Desi wore her casual clothing of blue jeans with a black V-neck shirt and an army green bomber jacket, slipping on her black combat boots before she joined everyone outside the compound. True to Tony's word, Desi saw a black suburban parked outside and smiled widely when she saw Happy in the front seat as the driver.
"Oh my god, Happy! How are you?" Desi asked, sitting in the front passenger seat.
"Whoa, whoa! You don't want to sit back there with them?" Happy questioned; no one ever sat him with him in the front seat.
Desi looked over in the back seat to see Tony, Steve, and Bucky looking over at her, but she flashed them a smile before she looked back to Happy.
"And leave you alone? No way! Now, what are we listening to?" Desi questioned as Happy drove off.
"No music!" Tony exclaimed but Desi ignored him when she turned on the radio.
Desi gasped loudly when she heard Ed Sheran music play through the audio, making Happy smiled excitedly.
"Oh my god, Two-Step! You're an Ed Sheran fan!?" Desi questioned.
"Yeah, wait- you are too?" Happy asked, and Desi nodded excitedly.
"Hell yeah!" Desi exclaimed.
Desi began to sing with the song, and Happy slowly started to sing the song with her.
Tony rolled his eyes in annoyance, but he was pleased to know that Desi had a good voice; the same couldn't be said about Happy.
Buck and Steve watched her through the rearview mirrors as she along without a care in the world; that part of her that they adored about her. The rest of the ride was singing to random songs until they reached the headquarters.
Pulling up, Desi thanked Happy before she climbed out of the car. Desi took a deep breath when she saw the building again for the first time in half a year, sad memories replaying in her head. Desi was grateful the guys were with her but that doesn't mean some of the people would still be horrid to her.
Tony led the way with Steve and Bucky remaining close to her when they walked into the building, and Desi held her head up high; she deserved to be here as much as them and she proved herself several times over whether the agents accepted that or not.
Unbeknownst to Desi, two familiar men to her walked into the lobby when the team came in. The two looked at each other before looking back at Desi once more. She had lost so much weight and, but her smile was still the same; that was the Desi they knew.
"Is that…Destiny? She…looks good."
"That demon is still alive?"
"She hasn't been cleared as an Avenger, why is she with them?"
Bucky and Steve could hear the comments, Tony irritated to hear the way they spoke about her; was this what she dealt with last time?
"Of course, all the elevators are busy…" Tony said with a heavy sigh.
"Hey, Destiny!"
Desi was alarmed when she felt a firm grip on her forearm force you to turn. Desi quickly grabbed the hand and spun the person, pinning them over in response.
"Whoa, whoa, it's me! John Walker!"
Desi blinked when she saw the vaguely familiar face and she fought the urge to roll her eyes as she released him.
"John…" Desi spoke, Bucky and Steve alerted when they heard the strain in her voice.
"You look…wow. You look amazing! How have you been?" John asked, flashing her a grin.
"Good, you?" she asked as she crossed her arms in annoyance, wanting to keep their conversation short.
"Great! Yeah, I saw the vids of you on New York; you were amazing!" John spoke.
"Thanks, that's kind of you to say," Desi spoke, "but I really need to go. We have a meeting with Fury."
"Wait, before you go," John spoke, "I was wanting to know if I could get your number? Take you out for a drink sometime?"
Bucky's jaw clenched, narrowing his eyes dangerously.
"No but thank you." Desi said before she spun around, but John grabbed her hand as forced her around.
Bucky and Steve approached her, allowing Desi to enough time to read him.
"Destiny-"
Bucky stood protectively in front of Desi as John attempted to get close, forcefully yanking John's hand from hers.
"Don't touch her." Bucky threatened, narrowing his eyes with a deadly stare on John.
"Is there a problem here?" Tony questioned, not liking the sight of Desi's discomfort.
"Not at all, Mr. Stark." John said with a fake smile.
"Are you alright?" Steve asked, noticing Desi's alarmed yet horrified look on her face and saw her clenching her hands. Desi shook her head, but Steve knew her well enough that she was trying to control herself. He glanced over to Tony, the elevators were still not down yet, and looked back down to Desi once more, offering his arm to her.
"Show me." Steve whispered, ignoring John's introduction to Bucky.
Desi hesitated for a moment before she placed her hand on his forearm, allowing Steve to what she saw. She showed visions of John teasing Desi during her training, a vision of John asking about wanting to join a super soldier program, another more recent vision of the Avengers compound looking to transfer and hire personnel exclusively for them, but Steve was angered when Desi showed him a vision of John making out and aggressively groping her in the lobby.
"I don't care who you are." Bucky spoke, even more annoyed.
John had attempted to look over him to Desi when Steve stood in front of John's sight, protecting her from his sight.
"I think that's enough. Let's not make a scene here, okay?" Steve said sternly.
"The elevator is here, come on." Tony spoke, breaking the tension between them.
"Come." Bucky spoke softly, wasting no time guiding Desi into the elevator with Steve close behind as he gave John one last glance. The elevator ride was quiet for a moment before Bucky finally spoke.
"What did you see?" Bucky asked, throwing a glance to her.
"I don't know if it's classified or not but…" Desi spoke softly, offering her hands. Bucky took off his glove and took her hand as Tony wasted no time, always curious about secrets. Steve placed a hand on her wrist, and Desi smiled before she played wheat she saw earlier.
John was being trained in preparation for a super soldier program that was attempting to be funded, wanting John to be similar or the next Captain America. There was an announcement given of the Avenger's Compound construction was completed and the Avengers would be the one's to select who was the best people to join them on the compound. John applied but when he saw the list of the Avenger's he saw the familiar name of Destiny "Mercy" and waited for her.
"Show Bucky the last image." Steve told her, noticing her eyes widen.
"What image?" Bucky asked.
"No, I can't-"
"He deserves to know. You tell him, or I will." Steve proclaimed.
Desi sighed and pouted but pushed the memory forward. Desi showed him a vision of John glancing over her body, imaging himself making out and aggressively groping her in the lobby in front of everyone before he approached her. Tony made a disgusted look, but saw the way Buck's jaw clenched, his eyes glaring hard on Desi when she released their hands.
"I'll kill him."
"No, Bucky, don't." Desi spoke.
"Is this public knowledge?" Steve asked Tony.
"This is the first I know about it, but if they're attempting to fund it, we will know about it soon." Tony spoke softly.
