Hey, I'm back with a new chapter and I hope all of you enjoy it! This chapter picks up where ch 15 left off on. Like always I don't own marvel only my OC's.
I woke up with tears streaming down my face and sorrow in my heart. This is why I hate dreaming because no matter how hard I try, my dreams are always filled with sad images of the past. I suppose that's the price I have to pay for the sins of my past. Over the years, I got used to dreaming about my past traumas. That doesn't mean it still doesn't hurt to relive those memories, but I at least found a way to move on. I just have to keep busy, which was kind of hard for me to do while I was in prison, but I found a way in the end.
Since I'm awake now, I might as well get up and start my day. It's Sunday after all, and that means it's my only day off. Clint told me he would be too busy to hang out with me today, so I'll just have to find some other way to fill my time. It was only 6:00 am so I wasn't too happy about that, but there was nothing I could do about it either. Once I wake up from a nightmare, I can never fall back to sleep. Instead, I went about my morning routine of getting ready for the day. I put on a simple outfit even though I knew I wasn't going anywhere. It was a white crop top with black pants and my new black converse. Clint made me get rid of my old ones, even though they were still semi-functional. What a waste of perfectly good shoes.
Once I was done, I left my bedroom, and I nearly had a heart attack. I never wanted to blast someone so hard in my life, until now. There he sat on my blue recliner, the infamous Nick Fury. What shocked me even more, was the fact that I didn't even hear him come in, but then again he is the spy. Instead of speaking to him, I went straight to my kitchen and made myself some breakfast, which consisted of my favorite cereal, Coco puffs. I didn't even bother offering the man any food. I mean, why would I when he entered my home without my permission. This is a common tactic S.H.I.E.L.D. agents used to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. Your home is supposed to be the place you feel safest at, but if you no longer feel safe, then that gave them the advantage. They would be in control while you were scrambling in the dark for safety, but the thing is I never felt safe anywhere I went. So against people like me, this tactic never works because we are what they consider wild cards. Nothing really works on us.
Instead of saying anything, Fury finally joins me in the kitchen and sits right in front of me, but I continue to ignore him. I'm still mad about what happened yesterday. I mean really, how could he let them try and pull that little stunt on me. Take my blood? Ha, not even in their dreams.
"You do realize that you're this close to being let go from the program."
The moment he said those words, I froze because why in the world were they going to fire me. I made good grades, I passed all of my exams, even if I do struggle from time to time, and I at least get the job done. I don't understand what the problem is. Instead of freaking out, I did my best to keep my face as neutral as possible.
"And why is that?"
"Let's start with the fact that you threaten one of my best agents," He stated with a cold voice. I guess he wasn't happy about that, but then again, neither was I. Still, that wasn't the point.
"So, it was a test."
"It was, and you failed spectacularly," Fury informed me. "What possessed you to threaten one of my agents, who is, in fact, your teammate?"
"She gave me a threat, so I felt justified in giving her one of my own, or did you expect me to do nothing?"
"She gave you a warning, not a threat," Fury tried to reason with me, but it just sounded like a load of crap.
"You're a fool if you think that," I laughed at him. "Since when does the infamous Black Widow give warnings."
"That's beside the point-"
"Then explain to me what the point of all of this is. Because frankly, I see no point in this conversation."
"That's the point, it's you," Fury finally shouted. "The way you treat everyone, the way you act, it's not S.H.I.E.L.D. material. You can't threaten others at the drop of a hat. You can't just storm out of an exam because you're upset or you don't agree. You can't act like a child. If you're upset, then talk about it, don't just throw a tantrum and leave."
"Is that how you see this," I asked him as I leaned in and I pushed my now empty plate aside. "Because to me, all it seems like a bunch of people oppressing me. Threatening me to stay in my place or else. If I don't put my foot down, then you people will just walk all over me, and I can't let you do that to me. Not again."
Fury bowed his head after I spoke. He just seemed so tired having to deal with me, but I couldn't help it. It's not like I want to be a bother to him or anyone else. All I wanted was to lay low and do my job, but it seems like I can't even do that.
"When will you accept that we're on your side?" Fury finally asked as he lifted his head to look at me.
"Never, but that doesn't mean I won't work with you. I just can't trust you to be there for me."
Fury stayed quiet for a couple of minutes, but it just made me anxious to see him that silent. What was he thinking? What will he say? Am I really going to get fired? What's going to happen to me now?
"Then find someone in this agency that you can rely on," Fury said. "Someone other than Barton."
"Why can't it be Clint?" I asked him a bit shocked, because wouldn't that be perfect. I already knew Clint the longest, he's my friend and teammate, and he's my SO.
