Seventeen (Fifteen Years Old)

No one could have predicted what the next two years would bring. Emily had taken a gamble on graduating early and turning down Tony's offer to work for his father's company. Though Tony had been keen to make the company even better than it had been, and Emily did offer whatever help she could in the background. The genius was forever grateful for the constant support she offered. Despite their indifference and the fact that he sometimes went head-to-head with everyone who opposed him, Tony cared about her as a sister. She supposed that was why he'd punched McCoy the day they met after her 'graduation' party. McCoy hadn't even been shocked by Tony's behavior. He was surprised maybe and perhaps a bit stung from the smug look that followed, but he knew this was something he'd deserved. Thankfully they'd begun to grudgingly respect each other after realizing that fighting wouldn't get them anywhere, especially when Rhodes and Emily stepped in.

Within those two years Emily had become efficient at working on the farm and performing daily chores. McCoy would often join her on the weekends when he wasn't busy studying his SAT's or practicing basketball. While most of the time it was in relative silence due to wanting to avoid getting caught, they would often find themselves just talking or catching up on what was lost between them. It had been a good year since she and McCoy actually spent time together. The first time they got back together after his breakup with Nancy was almost bittersweet. Between not having talked to each other in a year and finding him the way she had, she knew it would take time for him to initially recover.

Yet what happened within those two years took her by surprise. She and McCoy had been spending the evening just looking at the stars. That had become their favorite pass-time when they weren't busy worrying about their future. McCoy knew he had only one more year to think of what he wanted to do once he graduated, and he had been worried about his future career. Though Emily reassured him there were plenty of choices he could pick from. She easily saw him becoming a physician or even a doctor like his father. He had admitted on more than one occasion that he wanted to take up his father's practice.

It was only until she started encouraging him that she saw a real change in him. Despite how anxious and worried he had been, McCoy seemed more confident than ever. And it wasn't long before she began observing other changes as well. His hand would occasionally reach for hers whenever they sat and talked. Sometimes she would feel them reach her waist, a place that would have normally sent anyone packing. McCoy was different in that aspect. Emily found herself feeling more relaxed around him than ever. And one evening in particular had sent a thrill of electrical shockwaves through them.

He finally kissed her. The moment had been surreal for both of them. One minute she had been helping him study for a final exam that year for school. The next his lips had finally met hers. Everything came so easily for them… it was almost as if she had been waiting for that moment almost as much as he had. When they finally pulled apart, McCoy's cheeks were flushed red with embarrassment as he realized too late what happened. He knew Coulson would kill him if he found out. Someone had tried claiming his baby girl… their neighbor of all people. Yet the moment her face broke into a grin and she laughed was when he knew he was safe.

"I'm sorry I didn't see the signs sooner," he'd admitted when they found time to talk about that night. The guilt etched in his voice was enough for her to feel guilty that they'd ignored the signs. "Would've saved me the drama of Nancy and hurting you in the process."

Emily held back a sigh as she recalled the heartache those last two years had caused. She knew it was inevitable. She hadn't wanted to take that step with him because she was worried over what it would do to their relationship. McCoy had always been such a close friend of hers… she didn't want to ruin what they once had. Yet the more she thought about it, the more she began to understand what a stupid fear that had been. She suddenly took hold of his hand, sending shivers of electrical shockwaves through them in the process. She knew the bond between them would only grow stronger if she allowed it, so she tried pushing that part of her abilities back, even if she could feel his thoughts racing like the wind.

"Leonard, I think it's safe to say we're always going to be the victims of petty high school drama," she reminded him. McCoy rose an eyebrow as he gave her hand a light squeeze. She could feel the warmth emanating from his touch. Her heart swelled at the thought of holding his hands close, and possibly hearing his thoughts as her own. "I was never angry with you or resentful… sure I might have been angry with the way you acted when Nancy said what she said, but that's only a natural reaction."

It wasn't until she kissed him back that Emily knew the feelings were entirely mutual. McCoy had become more than just a good friend of hers. The more she thought about it, the more she wished she could have said something sooner. Anything was better than having to deal with the consequences that followed.

"I've got a case that might work for you."

