{Author's Note: I almost combined 25 and 26 into one chapter, but then I decided I've never posted two chapters in one day (besides when I first decided to add this fic to fanfiction), so I thought that would be something of an accomplishment to do.}
Recap:"Trust me. He wants something. They always want something." Replied Erik as he followed Vision from the room.
ERIK POV
A short while later…
"He's right inside." said Vision as they reached a door that presumably led to the conference room where Secretary Ross was waiting. "Have Secretary Ross alert me when your meeting is over and I'll come to retrieve you and guide you back to the Avengers' quarters."
"I know my way." Replied Erik dismissively. He was long since practiced in studying his surroundings, which meant he'd paid close attention to every twist and turn they had made in the trek through the facility. One never knew when that sort of knowledge might come in handy.
"All the same, if you'd have him alert me anyway. I think it would be for the best. Better to keep up some appearances, yes?" said Vision as he retreated down the hall after having paused long enough to receive a small nod of acknowledgement from Erik.
Perhaps there's more to the man than I originally thought, if he recognizes the advantages of never letting anyone know quite what you're capable of.
Erik opened tested the door to the conference room. Finding it unlocked, he proceeded to enter. Once inside he saw the back of a man with gray hair, his hands clasped behind his back, dressed in a dark suit. He was looking at a TV that though muted, displayed the continued news report on the explosion in Vienna with captions scrolling along the bottom of the screen. Upon Erik's entrance, the man—evidently Secretary Ross—turned around.
"Mr. Lensherr, welcome. I apologize that it has taken this long for us to meet. I've had a busy couple of days…or years you might say." said Ross as he crossed the room extending his hand out to Erik in expectation of a hand shake.
Erik studied the man's face before taking his hand. The man had a large mustache and appeared much older than Erik, though Erik knew looks could be deceiving as he himself looked younger than his age would suggest.
Erik considered ignoring Ross's offered hand, but he supposed refusing to shake the man's hand before he had spoken more than three sentences would not be the most diplomatic move. Though he figured he and this man would not get along, perhaps it was better not to get on this government's bad side right from the get go. One government hating him was more than enough for a single lifetime.
"Please take a seat Mr. Lensherr." Said Ross gesturing to the available chairs around a large glossy wooden table.
"I didn't realize we were due for a meeting." replied Erik making no move to sit.
Unperturbed by Erik's refusal to sit, Ross pressed on, "Yes, well, if you have heard about this earth's recent history with aliens, I understandably like to know who is visiting this planet, and when the visitors possess extra-ordinary abilities like you…and your children, then there exists all the more reason for us to meet."
"What is it you want Mr. Secretary?" asked Erik feeling no need to beat around the bush, as he felt his patience wearing thin at the mention of his children, even if they weren't mentioned in hostility.
"You're a very perceptive man, Mr. Lensherr. I'll do you the honor of getting right to the point then. I assume you're aware of what just happened in Vienna?" said Ross turning to look back at the TV for a moment.
"Yes." Answered Erik wondering where he was going with this. Did the man think Erik had something to do with it? If so, and he attempted to lock Erik up again, he would find himself unsuccessful. There was an abundance of metal well within Erik's reach…including Ross' tie clip.
"And has Miss Maximoff—the other Miss Maximoff, not your daughter—or Vision informed you of who the suspect is?" asked Ross again.
"Yes." Replied Erik once more. "Why should it concern me?"
"Well Mr. Lensherr, if they told you that the suspect is James Buchanan Barnes, i.e., the Winter Soldier, then I assume you are aware that his left arm is made entirely of metal."
Erik's jaw tightened, but outwardly he remained emotionless. The Avengers' had come to the conclusion that Erik's power was telekinesis. Had they not? Was this man aware of the true nature of his abilities. "Your point? I'm assuming you have one."
