The Sergeant, The Soldier, The Survivor

1: The Sokovia Accords

- Two Years Later -

Since the awful events in Sokovia nothing between the Avengers had been the same. It wasn't long before a meeting was brought together by Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross, him ordering us to sign the 'Sokovia Accords', a contract to say we weren't allowed to act without permission. I understood their point of view but when Steve pointed out that there'd be multiple times we could've helped save lives but weren't allowed to or were too late standing around and waiting for permission, so I agreed with him more.

It seemed that Sam and I were the only ones who were willing to speak out against Tony who uncharacteristically sided with Ross, but even then we were getting no where. Since meeting Sam after the events with the Winter Soldier two years back we had become fast friends, him making me laugh and knowing how to have a good time. The three of us were like a trio, loyal to each other and supporting each other at any costs.

It was because of this loyalty that Sam and I found ourselves travelling to London with Steve for Peggy Carter's funeral. Neither Sam or I had met her, her being Steve's only connection to his past self... apart from Bucky who we hadn't seen in two years. She was an inspiration, she founded SHIELD and was a true hero so it only felt right to attend her funeral with him.

Despite the Sokovia Accords still not having been sighed Tony let Steve, Sam and I take a private jet to England's capital. The journey to London was five hours, which gave me plenty of time to think about the Sokovia Accords Ross had presented us with. 117 countries had signed it but I was sure Steve was right. There'd be incidents in the future that we could've been called to but weren't. There'd be places that'd need our help but we wouldn't be allowed to assist. As much as I hated the Avengers falling out, Steve was right about this one.

Steve was eerily silent as we got into the taxi that awaited us and headed to Peggy's funeral. It was nice to see so many people pay their respects and Sharon Carter, Peggy's niece, gave a strong eulogy. When the service was finished people one by one approached her coffin to pay their final respects before filing out of the church, including Sam and me. Steve stayed to have some alone time whilst we waited outside for him.

My phone suddenly rang and when I saw it was Ross I let our a grumble of irritance. "Yeah?" I answered plainly, Sam watching me.

"The Accords are in the process of being signed (l/n)," he said in an almost smug tone.

"That ridiculous, not everyone has signed," I defended.

"That doesn't matter. The majority have, and with 117 countries backing it you, Rogers and Wilson are simply outvoted. Agent Romanoff is heading to Vienna now for the signing, I expect you to be in attendance with her. You're already in London right?" He explained and I clenched my fist.

"Yes sir, I am," I said begrudgingly.

"Good. Agent Romanoff will meet you at the UN in Vienna tomorrow morning. Sign the Accords then come straight back to America so we can keep and eye on you," he hung up and I turned to Sam and sighed.

"They're going ahead with the signing."

"That's crazy, we haven't signed," Sam stated the obvious.

"I know, but we've been outvoted. He wants me in Vienna with Natasha tomorrow. I need to tell Steve," I headed back into the church and saw him stood by the pews near Peggy's casket are the far end. He turned to me and smiled making my heart ache with guilt at what I had to tell him.

"When I came out of the ice I thought everyone I had known was gone. Then I found out she was alive... I was just lucky to have her," he leant against a pew and I smiled at his sentiment.