𝚃𝚘𝚗𝚢 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝙳𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚂𝚚𝚞𝚊𝚍

3*

ᴀʀᴄᴛɪᴄᴠᴜʟᴘɪx ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ: Final chapter of this specific story. There'll be a few stories that follow this plotline. Hope you continue to enjoy.

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ᴄᴏɴꜰɪʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ?

Carol looked at Vision again, noting his nervous shifting.

"You don't have to do this," she told him again.

He gave her a smile. "I know. But I want to. I will need to face them eventually and I'd rather it be with a friend at my side."

She patted his shoulder before straightening up and striding into the room. The Rogues had been informed that they needed to all gather in the common room for a brief meeting and thankfully they were all there with only a little bit of grumbling.

She quickly scanned the room to study everyone. Rogers was standing in front of his team, like some kind of protector facing a hostile force. Romanoff was just behind him, eyes sharp. Wilson and Lang were standing together a little further back, looking worried while Barnes was all the way in the back, leaning against the wall.

Maximoff was sitting on a couch, red-eyed and pathetic looking with Barton comforting her. She perked up the moment she saw Vision.

"Vis!"

She stood up to move forward but he automatically took a step back, making her come to an abrupt stop, looking confused.

Carol took advantage of that to launch into her speech, giving them the information about the meeting.

"It is mandatory to attend. Are there any questions?" she asked.

"Will the entire team be there?" Romanoff asked. "With Tony's restraining orders that will cause a problem won't it?"

"Dr. Stark will be present. The restraining orders are temporarily lifted during team meetings, team training and on the battlefield. This is only due to the special threat that is targeting Earth," Carol answered firmly.

There were a couple of scoffs when she called Tony 'Doctor' but Carol ignored it. Tony had several doctorates and if they were too stupid to realise that it wasn't her problem.

"So this meeting will also be a time to address problems," Rogers spoke up, looking determined and like he already had several issues he wanted addressed.

"Correct. There is already a rather long list from several different team members on the agenda," Carol answered dryly. The Rogues had racked up several problems that would normally require disciplinary action. After the meeting they weren't going to be treated with the kiddie gloves anymore.

"Vis? Can we talk?" Maximoff asked, voice soft and pleading and eyes downcast.

"No," the android answered simply. His voice wasn't cold or harsh. It was matter-of-fact.

Maximoff's head snapped up to look at him in shock and hurt.

"Now Vision," Rogers started in a condescending voice but Vision cut him off. Carol was damn proud. The android was starting to pick up some things from Tony after spending so much time around him.

"Captain, we will be late if we don't leave now," he said, turning to Carol.

She made a show of looking at her watch. "Dammit, you're right. And I want to see Spidey try bowling for the first time since getting his powers."

"You should not be betting over whether or not he's going to accidentally stick to the ball," he scolded her in amusement.

She gave him a grin. "Aww but it's fun Vis!"

They ignored the Rogues as they turned to leave.

"Vis?" Maximoff's voice wavered.

"I have no interest in pursuing any friendship or relationship with you Miss. Maximoff," he told her without turning around. "You behaviour has quite clearly indicated to me that we are incompatible."

Carol gave the android a grin when they were outside, having left the Rogues stunned silent.

"Good work there Vis. You stood up for yourself."

He gave her a small smile which fell into a thoughtful frown moments later.

"I believe that Mr. Murdock is correct in his suspicions. There is a subtle layer of her magic surrounding Agent Barton."

Carol sighed. "I was hoping you'd just tell me that he's a natural asshole," she admitted.

Vision gave her an understanding look. "I will work with Doctor Strange and Prince Loki to find the best counter to her powers.

Carol nodded, running a hand through her hair. It was frustrating but she knew that they'd figure it out. They were a team and they helped each other. Half of them may want to strangle Barton still but that didn't mean they would leave him in a dangerous situation.

"Friday, keep an eye on things," she instructed.

"Of course Captain. I will inform you of any changes or odd behaviour," The AI promised.

"Thanks," she took a moment to switch her focus. "Now, let's head out. Jess owes me twenty bucks if Spidey sticks to the bowling ball.

She grinned at the sound of Vision's long-suffering sigh behind her.