Seriously though, I really hope you enjoyed the last chapter. I worked my ass off on that! Anyway, moving on to the Winter Soldier movie! IT'S HAPPENING PEOPLE!
But on another note,
I've just been recently hearing stuff about people giving Joss Whedon death threats and shit on Twitter and dissing on the new Avengers movie? Like seriously? I thought it was a wonderful fucking movie (Sorry Cap, I'll watch my language). I just wanted to say that whoever has been bashing on Avengers Age of Ultron and Joss Whedon should just fuck off. People making death threats to a director about a MOVIE is just sickening and people like that should be ashamed of themselves. I know it's not going to be exactly like the comic books, it's a movie! I haven't seen a movie that is exactly like a book that it might be based off of. And the changes Joss made with Bruce and Natasha, I loved it (you can kiss my ass if you don't agree, I don't care what you think, it's MY opinion). Natasha always thought of herself as a monster, and she could relate to Bruce in that regard, she tried making a connection with him. The way Joss did that was wonderful in my opinion. I didn't really think Natasha relied on Bruce, that's not the way I saw it at all. Natasha was slightly different from her normal character in this movie, and I didn't really ship BrucexNatasha at first, but I didn't exactly hate them together either. Natasha didn't seem weak at all, in fact she was still pretty badass, she's never needed saving.
I just wish people weren't so negative, I'm sorry for ranting, but I just needed to let this out. I just heard that Joss Whedon deleted his Twitter account because of people being complete fucktards to him and TELLING HIM TO KILL HIMSELF. People on the internet are cruel and stuff like this should not be tolerated. The people that have been threatening Joss shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. There was this person on Tumblr that's trying to start a trend #AvengeJossWhedon, something like that. I feel like it should be passed on. Joss didn't deserve all of that hate. It's okay to not like a movie, but you don't have to go on a rampage about it and take it out on the director.
With that being said, ENJOY THE CHAPTER
As far as the world knew, Tyra Elizabeth Stark was officially dead.
FLASH!
"Stark...can you hear me?"
I could hear faint beeping as my eyes opened slowly. I nearly hissed from the bright light that immediately filled my vision.
This better not be some fucking dream. Am I alive or dead? Which is it?
"Stark. Can you hear me?" The familiar voice repeated.
Everything around me began to focus, and I could finally see my surroundings much more clearly. I was expecting to see my father at my bedside, but instead, I found Nicholas 'motherfucking' Fury.
"Fury? Where am I?" I groaned softly.
"Technically, you're at a secret SHIELD base." Nick told me.
"Where's my dad? He's okay, right?" I asked.
"He's fine. In fact, I thought you'd also like to know, he just recently got the shrapnel removed from his chest. So as of today, he no longer has a magnet in his chest anymore." He smiled.
Really? That's a big change for him. I'm glad he's moving forward.
"Damn...how long have I been out?" I sat up in my bed.
"You've been asleep for awhile. You took a nasty hit. It's currently February." Nick answered.
"WHAT? Are you fucking kidding me?! I gotta get home!" I made a move to get out of bed.
Nick puts a firm hand on my shoulder, before holding me in place and keeping me pinned down to the bed.
"Stark...there's something else I gotta tell you, and you'll definitely need to be sitting down for this one." Nick muttered.
Based off of Nick's behavior, I knew what he was about to tell me was anything but good. Suddenly, I can feel anger radiate off of my very being as I glare at him.
"What did you do?" I lowered my voice threateningly.
"Well...I pulled some strings after I saved you. I didn't tell anyone of your whereabouts... the world thinks you're dead." Nick confessed.
My eyes widened drastically.
"...excuse me? Does my dad think I'm dead too or are you just that fucked up?" I growled.
"I didn't want to get his hopes up. You actually died, Tyra. When I retrieved you, you were dead for at least half an hour. I moved quickly, I pulled some strings, and I literally brought your ass back from the dead."
I felt heartbroken, longing to see dad and Pepper again more than anything. I slumped back in the bed as Fury let his hand drop from my shoulder, feeling dejected and dare I say hopeless.
