Preview of The Circle: Burnt Around The Edges
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Steve whined loudly, making Tony and Natasha roll their eyes at him. Clint raised an eyebrow. Sam, Bruce, and Thor all looked the other way, trying not to laugh.
"Oh come on!" said Steve.
Natasha shook her head.
"I know how you must feel Steve, but believe me when I say they're paying you a compliment."
She glared at Tony and Clint who smirked at her.
"Because they're about to do some really stupid shit." she added.
Steve looked hopefully at Sam, who put his hands in the air.
"Eh don't look at me, man. I don't even know what we're about to do." he said.
"Nat's right, Steve. Besides, you get to stay here and hang out with her and Bruce. I don't see what the problem is." said Clint.
"They at least got a say in the matter. You know you guys have got some freaking balls! Tell me why I can't go." Steve demanded, crossing his arms.
Clint scoffed and rubbed the side of his nose with his thumb.
"We know you, Steve. What we're about to do, you'd just say 'no'." he said bluntly.
Steve let out a small sarcastic laugh. He clasped his hands together as he clicked his teeth with his tongue.
"You know, we're supposed to be this sort of posse. Why do I have a feeling that's the excuse you're gonna use every time you feel like doing something outrageous?" he asked, letting them see how offended he was.
Tony put his hands on his hips and rolled his eyes.
"Steve, if Natasha is saying we're about to do something stupid, don't you think you should trust her judgment?" he asked.
"Yet you're bringing Thor." Steve pointed out.
Thor put his hands in his pockets, looking uncomfortable and shifting his weight back and forth on his heels. Bruce shrugged.
"He's got a point you guys." he said.
"Yeah well, Thor's only coming in case something goes wrong." Tony explained.
Steve arched an eyebrow and let his hands slap at his sides.
"Just what the hell are you guys about to do?" he asked, frustrated with all the secrecy.
Clint smirked mischievously.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Yes, I would." Steve retorted.
"Hey! Since this surprise event is for me, can I get a say in this?" Sam asked, looking shocked that they were talking like he wasn't even there.
"But of course, friend Sam." said Thor with an apologetic smile.
"Look, I don't know what the hell is about to happen, but Steve was my friend first. Today is about me if I remember your earlier words correctly. I say he comes with."
Tony and Clint opened their mouths to protest, but Sam crossed his arms and glared at them. Daring them to say something different. Tony raked his fingers through his hair and stomped his foot on the floor.
"Aw, dammit. Sometimes it sucks having a conscience." he said.
"Since when did you ever have one of those?" Bruce joked, giving Tony a playful elbow to the ribs.
Steve smiled and threw a fist pump. These guys didn't know what they were talking about! He could be crazy!... You know, if he wanted. Clint stepped forward and poked a finger in Steve's direction.
"Alright listen up, Captain; You wanna roll with the cool kids? Awesome. However, the only reason you're coming along is because Sam says so. Like Natasha said, we're about to do some stupid shit, but Tony and I are reckless like that so we have an excuse. You on the other hand, not so much. So if you come with us, you don't protest. At all. Not once, cuz if I even think you're about to start nagging, I will pull over and leave your ass on the side of the road to pick you up later. We got a deal?"
Clint stuck out his hand. Hearing his cryptic ultimatum made Steve want to back out. And he almost did, until he saw the way the others were looking at him. Faces that said things like "Yup, Steve's not doing this" "Old Steve Rogers, usual stick in the mud" "Just watch. He's about to chicken out right now." "Steve Rogers. Goodie two-shoes". Steve's blue eyes looked fiercely at them. He didn't know what was about to happen, but he was going to prove that they had him all wrong. He firmly shook Clint's hand, giving his own devilish grin.
"Deal." he said.
Clint nodded and slapped Steve on the back.
"Well, that's settled then." he said, still looking skeptically at Steve.
Bruce and Natasha walked away, shaking their heads as they passed Steve on their way back inside from the balcony.
"Hope you know what you're doing, Rogers." said Natasha before closing the door behind her.
Steve looked back at Tony. He gulped when he saw him rub his hands together and smile like the Cheshire Cat.
"Alrighty then, Steve. We're going for a drive. You, Sam and Clint head down to the garage. Thor, help me find the ropes." he ordered.
Steve's eyes widened. Ropes? Ropes?! What the hell have I just gotten myself into?!
Update! The Circle: Burnt Around The Edges has been posted. First three chapters available right now!