A/N: This is my alternate ending to What If...? Episode 9. Peggy and Natasha have a moment alone before Peggy goes home. I didn't edit so please forgive any typos. y alternate ending to What If...? Episode 9.ggy goes home. I didn't edit so please forgive any typos

A Kiss Goodbye

The Watcher's pub construct was now down to two, three including the Watcher himself. Captain Carter and Natasha Romanoff stood awkwardly, wanting to speak, but somehow not able get the words out.

Natasha turned to the large, bald, being in a toga, who was practically standing over them. "Do you mind giving us some space?"

"But, I'll still be wat-"

"I know, I know," Nat said, impatiently. "Just go somewhere else for a minute. I'll let you know when to come back."

"As you wish," Ugatu said and vanished from sight.

"You were amazing out there," Peggy said, hands resting idly at her sides. "You might be as good as I am with a shield."

"Yeah," Nat said, wearily. "You too. Just like Steve. So kick ass. But in the nicest way possible."

Peggy looked at the floor at mention of Steve's name, purposefully not looking at the picture on the wall. "My Steve...well. He kicked ass in a different way. But that was a long time ago."

"I guess we both have friends that might have been...something else."

"Are you going to be okay?" Peggy asked, her eyes softening in heartfelt concern.

"I don't know," Natasha said, honestly. There is literally nothing left for me on my world."

"You could come with me?" Peggy said, impulsively. "We could jump together."

"Not sure it works that way, Cap," Natasha said, dully. "The Big Bald Guy is duty bound or something. The worlds have to stay separate.

"He can't just leave you alone," Peggy said, her frustration rising. "He can't be that callous. I...I won't let him!"

Peggy knew where the desperation was coming from. It was welling up from a place she had buried it. She had buried it so deep that she was...at least she thought she was content being her Natasha's BFF. There was more to it, though. More, that Peggy Carter hadn't been willing to face, hadn't been willing to risk. Could she risk it now with a woman who was not her Nat, not the woman she...loved.

"You okay, Peggy?" Natasha said, stepping closer, touching the taller woman's arm. "What's all this about?"

"I don't like the idea of you being left alone," Peggy said, her eyes glistening with the emotion she was trying to quash.

"You don't know me?" The Black Widow said, sympathetically. "But you know her very well. It's not my place to tell you what to do."

"What do you mean?" Peggy asked, though she knew the answer well enough.

"I know that look in your eyes, Cap. That kind of desperation is about more than friendship, though it certainly could encompass it."

"It is time to go," The Watcher said, reappearing suddenly.

"One more minute!" Peggy said, pointing her index finger at the entity. "We've earned it!"

"Very well, but I'll be-"

"We know. Shut it, Baldy," Natasha snapped.

Natasha, more tenderly than she had in ages, reached up and cupped Peggy's chin, knowing how calloused her hands must feel, and turned her from the intense glare she gave the Watcher.

"Listen to me," Natasha said. "Whatever happens to me will be okay. I've survived this long. Plus, I'm thinking that saving the Multiverse might get me a pass returning to my world. We'll see. But you...you have to go home. You have to be there for your friends. You should talk to that friend."

Peggy leaned in to small space between them, and kissed Natasha full on lips. She expected the redhead to pull away, to be shocked or offended. She did not. Natasha Romanoff of whatever earth she came from returned Peggy's kiss, open mouthed and with feeling. They stood there for a moment, in each others arms for a moment and then it was over. Stepping back, each one touched their burning lips and looked at each other with a smile.

"Talk to her, Cap," Natasha repeated. "I wouldn't want her to miss that."

"It's ti-" Ugatu said, reappearing a second time.

"I know," Peggy said, nodding at the Watcher. "Take of her. She has earned her happy ending. Goodbye Natasha."

The tall, muscular hero turned and jumped though the glowing blue portal and was gone.

"Goodbye, Peggy."