Hey, guys, I'm back with a new chapter! Like always I don't own Marvel, sadly. I only own my OC's.
It's been a month since I started attending the Academy of Operations, and I have to say I'm exhausted. I've barely had a moment to adjust to my new lifestyle before getting tossed into some sort of test. Fury wasn't joking when he said the academy was strict. Plus I had more pressure thrown on top of me just for being an Avenger. Speaking about the Avengers I haven't seen a single one of them since who knows how long. The one exception being Clint since he's my SO. He comes to the academy every so often to keep me company and to check up on how I'm doing. Thanks to him, I'm not alone anymore.
Oh, did you think just because I started school that meant I was no longer alone? It's the complete opposite actually. I'm more alone now than I've ever been before. The only time that could beat this is when I was in prison. At least out here, I have some type of freedom. I'm allowed to use my small amount of free time that I have in whatever way I want. I usually just sit around and read a book or go flying. If I ever want to talk to someone, I usually call Clint. He's the only friend I have here, but it's not like I haven't tried making new friends. The problem is that making friends isn't easy for me, especially when everyone is only interested in meeting Star Ray and not Calliope.
People stare at me or whisper behind my back about how I don't belong here. I liked it better when I was just some nobody rather than a celebrity, but I guess I have to get used to it. Clint keeps telling me that soon everything will die down and I'll blend right in. I can only hope that he's right. Until then, I guess I'll just have to give all of my attention to my studies. Plus my schedule isn't too bad.
MWF
7:00-8:20 Morning workout-
Running around the track twice, 70 jumping jacks, 2 sets of 60 reps- crunches, 2 sets of 50 reps- push-ups, 2 sets of 60 reps- lunges, 2 sets of 60 reps- pull-ups, 2 sets of 60 reps- squats, etc.
9:00-9:50 Weapons training
10:00-11:50 World studies and cultural backgrounds
1:00-2:20 Power control (strictly for me)- Can include radiation, strength, flight control
2:30-3:50 Combat practice (no one likes pairing up with me)
4:00-4:50 Survival situations (...)
Friday's only
Test at the Triskelion at 6:00
Tuesdays and Thursdays are not any better, but at least I don't have a lot of homework. Okay so that's a lie too, but there is a bright side to all of this. I get to drink Starbucks every day, and that was the original goal. Clint says it's not healthy to drink Starbucks every day, but I beg to differ. If it makes me happy, I feel like that should be considered healthy. If not, then what was the point to all of this? It's not like I have anything better to do with my time. Speaking of time, I should stop wasting it and head to the Triskelion before I'm late. It is Friday after all that means it's test time for me and me alone. I gather all of the things that I'll need for this weekend and leave my dorm.
As I head to the Triskelion, I remember what Clint had told me earlier this week. He said that he won't arrive until Saturday, which means my test will once again be supervised by Miss Edwards. I don't know how I feel about her honestly. It's not that I have a problem with her, it's more like I don't know what to make of her. She's kind of strange, and mysterious but in a good way, I guess. She isn't rude, and she doesn't bother me by breathing down my neck like other agents tend to do around me. Plus she doesn't add pressure on to me as my instructors do. Basically, I like her as a person, but that doesn't mean we're friends or anything like that. If anything I can at least tolerate her presence near me during my weekend test and check-ins.
When I touch down in front of the Triskelion, the first thing I did was check my watch. It's 5:45 so that gives me more than enough time to get ready for the test. You see on Fridays, I have my written portion of the test and Saturday mornings I have my hands-on test. As I walk inside, I flash my ID at the front desk and head straight to the elevator. Once inside I pushed the button for the fourth floor and I wait for the doors to close. I look down and notice my shoe untied, so I bend down to retie it. I heard someone enter the elevator, but I didn't pay any attention to them. I stood up at the same time the doors began to close in front of me, and through the reflection, I finally notice who stood beside me. It was Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow.
"Hey Rodriguez, long time no see." She said with a smirk dancing on her features.
"Romanoff… hey..." I trailed off a bit awkwardly. I've never really spoken to her one on one before, so this was a bit new to me. I don't really know what to do or what I should say to her.
"So are you here for your weekend test?"
"Yup... I'm guessing Clint told you?"
"Pretty much." She said, looking over at me. "By the way, I wanted to know if you would like to go and grab something to eat with me after your test?"
"Um sure," I said as I heard a ding letting me know I've reached my destination. "I'll see you after the test. It shouldn't take too long."
