Н“‚Н“Ž Н’¹Ð‘’Н’¶Ð“‡ Н“ˆð“…Н’¾Ð’¹Ð‘’Н“Ž – Н“…. Н“…Н’¶Ð“‡Ð“€Ð‘’Н“‡ chapter 9

New York – Queens

Alec appeared in a flicker of shadow and light, the familiar sound of Peter’s slightly uneven breathing reaching his ears before his vision fully adjusted to the dim room. The faint glow of streetlights slipped through the blinds, casting thin stripes of light across Peter’s cluttered desk, the bed, and the worn Spider-Man suit thrown carelessly on the floor. The scent of the city filtered through a half-open window, mingling with the faint smell of Peter’s favorite takeout, still lingering from some meal long gone cold.

The room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp casting a warm glow over the cluttered desk and the few posters on the wall. The faint click of a keyboard filled the silence until Alec cleared his throat.

Peter spun around, startled, revealing those brown eyes Alec knew too well.

– Alec? – his voice held a mix of surprise and relief, but also something else; something tense – I didn’t expect to see you. Not after everything that happened.

Alec shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. He hadn’t been this close to Peter in what felt like ages. He had become a fugitive and in the past week he’d been buried in his plan, consumed by it. But seeing Peter now, in person, made him realize just how much he’d missed him. More than he’d realized.

– Yeah. – Alec said, his voice low, keeping the air between them calm – Sorry for… just appearing like that. I didn’t mean to scare you.

Peter swung his legs over one another, his expression softening as he studied Alec.

– No, I-I’m glad you came. I’ve been thinking about you. – there was a vulnerability in Peter’s voice that Alec wasn’t prepared for, but he pushed past it. There were more important things to focus on right now.

– I need to tell you something. – Alec began, taking a step closer, trying to keep his voice steady – About the Accords.

Peter frowned, his whole body going tense at the mention of it.

– The Accords? Is something happening?

– I’ve been working on something. – he took a few steps closer, feeling the tension in the room tighten – A plan to- well, to erase the Accords from everyone’s minds. Make it so no one remembers them. Not the government, not the people… no one. Except for a few of us.

Peter’s face darkened with concern. He stood up, closing the gap between them.

– Erase their memories? Alec, that’s-that’s huge. You can’t just go into people’s heads like that.

– I know. – Alec’s voice was softer now, almost pleading – But look at what the Accords have done. The avengers are broken. People are scared, and they’ve turned on each other. We’ve turned on each other. We can’t keep going like this, Peter. It’s tearing us apart.

Peter’s jaw clenched. Alec could see the conflict in his eyes, the way he weighed every word carefully before speaking.

– And you think erasing their memories will fix everything? Just make it all go away?

– No, – he admitted – it won’t fix everything. But it’ll give us a second chance. A chance to do things differently. To not be weighed down by this… by the mistakes we’ve made. – he paused, taking a breath, then added – I’m doing it tomorrow. But I came here first because I didn’t want to do it without talking to you.

Peter blinked, his expression softening, the sharpness in his voice dulling.

– Why me? – Alec hesitated, then met Peter’s gaze.

– Because you’re important to me, Peter. And you deserve a choice. I can leave your memories of the Accords intact, if you want. Or I can take them, like I will for everyone else. But it’s your call.

The room seemed to shrink around them. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Alec watched Peter’s face carefully, searching for a sign of what he was thinking. His own heart raced, not just from the weight of what he was offering, but from something deeper, something he didn’t fully understand. Why had he come here first? Why did Peter’s opinion matter so much?

Peter looked down, fidgeting with the edge of his shirt.

– I don’t know, Alec. I mean… erasing people’s memories is a big deal. But you’re right. The Accords messed everything up. We’re not even talking to each other anymore.

Alec took a step closer, his voice quieter.

– I didn’t want to do it without hearing what you thought. You deserve that.

Peter glanced up at him, and for a moment, Alec thought he saw something unspoken in those brown eyes. Something that made his chest tighten.

– I don’t want to forget, Alec. – Peter finally said, his voice steady – I want to remember what happened. The mistakes. The choices we made. If we forget, then what’s stopping us from repeating them?

– Okay. – Alec nodded – I’ll leave your memories intact.

Silence fell between them again, but this time, it felt different. Softer. More like the old days, when things were simpler, and they weren’t on opposite sides of a political war.

– You’re really going to do it, aren’t you? – Peter asked quietly, leaning against his desk.

– Yeah. – Alec replied, his voice low – It’s the only way I can see to stop all of this.

Peter studied him for a moment, then nodded.

