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Chapter Text

The rescued men had walked back into camp on a wave. Cheers and celebrations. And once the noise died down, every single one of them was sent to be checked over by the medical team.

Peggy, when she had finally stopped staring down Steve, had followed Colonel Phillips back into the command tent. She kept her face passive, but Phillips still glared at her slightly.

“Don’t say it” he barked out as he looked at her.

Peggy stayed silent.

“You told me so, I get it. Turns out there was a little something to your faith.” Still, she stayed silent.

He gave her a tight lipped smile.

“Well done.”

She nodded once. A small smile escaping her otherwise stony facade. Despite their sometimes differing opinions, and the words that had been thrown around not too long ago, Peggy knew that Colonel Phillips respected her. They’d developed a good working relationship over the last couple of years.

“We’re going to need reports from all of them. Every man that was being held. Luckily,” he paused, turning and picking up a stack of papers, “your faith might have been a little infectious.” Peggy realised with some surprise that he was holding the condolence letters. The ones he had supposedly posted the day after Steve had left on his rescue mission. She’d asked him not to. Tried to convince him to wait until Steve returned and he’d told her in no uncertain terms what he thought of that idea.

“Someone will need to sort through them, of course. Captain America didn’t quite manage to bring home all of them. But most of them can be destroyed.”

He thrust the stack of papers towards Peggy, who took them from him.

“Use whoever you want to get this mess organised. I want a definite list of names by the end of the day. I’ll get in touch with London. These men need a few days of food and rest, and it’ll be easier to get reports done there, with more hands to help.”

Dismissed, Peggy left the command tent, papers clutched in her hands.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of admin. Agent Carter was a force to be reckoned with, particularly when she had a job to do, and by the end of the day, she had a list for Colonel Phillips and the stack of letters had reduced to just a small pile. The others had ended up helping to keep a fire going for the men sat outside.

Those rescued from the facility were either still in the medical bay, waiting to be seen, or had already been released to find food and clothing. Peggy had organised a couple of the more junior soldiers to help with this task, and she was pleased to see men sitting around with plates of food and huddled under coats, blankets, and anything else that could be spared for them.

She caught snippets of conversation as she passed, hearing men talk in awe of the man who had saved them. A wave of pride flooded over her. He’d been meant for more. She knew it, and now everyone else did too.

She hadn’t seen Steve since the initial celebrations had died down. She knew he would have been sent to the medical bay along with everyone else. She also suspected that he’d have put himself at the back of the queue to be seen to. She wanted to go looking for him, but she didn’t have time.

Colonel Phillips had passed her earlier in the day and told her they were flying out the following day. London had a lot of thoughts about what had happened and they wanted all the men back there as soon as possible. Preparations needed to be made.

She finally caught a glimpse of him late the next morning as rows of men stood in line waiting to board the trucks that would take them to the airfield. He was helping wounded soldiers to settle in for the journey and she paused to watch him gently lift a young man, boy really by the looks of him, into the truck as he was too weak to climb in by himself.

She briefly wondered if the boy reminded Steve of himself. Back when he was weak and sickly, but still determined to do his part. She watched as he gently brushed the boys hair back, before leaning down to say something to him. The boy nodded back, and Steve patted him softly on the shoulder before moving on to help the next man.

Peggy took a breath, letting her gaze linger for a moment longer before pulling herself together and moving on. She still had work to finish before she could gather her own belongings and take her place in one of the trucks. It was going to be a long day, but knowing she’d be back in London by the end of it brought a warmth to her that only going home could evoke.

She hadn’t been back in London for several weeks and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t missing some of her home comforts. As much as she thrived out on the front and in the field. As much as she loved going on her missions and doing her bit. There was nothing quite as alluring as a proper cup of tea and the chime of Big Ben.

She hurried off to finish her work, ensuring that every man was accounted for and that crucial intelligence was safely tucked away or destroyed. She met Phillips back in the command tent to check for any final instructions before collecting together her few belongings into her pack and heading out in search of one of the final transport trucks.

She shouldn’t have been surprised to find Steve still there. He was stood next to the back of an open truck, three men already sat inside. The sun was high in the sky and the light hit the blond of his hair making him almost glow against the dark green of the truck. He looked positively angelic and it almost took Peggy’s breath away.

Hearing her footsteps, he turned towards her. His face split into a boyish grin as she approached.

“Agent Carter. I thought you might have already left.” It wasn’t quite a question, but there was something in his tone that caught her attention. His eyes sparkled as he looked at her.

“I had some last bits of work to finish up. I was always expecting to be in the last truck. I thought you might have already left though.” She countered.

He ducked his head a little. He’d been encouraged into many of the earlier trucks but refused until every single one of the men he had rescued had been accounted for and was on their way.

“After I went to so much trouble to save them, I didn’t want anyone getting left behind.” He smiled as he said it, but there was an earnest undertone that made Peggy believe that his reasons were genuine.

“And he hoped he’d get to sit next to you at the back of the bus” one of the voices called from inside the truck.

Peggy finally diverted her eyes from Steve to look at the man who had spoken. She looked him over, saw how his grin didn’t quite meet his eyes and how he was holding himself, tense, as though hiding an injury. He was pale, and looked like he hadn’t had a good meal in some time. He definitely looked like someone who should’ve been on one of the earlier trucks with the injured.

“Sergeant Barnes, is it?” She asked, clipped. He was not quick enough to hide the shock on his face that she’d known who he was.

She’d seen him, stood a little behind Steve when they’d arrived but the crowds were so dense with the bustle of excitement that she hadn’t had the chance to establish which one was the friend Steve was so determined to save.

As soon as he spoke though, she recognised the person who had called for the cheers for Captain America. She’d thought at the time that he was just a grateful soldier. She realised now it was the schoolboy prodding of a friend who, despite everything, couldn’t resist embarrassing the closest thing he had to a brother. It’s the kind of thing her brother would’ve done. A little in-joke in the middle of everything.

Still, this one came with an audience and was at her expense, and therefore not something she would stand for.

“Yes ma’am” he responded, clearly remembering their ranks.

Steve was looking between them. His smile had dropped and, had he been closer to Bucky, he definitely would’ve taken a swipe at him. But he also knew Agent Carter could take care of herself and would probably not appreciate him getting involved.

“Seeing as you’re injured, I won’t do to you what I did to the last person who made a comment like that to me.” Her eyes moved pointedly to his crotch, and anger blazed behind her eyes. “But do consider this your one and only warning.” The ice in her tone was unmistakeable and Steve smirked as he watched Bucky shift his hands not particularly subtly into his lap, eager to protect himself just in case she changed her mind.

“Sorry ma’am” Bucky mumbled.

Peggy climbed into the truck, followed closely by Steve who gave Bucky’s foot a quick kick. Bucky glared at him but didn’t say anything. Steve sat down next to him, Peggy across from him next to one of the other men.

“Agent Carter, you’ve already had the misfortunate of meeting Sergeant Barnes, but may I introduce Corporal Dugan and Private Juniper” Steve gestured towards the other two men. Dugan tipped his hat towards Peggy, smiling under his moustache and Juniper looked down at his feet, mumbling “ma’am” in her general direction. He seemed a little afraid for his own privates, despite only Bucky’s being under threat.

A silence settled briefly in the truck while Steve looked at Peggy and Peggy tried to look everywhere but at Steve. She glanced out the back and saw Colonel Phillips striding towards them.

He thumped the side of the truck as he climbed in, calling “roll out” as he took his seat and the truck started moving.

“You’re the last, sir?” Peggy asked him.

He nodded back. “The first plane should already be in the air.” He replied. “We need to get moving if we want to be on the last one.”

“How far is to the airfield, sir?” Steve asked.

“We’ll be in here for a couple of hours. Might as well make yourselves comfortable.” And with that, Phillips settled into his seat, crossed his arms and legs and promptly fell asleep.

The others all looked at each other. Steve shrugged, “you heard the man.”

Dugan didn’t seem to need telling twice. He pulled his bowler cap over his face and was soon snoring softly. Juniper curled up in his seat, tucking his knees up into his chest and tried to doze.

Bucky opened his mouth to speak. Peggy looked at him, one slightly quirked eyebrow, and it was enough for him to close it again.

Not wanting to wake the others, none of them spoke but all three of them remained solidly and decidedly awake. Peggy, too uncomfortable to let her guard down enough to sleep. Bucky, too wired to have any chance at some shut eye. And Steve, not willing to rest while the other two didn’t.

Chapter Text

They landed bumpily a little way outside of London. A plane full of soldiers, another one already pulled up ahead of them on the tarmac of the airstrip, unloading the last of the injured men into the waiting batch of trucks.

They were driven to an army barracks in St James Park, in the shadow of the iconic clock tower. Peggy had sat herself right at the back of the truck, leaning out slightly and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of her home. Steve watched her, admiring the flush on her face as she got slightly windswept. His fingers itched to draw the look of contentment as she breathed deeply and closed her eyes.

Phillips was asleep again in their truck, but Dugan, Juniper and Bucky were playing cards. Juniper kept dropping his when the truck jolted them, but Dugan and Bucky were good natured enough to pretend not to see each time he bent down to collect them.

Peggy watched as they passed through the streets of London, settling back into her seat when she evidently recognised that they were close to where they were due to stop. Phillips seemed to have timed his sleep habits perfectly with the duration of the journey and was snapping awake and issuing Peggy instructions as the trucks took their final couple of corners.

Steve lost Peggy almost immediately as they arrived. Him and the men were shown to sleeping quarters or a substantial medical wing, depending on their needs. They were issued with uniforms, given a quick tour of the parts of the barracks they were likely to need, and informed of the curfew and rules. Once they’d been assigned bunks, they were sent to the officers mess for a real meal. Steve felt guilty for just being shepherded along with the others. He felt useless and was starting to worry that he’d be looking at becoming a dancing monkey all over again in no time. No one had really told him anything, and the lack of information did not feel like a positive sign.

As he finished his plate, he was tapped gently on the shoulder.

“Captain, could you come with me please?” Peggy had leaned down to speak quietly to him and he almost crashed into her in his haste to stand. He shoved his plate at Bucky to deal with and followed her out of the room. He missed Bucky rolling his eyes as he turned away. He tried not to notice the sway of her hips as she walked, tried to keep his eyes respectfully on the back of her head. He definitely tried not to imagine being led to other places by her when she glanced over her shoulder to check he was still behind her.

She led him down a maze of corridors and he took a moment to be grateful for his now photographic memory as he realised how horribly lost he would otherwise have felt. Peggy seemed to be suffering from no such issues though, striding purposefully through the halls. It was clear she knew her way around.

She opened a door and Steve followed her through, pulling up just short of walking right into her as she turned to face him.

He’d been expecting a meeting room. Definitely other people. Maybe some maps or something. What she had led him into could only really be described as a storage cupboard. It had shelves from floor to ceiling, containing boxes labelled with various items. Peggy reached round him to close the door behind them and he thought he stopped breathing as she brushed against him in the too small space.

They were inches apart from each other. He tried not to think about how easy it would be to kiss her. He seemed to be trying not to think about a lot of things where she was concerned.

She looked up at him. “Sorry about this.” She gestured around her, brushing his chest with her finger tips in the limited space. “I don’t have long, but I thought you might be getting a bit antsy and I wanted to keep you informed as best I can. I can’t tell you everything right now, and you definitely can’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you.” She spoke quickly, but paused, waiting.