"See you then, Rodriguez."
After waving goodbye, I resumed my journey to the empty room that was used to test me whenever I came to the Triskelion. Once inside I made myself comfortable as I waited for Miss Edwards to arrive. While I waited, I began to wonder why Romanoff invited me to go out for dinner. We aren't friends. If anything, we were simply teammates that worked together during high-risk situations. Before today we never spoke to each other on civil terms, but that's not to say we're enemies. We just never bothered to get to know one another before. Still, she did try to help me when she found out I was going back to prison. I just don't know.
"Calliope?" I heard a familiar voice say. I look up and notice Edwards looking down at me. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, sorry I was just lost in thought," I explained. I didn't even notice when she came into the room or the fact she was trying to gain my attention.
"Well, you might want to focus on the topic at hand." She said as she got my test packet out for me. "Are you ready for this weeks test?"
"Yeah, I had an easy week actually so it shouldn't be too hard in my opinion," I told her.
"Good I expect to see a 100 then."
After forty-five minutes of scribbling answers on a sheet of paper, I was finally done. I handed in my test and answer sheet to Edwards before waving goodbye. I never stay too long after I take my weekly test. As soon as I'm done, I usually head straight home, but not today. Now that I think about it, how am I supposed to meet up with Romanoff for dinner?
When I reached the first floor, I could see Romanoff standing in the middle of a semi-crowded lobby looking in my direction. I make my way towards her slowly. I was still nervous about going out with her to dinner, but since she is a friend of Clint, I guess I can be on civil terms with her too. Once I reached her, she told me about a restaurant not too far from here, and together we head out.
Once we get to our destination, we find a table near the back to sit at. Natasha opts for the seat looking towards the exit with the wall to her back. I sit in front of her, but I don't like the fact that I can't see what's behind me. It comes with years of always being on the lookout for trouble. I guess that's why she chose to sit in that seat. She is a spy, and that's a dangerous profession. I suppose choosing where you sit matters.
We don't talk as we look through our menus. Not even when our waitress arrives do we speak to each other. Instead, we wait until we're alone and we're sure that no one will interrupt us. When I finally received my drink, and I'm sure that the waitress is gone for good do I finally speak to Natasha.
"I have to say I'm a bit surprised."
"Why's that?" She asked me before taking a sip out of her drink.
"Well, you never tried getting in touch with me before." I point out to her.
"Suspicious?"
"Can you blame me?"
"No, if anything it makes you smart." She tells me before leaning closer. "Trust me when I say you're gonna need it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know exactly what that means Rodriguez." She tells me as she leaned back in her seat and relaxes. "But that's not the reason I invited you to dinner."
"Then what is?"
"Clint," She answered. Now confused by the direction the conversation was heading, I paused. What does she mean? What does Clint have to do with any of this?
"I'm sorry, I don't understand what Clint has to do with any of this."
"Let's just say that I'm concerned."
"About what?" I asked her because I couldn't think of one thing that would concern her. Before she answers me, she gives me a little smile that screams beware. Her smile is more like an animal bearing their teeth at you.
"You haven't always proven yourself reliable." She explains to me, but her voice wasn't condescending. It was so odd. She was like a contradiction. Her face showed one thing, but her voice showed another.
"I admit in the past I've had my... faults, but I have tried to make up for them."
"Have you? Because what it seems to me is the complete opposite."
"Excuse me... I have done nothing but try and fix everything that I messed up on in the past."
"Some of us don't see it that way," the redhead stated. Finally, her smile fell from her face as she continued speaking to me. "Some of us see you as a threat. Someone who is taking advantage of their situation."
"And you think I'm using Clint?" I asked the red-head. "You're worried about him."
"I owe him a debt," was all she told me.
"Which you have already repaid in full considering the lengths you went through for him during the battle of New York," I pointed out to her. She said nothing but the look she gave me was a cold one. At this point, I'm not sure where I stand with Romanoff, but I'm willing to bet it's not good.
After that, neither one of us spoke for a while. When our food came, we ate in silence. It wasn't until after our meal that Romanoff finally started talking again.
"If you hurt him again or put him in any danger I will come for you." She said softly so that no one could hear her, but I could feel every once of her threat bearing down on me. I didn't let it show on my face as I looked her in the eye and leaned in closer.
"If you ever threaten me again, I will kill you," I stated before getting up and leaving her at the table. I went to the cashier and paid for our meals before leaving.
