Dream A Little Dream of Me
HOWARD GAVE THEM A HOUSE.
A
HOUSE.
Doris Day-Dream A Little Dream of Me
A/N I also couldn't shake the tumblr prompt and whoever came up with it, thank you. It won't be the last time I work it into something.
Two quiet knocks roused Angie from bed, leaving Peggy's Agatha Christie novel on the nightstand before she cleared the room in four quick steps. She opened the door wide enough for Peggy to slip in before locking it tightly behind her. She braced herself against the door, eyes closed as she exhaled through clenched teeth.
Angie stepped back a bit, watching as Peggy attempted to remove her blazer, grimacing with the effort. She braced her back against the door, letting out a deep breath, eyes shut tight as she straightened up, aware that Angie was holding her gingerly at the elbows.
"Jeeze, I'd hate to see the other guy…" she said, helping Peggy out and guiding her towards the bed.
"It was Dottie." Peggy breathed, wincing as she crossed the bedroom, Angie tailing close behind her.
"No kidding…" Angie replied wide-eyed as she draped the blazer on the back of a nearby chair. "Did you get her?"
Peggy nodded, wincing as she rolled her right shoulder, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "In a manner of speaking yes."
"Whatya mean a manner of speaking?" Angie asked, immediately rushing to the bathroom to get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and bandages. She pulled the chair over, sitting inches away from Peggy, concern etched into her features. She watched as Peggy leaned on her elbows, head bowed, wriggling her fingers. She noticed her knuckles were already bruising from the fight and had to suppress the giggle in her throat; somehow, Peggy hadn't chipped a nail.
"Did you get her or am I gonna have to get used to sleeping with a gun under the pillow?"
"I don't have a gun under the pillow. It's in the nightstand." Peggy let out a snort, her fingers brushing against Angie's cheek. After everything that had gone on in the past few hours, she was still touched by how frank Angie could be.
"Is that what that is…?" Angie replied with a smirk.
"Oh shut up." Angie grumbled, leaning forward and kissing Peggy. She knew she was battered and bruised and needed to take her time but all she wanted to do was wrap Peggy up in her arms and never let her go. Her fingers hovered above the buttons of Peggy's blouse, intent on treating her injuries knowing that Peggy wouldn't allow it. Angie hesitantly pulled away, watching Peggy's reaction as she unfastened one button; she tried to mask her pleasure as Peggy ignored the open button. Angie's eyes roamed the visible patch of exposed skin, noticing that Peggy seemed to have flawless skin despite the bruising she could see forming just under her left collarbone. "I heard they tried to assassinate Howard Stark."
"That is correct."
"He's not dead so mission accomplished?"
"Your level of concern is staggering."
"Well…you're here and the gals aren't in the halls crying themselves inside out so it's safe to say…" Angie shrugged, opening the bottle of peroxide and dipping the rag into the liquid. "I'm glad he's safe but, to be honest, I'm much happier you're safe. Ecstatic actually." Peggy blushed, grimacing as Angie took Peggy's right hand, dabbing at the cuts with peroxide. "You ran off and I just didn't know what to expect. Didn't get much sleep either. I wound up at work, listening to the radio, I heard about what happened to Howard and I just didn't know what to think. They were looking everywhere and I hadn't heard anything." Angie blew on Peggy's gently blew on knuckles. "The talk was light, nothing too wild, you know how Ms. Fry is. I came up here, listening to the radio all night, reading and just waiting. Here it is, morning and I'm patching you up."
Peggy's heart fluttered in her chest as she watched Angie working on her hands. She didn't deserve this, not for two nights in a row. She hadn't asked Angie to become her nurse or to lose sleep over her. She watched Angie as she pat down the cuts with a fresh piece of gauze. "I came here for you." Peggy replied, cupping Angie's hands with her own as she looked up.
"Should I be worried?" Angie's eyes snapped to meet Peggy's, concern coloring her face. She scooted closer, their knees touching, the contact electric.
"Not at all."
"Then what's with the cloak and dagger routine?" Angie asked, pleased she'd learned something from reading Peggy's books.
Peggy chuckled. "You've been enjoying my library I see." She kissed the backs of Angie's hands. "We've been compromised here. As much fun as I have doing so, I can't keep sneaking into your bedroom at night to patch myself up and sneak off again before Ms. Fry finds me."
"Aw and here I was thinking it was the most romantic thing anyone's done for me."
Peggy's face lit up with a smile. "I may be able to offer something far more romantic."
Angie's eyes grew wide as saucers, studying Peggy in the lamplight with intent. "I'm listening."