The elevator door chimed before the doors slowly slid open, revealing two agents awaiting them. The team was escorted through the hallway, towards the end of hallway where a conference room with double doors, the walls heavily tinted that nothing could be seen or outlined. The agents opened the door for them, revealing a U-shaped table with chairs presented with Fury and Agent Hill standing there. Desi smiled when she saw Nat and Clint sitting already, surprised to see them, but this was business.
"Thank you for joining us, please have a seat." Agent Hill spoke.
"I'm glad you could join us; I was hoping you'd come." Fury said as she walked into the room.
"Of course, Fury. I'm still your agent, after all." Desi said as she stood opposite of Nat and Clint, Steve and Bucky standing with her with Tony sitting in the chair in front of Desi.
"I'm afraid I'm going to need you to share your memories of Barnes from when we first met, the voices you heard were Hydra." Fury said, crossing his arms.
"I'll share what I can, but I won't overshare." Desi said as she approached him. Fury offered Desi his right hand and took it into hers. She closed her eyes and showed him selective memories and voices, ensuring he didn't hear the activation words from the Winter Soldier. As soon as she pulled away, he nodded to her when she backed away from him.
"Thanks, I appreciate that." He spoke.
"It's not like you to call us down here, it must be pretty important." Tony said, still being cautious.
"You're right, it is. There are multiple issues that we need to discuss and most of them involve Agent Destiny." Fury explained.
"Let's start small then, yes?" Desi asked with a smile, hoping it wasn't anything serious.
"I'm afraid not this time. First main issue we need to discuss is your place here with the Avengers." Fury told her, noticing Bucky walking into the room.
"My place?" Desi questioned.
"Tony and I put together the forms and paperwork for the Avenger's Initiative. Everyone was approved as an Avenger, Buck included, except for you." Fury told her.
She took a deep breath before she let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head again.
"Why was she not approved? She's as much part of this team as everybody else." Tony questioned.
"Agent Destiny was hired to be the exclusive healer for the Avengers, so she's a different type of personnel amongst you all." Fury explained.
"So, her training, her fighting alongside us and healing us in New York meant nothing?" Natasha asked, not fully understanding why she wasn't approved.
"It was part of her responsibilities, according to them. They want her to report back to SHIELD Headquarters: tonight." Fury answered.
"Like hell she is," Buck spoke out, "How did I get in, but not her?"
"We all recommended they both join us." Clint seconded that.
"I agree, which is why the council has agreed to allow you stay here with them with your position intact, on one condition." Fury told them.
"And what's that?" she asked, not liking where this was going.
"They want you to take on a few missions alongside with each person on the team; learn what you can and be approved by each member-which shouldn't be too hard." Fury told her.
"Fine, she'll do it. When does she start?" Tony answered for Desi, but Desi merely smiled, not minding.
"Hawkeye has a mission coming up tomorrow morning. That should be enough time for her to read over the file and prepare for the mission." Fury answered.
"That'll be fine with me. Just the Doe and I." Clint said, throwing Desi a wink as he smirked.
"The next issue is your request to hide your family from the records; I'm afraid it's not going to work." Fury told her.
"What? What do you mean?" she asked. "Usually, we help families move with new lives and whatnot, but your family is too involved in their community, and have a long track record with the government. We won't be able to protect them if someone gets their hands on your information." Fury told her.
"So…what are my options?" Desi asked.
"We either give you a name with a new life, or we make you disappear as if you never existed." Fury told her.
"So, lose my identity either way." Desi spoke, shaking her head with a sad smile on her face.
"So, it'll be like Desi never existed?" Tony asked, and Fury nodded.
"It's up to her if she disappears like Agent Romanoff, or she can change her name." Fury reminded them.
"That's, uh, a lot to unpack." Desi said softly.
"You don't have to decide now, but I do need an answer before you're approved." Fury told her, to which Desi merely nodded.
"Okay, thank you." She said, smiling in gratitude.
"Now, what's the next issue?" Tony asked him.
"We have an assignment for you, Barnes, and Steve. We found intel on some weapon dealings that may be nuclear, but we will need to discuss that in private. Nat and Bruce will be heading to another location where they may be held but you will on the second location." Fury explained.
"We'll be happy to help, but what hasn't been discussed is this news I heard about us hiring personnel. Was that something you failed to mention?" Tony questioned.
"We were hoping to do all that when Destiny came back with her approval, so she is included in the selections. Who better to know who's Hydra or a spy then Desi herself?" Agent Hill pointed out.
"Do you have any you want me to do today?" Desi asked, happy to help.
"No, not just yet." Agent Hill answered.
"If it's alright with everyone," Nat spoke, "I'd like to have Destiny after Clint. She could really benefit with espionage work."
"Fine. Next topic…"
After an hour of discussing ongoing issues and upcoming assignments, the drive home was silent; everyone to themselves up until they arrived home with Clint joining them there.
The rest of the day went fluently well with Clint and Desi, going over the plan, what was expected and what if scenarios to prepare for. Desi was beyond nervous since this was her first mission, but she was just as nervous for her driving lessons tomorrow morning. The preparations had gone through the rest of the evening, surprising how much the two were able to plan. Clint's idea of an easy mission was to scope out a certain man that held more details of a nuclear plan, break into his home, ransack for the plans, and get out. If the target was not leaving the home, then 'Plan B' was to tie up the man and ransack the home. 'Plan C', at worst, was in the event they were discovered, and they would take out the man and continue as planned.
By the time the meeting was over, it was night and Desi was nearly starving but she needed to rest for her big day tomorrow. Desi approached Bucky's door and knocked but there was no response. Hoping he finally got a chance to rest, she went to her room and prepared herself for bed. Desi could only sleep a few hours before she finally woke herself up, packing her bag for her trip. Desi went into the common room with her bag when she saw Steve sitting there, rummaging through the kitchen.
"Can't sleep?" Steve asked out loud.
"Yeah…something like that." Desi said with a smile, leaning against the counter.
"Neither could Bucky, he had me in the sparring room all day." Steve said, finally facing Desi.
Desi immediately gasped when she saw his bruises on his arms and face and approached him. She held out her hand to him, which he rolled his eyes playfully before he placed his large hand on hers. Desi was quick to heal over him and he took a deep breath, enjoying the feel of her healing once more.
"Is everything okay?" Desi asked, concerned.
