CHAPTER 4
Sam knows this was a bad idea. A horrible, terrible, awful idea. And yet, here they were, the exiled Avengers gathered on the chairs and couches around the large television screen in their living area.
Shuri had mentioned she and her mother wanted to watch the live coverage of the Stark Charity Gala happening tonight in New York City, hoping to catch glimpses of all of the famous attendees, her brother and King among them. Steve had insisted that she do it with them, as they had nothing better to do and wanted to be kept informed.
"We had disagreements, that doesn't mean we don't care about the people we left behind." He had explained to them. Sam raised an eyebrow at Steve, unimpressed with his flimsy excuse. Sam knew that Steve was always monitoring for news on Tony, and now that there was a party being held by the man himself, complete with cameras and live footage, there was no way Cap was going to miss it.
Sam hadn't admitted it to Steve, but he had seen his sketch book and there was a disproportionately borderline creepy amount of sketches of Iron Man, as well as sketches of the man who wore the armor. Charcoal sketches of Tony Stark's eyes and hands that had too much detail to be considered normal. It was like Steve was afraid of forgetting Tony.
It was too much, and after his talk with T'Challa, Sam had already decided that he was going to confront Steve about it at his next opportunity. He wouldn't watch his friend drown in his misery like this. Sam himself has always been a big believer that there is always a way to fix things and make amends.
So here they were, camped out in front of the screen with the Queen Ramonda and Princess Shuri of Wakanda, waiting for the show to begin.
Steve's leg was bouncing nervously next to his and when he could take it no longer he finally whispered, "Steve, man, you've got to relax."
"Hmm? Oh, sorry Sam, just feeling fidgety I guess." Steve did his best to hold still, which only ended with him tapping his fingers on his knees instead. Sam rolled his eyes.
"Alright everyone," Shuri exclaimed in excitement, "It is starting! Here we go, time to see my brother shine in the outfit I picked for him."
A reporter stood in front of the camera with her microphone, adorned in a beautiful formal dress, her makeup expertly done and every hair in place as she began her broadcast.
"My name is Jaqueline De'Varo and we are reporting live from the Stark Charity Gala, held in beautiful New York City, where everyone who is anyone is going to be tonight. We are all hoping to specifically catch a glimpse of the man this entire affair is named for, the famous Tony Stark. He has been mostly absent from the public eyes for the last few months, ever since the event that is now being referred to as "Civil War", where a difference of personality, opinion, and politics is thought to have torn apart the once great team of "The Avengers". Rumors that Mr. Stark has not taken the split of the team well have persisted and grown the longer he has stayed out of the public eye. However, it is confirmed that he and Pepper Potts are not back together, and likely never will be, despite signs that they are still close. In a comment obtained from Ms. Potts herself only a few weeks after the reported split, she had said that while they loved each other dearly, they are better off as friends."
Wanda scoffed, "She has finally realized that perhaps she can do better, I suppose."
Sam felt Steve tense next to him at her words, but Steve said nothing in response, choosing instead to focus on the television as the reporter continued on with more scandals about the various public figures as they arrived.
Finally, after what seemed like forever listening to endless gossip, the reporters began to excitedly announce that King T'Challa of Wakanda was arriving. It was clear that his entrance into the public spotlight after his father's death had left a lasting effect on people.
T'Challa stepped out of his car, flanked by Okoye, who looked breathtaking in her orange gown, ever just as deadly. His suit, although modern cut, was adorned with a striking black and white tribal pattern. Shuri shrieked as he buttoned the jacket as he stood from the car.
"Oh my, look at him, he looks positively dashing, doesn't he?" Ramonda remarked proudly.
The others all agreed, Clint joking, "Anyone else think I could pull off something like that?"
Shuri only regarded him and laughed, obviously sure that it would never work for him. Clint pretended to be offended before going back to watching the event unfold.
"King T'Challa! King T'Challa!" The reporter called to the King, gaining his attention as they ascended the stairs. "Your Highness, it is wonderful to see you here tonight, how are you feeling?"
T'Challa smiled at her before answering, "Thank you, we are very glad to be here. It is an important night."
The reporter pressed on, "Sir, what do you think about all of the politics lately, can you tell us, are you Team Iron Man or Team Captain America?"
Steve's eyes narrowed at the reporter on the screen.
T'Challa, however, remained stoic, his face unchanged until he forced a small smile and answered, "I find this to be a very interesting question. Of course, there is no right answer, is there? I believe that perhaps what we are failing to see is that they are two sides of the same coin. I do not see the world nor the choices we are forced to make to be so simple. I believe both men to be great leaders and worthy of recognition and praise. In fact, I pray we return to the truth I know we are all aware of, that both men were at their best when they were side by side."
The reporter was obviously not expecting this answer and she stood floundering for a response momentarily. That moment was all the King needed to nod his thanks and continue up the stairs to the doors of the Gala.
"Bravo, brother." Came the quiet approval from Shuri. She glanced at Steve, who also wore a small grateful smile as he watched the King walk away.
Moments later, excitement at the announcement that Tony Stark's car was pulling up to the Gala broke and Sam heard Steve take a large breath and grip the couch cushions they were sitting on.
The reporter was back saying, "We have word that Tony Stark is pulling up now, again, this will be his first public event in months since the "Civil War" incident."
The camera panned down the stairs to the curb where Steve instantly recognized Happy walking around the car and opening the door for the occupant inside.
Flashes from the cameras, shouting and applause drowned out any other sounds as Tony Stark exited the car, shaking Happy's hand and whispering something to him as he stood before turning toward the crowd. He looked absolutely… well, wonderful, if Sam was being honest, and he didn't even roll that way. His suit was a bright white with a dark blood red tie and matching pocket square, the whole thing tailored perfectly to fit his frame. He had his classic dark sunglasses covering his eyes, even though it was evening in New York City.
As Tony turned to the crowd he raised an arm in greeting and gave the best "I am Tony Fucking Stark" smile for all of the cameras.
Sam was slightly concerned that Steve had stopped breathing all together.
As Tony started up the steps the camera flashes continued at an almost dizzying rate.
Sam leaned over slightly in what he hoped didn't draw any attention to them as he asked in a low voice, "Steve? Doin' alright, man?" Steve just gave a small aborted head shake as he continued to keep his eyes glued to the first real-time image of Tony he had since Siberia.
"Mr. Stark! Tony! Tony, you look fabulous, how are you feeling?" Tony stepped up to the reporter and gave her a lazy smile that stretched across his handsome face as he removed his sunglasses.
"I look great? Well sweetheart, I am completely flattered, though not entirely surprised. I should hope that I look good since I have to impress beautiful people like yourself. What's your name, gorgeous?"
Sam didn't even hear the reporter's answer; he was in complete shock. Yes, he seen old footage and heard all about the famous Tony Stark charm, but in the time he had actually spent with the man, he had never seen that side of Tony surface.
Tony leaned forward and whispered something in the reporter's ear that had her blushing and giggling before he turned and winked at the camera and started back up the stairs towards his party.
"Well, that was Mr. Tony Stark, and it sounds to this reporter like he is more than physically recovered and better off than anyone had guessed! We will be right back here at the Stark Charity Gala!"
Silence reigned in the room as they all sat staring at the screen.
Clint was the first to break it. "Wow, well I guess we should have seen that coming, huh? I mean, he and Pepper are done, and he is Iron Man, ain't he? It didn't take him long to- "
"Stop, Clint." Sam was surprised to hear Wanda's voice. "Steve, I am going to get us all some drinks, would you help me?"
Steve stood with a nod, his eyes avoiding the other's gazes as he followed her into the kitchen.
Once alone she turned immediately and put her arms around him. Confused, Steve returned the hug before pulling away and holding her by the shoulders. "Is everything alright Wanda, did something upset you?"
She gave him a small smile and said, "You, Steve, you are not alright. Your thoughts and emotions are so loud it's like you are screaming. You have been in pain since we left and it has been getting worse, but just now in there, it was like I felt something break. These are your emotions, Steve."
He could only nod. "I'm sorry Wanda, I didn't mean-"
"NO STEVE. No. Do not apologize. It's not a secret that I don't lose any sleep over Tony Stark. But, I know that you do, and you have even before this whole thing began. Stop pretending everything is alright. It's not, so tell me what you want to do about it?"
