Chapter 37 -
In London, an event was happening, and it was honestly one that Harry did not want to attend. Not because it was boring...but because of the event itself. The event...Peggy Carter's funeral. When Harry had gotten back from his meeting with Matt Murdock he was told by Bucky how Steve had been sent a text about her aunt dying. Two days later her funeral was held.
In the church where her funeral was held Harry along with Bucky and Steve helped carry the casket in. Eventually everyone was sat down, Bucky and Harry sat with Steve in-between them, the two were there not just for the funeral of Peggy but also to support Steve, both knowing how much she meant to Steve. Sam came too, while he didn't know Peggy personally he did respect the woman and he did come as a friend of Steve. Harry was glad to notice that many people had come, he felt like that was the least that Peggy deserved.
He was also glad that people chose not to make a fuss about him, Steve, Sam or Bucky. The other people in the funeral knew who they were but thankfully decided not to bother them. There was a time for hero worship and selfies, this was not one of them.
A short while later, people began making speeches, Steve was offered but didn't feel up to it. Harry was one of those who had accepted, he had stood up in front of everyone and took a big breath before speaking.
"Hello everyone, I am glad that so many people have come here, I feel like it would be an insult for anything less than what we've got today." Harry said. "I'm sorry, I am not that good at speeches and I am making this up on the spot, but I will try my best. I know many of you know who I am, I was alive during world war two and I was given the absolute pleasure of knowing this absolutely brilliant woman. The first time I met there I was in a line along with these other soldiers, she walked up to us and introduced herself. Then this one guy, this idiot, he looked at her and he saw a woman, nothing but a British woman.
In fact I was surprised he had the brain cells necessary to realise that she was a woman, he made fun of her accent, she told him to step forward. He did, she asked his name, he told her right before he decided to flirt with her. And I use the term loosely, she didn't smile, she didn't say anything. She pulled her fist back and hit him with a brilliant right hook, in that one moment every soldier there knew that this was not a woman to be messed with.
Anyone who knew this woman treated her with respect, it did not matter to us if she was female. She was just as good if not better than any of the other soldiers. She fought just as hard as anyone, after the war she founded shield, I've lost count of how many things this woman has done for the betterment of mankind. She helped women be seen as more than just house wives and she helped save many people and make more feel safe. Everyone, me included, thinks of her as this nice badass woman, but...that is not all she was. No, definitely not, this woman was not just one of the bravest people I've ever met but she was also one of the best. She was a kind woman with a brilliant heart, she was a gift to all that knew her and I hope that she is looking down on us all with a smile. Thank you." Harry said before returning to his seat as people clapped.
"That was a nice speech." Bucky whispered when he sat down.
"I'm not good with...all of this..." Harry admitted. "...probably could have done better."
"It was fine," Steve said in a quiet voice. "it was fine Harry." He said.
A few more people came forward to make speeches, one particular speech was made by Sharon Carter, a relative of Peggy, her niece in fact. Though the four recognised her as the agent who lived in the same building as Bucky and Cap, when Harry had first found out that she stayed in the same building as Steve under a false name he told Steve immediately as he recognised her from shield. She knew they knew who she was yet she was still the spy that lived in the same building while Steve and Bucky were the ones who let her.
"Margaret Carter was known to most as the founder of shield," Sharon said as she stood in front of everyone, her voice brought Steve out of his thoughts and caused him to look up at her. "but I just knew her as Aunt Peggy. She had a photograph in her office, Aunt Peggy standing next to JFK. As a kid that was pretty cool. But it was a lot to live up to, which is why I never told anyone we were related. I asked her once, how she managed to master diplomacy and espionage in a time when no one wanted to see a woman succeed at either. She said compromise when you can, but where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong...is something right, even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree then look them in the eye and say 'no, you move'." She said, her eyes catching Steve's. "We spent our best time together the past few years, I asked her out of all of her achievements, which she was most proud of. She smiled and patted my hand before saying 'dear, that's classified'."
Harry along with his friends were giving their full attention to the speech, and they found it difficult to ignore the obvious fact that Sharon was referencing the accords in her speech.
"You alright Steve?" Harry asked as he and Steve stood in the empty church.
"Yeah...yeah, I'm fine Harry." Steve said, biting back a sigh. "It's just...
"I know mate, I know. She was a brilliant woman." Harry said. "We'll both miss her. But...she's not gone mate."
"I'm sorry, were we both not at the same funeral?" Steve said raising an eyebrow.
"Shut it," Harry rolled his eyes before tapping Steve's chest, right over where his heart would be. "she'll always be right there, as unoriginal as that is." Harry said before he pulled his hand away.
"Thanks Harry, that means a lot." Steve said just as Natasha walked in.
"Hey babe," Harry said, greeting her with a kiss on the lips. "what are you doing here?"
"I didn't want you two to be alone," She smiled at him before greeting Steve with a hug. "are you okay?"
"I'm getting there," Steve said with a small smile. "I'm...I was just lucky to have her."
"She was lucky to have you too," Natasha replied. "don't forget that, she'll always be in your heart Steve."
"I already told him that," Harry said as he placed an arm around her waist. "did anyone sign the accords?"
"No, not yet." Natasha shook her head. "Barton say's he is retired. Rhodey and Vision came close but that lawyer of yours managed to convince them to hold off. He looked over the document, he didn't look that happy."
"Guy's name was Murdock, right?" Steve asked.
"Yes, you may recognise him. He also used to go around as the 'Devil of Hell's kitchen'." Harry said, Steve looked confused while Natasha's eyes widened.
"Who?" Steve asked.
"Daredevil." Natasha said, she decided to explain since Steve still looked confused. "He was this vigilante who operates in hell's kitchen, became quite famous recently."
"Yes but the people he fought against were usually below the Avenger's paygrade," Harry added. "I say usually because he also managed to beat a local mob boss called Kingpin."
"Is he an enhanced?" Steve asked.
"Yes, he is. He's blind but he has enhanced senses, his ears can detect the slightest of sounds, it's like a sonar. Like a submarine or a bat. He did good work."
"That's why you asked him to be our lawyer?"
"No I asked him because he is also an extremely good lawyer, one who would be interested in the accords as an enhanced plus he has been taking a lot of pro bono cases, he's interested in helping people and I wanted to put him somewhere where he can really help."
"Are you planning to have him join the Avenger's?" Natasha asked.
"I'm planning to ask him to join the Avengers, if he does or not is up to him." Harry replied. "If Tony stays on then I might ask him to develop something for him."
"God this'll be boring." Harry whispered to Matt as he and Matt were sat down in the Vienna congress room. "or horrible...or boring and horrible." He said as he looked around the room, taking notice of the variety of people
"Not your cup of tea?" Matt asked.
"I usually deal with my problems by blasting them or ruining their evil plans." Harry admitted.
"Hmm," Matt snorted. "well to each their own." He said as he ran his fingers over brail versions of important documents.
"Judging by your knuckles I can say that this might be one of the cases where we are both the same," Harry replied. "I know a fighter when I see one."
"I'm not fighting anymore." Matt said, shaking his head.
"Perhaps you just no longer have a good reason, perhaps you've just lost your motivation. Maybe you will fight again, maybe you won't. Time will tell." Harry replied before standing up. "I'll be back in a bit." Harry said before he walked over to Natasha who had just finished signing something.
"You alright?" Harry asked.
"I've lost count of how many things I have had to sign." Natasha confessed. "At this point I am tempted to just sign the next scrap of paper I am given without looking at it."
"I hear you, I hear you." Harry said as he looked around. "I hope this finishes quickly." Harry admitted.
"I suppose neither of us are used to the spotlight." A voice said, the two turned to see a man with black skin and a blue suit walk up to them.
"Well, it's not always so flattering Prince T'Challa." Harry replied, recognising him as the prince of Wakanda. Harry was not surprised that he was here, after all at least two people from Wakanda were shot in Nigeria.
"You seem to be doing alright so far." T'Challa replied. "Even though you both don't look very comfortable in this company."
"We're not." Natasha admitted.
"That alone makes me glad that you're both here." T'Challa replied.
"You don't approve of all of this?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I approve of the accords, but the politics...not really. Two people in a room, can get more done than a hundred."
"Unless you need to move a piano." Another voice said as an older man with black skin and grey hair walked up to them.
"Baba." T'Challa smiled at him and received a smile in return.
"Miss Romanoff, Mr Raven." The older man greeted the two.
"Mr Black will be fine King T'Chaka." Harry replied.
"Please, allow us to apologise for what happened in Nigeria." Natasha said.
"Yes, that was a horrible day for all of us." Harry said.
"Thank you," T'Chaka replied. "thank you both, I understand that the two of you are not supporting the accords."