Her body protested the movement, muscles groaning as she pulled Angie towards her, scooting over to make room on the bed for her. She did her best to not grimace as she shifted to her right to face Angie. "Howard has a proposition for me."
"Oh?"
"Prior to my moving here, he offered his apartment to me."
"Howard Stark offered his apartment to you." Angie replied flatly, her right eyebrow raised in question. "No strings. Nothing. Then why'd you wind up here?"
"I had a much better offer from a very kind Brooklyn girl."
"Flattery." Angie grinned, nudging Peggy's shoulder gingerly. "Go on."
"He's offered it again."
"For saving his life…?" Angie asked, her fingers knotting tighter around Peggy's "Well…what're you gonna do?"
Peggy looked down at their hands; hers battered and bruised from fights, Angie's chapped from work. They were two women from opposite worlds but still managed to see beyond their differences, meeting in the middle in a way that two people who accept things without argument can. Peggy hadn't been sure where things were going and after she'd spent that harrowing time on the radio with Howard, talking him out of Fennhoff's trance, everything in her personal life began to click into place. She fought Leviathan agents, HYDRA, countless low-level thugs, not to mention recovered Zodiac on her own; things that required some kind of superhuman bravery and she hadn't batted a carefully sculpted eyelash. She loved Steve and never had the courage to tell him, Howard's words ringing true in her mind. He was the best thing. She'd loved him and it was okay to move on. What she was about to do, the step she was about to take, terrified her even more than the night they'd spent together after the movies. She looked up, the corner of her mouth quirked into a shy grin. "I'd like you to come with me."
Angie's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?" Angie was taken aback. "Of course I will." She threw her arms around Peggy earning a yelp of surprise as Peggy's entire body was covered in bruises. "Aw jeeze…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" Angie apologized, pulling away immediately, eyes wide in horror. "I completely…"
"It's alright…" Peggy replied, pulling Angie back in for a hug, gingerly wrapping her arms around her neck instead of her midsection. "I've had much worse…"
Angie kissed Peggy's pulsepoint. "I don't like thinking about that."
Peggy nodded into the crook of Angie's neck. "Don't fancy it myself but…I've gotten used to it."
Angie pulled away, watching the way Peggy winced with each movement. "Well, I'm here and I don't have to be at work for a bit…I'll start the bath for you, okay?"
"Any excuse to take my clothes off…"
Angie snuck downstairs for breakfast while Peggy soaked in the tub. It took Peggy ten minutes to convince her that she would be just fine she needed worry but she could hear Angie pacing behind the door, debating whether she should leave her in alone. "Angie. I've been shot at, nearly stabbed and jumped from burning buildings onto moving vehicles, I can handle a soak in the tub."
Angie stopped pacing right in front of the closed bathroom door. "Fine. I'll be back in two shakes…"
"I'll still be in here…pruning…" Peggy replied with a smirk stretching as much as she could in the hot bath.
True to her word, Angie was back in two minutes with a tray loaded with everything she could get her hands on. Peggy had dozed off for a moment when she heard Angie through the door. "English, you still on this Earth?"
Peggy chuckled. "Yes Angie…"
"Take your time but…the breakfast is gonna get cold…and don't forget the concealer, I wanna make sure that face of yours is presentable."
"My face is just fine."
"Sure is…" Angie shot back.
Peggy chuckled again sitting up slowly, her muscles feeling better. Ordinarily she would've sat in an ice bath but she just couldn't tolerate that at the moment. She stood, reaching for the towel and drying herself off. She studied her reflection in the mirror, eyes roaming the map of bruises left on her back and abdomen from the blows Dottie dealt. She shook her head and reached for the bandages Angie had prepped on the small vanity. She gingerly wrapped herself up, grimacing as the bandage tightened around her midsection. She knew Angie wanted to do it, it appealed to her nurturing nature but Peggy had performed surgery on herself once and that was a picnic compared to what she was doing now. She would never ask Angie to bandage her up, stitch her up or even treat her; she didn't want their worlds to collide in that way. Angie was someone outside of work who was being dragged into work and while she appreciated her, she was still afraid of it all coming apart. Peggy dressed slowly, careful to not move to quickly as she stepped into her slip followed by her dress. She opened the bathroom door and stepped out slowly, her bare feet chilled by the hardwood floor.
"She lives…" Angie beamed, her head cocked to the side, a cup of coffee in her hand. "You look a helluva lot better." She handed the mug over to Peggy who took it appreciatively.
"Thank you." Peggy replied, taking a slow sip, savoring the still hot liquid on her tongue. "Much better."