As I walked home, I couldn't help but feel so alone. I had hoped that maybe Agent Romanoff wanted to try and be my friend. But that wasn't the case. She just wanted to threaten me like most people in my life already had. I didn't blame her, and a part of me understood why she did that. Still, I had hoped for better.
I don't know why I feel so disappointed. I should have known better honestly. Yet, I still feel sad about what just happened. Hopefully, Clint won't get too mad that I just threatened his best friend. I'll just have to wait and see.
By the time it was 8 am on Saturday, I was already at the Triskelion. I was waiting outside the exam room for Clint. Today I'm supposed to demonstrate my strength, endurance, and my hand-to-hand combat skills. If I don't pass, there's supposed to be some type of consequence, but I haven't failed yet, so I don't know what it is. As I'm waiting for Clint to come, I can't help but feel like I'm some sort of lab rat. Every week I get tested on something while everyone else gets to relax. I understand it's because I'm an Avenger, but I need a break too. I just want a chance to feel normal. But considering who I am, I guess that's too much to ask for.
"Calliope?"
"Huh?" When I look to my left, it was to find Clint looking at me. "Oh... hey Clint."
"Hey kid, is everything okay?"
"Yeah just lost in thought."
"Alright," Clint said before coming in closer to whisper something to me. "Look, there's been a change in plans."
"Umm... okay. What's the change?" it must have been something big because Clint looked nervous.
"Normally it would just be me and maybe Edwards giving you your exam, but..." Clint said, trailing off.
"But what?" I was beginning to dread what Clint might say next.
"This week we are going to have some company."
"Company? Like who?" I ask him.
"The director and Hill's will be there."
"Well, if it's just them, I don't see a problem," I stated. If anything I'm surprised they haven't come earlier to see my progress, but I assumed they were busy.
"No, it's not just them," Clint informed me.
"Okay, Clint stop skirting around it and just tell me what's going on," I said a bit irritably. "What are you holding back? Just go on and say it so we can go already."
"Alright, Furry has invited a couple of scientists to come and watch you perform."
"What, are you kidding me?" I asked him because now I can understand why Clint looked so nervous earlier. I hate scientists and doctors. After the whole ordeal that I went through in my childhood, it's understandable. Plus, what does he mean perform? I'm not some type of experiment or lab animal who is trying to impress my creator. I'm a normal person. Well, sort of normal... look I'm human case closed.
"Look I don't like it either kid, but the decision has been made."
"So it doesn't matter that I feel like a lab rat, huh? No, I thought so." I was so frustrated because it's not like I could say no. After a minute of trying to collect myself, Clint finally walked me inside the exam room. Edwards was already there waiting for us. Behind her protected by a reinforced window stood Furry and everyone he had invited. I was still pissed off by the fact that he did this without even asking me.
As we approached Edwards, I finally noticed someone standing right behind her. The man, in general, looked like a snake. He definitely set off a couple of red flags with that creepy smile he directed to me. I looked back to Edwards, and I notice she was mouthing out the word sorry to me. I guess she didn't like this either, but before I could ask her, the man beside her started speaking.
"Star Ray it is a pleasure to finally meet you." He smiled, showing his yellow teeth to me. He extended his hand, and I grudgingly shook it. "Now, I'm sure that agent Barton has already warned you about what we are about to do so let's just jump right in."
Before the man could touch me, I took a step back and raised one arm in front of me as a warning sign. "I'm sorry, but there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I was told that y'all are here to observe me not touch me."
"That's because I didn't tell Barton the exact scope of today's exam," Fury announced from behind the glass.
I turned to face him already irritated with the situation. "I'm sorry but what made you think that this was okay?"
"The fact that you are working with S.H.I.E.L.D." Fury commented, "I told you that we were going to push you harder than everyone else."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean you can treat me like some sort of lab rat."
"That's not what we're doing. We just need to know your limits, that's all. You are by far the strongest S.H.I.E.L.D. agent we have ever had. So we need to know what situation we can throw at you."
"Really because it also seems like you want to know my weaknesses so you can eliminate me if need be."
"That's not true."
"Really, because before the battle of New York Agent Romanoff made it quite clear that S.H.I.E.L.D. watched everyone. I don't know about you, but I can read between the lines, Fury."
I heard Fury let out a sigh of discontent as he dropped his head. I can tell he was getting frustrated, but it's not like I'm trying to be obstinate. I'm just very touchy when it comes to doctors and scientist alike. I let out a groan before turning to face the doctor from before.
