Monster

Chapter Thirteen

After hours of driving the small Ford car I stole, Major Jackson finally called me back. He informed me that I am able to go back to Baghdad and be a drill instructor until I am able to go back to combat.

Luckily, my squad is over there right now too. He said for me to meet him at the airport at 0400. I am on my way now since it is 0300.

I pulled up and parked the car before making my way towards the entrance.

"Baker?" His hoarse voice called out and I spun to see his black hair flopping up and down.

"Jackson!" I grinned and grabbed his arm when we got close to each other. We got really close when I was in basic training. He helped me a lot.

"You ready to go? I am going on a mission over there, so we can fly together." He grabbed his duffel bag before leading me towards one of the terminals.

"I was born ready, Major."

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*3 months later*

"Get those knees up! You have to be cleaner and graceful than that Private Moralas." I screamed at the new recruit trying to run through the muddy course.

"Yes, Ma'am!" He picked up the pace and his knees. I grinned at the improvement. He was last on the list. He was going to be cut until he came to me for help.

I have been helping him for three weeks, and now he is fourth in his class. A little pushing can go a long way.

"Awesome job, Joel. I am proud of you. Go to sleep. Testing is tomorrow." I nodded at him before turning towards my living quarters.

"Sage! Want to go for some drinks? On me?" My bestfriend and co-captain of our squad, Jamie, yelled across the dirt "yard."

Who am I to turn down some free drinks?

"Hell yes. Lets go!" I grinned up at his 6'3 figure, as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. He pulled me over to the transportation lot and packed me into the back of a truck with the rest of my friends.

I rolled my eyes when they all stared whooping and yelling for drinks and doing shots. Last time I did shots was when I woke up next to my drill instructor after the second week of basic.

That was a terribly awkward time.

I cringed at the thought of making another mistake like that again, but soon started laughing with my mates.

Once we landed and arrived to the base, the PTSD was gone. The anxiety was gone. I was me again.

The civilian life isn't for me. Maybe if I got use to it, it would work better. I don't know and honestly don't care either.

We piled out of the truck and into the underground, illegal night club to be surround by drunk, sweaty guys and girls grinding on each other.

Don't get me wrong, we do dance with each other, just not grinding... Okay... Maybe a little.

Jamie pulled me to the bar before request a round of tequila shots. This is going to be a fun night, but rough next day.

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Oh my God.

My head is freaking hurting.

What did I do last night?

I rubbed my forehead and rolled over to block the light in my eyes. I gently felt beside me and realized I was alone in what feels like my own bed. Thank the Heavens for that.

I let my eyes adjust before sitting up and dangling my feet out of the bed.

I was still in my uniform from yesterday, so that is a relief. I sighed in contentment. Drunken sex is not the best kind.

I glanced at the alarm clock and sighed again. Luck is on my side. I still have three hours until testing starts.

I'm not even throwing up sick. Gin normally only makes me sick like that anyway. I wobbled to the bathroom down the hall before picking my stall and strippng down.

The warm water felt amazing on my tense muscles and sore limbs. I think I danced my energy out last night.

I chuckled and rinsed the mint shampoo out of my hair before adding conditiour.

I bounced out and back to my room, in just a towel since my dumbass forget my clothes. Showers do wonders for those hung-over.

I barged into my room to let out a loud shriek of terror to see Nat and Clint on my bed. "What the hell!!" I leaned back out the door and motioned the 'all good' signal at the soldiers heading my way. They nodded before going back their own ways.

"Sage. How are you?" Nat asked formally, and in turn I glared at her.

"I was great until I came back in here." I mumbled and grabbed a pair of leggings and a black and teal sports bra. The duo turned around as I pulled my work out clothes on.

"We are sorry, but we need your help with something." Clint cocked his head and waited for my response. "What for? You are the mighty Avengers." I faked excitement before cross the room to get my pistol.

"Wanda is sick. I know you never even talked to her, but she did like you." Nat harshly said, and I glared at her again.

"What do you want me to do?" I looked at Clint, I guess I am willing to help. Wanda seemed really sweet. Didn't Vision and her have a connection? Nat said they did right?

"You can help us protect her. Some people want her, and for once she can't protect herself. Thor and Loki are looking for remedies on Asgard to help her, but they aren't having much luck." Nat explained before picking up my stress ball that is a shape of a grenade.

I smiled slyly at the weird look Clint gave me and the stress ball, "Bruce and Tony are also looking for cures, and to what the problem is." Clint continued.

"Yeah. I will help. I will have to stay here until Friday because the graduation is on Thursday. Is that okay? I can fly back then." I looked between the two. I am still slightly mad at Nat, but she is my last living relative.

They glanced at each other before nodding, "That is fine. We will send a Quinjet for you, so you can come right to the tower." Clint said and elbowed Nat.

I confusingly crossed my arms at the gesture, "We won't back you stay this time, but if you want SHIELD is offering you a job of training new recruits. It is your's if you want it." Nat glanced from Me to the floor and up at Clint.

I gaped at her. They really want me to train the newbies? "Would I be able to stay in my own apartment?" I asked and raised and eyebrow.

She huffed in annoyance, "of course." I grinned and Clint before letting out a laugh, "I will stay at the tower if I am still welcome." I offered and Nat's eyes shot up.

"Really? Yes! You are still welcome!" She tackled me into a hug. "Clint, call Tony. Now." Nat ordered and Clint obeyed after rolling his eyes.

Clint left the room on the phone after patting my shoulder.

"I am sorry about that thing. I should never have forced you into staying like that." Nat rubbed her arm, a nervous tick that she has picked up.

"It's okay. I am sorry too. I am over the entire PTSD thing. Being back here has helped considering I don't get shot at anymore." I chucked and hugged Nat again.

She smiled and said bye before leaving after Clint. I guess I need to start packing and saying my good byes.

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This is the longest chapter I have ever written. I am sorry for the time skips, but they needed to be done. Sorry for the lack of Bucky. He will be back next chapter. Please Comment and vote. Have a Happy Fourth! I am going on vacation in the morning, so until next time.

Cheers,

Brooke