Red

The Party

I applied the finishing touches to my makeup and stepped back. I inspected the white long sleeved blouse and skirt, black pumps, and my hair. Stark had decided to throw a party, and graciously given me an invitation. I didn't want to go, still didn't, but Steve eventually talked me into it.

I walked out to the elevator and pressed the button for the party deck. I bit my lip anxiously on the ride up. I felt the small emergency pistol strapped to my leg as a reassurance before the door opened and I was thrust into a whole new atmosphere. People were laughing, drinking, and exchanging stories. I walked in and began looking around for a friendly face.

I saw Steve playing 8 ball with an unfamiliar African-American man. I was beginning to turn away and look for someone else, but he saw me and called,

"Kamila!" I took a deep breath and placed a fake smile, hiding the small bit of panic that had risen to the surface, before turning around.

"Hello Steve." He smiled at me. And it was genuine, which surprised me. He was actually glad I was there.

"Sam, this is Kamila. Kamila, this is Sam." He motioned to the man and then back at me.

"Nice to meet you, kid." I quirked an eyebrow.

"Kid?"

"Yeah, you're what, fifteen, sixteen?"

"Twenty one." I corrected him.

"Still a kid to me." I pursed my lips.

"I stopped thinking of myself as a kid a long time ago. It was nice to meet you though." I gave him a smile before walking away.

I wandered around for a while longer, giving fake smiles and greetings when needed. I was standing under the staircase looking at Natasha flirting with Dr. Banner when I felt someone approach me. I turned around and was confronted by a tall brunette man standing far too close to me.

"Hey there." He slurred, clearly stoned.

"Hey." I said, in a firm guarded tone.

"You're very pretty."

"Uh huh." I replied, my chest tightening as he grew even closer. "Could you back away please?"

"Why should I, angel?"

"I'm anything but an angel." I replied and began reaching my hand down to where my pistol was hidden.

"Kamila! There you are." Steve said, appearing out of nowhere. The drunk man stumbled back. Steve took in the position we had been in and the look on my face. "Are you bothering this young lady?" The other man was too drunk to reply and promptly tripped over his own feet as he hurried away.

"Are you okay?" He asked, concern creasing his forehead.

"Yeah." I gave Steve my first real smile of the evening. "Thank you." He nodded.

"Of course." He looked around. I nudged his shoulder and motioned over to the bar.

"She likes him." He looked over there.

"Natasha? Likes Banner?" I gave a small chuckle.

"Yeah. Can't you see by her body language?" He shrugged.

"Nat's hard to read. I'm surprised you can tell." I pursed my lips. When you're taught by the same people, you know the tells.

"We watched as she smirked and walked away. Steve turned and asked,