"No, I cannot support these." Harry responded. "I understand why they are doing what they are doing and I understand what they hope to accomplish but I cannot support it."
"So it seems we are not allies today." T'Chaka replied.
"Apparently not, however that does not mean we have to be enemies." Harry said with a small smile. "I'm not one for politics, but I do hope that today works out for the best for everyone...even though I doubt it will."
"Will everyone please be seated," A voice echoed throughout the room. "assembly is now in session."
"That is the future calling." T'Challa said.
"Hopefully a good future." Harry replied before he and Natasha gave the prince and king a nod before walking off and returning to their seats.
A short while later King T'Chaka stood on a platform in front of everyone and delivering a speech.
"When stolen vibranium from Wakanda was used to make a terrible weapon, we in Wakanda were forced to question our legacy." T'Chaka said, looking around at everyone. "Those men and women killed in Nigeria were part of a goodwill mission from a country too long in the shadows, we will not however let misfortune drive us back. We will fight to improve the world we wish to join, I am grateful for the Avengers for all they've done and for also saving lives, however I also..."
"Matt?" Harry whispered to Matt as he noticed Matt stiffen.
"Bomb." Matt hissed.
"What are you..." Harry trailed off as he felt his magic flare.
"Everybody get down!" Prince T'Challa shouted as he ran to his father and jumped towards him with a jump that was beyond any regular human being. "
Harry and Natasha got to their feet and both shot their hands forward and each formed a shield just in time. King T'Chaka fell to the floor with T'Challa on top of him, the glass windows behind them burst as an explosion hit the side of the building, the two stopped their shields once they were sure it's safe.
"Is everyone okay?" Harry asked as he and Natasha got up and began walking around and checking to make sure everyone is alright. "Are you hurt?" Harry asked King T'Chaka as he and T'Challa helped him up.
"Yes, thank you." King T'Chaka nodded. "You have saved my life."
"It's in the job description," Harry replied before glancing at T'Challa. "that was an impressive jump by the way." He said with a smile. "Nice to know me and my fiancée are not the only enhanced in the room, that's surprising since you're supporting the accords but that's a conversation for another time I think. Are you hurt?"
"No, I am not." T'Challa said, shaking his head.
"Good, take your father and look after him, I'm off to do damage control." Harry said before turning to Nat. "Come on." He said and the two teleported outside.
"They're blaming Bucky for this." Natasha said to Harry and Matt about half an hour later as they stood outside the building where they discussed the accords. "Apparently there was some footage of him."
"Which clearly doesn't make sense seeing as the last time we checked Bucky was in a bar along with Steve and Sam and about fifty other people."
"Well we're ruling out the fact that the Bucky we saw is an imposter right?"
"Definitely," Harry nodded. "if he was someone different then my magic would've picked up on it."
"It should be fine," Matt said. "if the two of you are right then we have multiple witnesses to confirm that it was not Bucky Barnes."
"Yes but I get the feeling that it won't be that simple, and having one of our members be suspected of being a bomber really does not help our publicity nor does it help with the case." Harry said before turning to Natasha. "We need to get our hands on that footage, we need to quickly secure evidence to prove that it wasn't Bucky there."
"Harry there are multiple witnesses, are you sure you're not being paranoid?" Natasha asked.
"Oh I am being paranoid but I'd rather be more paranoid than necessary rather than not paranoid enough."
"Mr Black." A voice said, the three turned to see King T'Chaka and Prince T'Challa walking towards them.
"King T'Chaka, Prince T'Challa." Harry nodded to them. "I hope you are both fine."
"We are," T'Chaka nodded. "thanks yo you both. For that you have our thanks."
"Thank you." Natasha replied.
"The reports are claiming that Bucky Barnes was responsible for the attack." T'Challa said.
"That's what we heard," Harry replied. "though I do find it odd."
"Why is that?"
"Because bombs are not Bucky's style, because Bucky does not just go and kill people for no reason plus the fact that the reports say Bucky Barnes is responsible yet I know for certain that Bucky Barnes was seen today in a bar along with Steve Rogers AKA Captain America, Sam Wilson AKA Falcon and a large amount of other people. Something stinks here, and I intend to find out what it is." Harry replied just as his phone began ringing. "Excuse me." He sighed before taking his phone out and walking away. "Hello Steve, yes I know, I've heard."
"Is that paprikash?" Wanda asked as she entered the kitchen to find Vision trying to make cook.
"I thought it might lift your spirits." Vision said as Wanda tasted some of it.