"I don't know whether to thank you, or to kill myself." I mumbled softly.
In all of the years I'd known Nick Fury, this was the first time I'd seen him looking so shocked at something I said.
"I was okay with dying...I've lived a long enough life. I had a nice father, someone I considered a mother...I had a family. And you're basically telling me that I can't see them again when I'm given a second chance at life. Do you know how cruel that is?" My voice cracked.
"...Tyra. This is only temporary. I promise you that you will see your father again. In due time...I would never keep you from him like that deliberately." Fury replied.
"But?" I waited for him to continue.
"I need you to get better, I have one last mission for you, and not as a SHIELD agent. Technically, you retired."
"Yeah, well technically I'm dead." I chuckled dryly.
Fury gave me a look, and I fell silent as I wait for him to continue.
"You remember the last talk we had? When I fired you and you agreed to only work for me?"
Shit...I did agree to that didn't I?
"Yeah...I remember." I sighed deeply.
"Well I'm holding to you that. There's something going on in SHIELD. A corruption of which no one has ever seen before. This hunch I have is only just that: a hunch." Fury informed me. "But at a time like this, and with a person of your caliber, I really need you Stark. I know I probably sound selfish given what you've just been through not even two months ago, but I saw an opportunity and I took it because I was desperate. I want you to get into SHIELD and sniff out the corrupted. SHIELD's been compromised. The world right now, is no longer safe."
At this, I still completely as I stare at the man nervously.
"What do you mean compromised?" I hesitantly asked.
"I think most of SHIELD is full of bad people that aren't who they say they are. I just don't know who they work for and what their agenda is. And when I don't have all of the information, then you know shit is about to get very real and dangerous."
Holy shit. That's a lot to take in.
"Can I count on you, Stark?" Nick questioned. "I'll be here with you every step of the way, and I promise that as soon as this is over, you can go back to your father. You've already done enough for me and for this world. Hell, you get two favors you get to call in now." Nick chuckles dryly.
"What if I'm stupid enough to say yes? How do you expect me to just go back into SHIELD? You just told me that the world thinks I'm dead." I snapped.
"I've got that covered."
Nick went over to a table nearby and opened up the suitcase lying on top of it. Nick picked up a weird rubber mask thing and tossed it onto my lap. I pick it up and examine it carefully, wondering what the hell it is.
"And...that is supposed to help how?" I grew confused.
"It's some SHIELD technology that I only give to agents that go on undercover missions, so they won't be detected. The mask is practically like a second skin, and once you put it on, your face will no longer be yours. You'll look like someone else. Or whatever you want to look like."
"Oh..." I grew surprised. "Where did SHIELD get that kind of tech anyway?"
"Another story for another time. I've also got a fake identity for you ready and I have the mask set to change your appearance."
"Natasha's used this before hasn't she?" I smirked.
"Correct." Nick gives me a smile as he nods.
"So what will I look like? If you make me ugly, I'll have to kill you." I gave Fury a look of suspicion.
"I wouldn't dream of making you look so hideous. I want you to blend in, not stick out like a sore thumb." Fury chuckled. "Why don't you try it on?"
Fury tossed the thin rubber mask on my lap. I slowly put it on, making sure everything was in place.
Huh...it did feel like a second skin. It's really thin, damn.
"Tap your left temple with your index finger and it'll turn on." He instructed me.
I did as he asked, hearing a faint flicker, and knowing it was on. Nick came back over with a mirror, letting me inspect my face.
"Holy shit! I'm like a mix of Jennifer Lawrence and Mila Kunis! I look hot!" I grinned.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Fury rolled his eyes.
"This is amazing! I'm sorry, I'm just freaking out at how awesome this is!" I laughed.
"Well when you're done drooling over yourself, I'll give you your new identity." Fury told me.
"Sorry, it's just gonna take some time getting used to that."
I put the mirror down as Nick handed me a folder. I began reading the file with my fake identity, my fake birth certificate, my fake Social Security Number, amongst other fake documents.
