Fifteen (Thirteen Years Old)

In hindsight, graduating from high school early on hadn't seemed like a back idea. At the age of thirteen, she had only just hit the beginnings of puberty and was already going through an emotional turmoil. Since the warning she received from Nancy nearly a month ago, her birthday came and went with little interruption. Coulson was the only one who dropped off a gift – he had been on a mission at the time. She hadn't said a word to McCoy about her plans to finalize the paperwork regarding her early diploma. After talking to Tony about it for days on end – he had been furious when he found out about Nancy and the problems she caused – she had enough information on how to handle said SAT's.

It hadn't been difficult to move on when McCoy was so engrossed with Nancy. He didn't say a word when she finally tried confronting him one day. His parents hadn't been around that morning at the bus stop, so Emily took the opportunity to talk to him. Or at least try and have a civil conversation. The moment she tried though was when she knew Nancy had talked to him prior.

"I can't believe you actually tried hurting her," was all he'd said that morning.

Her heart nearly skipped a beat as Emily realized what he was implying. It was a painful reminder of why she couldn't trust anyone. McCoy's voice had become cold as ice, just like Nancy. She hadn't missed the way he seemed to personify her personality. What bothered her the most was the fact that he didn't seem to care. Even after everything they talked about.

By the time those words hit home, Emily knew there was nothing to hold her back. She shook her head at the thought as she focused on her studies. She'd become even more isolated than ever at school as a result. Coulson was one of the few who seemed to understand that something was bothering her, though she would never admit it out loud. He knew her well enough to understand why she was hiding behind the usual mask of calm. She didn't want to be hurt again, and that was enough for his gut to wrench with pity.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked carefully when she sat at the kitchen table one morning. "You realize once you go through with this, there's no turning back?"

Emily pursed her lips together as she thought of how to explain the situation. She didn't want Coulson going after McCoy simply because of a silly rumor. The only reason McCoy had turned on her was because Nancy started that rumor. She couldn't shake off the feeling that her life would never be the same once she took on this task.

"I'm sure," she gave a reluctant nod.

It hurt to know that McCoy had moved on so easily. She knew better than to think he was ever her actual friend. If he was able to move on that easily, then it wasn't worth trusting him.

"This doesn't have anything to do with the way you and McCoy have been avoiding each other lately, does it?" Coulson gave her an odd look as she refused to make eye contact.

She always did that whenever something was bothering her. Coulson had quickly learned there was something going on whenever she acted strangely. And of course, it was usually McCoy who figured out what that something was. But if he was the cause of said problem, Coulson doubted he would find out until it was too late.

A shiver of unease swept through her as she began to realize they read her like an open book. She knew that if she wanted to join the agency, then she would have to learn to put on a careful mask around people like them. The last thing she wanted was for them to know what she was feeling, especially in light of recent events.

"No, I just…" She frowned as she recalled how desperate she had been to join the agency. She finally glanced at Coulson self-consciously, suddenly aware of the look he was giving her. "I want to join the agency you work for."

Coulson stiffened at the mention of his agency. She nearly rolled her eyes when he rubbed the temple of his forehead, as if he was suddenly drained by this conversation. They'd had this conversation time and time again. Only this time, it was more urgent. She knew she wouldn't get anywhere without a place to work, and the agency seemed like her best option.

It isn't as if any other company would take me in, she reminded herself.

At least with the agency, she would always have some kind of fallback. She knew Coulson would never approve of whatever choices she made when it came to the agency. But she also knew that avoiding the subject entirely wasn't going to get her anywhere. She needed to stay consistent in order for him to finally give in.

"Absolutely not," he deadpanned. Emily narrowed her eyes when Coulson looked down at her. He let out a sigh and suddenly sank into the kitchen chair, knowing full-well this was a conversation they would have once more. "Look, Emily, I understand why you want to join the agency. But there's too many risks involved. And you're too young."

"But I'm not too young to graduate from high school," she defended herself. Coulson hardly looked surprised with her argument. "And you keep telling me that it's too dangerous to join, but what about the rest of the world? There's always going to be some kind of danger out there, and I'm going to make some mistakes along the way."

"All the more reason to keep you away from the agency," he pointed out. Emily rolled her eyes as Coulson put a hand on her shoulder. "Emily, I know this means more to you than anything else. But please just drop the subject."

Her heart sank at the pleading tone in his voice. She knew better than to keep arguing with him once his mind was made up. He wasn't planning on continuing this conversation when there were better things to think about. But the moment he dropped the subject was when determination suddenly swept through her. She wasn't giving up that easily. Not when she had her entire future set out for her.