She rose an eyebrow in surprise when Maria suddenly cut through her thoughts and handed her a data PADD loaded with files from the agency. Emily eyed the screen curiously as images flickered past. Video feeds and images of what appeared to be well-trained thieves appeared across the screen. A recent string of thefts had been occurring wherever the circus was located. The connection was a little too obvious, but this had been happening for the past five years. The circus itself appeared to be the base of operations - the perfect distraction for whoever was committing the crimes to steal whatever valuable treasure was found.

"Are you expecting me to go after these people?" she asked in surprise.

"It's one of the few chances you have at proving yourself to the agency and to Phil," Maria replied with a nod. "Just remember you didn't hear about it from me."

Maria threw her a knowing smirk as Coulson arrived seconds later. Emily rolled her eyes and shut off the data PADD, knowing the information would be erased in the process. The brunette was one of the lucky few to know that she and McCoy had been dating for the past year. Coulson was still oblivious to it… as far as she knew. She didn't want to tell him until she knew for sure he was ready to hear that bit of news.

"I've got three tickets for the circus that's in town for the week," Coulson exclaimed when he walked into the kitchen. "You're more than welcome to bring a friend if you want."

She shared a knowing look with Maria. She realized with a start that this was her chance to prove to Coulson that she was ready for the agency. It was also a good way to spend time with a friend... albeit there were risks involved. But McCoy had also gotten bolder within the last couple of years. Being a high school senior had changed his perspective on life, despite the crap Nancy pulled on him.

Once that was established, she went over to meet with McCoy. He was hardly surprised when she told him about her plans to join the agency. He knew how much she wanted to follow in Coulson's footsteps. After everything that happened, even after all these years, she was still determined to prove herself to the world. And that was something McCoy secretly admired.

"Papa said he had an extra ticket, so I figured this was a good way for us to spend the weekend together," she finished explaining.

They walked alongside the fence, hand-in-hand. She was only just beginning to realize how much she appreciated those rare moments where they could be together and be themselves. It felt strange to call McCoy her boyfriend, when in reality that's what he was. She cared more about him than he probably realized. That was part of the reason she had been so angry with Nancy for taking advantage of him.

"Since when is spending time at the circus any different from what we do now?" he asked with an incredulous look. Emily merely rolled her eyes in amusement and nudged him playfully. "I mean, it ain't as if folks don't already know we're together… aside from your Pa. Pretty sure my folks already figured it out."

"Knowing your mother she was probably giddy with excitement over that news," she snorted with laughter as she pictured Hannah's face upon finding out. She wondered how his father would react. David McCoy was much like Coulson in many aspects. He was a little less strict when it came to social outings than Coulson, but he also had some strong opinions that became blindingly obvious in McCoy. "If Papa finds out before I have the chance to tell him there's a possibility he might try killing you. Or your father. He's already threatened Tony on more than one occasion for being too close for comfort."

McCoy made a face at the mention of Tony. When they finally came to terms with each other, they held a grudging respect for one another. Emily knew McCoy would only ever see Tony as competition. As far as intelligence went, she and Tony were almost on-par with each other. Though she and McCoy were evenly matched as far as she was concerned. He wasted no time in capturing her lips with his, ignoring the fact that anyone could have been watching.

"Stark is nothing more than an ass as far as I'm concerned," he scoffed when they reluctantly pulled apart. There were times when he tried taking things one step further. His hands would sometimes slide down to her ass or up her shirt. She knew he was beginning to slowly but surely lose control, and the feeling of taking things one step further was exhilarating. "Plus your Pa loves when I'm around. Keeps you from running your mouth off at him."

She just rolled her eyes once again and kissed him without hesitation. The moment her arms wrapped around his neck was when his hands slid down to her waist, holding her close against his chest. It was getting harder to concentrate when his tongue sought entrance. She stifled a moan as shivers of anticipation crawled through her.

"So does this mean you'll go?" she asked after realizing they were out in the open.

"Obviously," McCoy scoffed as if it was the most ridiculous thing she could've asked.

By now, she was struggling not to laugh as he kissed her once more. She knew she'd made the right choice in agreeing to this decision, regardless of what Coulson or anyone else happened to say.

.

.

"Remember to look out for one another!" Coulson called as she and McCoy left him behind.

Emily couldn't hide the sheepish grin that followed as she took hold of McCoy's hand. They wove in and out of the bustling crowd. The circus was busier than she would have expected. It gave her the perfect chance to show Coulson just what she could do. But it also meant risking McCoy's life along with those around them. She was beginning to wonder if this was a bad idea after all.

"So what sort of scheme did you plan this time?" McCoy asked once they put enough distance between themselves and Coulson. Emily threw him an incredulous look as he returned the gesture. "Come on, Em. I know you better than you realize. You're not just here for the show."

She held back a sigh and glanced around to ensure that people weren't paying attention. Coulson was likely gathering intel on what the circus was like before pulling off any moves. She knew it was her only chance to strike before he could. Doing so would prove to him once and for all that she could join the agency if he allowed it.

"Look, there've been a string of robberies that are connected whenever this circus is in town," she explained in a whisper. McCoy just stared at her in disbelief as he realized what she was implying. "Maria's the one who sent me the information on the crimes, and we think that it's all connected."

"So your idea of getting involved with the agency is by doing something like this?" he guessed.

"More or less," she replied with a shrug. "Come on, Leonard. This is the one chance I have to show Papa that I'm capable of putting up with the agency."

McCoy stared at her for a few seconds, as if he wasn't sure whether or not this was the best idea. In hindsight, it was a terrible idea. There were too many witnesses passing by them. People kept giving them strange looks as McCoy stood on her side, not budging whenever someone nearly pushed into them. She knew it was only a matter of time before Coulson figured out her real plan, which gave her a few seconds to figure out where the thieves were hiding everything they had stolen. From the reports Maria had given her, the thieves had already struck several homes and shops along the way. Which meant they were in hot water with the police as well as the agency.

"I'm still not sure about this whole thing," he admitted when they walked past a row of empty seats.

"You and I both know that I've been waiting for this kind of opportunity," she reminded him with a pointed look. McCoy just rose an eyebrow as he wondered if it was right to make such assumptions. "Look, I owe them my life, along with Papa. The least I can do is repay them the favor."

"I know," McCoy let out a sigh when he realized there was no convincing her otherwise. "I just wish there was an easier way around this."

You and me both, Emily nearly rolled her eyes as she watched the crowds disperse around them.

She carefully led the way to the tent that had been facing the most activity. A few of the carnies had been going in and out of the entrance, telling her that was the main hub. She knew if the ringmaster of said circus was a criminal mastermind, he'd likely have the place heavily secured. Though to her surprise, that wasn't the case.

They were already closer to the main tent when she felt McCoy give her hand a light squeeze. Emily gave him a wary look when she noticed just how worried he was. He hadn't gotten used to the idea of constantly putting his life at risk. Not that Emily didn't blame him. She knew from experience that the agency was filled with danger, constantly reminding those who worked within said agency of how vulnerable they were. This situation was no different as she rounded the corner and got closer.

"Em, we shouldn't be here," he said after noticing the place was heavily guarded.

Emily only smirked as she knocked the first couple of cameras out using her powers. She was able to generate enough of a forcefield that it blocked the electrical feedback, causing the cameras to malfunction. Once that was finished, she gave McCoy an apprehensive look.

"You can act as a lookout if you want," she whispered.

She knew how uncomfortable he was being placed in this kind of a position, and guilt stabbed her in the chest at the thought of putting him there. McCoy looked like he was ready to argue when he seemed to think better of it. Instead, he gave a reluctant nod and suddenly grabbed hold of her hand. The moment his lips met hers was when she knew how worried he really was.

"Just promise me you won't get hurt?" he pleaded.

She couldn't hide the small smile that followed as she pulled him into a hug.

"I will," she replied without missing a beat. "Thanks for having my back, Len."

Once they reluctantly pulled apart, she slowly but surely made her way towards the main tent where some of the actors had disappeared into. Her eyes narrowed as she got closer, listening to the sounds of people arguing in the background.

"… Tired of living like this! I get that you're willing to risk your life day and night, but I'm not!"

"I've been able to survive this far along, why should I stop now?"

"Because he's using you! Get your ass out of the sand, Clint. He's been stealing money from the ringmaster, and he's more than likely gonna steal money from you as well!"

