CHAPTER 11: The truth in his eyes

After the movie was over, Kat managed to put herself together. Fortunately, Pietro didn't make any stupid comments or jokes though Kat could feel his look upon her, whenever she wasn't watching. She couldn't figure out what kind of look he gave her and she felt highly awkward with that.

Following the plan, they were going to go to the gym and continue the training. But as they were heading for the training, talking and giggling, they bumped into a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.

-They're back - the agent panted, looking like he was in a great hurry - the Avengers are back and Captain demands your presence - he said and left quickly.

Kat didn't like the trembled, even frightened look on the agent's face. Pietro turned deadly serious and his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Before Kat could even speak he was gone. She rushed after the blue blur to the landing platform, imagining the worst scenarios. It was a solemn mission, anything could have happened.

Running to the platform Kat quickly got to the quin-jet. She started counting and it seemed that everyone were fine. Well, alive actually, because taking a deeper look at the Avengers, Kat realized that they really got a real drubbing.

Pietro was obviously here, arguing with Wanda, who seemed to have her arm broken or at least hardly bruised. Vision stood behind Wanda, looking quite confused with the fact that he understood exactly nothing from their Sokovian argument. The atmosphere was heavy and it seemed that the smallest spark could make everybody jump to each other's throats. Kat didn't want to get in the way so she decided to quietly find Steve.

-Hey, what happened out there? You all seem quite battered.

-Well, we were doing a great job, until we comprehended that that base had a secret backup and we ended up being really outnumbered. But, of course, we're the Avengers. The base is down and not a single Hydra escaped but we payed a massive price for that.

-You should have taken me and Pietro with you... - Kat commented quietly and got a frustrated look form Steve, who didn't seem in the mood to discuss.

-Speaking of, I need to talk to Maximoff according your training - Steve remarked with a sigh and started skimming the area to find Pietro - Are they fighting again? - he asked with surrender seeing Pietro shouting at his sister in Sokovian.

-But you do realize that you didn't give us much time to practice, right? You were gone for like one day - Katelin remarked.

-But that's plenty of time - Steve answered heading towards Pietro and Wanda, living Kat with a wry face. -Ok, enough - Steve calmed the twins - it's not a good time for arguments. Wanda, go to the hospital wing, they need to dress your arm and then have some rest, you've earned it.

-Get yourself together, Pietro. I'm really tired with your humors - she hissed at her brother and followed Steve's advice, leaving Pietro quite furious.

-Maximoff, I'd like to see the report on the Katelin's training, bring it to my room as soon as possible.

-Report? What report?

-You didn't make one - Steve stated rather than asked. -Obviously. Than how can I compare her present skills to what they were before?

-Before? You mean from yesterday? Do you really think she could improve her skills that much for two days?

Kat found herself in an inept situation, standing next to Steve and Pietro and listen how these two start to argue because of her. She never knew how to act in such situations so she decided to stay away and pretend invisible as she always did.

-We don't have time to play around. I don't know if you've noticed, but we're at war!

-Of course I have noticed, my sister almost got killed! - Pietro no longer could handle his rage. Kat has never seen him that mad. -I was told to train with Kat and so I did, I couldn't train her more than she could stand!

-Guys, there's no need to fight, really - Katelin noticing that it's only getting worse tried to calm the situation down. That was the only thing she could come up with.

-Well, don't tell this to me - Pietro shouted aggressively. - Clearly, Captain doesn't care what I have to say, because he was too busy ruining the mission and almost killing the whole team!

-You've gone to far, kid.

The air around was soaked with anger and fury. Kat knew that Cap and Pietro don't love each other but that went too far. Steve grabbed Pietro and pinned him to a pillar. Pietro apparently didn't seem frightened, opposite to Katelin, who jumped towards Steve trying to separate him and Pietro and prevent them from killing each other.

-Wanda's right, you need to get a grip, you loose control much to often - Cap wasn't delighted with Kat's action but he restrained himself. - How can I have you in the field in such state? - he let go of Pietro and stepped back. Kat sighed with a relief but she was still taken aback with their behavior.

-Yeah, easier said than done. I was dead for fucks sake! And as far as I'm concerned you didn't act much better after they got you of that ice, Captain - Pietro pointed out and walked out of the hall, not even bothering to run, and leaved Kat and Steve stunned with his behavior.

-I...I think you were a bit to harsh for him - Kat stated after a while - He did all he could and if anyone's to blame in here, it's me. I didn't practice enough, it's not Pietro's fault so please, don't be mad at him. But from now on, I will do whatever I can to match the Avengers. I can fight so I'll spend more time developing my powers so that you could put me in the field.

-You will be a good Avenger, Raven - Steve gazed at her with a warm, tired smile. - And you're right, I overdid it. I'll have to do something with him...

-Sure, but now, you have to something with your shoulder. This wound looks nasty - Kat advised as soon as she spotted a bleeding cut on Steve's arm.

-Yes, I suppose that's a good idea. Do you need anything else from me? - Steve asked, looking around if there were something more to be done.

-Me? I should ask you about it - she smiled, glad that she managed to calm Steve. - Just go, I'll be fine - Kat cackled and pushed Steve towards the exit.

