Note: For those who don't want to waste their time reading the following and just want to get on with the story, I totally understand. But before you move on to the story, know that I do apologize for this poorly written chapter.

For those who are reading this still: first of all: Thank you. Thank you for all of the amazing support you have shown, whether that means favorites, follows, reviews, alerts or just reading this story. You have shown continued support for not just this story but for me as well and I am so thankful that there's an amazing group of readers who enjoy this story.

Second: I apologize for the long delay. Yes, the long delay. So what happened? I got a bit lost, a bit scared, a bit confused. Scared because of all the support you have shown and I didn't want to disappoint any of you. Lost because when I sat down to write this chapter no inspiration came to me whatsoever. I just sat and stared at any empty screen. This occurred for several days. Confused because I was second guessing myself and I started to wonder if I should continue this story. But I couldn't bring myself to put it on hiatus-or worse delete it because I knew you guys were waiting patiently and excited for the next installment. And that's not fair to you. I also started to question myself about the length of this story. Would anyone want to read a sequel of this story? I started to have some self doubt. And due to my long break I felt out of touch with the characters. And in the end, this resulted in the most poorly written chapter ever. If you want to stop reading this story, I have no hard feelings towards you.

Third: I also had to answer and figure out some important questions. For those of you that have been dying to see Project TAHITI, I apologize but you won't see it in this chapter. After some long thought I have decided that Pippa needs some more interaction with Project TAHITI. Project TAHITI will come in later but not right now. I am truly sorry if this disappoints anyone.

Fourth: Never think that I don't appreciate all of the support, because I do. I really do. And I thank you for the bottom of my heart. You guys blew me away with the amount of response you showed due to the last chapter. Thank you.

Moving on to lighter topics:

I was able to see Ant Man a couple of days ago and it was amazing (plus they made references to some of the Avengers). Has anyone else seen it?

I didn't mean to make this the longest Author's note on the planet! I apologize (again). On with the horribly written chapter:

(Oh and Review? But only if you feel so inclined to!)


Let's skip the charades

You're seeing right through me anyway

Can we just speak plain?

We're playing for the same team

But I'm the one that's acting like I'm so strong

You're the one acting like nothing's wrong

- Skip the Charades by Cold War Kids


Chapter Ten:


"She's going through cardiac arrest. We'll have to do an intracardiac injection-give me the adrenaline-"

"Stop. You don't have any medical experience-"

"But I do have a Ph.D in Engineering, Information Technologies and a Masters in both Physics and Chemistry so give me the adrenaline or so help me-"

"You better know what you're doing Stark or-"


She decided she rather liked Death. It was peaceful for the most part and although she felt weak and weary, she also felt comfortable. Yes, she acknowledged it was a strange feeling but she welcomed such a sensation. She relished in the feeling. Loved the experience. Yet…that noise.

She found it irritating and rather distracting. The steady hum of something…or maybe it was a consistent beep or perhaps a simple ringing tone in the air. Whatever it was made Pippa on edge and she desperately tried to figure out what the noise was.

And so she found herself opening her eyes and blinking heavily against the rather fluorescent lighting. She shifted stiffly, waiting impatiently for her eyes to adjust so she could see her surroundings. And then, that's when it hit her. That's when it hit her full force. That's when it sunk into her brain.

She wasn't dead.

"Ah, Coulson you're awake. We were sure you were going to be out for a few more hours at least," a voice rung out as Pippa directed her eyes slowly towards the opening door, "Never mind that." A figure walked towards her, clipboard in hand as a nurse bustled in the room after her. Pippa was sure she had seen the figure somewhere before but her name didn't come to mind.

"Dr. Goodman," the woman offered with a rather forced smile, "I must say you gave us quite a scare: a nice stab in the scapula and a bruised rib or two. Fortunately no surgery but don't move that arm-it'll be quite nasty if you do."

Pippa didn't nod or give any confirmation she heard the lady, all she was trying to do was take in the world slowly. She felt rather weak and dizzy with all that was occurring around her. She watched as the nurse readjusted her rather stiff as a board pillow, adjusted the sling (which Pippa didn't notice until now) that securely kept her arm from movement, and glanced at the vitals on the EKG heart rate monitor that stood nearby her cot. Pippa tried to focus her mind but found it buzzing with thoughts and questions.