He nodded vigorously and she continued, still talking fast.

“Discussions are still ongoing, and we’re starting reports from all of the men you rescued tomorrow. You’ll be interviewed too at some point. But the USO tour is indefinitely suspended. The girls have been sent home for now and the brass are trying to decide what to do with you. Turns out, everyone wants you now.” She smirked at him and he felt his ears starting to burn. He was glad the cupboard had very little light.

He didn’t speak. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed to ask questions. Peggy took a breath and carried on.

“Technically, you’re owned by the SSR. Phillips wants to keep you and he’s looking at putting you out into the field. We haven’t agreed yet what that looks like. Did you pick anything up while you were at the facility? Anything that might help make our case to keep you with the SSR?”

“There are other facilities. I saw a map.”

“Did you manage to bring it with you? We’ll need hard evidence.” Peggy asked, speaking more urgently still.

Steve shook his head slowly. “No, but if you’ve got a map I can recreate it. My memory is pretty much perfect now, I think I can pin them all on it.”

She grinned at him. The first proper smile he’d seen from her. “Perfect.”

Chapter Text

The map was whisked away from him as soon as he’d finished. The look on Peggy’s face as she tried not to be impressed burning into his memory. It had turned out that Phillips had been convincing enough, without much input from Steve and Peggy. They’d been in London for two days, and having had reports from most of the men, he’d not only managed to get approval to keep Steve with them, but also that he could have his pick of the rescued men to form a team. Plus, he’d managed to swing it that Steve kept his Captain title. Peggy might have been in his ear a little about that one.

What Phillips hadn’t quite been prepared for, was Steve wanting to pick his team himself. Phillips had already started picking names from the list Peggy had given him back at camp, thinking about skill levels and experience. But of course, Captain America wanted his own people.

Phillips surveyed him. Steve stood tall and proud.

“Fine. You can pick the men, but, Agent Carter will have to sign off on it. If she doesn’t think they’re up to scratch, they don’t make the cut.”

Steve glanced at Peggy, then looked back to Phillips. “Fine by me. Agent Carter has excellent judgement”. Peggy willed herself to keep a straight face. There wasn’t much she could do about the fine blush creeping over her cheeks but she turned and busied herself with some papers so it wasn’t too obvious. Having her back to them, she missed Phillips rolling his eyes.

Phillips left the room and Steve sat, pulling a sheet of paper and a pencil towards him. He started to write down names.

“How many can I have?” He asked, looking up.

Peggy looked over. “It’s not really about how many. It’s about what you need.” He looked a little puzzled.

She sat down opposite him. “The plan is to destroy these facilities, right?” She didn’t wait for him to respond. “So you need people with the right skillsets to make that possible. Explosives. Sniper. Medic.” She ticked skills off on her fingers. “But you also need people you trust. You’re going to be out there on your own a lot. You need a band of brothers who will watch your back and lift your spirits.”

He looked at her thoughtfully. “Look at it this way, when you rescued those men, who was resourceful? Who put themselves in the line of fire to make sure others could escape?” Names started to swirl in his brain. “And which of those would you happily sleep on the cold hard ground with when you all smell and haven’t eaten real food in a week? Who has been able to make you laugh? Who have you seen share their rations? Who reminds you of people you already know and love? Essentially, who will help make enemy territory feel like home.”

Steve crossed out a couple of the names on the list he’d already written. He wrote down a few more.

“Can I take you?” He’d caught her completely off guard. She stared at him, struck momentarily dumb. She knew he valued her. She knew he respected her. She still didn’t expect him to ask. “You fit the criteria. I know you can shoot. You’re definitely resourceful and were more than willing to put yourself in the line of fire. I’ve seen you share rations and I’d happily sleep on the cold hard ground with you, even if you smell.” He blushed a little as he finished speaking but he held her gaze. “Plus, you make places feel like home.”

She sighed. She would happily join his team. She’d follow him pretty much anywhere at this point and she still barely knew him, particularly if he kept saying things like that to her. But she also knew that she had her own work to do. She was intelligence. A spy. A soldier, yes, but not like this. There was a little more art to her work. A little more finesse. She didn’t just charge in. Besides, someone had to keep him in reliable information.

“I…” she started. “I don’t think so.” He looked crestfallen. “It’s not that I don’t want to.” She tried again.

“Is it because you don’t think they’d let you?” He asked. She tilted her head to the side, thinking.

“A little.” She admitted. “But I don’t think I’d be of use to you out there right now.” He opened his mouth to protest but she carried on. “You need information. Reliable information. And someone who can communicate it to you. You need eyes and ears you can trust in places you can’t be. That’s my skillset.” He examined her face, checking for signs of dishonesty but finding none. “I’m not saying I’ll never join you in the field. If you can get the approval, I’m sure there will be times when it’s needed, but right now we’re flying blind and I’m more useful to you staying behind.”

He had to agree. He did need someone he could trust.

“You’re still going on the list.” He said, obstinately. But he also wrote liaison next to her name. Alongside the others he filled in their skills - sharpshooter, explosives, medic, navigator. Eventually, he slid the paper across the table. Peggy’s eyes scanned the list.

“Good choices.” She said, standing up. “I’ll let Phillips know and you should be able to ask them all.” She headed for the door, turning just as she reached it. “I find, asking people to risk their lives usually goes down a lot better when you buy them a drink first. There’s a pub not too far from here that might help you grease the wheels a little.” And with that, she left.

Chapter Text

One of the biggest advantages of being back in London was access to more of her wardrobe. Specifically, this one dress. Red, just like her favourite lipstick. She’d debated putting it on. It felt silly, girlish, a little out of step with the front she puts out to the world. But then she thought about Steve seeing her in it. Hoping he’d notice where it hugged her in the right places. And she’d thought screw it and put it on.

She knew where he’d be. Directed him to the pub herself not that long ago, back when she was still in her uniform. He’d been in his too, and she quietly hoped he still was. It looked good on him. Better than on other soldiers somehow. Maybe because he believed in it in a way they didn’t.

She’d wanted to give him a head start anyway. He did actually need to ask these men to join him and she wanted to make sure he had the time to do that before she arrived. Just in case he decided he might like to leave with her. Or buy her a drink.

Standing outside, she took a deep breath before pushing the door open. She stepped inside and noticed how the music and singing fell away as men turned to stare. She realised, as well, that the other women in the pub, not that there were many of them, had not made similar levels of effort. She stood out, more than she had intended, but held her head high and carried on anyway.

Heads followed her and she spotted the men Steve had wanted all sat together. They had a steady flow of drinks and it looked like the Captain had taken her advice to heart. She caught a glimpse of him, sat at the bar with his friend. Still in uniform, she was pleased to note.

Their heads turned as they realised the music had quietened, looking for the source of the disruption and stood instinctively as she appeared in the doorway of their section of the pub.

“Captain”. It gave her a thrill to use the title now that it was formally and officially his. Now that he’d truly earned it.

“Agent Carter.” He responded with formality, but in a tone that just hinted at something more. She wondered if he’d call her that in the bedroom. She felt his friend’s eyes on her as she moved in front of him, but didn’t bother to look at him. He might have spoken to her but she couldn’t be sure. Her attention was completely focused on Steve.

“Howard has some equipment for you to try. Tomorrow morning.” she told him. The reason, if anyone asked, that she was here. Howard had caught her on her way out and she’d promised to deliver the message on his behalf. She was grateful the excuse had fallen into her lap.

“Sounds good.” He felt he had to say something in response, but words were failing him as he took in the sight of Agent Peggy Carter, all in red.

The music started up again in the next room and Peggy looked round. Steve took the opportunity to look her over, almost pained by how perfectly her dress fit. How badly he wanted to see if his hand would hug her waist in the same way as her clothes did.

Bucky glanced between them, trying to get a read on the situation. Agent Carter definitely had something about her, and she definitely knew how to get a man’s attention. But he worried that was all it was, despite the things Steve had said about her.

“I see your top squad is prepping for duty” she had a twinkle in her eye and a laugh behind her words that felt like it was just for Steve. She knew it was the right group of men, had helped him get there, and he knew there was no judgement in her words. Bucky, however, did not seem to catch it.

“You don’t like music?”

“I do actually. I might even, when this is all over, go dancing” Her eyes stayed fixed on Steve. She wanted to make her message crystal clear.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Bucky asked, a hard look forming in his eyes that didn’t match his jovial tone.

“The right partner”

The corners of Steve’s mouth lifted ever so slightly and his eyes burned into hers. Internally, he was cheering, pumping his fist, celebrating silently at the way she had repeated his own words back to him. Confirmation that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. But as the celebration in his brain subsided, he also took in the words. When this is all over. Not now. He already knew she’d be worth the wait, but that wasn’t going to make the wait any easier.

“0800 Captain.” Her parting words as she walked away.

“Yes ma’am. I’ll be there.” Steve tried to load the words. Willed her to understand that he meant more than just turning up to the weapons lab the following morning. He watched her go, and she felt his eyes on her as she left the room.

She walked back through the pub, her heart pounding. She stepped outside and round a corner out of sight, where she stopped to breathe deeply.

“I’m invisible. I’m turning into you. This is a horrible dream.” Bucky chuckled slightly. Steve clapped him on the shoulder.

“Don’t take it so hard.” He smirked slightly, parroting a line back that Bucky had used on him time and again before the war. “Maybe she’s got a friend.”

He turned to pick up his coat, as Bucky turned to watch him.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“I’m going to walk her home.” Steve replied, confidently.

“You think she’ll let you? She threatened to cut off my future bloodline not two days ago” Bucky countered, only half joking.

Steve smirked and half shrugged. “Worth a shot!”

Bucky stared at him. “Since when did you have game?” He asked, sounding shocked.

Steve just grinned at him, calling back “jerk” over his shoulder as he left. He just caught Bucky muttering “punk” as he walked out into the wall of noise the other men were making.

Peggy pulled herself away from the wall she’d been resting against, walking back round the corner and immediately crashing into someone. She started to apologise before she realised it was Steve coming out of the pub. She also realised that his hand was on her waist, keeping her steady after their collision. Her words were lost as she felt the warmth of his touch seeping through her clothes.

She looked up at him, he smiled down at her.

“Figured I’d turn in if I’m needed up early tomorrow morning. Are you heading back to the barracks?” He asked her. She nodded at him and he removed his hand from her waist, turning to settle alongside her in the direction they needed to go. He offered her an arm. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow but he just smiled in return. She slipped her hand through his arm and they took off.

They walked in companionable silence for a few minutes, knowing they had precious little time before they’d be back at the barracks and needing to maintain a professional distance again. It was risky walking like this here anyway, but at least they were off-site. Technically, not breaking any rules, but definitely taking a reputational risk.

As the barracks came into view, Steve guided them slightly off course, rounding a bend and stopping just behind a telephone box. Peggy said nothing, following his lead until they came to a stop. She turned to face him. She could get lost in his eyes. The way they sparkled when they looked at her. The warmth they held.

Steve looked down at her. In her heels, she wasn’t too much shorter than him and it wouldn’t take much to duck his head and kiss her. His eyes drifted down to her lips and he licked his own subconsciously. They stood like this, looking at each other, not daring to do anything more for what could have been anywhere between 10 seconds and 10 days, and it still wouldn’t have felt long enough.

