going." Edith swatted at him, Steve dodging as he scooped food into his mouth. "So, we're going shopping today?"

Edith nodded, smiling. "I also wanna go to the café the old apartment used to be in." 

One of the first things Edith had done was track down her old apartment building to see if she could lease the same one she used to live in with Gordon. To her surprised, the place had been converted into a multilevel business place, the bottom floor being a small café that baked all their pastries and sweets in shop and had some of the best coffee Edith had ever had. The floor above it was a nail salon owned by a Filipino woman and her daughter and Edith liked to go whenever she felt like her nails needed a touch up, getting the gossip of the neighbourhood while the woman did beautiful nail designs. 

Steve sighed, thinking as he chewed, before he swallowed and said, "Okay, but you have to let me draw you while we're in the café." Edith smiled and nodded, the two of them finishing their breakfast in a comfortable silence. Steve took her plate and glass before Edith could even think about getting up to clean them, quickly washing them and putting them in the dishrack as Edith put the orange juice back in the fridge. 

While Steve finished, she went to grab Steve's wallet and her purse, stopping in the bathroom to brush her teeth. Steve joined her as Edith marveled at the invention of toothpaste, so glad she didn't have to use the powder anymore. Steve, she knew, felt the same way. After spitting and rinsing, she made her way to the door, reaching for the pair of sneakers to slip on. Steve's loafers were passed to him when he came up behind, his wallet also being tucked into his back pocket. 

They left the apartment, locking it after them with the keys Edith had in her purse, before they were hooking hands and making their way to the elevator. They make their way to the street, Edith keeping a grip on Steve as they get into New York foot traffic. It was still overwhelming, how many people walked on New York's street every day, as well as the sheer volume of noise there was. Steve stilled jumped, muscles tensing for action when he heard a car horn blare. 

There was other things still did that became habits from the war. He still checked the apartment for enemies, always put himself between Edith and whatever he perceived as danger, loud noises made his fists clench, he hated the cold, the shower unbearably hot, scorching and turning Steve's skin red when he got in. He had nightmares sometimes, shouting for Bucky's name or telling Peggy to apologize to Edith for leaving her. Sometimes he didn't sleep at all, just read all night with Edith in his arms, sucking up all the knowledge that he could. Other times, Edith would wake up to Steve returning from the gym, sweat dripping off his nose and the man looking exhausted in a way that had nothing to do with sleep but everything with wanting to escape his memories. 

Sometimes, he needed to feel Edith in a way that had them both panting and clinging each other and Edith would hear Steve begging her to never leave him, never let him leave her, let them stay together no matter what happened. She always whispered promises that she wasn't going anywhere on nights like that. Other times, Steve needed to let the control he held so close to him with his strength go and when that happened, Edith usually ended up with bruises and being sore the next day, Steve looking smug as he brought her breakfast in bed, the little shit he was. 

Edith liked to mope jokingly, but she really felt her heartbreaking about the emotions Steve kept locked so close to his heart. She was just glad that he shared them with her, never pushed her away, and as much as she was told by Natasha when she mentioned it in the vaguest terms that Steve probably needed therapy, Edith knew Steve would carry the burden by himself.

They walk to the department store and Edith has fun getting Steve to try on clothes. He tries to get her to stick mostly with the old man style, but she gets him to buy a few pairs of jeans and some clothes for the gym. She gets him some better shirts as well, short sleeve t-shirts in different colours and convinces him to get a turtle neck, though she doubts he'll actually ever wear it. Other than that, he gets a load of button ups in all different colours. Edith is very proud when she gets him to try on a navy blue jacket that matches his eyes. Another leather jacket gets added to the cart (they had been able to get Steve's old one back from someone's private collection of Captain America memorabilia. The person had even fixed it from its torn state).

The woman who had been checking them out had seemed surprised when they had pulled out the black card Edith and Steve got from SHIELD. Edith didn't mind too much, but Steve had looked confused and probably wanted to ask why she was. However, he followed Edith's lead and let the woman work, watching her scan and bag clothes with avid fascination. 

When she was done and everything was paid for, Edith and Steve dropped off their many bags in their apartment, and Steve grabbed his sketchbook and a pencil, before walking hand in hand to the café Edith wanted to visit. As they were walking up, she waved at the nail salon's owner, big smile on her face, Steve running ahead to get the door for her. 

