Fill 7 Card 1: Fedora Hat

[innitmarvelous_og]

Tony paused a moment, inspecting his brown, straight out of the 1940's suit one more time before he placed atop of his head the finishing touch to what he had on: a vintage matching fedora.

"You're taking my breath away, Mr. Stark," Pepper said as she stepped beside him at the full length mirror.

Taking several moments to eye her own vintage dress, and with a wink he told her, "You're positively giving me heart palpitation, Mrs. Stark!"

She smiled at his compliment, and thread her hand through his offered arm she asked, "So are you ready to go to the party?" They were hosting a 40s themed costume party for Stark Industries, and they needed to arrive soon if they didn't want to be late.

Tony nodded, "Let's amscray, baby doll!"

Fill 9 Card 1: Never Let Me Go (x2)

[innitmarvelous_og]

Before he left to return the Infinity Stones to their proper places in the past, Steve had already decided to remain there and have the life he'd longed to have ever since he'd woken up seventy years in the future. 

When he'd see Peggy in 1970 during the Time Heist, she'd looked older of course but she had been as beautiful as he had remembered her. He had wanted to make his presence known in her office so much that it had almost hurt physically.

However, things didn't exactly go as he thought they would when he arrived in the 1950's. For one thing, he found that she was already a high ranking member of SHIELD, having helped Howard and now General Phillips found the agency. But more to the point, Peggy had moved on from him, and she had made a life for herself.

Steve had found where she lived, and since she had some visitors, he'd waited to reveal himself to her when he was certain Peggy would be alone. The day finally came when he was sure no one else was in the house but her, and he decided the best approach would be to simply knock on her front door. So he walked up to the door, and knocked on it.

"Just a moment!" her voice called out from within.

While he waited, he tried not to draw attention to himself by looking around, yet he knew the longer he was on her doorstep, the more of a chance he'd be recognized. Still, all he could do was wait for the door to open, and when it did, there was a gun pointed directly at his face.

"You've got five seconds to explain to me why I shouldn't blow your head off!" She said, a hard look on her face.

Steve looked into her eyes, and said, "Peggy, it's me. It's Steve."

"Steve Rogers was lost almost twelve years. Try again, and make it quick," she countered.

"Okay, how about I tell you something that only you and I know?" Steve suggested.

Peggy's eyes narrowed as she considered what he'd said. "Fine, one thing. But make it quick, and know this is your one chance to convince me," she said, lowering her gun slightly.

Steve takes a deep breath, "I still owe you that dance, Peggy," he said softly, his eyes locking with hers.

Peggy's eyes widened then softened a fraction, "Steve?" she whispered.

Steve nodded, "It's really me, Peggy," 

Tears welled up in Peggy's eyes, and she threw herself into Steve's arms. "How? How is this possible? After the plane went down, they told me they couldn't find any trace of it or of you!" she said, her voice muffled against his chest.

Steve held her tight, savoring the feeling of holding her again, his own tears threatening to spill over. "It's a long story, but I'm here now, Peggy. And I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion

After a few seconds, Peggy pulled away and at his surprised look she said, "Let's take this inside, shall we, before everyone in the neighborhood takes notice."

Steve followed Peggy inside, and as they walked through the small but cozy house, Steve couldn't help but notice the pictures on the walls along with the knick-knacks on the shelves. Each and every one of them were a testament that Peggy had made a full life for herself in the years since he'd last seen her.

"Steve," Peggy said, drawing him out of his thoughts over to where she was sitting on a sofa by a fireplace, "I never expected to see you again for as long as I lived and I... I need you to tell me how it's possible you're here now."

With a nod, he crossed the room, and he sat down on the sofa beside her, "This is a long story..."

"Go on. I've got the time," Peggy confirmed.

Steve nodded, and began to tell her a version of what happened to him after the last time they spoke to each other in 1945. Although he told many details about his life in the future, he left out the fact he'd known and lost her as an old woman, He was also vague about the details of how they had pulled off the Time Heist, and how he was able to travel back in time. When he finished, the reaction Peggy gave to his story was not the one Steve had not expected.