Steve’s eyes roved slowly and deliberately down her body. Peggy felt her breath catch in her throat and desire burn in her chest. Steve reached his hand forward and took hers, giving it a gentle squeeze as his gaze returned to hers.

“Steve” Peggy started, a whisper that was barely more than a breath.

“Peggy” Steve whispered back. It was the first time he’d used her name. He enjoyed how it felt in his mouth, enjoyed the sharp intake of breath it got him from Peggy.

She wanted to throw herself at him. She could read the desire on his face and imagined it was mirrored back in her own. But she also wanted to do this properly. There was something special about Steve. She’d known from the beginning. And there was something special growing between them too. She’d never felt like this. Not with anyone. She didn’t want to rush in headfirst. She wanted it to be right.

“Thank you for walking me back.”

“Any time” he smiled warmly. His entire face lit up by it. The hand that wasn’t holding hers reached up to her face, holding it gently, his thumb brushing ever so lightly against her cheek before it slid further back towards her hair. He leaned in, painfully slowly, Peggy thought. He planted the softest of kisses on her cheek, lingering for just a moment to breathe her in.

Peggy thought she might spontaneously combust. It was so chaste. So pure. But also somehow burned with the heat of desire and promise of something more. It felt like he’d known exactly what she was thinking and wanted to let her know he agreed. And then he was pulling back. Removing his hand from her face, smiling at her again as he gently turned them back to the street. She followed his lead, squeezing and then dropping his hand as they stepped out from behind their telephone box. They walked ever so slightly closer together than professional colleagues might as they returned through the entrance of the barracks before separating off to their respective beds.

Chapter Text

Peggy’s day started early as a rule. But today, she was up earlier than usual. She’d tried a little harder with her hair, re-done her make up to make sure it was just right. She’d even decided to flex the uniform rules a little, forgoing the regulation jacket in favour of a more flattering white shirt with her military skirt, a belt tight at her waist to highlight her shape.

She’d been in with Phillips since 0600 discussing strategy, before heading down to see Stark shortly before 0800 to make sure he had everything he needed. She’d had butterflies all morning. Skipped breakfast because her throat felt like it might close up with the anticipation. She’d never felt like this before. She felt slightly ridiculous but she couldn’t help herself. She was so excited to see Steve after their moment the night before, where it felt like all of the previous glances and light flirtation had finally turned into the start of something more.

But then she’d rounded that corner and seen Steve with Lorraine and suddenly she felt more than slightly ridiculous. She felt mortified. Angry. Embarrassed. Devastated. Betrayed. The list felt endless.

She’d tried to brush him off, but that fondue comment had rankled more than she could say. She’d left him to it as soon as they’d got into the lab, but she knew she couldn’t avoid him forever.

She had really just intended to tell him where he needed to go next, but his attempt to be cute, standing there proudly with his shield, just triggered something. The gun was in her hand before she even entirely registered what she was doing. After she’d fired, she walked away before she could do any more damage.

Steve couldn’t quite figure out what had happened. One minute he was waiting for someone to take him into the weapons lab, wondering if he’d get to see Peggy there as she’d told him where to be, and then suddenly Lorraine was on him. He’d gotten slightly caught up in it once she was kissing him, he was a little ashamed to admit. But the crashing reality of Peggy catching them, and the way she’d spoken to him afterwards, made him burn with guilt. He knew he’d really done the damage when he mentioned Stark.

He knew Stark’s reputation - who didn’t? - but he also knew Peggy and it was definitely unfair of him to say it. Even if he had wondered when they were on that plane. Not everyone can call in a favour from Howard Stark, so it was forgivable to wonder what their relationship was, he figured. But after yesterday, their moment in the pub and behind the telephone box, he knew it wasn’t fair. Steve already knew she was his.

He thought showing her the shield might remind her that she thought he was brave and good. Foolish, in hindsight, but it felt like a smart idea at the time. As she pulled that trigger and he hid behind the shield, he realised he’d never been on the receiving end of any of Agent Carter’s scorn before. He’d watched her throw punches and scathing comments, saw how she could command men far bigger than her and how they’d fall over themselves to follow her orders after she’d put the fear of god into them. Now he knew a little of how it felt and he was devastated to have disappointed her and desperate to win back her favour.

After finishing his conversation with Howard about the uniform, the shield and the other weapons his team could expect to take with them, he tried to look for her. Unfortunately, if Agent Carter the spy doesn’t want to be found, then she won’t be.

He didn’t see her again until two days later, in their final meeting before his team was being shipped out. They went over the logistics, the full team present, along with Phillips, Carter and Stark. Everything was in place, and they’d be flying out the next morning, heading straight for one of the facilities on the map. Steve was itching to go, ready to start taking his place on the battlefield with his team behind him. But he also kept looking at Peggy. She wouldn’t make eye contact with him for most of the meeting, but was otherwise the consummate professional.

As they all stood to leave, the men were instructed to have a hearty meal and a good nights rest before their mission. Phillips was straight out the door to another meeting, and Howard was chatting to Dernier to give him more explicit instructions about the explosives he’d designed. Steve hung back, trying and failing to catch Peggy’s eye.

“Agent Carter. A word before you dash off please.” Steve said, trying to keep his voice neutral to avoid any further attention. “I have some more questions” he added dumbly afterwards as some of the men turned to look. He waved them on and Peggy, aware of their audience, waited. He jerked his head in the opposite direction and took them to a different storage cupboard from the one she had taken him to before. He held the door open for her and she glanced at him with a raised eyebrow before walking in and turning to face him.

He made a bit of a show of closing the door, wanting to buy some time before he had to speak. As he turned to look at her, she had her arms folded and was looking ever so slightly to the left of his face.

“I wanted to clear the air.” He said eventually. She didn’t move. “You’re our liaison, so I think it’s important that we’re able to communicate.”

She looked at him then. Steel in her eyes. “Is there something I haven’t communicated to you, Captain?” She asked, steel in her voice too.

“Well, no, I mean maybe. Kind of? You’re upset with me.” He stumbled over his words a little as he spoke. This wasn’t exactly going according to plan.

“I’m not upset.” Peggy countered. He scoffed a little at that. Entirely accidentally. But she raised her eyebrows. “You disagree?” She challenged.

“Yeah, I do actually.” In for a penny, in for a pound. “You shot at me. People generally only do that when they’re upset with me.” He stood firm, his face set.

She considered him for a moment. “You might have a point.” She conceded eventually.

“I’m really sorry.” She shifted her weight slightly, but otherwise showed no signs of movement. Steve took it as a good sign, taking the opportunity to continue speaking. “I don’t really know what happened. I was just waiting to go to the lab, and then Lorraine was on me. I shouldn’t’ve kissed her back.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “No one has ever really wanted to kiss me before, you know.” He gestured to himself. “It’s not an excuse” he added quickly. “I just, got a little caught up in it.” He cast his eyes down to the floor.

They stood in silence for a moment. Steve breathing heavily. Peggy so quiet Steve would’ve thought she’d left the room if he hadn’t been blocking the door.

“You’re wrong.”

“I’m sorry?” Even with enhanced hearing, he barely heard what Peggy said.

She looked him steadily in the eye this time. “You’re wrong.” She said a little more clearly. She had a slight flush to her cheeks.

“I know I was wrong. And if I could take it back, I would, but I can’t. And if you don’t want that dance, that’s fine. I mean, it’s not fine, but I’d understand, but what is important to me right now is that we’re on the same page. Because you’re our liaison and I won’t liaise with anyone else. My life and my team’s lives are in your hands from the minute we leave here and I need to know that we’re good.”

Peggy sighed. She did not want to be having this conversation. But she was also big enough to admit to herself that he was right. She was their liaison and they did need to be on the same page. She also knew, rationally, that she wasn’t being entirely fair. Sure, there’d been the promise of something more. There’d been a hint. There’d been that soft kiss on her cheek telling her that he wanted it all too. Wanted her. Or so she’d thought.

“I’m your liaison. We’re good.” Steve nodded. He waited a beat, but she didn’t say anything else and he turned to leave.

“But you misunderstood.” He took his hand from the door handle and looked back at her, confusion written all over his face.

“Someone wanted to kiss you before, you know.” She made the same gesture, looking briefly into his face and then at the floor. She felt her face growing hot. Neither of them moved.

Steve was looking at her, a little slack-jawed. He knew she’d liked him. Knew she had a soft spot for him, respected him, even, before the serum. But he always figured that her physical attraction started afterwards. He hadn’t missed the way she’d reached out to touch him when he came out all big and glistening. He’d watched Bucky go out with enough girls to know what women wanted.

Not this woman apparently. The realisation made him feel ten times worse. And ten times as stupid. In seconds, moments flashed before his eyes. Her smirk when he took down the flag. Her impressed expression when he curled himself round the grenade. The kindness she showed him when she taught him to use his size to his advantage, giving him her tricks and tips that she clearly didn’t share with just anyone.

“Peggy” it was that same whispered voice he’d used the other night, when he’d said her name for the first time. It sent a slight shiver down her spine, making her want to both pull away from and run towards him.

He reached a hand out towards her and she curled in on herself, almost recoiling from his touch. He paused, his hand hanging in the air between them, not knowing what to do.

She didn’t want to be in this cupboard. Didn’t want to be in this city. This country, even. Her face burned and she felt the tears prickle in her eyes. She felt far too strongly for him and it would be her that got hurt. Had already been her. But she also believed his earnest apology, and she wanted to keep him safe. And his team.

He couldn’t see her face, but her shoulders shifted upwards slightly. Just enough for him to notice and he pulled her into his arms in one swift decisive movement, enveloping her. She pressed her face against his chest and he felt the dampness of her tears seep into his shirt.

“I’m so sorry Peggy” he murmured into her hair. She took a moment, allowing him to comfort her, before pulling herself together and stepping back. She swiped her fingers under her eyes, pulled a small handkerchief from a pocket, dabbing gently at her face. He watched her put the pieces of herself back together and when she looked back up at him, you could barely tell what had happened, aside from a slight redness around her eyes.

“We’re good.” She spoke with more conviction this time. “But if you ever do something like that again, we definitely won’t be.” She allowed slightly more bite to her tone than she intended, but still left the threat to hang in the air between them.

“You never know,” Steve shrugged, “I might get taken out at a Hydra facility tomorrow and then you won’t have to worry about it.” He grinned at her, determined to lighten the mood now that she had warmed back up to him.

She rolled her eyes, but her lips curved upwards as she said “don’t be so dramatic”. She waited a beat, then added, “besides, you’ve got the best damn liaison in the whole of the SSR. You’ll be fine.” She finally gave him a proper smile, eyes blazing and he stepped towards her once more.

“I’ve got the best girl in the whole of the allied forces” he whispered into her hair, wrapping his arms around her again. She smiled against him, holding him tightly.

Chapter Text

Captain Rogers and his team assembled at the trucks the following morning, kitted up and ready to go. Colonel Phillips and Agent Carter were there to see them off. They’d been through countless checklists, gone over plans and communication methods. The men had loaded everything into the truck and were huddled together, listening to Phillips speak.

“This is the first facility you’re taking out. Keep it simple. Come out alive. We’ll see you at the camp in just over a week. Captain, you know the schedule for keeping in touch. Anything changes, inform Agent Carter immediately. She’ll be able to adjust.”

