Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews last chapter. This chapter is pretty long and I can confirm that there's going to be an appearance of an Avenger within it so hang tight.
Avalongirl55: I'm updating as fast as I can because I'm just really feeling inspired for this story again. I'm glad you love the story so much. The elevator scene in D.C. will probably be the chapter after next so still a couple chapters away. Don't quote me on that though.
JokeLover123: Peter's not going to find out about Rumlow anytime soon. I think him and Emma would have to spend a little more time together for that to happen. There's subtle hints that Peter sees but he'll kind of remain oblivious to what those hints mean. This is going to be something that Emma would have to admit to him on her own. It's not something he'd going to figure out himself.
swanqueen4: As the creator of such a complicated character like Emma, I also love seeing her open up to people more. The audience essentially knows everything that happened to her but we're the only ones that do. It's nice for me to finally get to write a different side of Emma. A side of her that opens up to people. Her revealing some of her past to Peter is a huge step in her character development.
JuggernautJJ: I do think it would be cool for Jessica and Emma to meet. They share the same kind of humor. A meeting between the two would be interesting so it's possible that I might explore that. Not sure when though.
gossamermouse101: I totally get what you mean about Ned. He's really funny and I feel like he's portrays what any one of us would be like if we found out our best friend was this secret super hero.
Thanks and please review!
Emma had left Peter's apartment early the next morning to freshen up at her and Darcy's townhouse before she left for D.C. She also needed to pick up her suitcase before she left for the trip. Emma had packed a few days ago before this whole mess with the weapon dealers came up. It was a good thing too because Emma didn't think she would've had time to pack her suitcase if she had waited any longer. They would only be in D.C. for the weekend and would return late Sunday night. Emma was sort of looking forward to the trip and not just because her and Peter would be there on official Viper Assassin and Spider-Man business. No, there was another reason she was looking forward to going.
"Do you have everything packed?" Darcy asked as she walked into Emma's room with her Stark tablet in hand. The blonde had her suitcase sitting next to her bed as she put on the dorky yellow decathlon team blazer. It was the first time she ever worn the ugly thing and Emma really hoped that it would be the last time. Darcy smirked at the disgusted look on Emma's face as she looked down at the blazer. "Nice blazer." Emma glared at her.
"Don't remind me." Emma said.
"Okay, Steve, today is the day Emma goes on a school trip to D.C." Darcy said into the tablet before she practically shoved it in the blonde's face. Emma gave the brunette an annoyed look. "Remember a couple episodes ago I told you that she joined the decathlon team? Yeah, I was as surprised as you are since it's basically a nerd squad and all. Apparently she joined it for a boy."
"I did not join the team for a boy." Emma hissed at her, looking quite pissed. "I thought he was up to something but I was wrong. That's the end of it. It's too late to back out now." Darcy didn't look like she believed Emma.
"She totally joined the team for a boy." Darcy told the camera. "His name is Peter and she's in love with him. She even spent the night at his house last night... oops probably shouldn't have mentioned that. I imagine you and John Wick over there will probably have to go kill the kid now but don't worry, Stevie, I told Emma that she has to use protection. Emma knows all about safe sex." Emma took a deep breath before also looking into the camera.
"I swear, Steve, if you don't come home soon Darcy's going to end up dead." Emma told the camera. "I don't think I have enough patience to last that much longer."
"Well, that's not nice." Darcy commented. "Anyways… Emma's supposed to take a lot of pictures while she's in D.C. so we can all see how her trip went. So let's hope Midtown takes home the cash prize."
"There's no cash prize, Darcy." Emma told the brunette and Darcy gave her a look of bewilderment.
"What? Then why are you guys going?" She questioned and Emma shrugged.
"I don't know… bragging rights?" She suggested and Darcy scoffed.
"Lame." Emma smiled at Darcy in amusement as the brunette decided to wrap up the home video. Emma thought Darcy would give up making all the home movies but she seemed super into it. It was like a fun little project for the otherwise bored brunette.
"So I guess that wraps up another episode of diary of a teenage assassin." Darcy stated. "Tune in next time for when Emma goes to the Homecoming dance. Hopefully her boyfriend Peter will ask her in time and you can finally see your future grandson-in-law." Emma immediately snatched the tablet away from Darcy who glared at her.
"Don't worry, Steve, there's no boyfriend. Darcy's just as crazy as usual." Emma told the camera. "And there's definitely not going to be a Homecoming dance. Not in a million years. Tune in for next time when the police discover the dead body of a loud mouth brunette woman at the bottom of the Hudson river." Emma then ended the video and handed the tablet back to Darcy. Darcy stuck her tongue out at the blonde and Emma just rolled her eyes. Very mature.
"Well, I hope you're happy, Emma." Darcy told her. "You just ruined Steve's hopes of great grandchildren." Emma just scoffed.
"Yeah, I bet Steve will be so disappointed." Emma replied sarcastically. "Now that's over with, are we going to discuss something a little more important than a home movie? Like the meeting in D.C.?" A more serious expression came over Darcy's face as she set the tablet down on the bed. This was something that Darcy had to be very discreet about which was something she wasn't used to. This was probably the most spy like, Avenger worthy thing she had ever done. She was slightly nervous since she was technically going behind Tony's back but she was given specific instructions on how to go about this.
"Well, as I mentioned a week ago you're going to have a meeting with a certain someone in D.C." Darcy told her. Emma already knew this since Darcy had talked to her about this potential meeting almost a week ago when the decathlon team's plan to go to D.C. was set in stone. It was perfect timing for a meeting to happen but Emma just didn't who the meeting was with. Even Darcy was being really tight lipped about this whole thing. Since Stark didn't know anything about what was going on, she assumed that the meeting was most likely with her cousin Sharon Carter. Who else could the meeting possibly be with? She didn't think her grandfather or the others would risk coming back into the country so soon.
"Yes, I know. You've been being very vague about it for the past few days." Emma mentioned.
"That's because I don't know much about it myself. I don't even know who you're supposed to be meeting." Darcy told her honestly. "I only know what Maria tells me. I'm just the messenger here." Darcy was of course referring to the fact that Maria Hill was setting this whole thing up. The fact that Maria was involved in all of this was a bit astounding to her since the woman was still working at the Avenger's facility in upstate New York. Emma wasn't sure where her loyalties lied but no harm could really come of it. If worse came to worse than Emma could defend herself.
"I understand that." Emma replied. "I'd just like to know who I'm going to be meeting."
"I'd like to know that too but this is what I do know." Darcy claimed as she started laying out the instructions for Emma. "As soon as you arrive at the hotel in D.C. there will be a car to pick you up. A dark grey Audi SUV. You'll hand the teacher the permission slip I signed for you that permits you to leave the hotel for the time being. The meeting will take place in the car and then the car will drop you back off at the hotel around forty five minutes later." Emma nodded as she took in that information. It was almost like it was a mission… she supposed it was technically a mission but just a different one than the one her and Peter were on.