"That I do, Mr. Lensherr. When Mr. Stark and Ms. Hill first brought you and your children in, they assumed your ability was telekinesis, but that's not the case is it?" asked Ross. When Erik didn't reply, he continued, "But the Avengers, as troublesome as they sometimes may be, they are nothing if not observant. Mr. Stark and Ms. Romanoff both noted that all of the objects you have controlled in their presence have been made of some sort of metal, Mr. Stark's Iron Man Suit, the plumbing in the hallway, your son's crutches…but our young Sokovian confirmed the true nature of your powers. After her trip inside your mind, Wanda confided in Vision about what she saw."
Erik felt his anger growing. Perhaps revealing his secrets was how this other Wanda got back at him for discouraging her from becoming close to his son. Ross must have noticed something shift in Erik's features because he quickly continued with his explanation.
"Don't blame the girl or Vision for divulging your secrets. Miss Maximoff may have her issues, but she wasn't trying to pull the rug out from under your feet. It seems you have been through a lot, as has she, and she couldn't deal with that all by herself, so she confided in Vision. And Vision, though an enigma he may be, has a strict set of morals, and he felt it was right to share any knowledge about you that he thought might be relevant to the U.S. government, and clear up the mistaken assumption we had made."
Despite the Secretary's words of assurance, Erik was still irritated that so much about him was being shared, but then he thought back to what Vision had said about keeping up appearances. Maybe the man really didn't think everything should be shared, even if he had signed the accords and told Ross of his true abilities. It probably would have come to light eventually anyway. Erik could tell that not much got past the Romanoff woman, and as annoying as the man might be, Erik had to recognize that Stark also seemed to be intelligent.
"What is it you want from me?" asked Erik, although he was pretty sure he already knew.
"I thought it would be obvious." Answered Ross. "We need to bring in Barnes, and we need you to help us do it."
"Why should I help you? It seems half of your Avengers do not wish to comply with your orders, so why should I? I have no loyalty to you, or this world. My children and I won't be here much longer anyway."
And I'm not about to side with those in favor of the Accords.
"But you're here now, and though you seem fairly confident that you'll return home, can you be sure? You came here by accident as a result of your daughter's powers. Am I correct? And if her powers or anywhere near as volatile as those of this universe's Wanda then I don't think you can count on returning. You're putting a lot of faith and pressure on your daughter. Wouldn't it be wise to prepare for the possibility that you may never return home?" asked Ross
As Erik listened to the man's words, as much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't help but entertain the possibility that he was right. He did believe his daughter had the power to take them home, but he did have to accept that she might not be able to harness that power until she gained better control of her powers, and even with the training session with the other Maximoff girl, it could still be a long while before that became a reality. Nevertheless, Erik wasn't about to let Ross see his doubt, "I still don't see how that has anything to do with following your orders. Whether we remain here or not, I don't work for you, nor do I wish to. Need I remind you that your associates brought my family and myself here against our will?"
"That is true, and I apologize for that, but you stayed here. I know eventually you'll want to leave, even if you can't return home, you'll want to start a new life in this world. I—and the United States' government that is—can help you do that. We won't bother you. No one will force you to sign the Accords. We will help you blend seamlessly into society…if you bring in Barnes."
"And if I do not. What is it you plan to do? What is it you think you can do?" asked Erik. Even if some of what Ross said might indeed be true. Erik didn't feel he needed the man's help or the government's help to make a life here.
Secretary Ross let out a sigh. "Mr. Lensherr, despite what you might think, I do not want to make your life difficult, but it took two weeks for us to find you after you arrived on this planet, and we weren't even looking. If you go out there into our world with no help, even if you can manage to disappear, which I doubt would be possible even for a man that has skills like yours—this isn't the 1940s or the 70s—there is surveillance everywhere. People will be able to find you…they'll be able to find your children."
Erik's anger had been building throughout Ross's commentary, and unable to contain it anymore at the mention of his children, Erik latched onto Ross's metal tie clip with his mind and pulled it so that his tie tightened uncomfortably around his neck, not enough to permanently harm him, but enough to make it difficult to breathe. At the same time Erik approached the man so there was but a foot between them.
"Are you threatening my children, Secretary? Do you know what I do to those who threaten my children?...to those who are a threat them?" asked Erik through gritted teeth.
