A/N - This is it guys, the last chapter. I guess it's also the longest one (oops?). I guess I could have split it into two chapters but I thought it better to wrap it all up nicely in one long chater. I will be posting a small epilogue shortly. Tell me what you think of this chapter. Please leave a review :)

After their official first date, there was no looking back for Jack and Peggy. Initially, both of them had been rather careful not to get too easily attached to the other person, for both of them had lived lonely lives and were rather new to this life with each other. However, they couldn't keep their guards up for long, and soon enough, seeing each other was one of the best parts of their day, the other best part being working at the SSR.

Both of them had extremely busy lives, Jack being the Chief, and Peggy now heading numerous top level missions, and there were many days when both of them only got to see each other in passing or only for brief moments in the break room as they sipped on to their coffee and tea, but that was enough for them.

One of the perks of being a secret federal agent was that it was quite easy for them to conceal things they didn't want the world to know. Though they were both quite taken with each other, over the last two months, they had both made it a point to keep their relationship under wraps. Jack had agreed to it initially, but as time went on, and their feelings for each other grew, he asked her more than once, if it would be more appropriate to just come out with it. She still refused.

"Tell me Peggy, are you embarrassed to be seen with or somethin'?" he asked, his tone a little bitter, as they were heading towards Peggy's building to drop her off, both of them having been out for a late night drink after a hectic day at the office.

"Oh heavens no Jack, you know me better than that. I am anything but embarrassed" she had replied indignantly.

"Then why do you insist on this? Honestly, it's so damn annoying that I can't even hold your hand when we're together at the office, because some idiot may find out about us. It was alright when we weren't sure about this thing" he said motioning towards her and his own self, "But we've been on a dozen dates already and it's just frustrating Peggy. It's been like two months" he said, frustration clear in his voice.

"Two months and 14 days" she smiled, "Jack, listen to me", she said calmly, interlacing her fingers with his, something she did from time to time when he would get frustrated or agitated, because she knew it had a relaxing effect on him.

Looking into his eyes directly, she said, "I have been so happy with the way things have been going between us, and I know this isn't just some casual fling for either of us, but you have to see how it would affect my career at the SSR."

"What do you mean?" he asked, looking confused.

"Look, it's one thing for the agents to have teased me or made fun of me for being the only female agent at the SSR, and that's stopped because they've finally accepted the fact that I am just as capable as any of them, that me being a woman does not mean that I am any less intelligent, or that I can't be an agent"

"You're better than all of them, hell you're even better than me" Jack admitted, "But what does it have to do with-"

"Look, if everyone at the office finds out that we are together, then there'll be endless gossip about us. And I am not talking about the silly everyday gossip, but continuous taunts and teasing. And" she paused, "They would start assuming that every valuable mission I get, or anything I accomplish, is because of you, because you, Chief Thompson, are dating me, and that is why I get the best cases, and suddenly, nothing I do will be enough to keep the gossip at bay. And it will reduce our relationship to a frivolous topic for break room jokes" she finished.

Jack heaved a sigh, "Alright, alright, I see your point even though I am not very pleased about it"

"Do you need more convincing?" she smiled mischievously, quirking up an eyebrow.

"Well….." he drawled, "I might need a little bit more convincing. What are you going to do about it Agent?" he said playfully, coming to a stop just below her building, and turning to look at her.

"In that case, I might just have to work a little harder" she said, leaning into him and capturing his lips for a passionate kiss.

The next week, both Peggy and Jack were going together to see Angie's first show as a Broadway star. Peggy had been right, the producers did seem to have brains, and had cast Angie as the lead. She had been rehearsing for the last two months and this was one of the most important moments of her life, and she had invited Peggy to share it with her.

Angie had also met Jack before, when Peggy took Jack to the diner after their fifth date to meet Angie. Needless to say, after their last encounter, Jack had been rather hesitant to meet Peggy's over dramatic friend, but he was pleasantly surprised when he met her. She was dramatic, but less so than the last time they'd met and she had quite literally cried on him, but Jack saw how important Angie was to Peggy, her only real friend in New York, apart from Daniel. So when Angie invited Peggy and him to come see her first ever show, he did not hesitate to accept the invitation.

"So, are Daniel and Evelyn going to be there too?" he asked as he straightened his tie by glancing into the rear view mirror, having parked the car just moments ago.