.

.

"Congratulations!"

Emily couldn't hide the sheepish grin that followed when she was handed her diploma. After Coulson raised his awareness that she was beyond what they could teach her at the school, they agreed to give her a series of tests to take. In order to graduate from high school early, she needed to achieve the highest score possible on each test. And she'd passed each test with flying colors, impressing even the teachers who started said test. Most of them had asked where she was able to pass with such ease, but she was reluctant to explain to them her secret. She knew if they found out she had an eidetic memory, that would make her life even worse than it already was.

Fortunately, the teachers were forced to drop the subject when they were told by the principal that enough was enough. The principal himself had been proud of her accomplishment. The diploma was her one chance to prove that she could achieve just about anything. She couldn't help but frown as she thought of everything and everyone she was leaving behind. About the only friends she had left had already drifted apart thanks to Nancy telling her to back off from McCoy. And McCoy himself had been furious when she told him about Nancy and what was said between them. He didn't want to believe that she was capable of saying such things, and truthfully, Emily couldn't blame him.

After everything Nancy had told her earlier that month, she knew better than to think McCoy would want a life with her involved. She tried pushing the thoughts aside as she stared blankly at the empty wall. Once everything was said and finished, Coulson helped her unpack everything in her locker wordlessly. It wasn't as if she had much to begin with - most of her belongings were either at home or she didn't have much to claim as her own. Sentimental items were something that she would always keep at home... all the ornaments and decorations Coulson had gotten her for the holidays or her birthday still adorned the wall or her bookshelves.

She cast a final glance at the lunch room where everyone she'd become familiar with were gathered. Not one pair of eyes looked up to see a fellow student leaving without another word. Not even McCoy, who was currently distracted with Nancy, looked up to see her leave. Though he'd felt her presence well enough. He'd simply chosen to ignore it. And that hurt more than she would ever admit out loud.

Emily held back a sigh of frustration as she sank into the sofa. Coulson had to leave later that night for another week-long mission. He wasn't kidding around when he said he didn't want her anywhere near the agency. A small part of her understood where he was getting at with his plea, but she was desperate to follow in his footsteps. Between that and the stress of what happened that month, she didn't know what was worse. Of course, she didn't have much time to dwell on the subject when her com suddenly went off. She glanced at the screen in surprise until she saw who the sender was.

'Is your Pop still around? Figured Rhodes and I could stop by for a minnie-celebration this weekend,' — Stark

Her heart swelled with joy at the prospect of spending the weekend with friends. Tony was one of those rare individuals that could bring a smile to her face without even trying. Despite how annoying he could be at times, he did care more than most people even realized. She supposed that was why she had been so determined to stay in touch with him all this time, even when it was against Coulson's disapproval.

'He's leaving tonight for Greece; I doubt Maria will be around until tomorrow if you can make it,' — Coulson

'I think we're about to break some new records here,' — Stark

She nearly rolled her eyes in amusement at that. Though as Coulson left for the evening as promised, Tony remained true to his word. Emily watched in amusement as he nearly ran over a herd of deer munching on a patch of grass near the driveway. She could tell from the terrified look written across Rhodes' face that he wasn't having a good time. Emily crossed her arms as Tony finally pulled to a stop, the tires shrieking against the gravel in the process.

"Jesus, doesn't your Pop know how to use pavement?" he asked after stepping out of the car. Emily rose an eyebrow in amusement as he reached her without hesitation, pulling her into a warm embrace in the process. "It's good to see you again, Kiddo."

"Likewise, ass," she snorted with laughter while brushing him off with ease. "Where's Rhodes? I thought I saw him with you?"

"And here I thought my baby sister was excited to see me, not my best friend," Tony frowned when she looked for his friend.

"Maybe she was lookin' for me because I don't smother her with hugs," Rhodes replied after reaching them. His face looked worse for wear from the rough ride, but his eyes were bright with amusement. "Glad to see you're still as lovable as you had been."

Emily merely returned the gesture with a charming smirk. It didn't take long for Tony to explain the real reason why he stopped by.

"I'm planning on taking over my dad's company," he explained as they sat around a fire pit Rhodes built outside. Emily grabbed makeshift benches for them to sit on as Tony pulled out the alcohol - something Coulson or the McCoy's would've never approved of. "I was wondering if you'd want to play a part in the company… maybe help with some of the weapon's design program."

