So… I'm pretty new to Cartson. I personally think we need more fics in this fandom so I decided to make one myself. This is basically takes of a few months after episode 1x07, sorry if it's a bit vague since we haven't seen 1x08 to know what actually happened. Enjoy.
It was a Tuesday. Peggy loved Tuesdays. She wasn't sure why, but she felt as if there always seemed to be something interesting that happened on one the second day of the week.
"Mornin'." Daniel greeted politely as Peggy made her way to Chief Dooley's office desk. Peggy replied with a warm smile and a nod before sitting down in the comfortable wheelie chair. She laughed at the piles of reports on her desk, "So much work these days, isn't that right Agent?"
She looked up to see Daniel deep in thought. Bless his heart, he was probably still thinking about Chief Dooley. "Are you alright Daniel?"
Daniel limped to sit in the seat opposite her, "I still can't believe he's gone. You know?" He shook his head and sighed, "Poor kids."
Peggy nodded solemnly; it had been 4 months since the Chief died. She was now temporary Chief in place of Dooley. Temporary because Jack was actually supposed to be Chief. Unfortunately, after Peggy foiled Leviathan's plot and captured Dottie, the psychiatrist held Jack as hostage. By the time Peggy reached Jack the psychiatrist hypnotized her and sent her to kill Jack.
Peggy winced. She remembered the look on his face, she left no mercy as she hurt him. She beat him up so badly three ribcages were broken, and she even pushed him over a ledge, leaving him in a coma.
"I know what you're thinking and it wasn't your fault Chief." Daniel said softly, snapping her out of her trance.
Peggy frowned, "Of course it was. I should have shot the bloody psychiatrist before he hypnotized me. I was lucky enough that Howard was there to stop me before I—" Peggy closed her eyes, she didn't want to remember how she almost killed Jack. She opened her eyes before a memory of Jack shouting in agony resurfaced again.
"You saved Jack. If you hadn't gone back for him Dottie would have killed him and you know it Chief. You saved a lot of people, that's what mattered."
"And many died in the process." She said curtly as she glanced at a picture of Chief Dooley and his family. "And please don't call me Chief. I don't deserve the title." Daniel shook his head and smiled, "You're too hard on yourself."
Peggy glanced at her friend who was still smiling warmly at her, "You put too much faith in me Daniel."
Daniel shrugged, "That's what friends are for."
Peggy smiled and stood up, "Come on. There's a meeting we have to go to."
Peggy handed each of the agents seated at the table before her a yellow file.
"This contains sensitive evidence about the terrorist claims that have been popping up. Within the files you should be able to find a picture of the potential suspects and I want them found immediately. So I'm going to need someone responsible to be in charge of this operation. Any volunteers?"
"I'd love to." Daniel said, raising his hand. "Perfect." She replied, "Now this operation requires everyone full attention and-"
Peggy frowned. She was interrupted by two men stifling a laugh, "Excuse me boys. Is there something funny?"
"I think it's obvious that I should handle this one. After all, I'm much more suited for the job" Agent Fisher said haughtily. Peggy frowned at the man. Sure, Fisher was good at his job. But he was too cocky and often got ahead of himself. He liked to talk the talk but never actually do the walking.
"Actually Agent Fisher, I believe Agent Sousa would be a better suited for the job. Daniel, you'll be head of operations on this one." Peggy said firmly.
"Yes ma'am." Daniel replied with a smirk directed to Fisher. Agent Fisher cocked his brows and scoffed, "You're picking a guy that limps over me?"
Peggy mirrored his expression and stood her ground, "As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, I'm picking Agent Sousa because he has repeatedly shown he has better experience at leading cases such as this."
"But-"
"No buts. My decision is final and if you have a problem with that then I suggest you leave." She crossed her arms as she ignored the glares that Fisher sent her and turned to face everyone, "Are there any more questions?"
"No ma'am." The men grumbled in unison.
Peggy nodded curtly, "Good. You're all dismissed." Daniel grinned at her appreciatively before leaving. She raised her brow when she heard clapping behind her.
"Brava. Brava Ms. Carter."
Peggy smirked, she knew she could recognize that English voice from a mile away. "Good morning Jarvis." Jarvis tipped his hat before taking it off his head, "Morning. I see you are a natural at commanding your men."
Peggy laughed to herself, "Well. Besides Daniel, a lot of the men are still annoyed that a woman is their boss for a change. You'd think they'd be used to it after 4 months."
"Please excuse us men. We're all dreadful beasts." Jarvis said sarcastically. Peggy rolled her eyes and sat down as she flipped through documents she needed to sign, "Would you like to take a seat and tell me what you're doing here?"
Jarvis shook his head, "I'm not here for a chit chat. I wanted to drive you to the hospital."
"Now why ever would I want to go to the hospital with you? I'm not sick." Peggy said without looking up from her work.
"You'd probably like to know Mr. Thompson woke up from his coma."
Hearing Jack's last name made her pause, she frowned and looked up curiously, "What? He woke up?"
Jarvis nodded, "It was last night. Howard sent me to thank Jack for saving his life since Howard is on one of his business trips, and I didn't want to go alone…"
"So you came to pick me to come with you?" Peggy said with arched brows.
"Yes." Jarvis piped innocently, "At least.. I assumed that you would want to see him."
Peggy frowned, "What do you mean you assumed? I don't have any feelings for him." Jarvis arched his brow, "I never said anything about feelings Agent Carter."
"I knew that." She replied a little too quickly. She tucked her hair behind her ear before going back to signing papers, "And why would I want to visit him anyway. He probably hates my guts after I nearly killed him."
Jarvis stared at his friend who was trying to bury herself in her papers, "Ms. Carter. For the past 4 months you've been drowning in guilt every time Agent Thompson's name would come up in a conversation. I highly suggest you two talk. This will do you good—both of you."
Peggy pursed her lips; as much as she hated it Jarvis had a point. She had to talk to Jack, at least to to apologize. But what on earth could she say to him? "Hello Jack. I'm terribly sorry for almost killing you. Friends?" She sighed and gave her friend a wary look, "Fine, but promise me you're going to be with me when Jack and I talk. I'm not talking to him alone."
"I promise." Jarvis said with a sincere smile as he offered his arm, "Now let's go, I left the car running." Peggy laughed as she linked his arm in her friend's, "I told you to stop doing that. Your car will get stolen one day or another."
"I think I've been craving some action after 4 months of running errands for Howard. Being your partner in crime as a double agent with you was quite splendid."
Peggy smiled to herself as Jarvis drove, she did miss it. She still remembers how shocked Chief Dooely, Daniel and Jack were when they figured out she was the blonde woman. She bit her lips anxiously as they parked in front of the hospital, "Why did I listen to you Jarvis. This is a terrible idea. For all I know Jack will kick me out before I even say a word."
"I bought a gift for both of us to give him to persuade him in case that happens."
Peggy shook her head as Jarvis handed her a baby pink covered book, "A book? Really Jarvis?"
Jarvis shrugged, "It's something I knew you'd love give him." Peggy sighed as she examined the book, it was titled The Lady in the Lake. She smiled, "I've read this book before, it was splendid. This book is perfect because it's mostly read by women. Agent Thompson would hate this." Peggy smiled at Jarvis mischievously, "You know me too well."
Jarvis smirked, "Maybe he'll learn a few lessons on how to treat women correctly."
"If only pigs could fly." Peggy said as she walked into the door Jarvis opened for her.
"Oh nonsense." Jarvis said hushing Peggy once they reached the front desk. Once they got the number to Jack's room they walked down the hallway as instruct to met an old woman with a stern frown on her face closing the door.
Jarvis adjusted his tie, "Good morning Madam, Agent Carter and I are here to pay a visit to Mr. Thompson. May we enter the room?"
The woman looked up from her clipboard, "No." Peggy glanced at Jarvis before turning to the nurse, "And why not?"
"Because he's sleeping now." The woman crossed her arms, "Are you his wife?"
"Me? Heavens no!" Peggy exclaimed with a laugh. The nurse frowned and shook her head, "Then sorry miss. No visitors allowed unless you're a family member. Now if you excuse me, I'm very busy."
Peggy frowned, "But—"
"I'm busy." The grouchy nurse replied while walking away from Peggy.
"Wait please!" Peggy said as she and Jarvis quickly walked after the short woman. The bloody woman walks much too fast for her age. She thought to herself.
The nurse rolled her eyes and turned, "What do you want lady? I told you. No one can see Thompson. Unless you're family, there's nothing I can do. Now beat it."
Peggy sighed as they watched the nurse sit down to talk to another nurse, "It's useless Jarvis. Let's just go back."
Jarvis snapped his fingers, "I have an idea Ms. Carter!" Peggy arched her brows, "And what would that be?"
Jarvis smiled, "I suggest you wait here. I'll handle everything."
Peggy watched Jarvis walk to the nurse and whisper in the woman's ear. Peggy arched her brow as she watched Jarvis point in her direction while the nurse clutched her chest and gasped. Peggy frowned as she noticed the cheeky look on her friend's face. She also noted that Jarvis was tugging his ear while walking back to her with the nurse by his side. She knew that look on his face. He was lied about something…Oh Jarvis…
The nurse put her hand on Peggy's shoulder, "I'm so sorry about your parents."
What was the nurse talking about? Peggy frowned, "Excuse me?"
"You're friend told me how your parents disapprove of Jack as your fiancé and how you're keeping it a secret." The nurse wiped a tear away, "So don't worry, I won't tell a soul."
Peggy glared at Jarvis before looking back at the nurse sheepishly, "Thank you ma'am?"
"Anything for love my dear. Just remember to be quiet when you enter his room. He's resting." The nurse said with a sympathetic smile before leaving.
Peggy turned to Jarvis and crossed her arms furiously, "You lied!"
Jarvis tugged on his tie, "Well—I-"
Peggy shook her head furiously, "And of all things you could make up, you make me his fiancé! Really Jarvis?"
"Calm down Ms. Carter. Since you're 'family' you can go visit Jack now." Jarvis said with a smug smile.
"It's a pity, he's not even my type." Peggy said sticking her chin in the air.
Jarvis chuckled to himself, "You're welcome Ms. Carter."
Peggy laughed as she opened the door, "And what about you? Aren't you coming with me?"
"I'll come in later. I'm not allowed, just tell Jack to let me in once he wakes up." Jarvis said with a smile as he gently patted for Peggy to enter. Her eyes widened as she saw Jack sleeping peacefully on the cot.
"Jarvis! You can't leave me alone with him! You promised!" She whispered.
"Be good. Ta-ta!" Jarvis said with a small wave before closing the door.
"Sometimes I wonder why I listen to you." She muttered while facepalming herself. She turned to Jack and sighed, she might as well use her time wisely in here. A small smile crept on her face as she watched him sleep. With soft breathing, his chest rose slowly, up and down, up and down, up and down. His firm lips that were usually frowned at her was a bit agape as he snored quietly.
"Hah. Agent Thompson snores." She said delightfully to herself as she walked to him. She noticed his stubble had grown out…in a good way. She smiled slightly. It was almost nice to see Jack without him putting a macho façade on. His golden blond hair that was usually gelled into place was now more scuffled. She resisted the urge to want to put the stray hairs back in place. She would never admit it to him, but she loved how his hair was always in place. Seeing it ruffled like this was... different.
"Oh crud, I can't take it anymore." Peggy muttered to herself as she smoothened his hair. "Much better," she whispered to herself.
Suddenly Jack's eyes flew wide open as he grabbed her hand tightly. Jack frowned when he recognized it was Peggy.
"Carter?"
Great. The blokes awake.
"Hi." she said apologetically. Jack glanced at their hands before immediately letting go, "What are you doing here?" he growled as he rubbed his eyes.
