Chapter 9
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January 7th 1954
In the four weeks that have passed since Michael remembered who he was Peggy and Howard, with help of their friends, the people they trust, have been using Michael's information to clear their names and dismantle Leviathan.
As they got word from Daniel and Jack last night that it has been officially announced that they are no longer most wanted Peggy and Howard, with Michael, are at the Wakanda airport getting ready to leave, and so they are saying goodbye to their Azzuri, having already said goodbye to others they wanted to say goodbye to.
"Thank you, Azzuri, for everything you've done for us," Peggy tells her friend, as they hug.
"I was glad to help," Azzuri admits. "And I have one more thing for you," Azzuri explains as he hands Howard a case.
Looking interested Howard opens the case and shows what's inside to Peggy.
"Is this…" Howard starts to ask, looking shocked.
"The reality of our debates," Azzuri explains. "They will simulate the ageing process, based on your biometrics, and no one will able to tell you're wearing them," Azzuri explains, knowing that anywhere else in the world it wouldn't be possible to create these devices.
"Thank you," Howard says amazed as he realizes what that will mean for him and Peggy.
"I left you another present on the plane," Azzuri says, with a grin.
"You didn't?" Howard asks shocked.
"I did,"Azzuri confirms, and Howard grins from ear to ear.
"I think you just made his year," Peggy says, looking amused.
"You will do amazing things my friend, you've proven more than once that you can be trusted with Wakandan technology and resources, so I know you will continue to do good," Azzuri explains to his friend.
"Thank you," Howard says, before hugging Azzuri.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Michael says, once Howard and Azzuri break apart. "I will always be thankful for what you and your people did for me, even if I'm still not sure I deserve it," Michael explains.
"You've been given a chance, Michael. Be not the man you were, but the man your sister believes you to be, she's the best judge of character I've ever met so I believe you can be that person," Azzuri explains.
"That she is," Michael confirms. "And I hope I can," Michael admits.
"If you ever find yourselves in need again, the three of you will always be welcome in Wakanda," Assuri says as he looks between the Carter siblings and Howard.
"Thank you," Peggy once more says. "It's time for us to go," Peggy says, and once she speaks she, Howard and Michael head onto the plan, Azzuri watching them go.
As the ramp to the jet closes Azzuri feels someone take his hand and he looks to see Nanali, who is pregnant with their second child, and who has already said goodbye to the Carter's and Howard, standing next to him.
"It's okay to admit that you will miss your friends. I know how much you have enjoyed having them here," Nanali tells her husband.
"I will miss them so much," Azzuri admits, as he watches Peggy, Howard, and Michael fly away.
A few hours after they left Wakanda, Peggy and Howard are in cockpit of the jet, with Howard flying, while Michael is sitting in the back of the jet.
"Are you sure you'll be able to cover where we really came from?" Peggy asks curious.
"Should be able to," Howard admits. "I'm glad we're going back, but I'm going to miss Wakanda," Howard admits.
"Me too," Peggy admits. "It is going to be strange just slipping back into our lives," Peggy comments, being pretty sure that it is going to take some adjustment.
"I know what you mean," Howard admits. "Jarvis has been doing a great job keeping Stark afloat, making sure Stane doesn't do anything I wouldn't approve of, and Phillips, Thompson and Sousa have been handling SHIELD. What if we go back and there's no place for us?" Howard asks, admitting his fear because Peggy is the only one he is with.
"Then we make one, just like we've both done before," Peggy tells Howard, as she knows they have both fought to get where they are and will again if they have to. "Stark Industries is yours; SHIELD is ours, no one can keep them from us; we won't let them," Peggy assures Howard, and once she does Howard reaches over and takes her hand.
"I really love you, Peg," Howard tells her. "I know we haven't really talked about what we're going to tell people, but I know I don't want we've become from anyone, especially not our friends," Howard explains.
"I love you too," Peggy says, saying the words even though she and Howard tend to say it other ways. "I and I don't want to keep this from our friends either," Peggy admits, though she isn't sure how she feels about the public, or people who she doesn't trust, knowing.
"Are you going to be okay with what happens when we land," Howard asks concerned.
"I know why it's necessary. It's going to be hard though," Peggy admits, pain in her voice, and as she does Howard squeezes her hand. "I'm going to go check on Michael," Peggy says, before getting up and heading out to the main area of the plane.
Heading into the main area of the plane Peggy finds Howard just sitting there, staring out into space.
"We've still got a few more hours before we land," Peggy reveals, as she walks over to her brother.
"I cannot believe you moved to America," Michael admits.