"Let's take a look at your face…" said Angie, reaching for Peggy's free hand, her fingers immediately intertwining with Peggy's and guiding her to the small armchair. It was becoming a habit of sorts. Angie had become accustomed to making sure Peggy's make up was spot on, convincing enough to cover the bruising but light enough to come off as casual as the day they met. Angie grinned at Peggy as she sat on the edge of the bed, studying Peggy's features, the ghost of a smile on her face. "Forget what I said about your legs, your face…" she sighed dreamily, her fingertips trailing along Peggy's jawline. "You're something else, English."
"Flattery." Peggy smirked, eyes fluttering from the contact. "I was promised breakfast."
"Jeeze, I'm not even at work and you're bossing me around…"
"You offered and I'm perfectly capable of getting breakfast on my own." Peggy joked, taking another sip of coffee, masking her grin behind the mug.
"You're the one who said she didn't want Fry catching her in the commons…" Angie teased, doling out pancakes and bacon, a grin on her face.
"I thought you stealing food for me was your idea of being romantic…" Angie replied, still grinning as Angie handed the plate over to her.
"You're lucky I'm sweet on you English, otherwise…"
"Otherwise what?"
Angie shrugged. "I got nothing." She plopped back onto the edge of the bed, cutting into her pancakes with her fork, the smile never leaving her face as Peggy's right foot toyed with her calf. "You playin' footsie with me?"
Peggy shrugged, enjoying her pancakes as she watched Angie, her cheeks pinking with the attention. "Is that something that's done?"
"Don't play dumb…" Angie replied, shaking her forkful of pancake at Peggy. She held Peggy's gaze for a moment, her cheeks scarlet with embarrassment. "What're you looking at?" she asked.
"You." Peggy answered simply, enjoying her pancakes as she ran her foot along Angie's calf. "Mr. Shoulders will be around to collect you today as soon as I take my leave from work."
"Mr. Jarvis?"
"You remembered his name?"
"Well, yeah, it's rude to call him Mr. Shoulders since I know his name and relation to you." Angie replied matter of factly.
Peggy couldn't help but chuckle as she shook her head. "Just make sure you've taken care of everything here. Close out whatever balances you have with Ms. Fry…"
"Couldn't Howard take care of that?"
Peggy made a face as she bit into a piece of bacon. "He may have already taken care of that but I don't wish to give him any more sense of know it all-ness."
"That's not even a word."
"You understand my meaning."
"Still." Angie groused, playfully cupping Peggy's calf with a free hand and giving her a squeeze. "You fancy types always know the right word for things."
"I'm sure Mr. Stark will do what he feels needs to be done…"
"You sound upset by that." Angie replied, smearing her pancakes along whatever remained of her syrup and butter.
Peggy gave a non-committal shrug. "I've never really approved of things being solved by money."
Angie smirked, doing her best to keep her mouth closed as she spoke. "Because you and talkin fists have better outcomes."
Peggy gave her a lopsided smile. "I have rarely had a poor one, although, I'd prefer diplomacy to fights…"
"Cause you know you'll win."
"Perhaps." Peggy grinned again. "You will be ready by three, yes?"
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, I'll be ready."
Her heart stopped the minute their eyes met; she knew she was a goner. "It's a bit far from the theater district."
"I'll live with it. You got a phone? I have to call my mother."
"There's a phone in every room." Jarvis replied.
"Oh my God are you kiddin me!?" Angie blurted out, immediately turning and darting out into the next room in search of a phone.
Peggy lost sight of Angie as she ran off to explore the house. She gave Jarvis a tightlipped smile, grateful to his understanding and sighed. She stared at the room, shaking her head with disbelief. Howard had been far too kind with this gesture and while he knew that it wouldn't make up for everything, it was a start.
Jarvis had risked Howard's trust handing her that vial in the foyer of the apartment she was now sharing with Angie. Howard's sense of generosity coupled with the vial she held between her fingers brought on an overwhelming sense of completion and joy. She knew she needed to tell Angie she was going to step out but she didn't want to interrupt her joyous exploration of their new home. Home. She slipped out quietly and walked towards the bridge, her fingers wrapped tightly around the vial.
