Steve dressed in his Captain America uniform for his speech in front of the UN. Both Natasha and Clint wore suits and mingled with the journalists. Steve stood off by himself waiting to be announced when King T'Challah of Wakanda walked over to him. He looked regal in a black tailored suit with a white silk shirt, as he offered his hand to Steve. They shook hands.
"I am King T'Challah of Wakanda," he introduced him. "I've always had great admiration for you Captain Rogers. I've about your exploits in World War II and how you sacrificed yourself so willingly."
"Though not permanently," Steve added.
T'Challah laughed then added, "It still was heroic."
"Thank you, sir," said Steve.
"I find it interesting that you are speaking today against the registry," he said.
"In Nazi Germany they put Star of Davids on Jewish people marking them. Stalin starved the people of the Ukraine in the 1930s. FDR interred Japanese Americans in concentration camps during War World II. Governments make mistakes, do evil things, especially when they do things like this. One part of society shouldn't be called out and marked as different," explained Steve.
"You are the man I expected you to be," smiled T'challah. "I believe there are many in the UN who wish to have this registry be world wide, which means if you stand against it you'll be a criminal of the world. If this happens, contact me. I will shelter you and whoever follows you."
T'Challah hand Steve a business card with a Black Panther image on it and a single phone number.
"Why, if I may ask, sir, would you do this for me?" asked Steve.
"Because I am a warrior and I find a fellow warrior who can maintain his morality then I want to make that man my friend not my enemy," said T'Challah. "I hope you don't have to call me, but if you do I will not disappoint you."
"Thank you," said Steve.
T'Challah walked away. Steve was finally announced. With his shield on his back and his helmet in Natasha's car, he walked out to address the assembly. The diplomat introducing was speaking French and telling a story of how Captain America saved thousands of French in War World II from Hydra experiments. Finally, he applause came and Steve walked to the podium. Steve started by thanking the assembly in German, French, Italian, Russian, and finally English. He then started his speech.
"These are difficult times. Terrorism kills innocence in order to bully us. We have been invaded by an Alien people and had it turned away by men and women of extraordinary powers. Hydra has resurfaced. It is a dangerous time. Some react to danger by conceding to it. They change their behavior and try to hide from it. Others trust their government to protect them and then there are others who stand and fight. They take only one side and that is the side of the innocent. They risk their lives for nothing more than a belief that it is the right thing to do. They are called heroes, masked vigilantes, and enhanced individuals. I am considered one of them. As a young man I allowed a serum to be used on me that enhanced my strength, speed, agility, and more. What it did not do was change me as a man. As a man I always believed in standing up to bullies, in protecting those who needed it, and in fighting for a good cause. I still believe in those things, which is why I can never sign onto a registry that wants to make me a tool of any government without a say, or wishes to criminalize my right to tell a bully to step back or a country that they are wrong," Steve stopped.
There was some applause. Steve looked at the audience. It was a losing cause. These were professional diplomats and politicians, people who cared more about process than people. He was done being nice.
"Many of you are from countries which like the idea of having power over its citizens. You'll support the registry thinking it will give you an enhanced to use for whatever purpose you wish. Those who put on masks to fight crime and protect innocence, those enhanced who stood against the Chituari will not be told what to do. They do what they do because they are driven to do the right thing. You are mistaken if you think you can control them. You are mistaken if you think you can control me," Steve threatened. "When you need us we will be there, even though you want to put us in handcuffs for doing the right thing. We don't do this for the approbation we do this because it is right."
Steve walked away from the podium and the crowd exploded in applause. Natasha and Clint opened a hole for him so he could exit. They made their way to Natasha's car, got in, and started to drive into traffic. Natasha looked into the mirror at Steve.
"That wasn't the speech I heard you rehearse," she said.
"I know. Looking at them sitting there I started to get angry that I had to do this, that they had already made up their minds," growled Steve.
Clint was trying not to laugh then he started to laugh and couldn't stop.
"The people who applauded were the regular people in the gallies and those working at the UN. You left the diplomats with egg on their faces," laughed Clint.
Natasha cellphone rang. She looked at it and Clint answered it for her.
"Hello," Clint said. "He's right here."
Clint reach over and handed Steve the cellphone.
"It's Fury," he said.
"Director Fury," Steve answered the cellphone.
"Get out of town and stay out of town for a few days. Congress wants to force you to testify in front of them, reporters want to roast you, and some people want me to fire you," said Fury. "Tell Hawkeye to give you some chores to do until I call."
"Yes, sir," said Steve.
He hung up then he looked at Clint.
"He told me to tell you to give me some chores to do until he calls," said Steve.
Clint looked at Natasha and smiled, "time to visit home."
"We are going to your farm?" asked Steve.
"Yup," smiled Clint.
"Don't worry I packed you and me a go bag. They are in the trunk," said Natasha. "Spies think ahead."
Clint took his cellphone out.
"I should call Laura and tell her we are coming. She'll need to do some shopping," he smiled then looked over his shoulder at Steve.
"I'll give you a check for feeding me," Steve frowned.
"Come on, Cap, we are about to be outlaws. Smile," Clint said.
