[ there it is again: the slightest movement, suggestive of a smile, which she immediately tamps and curbs. it's just -- to hear him drive his inquiry straight to the heart of this miracle (how are you here?) reminds her why she'd kept so much faith in him, once upon time.

and why she feels that faith renewed.

steve takes a seat and peggy stays standing where she is -- petty, perhaps, in how grateful she feels for that extra bit of height in such a vulnerable moment. that slim and superficial advantage helps her measure out a beat, and then another, so that she doesn't rush into answering him too quickly. as if (maybe) there might be a sin in seeming too eager.

peggy clears her throat. bless him, she thinks, for not asking why she's here. ]

Excellent question. [ and it is -- barring, perhaps, the fact that it's got a multitude of answers. ] Brighter minds than mine are still trying to work out the science. I think the only one thing that's been agreed upon is that I absolutely shouldn't be here.

[ but she can't quite bring herself to regret the risk to history and timeline. so she takes a step, sighs out a measure of tension, and tries to get a better read on his eyes. ]

Then again -- the same could be said for you.

[ captain steve rogers, stolen away from his own decade! how dare the 21st century hold him hostage. ]