"You very well know that with a job like mine, it's normal to get hurt during the training or missions. God, even death is a normality to us soldiers. So, I really can't promise you that I'll return home safe and sound each day. I know my safety worries you, and I also know that you are unhappy about it. Between you and my career, if I have to make a choice, I will choose you. I will definitely choose you, no matter what." Daisy turned her head to gaze at him this time. Her eyes were brimming with confusion. She felt like she was trapped inside a small box, like something was closing in on her. And no matter how hard she tried, she felt like she couldn't get out.
"But will you be truly happy if you quit the job you love? And can you guarantee that you won't blame me in the future, for making you leave your work? I admit, I am intense. I am controlling. But I am just really worried about you! I was angry too, but only because you didn't tell me the truth. As for the rest, I will do my best to ignore all that."
On one hand, he would be happy if she actually quit her job, that was for sure. But on the other, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. At the same time, he was worried for himself too. After all, he knew how much she loved her career. If she left her job, it wouldn't be a problem in the present. However, it was hard for him to tell if she would hold a grudge against him in the future, because she would be quitting only for him. He couldn't persuade himself to take the risk. He also wouldn't be the person who extinguished her passion to serve the country.
Well, it might take a while for me to get used to it. But believe me, it will get better as time goes by. So don't worry." This was not a sudden thought that had come into her mind. She was so shocked at the secret she found out this morning, that she couldn't completely concentrate during her training session either. That was why she got her leg injured in the first place. Before today, she didn't know the reason why Zemo had left, without even saying good-bye to her. He saved her, but in the process seriously hurt himself. Even as he recovered from his injuries, he couldn't be a soldier anymore because his foot was badly wounded. He wasn't even fit to go through the normal training sessions. Training as a member of special forces was out of the question.
"No, I don't believe so, at all. Just tell me, Daisy. What happened? I know you well. You couldn't have made the decision just because I constantly worry over you. I know very well that I'm important to you. But I also know that you wouldn't rush to this decision based on my feelings. I don't have that kind of power on you." Edward finished speaking, a self-deprecating smile on his face. He loved her very much, and that was why he also knew her so well.
Do you remember Zemo? What I have achieved to this day is all because he sacrificed himself." Daisy smiled bitterly. She was very suspicious about what happened years ago, so she had asked a classmate of JC Military Academy to inquire into it. Today morning, she received the documents he sent to her. When she read those files, she was so shocked that she couldn't even move. She would never have imagined that this was the reason why Zemo had been hiding for so many years. He asked everyone to keep the secret from her, so that she could continue her career without feeling like she owed him something. But she knew the truth now. So how could she continue doing her job without feeling guilty?
"What do you mean by sacrifice? He is still living just fine." Edward knew the answer in his heart. He knew what his wife meant by her words, but he chose to ignore it. If he could guess, Zemo had been hiding something from Daisy all these years. Now Daisy finally knew, but it was something she couldn't accept easily.
"I mean, he saved me without any concerns for himself, and ended up losing his only dream. Isn't that a sacrifice? He sacrificed his own dream so he could let me achieve mine." Daisy could guess why Zemo did it. He wanted her to accomplish her own aspirations and pursue her career.
"Do you really think this is the right course to follow? Do you think he would want you to give up what you have right now, as a 'thank you' gift for what he has done for you?" Edward was a bit angry at her, and also at himself. He was somewhat jealous too. After all, he was still not the one who affected her this much.
"Of course not! I just feel pity for him, and also for the military uniform that I'm wearing right now. I only got the uniform because of someone else, who sacrificed his own dream! Not only that, he could have been dead! It was an accident, no one could have predicted the outcome. But he still put himself in danger, only to protect me. That is something I can never repay him for. I feel so terribly guilty right now."
She thought about how she had teased Zemo the other day, for quitting the army only so that he could become a businessman. Daisy flushed in mortification. She was ashamed that she had said that to him, after everything! SHE was the reason he had to quit the army and resort to another livelihood.
"You mean, you want to quit your job only because you feel so damn guilty for him, and not because you know that I constantly worry over you? Is that correct?" Edward knew that it was petty of him to feel jealous at such a time. But he just couldn't help himself. He was so bitter about it that the contempt crept into his voice.
Why would you even think that? Zemo's secret is only one of the reasons for my decision. Mainly, I want to quit because I don't want you to worry about my safety everyday." Daisy's eyebrows furrowed. She knew that Edward was the jealous type. That was something about him that she found both endearing and attractive. But if he was bothered over something like this, it was a bit unreasonable, even for him.
I just can't help but feel that way after hearing what you're saying. And if I am guessing right, the injury on your leg also occurred because you were distracted by Zemo's truth, right?" It was easy for Edward to put two and two together after she told him everything. Otherwise, he couldn't imagine how Daisy, a woman who trained almost everyday, could end up with such a serious injury.
"Um... How did you know that?" Daisy looked at him in surprise. He was indeed correct. She had been so distracted by the thought of Zemo's sacrifice, that she hurt herself accidentally. It had been just a fleeting thought, but it was enough. Fortunately, Hawkeye, who was standing beside her, was quick to act and pulled her back in time, so she didn't roll down the hill. Though her leg still got wounded badly, it was extremely lucky for her to have dodged the bullet. She could have endangered her life.