"THE AVENGERS," SOFIA FINISHED FOR TONY, SHOCKED AT WHAT SHE WAS SEEING. Over the course of the past few weeks, Sofia had met quite a few Avengers, but now every single one of them was sitting right before her. Well, no. Not everyone. Sofia remembered how Banner and Thor were MIA since Ultron attacked two years ago so it made sense why they weren't present.

But still, she was facing new people all at once; it was startling.

The spacious conference room suddenly felt suffocating, and Sofia's nerves started to fray. She's never felt so threatened in her life before -- well maybe once but she doesn't talk about it.

All eyes focused on her, making her heart race and her throat tighten. The silence was unbearable, and she knew she had to break it. But the words eluded her; shock paralyzed her voice.

Natasha Romanoff looked at her with a strange expression, one that Sofia hoped was positive. Romanoff was still hard to read, probably because of her intensive training, but Sofia was slowly getting used to it. If the teen was right, she hoped to be rubbing off on the ex-assassin; it would make things a lot easier and take her one step closer to the goal.

Steve Rogers had both his elbows propped up on the table, his seat facing Tony's. He smiled softly at her. Ask anyone and they'd say Rogers' presence always felt welcoming, but to Sofia, it felt disgusting. Near him sat Sam Wilson with his eyebrows furrowed.

The android, Vision, sat at the table wearing normal people clothes, which somewhat startled Sofia. It was an odd sight to see: a robot wearing clothes. His expression remained painfully neutral, intimidating the teenager. Though, Sofia remembers Natasha saying that he was a bit dense -- no wonder why.

Clint Barton, someone she hadn't met yet, stared up at Sofia with curiosity and confusion written on his face, while James Rhodes frowned at Stark. "Another child? Really Tony?" Sofia's face contorted visibly.

And lastly, the Maximoff twins.

Pietro Maximoff was a ghost -- and not only because he was fast. There was almost nothing about him on S.H.I.E.L.D. files or the internet; it was like he didn't exist. But on the other hand... everyone knew about his sister.

At a loss for words, Sofia's gaze unwillingly found Wanda Maximoff's, and her heart began to race. That witch could read her mind at any moment and uncover the truth about this entire plot of hers; it would ruin everything. Sofia did not come this far only for Maximoff to destroy it.

She subtly took a deep breath, acting simply surprised and not anxious. Sofia had to keep this ruse going at all costs, especially now that Ruby was counting on her, too. They'd just become allies and she couldn't let this grand opportunity go to waste.

Calm down, calm down, calm down... she repeated in her head. You've practiced for this exact moment.

But why did Stark insist on throwing surprises at her? First, he invited Barnes and Rogers to stay at the compound, and now this? Would they all be living here now? Would she be next-door neighbors with them? What if they heard her sneaking out at night?

Oh, this is problematic, she thought.

"This is Valentina, everyone," Tony announced to the group, not even caring about revealing her identity to everyone. She bit back a scowl only in hopes of not seeming negative. "Otherwise known as Apex."

"I, uh," Sofia started, adding a tinge of surprise in her voice, "Hi."

Sofia made Valentina a naturally nervous girl around her heroes, as demonstrated before. Now, she has to keep that ruse going. After all, Apex is considered a new hero just trying to be like the Avengers. They are Valentina's idols.

Tony nudged his head toward the empty seat next to his, "Take a seat, we've got a lot to talk about."

His tone felt like that of a parent ready to scold a kid, but Sofia wasn't worried. She knew she covered all her tracks well so there was nothing wrong. If anything, bringing together all the Avengers and her probably meant something politically.

"I thought the Accords were still in place?" Sofia carefully mentioned as she sat down. Clint Barton was allegedly on house arrest and Steve Rogers should be on the run with Natasha Romanoff, Wanda, and Pietro Maximoff. Hell, Bucky Barnes should have been arrested years ago. It only made her think about how the Avengers always got what they wanted; the exact reason they needed to end.

"That," Tony began, gesturing toward the crowd of heroes around the room, "is what we're here to discuss. I managed to convince Ross to solve these problems using democracy."

Guessed it, Sofia mentally applauded herself.

Natasha rolled her eyes, "Don't lie to the girl, Stark. I know you don't want to taint her view of you but that's not what happened," she turned to Sofia. "Steve managed to prove to the government that the Avengers were and are needed and all the events in the past relating to us were necessary for our intervention."

"Right, as I was saying," Tony continued, deciding not to acknowledge Romanoff. "We are deciding to renegotiate the Sokovia Accords, trying to come up with a compromise."