"I resisted at first, but America, New York, is home now," Peggy explains.
"Is America home or do the people you care about make it home?" Michael asks his sister curious, and Peggy looks like she is pondering her brothers words for a few moments.
"It's the people," Peggy answers.
"Howard especially, right?" Michael asks his sister, who doesn't say anything. "Come on, Peg, over the last month I've seen the way you two are together," Michael tells his sister, wanting to know what is going on before they land back in America. "There's something going on between you two," Michael says, being able to tell that.
"We're together," Peggy answers. "In fourteen days, we have been together for a year, but we've been friends for thirteen," Peggy explains, knowing that it will be fourteen years later in the year.
"I know haven't exactly been around normal people, and I have no right to judge, but Peggy, I know the reputation of Howard Stark," Michael tells his sister, a level of judgement to his voice.
"And I know Howard Stark better than anyone on this planet," Peggy informs her brother, being pretty sure that he could stay the same thing about her. "I know every part of him, and I know that part of his reputation is apart of who he used to be, but isn't who he is," Peggy explains, and from the tone of voice Michael can tell that she believes everything she is saying, and that she is getting defensive, which Michael knows usually doesn't end well for the person who is causing her to be defensive.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it," Michael admits. "I'm just trying to make sense of everything that's happened, everything I know you've done since we last saw each other," Michael explains.
"After the War, no one wanted to give me a chance. In fact, everyone wanted me to stop playing agent and go away, everyone except Howard that is," Peggy explains, as she wants her brother to understand. "I earned everything I have, I fought it, but I wouldn't have even had the opening to prove what I could do if it wasn't for Howard," Peggy admits. "He believed in me when no one else on the planet did, he always has," Peggy explains. "I know Howard's not perfect, but he is a good man, and what we have is good, we're partners, and we love each other for who we are rather than what people want, or think we should, be " Peggy tells her brother, as she wants him to truly understand.
"That's what I've always wanted for you," Michael admits, though he does still feel a little concerned, but he isn't going to mention that to his sister, and the two Carter siblings drift into silence as they sit side by side.
After a few more hours of flying Peggy, Howard and Michael touch down in America, at one of the many airfields that Howard owns. As they walk out of the plane, they find Jarvis, Daniel, Jack, and Phillips waiting for them.
"Welcome home," Philipps greats as he sees them.
"It's good to be home, and It's good that a firing squad isn't waiting for us," Peggy comments.
"We're glad about that fact too," Daniel comments.
"It's very good to see you, Miss Carter, Mr Stark," Jarvis comments, looking beyond thrilled.
"Thank you, Jarvis," Howard says.
"Everyone this is my brother Michael Carter," Peggy introduces. "Michael this is Mr. Jarvis, Daniel, Jack, and Colonel Phillips," Peggy introduces.
"It's nice to meet you all," Michael says, and as he does everyone sees Daniel and Jack look rather awkward.
"Carter, we've got…" Jack starts to say.
"I know," Peggy answers.
"it's okay, I get it," Michael admits.
"We need to get going," Daniel says, even though he wishes he didn't.
"I figured," Michael admits. "It will be okay," Michael tells his sister.
"I know. I'm going to oversee it," Peggy promises her brother. "It should only be a few weeks, maybe a couple of months," Peggy explains as she hugs her brother.
"I know. I want to do it," Michael promises his sister, as they break apart. "Lead the way," Michael says to Daniel and Jack, and the three of them go. While Peggy watches her brother go Howard watches her so that he can see if she is okay.
"I assume you two want to get straight to SHIELD, take stock," Phillips says.
"Of course," Peggy answers, and Howard knows that he will need to take stock of SHIELD and then do the same thing at Stark Industries.
"Good, because someone is waiting for you," Philipps comments.
"Mr Jarvis…" Howard starts to say, knowing that Jarvis will know what to say as they had a conversation before he, Peggy and Michael left Wakanda.
"I will take yours and Ms. Carter's belongings to your residences," Jarvis says, knowing that will including the gifts that Azzuri gave them.
"Thank you," Peggy says gratefully, and once she does, she, Howard and Phillips leave the airfield together while Jarvis unloads the plane.
After a drive where Phillips filled Peggy and Howard in on the major things they need to know about SHIELD, until they finally arrive back at the base Peggy and Howard have spent years building together.
"Welcome back," Phillips says, as the trio get out of the car.
"It's good to be her back," Peggy says, looking around and smiling slightly as she thinks of all the things that this base has lead to.
"Where is whoever wants to meet with us?" Howard asks, honestly having a few ideas about who it could be, but not being certain as all his ideas are realistic.
