𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃| 𝐒. 𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 |

twelve

"Five years ago, I had a heart attack and dropped right in the middle of my backswing." Ross demonstrates as the Avengers all sit around a meeting table. "It turns out it was the best moment of my life, because after 13 hours of surgery and a triple bypass, I found something that 40 years in the army never taught me."

"And what would that be?" Natasha asks.

"Perspective. The world owes the Avengers an unpayable debt. You have fought for us, protected us, risked your lives. And while a great many people see you as heroes, there are some who prefer the term vigilantes."

"What word would you use, Mr Secretary?"

"How about dangerous? What would you call a group of US based, enhanced individuals who routinely ignore sovereign borders and who, frankly, seem unconcerned about the damage they leave behind?" He backs away and shows them some videos of all the damage they've caused over the years on the monitor.

Then when the footage got to yesterday's incident, with a burning building and multiple people being dragged out in body bags, Milana just found it too much to handle. She feels the tears welling up in her eyes again and is all ready to just leave the table and go back to her room.

Steve puts a comforting hand on her thigh, infuriated that Ross has come here just to make her upset all over again.

"Alright, that's enough." Steve says, glaring at Ross.

"For four years, you've operated with unlimited power and no supervision. That's something the governments of the world can no longer tolerate. I think we have a solution." Ross throws a book full of papers onto the table. "The Sokovia Accords."

Wanda picks it up, and when she reads it a little bit, she passes it to Milana.

"Approved by 117 countries, stating that the Avengers will no longer be a private organization, Instead, they'll act under the supervision under a united nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary."

After Milana skims through the book, Rhodey holds his hand out for her to pass it to him, so she does.

"The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place. I feel we've done that." Steve argues.

"Tell me Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now?" Ross asks condescendingly.

"How would we know? Thor isn't from Earth so he isn't on our radar." Natasha points out, and Ross glares at her.

"Alright, Banner then. If I misplaced a couple of 30 megaton nukes, you bet there'd be consequences. Compromise, reassurance, that's how the world works. Believe me, this is the middle ground."

"So, there are contingencies?" Rhodey asks.

Ross nods. "Three days from now, the UN meets in Vienna to ratify the accords. Talk it over."

He and his bodyguards leave the room, filling it up with silence. None of the Avengers really know what to do or say after this, and all they do for a little while is just stare at the Sokovia Accords in the middle of the table in silence.

"I for one think these accords are bullshit." Sam breaks the long silence.

Steve nods in agreement. "We're on the same boat. But mind your language."

"Are you two for real?" Rhodey asks, turning to them.

"Damn right." Sam shoots back.

"Well, I think signing these is the right thing to do." Milana speaks up, causing her boyfriend to look at her with a confused expression, his brows furrowing.