The Lives of Two 19 Year Old S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents

Chapter 14 - Matchmaking Gone Wrong

After watching rubbish TV for an hour Talon finally agreed to drive me to base.

"Come on Talon," I said as I set the alarm and locked up. "I need to see how Chloe's doing."

"You weren't even talking to her yesterday," he replied.

"Believe me I wanted to. I had to go over a week with no kisses!"

"Whatever."

We got into the Ferrari and he started the engine causing me to wince.

"I should not have bought you a Ferrari for your 17th birthday. I'm pretty sure it's not on the list for recommended first cars."

"Nope, but I love it."

"I'm glad."

It only took us 10 mins to get to the public entrance to the base.

"Drop me off here," I said.

"Can't I come in?" he asked.

"No, not today. I don't have a visitor pass for you."

"OK. See you later then."

"Bye."

He drove off and I walked into the base, showing my badge to the security officer. My first port of call, Chloe. The infirmary was on the other side of the base so it would take me at least 10 mins to walk there. On the way there I saw Clint Barton and stopped to chat.

"Hey, Clint," I said.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Lots."

"As always. How's Nat?"

"Haven't you seen her yet? I thought that's why you came back."

"After the commotion yesterday, I didn't have time and Fury's wanted to debrief me personally."

"Where have you been these past 5 months? Your location wasn't on the mission manifest."

He came a bit closer and spoke directly in my ear.

"Just between us, I've been in Russia doing a favour for Nat. I had to stay off the grid."

"I understand."

He stepped back.

"Thanks for saving us yesterday," I said.

"No problem."

"What happened here last night anyway?"

"For some reason when I got here there were lots of people rushing around so I asked around. Turns out Fury's collapsed in his office."

"Oh my god! Is he alright?"

"Yeah, apparently he was just dehydrated."

"Oh lol."

"Did you just say lol?"

"As a matter of fact I did. So that's why no one was on comms yesterday and Fury didn't copy my parents in."

"Yeah, I found an earpiece on the side and picked it up just as you called for help."

"Good timing."

"Thanks."

"You should ask her out you know."

"Nat?"

"Who else?"

"Yeah I know."

"Really?"

"Maybe I'll do it on SRM day."

"Yeah, that'll be cool. Anyway, I have to go see Chloe now."

"Ok, see you around."

I carried on walking down the corridor, considering which was the quickest route to take. Then, I heard something that made my heart sink into my stomach.

"She said yes!" shouted Steve down the corridor. "I'm going on a date with Natasha!"

He saw me and came running over. Then he noticed the panic stricken look on my face.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"Oh no. What have I done?"

"Hey, whatever it is, we can fix it."

"No we can't. I just told Clint to ask Natasha out but she just said yes to you. I completely forgot I gave you the same advice. He's loved her for half his life, this will break him. He's just spent 5 months in Russia doing something for her and -"

He stopped me.

"Anaiya, calm down and take a deep breath."

I did.

"This isn't your fault. You probably thought I wasn't going to do it anyway. Listen, get to Chloe. I'll sort this out."

I nodded. He hugged me gently, being careful of my injuries and walked off with slightly less enthusiasm than he'd had before. I took another deep breath and continued on to the infirmary.