James had been waiting in the park for Peggy and Steve to arrive, a tray of coffee cups in hand to share with them. As he saw them approach, he stood up and greeted them warmly.

"Hey, good to see you both" James said with a smile, handing out the steaming cups of coffee. "Peggy, you're looking better!"

Peggy smiled back at him. "Thanks, James. I feel better, too"

"That's great news" James said, genuinely happy for her.

Steve chuckled. "In a week, she'll walk out of the retirement home out of sheer boredom"

Peggy's expression shifted to concern. "I am worried about the change, though, and being found out"

Steve nodded in agreement. "Sharon's happy about it, but also a bit suspicious"

James apologized. "I'm sorry you have to keep this a secret, but I have an idea that might help with your boredom and ease Sharon's suspicions"

Peggy's interest was piqued. "What is it?"

"Well," James began, "you could use the book to explain things to Sharon. She could touch it, and inside, you could explain that you're getting better, the how and why, and that she can't share anything. That way, she'll participate in keeping quiet about your change"

Steve raised an eyebrow. "Feels a bit underhanded, don't you think? I'm sure she will not like it"

James shrugged. "Peggy was a spy who founded SHIELD; she knows how the game is played" James added lazily "And I'm sure she still has ways to find out something if she really wanted"

Steve turned to Peggy, "Really?"

Peggy flushed and didn't answer.

"Once a spy, always a spy Steve" James' expression turned solemn. "There is a cost for the book, however. Having a book means having lots of information, but not being able to share most of it. That includes information about other people. The book can sense individuals and detect previous stories and their genre, such as drama or romance. It can also sense future stories, but not their tone."

Steve didn't seem to think it was that bad. "Is that the only price?"

James' expression turned brooding as he continued, "The first part of the price is quite harsh on it's own. The second and final price is also harsh. Once you have a book, you cannot interfere too much with the world, even if you want. You'll know who had a sad life, who had horrible things done to them, and who had done horrible things. But you won't be able to act on that information. Even if you were to come to the information in another way without the book you will have to remain neutral"

Peggy's expression became sober as she realized the weight of the cost. "I understand," she said quietly.

Steve looked at them "So she can just retire in peace?"

James smiled at that. "Yeah, that is right. The information can help you be away from any problems, to avoid danger, so if you are retiring then it is wonderful. There is a lot of good with the bad. Also you will never get bored. With your book, you'd be able to read any story stored in the Library."

Peggy thought about it for a moment before agreeing with a smile "I believe I can handle that, I'm retired now, and, to be honest, I am interested in your story," she said, looking at James.

He joked, "It's not PG-13, but if you want to read it, you can. It is a bit long though"

James extended his arm, holding out his book for Peggy to take. "Are you sure you want to do this? Once you put your hand inside and grab a book, a new one will appear." He asked once more.

With confidence, Peggy nodded and reached out, putting her hand inside the book. As she did so, she felt a myriad of books pass through her fingers until one felt special. She grabbed it and pulled it out. It was a thin red book with black and brown accents, titled Agent Carter. As she held it in her hands, her expression started to shift rapidly from absolute happiness to doubt, fear, curiosity, and interest, constantly changing.

"What's happening?" Steve asked with concern, gripping Peggy's hand as he watched her.

James reassured him, "It's normal, the first time anyone truly connect with the Library that happens. The Library is alive and, in its own way, is talking to Peggy. She's just getting used to it. There's a lot of information to take in, and she's experiencing it all at once."

Peggy's eyes darted back and forth as if she was trying to comprehend the world around her. Colors seemed more vibrant, sounds crisper, and even the air smelled fresher. It was like experiencing the world for the first time, and it was overwhelming. The onslaught of information went beyond light, sound, and scent, though. She could feel her connection to the Library and a glimpse of the endless possibilities. Even more impressive were those...

Gradually, Peggy's breathing slowed, and she calmed down. Steve's hand still firmly held hers, and he asked, "How do you feel?"

Peggy smiled, her eyes filled with wonder. "I feel wonderful," she murmured.

