Chapter 5
AN: Thank you so much for those of you who reviewed the last chapter. I LOVE this chapter, so I decided to update it straight away. Please, let me know what you think.
January 20th 1953
Ever since Peggy saw her brother who she believed to be dead two months earlier she and Howard have been struggling. They have been doing their best to get to the one place they suspect they will be safe a journey that hasn't been easy considering all the countries they have had to travel through by being most wanted, not to mention all the memories those places have brought up for them.
Feeling glad that they know they are close to their final destination Peggy and Howard are walking together, and because his leg is hurt Howard is leaning against Peggy for support.
"How's the leg?" Peggy asks, as they slowly walk, trying to hide the concern in her voice, because she knows how serious the wound is, but failing.
"Not great, but I suspect that it would be a lot worse if it wasn't for the serum," Howard admits, honestly if it wasn't for the serum, Howard suspects that he wouldn't be able to walk, not even when leaning on Peggy, but he also knows that if it wasn't for Peggy he would be in a lot worse shape.
"I've become rather thankful for that serum in the past few months, it has proved to be very useful," Peggy admits. "Though I would still like to know the long-term effect on us," Peggy reveals, as she still feels like because of where the serum came from they have to do something good with it, but the only way they're going to be able to do that is if they understand the effects it has.
"So, would I, and I'm going to find our answers, Peg," Howard says.
"I know," Peggy admits, as she trusts that Howard will do that, even if it might take a while.
"We can't be very far from the border," Howard comments, as to him it feels like they have been walking for a very long time.
"A couple of kilometres, at most, would by my guess," Peggy admits, feeling worried about whether Howard is going to be able to make it that far.
"Good," Howard says, looking relieved, and the two of them continue to walk.
For the next few minutes Peggy and Howard continue to walk together, Peggy suddenly stops walking, and because he is leaning on her, and needs her help to walk, Howard is forced to stop as well.
"Peg, what is it?" Howard asks, knowing that she has realised something he hasn't.
"We're surrounded," Peggy reveals.
"Guess we've found the border," Howard comments, and as he does a woman, with a spear, walks up to them.
"Who are you? What is your business here?" The woman, who has a thick accent, asks.
"I'm Peggy Carter, this is Howard Stark," Peggy explains. "We're here to see His Majesty King Azzuri, he knows us," Peggy explains.
April 1942
In the European Spring Peggy and Howard, who had received a lot of information in a very short time, are together on a Plane that was far more advanced than any other found in 1942.
"I honestly don't know what to say, how to thank you for what you did for me," Prince Azzuri of Wakanda, who was visibly injured, told Peggy and Howard.
"There was no need, we were doing our job," Peggy assured him.
"You saved my life. I would have died in that building if it wasn't for the two of you," Azzuri told Peggy and Howard. "Not to mention all you've done for me over the past few days," Azzuri said, as he looked between Peggy and Howard.
"Like Peg said, we were doing our job," Howard said.
"I have a gift, as a token of gratitude from me and my people," Azzuri says as one of the other people on the plane give Howard a large package, which contained a truly special gift "And I want you to know that if you ever need anything, every need help, all you have to do is ask," Azzuri explained.
"We don't do what we do for rewards," Peggy told him.
"I would love to know more about this plane, it's incredible," Howard said, which caused Peggy to roll her eyes. "Wakanda's not all it appears to be, is it?" Howard asks, looking at Azzuri as he gave him a truly interested look.
"It's not," Azzuri admits. "If you're interested I will tell you about it, I just ask that you don't share what you learn," Azzuri requested, which caused Peggy and Howard to exchange looks.
"I think we can agree to that," Peggy said, as even though she did a better job at hiding it than Howard she was interested as well.
"Definitely," Howard confirmed, as he really wanted the knowledge, even if he couldn't share it.
For a few minutes after Peggy said who they were Peggy and Howard waited together, sounded by people pointing weapons at them, when finally, their old friend appears.