AVENGERS
Clint disappeared upstairs to talk to Laura leaving Steve and Natasha with Lila and Cooper. Cooper was in a state of awe to see Steve in his Captain America gear. Taking his shield off his back he handed it to Cooper.
"Can you take care of this for me while I'm here?" he asked Cooper.
Cooper nodded his head yes and took the shield in his hands.
"Maybe later I'll show you how to throw it," said Steve.
"That would be awesome," said Cooper.
"I think your brother has made a friend, Lila," Natasha said to the girl on her lap.
Clint and Laura came down the stairs. He was grinning ear to ear and she was looking content.
"We have news," he announced.
"Okay, what is it, Barton?" Natasha said.
"I'm pregnant," Laura stated.
"Oh, my God," smiled Natasha.
She got up and hugged Laura. Steve shook Clint's hand.
"Okay, what are my chores that need to be done," said Steve.
"We are going to repair the roof and build a room for the baby," said Clint.
"Boy or girl?" asked Natasha.
"We don't know but you are the Godmother," said Laura.
Natasha leaned down to the belly and said, "Okay, Bean, you are going to have to listen to your Godmother. I want them to name you Natasha. Or, at least, Natalie."
"I know that kid is safe," smiled Clint.
"I fear for his friends," smiled Laura.
"I fear for his enemies," mumbled Clint.
AVENGERS
Steve and Natasha quietly humped in the guest bedroom. It was well into the night and the house was dead quiet. Afterwards as they lay in each other arms, Natasha asked Steve.
"Do you want this? A farm? Kids?" she asked.
"Nope. It clashes with the shield and Hydra wanting me dead," he answered as he nuzzled her neck. "Oh, and being an outlaw."
"I'm being serious," she insisted.
"I am, too," he kissed her.
"Steve, I want you happy," she said.
"I am happy. I have you," he smiled.
"You're an idiot," she said.
"Yeah, I know," he grinned."
"Fuck me, again," she purred into his ear.
"No, I'll make love to you, though," he corrected her.
"Make me scream and Clint with put an arrow in your ass," Natasha smirked.
AVENGERS
Pepper entered the common area of the tower. No one was there, except for Tony, who sat at the bar nursing his fourth drink of the night. He was wearing only a dress shirt without a tie and pants. She walked over to him and patted him on the back.
"Well, the registry is going to happen and Captain America is going to be an outlaw unless he either signs up or steps down and retires. There are a lot of people upset with the idea of Captain America as an outlaw," she told him.
"I wonder which one of his sons dad would be happy with," sighed Tony. "Me or him."
"Tony, don't do this," Pepper pleaded with him.
"I've got Rhodey and Peter so far on my side. The twins are scared and are thinking of running. Scott and Hope having taken off for now. And Thor follows only one man – Steve Rogers," he stated then because. "Because he is worthy."
"And Bruce?" she asked.
"He left a note. It said he had no intention of being a tool of the state," said Tony. "Looks like I need to recruit more Avengers."
"Have you talked to Steve?" asked Pepper.
"No. He's... he made his opinion known at the UN," Tony said.
Tony took a long drink of his whiskey.
"You know what the problem is?" he asked her.
"No, what?" she said.
"He might be right. I don't like the idea of a registry, either," he said. "It is confining, restricting, and maybe even illegal. But it is what they want right now."
"Tony, what are you going to do?" she asked him.
"Start recruiting," he smiled.
AVENGERS
Steve finished his second helping of pancakes then washed them down with coffee. Natasha sipped her morning coffee and ignored Steve's appetite. Clint sat at the end of the table making a list.
"Okay, I need to go into the town and buy some things so we can fix the roof and start working on the baby's room," he said.
"I'll go with you," said Steve.
"Sure. Six foot three and what – two hundred and forty pounds of muscle," grinned Clint.
"And looks like an Adonis," added Laura.
Natasha laughed.
"People will notice you. We don't want people to notice you," smiled Clint.
"I'll stay here," said Steve.
"I'll go with him," Natasha said.
"She can do all the heavy lifting," smirked Clint.
"Buy some steaks for tonight," added Laura.
"Let's see Cooper and Lila will be one, you one, Nat one, me one, and Steve two or three," said Clint.
Steve blushed.
"I'll pay for the steak," smiled Natasha.
Steve had never fixed a roof before but he was a fast learner. Clint showed him how to patch the roof and Steve went about patching at rate that amazed Clint. By two Clint needed a beer and some food, especially since they were done. Clint climbed down the ladder from the roof, while Steve merely jumped.
"How many sandwiches?" he asked Steve.
"Two should do it," Steve smiled.
Clint went into the house and came out twenty minutes later with two ham and cheese sandwiches for Steve, one for himself, and two beers. Steve ate his meal quietly and enjoyed the vista. The ranch was peaceful. He could understand why Clint lived here. Lila came out holding a picture she drew. She gave it to Steve.
"You're getting better. Maybe after dinner we can draw," said Steve.
"I'd like that," she smiled.
Lila went back into the room.
"You're become Uncle Steve quickly," grinned Clint.
"You have wonderful kids," said Steve.
