Bad Romance

Chapter 12

Its decided later that evening that Daniel would stay the night since it was the weekend. Even Lizzy insisted he stay. This way Peggy could look over his wounds in the morning to make sure it was  well. Given this logic neither Daniel nor Peggy could refuse, so, he stays. Though both knew it wasn't bad, he still stayed anyway. Besides, it have them more time together in the morning, alone or not. When morning does break, Peggy brings up the topic of Daniel's punishment from the Dean after checking his bruises and under his wrap. She will talk on his behalf and if all goes well he won't be expelled, but suspended or detention are the worst bets.

"You really don't have to do this, Peg. I can handle Dooley if I need to." 

"Daniel." She pauses, thinking over her next words before a breath escapes her lips. Now was a good a time as any. He had to know. "I know you can, but its more than that I... I love you. And If I can help it I'll make sure you stay here." With me. The words hanging in the air between them. Daniel blinks back his shock as a grin make sits way to his face. 

"You love me?" Peggy turns pink but nods, and nearly squeaks when he pulls her in for  a kiss. "I love you too Peggy." She smiles back and ruffles his hair a bit, tugging at the ends. 

Little did they know Izzy was around the corner recording with a celebratory smile. Oh the laughs they will have about this in the future! But for now she sets it aside and steps into the room. The couple break apart as she smiles between them, a brow raised. Daniel was confused at the gesture, but apparently the woman in his arms was not. She crosses her arms over her chest and looks at Izzy.

"Happy now?" Peggy asks, irritating dripping in her tone. But her sister-in-law saw straight through it. 

"Very." She grins wickedly, making Peggy roll her eyes. But she couldn't fight the smile that tugged at her lips even if she wanted to. Elizabeth was never going to let her live this down.

~~~

When  the weekend is over Peggy goes to see the Dean and speak of the incident that had occurred that Friday before. She knew her students well, and knew that there was more to the story that Dooley needed to know.  Daniel- while he shouldn't have continued on in the fight, had done what he had to in order to defend himself. Rogers has been erratic lately and not taking his tutoring well. She has witnessed it on multiple accounts and his test scores are more evidence that shows his growing struggle. Daniel was meant to help but Rogers didn't take it well and lashed out leaving Sousa to defend himself. 

Even after her strong account of the events and reasoning behind them, Dooley was apprehensive. There was a no tolerance policy for violence on campus; however, Dooley granted Daniel this one pass. He wasn't off the hook quite yet, his punishment for continuing on with the event was to clean bleachers from football field for two weeks after every game. Even if Daniel didn't get away without punishment, this was a much better alternative than getting expelled. little did they know Rogers punishment was much harsher than washing dirty bleachers...

Days turn into weeks as the school days go on. As it turns out Steve was suspended for a month from school grounds. No one complained, however. With Rogers gone there was less tension going around the school. Everyone was going about their normal days s if nothing happened at all. Although a handful of jocks and others clapped Daniel on the back for holding his own against Rogers, that was pretty much the end of the story. 

Rogers had one week left before he would be allowed back.  For three weeks he was gone, three weeks of anger building inside like a caged animal. And he was ready to let it out. 

It was late one night and everyone was in their dorms, the staff already gone home for the remainder of the evening. Most that is to say.  A select few stayed after hours for grading, one being Madame Carter herself. She, among others, had decided stay late that very day to finish up a few grades to put them into the system. The semester was almost over and things needed to be done, organized, and filed. Which entailed late hours at work.

It was just before midnight when Carter had locked up her desk and left the building. It was a Friday night, which meant the rules were more lenient to the students. Only a hand full were lingering for a late stroll or outside in the field practicing. Peggy paid no mind to anyone as she approached her car to drive home. The students were in their own world, doing their own thing, and she was in hers. Its because of this she doesn't notice the luring figure emerging from the shadows striding her way in a haste of fury.

"You have some nerve." Peggy spins in her heels at the voice behind her and drops the car keys in the process. No, no, no, no, no...

She looks down at his hands as he stops before her, so close she could feel the anger radiating off of him. She steps back as much as possible, only to be stopped by the vehicle behind her. Carte has seen Rogers in many states of emotions. Anger being the one she knows the most. But this? Seeing him now? The only word to describe such heat was primal rage. Peggy looks down at him to see something in his hand, and her heart nearly stops beating in her chest. She gulps silently, looking up as he steps into her personal space.

This couldn't possibly end well...

In the not so far walkway two figures walk side by side, their eyes catching movement in the silhouettes of the lights. The roommates stand still to make out what was going on before a shining object caught their attention. Along with the familiar dirty blonde hair of the man holding it.

"Oh shit!" Jack exclaims. Daniel takes off before his friend and only stops when Jack grips his arm firmly. "Sousa! Wait." His whispers harshly. "You can't just go and confront the guy. He has a damn weapons for fuck's sake!" 

"He has Carter! What the hell am I suppose to do Thompson?!"

"Just- follow my lead." Daniel watches as Jack starts to continue on his walk, as calm as can be, without a care in the world. His hands are in his pockets as he strolls on but diverges his path to the parking lot where Peggy and Rogers currently are. Daniel clenches his fist as he sees Peggy pressed against her vehicle, a petrified look of uncontrolled fear in her features. Daniel shakes the thought away as he follows his friend's movement; and then it hits him. Jack's plan.

 Daniel walks the path walk in the shadows to stay hidden while Jack distracts Rogers, approaching the man calmly. Daniel doesn't catch any of the conversation; instead, he tackles him from behind and lands a rough punch to his temple before he can think of getting back up. It is true what they say- the bigger they are, the harder they fall. And fall he did.

This was the end of the line for Steve Rogers.

Daniel rushes to Carter side, a concern etched on his face that she, nor anyone, has aver seen before. He reaches out cautiously, yet gentle, holding her upper arm in his hand. "Are you okay?" 

"I will be."

The pair stand close side-by-side and hide the way their hands clasp together. Their fingers intertwine and hold tightly while Jack looks over Rogers body. He kicks the gun away and shakes his head vigorously. "I knew the guy was crazy but... damn. Never saw that coming" 

Daniel asks for Jack to call the police while he escorts their professor away, and his friend does so with ease. Jack pulls out his phone and calls the police who arrived in record time, cuffing Steve the second they arrived on scene. The dean was brought in as well, shock could never be enough to describe the man's features.  Not only was Steve Rogers arrested for armed assault, but expelled from the University for good. His reputation tarnished.

While it all was happening Daniel was right by Peggy's side. She was safe, and that alone was all that mattered. He waited until they were alone before embracing her tightly with a kiss to her temple, taking a deep breath as he breaths her in. This was it. They were finally free.