Steel Hearts

- 19 -

During the month after the incident in Lagos, the Avengers were in question. Whether or not we were what the world needed and whether or not we did more harm than good. None of us knew what actions to take or even how to go about taking accountability for our actions. Some came to our defense but many criticized and claimed that all of us needed to be arrested.

Steve spent most of his time watching the news, trying to keep up with what little damage control we could. One day, in particular, was spent sitting in front of his computer in his office, watching the King of Wakanda's response to what had happened.

Avengers Indictment? World Reactions to Violence

"...eleven Wakandans were 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..."

King T'Chaka of Wakanda Demands Accountability from Avengers

"Out people's blood is spilled on foreign soil not only because of the actions of criminals but by the indifference of those pledged to stop them. Victory at the expense of the innocent is no victory at all..."

Moving from the door frame, I take the remote and shut the television off. Wrapping my arms around him from behind, I kiss his temple before placing my head on his shoulder with a sigh. "This sucks. The public is only getting one side of the story," I tell him, "We always take responsibility for our actions, but I don't understand what they expect us to do or how we're supposed to fix it.

Steve turns his chair around to face me, pulling me down into his lap so he can put his forehead on my shoulder. Clasping his hands around my waist, I run my fingers through the hair on the back of his head gently. He breathes, "I know. Tony's supposed to be coming by today with a way to own up to this."

"Do you know when?"

"Vision said he'd let me know when Tony got here."

"I haven't spoken to him in a few weeks."

"Ella, there was something off about him on the phone..."

"What do you mean?" I question, leaning back slightly to meet his eye.

"Honestly, I don't know," he sighs once more, his head shaking from side to side. The disappointment and negative emotions flooding his features. We were at a loss. If we didn't find a way to even somewhat address the issue at hand, the repercussions were going to be devastating.

Placing my hands on either side of his face, bringing his eyes up to mine in reassurance, I tell him, "We'll figure this out. We always do."

He nods silently and I kiss his forehead before he pats my hip, bringing the two of us to our feet. Taking my hand in his, I didn't need to ask where he was leading me. Wanda needed the most assurance out of all of us. Just before entering her room, my phone rings in my pocket.

"Go, I'll be there in a few," I tell him, squeezing his hand before turning on my heel and returning to his empty office. The caller ID showed an unknown number, so I answered tentatively, "Hello?"

A robotic voice on the other end sounds over the speaker pressed to my ear, "An inmate from New Jersey State Prison is attempting to contact you. To accept this call, please press one."

Sighing loudly, I pinch the bridge of my nose before making the poor decision of answering the phone call, "How did you get this number?"

An intimidating chuckle sounds from the other end, "Now, is that a way to greet your old man?"