Training Day
Ben doubled over and wheezed, his limbs aflame with exhaustion and his mind racing with the same question: How do I keep finding myself in situations like these?
When Steve Rogers aka Captain America himself had dropped by the Tower to visit, Ben of course was eager to welcome in the National legend himself. At first, Steve was stunned to hear the animated voice of Jarvis' welcome him into the living quarters, amused at the prospect of talking walls
The two had hit it off instantly, chatting away before the Supersoldier suggested a little "warmup" for the day. Steve suggested a sparring session, just the two of them.
"No Omnitrix, No Shield", Steve said
Huh? The teen verbally echoed the same sentiment that sprung in his mind.
"Wanna see how well you do on your own", Steve flashed a disarming grin," don't worry, it'll be fun"
Would it?
"Why not?", Ben shrugged as he accompanied Steve to the Tower's gym. In hindsight, he really should've considered his options more carefully.
The facility was spacious, pristine and most importantly, built for taking a heap of punishment from heavy-duty hitters like the Sentinel of Liberty himself.
However, the same could not be said about the teen shapeshifter's lanky frame, hence the need for some level of protective gear. Kneepads, gloves and a padded helmet, while Steve opted to simply use the gloves, garbed in a simple pair of cotton sweatpants.
The two got into position, taking their respective combat stances. Ben had always known Cap was physically imposing, but from this distance, the Sentinel of Liberty looked like a modern gladiator, towering over the teen in a mass of well-scultped muscles and build. Ben gulped inwardly.
They circled each other slowly, each trying to get a read on the other.
WHUMP!
Ben struck first, his blow easily parried by the supersoldier. One of his first lessons in self defense was with his Grandpa, who gave him some tips on taking care of himself inna street fight without the Omnitrix.
If you're smaller, hit fast, hit hard and hit first.
Unfortunately for him, Steve was just as fast. The war veteran partied the shot, returning fire by executing an expert counter grapple that sent the teen to the floor in seconds
"Focus, Tennyson!", The supersoldier urged the teen as he keeled over from the force of the slam.
WHAP!! THUD!!!
Scrambling tonhis feet, Ben responded with a series of jabs and kicks, each missing the mark by just a few centimeters as the Captain moved faster and faster with each exchange.
WHOOOSHH
Reeling backwards Ben narrowly avoided a counter-hook from Steve. The shapeshifter could feel the power behind that swing, despite the fact that Steve was uolding back severely, one hit could do some serious damage.
What was that Grandpa Max always said in his lessons?
Don't rush in to a larger opponent. Stat on the outside, pick your angles and hit fast.
They continued their exchange, Steve observing the teen's tactics and behavior. Part of the abilities granted to him by the supersoldier serum was the ability to "see" things in slow motion, a sort of hyper awareness that gave him the edge over his opposition.
In this case, he could comfortably analyse Ben's fighting style, as well as his tactics and his tendencies. Surprisingly, the teen had good fundamentals, especially for one so young. Orthodox boxing techniques mixed in with some Karate moves, seemingly from two different teachers. One rigid and one flexible. Yet Ben effortlessly combined the two disciplines into his own unique blend of freestyle fighting.
Steve primarily utilized a standard militaty fighting techniques: combination of Boxing strikes, Krav Maga and a helping of basic street skills taught by his former partner and best friend. It seemed a decent matchup, excluding Steve's superhuman abilities that gave him the edge.
Of course, as Steve could still make critiques based on visible flaws, Tennyson's form could still use some work. Sloppy footwork and telegraphed moves aside, he could see the kid holding his own in any street fight. Add that to his primary weapon, the device he called the Omnitrix, and Tennyson was a force to be reckoned with. Scratch that, a force to be feared.
WHUMP!
"Don't load up on all your punches, Ben", Steve easily sidestepped a haymaker, "leaves you open for a counter"
Cap ducked before sweeping his legs, sending the teen tumbling to the ground. Ben hit the ground like a sack of wet potatoes, the impact sending shuddering waves through his lanky frame.
THUMP!!