She watched from the corner of her eye, noticing a pair of younger looking kids lounging in the back of the tent. Both were skinny looking, with the smaller one sporting spiky blond hair. The other was tall, tall enough to pass for the kid's older brother. She couldn't help but wonder at the fact that they were so young. The blond couldn't be any older than she was, and yet it looked as if he'd been living on the streets for years.

Swallowing hard, Emily tried pushing away the unease that followed as she crept further in. She was barely a few steps in when she noticed the back of the tent was hiding something. Her brows furrowed together as the fabric covering the curtain began to flap from the breeze.

Carefully, she used her powers to lift the fabric just a little higher. What she saw next was enough for a knot to form in the pit of her stomach.

Dozens of expensive looking pieces of jewelry were stashed inside. She lifted the fabric just a few more inches, eyes narrowing as she noticed the tags still attached.

"Looks like we caught ourselves a little spy here."

Emily froze when someone else spoke up. Her heart nearly skipped a beat as she crouched lower, eyes widening upon the new arrival dragging someone familiar behind him. Both the blond, who she guessed was Clint, and his older brother turned to glare at McCoy's struggling form. McCoy was around the same size as them, but he didn't have the same training she had. Being able to fight back was the first thing Maria had taught her, and it was obvious McCoy didn't have any of that training.

"Let me go!" he shouted while kicking his stronger capture.

"Well, you're certainly a small fry," the man holding him snorted in amusement. "Though I'm guessin' you aren't smart enough to have pulled this off on your own."

Her hands curled into fists as she glared at the man. The fact that he was dragging someone who was clearly innocent was what annoyed her so much. That and this was technically her fault for dragging McCoy into this mess. She knew she would never forgive herself if he got hurt in the process.

"We've got ways of makin' him talk," Clint rolled his eyes nonchalantly.

That was enough for her to lose her temper. Before anyone could say anything else, she used her powers to make objects around them fall. Containers collapsed to the ground, causing Clint and his brother to jump in surprise.

"Leave him alone!" she finally jumped out of her hiding place just as the older man was about to knock McCoy out. All three of them just stared at her as if she'd grown wings, all the while McCoy managed to wriggle free from the man's grasp. McCoy gave her a wide-eyed look when he reached her side, breathing ragged as he struggled to calm down. "Are you okay?"

She was taking a risk by exposing herself. But the fact that they were threatening to hurt McCoy was what fueled her anger. Anger made her bold and reckless. She was willing to prove herself if it meant keeping him safe.

"Few scrapes and bruises, but I've been through worse," he shrugged.

"We've got ourselves a pair of rats," the older man sneered after realizing they were working together. "You kids wanna know what we do to rats?"

Emily nearly rolled her eyes when Clint's brother threw them a scathing look. From the arguments she heard earlier, he didn't want to be part of this. Though she could tell he was likely protecting his younger brother from further punishment if they did escape with their lives.

"We skewer them," Clint scoffed, reaching for something behind him.

"Em…" McCoy shifted nervously when Clint pulled out a weapon, sporting a quiver along with a bow and arrow set.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing," she whispered without breaking eye contact. McCoy threw her an incredulous look as she glared at them. Clint was already prepared to fire as he notched the arrow, narrowing his eyes as he did so. "Go ahead and try. I'm willing to bet you couldn't even nail your target even if you tried."

Before the older man or his brother could stop him, Clint suddenly fired the arrow. She felt McCoy stiffen behind her when the arrow came dangerously close to hitting its target. But just as it was about to reach them, it hovered midair. All three of them stood there in disbelief when the arrow flew just inches in their direction with equal force.

"One of 'em's enhanced," the older man growled.

"Len, run," she whispered when he reached for a weapon of his own. McCoy threw her a wide-eyed look as she tilted her head towards the exit. "Find Papa; he's more than likely nearby with a team of agents."

McCoy was ready to argue when he seemed to think better of it. He managed to slip away just as the chaos ensued. She knew it was a huge gamble to risk her life while waiting, but at least it meant McCoy would avoid getting caught in the crossfire. She wouldn't have forgiven herself if anything did happen to him, especially while she was watching.

Weapons were fired in various directions as Clint's brother and the older man reached for their own. Emily ducked and rolled to avoid taking a hit, though she was able to use her powers to defend herself as well. She could see the malice in the older man's eyes, and even Clint's brother looked more than furious at having been caught. But the moment she was within a couple of feet from Clint, she could see guilt sweeping across his blue eyes.