James stepped forward, clapping her on the back. "Welcome to the world of magic," he said, excitement in his voice. "f you shout for Peace and Love, time will stop and"

Steve looked at James incredulously. "Is that from one of those strange Japanese anime things you made me watch?"

"Steve," James said, feigning hurt. "You wound me. I would never joke about something like that."

Peggy and Steve exchanged a look of disbelief, and then they all laughed.

"Alright, enough teasing," James said, grinning as he stood up and pulled a black card from his pocket "This is a reservation for a restaurant specializing in Molecular Gastronomy. No offense, Steve, but the culinary standards back then was crap and you haven't really had any culinary experience with a WOW factor, and I'm sure Peggy hasn't experienced anything like this either. So, you can go together and let the modern world and its knowledge seep into you, making you feel a little more at home"

As James left, he added "Enjoy your meal, you two. I've got an appointment with a bizarre book involving a lovesick boy, a mysterious box, some Doritos, and three iguanas. And Peggy, if you want a good laugh, ask Steve about our stay in that Japanese hotel" With a chuckle, he dashed away, leaving Steve doing his best disappointed impression and Peggy looking curiously at Steve.

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James sat in their usual coffee shop, waiting for Steve, who approached him with a displeased expression.

"Was that really necessary?" Steve unable to hide his annoyance.

"Come on, Steve, I had to" James defended himself.

"A custom-themed Captain America dinner?" Steve recalled with a hint of annoyance.

"At least it wasn't a movie with your face on it" James retorted.

"There was a dish called 'The Captain America' with my face on it!" Steve growled.

James burst into laughter. "Oh, please tell me how that went"

"Peggy handled it. She told them I was a professional Steve Rogers impersonator and had even legally changed my name" Steve replied, looking embarrassed.

"HA! Too bad I missed that" James said, still chuckling "She's good, though. I would've come up with something like his parents paid for plastic surgery or something like that" He laughed again, while Steve winced.

"Anyway, how's Peggy?" James inquired.

"Peggy's doing well. She talked to Sharon yesterday, and she agreed. This afternoon I'm helping Peggy move to a house near Bloomingdale Park in Staten Island. It used to be a safe house, but they quickly and quietly reassigned it to her thanks to Sharon" Steve informed him.

"That's good" James said "I had no doubts she'd escape from the retirement home, but for someone as independent as her, it would've been tough. And now you can visit her more often and outside regular visiting hours" He winked at Steve.

"Hey!" Steve replied, caught off guard.

"Well, if you ever want to dance, her body may not be able to handle it, but she has a book. You two can enter it with your minds while you sleep and dance all night if you want. You have to seize the opportunity"

Steve was about to respond when his mood darkened. "You know?"

James looked surprised. "She told you? Huh, I guess she couldn't keep it secret"

"Yeah, she said she felt her story was ending, like she wouldn't have much time left" Steve said sadly, his jaw tense.

James offered a small smile "Well, she's new to this, so she might not understand it properly. But I can assure you she still has at least a few more years and will remain healthy until her last day"

Steve managed a weak smile. "That's true"

"Let's change this depressing subject, Steve. I have a proposal for you" said James with a small grin.

Steve looked confused and slightly fearful looking at his smile "What?"

"I collect stories, and you'll be involved in more of them. I want to see them all, so I'm either going to follow you around and watch you, or..."

"Or what?" Steve asked, slightly disgusted.

"Or you could carry a small shadow of mine with you. It'll look like a normal shadow but will capture your story. In exchange, I'll protect Peggy and keep her safe while we witness your story unfold" James explained, grinning slyly.

Steve narrowed his eyes at James, who started to lose confidence. "You can't intimidate me... you can't. OK, OK, I'll protect Peggy regardless" He relented.

"I'll consider it" Steve growled.

"Great, excellent, thank you! You already have one, actually, so it's good that you approved. I'll leave now to give the good news to Peggy. Bye!" James rushed out the words before quickly exiting the coffee shop.

"HEY!" shouted an outraged Steve at the fleeing James