"Yes I believe so. I told him to be here by 7, so he'll probably be here in half an hour" she said, as she turned the mirror towards her, applying a coat of her usual red lipstick.

"Hey!" said Jack, indignantly, "I was using it"

"Don't worry doll" she patted his cheek fondly, after having applied the lipstick, "You look very pretty" and got out of the car.

"Come on we have to wish Angie good luck before the show starts. Get a move on soldier!"

"I am coming sweetheart" he said, using his special nickname for her, which he knew she both loved and detested. She just smiled in a what-am-I-going-to-do-with-you kind of way. He loved to see her smile, especially when he was the reason behind it, or more commonly, his stupidity was the reason for it.

As they both entered the room with Angie's name stamped on front of it, they were greeted by an uncharacteristically nervous and fidgety Angie.

"Oh Golly what am I going to do out there Pegs, there's so many people out there" cried Angie.

"Angie, listen to me, you're going to be brilliant out there. It's all going to be perfect" replied Peggy, trying to calm her friend.

"Listen Angie, you made up a story and did a great job as the dramatic and emotional neighbor when we came to look for Peggy, this is nothin', you've got it all under control" said Jack, trying to be helpful.

"Yes but I didn't have to act in front of a hundred people then, blondie!" Angie replied.

"Just tryin' to help" he held up his hands in mock surrender.

"Jack, would you mind giving us a moment?" asked Peggy.

"Yeah sure, I'll go wait for Sousa"

As he left the room, Peggy made Angie sit down in her chair and said, "You are Angela Martinelli, and you are one of the best actors I have ever come across. You've been practicing for months, and the moment you've been dreaming of is here. They're all here to see how you do, and you are going to be spectacular, do you hear me?"

"Yes, it's just that I never expected so many people to show up" replied Angie.

"Darling they're all here for you, they're here to see your talent. Are you going to disappoint them?"

"No… I can't, I won't" said, Angie, taking a deep breath.

"Good, now chop chop, go out there and live your dream Miss Martinelli" smiled Peggy.

"Oh and by the way Pegs, how are things with blondie? Looks pretty serious to me" Angie asked.

"Yes, it's not just a fling anymore. And.." hesitated Peggy, "I know it's probably too soon to feel this way, but I am falling for this man Angie, I am falling hard"

" Oh I know" smirked Angie, "I could just sense all the love when you both entered the room."

"I don't want to scare him off by telling him this" said Peggy.

"Aw Pegs, I am sure he feels the same" said Angie, "Don't be scared"

"Look who's giving me advice to not be nervous" laughed Peggy, "Have you looked at yourself lately?"

"God I completely forgot about that while listening to your love story, which would make a very interesting Hollywood movie, if you ask me"

"Oh shush, now get ready, go out there and make us proud" said Peggy, giving her friend one last hug, "You've got this Angie" she smiled as she left the room.

Outside the theatre, Jack was waiting for Daniel to show up. At the SSR, Daniel Sousa was the only person who knew about Jack and Peggy's relationship. Initially, Jack had vehemently opposed to telling Daniel about them, uncomfortable with how Daniel, who had, for some time now, carried a torch for Peggy.

Jack's mind drifted off to a conversation not long ago when he had told Peggy that Daniel had feelings for her. Peggy had laughed and said, "Tell me something I don't already know, darling" and had then proceeded to tell him how she had initially turned down his offer for a drink, how Daniel had found love with a beautiful woman named Evelyn Swire, and how he had been instrumental in making Peggy realize the depth of her feelings for Jack, and had, though unintentionally, been largely responsible for getting them together.

Jack had looked dumbstruck after hearing this, and had replied with "You know Peg, it'd be swell if you could just bother to tell me important things like these. I mean, here I am, feelin all guilty over stealin' Sousa's girl, and he's already over you"

Peggy had huffed at this, "I was never his girl. I am not some play thing to be owned by anyone. I have my own identity and I would prefer to stick to it rather than simply being someone's girl"

Seeing his mistake, he had quickly said, "Come on, you know I didn't mean it that way. You know, most women would love to be called someone's girl, I mean it's not like you're not my gal, I mean-" he had broken off, seeing Peggy's eyes flash.

