Chapter 22
AN: Thank you so much for the support. I only have a couple of weeks left of the semester, but I have to get a 3000-word research assignment done, and a few others, so I can't say if I will be be able to update quickly. I really hope you continue to support me.
June 19th 2016
Just over six weeks have passed since the incident in Legos and ever since Natasha and Tony have been doing what they can to deal with the political fallout, and things for them have been getting so much more complicated.
It's a Sunday morning and instead of being in the city with Tony and Peter Natasha is standing at the entry into main building of the compound, with Rhodey, as Tony and Thaddeus Ross pull up in cars and they both get out of their respective cars.
"Mr Secretary," Natasha greats. "Captain Rogers and the others are in the conference room," Natasha explains.
"I'll show you the way," Rhodey says, knowing enough about what Natasha and Tony have been dealing with to know they need a minute to talk.
"Lead the way," Ross says, and while he and Rhodey walk faster Natasha hangs back with Tony.
"Is it what we suspect?" Natasha asks, once Rhodey and Ross are out of hearing range.
"Yep," Tony confirms. "But your idea worked, the one amendment we wanted to put in any document that was created is there," Tony explains.
"Good," Natasha says relieved, as while they couldn't do a lot there is one thing that she and Tony felt they had to do. "Ross played this exactly like we thought he would; limited information to as late as possible," Natasha comments.
"We knew he would," Tony comments. "I'm just glad we were able to use our connections," Tony admits as while they didn't find out much, nor were they able to do much, they could do one thing; one thing that if things go extremely badly could be very useful.
"Have you had a chance to read it?" Natasha asks.
"Most of it," Tony answers. "There are things that need to be changed, but that can't be done unless we agree, and sign," Tony explains.
"Of course," Natasha admits, with a sigh, and the two of them walk faster to catch up with the others.
A little while later Ross is standing at the head of the table in the conference room while Natasha, Rhodey, Sam, Steve, Vision, and Wanda sit around the table, and Tony sits off to the side.
"Five years ago, I had a heart attack," Ross explains. "I dropped right in the middle of my back swing," Ross says as he demonstrates his back swing. "Turned out it was the best round of my life," Ross explains. "Because after thirteen hours of surgery and a triple bypass… I found something forty years in the army had never taught me; perspective," Ross says. "The world owes the Avengers an un-payable debt. You have fought for us, protected us, risked your lives… but while a great many people see you as heroes, there are some who would prefer the world vigilantes," Ross says.
"And what word would you use, Mr Secretary?" Natasha asks, even though she suspects she knows the answers, as she wants the others to understand just who they are dealing with.
"How about dangerous?" Ross asks. "What would you call a group of US-based, enhanced individuals who routinely ignore sovereign borders and inflict their wills wherever they choose and who, frankly, seem unconcerned about what they leave behind?" Ross asks as he actives the screen behind him. "New York," Ross says as footage of the battle of New York plays, and as it does Rhodey and Natasha exchange looks. "Washington DC," Ross says as footage of the hell carriers falling from the sky play, and as they do Sam looks down. "Sokovia," Ross says and images of the city rising plays, causing both Wanda and Tony to look down; though Steve only notices Wanda. "Lagos," Ross says and as the footage plays Wanda is even more effected.
"Okay, that's enough," Steve says, causing Ross to not to his aid who turns of the images.
"For the past four years you've operated with unlimited power and no supervision. That's an arrangement the government of the word can longer tolerate. But I think we have a solution," Ross says and he places a thick document on the desk and passes it over to Wanda, who picks it up and then slides it over to Rhodey. "The Sokovia Accords. Approved by 117 countries," Ross explains, causing Natasha and Tony to exchange the briefest glances as while they knew it would be multinational they weren't expecting that many nations. "It states that the Avengers shall no longer be a private organisation. Instead, they'll operate under the supervision of a Untied Nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary," Ross explains.
"The Avengers were formed to make a world a safe place. I feel we've done that," Steve says, and while the others agree with him those who have more experience with Politics know that it's not as simple as that.
"Tell me, Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now?" Ross asks, and as he does Steve looks up and meets Ross's eyes. "If I misplaced a couple of thirty megaton nukes, you can bet there'd be consequences," Ross explains. "Compromise, reassurance. That's how the world works. Believe me, this is the middle ground," Ross explains.
"So, there are contingencies," Rhodey realises.
