Disclaimer: I do not any characters. If I do I will tell you.
Small mentions of abuse; a couple of bad swear words.
Modern Day AU
Peggy awoke to shaking. "What?" Her voice was hoarse and scratchy. Angie stared at her.
"I'm sorry, Pegs. It's my fault you got beat." Angie's voice shook with emotion.
"Hey," said Peggy grabbing her hand. "It's not your fault. If it means you aren't hurt then I am completely fine with this arrangement."
A sad look passed through Angie's eyes. "Do you think we'll ever be free?"
"One day, Angie. One day." A yawn escaped her mouth.
"Goodnight, Peggy." Angie's voice began to fade away.
"Goodnight, Angie." And Peggy could feel herself falling into an inky blackness.
/|\\\
Moving around in the morning for Peggy hurt. Her back was in pain and the marks and bruises on her ached. Peggy's uncle was smart enough to not mar her face- he knew people would recognize that she was being abused. Swinging a shaky leg off the bed, Peggy pushed herself up. A small yelp absconded from her mouth as her shirt was pressed against the raw skin of her back. Peggy clamped her mouth shut and swung her other leg over the side of the bed. By now, she was breathing heavily as she struggled to get up.
Peggy stopped and rested for a second. The pain was overwhelming, but she was going to fight. She fought tears as she pulled herself up. Her mouth opened and a groan of pain slipped out. It took her a bit to get ready. Moving her body hurt. Peggy was thankful that she woke up two hours before she normally would. A wave of agony came over her as she ascended the steps, carrying her crutches.
Angie was still asleep when Peggy checked on her. Angie's breaths were even and steady, occasionally she would mumble something but return to sleep. Peggy stood there, just watching her. If anything were to happen to Angie, Peggy would be so ashamed of herself. Another turn from Angie pulled Peggy from her thoughts. Silently, she shut the door and headed to the kitchen. Popping some toast into the toaster, Peggy let her mind wander.
What if they could break away from their uncle? Would it be freedom at last or would they have to worry about the consequences if he found them? Finally, Peggy decided it was too much of a risk to try and evade him. The toaster popped and she jumped. Realizing what it was, she settled down and spread a light layer of butter on her toast. She washed her dishes after she finished eating. Then she dried them and headed to the foyer.
She stared at herself in the body length mirror. She looked like she normally would- except for the discomfort etched into her features and the crutches. Pulling on her coat, she checked the time. 06:00. Peggy didn't particularly want to walk with Steve because he'd know that something was wrong. Eventually, she decided that she might as well leave now. When she stepped out, a blast of fresh air hit her. Inhaling deeply, she shut the door behind her as quietly as she could.
The crutch to school took awhile, especially since Steve wasn't helping her. Peggy didn't realize how much she relied on him until now. A slow wave a nausea shook her body and she stopped moving to breathe. Inhale, exhale, she reminded herself. Inhale and exhale. Once that deluge of nausea passed, Peggy was on her way to SHIELD High School once again. It took her another twenty minutes to arrive at school.
Peggy went to check and see if the doors were open at 06:32 in the morning. She sure hoped they were. Fortunately for her, the doors to the school were open. Pulling the doors open, Peggy managed to hobble in and repeat the process. Almost immediately, she saw Director Fury in his office. She avoided eye contact just in case he was watching her. Peggy crutched down the halls to the senior hallway.
After putting her stuff away and grabbing what she needed, Peggy slung her bag over her shoulders and worked her way to Mr. Jarvis' classroom. He wasn't in there, but the door was open and the lights were on. Peggy hobbled into the room and set her belongings down. A quick survey of the room lead her to look at a little plant growing on a shelf. She inspected it and a throat cleared behind her. Startled, Peggy spun around and noted that Mr. Jarvis was watching her intently.
"Oh, uh." Peggy composed herself. "Hullo, Mr. Jarvis."
"Hello, Miss Carter." Mr. Jarvis stared at her. "How are you?"
"Uh," Peggy thought for a minute. "I'm very well, thank you." She put up her facade.
Mr. Jarvis nodded and walked past her to his desk. "Is there a reason you're here early?"
