Good-Bye, and Good Day

Chapter 1: Courage

Author's note: So ever since I saw Daniel's character in the pilot episode, I couldn't get enough of him. This story takes the scene of when he asks her out on a drink in a more expanded fashion. What comes next for him and Peggy?

Here's to another fan of Daniel x Peggy shipping. Copyright of characters to Marvel.

…

Daniel Sousa was furious. Once again, Peggy Carter's accomplishments have gone underwraps, leaving someone else to take all the credit for it. He wouldn't stand for it any longer. Jack Thompson has just overstepped this boundary one too many times with him.

He walked over to Peggy, quietly hissing, "How can you just sit there and take that?"

"Daniel…"

"I'm going to tell that senator what really happened," he seethed, stomping over as fast as he could move his crutch with him. "Hell, I'll even tell Truman himself!"

"It really doesn't bother me," Peggy called from behind.

"Well it bothers the hell out of me! I saved that jerk's life!"

Peggy smiled. "I don't need a congressional honor. I don't need Agent Thompson's approval, or the president's."

Daniel stopped and turned to her, slowly taking a step forward.

"I know my value," she continued. "Anyone else's opinion doesn't really matter." With that, she brushed by him and smiled, leaving Daniel astonished at her words.

He just stood there for a few seconds taking in what Peggy had just said. She didn't need to rely on another's praise, man or not, to have the strength and belief in herself. She didn't care for stardom or judgment of her actions.

This was what he loved about Peggy. Her fire and her confidence were some of the most attractive features of this already very attractive woman. Daniel knew that the first time she walked into those doors, joining the SSR. He was physically attracted to her immediately, and when he saw how she handled the mistreatment by the other men in her office, her strength and character shone through those beautiful eyes, those gentle but confident strides she takes. Even when she was stomped on countless times, even after he himself couldn't stand it and want to blow off some steam for her, she rose from the ashes of ridicule into the shining light of courageous victory.

After a moment longer, he decided it was now or never. It was a new day for everyone in the wake almost having New York City destroyed, and Peggy finally started receiving recognition for her status and work as agent. It would be a new day for Daniel too. He hobbled over to his desk and released his crutch, leaning it carefully on his desk. He drew in a deep breath and turned around carefully, making sure to stand as straight and comfortably as possible to face her.

"Hey," he started, nervously. "I was gonna—grab a drink."

Peggy looked confused. "Right at this moment? It's 9 o'clock in the morning."

He grinned and chuckled, "No, no, after I clock out. Want to—join me?" Great job, Sousa, he thought. Way to show your nervousness in front of her.

She looked a little solemn as she answered him, "Oh…maybe another time, all right? I've got to meet a friend."

Daniel nodded. "Sure," he answered. "Sure thing. Another time." He turned back around to his desk, a bit dejected that she didn't say yes. He had no regrets for taking a leap of faith and asking. Yet, he understood—her heart did not belong to him. Rather, her heart belonged to Captain America, and he knows it still does after she revealed to hold the last vial of his blood. Her dedication to Steve Rogers was nothing less than admirable and courageous, even when it meant her freedom, her status as agent may have been destroyed. And if it wasn't for the need to save New York City, she wouldn't have to "come clean" and give up that precious last bit of Captain America that she gingerly kept.

He inwardly sighed and sat back down at his desk, starting his day. As he was sitting back down, he caught a glimpse of her at her putting her things down, and…was she smiling? He blinked a couple times and tried to look engrossed in his work, but he couldn't help but be drawn to her smile as she sat down herself. It was a good to see that she was finally receiving recognition for her work, and he knew that regardless of they were just colleagues, friends, or more than friends; he would have her back, no matter who her eyes were for.

Smiling himself, he went back to reading his files, pouring over the next big assignment at hand.

…

Peggy knew that her turning Daniel down may have hurt him, but she also knew that it wouldn't hurt Daniel in the way that it would strain their relationship as colleagues and friends now. She couldn't say yes to him, not yet—yes, Steve Rogers is gone, but she also didn't know why she didn't want to say yes to Daniel quite yet. And that frustrated her. She knew she needed to move on—she acknowledged it herself—but something was missing.

She didn't mean to sound unsure of herself when she answered Daniel…at least, she thought she sounded unsure of herself. Peggy knew that Daniel is a good man, and he is the only one in the office who treats her with the respect that she deserves and stands for righteousness by her side. He is not swayed by the criticisms of his fellow male counterparts when they out-walk him, or out-fight him physically. Daniel isn't defined by his war wound—he is defined by his virtues and chivalry, his sharp intelligence and quick wit, with a side of humor. He's a man that Peggy admired very much, and one who Peggy is honored to have in her life. She smiled at that thought.

She caught him glancing at her discretely from his desk, and she smiled all the more, though not making eye contact with him to alert him that she knows he's watching her. She felt like a little school girl with a secret crush—dare she looks, or dare he looks at her, without anyone else watching.

Peggy shook off her thought and went back to restocking her desk. A new stash of case files appeared on her desk, not to file, but examine for potential field work. Duty calls, and her thoughts of her work with Daniel will come later.

…

Daniel almost finished reading over the next big case when he heard Peggy get up from her chair. He glanced down at his watch—it was 5pm, time to go home. He thumbed through his file and heard Peggy's shoes click closer until she paused at his desk.

He looked up and saw her smiling at him, prompting him to melt in her gaze and smile back. "Have a good night, Daniel."

"Good night, Peggy."

She nodded and walked off. He watched her exit via the elevator before he went back to reading his case file. Now, his mind was stuck on replaying the lovely smile that she gave him. Maybe it was his exhaustion kicking in, but he couldn't help but revisiting her polite gesture to him earlier.

The next time he glances down at his watch, it was 6pm. Time surely goes by fast when you're preoccupied, work or not. He finally finished reading and decided to call it a night. He pulled on his crutch to stand up. Grabbing his coat, he shuffled to exit the building, eager to enjoy the evening.

The sun was still brightly shining through the New York City skyline as he walked onto the street. From the distance to the river, he could see the rays touch the water—so direct, yet so gentle. So much like Peggy.

So much has transpired over the past couple days in Daniel's life, going from hunting for a man wrongly-accused of crime, to have the woman he loves "almost" betraying him (not true anymore after he found out what Peggy was really up to), to going face to face with a Russian criminal, to having the biggest showdown to save New York City in a long time. Sometimes he felt like he was back on the front lines during the war, except now, his weapons weren't guns but his morale. There were times he wondered what he would do if he didn't become an SSR agent. Would he doing trade? Banking? Running a store? Would life have been simpler?

He blinked again at the beautiful setting sun and smiled. He will continue the rest of his reflection in one of his favorite spots. In a hasty decision, he hopped over to the nearest subway station, making his way to the Brooklyn Bridge.

…