Anger filled her eyes, and second later, her palm met forcefully with his cheek, "You never let me go! How dare you!" she shouted.

Steve stared at her in shock, raising one of his own hands to the cheek she'd slapped hard enough to actually leave a sting!

Peggy's voice was filled with disappointment as she went on, "Steve, I can't believe you would do something like this. from what you told me, you clearly knew that I moved on with my life. You knew I found love again with a wonderful man, and that I had a family with him! You knew I had made a new life with Danie," she said, her voice quivering with emotion. 

Steve hung his head, realizing the extent of the pain he had caused, "I'm sorry I never meant to undermine the life you built, Peggy. I guess I blinded by my own desires and being so alone in the future. I didn't stop to think this all the way through."

Peggy's eyes welled up with tears, "Steve, you have no idea how hard it was for me after I lost you.Your death hurt me for a long time but I knew I couldn't wallow in my grief forever. I knew I had to find a way to move forward, to create a life for myself. And I did. I found happiness with Daniel, and we have a family together."

Steve nodded, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears because he knows now for certain he will never have any kind of future with her. The door on the life they might have had is forever closed and locked up tight behind them. He knows there is only one thing he can do now if he truly loves her, and that's to wish her well before he finally lets her go.

"You deserve that happiness, Peggy, and I am glad that you found it. Your husband must be a special man."

"He is. Daniel truly is. From the moment we met, he tried to always treat me with respect, and he wanted to be a friend to me at a time when I was alone."

So, they had started out as friends. That's good. That's very good since that's the way so many of the best relationships, the best marriages began. If that were true, and Steve knows that it is, he also knows there is nothing else for him to do but bow out of this as gracefully as he can, and live her life forever.

But there's just one more thing he needs and wants to do before he does that. Steve looked up at Peggy, "You're right, Peggy. I should have never come back without considering the life you've built for yourself. I apologize from the bottom of my heart."

Peggy nodded, her anger subsiding slightly. "I understand why you did what you did, Steve. But it doesn't change the fact that you hurt me deeply."

"I know, and I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" Steve asked, feeling the weight of his mistake heavy on his shoulders.

Peggy thought for a moment then she smiled, "Actually, there is something you can do."

"What is it?" Steve asked eagerly.

"You promised me a dance, Steve. All those years ago, and I never got it," Peggy said, her eyes softening.

Steve smiled back at her. "I did, didn't I?"

 "Well, Captain, I'm waiting. Are you going to make good on that promise?"

Steve stood up, taking Peggy's hand in his. "I wouldn't dream of breaking a promise to you, Peggy." Peggy turned on the radio, and then took his hand.

They moved to the center of the room, and Steve took Peggy in his arms. The music playing in the background was soft, and they swayed together in perfect harmony, lost in the moment. For those few minutes, both the past and the future didn't exist, and just lived in the present, together.

As the song ended, Steve looked down at Peggy and smiled as much as he could under the circumstances. "Thank you for this dance, Peggy."

Peggy smiled back at him, a hint of sadness in her eyes, "It was lovely, Steve. But I think it's time for you to go now."

Steve nodded, since he knows that he couldn't stay in the past any longer. He gave Peggy one last hug and had turned to leave, but she stopped him.

"Steve, wait," Peggy said, and he turned back to face her.

"I just wanted you to know that I will always love you and I'll always cherish the time we had together, even if it wasn't as much as we wanted. And I hope you find happiness and someone of your own. Stop mourning what you lost, Steve, and move on," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Steve smiled at her, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. "I will. And I will always love you too, Peggy."

With one last look, Steve walked out the door and back to his own time, ready to start a new chapter in his life. But he would always remember the dance he shared with Peggy, and the love they had for each other, even if it could never be again.

