Chapter 3
AN: Thank you for the support you have given me. I really, really, really, love writing this story so please, please, please leave a review/comment so that I know other people love it too.
10 Weeks Later
Ever since meeting with the three people they trust in the basement of a warehouse in New York, Peggy and Howard have been on the run, trying to clear their name as they contact their friends only when they have to.
"it's September, why is it so cold?" Howard asks, as he and Peggy hurry into their latest safehouse where the local time is about midnight.
"it's Minnesota," Peggy says as she bolts the door behind them, like that explains everything.
"We should go back to Los Angeles," Howard argues, as both he and Peggy do what they always do and check all the widows and doors to make sure they are secure, working in perfect unison to make sure of that fact.
"We were almost killed in Los Angeles," Peggy reminds him, feeling like he shouldn't need the reminder.
"We've been almost killed everywhere," Howard counters.
"Well that's the side effect of being the two most wanted people in the country," Peggy comments, as they both finish securing the safehouse and they both walk back into the main room.
"Being on the run again is horrible, the only thing that makes is better this time is the company," Howard reveals, as he smiles at Peggy, and the both put down the single duffle bags they each have.
"Glad to hear it," Peggy responds. "Why don't you see if there is any food here while I get a fire started," Peggy comments.
"Gladly," Howard says, heading to the kitchen while Peggy heads over to the fireplace.
A little while later Peggy has gotten the fire started and she is sitting in front of it, with her gun right next to her, within arm's reach. Having found some food Howard walks over to Peggy and sits down right next to her, handing her a bowel.
"I found some can soup, it actually smells pretty good," Howard comments.
"That's a nice surprise," Peggy says, as she knows that it cannot be worse than some of the food they have had in the last few weeks.
"Really is," Howard admits, as they both start to eat, and as they do they both realize just how hungry they are. "I found a bottle of whiskey for dessert, not as good as I would like, but should do nicely," Howard explains, between mouthfuls.
"Yes, it should," Peggy responds, and as she does she can't help but shiver because of the cold, as even though she and Howard don't react to the elements as much since being infected with the serum, though still do, and they got caught in the rain, and then in a very cold wind. "I never though I would miss a decent drink," Peggy comments, as even during the war they tended to have a decent supply of alcohol; mainly thanks to Howard.
"Well, once this is all over I promise you will never miss a good drink again," Howard says, as he moves closer to Peggy and puts his jacket over her shoulders, all without saying a word.
"I appreciate that, Howard, but we don't know when this will be 'all over' as you put it," Peggy comments.
"It will be soon," Howards says. "We're meeting with Jarvis and Sousa, tomorrow, today, maybe we'll find out that our lead panned out," Howard comments as while he and Peggy have been working to find out who framed them, there are certain things they can't run down, and in those cases they give the information they have to their friends.
"That would be nice," Peggy says. "I would like to get back to our life. We've got so much work to do at SHIELD," Peggy comments as they have been getting some updates about what is going on with SHIELD.
"We'll be back there soon," Howard comments. "You'll be running things and I'll be back in my lab, getting us answers about what has happened to us," Howard comments.
"That I would like to know," Peggy admits. "But you're getting ahead of yourselves," Peggy tells him, knowing that Howard has a habit of that, but in their current circumstances that habit could be dangerous.
"You know Peg, you don't have to be a buzzkill all the time," Howard tells his friend.
"I am not always a buzzkill, I can be fun," Peggy comments, sounding almost insulted.
"Oh, I know," Howard comments, with a smirk. "Peg, we'll figure this out and in twenty years this will be a great story we reminisce about," Howard comments.
"if you say so," Peggy says, with a laugh.
"I do say so," Howard says, sounding rather proud of himself, and feeling incredibly amused Peggy just shakes her head at him.
"You're ridiculous, but you are right about one thing," Peggy comments, and Howard gives her a interested look. "Being on the run is made much better by having you as company," Peggy tells her friend, and the two of them exchange smiles.
After a few hours of restful sleep Peggy wakes up and as she does she realises that she and Howard must have fallen asleep together by the fire as the two of them are lying extremely close to each other, and at some point she put an arm around Howard, in a protective, caring, way.
For a few moments Peggy allows herself to dwell on the feeling of security she feels, and she can't help but wonder when she started to associate Howard Stark with security.
"Howard," Peggy says, using the arm that around Howard to shake him. "Howard, wake up," Peggy says as she sits up.