Name: Roxanne Natalie Taylor.
Age: 23
Occupation: Engineer
Sex: Female
"I still can't believe I'm helping you, but fine, I'm in." I shut the folder.
"I don't know how to thank you enough." Fury gave me an appreciative smile.
FLASH!
I run as fast I can throughout a public park in Washington, DC. Trying to get used to the layout, as well as the D.C area since I was living here for over two years. It had been a rough two years too, adjusting to my new life as Roxanne Natalie Taylor. As Roxanne, I had to create a new persona and act like someone else. I couldn't act like shy and timid Tyra Stark, daughter of billionaire playboy philanthropist Tony Stark. I had to put on the best show like an actress and be a completely different person.
I don't even want to know how Natasha did stuff like this. Undercover ops, I mean.
I pull out my personal cell phone and try changing the playlist.
Man, this thing isn't as good as Stark Industries tech...but I'll have to make do...
I start listening to ACDC and turn it up loudly as I pass other people in the park, and started picking up the pace.
Just because I was pretending to be someone, didn't mean I could afford to not train.
Suddenly, I'm thrown out of my thoughts when I quite literally collided into something, or rather, someone. My earbuds fall out of my ears as I land on my back and groan in pain. I stare up at the sky and regain my senses before picking myself off of the ground and dusting myself off to the best of my ability.
God damn it, I just bought this outfit too...
"Ah shit...that really hurt..." I groaned. "I'm sorry about that."
"Here, you dropped your wallet. I'm so sorry about that ma'am." A familiar voice spoke.
Immediately, I feel frozen on the spot, recognizing that voice.
Oh god in heaven, don't let it be who I think it is...polite, well-spoken, charming as all hell- -
I glance up and see Steven Rogers in the flesh, giving me the most charming smile as he holds my wallet out to me. I find my face heat up drastically, praying to everything holy that he can't see my blush through this fucking mask of mine. I stare at him wide-eyed as I reluctantly take my wallet back from Steve and put it back in my sweatshirt pocket. Steve looks at me in worry as I most likely look like some crazy mad woman to him.
"Are you alright, miss? You're shaking..." Steve asked worriedly.
Steve puts a hand on my shoulder, and suddenly, I'm roused from my panicked thoughts.
"Oh me? I'm sorry! I'm just...I'm a little out of my element here!" I laugh nervously.
"You new around these parts I take it?" Steve smiles.
I quickly nod at him, trying to catch my breath, whether from running or from being confronted by an old friend, I wasn't sure.
"Y- -yeah, I'm f- -from California." I stuttered. "Malibu t- -to be exact."
FUCK! Why did I tell him that?! I can't give him an idea as to who I am!
"My friend lived in Malibu. It's beautiful up there." Steve replied.
AM I FUCKING STUPID OR WHAT?! GAH! JUST SHUT UP AND LEAVE!
"Um, it was nice to meet you, Steve!" I smiled politely.
I turn to jog again, before something grabs ahold of my arm. I realize Steve has stopped me.
"I...I didn't tell you my name." Steve eyed me suspiciously.
Oh. My. God. I'm such a fucking idiot. Kill me now.
For the next several seconds, I find myself at a loss of words as I figure out how not to sound like the biggest dumbass in the universe. I don't wait too long, however, for I can't delay Steve any further and look even more suspicious than I do right now.
"You're Steve Rogers right? I recognize you from the TV and papers." I quickly recover. "It's uh...kind of hard not to recognize Captain America. Otherwise, I'd just look like a damn fool am I right?" I joke.
At this answer, Steve relaxes visibly and lets out a relieved sigh.
"Right. I'm so sorry." Steve blushes.
Steve let's go of my arm, rubbing the sweat off of his forehead with the back of his hand.
"It was nice meeting you, miss..."
"Roxanne Taylor." I give him a wink. "I'll see you around Steve Rogers. Thank you for your service in the army, sir."
I leave without another word, putting back in my earbuds and turning the volume up even louder than before.