"Peggy Carter, and Howard Stark, as I live and breathe," Azzuri greats, looking glad.
"Your Majesty," Peggy and Howard both great. "I know this is rather unexpected, but we've found ourselves rather in need of help," Peggy explains.
"Let them in," Azzuri tells his people. "And get a doctor," Azzuri explains, and once of his people hurries off. "You should have come to me sooner," Azzuri informs them, as he walks towards Peggy and Howard.
"So, you know what is going on," Howard says, as Azzuri gestures to one of his people to help Howard.
"Of course," Azzuri says, feeling like it shouldn't be a question. "The two of you are on the top of almost every country most wanted lists, but don't worry, you will be safe here as long as you need," Azzuri assures them.
"Thank you," Peggy says gratefully.
"Yeah, thanks," Howard comments.
"Of course," Azzuri responds as they continue to walk, and even though Azzuri really wants to have a conversation with his old friends he knows that what matters in this moment is getting Howard, and Peggy, checked out by his medical personnel.
A little while later Howard is in a bed in the Wakanda medical facility, being looked at by doctors, while Peggy is standing outside the room, watching him.
"Howard's in good hands," Azzuri says, walking up to Peggy. "My doctors are the best. They'll fix him right up," Azzuri explains, being able to tell that Peggy is worried even if most people wouldn't be able to.
"Thank you, I appreciate it," Peggy admits. "And I appreciate you letting us stay here. I know what you're risking by allowing it," Peggy reveals.
"It's no risk," Azzuri assures Peggy. "Wakanda is separated from the rest of the world, as you know, no one will think to look for you here," Azzuri says, as he knows, without a doubt that Peggy and Howard kept their words and didn't tell a single soul the truth about Wakanda, and the friendship the three of them share. "You are both safe Peggy," Azzuri assures her.
"It has been months since we have been safe," Peggy says, not sure she can believe that they are safe now, even being within Wakanda's borders.
"You are now, you're protected here," Azzuri says, giving her a comforting look, and as he does Peggy sees Howard move so that he is sitting on the edge of the bed, clearly about to get up, despite the fact that he is connected to medication.
"Excuse me," Peggy says, before heading into the medical area. "What on earth are you doing? You should be resting," Peggy tells Howard.
"Peg, I'm fine," Howard argues.
"Your leg tells a different story," Peggy responds.
"It's healing," Howard says, with a shrug.
"If I may interrupt," A Wakanda doctor says, feeling like it might be for the best. "Mr Stark's leg is healing, and an incredible rate, our technology and medications will help with that, but you will need to rest for a few hours," The Doctor explains, and once she does Peggy gives Howard a look which says 'see'.
"Thanks Doc," Howard comments, and as he does Azzuri walks up, while the doctor walks away, acknowledging Azzuri as she does.
"Howard, how do you feel?" Azzuri asks his old friend.
"Pretty good, you've got some pretty incredible tech here, even more advanced than last you gave me a peek behind the curtain," Howard comments, and from the look on his face Howard looks like a kid in a candy shop.
"And I'm sure you'll get to see more of it while you're here," Azzuri comments. "While you two are here you will be my honoured guests, under my protection, anything you need you just have to ask," Azzuri explains.
"Thank you," Peggy says gratefully, and Howard nods.
"I know you two have had a long journey, but if you are feeling up to it I would very much like if it you joined my wife and I for dinner," Azzuri explains, and as he does Peggy and Howard exchange looks.
"it would be our pleasure," Howard answers.
"Great, dinner will be in forty-five minutes. If you go to the left, straight down the corridor, and down the stairs you'll be in the dinning area. I have to go handle some business, but I will see you there," Azzuri explains, before walking away.
"How are you really feeling?" Peggy asks, as she walks over to Howard where she sits down next to him, doing so because they are alone.
