Nineteen (Sixteen Years Old)
Over the next few months, training had intensified for Emily. The agency had set up a strict training regime after determining what level she was on. Most of the higher ups were impressed to find out that she was already at the top of her rank. Though there were a few that had been alarmed with how easily she was able take down her opponents. Most of it was child's play compared to what she would be facing out on the field. She'd quickly learned to hide what she had learned from Maria and outside the family farm.
"Your little project is coming along nicely. If only it hadn't slipped out of our grasp."
"McCoy was an anomaly we hadn't considered. At the time they weren't as close as they have been now."
A shiver swept through Emily when she realized who they were talking about. She'd heard a few agents whispering in Russian when they thought she couldn't understand them. Language was one thing she had mastered from an early age. She wasn't entirely sure how that became so evident, but she took full advantage of it whenever someone tried talking in a different language to throw her off. After everything she'd been through over the years, the last thing she wanted was for someone to take advantage of a weak spot they might have otherwise found.
"That is a distraction we can easily dispose of."
She didn't want to hear the rest, even if she should have. Unease crawled through her at the thought of what they meant by 'dispose of'. If they planned on hurting McCoy in any shape or form, they would regret it. She was too invested in their relationship for something like that to happen. Not to mention McCoy truly was one of the best partners she could ask for.
The only other people who knew just how close she and McCoy were happened to be Tony, Rhodes and possibly his parents. Clint was the third person she'd gotten to know who quickly found out the hard way they were seeing each other. When he tried hitting on her for the first time, his ass was kicked shortly after along with a good reprimanding from Coulson. The whole thing had been hilarious, especially given the fact that Clint had known better than to try pulling off moves on her.
"So let me get this straight, you two have been neighbors and best friends since you were four?" he asked in surprise as they used the jogging track.
Emily had quickly begun to notice how observant Clint was. Despite the fact that he tried making it seem as though he wasn't interested, it was obvious curiosity got the better of him. There were subtle differences with Clint that left her appreciating his presence now more than ever. For one thing he was smarter than most people realized. He might not have graduated from high school or gone to college, but his intelligence was higher than the average college student. She knew he hid it mostly to keep people from taking advantage of him. Years of working for the circus taught him not to trust anyone, and understandably so.
"We've had a few… rocky starts here and there," she admitted with a shrug. "But I couldn't ask for a better best friend. He was the first to accept me for who I am, and for what I am."
Memories of their arguments were still fresh in the back of her mind. She would always hold on to them as a painful reminder of how different she was from everyone else. Yet McCoy had taken her by surprise when he admitted how much she meant to him. Those years when he had been with Nancy had been hell when he put more thought into it. Nancy always expected more than what he could offer, and she suspected that was part of the reason she had been caught cheating on him.
Luckily they had been able to move on from that incident. McCoy once told her after returning home from that incident how much he regretted acting the way he had. He'd almost pushed her away entirely. He hadn't realized until then just how much was lost between them when she started spending more time with Tony and Rhodes.
"So have the two of you ever… you know?" he asked curiously.
Emily rolled her eyes at the way he tried wording his question. It was an awkward question to begin with. Coulson never once gave her 'the talk', but Maria was quick to fill in the missing gaps left by sex ed. She'd quickly learned all the signals before she was even taught anything. Some of the guys at school had tried pulling off that stunt on her, simply because she looked older than she actually was.
"We've gotten close to it, but we're never actually alone," she said thoughtfully. "I'm not blind to see that's what he wants."
She added the last part with a knowing smirk as Clint's eyes widened in disbelief. She knew Coulson would likely throttle McCoy if he ever tried pulling off that move on her. Though she wasn't above pissing him off whenever she had the chance. Sex was just another part of life that she had begun to anticipate. It was something everyone usually experienced at least once in their lifetime.
"Prom season is coming up, isn't it?" Clint's smirk merely widened as he eyed her with renewed interest. She was well aware of where he was headed with this. "I'm willing to bet that's when he pulls off that move."