Later that day, I casually sat down at a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee as I try to forget about the events from earlier in the park. I can feel my burner flip-phone vibrate within my pocket, and grab it immediately as I answer it.
"Yello?" I answered.
"How's everything so far, Roxanne? I want a report. Anything suspicious yet?"
Fury...
I lower my voice and relax my body as I stir my coffee with a spoon, looking as nonchalant as possible.
"That lab can be boring sometimes...but I got something...it's about Project Insight. You might want to put it on hold. I don't know about you, but something sounds fishy about the whole thing." I replied.
"Noted. I'll pull some strings, get to work on putting a stop to it...you sound nervous...so what aren't you telling me?" Fury asked.
"I might have bumped into Steve." I confessed. "It's been over two years, I work at the same place he does, it was bound to happen sure, but that didn't make it hurt any less." I rambled.
"...did he recognize you?" Fury grew nervous.
"Thankfully he didn't. Although I kinda fucked up and slipped out that I was from Malibu. So I'll have to change that tidbit of info later." I sighed in relief.
"It's alright. As long as he doesn't recognize you for now. We need to be as discreet as possible, Roxanne." Fury reminded me.
"Well, you know, when you're used to being someone else for over twenty four years, there's habits that are hard to break. He just threw me by surprise is all. It won't happen again." I assured him. "It's like fate is trying to tell me I shouldn't have taken this job." I teased.
"Ha ha...very funny. Throw this phone away, there should be a new one in your mailbox. Call me tomorrow night after work." Fury replied.
"Can do, boss..."
With that, I end the phone call and shut the flip-phone as I finish stirring my coffee. I place the spoon on an unused napkin before putting the lid back on the coffee cup and pick it up. I glance around cautiously and pick up a used napkin before hiding the burner phone inside, slipping it inside the nearest garbage can before making my way back to my apartment.
I cracked my neck as I kept working diligently as I had been for the past several hours. I continued to hack into SHIELD's database again, trying to find more info on something I stumbled upon before.
Project Insight was something else entirely.
While Project Insight was probably created to protect the world, I only saw it as a pure threat to everyone. Basically, to sum it up, Project Insight was a secret SHIELD operation made because of the rise of "supernatural" forces that began showing up on Earth recently. And this was all after the Battle of New York. It was hard even getting access to this file at all, even with my amazing hacking abilities. Only SHIELD agents with a clearance level of 8 or more even know about Project Insight's existence.
I need to find out more about Project Insight other than this bullshit report on it. Funny how Fury knows immediately what I'm talking about as soon as I mention it huh?
My eyes scanned over the computer screen and I now knew that my suspicions were correct.
So I was right...Project Insight sounds completely dangerous.
Project Insight would have three heavily armed, satellite-linked Helicarriers, all designed to exterminate any potential threats before they actually happened.
Well shit...looks like even as a retired SHIELD agent, I'm still picking up after Fury.
The next morning, I arrive to work earlier than usual as I arrive to SHIELD's lower lab engineering division as a techie. I mean, technically I'm an 'engineer' and 'scientist', both of which I gained experience and expertise from as being the daughter of a genius.
So glad that I have a genius for a father, and got his smarts.
I swiped my ID card as I get into the lab and set down my coffee on my desk in the corner. Thankfully no one was here yet, so I had time to relax before getting to work on my other job.
"Roxanne! You're always here early! Why is that?"
I guess I'm mistaken...oh joy to the world.
I don't even look up from my desk as I reply to my 'colleague'/stalker. I try to be as passive as possible when it comes to this man or his advances.
"Because I actually like working in the peace and quiet." I spoke up.
Suddenly, I see two hands planted on my desk and quite literally on top of my paperwork until I'm forced to look up at him.
"Hi, Jacob." I muttered dryly.
"I told you that you can call me, Jake." He winked.
"I'd rather not." I scoff.
"Why not? I think by now we've gotten used to each other. Come on, Roxie. It's been two years." His smile faltered a bit.
"Please don't call me that. Either call me Ms. Taylor or Roxanne, that's it." I give him a small glare.