"Peggy's office," Phillips answers. "And don't worry, I haven't changed a thing," Phillips assures Peggy.
"Good," Peggy says, feeling glad and together the trio head to Peggy's office.
Over the next few minutes Peggy and Howard make their way through the base, getting more than a few looks as they go, something which they are both all too familiar with and so they don't let it phase them.
When they walk into Peggy's office Peggy, Howard and Phillips find someone that they all recognize.
"Mr. President," Peggy greats, as while she and Howard may have been on the run when Eisenhower was elected, they did find out about it.
"Peggy, Howard, it's good to see you both again," President Eisenhower says, as he met both Peggy and Howard during the war, and after, more than once.
"Really?" Howard asks.
"It's good to see you too, Sir," Peggy says, playing diplomat as she knows that Howard isn't going to and the last thing they need is to get off on the wrong foot with the president of the United States.
"I am glad that you were able to prove the charges against you to be false," Eisenhower comments.
"Then why didn't you help us out when you were elected a year ago?" Howard asks, an annoyed edge to his voice.
"It was a difficult situation…. You have to understand, the evidence…" Eisenhower says, stuttering a little as he tries to explain himself.
"I am sure if you were able to you would have done what you can," Peggy says, seeing an opportunity. "And I'm sure you will continue to support Howard and I, support our reinstatements and approve the decisions we are going to be making," Peggy says, her voice strong and authoritative, not even phased about the fact that she is telling the President of the United States what to do.
"Of course," Eisenhower says, willing to do basically anything Peggy and Howard want as it could be a very embarrassing public situation if he doesn't and he knows Howard has the ability, and the willingness to do so. "There is a press conference in three hours where I will be announcing all the changes against you were false, that you are both completely innocent and are American heroes," Eisenhower explains. "I would like you both to be there,"
"Of course," Peggy answers, even though she doesn't like press conferences.
"Definitely," Howard confirms.
"I'll leave the details," Eisenhower says. "Howard," he says, sticking his hand out, which Howard returns. "Peggy," Eisenhower says and Peggy shakes his hand. "I'm glad to have you both back on American soil," Eisenhower says.
"I'll show you out sir," Phillips says, and the two of them head out.
"You just got us carte blanche," Howard says, looking at Peggy in amazement after Philips and Eisenhower leave.
"I saw an opportunity," Peggy explains, walking over to her desk.
"Do you think we can get rid of Zola?" Howard asks, walking over to Peggy, as he knows he and Peggy were never a fan off allowing him to be brought into SHIELD, but they were overruled.
"I don't know," Peggy says, as she starts to look through the files that are on her desk. "But I'm going to try," Peggy says, as if she can make that mistake right then she will be pretty happy, as Howard smiles proudly.
"I've got to go check to make sure the Science and Technology Division is still in once piece, and make sure Stane hasn't completely corrupted Stark," Howard admits. "I'll see you at the press conference," Howard tells Peggy.
"I'll see you then," Peggy says, and once she does Howard leave.
After Howard leaves Peggy starts to search through the files, and as she does one in particular catches her eyes,
"You've got to be kidding me," Peggy says angrily, as she has a read.
Hours later Peggy and Howard have been officially declared heroes and have had the chance to start to catch up on everything that happened with SHIELD and Stark Industries while they were gone.
As it is the first night back on American soil Peggy, Howard, Jarvis, Ana, Daniel, Dugan, Jim Morita, Gabe, Jack, Rose, Jason and Angie, the ladder two having flown in from LA just to see their friends, are all having together at Howard's main residence.
"How did Reinhardt get released?" Peggy asks angrily, as even though they have just started diner, and it is supposed to be an enjoyable night, she needs that answer.
"We don't know," Daniel admits. "One day the paperwork was just there saying his release has been processed just like officially requested," he explains.
"Who requested it?" Howard asks curious, as he knows that that person is someone they will have to look into.
"We don't know," Jack admits, as that is something he has been looking into.
"We've been trying to find him," Dugan says, referring to him, Gabe and Morita. "But we haven't had any luck," Dugan explains.
"He would have gone underground," Peggy says, knowing that. "I don't like that considering what he was doing," Peggy admits, with a frown, as she can only imagine the horrors and she knows how important it is that they find him again.
"What was he doing?" Angie asks curious, not realizing the can of worms she is opening.
"Nothing we should talk about over Dinner," Jarvis says, before anyone else can say anything.