The men nodded solemnly. Phillips took a step back, giving Peggy the floor.

“Cheer up lads. This’ll be fun.” She grinned at them, before turning more serious. “Keep an eye on your supplies. We can get you anything you think you might need up until two days before we meet. This one is the easiest facility. You’ve got more intel on this than any other, and it’s in the simplest location. I have complete faith in you.” She cast her eyes across the group. “And enjoy using Howard’s new explosives!”

A round of salutes and the men piled into the truck. Steve stopped in front of Peggy before he climbed in with the rest of them. “Stay safe” she said quietly. He fixed his eyes on hers, nodded once, saluted, and followed the others. Phillips banged on the side of the truck and they drove away.

Steve sat in the truck with his new team. They all looked nervous - neither Phillips nor Peggy had delivered quite the rousing speech they thought they had. Although Dernier had definitely perked up at the mention of explosives.

He glanced at Bucky who was watching him closely.

“We’ve got a bit of a journey ahead, who’s up for some cards?” Bucky asked suddenly, pulling a pack from his pocket. Dugan’s face lit up, and the men started chatting, the camaraderie building almost immediately. Steve looked at Bucky again, gratitude written across his face. Bucky nodded once and started to deal.

They may have left London as a rag tag group of near-strangers, but they reached camp on the European front a little over a week later as a band of brothers.

Their first facility was simple. It was located exactly as they expected, had hardly any security, and blew up spectacularly with Howard’s explosives. They had no problems communicating with Peggy at the agreed times, and were able to send her a full list of requirements for their supply refill. Dugan and Bucky decided to have a little fun with the list, making sure to include a bottle of whiskey, a bar of chocolate for each of the men, and a Captain America comic book for Junior who was still a little in awe of Steve, alongside their essentials.

They strolled into camp whooping and hollering, carrying the smell of smoke and ash on their clothes. They hadn’t been clean in over a week, had barely had enough food, but they’d succeeded and they couldn’t be prouder of themselves.

“Cut out that howling” Peggy said as the group approached her, but she smiled at them, more than a little relieved that they’d returned in one piece and in good spirits. Dugan tipped his hat to her and the noise died down.

“A success, I take it?” She’d barely got the question out when the men all started talking at once. Dernier speaking in rapid French, using hand motions to signal explosions. Dugan bellowing about being cheated out of his last cigarettes during a game of cards. Morita excitedly babbling about the communications set up. Falsworth proclaiming what great fun they’d had. Even Bucky pitched in to mention a particularly good shot he’d got off. It was like having a group of excitable schoolboys, all vying for the attention of their favourite teacher.

Steve stood towards the back, beaming proudly at Peggy. She caught his eye, smiling, before turning back to the group at large, raising her hands to get them to all stop talking.

“I’ll be taking a proper report from you once you’re all a little less disgusting. Instead of whatever this is.” she moved her hand in a circle in front of her, indicating the babble. “Congratulations on your first successful mission. I suppose we ought to give you a name now.”

The volume rose again as they started throwing out suggestions.

“Hydra hit squad”

“You can’t call it a squad. It sounds ridiculous”

“Also not sure you’re meant to name what you’re going after in your team name. It takes away the element of surprise.”

“If we’re not a squad, what are we?”

“Team?”

“Unit?”

“Commando”

“Yes! Commandos. That we can work with.”

“Captain. Please take your little band of howling commandos away before they start spilling confidential information all over camp. And so I don’t have to smell them any more.” Peggy smirked a little.

“Howling Commandos. I love it.” That was Dugan. “Thanks Carter. We’ve been christened.” Peggy made a quick sarcastic sign of the cross in his direction and he chuckled as he started walking away.

Steve raised an eyebrow at her and she half shrugged, smiling quietly as she turned on her heel. She heard Steve ushering them all in the general direction of the wash tents.

He found her a little while later sat at a small desk in a large tent, one of four that had been put in there. Hers was the only one occupied. Steve entered the tent, Bucky at his shoulder. Peggy looked up. She thought Bucky looked a little like a guard dog - on edge, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice to protect his quarry. Steve, however, looked more like a puppy - eager to please and extremely proud of himself.

“Here to report in?”

“Yes ma’am.” She gestured to the desk closest to hers, but instead of sitting at it, Steve leaned against it, looking at her intently.

“Are we okay to speak here?” Steve asked.

Peggy nodded. “Yes, this is a restricted area. Plus this camp is mostly empty at the moment. An infantry moved out yesterday, it’s why we picked it.”

Steve nodded back, before launching in to his report. Peggy made frantic notes as he spoke, only interrupting once for clarification.

“So, where’s our next one?” Steve asked, eventually.

Peggy pulled a map from a drawer and used her pen to circle the map as she spoke.

“You’re going for longer next time. Now you know what you’re doing and how to work together, you’re aiming for these three. This one,” she pointed to the second one again, “we believe is close to unmanned, we think it might just be a storage facility. While this one,” she pointed to the third, “has heavy security and we think it might be holding prisoners.”

Steve moved closer to Peggy’s desk to peer intently at the map. She traced a route for him with her pen. “You’ll follow along this route. It’s been scouted out by our intelligence units and is the safest path through. There are safe houses within a day or twos hike of almost every point of it, except for here.” She pointed again. “Whatever you do, do not get stuck or ambushed here. We’ll have limited options for getting any of you out safely.”

“Hope you’re feeling lucky.” Bucky’s voice rose up from behind Steve. The first time he’d spoken since he entered the room. Steve shot a look over his shoulder. Peggy, however, ignored him completely and carried on speaking as if he wasn’t even there.

“We’ll be waiting for you at this camp.” Another indication with her pen. “We’ll have a fully equipped medical team with as many resources as we can pull together. Bring back as many prisoners as you can from that final facility.” She looked up at Steve to check he was following her.

His eyes met hers and they both held their breaths for a moment, looking at each other. Bucky shifted his feet noisily, and Peggy cleared her throat.

“We’ll do supply drops as you make your way along, but only as you request them. Comms will be crucial on this one. You’re covering too much ground and it’s too unpredictable to be able to plan in advance where to get things to you. We’ll need to be completely in sync.”

Her words hung in the air for a moment. Steve stared intently at her mouth, both waiting for her to speak again and also considering other ways he’d like them to be completely in sync. Peggy caught his gaze again, practically reading his thoughts and a blush crept up her throat.

“Shouldn’t be a problem” Steve smirked.

“When do we move out?” Bucky asked from behind him.

Peggy looked over to him. “You’ve got the rest of today and the whole of tomorrow to rest up. You’ll be leaving at nightfall.” He nodded once. “But first.” She rose to her feet. “I have something for you.” Bucky looked baffled.

“For me?”

“I assume it was you adding essentials to your supply requests. If you no longer need them, I’ll happily keep hold of them.” Peggy’s voice was as innocent as she could make it, her face neutral except for the fire radiating from her eyes.

Bucky watched as she opened her desk drawer, pulling out a square package wrapped in brown paper, a tall brown bag that landed heavily, and a comic book. His eyes lit up.

“You actually got them?” He couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. “No offence ma’am, but you seemed far too uptight to actually get them.”

She looked at him and he raised his hands in mock surrender.

“I think the words you’re looking for are thank you Agent Carter”

Bucky grinned at her. For the first time she could see the boy beneath the anger and the fear. Saw the childhood best friend that Steve couldn’t leave behind.

“Thank you Agent Carter.” He took a step forward. “You’re the best!”

“I told you. Best girl in the whole of the allied forces.” Steve said, looking at Bucky. Peggy felt her face flush and turned to gather her things to try to hide it. Bucky started collecting the items Peggy had got for them. He peeked into the brown bag, then looked between Peggy and Steve.

“You’re going to have competition when the lads find out about this.” Steve just grinned at him.

Bucky made to leave the tent, but Peggy stopped him.

“Just a moment Sergeant Barnes.” He turned back to look at her. “Those are not to be consumed while you’re still here at camp. They are mission resources and should be treated as such.” She watched Bucky’s face fall. He’d clearly been looking forward to a stiff drink, and more importantly, a proper bar of chocolate.

“This.” She pulled another brown bag from a different drawer. “Is for celebrating your first successful mission.” Bucky beamed, laughter written all over his face.

Agent Carter might be one of the most resourceful women he’s ever come across, and he was beginning to realise he might have somewhat misjudged her. She must have gone to quite a lot of trouble to smuggle two whole bottles of whiskey and what felt like around 10 chocolate bars just for them. None of this was easy to come by, and it was even harder to sneak it out here unnoticed.

“You’ll be joining us. It was your first successful mission too.” Bucky stated.

She smiled at him. “I’ve had plenty of successful missions before, thank you. But yes, if you’re happy to share, I’d love to join you.” She waited a beat. “No better company around here anyway.” She grinned. Bucky grinned back.

Steve watched as the ice melted between his best friend and his best girl.

Chapter Text

“And then he vomited. On her.” Bucky could barely get the sentence out between tears of laughter. The rest of the Howling Commandos roared as Bucky doubled over, slapping his knee.

As pleased as Steve was to see his friend looking more himself than he had since the rescue, he wasn’t thrilled about some of the stories he’d decided to share. Particularly in front of Peggy.

Peggy, for her part, was thoroughly enjoying them. Sat around with the Howling Commandos, laughing at Steve, she felt, possibly for the first time since joining the SSR, like she was around friends. They included her in their jokes, treated her like an equal. Although, she did think that may be because it was her whiskey they were passing round.

“I can’t believe you just told that story. Is nothing sacred between us any more Buck?” Steve muttered, exasperated.

“It’s important that your team know who they’re following into battle. They need to know the little guy from Brooklyn.” Bucky countered.

“I imagine it was quite a sight!” Falsworth chimed in. Bucky turned to him.

“You have no idea!” Steve buried his face in his hands as Bucky gave a disgustingly vivid description of Steve’s vomit to the group.

“There’s a lady present!” Dugan boomed at him.

“Where?” Bucky asked, feigning looking around, grinning, while Peggy chucked the screwed up brown bag the whiskey bottle had been in at him. It hit him squarely in the chest and he clutched at it, throwing a wide-eyed look of mock-hurt in her direction.

Falsworth pulled a pack of cards from his pocket and waved them in the air. “Maybe this’ll shut you up!” He proclaimed, starting to shuffle the deck as everyone shifted in their seats.

He started dealing the cards and half the men folded on the first round. Peggy sat with her cards face down on the table in front of her. She eyed the remaining players, reading their body language. Bucky was grinning, but his smile no longer reached his eyes and Peggy watched him fiddle with the corner of one of the cards. She was confident his hand was useless.

Dugan shifted his bowler hat on his head repeatedly, eyes darting around at the others. Peggy bit back a smirk as she started to realise that every single one of these men had glaringly obvious tells and she was about to wipe the floor with them.

She looked at Steve. He’d folded immediately and was now watching her closely. She felt an urge to reach out and check his cards. Something in his face told her that he had been sitting on a strong hand. She tilted her head ever so slightly, pondering him. He gave her the smallest quirk of his lips in response and she was sure her gut was right. It was uncanny, how they were learning to read each other without words.

