𝕷𝖊𝖌ă𝖙𝖚𝖗ă |Deadpool X Reader|

Three

Chapter Three: Secrets and Shadows

The compound buzzed with an unusual level of intensity the next morning. Aria could feel it the moment she woke up—the kind of tension that only came when something serious was happening. As she got dressed, her thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Deadpool. She hadn’t told anyone about it, not even Tony or Thor, which made her feel uneasy. But something inside her urged her to keep it a secret, at least for now.

After a quick breakfast, she found herself being summoned to the main conference room by her father. Steve’s voice over the intercom had been firm, leaving no room for argument.

Aria knew what this was about. The mission. Deadpool.

She took a deep breath before entering the room, where she found her parents, Tony, Thor, Bruce, and Clint already gathered around the table. Steve looked up as she walked in, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

“Aria, take a seat,” he said, gesturing to an empty chair between Natasha and Tony.

Aria did as she was told, trying to ignore the tightness in her chest. She could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her, and it was clear that this wasn’t just any mission—it was personal.

Steve leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “We’re dealing with a dangerous individual. Deadpool is unpredictable, highly skilled, and not afraid to cross lines. We’ve had multiple run-ins with him in the past, but this time, things are different.”

Aria listened intently, her mind racing as she recalled Deadpool’s injured state when she found him. He hadn’t seemed dangerous then—wounded and vulnerable, sure, but not the menace her father was describing.

“We’ve tracked him to a location a few miles from here,” Natasha added, her voice calm but with an edge of steel. “We need to take him in before he causes any more damage. It’s a high-risk mission, and we can’t afford any mistakes.”

Tony glanced at Aria with a half-smile. “Which is why your dad wanted you here. You need to understand the gravity of this situation, kid.”

Aria nodded, trying to mask her growing anxiety. She could feel her father’s eyes on her, watching her reaction closely.

“We don’t know what he’s capable of,” Steve continued, his tone softening as he addressed Aria directly. “That’s why I need you to stay here at the compound, where it’s safe. I don’t want you anywhere near this.”

Aria’s heart sank at his words. She knew her father was just being protective, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to be out there, to do something more than just sit on the sidelines.

“But Dad, I can help,” Aria argued, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m not a kid anymore. I’ve been training for this.”

Steve’s expression hardened slightly, his jaw tightening. “I know you’ve been training, but this isn’t just about your skills. It’s about keeping you safe. Deadpool is not someone you want to go up against, especially not alone.”

Aria bit her lip, frustration bubbling up inside her. She wanted to argue, to tell him that she was more capable than he gave her credit for, but she knew it would be pointless. Steve was stubborn, and when it came to her safety, there was no changing his mind.

“I just want to help,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Steve sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, Aria. But sometimes, the best way you can help is by staying out of harm’s way.”

Natasha reached out and squeezed Aria’s hand gently. “Listen to your father, Aria. We’ll handle this, and we’ll be back before you know it.”

Aria nodded reluctantly, feeling the weight of their concern pressing down on her. She knew they were right, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept.