'So they just want us to sign away our rights and the other enhanced individuals. They will abuse the power. Just imagine the next time something happens the amount of casualties because those in power didn't think we were needed.' Clint argues with Tony.
'What about the people who already died because we didn't have order before.' He retorts back bitterly. The entire team is gathered around in the common room discussing the pros and cons . Clint is arguing with Tony along with Steve butting in.
'Councils have agendas and those agendas change. Just look at what happened in New York.' Steve argues.
'Look at what happened in Sokovia because we didn't have enough resources yo evacuate a lit more people could have died if Fury didnt show up.' Rhodey says.
Clint sighs and says 'Tasha sees sense. She agrees with me.'
Natasha bites her lip nervously and turns away to make some coffee. She doesn't want to answer, she doesn't want to see her family torn apart. But the only way to help is from inside the law. She turns back around meeting harsh gazes.
'Oh come on Tasha can you not see how ridiculous this is.'
She can't give anyone else her motives otherwise they could be used against her. 'I can see some sense. We need to win back everyone's trust whenever something happens we rock up and make a mess. We can try and negotiate after we've signed.'
'Well you've chosen your side Romanoff.' Natasha tries to hide how hurt she feels at these words. She has never been Romanoff to Clint. Even when she was first rescued it was always Natasha.
'Well Red I guess that's decided. Anyone who isn't signing the accords or retiring be out of the tower in the next hour. It'll give you a head start.' Tony says bitterly. He walks out of the room in a grump annoyed that everyone can't see the accords the same way. All of the now 'rebel' group begin to exit to pick up their stuff. Many of them giving her glares and annoyed looks, like she was the one that created the papers.
Natasha just sits there in her own guilt wishing herself down into the depths of the earth. How will her family ever become whole again.
Natasha comes home from a long day reluctantly tracking her family down to arrest them. Mentally and physically exhausted. She slumps down onto the couch and looks up to the ceiling focusing on the patch of stained paint from where there was some incident with some tomato ketchup. Happy memories come flooding back to her and she can't help but miss her family. Abnormally tears start to fall down her face. Tony appears round the corner nursing a bottle of whiskey. He too is exhausted and miserable about what being on the right side of the law means he has to do. He slumps down next to Natasha and looks out of the window glassy eyed.
'You ever feel like we made a bad mistake. It shouldn't have come to this. We are a family and a piece of paper comes between us.' Tony complains to her. She nods and sighs glancing at the billionaire. He similarly to her had bags under his eyes a nasty grey colour. His eyes are bloodshot from where he has been crying.
'We lost everything because of those accords. Possessions mean nothing. We lost every bit of love we had because we fucked up. I could have done so much different to get a better outcome.' She replies. Tony is quiet for a minute but then speaks up.
'I understand why you made your decision, Red.' Tony tells her. She looks at him inquisitively. 'No not the fake reason you gave everyone. I understand. You're trying to protect them from everyone that wants to hurt them. No one else can see that but I can. They will be thankful for it in the long run. And Clint.' Tony pauses gauging Natasha's reaction. 'He will forgive you. He loves you and will come to see why you did what you did.' He tells her. Natasha leans her head on his shoulder and they look out across New York City.
'Hey guys, the Black Widow and Iron Man are on the front page.' Scott calls as he picks up the tabloid. They are all hiding out at an abandoned apartment block away from all civilization but somehow a couple days old tabloid has made its way to their hideout. The others quickly gather round eager for news about their family. 'Iron Widow is a new ship. What - oh shit.' Scott reads out not fully processing what they mean.
'Hawkguy, she doesn't deserve you if she moved onto Stark that quickly.' Scott tries to amend. Clint quickly pulls the magazine out of his hand and starts to inspect it.
'Does anyone else find this kind of peculiar?' Sam asks. 'Those two have forever threatened and pranked each other and it didn't really seem to be anything like flirting.'
'I don't know about Stark but Natasha doesn't seem to be that type of person.' Wanda adds onto the conversation.
'Stark nor Nat would do anything of the sort.' Steve tells them.
'Guys it's much worse than that.' Clint sags butting in. Everyone turns to him shocked. 'No Ironwidow is not becoming canon. Look at the photo on the front page.' He points to the two figures on the page. Tony's got bags under his eyes to rival a panda. He is nursing a bottle of whiskey that looks empty. He's also tearing up and glassy eyed. Tasha has panda eye bags too and is actually crying. Like tears in front of Tony of all people. They are seriously going through a tough patch. Maybe even worse than us.'
'Don't they deserve it though? I thought they kicked you guys out of the tower?' Bucky adds in earning a couple nods from people and two intense glares from the super soldier and the super spy.
'It means that Stark is blaming himself, survivors guilt and is reliving his worst nightmare where he couldn't save people. That is his worst fear failing his family. That's what Wanda showed him in the vision when they first met. He also is trying to work under the noses of the government which is difficult. Alcohol means he hasn't been sleeping and is trying to lose himself in the drink. It's a very bad sign and could go on to cause something much worse in the future. ' Steve replied angrily towards his best friend.
'Natasha hasn't been sleeping which means nightmares which means horrors which surpass yours, Sargeant. She also is crying might I add in front of Stark. She doesn't show emotion most of you seem to have forgotten. She also is feeling survivor guilt. And being a spy means going over every single scenario of what might have gone different. Her nightmare is failing her family as well and being alone once again. She also might I add has a different reason for doing what she did than she told us.' He says, defending Natasha. Steve and Clint were very loyal to their family.
'Sorry I didn't mean to offend you guys. I was just basing it off information I had been given.' Bucky apologises. The two of them nod their heads accepting his apology.
'Got any vodka Tin-man.' Natasha asks at the arrive at the airport where the runaway group is supposed to be boarding.
'Unfortunately not Red but I assure you there will be lots more later to make up for the days sorrows.' He assures her.
'This day seems to be the stuff nightmares are made of.' She agrees.
'Please just see some sense in this and we can all just go home.' a sleep deprived Stark begs of Steve as he stands across from him.
'It isn't the right thing to do. Everyone here has the same thoughts as me. And if that doesn't work for you then there is only one option. Fight.' He replies.
Stark and Romanoff exchange a look of total sadness, having not wanted it to come to this level. They stand there for a moment deliberating over the best cause of action. Natasha gives Tony a sad smile and he returns it. 'This really is the ultimatum.' She breathes.
'Let's do it. They might not know why but we have to.' Tony tells her. They both take up positions ready to attack. Clint and Steve both frown not wanting to fight their family. However they know it's the only option so they agree.'
'I know you're determined about this Steve but is this the right way to go about it?' Natasha asks sadly as she blocks him from the quinjet.
'You know I can't stop.' Steve replies.
'I'm going to regret this.' She says as she shoots her widow bites straight into Black Panther's chest. 'Go.' She directs him.
'You really thought you two were going to launch a prison break without me.' Natasha smirks as the two soldiers jump. She sits at a desk legs up on the table. A USB finishes downloading and she grabs it. Standing up she begins to walk over.
'Romanoff.' Steve replies.
'Oh cut the slack Capsicle. Did you ever think for a second that me and Tony were actually for those accords. It was utter bullshit. But did anyone even stop to think before judging us no. The only reason we signed was to protect you and the others from the crap they call a government. I would have thought you of all people would be able to see that. Did you know the amount of shit Tony has done to stop the authorities from fi ding you guys. We have lied to Capitol Hill to keep you all safe.' She screams at him. Steve stands there shocked at her reaction. 'We were a family and you all get mad at us for trying to protect that. Luckily for you I come with a backup plan. I am getting my family out whether it kills me or not.' She pauses. 'Nice to see you James. Been a while.' She adds politely.
'Nice to see you too Natalia. I'm guessing brainwashing. Also congratulations on your engagement.' He adds.
'I knew it. I knew it was you.' She mutters under her breath. Steve looks gobsmacked but soon regains control of his emotions.
'Let's get them out of here. They've had enough shit already.' She addresses them and begins storming ahead towards the cells.
'Oh I swear to god if it isn't the little red haired double agent.' Scott says as Natasha comes into view. She glares at him and gives him the evil eye. She struts past his cell.
'I would be politer to your rescue team if I was you.' Bucky says coming behind Natasha along with Steve. The rebel team all gasp in shock at this revelation. 'I know you all want an explanation but you all deserve to go to hell at this point in time.' She says why fiddling with the lock on Wanda's cell she finally manages to break the lock and swings the door open.
'Wanda, sweetie, I'm going to take off your collar now.' Speaking harshly to Steve and James she snaps 'I would suggest you get off your asses and get you friends out.' They immediately jump into action and soon enough everyone is out. They make their way up to the helipad where an undercover Stark quinjet is landed.
