Red meets Blue

Chapter 3: Pietro

I still feel weird. Out of place. Just...wrong. Ever since they brought me back I can't shake the feeling that they should have let me stay how I was supposed to be. Dead.

Vision assures me I'll get more comfortable in my own skin soon, and Wanda says I'll be back to my old self soon. I try to push this feeling away, for her sake but it's easier said than done.

Despite all of that, I'm having the time of my life. Which isn't saying much considering how the rest of my life has consisted of poverty, bombs, and experiments. Steve's helping me train; I'm going faster than I ever thought I could. Natasha and Clint have been helping with the defence part of my training, basically what to do if someone catches me. I don't see why I need it, really. No one can catch me. Even so, I'm forbidden from using my ability during training. A fact which Clint never lets me forget. Tasha's always on me to, but she believes in using all your assets and fighting to win so sometimes I get away with a little extra help.

Apparently today is not one of those days. I groan as my head smacks the mat-covered floor. Tasha leans over me, one knee on my chest with my arm twisted to the side, smirking.

"It's almost like you enjoy getting your ass handed to you, over and over and over again." She says.

"Maybe I'm letting you win. Wouldn't want to hurt that huge ego of yours." I reply. Tasha just laughs at my attitude and stand up smoothly. She holds out a hand and pulls me to me feet. I'm still surprised at her strength, even after all this time.

A few rounds and a lot of bruises later, I collapse on the bench. Gasping for air and draining my water bottle, I watch Tasha and Clint fighting. It's clear how well they know each other just from the way they move together. Clint anticipates Tasha's kicks before she's even raised her leg and Tasha blocks each punch before it's thrown. Neither of them appears to have an advantage over the other, they're perfectly balanced.

Just as I'm beginning to wonder if this fight will ever end, Cap comes in. He still walks like he's in the army, I note. Shoulders back and chin up. I've seen enough soldiers to recognize the look. 

"Natasha. Barton. Meeting in the conference room, stat. Oh, Pietro. Sorry, I didn't see you. You should be there, it's important." Cap nods at me. I try to conceal my grin and fail miserably. Cap wants me to go to the meeting. Me! Wanda and Vision are probably going too, but still. I never go to meetings.

Clint moves to follow Steve out of the gym, but Steve holds up a hand. "Maybe you guys should shower first. Can't have you stinking up the place." He says, a smirk playing around his lips.

Oh god, of course. I feel heat rush up my cheeks. I must smell awful. Beside me, Tasha snorts in derision. "Stink it up? Don't worry, Cap. I think you've got that taken care of." Steve laughs, rolling his eyes and walking out of the training room.

He was joking. Obviously. I knew that.

I shake my head and follow Clint to the showers. Maybe one day I'll figure out American humour.