Wow, I would really just like to say thank you for all the comments and for the people pushing my to finish this, has it been a while since I updated? Absolutely but, I'm going to try my best to make sure this is finished! But the bright side is I see this story being my longest out of all I've written, so prepare for many adventures. Thank you all for your patience 3 Hope you enjoy it, I made this chapter extra long for the time I've been away.

*I highly recommend re reading past chapters if your memory is a bit foggy*

Wednesday morning Jack didn't dream about his mom. He didn't dream about his dad. He didn't dream about the Japanese… he dreamt about Peggy. They were having a picnic at their favorite spot in the park. Everything was perfect. For the first time in a while, he actually smiled after waking up.

After making breakfast he heard a knock on the door. He noticed the person had a distinct way of knocking, three times, a pause, then two, then three times again.

He didn't even have to open the door to know who it was, he opened the door to see Peggy. As usual, she looked well rested. With her posture erect and a clear bright face, Jack could tell she was ready for the day ahead of her. Her hair was pinned up this time, even her wavy curls perfectly framed her face.

That was something Jack always admired if not slightly envied about Peggy, her ability to be so put together…did she ever have a bad hair day?

A light chuckle echoed from her, "If I knew you'd be mute opening the door, I'd have just let myself in."

"Well thanks for being normal for once and not breaking into my apartment." Jack said with a dry smile.

With a sly grin on her face Peggy walked in, "Maybe you should get me a key, it'd spare you the trouble."

Sensing sarcasm from her tone, Jack rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him.

Peggy set her purse down on the living room table as she usually did whenever she came to his place.

"I'll be back in a bit, need to use the loo." Peggy said before leaving to Jack's bedroom.

As Jack watched her leave he couldn't help but think about her comment about him giving her keys to his place. While Peggy may have been joking, perhaps there was some wishful hope in her joke. He didn't say it out loud, but maybe, if things went right with them— sooner or later, a day would come when he'd eventually give Peggy extra keys to his place.

He smiled to himself, the thought of that didn't sound too bad…

Woof woof! Woof Woof Woof!

Jack turned to see Sally tugging on Peggy's purse with her teeth so it could be on ground level. He shook his head before shooing Sally away from the bag. Sally barked apologetically before scattering away, probably distracted by something else. He sighed, that dog had too much energy for his liking. Why couldn't Gam Gam get a cat instead?

He crouched down to pick the contents that had spilled out of the purse.

While picking up items to return to the bag, he noticed a gold lighter. He observed the words Howard Stark, imprinted on the side in cursive. He furrowed his brows…was Peggy a smoker? He looked into her bag to find a box of cigarettes, Royals, the same brand Gam Gam used.

No, she couldn't be. Jack knew all the agents who took regular smoking breaks by heart, Agent Fisher being one of them, but never Peggy. Perhaps he was in denial because she seemed so put together. Or perhaps it was because all he could think of was the pain it has caused his grandmother.

He now heard Peggy muttering in the living room.

"Where'd that man run off to now?"

"I'm in the kitchen." He said aloud as he quickly zipped the purse shut, placing it on the kitchen counter so Sally couldn't reach it again. He sat down at the table, he was definitely going to ask her about it, now probably wasn't the best time.

Peggy came to the kitchen to see two plates with pancakes, bacon and eggs on the table, she almost laughed in disbelief, "You made me breakfast?"

He took a sip from his coffee, "Just thought you'd need a hearty breakfast before the big mission today."

As she sat across from him, she spotted a new unopened box of tea. Jack only drank coffee, he must have bought it specifically for her knowing how much she loved tea. Peggy tilted her head slightly and smiled, Jack could be sweet—when he wanted to of course.

"Keep this up and I might be coming here everyday," Peggy joked as she poured hot water into her cup with a tea bag.

He sent her a mischievous smirk, "Thats the plan Pegs."

She picked up a blueberry and threw it at him, "You're such a twat."

Instead of ducking from the small, dark blue fruit, he caught it with his mouth before gesturing for her to try again. She chuckled, throwing two more which he caught.

"Impressive." She picked up the strawberry from her plate, before lightly throwing it in Jack's direction, "Let's see you try something bigger."

"Dammit." He said as it bounced off his chin, "You didn't throw it right."

"You didn't catch it right," She teased, glad to see a goofy side of Jack that only shone on rare occasions.

Before Jack could respond, Sally barked at them. Peggy smiled, "I think Sally wants to join in."

Jack broke a piece of bacon off his plate. He threw it in the air, laughing as he watched Sally catch the bacon bit.

"Atta girl."

Sally barked happily at him, almost smiling as her tongue dropped lazily out her mouth. Jack looked to see Peggy smiling at them as she drank her tea.

He arched his brow, "What?"

"You two are getting along a lot better than when I first came." She lowered her voice, "Dare I say it… I think you too are warming up to each other."

"No we aren't." Jack said slathering butter on his toast, "Sally only acts good when you're around."

"Oh really?" Peggy said as she patted Sally who now had, "I think she's a lot like you."

He sent a skeptical glance her way, "How?"

"She loves the attention." Peggy explained, "After all, isn't that why you always played all those pranks and made those snide comments at me before we dated?"

Jack arched his brow, he didn't have to say anything but Peggy was kind of right. He remembered back when it got to the point even Dooley had to call him out on his "little crush on Carter." He viciously denied it back then, he made Peggy's days at work even more of a hassle to convince himself in no way did he have an inkling of like for a know-it-all British secretary.

And now here they were having a couple's breakfast together.

"I know that look on your face," Peggy smiled before placing her warm hand on his, "You don't need to feel guilty all is forgiven. I've gotten you back enough times."

Jack chuckled, as looked up from their hands their eyes met. To think of how hesitant they were both at the beginning of their relationship, the progress they had made was a lot better than he expected. That's why it was important she didn't know anything about his little excursion with Fisher.

They were now washing the dishes, he lathered as she rinsed.

Maybe it was because he liked being with her, or maybe it was because he cared for her a bit more than he should have, but he realized he would do anything to make sure Peggy didn't find out.

Once they had finished washing the dishes Peggy turned to him with observant eyes, "You're being quiet, like yesterday and I think I know why."

Jack glanced away, if she knew he was temporarily reverting to his old crooked ways, it'd be the end of them.

"You're nervous about me leading the mission. Getting hurt…aren't you?"

Jack let out a sigh of relied before nodding in pretense, grateful she was still oblivious about him and Fisher taking Ryan Moore's work illegally. He wasn't lying to her was he? More like just, leaving out some information.

"You caught me." He said with a half smile, "But I also know you're one of the most skilled agents on the force."

She chuckled, "If only you could repeat that for your partner in crime."

"Fisher's too stubborn to admit that if it's anyone that can find Agent Hernandez, its you."

"Ah, nice try darling," She had a hand on his cheek, "You're just saying that so I can kiss you."

"Is it working?" He asked before putting his arms around her waist.

"Perhaps…" She answered, entertaining his question yet enjoying their proximity. Their lips almost met before hearing Sally excitedly bark. She laughed, letting go of Jack to pick Sally up.

"You want a smooch too, don't you?" Peggy cooed.

Jack was now scowling at the beagle, Sally always found a way to interrupt his time with Peggy.

"I'm telling you that dog hates me."

"I spot a green monster." Peggy whispered to Sally before holding her to Jack's face. Sally licked him excitedly.

"Woof woof!"

Peggy grinned, "There's your kiss."

Jack's lips lifted, "Sally's a lot like you too you know."

"And how so?" Peggy asked as she stroked Sally.

"You like me a lot more than you think."