She kept it clutched in her palm as she walked the Brooklyn Bridge, doing her best to keep herself together as she contemplated the past few weeks. Dottie was out there somewhere, just a small piece in a massive puzzle that had yet to create a full image. Thompson was now the chief and would no doubt continue to be disingenuous to their superiors; the fact that she had information on him that could sabotage his career didn't faze him and she wasn't the type to use gossip as leverage. Sousa, he was kind and meant well but he was too persistent and after the interrogation and his dogged search to find her, she wanted to keep as far a distance as possible. The SSR wasn't what it started out as, with good intentions and capable people, it was changing, transforming into something else, something she couldn't quite decipher and while Howard was in Washington negotiating his contracts and trying to buy back pieces of his soul, she was standing on the bridge in her adopted city, hoping to make sense of what her life was becoming.
She made amends last night with her past, resolving to let it all go and accept the things that were now set in stone; Steve was gone, her time at the SSR was surely running to its end and she had no idea what to expect come Monday morning. A different kind of war was on the horizon. It would have the same strategy and planning as any war but this one would be in the shadows, behind closed doors, in plain sight and with much higher stakes. This war didn't involve as many bullets and casualties but they were expected, anticipated and Peggy was ready for whatever shadowy figure loomed in the distance. There was a reason she had chosen this life and there was a purpose for everything that had happened. In order for her to move forward, she would have to honor and protect the past. She pulled her had out of her coat pocket, still clutching the vial, glass warm from her grip, carefully uncapping it, steeling her heart as she poured the last remaining sample of Captain Steve Rodgers' blood into the East River.
"Goodbye my darling."
She stopped in the deli and picked up a few staples. Knowing Howard, he only kept stock in fresh linens and booze. As she made her way back to the building she was now calling home, she felt her heart rate pick up. This was home. Home with Angie. Heat crept along her neck as she was greeted by the doorman, approached the elevator and pressed for the penthouse. She was rarely nervous on missions; just the familiar surge of adrenaline keying up her body, senses heightened, muscles loosening, a tightly wound bundle of explosive energy but this was a completely different sensation.
She felt butterflies in her stomach.
As she let herself into the apartment, she was greeted with the sound of jazz blaring from one of radios in the living room. She entered slowly, a smile crossing her face at the sight of Angie two stepping along in her barefeet and the dress she'd been wearing when they arrived. She gingerly balanced a glass of bourbon in her left hand, ice tinkling around the amber liquid. As she spun, she stopped in shock at the sight of Peggy leaning against the couch, a broad smile on her face. "Jeeze Peg!" her hand flew to her heart, clutching her chest dramatically. "I didn't hear you…" she immediately lowered the volume and crossed the room in five quick strides, an impressive feat considering the room's size, grinning as she climbed onto the couch, resting on her knees. She took a slow sip of her drink, crinkling her nose with the burn. "Didn't think it was that loud…"
"Bourbon tends to dull the senses…" Peggy joked, nodding toward the glass in Angie's hand.
"I dunno, I don't feel so dull…" Angie grinned, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. "I probably shouldn't have but on account of our good fortune and the fact that Howard…Mr. Stark…has such great taste in music and booze…" she shrugged, leaning back onto the couch and stretching her legs out in front of her. "Sure beats schnapps."
"I was growing fond of it actually…" Peggy replied, with a tilt of her head.
"It was me you were growing fond of…" Angie replied theatrically.
"Perhaps."
"Say, what's in the bags…?" Angie's eyes narrowed with mock suspicion, trying to peer into the bags without much success.
"Dinner." Peggy replied simply, remembering the groceries and heading off into the foyer, trying to see if she remembered the layout.
"Kitchen's the other way…" Angie offered, sliding off the couch and looping her arm through Peggy's. "Allow me…He's got an icebox I'd SWEAR is from the future."
Angie was unsurprisingly helpful in the kitchen as she puttered around helping Peggy familiarize herself with the layout. "My ma says that every kitchen should be built around the chef…are we getting a chef too?"
"Probably not."
"Aw."
"What? Do you think I'm incapable of cooking?" Peggy asked with surprise.
"You spent an awful lot of time in the Automat…the food ain't that good."
"True but the service is exceptional."
"Flattery." Angie warned, swatting at Peggy's arm as she unpacked the bags and quickly put things away. "What're you thinking of making anyhow?"
Peggy stopped inspecting one of the drawers and turned to face Angie as she closed the icebox. "I haven't the faintest idea."
"You know what always works for me? Meatloaf."
Peggy raised her eyebrow. "Is that a suggestion or a request?"
"Can you make it?"
"I'm certain there's a cookbook somewhere in here…" Peggy took to looking around the kitchen again, certain that there had to be some kind of manual in a shelf.
"There's ground beef in the icebox, find me some breadcrumbs…and some eggs." Angie grumbled, bumping Peggy's hip with a wink as she dug around the pantry. "Dinner is on me."