"Know what?", Steve wagered, "if you can land one clean shot, I'll pick up the smoothie tab"
"Wait, seriously?", Ben's eyes widened, motivation flooding his system. He could already imagine the possibilities...
"Yup, consider it a reward for practice", Steve added, "but if you lose, you're footing the bill"
Ben grinned, the prospect of free smoothies to good to pass up, "you're on!"
Thwap. Thwap-boom!
Seriously? Ben lamented, as he managed to pick himself up. Here he was, ragged and sore while his opponent looked fresh as day. Steve's eyes hovered over him like a hawk, seemingly tracking his every move and countering or deflecting whenever Ben went on the offensive
Thwap. Thwap-boom! Thwap, boom-BOOM!
Then again, this was Steve Rogers. He'd earned his moniker as the Sentinel of Liberty for a reason. Ben was sure he was the first celebrity that actually seemed bigger in person, towering over the teen by a good measure.
"Is there a point to this?", groaned the teen, "I feel hurt in my...everywhere!"
"Well, that's how you build muscles", the supersoldier grinned, "now c'mon, warm-up's just started"
Just started?
"This has got to be some kinda cheating", Ben sidestepped an attack before countering with a straight jab. His attack barely grazed Steve, who returned with a left hook, forcing the teen to retreat.
Ben raised his arms in defeat, "I mean, you're basically superhuman and stuff! Why even bother with the workout?"
"There's always a reason to improve Tennyson", Steve urged as he forced the teen back with a series of punches, the teen barely dodging the barrage by weaving and bobbing.
"We can't afford to get slow" the supersoldier warned, " if we get slow in the field, people could get hurt. Innocent people"
"Speaking from experience?", Ben raised an eyebrow. The veyetan often spoke less than he let on, leaving the teen wondering if there was more beneath the icon. Under the veneer of perfectly sculpted muscles lay a beating heart, a man under the machine.
"Something like that"
"Y'know I never got to hear your stories about the war...just the stuff they taught us in school. Did you really fight Hitler?"
"...save it for another time, kiddo", Steve paused, before getting back into stance, "for now, guard up!"
Ben bit back a swear.
"Okay, I think it's safe to say we're done", Steve announced, mercifully ended the bout of training.
"Oh thank goodness!", Ben wobbled before dragging himself to the bench, "I feel like I'm gonna pass out!"
"You'll be fine", Steve admonished, arms akimbo as he towered above the teen, a sheen of perspiration glinting off his skin, " your basics are solid, just need some more practice, maybe some cardio while you're at it"
"I'm literally too tired to protest anymore", panted Ben, his limbs feeling like jelly. Steve methodically removed his sparring gloves before giving the teen a hand, yanking him to his feet.
"That's the spirit!", the supersoldier cheered, hoisting the teen up in a fireman's carry, the duo making their way out of the gym and into the hallway
"Y'know, I almost had ya there, if it weren't for the stupid soldier serum-thing...no offense"
"Well, we all can't have alien watches now, can we?"
"Touche, Captain", Ben smirked as the duo reached the main hall, "next time, you're going up against Humungosaur!!!"
"Is that a challenge?", the supersoldier smirked
"Could you guys keep it down?", a weary voice came from the nearby hallway leading into the labs. Doctor Bruce Banner stumbled into the duo, disheveled and bag-eyed, a worn jacket and trousers that both seemed too lose on his rather small frame. Some part of Ben always wondered if the scientist made an effort to look as scruffy as possible regardless of what he wore.
Bruce nudged his head slightly, trying to get the crimp out of his neck.
"Doctor Banner", Steve greeted, propping the teen on his shoulder while offering a handshake with his other hand "sorry, I didn't know you were here".
"Yeah, he's like a ghost when he's not... y'know–big, green and mean", Ben commented as he leaned on the wall.
"I like to work in silence", Bruce stated, returning the Captain's handshake, "can't say the same about Stark Tower. Reconstruction's practically murder on my ears, not to mention my meditation routine". Of course, there was the other guy to worry about.
"Well on the bright side", Cap added, "it's got better benefits"
Ben snorted "Except for the part with snoopy AI Butlers...and billionaire geniuses"
Bruce lightly scraped at his stubble, now more prominent than the last time. "Yeah–that, plus it's been quite the ordeal moving all my stuff from my... former place".