"I think that ego's getting to your head." Peggy set Sally down, "And we should probably start leaving for work before we're late."

"You aren't denying it." Jack said putting on his suit jacket, "You owe me a kiss."

"I owe you absolutely nothing of the sort." She twittered, "Wednesday is going to be a long day, so playing breakfast and condoling will simply have to wait."

Jack stopped in his tracks. Today was Wednesday, he always visited Gam Gam on Wednesday mornings. Having breakfast with Peggy, he completely forgot. He checked the clock, Gam Gam was probably wondering where he was.

"You can start the car, I have to make a quick phone call." Jack said while digging in his pocket for the car keys.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, just need to cancel an …appointment I have."

Peggy had a feeling that the appointment had to do with Gam Gam. Feigning being oblivious she simply, accepted the keys from Jack. She watched Jack walk away from her to make a phone call in the living room.

She went to the door opened it and closed it so Jack would believe she had left to the car. She probably shouldn't have been listening into the conversation but Jack left her no choice.

"I'm sorry Gam Gam I completely forgot—"

She heard Jack be silent for a few seconds.

"I told you I'm sorry… I was busy."

Peggy arched her brow, noticing that Jack didn't tell Gam Gam he was having breakfast with her…why?

"Look, I thought I'd stop by the EWCC today but I don't think I can Gam Gam. We have a big mission."

She heard him pause again, he seemed a bit apologetic. He must have felt like he let Gam Gam down. If only Jack realized he didn't need to lie to his grandmother about her. Especially since they knew each other already.

Maybe it was like what Gam Gam said, it was easier for Jack. Lying was a habit for him, it was a lot easier to do that than the truth. Keeping them separate, his grandmother plagued with cancer and woman he was dating behind his fellow colleagues backs. But why harbor such a thing to himself, it clearly seemed to be a burden.

"No Gam Gam. I can't blow it off, one of my agents is leading the mission. I have to keep an eye on them…"

Peggy shivered, now she saw what Gam Gam was talking about. She wouldn't help but feel guilty, it was like Jack was choosing her over Gam Gam.

"Gam Gam, I visit you every week can't you just give me a break."

Peggy heard a frustrated sigh.

"Look, I'm not arguing with you anymore I have work. I'll call you later ok? And make sure you take your meds. I'll ask Violet to make sure…I love you, you know that right?"

She heard Jack scoff.

"That damn woman cut the line on me."

Peggy realized that was her queue to leave, she quickly went to his car, turning on the ignition so he'd believe she had been waiting in his car for a while.

The first half of the drive was quiet. Jack was staring out the window idly and he wasn't even commenting on her fast driving like he normally did.

"I'm assuming the person didn't take it well, you canceling the appointment?"

"Not really." Jack said still looking out the window as Peggy drove.

"You could go to your appointment if its important."

"Making sure you're safe is important," Jack replied.

"You shouldn't have favorites Jack." Peggy said alluding to Gam Gam though she knew he'd think she was talking about work.

"I don't have favorites. I'm just glad we're close to finding Agent Hernandez, I can't let anything distract me."

Peggy glanced at him, sooner or later, her and Gam Gam were going to have to figure out a way to tell Jack that they knew about each other. The question was how… and would Jack take it well?

"""""

After arriving at the S.S.R, Peggy went first before Jack as usual so there were no suspicions. Upon entering the office, she spotted someone sitting in her seat. She arched her brow. Once she approached her desk, the spinning chair turned to face her—it was Howard.

"What are you doing here?" Peggy asked as she dropped her purse on her desk.

"I came with the girdle, wanted you to try it on and tell me how you liked it."

"You can leave it on my desk now up you go." Peggy said, shooing Howard off her seat.

"So where did you run off to so early in the morning?

Peggy sat down, the last thing Howard needed to hear was how she spent her time having breakfast with Jack.

"Why do I feel like I'm under interrogation?" Peggy said casually, the more aloof she was, the less he would suspect.

He stroked his mustache before giving her an inquisitive look, "Considering that Jarvis drove me here…I'm was just wondering… how did you get to the office on your own Peggy? Did someone drive you here?"

Drats. Howard was on to her.

"I used a taxi." She explained simply, hoping her friend would accept her brief answer, but to her dismay he asked more.

Howard fiddled idly with one of the folder's on her desk, "Angie mentioned you skipped out on breakfast this morning."

Peggy blinked, "I…decided to have breakfast at a cafe, needed to clear my head before my mission tonight."

"Hmm…" Howard mused.

"I'm a grown woman. I don't need you chaperoning my every move." Peggy said calmly, what was Howard getting at?

Howard let out a sigh, as though he could sense Peggy not being forthcoming with him.

"Alright let me be more straightforward. You're always coming back late from work and leaving early… the only explanation is…"

"What?" Peggy said with a frown.

He glanced left and right before lowering his voice, "You're seeing someone aren't you?"

"If I were, you'd know." She answered in a dismissive tone, hating that she was once again lying to his face.

There was an awkward silence that hung in the air before Howard spoke up again.

"Are you still hung up on Steve?" He asked in a low tone.

"Why are you asking me all these questions, I have more important things to focus on."

"Steve's a touchy subject, I get it and I know I shouldn't have asked…" Howard started, "Why else do you think I agreed to helping you and your S.S.R friends rescue your agent?"

"Because you need people who can test out your products."

"No its because we live in the same house because I barely see you. You're always holed up at work. Or you're off on some mission, or hevean knows what."

"You're always busy with your meetings and other meetings." Peggy retorted. His "other meetings" always involved a very pretty lady.

"Fair." Howard paused, "But look, its just not me that noticed this. You and Angie haven't hung out in a while. She misses you."

She reached her brow, Howard and Angie having conversations about her? That was stranger than her and Fisher getting along.

"And you know this how? I thought you and Angie barely speak to each other."

"N-Nothing." Howard let out a nervous laugh, "She just mentioned it to Jarvis while we were having breakfast…right Jarvis?"

Peggy realized Jarvis had been with them the entire time.

Jarvis looked between Peggy and Howard, "That among other things."

Peggy couldn't help but notice there was an odd quality to Mr. Jarvis's voice. It was a tone he used whenever he wasn't being entirely truthful.

Howard cleared his throat, "Other things that you should probably talk to Angie about."

Peggy raised her brow, was there something Jarvis and Howard weren't telling her?

Howard ran his fingers over the files piled on Peggy's desk, "Have you ever thought maybe, you spend too much time at work?"

"Sorry Howard but I'm not like you, I'm not a billionaire who can afford to skip a month of work if I wanted to. I have a duty that I have to perform, finding our missing agents."

"Well—"

The sound of the elevator dinging open interrupted Howard. They both looked up to see the elevator open up to reveal Jack walk into the room. Briefcase in one and and suit jacket folded on his forearm.

Peggy was thankful that Jack avoided looking in their direction. Howard was like a dog searching for a bone, even the slightest hint would sent him down an obsessive spiral.

Kassidy stopped by her desk, "Hey girl, the Chief needs you to write a report after our mission. He has a press conference tomorrow, the public want to know S.S.R.'s status on finding the agents."

Peggy let out air from her lips, "The man does realize the mission could take hours before I'd even get time to write him something?"

"His orders." Kassidy said with a shrug before leaving.

Howard shook his head in pity, "How are you still working for him? He makes you do extra work while he takes your credit. If I were you, I'd quit."

Peggy noticed this was the second time Howard had mentioned something about her quitting. She opened the file Kassidy had brought from Jack, noticing a note left for her:

Just keeping up with appearances you can leave it on my desk by the end of this week — J

If Howard wasn't in front of her, she might have smiled. She crumpled the piece of paper bed throwing it in the trash, Jack was certainly growing her.