"Jack, let me make this clear once and for all, just because I am dating you does not make me your property. And while we're on the subject, let me tell you that your "natural order of the universe" is bollocks. Women are just as capable as men and if I ever see you belittle me just because I am a woman, I will not hesitate to knock the daylights out of you"

Realizing that Peggy was now really angry, he quickly went into recovery mode, trying to salvage the situation, " Alright I was wrong, you are not mine to own and I realized that whole natural order of the universe theory was crap after I saw what you did on the Stark mission. Give me some credit Pegs, am I the same man I was before we started goin' out?

"No, and I am glad for that"

"So am I .. So," he said, looking to change the topic, "When do you suppose would be a good time to tell Sousa about us?"

Jack's train of thought was brought to a halt by the arrival of a taxi cab right in front of him. Daniel stepped out with who Jack assumed was Evelyn. She had a very kind face, with dark eyes, and brown hair set up in elaborate curls. Seeing Jack, Daniel gave him a smile as he paid the cab driver.

"Hey Jack, this is Evelyn Swire, Evelyn this is Jack Thompson, chief of the SSR" he said as he introduced them.

Seeing the shocked look on Jack's face, he laughed, "Don't worry Jack, she won't tell anyone about our jobs. I tried hiding it for so long but I had to tell her the truth about what I did when I asked her to marry me"

"Oh, congratulations Sousa, and you too Miss Swire" said Jack, in a rather surprised voice. He knew they had started dating before him and Peggy, but he still thought it rather soon for them to be getting married. He was very much in love with Peggy but he still wasn't sure if they were ready to get married.

Love… Love had brought out a side of Jack Thompson which he hadn't known existed. It probably hadn't till Peggy Carter had come into his life and turned it upside down, in a good way of course. He knew he loved the woman, her little quirks, the way she relished the smell of her British tea every time she made a cup for herself, how she headed the missions entrusted to her, how her brilliant mind could find solutions to difficult problems, how brave she was, even in the face of danger.

He also loved her fire, her beliefs, her self- confidence, never becoming arrogance, her contentment with her work, not having a desperate need to bask in the glory of her success. He loved her when she was strong, he loved her in those few moments when she was vulnerable.

He had accepted the fact that Steve Rogers would always hold a special place in her heart, and he wouldn't be able to replace the man, but he realized, he didn't want to replace him. All he wanted was for Peggy to make a little place for him in her heart, and that would be all. She may not be able to love him like the way she had loved Steve, but he hoped she would love him in whatever way she could. She had told him on one occasion, that though she would always have Steve in her memories, she had mourned him enough and she had moved on with her life. Jack had mentally heaved a sigh of relief, glad that she wasn't going to hold him up to the impossible standard of Captain America. While he was sure he loved her, he wasn't sure how to tell her. He had been wondering how to let her know, worrying if it was too soon, and at the moment, had no solution to his problem.

"Come on let's get a move on or Peggy will have us hanged for missing Angie's first show" he said to both of them, and they stepped inside the theatre.

Soon enough, they were greeted by Peggy, who smiled and waved at them. As they approached her, Peggy looked at something behind Jack and smiled, "Wow, look who decided to keep his promise, for once in his life"

Turning around, they saw Howard Stark approaching them. He was accompanied by Maria, whom Jack had met once before, and he was also accompanied by his usual hoard of paparazzi, who as usual were firing questions at him.

"Mr. Stark, is it true that you've developed newer weapons for the US army?"

"Mr. Stark, are you marrying your lady love Miss Maria Turner?"

"Miss Turner is it true that you're pregnant with Mr. Stark's love child?"

"Mr. Stark, since when did you develop interest in Broadway?"

Waving a hand to silence all the reporters, Howard smiled and said, "I am here to see my very good friend Miss Angela Martinelli, she is the star of this musical. I am here to support her. She is a wonderful actor and I am sure she'll perform admirably tonight"

Peggy gave a snort. Howard hadn't ever seen Angie act, he had never even met her in person. He only knew what Peggy had told him about her. Jack, who was wondering the same thing turned to ask her, "Has he ever met Angie? Who invited him?"

Peggy laughed, "No, he hasn't met her, but I told him she's a good actor, and I asked him to come here tonight. I thought Angie could use some good publicity"

"You're brilliant, you are" he smiled.

"Yes I know and you are blessed to have me in your life" she said smugly.

"Don't overdo it Pegs, let's go grab our seats, it's about time" he said, and they all went to their respective seats.

