Yay. Another chapter. I kind of sat myself down and wrote three chapters out today. That's my new goal kinda... write 3 chapters a day. It usually works for my novels, but I also handwrite those. The internet is distracting... especially when you have another window up of fics you want to read. Ugh. Anyways, hope you enjoy. Also, I know this is kinda short, but the next chapter is a bit longer.

Maj had been alone in the apartment for the past month. That's how long it had been since New York had been attacked. She hated every moment of it. Most of her time was spent wishing Nat and Clint were with her. Hell, they even took Lucky with them. Maj knew they needed the time away, but it didn't make her miss them any less. They were family.

Most of her days were spent at Sr Margaret's, working and spending time with the guys. They were great company and Wade did what he could do keep her in good spirits… in his own way. Alec was some help as well, but a week into her return, his family went on holiday. His parents had the tendency to extend their trip as they felt so Maj wasn't surprised when her friend informed her they'd be gone until the start of classes. It was upsetting, but there was nothing Maj could do about it.

A few weeks into everything, the young woman began to spend some time at the under-construction Stark Tower. Although Tony and Pepper had left for Malibu, Bruce had stayed, taking residence in the lab. Apparently, it was better than using one of the rooms. Maj enjoyed her time with him. He generally worked in silence, but she had noticed that after a while- and a bit of prodding on her part- that he would explain certain things to her.

When she wasn't at the lab, she was with Steve. They still regularly met for lunch, but after a while, Maj wanted to show him what the 21st century had to offer him. Thus started movie nights and various trips all over NYC, at least when neither of them were busy. Weasel was fine with her working less, although the guys had made a stink about it.

"What's this movie about again?"

Maj jumped onto her bed and cuddled up to her pillow. Her phone laid beside her, speaker on. With no one around, it made no sense for her to have it to her ear. Not like there was anything important being said. "A guy meets his soulmate in Egypt. It's really good. A classic."

"A series?"

"Yeah, but we'll only watch three of them. We don't talk about the last one." Maj shuddered. That was a horrible movie. I mean, they got rid of the original mom.

"That bad? What do you want to eat?" That was a loaded question. Maj tended to be incredibly indecisive and with her love for a few different types of food, that question was always met with silence. "First thing that comes to mind, Maj."

"Korean?"

"Sounded like a question."

"Look here, Cap-"

The chuckle on the other end only fueled her irritation. A pout made its way on her face, but it went unseen for obvious reasons. "Any special requests?"

"Lots of kimchi."

"Like I could forget."

"You're the best! I'm leaving Sr Marg's around five and no you won't pick me up. It's before dark and if anything, I'll have one of the guys walk with me." Steve grumbled in response but let her have her way. Not long after she had started back up at the bar, America's Golden Boy had taken up walking her home. It wasn't much of a problem when he stayed outside, but on the few occasions he'd gone in, the guys found his presence unnerving. Steve wasn't any better, having said it wasn't the safest place-or neighbourhood- to be in. Keeping the two seperate was the best course of action. "Great! See you tomorrow."

Once off the phone, Maj let out a tired sigh. While she was looking forward to spending time with Steve, she wasn't looking forward to the next day. One of the guys-Snake- had died and the crew's remembrance of him was going on. Maj hadn't really spoken to him, but he never caused problems. It was always upsetting when one of them died, but it was their chosen path. There wasn't much she could do. The whole remembrance was the only reason Weasel was 'opening' so early. At least she was out of there by 5.

With a grumble, Maj rolled out of bed. She didn't remember when she had fallen asleep, but she wished she had at least brush her teeth. Her mouth felt disgusting. Twenty minutes later, Maj was dressed and ready for the day. Thankfully her hair had decided to cooperate with her that morning, although it might also have been because she'd been sporting a pineapple for the past two days. She ate a quick breakfast, sent Clint a quick text, and made her way to the bar.

Not an hour into the event and the place was packed. It had gotten to the point where Maj had ordered everyone to sit down. The regulars were quick to listen to her instruction, but the few who had been reluctant were easily put in their place and found seats. With that taken care of, Maj began the task of serving everyone their drinks. It was all smooth, but there was always that one asshole.

