I do not own Marvel. If I did this show would be renewed for season two and have more than eight episodes.

"We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back."

- Malala Yousafzai

She was so used to it by now. People taking credit when it belonged to her. Peggy Carter was no stranger to the world. So why did it hurt so much more when Thompson had taken the credit for the whole Stark incident? Granted, Sousa was angrier than her, but he wasn't used to this kind of thing. He was a man, and it didn't usually happen to him. When the senators left, Thompson approached both of them. Peggy put on an impassive face and hid her hurt and anger behind a smile. Sousa outright glared.

"I know what you're thinking," Thompson stated before the two even said a word.

"So why did you take the credit for it? It was clearly Peggy that did it all, and yet, here you are. I bet they even offered you a position as chief, didn't they?" Sousa snapped.

Thompson opened his mouth to say something, but Sousa beat him to it.

"You're a coward! You know that? You couldn't handle the fact that Peggy might actually be better than you."

"Now listen here," Thompson seethed, "I did what I did to protect Carter. What do you think is going to happen when they realize it wasn't me that saved the day. In case you haven't noticed, Sousa, Carter is a woman. They aren't going to let her be the new chief and will send someone new instead. Someone who probably won't respect her and may even fire Carter."

Deciding it was time to intervene, Peggy stepped forward.

"If you are done arguing over me, I would like to say my piece." She glared pointedly at the men, daring them to challenge her. Sousa nodded and Thompson looked away.

"I am used to not obtaining credit when credit is due. I'm a woman living in a man's world. It matters not to me, as I care more for my job than recognition. However, I do wish to be treated as your equal. That's all I've ever wanted. Sousa, yes, it does bug me from time to time that I do not get credit, but Thompson is right. As I said earlier, this is a man's world. I cannot obtain credit without serious judgement and backlash. Being able to work here and be seen as an equal is an enough for me. Thank you, Sousa, for standing up for me, but I can take care of myself." Peggy nodded her head once she finished her speech and walked back to her desk. Both men stared after her before proceeding onto their own work. Peggy Carter was a mystery that neither could figure out. It intrigued one man and puzzled the other.

As Peggy was leaving the SSR that day, she bumped into Agent Thompson.

"So, Carter, where are you headed?'

"Over to one of Stark's penthouses. He was so grateful to me for clearing his name, that he offered me a place to stay. I'm just waiting on a cab to meet my friend who will be staying with me. You've met her before - the crying one?"

"Right," Thompson trailed off. They stood awkwardly for a few minutes before a cab turned down the street. As it approached, Agent Thompson turned to Peggy.

"Carter, I want to apologize for taking the credit. I-"

Peggy cut him off. The cab was almost there.

"I know, Jack. I know why you did it. It made me mad and a little hurt, but I could never be chief."

The cab approached and Peggy opened the door.

"Carter!" Jack called. "Peggy, I was wondering, would you care to come get a drink with me tomorrow?"

Peggy smiled and looked down.

"Sorry, Jack, but I promised someone else I would go out tomorrow night. Maybe another time?" Without waiting for an answer, she entered the cab and closed the door. As the cab drove off, Jack watched. Peggy Carter was an intriguing mystery; one he doubted would ever be figured out, but by God he would try his best.

Here is a very short fic about what I think was the reasoning behind Thompson taking credit. (Actually it's probably due to me trying to cope with the fact that I ship trash.) I actually could care less what man she ends up with, whether it be Sousa or Thompson. Right now I'm leaning towards Cartson, but ask me tomorrow and it will probably be Peggy and Daniel. Feel free to R&R and thanks for taking time to check me out!