Howard and Maria soon joined them, Howard sitting next to Peggy. Soon enough the show started, and all of them watched Angie perform. Peggy was right, she was a very good actor, thought Jack. However, some time later, he saw Peggy and Howard leaning into each other and talking in low voices. He didn't know what they were talking about and this wasn't the first time he had seen them discussing something that looked rather important. Peggy hadn't mentioned anything and Jack hadn't asked, even though he was a bit curious as to what it was. Still, he thought it better to wait for Peggy to bring it up, he didn't want to come off as the nosy guy.

A few hours later, both Peggy and Jack were sitting in Peggy's modest one bedroom apartment, having a nightcap. Jack didn't usually drop by Peggy's place, because he knew that this would look bad for Peggy's already not so clean reputation among her neighbors, given her odd working hours. Tonight, however, Peggy herself had invited him over. The play had been a success, Angie had been amazing, and the additional publicity brought in by the presence of Howard, had certainly helped.

After the show, Jack and Peggy had invited Daniel and Evelyn to join them for dinner at Jack's favorite restaurant. Angie, still basking in the glory of her first Broadway show, hadn't been able to join them. Howard and Maria too had to leave early because they had somewhere else to be. Nevertheless, all four of them had had a marvelous time. Jack wasn't as close to Daniel as Peggy was, but then he wasn't the kind of guy to have many close friends in the first place.

The night had been great but something was nagging Jack. During the entire length of the play, Peggy and Howard had been talking in hushed tones at periodic intervals. He wasn't the only one who had noticed, and Jack had seen Maria glaring at Howard once or twice because of their constant murmur. When Howard and Maria were about to leave, Howard had leaned in to Peggy and said, "Just think about what I said, alright? It's a great opportunity Pegs" and then hugged her goodbye. Jack still hadn't asked her anything about it, and Peggy hadn't cared to elaborate either.

During dinner, once or twice he saw Peggy in a ponderous state, as if she were physically present with them but her mind was elsewhere. Every time he asked her if she was okay, she seemed to come out of her reverie and waved it off and joined in the conversation. Now, she had invited him in her apartment, something he knew she avoided on most occasions, not wanting to lose the place because of her 'bad reputation'. Now here they were, having a nightcap, and Peggy looked like she was debating something in her head. Finally, he decided to just ask her directly.

"Come on, out with it"

Peggy looked surprised, "What do you mean?"

"Whatever it is that's been botherin you this whole evening, just tell me already" he said.

"Is it that obvious?" she sighed.

"Let's see… you and Stark spend a majority of the time talking in hushed tones, him saying "Think about it" or something like that, you being all broody during dinner, and now you've invited me for a nightcap at your apartment, which I know you generally try to avoid doing…so yeah, I think it's pretty obvious that there's somethin bothering you"

"Alright, now it's not official or anything yet, but there's a proposal to…. Modify the S.S.R and turn it into a global intelligence agency of sorts" she said.

"What? When did this happen? Who is behind this?" he enquired, feeling lost.

"There have been discussions about it ever since the War ended, but nothing concrete was decided upon. Now our last major mission dealing with potential weapons of mass destruction and the threat they posed to America drew a lot of attention. Many people felt that the SSR is not equipped to deal if such threats arose in the future again" she explained calmly.

"But we cleared the whole mess with the Stark mission" he said, looking scandalized, "We saved the whole goddamn city. How the hell can they think we're too incompetent to deal with such stuff in the future?"

"Jack, I wasn't the one taking these decisions. Look, let's not forget how close Fenhoff came to destroying the whole city, we reached there in the nick of time, and plus Dottie escaped. And though initially all the Congressmen seemed pleased with our success, there were some who were worried that this threat might emerge again, given our state of affairs with Russia. So, Colonel Chester Phillips has been in talks with them to transform the SSR into a global level intelligence organization that has a far bigger jurisdiction than the SSR could possibly dream of having, and it would deal with far bigger and global level missions." she said.

Jack's head was reeling with all this new information, "So, what you're sayin is that the SSR will no longer exist once this new organization comes around? Are we all going to lose our jobs?"

"No, the SSR is going to be absorbed into this organization, with a few modifications of course, some change of ranks" she said, looking him directly in the eye.

"So where does Stark come in?"

"He was approached by Colonel Phillips to act as the top scientific advisor for the project, and Howard also made some suggestions regarding those who would help them with this" she replied.

