T'Challa was dressed in a black suit with a white cotton shirt, French cuffs, black cuff links, and a black tie. He stood behind his desk looking out the widow. When Steve entered he stood waiting to be acknowledged. T'Challa appeared to be lost in thought, but he finally spoke up.
"I had hoped to avoid this, but it appears we cannot," he stated.
T'Challa turned and faced Steve.
"The UN Security council in New York is having a vote on Sokovia. The US Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross will be there with a proposal of sanctions and such. I am going to hear this proposal and I want you and Miss Romanov with me," T'Challa said.
"New York might be a difficult place for her and I to get out of once we are there," Steve noted.
"You will be with me," said T'Challa. "I shall make sure that you can get away from the city."
"When are we leaving?" asked Steve.
"Tomorrow," he sighed. "Our first stop is a meeting with Anthony Stark at Avengers Tower. He wishes to recruit me to the Avengers. Two days later we visit the UN and begin the dirty work of politics."
"You would make a great addition to the Avengers," smiled Steve.
"When my leader is you, I will join but not before then," said T'Challa. "Let Miss Romanov know about our traveling schedule."
"She'll be by my side," said Steve.
"I expected her no where else," T'Challa replied.
AVENGERS
Tony suspected that Steve and Natasha would be traveling with T'Challa. He knew Steve had become an important adviser to T'Challa and that Natasha was a valuable asset. There was no reason to leave them at home. Pepper was preparing the party for T'Challa. It was going to be a small soiree with good foods and drinks and allow Tony some time to convince T'Challa to join the Avengers. The team needed to replace members that were now gone. So far he had convinced Dr. Stephen Strange to join, as well as She-Hulk, Jennifer Walters. Adding them to Spider-Man and War Machine was a solid team, but not the formidable team it used to be.
"Tony," Pepper interrupted his thoughts.
"Yeah, babe," he replied.
"Champagne or wine?" she asked.
"Both," he smiled.
"Finger foods or..." she started to ask.
"Finger foods. I especially like stuffed mushrooms and crab puffs," he said. "Steve will be there so make sure there is lots of food, too. The man can't be filled."
"Oh, good, I miss Steve," said Pepper. "Will Natasha be there, too?"
"From what I hear she is at Steve's side. Wherever he goes, she goes," said Tony.
"Are they a pair?" smiled Pepper.
Tony shrugged.
"Oh, I can't wait to talk to her. I know things haven't been great for her, but it would be wonderful if she was with Steve," said Pepper.
"Why?" asked Tony.
"Because he is handsome and she is gorgeous, and they would make a perfect couple" Pepper answered in a tone that made Tony feel stupid.
"You think Steve is handsome?" asked Tony.
"He is a statue of Adonis come to life," answered Pepper. "Of course, he's handsome. Your father built him well."
"Pepper, make sure that you invite Secretary Ross along with the other Avengers," he said.
"Tony, are you looking to stir the pot?" she asked.
"A little," he grinned. "Ross won't listen to the other side of the argument, but maybe he has to listen to a king or a disgruntled captain."
"Should I add Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, and General Talbot to the list, also?" she asked.
"Why not? If we are stirring the pot we might as really stir it," smiled Tony. "I like a little excitement at my parties."
AVENGERS
Instead of one of T'Challa's private jets they took the official Jumbo jet into JFK. T'Challa and his foreign minister spent the majority of their time in the conference room working on his speech, leaving Steve and Natasha time to pass. Steve sat in a first class cubicle seat when Natasha came to get him. She took him by the hand and escorted him to the elevator the flight attendents used to go into the belly of the plane for supplies.
Once they were alone she pushed him up against the plane and started to passionately kiss him.
"Nat, what are you doing?" he breathed.
"Passing time," she purred.
"We should be upstairs," he struggled to say.
"Shut up and fuck me, soldier," she ordered. "It is time that you join the mile high club."
Steve obeyed orders. Grabbing her by the hips he pulled her in close and changed positions with her. Quickly they started to shed clothes, just enough to be able to get to the parts of their body they needed to get to. Turning her around Steve entered her from behind in a long slow thrust. She moaned, which ignited him. Soon she was almost screaming his name and he was pushing them both towards an orgasm.
Once they both had come, they quickly put their clothes back on. Steve was buckling his belt when Natasha grabbed him by the face for another kiss. Once they parted he smiled.
"What was this all about?" he asked.
"We're going to busy in New York. I wanted some us time," she smirked.
"Oh," he chuckled.
They started for the elevator. Once they were back up in the passenger section they both found first class seats and settled down for a quick nap before New York City. Steve put on a headset and found a music channel that played Sinatra, as well as the music from the 1940's and 1950's. He contentedly listened, as Natasha found something a little more modern to listen to.
