Fact: You guys are amazing. Thank you for being patient, putting up with my weird love for increments of five, and supporting not only this story but me as well.

A special thanks to Lizzybug2000 and Nikki-Chaos for being kind and encouraging.

Another Fact: This is the longest chapter so far.

Does that mean I can ask for 15+ Reviews for this chapter?

I will anyways and see what happens.

GOAL: 15+ REVIEWS


And they tell you that you're lucky.

But you're so confused,

Cause you don't feel pretty, you just feel used.

- The Lucky One by Taylor Swift


Chapter Eight:


When it came down to it, Pippa Coulson considered herself a rather fine agent. She prided herself in her enthusiasm and dedication towards her work and always enjoyed the indescribable feeling when witnessing a mission being accomplished or a case being finally closed. Of course, she could modestly admit that she was not the best agent in her field and still had a lot to learn, but she did keep in mind that at the same time she was considered a role model to some of the agents at S.H.I.E.L.D.

And under any normal circumstances she would have been delighted to be designated the head of a new project S.H.I.E.L.D. was currently working on. She would have welcomed the chance of such a position with open arms. She would have jumped at the chance. In fact, it always had been her secret goal ever since she arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D. to be appointed in charge of a project but after a couple of years it occurred to her that there was a slim to none chance. Fury had occupied her with other tasks: reading reports, recruiting, checking in on certain figures (for example: Tony Stark), overseeing operations, and occasionally being a part of a few. She had nothing to complain about, she was in a comfortable position on the agency's pyramid and considered Fury's right hand woman by many.

And yet here she was finally a head of one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highly confidential projects.

She should have been ecstatic under normal circumstances.

But these were not normal circumstances.

With a sigh (which had been held inside for a long time) she gently rubbed her eyes. Exhaustion had finally hit her and she wanted nothing more than to sleep-even if it was only for a couple of hours. But work had to be done and the mountain of paperwork that was stacked on her desk wasn't going to disappear if she decided to rest her eyes.

Files were scattered all over desk and papers were strewn all over the place which was an unusual scene for Pippa. She was usually organized and focused, two traits that helped her rise through the ranks while she was at S.H.I.E.L.D. But her mind was focused on other things. It had only been a few hours (perhaps eight or so at the most) since the small group had embarked on their journey to Germany and returned with Loki (and an additional team member) in tow.

Or at least that's what she managed to hear through hushed fragments of conversation by other agents when she walked down the halls to refill her mug with coffee (which had been many times since she desperately wanted to hear any news that was available).

She had been tucked away in the quietest corner (not to mention the loneliest section) of the Helicarrier. People seldom came down which she would have normally welcomed such a quality in a workspace if it wasn't for the fact that Fury had basically relocated her abruptly without any sound reason. Pippa of course didn't dare muster up the courage to ask him why she was practically being shoved in the most unpopular section of the Helicarrier but she found it highly suspicious, and the fact that Fury wasn't telling her why frustrated her to no end.

"I believe congratulations are in order."

Pippa snapped out of her thoughts and watched as Maria, who didn't bother to knock, waltz into the room. Pippa didn't bother to return the congratulatory smile that Maria sent her way and instead scowled at her. Maria decided to ignore Pippa's expression and took a seat on the edge of her desk.

"Project T.A.H.I.T.I.? Very impressive." Maria commented as she glanced at one of the files that were scattered on the desk. Her eyes lingered on the stack of papers for a moment before she directed her attention towards Pippa who still had an unhappy expression etched on her face, "What Coulson? I thought you wanted to be head of a project for ages."

"Yes, under normal circumstances but it feels like Fury doesn't even want me to be a part of the Avengers Initiative anymore." Pippa confided. She never was one to complain and whine, especially to her coworkers, but she couldn't find it in her to stop. Her spirits had been lowered exponentially and all she wanted was to go back where the true action was.

Maria frowned, "You are being a part of the Avengers Initiative, Pippa. What do you think Project T.A.H.I.T.I. is set up for? Dead plants?" she asked trying to inject some humor which went unnoticed by Pippa. The latter crossed her arms as she leaned back in her chair still scowling at Maria who looked a bit uncomfortable but Pippa didn't care. She smelled something fishy and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

"Tell me none of this is suspicious." Pippa demanded as she gestured towards herself and the crammed workspace that she was currently calling home. Maria shifted a bit uncomfortably for she was in a tough spot. She considered Pippa a friend but at the same time she was an agent sworn to secrecy on certain matters…

"Ah, well..." Maria said as she glanced around the room, "I'm sure Fury has his reasons no doubt." Pippa watched carefully as Maria fidgeted-a sign that Pippa had learned that meant she was nervous and had something to say. Pippa's eyes instinctively narrowed as she pursed her lips in a thin line, clearly displeased that Maria knew something that she didn't. It bothered her. It kept eating away at her stomach, making her feel sick.