Suddenly, it clicked, "And Stark wants you to help him, doesn't he?"

"Yes, I daresay that's what he said to Colonel Phillips, and since the colonel personally knows me, he agreed immediately. In fact," she added, not sure of how he would take it, "Colonel Phillips suggested I take up the position of Head Advisor and when it starts running, manage the S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters in New York" she answered.

"Shield?" he asked, confused.

She smiled, "Howard came up with the name, it stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."

"So…essentially you'll be my boss" he said, finally.

"We haven't worked out the details of my job description yet, but essentially yes" she said, waiting for him to respond.

He said nothing for a few moments, and then asked, "Have you agreed to it?"

"No, I mean it's a fantastic opportunity but it's a big move, and I would be gone for months, and it'll take at least a year or so to establish it. It's quite a big responsibility"

"What are you, crazy?" he asked, "This once in a lifetime opportunity comes knockin literally at your doorstep, and you actually have to think about sayin yes. Goddamnit Peggy, you can't say no. That'd be a really stupid move"

Peggy looked taken aback, "So, it doesn't bother you that I'll be heading the organization you're working for?"

"I am not gonna lie and say that it would be perfectly normal to take orders from a dame, but if the SSR, or this S.H.I.E.L.D is going to be led by someone, there is honestly no better candidate to take on the job" he replied.

"I am very excited at the prospect" Peggy smiled, "And I know I am free to make my own decisions, but I thought it would be better to keep you in the loop about it. I didn't expect this reaction from you"

"What? Did you expect me to say some bullshit about how I can't work under my own girlfriend and then make you choose between me and the job?" he laughed.

"I know you're not that dramatic, but I thought you wouldn't be too pleased"

"Ah well, I'll still have my job, and the SSR, sorry I mean S.H.I.E.L.D will have better methods of working and cool toys to use, courtesy Stark Industries, and one of the best agents I know, will be heading this.

She smiled, "You're uncharacteristically sweet sometimes"

He got up from his chair and approached the sofa where she'd been sitting, and kneeled down in front of her and said, "Pegs, I love you and I want what's best for ya. I know this'll keep us away from each other, for months probably, but-" he broke off, seeing the look on Peggy's face, which was of surprise mingled with happiness.

Looking confused, he asked, "What?"

"You just said you loved me, and if your shocked expression is any indication, I think it just slipped out" she smiled.

Jack's eyes widened and he started ranting, "Look, I know it's not been long that we've been goin out, and it's probably too soon to say this, and I wasn't even planning on saying it right now, it just slipped out, and if it is too soon for you I totally understa-"

"Jack, I love you too" she said quietly.

He suddenly stopped his tirade, "What?"

"Yes you fool, I know it's a bit too soon, but I love you too" she smiled.

"You do?" he asked, looking confused, "Here I was worrying about if I should tell you or not, because independent woman like you might feel suffocated in the relationship or somethin, I mean you should have said something Pegs"

"Oh just shut up and kiss me already" she said, shaking her head.

"Your wish is my command ma'am" he smirked, as he claimed her lips in a long kiss. Before both of them knew, they got carried away in the heat of the moment, and suddenly the kiss became more passionate as Peggy wrapped her arms around Jack. Motivated by this, Jack deepened the kiss, gently pushing her back on the sofa, his hands straying lower and lower. She moaned into his mouth, and suddenly before he knew it, she had flipped him over and was half lying on top of him. He broke off the kiss for a moment to take a moment to release a small laugh, and reclaimed her lips, his hands resting on her lower back. She began kissing his jaw, his and then his neck while he breathed in the familiar scent of lavender. He rained kisses on her cheeks, her nose, her neck, his hands working his way to hold her back firmly against him, while she ran her fingers through his hair. Jack moved his hand and suddenly there was a small crash right next to them that jolted the both of them back to the present.

Peggy's glass which had been resting on the coffee table in front of the sofa had just shattered when Jack had inadvertently moved his hand in that direction. The crash seemed to have brought them both back to their senses, and in a moment, Peggy was standing up, looking rather flushed. Jack got up from his position too, and Peggy took a deep breath, cleared her throat and said, "I guess that was the universe's way of telling us to stop"

"Ah, the universe is screwed up" he replied, scrunching up his nose as he said that.

