Lilliana: The Oldest Maximoff [Discontinued]

Passive Aggression

"So, you like cats?"

"Sam." Steve and I scold calmly.

"What," he scoffs, "dude shows up dressed like a cat, you don't wanna know more?"

"Your suit... it's vibranium?" Steve asks.

Instead of answering the question I reply,  "The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations. Its a mantle, passed from warrior to warrior."

I receive shocked looks from both American men.

"And now, because your friend murdered my father." T'Challa continues, "I also wear the mantle of king. So, I ask you, as both warrior and king... how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?"

"Doamne, asta nu se va termina bine," I mutter as I bow my head shaking.

(Translation: God, this is not going to end well.)

---------------------------

We arrive at a German facility, guards- soldiers at every corner. I turn to my right to find Bucky secured in a giant plexiglass block with restraints like an animal. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like the guy, but nobody deserves that, not even Barnes. 

I catch Steve's distraught glance in that direction, so I place my hand comfortingly on his shoulder. This must be hard for the both of them.

"Come on," I whisper only loud enough for Steve's ears.

"What's gonna happen to him?" He charges toward the two agents.

"Same thing that ought to happen to you." a smaller-statured man replies, "psychological evaluation and extradition."

'Everett Ross...'

"This is-"

I cut Sharon off to state, "Everett Ross, Deputy Task Force Commander."

The others give brief, considerate nods.

"What about a lawyer?" Steve questions.

"Lawyer, that's funny." Ross chuckles, "See that their weapons are placed in lockup... We'll write you a receipt."

I scoff with an eye roll, the other three men don't dare show emotion.

"I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around in that." Sam glares as a soldier escorts his wings away through the hall.

I resist a laugh at the thought of the potentially playful workers.

There's a sense of worried glances between the two World War II vets. I'm starting to think that Barnes loves Steve just the same.

---------------

"You'll be provided with an office instead of a cell." Everett states, "now, do me a favor, stay in it?"

"I don't intend on going anywhere." the king announces respectfully.

'Nat'

"For the record, this is what making things worse looks like." she mutters as she places herself between Steve and I.

'Tony'

Oh, great... 

"He's alive." Steve replies.

"No, no, no," a faint voice says.

"Romania was not Accords-sanctioned. Colonel Rhodes is supervising cleanup..." Tony announces.

"Try not to break anything while we fix this." Nat demands monotoned.

"... Consequences? You bet there'll be consequences. Obviously you can quote me on that, because I just said it." he remarks over the device, "Anything else? Thank you, sir."