Despite his anger at the man, Erik was slightly impressed that Ross hadn't attempted to loosen his tie at all, not that he would have been able to. The man's hands remained at his sides as he wheezed out a reply. "Of course not Mr. Lensherr. I told you, I don't want to make your life difficult, and I'm not about to threaten children. I'm just pointing out a reality of the 21st Century. I only have the American citizens' best interest at heart. Believe me when I say there are other organizations out there that are much worse than the U.S. Government that will try to exploit you and your children for there abilities and if you are always hiding, will you truly be able to protect them? And if you have to always be looking over your shoulder, is your life really your own? You'd be a prisoner again, Mr. Lensherr, just in a larger cage." said Ross as he glanced down at Erik's arm where the tattoo from Auschwitz was clearly visible. "Help the U.S. bring in a dangerous man, Mr. Lensherr, and leave here with your family having made an ally, rather than an enemy."
Erik didn't release his hold on the Secretary, at least, not right away. His mind was going over everything Ross had said, and unfortunately, Erik realized there was a lot of truth to what the man said. If he and his children had to stay in this world for any duration of time, didn't he owe it to them to do everything in his power to help them have the best life possible here? And if all it took to do that was to bring in the man with the metal arm, then that's what he'd have to do. Even if the man used to be Captain Rogers friend and he had to work as some sort of lackey for a government that was trying to restrict the freedom and power of enhanced individuals, he had come to accept that it was something he was willing to do for his children's livelihood.
They will always come first. There is no price too high to pay for my children.
Having made up his mind, Erik released his hold on the Secretary, who gave a small cough before speaking, "Since you're no longer strangling me, does this mean you're with us?"
"I'm not with anyone, except my family, but if this is what it takes for you to leave them alone and make sure others do as well, then I will help you bring in this Winter Soldier. But no one so much as looks at my children the wrong way while I'm gone, and if it is necessary for someone to speak with them, they have to go through Miss Maximoff first." Answered Erik.
"Fair enough, and you mean the Miss Maximoff of this world? From what intel I have, I didn't seem you were too fond of the girl." Said Ross giving Erik an appraising look.
"It's not a matter of fondness. We have the same…priorities."
"I see. Well, Mr. Lensherr, either way, thank you for helping this country. We appreciate your service. Now," said Ross clapping his hands together. "there's a jet waiting for you in the hanger to take you to Vienna. We need to get you there as soon as possible, before the Mr. Barnes slips away again. Oh, and I had our people retrieve your original clothing from Mr. Walker's farm, that is your helmet and…cape. It will be waiting on the jet. It's not exactly military standard, but I suppose it's more suitable than what you're wearing. Every man needs his uniform when he goes to battle after all."
Erik gave Ross a hard look, though in all honesty, he was glad he wouldn't have to go chasing down assassin's outfitted in plaid. Erik figured the Avengers' had assumed he preferred to wear plaid as it was what he had been wearing on Al's farm when they taken him in, so they had provided him with a similar wardrobe.
Deciding that he didn't need to comment in regard to his outfit, Erik voiced the only thing that was important to him at that moment. "I'm going to speak with my children first. I'm not leaving without seeing them, and explaining my absence."
For a moment it looked like the Secretary was going to deny Erik this privilege, not that he'd really be able to, but he seemed to think better of it, "Alright, but make it quick. Time is of the essence, and it waits for no man."
At this statement, Erik couldn't help but agree with the man said as far as time waiting for no man. Time didn't pause for him while he was trapped under the pentagon. Time didn't stop his children from growing up without him, but he was determined to make the most of the time he had with them now. And unfortunately that meant completing Secretary Ross's mission.
A little while later…
"So you're just going to leave is that it, Erik?!" Erik's daughter asked him tersely. "Just run off while Pete is still recovering?! He needs you here!"
Erik had just gotten back to the Avengers' quarters and had finished explaining to his children what Secretary Ross had asked him to do, and why he had chosen to do it, but his daughter wasn't taking it well. Pietro just seemed rescind, as if Erik's leaving now or in their own world was inevitable. That reaction almost hurt more than his daughter's anger.