"Three days from now, the UN meets in Vienna to ratify the Accords," Ross explains, and as he does Steve glances over at Tony. "Talk it over," Ross says.
"And if we come to a decision you don't like?" Natasha asks.
"Then you retire," Ross explains, as he heads to the door and as he does Natasha stifles a smile.
A little while later the team are sitting, and standing, around the living area of the compound, while Tony is lying on a couch that Natasha is sitting on the end off, Steve is flicking though the accords as Sam and Rhodey are standing behind him arguing.
"Secretary Ross has a Congressional Medal of honour, which is one more than you have," Rhodey informs Sam.
"So, let's say we agree to this thing. How long before they LoJack us like common criminals?" Sam asks.
"One hundred and seventeen countries want to sign this," Rhodey says. "One hundred and seventeen, Sam, and you're just like, 'No that's cool we got it," Rhodey says.
"How long are you going to play both sides?" Sam asks.
"I have an equation," Vision says, causing everyone to look at him.
"Oh, this will clear it up," Sam says sarcastically.
"In the not even seven years since Mr Stark announced himself as Iron Man, the number of known enhanced persons has grown exponentially, and during the same period, the number of potentially world-ending events have risen at a commensurate rate," Vision explains.
"Are you saying it's our fault?" Steve asks.
"I'm saying there may be a causation. Our very strength invites challenge. Challenge incites conflict, and conflict …. Breads catastrophe. Oversight… oversight is not an idea that can be dismissed out of hand," Vision explains.
"Boom," Rhodey says as Tony puts a hand over his face and Natasha feels pretty concerned about him.
"Tony, you are being uncharacteristically non-hyper-verbal," Natasha comments, as she honestly expected Tony to say something long before now, and even though they often spend quiet time together it is unusual for him to be quiet about something like this; especially considering what they both know. As soon as Natasha speaks Tony moves his hand from his face and looks at her.
"It's because he's already made up his mind," Steve comments.
"Boy, you know me so well," Tony says, as he gets up, as he does he winces and rubs the back of his head, something which Natasha notices and causes her to be concerned about him. "Actually, I'm nursing an electromagnetic headache," Tony says as he gets up and heads towards the kitchen. "That's what's going on, Cap. It's just pain. It's discomfort," Tony says as he looks for cub, and fills it up, but he is annoyed by what he finds in the sink. "Who's putting coffee grounds in the disposal? Am I running a bed and breakfast for a biker gang?" Tony asks annoyed, as he puts his phone in the fruit basket and taps it, causing a image of a smiling young man to be protected. Purposely acting dramatic Tony looks down then up, pretending to notice the image for the first time. "Oh, that's Charles Spencer, by the way. He's a great kid. Computer engineering degree, 3.6 GPA. Had a floor level gig at intel planned for the fall. But first, he wanted to put a few miles on his soul, before he parked it behind a desk. See the world. Maybe be of service Charlie didn't want to go to Vegas or Fort Lauderdale, which is what I would do. He didn't go to Paris or Amsterdam, which sounds fun. He decided to spend his summer building sustainable housing for the poor. Guess where, Sokovia," Tony explains, causing the others, Wanda especially to be effected by what he is saying while Natasha is glad to finally know all the details of what effected Tony so much after his MIT address. "He wanted to make a difference, I suppose. I mean, we won't know because we dropped a building on him while kicking ass," Tony says and he takes a tablet to help with his headache as he drinks some of his coffee, before turning to face the others. "There's no decision making process here, we need to be put in check!" Tony says. "Whatever form that takes, I'm game. If we can't accept limitations, if we're boundary-less, we're no better than the bad guys," Tony says, hoping he can convince the others.
"Tony, when someone dies on your watch, you don't give up," Steve says.
"Who said we're giving up?" Tony asks, as he walks back over to the others.
"We are if we're not taking responsibilities for our actions. This document just shifts the blame," Steve says as that is his perspective.
"I'm sorry, Steve. That's… that is dangerously arrogant," Rhodey says. "This is the United Nations we're talking about. It's not the World Security Council, it's not SHIELD, it's not Hydra," Rhodey explains.
"No, but it's run by people with agendas and agendas change," Steve says.
"That's good, that's why I'm here," Tony points out. "When I realized what my weapons were capable of in the wrong hands, I shut it down and stopped manufacturing," Tony says.
