Chapter 222: Choice

"Extraordinary! Extraordinary! Captain America to run for President as a third-party candidate!"

"The hero returns! Can the former leader guide us out of crisis once again?"

"Polls show overwhelming support—most respondents say they would vote for Captain America!"

The news blared from every screen, echoing across the lobby of the Tony Tower. Inside, the Avengers had gathered, each carrying their own opinions, while outside, the press swarmed, eager for a comment.

For weeks, the Avengers had been scattered, responding to Wakanda's calculated and widespread incursions. But now, something even more monumental demanded their attention—a decision that could redefine the world's future.

"Steve, I've got to be honest," Tony began, carefully weighing his words. "You shouldn't get involved in politics. It's not your thing." He paused before adding, "And, well… I've never liked politicians much anyway."

"However," Natasha interjected, leaning forward, "people need unity now more than ever. They need a leader who can rally them, someone they trust. No one fits that bill better than you, Steve."

"But today's world is not what it was seventy years ago," Banner added cautiously. "The ideals you stood for back then might not work in a modern context. Things are more… complicated now."

"That may be true," Sam Wilson countered, "but if Steve is elected, it could mean the official repeal of the Sokovia Accords. That's something to think about."

Clint smirked. "Honestly, I never thought a scrappy kid from Brooklyn would end up running for president. But hey, stranger things have happened."

"I don't know," Vision mused, his calm voice breaking through the discussion. "Steve lacks the experience for such a role, and that could be a significant challenge."

"Experience?" Rhodey scoffed. "Experience like approving a nuclear strike on New York? Yeah, that worked out real well, didn't it?"

The group's debate grew louder, voices overlapping as they presented their views. Steve, standing silently in the center, felt his head begin to ache. Finally, Tony waved his hands, calling for order.

"Enough, enough! Everyone's got valid points here," Tony said. "But let's be real—this isn't something we can decide for him. Steve's gotta make the call himself."

All eyes turned to Steve.

Steve stood in silence for a moment, processing the cacophony of opinions. He opened his mouth to speak when—

"Hey! You didn't think to invite me to this little shindig? I'm not too late, am I?"

A familiar voice rang out, and the group turned to see Thor, standing at the doorway with a grin, Jean Grey at his side. His imposing figure and the casual confidence in his stride filled the room with a new energy.

"Thor!" Natasha greeted, raising an eyebrow. "And… you brought Jean Grey? Again with the 'new faces' every time we see you?"

Thor ignored the quip, though Tony jumped on the opportunity to tease. "Seriously, Thunder Boy, do you have a new 'friend' every time you show up? You're making the rest of us look bad."

Jean's expression remained stone-cold, unimpressed by Tony's playful jab. She crossed her arms and fixed him with a pointed look. "Some of us find that 'glib playboy' act more annoying than charming."

Thor chuckled as Tony raised his hands in mock surrender. "Ouch," Tony muttered. "Tough crowd."

The tension eased, but Thor wasn't done. Pulling out his phone, he pressed play on a recording, and Tony's voice rang out loud and clear.

"Dude, I bet fifty cents your kid's gonna be a total pain in the ass—way worse than you. Probably gonna mess around, then settle down with some poor sap they don't deserve!"

The room erupted in laughter as the clip continued, with Tony eventually conceding, "Fine, if that happens, I'll leave it to you to knock some sense into them."

Even Vision let out a small chuckle, and Ant-Man nearly doubled over. "I'm sorry, Mr. Tony," Scott said between bursts of laughter. "I don't mean to laugh… unless I can't help it—like right now!"

Tony's face darkened, and the rest of the Avengers struggled to contain their amusement. Even Pepper Potts, standing at the back of the room, shot him a pointed look that said, Really?

"Okay, okay!" Tony snapped, his cheeks red with embarrassment. "Enough about me. Let's get back to the topic at hand. Thor, you're obviously not here by coincidence. Care to share your opinion?"

Thor grinned. "Politics isn't exactly my domain, Tony. But this situation reminds me of another leader—one who became president under unusual circumstances."

Everyone leaned in, curious.

Thor continued, "This man was an actor, a performer, when World War II broke out. He enlisted and was assigned as a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps' film team, using his talents to create training videos. Despite having no superpowers, no battlefield experience, he became a figure of unity and hope for his country. Sound familiar, Steve?"

Thor's gaze met Steve's, and though he spoke casually, the message was clear.

"I'll be blunt: I think you should do it."

The room went silent again, Thor's endorsement echoing in the air. The Avengers exchanged glances, their earlier arguments simmering down.

Steve rubbed his temples, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He was a soldier, not a politician. Yet, as he looked around the room, at the people who had fought alongside him and believed in him, he couldn't help but feel the enormity of what was being asked.

"Thor, your story's inspiring, but this is bigger than just being a symbol," Steve said at last. "If I do this… it's not about me. It's about the people—bringing them together, giving them hope."

"That's precisely why it has to be you," Thor replied, his voice steady. "The people need someone who can embody those ideals. Not a politician. A leader."

Steve glanced at the others, each of them watching him intently. He could see the trust in their eyes, the belief that he could rise to this challenge. For the first time, he began to wonder if they were right.

"I'll need time to think," he finally said. "This isn't a decision I can make lightly."

Tony gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Take all the time you need, Cap. Just know we've got your back—no matter what."

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