When the plane arrived at JFK, T'Challa along with Nikia and his Foreign Minister took the first limo and Steve and Natasha got into the second one. The limos drove to the Wakandan Embassy on 85th Street and Fifth Avenue. It was a beautiful building and Steve and Natasha was given a guest room on the third floor. Taking a shower and changing their clothes, Steve into a black suit, blue oxford shirt, and red tie, and Natasha into a black cocktail dress, they readied themselves for a visit with T'Challa to Avengers Tower.
With a small contingent of Dora Miljae leading the way, T'Challa entered Avengers Tower. The penthouse had been turned into an inviting space where waiters and waitresses carried food and drinks and guests mingled. Tony and Pepper greeted the royal party when it arrived.
"King T'Challa and his guest, we welcome you," Pepper said. "Mr. Stark and I thank you for accepting our invitation."
"It is a pleasure, Miss Potts," T'Challa kissed her right hand then he offered his right hand to Tony. "Mr. Stark."
They shook hands. Tony sized up T'Challa. He knew a great deal about the man, including his skills as the Black Panther.
"I see you brought celebrities with you," Tony looked over T'Challa's shoulder at Steve and Natasha.
Tony noted that Steve's beard was fuller and hair even a bit longer. He was no longer the clean cut soldier. There was something sad about that.
"Mr Rogers and Miss Romanov are currently citizens of Wakanda and work with our diplomatic corp in security," T'Challa smiled.
"Cap, Widow," Tony greeted them.
Steve nodded and Natasha offered him a smirk.
"I hope to discuss a few matters with you, your highness," said Tony.
"And I was hoping to have Steve and Natasha to myself," added Pepper.
"They are yours, Miss Potts," said T'Challa.
He looked over his shoulder at Steve and Natasha and winked. Steve grinned, as Pepper took him by the arm and started to escort him away. Natasha came up beside her.
"Okay, is it true that you two are seeing each other?" Pepper asked.
"We also touch every day," smiled Natasha.
"This is wonderful. You two are a perfect match," Pepper stated.
"Thank you, Miss Potts," said Steve.
"Steve. I told you already that it is Pepper. I meant it," she said. "You have to try some of the finger foods, especially the crab puffs, dim sum, and sausage stuffed phyllo cups."
"We better get him a platter of food before his stomach starts growling," suggested Natasha.
"You haven't eaten?" asked Pepper.
"Sex but no food on the plane," answered Natasha. Steve blushed.
"Let me wave some of these waiters over here," Pepper smiled.
Steve ended up with a small plate that was overflowing with food. He ate while Natasha drank her wine and held his. They gravitated into a corner in order to be alone. Unfortunately, that was ruined by the Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross.
"Captain Rogers, or should I just call you mister now that you are no longer a member of the US Army," he started.
"Mr. Secretary," Steve replied.
"In a sane world I'd be standing in front of bar and you'd be standing behind them like the criminal you are," Ross threatened
Natasha stiffened. Steve popped a crab puff into his mouth to free up his hand then reached over and touched her shoulder to calm her.
"Miss Romanov, what do you intend on doing to me?" Ross asked.
"Whatever it is you wouldn't be able to stop it, Ross, even if you tried," snapped Natasha.
"You don't scare me," Ross replied.
"Then you, sir, are an idiot," said Steve. "It makes me wonder how bad your judgment is, General. For years you tried to develop a super soldier and all you came up with was an Abomination and a scientist who turned green from rage. You've caused more damaged most generals are allowed and you never even saved a city from destruction in doing it."
"You know what I hate most about you, Rogers, it's your arrogance," said Ross.
"Arrogance, General Ross, arrogance is something that you seem to be an expert in," countered Steve.
"Secretary Ross, isn't this a pleasant surprise?" the voice of Nick Fury interrupted their argument.
Ross turned and saw Fury. He was wearing a suit for a change. Coulson was standing behind him.
"Nick Fury, Is SHIELD still around or are you here looking for a new job?" asked Ross.
Fury smiled then said, "It's making a comeback, General. It has to in these dangerous times. We can't rely on cowboy diplomacy alone."
"Maybe I should talk to the president about SHIELD and what I think about it," threatened Ross.
"Go right ahead, Ross. Your ass is already on the line with the registry and I'm pretty sure that you are taking a hit or two for Sokovia becoming a Hydra satellite county. I don't think you have much more rope before it tightens around your neck and takes care of a lot of problems," smiled Fury.
"Are your threatening me, Fury?" asked Ross.
"Warning," Fury corrected him. "The president listens to more than one person, Ross. You serve at the pleasure of the president. I don't know how pleased he is with you."
Ross looked at Steve then Natasha and scowled. He walked away leaving Fury and Coulson.
"Rogers, Romanov," Fury greeted them
"Nat, Steve," added Phil.
"He's a walking mistake," said Natasha.
"He's worse than that," said Fury. "He's a fool on the wrong mission at the wrong time."
"How have you two been?" asked Phil.
"We are getting by, Coulson," smiled Natasha.