Peggy set two places side by side in the dining room, she was careful not to over do it as they would have to wash the dishes and she was determined to handle that portion of the evening considering Angie had done the cooking. She couldn't help the way her heart skipped as Angie entered, a large bowl filled with meatballs and spaghetti steaming between her gloved hands. "That smells immaculate…" Peggy cooed as Angie set the bowl down before their places on the table.
Angie shrugged. "No big deal…" she rounded the table and kissed Peggy's cheek softly before looping her right around Peggy's waist and pulling her closer for a kiss. "It's the least I could do…" She hesitantly pulled away, undoing her apron and tossing it on the back of her chair. She pulled out Peggy's seat and kissed the top of her head as she sat, helping her scoot in. "Okay, so, I had to kinda rush it a little bit on account of the bourbon making my stomach a little funny but this is really good with a red wine and while I know I shouldn't mix my cocktails like some floozie, I figure I'm home, I'm safe and we're celebrating." She made a big show of loading Peggy's plate with saucy noodles and meatballs, forgetting that not everyone covered their plates the way a good Italian meal did. "I've gotta get the garlic bread out of the oven, so, don't eat anything yet, ok?" Peggy chuckled as Angie disappeared again for a moment, the music suddenly louder and reappeared as if by magic with a plate loaded with buttery garlic bread and a bottle of red wine. She poured out two glasses and handed Peggy her glass. "A toast to whatever comes next." Angie said simply, clinking their glasses together. She held Peggy's gaze intently as they took sips, letting the wine rest on their pallets. Peggy had to admit, Angie did have great taste in wines.
They had dinner in silence, stealing glances at each other as they ate. Angie slurped the pasta, sauce staining her chin as she had a particularly long noodle dangling from pursed lips. Peggy couldn't resist as she leaned forward and stole a kiss, giggling as Angie struggled to keep from letting out a belly laugh. Peggy had no idea it would be this simple, that it could be so easy to fall into a natural routine with someone. She watched as Angie ran her bread across the sauce, popping it into her mouth, her cheeks puffed as she chewed. They had eaten meals together dozens of times before, hidden in Angie's bedroom drinking cheap liquor and giggling about whatever it is a slightly drunken conversation brings about but this time felt like the first in what could be a long time of happiness for them both. There were still a million things about Angie that Peggy didn't know and there were things about herself she hadn't told a soul, but as she watched Angie humming along to the all to loud radio, she felt like she could tell her everything and not feel a heavy sense of judgment. Peggy was staring at Angie's profile, lost in her thoughts before green eyes swam back into her full view, Angie's voice breaking her reverie.
"You okay?" Angie's hand was warm as she reached for Peggy's, holding her tightly.
Peggy nodded, an awkward grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Sorry…just…I'm alright."
"You talk too much." Angie grinned, pulling Peggy's hand up to her lips and kissing her knuckles softly.
They cleared the table, Angie dancing around Peggy as she packed away the leftovers as Peggy started washing the dishes. "Those can wait…" Angie said, pulling Peggy in for a dance. They danced in the middle of the kitchen, Peggy careful to not step on Angie's toes. The music slowed and Peggy pulled Angie closer, tucking her face into the crook of Angie's neck.
"You okay…?" Angie asked, her arms tightening around Peggy's waist. Despite the slight difference in height, Peggy fit comfortably against Angie.
Peggy nodded, straightening up and offering a small tight-lipped smile. "Perfectly fine."
"Is this a lot for a first night?" Angie asked, studying the far off look in Peggy's gaze.
"No."
"Peggy." The tone was so unlike Angie, she felt as though she was being scolded.
Peggy met Angie's gaze, holding it before blinking back tears. "It's been a lovely evening so far…" She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "I hope we're having more just like it…"
"Well of course we are." Angie replied matter of factly, her right hand cupping Peggy's cheek, her thumb gently stroking away an errant tear. "Every night until I get sick of cooking or you learn how."
Peggy let out a laugh, pulling Angie in for a hug, hiding her face in the crook of Angie's neck again and swaying slowly to the music until a commercial jingle for something came on. They stayed in place, Angie's hand gently rubbing Peggy's back until Peggy straightened up again. "The dishes aren't going to wash themselves."
"Oh sure they can." Angie replied, "Well, there's a machine that does it."
"What?" Peggy asked, feeling a little silly for questioning the existence of such a device in Howard Stark's home.