Clint evaluates her as his walks out of his cell. She looks worn out and tired trying to cover it up with makeup. She doesnt even bother to give any of them a second look.
'Get in everyone and quickly.' She snaps at them. Everyone piles in and only when the door is closed does the pilot reveal himself to be none other than Tony Stark. None of his usual jokes or quips come today as both Natasha and him sit in the front seats looking depressed. He casts her a look and she replies with a smirk. They fist bump and then around to navigate a course. They take off speeding across the sea. And only when autopilot is turned on do the two og avengers turn around to answer questions.
'Why? Why did you sign?' Sam asks. Both Natasha and Tony sigh. Natasha starts to explain.
'Two reasons. One, we are the most feared avengers and no one trusts us. Two, trying to save your sorry asses.'
'What do you mean most feared avengers?' Wanda asks.
'I was a part of the KGB and Red Room. Russia is the sworn enemy of America. Stark has created a suit which could kill a lot of people. Also do I need to mention Ultron.'
'How does this effect you signing though.' Steve asks incredulously.
'If we didn't sign then the entire Stark industries would shut down. Thats all the suits and everything. It wasn't practical. Everyone else would be at risk and you were all more likely to get hurt if we were with you because we are considered the bigger threats.' He explains.
He earns a couple nods from people who seem to accept the explanation.
'Why did you guys fight us at the airport.' Wanda asks.
'We didnt have a choice. At that point in time Ross was overseeing our com line and if we tried to negotiate or anything the entire STARK industries would be gone and our covers would be blown.' Natasha tells them.
'Also we tried pulling our punches to send a message but none of you got the memo.'
'Where are we exactly going?' Scott asks.
'We're going to Avengers Tower dropping off Scott who Natashalie managed to get a house arrest deal so you can see Cassie. And to pick up Vision. Then Red is going to pilot the plane to a safe house while I stay with Pepper and Rhodey.'
'What safe house?' Sam asks.
'That's classified Wilson. You'll find out soon.'
One more question however is asked.
'When was the last time you both slept?' Clint asked concerned.
'About 76 hours ago for an hour.' Natasha informa him.
'Well I have to say you are the most badass pair I've met in the entire world. A prison breakout on that amount of sleep. Also thanks for covering our asses. I know it was you two I could tell by your expressions on the tabloid.' He tells them. They both smirk and high five. Everyone gets down to business preparing for everything.
Natasha however is not done with business and at a second is beside Bucky holding a knife at his neck. Everyone takes a step back from the pair. Steve looks concerned for his childhood friend.
'Nat, you do realise he's not winter soldier.' Steve says trying to calm her.
'I swear to god James say it. Say it or I will put a knife through your neck with no remorse.' She threatens.
Steve starts to grab his shield but Clint stops him.
'I am not HYDRA anymore. I am not Red Room anymore. I curse Madame B and Ivan to the deepest pits of hell. And most importantly Incinerate.' He recites almost bored by the situation.
'Thank god. Didnt really fancy murdering someone today.'
She walks over to Clint. He flings his arms around her and brings her into a massive bear hug. He then pulls back to bring her into a kiss. She reciprocates. They unlock lips and the redhead lowers her head onto his shoulder. He keeps his arms around her waist.
Everyone is at this point bamboozled except for Bucky and Stark who look on proudly like parents. Steve clears his throat and the two spies break apart. Sitting down on a bench facing towards Sam, Steve and Bucky.
'Who on earth did you think I was engaged to, Rogers?' She asks. Bucky smirks and she adds towards Clint. 'It was was Barnes. I was correct.' She tells him and he chuckles.
'Wait what. When did this happen Wanda asks her mother like figure.
'Like a day before the accords. We were going to tell everyone but like this happened.' Clint tells them. Tony lets out a sad smile.
'So that means technically after winter-brain here. I was the first one to know.' He receives nods from both of them. 'Haha. I knew before everyone else.' he says triumphantly. But then a yawn escapes his mouth and he starts to relax down in his seat for a nap. Natasha curls up, her head on Barton's lap as she prepares for a half an hour of sleep before they arrive at Avengers Towers.
After dropping the group at Avengers Towers. Clint and Natasha go to sit in the pilot seats and navigate.
'Well this is going to be a bit of deja vou for you Cap.' Clint calls to him.
'We aren't going where I think we are. Are we?' He receives a nod from the redhead and chuckles.