It didn’t take long for Peggy to win the hand. And the next one. And the one after that. She folded immediately on the fourth and Dugan cheered, presumably expecting a chance at winning. He started to throw in bigger bets and was soon cleaned out by Junior, who had apparently improved a lot since he had been dropping cards in the truck on the way to London.

Peggy claimed the winnings from him on the next hand, and sat back smugly, her spoils piled in front of her. “Well gentlemen, it’s been fun, but I think it’s high time I was heading to bed.” She made to stand and several of them made noises of dissent. She smiled at them. “You ladies might have the luxury of a day of relaxation tomorrow, but some of us have real work to do.”

They grumbled at her some more, before bidding her goodnight.

As she made her way back from the wash tents to her own sleeping area, she spotted Steve wandering around, looking a little lost. She gave him a small wave and he jogged over to her.

“Thought I might have missed you.” He said by way of explanation. “I just wanted to say goodnight.”

“Goodnight Captain”

“Goodnight Agent Carter”

They looked at each other. She examined him, thinking.

“Why did you let me win?” She asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Steve responded.

“Don’t lie to me Captain.”

He paused. “Don’t be offended.”

“Not usually a good start.” Her hands moved to her hips.

“I wanted them to get to know you.”

“And they couldn’t do that if I didn’t win?”

“They could. But it’s not the same.” He paused. “I wanted them to see the passion. The drive. The intensity. It was one of the first things I noticed at Camp Lehigh. They’re some of your best features.” His eyes roamed once over her body as he let the words hang in the air. “You show them off best when you’re winning.” He shrugged. “Plus you look good when you’re riding a high. Your eyes sparkle.” He grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes affectionately and took a small step closer to him. “That doesn’t sound particularly professional”. Her voice had turned a little breathy.

“I don’t want them to see you looking professional. I want them to see the real you. The rule breaker.”

“I’m not a rule breaker!” She exclaimed, sounding too outraged to be genuine. He raised an eyebrow at her. “I might occasionally find loopholes.” She conceded.

“Hey, I’m all in favour of rule breaking” Steve’s eyes had turned dark, his words heavy. He moved closer to her, the air feeling thick around them.

She looked up at him, and Steve’s self control felt like it was being pushed to breaking point. She licked her lips, drawing his gaze to them before he dragged it back up her face to meet her eyes again. He could feel the tension in his body as he physically tried to stop himself from leaning into her.

She placed her hand on his chest, palm flat, keeping him at bay. “Not like this. Not here.” As much as she wanted to drag him back to her tent, there were too many people here. Not enough privacy. And she still wanted to wait. Until they could relax and enjoy it. To do this properly when they could build a life together, not just steal moments between chaos.

He nodded, taking the hand from his chest and lifting it slowly to his lips. He kissed it softly, lowering it back down to her side.

“Goodnight Agent Carter.” He let go of her hand and walked back to his team.

Chapter Text

Steve only caught glimpses of Peggy for most of the next day. While he and his team were ordered to rest, which mostly involved them messing with each other, playing a lot of cards, and getting told off by Peggy whenever they ended up getting in the way, she was afforded no such luxury.

By lunchtime, when he spotted her walking across the camp trying to simultaneously eat, walk and sort through a stack of papers in her arms, she looked annoyed. By the time the Howling Commandos were having an early dinner and preparing to head out for the start of their mission, she looked downright furious.

They were loading up the last of their supplies into the truck as she strode over.

“Are you all ready?” She asked, clipped.

“Yes ma’am.” Came a chorus of voices in response.

Steve tilted his head towards her, a quizzical look on his face. She shook her head slightly, but gave him a small, not entirely reassuring, smile.

“You know the route?” She asked him. Steve tapped the side of his head, smiling at her.

“We’re ready.” Steve told her, confidently.

She turned to the rest of the group. “Stay safe gentlemen. I’ve got more than enough paperwork to be doing already. I don’t need you lot giving me any more.”

“No need to worry about us Carter. Our fearless leader will keep us on the straight and narrow.” Bucky grinned at her, slapping Steve on the back. She rolled her eyes at him but cast her eyes towards Steve anyway, who nodded in confirmation.

“I’ll see you in a few weeks then.” She threw Steve one last look before turning on her heel and heading back to her work.

The Howling Commandos piled into their truck, Dugan climbing into the driving seat and starting the engine.

Peggy sent coordinates for a safe house once the Commandos sent word of the successful destruction of the first facility around a week later. She also told them that someone would be meeting them there with intel.

It took two days to reach the safe house, after a fairly unpleasant trek through heavy rain. They had abandoned the truck at the facility, using it to help blow the place up. Not entirely according to plan, but effective nonetheless. They hadn’t quite anticipated the downpour that followed though. They arrived soaking wet, exhausted, and looking forward to finally being able to sleep with a roof over their heads.

After a full search of the property and perimeter, they determined that the small cabin was empty and safe to stay in. Morita set up the communications equipment, checking for messages from Peggy. They all stripped off their wet clothes and Falsworth started hanging them around the cabin to dry, stringing up a makeshift washing line.

The cabin itself was almost empty. It was made up of just two small rooms and it didn’t look like it had ever been lived in. The back room, the smaller of the two, had a sink - they were all delighted to discover that it worked - and a small table. Atop the table was a pile of food and blankets, both of which had been left for them by a member of Peggy’s intelligence network. Whoever it was had clearly been and gone long before they arrived as there had been no signs of life on the approach, or during the perimeter check.

The second room was a little bigger but had no furniture at all. There was a small fireplace, and they decided to risk using it, hoping that the heavy rain and poor visibility would help to hide any evidence of smoke. The cabin was cold, damp, and dark. The lack of windows at least allowed them to use torches and the light of the fire freely.

Steve took first watch, perched on the step just outside the door, using the small overhang to keep dry. He was sketching on a small pad that he’d been working on over the last few days. He’d drawn the scenes of their mission - Dugan and Bucky laughing by a campfire, Junior watching Morita intently as he taught him basic first aid, Jones and Dernier speaking animatedly, mostly with their hands, the facility, both before and during its destruction. He turned a page, absentmindedly starting a new sketch, a face forming with soft brown eyes and perfectly shaped lips. As his hand sped across the page he longed for a set of watercolours or coloured pencils, anything to add the vibrancy the real face held.

He turned the page quickly as he heard the door opening behind him. Bucky stuck out the upper half of his body, holding out a plate of food for Steve. Steve took it gratefully, waiting for the door to close again before he turned back to his drawing of Peggy. How he wished he were looking at the real face instead of this imitation. He longed to see the fire in her eyes, the set of her jaw, the red of her lips.

As Jones came to relieve him of his watch a few hours later, Steve stretched. He clapped Jones on the shoulder before heading inside. The rest of the men were sprawled across the floor. Dugan was already asleep. Morita was fiddling with the radio. Bucky was cleaning his gun. Steve’s fingers itched for his pencil to draw the scene. Instead, he made his way over to Morita.

“Any news?” He asked.

Morita looked up. “I can’t pick anything up with all this rain. We’ll have to wait until morning I think.”

Steve nodded at him. He wasn’t too concerned. They knew the place was safe, Peggy wouldn’t have sent them there if it wasn’t. She’d check in soon enough.

“Might as well get some rest then.” Steve announced to the room.

Gradually, torches turned off and breathing slowed. Steve lay on his back, listening to the sounds of his men drift off. He heard Jones switch with Junior. He heard Dugan snoring. He heard Junior switch with Bucky.

At some point he must have fallen asleep because when he woke, sunlight was streaming through the open door and Dugan was whistling as he made breakfast.

“Shouldn’t this intel have been here by now?” Morita asked as Steve accepted breakfast from Dugan.

Steve thought for a moment. They’d taken longer than they were meant to to reach the safe house. He’d been expecting someone Peggy-like to be impatiently waiting for them when they arrived.

“Let’s see if we can get this comms unit working. Maybe they’ve been delayed.” Steve responded.

Morita immediately started tinkering, and it didn’t take long for the unit to crackle to life.

“Ah” he said.

“Problem?” Steve asked, voice calm.

“Possibly.”

The room went quiet.

“Instructions are to stay put. Intel indefinitely delayed.”

“What does that mean?” Bucky asked.

“It means something went wrong for whoever was supposed to meet us here.” Steve responded.

“Should we really be staying put then?” Junior, this time, sounding a little nervous.

“Yes.”

“Steve” Bucky’s voice was calm, but there was a question to his tone.

“We do as Peggy says.” Steve said, a finality to his words that clearly told the others there would be no further questions.

What it did invite, however, was a chorus of ooh Peggy as almost every man there picked up on the use of her first name.

Steve’s ears turned slightly pink. “That’s her name” he said, more than a little defensively.

“I thought we had to call her Agent Carter” Bucky teased.

“You do” Steve retorted.

“Oh, so you’re special?” Dugan picked up.

“No, I just.” Steve rubbed the back of his neck. “We do as Agent Carter says. We stay put.” He tried to get them back on track.

“Oh no no. We’re not dropping it that easily Cap” Jones chimed in.

“What else does Peggy say?” Bucky asked, grin stretched fully across his face.

“Oh for goodness sake” Steve muttered.

“Yes! Yes I’ve definitely heard her say that.” Dugan laughed, bouncing excitedly on the spot.

“Frequently. Usually to you.” Falsworth pointed at Dugan as he spoke.

The men descended into a round of ribbing and joking, and Steve laughed easily with the rest of them. If he was going to be stuck here with anyone, he was glad this was the group he had chosen.

Four days later, he was starting to feel less sure of that. Dernier was prattling along in rapid French and Jones had given up translating. Dugan couldn’t keep his voice down. Bucky was snapping at everyone. Junior seemed to have forgotten everything he’d ever learned. Every single one of them was massively running out of patience. None of them, it transpired, were any good at having nothing to do.

Every time one of them asked when they could move out or what was happening, Steve would just repeat back to them that they were to do as Peggy says. It had become something of a mantra by this point. Often, someone else would say it before Steve had the chance, usually followed by laughter from the men and an eye roll from Steve.

Finally, after a full week, when they were beginning to run out of food and were at risk of actually starting to turn on each other, Peggy sent word that intel would be with them later that day along with more supplies. The mood lifted almost immediately.

Bucky gave the signal from his tree as he watched the vehicle approach. Steve, Dugan and Falsworth were stood in front of the cabin, ready in case their visitor turned out not to be who they expected.

Bucky watched the small car, completely unsuitable for the terrain, as it trundled over the uneven ground. The driver had a remarkably good handle on it, considering it clearly wasn’t designed for off-road. Bucky took a moment to be impressed. Eventually, it pulled up at the cabin, Bucky following not too far behind it on foot.

Dugan and Falsworth had their guns aimed at the car. Steve, stood between them, had his shield in his hand.

“Not exactly a warm welcome gents” Peggy called as she stepped out. They lowered their weapons immediately, stepping forward to greet her.

“What are you doing here?” Steve asked, surprise written across his face.

“It’s nice to see you too Captain” she replied, lips quirking into a smile. He started trying to splutter out an apology but she waved it away. “Dugan, Falsworth, the supplies are in the boot.” The men stepped forward to start unloading the car and Bucky moved to help as he appeared from behind. Peggy did not seem surprised to hear him approach.

Peggy started towards the cabin, glancing quickly at Steve to check he was following her inside.