– Be careful, okay? This… this is dangerous, Alec. But I trust you.

Those words hit Alec harder than he expected. Peter trusted him. Even after everything that had happened between them, Peter still trusted him. Alec’s heart swelled, and for the briefest second, he wondered why that mattered so much to him.

– I will. – he said, his voice softer now – I’ll come back after it’s done. I promise.

– I’ll hold you to that. – Peter gave him a small, lopsided smile.

With a final nod, Alec took a step back, his heart still racing, and vanished from Peter’s room.

•••

Alec stood in the heart of the x-mansion, his face set with grim determination. The echoes of past battles filled the halls, but today’s mission was unlike any other. Today, Alec was going to erase the memory of the Sokovia Accords from the minds of every person on the planet. The plan was simple in theory, but its execution would require both immense power and precision.

He approached the Cerebro chamber, where Charles Xavier sat waiting, his fingers lightly touching the helmet that connected him to the machine. Alec’s hands itched with the anticipation of what was about to come. Cerebro was the most powerful tool for a telepath to access minds across the world, but Alec would be the one using it this time, with Charles guiding him to prevent any fatal mistakes.

The avengers, scattered throughout the hallway outside of the Cerebro, were on standby. Each of them knew what was at stake, and though the decision to erase the memory of the Sokovia Accords was controversial, they had all agreed it was the only way to undo the damage caused by the political tensions and fractured trust among heroes. For Alec, it was personal. He just wanted to get his life back.

As he stood in front of the machine, Alec took a deep breath. The thought of accessing the collective consciousness of billions of people made his pulse quicken, but there was no room for doubt now. Charles gave him a reassuring nod.

– You’re ready for this, Alec. – Charles said, his voice calm but firm – I’ll be with you the entire time. Remember, the key is control.

Alec nodded, slipping the Cerebro helmet over his head. The moment it clicked into place, he felt an overwhelming surge of telepathic energy flood into him. His mind expanded, stretching out into the vastness of the world’s collective thoughts, like diving into an endless ocean of consciousness. He could hear the voices – millions of them – every mind connected, some whispering, others shouting. It was chaotic, disorienting. His muscles tensed as he tried to center himself.

– Focus, Alec. One step at a time. Find the memory of the Sokovia Accords.– Charles’ voice echoed in his mind.

Alec gritted his teeth and concentrated, diving deeper into the swarm of thoughts and memories. He visualized the Accords; images of the destruction in Sokovia, the signatures of the avengers, the global debates. The memory was ingrained deeply in nearly every person on the planet. It was a collective scar, a wound that had divided the world’s greatest heroes. Alec could feel the weight of it pressing down on him.

With a sharp exhale, he began. He reached out, carefully threading through the minds of individuals, pulling at the strings of memory. One by one, he started unraveling the events surrounding the Sokovia Accords. The task was immense, almost impossible in scale. Billions of people, all of them touched by the event in some way. Alec could feel the strain, his mind stretching as he tried to keep control.

– You’re doing fine, kid. – came Charles’ reassuring voice – Just a little further. You’re almost there.

Sweat dripped down Alec’s brow as he pushed deeper. His breath quickened, and the pressure grew unbearable. He could hear the thoughts of the avengers, standing outside the Cerebro chamber, watching and waiting. Captain America, his mind conflicted but resolute; Tony Stark, his thoughts a mix of guilt and determination; Wanda Maximoff, quietly hopeful that this would bring some semblance of peace.

Finally, Alec reached the tipping point. He held the memory of the Sokovia Accords in his grasp, suspended in the minds of billions. It was like holding a fragile thread, ready to snap. Now came the hardest part: erasing it, not just from individual memories but from the collective consciousness, while ensuring no one noticed the sudden gap.

He could feel his strength wavering, the immense task pushing his telepathic powers to the edge. But with Charles’ guidance, Alec channeled every ounce of focus he had left. Slowly, he began to dissolve the memory – first, the political debates, then the government documents, the signatures, the protests, the very concept of the Sokovia Accords themselves. One by one, they vanished, like ink being wiped clean from a page.

The weight lifted, but Alec could feel the toll it had taken. His legs trembled, his body drenched in sweat. His mind felt like it was tearing apart, but he held on, ensuring that the memory was erased from everyone except the avengers, Peter and Charles.

Finally, it was done. The world was free of the Sokovia Accords. Alec removed the Cerebro helmet, his hands shaking.

Charles wheeled over to him, his face lined with concern and pride.

– You did it. – Alec nodded weakly, collapsing into the floor.

