Prismatic ⇒ Avengers [ 2 ]

The Committee

"It's going to be fine, sweetheart, I promise." Pepper clasps my hands, leaning forward in her seat as I stare out of the window of the jet. The strangest feeling of deja vu is striking- flying to Washington, only thing time, under very different circumstances. "Just answer the questions honestly. That's all they want."

Tony makes a short, exclamatory noise- a cough crossed with a snort, liquid gold and trembling- but says nothing.

"I know." I smile weakly as she glares at Tony. Their relationship- if one even exists anymore- is rocky to say to the least. When I walked out of the elevator with Sam, they were in the middle of a raging argument that dissipated as soon as I stepped into the room.

Despite this, they both look immaculate, Tony in dark blue, Pepper in spotless white, one leg crossed over the other, her strawberry blonde hair blow dried into a perfectly straight waterfall, shiny and sleek. In a silken yellow shirt and black trousers, I can't get comfortable, itching against the suits like some kind of wild animal.

"This is ridiculous," Tony says finally, "what could they possibly ask? She's strong- you're strong-" he reiterates, directing the line of conversation back at me, "and you haven't done anything wrong."

Debatable.

As Pepper's hands slide from mine, the warmth vanishing from my knuckles, I slide my phone out of my pocket, turning it back on. I've kept it off in the fear of temptation- that I'll do something stupid, like search myself up in the Internet- but the fear of being cut off completely is worrying. It reminds me too much of being stuck in S.H.I.E.L.D's headquarters, realising I'm completely and utterly helpless.

[ 12 new messages ]

God.

Peter 💖
They just announced on the news that you're
answering to a court??

Peter 💖
Please tell me you're okay

Peter 💖
I'm scared, Brynn, please tell me you're safe

My fingers hover over the keyboard, but then the screen flashes up with the other messages, and I swipe away. I'll answer later.

Matt
Heard you're going to court. Answer questions
honestly, don't complicate your story, be clear,
look at the person asking the questions, and
you'll be fine. I'm sure your father would have a
lawyer if you needed one, but I'm always here if
you need me.

Christ. It looks like the whole world knows what's going on.

Harry 👶🏼
Hope you're okay, Pete's freaking out over here.
Dad says it's ridiculous, what they're doing, and I
agree. Want to meet when you get back?

Would Norman Osborn be so forgiving if he knew who I was?

Freya 🌱
We'll make it right

What?

Jo 🔮
Be safe

My stomach lurches uncomfortably as I slide my finger over the phone screen. I'm going to court, not facing a firing squad.

MJ 🐯
IM GONNA FUCKING FIGHT THE
GOVERNMENT FOR YOU

Wren 🐦
FUCK THE POLICE, YOU DID THE RIGHT
THING