"What exactly do I have to do?" I asked. The doctor let loose another creepy smile as he realized that I was willing to continue with today's test.
"All you have to do my dear is allow me to place these patches on your body. These patches are connected with our monitors, that way we can take notes on your vital signs."
"Sounds simple enough," I say as I allow the man to place the patches on me. After everything was set up, I was allowed to continue with the exam with only a few minor changes. During today's test, I also had to show my control over radiation, healing factor, and something else that they haven't told me about yet.
As I went through the exam, I felt less like a person and more like a test subject. It was like I was back at the underground facility again. I did my best to ignore the feeling, but I guess Clint could still recognize my discomfort with the situation. He tried to give me a break, but the gallery had a different idea. They wanted me to continue without any breaks. They said it would help them better understand my level of endurance. I went along with it.
I was almost done with the test, all I had left was to demonstrate my healing factor. Clint and Edwards weren't comfortable with the idea of me getting hurt. I was actually surprised that Edwards cared that much about me. Clint, I could understand, he hated seeing me go through any type of pain. So it's easy to say that the majority of the protest came from them when the time came, and it was up to me to calm them down. It took me some time, but I had finally managed it, and let me tell you it was no easy feat either.
A few minutes later, I was listening to the lead scientist direction's. He and two other scientists, who were wearing hazmat suits, were the only ones allowed in the room, everyone else was standing on the other side of the mirror. It was for everyone's safety.
"The only thing we need you to do is injure yourself in 5 different ways. We will tell you in what way and you are not allowed to recollect your own blood. Furthermore-"
"I'm sorry, but what do you mean I can't collect my own blood?" I ask him as an ounce of dread begins to creep back in me.
"I am well aware that you can reabsorb the blood you have lost during a battle. Which is a good thing in most cases, since your blood has a high level of radiation and would kill any normal creature, but we need you to bleed. We wish to take a closer look at the properties in your chemical make-up."
"No."
"No? My dear-"
"No, this is wrong!" I added, "You want to take my DNA and experiment on it. I don't trust anyone with that knowledge, let alone some sketchy scientist like you!"
The look the scientist gave me was one of pure anger. That someone like me, a test subject, would defy him. Still, I will stand my ground against him and anyone else. I know I'm a monster and that I don't deserve the trust of most people, but that doesn't mean I will allow myself to be used or disrespected. No one in this world should ever have my DNA, and I'm glad to know that apparently, S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't. I always feared that they may have gotten some of it through one of my past encounters with them, but this moment proves to me that they don't. Now that I know this, I have to be more careful than ever before. I'll work with them, but I refuse to give them any more ammunition.
"Rodriguez," Fury started to say. "You made a vow to work with this agency. Now for the safety of those around you and yourself, I ask you to allow Dr. Boris to continue with the procedure."
I didn't say anything for a while as I gave what Fury just said some thought. Would this be insubordination? Would I be going against my vow? No, I think not. I would be fulfilling it by never allowing anyone to have so much as a drop of my blood. True, I am a dangerous person, and there is so much about myself I wish to understand. Still, I would never allow myself to become a factor in some other unfortunate creatures torture. I will not allow anyone to go through what I had to suffer. I don't care if I seem overdramatic or unreasonable. At the end of the day, I may not be perfect, but at least I know I made the right call.
So without saying another word I left. I didn't run out. No, I gracefully flew out of the room. To anyone else who wasn't paying much attention, I made it seem as if I was gliding through the room with grace and dignity. Because this wasn't me running away from a problem that I didn't know the answer to. No, this was me making a stand in my own way.
I made sure that my pace was slightly faster than a walk so that Clint and Edwards couldn't catch up to me so easily. The last thing I needed was a talk. What I needed and what I wanted was to getaway.
It seems as if the world can't give me a break because as I rounded a corner to my right, I automatically bump into someone. I was a bit surprised because people usually move out of my way when they see me coming, but I guess this person didn't see me in time. Another shocker was that this man was quite sturdy and was able to force me back a bit. But when I looked back up to see who I had bumped into, it was to find Steve standing before me.
"Steve, hey I'm so-"
"Hush," and before I knew it, the older man grabbed me gently by the arm and escorted me into a nearby empty room. He closed the door behind us and kept the room dark. He moved to one side of the door, and he kept me right next to him. I didn't say anything, mostly due to the shock of it all. I was right about to say something when I heard something out in the hall.