"Nothing can be done Wanda, it's too late. We are here, in Wakanda and everything else is miles and years away. I have to deal with the here and now."
"Is that why you are glued to the television, Mr. Here and Now?"
Wanda sadly shook her head at him. "Steve, we all adore you, you know that. We followed you here because we believed in you and believe in the choices you make. That doesn't mean we don't understand that you are human. You can miss him while also caring about your friend. You can care for him and make the decision to leave. I truly do not understand why you are both so set upon only having one or the other."
Steve couldn't believe that of all people, he would be hearing this from Wanda.
"Your guilt is going to eat you alive if you continue to let it." Steve's eyes snapped to hers, clearly alarmed.
"I won't push you into anything, you can admit it on your own time, but we all know that you haven't told us all the entire story. Something is slowly killing Captain America, and it's doing a better job of it than any other obstacle he's encountered."
Steve stood there, feeling at a loss as Wanda pushed a tray of drinks into his arms. "Come on, Captain, lets go watch Tony Stark work the Gala in that suit you'll be dreaming of later." She smiled over her shoulder as Steve felt his face flush, but followed Wanda back into their room with the drinks.
"And we are back here at the Stark Charity Gala tonight in New York City. We have just entered the Grand Ballroom and now we are going to take a step back and let the world watch how the night unfolds, right here with us on Channel 7."
The camera panned across the Grand Ballroom and focused on various celebrities, heads of states, government officials, etc. before coming to again land on the man of the hour. Tony stood tall in the middle of a circle of at least twenty people, holding an empty tumbler in one hand, using his other to make gestures while commanding the center of attention with his story. His face still held his trademark grin as the crowd laughed at his punchline. A tall handsome man came forward from the crowd with two drinks in hand and stepped right up to Tony, far closer than necessary, his eyes raking up the genius with obvious intention.
Steve felt anger and heat he'd almost never felt before rise inside of him. This wasn't fair, this wasn't right, Tony would see through this man, wouldn't he? Tony was smarter than this.
"You look like you could use a refill, Mr. Stark." Tony turned toward him, if he was caught off guard by how close the man was, he didn't show it, his eyes returning the appraisal and stepping even closer, taking the offered drink. His answer was too low to be picked up by the microphones, as was the conversation that followed, though it wasn't long before Tony stepped back, his smile large.
If Steve had felt like the world had crashed down on him before, it was nothing compared to the feeling that now held his soul in it's shattering grip.
The camera watched Tony step back again and and give the man another once over before giving a tilt of his head towards a side door, quite obviously an invitation.
For Steve, that was enough. He stood suddenly and opened his mouth to make an excuse but couldn't make a sound, beating a hasty retreat down the stairs to the basement.
Sam shot up after his friend, calling out to him, "Steve, wait man, hold up!"
By the time Sam had reached the stairs to the basement Steve had already make it down the winding staircase and into the basement below.
Steve was against the wall his head tipped back on the cool surface, an arm thrown over his eyes. Sam slowed down as he approached him and stood next to him against the wall.
"Sorry Sam, I suddenly got really hot and just needed a second to- "
"Steve, please, don't insult me with that bullshit."
Steve's arm came down from his eyes and he looked at Sam surprised. Sam scoffed and gave Steve his best unimpressed look.
"Come on man, be honest. It's seeing him again isn't it? Seeing him with the reporter and that guy at the party. I'm going to lay it all out here with you, I've seen you with your phone in one hand hounding the internet for news and information on Stark, and that old fossil flip phone in your pocket. You never go anywhere without it. I've seen you wandering around at night, coming down here and talking to Barnes, and if that wasn't all enough, I have seen some of the sketches."
If Steve's eyes got any wider they might pop out of his head. "It's fine man, I'm not judging anything, I need you to know that right now. You are my friend and I want you to be happy, and right now man, happy is the last thing you are. I know its because of him, I know it's because of what happened. The issue is that I don't actually know what happened."
Steve's head hung and he shook his head. "I can't tell you that right now Sam, I am so so sorry, I promise that I will, I just think that if I talk about this right now I might… God, Sam, I might break."