Troubled

The Accords

      "Tony, we need serious help.  They've got Wanda and Clint."  Nat informs.  She was worried about the accords situation.  Natasha Romanoff worried?  That's a first.

      "Already ahead of you.  I've got two candidates in mind."

      Tony arrived at a small apartment in Queens.  This was his first candidate.  As he conversed with the candidate's aunt, May, a young boy walked in.

      His eyes widened, but tried to remain cool.  "Hey!  I-I'm Peter."  He introduced himself.  

     "Tony."  He introduced himself with a warm smile.  Tony wanted Peter to know he was on Peter's level.  He was just Tony.  After a private conversation with Peter and some serious convincing, Peter decided to join the team.  One down, one to go.  

      Tony pulled up to a large building in Greenwich Village.  "Are you sure this is the right place, Fri?"

      Friday's calm voice spoke back to him.  "Yes, Boss.  You know I'm always accurate."

      Tony knocked lightly on the huge wooden doors.  After a short amount of time, the door slowly opened.  "Yes?"  The opening in the door revealed a tall man with dark hair.  He had a goatee nice enough to rival Tony's own.  

      "Are you Stephen Strange?"  Tony asks.

      "It's doctor, but yes that's me.  What do I owe the pleasure of Tony Stark at my doorstep?"  He opens the door wider in order for Tony to step in.  

      "Have you heard about what's happened recently?  With Steve Rogers and James Barnes?"  Tony began to fidget with the collar of his shirt.  

      "Ah, yes.  The Sokovia Accords.  Steve Rogers has gone rouge, right?  And I'm guessing you want my help to bring him in."  Stephen leans against one of the walls.  "Would you like to sit?"

       Tony nodded and took a seat.  "Correct.  The Avengers need to be put in check and you seem powerful enough to help me out."

      "How do you know how powerful I am?  Actually, forget it.  I don't wanna know."  He took a seat across from Tony.  "The Avengers?  Taking responsibility for their actions?  Unlikely."

      "I know it seems unlikely, but I genuinely want to make up for the mistakes we've made.  The mistakes I've made."

      Stephen stays silent for a while.  "What makes you think I wouldn't side with Steve Rogers?"

      "I'm betting that you're a guy driven by a lot of guilt, like me.  We've both done some shitty things in our lives.  Wouldn't you like a chance to be seen as a hero of the public?"  Tony intrigues, resting his hands on his knees..

      "I'm not very big on fame.  What are you big on, Stark?  Other than accountability, what's driving you to do this?"  Stephen looked Tony in the eyes, waiting for a response.

      "Safety.  That's what the Avengers are all about, right?  Keeping the people of the world safe and protected.  I don't want anymore blood on my hands."  Tony said honestly.  "I don't want another Ultron."

      "Alright, Stark.  I'm in.  Can you try to keep me out of the spotlight for as long as possible?"

      Tony smiled.  "I'll try my best, but you know how the press is.  They're animals."  He stood up and shook Stephen's hand.  "I'll see you tommorow.  I'll send my driver Happy to pick you up."  

      "There's no need.  I have my own mode of transportation.  Where are we meeting?"

     "The Avengers Compound.  Then Germany."  I'll see you there."  And with that, Tony left the Sanctum to talk to Nat.