Twenty Six
Med school had already begun for McCoy after another week went by. She'd spent what little time she had left with him, ensuring that they'd always have each other's backs. McCoy had been more than happy just to spend time with her after realizing how much stress she'd been under. Every morning they would go out for coffee and discuss what classes would be like, or what they would do during his breaks. Clint would join them every now and then, but after seeing this was a way for them to make up for lost time, he gave them some much needed space.
Then there was the constant reminder that everyone else had been sent on missions. Barely a year had passed when Clint was sent on a mission for the first time. Emily had been furious when she figured out why she was pushed to the side once more. Coulson was responsible for ensuring that she wasn't sent on dangerous field missions, which Clint described as an incredible moment. She worked twice as hard the moment she found out, knowing full-well Coulson would just keep interfering. It annoyed her to no end that he didn't seem to think that she was capable of handling the field, especially since she'd handled the Circus of Crime with relative ease.
She had a feeling that this was some kind of punishment for that incident. Coulson had never forgiven her for going behind his back and pulling off that stunt. Not to mention he didn't think she was ready to take on missions that were often reserved for agents of her skill. She hated bragging in front of anyone, but she was more qualified than some of the agents that were sent out into the field. Part of her felt angry with Coulson for pulling her back the way he had. She understood why he was doing this to her… he was worried she would get hurt while out on the field. But the only way she was going to move forward was by learning through whatever mistakes were made.
"It's like he expects me to fail anytime I'm training," she complained when found herself slumped on the bed. She was able to get into contact with McCoy barely a week after Clint was sent away. His classes in med school were intense, and this was like a break from the constant studies he had to conduct. "I know Papa is worried I'll get hurt while I'm on the field, but that's part of the reason why we've been training."
"Something tells me it's more than that," McCoy remarked while keeping an eye between one data PADD and the other. Emily almost smirked when she noticed that he was trying to study for another exam during their conversation. She felt a little guilty for taking that time away from him, but he was the one who contacted her first. She hadn't been surprised by the notion; McCoy usually reached her first when his classes were over. She'd already memorized his schedule within the first couple of weeks he started taking classes. "Have you talked to anyone else about it?"
"Clint's just being a cheeky bastard since he was sent out," she rolled her eyes in exasperation. McCoy just grinned at the mention of Clint acting the way he did. It only took a couple of days of interrogating for McCoy to figure out that Clint just acted like an asshole in front of people. At the end of the day, the archer really did have a big heart, though he refused to let it show to those who barely knew him. "And if I did try to talk to Maria about it, she'd go back to Papa and warn him. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place."
Which was part of the reason why she hadn't complained to anyone else about her problems. She knew they would just toss her complaints to the side and focus on other agents instead. Despite everything, it seemed as if Coulson's influence was stronger than she would have liked. She let out a sigh of frustration and laid back on the pillow, ignoring the shrew look McCoy was giving her.
He never seemed to understand why this was so important to her. If anything, he seemed grateful that she hadn't gone on a dangerous mission. The thought that he might side with Coulson annoyed her more than she was willing to admit out loud. Though she wasn't entirely surprised with the notion, given how often McCoy worried about her pushing herself too far.
"Speaking of which, I've got a major test I need to study for," he warned her.
"Your scores have been good up until now," she remarked after sitting up again.
In fact, his scores had taken everyone by surprise. Emily hadn't been surprised though. Despite what everyone tried claiming, McCoy was far more intelligent than most people realized. It helped that his father had been showing him the ropes before enrolling in medical school. She had a feeling that he would likely graduate early if he kept this up. She knew he was equally determined to prove himself to the rest of the world as she had been.
"Yeah, I know they have been good, but this test counts for nearly half of my grade," he grumbled. "Like I don't have enough to worry about."
Emily snorted at that before thinking of something that might help, "You could always try repeating the subject every night. Once you have everything memorized it'll be easier."
McCoy made a face at the thought of having to memorize everything. He didn't have an eidetic memory, but he knew she made a point. Repetition was a good way of keeping knowledge on the material he was given. The biggest challenge was making sure that he scored a high enough percentage, otherwise he'd likely be dropped from med school. He let out a sigh of frustration and ran a hand through his hair.
"I miss having someone I could study with," he admitted sheepishly. "It was never as boring now as it is without you here."
She smirked in amusement as she guessed what he was implying. Considering it had been a couple of months since they last saw one another in person, she was hardly surprised. She'd already made arrangements for a surprise visit after his first big test. After talking to his mother about how much stress he was under, she knew a visit was just what the doctor ordered.
"Have you made any friends on campus?" she asked curiously.
"A couple of the guys started hanging out for poker night," he replied with a shrug. Emily rose an eyebrow in amusement at the thought of going out just to lose credits. "I'm starting to get to know the area a little better, but the city's different from Savannah."