The gamma scientist had made the move to the Tower only a few weeks after the arrival of the teen. While Ben was content to remain in the Loft, Banner was more interested in the activity on the lower floors, only popping back into the penthouse in order to grab supplies, like clothing or food.
Or a bath..., Ben shuddered.
"Y'know, I could've just used XLR8 for ya", Ben noted, "but I thought Tony sent your stuff already"
"That's some pretty delicate lab equipment", Bruce explained, "Gamma radiation equipment, testing tools, the bare minimum. I don't trust Tony's guys to handle with care. And unless your aliens come with PHDs, I think I'll pass"
"Hey Brainstorm's technically smart, and so's Grey Matter"
"Grey Matter?"
"Hey, I was ten when I named him, gimme a break", Ben pushed off the wall before making his way to his room, "I need to take a shower. Feels like high school gym all over again, with less dodgeball and more pain all over"
"Roger that kid", Steve nodded, "probably get one myself"
The teen halfheartedly waved off the scientist and the supersoldier before stumbling into his pad.
The things I do for Smoothies...
After a well-deserved appointment with the showers and a change of clothes, Ben was starting to feel like himself again. The teen quickly dried off his hair before making his way back to the living room, the soft hiss of the automatic doors announcing his return.
"Am I to trust that you're here on friendly terms?"
"I'm not sure what you're insinuating, Doctor"
Imagine his surprise when a certain redhead was already present, her back turned to him while she engaged Doctor Banner in what seemed to be a tense conversation. Ben could've worn he saw the bespectacled doctor sweating torrents as he berated the Black Widow herself.
"I'm just saying, that Stark Tower isn't SHIELD property", Bruce elaborated, arms folded while grabbing his own bicep in a vice grip, "we don't need any more agents and spies snooping around for crying out loud!"
"Dr Banner, I can assure you..."
"Assure me?", Bruce's tone grew an octave, his voice nearly becoming a growl in itself, "no offense, but that didn't go so well the last time I was round SHIELD now did it?"
Nat stiffened, instinctively dropping her hands to her purse. Knowing the superspy, whatever she had stashed in the accessory had nothing to do with cosmetics or pepperspray
"Heyo!!", Ben chirped, smoothly stepping between the scientist and the deadly killing machine in heels and dress pants.
Ben felt both tense stares turn to him, "Err..Nice to see we're all getting along.."
"What are you doing, Tennyson?"
"Just getting in a conversation with friends. We're all friends here, right?", Ben half-joked, half pleaded, switching his gaze rapidly between the duo.
Tensions seemed to skyrocket as a thick blanket of palpable silence nearly suffocated the living room. And to think, Ben had hoped for more of his team to cohabit the same root without accounting for...interpersonal issues.
The redhead gave her signature glare before turning sharply, briskly trotting away from the exchange. Bruce merely huffed before sighing, removing his glasses to clean the film of condensation that gathered on the lens.
"She can be a little...intense, huh?", The Jade Giant's alter ego broke the silence with a clipped observation, his breath measured as he attempted to calm himself down.
"I'd say you'd get used to it but...yeah", Ben awkwardly massaged the back of his head before turning in the direction of the redhead, "You still don't trust her, do you?"
"Kid, I've been on the run from SHIELD long enough to know that trust is wasted on them", Bruce sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, "as long as she's here, we're better off sleeping with one eye open"
Team building was never something accomplished within a fortnight. Ben would know, his last team took minutes to form, years to develop. Training wasn't just physical, but also interpersonal.
"I'll uh...see ya around doc", the teen half-waved goodbye, heading after the redhead.
"Watch yourself, kid", Bruce warned, watching the teen go.
"You don't have to follow me everywhere, Ben", Natasha clipped, clearly sensing the teen's approach from her 6 o'clock.
"Hey, just making sure you're okay"
"Didn't realize I needed you to make sure", Nat swiveled to meet his gaze, arms akimbo, "and I'm fine"
"Not from what I saw", Ben countered, "kinda looked like you were gonna take his head off at any moment"
"Anything wrong with being cautious?"