After unloading the car, the men gathered round to hear what Peggy had to say.

She explained how they’d discovered that one of their informants had been compromised so they had needed to pull the intel that was being delivered to them. “He was useless at checking in anyway, which is why it took a few days. But when we did eventually hear from him, it was clear something was wrong.” And how this meant they had needed to re-verify several pieces of intelligence.

They had learned that the second facility was not as unmanned as they had initially been led to believe, and had the Howling Commandos started the attack, they would have been unlikely to come out alive.

“We lost three safe houses in the whole thing too. And some of the route, which is why I couldn’t safely move you anywhere else until we’d established a new one.” They were starting to understand why they’d been stuck here for so long. “It was very annoying.”

“So we can move out soon, then?” Bucky asked hopefully.

“Yes. We’ve got a three day hike to a new safe house where we’ll have a proper supply drop waiting. From there, you’ll be able to go straight to facility three. We’re bypassing two altogether at the moment. We still don’t know the full extent of the compromised intelligence so it’s safer to hold off.”

“How come it’s you bringing us this?” Morita asked. “I thought you were a bit more eye in the sky?”

“I have many talents” she quipped. After a short pause she continued speaking. “I needed to make sure the intel got to you safely. With the network compromised, it was too risky to use one of our usual couriers. Plus, I’m coming with you to the next safe house. It’s in the direction I need to go anyway, so this was just a small detour for me.”

“Where are you going?” Steve, this time.

“That’s classified” Steve nodded, knowing not to press the point.

“We’ll be leaving in the morning. We’ve got some long days ahead of us.”

“Are we taking the car?” Junior asked.

“No. Too risky. I had to steal it to get the supplies here, but the owners will have noticed its gone by now and we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves in a stolen vehicle. It’s also not really suitable for being out here, but it was the only one I could get.” Bucky was pleased to have an explanation about why she’d turned up in such a ridiculous car.

“You stole it?” Dugan asked, both surprised and impressed.

“Yes.” She raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to say more.

“There aren’t any keys in it” Bucky stated. He’d noticed when they were unloading.

“That’s usually the way when I steal a car.”

“Usually? Do you steal cars often?” Junior sounded like he was in awe, his eyes wide.

Peggy shrugged, nonchalantly. “Classified.”

“I think I might be in love” Dugan boomed. Everyone laughed. Steve couldn’t help but silently agree.

“I’m flattered.” Peggy laughed. “Does your love for me extend to getting me a cup of tea?”

Dugan tipped his hat and started bustling towards the tap in the room they were using as a kitchen. Peggy looked at Steve.

“I’ve got a few more details to give you, but dinner first I think. I’m starved.”

“Do you not want to…?” The rest of Steve’s question was cut off by Junior calling over to him “Do as Peggy says!”

Peggy turned to look at him in surprise. Junior flushed scarlet and the remaining Commandos howled with laughter. Bucky moved towards her, clapping her on the shoulder.

“Don’t mind him. It’s been Stevie’s favourite line all week, we’ve all gotten a little too used to it.” Bucky grinned at her as he carried on past, picking up some of the tins she’d brought for them to pass round.

Peggy’s gaze shifted to Steve who was glowing a little pink around the ears. He raised an eyebrow at her as if challenging her to disagree.

Chapter Text

“What the hell is this pace Carter?” Dugan was practically bent double, breathing heavily, hands on his knees. Jones and Dernier had flung themselves on the ground. They’d stopped to rest for the first time since setting off early that morning. Each of them was loaded down with supplies.

“You have all just had a full week of rest. You should be more than capable of keeping up.” Peggy looked round at them. “Honestly, I thought you lot were meant to be the best of the best.” She rolled her eyes as Dugan groaned loudly and started grumbling complaints.

“Shut up Dum Dum” Bucky called over. “You make any more of a fuss and she’ll make us start running.”

“That’s not a bad idea actually.”

Dugan groaned again. Jones flung an arm out from where he lay on the ground, aiming to hit him but just catching him with the tips of his fingers.

“My grandmother moved faster than you lot. God rest her soul.” Peggy laughed at them.

Steve smiled at the familiar insult, said with a lot more warmth this time than the first time he heard it.

“We’ll take a quick break here.” He said, looking around at the sorry scene as he removed his pack.

Peggy shrugged, taking hers off too. She looked remarkably composed, particularly in comparison to the majority of the Commandos. Not a hair out of place, despite the many hours of walking at pace.

“How do you look like that?” Bucky asked accusingly. “Steve’s got magic blood now, what’s your excuse?”

Peggy raised an eyebrow at him.

“It’s not magic blood!” Steve called over at him. “Also stop commenting on Agent Carter’s looks. She looks normal.” Peggy turned to shoot her raised eyebrow in his direction instead. “I mean good. You always look good. You just…”

“Someone get Cap a spade so he can keep digging!” Dugan chuckled, finally straightening up. He turned to Peggy. “Agent Carter, we are humbled by your physical prowess. Please be nicer to us.” He grinned at her and Peggy rolled her eyes.

“You’re a massive bunch of babies.” She told them. They didn’t argue with her.

When they set off again after their rest, she did slow down.

The sun was getting low in the sky by the time they stopped to set up camp for the night. They pitched the two tents quickly, having checked the area surrounding the clearing they had found. They arranged a watch schedule, despite having not encountered another living soul all day. Better to be safe than dead.

Dernier built a fire and Jones pulled out supplies for dinner. They’d developed an easy, unspoken routine when out on missions by now. Everyone pitched in, every job was taken care of, and it didn’t take long for them to be sitting round the fire, sated, and sharing stories.

“Come on Peggy. You’ll break Junior’s heart if you don’t tell him at least one story about you stealing a car.” Dugan wheedled. Peggy rolled her eyes - she was starting to feel like she did that a lot these days - but one look at the eager faces of the men around her had her relenting quickly. She even let slide that they’d started using her first name.

“Fine. One.” The men cheered. “Shut up!”

“When I was still working at Bletchley, all the girls in the office were good friends. We told each other a lot about ourselves, our families, our relationships.” Every man was listening attentively.

Steve watched as the fire reflected in Peggy’s eyes. A bright glint shining as she spoke.

“One of the girls had started going steady with this guy, Tommy. She’d met him at the pub and, honestly, we all immediately hated him. He was horrible, but she couldn’t see it at all. She was head over heels and wouldn’t hear a bad word against him. She was convinced he was going to ask her to marry him. And then one day, she came in to work absolutely devastated.” Peggy paused, but no one interrupted.

“She’d been going to meet him, wanted to surprise him. He had no idea she would be there, but she’d found out from someone where he would be. When she got there, she found him in the back of his car with another girl. She was crushed. Couldn’t stop crying when she told us the story.”

“How awful!” Falsworth exclaimed. The others shushed him.

“The thing is, most of us Bletchley girls had grown up with brothers. We were all a bit rougher around the edges so the obvious solution was to get this girl some revenge. We didn’t know much about him, but we knew he loved his car. Kept it perfect. Was always polishing it. Probably would’ve married it if he could’ve. You know the type?”

They all nodded. They’d all met at least one guy like that.

“So one of the newer girls got him to take her out to dinner, and while they were in the restaurant, I hot-wired his car. Couple of us took it out for a spin. It was real unfortunate how it just rolled itself into a lake though.” Peggy’s face was the picture of innocence while the Commandos roared with laughter.

“Did he get it back?” Junior asked.

“Of course not!” Falsworth replied before Peggy had the chance.

“He did spot it though. His fake-date told him she wanted to go for a walk after the meal and she took him right along the lake until suddenly he was hopping mad. She had to stop him from jumping in to try to rescue it.”

The men kept laughing and Peggy couldn’t hold her innocent face any longer. She joined in, eyes shining brightly.

“Remind me never to get on your bad side” Jones said, shaking his head.

“She punched a guy in the face our first day at training. We all learned that lesson pretty fast.” Steve chimed in, sounding more than a little proud.

Peggy shrugged. “He deserved it.” The others laughed while Steve voiced his agreement. She looked over at him. He was perched on a log, sat between Jones and Bucky, looking right back at her.

Their eyes met and for a moment it was like everything and everyone else just slipped away. Peggy wished she could swap seats with Jones or Bucky, curl up against his side in the warm, comforting glow of the fire. She couldn’t help imagining them curled up in front of a fireplace in their own home, safe and cosy.

“Carter?” She looked round.

“Hmm?”

“I said, did he ever find out it was you?” Morita asked.

“Who?” Peggy tried to re-engage her brain. “Oh, the car? No, I don’t think so. He was too busy crying about it to notice us.” She paused, thinking. “I’m not sure he’d have believed a woman was capable anyway.”

Bucky looked at her. “I find it difficult to imagine someone thinking you’re not capable of anything at this point.”

“I think that’s meant to be a compliment.” Peggy’s brow furrowed. “Hard to spot it in there, but yes, I’m pretty sure you’re saying something nice.”

“Don’t get used to it!” He shot back, grinning at her.

The conversation moved on and Peggy looked round at the men she was sat with. They respected her. And more than that, they liked her. They joked with her. They treated her like one of their own. She knew Steve had been singing her praises, which she absolutely did not need, but she was also grateful. Glad to be able to just be part of the group, not treated like she was delicate.

She caught Steve’s eye again and he smiled at her softly. The fire made his hair and face glow, and it almost looked like he had a halo. Apt, she couldn’t help thinking.

As the fire started to die down, they started to slip into the tents. Dugan had first watch, so the others split into the two tents. Peggy hesitated as she made her way towards them.

They’d all been on the floor of the cabin the previous night. There had been nowhere else to go, but she’d tucked herself up near the fire with some blankets. The men had all kept a respectful distance. Tonight, that wouldn’t be an option.

The tents were small. Four men could squeeze in and they’d be comfortably warm, huddled together. She hadn’t bothered to bring her own, though. The additional weight, when she had also been carrying several days worth of food for herself and eight men, just didn’t seem worth it. Now, she was wondering if she’d made a mistake.

“Coming in, Carter? Or do you plan on sleeping standing up?” Bucky called from one of the tents.

Peggy shook herself. She could share a tent with three men and it not be a problem. She was being ridiculous.

She pulled back the flap, moving into the tent that Bucky had called from. He was half undressed, settling into a spot on the far left of the tent. Steve was next to him, wearing more clothes than Bucky, Peggy was relieved to see. She didn’t think she could handle sleeping next to him half naked and not being able to touch him.

Steve and Bucky both averted their gaze as Peggy removed her outer layers of clothing and settled down next to Steve. Dugan would join them later when his watch was over, so Peggy had more space for the time being.

“Move over” Bucky huffed, giving Steve a light shove. “You’re crushing me.” Steve had been gradually, almost imperceptibly, moving backwards to try to give Peggy a respectable amount of space.

“Sorry” he mumbled, shuffling towards her. Bucky rolled his eyes. He watched Steve trying not to get too close to Peggy, thinking that the man was wasting a golden opportunity here. It was obvious to Bucky how much Steve liked her. Huddled up together in a tent was the ideal chance to get a little cosy with her, but Steve was too busy trying to be a gentleman. He was resolutely trying to look anywhere but at Peggy and Bucky was struggling to hold back a snort at how ridiculous he was starting to look.

Eventually, they each settled into an appropriate space and drifted off to sleep.

