at all by the tapes.
-
Nothing was right.
Life on the raft had grown awfully claustrophobic and stuffy, so Sharon had packed her bags and flown back to Brooklyn (after a good amount of bargaining with Ross on her part). Not even an hour from home, Aunt Peggy's bedside nurse had called to say that Peggy had fallen asleep and hadn't woken up. Sharon hadn't seen her in years–it really didn't feel like much of a loss deep down. But she shed a tear or two in her honor, because she knew the pain would come later. It would've made Aunt Peggy laugh to know that she'd made her little niece cry.
Sharon left her luggage in the old apartment, the stench of dusty flowers clinging to her clothes as she walked out. It was one of those days where there were a few dark clouds that hung in the sky, but you could still see the sun all the same. It made her eyes droop and her steps slow.
She needed sleep. But now wasn't the time–she'd been left to search through Aunt Peggy's apartment and figure out the contents of her will. As the retirement home came into view, Sharon fought the urge to reach for her phone and call for backup.
You can't rely on the agency for everything.
The blue painted door opened and a sunny girl with tanned skin smiled down at her, giving an airy giggle for good measure. Sharon wasn't in the mood, but grinned back.
"How can I help you today?" Even her voice sounded like rainbows and unicorns. Sharon forced a smile.
"I'm here to see the belongings of a previous resident."
The woman understood. "Of course. Come in."
Sharon followed behind her, running a finger across the dark blue plaster. The halls were narrow, but gave off a warm vibe that made her feel a little better.
"What was the resident's name?"
Sharon looked back at the girl. "Margaret. Margaret Carter."
"Peggy? I remember her. She was a sweetheart, but she could never remember what she had for breakfast. She talked about her 'favorite niece' a lot you know. Is that you?"
Sharon nodded.
"It's lovely to meet you. My name is Lindsay." Said the girl, extending a hand for her to shake. Sharon took it. "They packed up Peggy's things pretty quickly, but the boxes are still there." Lindsay stopped next to a room on the right side of the hallway. "You're welcome to take whatever you want since you're family."
Sharon fought the urge to curl her lip at their lack of security. "Thanks." She pushed the door open and almost fell against a familiar figure, catching herself before she went nose-first into a cotton shirt.
"Steve?"
"Sharon?" Steve straightened, looking back at her with an intense expression. She couldn't read it for a terrifying moment, but then she saw tears welling in his eyes and it all made sense.
"I'm sorry." It was sincere; after all he'd been closer to Peggy than she'd ever be. She put a hand on his shoulder. There was silence in the room, and they stood still until it became uncomfortable. Steve shifted, but he didn't wipe his eyes.
"I don't know what to do." His arms were suddenly around her. Not as lovers, but as friends. Sharon could feel his lungs constricting through her shirt, and she held him a little tighter.
"I need to leave for a while," said Steve, finally rubbing a finger along his cheek. "don't tell the team where I went. Please." His voice cracked. "I have to deal with this on my own."
She nodded, she understood. He saw through her. He saw that she didn't feel alone yet, didn't feel the loss. His grief had came long before hers. So she let him walk away from her, let him walk away from the Avengers.
She knew he would come back.