"Sounds good." Emma confirmed and Darcy just smiled at her.
"I already put your permission slip in your backpack." Darcy told her, an amused look on her face. "You know, most kids just go visit the Smithsonian when they go to D.C. You have a super secret spy meeting instead." Emma just shrugged.
"What can I say? I'm more fun." Emma retorted and Darcy just shook her head as she began to leave the room. However, she slowed down as she passed the bookcase that was positioned next to the bedroom door. Emma noticed she always slowed down when she passed that bookcase because of the picture that was resting on the top of it. It was a framed picture of her father in his WWII days, before Hydra took him and made him into a weapon. Her father was all dressed up in his military uniform in the photograph with a bright and charming smile on his face. Emma smirked as she noticed the way Darcy ogled the photograph.
"You know, Darcy, I kind of feel like your eyes are violating my father with the way you're staring at him." Emma said snarkily and the brunette blushed before glaring at her.
"Well, I'm sorry if you're dad's a total DILF." Darcy replied. "I call them as I see them." Darcy then stormed out of the bedroom dramatically, causing Emma to roll her eyes at her. Darcy could be so weird sometimes. Emma glanced at the picture of her father and wondered what he was doing right at that second. Was he thinking about her like she thought about him and Steve? Were him and Steve back to being the best of friends again? Emma sincerely hope so but it seemed like she was still going to have to wait a while before she could see them again. That day could not come soon enough.
Darcy dropped Emma off at school about half an hour later. Emma quickly bid the annoying brunette goodbye before heading towards where the other students were. She noticed some of her fellow classmates were already waiting by the bus. Mr. Harrington was getting everything ready with the bus driver and she watched as they loaded her suitcase into the undercarriage like they did with all the other students. Little did they know that her Viper Assassin uniform was buried underneath all her other clothes in that suitcase. Emma saw Michelle leaning against the bus with a book in her hands. Peter and Ned didn't look to be there yet so Emma decided to go over and interact with her bookish friend.
"Excited for D.C.?" Emma asked her and Michelle looked up with from her book with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, totally." Michelle replied sarcastically.
"We're sharing a room according to Mr. Harrington." Emma said before giving the dark haired girl a scrutinizing look. "You don't snore do you?"
"No. Why? Do you?" Michelle retorted and Emma shook her head.
"No, but I'm a light sleeper." Emma replied. "I'll know if you snore. I probably won't be in the hotel room that much tonight anyways so you can have your peace and quiet." She said as if Emma wasn't already a quiet and reserved person. Michelle gave her a slightly suspicious look.
"Why not?" She asked her and Emma shrugged.
"I've got some business to take care of." Emma told her vaguely and that only caused Michelle to look even more suspicious.
"We're not supposed to leave our hotel rooms after ten. It's supposed to be lights out." Michelle informed her and Emma raised an eyebrow at her.
"I didn't realize you were such a stickler for the rules." Emma retorted. Michelle just shook her head as she stared at her blonde friend as if her friend was a puzzle she was trying to solve.
"I'm not." Michelle said shortly. "Does this have to do with whatever you're hiding?" Emma just smirked at her. So she still hadn't let that go, huh? Emma didn't really care. She thought it was amusing how Michelle seemed to be getting closer and closer to the truth. It would be any day now when Michelle would finally discover Emma's secret. Emma was sure of it. She'd give it two weeks tops. It's not like Emma was really hiding it from her anyways because it was something like a game to her and Emma loved games. She just never had an opponent as intelligent and observant as Michelle so the games had been boring before. Michelle, however, made it very interesting.
"If it did do you think I'd tell you?" Emma questioned her and Michelle scoffed.
"Of course not." She told the blonde. "I hope you know that I'm getting closer and closer to finding out. I feel like I might be on the verge of something."
"Oh, really?" Emma asked, looking genuinely interested. "What are some of your theories?"
"Well, they're all pretty stupid ones currently. All I have at the moment is vampire, witch, or werewolf." Michelle told her and Emma threw her head back and laughed a real, genuine laugh. That had to be one of the most hilarious things she heard in a long time. The only people that could really make her laugh like that were Steve and Sam. Those two were pretty hilarious together but they never made her laugh as much as Michelle had right in that moment. "I'm completely wrong, aren't I?"
"Completely." Emma agreed before she spotted Ned standing next to the other teammates. She wondered where Peter was? It looked like she was going to have to go other there and ask Leeds if Parker hadn't chickened out yet. Emma returned her attention back to Michelle briefly. "Think less supernatural, more scientific." Emma told Michelle before walking away to go talk to Ned. Michelle narrowed her eyes at the back of the blonde's head as she pondered over her words. Less supernatural, more scientific. What could that possibly mean?
"Where's Parker?" Emma asked Ned suddenly. The dark haired boy jumped about a foot in the air at Emma's voice. He put his hand over his heart to steady his breathing as he looked at the blonde in shock. She had seriously not been there two seconds ago. The blonde wore a serious expression on her face as she stared at him, her arms crossed.
"Seriously?!" Ned exclaimed as he stared at her in disbelief. "How do you do that? Just pop out of nowhere like that?"
"What are you talking about? I was here the whole time." Emma said in a mocking tone before her voice became serious again as she repeated her question from before. "Where's Parker?"
"He's on his way." Ned assured her. "He had to pack his bag. That's why he's running a little late." Emma nodded, satisfied with his answer.
"Good." Emma said shortly. Ned then gave the blonde a curious look as a question suddenly occurred to him.
"Are you going to teach Peter how to be a master assassin like you?" Ned asked curiously and Emma glared at him.
"Are you seriously going to ask me that right now?" Emma threw back at him as she pointedly looked at the other classmates. She knew none of them were listening in but she still didn't like Ned bringing that up in public.
"I just want to know if my best friend's going to be a real life Jason Bourne." Ned said nonchalantly and Emma rolled her eyes before answering his question.
"As much as I'd love to see Parker trying to be an assassin, I don't think Stark would appreciate me turning his little project into a killing machine." Emma told him truthfully. "Parker's also not the type. He could never be a killer… he doesn't have it in him."
"That's so cool." Ned remarked. "You can tell whether or not someone's a killer? Awesome. You could be a serial killer profiler if the whole Avengers thing doesn't work out. You'd be like Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs." Emma just raised an eyebrow at him.
"You do know that there's difference between being an assassin and a cannibalistic serial killer, right?" Emma told him, partially amused.
"I guess so." Ned admitted. "Being an assassin means you get paid to kill people, right?" Emma shrugged.
"That or your employers let you live. Take your pick." Emma told him and Ned furrowed his eyebrows at her confusing statement. Before he could respond, however, Peter came running over to the group.