"Oh come on, baby. Why do you always gotta be like this? I'm a genius, you're a genius. You're attractive, and I'm attractive. Why don't you just...try to get along with me?" Jacob smirked.
Oh my god, this man should not be allowed around other people.
"I wouldn't exactly call you a genius." I chuckled.
Jacob's smirk falters and he gives me a small glare.
"You almost killed yourself when you started messing around with my Anti-Gravity device, even after I told you not to." I reminded him.
"Why do you always gotta remind me of that?" He groaned.
"Because you should know that an energy beam that counteracts the force of gravity for any objects inside the beam is probably something you shouldn't be playing around with." I explained coldly.
"Roxanne, seriously, I'm trying to make an effort here- -"
"No. You have made unwanted advances when I've specifically told you not to on multiple occasions. I sort of respect you as a colleague, but every single time you try to make a pass at me, I just start thinking less of you."
"Roxanne, baby- -"
I finally have enough of Jacob's insistent whining, and snap after two years of complete patience.
How I ever survived this long is beyond me.
"No, Jacob. I'm going to make this astonishingly clear for you into terms you might be able to understand, because clearly I've overestimated you for over two years. You've sexually harassed me at work, out of work, and I honestly don't know how I ever put up with this bullshit. If you try talking to me about anything other than work, I'm going to kick. your. ass. I might look small, but I know all types of combat that will render you in the fucking hospital."
I grab Jacob by his lab coat, and press my lips to his ear as he shakes against me.
"And if you continue to spread rumors about us being together again like you think I'm not aware of, I'm going to make good on that threat of mine and make it look like an accident. You'll never see it coming." I muttered lowly.
I let go of Jacob and watch him stumble back from my desk, looking at me fearfully as he straightens his clothes and practically runs to his own desk. I smile as I sit back down, grabbing my warm coffee and taking a sip before letting out a satisfied sigh.
That honestly felt great.
It wasn't until much much later that I finally got out of work and away from SHIELD, but not before filing a complaint on Jacob like I should have done so long ago. I get back to my apartment later in the evening after taking a bus, and start back on my investigation once more as I step into the guest bedroom where I kept everything. Bulletin boards, clipped newspapers regarding SHIELD, World War II and HYDRA, the Battle of New York, etc. I grab my locket that I kept from Christmas of 2013, the copy of the one I gifted to my father, and smiled faintly as the projections come up and show photos of the two of us. I place it down next to me on my desk as I lean back and get to work. So far, my investigation only led to nothing but Project Insight, but even then, I didn't have all of the answers. So far, I had mere suspicions about what Fury said regarding SHIELD being compromised. One night, during my transition into Washington D.C., I was hit with a vision so vivid. From there, I saw a sigil and logo from my vision that I knew meant more than I realized at the time. So, I kept investigating anything at all regarding this symbol. After much research, I was led to an organization that dated back to World War II: HYDRA. Then, I started collecting all the data I could about HYDRA.
Why not go to Steve about Hydra? He certainly knows a lot more about them than I do really.
It was perfect, except for one thing- -
He'd get suspicious about me, which might end up leading to my identity being exposed.
I kept looking at the pros and cons, wondering at how I should approach Steve about this. On one hand, I really needed this information on HYDRA, not just about the stuff from history books. I knew most of the history based off of Howard's belongings, and also the files SHIELD had on HYDRA already. Steve had to know more on the subject from experience, considering he fought against the original HYDRA members back in WWII, not to mention their leader. I picked up my new burner flip-phone, pressing the speed dial button that only held Fury's (new) number.
"Yes, Miss Taylor?" Fury asked.
"So...when were you going to tell me that I live in the same apartment complex as Steve?"
"I don't know what you mean by that- -"
"Fury...seriously. Don't play games with me. How did you not expect me to figure it out sooner or later?" I sighed.
"I was actually wondering when you'd pick up on it." I could picture him smirking.
"Did you know I would need Steve or what?" I asked.
"I figured you would. Are you thinking of exposing your identity to him?"
