[Steve catches the look, meeting Tony's eyes with something alert and familiar, like he's expecting that sort of look out of him. It's instinctive for him to wait for Tony Stark to give him subtle, silent cues. He's not even sure Tony always realizes he does it, but Steve catches them. He doesn't blink. Ross is an obstacle. He's used to jumping over those.
What he isn't ready for is the news of SHIELD coming down. It's not entirely a shock -- It's SHIELD, and the risk is always there. But this is his first time hearing it. He tenses slightly.]
The Avengers don't belong to SHIELD. I understand that you wanted to help, Tony. You did what you could. But the Avengers aren't the government's task force. And they shouldn't be. Not when there are people who want to throw that on the table to begin with. Pretty soon, they realize they've got their pet superheroes that they can lead around or else and the or else gets tighter. What did they tell you? That you'd all get free movement eventually? That you weren't the threats, but they still wanted you to stay close?
[And he sounds irritated again. Restless. But he doesn't raise his voice.]
no subject
What he isn't ready for is the news of SHIELD coming down. It's not entirely a shock -- It's SHIELD, and the risk is always there. But this is his first time hearing it. He tenses slightly.]
The Avengers don't belong to SHIELD. I understand that you wanted to help, Tony. You did what you could. But the Avengers aren't the government's task force. And they shouldn't be. Not when there are people who want to throw that on the table to begin with. Pretty soon, they realize they've got their pet superheroes that they can lead around or else and the or else gets tighter. What did they tell you? That you'd all get free movement eventually? That you weren't the threats, but they still wanted you to stay close?
[And he sounds irritated again. Restless. But he doesn't raise his voice.]
It's not your fault.