"He won't always be here to help you. If you rely on him, and only him then, you won't have anyone if he ever leaves. You'll be alone again."
He does have a good point, I don't want to be in the same situation as before where I put all of my faith into just two people only to lose them both, but it's just so hard to let other people in. No, it's not just hard, it's impossible. Who could I possibly trust or rely on? Who can I talk to... or be friends with?
"Just find someone to talk to," Fury said before rising to leave. As he made his way through my apartment, he told me one final thing, "And fix your damn attitude."
After that, he was gone, and I was alone again with my thoughts.
It's been two weeks since I had that conversation with Fury, and I haven't talked to anyone about it. I decided not to talk to Clint about it because I didn't know how he would react. He might get angry with me or even disappointed that Fury had to sit down and talk to me as if I was a child. Who knows he might already know about the talk I had with Fury. I won't be surprised if he does or doesn't know about it. In the end, it doesn't matter because, in some way, Fury did make a good point. I won't ever admit it out loud, but I know he did.
Here I am trying to relax and enjoy my day off, and all I can think about is how Fury is right. I bet he's laughing at me right now. Well, I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of letting him know that he got to me. I'm going to enjoy my day off, and I'm going to like it. With that final thought, I walked into the nearest store.
I should probably explain why I am currently at the mall, which is the last place someone like myself would want to spend their Sunday afternoon. The reason I'm here is that, well... I don't know, actually. Look, I wanted to have some fun today, and supposedly spending the day at the mall is a great way to do it. Plus, Clint told me if I don't spend some of the money that I keep saving, then he's going to start buying me stuff, which in turn will make me feel guilty. So, I just got guilt-tripped into buying useless items, joy.
Oh well, I suppose this is as good of a time as any to splurge a little, even if it does give me anxiety to do it. Which is why I'm doing my best to buy things I know I want. I also checked my account several times to make sure I have an appropriate amount of money in there, and I withdrew some cash as well. That way I can have some more money on hand, in case of anything.
That's the reason I'm here, standing in front of a wooden 7.5" skateboard that costs $49.99 with an amazing design of Hogwarts on its underside. I use to have a skateboard a couple of years back when I still lived in Houston, and it was a good find too since it only needed a few repairs when I found it near the dumpsters. I guess I can buy this one to replace my last one, and I know what you might be thinking. Why in the world would I want a skateboard when I can fly? The only answer I have for you is that I want it and that's that. So, I grabbed the skateboard and raced to the cash register, ready to pay for it and be on my way. When I placed the board on the desk, I got the strangest look from the cashier. It was an older man who looked to be in his late twenties wearing a black beanie and a Vans t-shirt. I have no idea what else he was wearing, and I really don't care.
"So, is this for your boyfriend?" The man asked me. I guess he was trying to have a conversation with me but I wasn't a fan of that idea, but then again I don't want to be rude either.
"No."
"A friend?"
"No."
"Brother or family member?" he kept asking. Good lord, if I knew I would be playing twenty questions with this guy, I wouldn't have walked up here in the first place.
"It's for me," I told him quickly, hoping that would get him to shut up. That's when he started to laugh, which I didn't understand why he would. It's not like I said something funny all I said is that the skateboard was for me.
"You're kidding, right? This skateboard is for you?" he asked me. He had a look of complete disbelief when I nodded my head back at him to confirm my answer. "Listen, sweetie, I don't think it's a good idea to get a skateboard. It can be dangerous, and you're a girl. We don't want that pretty face of yours to get all marked up, right?"
Now, most would think that in a situation like this, I would start screaming about sexism and how he was wrong. In reality, it's a bit different because I don't feel the need to scream and lower myself to his level of stupidity. Plus, his opinion doesn't really matter to me.
"So how about you leave this board with me, and I'll put it back later. As for you, why don't you go buy yourself some pretty heels to match that outfit of yours," he said in a demeaning tone. I hate it when men look down at me simply because I'm female, and I don't have something hanging between my legs. What does it matter if you're a female or male? I'm a freaking superhero, you jerk!
That brings up my next point, what do my clothes have anything to do with this? I was wearing a simple outfit that consisted of a red tank top, my black sunglasses, blue jeans, and my black converse, so please tell me in what way is this dressy? Why would I need heels? And how does any of that have anything to do with me getting this skateboard. I swear this man is clueless.
"Listen, I'm not here to listen to you talk down to me like I'm some stupid child. I'm a grown woman who can make her own choices, including whether or not I want this skateboard. So why don't you just ring that board up and tell me my total so I can pay and leave." I told him irritably, but I guess that wasn't enough for him since he still insisted on speaking to me.