"Buck is worried about you, that's all." Steve told her.
"He knows I'll be with Clint though." Desi responded.
"He knows. I think it's because it's out of his control. I tried my best to assure him, but…"
"What do you think?" Desi asked him, wanting his honest opinion.
"Based on what I saw on the simulation trainings, you're going to be fine. But doesn't mean I won't worry either." Steve answered.
"I'll take all the precautions, I promise." Desi promised, finally releasing his hand.
"You might want to check on him in a moment, I imagine he won't get any sleep tonight." Steve admitted, missing her cool hands.
Desi sighed, "Fine, but you'll have to be the one to cuddle with him while I'm gone." Desi teased.
Steve made a scrunched face, "Any chance you can stay?"
"Nope, sorry!" Desi exclaimed before giggling, making Steve chuckle in response.
"Good morning, Steve." She said softly, backing away towards the bedroom hallways.
"Good morning, Desi." He said just as soft, watching her leave.
Desi walked towards Bucky's room when she saw him leaving her bedroom door, his eyes locked onto hers.
"Buck." Desi said with a smile, glad to finally see him. Buck walked over to her and picked her up over his shoulder, causing her to yelp as he brought her back to her bedroom. He closed the door behind him before he threw her on her bed, making her yelp in surprise. Desi couldn't help but giggle, but immediately froze when Bucky leaned over her, his mouth breathing against hers as he dove his hand into her hair.
"I'm going to be okay, Buck." Desi assured him, resting a hand against his cheek.
"I should be there with you," Bucky told her, "But I get it. Just…listen to Clint and stay close to him."
"I will, I promise." Desi told him.
Bucky searched her eyes before he pressed his lips gently against hers tenderly. He was going to worry and miss her, but this was something that she needed to do.
"Can I stay here tonight?" Bucky asked Desi. She smiled and nodded, watching him as he rolled off her, laying down beside her. Bucky scooped her body against him, burying his nose into her neck as he took in her scent.
Morning had come when Desi woke up, and had quickly sat up, slipping on her shoes when Buck walked into her room. She quickly noticed in his hand that he was holding her duffle bag, and she smirked.
"I put something in there for you. Are you ready?" Bucky asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she said as she sat up, "will you tell Thor for me what happened?"
Bucky nodded before he placed a peck on her lips. "I will, stay safe."
"I will."
Desi said her goodbyes to everyone before Clint and her left.
They went to New York, and the job was almost as easy as Clint had mentioned. The duo camped out for a few days before they were able to ransack the home, get the plans and escape before the target could make it back; Desi helping plant the monitoring bug in the apartment.
As easy as it was, Natasha had yet to return from her mission, and Clint found this as a perfect opportunity as any.
"Hey Doe, you don't really need to go back to the compound just yet, do you?" Clint asked Desi.
"No, not really. Why?" Desi asked curiously.
"I'd like for you to meet someone important to me." Clint said, flying them over to Iowa. The flight was silent, Desi feeling just as nervous as Clint when they arrived in an open field with a small home. Desi immediately recognized it as a farmhouse, similar to the one she grew up in herself. Upon landing, Clint walked out with Desi following behind him, smiling when she saw two small children running towards them.
"Mom, it's dad! He brought a friend!" The little girl yelled, the little boy hugging Clint's leg, the little girl hugging her father as he crouched down, hugging both of his children.
Desi smiled, thinking of her family, but she knew this wasn't the time and place for her to cry, but she did miss her father and brother's more than anything.
"Dad, who's this?" the little girl asked with a curious look on her face.
"Lila, this is Destiny. Destiny, this is Lila my daughter." Clint spoke, introducing them.
"Hey there, Lila." Desi said with a smile.
"Hi, you're pretty." Lila complimented her.
"Awe, thank you. And you're even more pretty, I love your pigtails." Desi complimented her back.
"It's too long, though." Lila spoke, but Desi giggled.
"That's long to you? Do you want to see mine?" Desi asked.
"Why, is it longer?" Lila asked and Desi smiled slowly with a fake pout.
"Oh yeah, here!" Desi undid her hair and Lila gasped when she saw Desi's hair land underneath her butt.
"Oh my god, dad! Look!" Lila screamed.
"Your hair isn't that long now, is it?" Clint chuckled, glad to see his daughter clicked with her.
"And who's this little guy?" Desi asked, noticing the little boy staring at her.
"This is my son, Cooper. Cooper, this is Destiny." Clint introduced them.
"Hello, nice to meet you." Cooper said, smiling at Desi.
"Hey Cooper, nice to meet you also." Desi spoke.
"Honey?"
Desi looked up as Clint stood up, seeing a pretty woman standing at the doorway of the home. The woman approached them, smiling sweetly when she approach them, her eyes darting between Desi and Clint.
"Oh, Destiny, this is the person I wanted you to meet the most," Clint spoke as he approached his wife, "Destiny, this is Laura, my wife."
"Wait, this is 'The' Destiny?" Laura questioned, remembering her husband mentioning her; and she received a nod from him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Desi said with a smile, offering her hand. Laura stared at Desi's hand for a moment before she pulled Desi into a hug, catching Desi by surprise. Desi was stunned for a moment but hugged her back.
"It's so nice to finally meet you as well." Laura spoke softly, and Desi smiled happily; she wished her mother was like this when she came home.
"Do you have any cool weapons or abilities?" Lila asked as Desi and Laura broke away.
"I can heal anything?" Desi asked but saw Lila pout.
"That's not very cool." Cooper said.
"Well, I have a Pegasus." Desi said, suddenly feeling very lame.
"A what?" Cooper asked.
"Hold on, let me call him," Desi said before she looked at the sky, shouting, "ASTROS!"
The bright sky erupted a loud thunder before a bright light shot down, revealing her Astros.
"Oh my god, it's a flying horse!?" Lila squealed, watching as Astros approached Desi. Desi giggled when Astros brushed his face against Desi, petting his head.
"This is Astros, he's a dear friend and my battle horse back on Asgard. This is his first time here; Astros, these are my friends, so please be kind, okay?" Desi spoke, hearing Astros snuff in response.
"I didn't know you had this. Why didn't you tell me?" Clint asked her.
"The same reason you didn't tell me about your family." Desi responded with a smile.
"Can we have a quick ride with him, please?" Lila asked, looking at her mom and dad; Clint and Laura looked at Desi and she smiled.