"Like I said, pretty good," Howard admits, and Howard gives him a disbelieving look. "I'm serious Peg. Between the serum and Wakandan tec, I feel pretty good, a lot better than I thought I would," Howard admits as he knows how serious the leg wound was, so it is incredible that he is doing so well.
"Good," Peggy says relieved, as she also had an idea of how bad the wound was. "I know I doubted it, but this might have been one of your better ideas," Peggy admits.
"Told you so, Pal," Howard says with a smirk, and in response Peggy just softly nudges him. "Hey! I'm hurt," Howard objects.
"You'll live," Peggy comments, using her words to hide the fact that she is actually worried about Howard.
Half an hour later Peggy and Howard have followed Azzuri's directions and are walking into the living room where they find Azzuri waiting with a woman.
"Peggy, Howard, I would like you to meet my incredible wife Nanali. Nanali this is Peggy Carter and Howard Stark my dear old friends," Azzuri introduces.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Azzuri has spoken often of you," Nanali explains, truly meaning what she is saying.
"As he has about you to us," Peggy says. "It's nice to finally meet you," Peggy says, smiling at her.
"Let's all take a seat," Azzuri suggests, and they all sit down around the table.
"How do you like Wakanda so far?" Nanali asks curious.
"We haven't seen a lot of it, but from what we've seen it's a beautiful country," Peggy comments.
"We think so," Azzuri admits.
"I noticed some of your transport out the window, I would love to have a look," Howard comments.
"Of course," Azzuri says amused, as since they have met he has been amused about how the smartest person in the world reacts to their technology. "If you'd like I can arrange a lab space for you while you're here," Azzuri offers, as he suspects that will be a good idea.
"That would be great," Howard says, looking grateful, and Peggy realises that he looks more than just grateful, he looks like he has a purpose. "Thank you,"
"There's no need. While you're here we'll help with anything you need, including clearing your names," Azzuri assures his friend.
"We can't ask you to do that. Just allowing us to stay is more than enough," Peggy admits.
"You're not asking I am offering," Azzuri says. "What has happened to the two of you isn't fair. I am more than willing to help in whatever way I can," Azzuri assures them.
"Thank you," Peggy says gratefully, hoping that there is a way that would make it possible for Azzuri to help them with Michael, and as she speaks food is brought out.
"I had the chef make a variety of both traditional Wakandan food as well as food you'd both be more comfortable with," Nanali explains.
"It all looks incredible," Peggy comments.
"It really does. It's been a while since Peg and I have seen this much food," Howard admits.
"Then by all means, eat us," Azzuri says and once he speaks the four of them start to have a very long, very enjoyable meal together, during which Peggy and Howard meet Azzuri and Nanali's newborn son.
Hours later Peggy and Howard have been shown to what Azzuri called their 'Home in Wakanda,'. Even though the past few weeks, the past months really, have been exhausting Peggy can't bring herself to sleep, rather she is walking through the rooms, which is an apartment which consists of three bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living area, with other facilities around which Azzuri told them they are free to use.
Even though he is just as tired as Peggy, not to mention the fact that he was recently seriously wounded, Howard can't sleep either, rather he is lying in his bed, wide awake.
"Peg, is that you?" Howard asks, as he sees a shadow pass by his door.
"Yes," Peggy says, walking into the doorway. "I apologise, did I wake you?" Peggy asks concerned.
"No, I couldn't sleep either," Howard admits, sitting up in the bed, and as he sits up Peggy walks over and sits down in the bed next to him. "We're finally safe and I can't close my eyes for more than a few seconds," Howard comments, as he puts the blanket over Peggy's legs as it is a little chilly.
"That's exactly the problem," Peggy revels. "For seven months we have been constant state of alert. We've been in sates of flight or fight, it takes time to come down from that," Peggy explains.
"I thought I was supposed to be the scientist," Howard says, with a grin.
"I guess you've rubbed off on me too," Peggy comments. "This place is incredible, and we're safe, but we shouldn't let that distract us from our objective," Peggy reminds Howard.