After Katelin checked on every Avenger, she rushed to find Pietro. She felt guilty of Steve's and Pietro's argument and she wanted to fix it. But she had no idea how she could do that.

Kat was thinking of how to cool down the situation, while walking down the corridor in the living quarters, when she heard something crush in Pietro's room. Quickly, without hesitation, she entered his room just to find Pietro simply sitting on the coach with a bottle in his hand.

-I heard a noise, are you all right?

-I smashed an empty bottle against the wall - Pietro answered emotionless as if it was a normal, everyday thing. Indeed, Kat spotted some glass shards under one of his Pink Floyd's posters. She sighed and entered the room, closing the door behind her.

-Can we talk?

-About what?

-About me being extremely sorry for what happened?

-No. It's not your fault.

Kat gasped again and came towards Pietro to crouch by the sofa.

-Listen...

-Oh God. Please, don't start pleading and talking on some supercilious stuff, I'm tried- he stated and took a sip from the bottle he was holding.

-Really? That's your cure? Getting drunk?

-In fact, I can't get drunk. My metabolism is too fast. But it helps me relax. You know, old habits - he took another sip and smirked towards her. Kat had yet to keep up witch his changing moods but concluding on the spark in his eye and that smile, he was fine again. She was afraid to say anything not to make him mad again. With the same smirk and w flash of wit in his eyes he offered a bottle to Kat. She accepted it and sat by his side.

-You're a tough player, I see - she chuckled and drunk some liquid that turned out to be pure vodka. - I suppose you don't have any chaser, do you? - Kat coughed, overwhelmed with how strong the alcohol was.

-Nope, sorry. I'm a tough player - Pietro laughed.

They were sitting in silence for a while and it was starting to get weird. Kat was searching through the ideas on the conversation but nothing suitable came to her mind. Fortunately, Pietro did it for her.

-Do you like watching stars?

-Depends on what are you suggesting. - Katelin answered with suspiciousness.

-Come - Pietro said and without waiting for Kat to answer, he took her in his arms and ran out of the room. Kat hoped that they're not going any far away, because high speed and even a bit of vodka wasn't the best mix. Her prayers were listened and Pietro stopped after a few seconds.

Kat looked around and realized that they were on the roof of the living quarters. It was a warm night and the moon was no where to be seen and thanks to that on the black sky, she could spot millions of stars. She completely froze in place, overwhelmed by the beauty of the sky.

-Say something - Pietro asked quietly snatching her from the past.

-Sorry, I just pondered. I wasn't ready to see something that magnificent - answering she didn't manage to cover up a crackly voice.

-What's wrong? - his low, calm voice was driving her crazy. How was that possible that it could affect her so hard?

-Wrong? - she quickly got herself together and mustered a smile. - Nothing's wrong, really.

-Than tell me why don't I believe you?

-Ok, I'm a bit down recently, but I'm sure you've already noticed it. I don't want to flood you with my problems.

-You can tell me, Katelin. - it was the first time he called her by her name. It sounded marvelous in his mouth.

-It's one of these moments in which my memory returns - Kat sighed. He was too convincing. - I remember almost everything but there's still a small piece missing and this is driving me crazy. I know that it's the most important piece, the reason why I'm here. And I've recently realized that this is a reason why my powers are weakened or why I can't materialize things so well. The part of me is missing and I need to find it to become fully responsible for my powers. And it's so annoying, because this small piece, one detail, makes me weak.

-You're the strongest person I came across in my life, how can you say that you're weak? - saying that Pietro took a step closer and lifted her chin - Even if you feel a bit trembled or unstable that's fine, because we're humans... kind of. And there is no one in this world who can blame you for a moment of weakness.

Katelin lifted her sight and met Pietro's azure eyes. And there, she found the truth. Seeing the way he was looking at her instantly made everything so clear. Kat understood what kind of looks he was giving her before, why he was with her every time she asked him and how stupid she was to keep denying the obvious. But it didn't matter anymore.

Pulling Katelin's hair out of her face, without hesitation, Pietro pressed Kat's body against his and kissed her with such passion Kat has never experienced before. The only sound disturbing the perfect silence of the night was their fast heart beats. Though they were as close as possible, Kat still felt like this was too far. Gently burying her hands in Pietro's silver hair, Kat climbed on her toes to find herself even closer. She was begging to snap out of the surprise that this was happening, that she wanted him so badly.

Once their passion was satisfied they slowly and quite reluctantly broke the kiss. Katelin kept her eyes closed for a second longer enjoying her one true moment of happiness. When she heard a quiet, sweet chuckle she opened her eyes and looked up at Pietro.

-You liked it - Pietro stated with satisfaction in his voice.

-Well, you've planned this pretty well, I must admit - Kat grinned back and looked once again on the starry night. - You didn't seem a romantic guy, yet here we are - she teased.

-There's plenty of things you don't know about me - Pietro smiled looking again like a teenage rebel. He took her hand and led her on the edge of the roof and sat on the verge. These words intrigued her and reminded her of one question she was eager to ask him.

