Chapter 2
Originally, the conference was going to be indoors, inside the building of Wakanda's Embassy, but in an act of defiance, the conference was being held on the front yard. Just a gate away from being stepping in American soil and just a few feets of UN's headquarters. Sam, Clint, Natasha, Scott were there, Bruce and Thor too. According to Bruce, they were busy in a "Ragnarok" thing back in Asgard; whatever that was. Thor even said that he was sad that his friends were fighting among them, while Bruce apologized profusely for not being present for them.
When Steve pulled the curtains, some of the reportes gasped in surprise, while the blinding flash of cameras started photographing his face.
"Cap, what are you doing here?
"It's true that Tony Stark and you fought over a woman?"
"Civil War happened because you two are secretly in lov..."
Steve made a stop sign with his hands, and again the conference became silent.
"I will try to be brief. I'm aware of the number of rumors running around about what transpired in the recent conflict within the Avengers. Today I'm here to stop all these rumors and make things clearer for everyone, and for you to stop vilify Bucky Barnes, my best friend, unfortunately known as the "Winter Soldier"
A reporter, a poised one with perfect hair and haughty actitude stood up "But the Winter Soldier is a enemy of the United States and UN. Even if he was a WWII hero, that doesn't absolve him of his crimes against humanity.
"Fucking asshole" said Sam on the sidelines "Typical reporter"
"Not all reporters are like that Sam. He is just trying to get a rise from Steve."
"True. Steve has an impeccable image. People will love to watch him lose his cool in public"
"He is Fox News too. Probably they are still sore after Steve's last interview" Clint joked trying to lift the mood
Steve was angry, but didn't let it show aside from a minor twitch in his right thand.
"Bucky is deeply sorry for everything Sir."
"And where is him now, if you don't mind me asking. He should be here now, responding to us"
"He is cryogenesis" he blurted out. The reporters went crazy scribbling on their notes.
"I just want you to know that Bucky is just as much of a victim as the people that unfortunately perished on his hands. He was brainwashed, stripped of his autonomy as a person and used a weapon by an organization he tried to stop. I know that doesn't erase what happened and doesn't erase the pain of the victim's families... Steve swallowed heavily, his mind conjuring Tony's face " I just want you to be sensitive about the subject"
"Sandra O'Hara, from CNN. Why Bucky Barnes returned to cryogenesis?
" He has a fragile psyche due to the constant brainwashing for such a long time. He is trying to find peace of mind after what happened to him"
A few second of silent as the reportes keep writing.
"Cap, it's true that your position against the Accords was due to Bucky Barnes?"
"In part. Most of the goverments that signed the Accords also gave capture orders for him. I couldn't stand for that."
"Did you disagree with the Accords?"
A painful beat of silence "Yes"
"Why? Don't you think the Avengers need supervising? That somehow they are above the Law?
"I never stated anything like that. I certainly don't believe that the Avengers are above the Law" Steve breathed heavily. He needed to form his responses carefully if he didn't want the press ripping him by pieces.
" After the events in DC almost two years ago, I will admit I have a bit of problem with authority. The people who were in charge of our security wanted a non-freedom, totalitarian control of the world. However, I'm aware that leaving a powerful organization as the Avengers to their own devices is irresponsible and may scare people off. It's true that I'm on the opinion that our safest hands are our own, but also I'm also aware that negotiation and compromising are important. I was military after all."
"I don't agree with the Accords in their current form, but I and the rest of the Avengers are willing to sign it as long as some of his clausules are rectified. We are not going to stand for a document sponsoring segregation through recognition bracelets and legalizes the detention of super powered people, regardless if they are affiliated or not with the Avengers or any vigilante activity whatsoever, without the right to a fair trial."
"We also disagree with having General Thaddeus Ross in charge of the registration of the Avengers in the Accords. He has proved to be biased and unreliable towards superpowered community, to the point he is willing to place people in illegal detention in clandestine prisons supervised solely by him"
"That's a very serious accusation, Captain Rogers" a reporter on the left quiped.
" We have proof. Photos, documents, witnesses, you name it. In fact, many of my fellow Avengers were hold hostage in a prison known as "The Raft" and that's the only one we have knowledge of. That's why I bring Betty Ross to this conference too, who has an intimate knowledge about Thaddeus Ross' work in the Military."
The years had been kind to Betty. She sported a short hair instead of the usual long flowing hair, but she still had the same pale skin, the same ooblong face, baby blue eyes and rosy lips. She was wearing a white, form fitting dress and stilettos. Bruce could't help but gawk
Steve grimaced. He should told Bruce that Betty was going to be in this press conference. Well, no point in crying over spilled milk.
