Topsy-Turvy (sequel to Hidden Beauty)

A Little Progress

"I don't see what's the fuss is about, kid." Tony said, pouring himself a glass of scotch. "It's nothing to be worried of. You just go and talk with an old freaky woman. Answer her questions and that's it!"

"I don't wanna go Mr. Stark! I won't go!" Rose protested, cheeks puffing up. "I don't need a psychologist!"

"That's Fury's rule Rose. You have to follow it." Bruce said.

"One of his bullshit rules, Bruce!" Rose seethed. "His first rule was to have my powers blocked. Second was to limit my movement. Third was to take away my katana. And fourth to get a therapy as if I'm some crazy mentally ill girl!"

"Going to a psychologist doesn't mean you're crazy girl." Clint pointed out.

"Oh! It's not, is it?" Rose sneered as the rest shifted on their feet. "Let me correct it then. A crazy beast? Locked up in this beautiful golden cage. Where my every movement is monitored. Cameras installed in my room." She growled. "Why did you leave out the bathroom?"

"That's the rule! That's the rule Rose!" Natasha stepped up. "You have to abide by those rules if you don't want yourself to get locked up in that cell-"

"I am locked up!" Rose threw her hands, face strained. "I am locked up Natasha! In this Tower! If you think I'm blind for not noticing that how you all keep your eyes on every single movement of mine then you're absolutely wrong!"

"We're doing it to keep you safe!"

"Don't give me this bullshit as a reason!" She fumed, glaring at everyone. "I would rather chose death a thousand times than living like this. Like some-some unstable criminal under observation. Oh! Oh wait!" She laughed. "That's what I am!"

"Kid..." Tony sighed. "Stop creating a scene. It's not a big deal! It's just about a visit to the therapist!"

"No it's not! Don't make me sound like some moody teenager!" A sob gurgled in her throat. "At least take out this band! It's choking me! It's suffocating me!" A shaky breathe. "My powers are screaming to be let out! They-they are crying to be unleashed!"

"I'm really sorry Belle but we can't." Steve spoke up, extending his palms as a plead. "Try to understand."

"I spent my whole life...my whole fucking life trapped. Locked up. Monitored." Rose dropped her gaze at the floor. "The only difference here is that you all are talking with me like civilised people. You all aren't pumping drugs or peeling my skin off my bones just for amusement."

There were sharp intakes of breath.

"I'll be ready in five minutes." She said, still not meeting anyone's eyes. "To abide by Fury's rules. Do ask him if he has more of them. Maybe a collar or a leash for me."

And then turned around, heading for the door.

"Rose."

She looked over her shoulder. Clint shook his head. "We are sorry. We really are."

Rose didn't smile. "I'm too."

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Steve kissed her forehead. "Don't try to kill her. Be patient. Answer her truthfully. Okay?"

Rose nodded. "It seems you're worried about her, not me."

"Well I can't deny that." Steve grinned, clapping her back. "You can be quite handful sometimes. Maybe that poor lady might need a therapist herself."

"Is this your positivity, Captain?"

Steve laughed and gave her a nudge towards the closed door. "Go in Miss. Don't give that woman a hard time."