And then it hit her again.

The sense of time.

And her memories.

She tried to remain calm but she couldn't help the small waver in her voice, agent or not. She opened her mouth to speak, glancing warily at the doctor, "How long have I been out?"

Dr. Goodman didn't glance up from whatever she was scribbling on her clipboard as she gave a dismissive wave of her hand, "About two hours." With a small rumble of clearing her throat Dr. Goodman looked up and gave one of those strained smiles, "Now, we have to talk about your options-"

"Two hours?" Pippa said, rather alarmed as she tried to sit up-a mistake on her part. She slightly winced at the clear, sharp pain that erupted and had no choice but to lie back down. She didn't want to think about what had occurred in just two hours. Chaos was ensuing in her mind and she gave a small shudder.

"Yes, two hours." Dr. Goodman said simply as if it was natural. The woman then glanced at the nurse who was still fussing and fluttering around Pippa, "Marceline, can you give us a moment please? Make sure to close the door behind you."

Pippa watched as Marceline left the room quickly and a thin silence filled the room (with the occasional noise from the heart rate monitor). Pippa shifted uncomfortably as the doctor sat on the edge of her cot, clipboard still in her hands as she gave a sympathetic look towards Pippa. The young agent wondered if it was genuine or if the doctor had seen so many cases that she had learned to perfect such an expression over the years.

"Now, as I mentioned before, you have a couple of options that I think we should discuss. We could of course give you a dosage of Dilaudid, that would at least kill the pain for a time however I suggest a more…obvious route." Dr. Goodman said all of this in a rather matter of fact tone that made Pippa clench her teeth slightly.

The woman then set her clipboard on the small table next to the cot, "Mr. Rogers is conveniently Blood Type O and it would only take a small vial for the healing capabilities found in his-"

"No. Absolutely not." Pippa managed to get out, scowling at the older woman. Anger filled her, making her more awake-how could that even be an option? She was furious at the thought and for some reason, furious at herself. Perhaps because it was her fault that created this situation in the first place….if she had only been more careful…

Dr. Goodman pursed her lips, "I suggest that you reconsider. Due to the Super Soldier Serum, his healing abilities are quicker than the average human and you could potentially be back up on your feet with no pain in a few hours-"

Pippa fully clenched her teeth, "I refuse." She then looked at the look Dr. Goodman sent her way and then added, "And I'm not going to change my mind no matter what you're going to say." She declared this with a look of finality, staring at the doctor who looked like she still wanted to say something.

After a moment the older woman gave an exasperated sigh, "I can see you're stubborn. I'll get Marceline to get you some painkillers." With a disapproving look, Dr. Goodman left Pippa to her own devices. Pippa still couldn't believe that was even an option-did he even know he was an option? Why was it even an option? Why did he seem so set on-

"How are you feeling?" a voice quietly demanded, footsteps echoing in the room. A thick silence seemed to come in with her coworker as Pippa watched the figure out of the corner of her eye walk towards her rather flimsy cot. She was determined not to look at him-she was still fuming. Dragging a chair from the corner of the room, he placed it near her bedside with ease.

"Fury won't admit it but I think he's worried." He finally said as he sat down.

"How is everyone?" Pippa asked, ignoring Atticus' last comment. She glanced towards the door as it opened (much to her relief) and revealed Marceline. The nurse quickly placed down a tray on the table and issued a pill and a small glass of water to Pippa. With a quick smile she turned on her heel and left the room-the thick silence refilling the area.

Pippa took her medicine without compliant quickly and then turned her attention to her coworker who seemed to be hesitant. Waiting impatiently she took the last remaining sip of her water and then focused on the thin sheet that covered her frame-she focused on the color (was it white or a cream) and the small stiches on the top.

"Authorization needed-they are currently on the aircraft runway." A rather static voice declared in the silent room through the walkie-talkie that was gripped in Atticus' hand. He winced a bit and shifted in his seat uncomfortably as Pippa's mind worked out the situation. Sucking in the cool air she looked at him curiously.

"You need bed rest. I'll come back later." Atticus stated hurriedly, trying to excuse himself from the room but Pippa was determined to sort things out.