She furrowed her eyebrows, not yet understanding. The Accords had seemed final in the eyes of the government, why open renegotiation? "What type of compromise are you offering?"

"I'm so glad you asked," Tony put his elbows on the table and leaned in.

The teen felt Wanda's gaze still on her from her left, but she managed to clear all thoughts of mal intention with a clenched jaw. But, she didn't want to seem suspicious so she avoided the well-known tactic of singing a song in her head. Instead, Sofia focused on the conversation with Tony.

"We are proving to Ross that the new generation of Avengers won't be..... as destructive as us. He needs to know that 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes' will be this planet's next line of defense. Threats are always on the horizon, and as seen before, the government can't always handle them."

He continued, "It's clear that he doesn't like nor trust us, so we've decided to put together a group of new people he will trust. A group of people that have done no harm yet. Therefore, when the day does come that we manage to screw up again and half of us are locked behind bars, there will be people still out there doing the job."

Steve picked up where Tony left off, "This group of people will undergo training both organized by S.H.I.E.L.D. and us here at the compound so Ross feels that he has a grip on the steering wheel, per se. However, the government will not own this new generation of Avengers, unlike what he attempted last year."

Sofia began to understand where this topic was heading, "But what will happen to you guys?"

"Nothing, not for now at least," Rogers replied, noticing the worried expression on the girl. Little did he know that it was all a lie. She could not care less. If anything, this news was great for her. It proved that the government did not trust them, and eventually, the entire system would crumble.

The billionaire resumed his speech, "Our new generation is slowly being built. So far we've got the twins," referring to the Maximoffs, "Spider-Man.... and Apex."

Sofia's face almost scrunched in disagreement. The media already hates Wanda Maximoff for destroying a building in Nigeria. It would not be wise to make her a part of this new team full of 'trustworthy heroes.' But she could not voice her opinion out loud.

Though, it was just then that Sofia fully processed what Tony said. She paused, her head shooting in Stark's direction, "Wait, you said Apex would be a part of this new group of 'heroes.' Does that mean I'll be an official Avenger?" Her voice was laced with excitement.

Her plan was already working better than she expected; it's barely been two months and they've already got her hooked onto the team.

Tony nodded at Natasha. According to Agent Romanoff, Sofia is exceeding all expectations in both hand-to-hand combat and the use of her powers. She has extensive knowledge that even university students fail to have and has the most important thing: a will to fight. Sofia never gives up, even when Natasha constantly beats her in a fight. No, Sofia always gets back up from the floor. The newly blonde woman knows that being younger than the rest of the team is not a weakness, it's a strength. If that doesn't make an Avenger, then Natasha doesn't know what will. "It's official, you're an Avenger now."

She allowed her jaw to drop a bit, not having expecting becoming an Avenger for at least another few months. Was it always this easy?

From across the table, she caught a faint smile coming from Bucky Barnes. It was still very unsettling seeing the man who killed her parents and burned her alive sitting just a few feet away from her. But, she had to act normally... for now. "Are you being serious? If not, this isn't funny, Stark."

Tony gasped dramatically, "Why would I ever joke about that? I'm a notoriously serious person."

Sofia let in a deep breath as the realization settled in: she was officially an Avenger. Well, technically Valentina was, not her. The world will never know the name Sofia Alurez.

Wanda Maximoff nudged her shoulder from the side, "Welcome to the team."

Steve interjected before anyone could start their congratulations, "But there's something important Tony and I need to tell you." He sat up from his seat and went to the far end of the room, giving Tony a look. Stark also shot up from his seat with a regretful expression, making Sofia's mind go haywire. What now? She decided to follow Tony and Steve to the end of the room to find out.

Rogers crossed his arms, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "There is a downside to being an Avenger, though. The government will have to know Apex's identity and you will be required to have a legal guardian; they won't allow an underaged teen to roam around without one. However, you can decide whom you'll want that to be."

Her eyes widened. A legal guardian? She had to get adopted for this plan to work? No, no, no, that was never supposed to happen. She didn't want a legal parent, especially none of these people. Sofia already had her fair share of parents and it did not end well.

"A legal guardian?" she echoed, "I thought Tony said he'd keep me off the CPS's radar? I've lived alone all my life and now I'm here, isn't that enough?"

Stark winced, recalling that he did say that to her. "I know, I know, but that was before this entire mess came into view. Val, the government will not allow an unsupervised minor to become an Avenger, or even go out into harm's way. Especially with the incredible abilities you have. My hands are tied, but at least you can choose who you want it to be?"