She turned to her friend, she knew he meant well but she wasn't going to get any work done with him asking her about her love life.

"Howard as much as I enjoy your company, I'm very busy, we'll have to continue this conversation later. "

Howard put a hand on her shoulder, "I know you're a hard worker and I admire that about you. But your life doesn't revolve around being an agent all the time. Angie and I may not be as exciting as your work but we miss you. I wouldn't be saying this if I didn't mean it."

After Howard left she looked down at the girdle he had constructed for her. Howard was right, as a friend to him and Angie she needed to do better. She couldn't even be irritated, Howard only mentioned it because he cared.

""""""

"Chief Thomspon, can I have a word with you?"

Jack glanced up, it was Agent Banks, "Is it important? I'm in the middle of revising a time sensitive report."

"I think you're gonna wanna hear this." Kassidy stepped forward, "It's about Agent Carter."

As though Kassidy knew what would grab his attention, Jack gestured for her to close the door.

"Two minutes and no more."

Kassidy closed the door behind her before taking a seat. She hesitated slightly, as though unsure of how to word her next statement.

"Look, you didn't hear this from me, but there's someone spreading rumors about Peggy…being promiscuous."

While that did pique his interest, he couldn't have Kassidy having even the slightest clue that he cared. He had to play the role that everyone knew him for: the boss that despised Peggy.

Hmm…What would Jack from a year ago say?

Like a mask, he donned the look of disinterest.

"Agent Banks, I know you're new to this office, but if theres one thing you should know about Carter and I, its that we tolerate each other. So whatever Carter does in her spare time is the last thing I want to hear about."

"With all due respect sir," Kassidy started, "These rumors are only brewin' cause certain people have been noticin' the way the way you act towards her."

His lips twitched, "Really."

Kassidy nodded, "And…I've noticed something that the rest don't."

Now he was frowning… was Kassidy on to them? She couldn't be…well there was that time he and Peggy were about to have lunch and she almost caught them together. He had to play it aloof…like Peggy said.

"And what would that be Agent Banks?" Jack asked, clearly not liking where this was going.

"Everyone in the office knows you're…excuse my language… a hardass on Agent Carter. People think its because you dislike her, but me? I think you treat her like crap because you see potential in her. Dare I say it, I think all you agents are almost threatened by her."

Staring at the agent across from him he almost let out a breath of relief. He never took the time to notice how observant Kassidy was…hopefully not too observant. Luckily the only thing Agent Banks knew was that he and Peggy were co workers and nothing more.

"Anything else?" He asked, with his eyes focused on the work in front of him.

Kassidy shook her head, "You don't care at all…do you?"

Jack stopped himself from looking up at Kassidy, he had to feign disinterest. In truth, yes, he did care, he cared a lot and he was going to deal with the agent responsible, but he couldn't let Kassidy know that.

"No Agent Banks, I honestly don't care. Didn't you hear me the first time?" Jack asked in irritation, less at Kassidy, but more at the fact someone in the office was spreading lies about Peggy.

"Well you should, these rumors are getting out of hand, some say Daniel, some say Colonel Phillips, others say Howard…"

Jack couldn't help but laugh to himself, too bad he didn't make the list, "Look Agent Banks, I appreciate your care for your fellow agent but I'm sure it'll die down."

Seeing the smirk on Jack's face made Kassidy frown, "No it won't because you aren't taking this seriously."

Jack's bow lifted, Agent Banks sure was bold, similar to Peggy, Kassidy spoke her mind, he could see why Peggy took a liking to her.

Kassidy continued, "You're probably wondering why I care so much, Agent Carter is a hard working agent. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her and I'll be damned if I let sit back as she is bad mouthed by Fisher—"

Jack's eyes flitted to Kassidy's, "Agent Fisher?"

"He's been doing it this whole week," She stated.

Well that changed things.

Jack's lips were set in a straight line, he wasn't surprised, but Jack from a year ago wouldn't have even entertained the conversation to go this far.

"Agent Banks, I think I've heard enough, you can go back to working now."

She blinked in disbelief, "You aren't going to do anything about Agent Fisher's misconduct?"

"Again." Jack uttered, "You're new here. I make the rules, I decide what goes. Come back to me when theres an actual problem at hand."

Kassidy stood up, "I don't even know why I bothered. For all I know you probably have been talking about the rumors with Fisher."

Jack's patience was wearing thin, while Kassidy had good intentions, she was too disrespectful for his liking.

"I am ten seconds away from firing you. Leave my office. Now."

Kassidy gave him an incredulous look, "Wait so I do my job and I'm the one at fault, while your agent is going around spreading lies about Agent Carter and is off the hook?"

"I don't pay you to be a snitch."

"It is also my duty to report the misdemeanors of agents."

Jack clicked his pen impatiently, "How about you go focus on your mission?"

If it wasn't that Peggy hired her, he would have fired Kassidy by now.

"Just wait till Fisher does something he can't come back from. I'll be here to tell you I told you s—"

Before Kassidy could even finish her sentence, they heard a shout.

"Crap crap crap! I-I-I'm so sorry Peggy—I mean Agent Carter! I didn't mean to."

Jack and Kassidy stared at each other, both confused before walking out his office.

"Why's everyone laughing?" Jack said while the agents file out of the changing room, he turned to Agent Brantley who was shaking his head sadly, "What happened?"

"You'll see." Agent Brantley said with a look of disappointment.

Jack noticed some of the agents patting Agent Fisher on the back in a congratulatory manner.

Fisher turned to Jack with a look of accomplishment, "Agent Sousa can elaborate, he's the one that saw the whole thing."

Daniel came out of the room disheveled, he limped to Jack.

"Chief you've got to do something about Fisher, this is getting out of hand now!" Daniel exclaimed, his face a deep flush of pink.

The room was too noisy, to his left was Fisher and his agents in a laughing fit, in front of him Daniel babbling nervously, Kassidy to his side muttering, "I told you so."

"Can someone just tell me what the hell is going on!" Jack asked again with impatience.

Daniel ran his hand though his shirt nervously, "I uh, I walked into Peggy while she was changing."

Without thinking Jack grabbed Daniel by the collar, almost sending daggers from his eyes.

"Why the hell would you do that?" He barked.

Daniel took a few deep breath to pace himself, "Remember how you tricked me into using the other changing room last year? Well Fisher decided to take it up a notch. He told me the changing room was empty and by the time I entered…well you know the rest."

Kassidy let out a scoff, "Wait, you're telling me this isn't the first time this foolery happened, and the last time the Chief was the one who started this?"

"Yes." Daniel squeaked.

Jack could hear Fisher behind him snickering.

"I learned from the best, right Chief?"

"Chief are you going to let me go?" Daniel asked pointing at Jack's hand that was still on his collar.

Jack blinked releasing Daniel, maybe Peggy did have a point about him being possessive.

Daniel glanced nervously at Jack with a gulp, "I'm not gonna get fired am I?"

"Not yet you won't." Fisher said from the back with a cackle.

"Unbelievable." Kassidy muttered.

Jack's stomach sunk, he couldn't even blame Kassidy for her judgmental look, this didn't look good. After all a year ago, it was his grand idea to trick Agent Sousa into going to the room that Peggy was changing in to intimidate her.

He sighed, "Sousa, where's Pegg—"

Suddenly from Jack's left, Howard lunged at him angrily. Jack took a step back, narrowly missing a swing.

"So this is the crap you agents pull on Peggy when I'm not around?" Howard asked angrily before trying to punch Jack again.

Jack pushed Howard enough to create distance between the two of them.