"Hey, it's Peter." Abraham said from over by the bus. Everyone looked up in surprise at Peter… everyone except for Emma and Ned that is.
"Guys." Peter greeted as he approached and came to a halt.
"Peter?" Liz said in confusion, surprised to see the sophomore there. He had quit the team a few days ago, after all.
"Yeah, I was hoping, maybe, I could rejoin the team." Peter suggested as he gave them all a pleading look.
"No, no way." Flash said as he inserted himself into the conversation. Emma rolled her eyes. Take deep breaths, Emma. Deep breaths. In the past she had killed people for a lot less but that part of her life was over now. She could not murder Flash because her grandfather would be so disappointed in her. She didn't think her father would be but definitely Steve. "You can't just quit on us, stroll up, and be welcomed back by everyone."
"Hey, welcome back, Peter!" Mr. Harrington greeted cheerfully. "Flash, you're back to first alternate." Emma laughed and Flash shot her a glare. Oh, you would not be glaring at me like that if you knew who I really was, Thompson. That was definitely a promise. Everyone then joined in on Emma's laughter as they laughed at the egotistical, rich daddy's boy.
"What?" Flash asked in surprise.
"He's taking your place." Abraham told him with a smirk as he tried not to laugh. Emma always liked that kid.
"Excuse me, can we go already?" Michelle asked in a bored tone. "Because Emma and I were hoping to get some light protesting done in front of one of the embassies before dinner so…" Emma nodded in agreement as Mr. Harrington just stared at them in bewilderment. It seemed like Michelle and Emma had that kind of effect on people. It was still equally surprising to everyone that Michelle had managed to find someone who was as aloof as she was.
"Protesting is patriotic." Mr. Harrington said awkwardly before looking at everyone else. "Let's get on the bus." Flash practically threw his blazer at Peter as he sulked. Emma really loved it when that kid got whatever was coming towards him. It never got old.
"You got the signs we made?" Emma asked her friend as she stood in the back of line with Michelle. She had to give her permission slip to Mr. Harrington so she decided to be one of the last to get on the bus.
"Yeah. They're in the undercarriage of the bus." Michelle told her as the line moved up a bit. Emma noticed that Peter and Ned had already got on the bus so she didn't have to worry about Peter wimping out last second. She honestly didn't think he would but even in her head she liked to tease him.
"Good." Emma replied and Michelle looked back at her.
"So the protest is going in front of one of the embassies. We'll head over there while the others are at the museums." Michelle told her and Emma nodded.
"Yes, as soon as I get done with meeting my aunt." Emma confirmed. Her cover story was that she was meeting a family member at a nearby café after they all arrived to the hotel. Emma had no idea who it was that she was actually meeting but it was good to have a cover story. "It shouldn't take long so I should be back at the hotel within the hour." Michelle nodded, satisfied with that information as Emma followed her onto the bus. Michelle headed towards the back of the bus to grab a seat but Emma hung back so that she could talk to Mr. Harrington.
"Hey, Mr. Harrington. I've got that permission slip my sister signed." Emma told the older bespectacled man. Mr. Harrington just blinked as the blonde handed him the slip of paper. He quickly skimmed the paper before smiling at Emma.
"Everything looks to be in place here." He confirmed before continuing. "Your family member will just have to meet with me before you go. I hope you have fun. It's your aunt, right?" Emma smiled kindly.
"Yes, my aunt." Emma told him. She felt the curious gazes of both Peter and Ned on her back as they were obviously listening to every word she said to Mr. Harrington. "We shouldn't take too long. She's very busy. I'll be back in time for the outing in the city."
"Well, that's good to hear." Mr. Harrington told her and Emma just nodded before she headed towards the back of the bus. Emma sat next to Michelle in the seat behind Peter and Ned before pulling a book out of her backpack. It was time to read and it seemed like Michelle had the same idea as her. Although Michelle seemed to be reading one of her philosophical books while Emma was reading a spy novel called 'Red Sparrow'. It was about a Russian trained spy which was pretty ironic considering who Emma really was.
"You're meeting with your aunt?" Peter asked curiously and Emma looked up from her book. She narrowed her eyes at the brown eyed boy.
"I didn't know you were an eavesdropper, Parker." Emma told him even though she actually did know that. The kid couldn't control his need to stick his nose in other people's business. Something told her he might get along really well with the witch.
"I didn't know you had an aunt." Peter remarked and Emma sighed. She didn't know why he was questioning her like this right in front of Michelle. Michelle's eyes were glued to the pages of her book but Emma knew that the girl's attention was completely on the conversation between herself and Peter.
"It's not like it's really any of your business anyways." Emma replied. Peter narrowed his eyes at the blonde and knew she was hiding something. Just when he was starting to feel like their friendship was blossoming, she did or said something to prove him wrong. It was like she was pushing him away.
"I think it's my business if it has to do with that thing we're doing." Peter told her as he tried to remain discreet, not wanting to talk about their mission aloud with Michelle sitting there. Emma couldn't believe how bad he was at this. If Michelle wasn't suspicious before than she definitely was now. Idiot.
"What thing, Parker? I don't know what you're talking about." Emma said calmly with a stoic expression on her face. "If you mean if it has anything to do with nationals then it doesn't. Don't worry your pretty little head about it." Emma then returned her attention her book, ignoring Peter's piercing gaze. He knew she was up to something but he had no idea what. If it really did have to do with the weapon dealers she would probably tell him but Peter just didn't like not knowing something. What did Emma Rogers have up her sleeve now?
"Focus up." Liz announced as she stood towards the front of the bus. She had been quizzing everyone else on potential topics for nationals. So far Emma had been pretty quiet through out the whole thing, letting other people answer. It's not like she was well versed in science stuff. Not like Michelle, Peter, or Ned anyways. Liz hadn't really gotten around to the history and language part of the questions so Emma kept quiet and read her book.
"Our next topic is Language." Great… just great. Hopefully the others were smart enough to answer so Emma wouldn't have distract herself from her book. She'd rather not participate but she guess she would if she had to. She had remained focused on her book before as the others answered the rapid fire questions. She lost count of how many questions Flash got wrong. Emma didn't understand why he was so eager to put himself out there if he was only making the situation worse by looking like the idiot he really was.
"What is the formal Japanese greeting for good morning?" Liz asked. The bus quickly grew silent as Flash huffed in annoyance.
"Who would even know that?" He asked only to be interrupted by the familiar ding of the bell.
"Ohayō gozaimasu." Emma answered without looking up from her book. Everyone's attention went to the quiet blonde who's eyes were still glued to her book. Peter raised an eyebrow at her since she had been quiet the entire bus ride and hadn't chosen until right then to participate. Liz then proceeded to read off the card in surprise.
"That's exactly right, Emma… good job." Emma only nodded but still didn't turn away from her book.
