Chapter 8
Peter and Winter staired cluelessly at each other, neither sure what to do. When they came up with the detection phase, they'd been too caught up in the hope of getting out that they hadn't planned in advance, especially for a situation such as this.
The Falcon, Sam, had looked over at them while they'd been staring. He was obviously even more confused than them. It was satisfying to know he and Winter were not the only ones out of their depth.
“Ah, guys, Buck and that Spiderdude seem to be playing statues.” Sam’s voice wavered and from the looks he was sending them, Peter could infer that he was trying to work out how they knew each other, “Also, Spidey took his mask off - the guys a kid.” That caused a reaction.
“What do you mean statues?”
“- do you need help?”
“Stark brought a kid into this.”
The com in Sam’s ear was overflowed with questions about him and Winter. No one had any idea of the truth by the sound of it. He didn't know what it meant that no one had been told about him. On some level it hurt but Peter understood the hypocrisy of that statement, he hasn't told anyone either.
“We’re coming up.”
Now that statement broke Winter and Peter out of their stupor. When he stepped forward, it was hesitant, he didn't want to make Winter uncomfortable, but when he just opened his arms a little bit Peter found it too hard to resist. He pushed his head into his shoulder, seeking the comfort that had been missing for months.
The metal arm wrapping around him was the most calming thing he’d experienced since he ran. Winter whispering, “Spider.” into his hair actually made him whimper as they made to move to the floor. He couldn't help but push closer.
“I got you Spidey; I got you. I won't leave again, no matter what.” It was a promise that comforted Peter although he acknowledged that it would be a very difficult one to keep. He didn't believe that the King of Wakanda would believe that he had not bombed that meeting without proof that they didn't have.
“You were gone, Winter.” It was murmured in Winter’s ear, not loud enough for anyone but enhanced individuals to hear. “I missed you so much.” He kissed his shoulder after he had said it and held on tighter, giving as much comfort as he was receiving. The sounds of footsteps sounded around them, a metal suit too so Peter could only assume that Stark had been alerted.
Winter’s protectiveness was palpable around him; Peter could practically feel the glare directed at the others when they got closer.
“What is going on here? Why are you cuddling with the enemy?”
Stark's question was enough for Peter to sit up and snarl at Stark. Winter was not an enemy. He would never be Peter’s enemy. “He is not an enemy; he is mine. Understood?” It surprised Stark, that much was obvious, but he didn't quite step down right away and instead looked contemplative. After a moment he looked to Winter.
“Barnes and I’m afraid to ask, why do you know a twelve-year-old kid from Queens?” The question was laced with confusion but actual concern, Peter was confused until it properly processed what had been said. He guessed it made sense, and he had never seen a teenager crawl into a grown man's lap in New York. Before he could address it, though, Winter was answering Stark in a gruff and annoyed voice, “Spider’s my brother.”
That didn't seem to appease Stark and instead made the looks of confusion on everyone's faces more distinct, Steve Rogers looked especially baffled, “ - but Bucky, you don't have a brother, at least not one other than me.” The tone of voice was mixed with hurt, and it sounded too much like a guilt trip for Peter to ignore it.
“I am his brother Mr. America, spend seventy years almost constantly together usually means some kind of attachment is formed. Especially when you maintain each other's sanity.” Peter stated them menacingly. They sounded like he was mocking Rodgers. In reality he wasn't, he just didn't like when people insinuated themselves in things they didn't understand. Winter shushed him and ran a hand over his head in an attempt to sooth him, sensing his mood.
“Peter is telling the truth, we have been without each other for around a year.” Winter then turned to the King and Stark after addressing Rodgers, “I would appreciate it if you could give me a moment with my brother then I will willingly hand myself over for interrogation.” Winter’s statement was met with a lot of backlash from the rogues, but Peter just tilted his head to stare him in the eyes.
“Is this what you want, Winter?”
“I've been running since I left Spidey, I’m tired and at least if I get locked away you'll know where to find me.” A smile graced Winter’s face, and the strain was obvious. Peter wouldn't try controlling what he did, even if he disagreed but that didn't mean he wouldn't try to make it easier.
He stood, holding Winter's hand, and stared T’Challa in the eyes. “My brother is innocent of these crimes, and I recommend you investigate before you decide to bury him with your most severe punishment. I know both SHIELD and HYDRA had face cloaking technology, so that avenue may be useful.” He said it with an air of professionalism that he had not used since reporting to his handler.
T’Challa had continued to stare at them and take in the information before he offered a nod of his head and reached for Winter, “I will consider this information when making my judgement, when we come to a decision on his guilt I will be in contact.”
“Much appreciated, your Highness.” He let out a breath with the statement before turning back to Winter. “Come back to me brother, okay? I can't spend so long without you again.” When Peter smiled at him, he leaned in, stroked his cheek and gave into the impulse for a hug, “Хорошо, я люблю тебя, брат.” then he let go.
With one last nod, the King accepted Winter by the arm before walking away, likely to a jet he had stashed somewhere. He would have to explore the mysteries he just discovered about Wakanda another time. Right now he reckoned the job of explaining it to the Avengers fell to him.