Electric Storm

Chapter 13: "Never Give Up..."

In the three days since the accords first appeared, barely anyone has spoken to each other. In a way, it has made it easier to be alone and grieve. This grieving is different to Pietro though. Aunt Peggy lived a full life. She did so many things. And she never let anyone stop her.

I haven't spoken to Peter. I wanted to call him and cry because I know he'd understand, but then I know I'd want to be with him and I'd miss him more. So I sent a message saying I was going to London for my Aunt's funeral and that I needed some time. This is just another thing on my mind. Everything's keeping me awake. Peter. The accords. The funeral. I feel so stressed out and you can see it on my face. The bruise hasn't healed. I find myself constantly sighing, like I used to do when I was low. I'm really struggling to keep paddling above the waves that are trying to pull me down. 

'Are you ready?' Dad asks, stroking a loose strand of hair from my face. 

'No.' My eyes cast down, trying to stop the tears from spilling again.

Dad nods. 'I'm sorry I can't come. They wouldn't let me change the meetings.'

'It's ok dad.' I squeeze his hand. He's told me this already. I know he wants to come to London but these damn accords means he has to stay behind, he has to go to the meetings. It's too much right now so I'm going instead, to represent us both. It's what Aunt Peggy would have wanted. It's what grandpa would have wanted. It's what we want. 

I can tell dad's trying not to cry too. Aunt Peggy was so important to us. After my grandparents died, she kept dad going. Ok, he still got a random English blonde pregnant but it could have been worse. She was there when I was born. She's been there through it all. But no longer. 

'I'm sorry that you'll have to be alone at the funeral. You can call me as soon as it's finished. I've messaged Pepper to say you're going.' Dad lists off again. I let him do it. I think it helps him focus. So much is changing right now so I think listing off what we've discussed helps him keep control. 

I have to sit alone at the funeral, away from Sam and Steve, because I can't risk being seen with them right now. I don't need my identity found out and because Sam and Steve haven't signed... it's best not to be seen joining forces. But I am allowed to fly us all in the carrier. I'm a decent pilot now having completed numerous little trips by myself. I've come along way since Chitauri chariots. 

Dad hugs me goodbye for the hundredth time and I hug him back tighter. He hands me my little suitcase. Inside a black dress never worn before lays neatly folded alongside a pair of polished shoes. 

'Keep safe Katy.' He kisses my head. 'Call me if you need anything and,' he keeps his voice low, 'if Steve and Sam haven't signed, that's fine so long as they don't do something illegal. Don't let them drag you into anything. Just come straight home.'

'I will dad.' I nod firmly. 

It's the early hours of the morning when we leave for London. Nat's flying to Vienna later, there's another carrier waiting for her. 

'Are you sure this thing is safe?' Sam teases, pretending to be scared. 

'Sam, you've flown in a carrier many times.' I roll my eyes as I prepare to take off. 

'No, I mean, are you sure this thing is safe when you're flying it?' 

I throw the closest, non-lethal object I can find. The corner of Steve's lips twitch but mostly he remains quiet. Aunt Peggy was the last connection to his past. I can't imagine how difficult this is for him. 

'I think it's important that we all stay connected during this time, especially Katy who's always causing mischief, so we should make sure to message each other our whereabouts.' Sam says jokingly.