Hope Found

Please Don't Do That Again

The next week passes rather uneventful. Bruce and Tony begin to teach me about science and math. I really like it. Everything they show me just makes sense. Tony calls me a little genius but I don't know about that. The workshop becomes one of my favorite places in the tower. Steve still insists on training and I would love to say my dislike of it fades but instead it just grows. Yesterday was particular rough so today I decide to head down to my safe haven.

"Morning, kid," Tony greets me as I walk into the workshop. "I'm working on this engine today. Want to lend a hand?" I nod enthusiastically and head over. A little while later Bruce enters the workshop.

"Good morning, Bruce," I greet cheerfully. He seems surprised at first but quickly greets me back and heads over to his work area. Tony's music blasts throughout the space but I love it. The hard beat helps me concentrate. I am so focused on the engine that I fail to notice the new addition to the room. Suddenly the music stops so I look up only to meet the eyes of an angry super soldier. I just grin sheepishly not knowing what to say.

"Hope, you were supposed to start training an hour ago," he states in a very stern tone. I glance at Tony but he is ignoring the situation. So I am on my own. I think about what will get him to leave, usually Tony does. So I'll just mimic Tony.

"Come on Capsicle, live a little." I can tell Tony is now barely holding in his laughter. I glance over at Bruce and see he is having similar trouble. I smile only to look back at the now even madder super soldier. My smiles falls.

"Stark, what kind of influence are you being to Hope?" he more demands than asks turning to Tony. Tony ignores him and looks to me.

"You got me in trouble," he dramatically whispers faking betrayal. I can't contain the chuckles that escapes. Steve just huffs in frustration.

"Come on, Nat and Clint are waiting for us in the gym." I stare the giant down but to no avail. I groan and follow him out the door. I zone out of the way to the gym as Steve goes into what I have deemed lecture mode telling me about why training is important and stuff. I understand that it is important and I want to be able to defend myself. But I like working in the workshop with Tony and Bruce. I've never liked something before and I've never had the opportunity to choose what to do. It feels like only seconds later we are entering the gym.

Suddenly I see a flash of something black flying directly towards us. Instinctively I throw my hands up and step forward in an attempt to block Steve. I feel an overwhelming urge to protect us surge through me. Instantly I feel the connection to my powers and suddenly there is a wall of light green energy with dark green veins running through it in front of us. I feel I small poke of pain almost like a pinch. I wait a few moment before releasing the energy. As the wall drops I spot a stunned Natasha standing beside Clint equally stunned holding his bow in his hands. I glance down only to see an arrow. They shot at us. I feel anger start to make its presence known. They could have hurt me but more importantly they could have hurt Steve. They were teammates. Why would they endanger each other? I start taking deep breaths just like Bruce showed me in order to control it as I feel Steve walk around me towards the spies.

"What were you thinking? She could have been seriously harmed!" he yells at them. Clint seems a little guilty but Nat just puts on a blank face. I close my eyes and sit down still breathing deep. I block out them talking and just continue to breath. I'm upset but I don't want to lose control. Slowly I feel the anger fade away replaced by a calm feeling. When I feel the calm set in I decide it's time to get up. I open my eyes only to see all of the avengers staring at me concerned except for one. Bruce stares at me with a knowing look. He knows exactly what I was doing.