A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
The days past and the medical examination went accordingly. I've been deemed fit and healthy to leave, and now here I am packing what few belongings I have before I board the Quinjet. Folding a plain black shirt, I tucked it neatly into the suitcase before a knock interrupted me. Opening the door, I saw Wanda as she stood with a solemn look on her face.
"I heard you're leaving soon" she spoke with a quiet tone.
I nodded my head and opened the door wider so that she could come in and I could resume my packing. I only have a little under an hour before I have to go "I didn't want to leave" I said as I placed in a small totem of a panther T'Challa had given me.
"I know. You've gotten comfortable here. We all have" Wanda sighed "I think it was a poor decision on their behalf. They should have included you when they discussed it. It's your life after all. I know you wouldn't have taken it lightly had you been there, but still"
"It's done and I can't change anything now" I replied. Zipping the edge of the suitcase, I pulled it up from the bed and sat it down on the floor. Glancing around the room, it was now completely bare and empty. I looked at Wanda as she still seemed upset with the fact that I'm leaving.
It was silent.
Suddenly stepping forward, my brown eyes widened when I felt her arms enclosed around me in a warm embrace. Standing as still as a statue, I didn't know what to do or how to react. I've never been hugged before and it felt strangely intimate and foreign. I'm not sure if I like it or not. Taking another second to process the action, I decided it was best to return the favour.
If I'm going to live in the new world, I'll have to learn to act somewhat normal. Slowly wrapping my arms around Wanda's waist, she squeezed a fraction tighter at my positive response "Please be safe and make the most of it. You deserve this much" she spoke gently. Letting me go, she took a deep breath and gestured to the door way "I'll walk with you"
Heading down the hallways one last time, I heard the loud whirl of the Quinjet's engine as we entered onto the platform. The whole team stood waiting for me; even Sam Wilson. Handing my bag over to a tall guard, I waited for the Soldier to finish his conversation with Steve. A slight cough drew my attention as Sam walked over to me.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I misjudged you" he said with a regretful tone "I hope you make a good life for yourself Kid"
I nodded my head in acceptance of his apology and fair well "Thank you. I wish you the best as well" Sam nodded before stepping back to stand beside Scott.
The Soldier and Steve finished their conversation with a quick and tight hug. Making his way over to me with a duffel bag on his shoulder, the Soldier is dressed in casual civilian clothes; jeans, a navy shirt and a jumper to hide his metal arm along with a black glove. At a glance by any normal citizen, the Soldier would appear to be like any other man. It was somewhat unsettling, but I quickly dismissed it.
"Time to go" he said while walking past me and up the ramp of the Quinjet.
Following behind him, I looked over to Wanda one last time as she gave a wave goodbye. Giving her a small smile, I turned and sat down in one of the seats on the side. The ramp of the jet sealed closed moments later and I buckled myself in as the Soldier did the same. Soon we were up in the air and flying toward my new home.
It'd taken us many hours, but it felt like a short eternity as we sat in nothing but pure silence the whole journey "Were here" feeling the soft but abrupt touchdown of the Quinjet, the Soldier immediately got out of his harness and came to my side "Stay close to me and don't wander off" he commanded before combing his fingers through his hair and placing a black cap over the top.
Getting out of my seat, I grabbed my bag and followed him down the ramp as it descended. Taking a look around, the layout of the area looks familiar to the airport in Leipzig. Listening to the wheels of my suitcase make a raking noise against the concrete bellow, I followed the Soldier off the tarmac and into the main building. Wincing as we entered, my eyes fluttered as the wave of loud noise invaded my ears.
There's so many people.
Glancing over, I felt a stern grip on my upper left arm and saw it to be the Soldier "Come on" he said while tugging me alongside him.
Glancing around the crowed, I mustn't have appeared too inviting as some people gave glances between me and the Soldier as we walked by. Winding our way through the mass complex, I listened as a loud cry echoed from one of the waiting areas. It's a baby. Slowing down my pace, I watched the small infant as it wailed in its mother's arms. I'd never seen a baby until this moment, especially one so young and so close.