"The nurse mentioned that you woke up from your coma. So I thought I'd… pay a visit."
"How nice of you to come considering you almost killed me." He said with a wry smile as he observed her calm face. Peggy frowned at the sarcasm that basically drooled from his voice. Jack sure knew how to float a boat.
"You were worried about me weren't you?"
"No comment." She said, glancing away from his heavy gaze. She wasn't going to lie, now that she was next to him she realized how scared for him she was.
Jack stared at Peggy was avoiding his gaze and almost smiled. She was worried about him. Who knew Agent Carter could be a softie?
Peggy glanced at Jack in surprise to see him still staring at her. She blinked, "Don't get all giddy Mister. It wasn't my idea; it was actually Jarvis who suggested this."
Jack arched his brow, "And why would Jarvis think you talking to me would do any good. Thanks to you I've been stuck in this hospital for months."
He blinked in surprise as he watched Peggy stand up, he frowned, that came out a little harsher than it was supposed to sound. And this wasn't the first time, ever since they met he has always had petty arguments with her. Although he did enjoy getting on her nerves at times…That's probably why Chief Dooley though he had a "crush" on her..
Peggy stood up to leave, "I told Jarvis I was right. It was a mistake coming here."
"Not so fast Pegs."
She was surprised at how she flinched at the sound of her name. It's probably because she was shocked. He called her Marge, "the lady", Agent, but never Pegs, better yet, he never even called her Peggy.
Jack glanced at her curiously, "Why did you come to visit me?"
Peggy refused to face him and closed her eyes in irritation, "I told you, Jarvis—"
Jack smirked, "Jarvis isn't here. You're lying. You came because you feel guilty about what happened. Aren't you?"
"Yes." She whispered in shame with her back still facing Jack. She didn't want him to see the sympathetic look on her face, the egotistical bloke never let her go on that if he did.
"Stop beating yourself up about it."
Peggy turned around coolly on her heels and placed a firm hand on her hip, "I see beating you to pulp has suddenly made you a psychiatrist."
Jack ignored her insult; maybe because he knew he deserved it, "I'm not angry at you Peggy. You came here to talk. So let's talk."
Peggy stared into his calm grey eyes, she stuck her chin in the air, "Fine." Jack chuckled to himself, "Are all Brits as pompous as you?"
"Oh trust me, not as much as you." Peggy retorted casually as she set her bag down and pulled a chair to his cot. As she took a deep breath, Jake put his hand up, "Peggy, I don't want you to apologize to me."
Peggy blinked, "What? Why not?"
"You saved my life. Twice." Jack said with a frown. Peggy could tell he hated admitting that. "I almost killed you."
"Because you were trying to save me. And you did. If you didn't Dottie would have killed me." Jack chuckled, "If it's anyone that should feel bad it's me. I guess my training wasn't all as good as I thought huh?"
"I guess not." Peggy said with a small smile, glad that he was laughing. Although she noticed as he laughed he winced, she placed a hand on his rib, "I'm sorry about breaking your ribs."
Jack smiled, "That's nice to know."
Peggy frowned and poked one of his ribs. "Ow." Jack growled as he smacked her hand off, "What was that for?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, "For thinking I'm a softie. Don't take advantage of my pity, it's only going to last until you get better"
"Noted Chief" Jack said with a casual smile as he folded his arms under his head and stared up at the ceiling. Peggy smiled, "How'd you know?"
Jack shrugged, "Since I'm not there, you're the best one for the job. Don't get too comfortable though, once I'm back its back to being Agent Carter for you." Peggy rolled her eyes, this pompous bloke still loved to be full of himself. But he had definitely changed from when they first met, before he would never have stood for a woman to be in his position. But now. There was trust.
Peggy dug in her bag and pulled out the book Jarvis bought, "Here."
Jack stared at the pink book suspiciously, "For me?" She nodded as she watched him examine the book with a scowl before handing the book back to her.
"Hospitals are horrid. I got you this in case you ever got bored in here."
After examining the book he held it to her, "Thanks but no thanks. I don't read books written by women."