"Sweetie, with that kind of attitude, you'll never get a boyfriend." the idiot had the nerve to tell me that. I was right about to tell this man off and give him a real taste of my attitude when someone behind me started speaking up.
"Is there a problem here?" the stranger said but I recognized that voice. When I turned around, it was to find Steve standing right behind me. Why was he wearing sunglasses and a baseball hat?
"No man, there's no problem here." the other man told Steve, although he looked a bit nervous now. "Just that she might want to grab a helmet and elbow pads."
"She already has a helmet, so don't worry about it," Steve answered for me. I was so shocked by his sudden arrival that I couldn't think of anything to say. Like always, this man has left me completely speechless.
"Sorry, um, I'll check this out for her then."
After that, we didn't have any more problems, and I quickly paid for my prize so that we could leave. Once we left the store, we made our way to some nearby benches to sit down. I still haven't said anything to Steve mostly because I didn't know what to tell the older man, but I guess I could say thank you.
"I didn't need your help, you know." I pointed out to the blond. "I could have handled that man without you."
"I know, but that doesn't mean you have to," he replied with a smile. "By the way, you're welcome."
I rolled my eyes at him, but a smile still appeared on my face. The man was just too sweet. Still, I was confused by his get-up today, which consisted of his old school attire with a brown leather jacket, sunglasses, and a hat. It didn't even match and from what I heard it was hot today. I mean sure the heat doesn't bother me but it might bother Steve. I said all of this out loud a second later.
"Oh, I just didn't want to be recognized, that's all."
"Well, that makes sense, but you don't have to wear so many layers. Wearing all of that in this heat doesn't make any sense and it just makes you stand out even more."
"I guess you do have a point," Steve admitted sheepishly.
"Here let me help you," I offered as I went about straightening out his outfit. All I really did was take off his hat and told him to remove his jacket. I allowed him to keep his sunglasses on, but now it looked odd that we both had them on at the same time inside of the mall. But I couldn't take mine off because of my eyes so to make it better I put on the hat Steve had on earlier. It looked better on me anyway. Now Steve looks a bit better but he could use some pointers for future reference. Oh well, that can wait until later.
"I'm guessing the reason you're wearing sunglasses is because you're trying to avoid being recognized?" Steve asked me once I was done helping him.
"Yes, and the fact that I have swirling pink eyes that glow." I pointed out to him.
"Right... it kind of always ends up like this, doesn't it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sorry, it's just that every time I'm out somewhere, and I bump into someone, my conversation always ends up dry," he tells me, but he suddenly realizes how he said it wasn't that nice. "Not to say that you're boring, no, I meant that I have a habit of saying... nothing interesting."
"That's not true, I mean, the last time we spoke it was pretty funny," I told him.
"You don't have to lie to make me feel better, Calliope."
"Listen here Steve, if there is one thing I don't do is lie to a friend," I explain to him. "I see no point in lying to someone, and if anything, I have a problem with being too honest."
"So we are friends then?" Steve asked me. Just then, I remembered the last conversation we had two weeks ago.
"Yeah, yeah, we're friends, okay," I said. "Just don't tell anyone because I have a reputation to maintain."
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," Steve laughed. "By the way, why are you at the mall? It just doesn't seem like a place you would like to be."
"Eh, Clint guilt-tripped me into spending some money on myself," I explained, and then proceeded to tell Steve the entire story. By the end of my story, Steve actually agreed to help me spend even more of my money. "I'm pretty sure a true friend would tell me not to spend my money."
"Well, the way I see it, you deserve to have some fun."
"But this isn't exactly my version of fun," I tell him. "Spending money at the mall is the opposite of fun."
"Maybe because you didn't have anyone with you?" Steve tried to reason with me, but all that did was remind me of something else.
"Interesting coming from the guy who was here by himself."
"Well..."
"Steve, why are you at the mall?" I asked the captain, and by his expression, it was easy to tell that he wasn't happy to be here either. He told me the only reason he came to the mall is because of his wardrobe. Apparently, it was outdated (which is true), and Romanoff wouldn't get off his back about it. She wasn't the only person who said something about it either. There were others who said that Steve was taking too long to catch up to the current trends, which wasn't fair. From what I can see, Steve is trying really hard to move forward with his life and to learn as much as he can about the world along the way.
"So you came here to change your look? But you look fine, so why would you want to change? I say you forget about those people and focus on what you want."