"Wanda, really, I'm fine—" Pietro tried to tell his sister only to be cut off by Erik
"I wouldn't leave unless it were necessary, Wanda. I'll be back soon enough. I'm sorry—" Erik tried to apologize only to be cut off by Wanda. Like father like daughter.
"It's fine. I get it. Do what you think you have to do." Said Wanda coolly before exiting the room.
Erik closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, wishing he could stop disappointing his children and he could better understand his daughter. Did she want him to be part of her and Pietro's life? Did she not? It was all so confusing. Teenage daughters were confusing.
"Don't worry about Wanda." Said Pietro causing Erik to open his eyes. "She's not mad at you, well maybe a little bit, but she's really just angry at the world. Worlds. Ya know? She'll come around." Pietro finished giving Erik a smile.
At least one of his children liked him, though he couldn't really fathom why.
"I have to get going. You'll be alright?" asked Erik examining his son. Pietro was starting to look a little healthier. Thanks to his increased healing abilities, he no longer had any visible bruises, and he seemed much happier now that his leg injury had been downgraded to only require a simple but sturdy brace that allowed him to get around. Despite fueling up on calories though, the boy was still too thin. His cheeks still hollow beneath his skin. Erik expected it would take awhile for his body to get back up to a healthy weight, especially if he overexerted himself.
"I'm good. I bounce back quick. Literally, if you threw me, I would probably just bounce right back at you."
"All the same, be careful and you and your sister watch out for each other. If you for some reason get into any trouble, find Wilma. She will help you." Said Erik drawing closer to his son and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Wilma? I didn't think you even liked her. You always seem to be like silently shooing her away outside of Wanda's and her training sessions or attempting to shoot daggers at her with your eyes." Replied Pietro.
Had he really been that obvious? At least his son still seemed oblivious as to why he didn't want 'Wilma' getting to close to him, at least the girl had honored his wished in that regard. "I don't dislike her Pietro…I just…it's complicated, but she'll look out for you and your sister."
Pietro gave what sounded like a bit of a forced laugh, "Really, Da—Erik? You've known her for all of a few days and it's already complicated? Anyway, whatever you say, man. And Shouldn't I be the one telling you to be careful? I mean I know you've got experience doing some crazy sh—stuff, but you're still the one going after a pyscho assassin dude with the U.S. government beating down your back. I'm just going be chillin' eatin' Twinkies, Oreos, and those delicious Ensure shakes." Said Pietro with a smirk.
Pietro's grin was infectious, and Erik smiled back at his son. "You need not worry, Pietro. Even if the man didn't have a metal arm, I would be able to stop him, and I've dealt with the government before, as you know. I can handle anything they throw at me." Replied Erik.
Pietro gave a quick nod before replying, "Yea, I 'spose that's true…"
Erik looked down at his son again. Pietro was no longer looking at him, and even though he tried to play off Erik's leaving as no big deal, he could tell it was a big deal to the boy, and he wished he could do something to make his leaving easier on his son. "Pietro?"
"What up?" asked Pietro drawing his gaze back to his father.
"You know, just because your sister calls me Erik. Doesn't mean you have to. If you wish to call me Dad, you can. At home and in public you may have to refrain from doing so for your own safety, but here, where everyone already knows of are relation, and in private, even though I know I haven't earned it, it would be an honor for you to call me dad." Said Erik quietly, as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder again and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Nothing would make me happier.
Pietro's eyes had begun to get watery as Erik spoke, and he wiped at them almost to quickly for Erik to see, before surprising Erik by closing the distance between them and giving his father a hug.
"OkayThat'sCool….Dad." said Pietro his voice muffled as he spoke into Erik's chest.
Erik smiled over his son's silver locks and returned his son's hug before the boy pulled away.
"Sooooo…" said Pietro putting his hands casually in the front pockets of his black jeans and giving his father an embarrassed smile, obviously trying to pretend the chick-flick moment hadn't just happened. "Now that I can call you Dad, does this mean you'll actually listen to me, and call me Peter like everyone else does?"
Erik gave his son a wide smile of his own before replying, "Not a chance, Pietro."
{Author's Note: Thoughts? Please share. (: }