𝙉𝙊 𝙎𝙐𝙍𝙋𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙀𝙎, marvel

05. Aftermath

Chapter five.

--⧗--

It had been two weeks since the whole Ultron thing happened, which means it's been about the same since I've been with the 'Avengers'. They were all pretty nice, Nat is still my favorite. It has been pretty hard figuring out rules and stuff though, going from everything being restricted and having no freedom to being allowed to leave a room without a command or someone following is still crazy to me. I didn't know this was how normal people lived, and I hope it stays like this.

With some of the Avenger's help, I finally found out that my necklace was the reason Dreykov could find me so easily. I shouldn't have trusted him so easily, especially after everything he's done, but part of me just wanted him to be a good person.

Back to the topic of the avengers, I've been going on missions with them sometimes and I really enjoy it. I mostly just stay behind, following Natasha and not really doing anything. Nat said it was just so she could keep an eye on me, but also so I could see how missions work once I start participating.

--⧗--

It was currently December 18th, and Christmas is in a week.

December 25th. The day everyone recognizes as Christmas, which is supposed to be a good day. A day of gifts and miracles from God. So why was I born on this day?

I'm certainly not a gift, definitely not a miracle. If anything I'm the complete opposite. I've killed. I'm a murder, I should not be celebrated for my birth, for my life, when I was stealing other's. Why should I be celebrating another year of life, when I've taken so many? I've stolen the pure existence of young people, old people, friends, roomates, for what?

Nat tells me it's not my fault, and that I was controlled to think it was okay, but I would pay millions to exchange my life just so the people I have taken so much from can be happy and alive.

I never really understood the feeling of guilt until now. Sure, I knew what it was, but I didn't know it could tear you apart; make you feel worthless, useless. It's like having a weight tied to your ankle while underwater, trying to swim up to the surface, fighting so hard just for it to keep pulling you down.

--⧗--

I woke up on Christmas, my birthday, to be serenaded by all the Avenger's. I sat up and thanked all of them, giving them hugs.

They let me get dressed before I met them downstairs by the Christmas tree. I found it so gorgeous. The tree shined so bright, so colorful.

When everyone finally came downstairs, we started organizing presents. Everyone had a pile of atleast fifteen presents, thanks to Tony.

I was a little sad, expecting this to be like every other Christmas where they film us opening empty presents, and telling us to look excited. I was never really sure why we did it, but it was a tradition. Every year.

When we started to open presents, I looked up searching for a camera to look at, only to see everyone engrossed in their own colorfully wrapped boxes. I was a little confused at why they were pretending too, but I kept unwrapping my present.

When I finally got the wrapping paper off, I opened the box. It had a fluffy stuffed animal in it. It looked like a pointy snake, but then I remembered it was a shark. I really like sharks. And cats. And dogs. Actually I think I like every animal the same, they're just all so cute!

I turned to Nat, not knowing what to do. She was right next to me, so I just tapped on her leg to get her attention. "Is this mine?" I whisper to her.

She laughs, then her face changes into a look of compassion. "Yes, you get to keep all of the ones that have your name on it Stace." She points to the boxes near me, "It's not the red room, okay? They aren't empty, and you can keep them. It's a gift. Now keep opening them so we can eat breakfast after!" She says, giving me a side hug.

Nat understands me in a way no one does. Maybe it's because we're the same in a way, as of what we went through, but either way, I really appreciate her. Shes like the mom I never got. 

We all spent the whole day opening presents, doing karaoke, watching movies, eating, and just spending time together. I got a gift from everyone, since they also didn't want to ignore my birthday. I felt so loved and recognized. It was the best day ever, and I finally knew the difference between a house and a home.

livie speaks ;

hi lovelies!!! i am SO sorry for like basically abandoning this book i lost so much motivation for some reason, also my apologies this chapter isnt the best its just a filler showing how stacie is adapting and getting along with the avengers!!

i hope u guys enjoyed this chapter i promise ill try to be consistent 🤍

btw i got logged out of my tiktok so my new one is @livvsobsessions !