i'm with you, every step of the way

Chapter 13

The incident was properly reported to Fury after their little confrontation by Tony. Natasha was called into the office two days after. She knew that she was going to be notified about it, but she didn't expect the office to be so packed: with Tony there along with Sharon and 7 of the varsity cheerleaders, as well as Ms. Carter, Sharon's aunt and coach. Tony's face was hard, staring Sharon down, who looks like she wants to bolt out of there. The other girls looked shocked, whispering amongst each other and looking between Natasha and Tony.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Romanoff. Please take a seat." Natasha took a seat next to Stark, across from Peggy Carter. Sharon seems to want to be swallowed by the ground while sitting next to her aunt, who looks infuriated. Fury stood up and sat at the edge of his desk. "Mr. Stark here has evidence to prove that Ms. Carter and these ladies right here are the ones that indeed vandalized your locker. I know from your previous records that you have history with them and more importantly, what they did was against the school code and the law. So, I have discussed this with the Carters and," Fury paused, looking at Peggy, who nodded at him. "I hereby declare that Ms. Sharon Carter has been expelled from the school and the school district." There was a collective gasp from the cheerleaders, who look like they are about to cry. Sharon, on the other hand, started sobbing quietly. Natasha merely raised an eyebrow while Tony looked smug.

"And girls," Sharon started strictly, turning around to face the girls standing behind them. "I just want to let you know all of you are off the team. I don't want the name of being a cheerleader to be tainted with bullying, I don't need that in my team. So starting next week, I will see you in 5th period PE." The girls started to actually cry and left the room. Peggy turned around and looked at Natasha. "Natasha, I want to deeply apologize for what Sharon has done to you. I'm sorry I never knew about them until now. She will suffer the consequences. Now listen, I know you're an exceptional dancer and you quitting has brought a great loss to the team. Will you consider joining us again? We need new members, obviously, and I think you're the perfect fit. You don't even have to audition." She said, smiling softly.

Natasha was stunned. She didn't expect this to happen. "I... Ms. Carter, wow. Um, first of all, please don't apologize. It's not your fault that your niece did what she did. And um, about that, I'd have to consult my parents first. Do you mind if I talk to them about it first?"

Sharon nodded. "Yes, yes, of course. I'm sorry for just throwing this at you. Oh, and by the way, please do not think I'm doing this because of what my niece has done to you. I mean it when I said your talent has been a loss to us. We could really use someone who has the perseverance and talent as you do." She stood up. "Fury, again, I'm sorry about Sharon. I guess we'll just have to bring her to my school up north," she smirked and Sharon all but threw herself on the ground.

" MILITARY SCHOOL??????" she shrieked, in which Peggy nodded to. "Peg, please, no," she begged, crying even harder. Peggy just shook her head and started to leave, tugging Sharon to follow her out.

"Well, that was interesting," Tony said once it was just the three of them.

"Thank you, Mr. Stark, for what you did, it would've been hard to find out the truth if it wasn't for your... ways," Fury said, moving to sit at his desk. "Again, Ms. Romanoff, I just want to say that we want to create a positive and safe environment for you and for everyone. So please let me know if you have any problems later on. You too may go back to your classes."

Once Natasha and Tony were out of the office, she called him out. "Hey, Tony," Natasha started, a bit shyly. "Um, listen." she took a deep breath and straightened her back, looking at him. "I know I said some... very mean things. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't believe you. And thank you, for what you did. Oh gosh, I'm a horrible person," Natasha muttered and hid her face on her hands.