Giving my arm another tug, I was snapped from my trance by a grunt from the Soldier "Keep up"
Finally making our way through the maze of the airport, we crossed the pick-up zone and headed toward a small yellow coloured building with a sign named LCG Car Rentals and Parking. Holding the door open, the Soldier nudged me inside and pushed me lightly to sit down on one of the waiting seats. Walking up to the desk, he started to talk to the young man behind the counter.
I didn't listen in on their conversation and instead waited a few minutes until the Soldier tugged me from my seat and we walked through the back entrance to where rows of vehicles had been parked. After explaining a few things to the Soldier, the young man handed over a set of keys and went back inside.
"You can let go of me" I snapped at the Soldier as he continued to drag me to the car "I can walk by myself"
"I'm sure you can, but why would I when you threatened to leave?" he retorted "I don't need you running off on me before we even get to the house. I don't have time to chase after you" I glared at him before we stopped and he clicked the car remote.
Watching the yellow lights of the car blink twice, he popped the trunk of the four-wheel drive. Chucking in the bags and closing the lid, he walked me around to the passenger side of the car. Opening up the door, the Soldier nudged me "Get in" barely having enough time, he slammed the door shut and I could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface. He's being ridiculous, and if he doesn't snap out of it soon then I'll definitely be leaving.
After getting into the driver's side, he started the engine and pulled out of the carpark. Soon enough we were out of the bustling area and onto another, the highway. Sighing internally, I couldn't help but silently reprimand the driving of some people as they sped past us in a rush to get wherever they needed to be. An hour past before we turned off and onto an exit ramp.
Heading into a small neighbourhood, we aren't that far from the city but were still far enough that there aren't as many people as I'd thought there'd be. Driving through several blocks, we stopped at a set of red traffic lights and waited as a group of teenagers consisting of a group of girls and boys strutted across the road; laughing and chatting to one another.
"That reminds me. I've enrolled you into school" announced the Soldier as the traffic lights turned green and the car sped back up.
"Why would you do that?" I asked with a confused look. There's no reason for me to be in the education system.
"Tony, he helped get you in. As far as the world knows, you've completed all your education up until this year. You're still sixteen" he said "It'll be good for you get out of the house and find some semblance of a normal life. Plus, if your there for five days a week then I'll know where you are at all times"
"It's already halfway through the year. There isn't any point in me going into a place like that. I won't learn anything I don't already know. And what happens when I finish? Where will I go then?"
"It isn't just about learning Katya. It's about meeting new people and becoming familiar with the culture. The time are different and you don't have very good social skills. You're going to need to make some if you want to survive and have friends of your own" he replied "As for when you're finished, I'll figure that out another day. But for now, this is how it's going to be"
Driving through a few more blocks, we turned down a separate road and then into a driveway shortly after. Looking up at the cottage type house, it looks comfortable and ordinary. Two story in design, the outside is made of wooden boards and there's a decent front yard. Getting out of the car, I wandered my eyes around the surrounding neighbourhood. So far it's quiet, but I can still hear the faint noise of children playing down the street.
Not having time to help, the Soldier had grabbed our bags and is now heading inside. Following behind him, I inspected the furnished interior to find that it's rather cosy with a slight modern touch. With wooden floorboards, three rooms and a decent size kitchen and bathroom, the home is definitely spacious so that we won't be in each other's way.
Standing in what I assumed to be my room, a single bed had been placed against the wall under the window, while a desk and draws are pressed up against the other sides. Unpacking my belongings the room didn't feel as empty as I imagined it would be, as there's already clothes in the cupboard along with a few other items.
An hour or two passed when a delicious scent wafted under my nose. Following the invisible fragrance out of my room and down the stairs, I headed into the kitchen to sit down on a stool at the island counter. I watched as the Soldier guided himself through the kitchen as he cooked. The muscled of his back flexed beneath his form fitting shirt as he glanced over his shoulder.
"You can cook?" I questioned.
"Yes. I can cook" he replied while concentrating on the pots and pans.
I caught the faint shake of his head when the Soldier paused for a second. He didn't say another word as he continued to make dinner, and neither did I. Only taking a few more minutes to prepare, the meal was soon served in front of me; steam rising from the cooked meat and vegetables. I watched confused as the Soldier left his own plate on the bench before marching up the stairs in a swift exit. I heard his bedroom door close with a thud and I sighed.
I wonder what I said this time.