"Spirits lifted." She said with a smile, while it wasn't totally bad it was definitely not what paprikash was supposed to taste like.
"In my defence I've never actually ever eaten anything before, so..."
"May I?" Wanda asked as she gestured towards the food.
"Please." Vision said as he took a step back. "Wanda." Vision said a few moments later while she was cooking.
"Hmm?"
"No one dislikes you Wanda." Vision said in what he hoped was a comforting tone.
"...thanks." She said with a smile, not sure how to react to that.
"Oh, you're welcome. No, it's an involuntary response in their amygdala. They can't help but be afraid of you."
"Are you?" She asked, knowing why Vision was saying this. The news lately had not been very positive when referring to the Avengers, and she was included in that. Some people were calling them criminals and some were calling them dangerous and monsters.
"My amygdala is synthetic so..." Vision trailed off as he sat down and Wanda let out a small laugh at his joke.
"I used to think of myself one way, " Wanda said before raising her hand, allowing a red ball of energy to dance around her fingers. "but after this...I am something else...and then I met Harry and I thought I was someone else. I'm still me...but not everyone sees that."
"Do you know, I don't know what this is?" Vision said as he tapped the gem on his forehead. "I know it is not of this world, I know that it powered Loki's staff, gave you your abilities, but...it's true nature is a mystery. And yet, it is a part of me."
"Are you afraid of it?"
"I wish to understand it. The more I do, the less it controls me. Then one day, who knows? I might even control it." Vision replied. Wanda looked down for a second before she looked back up.
"I don't know what is in this but it is not paprika," She said as she gestured to the food. "I am going to the store, I will be back in twenty minutes." Wanda said, she began to walk away when Vision quickly cut her off by moving in front of her.
"Alternatively, we can order a pizza." He offered.
"Vision, are you not letting me leave?" Wand asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It is a question of safety." Vision replied.
"I can protect myself." She said, she was about to walk past when he put an arm out to block her.
"Not yours." He said.
"Did Stark tell you to keep me here?" She asked, looking at him.
"No, Mr Stark did not."
"Did Harry ask you to keep me here?" She asked.
"No, Mr Black has not given me any orders either."
"Then why are you stopping me from just going to the store to buy some ingredients?"
"I...I believe it would be better if you stay in...at least until the accords are on a more secure foundation...I cannot force you to stay here nor do I intend to but I also..."
"Is there a problem?" A voice interrupted, the two looked towards Pietro who stood with his arms crossed and his eyes on Vision.
"No, there is not." Wanda said as she walked past Vision. "I am going to the store Pietro, do you want to come?"
"Sure." Pietro nodded, he glanced at Vision once more before he followed Wanda outside. "He did not do anything to you?" He asked once they were far enough away.
"No," Wanda shook her head. "he did not do anything. Do not be angry with him, he has good intentions. I think he believes that it would be safer for us to stay inside."
"Safer? Yes, but this is not just about safety. It is also about the accords."
"Yes, but I am not worried. Harry will handle it."
"Ah yes," Pietro grinned. "your boyfriend will handle it. He is very..."
"Pietro." Wanda said in a warning tone.
"I was not going to say anything." He said defensively while giving her an innocent look that she was not buying for even a second.
"Of course you weren't." She said with a disbelieving voice.
"I was not...though I have heard that he loves your accent and the way that you...oh damn." Pietro zoomed out of the room, dodging red energy blasts as he did.
A.N: Hi guys, I hope you're all okay.
First of all a coupe of people have sent me ideas to use for the story, I have used two so far in this chapter. If anyone else wants to give me some ideas then that will be appreciated but just remember that I make no promises to use any ideas.
Second of all I do not tend to bash Vision, just like I said last chapter I do not intend to bash any of the Avengers, yes Vision and Rhodey may have disagreements with the others, that's natural but I am not bashing them or at least not trying to.
Third of all I know there was no Tony in this chapter but he will be back in the next chapter and there will be more on the accords.
Fourth of all, I know that the coronavirus situation is making things difficult for everyone. A few days ago me and my dad had to go to three shops just to get what we would usually be able to get in one shop because all of the items were either all sold out or restricted to one per customer. Even toilet paper, no especially toilet paper. However I know that a lot of other people have it much worse. I'm sorry about those that have died and hope they rest in peace, I wish the best of luck to everyone and wish everyone the best.
No omake this chapter but thanks for reading, hope you all enjoyed and feel free to leave a review.
