DISCOVERY (peter parker)

↳ one

1987

     Melinda hummed happily hearing her new heels clicking rhythmically against the paved sidewalk as she made her way through the bustling streets of New York City.

     It was just any other day as she walked to her office at S.H.I.E.L.D. She had actually missed her train and opted for a walk instead of risking being late by taking the busy roads. Her eyes were focused ahead, her perfect posture giving her an air of confidence. She was going to ask for a raise today, and she needed to be a people pleaser if she was going to do that.

     She perked up as she noticed her building in the distance. She swerved to the left into a café on the street so she could pick up some coffee for her boss. She scooted quickly toward and empty line with a barista waiting for a customer.

     "Welcome to Café del Terra, how can I help you ma'am?" The barista said, prepping a coffee cup.

     "I'd like a small vanilla latte and a medium double-double with an extra sugar packet on the side, please." She said politely, giving a small smile to the barista.

     "And what's your name, ma'am?" He asked.

     "Oh, Melinda." She said quickly, already getting her wallet out of her purse. "That'll be how much?" She asked, glancing up at the man behind the counter.

     She noticed that has was staring very intently at her face. Melinda gave him a puzzled look which seemed to make him snap out of his trance. "Sorry, that'll be $4.57." He stuttered, becoming slightly frenzied in his movements.

     Melinda cocked her eyebrow but tried not to make any assumptions. She handed the man her money and she slid to the lineup where patrons awaited their drinks.

     Almost immediately the same man came up again. "Melinda?" He said, placing two coffee cups on the counter. He also slid an extra pack of sugar to her.

     "Thank you.." Melinda began, looking at his name tag. "Tristan." She finished, giving him one last look.

     "You're welcome. See you later." He casually said before walking away to his register.

     Melinda turned and pushed the café door open, slipping out of the establishment. It was only once she had begun crossing the street did the barista's comment register. He said he'd see me later? She thought. She tried not to pay it much mind, but she couldn't let it go with how much certainty he had said it with.

     Melinda shook her head and looked up at her building, that being S.H.I.E.L.D headquarters. She tilted her head at the doorman and he grabbed the door handle, flinging it open. She smiled sweetly at him and rushed inside.

     "Good morning, Ms. Nolan." The secretary, Tate Hewitt, chirped as Melinda approached the front desk. He was an older man with salt and pepper hair and a sparkle in his eyes. He genuinely enjoyed his job, and it was very evident.

     "Good morning, Tate. Charming as always." She chuckled.

     Tate gave her a sly look. "Who's the coffee for?" He asked, eyeing Melinda's second cup curiously.

     "It's for Ms. Carter. I'm trying my hand at a pay raise today." She whispered. "I'm taking the good fortune approach."