"Wake up! You're gonna be late!" Clint shouted while shaking me. I finally opened my eyes in shock.
"OMG! Not again!" I couldn't be late again. Kiley apparently was already up,since I didn't see her in the room. "Wait..." I just realized, "Today is my day off!" I whined and rolled over and face-planted into my pillow.
"Oops, I must've forgot. We have a lot of stuff to do, we're gonna show Kiley around D.C."Clint listed.
"But it's my day off,"I complained.
"Well,to bad. Get up and get ready!"Clint demanded.
After I got up and ready I went out to the living room. Someone,most likely Kiley, made pancakes. They smelled delicious.
"Yumm! These look amazing!" I told Kiley, "So what's on the agenda?"
"We're gonna drive around, then go to the mall." Clint stated.
"We're going shopping?!"I was so excited.
"I said we're going to the mall, I never said we were going shopping."Clint argued.
"Either way it sounds fun."Kiley interjected.
"We could make it more fun by inviting John, and Joe." I teased with a wink.
"I already did,and also Steve. But sadly they have plans,Steve's showing them around." Kiley explained.
"Of course you two would invite other people to come along. Hold up! Do you like Steve, as in Steve Rogers." Clint asked.
I couldn't help but blush, "Pssh,no. What makes you think that?"
"Put your dishes in the sink, and go grab whatever you girls need to take with you."Clint commanded he still eyed me cautiously.
We ran down the hall to our room,once we got in there we bursted out laughing about him interrogating me about Steve and his face when I answered him. We grabbed our purses and our phones. We ran back down the hall to the living room,where Clint was waiting patiently. Of course since he's Hawkeye, he's perched on the back of the couch.
"Let's roll out."He joked, as he grabbed the truck keys.
We made it to the truck, when Nat drove up in her Mustang.
"Hey Nat. What's up." Clint asked.
"The sky."Nat replied with a smirk plastered on her face.
"Duh Birdbrain."I teased while everyone but Clint laughed our heads off.
"Ha-ha"Clint deadpanned.
"Alright seriously. It's Nick's day off, so I figured that she and Kiley would go shopping. I was coming to ask if I could join them, I didn't expect you to be going with them." Natasha explained.
"Sure, you can tag along. Kiley this is Natasha Ro-"I started.
"-manoff aka the Black Widow. I watch the news Nick."She finished for me, "It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too,Kiley."Natasha said.
"Alright you two can chat in the truck, let's get moving."Clint commanded.
Nat took her Mustang to the mall, while Clint,Kiley, and I took the truck. We got to Westfield Montgomery Mall,and headed straight for Macy's. We needed to get Clint a nice suit for when he has to go to ceremonies,parties,or fancy dinners with special people and the Avengers. We split up when Kiley and I spotted a pair of boots. Since we are the same size we bought two pairs for us to share. Then we went to see how Clint was doing. Of course his idea of "nice" is a leather jacket. I on the other hand meant a suit.
"Clint a leather jacket is not what I meant. I meant a suit. You need to dress up more." I told him.
"But I don't like to get dressed up."He complained.
"Too bad, you have to if you're going to meet famous people at important events." I gave him a stern look to reiterate my point.
"Nick's right. When you go to important events you need to look professional." Kiley inputted.
"Go try this one on." I insisted, putting a suit in his hands and pushing him towards the dressing rooms.
"Sorry I got distracted by a pair of black,heeled,leather boots that I had to have. So where's Clint?" Nat said.
"He's trying on a suit." Kiley answered.
Clint came out in the suit. I was shocked at how well he looked.
"I'm sorry have you seen my brother, Clint. He looks a lot like you."I teased looking him over.
"Ha-ha you're hilarious." He said.
"You look great." I complimented.
"You should get that one."Nat commented,while Kiley agreed.
"Okay,okay. Can I change now?"Clint asked in a whiny voice.
"Yes,Clint"I rolled my eyes, "Then you can go pay for it. We'll start heading towards the food court."
Clint changed,paid for his suit,and met us in the food court. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory. Then as we were half-way done with our Reese's cheesecake when Clint's phone began to ring.
"Hello,yes sir." Clint started, "Girls,will you excuse me please?"
"Of course."We all said as he turned to walk away.
"No" I groaned " I just got back, now he has to go."
"I figured you were used to it by now." Nat said.
"I am,but I was hoping for some quality time together." I explained sadly.
Clint shortly returned. I knew that look, we stared at each other for a minute before he began to speak.
"Sorry,"He started before I cut him off.
"Don't just don't. I know." I refused to meet his gaze. I had a bad feeling,and I couldn't handle this. I got up and walked away as Kiley hugged him bye (in a sisterly way) and told him to be careful. I was worried, I didn't know why but I was. Clint followed me outside. I really hated feeling vulnerable,that's how I was feeling right then. Usually when I felt this way I would go off to be alone,but this time Clint wasn't letting me.
"Nick wait!"He called but I kept on walking "Nick! Nichole!"
