Ever After

Part 17 - A Great Man

Managing to sneak out of the fire escape, you quickly look around making sure that no one has seen you. Tiptoeing around the building you catch one last sight of Tony talking with Howard; thankfully neither of them see you, but someone else catches your eye. Excusing himself, Jarvis takes a few tentative steps towards you. 

"Miss Thomas," He whispers in your ear. "One, what are you wearing? And two, I thought we agreed I would collect you once the child was born." It takes you a moment to answer him, just simply staring at his face; another old friend you had lost over the years. "Miss Thomas?" Without thought you pull him into a tight hug, not caring that anyone would look. "Now now, what has Miss Carter done this time?"

"Nothing," You sigh, remembering that you would have to act like your 1970 self. "It's just good to see you." You blink the tears back before gesturing over to Howard, still stuck in a conversation with Tony. "Let's go."

"I must protest Miss Thomas..."

"Jarvis, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Bella." You smile at him, trying to sneak your way over without Tony seeing you, or Howard. Sighing in resignation, Jarvis helps you get into the car before running to the other side to let Howard in.

"Do I know that guy?" Howard asks, shaking his head as you watch Tony walk away; a small pull at your heart.

"You meet a lot of people sir," Jarvis responds calmly, with a slight tremor in his voice before urging Howard into the car.

"For god sake," Howard sighs at the sight of you, placing the flowers between you. "Bella, what are you doing here? And what the hell is that your wearing?"

Trying your hardest not to crumble, you once again try and shake the fear and heartbreak from your voice. "It doesn't matter. I need your help Howard."

"Of course you do, what is it going to cost me this time?" He sighs as Jarvis pulls away from Camp Lehigh. You hold your breath as you arrive at the gate; but no one dares to question Jarvis, the power of being Howard Stark's right hand man pays off.

"I need a plane," You let out a sigh of relief, finally being able to relax a little. 

"Oh, is that all? Care to elaborate on that one?"

"Some ammunition would be great too. Something lightweight so I can carry it on my person, but enough of it so I don't run out."

"Sure, I've got a boatload in the trunk. Who's pissed you off this time?" Howard sighs, meeting Jarvis' eyes in the mirror. The two men questioning each other with a look; neither one of them knowing the answer. "Come on Bella, you can't just expect me to give you all this, especially without Peggy signing off on it."

"Peggy doesn't need to know." You want to desperately tell Howard everything; every single detail of what you're about to do, and every single detail of what's to come if he doesn't help you right now. He had been the only constant you had had since Steve had disappeared; the only thing in your life that, despite his status, was normal. You want to scream at him that if you succeed you'd be saving his life, but he'd have Jarvis turn around in an instant, marching you back towards the cryochamber. "You don't need to know, Howard. You just need to help me."

Reaching over and taking your hand, he gives it a small squeeze. "Come on Bella, what's going on here?"

"I told you..."

"Look, why don't you come back to New York, have some dinner with Maria and I. I'm sure she'd be glad to see you, god knows she can't stand the sight of me right now. Maybe some female companionship would do the world of good. For both of you." You can't help but smile at the simple suggestion. Maria had been the perfect fit for Howard, and the two of you had become firm friends over the years. She had often referred to you as the only other woman who could wrap Howard Stark around her finger. As you look up at him, he sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, I'll see what I can do." 

"Thank you." You squeeze his hand back.

"Jarvis, head for the airport." He groans before turning back to you. "But you have to call Maria and explain why I'm going to be late home." 

"Understood," You laugh, leaning your head back and resting slightly, knowing that your plan was working; trying your hardest not to let the guilt of leaving Steve behind swallow you.

***

A couple of hours later, after a stern conversation with Maria about how you'd be back in time for the baby to be born, Howard has everything prepared for you. "Now, one last thing." He sighs before turning to you, shirt sleeves rolled up his arms, reminding you of how he used to look in the 40s. "Jarvis is your pilot."

"No..."

"No arguing Bella," Howard snaps. "Otherwise I'll pull the plug on whatever this is. I'm trusting you, but I need assurances. Jarvis is your pilot, agreed." Despite the annoyance, you can't help but smile at the winsome grin etched on Jarvis' face; clearly it had been his idea, and that was definitely one argument you would never win. You nod, before starting to pack up everything he had laid out for you. "God I wish you would tell me what this was all about."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." You smirk, adjusting the old school uniform Howard had managed to find you; forgetting how uncomfortable it was compared to the fight suit Tony had made for you. Even more uncomfortable now that it was wrapped around your time suit, squeezing you even more.

"Yeah, that's not helping Bella." Howard laughs. "Isn't it bad enough that I have a kid on the way without having to worry about you too."

"I'll be fine," You sigh, wishing you could believe it yourself, whilst also worrying about how Howard was going to feel when he found out you were actually still locked up in Lehigh. 

"I don't know what's more terrifying," Howard sighs sitting down watching you strap your weapons onto yourself. "The thought of you going out doing god knows what, or in the next few days I'm going to be a father."

"You'll be fine Howard," You absentmindedly just chatter on. "Tony will grow up to be a great man."

"Tony?" He questions. "You so sure we're having a boy." Finally you realise what you've said. "You know something we don't Bella?"

"Just a feeling," You laugh it off. "He'll have the ego and brains of his father, but he'll still be a good kid."

"And what would he get from Maria."

"Other than his good looks," You punch him in the arm. "He'll have his mother's heart. Bet you a million bucks." You wink at him, before turning to Jarvis. "Time to go."