Interlude: Marriage

There was a wedding in a small church in upstate New York. There aren’t many guests, only some people that the bride and the groom knew rather closely, well, except Thena and Pluto, because they don’t really know the bride nor the groom, or at least not yet…

Pluto and Thena came out of their car wearing a rather formal dress. Thena was holding Pluto’s arm, walking gently towards the church.

“Are you sure you don’t have any sexual escapades with Carter, my love?” questioned Thena rather dangerously as the two entered the church, giving the invitation to the guard outside.

“I told you many times, darling, I did not have any sexual relations with that woman.” Pluto defended himself calmly. “If I did, I would’ve known.”

“So you thought about it?” Thena raised her eyebrows.

“Spare me the juvenile arguments, Thena.” Pluto rolled his eyes. “We’re old enough to not get jealous anymore.”

“Hey, it’s fun messing with you.” Thena chuckled.

Pluto shook his head in amusement as both of them sat on the guest seat, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.

“If you didn’t have any sexual relations with Carter, then why’d we get invited?” Thena continued to question.

“Hm… I have my guess… but we’ll have to wait till the couple arrives at the aisle.”

“As far as I recall Howard told me that Carter fell in love with Captain Rogers.” stated Thena. “So unless Rogers was suddenly resurrected, there’s no way Carter moved on this fast.”

Pluto chuckled. “We shall see.”

The guests then suddenly quickly filled up the small church, it was not many guests, but enough for a wedding. Pluto saw Stark entering the church at the last minute, and as soon as he saw Pluto, he was surprised to see him.

“I didn’t know you were good friends with Peggy William, or is it Mrs Smith that is friends with her?” he stated.

“I’m not.” Thena answered. “I’m rather curious about why we are invited.”

“Any guesses?” Stark asked.

“William said he has some guesses.” Thena shrugged. “Didn’t want to tell me though.”

“Hey, patience my dear.” Pluto chuckled. “Howard, can you tell me about the groom?”

“Never met him,” said Stark casually. “Surprised myself that Peggy is getting married, as far as I know, she only have eyes on–”

“Yes, Captain Rogers, everybody knows that.” Thena cut him off.

“Enough of gossip.” Pluto rolled his eyes. “How’s SHIELD coming along?”

“It’s classified William, I can’t tell you that.”

“Well, at least don’t include any files that are concerning me and my wife.” Pluto said. “Got it?”

“Understood sir.” Howard hummed.

Then, the music started, and all of them stood up as they saw the groom go to position, waiting for the bride to enter the church.

Thena narrowed her eyes as she saw the groom. “Wait… is that… Stev—”

Pluto covered her mouth, making her roll her eyes in amusement.

“You know the guy?” Stark questioned.

“Isn’t that obvious?” Thena said.

“What obvious? I do not know who that guy is.”

Thena raised her eyebrow, before whispering to her. “See the necklace around his neck?”

Thena sharpened her eyes. “Runes?”

“My creation as well.” Pluto hummed, surprising Thena. “I know my writings when I see one.”

“So that means…”

“Shush, the bride’s coming.”

The church’s door then opened, revealing Carter with a beautiful white dress, smiling along as the flower girl flowered her path. Carter quickly walked to the aisle, and did her marriage procession solemnly.

—

Pluto was now outside of the church as he was drinking a glass of champagne. It was night time, the wedding procession had just finished and people were eating and drinking in the hall besides the church. He was getting some fresh air of upstate New York, watching the stars above in the parking lot of the place.

“Didn’t eat? The food’s still quite warm.” somebody suddenly said from behind him.

Pluto snorted. “A wedding’s food is never warm in the west.”

The man chuckled as he stood beside Pluto, “True.”

Pluto sighed as the man stayed with him. “I’m surprised you invited me.”

“I owe you a lot, Mr. Smith.” he said calmly. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

“Really?” Pluto raised his eyebrow. “I just recommended you to Erskine, that’s all.”

“Oh, I’m not talking about that… although that also counts I guess.”

Pluto hummed. “So you know me.”

“Mr. Jonathan Smith… It’s William now, right?”

“So you know.” Pluto nodded. “I feel like I want to ask you what I did… why did you have that necklace…”

“Oh this?” the man chuckled as he grabbed the necklace. “You gave me this before I travelled, you knew I was going to do this…”

Pluto turned to the man. “Did I…”

“I was specifically told not to tell you anything,” he said. “By you.”

“Yeah, that makes sense…” Pluto hummed. “Don’t do anything stupid from now on, Steve, don’t change anything, don’t tell anyone anything, ever.”

“Roger that sir.” Steve said. “Not planning on it anyway. Already screwed up a timeline, don’t want to do it again…”

“Good.” Pluto sighed as he patted Steve’s back. “Go get your happiness Steve, you deserve it.”

Steve nodded. “Will do.”

Steve then walked back to the hall, but he stopped half way, and called Pluto’s name again. “Mr. Smith?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.” he smiled weakly. “For everything you’ve done for us.”

Pluto snorted. “Why are you thanking me? I didn’t do anything if you’re here.”

Steve chuckled. “Yeah… you warned me you’re going to say that…”