Angie rolled her eyes, taking Peggy's hand and leading her towards the counter. She pulled down a latch and a small door opened. "You load everything in here and it'll do it for you. He's got a washing machine and a dishwasher. Honestly, do you even know what Howard Stark does?" Angie teased. She began loading their dishes into the machine, completely aware that although it didn't involve actual work it was still Peggy's responsibility to clean up after dinner. "You're supposed to be doing this part, by the way."
"I have no idea how to use that contraption."
Angie straightened up, her mouth puckered with sarcasm. "I'm doing it with no problem, see? It's not like you're diffusing a bomb…which…you've probably done."
Peggy nodded smugly, leaning against the counter with her arms folded. "Several times."
Angie chuckled as she loaded the last dish into the machine, closed the door and pressed the button. They could hear water rushing in, a dull hum and suddenly silence. Angie tilted her head toward the door, eyes scanning as she waited to hear more machinery. "Is it on?"
"You're the one who wanted to use the bloody thing."
Angie narrowed her eyes again and shook her head. "Well, if it breaks, atleast we know a guy who can fix it."
"I have an idea, none of which involving kitchenware. Or Howard Stark."
Angie's heart stuttered as she caught Peggy's gaze, her tone honey thick. "Details…" Angie breathed, suddenly very much intrigued by Peggy's sudden change in tone. She dried her hands on a nearby towel, suddenly very flustered.
"A guided tour of the mansion?"
"Oh. Yeah. Sure." Angie replied, her cheeks scarlet as she reached for Peggy's hand and pulled her from the kitchen into a hall that lead towards the bedrooms. "So Shoulders wasn't kidding about the eight rooms…"
"Why would he?"
Angie shrugged. "You know guys like to exaggerate." She pointed out some of the rooms, never opening the doors before stopping in front of one door, turning and taking both of Peggy's hands in hers. "I found one that I really, really like…"
"Well, you didn't show me the other ones so I've nothing to compare it to."
"That's kinda the point." Angie replied, opening the door and pulling Peggy in with her. She stood just in the doorway as Peggy entered and took in the sight of the bedroom. A large four-poster bed was to her left, to the right a walk in closet where two pieces of luggage sat on the floor behind her was a master bath and in front of her was a large window overlooking the city. It was much larger than the room Howard showed her before she moved into The Griffith. "I figured, since we'd been spending so much time together at The Griffith what was the harm in shacking up in a much better situation…"
Peggy looked down and found her boots by the foot of the bed. "You remembered…"
"Well. I figured there was a reason you always kept them right by the bed. And don't worry I didn't touch the gun in the lock box. Peggy chuckled as Angie approached from behind, wrapping her arms around Peggy's waist and kissing her shoulder. "Kinda feels like home, doesn't it?
"It does now."
It was late by the time Angie finished with her shower as Peggy unpacked her bag, settling her things into the drawers of the walk in closet. Angie convinced Peggy they should finish the wine and as her glass sat on a coaster on the nightstand, Peggy couldn't help the smile on her face as she heard Angie singing in the bathroom. After padding around the rest of the mansion, Angie figured out that Howard had a stereo system of connected speakers around the house, allowing control of the radio and record player from anywhere. She was grinning ear to ear as she sashayed around the mansion, clutching the wine bottle and beckoning Peggy back to the bedroom. Peggy took advantage of the shower first and had already slipped into her nightgown, finishing her routine. She removed the bandages, her ribs still sore from the fight but she wasn't worse for the wear. Her chin was still tender and the bruising was more prominent but she figured, an ice regimen before bed and she'd be back to normal. Angie emerged from the bathroom, clad in a plush bathrobe, her hair wrapped in a towel. "You're all done?" she asked, her face scrunched up. She shook her hair into her towel, drying it off before tying it into a bun. She looked like a freshly scrubbed ballerina.
"Didn't have much to unpack I'm afraid." Peggy replied with a shrug.
"Oh because I've got a whole fleet of luggage to go through…" Angie teased, swatting at Peggy with the belt from her robe. "I can't have my silks next to my cottons and there simply has to be an order my things or I shall be most insufferable…" she teased with a heavy southern drawl.
"I already sorted your things." Peggy said with a shrug, nodding towards the opposite set of drawers. "Threw them wherever."
"You touched my unmentionables?"
"That I did."
"And I wasn't even in them. What a waste." Angie said, eyes lit with mischief as she shook her head. She took the blush on Peggy's cheeks as a compliment. "Say, I never did go to the patio…you know, where we can dine alfresco…I wanted to save it so we can see it together."
"Angie, it's eleven at night."