Shit, this is not good. If she doesn't agree to the government's terms, they'll remove her suit and stick her in a foster system either way. There was no way out of this. "How long are they giving me to decide?"

"A month," Tony replied with a twirl of the pen in his hand. He knew how badly she did not want a legal guardian, but it was the only option.

A month. Only one month until she'll have another legalized parent.

She reminded herself that it was only just for now. Once the Avengers are wiped out, she can have Felicia remove any government documentation relating to Valentina and everything will be perfect. She'll go back to living on her own like she wants.

"Okay," she nodded. "I can't believe I'm being de-orphanized."

Stark blinked a few times, "Okay? Just like that?" Tony furrowed his eyebrows. If he had been a minor when his parents died, he would have rewritten the law simply to avoid becoming someone else's child.

She pursed her lips, faking to look honest. With a shrug, Sofia bit the corners of her mouth, "It's not like I have a choice. It's either this or go into foster care and not have my suit; I'd rather not."

Now that was the most truthful thing she's said these past two months.

Tony then looked to have remembered something by the way he randomly jolted. "Oh, I hate to ask you this but Ross wants a public announcement that Apex is now considered an Avenger. Press meetings, a presentation, all the works. How does that sound? I know you try and avoid the press at all costs like Spider-Man."

Annoyingly so, Sofia mentally commented.

With a two-faced smile, the girl decided to finish the conversation in a lighter tone, "As long as I don't have to stand at the podium and say 'I am Apex ' since I know that's more your style."

Steve chuckled at her words but attempted to turn it into a cough at Tony's expression. "Funny. I'm sure the reporters would have a laugh at that, although no one can do it as well as me."

She rolled her eyes knowing he 100% meant it. "Yeah, right."

Tony was adjusted to "Valentina's" sarcastic behavior by now, but she was still planning to be careful around the others. Valentina, to them, needed to seem like a cool, but nervous teenage girl with the desire to help others. The sarcasm comes later, once "Valentina" begins to "open up."

It was this whole, complicated strategy she and Felicia had created. Rarely anyone is comfortable with people they just meet, so Sofia needs to recreate that emotion around the others, making Valentina seem more authentic.

Steve placed a hand on her shoulder, "Now, go meet the others. Tony wouldn't stop talking about you to them so they're anxious to officially meet the newest teammate."

She had to stop herself from shoving Steve's hand from her shoulder, instead forcing a smile to come through. What gave him permission to touch her? They were far from friends, at least in her opinion. Of course, he couldn't know that, so she allowed it. "Wow," she let Valentina become amazed by his claim.

Tony scoffed, "No, I did not. Don't feed into her ego; she may not show it but it's there."

"Do I?" Sofia pretended to go into a mock deep thought. She smirked, "I don't think so."

"See what I'm saying?" Stark shook his head, trying to get Rogers to side with him.

Steve, on the other hand, played along, "Tony, I think you're projecting onto Val here." Sofia didn't even know Captain America himself could ever land a joke. It was a shock for sure. Or maybe he simply liked being annoying to Stark.

"I can't believe it, you've turned my own teammate against me," Tony shook his head in over-exaggerated disbelief.

Sofia saw an opportunity and so she took it, "I'm pretty sure that's already happened before and it wasn't because of me."

Steve let out a loud chuckle, shaking his head while Tony's mouth flew open. He pointed at her, "You know what, you cheeky little --."

Steve cleared his throat before Tony said anything that could get him arrested. "I will never understand your generation's humor."

Sofia shrugged, "It's probably better that way." She then pivoted on her heels and made her way back to the main conversation at the table. The brunette sat right back down beside Wanda and focused on keeping her mind clean. Then, she tried to initiate a conversation.

"I have been a fan of yours for years," and smiled, before angling her head toward the blond boy next to Wanda, "And your brother's."

Pietro Maximoff took his cue to smirk, enjoying the praise. His eyebrows raised playfully as he said in this thick Sokovian accent, "Would you like an autograph?"

Sofia didn't know he'd respond like that, much less enjoy it. Maybe he was immature for his age - or rather acting accordingly. If the internet told her correctly, both twins would be in their mid-twenties right now; maybe she should see them as older teens instead of middle-aged adults like the others. "I'm sure it'd sell for a bunch of money on eBay."

Wanda's head tilted in confusion, mumbling, "eBay..?"