"I'm okay with it. I can take them up, or you guys can, if you like?" Desi agreed.
"I'll take them up, it'll be fine." Clint spoke, grateful for Desi.
The rest of their time there, the family took turns riding Astros until night was coming, and Desi was grateful for this Laura had made them dinner and suggested they stay the night. Desi wanted to go back to the tower, but she wanted clint to enjoy time with his family even more. Desi sent Astros home the following morning and Clint said his farewells to his family, as Desi said her goodbye's as well.
"Thank you all for welcoming me into your home, I had a lot of fun!" Desi spoke.
"You're always welcome here, Destiny. Please look out for my husband for me, will you?" Laura asked.
"Of course, thank you, I can't wait to visit again." Desi said with a smile, bidding their farewells.
"Cute family." Desi said softly as she and Clint sat in the airplane, preparing for takeoff.
"Thanks…only you and Nat know about them." Clint spoke.
"And it'll stay that way, promise." Desi said, knowing how important this was to him.
"Thank you…are you feeling, okay?" Clint aske, noticing she was distracted sometimes. She smiled and nodded, but he knew better.
"I just miss my family, you know? And Laura…she's a wonderful mother. I just wish my mother was as kind as her, that's all." Desi explained but didn't want to share more than that.
They took off in flight, the trip silent all the way back to the compound. The compound was silent, clearly the boys were still out on assignment, and Desi felt lonelier since Clint left to turn in the reports. Desi settled for the night and slept, unsure what to expect for tomorrow but lulled herself to sleep.
"Tiny!"
Desi groaned when she was awakened, it was still night out from what she could tell from the window, but quickly noticed Nat was hovering over her.
"We got to go. Get your duffle bag, no questions." Nat said vaguely as she pulled Desi onto her feet. Desi huffed but listened, following Nat, grabbing her duffle bag as they left the compound. Nat climbed onto the motorcycle and Desi climbed over, clinging to Nat as she drove them into the city. Desi was unsure how long they drove for but saw that Nat brought her to a familiar place; the apartment complex that Desi and Bucky stayed in for the very first time. Desi and Nat dismounted the motorcycle before they made their way into the building, Desi following her diligently up until they entered her old apartment. The moment Desi closed the door behind them, Nat turned around with a small smile.
"Espionage is a very tricky mind game, one that many cannot handle or survive. I don't expect time to get to my level, but there is one key thing we need to be good at. That is camouflage, even in plain sight. This is a practice Fury was hoping you'd be a part of. I don't know how long we will be here for, but are you ready?" Nat asked her.
Desi nodded, swallowing hard.
"Then let's get started." Nat said with a smirk.
Steve checked with Clint and heard of her progress. Desi was approved and passed with flying colors. Clint was even more surprised to have learned that she was good with bows as well, not surprising Steve but glad to hear the good news. Steve had later received a text message from Natasha that she had taken Desi for her espionage training, hoping to teach her the essentials that would be beneficial for the time being.
Steve trusted Natasha's training; she wasn't going to go easy on Desi, but Desi wouldn't complain about it either. Steve kept Bucky busy as mush as he could, taking him on assignments with them, but when Bucky received the new from Clint and Nat, he was peeved, worried about rushing Desi too soon.
"Buck, we need to remain focused on the mission." Steve said, slightly annoyed with Bucky's sudden behavior.
"I am." Bucky responded grudgingly, but Steve knew better.
"Desi will be there when we return. Besides, you know Tony has her next, right?" Steve reminded Bucky.
"Yeah, I know." Bucky spoke.
"You did well, Tiny, I'm so proud of you. I didn't know you had it in you." Nat told her, surprised at how well her training went.
"Yeah, tell no one! But thank you for teaching me how to drive a motorcycle!" Desi exclaimed, making Nat chuckle.
"Well, someone had to, and let's face it: the motorcycle is really the most convenient way to get in and out of tight spot areas." Nat said, excited to be the one who taught her.
"Fury said I'm to be with Tony next: do you know what he has planned?" Desi asked, unsure what Tony could really teach her.
"With Tony, you never know but Bruce signed you off already. You just need Tony and Steve, and you're one of us." Nat spoke with a smile as they approached the compound, when they saw Tony standing there beside Happy and Pepper with multiple cars in front of the building.
"Good luck, Tiny." Nat winked, leaving Desi with them as she went into the compound.
Desi dropped her bag at her feet as she stood in front of the trio, clinging onto her hoodie. Desi didn't want to admit it, but she found that Bucky packed his hoodie for her, and she wore it every time she could.
"Welcome to driving school." Tony said with a smirk, Happy and Pepper both standing there with smiles on their faces as she approached them. Tony quickly sat in the passenger seat of the car, watching, and waiting patiently as Desi sat in the driver's seat.
"Sir Tony, what is all of this?" Desi asked, surprised to see the set up.
"If I remember correctly, you didn't know how to drive, or have a driver's license. Today, we are going to teach you how to drive a car," Tony explained, "this is going to be something you will need in the future. And I'm sorry, but Happy won't always be there."
"Are you sure?" Desi asked, unsure if it was okay.
"Yeah, now come on." Tony urged her. Tony thoroughly went through each feature of the car, teaching her the fundamentals.
"Now, Happy is going to be your passenger, you're going to drive him to the next destination. Just follow the directions." Tony spoke as he got out of the car, waving over Happy who had a horrified look on his face.
"Ooh, no! No, no, Tony, I will not get in that thing!" Happy exclaimed, oblivious to Desi's amused look on her face.
"Come on, there is no traffic here, just relax. You're not going to get hurt, I promise." Tony assured him, but Happy still didn't look amused.
"I'll be careful, I promise!" Desi yelled.
"See, there you go!" Tony spoke, ushering Happy towards the car.
Happy reluctantly sat in the car, giving Desi a nervous smile as he quickly put on his seat belt. Desi smiled back as she turned on the ignition and was alarmed when Happy screamed, scrambling out of the car. Desi looked out of the window to Tony and Pepper alarmed, did she do something wrong?
"Honestly, you two…" Pepper rolled her eyes and joined Desi in the car.
"You don't have to, if it makes you uncomfortable." Desi told Pepper, understanding if she changed her mind. Pepper gave her a knowing smile as she buckled her seatbelt, slamming the door behind her.
