Guardians of Secrets

Chapter Five

I flop onto the couch on the main floor, or really just the floor everyone hangs out in when they're not doing anything else. I let out a long groan and poke Steve who is snoring loudly, with my feet.

"Capscicle isn't going to be very happy when he wakes up to your feet in his face," Clint chuckles as he grabs a root beer out of the mini fridge below the bar.

"Yeah well, Cap can suck it. It's his fault he's taking a nap while I'm bored."

"Do you want to come train with me? Or you can go help Sam clean out his area. Heard it's pretty nasty," Clint slides his jacket off his shoulders and then flops down on the couch across from me.

I raise an eyebrow. I would actually love to train with Clint. "Do you think you'll be able to keep you, Archer Boy? I always train with Cap, Nat and Ophie so you better not slow me down."

He scoffs and stands up. "You're on, Mini Stark."

We start with warm-ups, jogging on treadmills and stretching muscles. I push hard during strength training, lifting heavier weights than usual, setting a rapid pace to prove myself. Clint matches my effort step for step, his experience evident in every move.

Moving on to cardio, I increase the intensity on the exercise bikes, daring Clint to match my relentless speed. He grins, sweat glistening on his brow, clearly enjoying the challenge.

"You're doing great, Clint," I tease between breaths. "But maybe I should take it easy on you."

He laughs, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not a chance, Y/N. I've got more tricks up my sleeve."

We banter throughout the workout, the friendly competition pushing us both to our limits. By the end, I'm exhilarated, the rush of adrenaline replacing the earlier boredom.

As we cool down, I extend a hand to Clint with a grin. "Thanks for the workout, Clint. Maybe next time you'll catch up."

He shakes my hand warmly. "You've got spirit, Y/N. But remember, experience counts."

I nod, already planning our next session in my mind. Training with Clint reminds me that even on quiet days at the Avengers compound, there's always a chance to challenge myself and strengthen bonds with fellow heroes.

After the invigorating workout with Clint, I return to my personal area within the Avengers compound. It's a space that serves as a sanctuary amidst the chaos—a kitchenette for quick snacks between experiments, a cozy living room for relaxation, a bathroom, and my bedroom tucked away in a corner.

Entering the living area, I find Ophelia lounging comfortably on the couch, engrossed in a book. Without looking up, she senses my presence and casually asks, "How was training?"

I freeze, my earlier surprise at Clint's challenge resurfacing. How did Ophelia know? I stare at her incredulously, momentarily forgetting to respond.

Ophelia finally glances up from her book, her gaze meeting mine knowingly. She smirks, setting her book aside. "You've got that 'I just had a competitive workout and I'm trying to process it' look."

I sigh, flopping down on the adjacent armchair. "You and your intuition," I mutter, shaking my head with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Ophelia chuckles, leaning back against the cushions. "Clint's a good match for you. His experience definitely gives him an edge, though."

I nod, conceding the point. "Yeah, he managed to keep up better than I expected."

"Still holding onto your undefeated streak, though?" Ophelia teases, raising an eyebrow playfully.

I smirk, a competitive spark igniting within me. "Of course. I just need a rematch to prove it."

Ophelia laughs softly, a sound that fills the room with warmth and familiarity. "I have no doubt you'll get your chance."

As I relax into the comfort of my living space, I'm reminded of the bond Ophelia and I share—a friendship forged through shared challenges and unspoken understanding. In a world where secrets and uncertainties loom large, having someone like Ophelia by my side is a constant source of strength.

"So," Ophelia begins, breaking the silence, "what's next on your agenda?"

I lean back, contemplating the question. "Probably back to the lab. There's a project I've been meaning to finish."

Ophelia nods approvingly. "Sounds like a plan. I'll leave you to it then."

As she gathers her book and prepares to leave, I realize how lucky I am to have someone who knows me so well, even when I try to keep my thoughts hidden. With a grateful smile, I return to my thoughts of the day, already looking forward to the next challenge—whether it's in the gym or beyond.