"That's the problem," Steve muttered. "I dress like this because, in a way, I am still living in the past, and I don't want to move forward. I know I said I would try but… I can't."
In so many ways, I felt that because I was the same way. I didn't want to move on with my life, but I knew I had to, and oddly enough, it was Steve who gave me the final push to do it. When he told me after the battle of New York that he was going to try and move forward, it gave me the courage to do the same. Even if I didn't understand that back then, I do now. The least I can do is encourage him as he inspired me.
"Maybe because you didn't have anyone to help you move forward," I told him. "What about this, I'll help you move forward, and you can help me shop."
"That doesn't seem like an even trade..." Steve pointed out to me.
"I beg to differ because shopping is horrendous!" I stated dramatically before hopping out of my seat. "Come on, let's shop!"
So off we went going into different stores to buy some clothes. I actually bought some new shoes, so that was good. It was just some more converse that came in different colors, no big deal. Steve, on the other hand, had a new wardrobe, all thanks to me. No, I didn't buy him anything, but I did help him pick out some new outfits. I also convinced him to get a haircut, which was near impossible to do. It was a simple haircut that was easy to manage no less, and the best part is that he won't look so old now. He actually looks his age now, which was great.
The last thing we decided to do before we left to grab something to eat was to go into a nearby store that had a couple of neat stuff in it. We somehow got separated as we were walking through the store, but I didn't mind. There was actually something I was looking for, and if Steve saw me try to buy it for him, he would stop me. I just can't stop thinking about the big list of things Steve has to try and remember to learn about or see. All I want to do is make it easier for him.
Finally, after searching for a couple of minutes, I found one hidden in a corner. It was small, and it didn't look half bad, so I decided to buy it before it was too late. Thankfully I did so before Steve caught me. Once the lady bagged my item, Steve finally found his way back to me.
"What did you buy?" Steve asked me as we started to walk out of the store.
"Oh, nothing, let's go get something to eat," I told him as I walked in the direction of the food court.
We couldn't agree on what to eat once we got there, so we decided to grab what we wanted at our respective locations and then meet back up to eat together. We found a table near the back where not that many people were eating and decided to sit there. At first, neither one of us spoke but, as we drew to the end of our meal, I finally pulled out my last purchase and laid it in front of the older man.
"Is that what you bought"
"Yes, and it's for you."
"What?" Steve asked me, clearly confused with the gift. Feeling confident, I picked up the notebook in my hand and flipped through it so he could see inside of it and all of its empty pages.
"Well, it must be difficult keeping track of everything new, so I thought I'd make it easier for you," I explained to him as I handed him the book. "This way, you can keep track of everything you need to see and learn about and what you've already learned."
For a moment, Steve didn't say anything to me as he held the small notebook in his hand. But the smile on his face was so genuine that one appeared on my face as well.
"You'll help, right?"
"Excuse me?"
"You'll help me go through the list, right?" he asked me again, and I was about to say no, but once again, the look on his face was just too pure.
"Sure, but I refuse to watch any scary movies or Star Wars related stuff," I told him before finishing my meal.
"Star Wars?"
"Not gonna lie this movie is iconic, and most people have seen it, and even if they haven't seen it, they at least know about it."
"So should that be at the top of the list?" he asked me but I quickly stopped him.
"Nope, that will be near the middle of the list. The very first thing you need to catch up on is the original Disney movies. After that, we can watch whatever Disney has bought the rights to over the years."
"Disney?" Steve laughed at me, but I was being completely serious.
"Yes, because Disney basically owns the world right now."
"I did like Snow White when it first came out."
"You did? That's great!" I cheered with excitement.
"You seem excited," Steve chuckled, but I couldn't help it.
"It's because Snow White was my favorite movie growing up. I used to watch it all the time when my parents were alive. It kind of sucks that not that many people like her now in days, but the fact that you like her movie, even though you might not be a huge fan of hers, is great." I explained to the blond.
Before I knew what he was doing, Steve grabbed all of our trash and left. Before leaving, he told me to sit tight, and he would be back soon. A couple of minutes passed, and Steve still hadn't returned. Did he get lost or something? I was right about to get up and search for him when he came racing back to our table. Without saying a word, he sat down and started writing in his new notebook. Once he finished, he passed it to me along with the pen I assume he just bought because he didn't have one earlier. When I opened the notebook to the first page, it was to find Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the very top of the page. Before I knew it, another smile formed on my face.
Yup, Steve and Calliope are officially friends now so, you'll be seeing a lot more of them in the future. Hint for the next chapter is the appearance of the Science Bros! Well, until next time bye guys!