"Can you have kids?" Clint asked.
"Probably, but the serum is now part of my DNA. They don't know how it happened or why but it is. I'd pass my enhancements on to my kids. I'm not sure I'd like that," said Steve.
"Don't want them being a super soldier?" asked Clint.
"Don't want them not to have a chance at being normal," Steve said as he finished his second sandwich.
"We can start on the baby's room now," said Clint.
"Sounds good to me," smiled Steve.
AVENGERS
Fury knew Washington well enough to know that when they wanted to make a mistake they couldn't be stopped. There were a number of senators and congressmen he knew that were against and he could get to consistently speak out against the registry. And he had the ear of the president, who had doubts. That was all he needed was to keep the president doubting.
The registry law would be passed in twenty-four hours. First the house then the senate. It will be a clean law so no need for any second votes. Secretary Ross would push for a rose garden signing and then make the announcement that the UN is backing a law like the registry in the EU and other countries.
If they have another Chitauri like invasion the Avengers won't be the same team. If there were other major problems, he couldn't count on Rogers or others. SHIELD will be without assets. The world will be without assets. Hydra will expand, as well as others.
It was to give Rogers time to run and to take Barnes with him. He'd be making a visit to Clint's farm and from there he'd help Rogers and whoever was going with him escape. There were difficult times ahead, very difficult times ahead.
AVENGERS
Steve finished the peach cobbler at the kitchen table with Lila drawing beside him and him showing her how to judge perspective and shading. He looked up to see Laura smiling at them.
"The cobbler was delicious, ma'am," he said.
"More coffee?" she asked.
"Thanks," he said. "I started drinking coffee in the war. Caffeine has no effect on me, but like whiskey and beer I got to like the taste and since everyone else was drinking it, I drank it."
"Soldiers and spies love their coffee. Clint could drink ten or fifteen cup a day if I let him," said Laura.
"Steve, here," said Lila, as she pushed the paper towards him.
"That's great. Lila, you are going to be better than me," said Steve.
She smiled and said, "No I'm not."
"Yes, you are," grinned Steve. "Now go practice more."
Lila got up and left for her room.
"You're good with kids," Laura noted.
"I guess," smiled Steve.
"Natasha loves you. I've never seen her so content," said Laura.
"I love her, too," smiled Steve.
"She's damaged, Steve. She needs extra care. Make sure that you give it to her," Laura said.
"Yes, ma'am," replied Steve.
AVENGERS
Clint and Steve were working on the new baby's room when Laura came up with the cellphone. She looked serious, which made Clint stop his work. Laura offered him the cellphone.
"Secure line?" Fury asked.
"Yes, sir," said Clint.
"The registry is going to pass. I take it that you are going to retire for now?" asked Fury.
"Laura is pregnant," Clint stated.
"I'll put you down as inactive. Money?" he asked.
"I have three or four properties I can liquidate. We'll be fine," said Clint.
"I need to speak to Rogers," said Fury.
Clint looked over at Steve, who was waiting to resume work.
"Fury," he said then he tossed him the cellphone.
"Director," Steve answered.
"I've got nothing but bad news. The registry is going to become law. I've got Bucky ready to run. Who else should I round up?" asked Fury.
"Pietro and Wanda. They are enhanced and foreign," said Steve. "They are also young and not too trusting of Stark."
"I gather them. Give me three to pick you up. You need to go rogue, Cap," said Fury. "Do you have some place to stay?"
"Wakanda. I'll need a lift, but King T'Challah made me an offer to stay there. I thought it would be a good start," said Steve.
"I'll pick you up in a Quinjet," said Fury. "Three days."
Fury hung up. Steve sighed. He looked at Clint.
"Are you going to be okay?" he asked.
"I'll be retired for now," answered Clint.
"I need to make a call to someone. Looks like I'll be disappearing for now," said Steve.
"Nat?" Clint asked.
"That will be her choice," said Steve.
AVENGERS
Steve and Natasha took a walk after dinner. There was still a chill in the air, so Steve put his arm around her. Natasha read his body language and reticence.
"Fury called," she said.
"Yeah, he did," Steve replied.
"The registry is going to pass," she stated.
"Yeah," he sighed. "I'm going rogue, Nat. I'd understand if you chose not to come with me."
'Where are you going?" she asked.
"Well, I've called T'Challah and he's fine with Bucky, Pietro and Wanda coming to Wakanda with me. I told him Bucky still needs medical help, but he said that is no problem," Steve explained. "He was touched by Wanda and Pietro's story. I thought Wakanda would be a good spot to start. From there I don't know where I'll head."
"Captain America?" she asked.
"He's retired," smirked Steve. "I'm sending the gear back to Stark along with a note. The shield I'm going to let Cooper hold onto for me. It'll be safe with him."
"Steve, you can't stay out of trouble. You know that," she said.
"Yeah, I know, but when I get into trouble now it will be as a Nomad not Captain America. I'll have no country, or no loyalties except for those I choose." he told her. "And you?"
"I'll be right beside my man," she smiled. "How does that sound?"
"It make me very happy, Nat. Very Happy," he said.