As soon as we landed I went below, wanting to keep away from Bruce until I blew off some steam. So I went to the only place I could, the gym. I swung by my room first to change into a tank top, shorts and gym shoes. The gym was empty for once, much to my relief. I headed straight for the punching bags and began working out. My thoughts went back to what happened back at the hut, anger flowed through me and I hit the bag harder and harder, ignoring the pain in my knuckles. Finally I was finished, and I looked down at my knuckles which were bloody and hurt like hell.
I went back to my room to clean up and put on some clean clothes. I took a quick shower and changed into a t-shirt, jeans and combat boots. I then cleaned up my fists and bandaged the up with gauze as best I could. I headed straight towards the control room, which is where I was pretty sure I would find Fury. I was correct, Bruce was there too, along with a tall buff blonde dude who looks like he walked straight ou of a 1940's movie
They were just finishing up a conversation when Fury turned to address me, "Agent Rose, show Dr. Banner to his lab." "For the last fucking time I am not one of you little agent anymore. Not since the incident, which is your fault by the way," I snapped crossing my arms across my chest. For a second I thought I saw a look of guilt and regret flicker across his face. "Fine, come on Bruce," I said sighing. I grabbed Bruce's wrist and began pulling him in the direction of the lab, which I am pretty sure will be like his own personal nerdvana.
We walked down the long uniform gray hallways in silence. We walked into the lab together and I was about to leave when Bruce grabbed my wrist, gripping it lightly. "Nikki, I'm sorry. I realize how I must have made you feel," he apologized looking at me with his big brown eyes, that had always been able to make me melt. "It's fine Bruce," I said turning to face him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What did you do to your hands?"he asked frowning, examining my hands. "It's nothing, I was working out and I pushed my self too hard," I said. "You're lying," he said catching me in my lie. He examined my face for a few seconds before he pulled me against his chest, and wrapped his arms around me. It was like I had come home again, and as much as I hated to admit it I was in love with the man. I rested my head against his chest before I pulled away. "I have to go," I said before pulling away and turning around, running away, his hurt expression imprinted in my memories. I couldn't let myself do that to him, he would get hurt in the end, they always do. On my way I bumped into Romanov. "Nicolette, we've located Loki and Fury wants you to come with us to retrieve him," Romanov said staring at me expectantly waiting for my answer. "Fine, let me suit up first," I said sighing, ignoring the smug look on Romanov's face.
My uniform looked a lot like Romanov's except mine had a leather jacket, combat boots, finger-less gloves and goggles that sort of a steam punk feel to them. I pulled my long dark brown hair back into a bun and made my way to the air hanger, which is where I was supposed to meet up with Romanov. Much to my surprise Romanov wasn't alone, standing beside her was tall blonde dude I had seen in the control room.
"Steve this is Nicolette Rose, Nicolette this is Steve Rogers aka Captain America," Romanov introducing us. "It's a pleasure to meet you Agent Rose," Steve said holding out his hand to shake mine. "As you know from the little spat I had with Fury, which you were present for by the way, I am no longer an agent," I replied glaring at him, my arms crossed across my chest. "Mam, I think you may have over reacted," Steve said gently. "Steve don't go there, it's an extremely touchy subject for her and her reaction was justified," Romanov told him, an almost dangerous edge to her tone. I gave her a grateful look, in which she responded with a nod and a look of understanding. For once I felt connected to the assassin, she knows of the pain I went through. She understood because she knows the pain of being turned into a monster. Though in different ways, we are still much the same. In a single moment of understanding I had gained in her a friend, which is something I have been in need of since they day Bruce left me.