"I know," Howard confirms. "Azzuri said he's going to find a way for us to contract Jarvis and the others. Once we can do that we'll be able to talk about everything we know about Leviathan, everything we've found that can hopefully lead to us proving Leviathan framed us," Howard comments.
"And finding out what happened to Michael," Peggy says.
"We'll find him, Peg. We'll bring him home," Howard says, knowing he will do whatever he has to do bring Peggy's brother home. "After everything you've told me about your big brother, I look forward to getting the chance to meet him," Howard reveals. "When he's not shooting at us that is," Howard adds.
"I know it was him. I would know him anywhere, but that look in his eyes, I have never seen anything like that; it was cold. He didn't know me, he didn't even know himself," Peggy explains, finally admitting what she has been avoiding talking about for the past two months.
"You'll remind him," Howard says, knowing that. "When we find him, you'll remind him of who he really is, just like you did for me," Howard tells Peggy.
"How do you have so much faith in me?" Peggy asks, as she feels touched.
"It's easy, you earned it a long time ago, and a thousand times over," Howard says, without needing to think about it.
"We have been through so much," Peggy realises.
"I think that's a bit of an understatement, Pal," Howard admits, looking amused.
"When we first met we were so young," Peggy remembers. "I never thought you would become the only constant I've had in my life for the past twelve years," Peggy admits, as back then she would have never associated the Howard she met with stability.
"I didn't either, but now I can't imagine you not being the most important person in my life," Howard reveals.
"The most important…." Peggy says, sounding surprised as she knows that is a big thing for Howard to admit.
"Peg, you're my best friend, my family, the person I respect the most, the person who ties me to the world even when I want to hide away in my lab where everything makes sense, " Howard explains "I'm a pretty smart guy, but even I can't think of the words to describe what you mean to me," Howard admits, and even though she knows how good of an actor Howard is, how easily he lies and puts up facades that he want people to see Peggy knows, without a shadow of a doubt that he is being open and honest with her.
"Everyone I've ever met, even Steve, has tried to change me in some way, tried to make me be someone I'm not, but you never have," Peggy comments.
"Why would I?" Howard asks. "You're Director Peggy Carter, there's not a single part of you that needs to change," Howard says, believing that with his entire being.
"I do believe that that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me," Peggy admits, with a slight smile as she looks at Howard, and as she does she realises that subconsciously she and Howard have moved closer to each other. "Howard…" Peggy starts to say, but she honestly doesn't know how she is going to finish that thought, but before she has to think of a way Howard leans closer and kisses her.
Unlike the last kiss Peggy and Howard exchanged it is clear that both Peggy and Howard are thinking straight, that this is something they both truly want. In the years she has known him Peggy has wondered what it would be like to kiss Howard Stark, not that she would have ever admitted that, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality. It's gentle, and tender, full of desire, and feels righter that either Peggy or Howard thought possible.
Sooner than either would like Howard and Peggy are forced to break apart to catches their breaths, but once they do neither makes any effort to move away from the other.
"That felt…." Howard starts to say.
"Right," Peggy finishes as she cannot think of a better way to describe what she felt.
"Yeah," Howard says, with a nod. "I guess we should probably talk about it," Howard says, not sounding very certain.
"Not tonight, it's late, we both need to get some sleep," Peggy admits, as she is starting to feel the exhaustion. "But Howard, know that I didn't regret it," Peggy assures him.
"Me either," Howard admits, and once he does Peggy goes to move, to get up. "Stay?" He asks, though he doesn't try to actually stop her. "I've gotten rather used to sharing a bed with you," Howard admits, and in an action that would be a surprise to a lot of people, there is no innuendo to what he is saying, just honestly.
"As have I," Peggy admits, before moving back to where she was, and together both she and Howard lay down together, there being barely any space between them, and within moments they are both fast asleep, with peaceful looks on their faces.
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