Hiding in the Shadows

by Cas di Angelo

Agent Romanov isn't perfect. Far from, in fact. She's human, like the rest of us. She has likes and dislikes, hopes and fears. And one of the biggest fears happens to be huge and green.

I sink down against a cold metal wall, cradling my badly bruised ankle. But I don't try to stop the shaking. And I am shaking so hard. I've come close to losing my life before, and every time I've felt a little bit rattled. But never have I almost been killed so violently... I have a horrid flashback to when Banner was chasing me, and it felt like one of those nightmares where you can barely run fast enough.

I can hear Banner's roars echoing through the airship, but I'm beyond caring. As long as Thor keeps him away from me I'll be forever grateful. I'm shaking even harder now, and my breath is coming in short gasps. For a moment I can't figure out why but then I realize: I am terrified of that thing called the Hulk. Even when I was bringing him in, and he suddenly yelled at me. In my brief adrenaline rush I was able to whip out my gun with a speed that would make Clint proud.

I can hear static over the radio, the orders to draw Banner away from Thor and off the airship. I hope that whatever the plan—I'm past listening—nobody gets hurt.

In an effort to calm myself down, I force in a few slow lungfuls of air. At least I can slow my pounding pulse. In the mindless minutes that follow, the airship shudders and rocks, but I stay where I am. I doubt I'd be able to walk steadily anyway. Instead I sit hidden in my corner behind the pipes, trembling like the coward I am. Why couldn't I face Banner? I know why. With one blow he could crush my skull and leave me where I lie. I've read the reports. When he's 'the other guy' there is no thought, only instinct, and I would just be in the way. So I did the smart thing in running, right?

I sit there unmoving until I hear Fury's voice over the radio, practically begging for a response. Clint is on board, and someone has to take him out before the whole ship goes down. I force myself into action.

"I'm here," I say, pushing myself up. Fury gives me my orders, and I'm moving as if in autopilot. Anyone else who finds Clint first would act like a soldier; they'd end him there and then. That is, if they got the chance. I know Clint, so I know his fighting style. Ironically, I'm the only one who can save him. So I forget myself and get to work.