New Years Series

"You don't have to sleep alone tonight"

"You don't have to sleep alone tonight."  He whispers in her ear. Peggy sniffles and gazes up at him.

"Daniel..."

"Peg its okay. I'm here. Always." She nods and looks down, so, Daniel reaches out to brush the hair from her face and wipes away the tears. 

Peggy smiles and leans into his touch.As she does he sits closer and she lays against him, resting her head on his chest. She curls into his side as he pulls her closer; so close she sits in his lap, being embraced in his arms. Peggy lays against him, listening to the soft beat of his heart. She sighs and leans into him, so he holds her tighter, willing the hardship of the day away.

Although her weight on his legs begins to hurt, he says nothing. Even though she's sitting on his left and her legs are swung over his right, their position becomes tired and sore; however, Daniel says nothing. He just holds her close to him and lets her get lost in his embrace. 

After some time she wiggles around and lays her head in the crook of his neck- on the brink of sleep. He lays down along the length of the couch and she lays atop of him; never once stirring from his hold. Instead she squirms around until she lays flat against him, perfectly still and asleep. As she rests against him, he can't help but let his mind wonder; thinking about the day. This day that caused his beau to feel defeated...

(Flashback)

As the SSR office buzzes with agents and telephone calls, one Agent in particular was busy at work. She was currently on the phone with a lead on a new case, one that will finally get the senator to act on the rumored Leviathan operation in Los Angeles. Although they aren't entirely sure it true, Agent Carter believes Leviathan and the Council of Nine are connected; along with the possible upbringings of Hydra. How else can the allude justice for so long?

After a year of searching for Dottie Underwood, nearly catching her, then her escaping; it all stopped when Carter set a trap and put her in cuffs. It wasn't until the interrogation when Peggy made the connection. Leviathan has been in the States since the beginning of the War, and The Council of Nine is just as powerful enough to have influence over them; if not colluding with them or being apart of it all. 

But with this new case and evidence brought to light, Agent Carter will be able to get the governments attention and act on this national threat. But just when everything seems to be going right...she gets the letter of a life time.

Rose walks up to the secret office and hands over the letter to Peggy herself with a concerned expression. 

"Hey Peg? Letter for you." She looks up at Rose and takes the letter. "Its from London...Mr. Jarvis called and said it was sent with urgency, so I thought you should get it right away."

At this Peggy furrows her brows and looks down at the letter. "Urgency from London? For me? Well what could possibly be-"

As she stops and reads the letter, tears instantly form in her eyes as she drops the letter and leans against the desk behind her. Rose places a hand on her upper arm to support her then grabs the letter and looks between it and Peggy.

Dearest Margaret,

I wish I did not have to write the news in which I am writing now, if only you were home so I could tell you this in person. We wanted to tell you, but we didn't know how to approach the subject. Your mother has been ill for many months. Too long, I'm afraid. We thought she was getting better, but in turn she got worse. I fear this is the reason we were unable to make it to America and meet this man you speak so fondly of. She fought for as long as she could, Pet. But I'm afraid it got the best of her. She died last night in her sleep. When I woke in the morning, she wouldn't stir. That's when I knew. I do not know what's to be done now,but I hope you will come home soon. I'm so sorry little one. I hope to hear from you soon.

-With love,

Your Father

As she finishes reading the letter, she sets it down and takes Peggy's hand. "I'm so sorry, Peg. Maybe you should take the day, head home."

She shakes her head and wipes away a loose tear. "No." She says firmly. Enough to make several agents l glance in her direction.

"Peggy...go home. You need this."

As Rose tells her this, Peggy wipes away more tears. For a few moments the two ladies are silent in this attempted comfort, until they hear a familiar sound. Rose turns around and grabs his arm. 

"Chief! A word." Daniel looks slightly worried and frightened all at once while she drags him to Peggy's desk. 

"Uh, okay, but why-" He stops mid sentence as he notice Peggy's red puffy eyes and stained wet cheeks. "Peg? Whats wrong?"

She shakes her head and turns away in an attempt to get back to work. Rose stops her and makes a disapproving noise while shaking her head. Peggy looks down and clears her throat to cover up a sob that escape her. Daniel looks at her, waiting for an answer; but she doesn't speak. Instead she hands over the letter and collapses into her chair. 

"Oh my God..." He looks up at her as fresh tears stream down her cheeks. 

"I told her she should go home. Rest." He nods and places his hand on her shoulder. 

"Yeah...Come on, Peg. Lets get you home."

"No. I-I don't need to leave, I need-"

"To process this and grieve. Peggy...we talked about this. No more burying ourselves when we loose people." She looks away and sighs. "Amor..." He whispers.

Peggy sighs and lays her head in her hands, but nods and tries to steady her breathing. She stands up and walks out the door, heels clicking quickly as she leaves. Daniel follows her and they drive home. Once there, she collapses on the couch and sobs; every emotion bottled up pours out.

(End flashback)

Daniel holds his love tight, willing away all the pain she has endured. Although they have stayed in the same house before, they tried to limit their overnight visits to discourage neighborhood gossip. However tonight is not one of those nights. Propriety be damned. Peggy needed comfort and peace, and Daniel was going to make sure she got just that.

As he's lost in his thought, she stirs and wiggles, then snores lightly; making him chuckle. Daniel kisses her forehead and rubs her back in a soothing motion. Once sleep begins to take over his mind, one thought remains- Until the end and forever more.