I weighed my options, before finally coming to a decision.
"Based off of everything so far...I might have to...but not now...when it comes to it, I'll go to Steve. I feel like the puzzle is slowly coming together. There's just some minor details that I'm missing, details that could be crucial to solving this. I'm just...I'm stuck on trying to think how SHIELD was infiltrated by HYDRA in the first place..." I said.
"Yeah...it's hard pinpointing when they exactly infiltrated SHIELD...or how." Nick mumbled.
"We could be talking years, Nick. This is seriously freaking me out."
I pulled some hair away from my face, tucking some of it behind my ear out of a nervous habit I've always had.
"I just...my mind is racing with all of these theories, but I need some more info on Hydra before I can even think about giving you real answers."
I heard knocking at my door and get very nervous almost immediately.
"I gotta go. I'll call you later." I hung up.
I grab my gun, tucking into the back of my pants and pull my shirt over it. Knocking sounds again, and I panic as I grab my locket and try to turn it off, but fail to do so. Finally, I lock the door to the guest bedroom with all of my research inside before going to answer the front door, but not before throwing my locket onto the couch. One of my hands remains behind my back and on my handgun as I hesitantly open the door.
Steve?! Talk about odd timing.
"Mr. Rogers!" I jumped in surprise. "I didn't know you lived in the same apartment complex as I do!" I laughed.
"Oh...Roxanne. Well...this is actually a very big surprise."
Steve scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as he gave me a timid smile.
"Seriously though, this is hilarious." I nearly snorted. "I feel so embarrassed right now..." I blushed and tried fixing my hair a bit.
"Why are you embarrassed?" Steve asked.
"Because I had no idea you were living right near me! God, I look like a mess right now, probably!" I bit my bottom lip nervously.
Steve gives me a warm and reassuring smile.
"You look great." He compliments.
Suddenly, I feel at ease the longer I stare at Steve, but rouse myself out of my thoughts as I step aside to let him inside.
"Come in, come in!" I blushed.
He's still as charming as ever...man I missed him.
"Was there anything you needed?" I asked politely.
"Well, the dryer stopped working downstairs and I don't exactly have anything to dry my clothes. Do you maybe have something that would help?" Steve chuckled nervously. "One of the neighbors told me that you were 'tech-savvy', whatever that means."
I noticed the basket of damp clothes he held.
"Lucky for you, I've actually got my own washer and dryer installed here. It's just past the guest bedroom." I smiled.
I take the basket of laundry from Steve and leave him temporarily as I go to my dryer and turn it on after throwing his clothes in.
He wasn't supposed to be here! Not right now at least...what do I do?!
I take a deep breath before going to the living room, and seeing Steve hold my locket as he stares at the holographic image on my father. Thankfully, it's only paused on the image of Tony Stark.
Shit...I knew I was forgetting something...
Steve looks at me suspiciously as he gets up from the couch and walks up to me and holds up the locket and holographic image. I feel my heart stop as I struggle to form words.
"Why do you have a picture of Tony Stark?" Steve questioned.
Oh fucking dammit. Why? Why is this happening? Why do I suck at being a spy?
For the next minute or so, my mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water as I struggle to form words. Finally, I snatch the locket from his hands, and finally turn off the hologram.
"...it probably sounds really weird, but...in many ways, he saved my life. It's like a reminder...of what he did for me."
Steve looked extremely curious to hear me say this, but he silently urges me to continue.
"...when I was a kid, I was able to make my own inventions, but I wasn't so great at making friends because I was mostly homeschooled for most of my life, but Tony Stark...the things he could do. Tony Stark didn't care what anyone else thought of him. He just...he inspires me in so many ways." I smile faintly. "His work is amazing and I learned so much from it, and essentially, he taught me that I shouldn't care what anyone thinks of me. It's mostly because of him, that I became the person I am today. The reason I want to help people and...and build a better future. For those that I care about."
That's probably the most truthful statement I've said in the two years I've been here.
Steve looks at me in surprise, before he too, starts smiling.