Fill 10 Card 1: Sun (x2)

[innitmarvelous_og]

Betty placed the last bowl on the table and turned to see her husband watching the sun go down over the ocean. It still felt surreal to her that Bruce, her husband of nearly two weeks now, was here with her in this beautiful place. He stood with his hands on his hips, his shirt fluttering in the breeze, and she couldn't recall a time when she'd seen him more relaxed - not even before the accident that had turned him into the Hulk.

She watched him another moment, and then called out, "Bruce, dinner's ready."

Bruce immediately turned his back to the endless, beautiful turquoise waters that stretched out to the horizon, and walked over to the patio where his wife was waiting for him to join her.

On the small table, Betty had finished laying out the last of the leftovers from the last two nights. Before them were succulent grilled lobster tails accompanied by butter and a mixture of roasted asparagus, zucchini, and red peppers.

As they savored each bite of their delicious meal, Betty couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness knowing that this was their last night on the island. When she'd first arrived, she'd felt so out of place and alone here since she was the only person on the island who didn't have someone special with her. On the morning she had been about to leave to return home, Bruce had arrived.

 

Since then one thing had led to another, including Bruce asking her to marry him, and his friends... no their friends had talked them into getting married on the island. It had been such a magical and unforgettable experience one she knew she would always treasure.

 

She looked over at Bruce, who seemed to be lost in thought, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

 

Bruce looked up, and a small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "I'm just thinking about how lucky we are to have had this time together. It's been so incredible, and I'm so grateful that Tony didn't give up on his attempts to get us to get married here on this beautiful island of his."

 

Betty felt a lump form in her throat, and she blinked back tears. "Me too, Bruce. This has been the most amazing honeymoon, and I don't want it to end."

 

Bruce reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, Betty. We'll always have the memories of our special days here to cherish. And knowing Tony, we'll be able to come back here anytime that we want to."

 

Betty nodded, knowing that although she didn't know Tony as well as her husband, he was right about the other man. So they continued to enjoy their meal in peaceful silence, watching the sun set over the ocean.

 

Fill 11 Card 1: Strength

[innitmarvelous_og]

Bruce Banner had always been different from other people. He had never been interested in either power or dominance, but rather in compassion and empathy. He was a scientist by profession, but it was his kindness and gentleness that truly set him apart.

One day, while on a research trip to a small village in a remote part of South America, Bruce was approached by the father of a little girl who was sick. He explained to him that since their village was so remote, they had no access to a doctor, and his wife was at her wit's end at how to help their little girl. After Bruce agreed to help them, her father told him his daughter's name was Maria as he led Bruce to his family's home.

Maria was her lying in bed, looking weak and feverish. Sitting down beside her, Bruce began to talk to her in a gentle and calming voice.

"Hi there, Maria. My name is Bruce. I heard that you're not feeling well. Is that right?"

The little girl nodded, "I don't feel good."

"I think I can help with that but first I need to take your temperature and ask your mother so questions. Okay?"

"Okay," Maria said.

After putting on some gloves, Bruce took out a thermometer from his bag, "Okay, sweetie, I need to stick this under your tongue. It needs to stay there for a few minutes."

Maria opened her mouth, and allowed him to put the thermometer under her tongue.

"Okay, Maria, close your mouth please. I'm going to watch the time, and I'll let you know when it's time to take it out. Okay?"

She nodded again.

While they waited for the right time to take out the thermometer, Bruce turned around and said hello to the little girl's mother. He then asked her a series of questions about how long Maria had been sick, and what her symptoms were. When he finished, it was time to take the thermometer out.

Bruce felt all of their eyes, especially Maria's parents' eyes on him as he read the numbers there. He looked at Maria, "Well, sweetie, you've definitely got a fever, but the good news is, it's not too high and I have some medicine with me that will help bring it down. The only thing is, I have to warn you, the medicine doesn't taste all that great."

Maria made a face at hearing this.

"I know, I know, but I promise you, Maria, it's going to help you feel all better," he said, while taking it out of his bag, and getting the dose ready. "Can you sit up for me, Maria?"

