The Rise of the Phoenix (Marvel/Captain America/Agent Carter)

Chapter 21 - Worst Day Ever... Part 2

"We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin. Howard Stark returns a hero. The eccentric billionaire and erstwhile absconder from justice is in New York today to announce a major breakthrough in the case of his missing technology. Mr. Stark will hold a press conference this afternoon on the steps of City Hall with all the details."

That had been the earlier radio announcement that had cut into all stations. We now all prepared for the press conference. I paced back and forth inside the office room while Howard prepared himself for the conference. And when I say prepared I mean fixing his mustache, trimming nose hair (which I refused to look at when he had asked me how it looked) and a lot of combing of his hair.

He even went so far as to ask Peggy and I if we had any powder... yes that's right, as in foundation. Apparently he wanted to "Get rid of some of the shine." I was just thankful Jack didn't see this procedure or else I'd have to put up with more comments, which had thankfully subsided for the time being since I threatened them both.

"I don't like this, Howard, it's too dangerous." Peggy said.

"Don't waste your breath Miss Carter, I've already wasted mine on the subject." Jarvis responded.

So had I, repeatedly. At both Howard and Jack. I started yelling at some point, but the plan was still going ahead.

"What is that?" Howard asked as Peggy laid out protective gear on the table.

"It's body armor, for your protection."

Howard inspected the vest before turning back to her, "It's junk. Where's my stuff?"

Peggy sighed and caved in before leading Howard to the lab. I waited for five minutes before finally giving in and tagging along.

"You're mad." I heard Peggy state as I approached the door.

"As a hatter." Howard retorted.

The next second Peggy stormed out just as I walked in huffing, "You talk to him," as she did.

I looked behind me and waited until she was gone before entering the lab and closing the door. Howard was holding his version of body armor that was certainly a lot better than the other one.

"Unless you plan to put that on your head it won't do much." I stated.

Howard scoffed, "Peggy said the same thing."

"You are mad." I stated, thinking about what Peggy had said.

Howard was looking at the ground and then flicked his gaze up to me. "I've got to make this right."

"Howard, Finow wasn't your fault! It was General McGinnis, you don't have to redeem yourself by doing this!"

"I have to do something!" He argued.

"You're going to get yourself killed!" I screamed it, louder than I had all day and I was surprised when it didn't echo throughout the entire building. I averted my gaze my hand instantly reaching for my necklace as I refused to let any tears fall.

Howard slowly walked over to me, placing the body armor on a table as he did and then lightly grabbing my hand that was playing with the pendant while his other hand lightly pushed my chin to look him in the eye and I saw a small smile on his lips.

"First you wanted to kill me yourself and now you're having a meltdown because I might get shot?" I stared at him sternly, refusing to show anything, but anger. He looked down at my necklace as he let go of my wrist and picked it up from where it sat on my chest. His smile flickered again, threatening to come out before he stopped himself and then simply placed a kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering for a moment.