Chapter 14
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December 2nd 1958
Almost four months have passed since Rose and Michael revealed that they are expecting their first child, and rather than focusing on what she and Howard may never have Peggy has been focusing on work, and how excited she is about becoming an aunt.
It's mid-afternoon on a Tuesday and Peggy has finished up a mission briefing in the command centre of the base and is heading back to her office. As she heads back to her office Peggy hears the sound of someone crying and so she follows the sound and she finds Rose in the record room, crying as she packs up files.
"Rose, what's wrong?" Peggy asks concerned, as she walks over to her sister-in-law.
"Oh, Peggy," Rose says as she hurriedly wipers her eyes. "I'm okay," Rose says.
"You don't look like it. Would you like to talk about it?" Peggy asks concerned, as she walks over to Rose. "You know, talking can sometimes help," Peggy tells her.
"Michael and I had a fight," Rose admits, as she turns to look at Peggy. "We were in the office we share with Daniel and Jack and talking about being parents, and I don't know, Michael didn't seem excited, and he admitted he has doubts," Rose says, looking upset. "Peggy, he stormed down to the gym, I can't do this alone," Rose admits, as tears rolls down her face.
"You won't have to," Peggy promises her, as she feels anger at her brother rise up inside of her. "Even if my brother doesn't come to his senses you have me, and Howard, Jack, Daniel, Mr Jarvis, Ana, the rest of our family. You'll never be alone," Peggy assures her, before hugging her.
"Thank you Peggy," Rose says, sounding amazed, feeling comforted by Peggy.
"Why don't you have some lunch," Peggy suggests, as she and Rose break apart.
"I would rather keep working," Rose admits.
"Okay," Peggy says. "I need to go check on a couple of things, but I'll be right back," Peggy assures Rose, who nods, before heading out of the records room.
After leaving Rose Peggy heads straight down to the gym where she finds her brother sparing with Jack.
"MICHAEL HARRISON CARTER," Peggy says angrily as she storms towards her brother.
"What did you do?" Jack asks, giving Michael a look because he knows it never ends well when you make Peggy this mad, and Michael shrugs.
"Jack, please excuse us," Peggy says, glaring at her brother.
"Sure Marge," Jack says, using the nickname which has become more of a term of endearment. "Good luck," Jack says to Michael before quickly leaving the Gym.
"Hey Peggy," Michael greats his sister.
"Don't hey Peggy me. Rose is upstairs crying because you had a fight; because you said you're having doubts!" Peggy says to her brother angry. "What the hell is wrong with you?
"I love Rose, and I love that we're going to have a family together," Michael admits. "But Peggy, after everything I've done how could I possibly be a good dad?" Michael asks worried, and as she sees what is causing her brothers problems some of Peggy's anger deflates.
"By trying," Peggy tells her brother. "Michael, what you did in Leviathan wasn't you, the real you is the man who over the last five years came back here, joined SHIELD, and fell in love with Rose," Peggy explains. "When we were kids you let me be me and didn't make me try to live up to others ideas of what I should be, if you do that with your child you're going to be a great father," Peggy assures her brother.
"Thanks Peggy," Michael says, before hugging his sister. "I love you Peggy," Michael tells his sister.
"I love you too," Peggy responds, as they break apart. "You should go talk to Rose. Tell her what you told me, and you'll figure it out together," Peggy explains to her brother.
"Okay," Michael says, before heading out of the gym.
As Peggy watches her brother go she really hopes he gets his head out of his ass, and becomes the father that Peggy knows he can be.
March 30th 1959
Ever since Peggy talked some sense into Michael he has been feeling better about being a father, and he and Rose have been excitedly planning to become parents.
As there have been a few big missions that have just finished Peggy is in her office working on the paperwork, when she hears a knock on her door.
"Come in," Peggy says, and Michael walks, and he looks quite flustered. "Michael, what's wrong?" Peggy asks her brother concerned.
"Rose… she called, she's in labour… I'm going to be a dad," Michael says, looking amazed, and shocked.
"Congratulations Michael," Peggy says, smiling at her big brother, feeling glad that he looks more excited than nervous.
"I've got to go, meet her at the hospital. I've got to find my keys," Michael says, as he searches his pockets, trying to find his keys.
"I'll drive you," Peggy says, standing up, feeling like that may be best.
"Thanks Peggy," Michael says relieved.