A small smile appeared on her face and she said, "Look Jack, I know we're in love and I know ….that was…pleasant, for the both of us but I don't want to do something in the heat of the moment and then grow to regret it later"

"Of course"he said.

"I don't know if you'll think of me as a prude or something and frankly it doesn't matter, because …sex is a line I don't feel comfortable crossing, not at the moment at least, no matter how dearly I love you"

"Pegs, I will never ask you to do something which you don't want to, and not just because you have a mean right hook, but because I love you, and… I know we're both in this for the long haul. We're gonna do things the right way" he replied, calmly.

She laughed at that, and seeing Jack's confused expression, "I was right, you are being uncharacteristically sweet today"

"I don't know if that's a compliment, but I am going to take it as one. Anyway, it's rather late, I better head out" he said, checking his watch, and getting up to get his coat.

As he was leaving, he gave her one small peck on the lips for the last time, and said, "I love you, have a good night"

Warmth filled Peggy's heart, and she replied, "Love you too" as he took off and she closed the door behind her.

The next few months could be described as one of the best months of Jack and Peggy's courtship. They could also be described as some of the worst times because they were away from each other so much, and sometimes when either of them had had a bad day, all they wanted was the other person to be around them, but sadly that was not possible, with Peggy travelling so much because of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Jack missed having her around the office, seeing her face every morning, that small knowing smile that lit her features as they saw each other every morning, knowing that they could not kiss each other good morning, but that they would have to settle for a simple acknowledgement of each other. Her frown as she sat at her desk poring over the latest mission, the way her nose scrunched up at the smell of coffee, her love for her steaming cup of Earl Grey.

Peggy missed Jack terribly when she was travelling back and forth between London and New York, overseeing every operation with Colonel Phillips. The idea that she should long so desperately for a man was so foreign to Peggy, she had never needed a man to complete her life before, but now it was as if without Jack, her life was missing something.

She was quite enjoying her work, but she wished she could have Jack with her in London, where she currently was, for the third time in the last month. Every thought of Jack coaxed her into thinking about the things she loved about him, his bright blue eyes, his lop sided smile, the way he would lean into her for a kiss, the way he would grab her every time they met outside the office and kiss her and say, "God I was waitin' to do that", his obsession with his neatly parted hair, the way it drove him crazy if his hair was out of place, his ridiculous ties…every small detail made her miss him.

It was a few weeks later, when Jack was on a mission, tracking down a weapons' supplier who had been supplying weapons to the enemies of the United States of America, that it happened.

The day had started off normally, well…as normal as days could be at the SSR, and late in the evening, they had received a tip that the man they had been looking for these last two weeks was hiding out in one of the warehouses of his cousin's company, a cousin who was notorious for his connection to the mafia. As soon as they had received the tip, Jack had assembled a team of 8 agents, including himself, who would be going in for the arrest. He knew it wouldn't be easy to reach this man, and it was best to have back up, armed back up.

They had reached the warehouse and on the face of it, it looked completely ordinary, if only conspicuous because of the lack of security at the front gate, which was locked. They broke the lock, trying to be as silent as possible, and went inside. Initially they encountered no one, but one of the agents had reported seeing some movement near the back door via his walkie talkie. Soon enough, there was sound of gunfire and all the rest of the agents had rushed towards the back. They came across a small door that led to somewhere underground and quickly went in, Jack in the lead. In a moment, there was gunfire from everywhere, and the SSR agents began firing mercilessly.

Jack who had been caught unawares quickly went near one of the pillars and fell to the floor. He could smell it, the smell that had been present that night he had shot those soldiers, he could see their faces clearly, even now after two years, they still wouldn't leave him. He had to get back up, his mind told him. He had to join his fellow agents, he had to get over this, but he could still see them, the Japanese soldiers.

Jack took a breath trying to calm himself, trying to get rid of the image of those bloody soldiers lying on the floor of the tent, he tried to think of something, something happy. Peggy, he thought, I have to get through this, I have to see her, I can't die here, I have to fight back, I have to get to her. The thoughts of Peggy had the intended effect, his mind jolted him back to the present, and he stood up from behind the pillar where he had taken refuge, and with another breath to calm himself, had shot straight at one of the men attacking his fellow agent.

