Some of you may not be happy with me after this chapter.

I'm abusing my authority as a writer.

-wink-

Enjoy.

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Some Weeks Later…

The mission was a no go. As soon as we boarded the aircraft dressed to the 9's in our fancy suits, eye wear, and breathing wear…it was aborted. In fact, we were sent on different missions. I didn't understand the point of splitting us up at a time when a possible world massacre was in the process. Fury didn't explain much. All he did say was that to keep on alert, the Intel was misidentified, and Dr. Russell's cure worked. I, as well as everyone else, was not aware that the 'cure' had been distributed. Tony found it strange, so he was doing what he does best…snooping. So far, nothing yet.

Steve, Natasha, Tony, and Bruce were all given vacation time. At the time when Fury was handing out assignments, I had thought that Steve wasn't going on vacation. Directly after saying 'On Duty', Steve counteracted with 'Off Duty'. Apparently he had some things to take care of in Michigan. The other three voted 'Off Duty' also. Thor along with Clint volunteered to stay on with me. My sister had flown back to Washington without even a goodbye, but Fury said that she would be making frequent appearances at the Tower. I was sure that maybe if I forced her to talk to me enough…she would warm up to me again. Eventually.

"You clear?"

I looked around the ledge and gripped the repel rope tighter. Clint was assigned to a mission by SHIELD this time, I volunteered my services. Why? Because I was extremely bored just sitting around on the Helicarrier making fireballs. After this we were supposed to be heading back to the Tower. I watched the two men below stop walking and I rolled my eyes. I was dangling forty feet in the air, soaking wet from the rain storm, and my sparklers didn't work. Sparklers meaning my hands…thanks be to Tony...again. "These yahoo's aren't going anywhere. They just keep pacing. At this point I'm going to be struck by lightning or develop pneumonia."

"I'm trying to get a clear shot. Can you lower yourself down…take one while I take the other?" I could hear him pull back on his bow. I picture him standing behind a corner somewhere in the dark unseen, soaking wet, concentration imprinted on his face….mask over his eyes. I had to laugh when I put mine on, but when he put his on…damn. He looked pretty damn sexy and mysterious now. I imagined that was what he favored back in his younger days of the circus.

"Sure thing Robin Hood," I said quietly with a smile as I lowered myself down slowly. He grunted in response. I eased down and flipped over so that I was floating on my stomach. I secured the rope on my belt before I retrieved my gun.

"You better have remembered the damn silencer this time Marc'." I could hear his voice dripping with sarcasm as I reached around. If it hadn't of been raining, pitch black, and me wearing this black cat suit…I would have been dead by now. I wasn't exactly graceful being suspended in mid-air, "In position. My count…three, two, one."

I pulled the trigger and the man fell to the ground just as the other man's body collapsed, "Yes, I remembered the silencer. Seriously? One time…one time. I'm never going to live it down."

He appeared in front of me and I holstered my gun before I let the rope out. I landed on my feet, "You look like a drowned cat."

"I hate you."

He silently winked and then motioned for me to follow him. We were after a man named Carl Peterson, yes, yes…not an evil mastermind name…sure, but an evil man all the same. He was lacing water bottles with a poison before they were being shipped out. So far, two hundred and twenty-seven deaths. Fury seemed confident that Clint could handle it by himself, but I volunteered to go. I needed more missions. We had stopped all shipments of Clean-Green Water and now we were just stopping him. Intel stated he was in his factory apartment. We had just taken out the last two of his guards. For a man who knew he was wanted by some large government operation- he was sure slack on the protection. "You talk to your boyfriend today?"

I shushed him as I peeked in the window. I whispered as I turned back toward him, "We aren't together like that, you moron. Not yet…I guess. Four guards…two each at ten and six."