"Hey Nat, have you seen Calliope?"
"No, have you seen Rogers?"
"No."
"The last person I spoke to told me he was heading in this direction."
"Yeah, Myers told me he saw the kid fly this way a second ago."
There was only one second for me to respond to what I had just heard Clint say. One second for me to understand what was going to happen next and how I should handle it. I just hope Steve doesn't freak out.
As quickly and quietly possible, I grabbed Steve around the waist and raised both of us to the ceiling just as Romanoff swung the door open. When she turned the lights on and entered the room to search for us, I did my best to stay out of her line of sight. Steve thankfully didn't freak out and instead was helping. He would further direct me in which direction I should go next. I'm just glad Clint decided not to come inside, or we would have been caught instantly. They didn't call him Hawkeye for nothing.
After a couple of minutes, Romanoff gave up and left the room, and we resumed our previous hiding spots. Neither one of us made a sound since we knew the red-head was still outside. Sure enough a few seconds later, we could hear her talking again.
"I'm assuming since you're coming to me empty-handed that means you couldn't find them either."
"No, I checked top to bottom, and I couldn't find them."
"Top to bottom. Clint don't exaggerate," I heard the red-head say irritably.
"Nat, I'm not. Remember Calliope can fly. She hides on the ceiling since most people tend not to look there." there was a small pause after that statement. Darn you, Clint. "You didn't check the ceiling, did you, Nat?
I looked around the room trying to find an escape when Steve pointed at the corner of the room, where a door stood. Making sure not to give the captain whiplash I raced us across the room. Just as we closed the door behind us the other one opened. Not leaving anything to chance we quickly left the room we were currently hiding in and rushed into the hallway. Luckily no one was there to see us exit the room.
We calmly made our way to the nearest elevator and Steve was quick to push in a floor. As the elevator door closed in front of us, and the adrenaline from our "escape" finally wore off, I realized what I had done.
"I just kidnapped Captain America," I whispered. Honestly, the situation happened so fast that I just jumped right into it without any questions. That's no bueno.
"Technically," the man beside me begins to say. "I kidnapped you, and you were just kind enough to help me."
My head snapped towards Steve, and the sheepish look he was giving me. I automatically start to laugh because if this isn't the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened to me, I don't know what is. It took only a few seconds for him to laugh along with me. Once I was done laughing, I took a moment to compose myself so that I could finally speak to the older man.
"So, do you want to explain what just happened?" I asked him right as the elevator doors opened.
"Mind if we walk and talk?" he asked me. To answer his question, I took a few steps out of the elevator and waited for him to catch up. Once he did, he led the way through the halls. I have no idea where we were going, but I didn't mind. For some reason, I was calm as if there was no reason to fear about the world around me. Odd.
"Well to answer your question I was trying to get away from Romanoff," he explained to me. I let out a snort when I heard that because who would have thought that Steve would run away from someone like Romanoff.
"Well that much was obvious, but my question is, why were you running from her?"
"Romanoff likes to... push buttons..."
"In what way?"
"She likes to interfere with my personal life. I'm not sure why, but she does." Steve tells me without giving me any more details. Yet, by the look on his face, I could recognize something was off.
"She's not the only one is she?" I ask him quietly. He looks at me for a second, but I continue to look ahead.
"No, she's not," He quietly answers. "I guess there are a good handful of people who are..."
"Insensitive, nosy, and who believe that thinking about one's past and reminiscing about it is a waste of time." I finish for him. He stops walking and looks at me questioningly. I stop as well, wondering why he halted.
"How much do you know? Has Ramonoff talked to you about this?" he asked me. I wasn't upset that Steve thought I was talking about him behind his back, and if anything, it reminded me of myself.
"No," I replied. "I'm only speaking from experience."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just-"
"Chill Steve, there's no need to apologize to me. I'm not offended, I promise." I smiled.
He returned my smile with one of his own, albeit a bit smaller. As we continued walking, he explained to me how earlier today he was finishing a few mission details when Black Widow showed up. Things kind of went downhill from there with other agents finding him and asking insensitive questions about his personal life. This had been going on for weeks apparently. People would treat him as if he was a complete moron, or ask a question that was none of their business. At least I scare off most people, so no one bothers me. Steve doesn't have the same ability. Sure he might intimidate a few people, but he's really the definition of the boy next door. So I'm not too surprised that he gets approached a lot more than I do, and that people would ask him these questions. Still, I feel bad that he has to go through it.