In the chaos that followed, the police arrived about fifteen minutes later and four of his agents had been injured, however nothing life threatening. They had caught the man, who had been trying to make an escape while his men were out fighting. All around him, Jack saw relieved faces, and was glad this was finally over. As he went home that night, he thought once again of Peggy, how she had helped him even when she was not physically present. As he lay on his bed that night, he made a decision.

Two days later, Peggy was back in New York, and it would be weeks before she had to go back to London. London was home, but in a strange way so was New York. Most of all she was glad to see the man she loved, she had refused to let him come pick her at the airport because she knew he was busy, and had instead asked him to meet her for dinner at her favorite restaurant in New York, a small little place called Reggie's that served amazing food.

At 7 p.m. that evening, she was greeted by a knock on the door. She was surprised to find Jack there, as she had thought he'd wait outside her building like he usually did. Nevertheless, she was more than happy to finally see him, and they both beamed at each other.

"I thought you'd be waiting outside my building" she said.

"I was going to, but then I wouldn't have been able to do this" he smirked, as he leant in for a long and deep kiss.

"I missed you" he breathed, as he broke off the kiss. Peggy smiled and said, "Good, so you should have". Seeing Jack raise his eyebrows at that she said, "Oh alright, if you must know, I missed you too"

He gave her a small kiss. Peggy chided him jokingly, "Your intentions certainly are not pure, Mr. Thompson"

"Well I guess that's your effect on me, darling" he retorted playfully as they both made their way down the building, to his car.

Throughout dinner they both chatted happily, Jack told her about his work, Peggy told him how things were going in London, about how S.H.I.E.L.D would be up and running by the end of that year. She also told him how the current office of the SSR would remain as it is, and Jack would still be the chief, only that now he would be heading the New York headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D, and her office was going to be in both London and New York. She was going to meet Angie in the next week. Angie was a hit among the critics and was now in talks of her next Broadway production. Needless to say, she was busy as a bee. All throughout the meal, she could see that there was something Jack was not telling her, he had the same nervous look she had on her face all those months ago when she had first told him about S.H.I.E.L.D.

As they finished their meal and paid the bill (Peggy had been the one to pay, despite Jack's numerous protests, shutting him up by saying that she was the one who had asked him out and so she was going to pay for the meal). As they walked hand in hand towards a park where they loved to sit and talk, she could sense his unease. As they sat on the bench, she asked him, "Would you like to tell me now, or would tomorrow be a good time for you to let me know what's bothering you?"

"I guess we know each other pretty well, huh?" he smiled.

"A bit too well, I am afraid" she smiled back.

"Well, we were on this mission two days ago and we had received a tip that Harvey Peckwell was hidin out at his cousin's warehouse and we went in in the dead of the night, but we were ambushed by his men" he said.

"What? You could have told me that before Jack" she sounded shocked.

"Yeah I didn't feel like bringing it up before. But the thing is Pegs, I… I froze…like the last time" he admitted.

"Oh my god, then how on earth did you get back up? Was it really that bad? The episode?"

"It wasn't good I 'll tell ya that. You know what got me back on my feet?"

"What?" she asked, sounding intrigued.

"You" he said simply. When she continued to look confused, he said, "I tried to think of something to calm myself and the first thing I could think of was you, Peggy. I thought about you, how much I had to see you, how I had to snap out of it and fight, fight so I could get back out alive to see you" he smiled.

"Oh Jack, I…don't know what to say, I just…never realized I was so important to you" she said, laying her hand on his.

"Yeah, now you know that Peggy. That incident made me think that the work we do, it's never going to be safe, it's never going to be easy and there are no guarantees in our line of work, I mean, you're off working in England and here I could have died the very next moment. It made things a lot clearer for me Peggy, and it made me realize that you are my life, you are the one constant in my life and the idea of losing you is something I can't even make myself think about." he paused, taking in a deep breath.

"Jack, darling, I love you too, and you cannot imagine how miserable it made me when I couldn't see you every day" she said.

"Yeah…but that is not all Pegs, there's somethin' else I want to say…to ask you. Life is too short Peggy, and however long I live I want to spend it with you" he said, looking directly at her.

"Jack" Peggy said, looking a bit overwhelmed now, "Are you…?" she broke off, as he got down on one knee and took out a box from his pants' pocket.

"Agent Peggy Carter, Head Advisor of S.H.I.E.L.D," he smiled, " Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

A/N II- Thank you for your support. Let me know what you think of this chapter.. Please leave a review :)