Long Island, New York—a seaside villa.
Perched on a cliff, the villa boasted unique architecture and exquisite decoration.
Waking up to the sunrise over the ocean, feeling the gentle sea breeze, and gazing at the endless waves was enough to lift anyone's spirits.
Steve drove to the villa in Hill's car, bearing a S.H.I.E.L.D. license plate. Running a red light? Not an issue.
This is privilege.
Passing through the main gate, the vehicle was scanned, and the gates opened automatically.
"Welcome, esteemed guest. The Sir is waiting for you in the living room," an AI voice said. Jarvis, no doubt.
Inside, the villa's grandeur was apparent—the main hall alone spanned six hundred square meters. No wonder Tony could host parties for a hundred guests.
"Oh! Buddy, you're finally here. Didn't you say you'd be here an hour ago?" Tony greeted, smiling on the surface but gritting his teeth internally. "Do you know I've been waiting three hours? Three! Sitting here like an idiot!"
If it weren't for Steve's good impression halo, Tony would have blacklisted him already.
Steve draped an arm over Tony's shoulder as they walked inside. "Now it's my turn to wait. Don't mind the details. By the way, how did you end up at a vampire nightclub?"
Tony scowled. "Hmph. Just looking for fun. What about you?" He didn't want to elaborate. It was hard to explain—a honey trap that ended in a vampire's den.
"I went on a date with my fiancée. Ahem, Tony… have you ever 'clapped for love' with a female vampire? How was it?" Steve winked, his expression that of a curious child.
Tony froze, stunned. He stared at Steve with a frown. "Are you crazy? I don't want to get bitten to death halfway through!"
Steve shrugged. "Actually, I think you should try it. Exploring the difference between vampires and humans would be… interesting."
Tony gawked. Is this really Captain America?
He took a step back, scrutinizing Steve. "I thought the traditional Captain America was humble, righteous, and conservative…"
Steve poured a glass of red wine and hummed contentedly. "That was then. This is a new era, and I must adapt. I'm not the traditional Captain America anymore! One must keep pace with the times."
Tony blinked. That makes sense… but something feels off.
"Haha! Well said! I hate old fuddy-duddies. Playboy cover girls will be here soon. Want to join in the fun?" Tony grinned.
"I don't usually play with public transportation," Steve replied dryly. "Besides, cover girls aren't as fun as vampires."
Tony frowned, confused. Captain doesn't play with cover girls… but he wants to play with vampires? Am I too old-fashioned?
"Then let's go racing! Racing is a man's romance! As a Captain of the new era, how can you not know how to race?" Tony laughed.
"Loser pays for the nightclub tonight!"
"Let's go! Garage, now!" Tony rubbed his hands excitedly. Racing was his favorite pastime.
S.H.I.E.L.D. New York Office
"Officer, last night's vampires escaped, killed two nurses, a team of special forces, and a female doctor is missing.
Surveillance shows the man in black from last night—the vampires called him Blade," Coulson reported grimly. The incident was heinous and had caused public panic.
"Has the information been sealed?" Fury asked. Vampire rumors spreading would only create chaos.
"Yes, it's sealed. We released a statement about a thug attack."
Hill entered, her high-heeled leather boots clicking as she moved. "Track Blade with all available resources. I want his information one day. Coulson, this task is yours."
"Yes, Director."
"Hill, collect information on vampire gatherings and their locations," Fury added.
Hill nodded.
Fury hesitated, then looked at her again. "How's Captain's rest? I considered recalling him to help you with the vampire case. You could lead him; it would help him familiarize himself with modern work."
Hill shook her head. "He's fine. Just… peculiar. Not rigid like the reports say—actually quite interesting. Regarding work, you should talk to him directly; he won't listen to me."
Her words were both protection and avoidance of suspicion. She was beginning to see Steve not just as a mission, but as her real husband.
Coulson wanted to collaborate with his idol but decided to follow orders.
"Peculiar?" Fury muttered. Captain America was the same person, yet different from the image he'd held for decades.
At that moment, Coulson's phone rang.
"What? Speak louder! Racing? Oh, understood, continue observation." He looked at Fury and Hill.
"Supervisor says Tony Stark and Captain are racing—heading toward New Jersey."
Racing?
Fury's eyes widened. So that's what's peculiar about Captain… he's letting loose.
Letting loose?
Coulson tried to rationalize. "Could it be post-war syndrome? He crashed into the ice with a bomb that could have destroyed the world.
Now he's awake, the world has changed, he missed a date… maybe that's why he's acting unusually."
If anyone else behaved like this, they'd be given up on.
But Steve? He was Captain America. Decades of propaganda had cemented him as a righteous war hero in the world's eyes.
Good deeds were expected, strange behavior excused, but evil? Impossible. Captain America could never do anything bad.