He hesitated a few seconds too late, giving her the chance to knock the wind out of his lungs.

"You're just like the rest of those freaks we saw on the news!" he spat as he struggled to free himself from her surprisingly strong grip.

Emily flinched at the harsh accusation, though she dared not let it show in that moment. Instead, she willed herself to relax visibly and hold him down. It wasn't until looking him in the eye that she saw real fear flicker across them.

"I'm not going to hurt you," she reassured him. "But I am going to let you know that there's a better life out there than this. You don't have to be part of this."

"Clint!" Pain stabbed her in the chest when his older brother aimed his weapon, this time with precision. Clint used the precious few seconds he had left to slip away and reach his brother. "She didn't hurt you, did she?"

"No, she didn't," Clint reassured him, though she didn't miss the glare he threw her.

Her shoulders sagged in relief when she heard shouting from outside. Both Clint and his older brother scrambled to get away before the tent was overrun with agents. Emily glanced over her shoulder in time to see that the older man had been knocked out by his own weapon, courtesy of her powers. Though, her relief was short-lived when she finally spotted Coulson. The look written across his face told her she was in serious trouble, and she couldn't help but shrink when she spotted McCoy standing next to him.

There goes the rest of my summer, she nearly rolled her eyes in exasperation.

She knew she was in for an earful, and she had a feeling this was only the beginning of a long night ahead.

.

.

"Do you have any idea just how dangerous of a move that was? You could've gotten yourself killed! Worst still, you could've gotten your friend killed!"

Emily tried taking it all in stride as Coulson pulled her aside and scolded her. She had been trying to brace herself for the reprimanding that would follow. But nothing could have prepared her for the flashbacks it brought. She knew she deserved it. The more she thought about it, the more she realized he was right. She should have known better than to drag McCoy into this mess. She hadn't seen him since Coulson pulled her to the side, though she was hardly surprised with that notion.

She had a feeling after this mess that McCoy would never want to see her again. And if that wasn't the case, then Coulson would ground her for life. The thought sent a shiver of dread through her. She hadn't realized until then how much she welcomed McCoy's presence, or how normal he made her feel whenever they were together. To lose him as a friend would be like a punch in the gut.

"Papa, I was only trying to prove to you that I can handle joining the agency," she tried defending herself, though she knew it was pointless.

"The only thing you were doing was putting everyone's lives at stake," Coulson snapped without missing a beat. "You're lucky they didn't take you away."

She flinched and looked down at the ground as shame and guilt crashed over her. For the first time in years, she suddenly found herself wishing a hole would open up and swallow her. It would have saved her from having to face those fears all over again. She'd dealt with being taken away before. It never ended well on Coulson's part or her own, because she was usually never the same when she got back.

"You're the one who keeps trying to encourage me to make my own path," she started once she calmed down enough. She knew if she lost control now, he would never let her leave the apartment without someone by her side all the time. "Papa, I want to follow in your footsteps… I want to join the agency that gave me a second chance… I just… I want to be useful."

The last part came out as a whisper. Emily couldn't look him in the eye. She knew she probably looked weak in that moment, but at that point, she didn't care anymore. If he really cared about her, then he would have allowed her to join the agency.

"Em…" Coulson let out a sigh as he realized what was really on her mind. She flinched once again when he took a seat next to her. "Emily, look at me." She forced herself to do just that, swallowing hard when she saw the look written across his face. "I know these last few months haven't been easy for you, and I haven't always been there for you, but letting you join the agency is the last thought on my mind."

The lump from earlier suddenly returned in her throat. She had to tell him sooner or later. She was going to join the agency, with or without his approval. This was something she'd dreamed about for years, and when the opportunity finally presented itself, he pushed her away as if it was the worst choice she could make.

"Papa, why are you so against me joining the agency?" she asked warily. Coulson rose an eyebrow in surprise. "Every time I try bringing it up, you always change the subject or say wait until I'm ready. Well, I'm fifteen and I'm not getting any younger. What other career choices will I have, other than Starfleet?"

It was his turn to flinch when she brought up an uncomfortable subject for both of them. Coulson had long-since given up trying to bring up the subject of Starfleet around her for a reason. She always seemed to shut down whenever someone brought it up, and for a good reason.