"Would you cool it just for one second I just got here!" Jack exclaimed, the billionaire sure had a hot temper.

Howard pushed Jack back, "I'm not going to calm down. I'm going to sue this whole damn office for the way you treat Peggy."

"Someone get him out of here before I hit back." Jack gritted.

Fisher and two agents intercepted them before escorting Howard down the elevator while Jarvis trailed behind them trying to calm Howard down.

Jack straightened his shirt he turned to Daniel and repeated his question, "Where is she Daniel?"

"Still in the changing room, Chief."

As Jack started to leave Daniel stopped him, "I know you are usually neutral when it comes to Peggy, but Fisher…he crossed a line."

"Agreed." Jack muttered.

Daniel looked relieved from Jack's answer, "Finally on the same page about something."

"Funny, Chief didn't listen when I told him." Kassidy said from behind.

Jack ignored the comment, he hated to admit it but Kassidy was right, she called it from the beginning. He turned to Daniel, "Go make sure Fisher doesn't do anything stupid to Stark. That man wasn't kidding about suing us. Maybe you can calm him down. "

Daniel nodded, "Someone needs to go check on Peggy, she didn't seem too happy."

"Go figure." Jack muttered as he walked towards the changing room.

Jack opened the door, and walked into the changing room.

"Peggy are you alrigh—"

He stopped mid sentence when he realized he had walked in on Carter while she was buttoning her shirt. He immediately looked the other way, and cleared his throat.

"The bloody hell Jack!" She exclaimed in a cross tone, "Have all you men forgotten how to knock?"

He swiftly closed the door and faced it before he could see anything else. He rubbed his warm neck at his blunder.

"Sorry."

"I've been hearing that a lot today." Peggy muttered sarcastically, "My day just continues to get better and better."

He stared at the door he was facing, "I'm going to beat the hell out of him."

"Who Fisher? Don't be brass, you're the Chief, you can't go hitting your agents, plus he's your friend."

"That doesn't give him a right to do this to you." He gritted, feeling the anger boil within him.

"While I'm happy you're enlightened, I'm afraid that isn't enough."

"What you think this is my fault?"

She looked up from the shirt she was buttoning, "Well you taught it to them Jack! Are you forgetting this was your idea last year?"

Jack was silent, the truth stung, if he never played that prank on Peggy, Fisher would have never had the gall to try something that stupid.

"You can turn around now."

He turned. She was almost taken aback by how furious Jack looked, his fists balled, jaws clenched. She knew Jack wasn't thinking straight, he had a hot temper. He was ready to make a very unwise decision that would probably have cost him his friend and his job. She went to him and put a hand on his cheek.

"I want you to go there, and laugh it off with them, pretend you didn't care, in fact pat Fisher on the back."

"The hell I will," He scoffed.

Peggy frowned, "Jack, we're both trained in espionage, you know just as well as I do if you go off on Fisher it'll be obvious theres something between us. Remember everyone thinks we abhor each other. You can't do anything you out of the ordinary."

Jack avoided her gaze, "This isn't fair."

"You're only saying that because we're dating, I wish you thought that a year ago." She said with a soft smile.

Jack's face was still as stoic as a rock.

She poked him on the cheek, "Oi. Lighten up would you? You're the one that's supposed to be comforting me."

Jack still avoided her gaze, "Agent Sousa—I mean…Daniel…he didn't see to much did he?"

Peggy winced at the memory glancing upwards, "How much would you describe as too much…"

Jack closed his eyes and messaging his temple, he was going to end Fisher, friend or not.

"Well, better Daniel than anyone else." Peggy said sarcastically.

Jack frowned at her frivolous statement, "How are you so calm about this? Fisher crossed personal boundaries."

"Turst me, I'm actually livid." Peggy admitted, "Not at Daniel of course, the poor chap. But honestly I'm not surprised Jack. Frankly speaking, you fostered an environment where men think its acceptable to treat women with disrespect. They're only taking after your lead."

"I don't say this often, but I guess you're right." Jack admitted, "There is sexism in this office. But if you want me to change things why not let me make an example of Fisher? I'm sure that'll change something."

"You know why, its because we need everyone to believe you hate me, that does the exact opposite."

Jack looked at their interlocked hands, "Maybe we should officially disclose whats going on."

Peggy gave him and incredulous look, "What? About us?"

"Yes, I mean we wouldn't have to keep tiptoeing around each other. No one would play a prank on you knowing you're dating me."

Peggy shook her head, "They don't respect me now, imagine if they knew I dated you. They'd despise me even more for favoritism. So we're going to have to let this one slide, can't have you showing you having favorites."

"Fine, we'll do it your way." Jack muttered.

"Ah, you admit it." Peggy tilted her head playfully, "So I am your favorite."

Jack's lips lifted slightly, "If you tell anyone I'll fire you."

"You aren't going to fire your favorite." Peggy chuckled, "Can I have a raise while you're at it?"

"Since I hate you, I'm afraid I can't Agent Carter." Jack said mirroring her sarcasm.

"Imagine Agent Sousa's face if he knew about us," Peggy mused with a grin.

Jack smiled back, "The guy would probably think we were playing some type of cruel prank on him."

They laughed in unison. How ironic, for their relationship to last, they had to hate each other.

I'm not just sorry about what Fisher did, I'm sorry about all the stupid pranks and demeaning comments I made to you before.

Thats what Jack wanted to say, but instead said, "I'd say I'm sorry but that doesn't take all the crappy stuff I've done to you back."

Peggy let go of his hand, "I know."

He watched her leave. If he was furious not, he couldn't help but think how terrible work must have been when it was both him and Fisher messing with her.

Jack went back to his office, to see Howard waiting with Jarvis.

Ah, Howard's trusty sidekick, always there to reign the billionaire from having a meltdown, or tantrum or whatever it is billionaires whine about when they don't get their way.

"You thought you could get rid of me didn't you," Howard directed at Jack.

Jack scowled at Howard as he remembered he had told the agents to escort them out.

"Pleasure to see you again under these unfortunate circumstances Chef Thompson." Jarvis greeted with a nervous smile.

Jack nodded to Jarvis as a greeting before taking a seat at his desk.

"I told you Jarvis don't greet the Jackass." Howard said before siting down.

"Did you come for second round of a fight?" Jack asked with a glare, "My agents aren't around to hold me back so I'd watch my mouth if I were you."

Howard turned to Jarvis, "This was your idea for me to come to this dipwad, so tell him what you told me."

Jack's face hardened, his patience was running very thing today, "Call me one more name and that's the last thing that'll come out of your mouth."

"Gentlemen…" Jarvis interjected.

"The last thing to come out of my mouth? Or what?" Howard snapped, "I'm about to sue this entire organization because of your incompetent ass of a self!"

"Takes one to know one."

"You—"

"Gentlemen, thats enough!"

As though being scolded by their principle, Jack and Howard crossed their arms at Jarvis's rebuke.

Jarvis continued by clearing his throat, "Lets be civil shall we? For Ms. Carter's sake."

Jack could feel Jarvis's eyes heavily on him at the mention of Peggy. He looked away scoffing at the irony at calling them gentlemen. Neither he nor Howard could get a sentence in without threats and glares.

Sensing that the two were done squabbling, Jarvis continued, "I have convinced Mr. Stark to not sue the S.S.R. under one condition."

"I'm listening." Jack said with a hint of skepticism, there was obviously going to be a catch.

Jarvis composed himself before continuing, knowing the request would be a tough one.

"Stark would like you to relinquish Mr. Fisher from the S.S.R."

Jack frowned, if it were up to him a few minutes ago during his hot temper he might have slightly considered the offer. But Peggy had a point, Fisher as rude as he could be, was his friend. His friend who was willing to risk his career for his.