"Just woke up and was restless."
"Really? Interesting," he said. "You should take something to help with the sleepless nights. Rest is something you should not take lightly, Miss Carter."
She warily watched him. "I'll talk to my guardian about it."
"Good," mumbled Mr. Jarvis. "Did you and your group figure out what you're going to do?"
"A tad. Why?" Her accent was loud and clear.
"Most agents and spies have a limited amount of time before a mission. Director Fury wants me to train the class to get information and be ready to go the next day or hour." Mr. Jarvis replied picking up a pencil and putting it in his pencil jar.
"So does that mean we are doing the mission today?" Peggy was slightly confused.
"Perhaps. If Director Fury thinks you are ready, then most likely."
A nod came from Peggy and she waited until he left the room before attempting to sit. She went to sit and her knees buckled. Peggy fell to the ground the tender skin on her back hitting the side of desk. A small gasp escaped her and another surge of misery invaded her body. Tears threatened to break her barriers and with all of her might she pushed them back. Blinking forcefully, Peggy pulled herself up and slid into the seat. Her breathing was labored and her face a deep shade of red.
A glance at the clock told her what time it was. 07:23. A shake of pain overtook her. Peggy groaned and pressed her hand to her forehead- a harsh migraine was brewing. Swallowing down the feeling of bile rising, Peggy searched her bag for Ibuprofen.
Her ears strained as she listened for the sounds of anyone coming into the room. She didn't hear anyone coming toward her, but she could discern student's voices as they entered the school. Peggy dumped the contents of her backpack onto the desk and searched for the Ibuprofen. Finding it, Peggy checked the tablets- 200mg. Doing the mental math, Peggy deduced that she could take four to relieve the pain. Shoving the tablets in her mouth, she swallowed them dry.
/|\\\
Soon people were filing into Mr. Jarvis' classroom. Peggy was asorbed in memorizing her part in the file. She vaguely heard people greeting her, and when she did she inclined her head.
"Hey," Steve sat down.
"Hi," said Peggy.
"I waited for you, but another girl answered the door and said you left." Steve searched her face for any clues as to why she left early.
Fear flashed across her eyes before a cool demeanor settled over her. "Oh. That was Angie. I just felt like leaving a bit early. Restless nights make me eager to move." A sharp chuckle slid past her lips.
Steve nodded. "I completely understand."
But he still stared at her face and he saw the relief flood across her eyes. Lorraine sat down before Steve could speak again and Peggy was suddenly grateful for her presence. Hodge also joined them a few minutes after the warning bell rang.
"Bonjour," spoke Mr. Jarvis.
A multitude of mumbled 'Bonjour's' rippled through the class.
"We need to work on that," everyone heard Mr. Jarvis note.
An affronted look crossed Tony's face.
"Don't even begin, Mr. Stark." Mr. Jarvis didn't even look up from his attendence sheet. "Okay, everyone is here today. Great!"
The class listened attentively as Mr. Jarvis droned on about their 'missions'.
"Today a team will go and everyone will watch." A feeling of dread made its home in Peggy's stomach. "Team Rogers, you're up first. Be ready by nine o'clock tonight."
The group of four nodded and the teaching began.
/|\\\
Angie held the straightening iron as Peggy started on her makeup.
"Be careful, Pegs," Angie began while Peggy swiped her ruby red lipstick across her lips. "You hear me?"
"Yes, Angie. I will be careful. You that I wouldn't risk my life."
"Okay," replied Angie uneasily. "You're gonna look super pretty, Pegs!"
"Because you did my hair and chose the outfit. But I don't know..." Peggy trailed off glancing at the black dress. "Won't it show my back? You know that I have scars and marks."
"It'll be fine, Peggy. We'll use concealer to cover it up."
"Okay."
Once her hair was done being straightened, Peggy slid her body into the cotton fabric. She pulled her hair to the side and allowed Angie to start concealing her scars. Peggy scanned the room for her heels that she was going to be wearing for the night.
The dress was a black number. It went to her knees and was off the shoulders. It was tight fitting and her heels were also black and sort of tight.
