The flight to the UN was short and uneventful, as both Kate and Nat mostly slept on the way. When they arrived at their hotel, they laid out their formal, business-y attire in preparation for the signing today. Kate forgot to pack a hair tie, and so is going with her hair down.
"You should wear your hair down more often," Nat comments as they make their way into the large, bright room. The entire front wall, behind the podium, is made of windows. People are mostly sitting in their chairs at the curved tables, talking to each other and staff. The tables get higher the further back they go, providing everyone with a clear view of the speaker.
Kate pushes hair off her face. "You do remember I'm a scientist, right?"
"And? It's not like it's a fire hazard."
"I'm used to it up."
"I know. You look good, though."
"Thanks. You do, too."
"I know."
Someone on staff walks up to them with two clipboards. "Excuse me, Miss Romanoff, Dr. Carson?"
"Yes?"
"These need your signatures." She hands each of them clipboard and a pen, and they both sign the documents quickly. "Thank you."
"Thanks."
Then, another voice approaches. "I suppose none of us are used to the spotlight."
Nat turns. "Oh, well, it's not always so flattering."
Prince T'Challa of Wakanda, clad in a black suit and dignity, smiles a bit, his eyes shining. "You seem to be doing alright so far. Considering your last trip to Capitol Hill... I wouldn't think you would be particularly comfortable in this company."
"Well, I'm not."
He looks at Kate, a friendly look in his eye, and she sighs. "I'm never in this company. I hate it here."
"That alone makes me glad you're both here."
"Why?" Kate asks, brows furrowing. "You don't approve of this?"
"The Accords, yes. The politics, not really. Two people in a room can get more done than a hundred."
"Unless you need to move a piano," King T'Chaka says, walking over with a smile almost identical to T'Challa's. He turns to Nat and Kate. "Miss Romanoff. Dr. Carson."
Nat smiles back. "King T'Chaka. Please, allow me to apologize for what happened in Nigeria."
"Me, too," Kate adds. "Sorry, I'm... Sorry."
King T'Chaka nods. "Thank you. Thank you for agreeing to all this. And thank you, Dr. Carson, especially. I hear you pulled one of ours from the building yourself."
Kate got whoever she could out of the building — and so did the others — but, in the end, it wasn't quite enough. Still, at least they saved some people. "There was fire, so... I did what I could."
"Well, all the same..." he says. "I'm sad to hear that Captain Rogers will not be joining us today."
"Yes, so am I," Nat agrees.
Then, someone comes over the speakers. "If everyone could please be seated. This assembly is now in session."
"That is the future calling. Such a pleasure," T'Challa says, looking at Nat.
Kate nods, and Nat replies, "Thank you," before they go to take their seats towards the front of the room. Once everyone is settled in, King T'Chaka is invited up to speak first.

YOU ARE READING
Fire and Ice
FanfictionEver since she was little, Kate Carson's favorite thing to do was learn. And, after losing nearly everything and gaining a power she never wanted, she had to learn to adjust -- and she's still learning. The other Avengers have no scruples against fo...