"Right, got it," Angie says, being able to imagine all the horrible things that could mean. "I'm really glad you're back English," Angie comments. "We've missed you two,"
"Howard and I missed you too," Peggy admits. "And we really appreciate everything you did for us while we were gone," Peggy explains, as she looks around at the people
"You don't have to thank us Miss Carter," Jarvis assures her.
"You're really don't. we're family, it's what we do," Ana says.
"You've helped us every time we needed it. It was the least we could do to help you," Daniel says.
"Here here," Rose says in agreement.
"Welcome home," Jason says.
"It hasn't been the same without you," Jack says, and everyone knows how much of a big deal that is.
"I appreciate you saying that," Howard says, as he and Peggy exchange looks.
"The last eighteen months have shown Howard and I how much we count on all of you, how much we trust you, which is why there is something, a couple of things actually, that we want to tell you," Peggy explains.
"What is it?" Gabe asks concerned as he can tell how serious Peggy's tone of voice is.
"When Peg and I were attacked in my lab, I was working on something, a serum, and in the firefight a lot of the serum was destroyed and went into our blood streams," Howard explains.
"It affected you," Jason realizes, and Howard nods. "How?" he asks, leaning forward as he looks truly curious as he knows when coming from Howard Stark it could be any kind of Serum.
"Our cells were altered," Howard explains. "They've become protected in a way where they can still be damaged, though it is harder, and function normally, but do get older," Howard reveals, trying to explain it in the most simplest way as while Jason will understand the complexities the others won't.
"That's incredible," Jason says, looking between Peggy and Howard in shock.
"For those of us who aren't geniuses what does that mean?" Jack asks, feeling beyond lost.
"You're not going to age," Daniel realizes. "Either of you?" Daniel asks, looking between
"We age, we just don't get older," Howard clarifies as he knows that is an important distinction.
"Cell life cycle loop that doesn't end? Doesn't complete the last step?" Jason asks, trying to figure out exactly what Howard's explanation means.
"Exactly, cell growth occurs, it goes through it's cycle, then it restarts back to the position it was in back when we were infected with the serum, instead of cell death," Howard explains.
"Fascinating," Jason says, looking amazed.
"Wait, does that mean you won't die?" Gabe asks, trying to make sense of everything.
"We can be killed, and hurt," Peggy says. "But we won't die of natural causes," Peggy explains.
"Wow," Rose says, not sure what else to say.
"Any more bombs you want to drop on us?" Dugan asks curious, as he struggles to comprehend what his old friends have told him.
"Peg and I are dating," Howard says, causing Peggy to shake her head in an amused way as while she agreed that they would tell their friends tonight she wasn't expecting them to be told like that.
"What?" Daniel asks shocked, as he really wasn't expecting that.
"That's great!" Ana says, looking excited, as even though Jarvis told her it is nice to have it confirmed that they are still together, and things are serious enough for them to tell the people they are closes too. "I always knew there was more between you two,"
"Damn English, when did this happen?" Angie asks curious.
"A year ago," Peggy answers. "While we were on the run Howard and I both came to accept what we both knew deep down a while ago," Peggy explains. "We care for each other, a lot more than we realized," Peggy explains, reaching out and taking Howard's hand. "Despite everything that has happened lately, we're happy," Peggy reveals.
"That's great; you both deserve to be happy," Morita tells his friends, as he knows everything they have been through.
"Thank you, Jim," Peggy says.
"I would like to propose a toast," Jarvis says, picking up his glass. "To Miss Carter and Mr Stark," Jarvis says, and everyone raises their glasses.
"To Peggy and Howard," Everyone else repeats, and the family of twelve proceed to have a great night together.
Hours after Peggy and Howard told their family that they are together Howard is heading from his personal lab, up to his bed, and as he is heading there, he hears a knock on the door.
"I've got it, Jarvis," Howard calls as he heads there.
To Howard's surprise, though he is very glad, when he opens the door he finds Peggy standing on the other side.
"Peg? I thought you went home," Howard comments.
"I did," Peggy confirms, as she walks into the house. "But as I laid in my bed, I realized how strange it is to sleep alone," Peggy admits.
"I haven't tried yet, but I figured it was going to be a little weird," Howard admits.
"More than a little," Peggy corrects. "Have you been in the lab since we left?" Peggy asks curious.
"Yep. I've been going through the designs Stane approved in my absence," Howard explains.
"Let me guess you're going to cancel production of most of them?" Peggy asks.
"Probably," Howard answers. "I was heading upstairs, join me?" Howard asks sticking out his hand for Peggy to take, which she does, and the two of them head upstairs. Before long Peggy and Howard fall asleep, holding each other in their arms.
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