"My agent isn't going anywhere without my say so."

Howard let out a sound of aggravation, "Then either send Peggy to a different district away from you toxic people or punish Agent Fisher!"

"Carter isn't going anyway either." Jack clenched his jaws, "And I'm not doing anything to Fisher."

"The hell you aren't!" Howard shouted slamming his fist on the table.

"Stop banging on my desk. Unlike you, we don't all have money falling off of trees." Jack gritted.

Howard let out a scoff, "Peggy told me about your little hate speech you know."

Bringing up how Jack treated Peggy in the past caught his attention.

Howard nodded seeing that recognition had dawned on Jack's face, "Yeah, she told me how you were drunk, talking about how women are beneath men. Why should I be surprised? You're their leader, they take after your example. You're probably so proud of your pet Fish for humiliating Peggy."

Jack was silent.

Not because it was true, but because he couldn't have Howard having even a hint that he cared for her. That definitely wouldn't go well.

Howard was unimpressed by Jack's sudden muteness, "As usual you're going to protect your favorite agent."

Jack sighed, "I don't play favorites."

"It's pretty obvious."

Jack smiled before glancing at Jarvis who seemed to be battling a laugh, for an acclaimed world class scientist the guy was clueless. It was better that way. He looked back to Howard who held the look of irritation.

"You think this is funny don't you?" He said with a displeased frown, "If you hate so much why do you keep her around?"

"Look, I don't hate Carter—"

Jarvis gave Jack a warning look, the look said: Howard can't know, chose your words wisely.

Jarvis was right, Jack looked back at Howard, "I mean, I don't like the woman. But I have to admit she's a good asset to the team."

"That's all you think of her an asset. Like an object you can control."

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose, did the guy always have to make it hard to have a conversation with him?

"Jarvis, I thought you were going to be speaking on his behalf."

"As I mentioned to Mr. Stark, I had a feeling you wouldn't be too please with either condition he has one last option. He'd like to accompany you on your mission to the Lujo to assure the safety of Ms. Carter."

Jack scoffed, "Hell no, the S.S.R isn't taking the liability of some billionaire who wants to be a spy for the day."

Howard crossed his arms stubbornly, "You want me to believe that you'll make sure that Peggy will come back to us in one piece?"

While he did see why Howard was protective of Peggy, and the mission was pretty dangerous. He couldn't help be irritated that Howard thought that Fisher's actions was all his idea. Did everyone just assume he hated Peggy that much? He looked at Howard who was still frowning, that clearly answered a big yes to his questions.

"I can't promise anything." Jack said.

"Of course you can't. You have an agent harassing Peggy and you think its a joke so whether you like it or not, I'm coming, because I'm not leaving my friend in the hands of a guy I can't trust."

And with that, Howard left the room in a storm, slamming the door behind him.

Jack looked up to Jarvis, "If he interferes with even the slightest thing…"

"I shall take that as a yes?" Jarvis squeaked.

"Just make sure he doesn't get in my way, or I'll send him to the damn La Renta Family to deal with him myself."

Jarvis gave him a curt nod, "I am truly sorry that Howard doesn't truly know how much you care about Peggy. I know you'd do anything to keep her safe."

Jack blinked, that was probably the kindest thing Jarvis has ever said to him.

"Uh.. thank you?"

"Chief Thompson may I also give a suggestion?"

"Shoot."

"I agree with Mr. Stark, your friend is a nuisance. I would have roughed him up myself if I thought he were worth the trouble."

Jack arched his brow, Jarvis was protective of Peggy as much as Howard, he just was more controlled in his emotions.

"Look," Jack sighed, "I'm not an idiot, Fisher can be an ass, but he's also a smart agent who I trust. Peggy said it herself, I can't fire him no matter how personal it may be."

"Fair. However, if you value your friendship with him, just know his adjacent dislike for Ms. Carter will eventually get in the way of that. You can't be close friends with a man that hates the woman you care about."

"What do you want me to do Jarvis?" Jack asked, "If you mean telling him the truth, I can't. Peggy doesn't want me to."

"You don't have to tell the chap anything…just find a way for him to get to know Ms. Carter the way you did. Have them spend time with each other without you in the picture they'd be forced to find a common ground somehow."

Jack nodded, "You know… thats actually the best advice I've heard all day."

"I have many skills beyond being a butler, why do you think Mr. Stark hired me?" Jarvis said with a quaint smile before leaving.

""""''

It was now midnight, all the agents were posted at their assigned spots. Agent Daniel was with a few agents inside Lujo's and Agent Fisher was stationed with agents surrounding the restaurant.

Jack looked at Peggy who was laughing with Howard, how was she so calm? Well he shouldn't be surprised danger excited her.

He then joined Kassidy who was by a wall while Peggy was in the car with Howard and Jarvis who were putting finishing touches on her outfit.

After a few moments of silence, Jack spoke up, "Kassidy, I don't say this often but I owe you an apology."

Kassidy gave Jack a once over, sensing that he was genuine about it she nodded.

"Apology accepted. Are you going to do something to Agent Fisher?"

"I'll find a way to deal with him." Jack said glancing at Fisher who was giving orders to agents, he turned back to Kassidy, "I'm also here because I need a favor from you."

Kassidy arched her brow, "Ok…I'm listening."

"This is your first full on mission with Carter, so if there's one thing you need to know about her is she sometimes… strays off the main mission."

"You seem to know her habits well." Kassidy noted with an arched brow.

Jack noticed the air of suspicion in Kassidy's voice, "I know all my agent's habits well—especially the more troublesome ones."

Kassidy nodded her head slowly, "Alright… but what does that have to do with me?"

Jack glanced back, to make sure Peggy wasn't listening into their conversation.

"I need you to keep an eye on her. Knowing her, she's going to deviate from the plan. Don't stay or investigate longer than you have to. You both are extracting Agent Hernandez and the other agent, after that leave."

Kassidy looked curiously at Jack, "You seem worried Chief."

Jack scoffed, "Trust me, I'm not."

"Ah." Kassidy said nodding her head as if she solved a mystery, "You sayin' this 'cause you afraid Howard's gonna sue us if something happens to her."

He was obviously doing it because he was dating Peggy but Kassidy couldn't know that.

"Something like that," He answered causally, staring straight ahead.

Kassidy smiled, "Don't worry Chief, I ain't lettin' her out of my sight even if she tried."

Interrupting their conversation came Jarvis, Howard and Peggy. Despite Jack's reservations about Howard, he did a good job, no one would have thought Peggy or Kassidy were anything but singers. They both had matching red salsa dresses, everything from the pins in their hair to their heels were weaponized by Howard.

"Are the girdles comfortable ladies?" Jarvis inquired.

Peggy and Kassidy nodded simultaneously.

Jarvis smiled, "Splendid!"

There were estimably about 30 armed men behind the red door, the plan was for the two to discreetly enter and use the sleeping gas that Howard made for them. Once used, they could get the two agents, if anything went wrong, Howard installed a panic button on their tambourines and every agent would be in the restaurant in an instant.

Jack glanced at his watch, "Carter. Banks. It's time, remember go in and go out. "

Howard turned to Peggy with warning eyes, "Come back in one piece would ya?"

Peggy laughed, briefly looking in Jack's direction as though to ease his worry as well, "I'm going to be fine, I promise."

Jack's lips lifted ever so slightly in acknowledgement, it was a big leap to let Peggy and Kassidy lead a mission on their own with limited back up, but he trusted her judgment.

"Yeah you better be." Howard said with a wink.