"Maria, spit it out."

She didn't mean to snap at her coworker but at the same time being able to get out her frustration relaxed her. After a moment Maria stated to Pippa, "Fury was just concerned."

"Concerned for what?" Pippa cried out losing her patience. She was never one to lose her temper but yet she found herself doing so. A fire was raging through her, rattling her bones and she felt livid.

Maria shook her head hastily trying to explain and diffuse Pippa's mood (glancing nervously around as she did, although they were the only ones there), "He was-he was just afraid that…you know…he didn't want you to…being too friendly with the Cap and all." She muttered all of this rather awkwardly as if she was currently wishing she could be anywhere but in Pippa's workspace. She then hastily added, "It was just a silly precaution, that's all."

Pippa was fuming at this point. Standing up and trying to rein in her annoyance she then managed to get out, "I don't like him romantically, I just admire him that's all! What's got everyone into thinking that-"

"Of course." Maria nodded, trying to soothe her coworker, "It was just a precaution Pippa. Nothing serious."

Pippa pretended not to notice the skeptical look that overtook Maria's face and instead directed her attentions to Fury. How could he even think that? It baffled her. Confused her. Irritated her. She was tempted to pace but instead turned to Maria, taking a deep breath as she ran a hand through her hair, "I need some air."

And with that she pivoted and escaped her confinements, ignoring Maria's shouts of opposition. Wanting to clear her head she tried to turn her attentions to other things but instead kept focusing on what Maria had revealed to her. Did Fury really think there was something going on between with her and the Captain? The idea seemed ludicrous and the fact that Fury even had such an idea left a bitter taste in her mouth.

But regardless, it all made sense to her now. That's why he had relocated her space in a remote area of the Helicarrier. That's why he had assigned her to a new project. Pippa knew it was too good to be true when he told her she was assigned as the head of Project T.A.H.I.T.I.

Still fuming Pippa could only think phrases as she walked through the corridors, allowing her feet to lead her this way and that, "As daft as a bush. A true Nutter. Mad as a bag of ferrets he is. Quite a barmy thought if he thinks I-"

"Ah my favorite person!" a voice stated an arm draped around her shoulders. She glanced, startled, at a Mr. Stark (who appeared out of nowhere and) who looked positively tired (not that he would admit that). He offered her an easy winning smile and then patted her shoulder, "Pippa! Been looking all over for you and then I heard that you were tucked away in some little corner." He tsked at the thought.

"Er hello Stark." Pippa said as she tried to remove his arm from her shoulder which was no easy task since it seemed his arm was plastered to her shoulders. He feigned a hurt look but continued his conversation smoothly, "Anyway, I overhead you talking to Pepper about a special someone?" he questioned as he waggled his eyebrows expertly.

Oh dear lord no.

"Stark please don't tell me you're trying to interfere in my personal life." Pippa replied flatly as she tried to edge away from him as they both walked down the hallway. He waved his hand rather lazily as he shook his head in denial, "Of course not. Wouldn't dream of it. I was just suggesting that perhaps I could do you a favor."

"I'd rather lick sand. But thanks for thinking of me." The agent replied meekly as she wondered where on earth Tony was steering her towards. Tony tsked yet again as he sighed rather dramatically, "I don't think you understand Pippa."

"Then please enlighten me." Pippa told him with a hint of sarcasm. She reminded herself to take deep breaths but she found it rather challenging with him there. She almost didn't notice as the billionaire directed her towards one of the doorways that ran of the hallway. The florescent lighting didn't hide his smile (which showed off his dazzling teeth-which Pippa personally thought were somewhat fake).

As the doors slid automatically opened he then whispered rather loudly in her ear, "I'm just saying that you can't give up. As I like to say, love is a battlefield-"

"Actually Pat Benatar said that." Pippa interrupted him as they stepped through the entrance. Tony stopped abruptly and gave her a look that basically stated: 'don't rain on my parade.' After a moment he shrugged, dismissing her comment (making Pippa tempted to roll her eyes) although he seemed somewhat sulky.

"Doesn't matter." Tony grumbled looking rather discouraged much to Pippa's secret delight. She never knew Tony could get his feathers ruffled. He continued. "The point is that I am personally offering the opportunity for you to fly out to wherever he is. Keep the love alive." He urged. It wasn't until he finished his little speech that Pippa realized where she was:

In the briefing room.