"Cautious??!!", Ben uttered in disbelief
"There's over 500 personnel in the building, Ben", snapped the redhead, "if he loses control at any moment, for even second, they're done for"
Ben sighed, "you don't really think..."
" If the Good Doctor can't get himself under control, then–"
"Then what?", Ben interjected, "you'll kill him? Is that it?"
"...", For the second time, their eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity.
"Tennyson, Romanov, at ease", the commanding tone of Steve Rogers interrupted their conversation. The duo broke their staring competition, turning towards the supersoldier, now out of his gym pants and in more casual jacket and jeans.
"Something wrong?"
"Nah, we're good here". A tight smile graced Natasha's lips, her eyes not leaving the teen.
"Just...try to be nice, okay?", the teen whispered at last.
"This IS me being nice", she clipped, her demeanour still waspish. Ben merely raised an eyebrow in protest, as she sauntered away leaving him with the supersoldier.
"What was that all about?", Steve ventured, the redhead out of sight.
"It's... complicated"
"Well, it better get uncomplicated, if we're gonna function as a team", the Captain clapped his hand on the teen's shoulder, "Now, I believe someone owes me a smoothie"
"So whaddaya think?", Ben asked as he slurped down yet another Smoothie cup, observing the supersoldier cautiously sample his.
"We had smoothies back in my time kiddo", Steve glanced around the cafe, "just not like these...shops just selling overpriced coffee "
"Yeah, at least they have smoothies", Ben continued, sighing as he put down his cup, "kinda disappointing the Big Apple doesn't have an official Mr Smoothies..not yet anyways"
"Well I gotta say, not bad Tennyson", the veteran nodded at the teen,
"Hey, wait till you see the one in Bellwood"
"Was talking about your skills", Steve pointed, his arms crossed on the table, "don't wanna let it get to your head, but you're pretty good"
The teen beamed slightly, "Thanks. Had to do some training with my Grandpa, and my Cousin helped too"
"Your Grandpa worked in the Airforce, right?", Cap took another sip of his beverage.
"Yeah, he taught me a lot", A slight wave of nostalgia hit the teen as he recalled his youth inside the Rustbucket, being lectured on anything and everything by the old timer.
"Had a mentor while I was in the army", the veteran recalled, "he taught me a lot, back when I was just a scrawny kid dealing with bullies"
"Relatable"
"Also had my friend...Bucky", the supersoldier's features clouded briefly, glancing down at the table separating him from the shapeshifter.
"Y'know, you never told me much about the war and stuff"
Steve chuckled dryly, "there's a reason most of us don't talk about it, kid"
"Just saying dude, I've seen my own share of bad stuff"
"It's different: when you're in charge of others–normal folks who can't do what we do", Steve's tone had somberness to it, more melancholic as the memories of war filtered in, "people get hurt, people die. Good people, bad people"
Ben could only take another sip in silence, his gaze still honed in on the supersoldier.
"Y'know, they say war is hell", Steve continued, "but it isn't. War is war, hell is hell–and between the two, war is worse"
"Really? Worse than hell?", Ben wasn't one to wax philosophical, opting to stare thoughtfully at the grim visage of the veteran.
"Supposedly only the guilty, the bad people go to hell", Cap stated, "but War takes everyone. Guilty, innocent, bad, good. Everyone just swept away under the line of fire, everyone gets hurt one way or another"
"Wow that's...intense"
"Yeah", a brief bout of silence accompanied the duo, before Ben's attention as drawn to the coffee shop's TV display. As with every news piece since a few months ago, the main topic seemed to remain on the Avengers, as well as the existence of superhumans in general. The teen noted that reactions to the Avengers were often mixed, both the public opinion and the consensus tending to sway between idealistic optimism and cynical criticism
"Looks like you've gotten a new fan", Cap nodded to Ben, watching the latest broadcast: another heated debate between Senator Harangue and anyone unlucky enough to be in his line of fire.
"Look I'm just saying that these so called heroes are more trouble than they're worth!", The political figure ranted, "their efforts notwithstanding, where's the accountability for the lives lost and property destroyed?"