"Shall we?" Peggy said to Kassidy before leaving with her. They entered the bustling restaurant, if they thought it was crowded for their recon mission that was nothing compared to this night.

"Do we just go to the red door?" Kassidy asked observing their surroundings.

Peggy shook her head, "We don't want to be obvious, we have to blend in with the other singers before we figure out our next move."

She spotted a band in the middle of the room with three other singers dressed exactly like Peggy and Kassidy.

"You weren't kidding when you said your friend Howard thinks everything out." Kassidy voiced loud enough for Peggy to hear.

Peggy laughed, Howard certainly did do his homework down to the T, now it was up to them to take use it to their advantage. They discreetly joined the band, if they wanted to be let passed that red door, they'd have to be invited in. According to the waitress from their recon mission, they often asked singers to perform privately for them.

After singing a few songs, Peggy noticed the table closest to them was with businessmen. Three of them had the De La Renta signature dragon tattooed on their hands. The one in the middle whispered to their waiter before pointing at her and Kassidy. It was only a matter of time till the waiter pulled Peggy and Kassidy aside.

Just as Peggy predicted they were taken to the red door. There was a guard in a black and white suit standing in front of it.

With crossed arms, he looked between Peggy and Kassidy, he spoke in Spanish to them saying,

"You two can't enter until you say the password. Its for security reasons."

Kassidy gave Peggy a questioning look, they didn't plan for that. Seeing that they were in the same clothes as the singers they were on stage with, the guard probably assumed that Peggy and Kassidy had gone past the mysterious red door before.

Peggy bit her lip, she was going to have to use her deductive reasoning, and fast. What would the password be…suddenly she thought of Hector, Gam Gam's friend from the EWCC.

"El Curioso Impertinente con el dragón venenoso." Peggy said confidently.

The guard gave them a nod before stepping aside and opening the door for them.

She knew reading the Don Quixote book would serve use to their mission somehow!

From the corner of Peggy's eyes she could see Kassidy battling a smile, probably amazed at Peggy's lucky guess.

They were lead through a heavily guarded hallway to a spacious room. It looked like an upscale gambling room, red carpets, gold decor, and a huge round table. This was where the De La Renta's had their private meetings with government officials and criminals alike.

Peggy noticed that the table only had men, not even the female waitresses were allowed passed this point. At the head of the table was an elderly man smoking a thick cigar, blowing it through his nose.

"Welcome, I'm Ramón De La Renta," He patted the man's shoulder next to him, "It's my nephew's birthday!"

A chuckle erupted from a sly smile as Ramón continued, "How about you two treat him for the night?"

"I beg your pardon?" Kassidy almost in disgust, the plan was to sing, not to be an escort.

The nephew stood up putting his arms around both their waists. Of course this wasn't going according to their plan. Peggy smiled, she loved it when when she got to improvise.

"Save that smile for me in the bedroom eh," He whispered in her ear.

Peggy's smile twitched.

"You're an idiot." Kassidy said shaking her head, almost knowing what Peggy's reaction would be.

"I'm afraid none of that will be happening tonight." Peggy said simply before taking the mans arm and turning around before hearing a loud SNAP!

"Puta! She broke my arm!" The guy exclaimed.

Peggy resisted the urge to roll her eyes, the man had a dislocated arm he'll live.

Guards filled the room surrounding them. Peggy estimated about twenty-seven, this was good, the more they could take out with Howard's knock out gas the better.

Kassidy and Peggy were back to back, facing the circle of guards.

"Girl, are you doing it or me because we don't got time to be foolin' around."

"Do the honors," Peggy replied before holding in her breath.

Kassidy yanked the necklace Howard made for them off her neck before throwing it in front of them to the ground. The necklace contained a vial of sleeping gas. Immediately everyone but Peggy and Kassidy fell to the floor unconscious. Right after, Peggy gestured for Kassidy to follow her into the hallway.

Once they were out of the vicinity of Howard's concoction, Kassidy let out the breath she had been holding.

"I don't want to even know what was in that vial." Kassidy said shaking her head thinking about how many people had been knocked out.

"Whatever it was, it was strong, but we're running low on time. We need to find Agent Hernandez and the other agent." Peggy responded. She turned and saw a door at the end of the hallway.

"There," She said pointing at the door, once they reached it, Peggy motioned for Kassidy to be as quiet as possible. There was still a chance that there were three or four guards behind the door.

She held up her fingers, for them to enter on the count of three before kicking open the door. The room had stairs leading down to a dark basement. Once going down the stairs they felt the walls to look for a light switch.

"Found it!" Kassidy whispered.

The lights flicked on to reveal Agent Hernandez and Agent Bell tied together in a chair. The two men had the look of surprise to see Peggy. Just as they untied the men, Peggy could hear shuffling behind them. Confirming Peggy's thoughts the two tied agents let out a muffled yelp. The remaining three guards were probably waiting to take her and Kassidy by surprise.

"Kassidy…" Peggy said to get her fellow agent's attention, she turned around preparing to fight the person that was behind her, "We have company."

As though they were in sync, Kassidy threw the rope to Peggy, which she then used to swiftly loop around the guard's hands before knocking the pistol out his hand. It dropped with a loud thud.

Peggy swiftly picked the pistol and aimed it at the three, "I'm giving you five seconds to leave before I shoot."

Kassidy had also gotten a pistol from the two men, she raised both up, "You heard her, scram!"

Without hesitation, the men scrambled out the room. Peggy went back to freeing the two agents, she first removed the cloth tied around their mouths.

"How did you find us?" Agent Hernandez asked in bewilderment.

"We'll explain later, not now." Peggy muttered as she loosened the ties for both the agents.

"Who's the black woman?" Agent Bell said with a suspicious gaze at Kassidy.

"I have a name. Agent Banks." Kassidy quipped in annoyance before joining Peggy.

"We should be the ones asking the questions," Peggy said giving a hand to the agents for them to stand, "How long have you two been in here?"

Agent Hernandez ignored Peggy's offer to help, wincing as he stood up. He touched the bump on his forehead gingerly, "I don't even remember."

"Well that isn't helpful." Kassidy said with a frown, "We should get out of here while we can."

Peggy nodded in agreement, "The three guards left the room, so it should be safe for us to leave before they come back."

Agent Hernandez stopped, "Wait… Peggy, there was a waitress, her name was Esmeralda. I think they were going to do something to her."

"Get them to safety I need to go find her." Peggy said to Kassidy before giving her her necklace, "Here, use it in case any other men find you. Remember, no lethal weapons should be used, we can't risk a mob war starting."

Kassidy furrowed her brows, "I know I'm new here, but we gotta listen to the Chief's orders—"

"You're right you are new here, one thing you should know about me is I don't listen to his orders, particularly under dire circumstances." Peggy said starting to leave, "Esmeralda is in danger and we don't have much time. I'll join you three as soon as I find her."

"If I get fired for leaving you, you're going to be in charge of finding my next job, you hear me?" Kassidy said with a hint of sarcasm before letting go Peggy.

''''''''''

Peggy noticed a room with a door slightly ajar, Esmeralda was most likely in there. She used a pistol she had picked from an unconscious guard to push the door open before scanning the room. The room was eerily quiet, with a flickering bare bulb barely lighting up the room.

Suddenly she heard the door shut behind her, as she turned she saw Esmeralda wielding a knife.

"Leave. You're on the wrong side." Esmeralda said morbidly in Spanish.

"Mera," Peggy replied in Spanish as she lowered her gun slightly, "I work with the S.S.R, I'm not here to hurt you, I'm here to help."

With a blank face Esmeralda used her knife to point to the ground, "Help? I don't need your help."

