Chương 2: C (19)

"But what if they refuse?" said Steve.

"If there is a world-ending threat and we are not allowed to enter the country, what then? And it causes untold destruction because we could not act? Are we supposed to let it happen? Will we then be detained indefinitely because of our actions saving the world?"

Tony frowned and re-read the passage himself. "Ok, Cap, you have a point. It isn't clear and we do need to clarify." He wondered if that had been Steve's objections to the Accords in the first place. "How do you feel about obeying the Accords when it isn't urgent missions which need acting on straight away?"

Steve frowned, his shoulders tightening.

Tony noticed his physical reaction. "You still do not like it, do you?"

"No…" Steve shook his head. "I just…"

"Want to go where you are needed." Tony could see what Steve was having trouble with.

"Steve, we cannot do what we want in this world all the time. I do not want you to become a criminal. We have to stay together. If we defy the laws at every turn we are no better than the bad guys. Wasn't it helpful we informed the authorities of Rumlow's attack in Lagos? They could discreetly evacuate people and remove highly dangerous materials from being stolen. Just think what could have happened if we hadn't informed them or gained permission? People would have died." Tony said.

"I know," admitted Steve. "But…"

Tony watched carefully, knowing Steve was considering all the facts.

"If we are allowed to act without permission in world-ending or imminent life-threatening threats then I will sign the Accords."

Tony's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You will?" he stammered.

A small inclination of the head gave Tony his answer.

"Are you sure?" He felt he needed to clarify it again. Steve's response was a surprise but a welcome one.

"We discussed it. Friday showed us polls and opinions on the Avengers presently. The people we save want us to not be entirely independent, to be answerable to someone. But these safeguards have to be put in place before I will agree to sign anything."

"Wow."

Steve cricked his head. "You seem surprised?"

He was. He really was. The Steve of his time had been completely adamant against the Accords, not willing to compromise at all.

This Steve…. They're the same, Steve! He reminded himself. "I'm just happy you are willing to compromise. We need the Avengers together, Cap…"

"You keep saying that," mentioned Steve, leaning forward across the desk, hands clasped in front of him. "Why?"

Tony hesitated. Could he say something without giving anything away?

'Yes.' A voice sounded in his mind.

He had permission.

"Something is coming, Cap. I don't know when but something is… And we need to be together to face it. It'll be bigger than anything we've faced before but it will be a lot harder to defend the Earth from this threat if we are not working with the government."

Lowering his gaze, the other man contemplated the new information. "How long have you known?"

Tony shrugged. "Since New York. Steve, we are not prepared for what is out there. We were lucky last time but next time, we might not be so lucky. If we do not stay together we will lose. You said it yourself, last year that we would lose together too. But I'd rather be in the position to defend the Earth from now until then, rather than be operating illegally."

"Would they really stop us if there was a world-ending threat if we didn't sign?"

"Probably not but they'd want us to answer to it afterward."

"Even if we saved the world?" pointed out Steve.

Tony grimaced. He knew Steve and the others had been given leave to return after Thanos. The Accords had been disbanded but it didn't matter now as the Accords were still in play. "The Accords are the only way we stay together, Cap. I can try to change them so it is easier for us but you have to play your part too."

"Why won't you not sign them?" Steve locked his gaze. "You could break the law with us."

Tony's eyebrows rose at Steve's suggestion. "And jeopardize my entire livelihood? They could take away all my money, my business, everything I own. I have a lot of things at stake if I do not sign. By signing, I am able to keep everything, including my suits. I can't let them get access to them, Steve."

"So you've been pushed into signing."

Shaking his head, Tony leaned back in his chair. "No. I made the choice which works best for me and that is to sign. I can't be any help to you if I'm in jail. The Accords are the middle ground the world needs right now. Whether they last or not is another point entirely. Until then we have to stick together. Help me help the world, Steve. We cannot afford to lose." 'Again,' he silently added.

He held out his hand across the table hoping Steve would take it.

Focusing his eyes on Tony's extended hand, Steve slowly reached out and took it. "We have a deal." He pulled his hand. "Make those changes, get clarification on the points we've raised, and we will all sign."

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Friday 13th May 2016

"He agreed to sign?" Natasha leaned back against the wall as they waited for admittance into the chamber where they would discuss the Accords with the committee.

"I know. I'm surprised too." Tony walked slowly up and down the corridor.

He was feeling antsy, wanting to get this meeting underway. "But it does depend on whether we can get the changes made to the Accords. It's the only way we're going to keep the team together. I can't go on the run. I told Steve why I couldn't. I cannot afford to not obey them."

"I think you did the right thing," observed Natasha quietly. "We've both learned from our mistakes. I shouldn't have helped Steve at the airport and allowed them to escape. I knew Steve would keep trying no matter what. Zemo wouldn't have been able to split us further apart if I hadn't helped Steve. But the answer is not splitting. It feels right to be working under the Accords."

"It will be easier to prepare the world this way," said Tony. "Minimise the damage Thanos may make." He glanced up as the doors to the chamber opened and they were beckoned inside.

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