First Light | Steve Rogers (Book Two)

Chapter Sixteen: A Perfectly Ordinary Day

A/n: The next few chapters are going to be a crossover with Agents of SHIELD, episodes 16-22 of season 4. This, obviously, will contain spoilers. This idea was really exciting and I hope it turns out the way I wanted it to. I hope you enjoy!

My eyes slowly opened, gradually growing accustomed to the bright sunlight streaming through the windows. A warm duvet was lightly draped over me and an arm was loosely wrapped around my waist.

There was a quiet chuckle from next to me, "You're finally awake. The alarm's about to go off. Want to lie in for a bit longer?"

I groaned as a loud beeping sound interrupted the peace, giving them a quick kiss before getting dressed. "Sorry, baby, but some of us have jobs to get to," I scoffed, "Is she awake yet?"

"Yeah. Came to wake you while she was getting ready. You're taking her to school, right?"

"Yep"

——————

I sighed happily, glancing up at the rear-view mirror to keep an eye on the young girl sat in the back seat. She was quiet, calmly staring out of the window with her big, blue eyes.

The radio was playing, some news story quietly playing as I drove down the sunlit street. "A kid arrested this morning... an Inhuman, of course, was grabbed ten feet from a public market. Just imagine what he was planning!" the announcer ranted, "And I have it on good authority that someone was hiding this Inhuman. I hope this subversive was strung up for treason. Unbelievable"

I turned it off, anxiously checking on the little girl. "Mommy," she said quietly, "Why do we hate Inhumans?"

"People think that they're dangerous, sweetie"

"Do you?"

I was silent for a moment as I pulled into the kindergarten parking lot, "No. But the people in charge do and we have to do as we're told so we don't get in trouble, too. Do you understand, Tasha?"

She nodded quietly, "Yes, mommy"

——————

"One of Beethoven's most popular symphonies, Symphony No. 5, featured an incredibly famous motif that is still used in music today. Can anyone tell me what a motif is?" I asked, slowly pacing around the classroom. There was silence for a moment and I chuckled, "Feeling a little sleepy this morning? Don't worry, I won't bite. Jessica?"

The girl lowered her hand, "A short phrase repeated throughout a piece, it's used as a theme for different things"

I smiled and nodded, "Yes. Now, what is the difference between this and an ostinato? Does anyone-"

There was a knock on the door and I span around to see two men in dark suits enter the room. "Ms Harlow? Sorry to interrupt" one of the men said as he glanced down at his tablet.

"Oh, no. It's completely okay. How can I help you?"

He sighed heavily, "Yeah, we need to speak to... Harry Brookes"

A silence hung over the room and a few people gasped. I closed my eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking to the terrified-looking boy in the corner. I nodded shakily, "Harry?"

The man's cold gaze met the boy's, "We're just going to run a few tests"

Harry gulped and picked up his bag. He paused by the door, his fearful gaze meeting mine. I gave him a quick smile before gesturing to the door, "Go on, Harry. I'm sure everything will be just fine"

I looked away from the boy, my eyes falling on the pin attached to the man's lapel. It was small and silver, a black skull with tentacles painted in the centre. He gave me a courteous nod as he began to close the door behind him, "Please continue"