MUTT

FOUR

I stand behind a closed door, waiting for my cue to come on stage.

I hear the muffled voice of Nick Fury, "We have brought to you seven new recruits for S.H.I.E.L.D. Here is Luna Da Cruz..."

Applause.

"Hunter Lancaster..."

Applause.

"Mavis Rutherford ..."

Applause.

"Leo Hamilton..."

Applause.

"Willow Harrleson..."

Applause.

"Calvin Erudite..."

Applause.

"And last but not least..."

Here you, go Grace...

"Grace Firewinter."

I lift my chin and walk on to stage.

The thunderous applause makes my teeth chatter. Fury finishes his speech and we leave the stage. The banquet begins.

People start dancing and I sit at a table with Mavis, and Luna on the side lines, watching men in tuxes and women in dresses twirl across the polished floor. I feel a tap on my shoulder and I see Mavis's eyes widen. I turn around to see Peter, his dark mysterious eyes look at me glittering with mischief.

"Would you like to dance, Grace?" He asks bowing and extending his arm.

I roll my eyes, "What do you want?"

"Me?"

I give him a look.

"No honestly, would you like to dance?!" he says widening his eyes, feigning shock.

I look back at the Mavis and Luna. Mavis nods her head and Luna wiggles her eyebrows.

"Sure, I would," I take his hand and he leads me to the middle of the dance floor.

He slips one of his arms around my waist and laces his fingers through mine with the other.

His eyes take me in as we waltz across the floor, getting impressed looks from everyone older than thirty...which is mostly everyone. I just stare awkwardly at him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Clint asking Natasha to dance and she blushes, accepting his offer.

"You look beautiful," Peter whispers in my ear, fluttering the hair beside my ear and giving me an exaggerated wink.

"You look very handsome," I say, laughing.

"I'm really sorry about your parents, Grace." He whispers.

"Thank you. I'm sorry about yours." I mumble.

"Thanks. Widow isn't as scary as she seems. She just...Widow."

I nod and smile. He gives me his lopsided grin and glances behind my shoulder. "Rogers is here," and as quick as lightning he's gone.

"Will you dance with me, Grace?" he asks.

I honestly want to say no and dance with Calvin but the look on his face tells me that I only have one answer. Yes.

I nod and take his hand and he immediately starts whispering furiously.

"I was just informed that there is HYDRA agents here wanting to kill you guys. Especially you!"

"I'm not special!" I exclaim.