On the other hand, Pietro gave Sofia an impressed look, "And how do you know I haven't done that already, hm?" He looked the farthest thing from serious, "Money is money, no?"

She nodded, "That's why I use Tony's credit card instead of my own." It was true.

He laughed abruptly, "I like you already." Then, he mischievously leaned in closer to Sofia, "I'll give you an autograph for your eBay if you pass me his card number."

Wanda blinked a few times, not understanding the conversation at all. She then, timidly, furrowed her eyebrows, "What am I missing?"

Pietro winked toward Sofia, "Eh, nothing much, Wans." He got up from his seat, holding an empty glass in his hand, "Am I the only one that's suddenly thirsty? Seems so."

Wanda gave him her empty cup as well, asking for some more water. There was an extended pause before she continued, "So, where's the name 'Apex' from?"

Sofia shrugged, putting on a more shy expression on her face. No one's asked her that question yet, though she's practiced what to say dozens of times. "Well, Apex means being the best, or at someone's peak, like an apex predator. I guess being Apex is allowing me to be the best version of me - if that makes sense?"

Wanda hummed in response, "It does."

Think of a question to ask her, quickly, Sofia instructed herself. She would not want the conversation to get awkwardly quiet, allowing Wanda time to sort through her head. No, she had to keep her talking. "What about you? All I've seen the media call you is 'Wanda Maximoff,' ... amongst other things."

The Sokovian chuckled dryly at the reminder - Sofia's exact goal - before contorting her face in thought. "I never thought of myself as a superhero, especially not one for the media to know of. I don't think I deserve that level of recognition after Nigeria. I'm not someone little girls should look up to."

Damn right, Sofia voiced internally. Though, she couldn't actually say that. Instead, she shook her head, "That's not true. For so long, I was afraid of coming out with my powers to the public, but then I saw you on the news. Yes, the Avengers pre-existing helped but they're different. At some point or another, they all had experience in the field, but you didn't."

She continued, "Your first mission in Nigeria showed me that it wasn't necessary to be a middle-aged man with either 7 PhDs or have some sort of special name, but it could be just a girl who's trying her best. Sure, Nigeria didn't end well but you didn't activate the bomb yourself. Had the bomb gone off before you intervened, the death toll would have been much worse - including yourself and Steve. Personally, you are a hero little girls should look up to. Don't sell yourself short."

And the second Oscar goes to...

Wanda remained silent for a few seconds, something Sofia took as a good sign. She wasn't worried, not yet at least.

Sofia had just given Wanda everything she's been wanting to hear for years. It was a direct pathway to gain her trust. So, she decided to finish off with, "So yes, I do think you should come up with some creative name for yourself."

Felicia would be so proud.

Wanda gave a weak smile, obviously trying to find comfort in the girl's words. It was the first time she's ever heard anything like it, so it was quite a shock. Steve told her Nigeria wasn't her fault, but his words did not come close to Sofia's. This felt more personal.

She drew circles in the palm of her hand, something Sofia guessed was a comfort mechanism. Wanda finally looked up, "Thank you, Val. It means a lot."

I know it does, Sofia smiled. "Of course. It's only the truth." Lies.

After a few long hours of chatting with the Avengers, Sofia sat alone in her room with a pen and pencil on her desk. She twirled the pencil in her hand, staring at the page with satisfaction. The words "TRUST LEVELS" were written in big, bold letters at the middle of the page. Beneath it were each of the more important Avengers' names and how to get them to trust her. She wrote:

PIETRO: humor.

STEVE: kindness and selflessness.

NATASHA: resilience and confidence.

WANDA: moral and emotional support.

TONY: sarcasm and being dependent on him.

But one stumped her. The Bucky Barnes line on the page drew blank as she's completely avoided him like the plague. She really had no intention of getting to know him, but she may have no choice. Sofia needed all of the Avengers to trust her or else the plan wouldn't work. Felicia and Ruby were counting on her - hell, she was counting on herself.

BUCKY BARNES: _______

She bit her lip in frustration, suddenly feeling the urge to light the paper on fire and end it all. But she couldn't; not when she's already come so far.

Sofia needed to know how Barnes gave his trust to people. She needed to know how he ticked - what he liked and disliked. She needed to know him as a person and not as 'The Winter Soldier.'

The pencil snapped in her hand as she unconsciously put too much pressure on it. She stared at the broken pieces with irritation, suddenly hating everything around her.

a/n:
yes i decided to keep pietro alive bc him dying in AoU was such a waste of his character