"You don't have to thank me," Peggy assures her brother as she grabs her stuff. "Let's go," Peggy says, and Michael just freezes where he is instead of following his sister. "Michael?" Peggy asks concerned.
"I'm going to be a dad," Michael says, looking amazed.
"Yeah, you are," Peggy says, smiling at her brother. "Let's go," Peggy says, gently encouraging her brother, and they head out of Peggy's office.
A few hours later Peggy, Howard, Jack, Daniel, Lian, Jarvis, Ana, Dugan, Gabe and Mortia are all waiting in the hospital waiting area, waiting for news from Michael. Even though the waiting room is private all the agents are paying close attention to everything so that they can be aware of any form of danger; as it has become so common in their lives that they expect it.
"How long does labour take?' Jack asks confused, as he feels like it has been a while.
"It depends," Ana answers. "It can last a very long time," Ana explains.
"It's already been a very long time," Gabe comments, causing both Peggy and Ana to roll their eyes.
"It will take as long as it has to," Peggy tells him, and the group drift into silence.
For the next little while everyone continues to wait until Michael finally walks out holding a baby in a blue blanket. Seeing Michael everyone walks over to him.
"He's here," Michael says, grinning from ear to ear. "Six pounds, ten fingers, ten toes, completely healthy," Michael explains to everyone.
"How Rose?" Peggy asks.
"Good, she's resting, but she's good," Michael explains, looking relieved.
"Does this little guy have a name?" Daniel asks, looking at the baby.
"We'd like you to meet, MJ," Michael introduces. "Michael Harrison Carter Jr," Michael says.
"Great name," Dugan tells him, with an approving smile.
"Peggy, do you want to hold your nephew?" Michael asks his sister.
"Yes," Peggy says, and Michael gently hands his son over to his sister.
"Hey Little Guy, I'm your Aunt Peggy; and I love you very much," Peggy says to her nephew/godson.
Over the next little while everyone gets a chance to hold MJ and as they do Michael becomes even more sure that he, Rose, and MJ have the best family in the world.
June 22nd 1959
Three months have passed since MJ was born and ever since Rose and Michael have been getting used to being parents while everyone else in their extend family, which now includes Gabe's new wife, have enjoyed spoiling the little guy.
It's a Monday morning and Peggy is just finishing up a briefing to a higher-level agent.
"Our current exit strategy has been compromised, but we have assets in the area securing new ones. That should be done very soon," Peggy explains. "Any concerns or questions should be directed straight to me. Any questions?" Peggy asks, and no one says anyone. "Dismissed," Peggy says, and everyone, with the exception of Michael, leave.
"Hey Peggy," Michael says to his sister.
"Welcome back," Peggy says, smiling at her brother. "How do you feel about your first day back?" Peggy asks her brother curious.
"Good, it was hard leaving MJ though," Michael admits. "I'm glad Rose is taking another month off, it gives us more time to find a nanny we can trust," Michael reveals, as he and Rose both want to continue working. "You know Peggy, you and Howard are lucky, when you two have kids you already have Jarvis and Ana to help, you two trust them more than anyone in the world," Michael realises, knowing that includes him, and because he is not paying a lot of attention Michael doesn't see the flash of pain pass over Peggy's face. "I don't know if Rose and I will find someone we trust that much," Michael admit.
"Howard and I have known Ana and Mr Jarvis a long time. They're family," Peggy tells his brother. "You won't find someone you trust that much, but you can have a different level of trust," Peggy explains to her brother. "Now, if you excuse me, I have a call with the vice president," Peggy tells her brother.
"Good luck," Michael tells his sister, and Peggy heads out of the room.
Seven weeks later
In the time since Michael started back at work Rose has also started back. So that the two of them can have a night out, and alone, Peggy and Howard have offered to look after MJ.
"And these are all the numbers of the places we're going, and the number for MJ's paediatrician," Rose says, handing a Howard a piece of paper.
"Got it," Howard says.
"And he needs this to sleep, but it if he is fussy try walking around with him," Michael says as he hands his sister a toy.
"Michael, it will be fine, we've got everything we need," Peggy assures her brother.
"Except our Nephew," Howard comments.
"Right," Rose says, looking down at her son who she is holding. "Mom and Dad will be back in the morning and until then you'll have a great time with Aunty Peggy and Uncle Howard," Rose promises her son before kissing his son on the top of his head, and hesitantly handing him over to Peggy.