"Tony, you choose to do that. If we sign this, we surrender our right to choose. What if this panel sends us somewhere we don't think we should go? What if there is somewhere we need to go and they don't let us? We may not be perfect, but the safest hands are still our own," Steve comments.
"If we don't do this now, it's gonna be done to us later," Tony says, saying what Natasha knows. "That's fact. This won't be pretty," Tony says.
"You're saying they'll come for me," Wanda says and Tony, Natasha, and Rhodey all think how it is so much more than that.
"We would protect you," Vision says and as he does Natasha knows what she has to say.
"I think Tony's right," Natasha says, causing Tony to give her a grateful look. "If we have one hand on the wheel, we can still steer. If we take it of…" Natasha starts to explain.
"Aren't you the same woman who told the government to kiss her ass a few years ago?" Sam asks surprised.
"I'm reading the terrain. We have made some very public mistakes. We need to win the public trust back, it's the only chance we have at doing what we do the way we need to do it," Natasha explains.
"You agree with me," Tony says, smiling at his girlfriend, and feeing glad that Natasha has publicly agreed with him as in the last few weeks Natasha has been making arguments from all sides as they tried to figure things out so he wasn't certain about her opinion.
"You shouldn't be surprised," Natasha tells him.
"Okay, that's it if Nat's on my side then case close, I win," Tony reveals, sounding very proud and Natasha rolls her eyes in a playful way, as she does Steve's phone buzzes as he gets a message.
"I've got to go," Steve says, looking distressed, dropping the accords and heading out of the room, basically the second he leaves Tony's phone rings.
"I've got to take this," Tony says, heading away from the others.
As Steve and Tony both leave Natasha and Rhodey exchange looks, the two of them realising the one thing that connections both Tony and Steve, and so Natasha heads to the room where Tony went to answer his phone.
"Tony?" Natasha asks concerned as she walks into the room, and she can see the pain on his face, the tears in his eyes. "I'm so sorry," Natasha says, walking towards him.
"Sharon said she died in her sleep. It was peaceful," Tony explains, knowing he won't have to explain more than that, and once she is close enough Natasha just hugs him, and kisses his cheek. "I can't believe she's gone," Tony admits, taking comfort from Natasha as she just continues to hold him.
"She will never be forgotten Tony," Natasha says, as they break apart. "There are generations of good people, good agents, who do what they do, who save lives, because of her," Natasha tells Tony, it being the first thing she can think of to help Tony.
"I know," Tony answers. "I have to tell Peter, and video call Sharon, and Hope, later," Tony explains.
"I'll drive you," Natasha offers. "When's the funeral?" Natasha asks curious, as she will go there to support Tony, even Steve as well.
"Three days from now, in London, but I'm not going," Tony reveals.
"Tony I know what your Aunt Peggy means to you, she was your godmother. Are you really not going to go to her funeral?" Natasha asks surprised, trying to keep her tone of voice as gentle as possible.
"She didn't want me to," Tony admits. "When the disease first started Aunt Peggy told me that I had been too many funerals, that I have struggled so much with grief that she didn't want that for me, she didn't want me to go to another funeral," Tony admits. "Honestly, Aunt Peg hated funerals, she thought that they were the worst way to remember someone," Tony explains, there being a level of fondness to his voice. "Sharon will be there because she, and Aunt Peg, decided that she would reveal who she is at the funeral, to make it less what Aunt Peg hated, but other people who cared about her, who truly knew her, they won't be there," Tony reveals. "Peter, your Friend Mel, and her mom, those agents you mentioned, surviving commandoes and their families, Fury, even Hope and her Dad, none of them will be there because Aunt Peggy made it clear that she didn't want a funeral to be her memorial. She wanted each of us to pick a way to remember her that made us remember the person she was, the way she lived, and what she means to us," Tony explains.
"That sounds nice," Natasha admits. "You want to get out of here? Give the others a chance to read the accords," Natasha suggests, and Tony just nods. "Keys," Natasha requests, sticking out her hands and so Tony just hands the keys over and the two of them head out of the compound together.
After a drive where Tony is pretty quiet Natasha and Tony arrive at the Parker apartment. After making sure that no one is around both Natasha and Tony head upstairs. Because May knew they were coming she lets them in and they head straight to Peter's room. As she can see that Tony looks nervous Natasha takes his hand as Tony gets the courage to knock on the door.