She nodded in understanding when she realized he was right. The city was completely different from what they were used to. She was grateful that Coulson had taken her to all sorts of places, but McCoy hadn't been so lucky. She pursed her lips together as she thought of how to make it easier. Exploring was really the only way he'd actually get around and get familiar with everything. But having a friend around would help as well.
"I'll be free on the weekend. Maybe I could stop by and we could explore some of the city together," she suggested.
His face lit up at the mention of stopping by. Though it wasn't the same as staying together for long periods of time, it was better than nothing. The best part was, she'd finally started taking birth control. Everything had to be done without Coulson's knowledge. She knew the moment he found out was when he'd try throttling McCoy, and that was the last thing she wanted. She was seventeen, and technically she was at an age where having sex was legal, so it wasn't as if Coulson could deny her of that right. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't above sending whatever agents were good friends of his after McCoy.
"I wouldn't mind that," he said, trying to show a hint of modesty. Emily almost rolled her eyes at the tone of his voice. "What happened to going on missions?"
She let out a groan of frustration and narrowed her eyes, "I'm pretty sure Papa has control over everything that happens here. I haven't heard anything about being sent out on the field… Meanwhile Clint's already gone on two missions, one of which he nearly had his ass handed over to him!"
She could tell McCoy was struggling not to laugh at Clint's expense. Ever since the two of them had met, he'd finally lightened up on the archer. Though she knew there would always be tension between them since McCoy saw Clint as a threat towards their relationship. She almost rolled her eyes once more at the thought. As far as she was concerned, McCoy was one of the few men she knew who was willing to put up with her.
"Well, I'm sure something will come up sooner or later," he tried reassuring her though.
Emily couldn't hide the small smile that followed. She hoped that was the case. Otherwise she was going to find her own way out onto the field. And something told her Coulson wasn't going to be happy when he found out.
.
.
"Remember how I was complaining about that test the other day?" McCoy asked as they walked side-by-side through the city.
"I remember you were worrying about whether or not you'd pass," Emily remarked in a voice filled with amusement.
"I passed with flying colors."
The grin written across his face was priceless. Emily almost laughed at his expense. She'd known he would pass, but it was his own anxiety that had driven him to study harder than most folks. In doing so, he'd known every answer to the test before it was handed to him. He was grateful for the support she'd provided when she couldn't be there in person. It was never the same as being there in person, but she was grateful she had been able to provide her own support system. She knew how difficult it was for him to adjust to this life, especially since he was on his own for the first time since graduating.
A week had passed since their conversation, and she was able to slip away from the academy to spend time with him. SHIELD had offered an accommodation for her to stay at a shady looking motel for a couple of days. Because her own intensive training had surpassed expectations, the agency was willing to let her take a couple of days off for the sake of seeing a good friend. Though Emily had a feeling Coulson had something to do with said accommodations, despite not enjoying how close she and McCoy really were. She knew he was likely using it as an excuse to keep her from pressing to go on more missions.
It was with the notion of her visiting that they decided to go out and explore the city like she suggested. There were plenty of things to do while they were there, such as visiting local museums or some of the many restaurants they had. She'd already forged her ID to check out some of the local bars as well, though she was saving that for a rainy date. She knew McCoy was still hardwired to follow the rules. Tony had offered a drink when he was staying for the weekend one time, but McCoy turned the offer down after realizing it was alcohol. Emily almost smirked as she recalled the glares that followed between them.
"I could've told you that would happen, Leonard," she finally snorted in response when McCoy looked at her expectantly.
"Well, I had more than enough reasons to worry," he reminded her with a roll of his eyes. "I've got a lot to live up to."
Emily held back a sigh and suddenly squeezed his hand. She knew full-well he was worried about following in his father's footsteps. Though he would never admit it out loud, that was one of the many reasons he'd enrolled in med school. Like her, he wanted to prove to everyone that he could do anything regardless of what people thought of him. She could care less what path he chose. He was happy with whatever he chose as a career, and that was what mattered the most.
"I think it's safe to say that you're your own person," she reassured him with a kiss on the cheek. "And I wouldn't want you any different. I also know that regardless of what path you chose, your father would also be proud of you."
McCoy's face lit up in a way that left her heart fluttering.
"You're amazing," he let out a sigh and leaned further into her.
Heat immediately rose to her cheeks as she realized what he was really implying. She couldn't help but make a joke out of it when she knew they were out in public. It was fun to watch him squirm whenever she put him on the spotlight. Not to mention few knew they were in a relationship. Those who did quickly learned just how close they really were.
"Am I amazing in a good way or a bad way?" she asked innocently.
She had to admit, she enjoyed hearing him say that out loud. Few of the agents at the academy had ever said anything like that. The ones who did were usually looking for a one-night stand, and she'd easily put them in their places. It was only until discovering who she was that they backed off. Not one of them wanted to invoke Coulson's wrath.
"Obviously in a good way," McCoy rolled his eyes in amusement.