"Have a great night you two," Howard tells Peggy and Michael, and the two of them head out of the house, looking back at their son, Peggy and Howard as they go.
As soon as the front door closes MJ starts to scream and cry.
"Shh MJ, it's okay," Peggy says, trying to comfort him. "Uncle Howard and I are right here," Peggy says, and she and Howard, with help from Ana and Jarvis, work together to look after MJ, something which turns out to be even more difficult than any of them were expecting.
A few hours later Jarvis is walking around the house, and as he does he sees Ana standing by the entrance to the living room.
"Ana?" Jarvis asks, and Ana makes a 'shh' gestures and so Jarvis walks up to his wife. Once he is close enough Ana gestures towards the living room and Jarvis looks to see Peggy and Howard asleep on the couch, holding MJ, an image which causing Jarvis to smile.
December 25th 1959
It's Christmas morning and Peggy, Howard, Jarvis and Ana are taking part of their Christmas tradition of eating breakfast in the front room by the fire.
"Do you think the reports are true?" Howard asks Peggy curious.
"It wouldn't surprise me," Peggy admits. "But it's going to be hard to know for sure," Peggy admits, as the doorbell rings.
"I'll get it," Jarvis says, before getting up.
"It seems kind of incredible, what are you going to do if proven true?" Ana asks curious.
"It will depend on the intention," Peggy reveals. "I can't predict our reaction until I know the intention behind it," Peggy explains, as Jarvis walks into the room with Rose, Michael, and MJ.
"What are you three doing here?" Howard asks, as they were expecting them to join for Christmas they weren't expecting them that early.
"Christmas breakfast by the fire, it's tradition," Michael reminds Howard.
"We talked, and we want MJ to have these kinds of traditions," Rose explains, as she sits down next to Peggy, with MJ. "Hope that's okay,"
"Of course, it's okay," Peggy says, as she smiles at her nephew, and plays with his hand.
"I'll grab some more plates," Ana says, getting up, and as she does the doorbell rings again. "Maybe more than three," Ana says, they will be fine with food as they made a lot of extra food, as Jarvis heads back to the front door.
"Merry Christmas," Daniel says as he and Jack walk into the room, both of them carrying presents.
"Merry Christmas," Peggy, Howard, Rose, Michael and Ana say in response, and the group sit by the fire together and have breakfast.
Over the next few hours the rest of the extended family arrive and they procced to make MJ's first Christmas truly great.
April 3rd 1960
Ever since Christmas SHIELD has been working hard trying to determine if what appears to be going on is true. Due to that fact Peggy is in her home office on a Sunday evening, while dressed up, pacing back and forth while on the phone with Daniel.
"More than one person, are you sure?" Peggy asks, as she paces.
"It definitely seems like it," Daniel explains. "What do you want me to do Boss?" Daniel asks curious, as Howard, who is dressed in a suit, gets to the open door.
"Intel gathering," Peggy requests. "Follow if you can, but do not be hostile," Peggy explains, stressing her words. "We do not want to make enemies, we just want to know what is going on, the truth," Peggy explains.
"Got it, Boss" Daniel says. "I'll let you know tomorrow what I find," Daniel tells Peggy.
"Okay," Peggy says. "Bye Daniel," Peggy says before hanging up, and she hangs up she turns to the door and sees Howard.
"Everything okay?" Howard asks concerned.
"Looks like there might be more than one," Peggy admits, knowing that Howard will know what that means.
"I know we had theorised maybe, but that is big," Howard comments.
"I know," Peggy says, walking over to him.
"We can skip dinner if you'd prefer we go to SHIELD," Howard suggests, knowing that that is a real possibility.
"No, it's okay," Peggy says. "Daniel won't have a report until tomorrow so there is nothing we can do tonight," Peggy says, as she gets to right in front of Howard. "It's our fifth anniversary, I've been looking forward to this dinner," Peggy admits, and as she does Howard returns the smile and kisses her.
Once Peggy and Howard break apart, they link arms and head out of Peggy's office, where they proceed to go to dinner and dancing, together.
September 5th 1960
Five months have passed since Peggy and Howard's 5th anniversary and ever since they have been chasing Daniel's report, trying to find out exactly what the truth is.