"Do they mean the group?" Pippa asked as she shifted her position to look at his retreating figure. He paused at the door clearly thinking carefully of what he should say. After a moment he nodded not saying anything.

Pippa did her best to sit up but found difficulty in the usually simple task as she gave a small grunt, "Then it's decided." Managing to finally slip off the cot and land on her two feet she then scanned the room for regular clothes (she decided she rather disliked hospital gowns) as she removed the numerous electrodes that were placed on her skin.

"What's decided?" Atticus asked, clearly confused as he quickly returned to her side. He tried to get her to lie back down but she swatted his hand away, as she reached for (what she assumed were) her clothes that were neatly folded at the end of her cot. She realized for a brief moment that they weren't the clothes she previously wore, instead they were what she considered clothes for comfort: over worn jeans that were faded in some spots, a loose gray cable cardigan and white canvas sneakers.

She wondered who had dug these out of her drawers back in her room but quickly dropped the thought as she stiffly made her way to the bathroom that adjoined the small medical room she currently occupied. Ignoring Atticus' pleas she shut the door and did her best to get changed as quickly as she could although she did have some trouble with the sweater (her arm which was in a secure sling, her shoulder had been comfortably bandaged thickly as well as her ribs). It wasn't until she had finally completed her task of getting dressed that she realized a small piece of paper flutter towards the ground.

Her breath hitched as she realized it wasn't just a simple piece of paper.

It was one of her trading cards.

It was the trading card she left on top of her dresser. The one she had been meaning to put back in its protective covering. With a small breath she picked it up, eyes widening slightly as she realized black marker danced across the card, just one word:

Sorry.

She finally managed to breathe normally again, her thumb running over the marker's ink before she tucked it securely in her jeans' pocket. Trying not explode with questions she instead turned her attention towards the mirror above the sink and flinched at the slight.

Somehow she managed to look like Death itself: sallow skin, dry cracked lips, dark golden brown tousled hair. Running a hand through her rather frazzled locks she then exited the room to see Atticus sitting on the cot. He seemed to Pippa like he was a mess-looking quite beside himself as he frowned at her, "Coulson wha-"

"I'm going with them." The agent stated as if it was obvious and perfectly normal. Atticus on the other hand looked like he was about to throw up, resembling a sea sick passenger on a rocky ship. She hummed, trying to block out his intelligible squeaks as she quickly donned on her gear that lied on the table beside the medic bed.

Finally, Atticus managed to form words, "Pippa you can't. You need bed rest-"

"I feel fine." Pippa lied as she tried to fight off a wave of pain. For some reason she felt rather drowsy but pushed away the feeling. It was probably the medicine. For brief moment silence filled the room once again as Pippa checked to make sure she had everything she needed. And then:

"But Fury kind of told them that-well…ah…"

Pippa angled herself just the tiniest amount so she could look at his nervous filled eyes. He shifted on the cot and then managed to spit it out-the words such a jumbled mess that Atticus had to try three more time before Pippa could understand:

"Fury told them you weren't going to be awake anytime soon-that you had fallen into a coma of some sort."

She seethed as she clipped her walkie-talkie to the waistband of her jeans as her mind reeled with fragments of thoughts. She was at a loss for words. What had compelled him to form a ludicrous tale-how did that benefit anyon-

Ah.

That was it.

A common cause. A rallying point. A union. A team. A goal. A purpose. A motivation.

It made sense now and she took a moment to relish in the feeling of admiration towards the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He really was a sly man-too scheming for his own good. And quick. So much so that Pippa had difficulty keeping up with him sometimes. And for a moment she faltered. She hesitated herself. Surely if they were now a team due to her "death" her reappearance would be highly unwelcomed. It could perhaps destroy the link they all shared-the bond.

"Authorization not confirmed Send security.."

The moment was over. Pippa glanced at the walkie-talkie on her waist that had just spoken. Her mind was made and if she didn't hurry she would lose the opportunity. She made her way stiffly towards the door, her knees threatening to lock as she walked somewhat crookedly. Atticus scampered after her, "Coulson, you can't be serious. You can't just join them."