When he uses my full first name that means he is very serious. So I stopped and let him catch up to me. He finally reached me, but I didn't turn around until he grabbed my upper arm.
"What's going on?"He asked, I was still avoiding his gaze. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. "Talk to me please."
"I have this feeling,that something really bad is about to happen."I said finally meeting his gaze and tears starting to roll down my cheeks. Clint engulfed me into a hug. I was so scared, and I didn't know what to do. This hug ended to quickly. I was going to miss him so much, then again I always missed him when he left. This time just felt different somehow.
"Everything will be okay. Everything is always okay."
"Really everything? What about New York? You got put under mind control and Loki, his army, and the Avengers leveled Manhattan." I reminded him.
"Okay, I see your point. Just take care of yourself while I'm gone, okay?"
"Okay, be careful. I don't want any calls saying my big brother was injured."
"Deal" He gave me one more hug before he left.
I went back to the cafeteria where the others were still waiting. With the rest of my cheesecake in a box. Clint texted right before he took off and said that he wouldn't be able to make contact till his mission was over. Nat got a call when we were in the Vera Bradley store.
"We gotta go,there's been an accident with Fury." Nat stated.
We had to pile into Nat's Mustang, since Clint took the truck to HQ. It was a tight fit, but we managed. We dropped Kiley off at the apartment, and Nat and I went to the hospital. It was a quiet ride,and I could tell Nat was hurting. I wanted to say something to comfort her, but I didn't know what to say. We finally arrived at the hospital, and rushed to the room where Steve was watching them operate. I saw Natasha was holding back tears. I looked through the glass and got very dizzy because of the blood. I waited outside in the hallway instead. A few minutes later Steve walked out of the room.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Fine, I just couldn't stand to see all the blood. I don't do blood, makes me dizzy." I answered.
"You're a S.H.E. . field agent." He said with a chuckle.
"So, doesn't mean I can stand to see blood." I defended.
"Fury's gone." Steve informed as he sat down next to me.
"I should find Natasha, she's probably breaking to pieces. Fury was like a father to her." I explained.
"Just give her a few minutes, then I'll go check on her." He said.
"Fine, I wish Clint were here. He could comfort her, or at least get through to her." I stated.
A few minutes later she walked out.
"Nat you okay?" I asked.
"I'm fine." She answered coldly.
She was trying to mask her pain,but I knew full and well she was not okay. Fury was like a father to her,and I knew how hard it was to lose parents.
"If you need to talk, I'm here for you. I know it's hard to lose someone you're close to. You move on, never forget, but move on."
"Just leave me alone!" She snapped.
I was a little taken back at first, but I knew everyone grieved in their own way, "Okay, I understand. Call me if you need anything."
I remembered when I lost my parents that I wanted Clint with me a lot, and other times I wanted to be left alone. For a long time I didn't want Clint out of my sight, I didn't want to feel alone. I was pulled away from my thoughts right as Rumlow informed Steve he was needed back at HQ. I also realized that Nat was my ride and she already left.
"Hey Steve?"
"Yes ma'am"
"It's Nick to you, remember?" I corrected teasingly.
"Sorry. Yes Nick?"
"Could you give me a ride to HQ,please? Clint took the truck when he was called into a mission earlier today, and I came with Nat but she already left." I explained.
"Sure, you start heading down. I have to do something real quick."
"Okay, thanks." I turned and started walking toward the elevators. Next thing I knew Steve was walking right along side of me. I jumped in surprise. He just chuckled.
"Told ya it was going to be quick, unlike someone I know" He teased. I nudged him in the arm, but we both ended up laughing.
We climbed onto his motorcycle. He allowed me to lock my arms around his waist. The breeze that surrounded us as we rode felt amazing. I wished we could stay like this forever, but unfortunately the ride came to an end.
"Thanks for the ride."
"No problem." He replied, then he began to rub the back of his neck, "If you have any free time next week. Would you allow me to take you to dinner?"
"I'd love to." I answered as I finished processing what had just happened.
"Really?!" He was shocked that I had accepted,but I was shocked he asked. "Great! We can start planning after my meeting with Pierce."
"Okay. I'll see you later."
As I walked into the lab I saw the gang (including Kiley). I was ridiculously and uncontrollably smiling. Apparently that caused a confused look from Kiley.
"Alright spill." Kiley demanded.
"Guess" I challenged.
"Clint is coming home early?" Kiley tried.
"Sadly no, but good guess."
"You're going to a FANBOY Expo? And if you are can I come with you?" Skye asked.
"Nope, but if I were of course you could come."
"You're going to a science convention?" Fitz and Simmons guessed excitedly.
We all gave the two strange looks. Fitz just shrugged it off.
"What? That would be very exciting."Simmons defended and Fitz nodded in agreement.
"This is Nichole we're talking about ." Kiley said, we all ended up laughing.