Maria nodded, and tried to sit up, but soon it was obvious the little girl was too weak. Her mother started to come over to help her, and Bruce told her, "I've got this." She stayed back as he helped the girl sit up, and then he picked up the small cup again.

"Ready?" Bruce asked.

"Yes," said the little girl.

"Okay, on the count of three. One... two... three." He put the cup to the girl's lips, and Maria took it into her mouth.

She swallowed it without spitting it out, although she did make a face, "That was yucky!"

"I know, sweetie, and I'm sorry. But like I said, it's going to help you get better soon. Ready to lay back down?"

"Yeah," she said.

After Maria was settled back down, and it was obvious she wasn't going to go to sleep, and her parents approved, Bruce decided to stay with her awhile. Bruce asked her about her favorite things to do and about the games she liked to play. Maria also told him about her dolls and how they went on grand adventures together all over her hometown.

Bruce smiled as he listened to the little gir.l He'd only been in their family's home for about an hour, but he could tell the little girl was already seeing him as a new friend.

After a little while longer, Maria started to yawn, and Bruce insisted she tried to get some rest now. Once she was settled in the bed, Bruce handed the medicine to her mother, and gave her instructions on how to give it to Maria. He looked over to see the child asleep so, he said a quiet goodbye to the parents, and was about to leave when the little girl called out.

"Bruce?"

He stopped at the door, and looked at her, "Yes?"

"Don't go!"

Bruce smiled at her, "But I need to, sweetie. You need your rest, and there are some other little boys and girls who need me to check up on them. But I'll come back in the morning to check up on you, and we'll talk some more, maybe play a game if you're feeling like it. Okay?"

Maria yawned again, and nodded, "Okay." Her eyes closed, and she was asleep.

Fill 12 Card 1: Planes x2

[innitmarvelous_og]

When Tony had just snapped his fingers and defeated Thanos once and for all, he knew exactly what the cost to him would be. He knew there was no possibility of surviving the power of the Infinity Stones, and they would leave him fatally wounded. As he began to fade away, he could feel his consciousness drifting until he found himself in a strange and ethereal realm.

He stood on an endless plane that glowed in shades of red and pink. Where was he? Was this Heaven? Or was this Hell? He didn't know, and he had nothing to base any sort of conclusion on. As he looked around, he saw a single stone floating in the distance. When he started to walk towards it, he felt another presence nearby. As he turned, he saw a familiar figure standing before him.

It was Ho Yinsen, the man who had sacrificed his own life to help Tony escape captivity in Afghanistan all those years ago. At seeing the other man, Tony felt a flood of emotions - among them, immense gratitude.

A warm, welcoming smile was on Yinsen's face when he said, "Hello, Stark. It's good to see you again."

Tony was at a loss for words, "Yinsen... you're so how am I seeing you now? How is this possible?"

Yinsen did not speak, waiting patiently while Tony figured things out for himself.

"I'm dead aren't I?" Tony said suddenly, "I'm dead, and this is some sort of afterlife?"

"No, you are not dead, not yet anyway," Yinsen told him, "Your life is hanging by a thread. What is the last thing you remember before waking up here, and see me?"

"Thanos. I remember he had the Stones, and I fought he for them to keep him from snapping his fingers. He threw me away like I didn't weigh any more than Morgan's favorite toy dog and then I...I remember that I snapped my fingers."

Yinsen nodded, "Yes, you welded the Infinity Stones, and with their the power you saved the universe. And in doing so, you will pay a heavy price. Your physical body is dying, but your spirit as always is still strong and determine. That's why you're here."

Tony looked around where they were, and then he looked to Yinsen, trying to understand. "Where are we? What is this place?"

Yinsen smiled once more and gestured, "This place is the Soul Realm generated by the Soul Stone. It is a place where those who sacrifice themselves or are sacrificed by another in order to obtain the Soul Stone go."

