#9 The Blind Fighting the Blind (Phil Coulson POV)

"We need to advance Aidan's training." Fury was looking over the reports and videos from her previous missions.

"She's good." I protested, sitting across from him.

"Good? Yes. But she needs to be better. She can't just rely on her pyrokinesis."

I conceded; after all, he did have a point. "Do you want Romanoff or Barton?"

"I have just the man in mind. You get her. I'll get him."

I grabbed Fury's black Corvette and drove to my daughter's apartment. She flung open the door, hugging me briefly. "Dad! What's going on?"

"I'm here for Aidan, Stella. It's work-related."

Aidan skidded to a halt inches from the door, her hand grabbing for Stella's. "What happened?"

"Nothing. Fury wants to see you."

"Oh. Okay." She kissed her best friend's cheek. "Have fun with Granny Peggy. Tell her I'll come by later."

I placed Aidan's hand on my forearm, leading her to the car. "How's everything between you and Tony?"

She shrugged. "He's still alive, so that's something."

"And you and Captain Rogers?" Her cheeks turned pink, but she didn't say anything. "I overstepped my boundaries, didn't I?"

"N-no." She took a deep breath. "We've only been on two dates, Phil."

I parked the car back where Fury had it. "Let's go."

"Agent Coulson, bring Aidan to the gym." Fury's voice sounded in my earpiece.

I changed directions, walking alongside her in silence until we reach the double doors to the gymnasium. I hold the door open, guiding her in. "What's going on?" She asked, glancing back toward me.

"You need to get better at hand to hand combat. So, I've brought someone to help you." Fury gestured toward the man beside him. "Aidan, Matt. Matt, Aidan."

The man smiled, his sunglasses dark. "I'm not sure how much I can do, Director Fury."

"Just do your best."

"Nat and Clint are working with me-"

"You need someone who knows your limitations, Stark. And seeing as you and Mr. Murdock have something in common, I believe this will be more effective."

"Well, if you believe it will be, then I have no choice but to obey." Aidan muttered sarcastically.

Fury started to leave the gym. "Keep an eye on them." He said quietly.

"Yes sir."

Aidan was still, her chest barely even moving, and Matt's head was tilted, waiting for her to make the first move. "What do we have in common?" She spoke quietly, still not moving.

"We're both blind." He answered honestly. "Mine from radioactive waste; yours from a car accident."

"And Fury thinks two blind people fighting is a good idea?"

"Well, I think he's right." Matt said slowly. "Use your hearing to your advantage. You can anticipate your foe's moves beforehand and counter it. Attack me."

"What?"

"Just do it." Aidan struck out with her fist, and Matt dodged it, tapping her other shoulder. "See?"

"No."

He laughed. "Give me a chance. I can help you."

Two hours later, Matt helped Aidan back to her feet. "How'd I do, Murdock?"

"Not bad, Stark."

"Same time tomorrow?"

"I have to be in court tomorrow, but Friday's good. You?"

"Friday it is."

I opened the door for them, handing Matt his cane. "Thanks, Agent Coulson." He gave me a smile. "You can tell Fury he doesn't have to drive me here on Friday. I think I can find my way."

"Will do."

Aidan sighed, re-fixing her hair back into a tight bun. "Take me home, Phil." She said dramatically. "I need a hot bath."

When I got back to the SHIELD base, Agent Hill was waiting for me in my apartment. "Nick didn't have anything for you to do today?"

"Nothing but make sure Aidan didn't set Matt Murdock on fire." I paused on my way to my bedroom. "What are we watching?"

"Season one of How I Met Your Mother. Tony pointed out my resemblance to Robyn, and I wanna see for myself."

As soon as I came back, wearing my red, white, and blue plaid pajama pants Stella had bought me as a gag gift, and sat down, Maria shifted, leaning against me. "How was your day?"

"We have a new agent. Her name's Sharon Carter."