-Speaking of... - Kat sat beside him, very close to him, a bit freaked out with the height, but she didn't let reveal. She was still overwhelmed with the kiss but since Pietro acted naturally Kat decided to do that as well. - Can I ask you a question?

-Go on - Pietro looked deep in her eyes. Kat had yet to get used to his directness and learn not to be confused with his presence.

-How exactly did you survive... the accident?

-I didn't. I died.

Katelin giggled, but seeing Pietro's serious face she understood that he wasn't joking. Once that occurred to Kat her heart stopped for a second. With his one answer a thousand new questions appeared. Looking again at Kat, Pietro realized how freaked and pale she was and laughed sincerely.

-I'm sorry, but... how? - Kat managed to gasp out.

-It's a quite long story, actually. When Ultron... killed me I was dead for two days. I don't know much about what really happened to me, Fury refused to give me any information, it was some kind of Level 9 S.H.I.E.L.D. project called T.A.H.I.T.I. all I know is that they injected in me an improved GH-325 formula. They say it's been tested before so all I have left is to trust them and hope that I won't turn into some kind of a zombie from 'The Walking Dead'.

-And that's all that you know? About your own death?

-I know that you're the one who prefers to know the truth. But I think that there are somethings that should remain untold. I was wondering what this GH-325 formula is but than I asked myself if I really want to know. I mean, what if this is some kind of an extract from alien's insides? - Pietro laughed relieving the tension.

-Maybe you're right. And by the way, this would be hilarious. You with an alien DNA flowing in your veins. I thought that my back-story is messed up, but this time, you won.

Pietro and Kat spent a good few hours sitting on the edge of the roof and recalling old memories, this really helped them get to know each other even better. To Kat's surprise, she really believed that this relationship could work. They were both messed up and misunderstood by the most of the society, what helped them get along and find a good topic on the chat.

The hour was getting late and the cold wind got up so it was quite obvious that it was time to return inside. This time they walked back to Pietro's room in a normal speed. There was still some vodka left and he pointed out that it would be a shame not to finish it.

With a time, Kat realized that the awful taste of alcohol stopped bothering her and she came to a state in which a a person stops counting the amount of drunken vodka.

-I needed this. I'm so freaking tired of all this tension in here, you know? - Kat complained. At that point they were lying on the sofa, her head resting on chis chest, their hands entwined.

-S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are not very chilled - Pietro admitted. - Let alone Captain Steve Rogers, who is a dick beside that.

-Language! - Kat impersonated Steve's voice trying not to burst out with laughter. - And don't call him a dick in my presence, I happen to like him, maybe you should at least try being nice to him? - Kat's suggestion met with Pietro's annoyed look and she decided to drop the topic.

-Ok, got it. Why don't you put some music on, than? - Kat proposed quickly, before it got unpleasant and got up to pick a CD. That was a terrible idea and if it wasn't for Pietro's speed she would have had a hard landing on the floor.

-I think you drunk a bit too much - Pietro grinned seeing Kat almost crying with laughter. She clutched his arms tightly to keep herself in a standing position.

-Wow. You have really cool muscles. Everybody says that Steve is the 'muscle man' but they clearly haven't felt yours. Man, they're really nice.

-Katelin...

-No, I'm serious. You don't believe me?

-Kat? I hate to bring that to you but you are drunk as fuck.

-I not drunk! I never get drunk. Ever.

-Yes, darling, of course. But now, I think it's time for bed.

-How dare you disturb my entertainment? I'm having fun in here. Why are you not having fun with me? We need to play some music - Kat approached to the shelf with CD and almost falling on the stereo system.

-Oh no, Kat, please do one thing for me and stop. We'll have fun tomorrow, ok? I promise.

-You lie - Kat frowned.

-No, seriously. On scout's honor.

-You're not even a scout.

-...on Avenger's honor.

-Oh, right! That's powerful. 'I'm an Avenger, saving the world!' always works. But yeah, you may have a point, some say that if the world's spinning it's time to stop right? You're spinning. All right, Mr. Quicksilver, as you wish - Kat got out of Pietro's strong embrace and started taking her blouse off.

-Whoa, stop! What are you doing?

-I'm going to bed.

-Naked?

-Pff, come on. I'm not that drunk. But I'm not going to sleep in the dirty clothes, duh - Kat somehow managed to take off her blouse and started taking off her trousers. Pietro mannerly turned around though he was very tempted not to. But when he heard Kat falling on the ground, he decided that she won't make it without help. He helped her with her trousers and pu her to his bed.

-Pietro?

-Yes sweety?

-Please make sure that Cap never finds out about this.

-If he found out, I'd be the first to hung, so you can be sure that your secret is safe with me - he chuckled into her hair pressing a kiss to her forehead.


There you go :D But unfortunately I'm afraid that now I won't be able to post so often, I've got some (actually many :p) things that I need to take care of, but I hope that I will be able to post at least one chapter a week. But don't be afraid, I'll never give up on this story 3

Also, since it's PietroxOC, I'm thinking on focusing more on them and their relationship. Tell me more what do you think about this idea :3

PS. All hail 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' fans! Hope you like my theory of how Pietro lived ;)