Dugan made his way into the tent having shaken Dernier awake to take over the watch. As he silently stripped off his jacket, he looked down at the three sleeping figures. Bucky’s face was screwed up tightly, his fists clenched, as though preparing to fight someone in his sleep.

Next to him, Steve had buried his face in Peggy’s hair. Dugan wasn’t entirely sure he was actually asleep, but his chest rose and fell steadily. Peggy was curled against Steve’s side, knees almost up to her chest. She started shifting in her sleep, making a quiet, distressed sound, and Dugan watched as Steve’s arm moved across her. She relaxed almost immediately, sighing as her hand clutched Steve’s arm, holding it as tightly as a man clinging to a rubber ring at sea.

Dugan considered them for a moment. He didn’t know what exactly was going on between their Captain and their liaison, but the Howling Commandos were fairly confident they were sweet on each other. Cap was definitely sweet on her at least. With Peggy, it was harder to tell. She kept up such a professional facade, only relaxing it a little around them. Dugan couldn’t help but feel honoured that she felt comfortable doing that.

He wasn’t an idiot. He knew she’d have it tough, despite how capable she was. But the men of the Howling Commandos had accepted her almost immediately, and mostly steered clear of her swift and impressive shots of retribution to the face or crotch. Mostly.

In return for them treating her as an equal, they got to see a bit more of the real Peggy. Not as much as their good Captain did, Dugan was pretty sure. He was prepared to bet good money on some kind of relationship (and had!), and watching them curled round each other now, he felt fairly sure that payout was coming for him soon. Falsworth, however, wouldn’t hear any word of it.

He was convinced that while Cap might have a thing for Peggy, those feelings were not at all reciprocated. Junior, bless his young heart, didn’t think there was anything there on either side, but Jones, Morita and Dernier agreed with Dugan. In fact, Dernier would wax lyrical about them being a love story for the ages. He maybe was a bit too convinced.

Bucky wouldn’t get involved in the conversations, which made a regular appearance whenever the men were alone. But Dugan had also heard him make enough comments that were clearly meant for just Steve’s ears to be confident the reason was because he didn’t want to betray his friend, not that he didn’t have an opinion.

Dugan settled himself in the small gap on the other side of Peggy. He turned his back to her, facing the canvas of the tent. He fell asleep quickly, just catching the sound of shuffling behind him before he drifted off.

Steve was the first to wake the next morning. The pre-dawn light waking him gently. As he opened his eyes, he was momentarily confused by the mass of dark hair swimming in his vision. He breathed deeply, taking in the floral scent of Peggy’s hair, before pulling his head back a little to take in their positions.

They had evidently lost their respectful distance in the night. All four of them were squashed together. Steve’s whole body was curled around Peggy’s, his right arm slung not only across her but also over Dugan, who was snoring softly. Peggy had curled her own arm over his, clutching the part she could reach to her chest. Her head was tucked down towards it, and he could feel her breath tickling his arm softly. She was still breathing steadily and Steve was confident he was the only one awake.

He tried to shift his body, but realised any movement would disturb both Peggy and Bucky, who was curled up against his back. Bucky’s head was resting between Steve’s shoulder blades. He stayed still, trying to catch a glimpse of Peggy’s watch to check the time. He knew it was early.

Steve lay silently for a while, listening to the steady breathing and light snoring filling in the tent. He watched as the canvas developed a soft glow as the sun rose, He would have loved to get out and see the sky, watch as the colours changed and the day began. He’d always loved sunrise. The possibilities of a new day, the way the morning light gave everything a welcoming glow, the crispness in the air that had always made him feel he could fill his lungs, even back when they were asthmatic and rasping.

He stayed still though, not wanting to wake the others. Steve hadn’t said anything about the dark circles under Bucky’s eyes, but he knew he was still struggling with his sleep. He didn’t want to rob his friend of this rare moment of rest. And Peggy, he knew she never stopped. She’d wait to sleep until the war was over if she could.

With his arm draped over her, Steve’s mind couldn’t help wondering what other mornings with Peggy could look like. Mornings where they were curled in a warm bed, instead of on hard ground. Where they rose lazily together to eat breakfast. Maybe they were awoken by small children running riot in their home. Steve wanted so much more than a morning with her in his arms. He wanted a future, a family. A life.

His heart clenched with the momentary fear that they might never get that. That one or both of them could be lost in this war and they’d never get their chance. He shifted his arm as slowly as he could, moving his hand away from Dugan’s sleeping form and bringing it in towards Peggy. He wanted to savour this moment, embrace her properly, allowing himself a moment to feel everything before he pulled himself together to lead his men.

He felt her shift slightly, pushing her body further into his, like she was trying to push straight through the layers of sleeping bag between them. Steve froze, not wanting to move again for fear of waking her. But Peggy’s hands scrabbled for his, clutching it and pulling it into her chest tightly She sighed with satisfaction, her whole body rising and falling with it.

With this new position for his hand, enveloped in both of hers, he could no longer feel each individual breath. But his arm rose and fell slightly, in time with her body, as she breathed deeply and steadily.

Steve gradually started to relax, confident that he had not woken Peggy. He tightened his hold, giving her a gentle squeeze, burrowing his face in her hair again and breathing her in. He froze again when he felt her lips softly brush against the hand she was clutching, relaxing again as she interlaced her fingers with his, keeping his hand held closely at her chest.

They lay for a moment, him holding her, her gripping his hand. Steve shifted his head slightly, bringing his lips as close as he could to her ear without moving the rest of his body.

“Morning” he breathed. So quiet that even that close, Peggy could barely hear it.

“Good morning Captain” she whispered back, a small smile playing on her lips, eyes still closed against the quickly brightening glow.

“Hmm, when we’re positioned like this, I think you should call me Steve.” Steve felt as a shiver ran over Peggy’s whole body. He smiled proudly against her ear, planting a soft kiss just below it on the only part of uncovered skin he could reach.

Peggy longed to turn round and kiss him properly. To fully embrace this early morning moment that was just theirs. But they were all wedged quite tightly in the tent and any movement would risk waking the others and she didn’t want that. She wanted to stay, for as long as she possibly could, in his arms.

All too soon, Dugan let out a huge snore, jolting even himself awake with it. Peggy reluctantly let go of Steve’s hand and he pulled his arm back quickly, rolling onto his back, dislodging Bucky from behind him. Her back felt cold without him pressed up against it.

“Christ Dum Dum. We need to get you looked over by a medic when you get back. It’s like sharing a tent with a train.” Peggy grumbled at him.

Dugan rolled over and grinned at her. “Well good morning sunshine” She smacked his shoulder and he threw her a mock scared look, before shuffling his way quickly out of the tent.

Steve, Peggy, and Bucky followed him out as the rest of the Howling Commandos emerged from the other tent.

“Don’t need an alarm clock when Dum Dum snores like that at least.” Jones quipped. Dugan doffed his hat at him, calling “you’re welcome.” Jones shook his head, chuckling.

It didn’t take long for them to have breakfast and break camp, heading out for another full day of hiking. It was a clear day, warm but not too hot with a very light breeze. Ideal conditions. If Peggy tried really hard, she could pretend she was out for a nice walk on the Heath, not trekking through enemy terrain.

She imagined it was just her and Steve out for a stroll. She was growing to love all the Howling Commandos like a gaggle of annoying brothers, and it warmed her heart to feel them collectively help to plug the Michael-shaped hole in her life. But she’d abandon them all right now if it meant she could be hand-in-hand with Steve.

She still felt heightened from their moment in the tent this morning. She was hyperaware of where Steve was in relation to her as they walked, could feel whenever his eyes flicked to her. She felt the heat start to rise in her face when he smiled broadly at her at one point. She could tell he was thinking about it too.

Chapter Text

They walked all day, not stopping until it was almost dark as they struggled to find a place to set up camp. They were all exhausted, and made quick work of setting up, eating, and shuffling in the direction of their tents.

Peggy took first watch, settling herself as comfortably as she could. She could hear the men sleeping soundly behind her, and every 20 minutes or so she would take a loop around the area they had cleared, checking for unwelcome visitors from every direction. The turn, she found, also helped to keep her awake and alert.

The vigilance helped to keep her mind from wandering. Stopping her from thinking about how different her wake up with Steve could’ve been if they’d been alone in their tent. Or better still, alone in a real bed. She focused instead on the surrounding area, the unfamiliar noises of the woods they were camped in mixed with the now familiar sounds of sleeping men.

She didn’t dare think about what her mother would say if she knew that Peggy was sleeping in such close contact with so many men. It wasn’t proper by any stretch of the imagination, but this was war, and Peggy figured those rules no longer applied. Besides, she felt safe with these men. Comfortable with them in a way that she hadn’t since she’d worked with the girls in Bletchley.

She turned as she heard one of the tents open quietly, watching as Bucky extricated himself from the tent. He seemed almost surprised to see her looking at him. He walked over to her, both of them silent. He settled himself down next to her, and they both looked out into the trees.

Peggy nudged him gently with her shoulder. “You alright?” She whispered.

Bucky nodded. “Trouble sleeping?” Bucky nodded again, continuing to look out straight ahead.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, until Bucky finally spoke.

“I can take over if you want?” He offered quietly.

Peggy looked at the watch on her wrist. The face glowed slightly in the moonlight.

“I need to wake Steve soon. He’s next on watch.” She told him. Bucky looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

“Steve now, is he?” A small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a hint of laughter trying to break through the clouds in his eyes.

Peggy knocked him with her shoulder again. “Shut up Barnes.” She snapped, no real bite behind it.

They settled back into their silence for a while longer, before Peggy looked at her watch again and made to stand. Bucky caught her wrist before she had a chance to walk away, and she looked down at where he was gently holding her before looking into his face. She couldn’t read the expression held there, but something told her not to react. She looked at him, waiting.

Bucky let go of her wrist, looking down, as if he’d changed his mind. Peggy stood still. He looked back up again.

“For what it’s worth.” He stopped, meeting her eyes. She kept her face impassive, trying to give him the space to say whatever it was he clearly both wanted to get off his chest and didn’t feel he should. “I don’t think you should be waiting for Steve.”

She couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at him then. If Sergeant Barnes didn’t think she was good enough for Steve, she was not particularly interested in his opinion. Bucky, clearly realising how Peggy had interpreted what he said, rushed on in a whisper.

“You could both be dead tomorrow. We all could be. This war could go on for years still.” He took a breath. “You’re both trying to be too proper about it all. Don’t miss out on what you could have with him by waiting too long.”

Peggy sat back down next to him a little more heavily than usual. This wasn’t the conversation she’d been expecting. They sat for a moment.

“I don’t know how to do this”, she gestured vaguely, “and be with him.” She whispered back. It wasn’t something she’d admitted out loud before, not even to herself, but she’d thought on it a lot. The fear of losing him was already strong. If things went further, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to focus on anything else.

Bucky looked back at her, his own eyebrow raised this time in response. “You’re already doing it.”

The truth of what he said hit her and she sagged slightly. He was right, of course. The feelings were all already there. The stolen moments kept happening, despite them both saying they would wait. They were already something. Even if they hadn’t defined it. The promise of waiting was just an excuse they gave themselves to not act on how they felt.