"And why not?" She asked as she paused in the doorframe, trying to navigate where she was. She would have to hurry or she would miss her small window-her chance. Atticus seemed rather flabbergasted that she had even asked him and pursed his lips. Apparently he had lost his vocal chords for a moment which helped Pippa clear her head and decide what direction to go in. As she unstably made her way down the corridor a hand touched her shoulder making her almost gasp. The pain was still fresh to her and she tried to fight the echoes of pain that ran through her body. Instead, she focused her mind on looking at Atticus who quickly removed his hand with a rather mortified 'sorry'.

"You can't talk me out of this." Pippa told him seriously. She was stubborn which sometimes worked in her disadvantage-but nevertheless was a trait of hers. She watched him chew the inside of his cheek as if he was having some sort of battle inside of him. Then:

"Fine. But I coming with you."

"Copy that. Security is on its way."

The determination in his eyes made Pippa realize she couldn't argue with him. Even though she wanted to. Atticus was a NASA scientist, not a fighter. But she couldn't argue. And she knew that. With a small nod she turned to hurry to the aircraft runway but she didn't miss the look of relief that Atticus had out of the corner of her eye.

They traveled in silence, occasionally stopping and pausing when they heard a stray voice. She knew that if anyone caught her out of bed she would be, simply put, in deep trouble. She was supposed to be resting, and as her body ached she realized she would love nothing more than to finally ease the exhaustion.

As she was able to make out the aircraft runway (although there was still a good amount of distance between) comfort filled her body-she knew that figure anywhere. Hurrying the best she could (and Atticus right behind her, occasionally looking over his shoulder) she made her way outside, not expecting the gust of wind that ran through her hair.

She marched her way over to the two of them, her head held high. As if he knew she was there, he turned to face her, his blue eyes filled with confusion and...anger. A rage blazed through his blue eyes as walked a few paces to meet her, "I thought you were supposed to be in a coma." She tried to ignore the fact that his eyes were scanning her face-then her shoulder-her arm in the sling-back to her face.

"He signed your trading card." A voice stated through her thoughts.

"Day is full of surprises." The brunette agent simply said as she brushed past him (wincing slightly at the pain) to board the Quinjet. But he wouldn't accept that. Striding after her he quickly blocked her path, a look of annoyance darting across her face.

"Fury said you were-"

"Obviously Fury still has some of his secrets."

She pivoted to see Stark standing there looking rather unsettled but not unpleased to see her. He was clad in his suit, the red and gold paint gleamed in the sun and for a moment Pippa tried to take it all in. She had never seen the suit up close and now that she was able to look closer she realized it really was a piece of genius.

Natasha climbed out of the Quinjet, crossing her arms as she noticed Pippa, "What's all the ruckus-Agent Coulson, you went through a lot in the last 24 hours. Removal from this environment would be-"

"Isn't it obvious?" Pippa asked, her eyes flickering to the once professional ballerina before she slipped past her (with some difficulty) and made her way into the inside of the Quinjet, "I'm coming with you." She glanced behind her shoulder just for a moment to meet disapproving blue eyes and then focused on the figure that stood near the Quinjet's navigation controls. Startled she only managed to stare silently.

"He almost killed you." The small voice continued to whisper through her thoughts, "He didn't, but he could have."

Her hands almost reached towards her throat-wanting to defend herself against him. But she fought to keep her hands where they were-glued to her sides. Instead:

"Barton."

She watched as he gave a small stiff nod as a greeting in return, "Coulson."

"And I'm coming along too!" Atticus said hurriedly. She could hear his footsteps as he shuffled on board.

A hand grasped her uninjured shoulder, "You can't come along. I won't allow it."

Another wave of irritation rippled through her veins, making her fume. She managed to turn and look at him in the eye, not noticing how close he was to her-not noticing the aftershave's scent that wafted in the small space between them. She then pursed her lips slightly and then broke out into a small strained smile (which looked like a grimace), "I'm coming. So I suggest that you sit down Captain Rogers and buckle up. Security is on its way and I'm sure we would all appreciate if we got off this runway before they came."

She watched as Stark popped his head in the Quinjet's entrance, clearly hearing everything that was going on. He looked rather amused but at the same time, tense. Pippa wondered where this serious side of Stark came from. That of course didn't mean she didn't appreciate it.

"Great." Tony enthused, "You heard what she said: Buckle up Capsicle."


Note: I know it's poorly written-but be so kind and Review?

Much love,

The Painted Green Door