So it goes with saying that only things I own with any connection to MARVEL I bought on Ebay or Etsy. MARVEL COMICS & MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE are their own creatures and I have nothing to do with either of them aside from the fact I enjoy reading or watching them, and am grateful for the ability to play in their world. I claim nothing, and I receive nothing for this, expect the pleasure of putting something out into the world.

You can also find this story on ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN under the same title and pen name along with a place to post suggestions.

Don't forget to check out the Photobucket album by searching the title of this story and my user name.


CHAPTER ELEVEN


TUESDAY, JUNE 5TH 2012

1123 HOURS

PEPPER POTTS CABIN, WOODSTOCK NY

2565 ROUTE 212


NATASHA


"Are you sure you're okay with this Arnora?" Once we cleared the obstacle of getting Captain America to agree to the meeting, it was onto the next major obstacle of getting the Council to agree on it and ironing out the terms.

Councilman Pierce was more than ready to sit down, and even if Councilman Malick was agreeable, they weren't just going to let a major world leader sit down in front of a potentially unstable 'bioweapon' without some serious discussion and safe guards on both sides.

Their original list included the meeting happening at a location of their choosing, with a security teaming of their choosing, and the Captain and I occupying a secure viewing suite. None of which was going to fly.

We eventually, with the exhaustive efforts of the Councilman, got the rest of the world council to agree to more reasonable terms. The meeting would happen here. We would also allow a team of their choosing on the property, and a strike agent to stand guard alongside me during the meeting. But all of that would only occur after our own security rendezvoused with them at a preselected location, to search them for any unauthorized chemical agents or surveillance equipment and then escorted them back in our own vehicles.

The STRIKE Agent they choose is none other than Brock Rumlow. He was the temporary commander of STRIKE while Agent Pierce Jr was carrying out a joint undercover mission with MI-6, but now that Pierce is dead that promotion became permanent. In that regard it is not only the obvious choice but the perfect one. On the other hand, it's quite possibly the dumbest choice they could make, because he once tried to get way too personal with her in an elevator corner.

I know she isn't that same timid woman with same fears anymore, she has been making it very clear that she is not Nora now. Enthusiastically so in fact, which is what has me concerned with this. She is emphasising it far too much for me to really believe there's nothing of 'Nora Eliane' left. There's always something left, so even though she said his presence was fine I'm not really buying that.


TUESDAY, JUNE 5TH 2012


1124 HOURS

PEPPER POTTS CABIN, WOODSTOCK NY

2565 ROUTE 212


ARNORA


It felt nice, even if I knew I shouldn't let it. I woke up not because I was rested, but because my chest hurt so much. Breathing ached a little but it was easily tolerable, lifting my arms too high however was not. I managed well enough in the shower that I didn't need Natasha to bath me like an invalid, but I left myself suffering for it which is why I am sitting on the couch in my bathrobe letting Natasha carefully work out the snarls in my damp hair.

I should hate this. I should hate that I need this. I should hate that its her, a traitor doing this. But the sun is warm on my skin, and each drag of the soft bristles sends pleasant tingles through my scalp making it easier to ignore my aching shoulders. I should hate that I just want to keep my eyes closed so I can pretend that she is another woman who despite all the reasons she gave me I could never truly bring myself to hate.

Her voice finally broke that illusion, to some disappointment. But I knew it would happen eventually. There were plans in place today that even the pleasant pull of nostalgia couldn't tempt me from forever.

"I'm not scared of Agent Rumlow Natasha." I inform her with a bit of a smile and a sigh as I look slightly over my shoulder at her, before straightening my neck back to alleviate the discomfort.


TUESDAY, JUNE 5TH 2012

1125 HOURS

PEPPER POTTS CABIN, WOODSTOCK NY

2565 ROUTE 212


NATASHA


"I believe you." I assure her as I put down the hairbrush and after pushing her robe off her shoulders a bit, replacing it with the jar of cream Mrs. Saunders made. Because Arnora rightfully distrusts all modern medicine, Banner hired Madilynn and her knowledge is a holistic practitioner to help him. It's a homeopathic version of Icy-Hot, made from beeswax that's been softened with Olive and Coconut oil, that contains an essential oil blend of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Clove, Ginger, and Black Pepper. She made one for me too after I tried it and asked because Icy-Hot stinks. "That's not my point."

We spent so long handling her with kid gloves, why wouldn't she assume that my words came with the same intentions now. "What I'm saying is he's a great agent AND a pig headed creep." I can't see her smile but I definitely hear her huff in agreement. "You don't have to tolerate him if you don't want to. They're here now. There's no more Council members to negotiate with, it's just Pierce. All I have to do is talk to him, and he'll put Rumlow on the perimeter."

Her breathing slows and settles, but then it's followed by a very light shake of her head she comes to a decision "No."

Watching her stand after that word and start shrugging her shoulders out of the robe, I lend a hand is she keeps talking. "They wanted security for Councilman Pierce, and he didn't object which means he would feel more comfortable with it too. I can handle Rumlow. "

I can't help but smirk at that, not because I doubt her, but because I believe her. She keeps giving more and more evidence to back her words. Body language, tone, poise, and the the know how to paint a scene or herself. The Ao Dai she had me buy proves that. The dress is just different enough to be new and just familiar enough to be 'Nora' with the white fringe shirt and worn out jeans underneath. The IV she wants me tape on but not in her skin serves the same purpose. It's just enough to make them underestimate her. She's setting their perceptions. Seeing her this capable, I'm kinda proud.


TUESDAY, JUNE 5TH 2012

1128 HOURS

PEPPER POTTS CABIN, WOODSTOCK NY

2565 ROUTE 212


NATASHA


Stepping through the door of what was Pepper's office, and will be again when we finally leave this place I find Councilman Pierce and Agent Rumlow right where I told security to leave them, after that they didn't need to be guarded because the entire house could do that anyways.

"Councilman..." I greet them as they twist to look over their shoulders at my entrance. "...Agent Rumlow. I apologize for the wait. She's ready to see you now."

Rumlow, in his usual lack of manner doesn't put much effort into hiding the roll of his eyes, but on the other side of the spectrum Pierce is gracious about it as he stands and shakes my hand "Oh, nonsense. We came just for her so what's a few more minutes?"

"I'm sure she'll appreciate that" I follow as I release his hand. "Now I trust our men told you what's expected yes?"

He confirms it with a nod first. "I already changed into the outfit you specified, and they said that we would be meeting her upstairs in her suite. Once I am seated, any unauthorized movement from either of us will be reported by the houses A.I. and the meeting will end. I am allowed to talk freely with her and pass her any objects across the table, but I must remove my hand before she can take it, and under no circumstances am I to remove my gloves or touch her. They also assured me the treats I brought will be given to her later?"

"Yes" I nod again. "I'm sorry about that, and I'm sure she will love them, but we don't want to give her anything she could manipulate. Now then..." This part I direct toward Agent Rumlow as well. "...are then any concerns you would like to address before we begin?" Who despite often having something to say, just shakes his head and continues his silence.


NOTES FOR THE READERS:


I know this chapter is short, and that I've missed a few weekend postings but I've been busy being involved in my friends wedding. The next chapter will be longer, and hopefully my regular scheduled posting will resume.