"Men aren't good drivers anyways. Let's get started, shall we?" Pepper advised her.
"Depends how you look at it," The girls looked in the backseat to see Tony climb in, "but let's not dwell on that. What's your first step?"
Tony was mildly concerned about her ability to learn but Desi quickly proved him wrong when she followed both Pepper and Tony's directions to the letter, despite her hesitation in the beginning.
For hours on end they practiced, and although it wasn't perfect, he was glad that she understood the basics, feeling secure to know she'll be alright.
"I appreciate you teaching me, both of you!" Desi exclaimed, ecstatic that both helped her learn something new.
"Anytime, sweetie. Why don't you go ahead and rest, I'll order you some food?" Pepper told her, "Burger with chocolate shake?"
"With only lettuce and bacon." Tony reminded her, making Desi giggle.
"Thanks, guys." Desi said softly.
"We'll wake you up when it gets here." Pepper assured.
"Okay, thanks Aunt P, Uncle T!" Desi said, waving at the two of them before she left.
"Did she just give us new nicknames?" Tony asked Pepper.
"Seems like she did… Uncle T." Pepper said with a smile.
Desi wasn't sure in it happened, but she squinted her eyes open when she felt an arm around her waist, rolling over to see Thor smirking at her.
"Hello, handsome." Desi said softly, smiling when Thor ran his hand through her hair gently. Thor stared into her eyes almost lovingly, happy to see her back and safe. He had checked on her with Heimdall and saw her working had to prove herself and was glad to finally have a moment alone with her.
"My lady, I'm glad to see you safe and sound. How is your progress going?" Thor asked.
"It's great. I just need Steve's approval and I get to stay here with everyone." Desi answered, happy to know it almost all over. Desi buried her head into his chest, taking in his presence as she ran her hand gently up and down his back.
"I missed you…" Desi whined.
"I missed you as well, my star." Thor whispered, kissing the top of her head. She looked up at him and Thor placed a chaste kiss on her lips, enjoying her soft lips against his. Desi couldn't stop the smile on his face before she wrapped her arm around his neck, kissing him more firmly. Thor was pleasantly surprised by her forwardness, but slid his hand down to her waist, pulling her against him as she hooked her lip over his hip. Thor invaded her mouth his tongue, dominating her tongue as she moaned, his excitement rubbing against her covered sex. Thor felt her excitement, but also her nervousness, something his mother had warned him about happening; and he didn't mind it one bit.
He slowly pulled away, looking down to her heated gaze once more, her lips parted, panting and plump from his assault.
"Sleep, love, I have you." Thor assured her as Desi rested her head against his chest once more.
Morning had come and when she had awoken, she tensed for a moment when she saw Bucky sleeping soundly in front of her, his metal hand holding hers. She felt some pressed against her and looked over to see Thor still asleep behind her, his arm still around her waist.
Desi kissed Bucky's cheek before she sat up. Bucky woke up from her touch, smiling when she was already ready to get up for the day.
"Where are you going? Come back to bed." Bucky told her, pulling her back down.
"I gotta get ready to meet with Steve, though. You know he's a morning person." Desi told him but Bucky ignored her, giving her a chaste kiss.
"It's afternoon, I doubt he's going to come in here to retrieve you, star. Sleep in this once." Thor said softly, kissing up her neck.
Desi giggled, Thor's kisses tickling her when the door swung open to her bedroom.
"Ah, speak of the devil." Thor spoke as Desi shot out of the bed, oblivious to Bucky's annoyed stare planted towards Steve's face.
"I tried to get up, I swear." Desi swore as she zipped up her hoodie.
"I know, come with me for our debrief." Steve announced, stepping out of the way for her to exit the room first. Desi flashed Thor and Buck an apologetic smile as she exited the room, hearing the door close behind her. Feeling Steve brush past her, Desi followed him diligently towards the meeting room. She walked into the meeting room, sitting at the nearest chair, Steve placed a file in front of her as he sat next to her.
"We learned from the nuclear assignment a few weeks ago that there was going to be a possible meeting with an unknown organization. The intel showed that they're meeting at the Hunter Bar, it's an underground bar and club. We need to go in, capture and secure those attending the meeting. Your role in this is to be on look-out, jump in only if I call you; okay?" Steve explained.
"Who will be joining us?" Desi asked, going through the different layouts of the place, trying to get familiar with the exits and processing the possible expected problems she'd expect.
"Nat will be joining in after us, but it'll just you and I, and some other SHIELD agents; are you ready?" Steve asked.
"Well, is there a backstory for why we're there?" Desi asked.
"No." He answered, and she merely nodded.
Steve took a deep breath, maybe Desi was nervous, this being her mission on field, unlike her time with Clint.
"Why don't you get dressed? Maybe ask Nat for help?" Steve suggested.
"Will do, Captain. I'll see you in a bit?" Desi asked as she stood.
He nodded, watching her leave: why was he nervous?
Desi made quick work preparing herself, wearing a sparkling silver dress that went down to her mid-thigh with sparkling white canvas shoes; quickly realizing she couldn't walk in heels just yet. She had her long pitch-black hair braided over her shoulder, with nude pink lipstick with black eyeliner; keeping it simple for herself.
Desi sprayed perfume on herself before she walked into the living room area, where she saw the team look over to her.
"Oh, now that's too good." Nat teased, smiling at how beautiful was.
Thor and Bucky both swallowed hard, her dress being held up by spaghetti straps, her breasts and cleavage wonderfully displayed.
"It's not too much?" Desi asked, unsure if this was a good idea.
"No, it's perfect. What do you think Tony? Captain?" Nat asked.
"Definitely a good distraction, as long as Capsicle can keep an on her for us." Tony admitted.
Steve gave a hard swallow when Desi approached him with a smile on her face. He wasn't sure what to say, but this definitely what made him nervous. She was beautiful, and he was willingly taking her into danger.
"You look good, Captain. Are you ready to get to work?" Desi asked, looking amused when he cleared his throat.
"I am, and I'll keep her safe, you have my word." Steve told them all, but he didn't ignore Bucky and Thor's stare.
"Be sure you do." Thor told him.
"Ready to go?" Steve asked her, and she nodded.
"Wait," Desi turned around as Bucky approached her, kissing the top of her head, "call me if you need me. I'll come running."
"I will, I promise." She swore, smiling up at him before he stepped away.
