Bloodbound

18. Preparing for the dark

Wanda and Howard walked the empty corridors of The Rogers Innovative. Their footsteps ricocheted against the marble floor. They enjoyed the silence and each other's company.

"Sooooo?" Wanda dragged.

"So?" Howard asked raising his eyebrows.

"You're a vampire" she stated with a small smile.

"Yeah" he nodded. "What gave it away?"

"The memories" Wanda said. Howard froze for a second but she didn't notice as she continued, "The same happened with Steve and Bucky."

Howard resumed walking, "It must have been awkward as hell." He laughed.

"You bet" she joined him. They both walked in silence again.

After a long silence she spoke again, "So, the child in your memory-"

A lump formed in Howard's throat thinking about his past. "Tony. We don't see each other eye to eye anymore. Never had." His eyes watered talking about his family.

Wanda noticed his despair as she put her hand around his shoulders and pulled him into a hug. He leaned on her shoulders and squeezed his eyes shut, letting the tears stain her dress.

"Have you ever reach-"

"I did once long back. I really want to now, but I don't think I deserve forgiveness for leaving him and Maria."

"Hey. Don't talk like that" Wanda said softly. "Reach out to him. Let him know you still want to build the relationship. If you don't you might regret it."

Howard nodded not able to get any words out.

.....

Steve and Tony drove to Fountain of Youth. The Fountain of Youth was one of the largest health foundations on the east coast of America. When they entered the building, they were interrupted by the receptionist in the lobby.

"Please state you purpose of visit"

"We are here to meet Jiaying"

"Do you have an appointment?" he asked.

Before Steve could speak Tony intervened, "You might not have recognised us. He is Steve Rogers and myself am Tony Stark" extending his hand for a hand shake. The man accepted his hand and smiled at him. He pointed them towards Jiaying's office. As they walked away Tony commented, "Power of money, my friend."

They knocked on her door and waited outside. They heard Jiaying's voice asking them to enter. They went inside her office. Steve took in the room he was standing. It was neither big nor small. It was sufficiently spacious. All the things were arranged neatly and looked perfect. In the left corner of the room, the table was laid near the window. Jiaying was sitting behind it. She was surprised to see them. She greeted them and asked them to take the seat.

Steve filled her on the details of the upcoming hearing. Jiaying listened patiently to what Steve had to tell. Steve left out the Maximoff twins. He decided to handle one problem at a time. There was no way he could convince Jiaying if he told he just changed a human last night. After Steve finished his narration, Jiaying looked at Tony. She eyes bore into his skull as if reading his mind.

"You aren't involved with them?" she asked after a long time.

"No. God no. I didn't know about this."

"You also don't have proof for Rumlow's involvement?"

"Yeah. But we have a hunch" replied Steve

Jiaying maintained her serene composure. Her face revealed nothing. Steve and Tony didn't move a muscle. They waited for Jiaying to say something. They were afraid to ask. Afraid to know the answer. She finally spoke, "You have my vote Stark."