"Yeah well, you're a night owl and I'm too keyed up to even think about sleeping, so, c'mon." she grabbed Peggy's hand and pulled her out of the closet. They navigated the halls side by side like two intrepid explorers their fingers interlocked as Angie lead the way. She had somehow figured out the layout of the mansion, the gadgets Howard had stashed everywhere and still maintained an air of surprise as she lead them out onto the open patio. "Wow…" she breathed, taking in the furniture, the awning that covered a table and lounge chairs and long seats that, had it be daylight, would be perfect for sunbathing. "Remind me to thank Mr. Stark for his generosity." She moved towards the ledge and looked down. "Holy cow. Peggy, c'mere…"
Peggy approached and looked down, watching a cable car and taxi go by on the street below. "Won't be climbing this…" she muttered to herself. Angie chuckled and bumped Peggy's shoulder with hers.
"What's the matter, scared of heights?"
"Not at all. It's the fall that's unpleasant."
Angie took a moment, pushing back from the ledge and taking one of seats nearby. "Have you ever?"
"Have I ever what?" Peggy asked, leaning against the ledge, studying Angie in the moonlight.
"Fallen." The duality of the meaning hung heavy between them. Angie's face was filled with questions and she wanted to ask them simply, one at a time, or wait until Peggy started opening up but the wine had her feeling bolder than usual and the fact that they had all this space between them to just be only served to fuel the confidence she was feeling. Angie knew she meant falling from a perch but she felt like she meant something else. Peggy's face was neutral, guarded as though she was trying to decipher which meaning Angie was seeking. Peggy was a superhero to Angie and she wished one of those powers she had involved mind reading.
"I have. In boot camp, I lost my grip on the rope climbing the wall and landed flat on my bum." Peggy replied, watching the crestfallen look that crept across Angie's features.
"Ouch." Angie replied with a shiver. "I almost broke my arm once. Climbing a tree. I was playing Robin Hood with some boys and they said Maid Marian couldn't climb a tree. So I did." She shrugged, tucking her legs underneath her and pulling her hands into the sleeves of the robe.
"Are you cold?" Peggy asked, pushing off from the ledge and sidling up to Angie. Despite the warm May night, she was still in her nightgown and robe and little else.
"Not really." Angie replied coyly. "Got warm all of a sudden."
She took Angie's hand in hers, pulling her up from the chair bringing them face to face. Peggy leaned in slowly, brushing her lips against Angie's tentatively, wondering if this was the other meaning to fallen Angie was seeking. Angie met Peggy's mouth softly, her hands immediately looping around Peggy's shoulders, pulling her closer, deepening their contact. Peggy broke the kiss, pressing her forehead to Angie's, a small smile on her lips. "Let's head back inside." Music greeted them as they walked back to the bedroom, Angie shutting off the lights as they walked along. "You were really meant for this lifestyle." Peggy teased watching Angie gleefully shutting off lights.
"What? This? Nah, I'm just nosy." Angie winked as they approached the bedroom. "Although, if I spend more time with you, I'm pretty confident I can pick up your accent and make myself a duchess or something."
"You're already royalty to me." Peggy replied simply. "Besides, titles don't mean anything if you already know your own value."
Angie stopped short, her mouth slightly agape as processed Peggy's words. She pulled Peggy closer, kissing her quickly before stepping back, clutching Peggy's fingertips. "You're really sweet on me."
"Perhaps."
Angie grinned. "I'm feeling a little sleepy…"
"Are you?" Peggy asked, following Angie as she back peddled into the bedroom. "I thought you were too keyed up to sleep."
"Well, I am but…" she shrugged. "Present company has quite the calming effect on me."
"Really."
Angie nodded. "Besides, I know you had a long day and you've been favoring your right side more than usual. How're the ribs feeling?" She held Peggy's gaze, a know it all look of concern on her features.
"Not as bad as they were last night." Peggy admitted with guilt in her voice.
"Well, we're not sleeping on that cracker mattress back in The Griffith anymore, so your ribs will recover nicely. I promise I won't squeeze you too hard." Angie replied with flourish as she turned down the quilt and sheets. She fluffed up the pillows, stacking them upright and patting Peggy's side of the bed.
Peggy couldn't help but laugh as she climbed into bed, gingerly positioning herself at an angle against the pillows. It wasn't going to be comfortable position to sleep in, but she immediately felt better as she relaxed. Angie turned the lights out and climbed in next to her, shimmying closer under the covers, looping her arm gently across Peggy's torso. "Good?"
Peggy nodded as Angie settled into her pillow, her head near Peggy's shoulder. She let out a sigh of contentment as Peggy's fingertips trailed along the back of her forearm, idling tracing patterns across her skin. "Why do you sleep with boots by the bed?" Angie asked, her voice muffled against her pillow. She was staring up at Peggy, watching the shadows across her face.