"Since when are you interested in my sex life?" she retorted after narrowing her eyes. "It's bad enough Papa would likely throttle him if he did try pulling off any moves."
"Because if he does care about you the way it seems, then he'll go out of his way to do something stupid," the archer replied without missing a beat.
She merely snorted at the thought of McCoy doing something stupid. She'd caught him in the act on more than one occasion. While she was no stranger to pulling off stupid stunts, he wasn't much different in that aspect. She shook her head in amusement as they finally stopped. They'd already run a few laps and passed several agents on the way. After months of training on the family farm, she'd gotten used to pushing herself to the point of exhaustion. Today's training was no different.
Once they caught their breaths and paused for a drink of water, Emily thought of how she was going to handle prom night. McCoy had already asked her to go with him to his senior prom. She knew she would have likely avoided it if she was still in high school. The thought of attending such an event left her feeling uneasy. She wasn't a fan of being put on the spotlight, and tomorrow night was no different.
"Leonard asked me to go with him tomorrow night," she said carefully. Clint was hardly surprised with that announcement. But he hadn't missed the worry laced in her voice. "I'm worried how everyone is going to react to seeing me. It's been almost two years since I graduated from high school, and not one of them tried asking where I went."
Clint's brows furrowed together with understanding. He never had the chance to experience that part of his life. But he knew enough to know what social circumstances meant in high school. Having grown up on the streets and the circus taught him the meaning of 'grow up fast' or die quickly. Of course he'd never tried pushing that sort of life on her. She was lucky Coulson adopted her the way he had; she was fairly certain the agency would have either taken her in or she would be out on the streets somewhere.
"I wouldn't give a rat's ass what those people think of you," he reassured her with a playful nudge. Emily rose an eyebrow in surprise, but his expression remained neutral. "Look, I never had the chance to finish school so I never had those sort of experiences. But I can tell you one thing – you're lucky you get to even after graduating early."
"Yeah, I guess I am lucky," she whispered.
She couldn't hide the rare smile that followed. Everything that happened in her life thus far was because Coulson had given her a second chance. She was only just beginning to understand how much that meant to her. And she realized with a start that that was why she wanted to join the agency. Because she wanted to follow in his footsteps and return the favor.
.
.
Emily eyed the young girl staring back at her thoughtfully for what felt like hours. Standing in front of her was a girl with locks of golden blond hair tucked away in a neat bun. Two curly strands of bangs were swept to either side of her face. The face of said girl was set up to match the colors of the dress she'd chosen for that evening. The dress itself was a silvery dress with blue mixed into it. Maria was the one who helped her pick it out. The brunette had almost been giddy with excitement over the prospect of helping her pick out the dress – it was a sight to behold when Emily thought of how strict and composed she normally was.
"I don't care what Phil says about that dress; it looks great on you," she'd said after Emily began worrying about how revealing it was.
In truth, the dress itself wasn't something she would have picked out. It was flattering in every way, hugging her hips nicely while bringing out the best features. She was grateful Maria suggested wearing a strapless bra, especially when she knew how well-grown she was compared to most girls her age. McCoy never once commented on them, but she had seen more than a few men twice their age drooling over her.
"How do I look?" she asked once she was sure everything looked adequate.
She knew Coulson would have a field day when he saw the dress. The shoes themselves had also been picked out the same day she went shopping for a dress. Truthfully she was never a fan of high-heals. They always caused her feet to strain whenever she walked in them, but the agency had begun teaching her how to walk in high-heals while out in public. If ever she was needed out on the field to utilize her 'assets', she would need whatever training was possible.
Maria eyed her up and down to make sure that her hair wasn't all over the place. The normally humid air usually caused her hair to splay in random directions. Because of that, she was forced to use an extensive amount of hair products to keep everything in place. Though she knew that would all be thrown out the window by the end of the night.
