AVENGERS CIVIL WAR

Chapter 9

Here's the next chapter! I've been very busy, I apologise for the long gaps between updates. Enjoy!
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The meeting was scheduled and the Avengers simultaneously had a sinking feeling of suspicion; nothing positive was a going to come out of this. The peaceful atmosphere was shattered and they silently entered the meeting room.

Ross stood at the head of the table. The Avengers quietly gathered around him, pulling up chairs. Ross cast an eye over them.

"Where's Natasha Romanoff?" He inquired.

Sharon picked at the skin around her fingernails. She felt Steve staring at her and a flash of irritation rose in her chest. God sakes, he was not obligated to know. If Natasha wanted it between just her, then so be it. Sharon glanced up long enough to glare at him. Steve dropped his gaze.

"Romanoff is out of action currently," Tony spoke up, from the furthest corner of the room. He'd dragged his chair over to there. He honestly didn't know where the hell she was, but there was no way he was letting her get in trouble for being absent.

"Maybe you want to get her back in action," Ross snipped. Tony sat back and stared up at the ceiling, as if he was praying for God to give him patience.

"No disrespect intended," Sam intervened, "But can we cut to the chase? I have things to do today."

Ross cleared his throat once, then twice. A nervous habit, Wanda noticed. What he was going to say was anything less than favourable. The Avengers braced themselves.

"It would seem that while many people consider you all to be heroes, more consider you to be a threat to public safety," Ross began. He flicked on the screen next to him and photos appeared. On each one, he paused. "New York."

Tony's pulse leapt ahead and his mouth became dry. He distracted himself by pouring a glass of water.

"Washington D.C." Another image appeared on screen.

Sam's eyes drifted over to Sharon and Steve. The memories were as fresh as the day they happened.

"Sokovia." Yet another.

Wanda lowered her head, heat in her cheeks and emotion prickling her eyes. A hand drifted onto her knee and she savoured the warm, reassuring pressure. She did not need to look over to know who it was.

"These events may have seemingly heaped glory onto you all," Ross went on, "But in reality, they are sparking hatred and intolerance for the Avengers. The United States governments feel threatened. Other countries share similar sentiments. Although you saved the world those times from outside threats, your involvement is ruining the world from the inside. Yes, little kids run around with plastic Captain America shields from Walmart, but the majority are scared of you all. Particularly some of your...enhanced assists." Ross wasn't listing any names but it was apparent who he meant.

"So, what's the point behind this except to make us feel crappy?" Tony wanted to know, his arms folding across his chest.

Ross pulled out a thick binder from his polished leather suitcase. He slid it across the table towards Steve. "The Sokovia Accords. Approved by 117 countries, it states that the Avengers shall no longer be a private organization. Instead, they'll operate under the supervision of a United Nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary."

Steve looked as though a dead animal was laying on the table instead of a binder. "Avengers are supposed to be different than the governments. We are supposed to stand apart and make our own calls. And that is what we should be allowed to do."