"Let's go." Steve called out, bringing her attention back to him. Desi walked into the elevator, waving at everyone as the doors slid closed.
"Ten bucks says that Buck will follow Natasha." Tony betted.
"I say he won't, and he'll respect what she's doing." Thor countered.
Bucky glared over to Natasha, and she glared back at him, "You're not coming." Nat told him.
"I won't."
Arriving at the club, Desi walked beside Steve as they entered the location, feeling uneasy with all eyes on her. She had to block all the emotions around her, and inched closer to Steve. Steve looked over to her and accessed the room. Various eyes lingering over Desi, and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulder, feeling her quickly wrap an around him as her free hand grasped his.
"Thanks." Desi said with a smile, glancing around as he led her to the bar. The music was bustling loud, and Steve was alarmed when he saw half naked women dancing on the dance floor and on stage, though the lights were dim. Steve pulled her close to him, his mouth over her ear.
"In a moment, that back door will open. I need you to stay here while I go in, okay?" Steve told her. "Okay, be sure you keep your link on for me." Desi answered.
"Oh my god, Estrella?"
Desi was spun around forcibly, ready to fight the person when she recognized the familiar woman.
"It's me, Sprinkles! We used to work together!" the woman exclaimed, hugging her tightly. Steve tensed but he knew the woman, Stephanie. Stephanie was a SHIELD Agent who was planted here months ago as a performer; if she was approaching them, something was wrong.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Desi asked, remembering her from her training time at headquarters. This was Stephanie, one of the few agents that was ever kind to her.
"Our performers today completely bailed on us, and we're down for the count! All of our personnel are in the back room trying to sort things out, can you believe it? It looks like they'll be back there all night!" Steph shouted over the music, looking over to Steve.
Steve sighed, tonight was going to be a bust if he didn't get back there. Desi could see his irritation and contemplated on what to do, when a thought came to her mind.
"What if I performed with you?" Desi offered, and Steph's eyes lit up.
"Oh my god, yes! That'd be perfect! Are you okay if…Happy and Grumpy perform with us?"
Desi's eyes widened, a frown on her face as she realized what this meant for them. Steve saw the look on Desi's face and leaned down to her ear, "You don't have to do this if you don't want to." Steve told her.
She leaned back, her head resting against his chest as she whispered back, "They're my brothers."
Steve saw the sad smile on her face, but Desi looked back at Steph once more before he could respond.
"Yeah, that's fine with me." Desi agreed.
Steph clapped her hands together and hugged her, "I'll see you in a few minutes on stage, thank you." Steph told her before she left towards the stage. Desi sighed as she spun around Steve, her face now filled with determination. "I'll need a favor, right now." Desi told Steve.
"Alright." Steve said hesitantly.
"Can you help me make some slits on this dress? Just, right here and here?" Desi asked as she rubbed her hand over her covered thighs. Without hesitation, Steve did as she asked, feeling her soft skin momentarily as he tore upward with his bare hands, hearing her gasp. Steve smirked when he saw her blush maddeningly, covering her mouth as she tried to compose herself.
"Are you okay?" Steve asked, amused to see her frazzled.
"I, uhh, wow. That was umm, was that easy for you?" Desi blabbered.
He nodded, his smirk never wavering when she fanned herself; was she attracted to him?
"I'm good, I'm, uhh, gonna go do that thing," Desi said, trying to compose her, "I'll see you after."
Steve pulled her from her arm, catching her attention once more before she could walk away from him.
"Are you sure you'll be, okay? We can leave right now." Steve asked Desi one last time, her body pressed against his. She smiled at him, placing a hand on his cheek as she tip-toed, kissing his cheek tenderly.
"Till the end of the line. Just don't take too long, okay?" Desi whispered before she slowly pulled away, her hand lingering from Steve's cheek down to his arm, grazing over his hand as she slowly walked away.
Desi walked up on stage as the lights turned on, Steph smiling at her brightly, but her eyes wavered to two familiar men standing behind Steph.
Cole and Lemi…
"Ready?" Steph asked.
"Ready." Desi said with a small smile, getting into position as she attempted eye contact from her two once-brothers.
"Hit it!"
The song 'Mad Love' from Sean Paul and Becky G came on, and Desi sung the song, dancing along with team as she best could. The dance floor became bustling, and Steve watched as men began to leave the back room. He waited for opportune moment when he saw the familiar red head enter the backroom, relieved to see Natasha made it.
"Target just walked in." Desi spoke over the comms when another song played through, dancing and singing along with it as best she could.
"In position." Nat's voice came in through the comms, and Steve now just had to wait. He watched as the target came in, edging closer to the bar end, watching Desi dance as he took a sip of beer; attempting to blend as best he could. Steve couldn't help but watch the way Desi's body sway, a smile on her face as she sang beautifully, her eyes deftly surveying the room.
"Ready to move." Nat spoke, and that was all Steve needed. He stormed through the backroom and immediately shots were fired. The club quickly went into chaos.
"Ned, come on, we shouldn't be here!" Peter warned him, feeling out of place. Ned had somehow convinced him that trying to sneak in was a good idea, but now Peter was having second thoughts.
"Alright, I can see now why it's a bad idea…" Ned spoke, noticing a whole lot of suspicious people lingering, "but we should try and at least take a peek right? We just need a picture or else Flash or Liz wouldn't believe us!"
"Alright, alright, fine! But we should really- "
The door busted wide open, with vast people running out of the building, pushing Peter and Ned against the wall. Peter felt scrapes on his body as he and Ned fell to the ground as the stampede finally halted.
"What was that about?" Ned asked as he stood, helping Peter up as the door swung open once more.
The door busted open again, the men screaming as they saw a short, beautiful woman standing in front of them with a sparkling shiny dress panting heavily.
"Oh my god, is that- "
"Quick, will you play along for a hundred bucks?" the woman asked.
"What-uh, yeah?" Peter answered, instantly recognizing the woman and what she asked.
"Thanks, and I'm sorry." The woman said softly. Before he could ask anything else, the woman grabbed his eye and pulled roughly as the door behind her opened, her face suddenly angry.
"What did I tell you about trying to sneak into the club? Do you have a death wish?" the woman yelled as Peter wince painfully, noticing a large man come outside with a gun holster on display.
"I'm sorry, I just wanted what to see what the inside looked like." Peter whined.