"But they did save more lives, and put their own lives on the line!", Came the mildly irritated response, patience running thin as ice, "let's also consider the efforts of Captain America, who's already fought for us more times than we can count"
"Regardless, the fact that is most of them are clearly above the law– some of them aren't even human!!", Clips of the Avengers in action materialized on screen.
"Mutants, freaks of nature, we even have some kind of Pagan thunder deity for crying out loud!", Harangue lamented, "and look at these shots: what appears to be some kind of shapeshifting abomination!". Footage of Ben fighting and transforming dominated the screen. Amateur phone captures of Fourarms in action, a static traffic cam feed of Armodrillo, amongst others.
"What are we supposed to do against that, if it ever decides to turn against us?! Is that..thing even human?"
"...various reports have shown the shapeshifting entity defending and talking to multiple groups of humans..."
"And who can verify these reports??"
"Looks like you've got a fan", Cap whispered conspiratorially as Ben shook his head in disbelief. Before now, he didn't have to worry so much about what people thought about him, back when his team were operating away from the public eye, free from scrutiny. Of course, times changed, and so did circumstances.
Part of the teen had dreaded the public reception to his existence, even before he joined with the Avengers. Humans had a history of fearing and often developing a deep detestation for things they couldn't understand.
"Lucky me..."
"Hey...", Cap addressed the teen, "doesn't matter what anyone thinks, as long as you did the right thing. That's all that matters"
Ben gave a half smile, "Exactly what my Grandpa would say...then again you're technically older than my Grandpa"
The duo shared a hearty chuckle. A bout of comfortable silence reigned before Ben piqued up again
"Hey Cap...I might be seeing things, but I think that barista's totally into ya", The teen subtly nodded in the direction of the blushing middle aged blonde.
"Into me?", Cap raised an eyebrow
"Yeah, she's been giving you the look since we've been here"
"The Look?"
"Y'know, that dreamy look when you think they can't see ya. My mom says that's how you know someone's really into you"
"You mean like how you look at Romanov?", Cap's eyes had a glint to them, an inconspicuous slyness that undercut his expression.
"Wha-what? I don't look like that...wait, do I ?"
Steve chuckled in reply,"Yeah well, I don't think I'm gonna be ready for that, if ever"
"Too busy being Captain America?"
"Too busy trying to fit in", the supersoldier corrected, "and let's just say I already had my eyes on someone before I went-"
"Cold?"
Steve answered with a blank stare.
"...sorry", Ben sheepishly replied.
"Dark. Before I went dark", Steve's gaze lowered to his hand as he shook his empty cup, "she was...special. We were supposed to go dancing that night"
"Old flame huh?", Ben joked, "I've definitely been there...holdup–doesn't that make her like a 100 years old or something? Is she even alive?"
"91", Cap answered after a short pause, his eyes seemingly distant, unfocused. "She turned 91 a month before the invasion"
The amused teen gave a shrill whistle, hand nudging his chin as he nodded, "Not sure how to make that work, but you'll find a way...right?"
"Honestly? I don't know...but I hope so. For now, I'll just focus on getting used to this world I woke up in"
Ben nodded thoughtfully, still taking slurping away at his 5th cup. A hearty chuckle came from the table next to them as an elderly man peeked from behind his newspaper.
"Y'know young man, I think superheroes in New York ain't such a bad idea after all!"
Ben snapped his head around to see the old timer wink at him before pointing out the window to the streets nearby.
"Think you got a visitor, sonny!"
"Uhh...thanks, Mr–"
"Call me Stan, kiddo", the elderly man added chuckled with mirth in his eyes, nodding to the Captain before taking his leave.
Like a midday shadow, Phil Coulson stood outside the diner, black suit and all. He pulled down his shades before addressing the duo
"Captain Rogers, Mr Tennyson–a word?"
"This is Romanov, secure", Nat exhaled slowly as she opened the channel, her piercing eyes darting around the enclosure as she whispered into the comms.
"Agent Romanov", greeted the SHIELD Director, "what's the sitrep on Tennyson?"
"He's with Captain Rogers, sir" came her reply.
