**Brrriiinnnngggg**
My eyes shoot open and I reach over to turn off my blasted alarm. Sighing I sit up and stretch. I didn't sleep well last night, all of my dreams were plagued nightmares. They were always the same, we make a date and the intercom radio shuts down when his plane crashes.
Immediately after getting up I head to the bathroom and shower. When I emerged in my bathrobe I sat at my vanity and placed curlers in my hair while I looked at his picture. I couldn't throw it out even though it's been nearly two years since he disappeared. Howard still hasn't found the Valkyrie and I think he might not ever find it.
Looking away I apply minimal amounts of make-up so that I am presentable for work.
Standing up I pull out a white shirt, black pants, and a blazer. Sliding on my heels I stop in front of my vanity again I gingerly pull out my curlers and fluff my hair slightly so the curls bounce.
Returning my robe to the bathroom I brushed my teeth before grabbing my red hat and going downstairs. "Good morning Angie." I call to her as I walk towards the doors.
"Morning English!" She calls back around the food she's just stuffed in her mouth. I laugh as I open the door and the cool spring breeze hits me. It feels wonderful, it'll be a good day to be outside later. I turn and begin to walk down the street to the SSR headquarters. Lucky for me it's very near to the Griffith.
Pushing the door open I walk past the line of 'phone operators' to stand at the end. "Good morning." I greet the woman.
"Good morning." she greets back with a smile before opening the secret door.
"Thank you." I say before passing the threshold of the offices.
Walking briskly I pass Agent Krzeminski who is at his desk, doing my best to ignore him lest he give me some brainless remark.
Agents Thomson and Sousa are talking to the chief about something or other- a case. "Can I come?" I look at Sousa, hoping for a yes. He is the nicest to me of all the agents.
"Carter man the phones." Chief Dooley tells me when he confirms their operation.
Immediately I pick up the phone and tell someone else to man the phones or redirect the calls. He looks at me, irritation on his face.
"Now may I come." I say it as more a statement than a question.
"Fine, but you better stay out of our way Carter." Krzeminski scowls at me.
Suddenly it's quiet and everyone is looking towards the entrance. "What are you all-" I cut myself off as I turn my head to look for myself and my mouth nearly drops open in surprise.
Dressed to the nines in his uniform, holding flowers, and looking sheepish is Captain Steve Rogers with a triumphant looking Howard Stark next to him.
"Steve."
"Peggy." His smile grows, but is still nervous.
I begin to walk towards him a few steps, still speechless. "You're late." I manage to choke out.
"Couldn't call my ride." He jokes, back to looking sheepish. I let myself forget where I am, and that others are around. For the moment I only focus on Steve, that he's here with me.
"I've missed you so much Steve." I reach out and wrap my arms around his torso, he reciprocates by wrapping his arms around me as well. I nuzzle my face into his neck and I feel him place a soothing kiss to the top of my head.
"I missed you too Peg." He softly says in my ear.
"Captain America as I live and breath." Chief Dooley finally broke the stunned silence surrounding us.
I turn slightly to look at Howard from my place in his arms without detaching myself from his hold, "Thank you for bringing him home Howard." I can't help the way my voice cracks, but I can't bring myself to mind- not when Steve is really here and I'm in his arms.
Finally I allow myself to relinquish my tight hold although he keeps his hand on my waist- keeping me close. He hands me the flowers and I feel a slight blush creep up into my cheeks.
I clear my throat and begin introductions. "Captain, this is Chief Dooley of the SSR."
"It's a pleasure Chief Dooley." He reaches out and they shake hands, "The pleasure is all mine Captain."
"Mind if I take Peggy out for a bit?"
"Sure," I'm surprised at how easily he agreed, "Take good care of her Captain." he nods towards us.
"I'm here to help you with your security systems. They suck." Howard bluntly says, "You are in desperate need of an update my friend." the SSR was on good terms with Howard now after I helped clear his name.
I can't help but smile and I turn with Steve who leads me out the doors. He took me down to the L&L Automat where Angie works and we sat in a booth.
Reaching across the table we held hands in the middle, still not wanting to fully relinquish contact.
Angie is our waitress and she gushes at 'how adorable we look' and 'oh my gosh you're Captain America' with her usual excitement.
"Steve this is my good friend Angie. Angie this is Steve." I formally introduce them and Steve is ever the gentleman.
She pours us some coffee and promises that our orders will be out shortly. When she is behind the counter I can tell she's watching us closely, even when she's helping other people.
Shaking my head I turn my full attention back to Steve. We talk and laugh, I tell him about everything he missed.