"You look beautiful," the brunette reassured her with a knowing smile. Emily returned the gesture after noticing her face soften. She'd only ever seen Maria like this once or twice in her lifetime. The brunette normally reserved such appearances around those she fully trusted, and Emily had been lucky enough to earn that trust. "Never had the chance to do this with a kid of my own. Phil always jokes around that I adopted you as well."
She couldn't hide the small smile that followed. She realized with a start that Maria had a point. She had become her SO purely out of professionalism. Maria was usually strict and to the point when they were at the agency or surrounded by coworkers. But outside of work, Emily had begun to see a lighter side to the older agent. It was something she tried not to take for granted.
"Thank you again for everything, Maria," she let out a quiet sigh and glanced out the window, suddenly feeling a twinge of nervousness. "To be honest I'm not sure what to expect from this night. I know this would have been our senior prom together, but I often wonder how different it would've been if he and Nancy were still together."
"For one thing he would've gotten his ass kicked if he tried hurting you again with her involved," the brunette scoffed at the possibilities. "And for another, it's obvious he cares about you. I'm willing to bet he'll go out of his way just to keep you happy, and Phil out of his hair."
Emily smirked at the thought of what would happen if Coulson got a hold of him. She knew nothing good would come out of that confrontation. Coulson was overprotective of her for a reason… after everything she went through, it made sense for him to want to make sure she had a safer upbringing and avoided those kind of encounters.
Once that was established, and once she was finished making sure that everything was perfect, she went back down to the kitchen. Coulson had been waiting for her most of that morning, anxious to see the results of their hard work.
He still checked in on the place since their move Washington, having promised that she would have a place to stay if she went to visit McCoy. She wasn't surprised by that notion. Coulson seemed aware that they were closer than friends, and he hadn't bothered stopping them from seeing each other. That in itself meant more than she could ever admit out loud.
She tried pushing the uneasy thought aside when she finally spotted Coulson. He was waiting for her in the kitchen, looking more than uncomfortable with the events that were about to unfold. Emily almost snorted at the thought. She could already imagine that he'd placed a sleeper agent among the chaperones. Or he'd likely convinced McCoy's father to keep an eye on the pair, even though he was busy working at the hospital. But as Coulson finally paused in his pacing, his face melted into what could pass for a proud smile.
"Tell me you aren't going to go insane over the dress?" she pleaded when he reached her.
"Now what sort of adopted father would I be not to overreact," he snorted in amusement. Emily couldn't hide the sheepish grin that followed when he hugged her. She returned the gesture without missing a beat, relishing the warmth he provided. "You look beautiful, Emily. Don't you forget it."
"Thank you, Papa," she whispered.
"And if McCoy crosses the line or does anything—"
"Papa, please." She rolled her eyes when they pulled apart, and Coulson offered a meek smile. "Leonard is too much of a gentleman to take that step unless I encourage him."
And she had tried encouraging him on more than one occasion. There were subtle movements or gestures she would make, and just when things were getting heated, McCoy usually stopped. It was then that she realized he knew what she was doing. Try as she might to be subtle about it, McCoy was well aware of her intentions more often than she thought.
He was ready to say something else when a knock sounded on the door. Emily rolled her eyes once again when Coulson went over to answer it. She knew this was his way of ensuring she and McCoy didn't do anything reckless. Though she had a feeling that was exactly what happened during the prom.
She couldn't hide the smile that followed when she spotted McCoy standing at the doorway. Judging from the look written across his face as Coulson spoke to him, she had a feeling this was only the beginning of a disastrous night. She nearly rolled her eyes at the thought. It wasn't as if they were planning to do anything reckless. There were plenty of chaperones to keep an eye on everyone, and the rules had stated clearly that the students were to stay on the premises. Though she wasn't above breaking said rules, and she knew full-well McCoy wasn't either.
His face brightened when she finally emerged from the kitchen. Emily rose an eyebrow when she saw the suit he was wearing. It was clearly fitted for him, and it took a few seconds for her to get used to the idea of seeing him in a suit.