"You want a picture, give me the damn phone!" The woman yelled. Ned quickly panicked and handed his phone open to her, turning around to take the picture of the open door.
"I'm sorry, boss. Brothers am I right?" the woman told the bouncer as she handed the phone back.
"You three should go, it's not safe here tonight." The man spoke, hurriedly going back inside to give them a minute.
Desi sighed as the door closed, releasing him before she grabbed a pole near the wall, knocking out before cameras on each side of the door before she pushed it through the door handle and the pole along the wall, grunting as she bent both ends upward.
"I'm sorry, are you okay?" the woman asked.
"Y-Your Mercy, from the Avenger's, aren't you?" Peter asked, a bright smile on his face as he finally met one of them.
"Oh, I didn't know I was known. Um, yeah, hi!" Desi said with a smile, but quickly frowned when she saw the scrapes on his face, "Oh dear, you're hurt. I'm so sorry, come, let me heal that."
Peter took his phone out and saw his scrape on his cheek but shrugged.
"Oh, it's just a scrape. It'll be gone in a couple of days, really. Besides, it's not like you can do anything to it right now." Peter offered but was surprised to see her smile never waver.
"Trust me, okay?" Desi said ever so softly before she places a hand on Peter's cheek. Peter saw in the corner of his eye her hand glow, and slowly his aches and pains disappeared, making a scoff noise when he felt overwhelmed with, is it peace? Desi healed him, but she didn't realize how open he was, seeing flashes of him being someone called 'Spider-Man', trying to be almost a small-time hero- she couldn't wait to tell Tony.
"All better." Desi told him, pointing at his cheek. Ned spun Peter around and gasped, "Oh my god, it's gone!" Ned told him, turning on his phone camera to Peter. Peter glanced and his eyes bulged, looking to Desi in bewilderment, giggling at their adorable reaction.
"Do me next, please?" Ned asked, and Desi nodded with a big smile on her face, placing her hand on his cheek, doing the same thing for him.
"All done." Desi spoke, and Ned glanced at her in awe.
"I love you." Ned spoke, ignoring Peter elbowing her.
"That's sweet of you." Desi said with a chuckle.
"I'm Peter, Peter Parker. This is Ned Leeds., my best friend." Peter introduced themselves.
"Hi, I'm Mercy, but you can call me Destiny. Just between us though, okay?" Desi introduced back.
"Can we get a picture with you?" Ned asked and she nodded in agreement. The two posed with her and took a picture, but Desi had to get out of the vicinity soon.
"We should really get out of here; this place isn't really safe for you two." Desi told them as she took out her money from her shoes. Peter watched her as she handed them both one hundred dollar bills and they quickly took the money before she ushered them through the alleyway.
"You can come to my house, lay low." Peter offered but Desi smiled sadly.
"Thanks, but I don't want trouble finding you because of me. You two stay safe, okay? It was a pleasure meeting you both." Desi spoke before she released their shoulders.
"Hey, Mercy?"
She spun around when Peter handed his phone to her.
"I don't suppose I can have your number in case something happens?" Peter asked.
Desi wanted to say no but the way his eyes pouted at her, she quickly crumbled. This kid was going to be heartbreaker to someone, she knew it.
"Sure, but I need yours too. Paper?" Desi asked as she took his phone. Peter smiled, Ned already scrambling for a paper and pencil. Peter handed Desi the paper as she handed him the phone back.
"I'm serious, only you can have that number, or I'll come looking for you; understand? And not in the good kind of way." Desi warned him.
"Yeah, of course. No problem, thanks." Peter said, ecstatic.
"No problem, now go. Stay safe!" Desi announced, ushering them away before she went down another path from them. Desi had never met someone who knew her, her smile evident on her face; someone was excited to meet her.
"Desi, the place is secure."
"Copy, on my way back." Desi spoke, making her way back to the club. Desi approached the club and saw Steve in the front, agents around them whisking away the men from earlier. Steph waved at her, and she waved back, noticing that Nat was no where to be seen.
"Ready to head out?" Steve asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be, where is Nat?" Desi asked, glancing around the area.
"She took the information back to headquarters; she'll meet us back at the compound later." Steve answered, guiding her to his motorcycle.
"Desi!"
Desi froze, Steve looking over to the voices when he saw two men approaching them.
"Can I help you gentlemen?" Steve asked.
"We just came to Desi, can we have a minute?" one of the men asked, but Steve looked down to Desi.
Desi had her eyes closed, squinting it tightly as she heard Lemi's voice. It had been so long…
"I don't think that's a good idea right now. Maybe-"
"Really, I expected from you." Desi heard Cole speak, and she shook her head.
"And I expected from the ones I once called brother; I guess we're both disappointed," Desi spoke, looking up at Steve, "can we please go?"
Steve nodded, seeing her eyes water, her lips quivering as she was trying to contain herself, "Let's go."
"Desi, wait." Steve stood in front of Desi protectively, the man taking a step back.
"Let's do this another time." Steve told them before he guided Desi away from them.
Steve climbed onto the motorcycle, taking Desi's hand as she climbed behind him, clinging onto him as they drove off. During the drive, he could feel his shirt dampen, her arms clinging tightly around his waist. Steve wanted to call Bucky, knowing he'd want to be the one to comfort her but Steve wanted to be selfish for a moment. He pulled up to a late-night street market and parked, taking her hand and helping her off the motorcycle before he climbed off himself.
"Where are we?" Desi asked, never been here before.
"This is my favorite place to come to sometimes, reminds me of New York back in the day sometimes." Steve told her, slowing his step to match with hers.
"This is really amazing, Steve…" Desi whispered, smiling as he walked her through the market.
Walking through the market, Steve found a stall where they were selling hoodies, sweaters, and shirts. He picked up a dark blue zipper hoodie with the words Brooklyn in red and white bold lettering and opened it up for Desi. She looked at him questioning when he helped into it, zipping it up for her. She blushed at how close he was to her, his breath against her cheek as he secured the zipper for her.
"I didn't want you to get cold, is it comfortable?" Steve asked, noticing the blush on her cheeks.
"Its almost too big, but I like it like that. Thanks, Steve." Desi answered, smiling in appreciation as he paid the stall owner. Steve offered her arm, which she took, allowing him to escort her through the market. Desi appreciated him distracting her, playing and finding knick-knacks together; Steve went even as far as to buy them matching NYC souvenir t-shirts. Steve led her to his final location, the only pizza joint in the market. He held the door open for her, allowing her inside first as she looked around curiously.