"Whatever, you guys are not the greatest at guessing. Just saying. So I'll just tell you. Steve just asked me out on a date." I let the last part out excitedly.
"No way! This is AWESOME!"Kiley said excitedly. Then Kiley and Skye squealed.
"OMG I'm so excited for you!" Skye and Simmons said at the same time.
"Woah!Woah!Woah! Back up! Captain America just asked you out on a real date?!" Fitz asked completely shocked. He said this right as Coulson walked in. He processed what was just said and his jaw dropped wide open.
"Agent Nichole congrats on the date, he's an awesome man. Also Agent Sharon Carter would like to speak to you on the top floor." Coulson said.
"Thanks." I replied be fore I muttered, "Always the top floor, no one can ever talk to me on the bottom floor."
I made it to the top floor by thinking of Steve. I had had a crush on him since I was 16-years-old. When I stepped off the elevator I was greeted by Agent S. Carter.
"You requested to see me?"
"Yes. I was confronted by Fury and Coulson before their deaths."She began hesitantly.
"About what exactly?" I asked.
"About putting you on the Avengers Initiative." She stated, I was completely shocked.
"Did anybody tell Hawkeye?" I inquired.
"No it does not concern him." She said bluntly.
"Yes it does concern him! For three reasons. One: He's my SO. Two:He's my older brother. And three: He's on the avengers as well." I stated my voice raising at each point.
"We'll leave that to you."
"Gee thanks." I said sarcastically.
"Before I make it official. You need to calm down." She commanded sternly.
"Okay is that all?" I asked and she nodded.
Steve walked out of Pierce's office with a serious expression, until he looked at me and smiled. His smile seemed to brighten the room. Sharon caught me staring and followed my gaze. When Steve saw Sharon his face fell.
"Neighbor." He addressed Sharon, then turned to me "Hey Nick."
"Hey Steve." I smiled at him then turned around to Sharon. "See ya later."
Steve and I walked into the elevator. We stood there in a comfortable silence, until my nerves started to kick in. Within a couple of minutes the elevator was full, and I was pushed behind Steve.
"Before we get started. Does anyone want to get out?" Steve asked.
When I realized what was about to go down. I really wanted to get out.
"Uh me," I called out. Steve chuckled. Some of the STRIKE team looked at me, some of them hadn't even noticed I was there. I was not happy to say the least.
One: A fight was about to break out, and Two: We were really high up.
"It's nothing personal, Cap." Rumlow said as the fighting commenced. Steve stood in front of me protectively. I began to panic. If I was on the ground I would be fine, but no the fight had to be really high up. I suddenly remembered I had a taser(I forgot my gun at home) in my purse. I tasered two agents before the third kicked the taser out of my hand. He threw a punch to my head. I blocked, and countered with a sidekick. He blocked, and kicked me in the ribs and a back-fist to the head. I managed to block the back-fist but he landed the kick. I landed on the ground after the hit. It hurt a lot. While I was recovering from the hit Steve knocked my attacker out. Steve then moved onto Rumlow. I was slowly regaining strength. When I was able to stand back up Steve just knocked Rumlow out.
"It kinda felt personal."Steve said. I couldn't help but laugh at Steve's comment. He kicked his S.H.E.I.L.D up. We were trapped between floors. Agents coming at us on both floors. I looked at Steve and instantly knew his plan on getting out of here. I did NOT like this plan.
"No! No! No! Please no!" I pleaded.
He looked at me sympathetically.
"It's the only way. I'm sorry." He apologized.
Steve wrapped his arm around my waist my heart felt like it melted. He gripped me tight and raised his shield to the window. I closed my eyes as we jumped through the window. It was terrifying. We crashed through the glass roof of the other S.H.E.I.L.D building. We rolled onto the floor. He helped me up, I was still in shock from the fall. He looked around the room in panic. He was looking for anymore attackers, while forming a plan.
"Meet me at the hospital where Fury died."He whispered, "Lay low." I nodded in response. "Go! Run!"
I ran to the garage with Steve not far behind. I jumped into the truck, and had Jarvis take me off the grid. I sped onto the main road, while having Jarvis try to call Clint. There were a lot of what-ifs going through my head as the call went to voice-mail.
"Okay so I'm on the run from S.H.E.I.L.D and so is Steve. I'm kinda freaking out. I'll call you again as soon as I can. Love you, bye." As soon as I hung up it hit me. My sister-in-law, neice, and nephew were in danger, if anyone found out. So I decided to call and warn them, just to be on the safe side.
"Hello?" a young male answered.
"Hey Coop. It's your Aunt Nick, I need to talk to your mom. Now!"I stated.
"Okay here she is." Cooper replied.
"Nichole?"Laura asked.
Okay, I need you to listen closely. Something is going on with S.H.E.I.L.D whatever you do stay at the house. If you have to use your emergency food. Do not open the door unless it's me, Clint, or Nat. I might have to send my friend, Kiley, for safety. She's completely trustworthy." I ordered. She agreed. I hung up after our good-byes.