"Margaret!" Their uncle shouted down to them. "You have a visitor!"
"Is this that Steve boy?" inquired Angie.
"Yes, behave."
The two went up the steps. Angie guiding Peggy since Peggy couldn't use her crutches on this mission. Angie handed her a shawl when they reached the foyer and a black clutch.
"Be careful, Pegs," Angie reminded her.
"I will," promised Peggy.
Steve was standing awkwardly next to their uncle.
"You look amazing," said Steve.
"Thank you," replied Peggy. "You look dashing as well."
"I'm Angie," said Angie sticking her hand out for Steve.
He shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Angie."
"Nice to meet you too."
"We should get going," announced Peggy. "See you later, Angie. Bye, Uncle."
The two girls shared a quick hug and Peggy kissed her uncle on the cheek. He squeezed her wrist and let her go. Steve smiled at them.
"It was nice to meet you," he told Peggy's uncle.
"As was you."
Steve nodded again and left. Peggy and Steve went to the van where Lorraine and Hodge were sitting.
"Ready?" Lorraine asked.
"As I'll ever be."
/|\\\
Peggy walked in her arm linked with Steve's. The gala was absolutely lovely. Wealthy dignitaries and important people danced and mingled.
"You good?" asked Steve.
"Yeah, I'm good."
He let her go and disappeared. Peggy moved around and mixed and mingled with others. She quickly located who had confidential information and who was a waste of her time. It didn't take her long to get the information that she needed to know. All it took were a few compliments and mildly inappropriate suggestive comments.
"Done?" Lorraine's voice spoke in her ear.
"Yes," whispered Peggy.
She searched for Steve.
"Are you looking for someone?" A silky voice spoke from behind her. Peggy turned. A man around her age stared at her. There was no warmth in his eyes, just a cold look. "Come with me and do not alert anyone of anything."
Nodding, Peggy followed him but continued to look for Steve.
When they reached the second floor, Peggy pulled her arm away from him. "Who the hell are you?" she demanded.
"I am Nicholas Mason. A rival agent. Now, shut up."
"No!" Peggy swung her fist and hit him in the jaw. "Steve, where are you?"
There was no answer over the feed.
"Lorraine!"
Still no reply. Nicholas was getting up. Peggy kicked him in the gut and ran. Then she was sprawled on the ground, a body covering her. She couldn't breathe. Her breaths were ragged as she sucked in as much air as she could. Elbowing the person in the throat, Peggy shoved him off her. She inhaled sharply and exhaled loudly. There was a rip in her dress. Nicholas stood and stared at her. He lunged forward and Peggy took a step back.
Nicholas attempted it again and this time managed to snag her bad ankle. He yanked on it and pulled her to the ground. A yelp came from her mouth. He punched her in the face and Peggy kneed him in the groin. A groan came from him. Peggy shoved him back and punched him until he was unconscious.
Grabbing her clutch and looking at her compact, Peggy fixed her lipstick and limped down the grand staircase. She pushed her way through the crowd and made it outside. Peggy took deep breaths and headed toward the van. She pulled open the two doors and saw Hodge and Lorraine kissing.
A hysterical chuckle escaped her lips. Steve was sketching something in his drawing pad. The noise broke apart Lorraine and Hodge and Steve glanced up.
"This is priceless. So fucking priceless." It was astonishing. Peggy never cursed unless she was pissed off bad. "You guys risked our grade and mission to make out and draw."
An ashamed look passed and settled on their features.
"Really? I thought we could get this done and not have to worry about. And you guys are getting it on and doing other things, while I'm in there getting attacked by a rival agent. You guys are fucking ridiculous. I am honestly embarassed for you myself."
"Peggy-" Steve began.
"Just don't. Don't. I'm going home. I'm not going to tell them what happened. You guys are just going to go along like you did what you were supposed to and let me handle everything else."
With that statement finished, she turned on her heel and limped home.
Note: Steve isn't the type to not go to a mission, but he needed to be like this for my story. So don't hate. And I was originally going to have him and Lorraine having a kiss fest but it just didn't feel right. Steve would never do that. So enjoy and review!