"What's the formal Romanian greeting for good evening?" Liz asked, moving on to the other question. Still no one answered. They all looked dejected from the impossible questions. Who in the hell knew how to speak Romanian anyways? "Sorry guys but these questions are from the website." When no one answered the bell dinged again. It looked like Emma knew.
"Bună seara." Emma answered in Romanian. The others stared at the mysterious blonde again as she remained glued to her book.
"Correct again, Emma." Liz said as she read off the card once more.
"Demonstrate a formal Russian introduction." Liz said as she read off another question. This time Emma didn't wait for the others to answer because at this point she knew they probably didn't have a clue.
"Kak vas zovut (What is your name)? Menja zovut Emma (My name is Emma). Prijatno poznakomit'sja (Pleased to meet you)." Emma said in Russian and this time Peter really had to stare at her in shock. Her Russian was perfect. He couldn't speak Russian so he couldn't know for sure but her accent, when she spoke the language, sounded perfect. He figured that Russian must've been like a second language to her since she grew up in Russia. Peter suddenly wondered how many languages she could speak. He only spoke three languages… Well, he was almost fluent in Spanish and Italian but his French wasn't all that great.
"Well done, Emma." Liz congratulated again. "That looks to be right." Emma only nodded, a little bored by the questions. Those were very common and basic phrases in those languages. She wished the questions were a bit more complicated than that.
"Good job, Emma." Mr. Harrington said as he gave her a thumbs up. Emma just smiled briefly at them before sticking her nose back in her book. She wasn't able to return her attention to her book long before she felt eyes on her. Emma looked up, only to be met with Michelle's very suspicious gaze.
"What?" Emma questioned as she gave her a bored look. "I'm a Rosetta Stone nut." Michelle just narrowed her eyes at the calm looking blonde.
"I'm on to you, Lewis." Michelle told her and Emma just rolled her eyes before looking back at her book. It seemed like Michelle really wasn't going to give this up. Emma didn't really mind. She hoped that the observant teenager would be able to figure her out. Emma was kind of rooting for Michelle to win their game.
Emma was almost done with her book when Liz started going back to asking more science based questions. It looked like her participation was done for the day… thank god. Flash really seemed to be competing with Peter but Emma was amused to see that he didn't stand a chance. It was kind of sad because Flash was obviously trying so hard. Emma finally finished her book when Peter answered one of Liz's questions. She put the book away in her bag just as he answered the question.
"Strontium, Barium, Vibranium." Peter answered after dinging the bell. Emma had almost no clue what he was talking about except for the Vibranium part, of course.
"Very good, Peter." Liz told Peter with a small smile. "Glad to have you back."
"Glad to be back." Peter replied but his attention was taken away from Liz as his phone started vibrating in his pocket. He immediately noticed who it was and looked back at Emma with a wide eyed look. Emma raised an eyebrow as she looked at him curiously. "Happy", the teenager mouthed to her and Emma nodded in understanding.
"Can I take this real quick?" Peter asked Liz. "I'll only be a second."
"Yeah, fine." Liz told him as she quickly turned her attention to the others. Peter started walking towards the back of the bus and Emma immediately followed, no one noticing the quiet blonde following the boy genius… no one except for Michelle that is.
"Hello?" Peter said into the phone as they walked towards where Ned was currently sitting in the back. The dark haired boy was watching the tracking device, trying to see if there were any new movements from the two idiots.
"I got a blip on my screen here." She heard Happy say on the other line. "You and Rogers left New York?"
"Tracker." Peter muttered away from the phone. Did Peter seriously not know that Stark was tracking them? Emma had easily placed a tracker on Peter that night in the alley so how could he not think that Stark had placed a tracker in their suit. She knew that Stark probably planted one in her suit as well.
"Uh… yeah, it's just a school trip. It's nothing." Peter explained and Emma tore the phone from Peter's hand. He glared at her but she pointedly ignored him as she began to speak to Happy.
"Hey, Happy. It's so nice to talk to you after our little chat the other day." Emma greeted casually as she spoke into the phone. "Isn't it funny not knowing everything that's going on around you? Kind of like how when you refused to tell me who our little spider friend was?" Happy sighed.
"Look, Emma, it was my job to keep that private. Parker didn't know about you either." Happy told her before changing the subject. "How come I wasn't aware of you going on a school trip?"
"I don't really know. I suppose Darcy should've said something about it but you know how she is." Emma responded before speaking in a more devious tone. "She's a little scatter brained. Darcy might accidentally forget to tell you certain things from time to time. These little occurrences might just slip her mind when she's feeling especially forgetful." She could hear Happy gulp. It was clear that she was making him uncomfortable. Emma wanted to make it clear that Darcy was on her side and not theirs.
"I'll have a talk with her." He said quietly and Emma smirked.
"You do that. Tell your boss to stay tuned… I'll be sending him pictures of my time in D.C. I just want him to know how much fun we'll all be having down here." She told him before handing the phone back to Peter as Emma sat in the seat next to him. Peter gave her a suspicious look as he took the phone back. Why did he feel like she was always up to something? He then looked away from Emma and proceeded to focus on his talk with Happy.
"Happy, I gotta say you tracking us without our permission is a complete violation of our privacy." Peter told him as Ned pointed at the tracking device, indicating that he was doing the same exact thing.
"That's different." Peter said as he shook his head and Emma smiled in amusement at the two teenage boys.
"What's different?" Happy questioned suspiciously.
"Uh… nothing. Look, it's just the Academic Decathlon. It's no big deal." Peter told him dismissively.
"Hey, hey. I'll decide if it's no big deal." Happy said, trying to sound like he was more important and powerful than he really was. Emma rolled her eyes from the seat next to Peter as she waited for Happy to realize how silly he was being. "It sounds like no big deal, but remember, I'm watching you." Emma then took the phone from Peter again and at this point Peter was used to it.
"Ooh, we're shaking in our boots." Emma said sarcastically. "Don't worry, Happy, we all know you're doing the best you can at your job. No pressure. Now go back to packing Stark's fine china."
"Rogers, I've had it up to here-" Happy began to say in an annoyed tone before Emma cut him off.
"Oh no, it looks like we're breaking up, Happy. We're going under a tunnel… wait… no…bye." Emma said and then hung up on him. Her usual bored expression came over her face as she handed the phone back to Peter. He just looked at her in annoyance, not believing how rude and mean she could be. It's like she didn't have a care in the world.
"Why did you have to piss him off? We don't need him pissed off at us." Peter said to her and Emma just shrugged nonchalantly.
"Happy's not going to suspect a thing." Emma told him seriously. "He knows I'm not up to something when I'm my usual bitchy self. If I told him how much I appreciated his service to Stark Industries… now that's when he'd start knowing something was up." Peter just shook his head in disbelief but he didn't respond because he didn't feel like arguing with her. He just began to put his phone away instead.
