Captain's Hart and Soul

Chapter 17 Sokovia Accords

April 18, 2016

Arianna and Steve sat silently on their bed, Arianna sitting between Steve's legs as he kept his arms wrapped around her while they watched the news report.

The report was titled: 'Avengers Indictment? World reaction to violence' and it showed the explosion and subsequent medical and fire control efforts as the newsreader reported: "11 Wakandans were among those killed during a confrontation between the Avengers and a group of mercenaries in Lagos, Nigeria, last month. The traditionally reclusive Wakandans were on an outreach mission in Lagos when the attack occurred."

Arianna tightened her grip on Steve's hand as he tensed slightly as the screen switched to show King T'Chaka of Wakanda as he announced to the press: "Our people's blood is spilled on foreign soil. Not only the cause of the actions are criminals, but by the indifference of those pledge to stop them."

Steve bowed his head, and Arianna rubbed soothing circles on his arms. But she knew this was going to be a hard blow to overcome, and her own face was filled with guilt and sorrow as King T'Chaka finished grimly: "Victory at the expense of the innocent, is no victory at all."

"The Wakanda king went on to-"

Steve cut the report, switching off the TV. The pair sat in silence for a moment, before Arianna turned to face Steve.

"Steve?" She asked quietly, and he just sighed as he brought her closer to him, hugging her as he leant his chin on the top of her head. Arianna laid her head on his chest, rubbing his arms gently as she murmured concernedly: "You alright?"

"I will be." He promised softly. "This... it was a tough blow."

Arianna nodded, and they sat for a moment longer before she said quietly: "We should probably check on Wanda. She'll be taking this the hardest, and you know the press is especially going to focus on her for her powers."

"I know." Steve murmured. But as Arianna made to get up, he gently held her back down.

"But I'll go alone." He said softly. Arianna glanced at him questioningly, and he explained in a low voice: "No matter what anyone says, I had the biggest part in the incident and drove the situation to something Wanda couldn't control."

Arianna furrowed her brows, her frown deepening as Steve added: "And you should rest, you've been worrying over me, Tony, and the team the whole night. You need to take care of your health, too."

"It's not like you've been doing much better." Arianna pointed out, and Steve countered with a raised brow: "But I'm not the one physically pregnant."

She couldn't argue that, and she knew it. Arianna pursed her lips, but conceded as Steve kissed her softly, and murmured: "Go eat some breakfast, Ria. I can handle myself."

"I know." She answered softly. "But so can I, and it doesn't stop you worrying over me, does it?"

"Guess not." Steve chuckled a little, but it died very quickly. Arianna kissed his cheek before they both slid out of bed.

"I'll see you both in the kitchen." She said pointedly, and Steve answered with a small grin: "Yes, ma'am."

She answered it with a half-smile of her own as she wrapped herself in a dressing gown and padded out towards the communal kitchen. Steve, already fully dressed in jeans and a black sweater, watched her for a moment before turning and heading towards one of the side corridors, walking down to where the younger Avengers lived.

He almost sighed as he walked closer to Wanda's room, hearing the TV inside as the newsreader said: "What legal authority does an enhanced individual like Wanda Maximoff have to operate in Nigeria?"