"Come in," Peter says, and both Natasha and Tony walk in. "Dad? Nat?" Peter asks, sounding surprised, the he notices the look on Tony's face. "What's happened?" Peter asks worried.
"Pete, Aunt Peggy died in her sleep," Tony explains, and as soon as he does Peter looks upset.
"I'm going to miss her so much," Peter says as while he hasn't seen a lot of Peggy in the last few years she was around a lot when he was young.
"I know, Bud," Tony says as he and Natasha walk over and hug their son, and together the three of them stand in Peter's room hugging.
A while later, after staying with Peter until they were sure he was okay, Natasha and Tony are arriving at the tower, walking onto their floor.
"BOSS, Ms Sharon and Ms Hope will be calling you in five minutes," FRIDAY informs Tony.
"Thanks FRI," Tony says, knowing that will give him enough time to collect a bottle of Peggy's favourite type of whiskey.
"I'll leave you to it," Natasha tells Tony and as she goes to leave Tony reaches out and takes her hand.
"Stay," Tony requests, as he really wants Natasha to be apart of this.
"Okay," Natasha confirms, and two of them go to collect the bottle of whiskey they head to the lab to do the video call with Sharon and Hope.
June 22nd 2016
Even though she stayed at the tower for the video call with Sharon and Hope, during which Natasha learnt a lot about Peggy and what she meant to Tony, Sharon, and Natasha, Natasha did head back to the compound, and has spent most of the last few days talking the accords through with the others, even making a call to Clint to do so.
Even though she had to be in Vienna in a few hours Natasha has stopped at Peggy's funeral because she knew that Steve doesn't know what Tony knows. Steve doesn't know how Peggy felt about funerals and so he would be there, and she wanted to offer him support while also trying to convince him to sign the accords.
As she sees Steve standing alone after the funeral Natasha walks up to him, and as soon as Steve hears her footsteps he looks up.
"When I came out of the ice, I thought everyone I had known was gone. Then I found out that she was alive. I was just lucky to have her," Steve admits.
"She had you back, too," Natasha says. After everything she has learnt she knows that that would have meant a lot to Peggy, but so did the family and life she made for herself while Steve was frozen.
"Who else signed?" Steve asks curious.
"Tony, Rhodey, Vision," Natasha answers.
"Clint?" Steve asks curious.
"Says he's retired," Natasha answers, smiling slightly as she is glad that Clint is so focused on his family.
"Wanda?" Steve asks curious.
"TBD," Natasha answers, feeling pretty sure that Wanda's answer will depend on what Steve does. "I'm off to Vienna for signing the Accords. There's plenty of room in the jet," Natasha says, and Steve bows his head. "Just because it's the path of least resistance doesn't mean it's the wrong path. Staying together is more important than how we stay together," Natasha explains.
"What are we giving up to do it?" Steve asks, causing Natasha to sigh as he shakes his head, unconvinced. "I'm sorry Nat, I can't sign it," Steve admits.
"I know," Natasha says as while she was hoping Steve would decide otherwise it is what she was expecting.
"Then what are you doing here?" Steve asks curious.
"I don't want you to be alone," Natasha admits, before giving him a hug.
A few hours later Natasha is in the Vienna International Centre. As she is the co-leader of the Avengers Natasha has to represent them, and while Tony was going to be there Natasha, with help form Rhodey, convinced him to stay in New York because of everything else that is going on.
"Excuse me, Miss Romanoff?" A UN staffer asks Natasha.
"Yes?"
"These need your signature," The staffer says, showing Natasha documents, and she signs them. "Thank you,"
"Thanks," Natasha says, as the Prince of Wakanda, T'Challa, walks over to her.
"I suppose neither of us is used to the spotlight," T'Challa says.
"Oh, well, it's not always so flattering," Natasha admits.
"You seem to be doing alright so far. Considering your last trop to Capitol Hill, I wouldn't think you would be particularly comfortable in this company," T'Challa comments.
"Well, I'm not," Natasha admits.
"That alone makes me glad you're here, Miss Romanoff," T'Challa explains.
"Why? You don't approve of all this?" Natasha asks.
"The Accords, yes. The politics, not really," T'Challa admits. "Two people in a room can get more done than a hundred," T'Challa says as his father, King T'Chaka walks over.
"Unless you need to move a piano," T'Chaka says.
