Love & War

You

Chapter 10:

- The Next Morning ~

Last night, I packed all necessary items that I am going to need for the next three days. I packed a duffle bag full of clothes, shoes, and a smaller bag with my bathroom necessities.

I went to sleep quite early because I wanted to make sure I was rejuvenated for the following days. I wasn't sure how much sleep I was going to be able to get over the next few days so I wanted to be well rested. But of course, I couldn't end the night without getting a lecture from everybody and their grandma.

Tony was going on and on about being careful and smart during the stakeout, obviously not forgetting to threaten James about what would happen to him if I so much as got a scratch. The rest of the team was just elaborating and echoing his words, hence my irritation.

I understand that they are looking out for me but I am not a child nor am I incompetent. I know the seriousness of this mission and I would never do anything to jeopardize the safety of the team.

Do they seriously have no faith in me?

I ask myself as I wait for the elevator to reach the main floor. My brain has been racing with wild thoughts all morning but I need to keep my focus on the mission. I cannot scare myself and I am adamant about proving Tony wrong.

I can do this.

The elevator doors open, causing me to snap out of my thoughts. I grab my bags and greet the team as I walk out.

"Morning guys." I slightly smile, placing my bags down to my sides.

"Morning, sunshine. Excited?" Nat quirks as she walks up to me.

"Not really." I reply causing her to smirk.

"Don't worry, with lover boy by your side, you'll be safe and protected." She mocks causing me to gently slap her arm. "Speaking of the devil." She nods her head to my left. I turn around and see a smiling James walking up to us.

"Morning, doll." He happily greets me as he takes my bags from the ground beside me.

"Morning." I reply.

"I'm going to take your bags to the jet, I need to get some final things settled in there." He states.

"Okay, sounds good." I smile. He nods and makes his way outside. I turn my attention back to Natasha, who has a mischievous grin on her face. "What?" I ask.

"Nothing...do you have any condoms packed or...?" She jokes.

"Natasha, I will murder you." I glare.

"Jeez, sorry." She raises her hands in defense. We share a laugh before Tony makes his way over to us.

"Dear sister, are you ready to depart to your home away from home?" He brightly smiles, causing me to furrow my brows.

"I'm sure that motel will feel like anything but home." I sneer.

"Well, if you miss us, you can contact us through these." He holds up a pair of burner phones. "Untraceable and reusable." He smiles, handing me the phones.

"Thank you, Tony...and for the record, I will miss you." His smile drops as his eyes become glossy. "It's only 3 days, though. I'll be back before we know it." I give him a fake smile.

"Yeah...3 days." He says before unexpectedly giving me a hug. I sigh as I tightly hug him back. After a moment or so, he pulls away and smiles at me. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." I simply reply as I start walking outside, the team following behind.

I walk towards the quinjet and see James standing in front of it. His crossed arms and serious demeanor changes as he makes eye contact with me. His warm eyes calm my jittery nerves and my body fills with butterflies. I look forward to spending the next few days alone with him. Maybe I can get to know him better and we can get closer. I stand next to him and focus my attention on the team.