"But I already had the Soul Stone. I wasn't... wait she sacrificed herself to get the Stone. Does that mean this is where Natasha is? Is this where she went after she... she..." He could not finish the question as he remembered Clint's account of what had happened in Vormir. He'd been heartbroken by her death, as had they, and their heartbreak had been the reason they'd gone forward with their plan.

Yinsen gave a solemn nod, "Yes, this is where Natasha Romanoff went when after she made her sacrifice for the Soul Stone. However, this place is not the final destination. She was here for a little while, but her spirit has moved on to a different plane of existence."

Tony was quiet for a moment, thinking about Natasha and all the sacrifices that had been made to bring this moment into being. Finally he asked, "So what now? What happens to me?"

"You have a choice to make, Stark," Yinsen said.

"A choice? What kind of choice?"

"One where you can stay here for a little while then move on as Natasha did when you're ready. Or, you can go back. You can return to the world of the living and finish what you started."

Tony thinks of Pepper and Morgan instantly, and about how he wants to be with them. He also thinks about the kid... Peter, how he had literally just gotten him back, and how he doesn't want to leave him again so soon. Rhodey, they'd been brothers for almost forty years. Did he want to leave him right now? And what about Happy? He is pretty sure Happy would have a hard time dealing with his death if Tony made the choice to move on.

"I have to go back," Tony said finally, "I have to finish what I started."

Yinsen nodded, "I thought you might say that. But remember, Stark, the path ahead is not an easy one. You were gravelly wounded by the Infinity Stones. The road ahead of you is a long and very painful one."

"As long and painful as leaving everyone I love behind?" Tony countered.

"Point well taken. They will give you strength for the road again. Just remember to swallow your pride once in awhile and let them help you when it feels like it is too much to take.

"I will," Tony nodded, feeling a newfound determination. "Thank you, Yinsen. Thank you for everything."

Yinsen smiled again. "Well, this is goodbye for now. Stark. Remember I'll be watching."

"So we'll see each other again?"

"Yes, when the time comes for you to move on."

And with that, Tony felt his consciousness returning to his physical body. He opened his eyes and found himself lying on the ground, surrounded by family and his friends. The road would be hard, of that he could be sure, but he was ready to face it.

Fill 8 Card 1: Courage is like a muscle...

[innitmarvelous_og]

Almost from the moment they met, Fitz and Simmons were always a dynamic duo, whether they were working on new tech or fighting off the latest Hydra threat. Each and every ordeal or trial they had came through since joining Coulson's team made them all the more stronger when it was over.

Then one day, during an assignment that was supposed to be simple, they found themselves in a dire situation. They were trapped in a Hydra base, surrounded by enemies, and they had no way out. Fitz came to quickly realize the gravity of the situation, and he was beginning to doubt their chance of surviving this.

When Simmons could see the worry as well as the fear he was trying to hide etched on Fitz's face, she knew she had to do something to boost his spirits. "Fitz," she said, and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Remember what May is always telling us. Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use."

Fitz gave her a skeptical look. "That's easy for May to say. She's bloody trained agent after all. Me... you... the two of us are just bloody scientists!"

Simmons shook her head. "That's not true, Fitz. We've been through this before. We're always facing impossible odds, and in the past we've come out on top. This is no different! We can do it again."

When Fitz gave her a look, and he could see the determination in Jemma's eyes. He knew she was right. They had to and they would find a way out of this, no matter what it took.

So they put their two heads together to come up with a distraction. The move would be risky of course, but no more so than remaining in a base full of SHIELD hating HYDRA agents!

As they put their plan into action, Fitz felt his confidence and courage growing. With every moment that went by and they were not captured, he no longer doubted their chances of survival. He kept his focus sharp on the task at hand, and he was determined to see it through.

Their plan worked, and thankfully a few hours later they walked back into their own base where they knew they were safe. As they entered the base and made their way to Coulson's office, Fitz told Simmons, "You're right, Jemma. Courage truly is like a muscle. We need to be sure to use it more in the future."

"Yes, we do because every time we use it, it'll only grow all the more stronger!" Simmons concluded with a smile.