"I have a request."
Nick Fury looked up at me as if I'd grown three heads and suddenly pronounced my undying love for him. I hadn't wanted to speak to him either, but I was feeling bothered by the fact I hadn't seen my mother in a few weeks. I wanted to make sure she was okay and living well while I was gone. I would get over my initial dislike of this man if it meant getting to see my mother again.
"And what would that be?" I already didn't like the tone he was using.
"I want to visit my mother." He raised an eyebrow, pursing his lips.
"I'll think about it." He finally replied. I opened my mouth to protest, but realized if I said anything and continued on with this conversation it'd mean nothing but trouble. I gave him a forced smile and exited the room, walking with my head down towards the training room. I had learned to take out my stress on the punching bags, since I had no one I could talk to in this giant airship.
Hour after hour passed, and my muscles began to ache. I had taken that as a sign meaning I'd better be getting to my room. The dinners around here were less formal then they were when I had first come; it was rare for any of us to eat at the same time. We came and went as we pleased, although both Bruce and the good Captain would ask me if I'd eaten if they saw me around this time. It was sort of nice to think they were somewhat looking out for me, but it wouldn't matter after this Loki fellow was captured.
I could go back home and be with my mother after this. The thought of my beautiful mother but my mind at ease, and a smile easily came to my face when I thought of her. She had been the only thing that could cheer me up; otherwise I became downtrodden and depressed again upon remembering my failure. My heart ached; I wanted to see her again.
Whenever I thought, I wandered around aimlessly, stuck in my own mind as my legs moved. It was hard for me to think if I wasn't moving around, and I had to give the poor muscles in my arm a break. They were beginning to get toned, and I definitely felt stronger, but compared to the others I was still a small weakling.
Just like Tony said.
"Have you eaten yet?" I was broken from my reverie by the kind voice of Bruce Banner. I looked up to see him standing in front of me, curiously looking me over.
"Uh, I was on my way to the kitchen now."
"It's in the opposite direction." He replied, smiling as he didn't completely call me out on his lie. This is why I could appreciate him; he may poke and prod like Tony does, but he doesn't go as far. He didn't make me feel like a completely useless tool. I smiled weakly at him.
"Right. I was just thinking."
"About what?" The question caught me off guard.
"I'm sure it's nothing that'll interest you." I looked away from his gaze. "I doubt it'd keep your interest."
"Try me. I'll walk you to the kitchen." We started to walk down the hall side-by-side as he once again asked me what was on my mind. If I didn't start trying to fit in now, I would never win, and he had to be one of the kindest on this airship. He at least wouldn't blatantly make fun of me to my face and call me names like a certain man of iron.
"I just… I miss my mother. A lot. We're close, and with my Dad always on business meetings, it was always just me and her. He's away too much for his own good, and she doesn't like being alone. So we'd always do things together like read, or draw. Even watching television was fun with her. I could tell her anything and everything without her judging me, without her thinking I'm crazy. And no matter how stupid I sounded, she would always have a kind word to say"
"Your mother sounds like one of a kind." Bruce smiled. "I'm sure Fury wouldn't mind you visiting her."
"I hope not." I replied; silence filled the air between us. It wasn't an uncomfortable one though; I felt incredibly comfortable talking to Bruce. It just felt as though I could confide in him without any trouble.
"If you ever have any problems…" He stopped speaking as I looked over at him. We stopped in front of the doors to the kitchen. Bruce began to rub the back of his head sheepishly, a shy smile appearing on his face. "It's not good to keep everything bottled inside, it'll eventually erupt into something worse; trust me, I know. If you need to talk, just come find me."
"Thanks. I might take you up on that offer."
I bid him farewell, noticing the light blush that appeared on his cheeks as he walked away. I stepped into the kitchen, only to meet an arguing pair of Avengers. Tony and Steve were at it again, this time arguing over food. Captain America preferred the good old fashioned hotdog, while Tony preferred a delicious burger. Would the fighting ever end? The world may never know.
"What're you smiling at?" Tony asked abruptly, eyeing me suspiciously.
"Smiling? I'm not smiling." I replied quickly, turning to hide my face from his view. I grabbed an apple from the fridge before turning around to face them.
"Right. And I'm not the best looking person in this room." Tony muttered sarcastically.
"You're right, Steve is pretty attractive. Maybe that's why you fight with him so often; try not to let your hormones get the best of you, Stark." I grinned in triumph as both of their jaws dropped, and they looked at each other uncomfortably. Maybe now they'd stop fighting for a little. As I was about to exit, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Wait. Fury told me he was looking for you; he wants you to go see him as soon as you can." Steve looked at me with a bit of worry in his eyes. "You didn't get into more trouble, did you?"
"Nothing like that, don't worry." Although it was sweet of him and it did make my heart flutter when he touched me. "I just requested something from him. Guess I'll see how that turns out, thanks Captain."
"Call me Steve." I raised an eyebrow as he spoke so quickly I almost didn't understand him. "I like it more when you call me Steve."
"Alright, Steve. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight to both of you, especially you hormone boy! Try not to take up all the washing machines again."
"Can't help it if I have laundry…"
I smiled as I walked out of the kitchen, and headed towards Fury's office. For the first time in a long time, I didn't have a feeling of dread resting in the pit of my stomach. It was the first time in days I must have smiled and felt this good. I guess if I actually talked to all of them, I wouldn't feel as alone as I normally did. I didn't feel alone right now, after all. I felt wanted and liked.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
"I've already made my decision, no need to butter me up with sudden respect." I looked down in embarrassment. "I was surprised when you came to me and asked; after the few weeks you've spent here working alongside the Avengers you have been nothing but abrasive. However, I've realized that perhaps it is the change in life styles that is causing your disrespect. I will let you visit your mother; Agent Coulson will accompany however. Safety measures."
"Oh, thank you so much!" I leaped forward, hugging the man before me tightly before leaving the room. I felt so happy, I felt like skipping and singing and crying at the same time. I had such an overpowering feeling of happiness that I didn't know what to do with myself. I was going to see my mother, I was going to be home and comfortable… and dare I say, normal, for one day.
But he was right. I'd have to get used to not seeing her, I'd have to get used to being around the others. They were sort of my family now, they'd be the ones I'd have to protect in battle and hope they extend the same service to me. I could always pretend, even if it was just for one day, that I was normal again. Just a normal kid, going home to eat dinner and have a fun night with her mother. Nothing abnormal about that.
I fell asleep with a smile on my face, and for the first time in many nights I didn't have a nightmare.