Bad Romance

Chapter 5

After Steve and the head of school leave the room, Daniel turns to Peggy and holds her hand. To say she was shaking would be an understatement. To say she was afraid would not be a strong enough description.  Peggy was mortified. Her skin faded several shades into a ghostly pale white. Her breathing was uneven and faint, almost as if she were unconsciously trying to hide it at all. 

"Hey..." He says softly, hoping to break her out of her petrified state, but at the same time not scare her more. "Peggy..." He whispers, taking her face in his hands. She jumps slightly, not realizing he had moved so close, and sighs deeply. 

"I'm sorry," She mumbles as she looks away. Her arms crossing protectively against her chest. 

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Peg." He pulls her into an embrace and kisses her temple, holding her as close as physically possible. 

Once they pull away he places one hand under her chin and kisses her lips softly, confidently, making her sigh once more. When they pull apart he kisses all along her head, cheek, and neck, arising a giggle from within her. 

"Daniel..." He chuckles against her skin and steps back. 

"I'll see you soon, okay? Just promise me one thing." At this requests she looks at him curiously. 

"What's that?" He sets down his assignment and bends over to pick up his note and hand it to her.

"Don't forget about this." She smiles, a small blush creeping up her neck as she nods and bites her lower lip.

Daniel walks out of the classroom and makes his way down the hall when he runs into something, more like someone. When he looks up he notices Steve Rogers in front of him. 

"Hey," He says, reaching out his hand. Daniel takes it and they shake. "So we finally meet in person. 

"Uh yeah, we do," He chuckles and looks away. The thought of what this man has done to Peggy is still fresh on his mind. 

"So... you're going to help me with all this?" Daniel says he will as they continue to walk further down the hall. 

"Its not so bad right now. Easy enough to say the least." He suggest they meet at study hall on Tuesdays and Thursday's to get Roger's caught up on his work, which he agrees to. As they keep walking Daniel realizes he left his assignment back in the class room. "Shit. I'll be right back."

"What's wrong?" Steve asks, looking at Daniel as he starts running. 

"I forgot something." He shouts. Once inside, Peggy jumps unexpectedly.

"Daniel? What are you doing back here?" He explains he left his assignment and she hands it to him and laughs. Steve walks over to the door and opens it, only to stop and watch Daniel and Peggy. 

"Thanks," She smiles at this and happens to glance at the door, immediately frowning and looking away. Daniel follows her gaze and his own smile drops as well while he steps away. 

"Rogers, hey." Steve looks between them, his eyes squinting suspiciously. What the two don't see is his hand balling into a fist behind his back. 

"Sorry, am I interrupting something? Looks like I am." His calm demeanor sends shivers down Peggy's spine, causing her to keep her gaze elsewhere. 

"Huh? Oh no," Daniel laughs, "I left my paper here and came to get it back. Not like I can get it done if its not in my dorm."

Steve nods at this, still suspicious of what they were doing alone, laughing and smiling without a care in the world. The last time he checked, Peggy never looked at him like that. The three all stand awkwardly in the room, an odd silence filling around them. Daniel knows Peggy is feeling unnerved and suggests he and Rogers head out, check the dorms and study hall, but Steve declines the offer.