"Was that Tony Stark?" Ned asked excitedly as soon as Peter put his phone away.
"No." Peter said.
"Was that Thor?" Ned asked, sounding even more excited than before.
"No." Peter said in annoyance before he thought the question over more thoroughly. "I don't think Thor uses a phone." The two boys then turned to Emma for confirmation. She sighed deeply before she answered.
"Okay, all I'm allowed to say is that Thor had a phone and then another but… let's just say he was a little too enthusiastic about Candy Crush." Emma said with a slightly haunted look in her eyes as she recalled an incident from almost two years ago involving an innocent Stark phone and Mjolnir. "We don't talk about the Candy Crush incident. Never mention it to anyone." Peter and Ned both exchanged a bewildered look before their attention was taken away by the sight outside the window. The sight also captured Emma's attention as she curiously looked at several buildings in the distance that were being reconstructed.
"What is going on?" Peter asked.
"Damage control." Michelle said as she suddenly appeared behind them, also looking out the window. Ned gave the teenage girl a surprised look because she seemed to have the same exact ability of sneaking up on people that Emma had. Emma glanced at her friend, not surprised in the slightest to see her there. The blonde had heard Michelle walking up the aisle only a moment ago, probably trying to see what her and the guys were talking about.
"They're still cleaning up from when Captain America took down those helicarriers for no apparent reason." Michelle continued to say and Peter immediately glanced at Emma to see if she was offended by Michelle's statement. It was quite the opposite actually. Emma was looking at the dark haired girl with something akin to amusement.
"Well, I'm pretty sure Cap was trying to save us from tyranny." Ned defended and Michelle scoffed.
"Yeah, that's what they want you to think." Michelle told them before immediately walking away and returning to her seat. Emma just laughed at Michelle's odd statement and Peter and Ned both stared at her in disbelief.
"She just insulted your grandfather and you're laughing?" Peter asked her. Why was she so hard to figure out? She was so unpredictable and it was unnerving to Peter.
"She's got a point. It's not like he ended Hydra by doing that." Emma told them before continuing. "You cut off one head then-"
"Yeah, yeah. We know." Peter said he rolled his eyes at her. "Two more shall grow in it's place. We've heard it all before." Emma should've been mad at his dismissive retort but she couldn't help but smile at him. Maybe Peter was starting to get her sense of humor.
Peter felt his heart race as Emma smiled at him. It was rare that her smiles were ever truly genuine but he could tell that this one was. Her smile reached her blue eyes and the green flecks in those blue orbs were brighter than ever before. Peter was disappointed to see, however, that her smile had disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
"You weren't there when that happened, were you?" Ned asked nervously and Peter's attention was taken away from the green flecks in Emma's otherwise blue eyes. Emma then playfully glared at Ned.
"No, I wasn't there." Emma replied. "I'm offended that you would even ask me such a question. No, I was in no way responsible for the sight you see outside the window. I was in Argentina during those events." Peter then returned his attention to the window, satisfied with Emma's answer. He felt like she was the kind of person to own up to something like that if she truly had a part in it. Emma wasn't really a denier… probably a really good liar at times but not a denier.
"I wonder where they take it all?" Peter asked in wonder as he continued to look at the window. Emma shrugged.
"Probably somewhere where Hydra can't get their hands on it." Emma replied. "I think the world learned a lesson from Hydra gate." Emma then got up from the seat which caused Peter and Ned to look back up at her.
"Where are you going?" Ned asked.
"Back to my seat." Emma told them both.
"What about tonight? We need a plan." Peter told her and Emma groaned in annoyance before rolling her eyes. It was true that they really did need a plan but Emma didn't have time for this right now. She needed to mentally prepare herself for the meeting that was just on the horizon. There would be plenty of time for planning later when they were in a more private environment than the back of a school bus.
"Fine. I'll meet you two in your hotel room after dinner to discuss tonight's plan. Until then… hang tight and don't draw any attention to yourselves. I'm sure not even you two could screw that up." Emma told them in a lower volume. The blonde then turned away and began to head back to her and Michelle's seat without another word. Peter and Ned stared after her in wonder, both with the same question revolving in their minds. Could they ever possibly seek to understand Emma? Did they want to?
Emma had returned to the lobby of the hotel after dropping off her bags in her and Michelle's room. The dark haired girl gave her a suspicious look as she left but didn't say anything, she just continued reading her book. She had bumped into Peter and Ned in the hallway and the two boys had once again pestered her about who she was meeting but Emma ignored them and walked away. Someday those two were going ask the wrong question to the wrong person and Emma was going to have clean up their mess. Emma smirked once she reached the lobby because she spotted a familiar head of blonde hair talking to Mr. Harrington.
"Emma, it's so nice to see you." Sharon Carter said as she looked away from Emma's history teacher. Emma wanted to roll her eyes at the way Mr. Harrington was practically drooling over the blonde. God, he was worse than Peter. Emma returned her cousin's smile as she approached them.
"I know, it's been so long." Emma replied as she hugged Sharon and the blonde woman returned the hug as if they had done this a hundred times. They were playing the part of family members who hadn't seen each other in a long time and that was the only way Emma was going to show public affection.
"You've grown up so much." Sharon told her kindly but Emma could tell from the look in her cousin's eyes that she partially meant it. Emma just nodded as Sharon looked away from her and back to Mr. Harrington with a small smile. "Mr. Harrington was just telling me what a great addition you are to the decathlon team." Sharon informed her and the history teacher smiled at the both of them, momentarily ceasing to drool over Sharon.
"It's true, Emma. I don't know where we'd be without you." Mr. Harrington told her. "I hope you have a great time with your Aunt Penelope." Penelope? Is that what Sharon was going by? Emma thought in amusement.
"We will, Mr. Harrington. I'll be back within the hour." She promised with an innocent smile on her face. Mr. Harrington just smiled at the both of them before saying goodbye and probably walking to his hotel room. The innocent smiles fell off both Emma and Sharon's faces as more serious, anxious looks came over them. Sharon immediately began leading Emma away from the hotel lobby. They reached the outside of the hotel in no time and Emma looked back only to narrow her eyes at the figures of Peter and Ned who were obviously trying to spy on her. She watched as they quickly hid behind a pillar but Emma had already seen them. Emma rolled her eyes. How embarrassing for them.
"So are you going to tell me what this little meeting is about?" Emma asked as Sharon opened the Audi door for her. Sharon just smirked as Emma got in.
"Oh, I'm not the one you're meeting." Emma furrowed her eyebrows in confusion as she sat down in the backseat. Before she could respond Sharon shut the car door before opening the driver's side and getting in. What the hell? She didn't even have a chance to demand what was going on when someone suddenly gracefully climbed into the row of seating that Emma was sitting in from the third row of seating in the back. Emma immediately tensed and prepared herself for a fight when the person removed their sunglasses. Emma stared into a familiar pair of emerald green eyes. Well... She certainly wasn't expecting this.