My name is Elizabeth Ross. I'm a professor in Culver University, and previously I worked as a biologyst for the military. General Ross,my father, was involved in an Army research and development program intended to recreate the "Super Soldier Serum" He also was involved in a project to render soldier inmune to Gammna Radiation. My colleague Bruce Banner was one of the ones affected by that, turning himself in "The Hulk"
Steve noticed how sly she was, deciding to keep their relationship a secret.
"I'm sure many of you remember the battle of HARLEM some years ago. Well Emil Blonsky, who turned into the "Abomination", was backed up by my father in order to hunt the Hulk and.......
It's Betty Ross allowed to said all those things? They aren't classified? I mean, some of those were already public knowledge since the Shield's leaks in DC, but even so..." asked Sam.
"Bold," replied Natasha.
"That's Betty for you" proclaimed Bruce proudly.
In the meanwhile, Thaddeus Ross was drinking in his office like the world was ending. His own daughter, humilliating him on television! He couldn't believe it!
His secretary, who never liked him, was watching him from the corner of her eyes, looking very amused. I guess there's nothing worse that your daughter giving away your dirty secrets in a public conference.
After responding some questions from the Press, Betty got out from the Embassy, in a spot where the reporters wouldn't come to ambush her. While she waited for her ride, Bruce caught up to her.
"Betty, Betty!" Bruce screamed
"Bruce" she seemed slighty surprised.
I didn't know you were going to be here" he shyly stated
"Well, Stever Rogers contacted me."
"Steve contacted you?"
"Yes. I had been distanced from my father since many years ago, but I heard that he was made Secretary of State. I couldn't believed it, after what happened to you. And well, if the Captain America requires you to do something, you just can't just say no. Am I right?" she laughed.
"True, true" Bruce agreed goofily.
They stayed quite in a few second of comfortable silence, until Bruce spoke again.
"Betty, about us, I'm sorry about losing contact to you, I tried but"
"Bruce, the past is the past. What we used to have was beautiful but it was a long time ago. I'm aware that you had a lot on you plate, too much to add a relationship to your already heavy burden. Besides, you seem to have found someone special" she said moving her head.
"Uh?" he dumbly asked, and she followed Betty's gaze, when he realized she was gesturing towards Natasha, who was doing at spectacular job in feigning not listening to their conversation and being fixated in the interview.
"Oh, no, Natasha and I are just friends"
"Sure you are" she teased, and in a more serious tone, she continued "I saw the way she was looking at you. Bruce, our relationship failed due to the circumstances, but don't try to deny happiness to yourself due to fear of what happened to us. And I saw her in the Battle of NY. She seems pretty kickass to me"
"You have no idea" laughed Bruce. Even after all those years, Betty always had a conforting effect on him.
"I know you very well Bruce. I always did" she said in a soothing voice.
They laughed again, it was nice to be together without a big drama between them, and despite the time, they clicked very well, as two pieces of a puzzle. They may not be lovers anymore, but that did not mean they couldn't be friends.
A limo parked in front of them, and Betty climbed on it "Bye Bruce. Think about what I said."
"Don't worry. I will"
Steve didn't expect to see Tony in the backyard of Wakanda's embassy, less so with sunglasses, baggy jeans and an "I'm with Stupid" shirt. Probably he didn't want to be recognized by the Press, so he was in disguise "No a very good one" thought Steve.
A heavy punch resonated in the room, after it made contact with Tony Stark's face, bringing Steve back from his thoughts.
"Bruce?!" asked Natasha, half surprised, half angry.
"No green fist?" asked Tony sardonically while rubbing his bruised jaw
"Tony that's enough" replied Natasha in a clipped voice.
"Tony, how could you? You allied yourself with Ross, after what happened to me?" said Banner while craddling his hand.
If anybody was looking, it would seem that Bruce was losing control of himself, But they knew this wasn't the case. They already had presenced Bruce truly losing control. And despite the angered tone, they also could see clear as the water the hurt shining in Bruce's eyes.
Tony wisely said nothing. And Steve picked up.
"I need a moment with Tony alone. Could you guys gives us a minute?"
They seemed reluctant, specially Scott and Sam, who were busy glaring daggers to Tony, but they complied. After they were alone, Steve turned to Tony
"We need to talk" he said firmly. Tony nodded.
"As long as it doesn't end up with me getting a shield through my chest, sure"