Breakthrough
As Thor swept out of the door (to avoid further damage to the flower bed beneath the window, he said) a few minutes later to follow a lead in the city, Peggy sighed and closed her eyes, leaning back into her pillows. Horror crept over Steve as he realized he hadn’t considered how she might be taking all this. It wasn’t uncommon for Peggy to keep fears and concerns to herself, accustomed as she was to being scrutinized for weaknesses. Even among those she really trusted, it could be a hard habit to break. Still, Steve knew he was one of the few with whom she could be completely honest, and he hadn’t been living up to that yet.
“Have you tried getting through to Sharon?” he asked softly.
She opened her eyes. “I doubt our Asgardian friend has this all sorted already.”
“Yeah, I mean-” Getting sentiment out of Peggy could be like pulling teeth (not that Steve was one to talk).
“You said she was the first one you saw afflicted by the...” she waved her hand impatiently. “Whatever the bloody hell this is.”
“It must be hard, is all.” Steve tried. “All but a couple of your people being dead to the world.”
Peggy stared at him for a few seconds. When she spoke, it was in a lower voice than usual. “Yes, it...of course it is. It’s terrifying.” She didn’t sound terrified in the slightest. “Obviously. But I know better than to tell you of all people how hard that must be.”
Oh. Of course she had been holding back for his sake. “Who, me?” he shrugged it off with a smirk. “I’m used to it by now.”
That got her to laugh. “Alright, Rogers. Go help your friend.”
“I can do that right here.” It was a serious offer.
She smiled at him. “If you think you can disobey me because I’m too old to whip your ass for insubordination, I’ve got news for you, soldier…”
“Yes ma’am. I’m going.”
“Damn right. Respect your elders.”
Steve froze mid-laugh. “Wait-”
Peggy read his mind. “You think that’s what-?”
He nodded slowly. “That would explain Thor…”
She chucked her chin at the door. “Check my neighbors’ files. If the link checks out, try to narrow down the window for Thor to eliminate suspects.”
“I’m gone.” In thirty seconds he was on his motorcycle, following the storm.