"Natasha." Emma said, maintaining her composure as the redhead smirked at her. Natasha was wearing a hoodie, concealing much of her recognizable red hair, as well as a hat under the hood. It was only then that Sharon pulled away from the curb and began driving.
"Hello, Rogers." The former Russian assassin casually greeted. Emma narrowed her eyes at the redhead.
"What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were on the run." Emma immediately demanded to know. Natasha just chuckled at the blonde.
"Geez, Rogers, I thought you'd be more happy to see me." Natasha said snarkily before seriously answering Emma's question. "I'm technically on the run. I mean, there's no witch hunt for me like the others but I don't think the authorities would refuse to arrest me if they had the chance. That's why Carter's driving me around." Emma nodded as she took in that information.
"Why is it that all the Avengers wear the most obvious disguises when they're on the run?" Emma asked her, lightening the mood. "Seriously… A hoodie and sunglasses?" Natasha smiled at the blonde's humor. She seemed more humorous than she normally did, Natasha observed. How strange.
"I don't know. It's not like we have a big budget for disguises." Natasha threw back. There was a brief moment of silence between the two former assassins as they stared at each other. It was clear they were locked in some kind of staring contest as they tried to figure each other out. It was Emma, however, who finally broke the silence.
"What are you doing here, Romanoff?" Emma questioned, her tone no longer humorous. It was evident that the conversation was taking a more serious turn. Natasha sighed.
"It's been four, almost five months since we all last saw each other." Natasha told her factually. Emma hadn't really given much thought to just long it had been. It had been a long time then… longer than Emma thought. She tried not to keep track of things like that because she knew it would only drive her crazy. "This meeting is supposed to be a check-up. Mostly to make sure that you're doing alright for Steve's peace of mind."
"How is he?" Emma asked suddenly, desperate to know the well being of her grandfather. Him and her father were all she could think about these days when she wasn't thinking about the alien weapons. "The others too. Is everyone doing alright?"
"We're fine. Everyone's doing great actually despite the current situation." Natasha said quietly.
"I know you can't tell me where they are in case I'm compromised but can you at least tell me if Steve's okay?" Emma asked, her tone desperate. The reason Emma didn't ask about her father the same way is because she knew wherever her father was, he could most certainly take care of himself. He probably thought the same thing about her. Natasha nodded solemnly.
"I won't tell you where they are but just know that they're in a place where they don't have to run. No one will be able to find them there so they can relax. We don't have to worry about being captured." Natasha told her reassuringly before moving to the topic of her grandfather. "Steve's doing good. He's taken up drawing again because there's not much else to do."
"That's good." Emma told her quietly. That information didn't make her feel better because it just made her miss him more. Natasha frowned as she thought about something else.
"He tries to keep a happy, positive front for everyone but I can tell that he's also sad." Natasha admitted, causing Emma to stare at her with an unreadable expression on her face. "Sam tries to cheer him up and sometimes it works but sometimes it doesn't. He really misses you, Emma. Sometimes I see him staring out the window and I know he's thinking of you. I can just tell." Tears began to flood Emma's eyes at Natasha's statement and she looked away, ashamed at herself for showing emotion like that. Natasha just gave the young girl a sympathetic look, knowing just how hard it was for her to suppress the emotion. She knew exactly how hard it was.
"I really miss him too." Emma said, her tone sad and regretful. Natasha really felt for the teenager. The same emotion always came over Steve's face when Emma was brought up in the conversation. It seemed like the past few months in Wakanda had gone by way too slow for Steve. She could tell a part of the super soldier wanted to come right back, march into the Avenger's facility if he had to, and get Emma so that he could bring her back with him to Wakanda. Something always seemed to stop him, however.
"What about you?" Natasha asked suddenly, trying to lighten the mood. "What have you been up to? That's why I'm here after all… the others would really like to know. Hill mentioned something about Stark enrolling you in school but I didn't take her seriously. Although now that I think about it that would explain why you're wearing that hideous blazer." Natasha said as she wrinkled her nose at Emma's blazer. Emma laughed. She was still thinking of Steve but Natasha's change of topic was slightly distracting her for the moment.
"No, he did enroll me in a high school." Emma told her and Natasha gave her a look of disbelief. "Apparently we couldn't stand living together at the compound so he kicked me out after a couple of weeks. Before I knew it Darcy and I were living in a townhouse in Queens. I've only been attending school a few weeks though." Natasha nodded as she processed that information. So Emma was living with Darcy now? Hmmm… that was interesting and something Steve would definitely be interested in hearing. No wonder Maria said that it would be easy to set up a meeting between her and Emma. She wasn't even living at the Avenger's facility. Natasha wondered how Steve would feel about this.
"I just can't really imagine you going to school. What's that like?" Natasha asked curiously and Emma gave her a look.
"What do you think it's like?" Emma asked sarcastically. "It's me being surrounded by a bunch of hormonal teenage idiots while I learn subjects that I already know. It's boring and unnecessary." Natasha just smirked at the pouting blonde.
"I'd really pay good money to see you in high school." Natasha quipped and Emma playfully glared at her.
"Well, you're in luck because Darcy's currently making her own home movie series where she documents my high school experience. She said she doesn't want Steve to miss out anything." Emma replied as she rolled her eyes. "I guess you guys will be able to see it whenever you come back." Natasha laughed at her.
"I'm looking forward to it. I knew Lewis was alright." Natasha told her, an amused look on her face. "Do you have friends or are you one of those loners who eats their lunch alone in the library?" Emma narrowed her eyes at the redhead.
"There's nothing wrong with eating lunch in the library but to answer your question…. Yes, I might've made a couple of friends unwillingly." Emma admitted and Natasha was honestly surprised to hear that. She would've thought Emma would try and rebel against Stark's ruling by trying to get herself expelled from the school or something. Natasha was surprised that Emma managed to stick around the school.
"What about a boyfriend? Have you gotten one of those?" Natasha asked, a smug look on her face. "Please, say yes. I'd love to see the look on Steve's face when I tell him." Emma glared at her.
"Why does everyone ask me that?!" Emma said in an annoyed tone. "The answer is no. I don't have a boyfriend and I won't have one in the near future… I actually won't have one in any sort of future. You're the one who said love is for children." The look on Natasha's face slightly faltered as she heard Emma say that last phrase. A regretful look then came over the redhead's face before the look vanished as soon as it had come.
"Fine, fine. Don't be so dramatic." Natasha curiously glanced at Emma's blazer again. "What's up with the ugly blazer?" Natasha asked as Emma looked down at the blazer. She sighed tiredly.
