The Little Siren

chapter three

Chapter Three

Mia’s long brown hair whipped in her face as the wind blew around her. She stood outside Avengers tower with her bag staring up at the enormous building. It’s now or never, she thought to herself and sighed. Mia reached down to grab her bag, and with her head held high she strode into the lobby.

She hadn’t walked five steps when she was spotted. “Oh you must be Mia Carter! I’ve been expecting you!” said a cheery voice and Mia was suddenly confronted by a tall strawberry blonde woman. “Hi my name is Pepper Potts and I’m the CEO of Stark industries,” she said extending her hand. Mia reached out cautiously and shook it politely. Good God what had she gotten herself into.

“The rest of the team is dying to meet you! Shall we,” Pepper said gesturing to the elevators. Mia nodded and followed Pepper. She pushed the button for the top floor and the machine quickly sped up the building. The elevator was made of glass so Mia could see New York City below her. She watched the people get smaller and smaller as they ascended. The elevator stopped with and with a soft Bing the doors opened.

Pepper walked out of the elevator and into what looked like a big common room. Mia followed and surveyed the scene before her. “Everyone this is Mia Carter,” Pepper said loudly. The people all stopped what they were doing and came over to introduce themselves.

“Tony Stark: genius, playboy, philanthropist. Although you probably know who I am,” the man said wiggling his eyebrows. Mia rolled her eyes. She definitely knew him.

“Lady Mia,” said a tall blonde man reaching for her hand. “It’s a pleasure. I am Thor of Asguard,” He said planting a kiss on her hand. Mia pulled her hand out of his grasp and looked him over. Is this guy for real? She thought.

“Hey Carter,” Mia heard a man’s voice. “Barton,” she said in response to Clint’s short acknowledgement.

“Hey Mia,” Natasha stood next to Clint and nodded her head. “Hey Natasha.”

“Mia,” Bruce said shyly. “Hello doctor Banner.”

“Miss Carter, it’s nice to meet you.” Mia turned at this greeting to look for the speaker. She spotted a tall man with short blonde hair. “Captain America?” she squeaked. Mia immediately cursed herself for sounding like an adoring fan girl. Steve blushed and quickly ran a hand through his hair. “Yes ma’am that’s me.” “Hi,” she said trying to regain her composure.

“Oh for crying out loud Spangles, just ask the girl for her number already!” Tony exclaimed causing Steve to blush furiously. Mia shot him a death glare and decided she did not like Tony Stark one bit.

“Well that’s the team, let me show you around!” Pepper said grabbing Mia by the hand and pulling her without any arguments out of the common room.

XXXXX

Mia lay in her bed and stared up at the ceiling. It was 5 in the morning and she hadn’t slept a wink. She sighed and recalled that nights events. After Pepper had shown her around they met up for dinner around 7pm. Apparently Tony had tried to cook something because they were all alerted by the distinct smell of something burning. After they put out the flames of what was supposed to be lasagna, Pepper ordered some pizza and they all sat in the common room. Honestly it went better then she expected but Mia would never admit that to anyone.

Mia decided that she wouldn’t lie in bed any longer so she got up and dressed herself in a tank top and shorts. Mia opened her door and crept along the hallway to the elevators. She went down to the gym and found it empty. No surprise there, she thought. Mia looked around and settled on a punching bag in the corner. She wrapped her hands up and started attacking the bag.

Suddenly her mind was filled with memories and thoughts. Mia saw her parents’ car sink in the river. All those years of intense training at SHEILD. She saw herself hold a gun for the first time. The first time she killed someone. All of her missions that went wrong. Fury telling her she needed to work with a team. Mia’s punches became faster and stronger. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t bloody fair. Why did she have to get assigned to a team? She was fine on her own. She didn’t need anybody.  Sweat was dripping down Mia’s neck as she let out all her anger and emotions on the battered bag.

“Hey what did that poor bag ever do to you?” someone said with a chuckle. Mia swiveled and thrust her foot out toward the new comer.

“Whoa! Alright!” Steve said as he ducked the incoming attack.

Mia’s heart was pounding furiously against her chest and her breathing was erratic. “Sorry. I was… distracted,” she said not meeting Steve’s eyes. Mia felt her eyes become watery as she thought about the crazy emotions swimming through her head. Oh no, she thought.  I will not cry in front of him.

He took a step closer with his hands out in front of him. “Hey, it’s ok. Sometimes I get overwhelmed too.” Mia gave him a cold stare. “I’m not overwhelmed. I can handle everything just fine.”

Steve laughed a little. “I can see it in your eyes. That frantic look as if you were replaying everything that went wrong. Every time you messed up or froze in action.” Mia looked at Steve startled that he knew so much. How does he know that? How can he possibly know how I feel…?

“What do you know about mistakes? You’re Captain America. You’re the fearless leader of the Avengers,” Mia scoffed. A dark cloud passed over Steve’s eyes but it quickly vanished. “You might be surprised. Your form needs work.”

Mia had a baffled look on her face. Steve laughed. “Your form. In boxing? It could use some work.” No one had ever criticized Mia besides her Uncle and Fury, and even then they were watchful of her short temper. “Oh ok,” she wasn’t sure where he was going with this sudden comment.

Steve came over to stand next to her and the punching bag. “You need to keep your posture like this. And tuck your arm in like so,” he said demonstrating. “It will help make your attacks even more powerful and quick.”

Mia copied Steve’s stance. “Like this?” “Yeah just like that. Now try hitting the bag.”

Mia took a couple swings and even she could feel how much more powerful her punch was. She looked at Steve who was smiling at her. “Thanks.”

“Ok now try it with an opponent,” he said putting his arms up. Mia laughed. “You seriously want me to take you on. I can easily beat you.” “Then you have nothing to worry about,” Steve said still smiling. “Ok you’re choice,” Mia said getting into position.

She took a swing at Steve who deflected the blow easily. Mia alternated between punches and kicks. Mia aimed her foot at Steve’s gut but he caught it midair. Mia struggled and tried to pull her foot out of Steve’s grasp but he was too strong. He yanked her forward and she toppled into him. They fell to the ground breathing heavily from their workout.

They were incredibly close, they faces were inches apart. Mia stared up into Steve’s face. She never noticed how blue his eyes were. They were like the ocean on a calm day. She felt butterflies in her stomach. Oh no, she thought.

“Uh Steve, you’re kind of sitting on me…” Mia said startling Steve.

“Oh… right,” he said, quickly getting up and blushing. He ran his hand through his hair. “Sorry about that.” Mia stood up as well. “It’s… its fine. Well I should be going.” Mia quickly ran out the door and to the elevators leaving Steve stunned.

Once she was safely inside did she let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding. What the hell was that? Did the butterflies in her stomach mean something? And why was she ogling over Steve’s eyes. No I will not fall in love. I’m not going to fall for some pretty boy, even if he has gorgeous blue eyes… Mia shook her head trying to clear herself of those thoughts. She was a damn professional and she was going to stay that way.