With all of the Avengers sitting there.

Staring.

Pippa really disliked Stark at this particular moment. Heat consumed her cheeks as she took in the five pairs of eyes that were staring at her (Tony Stark had walked off leaving her to her own devices as he took over Fury's spot on the Bridge where control panels were at his disposal). Startled at seeing one particular person, her eyes widened, "Atticus, what are you doing here?"

The owner of the name gave a small smile, "They needed someone to assist with Dr. Banner's work and I volunteered. It didn't seem right to leave." He added the last sentence as an afterthought, his eyes twinkling with something….was it happiness?

"You know him?" Dr. Banner asked looking rather confused between the two figures. He cleared his throat awkwardly before he asked this as he twiddled his thumbs. He may have looked ridiculous doing such an action but he found himself rather restless.

Pippa nodded simply, "He worked with S.H.I.E.L.D. previously."

She didn't notice that a certain somebody was staring between her and Atticus-his blue eyes penetrating. Banner took this in silently before commenting, "He made some valuable critiques when we were analyzing the scepter earlier."

Pippa personally thought Atticus was about to faint from happiness. With a genuine smile (her spirit had lifted tremendously) she then realized that she was obviously interrupting their important meeting. Inching towards the door she then ran her hand through her hair once again, "I should get going. I apologize for interrupting." She didn't want to think what state Fury would be in if he caught her out of her office with the one person he didn't want to see her with. But at the same time, with a wave of irritation running through her veins, she frankly didn't care what he thought.

"Nonsense." Tony stated, not taking his eyes from the many graphs that appeared before him. He let his fingers delicately glide across some, adjusting some as he went along, "I'm sure Fury wouldn't mind you taking a small break from you work."

"But-"

"Take a seat Pippa." Banner agreed, gesturing with eyes towards two seats that were currently unoccupied. One was at the end of the table next to Natasha who looked as if she had just swallowed a lemon. The other was in between the Captain and Dr. Banner. Offering a rather stiff smile she slipped into the seat between the two men, trying to ignore Natasha's eyes that were trained on her.

"By the way, they would need Iridium because it's a stabilizing agent." Tony called out as he intensely studied a graph with a small frown on his face. Somehow Pippa didn't think such an expression suited him. Where did the flawless cocky billionaire go?

"Meaning the portal won't collapse on itself." Atticus mused looking as if he was trying to piece together a complex puzzle. Pippa watched as he glanced towards Banner who nodded slowly, "Loki could have the portal open as wide and as long as he wants."

Pippa tried to pretend she knew exactly what they were talking about while in reality she rather disliked chemistry and scientific matters. One look at Rogers told her that he was as lost as her when it came to this conversation.

"How does Fury even do this?" Tony asked. Pippa glanced to see him covering one eye as he tried to take all the monitors in. Pippa tried her best not to laugh at how ridiculous Tony looked and instead crossed her arms as she made her way towards him. "He turns." She told him as if it sounded obvious.

"Sounds rather exhausting if you ask me," Tony declared as Pippa joined him (pretending not to be curious at what he was doing), "The rest of the raw materials are easy enough to find I suspect. The only major component he still needs is a power source…a high density power source to kick start the cube."

"And when do you become an expert in thermonuclear astrophysics?" Pippa asked looking at him with disbelief and a hint of awe.

"Last night: the packet, Dr. Selvig's notes, the Extraction Theory papers." He said promptly looking rather smug with himself. He then narrowed his eyes as he turned towards the group that were still sitting around the table, "Am I the only one who did the reading?"

"Course not." Atticus piped up looking rather pleased with himself. Tony beamed at him, pointing at Atticus, "Good man you are." Atticus looked positively jovial at Stark's words but kept quiet (even though he looked like he was about to burst with happiness).

"Does Loki need any particular type of power source? That stick of his might seem a bit like magic but it reminds me awfully a lot of a HYDRA weapon." Steve interjected sounding a bit annoyed, or at least it sounded that way to Pippa's ears. Pippa let her eyes flicker towards him, their eyes meeting for a mere moment before she hastily tried to look interested at something else, anything else.

"I don't know about that-Coulson, aren't you supposed to buried under a mountain of paperwork?" a voice demanded. Pippa managed to look at the owner of the disapproving voice and swallowed thickly. At that moment Pippa wished should could scamper off or at least dig a hole and hide in it.