"Confirmed. Any contact from the Plumbers?"
The other clandestine organization had seemingly slowed it's operations following the aftermath of the invasion, leaving SHIELD
"None so far"
"At least we know they're not making a move", "Does he know your status? Any suspicions from the asset?"
"...no. Only that I work here using an alias".
"I hear the kid's taken a liking to you",
"...in a manner of speaking", Natasha replied cautiously. Too much information often gave away too much. The less you gave away, the more control you have.
"Think you can use that? To keep him under control?", Shrewd as always, the SHIELD Director quickly cut to the chase. Always looking for an angle to play. Always seeking to hold all the pieces on the board
"I'm his handler, sir. Comes with the job", her words were tailored, evasive. Designed to convince both the listener and the speaker.
A part of her dreaded this aspect of her job, the subterfuge and manipulations behind the screens of spycraft. Building bridges only to burn them when time saw fit.
"Just don't get too involved", the Director warned, "Tennyson tend to have a...unique effect on people".
To put it lightly...she sighed. The shapeshifter had a knack for getting under her skin like no other. And yet, he possesed a warmth of character she'd never seen before, and most importantly, it was genuine. Not forced or fabricated, like many of the other people she'd been with. He also had a quirky, infectious charm that seemed to radiate effortlessly, and despite his childish antics, his eyes held maturity beyond his years. That maturity often propelled him into the battlefield, saving many lives (including her own) on many an occasion.
"He's still a hormonal teenager, Fury", she stated plainly, her eyes refocused, "...and I never get involved"
She'd a lot of bridges burned, a smoldering heap of assets that littered her record. Her reputation was built on her ability to maintain control over any situation, over anyone.
The teen shapeshifter was... different. Familiar in some ways, yet unpredictable in others. He seemed to have just as much as an effect on her as she did him. One could even say they had some ott of camraderie. And he trusted her, knowing who she was, what she did.
What did that mean? For them? What would happen if he knew the truth? The whole truth about her?
"Recent reports show our bugs got fried the same day Tennyson moved in", Fury's voice pulled her from her hazy thoughts, " Any clue how that happened?"
She cursed under her breath.
"Tennyson must've gotten them", he simply stated the obvious, emphasizing the teen's name to get his point across, "if he suspects anything..."
"He won't", she cut in bluntly.
"Good", Fury concluded, an air of finality in his tone. "Coulson and I will be in touch".
She cut the communication abruptly, sighing deeply as she stepped into the hallways.
"Agent Romanov", Dr Banner stood in her path, levelling the redhead with an analytical stare.
"DR Banner", she nodded impassively,"if you're expecting some kind of apology.."
"I'm not naive, you're just doing your job", Bruce cut in, a gravelly edge to his tone," however questionable it might be. Just don't get him involved"
Natasha stared blankly at the Doctor. Bruce stood a little taller than she was, but remained at her eye level due to his perpetual hunched posture. Combine with his naturally haggard frame, made him look practically designed to be harmless, even though the truth could not be more . Aside from Tennyson, the scientist was arguably the most dangerous member on the team.
His eyes seemingly pierced through her, as though he looked through a magnifying glass. "You and the kid", he stated, "can't say I'm sure what's going on between the two of you, but don't drag him into your mess".
Into her web would be more accurate. The Black Widow and her long spun web of lies and secrets. Bruce was more perceptive than she gave him credit for. Years of experience on the run
She sighed slowly before replying, her gaze low and imperceptible, "I'm keeping him out of trouble, not dragging him into it".
"That what you tell yourself?", Bruce retorted, a grim look on his visage. She saw no accusation behind his stare, only deep seated curiosity, and even an undercurrent of apprehension.
Just try to be nice
Wordlessly, the redhead stepped past the scientist, only stopping for one last statement.
"That's what my job is, Doctor Banner".
"What was that about?",
After a seemingly long conversation with the man in black himself, Steve joined Ben in his car, taking a seat next to the teen on he passenger's side. The less ears surrounding them, the better.
"Coulson's just being Coulson", Steve waved off the teen's query.
"You mean overly nosy and overprotective?"
