The Quiet Between Storms

221 1 0
                                        

Tony brought me back to the compound

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.



Tony brought me back to the compound.
He didn't say a word the entire flight. I could feel anger radiating off him like heat- the kind that comes from fear more than frustration.

The moment we stepped inside, he spun.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" He yelled

His voice echoed off the metal walls. For a moment, I was ten years old again- Hydra flickering overhead, someone shouting orders, fear burning down my spine.

"You're on the run, Elizabeth! What if Ross saw you, huh? He's got over a hundred looking for you  every minute of every day! One slip up, and you're done" he said

"I know. I know, It was stupid, I just-I just wanted to help Peter" I said

"It was stupid!" He snapped. Then softer.

"What is it with you and Peter anyway? Are you two....together or something?" He asked

"What? No! No, we're not" I said

He stared at me- suspicious, tired.

"He's just a friend. I didn't want him to do it alone" I said

Tony sighed and ran his hands over his face, the frustration melting into something sadder.
"Just..... I'll have happy to take you home. Please, Elizabeth, just be careful. I don't want you to get caught." He said

I nodded.
"I know. I'm sorry" I said

He crossed the room and hugged me- brief, but real. When he pulled me back, his voice softened again
"And Elizabeth....Drop this whole thing. Make sure Peter does too" he said

I just nodded again.









School felt different after that- louder, emptier. Like the walls were closing in, even though this was supposed to be freedom.

The Principal Morita called me in.
"You just need to pull your head in and focus on your studies. You're bright, if you want to be."

I nodded.
"Yes, sir" I said

"Alright, you can go. Tell Parker to come in" he said

I nodded, then walked out.

I glanced at Peter.
"You're turn. Have fun" I said

"Thanks" he muttered, walking in.








I wandered the halls until I found an empty room- or so I thought. When I opened the door, Peter and Ned were mid-conversation. I caught a glimpse of panic on their faces before I quickly backed up.

"Sorry" I mumbled, walking away.

"Wait- El- Bella" Peter called out:

The Sapphire Soldier Where stories live. Discover now