"Why? Because the words are too complicated for you?" Peggy retorted at his sexist remark.
Jack glared back, "No. Because it's not manly." She scoffed, "Men. You're all the same narcissistic blokes."
"Then why did you love Steve if you hate us men so much." Jack said bitterly, surprised again at how harsh his words sounded.
Peggy's eye twitched, "Because manly or not he respected women and men equally. And that was manly." She paused "He had manners too. Something you men lack sorely these days."
The room went quiet. Jack sighed and glanced at the book in her hand. He couldn't help but feel he should have known better than to bring Steve up in the conversation. An awkward silence buzzed in the room like a restless fly.
"I hate hospitals." He muttered to himself as he tried to sit up. He winced as pain surged from his back and rested his head back on the pillow. He couldn't get up. He turned in surprise to see Peggy with a smug smile on her face. She probably was enjoying seeing him struggling like this.
"What?" He growled.
"Do you need help? You seem to be having a bit of trouble." She replied with her smug smile still in place.
"No I don't." He said with a glare before trying to sit up again.
"If you say so." Peggy said amused as Jack was finally able to sit up after many fail attempts. She sometimes wondered how men could have such big egos. Steve wasn't like that…
Jack noticed she was fiddling with her hands. She was thinking about Steve. He frowned. He wasn't sure if he was frowning because she was thinking about Steve or because he was surprised he discern her feeling just from observing her body movements. Carter was always significantly fidgety whenever Steve Rogers came into the picture. Peggy was probably the toughest women he'd ever come across. Steve must have been a really swell guy for him to affect her like that.
"Is there something on my face? You seem to have a fascination with my eyes." Peggy said with a haughty smirk.
Jack rolled his eyes and glanced away before saying, "Thank you."
"What?" She asked quietly, she couldn't have heard that right. Was Jack actually saying thank you to her?
Jack's frown twitched, "You heard me Carter."
"I honestly didn't hear a word you said." Peggy said innocently as she held a newspaper up to hide her face.
"Liar."
She calmly folded the paper in her arms and smirked, "It's hard to hear you with your jaw clenched as if someone just punched you."
"Then too bad." Jack said ignoring her gleeful eyes. She was enjoying this a lot more than he'd like. Carter wasn't going to make him thank her again just for her personal pleasure.
After a few minutes of silence Peggy gave up. She knew that Jack was just as stubborn as she was. What a bloke. Can't even thank the person who saved his arse twice…"
Jack rolled his eyes and swallowed his pride before gazing into her hazel eyes.
"Thank you for visiting me Pegs, it means a lot." He said without letting his eyes leave hers. As much as she grated on his nerves, he meant it, he owed her his life.
"Atta boy." She said with a grin. Jack smiled and shook his head, "So where did you say Jarvis was again?"
Peggy pursed her red lips, "Um… about that…"
Suddenly the door opened to reveal the nurse with medicine in her hand. "I'm sorry for interrupting you two lovebirds, but Jack needs to take his medicine." The nurse said politely.
Jack furrowed his brows, "We aren't—" Jack stopped midsentence as Peggy pecked him lightly on the cheek and turned to the nurse, "No worries, you aren't interrupting anything."
Jack's browed raised in surprise as Peggy placed a warm hand on his chest and giggled like a little school girl. He frowned, Peggy doesn't giggle. She chortles, she scoffs, she laughs, but never giggles.
The nurse touched her chest, "I'll just set the medicine down and leave you two alone."
"Could Jarvis enter the room now that my fiancé is awake?" Peggy asked politely.
"As long as it's alright with your man."
Jack's frown deepened when he realized the nurse was referring to him. "Well?" Peggy asked with her deep red lips curved into a smile.
Jack ignored the tingling feeling that still lingered on his cheek and plastered a fake smile on his face, "Send him in."
"Of course, I'll go get him." The nurse said before leaving the room. Peggy exhaled a sigh of relief and turned to see Jack's fake smile drop into a scowl.
"Pegs, I know you knocked me into a coma, but I don't remember me ever proposing to you much less dating."