– Yeah… I did. – his voice was hoarse, but there was a faint smile on his lips – Told you it was going to be easy.

Outside the chamber, the avengers gathered, the weight of the world’s memory now resting solely on their shoulders. The Sokovia Accords had never existed, at least, not for anyone but them.

The world was free, but Alec knew it was only a matter of time before new challenges arose. For now, though, they had a chance to rebuild, to start fresh.

•••

   The atmosphere in the Avengers compound was heavy with the weight of recent events. The air hummed with a mixture of tension and relief as Alec, Tony, Steve, Wanda, Sam, Natasha, Clint, Vision, and Pietro gathered in the main room. They had come together to process the monumental decision Alec had made to erase the memories of the Sokovia Accords from the world’s collective consciousness.

   Alec leaned against a wall, still feeling the aftereffects of the mental strain, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty about what lay ahead. Tony paced back and forth, the wheels of his mind turning as he attempted to comprehend the implications of their new reality.

– So, we’ve solved it. – he began, his tone heavy with mixed emotions – But we all know that the issues behind them haven’t disappeared. So what now?

   Steve crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful.

– We focus on moving forward, Tony. The world doesn’t remember the division and conflict, but we can’t ignore the lessons we learned during that time.

   Wanda nodded, her brow furrowed.

– We need to rebuild trust among ourselves, too. Just because the world doesn’t remember doesn’t mean we can’t carry that weight.

   Pietro, who had been observing from the side, finally stepped into the conversation.

– Wait, what did I miss? I’ve been away helping refugees. Is everyone okay? – his expression shifted from confusion to concern as he took in the somber faces around him.

   Wanda reached out, her hand resting on his arm.

– We’re… figuring things out. Alec did something drastic to protect us all, and now we’re just trying to adjust.

– Drastic how? – Pietro pressed, the accent thick, looking from Wanda to Alec – What did you do?

   Alec swallowed hard, knowing he would have to explain once again the depth of his actions.

– I erased everyone’s memories of the Sokovia Accords. The world won’t remember the conflict, the blame, or the fight. It’s like it never happened.

   Pietro’s eyes widened in disbelief.

– You did that? Alone?

– It was a team decision in a way. – Alec replied, glancing at Tony and Steve – But I executed it.

– Maybe we needed that. – Sam said thoughtfully – A fresh start. But we can’t ignore what we learned during that time. We need to ensure we don’t fall back into those old patterns.

   As if summoned by the discussion, Bucky Barnes entered the room, his expression somber. He caught everyone’s gaze, his eyes settling on Tony first.

– Hey, – he said, his voice steady but low – can we talk?

   Tony’s expression hardened at the sight of him, memories flooding back: the loss, the betrayal. But this was different now; they had to address the past, no matter how painful.

– What do you want, Barnes?

   Bucky took a deep breath, his blue eyes meeting Tony’s.

– I came to apologize. I know that nothing I say can change what happened, but I’m sorry for killing your parents. I never wanted to hurt you or your family.

   Alec shifted slightly, feeling the weight of Bucky’s words. He could see the pain etched on Tony’s face, the memories of loss still fresh despite the erasure of the Accords.

– I get it, Bucky. – Tony said, his voice strained – You didn’t choose to be that person. But it still doesn’t change the fact that I lost everything.

– I know. – Bucky said, his voice barely above a whisper – And I’m so sorry.

   Before Tony could respond, Alec stepped forward, his heart heavy but determined.

– I never blamed you for it, Bucky. – he said, looking the former assassin in the eye – You were a pawn. What happened to you was horrific, and I can’t hold you responsible for that.

   The room fell silent, Bucky’s eyes widening with surprise. The former soldier looked taken aback, the weight of guilt he had carried for so long lifting slightly.

– Thank you, Alec. That means more than you know.

   Vision, who had remained mostly quiet, finally spoke up, changing the subject.

– It is crucial that we address our relationships with one another. While the world may not remember the Accords, we do. It is imperative that we communicate openly to prevent further fractures within our team.

   Alec nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him.

– I’m willing to help however I can. I don’t want to see us split apart again.

   Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair.

– Alright, let’s make a pact then. We focus on communication and trust. No more secrets, no more divisions. We’re a team, and we need to act like it.

   Steve smiled, the determination in the room palpable.

– Agreed. We’re stronger together, and we need to keep that in mind.

   The conversation shifted to their plans moving forward, each member sharing thoughts and ideas. The air, once thick with tension, began to lighten as they embraced their fresh start.

As they talked, Alec felt a growing sense of hope. They were not just a team; they were a family, bound by experiences that, while painful, had shaped them. Together, they would navigate this new world, one step at a time, and ensure they didn’t lose sight of what truly mattered.