"Well, I assumed…you know two dates 'n all." He flashed a cocky grin and then moved to the next window. Steve and I had gone on two dinner dates…two and all of a sudden Clint and Tony was making fun of our relationship or whatever it was. Well, Tony was making fun. Clint, more or less, was trying to bug me enough to where I'd want to stop. He would pick apart everything single thing we done or had planned. The last date we went to eat at this fancy Italian restaurant and then we went to the movies. Steve's first time to go to the movies…in today's time period.

"What did you see?" Clint asked cleaning his 9MM on the table in the corner of the cafeteria. I looked up over my maple and brown sugar oatmeal.

"Um…that romance comedy…'Til Death'." He gave a 'hmmph' and then took a sip of his coffee. I sighed and put my spoon down. He had my full attention then. "What? Just say it…you're going to eventually."

"You said last week that you wanted to see 'The Breaker'…just thought you would have wanted to see that instead. But I get it…he's the man in the relationship. He runs the show, right?"

I hadn't seen Steve in a week in half. He was doing some traveling looking for family or something. He wasn't very specific in telling me what he was doing. I even tried calling him twice, but it went straight to voicemail. I called Natasha (my last resort) to see if he was doing okay. She reassured me that she had just spoken with him and that he was fine. He had been visiting a few towns on the East coast for a few days. I wasn't sure what bothered me more…the fact that he didn't tell me where he was going or that Natasha knew about it all and I didn't know anything.

"We can enter here. How long will it take for the Sparklers to work?"

"Once they aren't in a constant river," I deadpanned reaching for my gun.

"Guess this rain is really putting a damper on things huh?" He snickered.

"Hah." I glanced around, holding my gun tighter. It bothered me I couldn't use my 'sparklers'. His demeanor returned quickly.

"Go to the door on the side. I'll let you know when to enter. We take them all out. Take the two at six…don't miss." He said before he turned scampering up the building. I had a thought to shoot him in the leg for a moment, but it faded as quickly as it had appeared. I hurried to the door and peeked through the small window next to it. I could see Clint lifting the glass off the skylight. I suspected this was a bad move considering it was raining. They would surely notice the mini water inside their warm and dry hideaway. "Now Marcy. Go."

I opened the door just in time to see the second man be taken down by an arrow. I quickly and flawlessly put bullet holes into the other two guard's heads. Clint appeared beside me and let go of his rope as he took off at a run toward the office in the back. I followed slowly bring up the rear. We both moved to either side of the door and I watched Clint closely as he nodded once time, another, and on the third he kicked in the door. Our mark was already on his knees, hands behind his head…smiling. "Flame."

"Got it," I said quickly as I searched the rest of the office area. Paper after paper was littered along the floor, shredded beyond fixing. Computer hard drives were burnt and melted in metal trash cans. I sighed heavily as I placed my gun back into my holder. "Clear. Burnt and shredded evidence. Maybe Stark or Banner can get something off the hard drives."

Peterson laughed, "Good luck with that."

He turned slightly as Clint began to cinch up his hands in the zip cuffs. He grinned brightly, "I know you…he told me about you. He said you were his most special creation."

"Who?" I stepped forward and Clint grabbed my arm.

"He loves what you've become Marcy." Peterson saying my name startled me. I think it may have startled Clint too.

"Wait outside." I searched his eyes feeling that familiar tingle making its way up my spine and neck. "Now."

I shook my head as I trudged toward the door, "He said he would have a hundred more of you someday…and you would help him."

I twisted around and found Clint in my path, "Go radio base for pickup."

Glaring at Clint for a whole three seconds didn't work. He stood his ground. He did that often, never letting me get away with my emotions or letting me have my way. I hated him for that, but at the same time…I appreciated him for that. Walking around in a circle about ten feet away from the cracked door was how I was planning to stay until retrieval got there. I wasn't leaving Clint alone with that bastard for too long.

"Leader One, we have suspect incapacitated. Request for retrieval." I said as I called into Base.

"Copy that Ground One. Retrieval in five."

"Copy…" I mumbled as my attention was caught by something. The boxes where my stray bullets had gone were leaking a white powdery substance. I cocked my head at the sight and then remembered something from case notes. The substance found in the water bottles was believed to be liquid. In fact, it was proven.