"He's got his heart in the right place", Steve added ,"but it's not his heart I'm worried about. It's just..."
"Working with SHIELD?"
"... working with Fury", Cap corrected, "all the secrecy, the means and ends. I've met men like him back in my day, people in that line of business have only agendas. Means and ends. I don't trust him yet, Ben, neither should you"
"Don't have to tell me twice", the teen shrugged.
The Captain nodded, "What about Romanov? You sure about her?"
The teen paused. Nat and Ben were...close in a sense. Then again, he hadn't had much success with the opposite sex and could be blowing things out of proportion.
She was quick witted, bossy and stubborn–not to mention cold and deadly at times. If this were a noir film she'd be the Femme Fatale, sauntering into his fictional office wearing a disarming smile. Ben wasn't as naive as he seemed; he knew the redhead had her own faults and secrets, but she seemed earnest–somewhat. The teen sensed a hidden vulnerability, a well of deep hidden emotions beneath those piercingly cold eyes, a sanguine sorrow beneath the veneer of charm and wit.
"Well she hasn't tried to kill me yet, so that's a plus", Ben shrugged, his demeanour laid back, masking the shadow of doubt that crept up and gnawed at the back of his mind.
"Really? Your luck's that bad with women?", Cap raised an eyebrow
"Well, I'm hardly the only one with that problem in this car, now am I?"
Steve gave the teen a pointed look.
"What, too soon?"
Steve's expression broke into a fit of hearty chuckling.
"But yeah, I trust her", Ben finally said, a wistful expression n his visage. Cap could only stare at the teen, both marvelling at his almost lackadaisical approach to most situations. Either that or the teen knew more than he let on.
"Don't need me to tell you to be careful, Ben", the veteran reached for the teen's shoulder, a gesture from a well meaning mentor to a protegee.
"So what happens now?"
"Coulson tells me Fury's got some new initiative", Steve's brows furrowed in careful consideration, weighing possibilities before ultimately landing on a conclusion.
"It's supposed to be some kinda counter-terrorist Special Mission Unit, comprised of SHIELD's best", he explained, "apparently Fury wants me on board"
"Sounds like Fury", Ben nodded, "so what's the problem? Isn't that what we do?"
"Funny you should say we", Steve turned to the teen, "because I want you on board too"
"Wh–wait, seriously?", sputtered Ben, "I'm not sure I'm the tactical ops kinda guy, if you get my drift Cap. Can't you ask Nat? Or Clint?"
"Both part of an earlier team, got disbanded when the Avengers formed", came the reply, "and Clint's taking time off the field to be with his family"
"Wait, does that mean.."
"Yeah, Romanov's probably in on it too"
"Woah"
"Somehow I guess that sweetens the deal for you", Cap grinned briefly before his gaze turned steely, "but I need a familiar face with me, Ben. Someone I can trust"
"Can't you just say no?"
"I'm a soldier, Tennyson. I signed up to fight for my country, no matter what. I'm technically still under that charge. But a good man is better than a good soldier"
"But–wait does that mean our workout was technically an audition?"
"Well, you don't audition to join an international task force operated by a top-secret government organization", pointed Steve, "but yeah, I do trust you, Tennyson. And I need someone trustworthy watching my back. Especially if Fury's gonna pull me to the other side of the world"
Ben exhaled, somewhat apprehensive. This was huge. After the events surrounding the Invasion, the teen was thrust heavily in the public eye, a subject of rigorous examination and a lynchpin of public opinion on not just the Avengers, but superheroes as a whole. His hero career actions did very much possess wide reaching consequences.
But this could also be an opportunity. If he was on SHIELD's territory, he arguably had a better perspective into their operations, their agenda and if possible, their trove of well guarded secrets. Keep your friends close, your enemies closer and top secret government bodies in your backyard.
Cap had the right idea: if SHIELD had their eyes on them, they too could have eyes on SHIELD.
"So, whatddaya say?", Cap reached for a handshake.
Dusk reigned within the sleepless city by the time Ben returned to the penthouse, the dim lighting pointing the shapeshifter in the direction of the living room.