•••

   The night wrapped New York City in its familiar cloak of darkness, the skyline glittering with countless lights like stars fallen to earth. Alec stood beneath Peter Parker’s apartment, glancing up at the window. The glow of the city lights filtered through the dark, creating a tapestry of vibrant colors against the backdrop of a starry sky. It was a welcome sight, a contrast to the heavy atmosphere he had left behind at the Avengers Compound.

   With a deep breath, he stepped closer and knocked gently on the window. A moment later, he saw the familiar silhouette of Peter move through the dim light inside. The window slid open with a soft creak, and Peter leaned out, surprise flickering across his face.

– Alec! You’re back! – he exclaimed, his voice a mix of excitement and concern – Is everything okay?

   Alec smiled, the corners of his lips lifting slightly as he ran a hand through his hair.

– Everything’s fine. I just needed a distraction. – he said, glancing around at the bustling streets below – You okay with that?

– Of course! Come in. – Peter stepped back, and Alec climbed through the window with a practiced ease.

   Once inside, the cozy apartment welcomed him with its familiar scent of coffee and old books. Like before, Peter’s room was a blend of organized chaos: comic books stacked haphazardly, his web-shooters laid out on the desk. For the young Stark it felt like a sanctuary, a safe haven away from the weight of the world outside.

   Alec plopped down onto the edge of Peter’s bed, looking around with a playful grin.

– So, go on, help me forget my worries.

– Me? – Peter feigned innocence, though a blush crept up his cheeks – What can I possibly do to help?

   Alec leaned in closer, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

– Well, for starters, you could tell me your best Spider-Man stories. I’m sure there are plenty of those, right?

   Peter chuckled, running a hand through his hair, a nervous habit that Alec found endearing.

– I have a few, but they’re mostly embarrassing. Like the time I got stuck in a tree trying to save a cat, and it took me an hour to figure out how to get down.

– Sounds like a classic. – Alec laughed, his gaze lingering on Peter’s face – But I bet you still looked good doing it.

   Peter’s cheeks flushed deeper, and he shot Alec a sidelong glance.

– You think so? I thought I looked ridiculous.

– Come on, it’s not every day you see a superhero stuck in a tree. – Alec replied, nudging him playfully – I’d say that’s pretty heroic in its own way.

   They shared a laugh, the tension between them shifting, an unspoken connection growing stronger in the warm glow of the moonlight filtering through the window.

– Very funny. – Peter replied, crossing his arms, but there was a faint blush on his cheeks – So, what’s the real reason you’re here?

– The plan is done. – Alec said, the gravity of his words settling in the air. He took a moment, the earlier levity fading as he continued – I mean, everyone has forgotten about the Sokovia Accords. It’s all… erased.

   Peter’s expression shifted, understanding the weight of what Alec had accomplished.

– And how do you feel about it?

– Honestly? A bit relieved, but also overwhelmed. It feels strange to change something so fundamental and not know what the fallout will be. – Alec admitted, his gaze drifting to the window where the city lights twinkled like stars – That’s why I needed to get out for a bit. I just wanted to hang out with you.

Peter smiled softly, the warmth of his presence a soothing balm.

– I’m glad you came. You know I’m always here for you, right?

Alec turned back to Peter, his heart racing at the sincerity in his eyes.

– I do. And I appreciate it. I appreciate you.

They shared a moment of easy laughter, the kind that made the world outside seem far away, the burdens lighter in each other’s company. Alec felt the tension of the past few days slowly ebbing away as they continued to talk, shifting effortlessly from light banter to deeper conversations about their hopes and fears.

As the night wore on, Alec occasionally let a flirtatious comment slip, watching the way Peter’s cheeks flushed and his laughter turned shy. The warmth of their friendship wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, and for that moment, Alec felt a sense of normalcy that had been elusive for far too long.

– Hey, you know, – Alec said after a while, his tone playful again – if you ever need a partner for any superhero adventures, I’m totally available. Just saying.

Peter smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

– I’ll keep that in mind. Just be ready to keep up with my spidey skills.

Alec laughed, feeling lighter than he had in days.

– Oh, I think I can manage that. Just don’t forget your web-shooters!

As they continued to talk and joke, the world outside faded into the background, and in that small apartment, surrounded by the remnants of childhood and heroism, Alec found a moment of peace he hadn’t realized he was searching for. It wasn’t just a distraction; it was a reminder of friendship, of connection, and of the possibility that maybe, just maybe, there was something more blossoming between them.

•••