"Cli-Hawk…can you come here for a sec." I heard a loud thump and grunt, but turned in time to see Clint dragging an unconscious Peterson out of the office area. He dropped him and adjusted his bow as he strolled up slowly, eyes glued to the powder.

"What the hell is that?" I edged near it and Clint grabbed my arm. He shook his head, "We don't know what the stuff is…we don't touch it. We call in Banner."

"And Marlina." I added as glanced over at the unconscious man. A solid purple knot was forming fast around his left eye and eyebrow. Clint agreed with a single mhm. I nudged him, "Why did you knock him out?"

Clint peeled his eyes away from the powder. They flickered toward mine for a fraction of a second before they flew back to the rest of the boxes that were underneath a deep green tarp. He shrugged, "If I brought him out here awake then he woulda' badgered you until you put a bullet into his head or roasted him until extra crispy. I decided to save you paper work."

"You are so good to me." I said with a slight sarcastic laugh. He chuckled and then pulled the tarp off quickly. Our eyes both fell onto the same empty area. Three boxes were missing. Clint looked back up at me as he dropped the tarp back down.

"Well, I don't suppose that's good."

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Following the two men down the corridor at three in the morning…I realized how tired I was. Marlina was being flown in right now and Bruce was being flown over also. I was tired, cranky, and had just about enough with all of this superhero stuff…for tonight. I hadn't talked to Steve in so long- I was starting to forget what he sounded like. After another ignored phone call that I made about an hour ago, I decided I was going to corner Natasha and make her tell me. By make, I mean just simply ask…unless it proceeded to deadly force which would mean singeing that pretty red hair to black.

"Thanks to the agent who decided to give our mark a concussion. I recall saying no harm- if possible."

Clint nodded firmly, "I felt it was necessary for the protection of Peterson, Sir."

God, here we go…the shit was going to rat me out. Fury's brows rose in anticipation of an answer, "Protection from what Agent Barton?"

Clint's eyes flickered to me and then to Fury quickly, "My partner Sir. She was about to kill him."

"That's exaggerating just a little bit," I said with wide eyes. Clint rolled his with a huff.

"Your eyes were blue Marcy. We all know what happens after they go blue…" He made an explosion noise and made his hands dance around. My eyes narrowed for a moment and he pointed, "And that face…you make that face- right there."

"Because you drive me insane! I've been stuck in a 13x13 room with you for the past week and half. I'm just a little bit tired of you!" I pointed back. He chuckled lowly and cocked his head to the side.

"Some women would call that a blessing."

I growled moving toward him and Fury spoke loudly…very loudly, "Enough! I am not running a daycare here. I am running an operation…for grown-ups. As of an hour ago, you both are on leave. See you both in three weeks."

I sighed heavily as I watched Fury walk away. We wouldn't even know what the powder was until we were off leave. I rolled my eyes and punched Clint in the arm, "Seriously?"

"Hey…" he rubbed his shoulder although I know it didn't hurt.

"You're an asshole," I mumbled as I walked down the hall. I heard his footsteps behind me. He snickered and cleared his throat. I rolled my eyes as I stepped into my room. He followed me directly in. I tossed my already packed duffel from the mission onto the bed and unzipped it.

"You're in a hurry."

I started tossing things into it quickly. I was ready for a vacation away from this all. I felt like I was going to crack at any given moment. "Just tired of this place."

I caught sight of him at the doorway, arms crossed, unreadable look on his face, "Steve is in the hanger…saw his name on the roster when I signed the board."

My hands stilled on the duffel for a moment. He enjoyed making me writhe…another thing that infuriated me about him. I gnawed on my lip for a few seconds, "He's been ignoring my calls."

"I know." He said adjusting against the frame. His voice seemed softer then and it caught my attention. I turned slightly to observe him closer. He gave a quick tilt of his head, "I know a lot more than you think I do."