Peggy followed the direction of the knife to see Ramon De La Renta and his nephew on the floor bleeding. Esmeralda must have fought the Renta's in self defense.

She rushed to them, "Esmeralda get me a two cloths, we need to stop the bleeding."

Peggy ripped part of her dress and used it to tightly tie the cloth around Ramon's arm. Ramon's nephew moaned in pain beside her, with a quick scan, Peggy realized there were too many knife cuts for Esmeralda to have hit them by mistake… this was on purpose, she was torturing them.

"Leave them, let them soak in their sins." Esmeralda voiced, her voice raspy with vengeance.

Peggy stood up aiming her pistol at Esmeralda, "What did you do?"

Esmeralda's red lips curved, "I made them beg for mercy for everything they took from me, from my family. The long hours I have slaved to take my family out of the debt we owe this family has all been for nothing— because they killed them in cold blood. I'm only giving them the justice they deserve."

"You're working with the Croonies aren't you?" Peggy said, observing that Esmeralda had the necklace she had been seeing on the past people they have apprehended.

"The Croonies have done more for me than anyone else has. You think I didn't go to the police? You think I didn't go to the justice system for help? No one believed me." Esmeralda revealed a marking on her chest, "You see this? The Rentas branded me, like an animal they own. The pain I inflicted on them is nothing short of what they gave me."

"I'm terribly sorry for what they did to you," Peggy shook her head, "But this isn't justice this is revenge."

"Like I said," Esmeralda took a step forward with her knife aimed forward, "You're on the wrong side."

"I will shoot if you take one step closer." Peggy warned, aiming the gun at Esmeralda who was inching closer and closer.

"Do it, they took my family, I'm already dead." Esmeralda said taking one more step to Peggy and backing her into a corner.

Peggy furrowed her brows, that was exactly what Adeline said before they apprehended her as well.

Peggy aimed the gun at Esmeraldas leg before shooting, the last thing she wanted to do was have a death on her hands. She frowned, the gun did nothing, she clicked again in frustration, this never happened to her.

"I emptied out all the guns before you came." Esmeralda said holding the knife to her throat, "I'd slit your throat for you, but we need you."

Peggy looked around, she couldn't fight back, she knew even the slightest budge and the cold blade would dig into her neck.

"We?" Peggy asked confused by the woman's remark, "Who? The Cronies?"

Before Esmeralda could answer the door burst open with Kassidy holding up a pistol.

"Drop the knife and let her go, or I'll shoot." Kassidy commanded, ready to shoot.

"Once you see the way, you'll understand Agent Carter." Esmeralda said almost in a soothing voice.

Peggy winced the blade was uncomfortably close. Whatever Esmeralda was trying to convince her to join, she wanted no part of it, "I'd listen to her if I were you she's a pretty damn good shooter…better than me."

"Damn right I am." Kassidy said before shooting the ceiling as a warning, "Let. Her. Go."

Esmeralda gave Peggy a once over before pushing her to Kassidy. Kassidy kept the pistol aimed at Esmeralda till the knife dropped.

"You're under arrest." Kassidy said haughtily before turning to Peggy with a wink, "I've always wanted to say that."

"You came back for me." Peggy said holding her bruised neck while watching Kassidy handcuff Esmeralda.

Kassidy let out a laugh, "Course I did, the Chief knew you'd pull something like this."

Peggy smiled, of course Jack made sure there was someone to watch over her. For once she wasn't angry, thanks to Jack, Kassidy saved her life.

''''''''

"Where are they." Howard said aloud looking at his watch for probably the twentieth time before turning to Jack, "They should have been out by now."

Jack crossed his arms impatiently, Howard was right. Peggy and Kassidy should have been out by now. What if something happened to them, more importantly, what if something happened to Peggy? He couldn't stand and wait any longer.

He walked over to Daniel who was stationed behind a car facing the restaurant.

"I think we should go in and help them." Jack said with his lips set in a hard line, eyes set on the door.

"You're nervous aren't you." Daniel said with observant eyes on Jack.

Jack glanced away, Daniel couldn't know he was worried about Peggy, "This plan better work. If Carter isn't back in one piece, Stark is going to give us hell."

Daniel patted Jack on the shoulder, "I've seen those two in action, they are trained just as well as we are, just be patient I'm sure they'll be out any minute from now."

Jack let out a breath, Agent Sousa had a point, he just didn't like the feeling of being on his toes, waiting, not being in on the action. Now he knew why Peggy always was quick to go on missions.

"You should go back to your post Chief, I'll let you know as soon as they're out."

Jack nodded before joining Howard, Jarvis and Fisher.

"Any news Chief Thompson?" Jarvis asked with hopeful eyes.

Jack sadly shook his head, "Nothing."

"Oh dear." Jarvis murmured with worry.

"They're probably dead." Fisher muttered, "I knew it was a mistake sending them—"

Before Fisher could finish his sentence, Howard grabbed Fisher by the collar, "The only mistake I'm looking at is you."

"If you don't let me go in five seconds, you'll regret that." Fisher growled.

Before Jack could call for order in the room, the radio he was sitting next to crackled to life.

Agent Sousa to Chief Thompson. I repeat, Agent Sousa to Chief Thompson!

"Everyone shut the hell up," Jack said before answering the radio, "What is it Agent Sousa?"

"I'm with Agent Hernandez and Agent Bell, they say Agent Carter and Agent Banks saved them."

Howard walked to Jack, "What about Peggy and Kassidy! Ask him if they out of the restaurant too?"

Jack clicked the button before speaking, "What about Carter and Banks? Are they with you?"

"Negative. Agent Hernandez said Agent Carter went to go rescue a waitress, Agent Banks went back to get her."

"Dammit Carter." Jack and Howard said at the same time. They both looked at each other in surprise they were in mutual agreement for the first time.

"Alright, send our agents to extract Agent Carter and Agent Banks away from the restaurant— that wasn't part of the mission." Jack said with urgency.

"I'm afraid we can't sir, Agent Hernandez mentioned that they used the gas Howard gave them to knock the guards out, if we go in there, we'll be knocked out as well. We're going to have to wait for them to get out of this on their own."

"What the hell do you all men you have to wait this out?" Howard said in frustration, "If none of you go there I'm going in myself."

"Good luck with that." Fisher mocked.

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, why didn't Peggy ever listen?

"Sir, that wouldn't be a wise idea." Jarvis warned walking after Howard, who had now jumped out of the truck they were using as an undercover base for operations.

"I don't care, my friend is in there." Howard said picking up his pace, "I'm not leaving her to die."

Jack turned to Agent Fisher, "Stop Stark, if he goes in there, he'll be dead too."

"We should just leave him." Fisher said in a nonchalant tone.

"Thats an order." Jack commanded. Fisher nodded grudgingly before running after Howard.

"Wait Chief, I see Agent Banks coming out of the restaurant with the waitress…I think they arrested her."

Jack jumped out the truck and joined Fisher, Howard and Jarvis who were with Daniel. He watched Agent Banks and the waitress drop to their knees gasping for air.

"Whats wrong with them?" Daniel asked with concern.

"The vial I gave Peggy and Kassidy to knock out the guards is potent, they probably had to hold their breath to get out." Howard answered still with his eyes on the door to see if Peggy would come out.

"Fisher take the waitress, Sousa, help Agent Banks." Jack said before walking to Kassidy, "Where's Carter."

"Yes, I'm alright, thanks for asking." Kassidy said dryly before letting out a cough, "Don't worry she's right behind me Chief."

As promised by Kassidy Jack looked up to see Peggy. His heart skipped a beat, once he noticed her dress was drenched in blood. She had her arms around two men, probably the Renta's.