"Peg?" Howard asks, as he slowly wakes up, and as he does he notices the light. "Did we miss the meeting?" Howard asks worried, as he bolts upright.
"No, we've got a few hours," Peggy assures him.
"Good," Howard says, looking relieved. "Did we fall asleep by the fire?" Howard asks surprised.
"Looks like it. That whiskey must have been stronger than we thought, or the fact that we haven't slept more than a few hours at a time in weeks finally affected us," Peggy comments.
"My hypothesis would be a combination of both," Howard admits.
"That would make sense," Peggy comments. "We should find something to eat and then get going, we still have a bit of a drive," Peggy explains.
"Good idea," Howard says standing up and once he is standing Peggy sticks out her hands and Howard helps her get to her feet.
A few hours after they woke up Peggy and Howard are standing in a wood cabin the middle of nowhere were they are waiting for Jarvis and Sousa.
"Did you hear that?" Peggy asks Howard.
"Sounded like footsteps," Howard realises, and as he does Peggy pulls her gun. "It could be them," Howard comments.
"It better be," Peggy says as she points her gun directly at the door, which opens seconds later revealing Jarvis and Sousa.
"It's just us," Sousa assures them. "We made sure we weren't followed, and Jack's back at base, making sure no ones coming after us," Sousa explains.
"Good," Peggy says relieved, as she puts her gun away.
"It truly good to see you Ms Carter, Mr Stark," Jarvis says, looking between the pair.
"It's good to see you too," Howard assures his friend.
"it really is," Peggy says, smiling at Jarvis. "Have you got anything more?" Peggy asks Daniel, becoming all business.
"Yeah, I've got good news, and bad news," Daniel admits.
"Good first," Howard says, the same time Peggy says, "Bad first,".
"Your lead panned out, we're fairly sure that Leviathan is behind framing you," Daniel explains.
"And the bad news?" Peggy asks.
"We can't prove it yet. Just like every other time that it looks like we have something that could prove your innocent something else appears which disproves what we have found," Daniel explains. "Also, Jack and I can't get permission to go to Europe, where we suspect we would be able to find something concreate to prove our theory," Daniel explains. "I'm sorry Peggy," Daniel says, meaning that.
"It's alright, Daniel. Howard I will go Europe, find the proof we need," Peggy says, and as she glances at Howard and he nods in agreement.
"They're looking at you two at every border. Every day they're increasing the amount of agents looking for you," Daniel explains, feeling worried for his friends, as he is not sure they can stay on the run much longer.
"Which is another reason we should go to Europe," Howard comments, as he knows it might give them a better ability to stay ahead of the forces that are searching for them.
"And how are you going to get out of the country?" Daniel asks, as he doesn't see how it would be possible, though he should know that for Peggy and Howard nothing is impossible.
"The same way I did last time," Howard says simply. "Jarvis, can you arrange it?" Howard asks curious.
"Of course, Mr Stark, but I'll need a few days," Jarvis explains. "And you'll have to leave from New York,"
"New York is crawling with Agents," Daniel reminds them.
"Then we'll have to be stealthy," Peggy comments. "That's nothing new,".
"I'll make the arrangements right away," Jarvis assures them.
"Thank you Mr Jarvis," Peggy says gratefully.
"Just what are the arrangements you're going to make?" Daniel asks curious.
"It's probably better for you if you do not know, Daniel," Peggy says, as even though she trusts Daniel the fewer people who know how she and Howard are going to leave the country the better it is for everyone.
"That's probably true," Daniel admits. "But Peggy, I'm on your side, and despite what his personality issues cause him to say Jack is too. If you need anything, either of you, you just have to ask," Daniel explains, feeling both that he shouldn't need to remind Peggy and Howard of that, and the desire too.
"I know, and it is truly appreciated," Peggy admits, giving him a grateful look. "Howard, we should go before we're found," Peggy comments. "Mr Jarvis, we'll see you soon," Peggy says, looking at her friend.
"Of course, Ms Carter," Jarvis responds, and once he does Peggy and Howard leave together, both knowing that they cannot risk staying in one place for two long.
Three days after they met with Jarvis and Sousa in at the cabin in Minnesota Peggy and Howard are back in New York, in a warehouse that they have been squatting in for the past twenty-four hours.
"The Perimeter is clear," Howard says, as he walks back into the warehouse.
"Are you sure? You did miss the car that was tailing us back in Seattle," Peggy points out.
"I did, but that was weeks ago. I'm doing better now," Howard argues, and just as he finishes speaking the door opens.