"It was Jarvis's plan. It was the only way they'd let me in." She replied indignantly.
Jack smirked, "Are you sure? Maybe you pretended to be my fiancé just so you could kiss to me." Peggy rolled her eyes, and removed her hand from his chest faster than touching hot potatoes, "Oh please Agent Thompson. You act like you've never kissed a girl before."
Jack chuckled, "You call that a kiss darling?"
Peggy frowned, tempted to hit him right across the head with the newspaper in her hand, "I'm not your darling and don't be mad just because I didn't kiss you on the lips."
Jack paused at the idea. Him and her as a couple. Boy would that be the day. They couldn't even last a day without squabbling whenever they were together. Not that he minded...
He closed his eyes and leaned back into his pillow, "No comment."
Peggy arched her brow, was that Jack's confusing way of saying he wanted them to kiss?
Jack opened one eye and smirked as he noticed a Peggy still staring at him, "Don't get all emotional. I was joking."
"Of course you were Agent Thompson." Peggy said with a sarcastic smile. Jack frowned, "I better not hear a word of this at the office."
Peggy smiled before going back to reading from her newspaper, "Yes sir."
"Splendid. I see you two haven't killed each other."
Peggy looked up to see Jarvis with a dark blue envelop in his hands, "Ha-ha Jarvis."
Jarvis smiled at Peggy before approaching Jack, "Howard Stark sends his greetings, and invites you to his annual gala that he's hosting in two weeks."
"I'm going to have to take a pass on that. I'm not really much of a socialite like Stark."
Peggy wasn't surprised. Jack didn't seem like the type to hang around people. "You never know, you might change your mind," she said softly.
Jack sighed "Fine." He accepted the envelop before placing it beside his bed, "But tell him not to keep his hopes up about that."
"Will do Agent Thompson." Jarvis turned to Peggy, "Ready to leave now?"
Peggy glanced at Jack before standing up to leave, "Yes."
"Carter. You can leave the book." Jack said pointing at the pink novel in her hand. She glanced at Jack with a surprised grin, "I'm sure you'll love it, I did." Jack scoffed, "I'm only accepting it because there's nothing to do here."
"Sure." Peggy said pleased with herself as she handed him the book. "Well, goodbye, I hope the next time I see you you'll be at the office Agent Thompson."
"You can call me Jack out of the office Pegs." He said closing his eyes casually.
She arched her brow, "I see Pegs is my new little cute nickname now?"
"I like it. It suits you." Jack said glancing at her before staring back at the ceiling.
"Have a nice day Jack." Peggy said with a laugh as she closed the door behind her. She entered the car to see Jarvis grinning.
"Say it." Jarvis piped. "Say what?" Peggy asked innocently as Jarvis drove.
"That I was right and you were wrong."
Peggy crossed her arms at Jarvis who's smile was smugger than ever. "Oh please Jarvis, Jack and I only got along because we needed to pretend we were betrothed lovers."
"Sure." Jarvis said sarcastically as he switched on the radio. It was the song I got a crush on you by Frank Sinatra. "Oh, my wife and I love this song. Don't you?" He sang gaily. Peggy laughed as she watched her friend tap the steering wheel and whistle.
She wasn't sure why she felt happier just from visiting Jack, maybe it was because of how lighter her heart felt, not being straddled down by guilt. Or maybe she was just a tad tickled at the fact Jack wanted to kiss her.
"Come on Ms Carter. Sing with me. 'I've got a crush on you...'"
She smiled to find herself as she sang along to Sinatra with Jarvis, "Sweetie pie..."
Jarvis arched his brow, "My my, you're awfully good at singing."
"Don't tell anyone."
"You secrets safe with me Ms. Carter. I've gotten a lot of practice with that after being with Mr. Stark for so long." He said with a wink. Peggy laughed as they went back to singing.
This was a nice Tuesday.
To be continued...
Please feel free leave comments and feedback on things you liked/didn't like. It helps me when writing these fics. Thanks :3