When we collide (Book 1)

Celebration

It's been two days since Cate and Loki have trained together. She apologized to her and he'd forgiven her without hesitation but she was holding onto the guilt with a tight grip. She had decided to use the guilt she was feeling to train even harder.
One by one, they've all gone to check on Cate but she'd tell them she was fine and just continue training. She's been cooped up in the gym day and night ever since, only eating and showering in between. But today Tony and Steve had enough of it.

The two of them went into the training room to see Cate who was now running on the treadmill. She enjoyed running as it helped her clear her thoughts. She was conflicted with everything that was happening to her, but even more so of her feelings for Loki. She was afraid to admit them to herself so she pushed herself into training. Tony walked up to Cate, who was so lost in thought she hadn't realized they were there, and he pressed the stop button on the machine.

"Hey kiddo. Want to tell us what's happening?" He said to her with a serious face. She looked at him and got off the treadmill.

"I'm just working out. I've improved my cardio also. I may not be as fast as Cap, but I'm not a super soldier so I can't compare I suppose." She said with a light smile looking at Steve.

"I'm with Tony on this, Cate. You're pushing yourself too hard. What's going on? Is this about what you did to Loki? You know he's forgiven you right?" He said to her, concerned.

"Look you guys, I appreciate all the love and support, I really do. And I well aware that Loki is alright and he's not mad. But I am."

"Why? What's he done this time?"

"Loki? Nothing of course! I was talking about me. I'm angry with me, Steve. I'm angry that I let my emotions take over my power like that. Loki's become one of my closest friends, and I couldn't forgive myself if I had.." she stopped at the thought of hurting him more then she had. Tony approached her.

"You probably couldn't kill him even if you wanted to. You know how many times that God has died and come back?" He joked. And she let out a small laughter.

"Now theres a smile. Please just stop it for today. Come have breakfast with us, hang out with us. You're starting another week of work tomorrow night. Take a break kid." Tony smiled at Cate as he gave her a big reassuring hug. She smiled back and then put her hands together.

"Ok but first can I show you two something!? I haven't only improved my cardio." Steve and Tony looked at each other. She smirked at them and then she took a step back and closed her eyes. 5 seconds later, she opened them back up to reveal her violet pupils. The two guys take another step back.

"Just a precaution. We're not scared, I swear." Tony said with a nervous laughter. Steve nodded at Cate.

She both hands together, and purple sparks appeared. A cloudy solar smoke manifested within her hands. The more she moved her hands away from one another, the bigger the force grew in her grasp. She circled her left hand around the ball of energy and it transfered alone to her right hand. She took it and blasted it onto the punching bag at the end of the training room, busting it open and spreading the sand all over the floor. She then looked at Tony and Steve and her eyes slowly turned back to their original hazel brown. Tony just stood there with a proud grin on his face, and Steve was just as impressed.

"Kid!! Who cares about your cardio now. I'm so proud!" He took Cate into another big hug and Cate laughed. Tony let go of her and signaled to get out of the training room. Steve wrapped his strong arm around Cate's shoulders and the trio left.

When they reach the kitchen, Steve pushes Cate in gently.

"Look who we dragged out of the arena, Natasha." Cate waved and smiled and Nat came to give her a big hug.