She rose an eyebrow at his generous offer. She hadn't thought of where she would go once she finished high school. Truthfully her mind was still trying to process the fact that she graduated at all. Tony poured himself a glass of bourbon and handed one to Rhodes. While he wasn't thrilled with the idea of underage drinking, he didn't pass down the opportunity. Eventually a glass was handed her way.

The first time she ever tried alcohol she nearly gagged on the stench. The aftertaste was even worse than the original taste. She wasn't a fan of the way it burned all the way down her throat. Yet the second time around, when Tony brought a good, expensive bottle, she accepted the glass and took a long, careful swig. She was pleasantly surprised to find there was no aftertaste this time around.

"I never really thought of what to do once I graduate," she admitted guiltily. "I just wanted to get it done and over with quickly so I could get out of Nancy's hair."

"I still can't believe you let that bitch get away with that sort of behavior," Tony grunted in annoyance. "If it were me in your place, I would've kicked her ass and sent her packing."

"And that's exactly why I haven't kicked her ass," Emily rolled her eyes in exasperation. She didn't miss how quiet Rhodes was as he listened to them talk. He was always quiet whenever Tony brought out the alcohol. She suspected that was because Tony needed someone he could talk to without worrying whether or not they would talk back. "Look, I know I'm stronger and faster than the average human… if I ever did hurt her on purpose, I would be no better than the people who created the Augments."

"They were talkin' about them again, weren't they?" Rhodes finally spoke up. Emily squeezed her eyes shut and gave a reluctant nod. She didn't miss the way Tony shared a knowing look with Rhodes. "Firecracker, I know you for a fact that you wouldn't hurt someone unless the situation demanded it. Hell, I've seen you put Tony in his place often enough, but not once did you ever lay a finger on 'em."

Emily finally opened her eyes and looked at him warily, but his smile was infectious. She couldn't help but offer a small smile in return, though it quickly faded when Tony suddenly wrapped an arm around her in a warm embrace.

"And even if we all know I don't deserve getting my ass kicked, I know you well enough to know you wouldn't mean it," he put in helpfully. That was enough for her to laugh. It was the first time in weeks she had anything to laugh about, and she realized with a start how much she missed that sound. "There's the laugh I've always loved."

"Thank you guys," she let out a sigh of relief when Rhodes threw Tony a sharp glare. Tony was smart enough to know when he needed to back down, even in a half-drunken state. "I appreciate the fact that you came all the way here to cheer me up and offer me a job, but I don't know if I can take up that offer just yet."

"Do you have other plans in mind?" Rhodes asked in surprise.

She was ready to answer when a familiar figure suddenly appeared from the shadows. Both Tony and Rhodes turned in time to see McCoy standing beside a tree with Nancy beside him. Nancy's eyes widened in disbelief as she realized who Emily was sharing drinks with. Or more importantly, that she was sharing drinks at all.

"Are you… Tony Stark?" Her voice came out as a squeak when she asked the question.

"No, I'm the President of the United Federation," Tony snorted in response. Emily merely rolled her eyes as she took another swig of her bourbon. She didn't miss the fact that McCoy kept looking between all three of them, but his eyes had finally landed on her with renewed fury. "Take a picture kids, it might last longer than this alcohol."

"Ma and Pa will kill you if they see that bottle," McCoy pointed out bluntly.

"Technically we're on her property, so…" Tony broke off when he noticed Nancy hadn't taken her eyes off of him. They were big as saucers at that point, and Emily was fairly certain they were ready to pop out of their sockets. "Hey kid, did my grand presence break you or something?"

"Aren't you like… famous or something?" she finally barked. Emily shared a knowing look with Rhodes as he inched closer to her side. He of all people knew how unstable Tony was when he got drunk. He'd begun drinking at the young age of thirteen; three years into drinking habits and he wasn't much better. She knew Rhodes was worried he might lash out at someone, and truthfully, she couldn't blame him for being so paranoid over his friend's behavior. "What are you doing hanging out with someone like her?"

When her question was aimed towards Emily, her eyes narrowed with renewed fury. McCoy's jaw clenched when he realized what the raven-haired girl was trying to do. Tony's hands balled into fists as he glared back. Despite his reputation for being a playboy – at sixteen it was rather ridiculous that the media tried spinning that story, even if it was true – he was protective of his friends.

"For one thing, she happens to be my sister," he snapped without missing a beat. His eyes narrowed dangerously when he looked at both Nancy and McCoy pointedly. "I was stopping by to congratulate her on graduating early, and offer a place at Stark Industries."

