Back at S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fury received Steve in his office, bringing a stack of files and a bank card.
"This is your salary, Captain. You haven't retired yet, so it's calculated according to the standards of that time.
Your funds have been deposited into this card, and you'll also need to reapply for identification documents. Take a look."
The files listed everything from 1943 to 2008. Over sixty-five years, Steve's total salary, allowances, subsidies, and bonuses added up to more than 26 million U.S. dollars.
Steve glanced at the papers. "It says sixty-five years here—so why did people say I slept for seventy years?"
"That's for propaganda, to inspire people," Fury answered seriously.
Ah, the classic capitalist trick—fooling the working class!
Steve quickly signed his name. He was fully immersed in the role of Captain America. Even if this felt like a dream, he wanted to live it to the fullest. And besides… this wasn't a dream!
"Hill, take Captain to handle his documents and procedures."
"Captain, do you need a dormitory arranged?" Fury added. Captain America had woken up a bit unusual—after seventy years frozen, who knew what might go wrong?
"Of course. But I need time to adjust. Don't assign me work yet." Steve wanted to figure out what era he was in.
"No problem, but if an urgent mission arises, we'll need your help. Enjoy your holiday!" Fury stood and extended his hand, hoping Captain would act more normal and less… abstract.
The two shook hands and followed Hill out.
Fury returned to his desk, opened the Avengers file, and wrote down Steve Rogers' name. Next to it, a shortlist of candidates appeared:
Bruce Banner
Natasha Romanoff
Clint Barton
After a busy afternoon, Steve finally rested—but not in his own dormitory. He went to Hill's, making the busy Deputy Director take a temporary leave.
The next morning.
Hill's dorm was simple, yet scattered: clothes, camisoles, stockings, and underwear lay across the floor. The air carried a faint scent of hormones, warm and inviting.
The alarm clock rang.
A beautiful woman with sharp features, rosy lips, and a prominent nose reached out and turned it off. Despite her delicate face, her expression radiated an indescribable heroic spirit.
"Steve, I need to go to work," Hill mumbled.
"When do you have a holiday?" Steve asked, opening his eyes to a world completely new.
This feeling—so alive!
Hill hesitated. She had nearly a year's worth of vacation. Should she take this opportunity to rest?
She called Fury, who generously said her mission would be to accompany Captain America—a mix of supervision and holiday.
The truth: Fury had spent the night reviewing all the data and recordings. Captain America was indeed Captain America.
During WWII, he had visited bars, nightclubs, and cinemas, and he had been a single man. His so-called seventy-year date actually referred to Agent Carter—a promise, not a person.
From this perspective, it was normal that the first thing Captain did after waking was go on a date. After all, he was human! Even prison guards go on dates once in a while!
Ending the call, Hill smiled. "Fury wants me to accompany you for a few days to help you adapt. Steve, is there anything you want to do?"
"Good! Let's do it!" Steve said earnestly.
Hill: ???
That's not what I meant! Don't touch me!
It didn't end until noon. Steve helped the stumbling Hill to lunch.
"Ding! Mission triggered: Modern Life."
Modern Life: Experience modern life, familiarize yourself with this era, and slack off at work later. Watch movies, shop, buy a car, and dance with Hill. Reward: Tarot Qi Gong (Shang-Chi movie).
Steve's eyes lit up. As a Super Soldier, he wasn't just physically strong—he was exactly like Captain America in the movies.
His abilities, speed, and reflexes were verified by Hill herself. Knowing Qi Gong? Reasonable for a Captain!
"Let's go to the movies."
Hill had no objections. While accompanying Steve, she also sent updates to S.H.I.E.L.D. Many plainclothes agents followed—part surveillance, part mobile support.
The movie was a Hollywood blockbuster. Steve was especially impressed by a scene where the male lead descended a tall building barehanded—like Assassin's Creed. He recognized Jet Li's style instantly.
After the movie, it was shopping.
Steve didn't buy clothes—S.H.I.E.L.D. provided them—but he went to a jewelry store and purchased a pair of gold rings.
Hill's eyelids twitched. They looked like wedding rings. He even asked her to try them for size—but didn't give them to her yet.
Then Steve bought a bouquet of roses and took Hill to the park.
Completely unprepared, he knelt on one knee and proposed.
"Hill, marry me! Let me take care of you for the rest of your life!"
Wait! So sudden! Not romantic at all!
Hill froze, staring at his sincere eyes, the roses, and the ring.
Then, a giggle escaped her.
Hill laughed. Captain's manners were from the 1940s—direct, loyal, and sincere.
Although it wasn't romantic, it was genuine.
She had never thought about marriage, nor imagined starting a family. As an agent, personal life was nearly impossible.
"Director Fury, what should I do?"
Fury, busy assisting General Ross with Hulk tracking, was completely stunned when he received the message.
No. What the hell is Captain doing?
You are Captain America! Why fall in love immediately after waking up?
Falling in love is one thing—but now you're proposing?
And Hill is your superior! Isn't this insubordination… living off a woman?!