"Want pizza? My treat." Steve offered.
"Oooh, pepperoni please." Desi asked, pouting at him. He chuckled, but nodded as she followed behind him diligently.
Grabbing their pizza and drinks, Steve and Desi sat in a booth in the corner but Steve didn't take a bite.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Desi asked.
"I want to see what you think, first." Steve answered.
Desi threw a glare but took a bite, and her eyes widened from the flavor.
"Oh my God!"
"That good?" Steve teased.
"I just think I just had an orgasm in my mouth!" Desi commented.
"Language!" Steve warned her, making her giggle.
"Sorry, it's really good. You have fine taste, good sir!" Desi said, flashing him a thumbs up before she continued eating. Steve was happy to see her relax around him, eating their pizza in relaxed silence. He quickly finished his pizza, and took a deep breath.
"Those two men, they were your brothers?" Steve asked, getting straight to the point.
Desi looked up at him, taking a moment to collect herself before she nodded.
"Yeah, Lemi and Cole, paternal twins; not identical." Desi answered.
"I'm sorry, I would've warned you if I had known." Steve told her, but she smiled sadly.
"There was no way you'd really know; it's not something I've dealt with just yet." Desi told him.
"Tell me about them." Steve told her, hoping to help her.
"Well, Lemi is the nice one. He's the one who called, you know, that day on the ship? He always looked out for me and protected me. He served in the Air Force before he applied for the SHEILD INITITAVE, but he's just as deadly with a sniper rifle," Desi told him, "Cole, however, is the tough love kind of guy. He's a Marine, also skilled in sniping, but he struggles communicating with me; always has. He has always been just as protective but…still."
"So, you're the baby of the family?" Steve asked and she nodded as she took a sip of her drink.
"Don't you dare make fun of me, Steve Rogers! You have been warned." Desi warned him, making him chuckle as he held his hands up in defense.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Steve told her. She smiled sadly, looking back at the table again, playing with her straw.
"It was weird to see them again, acting as if though we didn't know each other, you know? I had hoped one of them would pull me into a hug, or tell me they were sorry, or that they missed me but…" Desi frowned, fighting the lump in her throat, "I haven't heard anything from them since that day. I can't help but wonder if I meant anything to them…to make them walk away so easy. Am I…to naïve? Am I useless? Am I…am I not worth fighting for?"
Desi fought a sob, cupping her mouth as she felt the tears fall down her face. Steve hated to see her like that, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his chest as she cried. He was grateful the joint was empty as she cried, allowing herself to finally let go. He held her for over a couple of minutes until she finally calmed down, wiping her tears away before she pulled away. Desi didn't like to show her weakness to anyone. She knew she was an emotional person and cried a lot when she other's painful memories, but she hated to feel weak, as if she was uncapable to handle herself. The thought of the team no longer relying on her worried her more than anything.
"You'll be coming home in a body bag!"
"I don't know about your family, but I know you enough to know that you Destiny are none of those things," Steve said with a firm tone, Desi looking up at him, "You are kind, thoughtful, and a powerful woman. You are worth it, never doubt that. You're place is with us."
"Thank you…" Desi spoke softly, and Steve flashed her smirk.
"Let's head back to the compound." Steve announced as he stood up, helping her out of the booth. The duo walked out of the pizza joint, both stretching when Desi gasped when her eyes landed on a particular vendor stall.
Desi ran up to the stall, crouching down when she saw a puppy Dachshund in the care, their fur a beautiful shiny chestnut brown color.
"Steve, look! It's a wiener dog!" Desi exclaimed, giggling at it's adorableness.
"Cute, but you know you can't have a dog." Steve told her, making Desi pout.
"I want one though. No, I want two!" Desi told him, and he chuckled at her as she picked up the wiener dog.
"Yeah? What kind?" Steve asked, amusing her.
"This little guy, of course! And…maybe a German Shepard? Maybe a Golden Retriever? Oh, or a Husky!" Desi spoke, naming just a few that stuck out to her the most. She cuddled the wiener puppy close to her, giggling as the puppy licked her face repeatedly.
"Steeeve." Desi pouted, making Steve roll his eyes.
"Put the puppy down, we need to go." Steve reminded Desi. She pouted even more before putting the puppy away, waving at the puppy as she followed Steve back to the motorcycle.
The drive was silent, and Desi kept thinking back about her brothers until they arrived back at the compound. Steve and Desi walked into the living room area, surprised to see Bucky standing in the kitchen with a drink in his hand.
"Buck." Steve acknowledged him.
"Rogers." Bucky spoke as he approached Desi. Glancing over her, Bucky saw the shirts in their hand, a Brooklyn hoodie covering her dress; but her puffy eyes stuck out to him.
"Buck-" She stilled herself when Buck cupped her face, looking deeply into her eyes.
"You were crying, what happened?" Bucky asked.
"Why don't I take bath first and I'll show you?" Desi offered, hoping that was enough.
"Go ahead, I'll be right there." Bucky told her, kissing her cheek before he reluctantly released her.
"Okay," Desi looked over to Steve and smile sincerely to him, "Goodnight Steve. Oh and, thanks for tonight, pizza again soon?"
Steve smirked and nodded, "Will do, goodnight."
Desi smiled at the two super soldiers before she headed towards her room. The moment the door closed; Bucky looked over to Steve with narrowed eyes.
"You like her, don't you?" Bucky asked, his eyes narrowed at her. Buck was a fool for not realizing it sooner but the stolen glances Steve was giving her, the touches, and now the hoodie he bought her. When Nat came back without them, Bucky knew something was up.
Steve took a deep breath but didn't say anything. Bucky felt more annoyed, feeling a hurt of betrayal. He and Thor were finally adjusting to just the two of them, but now Steve?
"I admit that I do, but you're my friend; you're important to me too Buck." Steve told him, but he could tell Buck was irritated.
"Have you told her?" Bucky asked but Steve shook his head.
"No. I know how hard it's been with you and Thor. I'm not going to be selfish here, Buck." Steve informed him.
"Alright, that's all I needed to hear." Bucky said, slowly backing away from Steve before he went to Desi's room, leaving Steve conflicted on what he should do next.
He needed to talk to Natasha.