"So your daring escape was a result of needing to get away from everyone?"
"Yes, although I'm sorry I dragged you down with me," he said with a slight blush dusting his face. He must be embarrassed that a fellow Avenger had to help him "escape" from his own problems.
"Actually, you were helping me get away from a rather uncomfortable and irritating situation of my own," I explained to him. "So if anything, thank you."
"You're welcome," He tells me, and we lapsed into a comfortable silence. We stayed like that until we reached the locker room for the men. Steve turned to face me, but he looked nervous for some reason. "Do you want to continue this kidnapping for a while longer? I know a place 20 minutes from here that's pretty nice."
"Wow, you are by far the nicest kidnapper I have ever had the pleasure of meeting," I smiled. "Sure, okay, but I'm surprised you would want to hang out with me."
"Why's that?"
"Most people just tend to stay away from me, that's all."
"Well from the few conversations we've had you are by far the most pleasant person I've spoken to since waking up."
"Oh so that bad, huh?" I asked him. He let out a chuckle before telling me that he meant it as a compliment. That he thought I was an interesting person to chat with. "Well, with an answer like that, how can I say no."
Within ten minutes, we were heading down to the garage. Unlike Steve, who had to change out of his new stealth suit, I was already in regular work out clothes. I was wearing a black v-neck long sleeve shirt with black yoga pants and white sneakers. My wild black hair was up in a ponytail and a black baseball hat to cover my face. I also had my sunglasses in hand to cover up my eyes just in case.
What I found amusing is that while I was in all black, Steve was wearing old school clothes. I guess he still wasn't used to the new styles people wore now in days. He was wearing a brown leather jacket with a plaid shirt underneath it and some khakis. He still looked charming.
We were currently on the elevator when another agent joined us. Steve and I stayed next to each other, not looking at the other man beside us, but it was clear that the agent wanted to speak to us. Now I have nothing against fans. My problem is when someone starts being rude, and it seemed as if the world was asking me to spit out venom at this person. The reason I say this is because, within seconds, this man starts asking questions. None of them were for me, only Steve, and now I understand why he wanted to leave.
"Sir, what was it like waking up from the ice?"
"Sir, do you ever wish you were back home?"
"Sir, do you even understand what's going on in the world since you woke up?"
To ask Steve these types of questions, was incredibly rude. Of course, he wants to go home. No, he's not dumb, he understands the world around him. All he needed was to catch up, and that's no easy feat. And that first question is basically a culture shock for him. He was ripped from his life and place in a different time. That's enough to crush anyone. I still didn't understand how Steve was answering this guy... wait a minute.
Steve was facing forward, which should have tipped me off that something was wrong. I have never seen Steve face in any other direction when someone was talking to him unless he was walking. Second, was the fact that Steve's jaw was clenched which could mean, he's uncomfortable with the situation he's in. Lastly, his sentences were short. I mean, really short.
"Sir, did you lose anyone that you loved by coming to the future? Like a special lady?"
In a few simple strides, I was standing in front of the boy. He seems young, so he must have recently graduated from the Academy. I was quick to notice a ring on his finger that revealed to me he is from the science division from the academy. It had the logo and a flask on it. I also noticed that scientists like to ask questions, but they aren't careful about the way they ask their questions.
"I think that's enough questions," I told him.
"Oh sorry, Miss... are you Star Ray?" he asked me in excitement. That's good because it means he'll stop asking Steve questions.
"Yes."
"Where's your uniform and why are you dressed in black?"
Without hesitating, I answered, "Going to a funeral."
"Who's?"
"I haven't decided yet," I smiled. All the color from his face vanished in an instant. His face screamed fear as he began to panic when my eyes started to glow. Just then the elevator dinged and without bumping into us, he ran out. Smiling in triumph, I turn around and leaned against the elevator.
"You do that often?" Steve asked me. I had forgotten that he was standing next to me for a second. When I looked at him to examine if he was mad at me or not, I noticed a smile on his face.
"Only when I have to," I answered. "What? Was it too much?"
"No, it was kind of funny just don't tell anyone I said that."
"Oh, why not?" I asked him as we finally exited the elevator. "Do you have an image to keep?"
"More like it's hard to pull a fast one on someone when they already know my tricks," Steve smirked at me. Huh, so the goody two shoes isn't so good after all. I approve.