It's mid-morning on a Monday and because Howard had to do a meeting at Stark Peggy is waiting for him in his Stark office as there is something they have decided to do together. After Peggy and been waiting for a little while Howard walks in.
"How'd it go?" Peggy asks curious.
"I didn't punch Stane, so I'd say it was a success," Howard admits.
"It's worrying that that is the benchmark," Peggy admits.
"Tell me about it," Howard admits, and because he looks distressed, Peggy puts her hand on his shoulder, and Howard reaches up and puts his hand over hers. "Are you sure you want to do this just the two of us?" Howard asks concerned.
"It's the best way not to escalate the situation, I don't want them to think we're a threat," Peggy says. "We want an honest dialogue, not a fight," Peggy says.
"Because we'd lose a fight," Howard comments.
"That's not the only reason," Peggy tells him, though she doesn't deny it's true. "I don't want SHIELD to make enemies when we can make friends. Everything we know so far seems like they want to be left alone; I want to make it clear that we have no intention of changing that unless something happens," Peggy explains.
"You want peace, not hostility," Howard says, knowing that.
"Exactly," Peggy confirms. "You ready to go?" Peggy asks curious.
"Yep," Howard confirms, and the two of them, without Jarvis, head out of Stark.
After a bit of Peggy's driving Peggy and Howard arrive at a large property as they approach the gate it opens for them and Peggy drives straight in. When they get to a house that is even bigger than the Carter-Stark estate they find a young man in a wheelchair waiting for them.
"Peggy and Howard Carter-Stark," The man greats as Peggy and Howard get out of the car.
"Professor Charles Xavier?" Peggy asks, as Peggy and Howard walk over to him.
"Yes, welcome," Charles says, as he shakes Peggy and Howard's hands. "Thank you for not bringing soldiers with you," Charles says gratefully.
"We don't want there to be a fight," Peggy assures Charles.
"And yet you had your people following my people," Charles says, looking less than happy.
"Just because we wanted the truth," Howard says.
"Professor, the only people who know about the reports of you and your people are the people Howard and I trust the most," Peggy explains, as when they realised what was going on they decided to keep things secret. "Howard and I came here alone because we don't want you to consider us a threat. We created SHIELD to protect people, and that includes you and your people," Peggy explains.
"We want to come to understanding," Howard explains.
"Mutants," Charles admits. "My people and I are mutants, and while I appreciate that you've come here in good faith. You don't know what it is like to risk people hating, and fearing, you because of something you are," Charles says, and as he does Peggy and Howard exchange looks, both realising something and so with a simple look they realise what they can do.
For the first time, with someone they don't know, Peggy and Howard deactivate the masks that Azzuri gave them, showing their younger appearances.
"Eight years ago, Howard and I were infected with a serum, and we both stopped getting older, so we do understand," Peggy admits. "We can hide our difference, because we know how the world would react, and we appreciate that there are mutants who may not be able to do so. So, if you want to stay hidden, we will help you, if you want to come out into the open, we will help with that too," Peggy admits. "We just ask that if there is something, or someone, that threatens people, or the world, you let us know so we can help you, and do what we do best; protect," Peggy says, and as she does Howard looks at his wife in amazement. While he knows that Peggy is an incredible politician, and tactician, he is still constantly amazed by just how incredible she is.
"Let me give you a tour, and we can talk," Charles says, and he turns and heads into the mansion, with Peggy and Howard following behind.
December 16th 1960
Three months have passed since Peggy and Howard met Charles Xavier and ever since the three of them have stayed in contact, exchanged information about various things, and have been working together to keep the existence of mutants a secret while protecting everyone.
It is a Friday night and after a pretty stressful day, a stressful week actually, Peggy is in hers and Howard's backyard beating a punching bag.
As she punches the bag Peggy realises that someone is approaching her and so she quickly turns and she sees the last person she was expecting; Dottie Underwood.
"Hello Peggy," Dottie greats.
"What on earth are you doing here?" Peggy asks, not being able to think of a reason why Dottie would be standing in her backyard.
"I need your help," Dottie reveals, to Peggy's shock.
"In what universe do you think I would help you?" Peggy asks, shocked, and angry. "Or even believe that you weren't just playing me?" Peggy asks.
"Because you're a hero," Dottie says as she puts her weapons on the ground. "And there are little girls who need you to save them," Dottie says, as Peggy walks toward her, and once she is close enough Peggy punches Dottie; knocking her out.
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