"You look amazing," he remarked when she reached him.
"So do you, cowboy," she replied without missing a beat.
McCoy didn't bother hiding the cheeky grin that followed when she kissed him, ignoring the incredulous glare Coulson was giving them. Before he could begin lecturing them on the merits of public displays, Maria interrupted him.
"Prom pictures," she announced just when Coulson was ready to argue.
Emily only smirked when she realized that Maria was all-in for prom night. She realized with a start that the brunette had never raised a child before or had the joy of going through anything like this. So that explained why she was taking advantage of the situation now.
Several pictures were taken of them together or on their own. She wasn't surprised when Hannah jumped at the opportunity to join in after seeing what they were up to. McCoy's mother hadn't been all that surprised when he asked her to join him at prom. Despite having graduated early from high school, McCoy wasn't bothered by that notion.
"You two are so cute together," Hannah gushed while Coulson stood in the background. It was clear that he was fuming over the fact that she was with someone. Though he didn't bother admitting it out loud. "Your father is goin' to love these pictures when he gets back."
"Is he working the night shift again?" Emily asked when she glanced at McCoy.
"He wanted to be here," he admitted, suddenly looking sheepish at the thought. "Pa always takes the shifts that no one else will take."
She simply nodded in understanding. She knew what his father was like. Doctor McCoy cared about people, despite what everyone believed. It was through that notion that he'd take on the work that few people wanted, simply because such help was needed at the local hospital. It took years for her to fully trust him, and even then she hadn't opened up to him the way she opened up to McCoy.
"That and he's getting everything together before your big day," Hannah put in with a knowing look. Emily rose an eyebrow in surprise until she recalled McCoy mentioning he wanted to enroll in medical school. "He's already got all the paperwork ready for you."
"Good for you, Leonard," she said when realization dawned on her.
McCoy made a face at the prospect of facing whatever challenges loomed ahead. Though he didn't admit it out loud, he was dreading the moment classes began. It meant putting up with more stress than he ever faced in high school. It meant he would have less time with the people he cared about as family, including her.
Luckily, they didn't dwell on the subject as they made their way to the hotel where the prom was being held. For the first time since thinking of the prom itself, she was beginning to feel nervous. She realized with a start that she hadn't attended many social outings like these, even while attending school. There had never been a reason to do so at the time.
"I'm glad Papa didn't ream you out too much," she admitted once they reached the hotel in question.
"Oh, I'm waiting for that moment when it happens," McCoy rolled his eyes in amusement. "I'm surprised he didn't say anything when you kissed me."
Emily glanced at him in amusement. Coulson was overprotective for a good reason, but even he knew when he was crossing the boundaries. He'd given them enough space that they could be themselves, and she was grateful for that notion. Still, that didn't stop her from checking to see if any of the chaperones were anyone she knew or recognized from the agency.
"I think it's safe to assume that he already knows," she remarked thoughtfully. "Dealing with the agency has given Papa eyes in the back of his head."
McCoy only snorted with laughter, though that put him a little more on edge. Still, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they went inside. The main lobby of the hotel was decorated with colorful looking balloons and a banner that marked their graduation year along with the signed names of those who were graduating that year. Emily couldn't hide the warm smile that followed when she realized that as a senior, McCoy had special privileges.
Pictures were taken once they were checked in. The principal – who she'd spotted almost immediately with some of the other staff at the school – hadn't been surprised to see her with McCoy. She almost rolled her eyes when she realized that by now, most people had begun guessing that they were seeing each other.
Things only got even more awkward when she spotted Pamela approaching them. Emily glanced at McCoy warily, not missing the sheepish look that followed when the redhead reached them.
"Leo, it's good to see you again!" she greeted him warmly. "And you too, Emily."
Surprise swept through her when Pamela gave them both hugs. It had been a couple of years since they last spoke to one another. Like McCoy when he and Nancy were seeing each other, Pamela had been too focused on her relationship with Clay to be bothered with her friends. That topped with the fact that Pamela had never fully forgiven her hadn't helped matters. It was clear something had changed, especially when McCoy gave her a broad smile.