"Wasn't her fault Fury. Honestly I don't know why you have her tucked away where no sunlight reaches." Stark commented, looking a bit suspicious towards the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. The towering man looked unamused but didn't comment back. Pippa herself was a bit surprised. Was Stark actually defending her? She supposed there was a first time for everything. She made a mental note to thank him if an opportunity ever occurred. Or maybe not. She didn't want to make his ego inflate any more, it was already gigantic.

Fury looked displeased but changed the subject as Pippa crept towards the entrance way to sneak back to her workspace (although she really didn't want to return back to her little corner), "As I was saying I don't know if it resembles a HYDRA weapon but I do believe the cube powers Loki's scepter. I'd also like to know how he managed to make two of the sharpest men I know into his personal flying monkeys."

Teetering near the doorway, wanting to stay but knowing she should go, she swiftly removed herself from the room.


Tucking a rather resistant piece of hair behind her ear she walked the corridors as silently as she could possibly achieve. For the most part the passage ways were deserted and somehow this pleased her. As she did her best to make her way towards her quarters soundlessly she thought about the events that took place the last few hours. With a small swipe of her card against the scanner she entered her temporary room, creeping in the darkness (except for a light of the digital clock on her desk which stated it was well past midnight). She silently urged her eyes to adjust so she could see easier but after a moment opted to turn on the lamp near her bed instead.

The light shone bleakly throughout the room making everything look rather dull. Stretching nimbly she sat on the thin mattress and let herself relax for a moment before silently changing into her matching cotton pajama set (which this time had the saying: I Moose Be Sleeping printed all over the fabric-another present from her mom). Stifling a yawn she turned out the dingy light the lamp offered and climbed under the thin covers, praying wearily she would be able to catch at least a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep.

The quietness of her surroundings made her feel at peace as she closed her eyes, ready to succumb to darkness. Yet for some reason she couldn't find sleep. The Sandman seemed to have skipped her once again. Tossing and turning for a while she finally decided to stare at the green light the digital clock offered, watching as the time changed gradually.

It wasn't until 2:36 when Pippa had the first hint of drowsiness that affected her so much that she closed her eyes. Eagerly welcoming sleep she settled under the sheets comfortably and did her best to clear her mind. With a small sigh she eased into a rather choppy sleep.


Footsteps.

That's what she could hear as she sat in the darkness. Or was she standing? She didn't know for sure. The complete pitch blackness that surrounded her had swallowed up her senses for the most part except for her hearing. Her hearing was so perfectly attuned that she was confident she could hear a mouse drop a crumb fifty miles away.

Shuffling.

Those clear decisive footsteps now were blurred. The owner of such footsteps was clearly hesitating. But why? She longed to know why.

A creak.

A moan.

She felt her nails ding into the palm of her hand as she clenched her hands-clenched her teeth. Someone was coming. She was sure of it. Yet the darkness continued on and she had no sense of direction. She decided it didn't matter. She would be able to weed out the stranger from the darkness with her hearing.

Stillness.

Nothing.

Stretching out her neck she tried her best to look at her surroundings but could detect nothing. She was sure someone was there waiting in the darkness. Watching. A feeling of fear shook through her but she ignored it. She was confident in her hearing abilities still…

And then a weight hit her and she drowned. How unfair it all was. She didn't even have a fighting chance.

Her eyes flew open and she clutched the wrist of her killer. Her murderer. Trying to scream the best she could manage even though she was still groggy she dug her nails in the flesh that threatened to kill her. Raspy muffled noises managed to get out of her mouth even though a hand was still over her mouth. She begged her eyes to adjust to the darkness but no such luck.

She kicked. But she only kicked air. Her assassin must be standing towards the side of her bed. Trying to move towards the figure she gripped the hand instead of the arm and tried to pry it off as best as she could.

"Pippa! It's me." A voice whispered through the stillness of the room. She froze as an icy sweat ran through her. She waited a moment longer for her eyes to adjust to the darkness, which when they finally did she was able to make out an outline of a figure who was kneeling by her bedside.

Quickly releasing her grip she could feel the pads of his fingers, the palm of his hand, slowly and gently be lifted from her face. Sitting upright she gasped, taking in deep breaths, "What the hell was that for?" she demanded, trying to send him furious glare through the darkness. Hero or not, she was mad at him for almost causing her a heart attack.

"Language." He simply stated.

With a rather irritated huff (she wasn't exactly the most cheerful person when she woke up, especially under situations such as this) and a small soft chime of laughter from the other party she continued to glare at him (even though she knew he couldn't see it), rephrasing her question, "What was that for?" she grumbled.

A pause. A small intake of breath. Then, "I need your help."