"You were saying?" Peggy asks, giving him an annoyed look, as she quickly pulls her gun and points it at the door.
"My bad," Howard comments, but to the relief of both him and Peggy Jarvis is the one who walks in.
"Ms Carter, Mr Stark," Jarvis greats.
"Mr Jarvis," Peggy greats. "Did you have any problems?" Peggy asks curious.
"No," Jarvis answers. "I arranged the transport, liquidised some unknown assets, and got in touch with the old friends that you requested I call," Jarvis explains.
"Thanks Jarvis," Howard says gratefully.
"You'll find everything you need in the case," Jarvis says, as he hands it over.
"Thank you, Mr Jarvis," Peggy says gratefully.
"Jarvis, what is it?" Howard asks, seeing the grave look on his face.
"I must ask that you allow me to come with you. I want to do more to help," Jarvis argues, as he doesn't like the idea of the people he considers to be his two best friends going alone.
"No," Peggy and Howard stay together.
"Mr Jarvis it is helping us to know you are safe," Peggy explains.
"Peg's right, stay with Ana, do what you can to help Sousa and Thompson, that's what we need you to do," Howard explains.
"Of course, Sir, I just don't like the idea of the two of you being in danger alone," Jarvis admits.
"Mr Jarvis we're not alone, we have each other," Peggy assures him. "When does the boat leave?" Peggy asks.
"Three hours," Jarvis answers. "As I said everything you need to know is in the case," Jarvis explains.
"Thank you Mr Jarvis," Peggy answers.
"There is no need," Jarvis assures them. "If there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to contact me," Jarvis explains.
"We won't," Howard assures him. "You're a good man Jarvis, tell Ana I'm looking forward to having some of her goulash when we get back," Howard says, his way of saying he will miss Ana, which both Peggy and Jarvis know, before hugging his friend.
"As am I," Peggy responds as Howard and Jarvis break apart. "Goodbye Mr Jarvis," Peggy says, as she hugs Jarvis as well.
"We will see each other soon, Ms Carter," Jarvis responds, and once he does Peggy and Howard leave together.
Just over two and a half hours later Peggy and Howard, each carrying a bag, are walking into a small cabin on a ship that mainly carries cargo, but which will be their transport to Europe.
"It is rather concerning what people are willing to do for money," Peggy comments.
"Yeah, but it is can be helpful," Howard comments.
"Says the man who has millions of dollars," Peggy says, as she looks around and notices that the cabin they are going to have to hide out in only has one bed. "I've never been so glad that you don't snore," she comments, and Howard gives an amused laugh.
"So, Europe, it's been a while," Howard comments, the emotion in his voice being hard to read.
"It really has," Peggy confirms. "Howard, we don't know what Leviathan are going to throw at us, what they're going to do to stop us from finding the proof we need," Peggy explains, sounding concerned.
"We'll handle it, just like we have everything else," Howard comments.
"I'm not sure that's the reality we're facing," Peggy admits.
"So, we make it our realty," Howard comments. "Peg, just think about everything we've done over the last decade, everything we've accomplished. We can't let Leviathan beat us now, not when there is so much left we want to do," Howard says.
"No, we can't," Peggy confirms.
A few hours later Peggy and Howard's ship is underway and the two of them have had something to eat, and so they are lying side by side in the bed.
"Peg, you awake, Pal?" Howard asks, with a quiet voice.
"What Howard?" Peggy asks curious, without opening her eyes, a level of annoyance to her voice.
"Do you think we did the right thing having Jarvis reach out to Dugan and Gabe?" Howard asks, and once he does Peggy opens her eyes and looks at him.
"What are you talking about? Of course we did, Dugan and Gabe are family," Peggy reminds Howard, feeling surprised that he is objecting.
"That's what I mean," Howard admits, as he sits up. "Peg, think about all the people we care about who we've already put in danger; Jarvis and Ana, Thompson and Sousa, Angie and Jason, Rose, they've all risked so much for us. Are we really going to add Dugan and Gabe to that list?" Howard asks, showing the more caring side of himself.
"I don't like it either," Peggy admits, as she sits up as well. "But it has been a long time since either of us spent a lot of time in Europe. We don't have connections or the knowledge we need to find our answers, Gabe and Dugan do," Peggy says, and as she does Howard looks distressed, and so she reaches out and takes his hand. "We'll do everything in our power to keep them safe,"
"We have to," Howard responds, and once he does he and Peggy drift into silence, and as they do Peggy rests her head on Howard's shoulder while she continues to hold his hand.