For a moment, Emily didn't know how to answer as heat immediately rose to her cheeks. It was then that she noticed McCoy's demeanor change. His brows furrowed together in surprise as realization dawned on him. Accepting Tony's offer would have been one of the best choices she could make. Not only would it provide her a good job opportunity, but it would also give her the chance to escape this life.

"I think that's enough alcohol for one night," Rhodes suddenly cut in before Tony could make things worse.

He was already halfway finished with his bottle, though Rhodes hadn't missed the fact that Emily was well into her third glass and hadn't felt a thing. Though she was shaking with a mix of emotions when McCoy's eyes finally landed on her. It was clear he had a dozen things he wanted to say. But when Tony's gaze bored into him, he shrank back and realized this wasn't the time nor the place.

"Come on, Nance; we need to go," he let out a sigh after realizing there was no reason to stick around.

"But I have so many questions I want to ask," she protested as he began dragging her away.

Emily watched them leave with a feeling of disdain overwhelming her. She didn't miss the way McCoy gave her one final look, as if he couldn't believe what he heard. Whatever they had been in the past was long gone. She knew better than to think that he would ever be her friend… or have her full trust again.

"I have about half a mind to kick their asses for showing up uninvited," Tony muttered once they were gone. "You okay, Kiddo?"

She let out a quiet sigh and gave him a thoughtful look. She knew this wasn't his drunken state talking. He was genuinely worried about her. After that confrontation, she couldn't blame him for feeling so worried.

"I don't think I'll ever be just okay, Tony," she let out another sigh and looked back down at the ground. "But thank you again… for everything." She gave him and Rhodes a much needed hug. Both accepted the hug gratefully, though Rhodes was a bit more tense after that confrontation. "You're welcome to spend the night if you want; Maria doesn't usually get here until later in the afternoon."

"I think it might be a good idea for us to leave," Rhodes said with a shake of his head. He held Tony up haphazardly, not looking the least bit surprised with his attitude and behavior. Emily wasted no time in helping him strap Tony into the antique sports-car. She knew Rhodes would have a long trip back home, so she offered him a snack and some money along the way. Rhodes took her by surprise by suddenly pulling her into a warm embrace, earning a squeal if indignation. "Don't ever let what they say get to you, Firecracker. You're a hell of a lot more than they think you are."

She couldn't hide the smile that followed when his eyes met hers. She knew he was being brutally honest, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Once they were gone, it didn't take long for her to put the fire out and clean the remnants of their 'party'. She was grateful Tony had brought just himself and Rhodes… she knew what a handful he could be at parties. It wasn't until hearing a cough was when she whirled around to face Maria.

"You know, if you're planning to throw a party without Phil's consent it should be done with some adult supervision," the brunette remarked dryly. Emily stiffened at the tone of her voice, but one smirk was all it took for her to relax almost immediately. "Phil told me about your early graduation."

"If you saw our little confrontation back there you'd know why it had to be done," she muttered under her breath.

Maria rose an eyebrow at her sudden deflation. It wasn't as if she'd asked to make an enemy of McCoy or Nancy. Neither of them had been keen to make up for what happened between them. She wasn't in any hurry to face McCoy after the way he acted that night, especially if he was going to react that way around Tony or Rhodes.

"I heard Stark's proposal," she said thoughtfully. Emily glanced at her in surprise as she stood beside her. "Sounds to me like it's a good idea. Pay is good and you'd be treated like an equal."

Emily pursed her lips together in annoyance. She thought back to what Tony had said about his proposal. It did seem like a good idea. In the long-run she was probably better off. Yet that didn't stop another thought from crossing her mind. She hadn't been able to shake off that need to help others like Coulson had. She wanted to be able to give people a second chance at life like she was given.

"I know it's a generous offer, probably too generous on his part," she let out a heavy sigh. "But I want to join the agency… I know Papa is against me joining, which is why I need to convince Director Fury or whoever else is in charge to let me join."

The brunette smirked in amusement as she caught the sheer determination in her voice. Despite the drawbacks Coulson kept coming up with, that didn't stop her from wanting to pursue her own path.

"If you want to join the agency, you'll need to prove yourself. You can do more than just spar with me – there are other ways to build character and muscles," Maria pointed out.

Emily was taken aback by her willingness to let her train for such an event. Maria was far more supportive of her choice than Coulson had ever been. While she knew he wanted to keep her safe and away from the agency's clutches, that didn't stop her from defying him. She was determined to prove herself, one way or another. If it meant having to work for the rest of her life, then so be it.