A/N: This is just an experiment to be honest. I'm not really too sure about it. Anyway, tell me what you think, please. I own nothing but Novella Hill…Happy reading
The book in front of me slammed shut on its own, the noise of it jerking me awake. Getting over the initial shock of it, I stared blankly down at the palm spread out over the cover, as if guarding it from my eyes. They were soft delicate hands that I knew right away, but despite this I followed the length of the arm to look my intruder in the face. I hate being right.
"Maria," I said softly, eyeing my finger nails and hiding my face.
"Don't try this with me. I don't have time for it." she was as firm and straight forward as always.
She still hadn't removed her hand from my book, not knowing what to say I stared at it like an idiot. She was always better suited for conversation than me.
I looked curiously at her from the corner of my eyes. "Nice to see you, too."
Her face softened, and her demeanor changed as she plopped down in the seat across from me, releasing the book from her tense grasp. "Where have you been?" she accused tiredly, shaking her head at me.
I kept my gaze trained on the suddenly intricate designs of the faux wood, and began tracing it with my finger. I paused and opened my mouth to say something and closed it again.
"Around."
I knew that wasn't a satisfying answer for someone like Maria, but I was feeling guilty. I couldn't bring myself to face her disappointed expression.
"Well," she said stiffly, "I guess it's time for a reunion, wouldn't you say?"
I frowned. Knowing her what she was going to say next. "What do you mean?"
She leaned forward, getting in my personal space "What I mean, Nova, is that it's about time you got back to your old business."
"I-I can't. That's behind me."
"Regretfully, you don't have a choice. It's an order by SHIELD."
I finally met her eyes indignantly. "I cut whatever ties I had with SHIELD a long time ago!"
"You and I both know, once an agent always an agent. We've been keeping tabs on you; SHIELD never cuts a tie with anyone. Especially not you." She leaned back in her chair, watching me fidget and wipe sweaty palms on my faded jeans.
She hasn't changed at all, I reflected, besides the small cut on her cheek.
"I was afraid this day would come," I muttered.
She rolled her eyes. "Quit being dramatic. Fury is waiting."
"Can I at least bring my book with me?" I asked pathetically.
"It sure looked riveting." she replied flatly.
"I was tired!"
She turned and began walking away. I took this time to look around me. The library was empty. I shook my head.
"Typical SHIELD," I murmured to myself. I ducked my head down, grabbed my book, and followed Maria out the door.
The cool night air, though refreshing, chilled me to the bone. I pulled my heavy light pink sweater over my hands, something you think I would've grown out of since I became an adult.
Maria glanced back at me. "Are you really wearing a turtleneck?"
"What's wrong with that?" I countered, stumbling to catch up with her fast pace down the dark streets.
She didn't reply, just turned down into an ally, while I tried to walk, toss my book into my messenger bag, and not step in anything gross all at the same time.
"Get in the car." she said. "We have a plane to catch."
I gulped, tucking my hair behind my ear, and then untucking it again. Hesitantly I reached forward to open the vehicles door, but paused mid-reach.
The window rolled down. "Let's get a move on." Maria ordered sharply. Then she said under her breath as she fixed her grip on the steering wheel, "I can't believe you're my cousin...we're nothing alike..."
I frowned again as I climbed into the car. Once the door was closed, she immediately floored it.
"So," I began, grappling with my seatbelt, "Where're we headed?"
"Classified."
"Whatever happened to 'once an agent always an agent'?"
"You cut off ties from SHIELD a long time ago." she took a sharp turn, the scenery was flying by.
"So why do they need me now?" I asked more to myself than to her.
"There's been a rather...compromising situation involving a stolen source of pure energy, and a Norse god of trickery."
"This would make an awesome action filled Rom-com, don't you think?"
She ignored me.
"I'll fill you in later. Promise me you won't do anything stupid?" she begged, showing me she still wasn't a completely brainwashed SHIELD agent, and that she still had some emotions.
I chuckled. "I'm not promising anything, I know better."
She showed a hint of a smile.
I grinned, looking out the window. "Aren't the stars lovely tonight?" Knowing I wasn't going to get a response to small talk, I said what was really on my mind. "You never answered my question."
"The stars are the least of my worries, Nova."
"No...Why does SHIELD need me?"
"We need as many agents as we can get. This is an emergency, it's vital that you cooperate,"
"You're never short on agents."
"Do I really need to argue with you? We need agents, you're an agent! Do the math!" she snapped.
I shrunk back, tapping my fingers on my knee nervously. "Sorry," I whispered.
She gritted her teeth and made another sharp turn.
I glanced out the window, feeling a pang over the fact that she was still angry with me. But who could blame her? I was a coward, which was why I was avoiding SHIELD in the first place. I owed Maria, though.
I sighed, running a hand through my caramel hair. I really wanted a hot chocolate right about now. I haven't eaten all day; I haven't slept all night, and now this? It didn't matter now, though, I lost my appetite and I was currently extremely alert.
"We're here," she spat.
I took in a deep breath and opened the car door. Was redemption so hard to come by?
A/N: This is a Bruce/OC story most definitely...So, yeah, I would appreciate some reviews, suggestion, constructive criticism, anything you have to say really…other than something mean, because then I might cry…
Just Kidding!