Framed

Divided Loyalties

2016, Avengers compound, Upstate New York

"Secretary Ross has a congressional medal of honour. Which is one more than you," Rhodes asserted, trying to solidify his side of the argument.

"Fine," Sam raised his hands into a defending position, but he still wasn't backing down. "So, let's say we agree on this thing. How long is it going to be before they LoJack us like a bunch of criminals?"

"117 countries want to sign this, Sam," Rhodes emphasized the number of countries. "Seriously? You're just being like, 'No, that's cool. We got it" he did a mock imitation of Sam acting like a cool guy who couldn't care about any other side than his, adding in the wave of his arms to prove the point.

Tony released a tired sigh and brought a hand up to his face, covering it as the squabble filtered through his banging head. He had a headache, one that didn't seem to want to go away. It came down on him shortly after discovering more about the young boy who was during this Sokovia attack. There had been so much to it that his head was paying the price for learning the information he had. He understood where both Rhodes and Sam were coming from, but he had made his decision on the outcome, one that he would show a couple of people in the room were seriously considering, just as he had.

It wasn't a light decision to just make on the spot.

Sam shook his head in response, scoffing loudly, "How long are you going to play both sides?" His voice had raised a little and was louder than when he first started the argument. Eventually, this disagreement caused someone else in the room to interrupt any more counterattacks.

It was Vision, who was technically the youngest in human terms. Although some could argue he was older than all of them combined, given the jewel encrusted in his forehead. "- I have an equation." He stated hesitancy in his voice from speaking in the middle of their argument. Though he knew his words would interest everyone in the room, he pushed them away quickly as everyone turned to him.

Vision sat on one end of the nearby couch, with Wanda sitting close to him in the middle of it. He leaned against the side, his fingers fiddling with a small chest piece he had grabbed from the game on the small table. Instead of sitting at the business table, they gathered in another part of the building. The area was more of a comfortable living/ kitchen area. It was the go-to place to talk to each other without feeling bombarded by anything big.

Although, it probably didn't feel like that right now given the circumstances.

"Oh," Sam couldn't help sarcastically roll his eyes," This will surely clear it up." He was frustrated that no one seemed to agree with him even partially, other than Steve and Bucky, the two American heroes, his best friends. He knew which side they were on in this dispute. He understood that over 100 countries that wanted them to sign it would also be taking away their rights to areas where they may not be able to perform the best that they can. He didn't want to be at fault for someone dying if the governments weren't going to send them information.

"Tony-" Natasha spoke for the first time since the meeting ended, her head pointing towards the man lying on the couch. He looked tired and weary. It looked as though he had been ignoring everything that was going on around him. She watched as his hands dropped from his face like it's lost the power to stay up and cover it. His eyes opened a touch and were aimed at her."- You are being uncharacteristically non-hyperverbal."

Steve muttered loud enough for everyone to hear before Tony even had a chance to speak. "That's because he's already made up his mind." Honestly, out of everyone, he was sure that Tony would be the first to say 'no' to this agreement lying in his lap. Strangely enough, it almost felt like a betrayal that Tony would side with the government and sign this unbinding contract that would hold them in a web. He shook his head, disappointed at the decision his friend was making.