"Military training. Always prepared for anything."
Angie nodded, moving closer. "So you'd say that you are prepared for anything?"
"Within reason yes. There's room for the unexpected."
"Good." She leaned over and planted a kiss on Peggy's cheek. "Get some rest."
Peggy rolled over in her sleep, her back toward Angie, who still managed to follow her closely, her arm looped around her hip. She shifted, looking up and over Peggy's shoulder towards the clock on the nightstand. She squinted in the dark, trying to see the time. It was still dark out but she could hear the sound of birds waking somewhere. She moved closer to Peggy, spooning her and kissing her right shoulder, her lips feather light against the healed bullet wounds. She moved her right arm from Peggy's hip, her fingertips brushing against the scars, tracing them with her fingers. She moved back a bit, studying Peggy's back, tracing the visible patches of skin delicately, fingertips finding small scars along her skin. The hem of Peggy's nightgown shifted, exposing her lower back. Angie braced herself, her fingertips trailing along the dip in her spine, shivering at the contact. This was intimacy, this moment where the night had given way to dawn, where their contact wasn't subject to scrutiny or to whispers. Peggy was sleeping, comfortable and safe in bed with her despite the battle fatigue she claimed she didn't have. Angie would watch her from time to time, eyeing exits, watching people's movements, putting herself between Angie and perceived danger. She always chalked it up to her military experience and current position with the SSR but it seemed to be engrained in her from something else; a sense of protective nobility that kept her moving when normal people would've taken a moment to collect themselves. Peggy was good natured and sarcastic, she wore her suits the way a knight wore armor, making her seem untouchable and cold until she made a joke and a smile would brighten her face. That's what always endeared Angie to her, how she could laugh in danger's face and still maintain her charm. Angie knew she was a goner the moment Peggy defended her with a fork, a fork, at the Automat. This jerk quite fancies you. She propped herself up on her elbow, studying Peggy as she slept, her fingertips continued trailing along Peggy's lower back tracing shapes before she shifted to letters.
I.
L.
O.
V.
E.
Y.
O.
U.
She wrote it over and over again, in cursive, in big letters, small letters, professing something as large as this along the planes of Peggy's back like a secret. She left small kisses along her shoulder, the base of her neck, the spot between her shoulder blades. She had always dreamt of a moment like this, curled up against someone who was good to her as she felt she deserved. She watched Peggy sleep sometimes, whenever the moody Brit decided to stay over and always found the sight miraculous somehow. She would go off and come home all banged up from whatever it was spies got into and sit casually in dining room as though nothing happened. It was something to admire, the way Peggy lit up a room. Angie wanted to say it, she'd been feeling the sensation coiling around her heart for quite some time, stealing glances, jealousy whenever Jarvis was around. She felt it tighten when she had been arrested. How unfair was it that they would meet, that she would feel the world start to make sense and then have it snatched from her. It felt so tragic, like every play and novel she'd read and then Peggy returned to her. If it wasn't love, she wasn't sure what it was and she wouldn't give it any other name.
Peggy shifted, carefully rolling onto her back, eyes heavy with sleep. "What're you doing awake?" she asked, her voice raspy from sleep. She squinted up at Angie, blinking a few times.
"Just popped up, I'm alright."
"Are you sure?" Peggy asked, suddenly alert.
"Yeah I'm sure, go back to sleep." Angie replied tucking herself back against Peggy, draping her arm across her torso again.
"I love you too." Peggy whispered, kissing the top of Angie's head.
Angie stirred. "How did…" her heart slammed in her chest as she sat up, embarrassed.
"I'm a code breaker by trade, Angie." Peggy pushed up slowly, an eyebrow arched with confidence.
"Yeah but it wasn't morse code or something…"
Peggy reached for Angie's right hand, spelling out I love you slowly, deliberately drawing each letter with her fingertip on Angie's palm, eyes on Angie as she stared back in surprise. She chuckled and kissed Angie's palm. "Might as well have been."
Angie blushed.
"Do you mean it?"
"Mean what?"
Angie gestured with her palm.
"Of course I do. Do you mean it?"
They sat still for a moment, staring at each other as though they'd never seen anyone quite like them before. Hearts banging against ribs and stomachs flipping with anxiety; Peggy had never felt so anxious before while Angie hadn't felt so scared. Angie moved carefully, taking Peggy's face in her hands and kissing her softly. "Couldn't fake it if I tried."