"I'm on the decathlon team. The reason that I'm in D.C. is for nationals." Emma explained and Natasha grew very silent for a moment as she stared back at the blonde. Her face was void of all emotion before the redhead finally started laughing at her. Emma frowned.
"I know, Nat!" Sharon called out from the driver's side. "I thought it was hilarious too." Natasha calmed down a bit as she shook her head in disbelief. Maybe I should've shot her that day in Odessa, Emma thought to herself. At least Romanoff wouldn't be sitting there being her usual smug and annoying self.
"I can't believe you're on any sort of school team." Natasha told her and Emma huffed, crossing her arms.
"It throws people off my trail and apparently it looks good on college applications." Emma told her. "Besides… Mr. Harrington said I was a great addition to the team."
"Good for you." Natasha replied in an amused tone which just continued to frustrate Emma. Natasha's expression then softened as she gave the blonde an earnest look. "Look, I'm just glad you're doing well." Emma shrugged.
"I suppose life could be worse. I could be stuck with Stark all day and night." Emma admitted and Natasha just shook her head. She was amused by Emma's clear resentment of Tony but she knew that Steve wouldn't be that amused. This wasn't what Steve wanted. Steve had made it clear that he wanted Emma and Tony to overcome their differences and form a bond. It was clear that Emma needed someone to rely on… someone to talk to but it soon became evident to Natasha that Stark wasn't succeeding in being that person. Emma just held too much resentment for him. Steve wasn't going to be happy hear about the ongoing tension between Emma and Tony.
"And what about the Viper Assassin? Has she made any appearances?" Natasha asked her, genuinely interested to know. Emma just stared back at her, meeting Natasha's gaze without the slightest amount of fear. The blonde kept her face void of all emotion.
"No. Not even once." Emma told her with a straight face, her voice unwavering. "I'm not really the crime fighting type. Unless there's something in it for me then I'm not interested." Natasha snorted.
"Spoken like a true hero." Natasha retorted sarcastically but analyzed the expression on Emma's face. The girl didn't appear to be lying but then again how could Natasha be sure? It was likely that Emma had been trained to lie as well as Natasha could. "At least that'll put Steve's mind at rest, knowing that you're not out there trying to save the world." Emma scoffed.
"Does that sound like something I'd do?" Emma questioned and Natasha shrugged.
"I don't know." Natasha told her. "I know you think you're more like the Winter Soldier but I happen to think you're more like Captain America. You just don't want to admit it." Emma gave her a look of disbelief.
"Are you on something, Romanoff?" Emma asked her and the serious expression fell off the former spy's face as she gave the young girl a small smile.
"No. I just wanted to be sure that Steve didn't have anything to worry about." Natasha told her honestly. It looked like Romanoff actually bought the lie, Emma thought to herself. Huh… She was easier to lie to than Emma originally thought. The reason Emma was lying to Romanoff was because she didn't want her grandfather to worry about her. He was always so protective and nearly smothering so she knew he'd have a panic attack if he found out that Emma was tracking down some weapon dealers with her new friend Spider-Man. That probably wouldn't go over well. She didn't need him to be worried when there was nothing he could do anyways. Her worst fear was that he'd get so worried that he would rush back home and get himself caught. Emma wanted him to come home more than anyone else but she also knew that she wouldn't be able to stand it if he got himself locked up in prison.
"Well, no crime fighting for me. You can tell Steve that I'm as bored as ever." She replied before pausing as something occurred to her. Emma still hadn't asked about her father in all this time but part of her was afraid. She knew that she said that she didn't tend to worry about him because he could take care of himself and that was true. Still… Emma couldn't help but wonder if him and Steve were back to the way they used to be. The way Steve always talked about… the good ole' days when her father and him used to hang out at diners and pal around. Of course she hadn't expected it to be all sunshine and rainbows but it would be nice to see them back to being the great friends that they once were. "What about my father… how's he? I know he's more used to being on the run than the others but is he doing alright?" Emma asked and it was that question that caused Natasha to stiffen. Emma narrowed her eyes suspiciously as the redhead looked down at her hands before looking back up. If she wasn't mistaken, Natasha looked awfully regretful and even a little bit torn.
"I wasn't supposed to tell you this but I think you deserve to know." Natasha started and Emma paid close attention to the former assassin. "Your father's in the Cyro-Chamber again." Emma stared at the redhead in horror as she tried to process what Natasha was telling her. Cryo-Chamber… Cyro-Freeze.
Images of men in lab coats fussing over a metal looking tank in a dark and cold lab filled her mind. She recalled an eight year old version of herself screaming in terror as they began putting her father in the chamber, his expression stoic but his eyes locked with hers as he silently pleaded with her to stay strong. Emma remembered seeing her father's face through the small window as the frost began blurring her view of him. Karpov and Rumlow would beat her for being too emotional and wearing her heart on her sleeve. At night when she was truly alone with herself she would silently sob in the darkness of her cold and empty room. She trained herself to cry as softly as she could so that no one would hear her. There would be months without seeing him and sometimes a year would even go by before Emma saw him again. Those were loneliest months of her life.
"Why?" Emma asked breathlessly as she tried to suppress her emotions but the tears were already blurring her vision. Natasha just gave her a sympathetic expression, having an idea of how much this must be hurting the blonde. Emma and Barnes had a bond that none of them would ever be able to understand. Not even Steve.
"He did it voluntarily. Barnes said that he didn't trust himself to not have another break down like he had at the terrorist center in Berlin." Natasha informed her carefully, not wanting to upset Emma anymore than she already had. "Apparently he blames himself for this whole ridiculous war between Steve and Stark. He thought it was his fault for putting you in the middle of Steve and Stark's feud. I think he's punishing himself." Emma shook her head furiously.
"That's not true. Everyone knows that it's all on Stark." Emma said determinedly. "Stark was the one who started this whole thing."
"That may be true but that's not the way your father saw it." Natasha told her sadly. She wasn't immensely sad for Barnes putting himself in the Cyro-Chamber. Everyone tried to talk him out of it but the idiot wouldn't listen. At least they knew where Emma picked up that stubbornness from. However, Natasha was actually more sad for Emma and how this was going to effect her.
"I guess it makes sense." Emma said through all the tears. She hastily wiped the tears away but it was no use. They just kept coming. "None of you saw what Hydra did to him. It makes sense that not even he would trust himself to be in control. The things they did to him…" Emma trailed off, trying to force the memories out of her head. She turned away and looked out the tinted window. "Well, let's just I'll never be able to forget what happened in that base."
"I know it's hard." Natasha told her comfortingly. She honestly wasn't sure how to comfort the blonde in a situation like this one but she was going to try her best. Natasha still felt like she was indebted to the young girl after Emma had saved her life all those years ago in Iran. She had also always felt guilty for not taking Emma with her that hot day in the desert. "But maybe it's for the best. He's safer this way. No one will be able to capture him if he's in the Cyro-Chamber. He'll be in peace and it's only until we figure out how to cure him of Hydra's brainwashing."