When we entered the garage I noticed Clint's car still parked. Which meant he was most likely still searching for me. The good thing is that I left my phone at home. I'm still getting used to having one, so I forgot to bring it today.
"You have ridden on a motorcycle before, right?" Steve asked me. It wasn't until that moment that I realized I was standing right in front of one.
"Uh, no, can't say that I have."
"Alright," Steve said, taking out a helmet and handing it to me. The look on my face was enough for him to roll his eyes and smile down at me. "I know you can heal and that you're more durable than me. This is mainly to keep up with pretense."
"So you're gonna put one on too, right?" I asked him and the look on his face told me that was not the plan. In the end, he agreed to put one on just to be fair. Apparently, the man never wears a helmet unless he's in his full Captain America outfit. Even then, he has the habit of taking it off during a fight.
Before we took off, he quickly explained to me how to ride a motorcycle. Basically the do's and don'ts. After that was taken care of we were off. I chose to hold onto Steve so I wouldn't fall off. I doubt I would get hurt, but I really didn't want to ruin a perfectly good outfit. As we rode through the city, I was able to relax. Being inside of S.H.I.E.L.D. always made me anxious. Like any second, someone was going to attack me, but out here with Steve, I was able to breathe. Well not really breathe since I don't have the ability to breathe but you know what I mean.
Like Steve said after 20 minutes of riding, we arrived at the... it looks like a coffee shop. I got off the bike and waited for Steve to hand me my hat and sunglasses. He had put them in a compartment so I wouldn't have to hold them during the ride over here. Once I quickly made the trade-off, we were good to go.
Inside the shop, it was quaint but charming. I followed Steve to the back of the coffee shop. He chose the perfect seats for us. Neither one of us had our backs to the entrance, and we could see everyone, but it was difficult for them to see us.
Soon a nice girl who seemed to be a highschooler came to us and asked for our orders. We both ordered a couple of sandwiches seeing that we were both starving. High metabolism kind of does that to you. Steve got a black coffee, and I got a caramel frappuccino. Once the girl left, I started talking.
"I'm guessing this is a usual spot for you?"
"That obvious, huh? Yeah, I come here a lot. It never gets too busy in here, so it's a nice place to come and relax."
"I guess that's hard to come by for you. A place to relax that is."
"I don't mind being around others," Steve started to say. "I just... don't know how to fit in with them. They expect someone else when they see me, and I can't do it."
"Hey, I'm not judging you. I mean look at who you're talking to," I said, pointing to myself. "I'm a hothead, and I'm very anti-social."
"Really I would have never guessed that. You seem very easy going and if anything maybe only guarded but that makes complete sense."
"Really? That's a first for me," I admitted.
"So does that mean you aren't talking to anyone in school. I remember you telling me that you were going to the Academy once you passed a test."
"Well-"
"Here are your orders," the waitress interrupted. As she handed us our food, I couldn't help but notice how the girl was giving her full attention to Steve. She was blushing so hard it was so sad. After the girl left and I took a couple of bites out of my sandwich, I started to speak again.
"As I was saying, no, I don't talk to anyone at school."
"I find it hard to believe that you couldn't make a single friend at school," the blond replied. "Your friendly, trustworthy, and brave."
"Many would disagree with you and say I'm terrifying, blunt, and selfish. It doesn't matter to me at the end of the day. If someone can't handle my personality, that's fine. I rather them admit it than have someone pretend to like me. I would hate to have a fake friend in my life, especially since I don't trust anyone."
"There's no one that you trust?"
I thought about the question Steve was asking me for a while as I ate. I trusted the Avengers in a fight. They've proven themselves trustworthy on that aspect alone. When it comes to everyday life, I don't trust anyone except Clint. He's been my support system for so long now. Even when I was in prison, he fought for me. After him, there wasn't anybody I could think of. Sure Edwards wants to help out, but for some reason, I can't shake the feeling somethings up. It's not a bad gut feeling, just one of uncertainty. When it comes to Steve, I have to admit I like him. Not romantically speaking, more like personality-wise. The way he has treated me in the past with the utmost respect and the trust that he has given me is astonishing. Still, when it comes down to trust in everyday life...
"I don't like to trust people," I explained. I didn't look at him as I spoke, instead, I kept my eyes on the coffee cup in front of me. "I trust the Avengers in a fight, but in everyday life... I only have Clint. It's hard to trust someone when you never know the moment they're going to switch sides. Clint proved to me that he's on my side, but no one else has. They're just in it for themselves."