"Father,"
"Son, Miss Romanoff," T'Chucker greats.
"King T'Chaka. Please allow me to apologize for what happened in Nigeria," Natasha requests.
"Thank you. Thank you for agreeing to all this. I'm sad to hear that Captain Rogers will not be joining us today," T'Chaka admits.
"Yes, so I am," Natasha admits.
"If everyone could please be seated. This assembly is now in session," The man on speakers says.
"That is the future calling. Such a pleasure," T'Challa says to Natasha.
"Thank you," Natasha says, and she walks away to take her seat.
A little while later King T'Chaka is in the middle of giving a speech when suddenly T'Challa goes running towards his father.
"EVEYRONE GET DOWN!" T'Challa yells and as he does Natasha throws herself sideways just as an explosion goes off.
A while later Natasha has done what she can to help people caught up in the explosion and after assuring medical that she doesn't need there help Natasha is walking around when her phone rings; and she isn't at all surprised by who is on the caller ID.
"I'm okay," Natasha says as she answers her phone.
"Are you sure?" Tony's worried voice asks.
"Yeah, thanks to T'Challa. I hit the ground in time, I was far enough away that I'm okay," Natasha explains.
"Good," Tony says, sounding relieved. "I'm on my way. I'll be in Berlin as soon as I can," Tony explains, knowing that that is where control is moving too.
"I'll be glad to see you," Natasha admits, and as she does her phone beeps because someone else is trying to call her, checking the caller ID Natasha realises who it is. "Tony, Pete is trying to get through to me on the other line," Natasha explains.
"He's probably seen the news," Tony realises. "I'll see you when I get to Belin, stay safe," Tony says, and Natasha changes the call.
"Nat? Are you okay?" Peter asks worried.
"Yeah, маленький, I'm okay. I wasn't hurt," Natasha explains.
"Really?" Peter asks worried.
"Really," Natasha confirms. "You don't have to worry about me, Bud," Natasha tells him.
"I'm scared that you were gone," Peter admits. Ever since becoming Spiderman he tries to be tough, but there are things that affect him, and the possibility of losing his Dad and Nat are the things that affect him the most.
"It will take a lot more than a bomb to get rid of me, маленький," Natasha says, in a comforting tone of voice. "I've got some stuff I need to do, so I need to go. But I love you, маленький, and you need to know that I'm okay," Natasha explains.
"I love you too," Peter responds. "Bye Nat," Peter says, before hanging up.
After hanging up with Peter Natasha sends messages to Harley and Kenzie assuring them that she is okay as she is pretty sure she is going to get a call from both of them soon. After spending them messages Natasha looks around and she sees Sharon who she locks eyes with and gives a nod, telling her that she is okay, and after looking at Sharon Natasha sees T'Challa, who's father died in the explosion, sitting alone and so she walks over to him, and sits on the bench near him.
"I'm very sorry," Natasha tells him, hearing her voice T'Challa glances at her and toys with the ring that he is holding.
"In my culture death is no the end," T'Challa admits. "It's more of a, stepping off point," T'Challa explains. "You reach out with both hands Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veldt where you can run forever," T'Challa explains.
"That sounds very peaceful," Natasha comments.
"My father thought so," T'Challa says as he puts the ring on. "I am not my father," T'Challa says an edge to his voice.
"T'Challa. The task force will decide who brings in Barnes," Natasha explains, as evidence points to Bucky Barnes being behind the bombing.
"Don't Bother, Miss Romanoff. I'll kill him myself," T'Challa says, before walking away. As T'Challa walks away Natasha's phone starts to ring, this time from a blocked number and Natasha suspects she knows exactly who it is from.
"Yeah?" Natasha asks.
"You alright?" Steve asks concerned.
"Ah, yeah, thanks. I got lucky," Natasha says as she stands up and looks around, looking for Steve as she bets he is close. "I know how much Barnes means to you. I really do. but Steve you need to stay home. You'll only make this worse, for all of us, please, stay home," Natasha requests.
"Are you saying you'll arrest me?" Steve asks.
"Not unless I have no choice. But if it's not me someone will. If you interfere. That's how it works now," Natasha explains.
"If he's this far gone, Nat. I should be the one to bring him in," Steve explains.
"Why?"
"Because I'm the one least likely to die trying," Steve says, before hanging up the phone.
"Shit," Natasha says, having a feeling that things are going to get so much worse.