"You're right even though I don't like it." Emma said quietly. Emma and Natasha then fell into a brief silence as Sharon made a U-turn to take Emma back to the hotel. It seemed like Emma's surprise meeting with Natasha was already coming to a close. Emma stared out the window with an unreadable expression on her face while Natasha watched her. A million thoughts went through Emma's mind as the Sharon drove back to the hotel. Most of them circulated around Steve and her father. They were about half way back to the hotel when Emma asked Natasha something that she had been feeling curious about for the past couple days. Emma didn't know why the question was bugging her but it was like she just had to know… like it would somehow help by knowing. This would also distract her from the pain of knowing that her father was back in the Cyro-Chamber.
"Natasha?" Emma suddenly said which caused the redhead to raise her eyebrows at her. "Why do you like Bruce?" An uncomfortable look came over Natasha's face before the former assassin made her face void of all emotion.
"I don't know what you mean." Natasha replied, playing dumb but Emma just shook her head.
"I don't mean to embarrass you. I know that you have feelings for him but I just want to know why or how." Emma told her friend honestly and Natasha just stared at the blonde, trying to figure her out. "Please, Natasha, I need to know. It's important." Something in the desperation in her eyes told Natasha that this was really important to her. It seemed like something was troubling Emma and if Natasha could help her in any way than she would. She owed her that much. Natasha then sighed, giving in.
"Everyone that I know is a fighter. They all run full force into battle because they want to win." Natasha said suddenly, her eyes locked with Emma's as the teenager listened to her intently. "He's the only person that I know who avoids a fight because he knows he'll win. He's also a huge dork so there's that too." A corner of Emma's mouth briefly tilted up at Natasha's confession before she maintained her composure.
"He doesn't look at me like I'm a monster because let's face it. I am." Natasha continued to say. "He looks at me and sees someone better… someone who's not an assassin or a murderer. He's sees the good in me."
"And that's enough?" Emma asked her curiously. "That's enough for you to like him? How can you? How is that possible for someone like us? I don't know what the Red Room did to you but Hydra wanted ensure I'd never feel emotions like that."
"It's enough because he's a sweet guy. He has all the power in the world but underneath it all he's just a sweet guy who would never harm a fly if it was up to him." Natasha told her honestly. "We're still human, Emma. Granted you're enhanced but you're still human… we're not machines like the Red Room and Hydra thought we were. They can't take away emotions from us. Don't let them win by letting your past define who you are."
"You were always the one who said love is for children." Emma accused and Natasha just shook her head.
"I was wrong, Emma. I was lying to myself… love isn't just for children." Natasha said quietly, looking far away as her thoughts drifted towards a certain doctor. "It's for adults too. I never meant for you to take those words to heart."
"Don't be like me, Rogers." Natasha told her sincerely. The two former assassins locked eyes with each other, emerald green meeting ocean blue. "I've spent so many years wearing this mask to hide my emotions that now… I don't even know to convey them to the people who matter most. I've avoided things like attachments because I thought it would make my life easier but it's only made it harder. You don't have to wear a mask anymore, Emma. You're not working for Hydra and you're not an assassin. Not anymore." It was clear to Emma that Natasha wasn't talking about the Viper Assassin mask. They continued to stare at each other in silence, both of their gazes unwavering. They had an understanding that few people could ever relate to. Their pasts were very similar… too similar. Emma didn't think there was anyone in the world that could understand everything she had been through. Not even her father despite the bond they shared. No, Natasha and Emma shared something completely different.
"He'll come back." Emma told Natasha. She didn't say that just to comfort Natasha but she said it because she knew that Bruce wouldn't stay away forever. It was obvious to Emma. "He's crazy about you, Natasha. Everyone knows it but you two." Natasha just smiled faintly at the blonde.
"We're here, guys." Sharon announced as she parked in front of the hotel. Emma nodded to herself before she reached over to open the door. Natasha stopped her before she could.
"I have something for you." Natasha told her before pulling out an old, antique looking metal contraption. Emma narrowed her eyes at the contraption in Natasha's hands. Why did it look so familiar to her?
"Steve wants you to have it. It was his compass from the war." Natasha said and Emma immediately took the compass from Natasha, her fingers eagerly tracing every outline and edge of the old compass. Emma opened the compass and gasped at what she saw inside. An old photograph of her grandmother was staring right back at her. It was a picture of a beautiful and brave young woman that her grandfather had fallen in love with and Emma could see why. Tears flooded her blue eyes again as she stared at the compass in amazement. Any trinket that Stark had given her paled in comparison to her grandfather's old compass. It just couldn't really even compare to this gift that her grandfather had decided to bestow upon her.
"He said something really cheesy." Natasha continued to say with a sly smile on her face but Emma was too intrigued by the compass to look at her. "Steve said that he wants you to have the compass in the hope that one day it will lead you back to him. He said that he promises that you won't be apart forever but just to stay strong in the mean time and you'll be together again." Emma nodded as she quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. She closed the compass and pocketed it inside the pocket of her blazer.
"Can you tell him that I miss him too… a lot. I miss him more than I ever thought it would be possible" Emma said, being more honest than she ever had been before. "Tell him that even though I claim to hate this new life Stark set up for me… I really wish he was here with me to see it all. Also, tell him if he doesn't come home soon then Susan will probably find some other love struck idiot to marry and settle down with. That would suck because she definitely has my approval. I think she'd be a pretty cool step-grandmother." Natasha chuckled but nodded at the emotional looking blonde.
"I'll tell him, Emma." Natasha promised before smiling at Emma again. "It was good seeing you again. You look good… High School is treating you well." Emma returned her smile.
"It was good seeing you again too, Romanoff. Being on the run is treating you well too." Emma responded.
"Take care of yourself." The redhead told her and Emma nodded.
"Of course. You too." Emma then opened the door before looking back at Sharon. "It was good seeing you too, Sharon. Thanks for driving us around." The older blonde gave her a kind smile.
"Don't mention it, Emma. Have fun at the decathlon finals." She told her cousin and Emma just smiled at her before getting out of the car. She gently closed the car door behind her and Sharon didn't waste anytime before taking off and driving away. Emma watched the car as it left, not knowing if she felt more sad or relieved by the meeting with Natasha. The car soon vanished down the street and Emma was left standing alone in front of the hotel's lobby. She looked down at the pocket of the blazer before reaching her hand inside and feeling around for the compass. Emma grasped the compass in her hand, feeling the cold metal against her skin. It was just another piece of her grandfather that she could have with her at all times. It would join the dog tags that she always wore under her shirt. Emma liked to think that the dog tags brought her some luck so maybe the compass would too. Still… Emma knew that it wouldn't be the same as having him there with her.