"That's nice...I mean, deep down, Stark isn't a very bad guy. I just needed to know him a little more." Steve gave me a small smile.
"I forgot you fought alongside him. You guys are what now? The Avengers?" I play dumb.
"Yeah. I mean, when I first met him, he seemed like a complete jackass- - a jerk, I mean." He blushed. "But when thinking it all over...I feel like he's not so bad. Underneath all of it...he was forced into that life because of his father Howard. It was because he was a Stark, that people expected a lot from him...he reminds me of Howard in so many ways, but he built a reputation of his own. Along with Tyra- -"
Steve's eyes widened as he mentioned my real name, and he stops himself immediately.
"Tyra Stark?" I mumbled softly.
"Yeah...I'm sorry...she was...she was a nice person. I considered her a very good friend of mine. I just miss her a bit is all." Steve smiled sadly.
"Yeah...she seemed nice. She could be like her father, but she seemed less...eccentric than him."
"Yeah, she actually reminds me a little bit like you actually." Steve commented.
Shit...just...just roll with it!
"Really? That's...I'm sorry if I'm making you sad." I frowned. "I'm not really trying to, believe me."
"It's okay. I just overthink things sometimes." Steve replied.
"I do too. You have no idea. People tell me I should stop thinking altogether sometimes." I joked. "They say it would cause me less stress. Your laundry should be done in an hour...would you...want to get something to eat maybe, while we wait?"
"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea." Steve smiled.
Oh Steve...you have no idea how much I want to tell you the truth right now...
It was after we ate dinner, that we came back to my apartment. I got Steve's clothes together, returning them to him in the basket he brought along after folding everything.
"Here you go. All snuggly and warm. Will there be anything else, Captain Rogers?" I teased Steve.
"Thank you, Miss Taylor, but I believe that is everything." He played along.
"Listen...I really had fun with you. I haven't had a real talk with anyone in a long time...you're like that really great friend that I've known for a long time." I admitted. "Usually I'm so caught up in my work, trying to help others...that I forget that I need to let loose every once in a while...so thank you."
Steve seemed genuinely happy, and he blushed before giving me a small nod.
"Not a problem, Ma'am." He breathed out.
"Call me Roxanne, or Roxi, and I'll call you Steve." I pursed my lips.
Steve tests the name out on his lips, and at that moment, I long for him to say my real name more than anything else in the world. It's as if there's a magnetic pull as the two of us slowly inch closer together, and my face is practically on fire as our eyes flutter closed. It starts off as something small as our lips graze one another, before it begins to pick up, and soon enough, we find ourselves moving towards the couch as we clumsily kiss and paw at each other. I can't help but moan against Steve as his tongue gently caresses mine, but that noise seems to rouse Steve out of the spell as he pulls back. Steve looks at me with wide eyes as he looks down at me and pants, our breath mingling together.
"Steve...?" I breathed out.
Steve blinks away tears when I say his name this time, and finally sits back up and straightens out his clothes before moving to grab the forgotten basket of his clothes.
"I'm really sorry. I can't...I c- -can't..."
The door shuts behind him as he leaves, and I'm surrounded in nothing but the darkness, the only source of light coming from the buildings within the city. I can't help but blink away tears as well, before a sob escaped my throat. I closed my eyes and hug myself as I sit up, rocking back and forth.
Sleep didn't come as easily that night, and it showed as I had bags under my eyes the next morning. Nothing I did could take my mind off of Steve Rogers for the past several hours, and the sheer guilt I felt. It gnawed away at me in my stomach, and I wondered for a brief moment if Natasha ever felt guilt during her undercover op missions. When I make it to work the next day, I head for the elevator in pure silence as I keep my head down low. I have my hands around the familiar warmth of my coffee cup like it's my lifeline. When I see the elevator open, I'm definitely more than surprised to see Steve and Natasha as soon as I enter. I give the two a fake and polite smile, the sadness on my face more than obvious. I can tell from the sheer awkwardness of Steve's shifting on his feet, that he had no idea that I worked for SHIELD.
Damn...Natasha will totally see right through me.