"There is a rumor that you are together now," he said.
"It's not a rumor. Rogers is my man," smirked Romanov.
"So much for your undercover days," sighed Fury.
"Times have to change, Nick, and so do I," said Natasha.
"When this is over SHIELD we be glad to welcome you back," said Coulson. "I think we can find something for you to do."
"I have no doubts about that," added Natasha.
"Captain," Fury said to Steve.
"I'm no longer a captain," Steve said.
"Steve Rogers will always be Captain America," Fury said. "I hope you are ready to report to duty when the time comes."
"I'll do what is right when the time comes," said Steve.
"I know you will," smiled Fury. "Coulson, let's get ourselves a drink."
"After you, director," replied Coulson.
Steve ate a stuffed mushroom then popped a sausage cup into his mouth. Natasha sipped her wine then turned so she was facing him.
"Don't trust Ross," she said.
"I don't," he replied. "What about Stark?"
"Don't trust him, either. I like Pepper. She's talented and knows what she's doing, but Tony Stark is her weak spot, just like you are mine," said Natasha.
"I'm your weak spot?" he smiled.
"If you only knew, Rogers," said Natasha. She got up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. "Don't take any chances or risks that will separate us. I couldn't live without you now."
"I love you, too," Steve replied.
T'Challa and his bodyguards found Steve and Natasha. He looked serene.
"Are you an Avenger?" asked Steve.
"I told him that I'd be one when you are leading the team again," said T'Challa. "It seemed to end the conversation."
He looked at Steve small plate of food.
"Are you hungry, Steve?" he asked.
"I'm always hungry," said Steve.
"I always wanted to get the best pizza in the world. I heard it is here in New York," said T'Challa.
"It is, sire," smiled Steve then he looked over at Natasha. "John's of Bleecker Street?"
"Either that or Lombardi's," she answered.
"Take out or eat in?" asked T'Challa.
"Take out," nodded Steve.
AVENGERS
Steve and Natasha spent most of the day at the UN bidding their time while T'Challa went from meeting to meeting. They were headed to the elevator bank in order to go to the cafeteria when Steve ran into someone he'd never expected to see there. Johann Schmidt, The Red Skull. His red skeleton face offered a death smile to Steve.
"Captain America, the last righteous man," he said.
"Schmidt, you are a war criminal," stated Steve.
"Unconvicted," he laughed. "And I am now the leader of Sokovia. I have a right to be here."
His guards started to move forward, but he motioned them away.
"Captain Rogers would not do anything wrong. He is not that kind of man," he said. "I am here to demand the right to protect Sokovian borders. It is a country that has long been abused and misused. I shall make it great."
"You'll be the seed to its destruction," Steve countered.
"We shall see, Captain," he smiled again. "Oh, in Sokovia, enhanced and special individuals are invited to live free without having register their names or work for the government. You should think about that."
"I'm living in Wakanda right now. There's a country I recommend that you stay out of, Schmidt," warned Steve.
"I'll keep that in mind, Captain," he chuckled then he and his guards took off.
Steve stood there feeling a rage slowly take over his body. He wanted to rush the Red Skull and take him out there and then, but it wasn't the right time. Natasha took his right hand in hers. She squeezed it which started to calm him.
"He'll eventually make a mistake and then we'll get him," she said.
"I know. Johann Schmidt doesn't know when to stop. He always goes too far," said Steve. "I just hope this time when we stop him, we stop Hydra for good. It would be a good way to end my career."
"What do you mean end your career?" she asked with great concern.
"When this is over I'd like to spend some time somewhere, I don't know where, just you and me. We can not worry about anything except our lives and what we are going to have for dinner. I don't know like a regular married couple," he said.
"We aren't married, Rogers," Natasha replied.
"I know," he said then he turned and looked into her eyes. "Natasha Romanov, will you marry me?"
She swallowed hard. This was the man she wanted to be with, but marriage hadn't worked out well for her so far. Natasha looked into his eyes then she said, "Da."
Steve grinned from ear to ear then he kissed her.
"Now I need to get you a ring," he said.
"Da," she said again.
AVENGER
It was to in the morning East Coast Time when Hydra troops crossed the border into Serbia and partitioned part of the country. The Red Skull started his push to restart a war that he had long lost. World domination was still the goal, but this time, he was sure that he had superior weapons, but this time he had a superior plan. No over extending troops, supplies, or ideas. This time he will play a game of chess that will take the board piece by piece.
T'Challa was awakened at four in the morning by his foreign minister. According to him, Sokovia had easily taken part of Serbia and was now in the process of partitioning it. In Africa Hydra troops were setting up in Nigeria, Chad, and Burunda. Wakanda was almost surrounded. Whatever plans the Red Skull had he needed vibranium. He was not going to get it. T'challa ordered his troops to go to DefCon 2 then he ordered his jet prepared to leave. He was going home to protect his country. Steve and Natasha packed to go with him.