"Natasha…" I gave a dry laugh and laid out some days clothes. A quick shower and I was gone. I missed my apartment at the Tower. I was missing my friends who were on vacation. Steve, Thor, and Natasha were on 'call' for the next three weeks…after that it was Clint, Stark, and then myself. Stark, still working on his own business for clean energy, was off this last few weeks for meetings and whatnot. Honestly…I missed his playful sarcastic banter. "You know where he was?"

"Maryland." He glanced down the hallway suddenly and then his phone beeped. Maryland? He was supposed to be going to Michigan. He stared at it for a moment and clicked a few buttons before he gave a swift nod, "I'll see you on the plane ride home in an hour."

"Wouldn't miss it." I said with a smile. He winked and tapped the frame with his knuckles before he glanced down the hall once more and turned to leave. A heavy breath escaped as I plopped into the chair. I should really take advantage of these three weeks. Really take time for a vacation. The thought of seeing my mom popped into my head and I closed my eyes. I should clear it with Marlina- just to make sure.

"Hey there."

My eyes shot open with surprise. Steve stood in the doorway, duffel in one hand, and a handful of papers in the other. His hair was just a bit longer now, face clean shaven per usual, his modern attire hadn't changed. His eyes seemed bright, but slightly guarded-cautious. This nudged my interest…just a bit. Before I could control my brain or my mouth, the phrase shot out, "What's in Maryland?"

His eyes widened slightly, but didn't like completely surprised, "Don't waste time do you?"

"I tried calling you…several times. You know that right?"

"I'm fine Marcy. How are you?" He fidgeted with something in his pocket. The papers were slowly being clenched to death in his other. I shook my head and stood, shoving the chair under the desk.

"You made me feel like I had done something wrong Steven."

At the mention of his sir name…he stilled. His finger tapped the papers slowly as he stared into my eyes with such intensity. "That was not my intention. I apologize for that. I just…I went searching for something…someone."

I swallowed tightly as I nodded. I had an idea of who he was talking about, but of course, I dared to ask, "Did you find her?"

His face fell faintly and glanced down at his boots, "Yes…sort of. Her grave. She died about ten years ago."

My heart ached for him. I knew how difficult it was for him to wake up decades later, everyone he knew or loved…gone. If I had never asked this wouldn't have happened. I asked a few weeks ago, on a date, what had happened to Peggy. He couldn't answer that. Now he could. "You…stayed gone for a long time…are you okay?"

I didn't move toward him for comfort. I didn't feel an urge for some reason. This nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach told me that I wasn't going to enjoy what he was about to tell me. I bit my tongue and waited as she shifted with a sigh. "I met her great granddaughter…Kate. She was kind enough to explain a lot of things to me. Show me around Maryland…her home. It's lovely there."

Lovely. I looked away suddenly. Of course, that explained the missed or ignored calls. All of this picking and choosing between two men…these two superhero's…these two frustrating men had been absolutely for nothing. I should have stuck by myself. Just like I had for years. People will leave. They will always leave. This much was clear to me now.

"You know," I laughed as I grabbed my clothes off the bed. "I've got to get in the shower and get out of this suit. Clint and I have a ride to catch back to the Tower in less than an hour. I'd hate to make us late."

His eyes squinted his eyes a tad as he gave a tight smile, "I never expected to feel so connected with her Marcy."

I took in a deep breath, "Hey…no harm, right? I mean…it's not like we were together. You know? We were just friends. I think it's great….that you found someone…you can connect with."

He didn't move for a full minute. I fiddled with my clothes awkwardly and tried to plant my eyes somewhere else. Anywhere else but him. He stood straight abruptly and adjusted his bag, "You too. I'll see you in three weeks for switch, yea?"

"Sure." I let my eyes follow him out the door and past my window before I let myself breath. What was he talking about?

'You too.' I shook my head and slammed the room door before heading to the bathroom. This was normal for me. I could handle this. I can handle this.

People will leave Marcy…they will always leave. No, not always. Just you.