"Think you can go any quicker sweetheart." Maj rolled her eyes and continued on talking to Big Rob. "Hey, I'm talking to you."

Maj spun around, body rigid once she realised the man was on his feet and quite close to her. Not one to back from a fight-stupidity, Clint said- she met the man's drunken gaze, arms crossed. "And I'm not listening. Now, sit your ass back down and wait for me to get to you."

"Look here slut-" the rest was cut off by a fist colliding with his jaw.

"That's not very nice. Could really hurt someone's feelings. You okay, kid?" Maj gave a sharp nod before she returned her attention to Big Rob.

Once she got his order, Majalia made her way back to the bar. A small part of her felt bad for the guy. She was one of a few women to make it into their club and they were fiercely protective of her. As she watched her saviour lead the guy outside, Maj noticed that a few others had vacated their seats as well. Nope, the night wouldn't end well for the bastard.

The minute 5 o'clock came, Maj tossed her tray, grabbed her sweater and booked it from the bar. After that minor altercation, things calmed down and those who weren't familiar with the house rules were promptly informed. The rest of the day went about smoothly, which Maj was grateful for.

As she walked down the the backed sidewalk, she felt an arm drape itself over her shoulder. Immediately her elbow jutted out hitting her would be assailant on their solar plexus. The person grunted and the moment she saw who it was, her eyes widened. "Oh my- fucking hell Wade! What were you thinking?"

"That you would let me take you into an alley." She slapped his arm. "Okay, not funny. Good hit though. Let's get you home."

"I hate you."

"You too, honey."

Stepping up to her apartment, Maj quickly thanked and said goodbye to Wade before she rushed inside. When she reached her door, she heard the television on inside. Smile on face, she let herself in. "Hello, America's Golden Boy."

"Hey Maj. How was work?"

"Good. Slight altercation but Wade and the guys took care of it. Your day?" Maj gave him a quick smile as she made my way to the kitchen. As usual, Steve came through with food, and she had the thought of cooking for him once again. She'd done it before, but she was thinking of a bigger meal, especially as he wouldn't take her half of the food money.

"It was good. Didn't do too much. Talked to Fury."

"What did he say?"

"He asked me to head a team. Based out of DC."

A sharp pain ran through her chest. She knew what his words meant. Steve would be another person who was leaving her. Maj knew that she should have been used to it. Everyone in her life ended up leaving due to their own paths. She couldn't fault him, especially if it was what he wanted to do. Still, it hurt. "Oh. Did you get extra kimchi?"

"Maj."

"Of course you did. I'm going to heat everything up. Thanks for grabbing the food." She gave him a quick smile. "Once it's heated up we can start the first film."

"Majalia…"

"It's cool, Steve. If it's something you want to do then I'm happy for you."

"I haven't decided yet."

"Oh come on. You know you're going to take it. Sad to say, at this point in time and from what I've seen within the year of knowing you, fighting is what you feel comfortable doing. We've spent so much time talking about life that I know it's what you want. Fighting for what's right has always been in your DNA. SHIELD tries to help people and from what I know about you, that's right up your alley."

"But it's not what you want."

Maj rolled her eyes. "Of course not. But the needs of the many outweigh that of the few. Anyways, want to dish your food?" She watched as Steve came over and did his plate. Each time they made eye contact, the man would have the look of a kicked puppy on his face. "Would you quit it? I get it, we're friends. But in the bigger picture, I don't mean a damn thing. So, get over it, plop yourself on the sofa, and we'll watch The Mummy series. When you wake up in the morning, you'll tell Fury that you're taking the job. It's not like I'll be alone. I have Bruce and the guys at Sr Margarets."

Steve didn't seem too satisfied, but he eventually let it go and the two watched the films together. Throughout them, Maj enjoyed watching Steve's reactions. It was nice to see him entranced by it all, and she was happy to answer any questions he had. Her only issue was that he wanted to watch the last one. Maj had grumbled about it but eventually caved and purchased the $2.99 version off of YouTube. At some point during the movie, Maj ended up falling asleep.