“He’s all in, you know.” Bucky continued. Peggy looked at him and he let out a quiet chuckle. “Come on, you know he is. We can all see it.” Peggy looked a little bashful. Bucky nudged her, the same way she had him earlier. The silence fell again.

“He’s my best and oldest friend. I want him to be happy. You make him happy. That’s hard to come by right now.” Bucky stood, suddenly, clapping her on the shoulder and walking back to the tent. She turned her head, watching him over the shoulder he’d just touched. A small smile tugged at her lips and she ducked her head a little, feeling stupidly giddy all of a sudden.

She stayed glued to her seat, losing track of time as she replayed the conversation over in her head.

Not long later, still deep in her thoughts, she almost missed the soft tread of Steve’s steps as he made his way towards her.

“You were meant to wake me almost an hour ago” He told her as he sat down. She looked at her watch, surprised by how long she’d been sat lost in the replay of Bucky’s words. She smiled at him.

“Sorry, didn’t notice the time.” He looked at her, watching her face closely.

“You alright?” She smiled as he repeated the same words she’d asked Bucky not that long ago. She nodded, standing. She stretched gently, turning to go back to the tent to get some rest. She felt both exhausted and completely wired. The conversation with Bucky was still playing over in her mind, and as much as she was starting to agree with him, she didn’t quite feel ready to launch entirely all in. Soon though, she promised herself.

Steve was watching her, a soft unguarded expression on his face. She laid her hand gently on his shoulder and felt how his rose to meet it. He covered her hand with his own, looking up earnestly into her face. Impulsively, she bent down and kissed him gently and deliberately on the cheek, before sliding her hand out from under his and making her way to the tent.

She turned to look back at his strong form, sitting tall in the place she had just left, as she entered the tent. She watched how his fingers gently touched the spot on his cheek she had just kissed. She smiled to herself and settled in for a few hours of sleep.

Chapter Text

On their third and final day of hiking to the safe house, the mood was light. Dugan kept breaking out into song, and the rest of the Commandos enjoyed the increasingly exasperated and ruder ways Peggy was telling him to shut up.

Eventually, she took his hat right off his head and told him she wouldn’t give it back until he kept his fat trap shut. He pouted at her but chuckled heartily when she slapped the bowler onto her own head and marched on ahead at a pace he had no chance of keeping up with. She slowed down soon enough, turning to watch the group coming along behind her. The hat sat at a jaunty angle on her head.

“It kinda suits you actually Carter” Jones called as he approached.

“Yes, it’s rather fetching isn’t it?” She agreed, putting on a particularly posh voice and putting her hand up under her chin as if showing off her looks.

“Positively charming” Falsworth concurred.

Steve was taking her in, his eyes roaming her body as she posed, showing off the hat from different angles before dancing away from Dugan’s attempts to grab it back. She was far too light on her feet for him to have a chance. She caught his eye and became momentarily distracted reading the obvious desire in Steve’s face.

Dugan whipped the hat from her head, giving a shout of victory. She turned to take a swing at him but he’d already jumped back and started singing again. She glared at him, but broke into laughter almost immediately as he tripped over his own feet in an attempt to put some distance between them. He landed heavily on his backside, letting out an “oof” as he went down.

Morita stuck out a hand to help him get back up but was laughing so hard that he also lost his balance when Dugan tugged on it. He landed squarely in Dugan’s lap, and the laughter doubled.

“You make a lovely couple” Jones called at them.

“Truly. When’s the big day?” Falsworth asked, laughing.

“You’ll make a beautiful bride Dum Dum” Steve joined in.

“Hey, Morita’s on my lap. That makes him the bride!” Dugan called back at them.

They all kept laughing as Morita scrambled to get up, managing to knock Dugan’s crotch with his elbow in the struggle. Dugan groaned loudly.

“I don’t think I’ll ever have children!” He exclaimed as Morita apologised profusely.

“That’s okay. You can be second favourite uncle to Cap and Carter’s kids someday” Bucky called over to him.

Peggy shot a look in his direction, but Bucky maintained an innocent expression, resolutely not catching her eye. Peggy didn’t dare look at Steve.

“Second favourite? Please, he’s third at best!” Dernier called out.

“Third?!” Dugan exclaimed. “Why am I third?!”

“You think the children won’t love the uncle who blows things up more than the silly man in the hat?” He shot back in his heavily accented and slightly broken English.

“He’s got a point. My favourite uncle was great at causing havoc.” Junior chimed in.

The conversation descended into further competition about who the imaginary future children would love more, and Steve inched closer to Peggy. He hoped the rest of them were too busy to notice.

“At least we know our future children will be well loved” He chuckled, at a volume only she could hear. She turned to look at him, surprise registering on her face and a slight flush creeping up her neck at the thought of making children with Steve.

“They’d be turned into animals if we left them alone with this rabble” Peggy countered, trying to regain her composure. Steve chuckled, his eyes sparkling. They grinned at each other before Steve turned away.

“Okay okay.” He held up his hands. “If this insanity could at least wait until we make it to the safe house, that would be much appreciated.” He turned, carrying on in the direction they had been heading. Peggy admired the slight pink at the backs of his ears and neck as they all started to move again.

Her eyes following down across his broad shoulders, his strong frame. She had been interested long before his body looked like this, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate the impressive form it now took.

Bucky sidled up beside her. “Stop undressing him with your eyes” he muttered quietly, before shooting her a massive grin and speeding up to catch up with Steve before she could hit him. He said something to Steve that Peggy couldn’t hear and they both laughed. Steve swung an arm round Bucky’s neck, ruffling his hair affectionately as Bucky tried to escape the grip. He patted down his hair carefully and Steve laughed again.

Peggy loved to watch him like this. Carefree, happy, and relaxed. It was easy to forget that they were hiking through enemy territory.

Eventually, they reached the safe house. Tucked away on the edge of the woods, it was nothing more than an old abandoned barn. But inside, there were plenty of supplies that had been left there for them earlier that morning. Peggy was relieved to see that their plans were back on track.

“What’s this for?” Junior asked as he unloaded supplies.

“That, my young friend, is something ladies wear. It helps them keep their stockings up.” Dugan explained, talking slowly and clearly.

Peggy turned her head immediately. “I know that! I meant what’s it doing here?” Junior clarified.

Peggy strode over and snatched it up. She’d not really considered the changes of clothes that would be coming for her when she saw Junior starting to unpack the supplies.

“Dressing up for us, are you Carter?” Dugan asked, wiggling his eyebrows in the most over-the-top way he could manage.

“Hard to go undercover if you don’t look the part Dum Dum.” Peggy snapped at him.

He chuckled. “Shame. I thought we might get dinner and a show tonight.” She smacked him in the chest and he laughter harder. “Just for Cap, then?” She narrowed her eyes at him, silently warning him he was about to go too far. He blew a kiss at her and moved away, still chuckling to himself.

Peggy took over the supplies from Junior, sending him off to take over watch from Morita. She separated the supplies into two piles, one larger for the Commandos to take with them, and one smaller for herself. She’d be heading into the nearby town to catch a train, while the Commandos would be going in the opposite direction. They would be collecting a vehicle from an informant the following day and heading on to liberate the prisoners they knew were being held in the facility. She wouldn’t see them again until they all returned to the designated camp, the closest outside of enemy lines they could reach from the facility.

She was sad to be leaving them. She would miss the comfort and camaraderie that had grown between them. She had enjoyed being part of a group. But she had information to collect and several meetings with informants already planned out for the days ahead. She couldn’t very well do that with the least subtle group of men around tagging along with her.

Their evening was relaxed and comfortable, or as relaxed and comfortable as you can be in a run down barn anyway. They lounged over each other, across the floor. Laughing and joking easily. Dugan, Junior, Bucky and Morita were playing cards in a corner.

Peggy had curled herself up, tucked against Dugan’s side, using Bucky’s coat as a blanket. She was half asleep, occasionally lifting her head to comment on someone’s poor card playing.

Steve was sat outside. The barn door was half open to allow some of the light to reach him. He sat drawing the scene inside as he kept watch. His head bobbing up regularly to scan for threats. He smiled softly, trying to commit how comfortable they all were to memory. He knew this kind of weird semi-relaxation wouldn’t last. It was like they were all living on borrowed time, and he wanted to make the most of the way they settled around each other. How they created a feeling of home, despite being geographically so far from it.

Eventually, the card game dwindled and the men started to collapse into sleep. Peggy had drifted off a while ago, curled next to Dugan. They’d thrown someone else’s coat on her when they had realised she was cold from the way she gripped Bucky’s coat closer around her. The small act of care now commonplace between them all.

When Steve swapped with Dernier in the early hours of the morning, he was disappointed to discover that he wouldn’t be able to slot himself next to Peggy. She was sandwiched between Dugan and Bucky, at least three coats on top of her acting as blankets. She looked warm and comfortable, and, Steve concluded, there was no subtle way to get close to her right now. Instead, Steve settled himself next to Bucky, drifting off gradually.

He was awoken by a general low-level bustle. Peggy looked incredibly put together for a woman who had just hiked for three days and hadn’t seen a proper mirror in longer. She was no longer wearing sensible military gear, and was instead dressed in a blouse and skirt. The only thing looking out of place were the hefty boots on her feet. She was packing things into a bag, discarding anything she couldn’t entirely justify taking with her.

Steve watched her for a moment, lying still so as not to alert her to his presence. She seemed to sense him though, and looked round quickly, catching his eye. She jerked her head towards the door, stuffing a few last items into her bag. She was no longer using a pack, but had instead got a smaller bag with short handles, like the sort you might take on holiday.

They met outside, Peggy dropping her bag to the ground as she looked up to meet his gaze. Morita was on watch, but he’d mysteriously disappeared when Peggy and Steve had made their way outside.

It was still early. The sun hadn’t fully risen and most of the men were still asleep. There was a quiet in the air and Peggy and Steve looked at each other, not quite wanting to break the silence.

“You’re leaving already?” Steve asked quietly, eventually.

Peggy smiled at him sadly. “I have to. Places to be.” She said vaguely.

Steve nodded. “Be careful.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but he held her gaze, trying to tell her everything he was afraid to say out loud with his eyes.

“I’m always careful” she said, her smile growing a little.

She reached out, gently bringing her hand to his face and he leaned into it, his eyes fluttering closed. “I’ll see you very soon my darling” she said softly, moving closer to him.

He opened his eyes, meeting hers again. He reached for her, pulling her into his embrace and she sighed as their bodies slotted together. He held her for a moment, arms wrapped tightly around her, silently wishing they could stay like this forever.

All too soon they heard Morita shuffling back towards them and reluctantly broke apart. Peggy stooped to pick up her bag, pausing momentarily when she had righted herself again to look once more into Steve’s face, like she was trying to memorise every detail of it. Then she took a step back, turned, and started to walk away.

She shot Morita a quick wave as he appeared back outside and he raised his own hand in response. She’d walked several steps before she paused, glancing back over her shoulder and meeting Steve’s eye for a final time. She gave him a small smile, turned back, and was soon lost from sight.

Steve stood still, watching her walk away, trying to commit every inch of her to memory. His body still tingling at all the points she’d been touching him.

“I can take over if you want to get some rest” He told Morita, who took the hint and headed back inside the barn.

Steve sat, looking out in the direction Peggy had just gone. He knew she was more than capable of handling whatever was thrown at her, but that didn’t stop the worry that gnawed at him.