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I was one of the first ones on the aircraft. I picked one of the seats closest to the ramp, quick exit, less people to talk to. Flight roster had six of us flying out today. The majority of the people would sit in front- away from me. My eyes followed Marlina as she was being escorted from the arriving aircraft to the lab. I had text her just about thirty minutes ago to ask her how she was doing. I hadn't received an answer yet. Leaning forward on my elbows I hoped she would turn my direction so I could at least wave. She didn't though…she kept right on moving. Clint passed her and nodded…she smiled. I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes with a groan. She was always going to hate me.

Clint greeted a few people before he boarded the aircraft. He seemed to chipper for this time of morning. To damn chipper. I wonder if he knew yet.

"I told him that I'd fight for you."

I opened my eyes just in time to see him stowing his duffel overhead in the netted compartment. His shirt lifted slightly revealing a firm and toned core. I averted my eyes rather quickly, but I still felt my face flush. He plopped down beside me with a moan, "I am so tired."

"Are you admitting your age?" I said with a quirked eyebrow. Turning back to look at him, his head was leaned back against the metal haul, his eyes closed, toothpick idly stuck between his lips. He tilted his head toward me, eyes dancing in the light, he gave an amused smirk.

"I'm always offended of how you bring my age to view."

I laughed, "I'm sure you are."

He handed me a piece of gum from his coat pocket and I accepted it easily. Something to keep me half conscious on our way to the Tower. His toothpick was in his hand now, eyes cast downward, he used the more pointed side of the pick to run across his jeans. "Do you really know how old I am?"

I had an idea although I had never cared about age. Obviously, I had even tried to start a relationship with a ninety year old man…in a twenty-five year old body. I shrugged and picked at a piece of invisible lint on my jeans. I paused in chewing the strawberry flavored gum, my favorite. "I've always thought you to be in your thirties."

"Thirty-six…next week is my birthday. How's that for old?" I met his eyes with a slight smirk. He looked away as a few more men boarded the aircraft. Time was good to him honestly. There were a few wrinkles surrounding his eyes, line creasing his forehead, a few deep lines surrounding the sides of his mouth. I smiled as I looked down.

"Well, lucky for you…I'm used to hanging with old guys."

He laughed as stuck the toothpick behind his ear. A movement I had seen him do several times when he was a smoker. The pilot's stepped on board and the ramp began to close, "I'm sorry…about…Maryland."

"I should have known that you would know. You know…everything." I said quietly.

"Tasha mentioned it. He asked for her help in tracking her down. It's not like he meant to find her granddaughter." I looked at him suddenly. He was defending him. After everything that had happened between the two…he was actually defending him. I scoffed at the thought. A few other passengers' eyes landed on me. They watched me…cautiously.

"You're siding with him."

"No…I'm saying I would have tried to track down the love of my life too."

"That's how you two are different, you know?" I shook my head feeling that defensive fire serge my veins. I crossed my arms defensively. "You just left."

"I walked away once. That isn't happening again."

He snorted and gathered his jacket along with his black back pack. The ship was airborne now. He must have been moving seats. Figures. Run away Clint. His cheeks were slightly red, the tips of his ears were red, knuckles almost white against his black jacket. He lowered his face toward me and whispered harshly, "I tried to find you Marcy. Every damn day until that body showed up. Do you know what that was like? Hmm? For any of us? No…you don't."

He stood and I gaped at him. I stuttered for a moment trying to find something to say, "I-I didn't know…I…"

"Who do you think found you for SHIELD?" He shook his head and stalked off to an empty seat in near the pilot's. I swallowed dryly, the gum wasn't helping now. He had been trying to find me all along. Maybe I had it all wrong. Maybe I had this whole thing backwards. Maybe it was me…not everyone else who kept on leaving. I sniffed and stared down at my phone. No missed calls or texts. Nothing. Obviously, it was clear to some, but not to me.

I was keeping everyone else away.

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Thank you for reading and reviewing.

:o)

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Disclaimer: I do not own anything

Marcy James is my own creation