"Not everyone is like that." Steve tries to tell me, but I only smile back at him as I look him in the eyes.
"Really, then who do you trust?" I asked him.
"You," Steve said as if it was something I should have known. When he said that it reminded me of our conversation back in the helicarrier and how he told me he wanted to trust me. He said that after I had told him not to trust anyone, but he refused to listen. I also remember my debate with myself whether I should follow him or not. I chose to follow him that day and not lose hope.
"Didn't I teach you not to trust anyone?" I joked, "You are a terrible student. Have you learned nothing?"
"Well, I wouldn't say I didn't learn anything," Steve answered back. "I did learn a lot that day, including that a certain hot-headed Latina is a very trustworthy person."
I didn't say anything after that because I didn't know how to respond. Once again Steve Rogers has left me speechless, and I don't know how to feel about that. Should I consider trusting him beyond a battlefield, or should I keep those two parts of my life separated? I can't exactly do that since I'm friends with Clint, but that doesn't mean I'm required to trust everyone with my life. Decisions, decisions all around me, and I can't make one.
"I understand."
"Huh?" I was so caught off guard by the sudden noise, I didn't know what to do.
"I understand that you don't trust others easily," Steve clarified. "But the fact that you're here and that you are trying to make the world a better place, only proves what I'm saying. You can be trusted."
"Let me ask you a question."
"Shoot."
"You're hard-headed, aren't you?"
"Takes one to know one," Steve muttered as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Well, I have to admit you're a pretty cool dude. I can trust you in a fight... and in kidnapping but I'm not sure where else. What I do know is this, you and I are pretty much in the same boat." I announced as I ate the last of my food.
"What does that mean?" Steve asked me as he polished off the last bit of food he had left.
"Neither one of us has much when it comes to friends. I mean I have Clint and maybe you have someone too, but it doesn't seem like we have a long list... but I do have a proposal."
"And what's your proposal?"
"If you ever need someone to kidnap you for an evening, I'll volunteer," I told him with a smile on my face. Steve let out another laugh when I told him this, and I'm glad. I don't get to goof off with anyone so to be able to joke around with another person is kind of fun.
"Does that mean we're friends?" he asked me.
"Pretty sure that's Stockholm syndrome. When you get attached to your captor, but sure we can be friends."
Steve rolled his eyes at the comment I made, but he still had a smile on his face. We talked a few more minutes afterward, but I knew I had to go home soon. Clint was probably worried about me (more like pissed off that I left), so I should probably head that way. I have to face him eventually.
Steve paid for lunch, and he wouldn't hear about splitting the check. I guess it's a habit from the '40s. He also offered to take me home, but I refused. Riding a motorcycle was nice, but it doesn't beat flying.
Before I left, Steve did give me his number. He said if I ever wanted to talk to someone to go ahead and give him a call. After that, we said our goodbyes and I went home. It didn't take me long but I did get an earful from Clint and Edwards when I arrived.
They were concerned that something might have happened to me. I told them the... truth. They didn't believe me at first when I said, Captain America kidnapped me. Clint told me he figured since Steve went missing around the same time that I did, that I probably convinced him to help me out. Edwards said that she had thought I took the poor man as my hostage. Can't really blame her because that did sound more convincing than the truth. Nevertheless, they did believe me in the end. They both know that I don't resort to lying... plus they said it would have been a horrible lie to begin with, so they have to believe me.
Later on, they told me that I wasn't in trouble for walking out. I had passed my test, and I was good to go. Apparently, when Clint went looking for me, Edwards had stayed behind to speak on my behalf. She said something about the Hulk situation. That Banner wouldn't let the government take his blood, so he went on the run to escape them. They were going to weaponize the Hulk by using his blood. She said that I probably had the same thoughts going through my head and that acquiring my blood would mean losing me as an agent. No one wanted that so they agreed to leave me be... for the time being.
I was actually touched that Edwards tried her best to help me. Maybe I was wrong about her, and I should give her a chance. Seems like I'm doing that a lot lately. I just hope I don't regret it in the end.
So, before I get any messages with questions I want to make it clear that Steve and Calliope were not on a date. I want both of them to have someone they can talk to about personal stuff. Someone who might understand the other. Remember Calliope is 17 right now so she is off-limits. Also, she is still in love with Christopher, who you will all read about in the up coming chapters. Now does that mean she will always stay single... no of course not. I have a lot in store for this character, so just bear with me. Well, until next time, bye guys!