"Hey Steve." I greeted.
"You uh...you work for SHIELD?" Steve muttered suspiciously.
"Down in the labs. Not like you asked me anyway..." I quipped.
I sip at my coffee as the elevator closes, keeping my eyes forward and refusing to look at either Steve or Natasha. I'm surprised at the gentle tap on my shoulder and see Natasha holding out her hand.
"Natasha Romanoff. But I suppose you already know who I am, don't you?" She smiled.
Oh my god...she's...she's seriously scaring me right now. Does she know who I am?
"Well, I've heard a few things here and there. They didn't mention how beautiful you are though." I let out an awkward laugh.
"Thank you."
Natasha seemed to be getting some kind of kick out of seeing me squirm.
"So how did you two meet?" Natasha asked.
God...she's making us sound like some engaged couple.
"Well the first time, I think I was out running in the park and we literally bumped into each other. The second time...well, it turned out we live at the same apartment complex and he showed up at my door last night, mentioning how the dryer was broken. I let him use mine and we kinda just hung out until his clothes were good to go." I replied.
God this is so awkward...
"Interesting..." Natasha hummed.
When the elevator finally came to a stop and opened, Steve barged out first, and started heading straight for Fury's office.
Shit...he's angry at Fury for something...but what?
I was about to follow him, seeing as that I was supposed to meet with Fury myself. Before I can step out, Natasha grabbed my wrist tightly and starts pulling me back into the elevator.
"Hey. What was that for?" I glared at Natasha.
"Sorry, I just wanted to get to know you a little more. Fury was quick to hire you, I just wanted to know what made you so special." Natasha muttered.
While Natasha had a neutral expression on her face, I knew her feelings were much more hostile because she didn't trust me. I put on a face of my own, trying to seem uncaring of her behavior as I raise an questioning eyebrow at her.
"And you need to know this because...?"
Natasha takes a step towards me, our chests practically grazing each other as she leans in towards me.
"Because I don't feel that you're really who you say you are." Natasha said.
"Look, I'm just good at what I do. I build things, I help other people, that's it. There's literally nothing special about me. Nick Fury hired me because he was impressed of what I'm able to do. I graduated from college at a young age, I've been known as an inventor, trying to make a name for myself, and I'm just smarter than the average person. I don't know who you think you are, trying to intimidate me, but if you think I'm an enemy of some sort then you're more blind than I previously thought. If you wanna question anyone about why I'm here, question Fury."
I gave her one of my serious looks that normally had people scared, but she didn't seem affected though considering she was an expert at intimidating people. Natasha stared at me, trying to see if I was lying or hiding anything else, which of course I wasn't, not really. I told her the truth all things considered, and without truly giving anything away about my real identity. After several seconds, Natasha finally backed off before nodding at me in approval.
"Sorry, I just had to be sure." Natasha smiled.
"...thanks I think?" I looked at her in confusion. "Was that a test or something?"
"I just...I can't trust a lot of people, not nowadays. I'm sorry if I scared you." Natasha chuckled.
"Scared me? Nah...you're good, Nattie." I let out a laugh.
My eyes widened at my mistake.
Shit snacks...
Natasha perked up, staring at me intently, as she starts trying to figure out when she heard that before.
"...I'm glad you met Steve. He needs some more friends." Natasha spoke up.
Natasha pressed the button on the elevator, and soon enough, the elevator was moving again. After the elevator opened again, we were at the floor to Fury's office. I stepped out, expecting Natasha to follow, but she still remained in the elevator looking as passive and calculating as ever.
"It was nice meeting you, Roxanne." Natasha winked at me.
The elevator shut, and I started heading towards Fury's office without another word, feeling much more unsettled than before.
What the hell just happened anyway?
Hey guys! I hope you like this chapter! I had fun writing this! I hope I can make things interesting! I'm so excited about finishing the Winter Soldier. Maybe I'll try to finish in two more chapters? I dunno...but soon! AVENGERS 2! WHOOOO! Anyway, let me know what you think! Be nice please!