"Get the medic!" Peggy said setting the men down on the floor before coughing.

"Someone help her with those two." Jack ordered. Before he could say another word to Peggy, Howard beat him to it.

"What about you Peggy? You're bleeding!" Howard said in a worried tone.

Peggy shook her head, "I'm fine, it's not my blood."

Fisher tapped Jack on the shoulders, "Chief, the agents are waiting for your instruction on what to do with Esmeralda and the agents we rescued."

"We?" Kassidy said with a scowl, "Last time I checked you weren't the one that went into that building and risked your lives. Peggy and I could have died in there, a little bit of appreciation would be nice."

"Agent Banks is right, without we wouldn't have gotten our two agents back." Daniel said.

Jack and Peggy's eyes met, if he agreed, people would have been suspicious, so instead he turned to Fisher, "Tell them I'm coming. We'll let Vernon know we apprehended another member of The Croonies."

"See why I call him a Jackass." Howard said to Jarvis as he helped Peggy stand, "Only takes the credit for himself.

Before walking away he looked back, and watched Howard give Peggy a tight hug. He was envious of Howard, with Howard no one thought twice looking at the two, if it were Jack all hell would have broken loose.

""""

Peggy was now back at back in Howard's mansion. She heard a knock on the door, it was probably Jarvis coming back with meds for her cough. She opened the door in surprise to see Angie with a capsule of pills in her hand.

"Boy did I miss you." Angie said hugging Peggy tightly, "Jarvis mentioned you were going on a dangerous mission today."

"You stayed up just to see me?" Peggy said accepting the medicine from Angie.

Angie sat on Peggy's bed, "I was worried sick."

Peggy took a seat beside her best-friend and smiled tiredly, "You didn't have to."

"Course I did I stayed up all night." Angie said before tilting Peggy's chin up, "Your neck…"

Peggy nodded before standing up and examining her bruise in the giant mirror, "I know, it almost got sliced open, but it's fine, Kassidy saved me."

"You say that so casually." Angie's brows perked, "Whos Kassidy?"

"Shes a friend, and the new secretary at the S.S.R. She's phenomenal, I don't know what I would have done without her, I would have died today."

"Wow." Angie said with wonder, "The work you do… it's inspiring, seeing a fearless woman not takin' any crap from no man, jumping in the sight of danger—"

Peggy laughed and held up a hand, "Angie, you're giving me too much credit."

"No I'm not." Angie plopped on the bed, facing the ceiling, "You're always doing these amazing things, saving peoples lives, catching bad guys, the stuff I do is probably a snoozefest to you."

Peggy sat beside Angie, sensing insecurity from her friend, "That is utter nonsense, you are incredibly talented. You act, sing, make people laugh, thats a gift."

"I guess." Angie said with bright eyes, "Golly, I've missed this, we haven't hung out in ages."

Peggy smiled at her friend, Angie was right, if she wasn't busy with the S.S.R, she was busy with Jack.

"I have an idea." Peggy said standing up, "Lets have a movie night in Howards Cinema room."

"You sure you're not tired?" Angie looked up with worry in her eyes, "Jarvis mentioned that medicine you took will knock you out."

"I'll take it later," Peggy said setting down the medicine, "Plus, you said it yourself, we need to spend more time together, and I'm never too tired to hang out with you."

That got Angie out of the bed in a jiffy.

Before they left Peggy heard the phone in her room ring, she turned to Angie, "Go start the movie darling, I'll be there in a minute."

"Pizza delivery."

Peggy smiled, she could recognize Jack's aloof voice anywhere. They had a plan in the case Howard or Angie answered the phone by mistake, Jack would pretend he was a pizza guy who called by mistake.

"You didn't need to call." Peggy said with a watchful eye on the door to make sure Angie didn't walk in.

"I never got to make sure you were ok."

Peggy tucked her hair behind her ear, "You were worried about me, weren't you?"

"I've been figuring out what the next recipe is going to be for our dinner, wouldn't want to waste it if you weren't around."

"I'm more than ok." She said answering his previous question, "I hope you said thank you to Kassidy since you deemed her fit to be my bodyguard for the day."

"I did that because I knew you were going to pull some trick and not follow my orders, as usual. Someone had to keep you safe from yourself."

"I know." Peggy said softly, Jack cared for her more than he'd like to admit, and that was his way of showing it.

"Thank you."

"I should be thanking you, what you did there was amazing."

"Wow, you give so easily complements now, have we entered a new phase of whatever it is going on between us."

"Maybe."

Silence

"Do you ever get nervous? Or scared."

"Of course I do."

"How do you get over it?"

"Theres this tune that my brother always sang. I think about it and it calms me."

"And you don't do anything else…like smoking a cigarette for example?"

Peggy glanced at her purse, remembering confiscating Gam Gam's secret cigarette stash; with Howard's lighter that she owned, Jack probably thought they were hers.

"You saw the lighter in my bag didn't you."

"Look, I'm not judging—"

She heard a pause,

"I'm only asking, because someone I care about is terribly sick… she smoked a lot."

She heard him pause, he was obviously talking about Gam Gam.

I just don't want something like that happening to you."

"Before you even continue Jack, I don't smoke… at least not anymore," Peggy glanced at her picture of Steve on her drawer, "Not since he died. I just keep the lighter for luck."

She heard him let out a sigh of relief, that must have really bothered him.

"Steve must have meant a lot to you for you to stop."

Peggy picked up the picture, "Yes. But I also did it for myself. I was always irritable, I couldn't focus, quitting was probably one of the scariest things I did, but I did it anyway. Steve always taught me to do the right thing, I was just following his footsteps."

She noticed Jack was silent as she talked about Steve, she then remembered Jack's conversation with Gam Gam and how Jack felt intimidated. Anyone would feel intimidated knowing the type of man Steve was, but she had moved on, and she needed Jack to know that.

"Thanks for calling me, it really means a lot-"

Peggy could hear Angie calling her in the background.

"Peggy? Peggy? Where are you the movies started!"

"Drats, thats Angie, I have to go, bye darling." She whispered before cutting the line.

Angie was now at the door, crossed arms suspiciously, "Darling?"

"What?" Peggy asked feigning innocence.

Angie gasped, "You were talking to a guy weren't you?"

"Absolutely not! I call everyone darling it's a British thing. If I were dating someone I would have told you."

Angie shake her head with a remorseful look, "You really liked him didn't you?"

Peggy blinked, Angie didn't know about Jack did she?

Angie pointed to the picture of Steve in Peggy's hand, "It must be hard. Finding the love of your life and having them taken away so quickly."

"Oh." Peggy placed the picture frame down. Yes, she had accepted Steve's death, after all she was in love with him. She couldn't help but wonder what he'd think of Jack. He probably wouldn't approve. And maybe that's why she was curious to where her relationship with Jack would go. She was tired of being known as "Steve's gal" as though her years of training were bound to her relationship with one man.

Sensing Peggy's sudden quietness, Angie spoke up, "We're gonna find you someone who will see you for the amazing person you are."

"Right." Peggy murmured to herself as they walked to the cinema room.

A wave of guilt washed over her. Lying to Angie was a lot harder that Howard, perhaps it was because Angie was rooting for her and Jack to be together anyway. And perhaps it sounded selfish, but Peggy liked that no one knew about her and Jack.

She could tell Angie… but.. her and Jack were still new in their relationship, maybe she'll tell her if her relationship works out…just maybe….

Tadaaaaa ! I will be updating a bit more often in the next weeks, again, I made this chapter just a bit longer to makeup for my abcence. Please let me know what you all think in the comments! 3 3 3