The two of them found a table by a window, glad the place wasn't overly busy. There was a group of five university students studying or writing papers on their fancy laptops, an old couple share a pastry and some tea, and a group of middle aged women gossiping over cupcakes and lemonade. The last group sent a pang of longing to Edith's heart about her group of friends that used to visit the café to catch up. She hoped Connie and the rest of them had a good life.

They sat down, a teenager coming over to hand them the small menus they had and tell them she'll be back for their orders in a minute or two. Edith was quick to decide on some coffee and a couple of lemon cakes, Steve taking a little longer to decide on his choice of pastry. The teenager came back, Edith noticing her nametag that read Abigail, but she was taking their orders and rushing away before Edith could strike up a conversation. 

While they waited, Steve opened up his sketch book and started drawing. He kept glancing up at her, so Edith turned to the side and posed for him slightly, smiling when Steve rolled his eyes and erased something on the page before continuing his quick movements. Abigail came back with their order in no time, got a glimpse of Steve's paper, looked at Edith, and then let out a small gasp. Edith felt herself smile, proud that Steve's art could elicit a reaction from someone. 

Edith and Steve talked while they ate and Steve drew. Well, it was mostly Edith blabbed about random things while Steve drew and listened. He chimed in from time to time with appropriate comments, but mostly kept his concentration on his page. Abigail came back to sneak a peek at his paper a couple of times, smiling widely at the two of them, before going to check on other customers. She noticed she topped up the university student's mugs a lot. 

When Edith had nothing more to say, she leaned forward on the table, her head resting on her hand, and watched Steve draw. She knew she must had looked like a lovesick fool, watched the man she love make quick movements on the page. The next time Steve glanced up and noticed she was in the new position, he narrowed his eyes and flipped the page, quickly starting to sketch. Edith watched him, and couldn't care less, really, when Abigail came back and looked at Steve's art again. 

They sat in the comfortable silence until Steve was done, a light blush staining his cheeks as he flipped the book around and showed Edith. She smiled at the picture, at the way Steve was able to capture all his love and adoration for her in lines of charcoal. Her smiled widened a bit when she noticed how much he had erased and re-drew the lines of her nose. 

"You never could get my nose right, huh?" Edith told him, glancing up before flipping to the previous page. There were smaller drawings of her, her side profile, the shape of her eyes, the curve of her smile, the shape of her jaw, as if Steve was taking notes on how to draw her. Steve just shook his head at her in way of response, before they were both finishing their coffees and making their way to the front counter to pay. Steve showed Abigail the final drawing, the girl beaming at them. 

"You guys are literally the cutest couple ever," she said as she typed their total into the cash register. Then, timidly, "Could I have the drawing to hang up in here? I know it's kind of weird, but the owners love that kinda stuff and you look a lot like the old grainy pictures of Captain America's wife. They're big fans of him. It's one of the reasons they lease the building. I'm sure they'll tell someone that they were given an original drawing of Edith Rutherford, even though it's a lie."

Edith and Steve gave each other a look, before Steve nodded. He signed the paper upon request, all the while asking, "Why did people call her by her maiden name?"

"Oh," Abigail though for a moment. "They didn't actually tell the world who Captain America was and when Edith went missing, they didn't want anyone to try and track down the real identity of the man, even though he sacrificed his life to end the war." Abigail stared down at the paper for a second, taking in the lines Steve had so carefully drawn. "Kinda sad if you think about it, huh? Edith lost the man she loved and her brother to the war and people say she went so crazy with grief that she just... disappeared without a trace. Nobody knows what happened to her and her disappearance is still a mystery to the world."

The two of them stared at Abigail for a moment, taking in what she said, before Steve was taking Edith's hand and pressing a kiss to her head. Edith felt her throat closing with grief at the mention of Gordon. It was still an open wound in her chest, hearing her brother's name. She had been putting off looking up what had even happened to his body and his grave or the French girl who had served him coffee. She found herself gripping onto his dog tags around her neck as Steve thanked Abigail and lead her out of the café. 

The future may have been such a bright and brilliant place, but Edith wished on ever single star in the universe that Gordon would've been alive to see it.

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like i said in my greek tragedy update, the only excuse i have for not updating for a year is the school has been taking up most of my time. please enjoy domestic steve and edith and some angst about gordon. also, i just couldn't make steve sad like he is in avengers. well, not sad, but in the same mindset, considering he has the one thing that is like a rock for him with him in the future. 

he does still have pretty bad ptsd and i didn't go a lot into it but i did go a little bit into it. we'll probably jump into the movie next chapter, if it doesn't take me a year to update again lmao.

thank you for the continued support and i love you all so much for sticking around.