Natasha Romanov sat on the couch, her eyes half-glued to the TV while her heels were discarded on the floor as her feet were tucked in comfortably on the seating. She seemed almost comfortable, at ease in a regal posture. Which knowing her, was a rare sight to behold.
Ben cleared his throat to get the redhead's attention, "I see Dr Banner's still alive...you kids finally kiss and make up?"
She drew her gaze to him, a small smirk appearing her face, before vanishing almost as fast," Let's just say we came to an understanding about...certain things".
"Well let's hope the definition of understanding didn't somehow change into taking each other's heads off".
"What? I can be reasonable"
"No offense Nat, you scare literally everyone in the Tower"
"But not you?"
"Please, I went nose-to-nose with Vilgax", Ben huffed, " and you haven't met my mom or her infamous Mom look". Not yet anyways
Her grin reappeared again, wily and fuller than the last."So how was your date with everyone's favorite boy-scout?"
"Oh har har", Ben plopped on the sofa right next to her, "someone's jealous I got to spend all afternoon with a celebrity"
"Someone's forgotten we're all technically celebrities"
"Some more than others", Ben smirked, "what you watchin'?"
"Why don't you join me and find out?", she asked as she patted the space next to her, "don't worry, I don't bite"
"It's not the bite I'm scared of", Ben tentatively inched closer to the redhead.
"Just as long as you don't get any ideas, buster", added the superspy, "and keep those hands where I can see 'em"
"Hmmmm...what ideas?"
A sly foot found its way to his lap, as the redhead stretched out on the couch, smirking at the teen's frozen expression.
How do I keep finding myself in situations like these?
"So what did you two talk about?", She queried the tongue tied teen, observing through half-lidded eyes. Ben, for his part, decided to avoid her gaze, desperately trying to avoid the question. Not only was he a terrible liar (with the world's most obvious tell), but she was also a superspy for a reason
"Uhhhh–y'know, guy stuff..",
"Guy stuff?"
"Yeah...sparring, politics, stuff", Ben rambled, desperately seeking a distraction. A quick glance at his lap gave him an idea
"That doesn't sound like guy stuff–ohh", she stiffened as the teen slowly began massaging the foot on his lap "What do you think you're doing?"
"Giving you a foot rub?"
"What did I say about hands?", Incredulously, she raised an eyebrow
"You can clearly see 'em...giving you a foot rub"
"Are you trying to distract me, Ben?"
"...maybe? Is it working?"
"..."
"...sounds like its working", it was Ben's turn to smirk now, effectively turning the tables. A sigh escaped her lips as she adjusted her posture slightly, slowly leaning back on the armchair while giving the teen even more range. A serene sense of calm and warmth swept through the living room, Nat silently luxuriating in the teen's ministration while watching him
"Hey quick note...maybe don't wear heels everyday?", Ben suggested , receiving a deadpan stare in return
"Don't ruin the moment, Tennyson", Nat raised a finger in protest. The shapeshifter merely resigned himself to silence, watching the superspy doing her darnedest to pretend she wasn't enjoying every minute of it.
Who knew the world's greatest assassin had a weakness to footrubs?
Natasha Romanov stared at the teen, in almost silent apprehension. Her job was to keep him close, keep him out of trouble. Keep him under control. Yet here she was, getting foot rubs. If she did know better, she'd assume Tennyson was putting the moves on her.
Did she want him to? Their relationship was..odd to say the least. A spy handler and her superhero asset. There was obviously more to it, their recent interactions since after the Invasion, and even during their stay in the Tower, spoke volumes about them.
Don't drag him into your mess
It was her job, but she would keep him safe because she wanted to. Keep him close because she wanted to. He deserved that much, from her.
End
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A/N: Well, turns out I lied. This chapter's somehow even longer than the last. I guess that's what happens when you want to tell a simple story but get carried away worrying about character dynamics,drama and the like.
Also, RIP Stan Lee. Can't believe it took me this long to include a cameo.
Can anyone guess what movie Nat was watching?
Next chapter's gonna take a while, hopefully I learn my lesson this time.
Reviews and Criticisms are not only welcome, but encouraged. The more you guys engage with my work, the more eager I am to write.