Waking up a bit more and becoming rather interested she looked at him curiously, "What for?" She then added, "This is ridiculous. Turn on the light. I can hardly see a thing."

"I can see fine." He stated, sounding rather amused. Pippa growled (she acknowledged it wasn't very ladylike of her) as she realized he had enhanced senses. A moment later the dull light was turned on thanks to him and Pippa was allowed to finally see her surroundings. Wasting no time he continued, "Fury trusts you."

Pippa almost laughed at the thought but let him continue anyway.

"I need you to help me access a secured storage unit. It's currently locked but I know you would have clearance." He stated, finishing all he had to say. Chewing on the bottom of her lip she looked skeptically at him, "Why can't you just use your super strength and open the door yourself? I mean, after all isn't that how you got into my room?" she asked as she noticed the door to her room being slightly ajar. She knew for a fact that she didn't leave it in that condition.

She watched with amazement as what seemed to be a slight shade of pink spring on his cheeks as his eyes fluttered away from her for moment before returning to her face, "I'd rather not break more doors than I have to."

Pursing her lips she shifted under her covers, realizing he was currently seeing her in her embarrassing pajamas. Mentally grumbling to herself she tried to adjust her rather flat pillow.

"Pippa…please." He whispered as she felt his hand graze her hair and land on her shoulder. She looked to see him now crouching beside her. Now eye level she watched his eyes take on a pleading look. Trying to ignore his warm hand on her shoulder she chewed on the inside of her cheek as she debated for a moment. She didn't even know if she would have the clearance to enter a secure storage unit. She never really tried.

But his burning hand on her shoulder made her a bit breathless and it made her waver.

"Oh all right." She muttered, "But I make no promises. For all I know I might not even have clearance."

He offered her a small smile, "Thank you Pippa."

And then it was over in a flash. He withdrew his hand from her shoulder, straightened back up to his full height, and took a step back making her wonder if she had imagined him placing his hand on her shoulder. As if she had imagined him being eye level with her. As if she imagined him kneeling beside her bedside.

He put distance between them. Not just physical. But mentally as well.

Feeling a bit dazed as she tried to shake off the burning sensation that laid upon her shoulder he then cleared his throat, "I um…I'll let you get changed." He said as he then exited the room. She mentally scolded herself when it came to the choices she made.

"Damn him for being so charming." She thought as she quickly got dressed into the standard uniform and threw her hair up in a rather messy ponytail. She noticed as she put on her shoes that the trading card that fell out of her binder was still lying on top of the dresser. She made a mental note to return it back to its protective covering when she got back. Hurrying out the door to meet him they then started off at a quick but comfortable pace.

Feeling more awake by the minute she then looked at him curiously as they walked stealthily through the halls of the Helicarrier, "Why do you want to enter a storage area in the first place?"

"I just have a hunch."

He then saw her expression and then added, "If I'm right I'll explain everything. I promise."

With a satisfied nod she allowed Steve to lead the way. She surprised that the corridors were completely barren but then she reminded herself that it was unbearably very early in the morning.

It was like a maze. She tried to remember the path. Left. Right. Right. Down the stairs. Left. Straight. Sharp turn to the left. It finally occurred to herself that she wouldn't be able to memorize the path. Trusting him (more than she probably should), they finally reached a door that was unmarked but was unmistakably a storage unit. She briefly studied the scanner towards the side of the door and against her better judgement slipped out her ID card and held it up against it.

She was surprised that there was a click, signaling the thick steel door was unlocked (though she tried her best to mask her shock). Pushing it open tentatively she crept into the room that was filled with rather large black storage boxes. The storage containers were all stacked on top of each other and were pushed against the walls. Looking uncertain she glanced at him. He was observing one of the boxes before he pushed the top aside. This was no easy task (as they were very heavy) but he managed easily. Joining him where he stood she peered inside-curiosity eating away at her (although she would never admit it).

She felt sick.

"I knew it." He muttered before taking one of the objects out of the container as if it weighed nothing. With a grimace he then turned on his heel and quickly left the scene, leaving her completely frozen.


Author's Note: Review?

Clint or Steve? Or Atticus?

Anyone excited that Atticus came back?

Fact (I'm full of facts right now): Clint should be coming back in the next chapter or at least I'm 99.99% sure he will. I have yet to ask him if he can fit me into his busy schedule.

As always I am always scared I do not write Steve accurately, or any of the other characters for that matter. If some don't seem accurate enough please don't hesitate to tell me.

In the meantime, tell me what you think.

Much love,

The Painted Green Door

P.S. Did anyone get the sense that Steve might have manipulated Pippa in helping him just a wee bit?