"Likewise, Pam," McCoy returned the gesture with a curt nod.
"Am I missing something here?" she asked skeptically, glancing between McCoy and Pamela. "I thought you were too focused on Clay to be bothered with friends?"
Pamela made a face at the mention of Clay, and Emily immediately regretted bringing it up.
"I think it's safe to say that we're done," she admitted with a heavy sigh. "Clay turned out to be overprotective and to the point of abusive. Leo helped me out when he found out… he said somethin' similar happened when Nancy tried takin' advantage of him."
Emily grimaced at the mention of Nancy. The blond had apparently moved to another city after her encounter with McCoy. From what Emily gathered, she tried spreading rumors about their involvement in the confrontation. But it seemed as if the rumors had backfired on her. Pamela seemed like a completely different person compared to when they stopped talking.
"I'm sorry that happened to you," she said warily.
The redhead merely shrugged as if she wasn't bothered by the notion. Though it was clear she hadn't quite gotten over the breakup. Her shoulders sank as she glanced at McCoy, whose own expression was impossible to read. She hadn't missed the glow in Pamela's eyes when they approached each other. Or the fact that the redhead was smitten with McCoy.
"It isn't your fault," she replied. "And truthfully, I'm glad that Leo was there to help me. He's a good friend."
For the first time since their venture to the venue, Emily was beginning to regret agreeing to this prom. It was obvious that Pamela saw McCoy as more than just a friend. He was oblivious to the notion, but that still left her feeling uneasy. She was quiet as they headed to the main hall. She tried ignoring the uneasy thoughts as the rest of the night went on.
"I'm surprised she's willing to talk after everything that's happened," she remarked thoughtfully.
He gave her a strange look as she reached for a drink from the bartender. Despite drinks being limited in selection, she wasn't above breaking the rules. Tonight was no different as she took a sip of her drink, relishing the way it burned all the way down her throat. When Tony first introduced her to the different ranges of alcohol, she'd begun to figure out which ones best suited her.
"Pam's nothing more than a friend," he reassured her knowingly.
Though the look written across his face suggested otherwise. Emily rose an eyebrow and glanced over her shoulder warily. Pamela was talking to another group of girls from the school, though she kept looking in their direction. For the first time that night, she could see a real interest in Pamela's eyes. She knew in that moment that something deeper was going on.
"Doesn't seem that way to me," she said dryly. Emily glanced in Pamela's direction, not missing the fact that Pamela kept looking at them longingly. Whether it was because she missed the days when they had been good friends or not, Emily didn't like the idea of someone keeping a close eye on them. "She keeps looking in our direction."
"When did you get so damn paranoid?" McCoy demanded after realizing what she was implying. The accusation in her voice was enough for him to bristle defensively. "You know, ever since you joined that agency you've gotten more paranoid and worried about everything under the sun."
He added the last part with a hand-gesture towards Pamela. Emily narrowed her eyes at his accusation. It stung knowing that he was right. Work with the agency had taught her to constantly look over her shoulder. To always check her surroundings for signs of impending danger. Little did she realize she would have to watch her back around the people she considered friends.
"I have my reasons for watching my back, and you know it," she retorted.
Though she didn't want to admit it out loud, she was terrified of what might happen if he got involved with the agency. A small part of her had always known that it was too good to be true. All the moments they had together suddenly felt meaningless, especially when McCoy's eyes narrowed with fury.
"I think it's time you left," he finally decided when he noticed the lights were flickering on and off.
Her jaw clenched when McCoy crossed his arms and glared back. Any hope of mending the rift was ruined in that moment. She let out a sigh of frustration and spun around, refusing to look anyone in the eye as she left the building. It was in that moment that she decided it wasn't worth pursuing a relationship. Not if they all seemed to end in heartbreak.