The pause that followed was enough for her to glance at him self-consciously as she wondered if she'd gone too far. Coulson's brows furrowed together as he thought of a way to handle the situation. In his mind, allowing her anywhere near the agency was the worst possible idea out there. But he knew he could only protect her for so long. Sooner or later, she would go off on her own. And he knew he wouldn't have a say in the matter.

He let out a heavy sigh as he brushed a strand of hair from her face, not missing how much older and wiser she suddenly looked.

"Alright, fine… I'll let you sign up," he finally relented. Her eyes lit up for a brief moment with joy, though it didn't last when he gave her a warning look. "But I'm not the only one you need to apologize to."

Emily grimaced at the thought of having to face McCoy. He was well aware of what she had been getting herself into. But after being dragged into that mess, she had a feeling he wouldn't be so keen to continue their venture together. Her shoulders sagged at the thought. She'd been so determined to prove herself to Coulson that she didn't think of putting McCoy's life in danger until it was too late.

With a shake of her head, she and Coulson made their way back to the house in stony silence. Coulson was pissed with her… there was no denying that. She glanced at him warily, not missing the fact that he was fixated on the path looming ahead. She held back a sigh of frustration as finally returned. She was hardly surprised to find McCoy waiting for her when they returned. What did surprise her though was the fact that he waited at their house. Once again, Emily looked at Coulson warily. He nearly rolled his eyes and climbed out of the hover car, regarding McCoy with a curt nod.

"I'm glad you're alright!"

She wasn't given the chance to say anything when McCoy suddenly reached her. Emily's heart nearly skipped a beat with joy when he kissed her, ignoring the fact that Coulson was watching. Coulson seemed all-too-aware of the fact that they had been dating. Despite his annoyance, he gave them the space they needed.

"I would've thought for sure you'd be pissed off with me," she admitted with a sheepish smile.

McCoy just offered a lopsided grin, "Are you kidding me? That was some of the most excitement I've had in years! And that's saying something."

She couldn't hide the laughter that followed when he kissed her again, this time without hesitation. She realized with a start that this was why she had fallen in love with him. Despite the crap she often pulled on him, McCoy was still willing to put up with her. And that left her admiring him that much more.

"Well, I'm glad you found him in time," she said thoughtfully. She and McCoy took to sitting on the swinging bench perched on his front porch, something she had gotten accustomed to over the last few months. "Papa was beyond angry when he finally found me. This was nothing more than a mistake."

The last part was added with a sigh of frustration. She doubted Coulson would ever trust her again after all was said and done. After all, she'd broken it by going after the thieves and nearly getting McCoy killed in the process. Though in her defense, McCoy had been all-too-willing to follow her into the fray.

"He didn't ground you for life, did he?" he asked worriedly.

He knew how strict Coulson could be when it came to breaking the rules. Having dealt with the man on more than one occasion, McCoy tried staying on his good side. Though dating his adopted daughter might not have been the best way of staying on his good side.

"Believe it or not, he finally agreed to let me join the agency," she replied. McCoy stared at her as if she'd grown wings. "I know, I was surprised too."

"But it's what you've always wanted," he said with a shrug. Emily chewed the bottom of her lip when he gave her a knowing look. "You'll have to let me know what it's like. Pa's been trying to convince me to go into medical school."

"Med school isn't a bad choice, Leonard," she pointed out knowingly. "You're talented enough that you'll easily get through the entrance exam."

McCoy let out a sigh as he realized what she was implying. She leaned against his shoulder, suddenly aware that their lives were changing drastically. From the day they met, she'd always known that she would be part of something bigger. But now that they were seeing each other and had become good friends, she didn't know what the future held for her.

"Our lives are going to change now, aren't they?" he suddenly asked as if he'd read her thoughts.

Emily looked at him thoughtfully, brows furrowing together at the question. She knew in the back of her mind that the agency was her best option. But she didn't want what they had now to change. As selfish as it seemed, she loved being able to spend time with him and see him as more than just a friend.

"Yeah," she nodded in response. "But that doesn't mean we have to change with them."

McCoy gave her a thoughtful look before nodding in agreement. He knew in that moment that no matter what, they would always have each other. And that was what mattered the most.