"Good. I'd rather be seen as amazing in a good way for future references," she remarked.
It was at that point when McCoy let out a huff of laughter. She couldn't hide the sheepish grin that followed when he suddenly captured her lips with his, not bothering to deny the fact that they were out in public. Bystanders walking past gave them shrewd looks, especially those who weren't used to public displays of affection.
She almost smirked as she imagined what was running through their minds in that moment. Few agents if any had families or those they considered their 'crushes' because the agency tried to keep that part of their life separate. Though she couldn't necessarily blame them when she saw how many risks were involved. McCoy was willing to take those risks, despite all the warnings his father and Coulson had given him.
"Ya know, you're gonna make me do something I'll regret out in public," he said dryly.
"I'm kind of counting on it," she said cheekily. McCoy gave her an incredulous look as he fingers trailed his neckline. She knew she was pushing the boundaries when he suddenly took hold of her hand, giving it a kiss instead. "You do have remarkable features that I enjoy staring at."
McCoy let out a groan at that, "You're gonna be the death of me one day."
Emily only smirked and kissed him firmly on the lips in response.
.
.
"Wait a minute, so this is your girlfriend?"
Emily rolled her eyes when McCoy's roommate eyed her up and down with a look full of surprise. She wondered if McCoy had been keeping secrets from the poor guy. Judging from the sheepish look written across his face, he hadn't. She almost smirked at the thought of pushing his buttons. He had two other roommates, but they were off doing lord only knew. She wasn't in any hurry to meet other faces. This roommate seemed adequate enough, and he hadn't tried judging her yet.
"We've known each other for years," she replied after giving McCoy a rueful look. McCoy just rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly while trying to avoid the reason they were there in the first place. "So what brought you to the medical field?"
She decided to make light talk since she barely knew the man. McCoy hadn't talked much about his roommates since he started med school. Not that she couldn't blame him. He had been worried about how classes would be and whether or not he would survive the first week. Since it had been nearly a month since he started, she could see that he was adjusting fairly well into this new life.
"Originally I wanted to enlist in Starfleet," he admitted with a shrug, "But my parents encouraged me to go to medical school first. They figured it's a good way to see whether or not I'd survive on a ship."
Emily grimaced at the mention of Starfleet. McCoy gave her one look when he caught her in time. Mentions of Starfleet only brought back painful memories. She still suffered from nightmares of what happened on the Kelvin. McCoy and his family had quickly learned that she was on the bridge when Nero's attack happened. It was only thanks to Captain Kirk that she made it out alive. But she still lived with the guilt of knowing he could have saved himself had she not taken his escape pod.
She quickly regained her composure when she realized Travis was looking at her with renewed interest. She wasn't in any hurry to explain where those reactions came from. Years of hiding behind a mask taught her not to open up so easily to strangers. And while she was getting to know the other man, that didn't mean she was quick to trust him.
"Those are some pretty impressive goals," she mused thoughtfully.
"You couldn't pay me enough money to work on a metal death heap," McCoy grumbled under his breath. His roommate only smirked in amusement at his vivid description. "I'd be happier working alongside Pa than on a ship."
It didn't take long for them to delve into a conversation revolving around their families. Emily made light work of the earlier tension, smirking in amusement when she saw how easily McCoy had fallen into her trap. Luckily she was kept out of the loop for the most part. His roommate was more curious about him rather than the woman sitting on his bed… at least for the moment. This was a good way to break the ice. She realized with a start that McCoy was already quick to assess the situation and get along with at least one roommate. This way at least he wouldn't have to worry too much about the other two ganging up on him.
"What about you?" Travis asked when he glanced in her direction.
Emily shared a knowing look with McCoy. They had decided long ago that they would come up with some excuse for her being around. The problem was, she knew only a few people would buy that story. The only thing she could do was hope that he bought it… she'd have to come up with other excuses sooner or later.
"I work for a branch in the government," she explained with a shrug. Travis looked rather impressed with her response, though she wondered how much he really believed her. "My father knew a few folks who worked for Stark Industries, and that's how I got involved."
"Wait a minute, you know the Stark's?" he asked in surprise.
She didn't miss the look McCoy was giving her at the mention of the Stark's. McCoy was well aware of how close she and Tony were. Though she rarely talked about their relationship outside of work. The last thing she wanted or needed was to be caught in the public's eye. Though the media had already gotten a glimpse of her from time to time when she and Tony were hanging out.
"More or less," she replied with another shrug.
His roommate just looked as if he was ready to fall over in shock. The fact that some random civilian was friends with the Stark's should have said something. She was just grateful that Travis didn't try pressing for more information. The more they talked, the more she began to feel like she was a part of something completely normal. And it was in that moment that she was grateful McCoy had dragged her here. He didn't have to go out of his way just to bring her somewhere and make her feel at home. Somehow he had, and she relished the rare moments where they could meet new people and just be themselves around them.