Copper Feather

15

Evie went to bed late that night, accepting that she would not get down all of the Christmas decorations before new years. Ella called again, alone this time. Apparently, there had been a treat to the palace, so Ella was returning to Germany and Ari was going into hiding. Ella said her mom had gotten sick, so she was not going to South Africa like she normally did, so she was inviting Evie to come to the embassy with her for spring break. Evie had agreed almost immediately, excited to meet Ella's parents.

Evie got out of bed, getting dressed in her running outfit. "Going somewhere?" Evie turned. A tired Peter lay in bed, eyes barely opened. Evie walked over to the edge of the bed, sitting down, then stroking the side of Peter's face. He closed his eyes, mumbling something Evie did not catch. "What?" she asked, but Peter was already asleep again. Evie smiled affectionately, kissing his forehead before walking out of the room. She paused at the door, glancing back at her promise.

Evie returned from her run an hour later, and this time the house was abuzz. Clint's kids had to return to their mother, who had been in Sri Lanka on a mission, and they were packing their bags. "I'll be back by next year, Natasha. It's okay. They need to see their mother just as much as I do. I'm staying for new years with them. I'll be home in time to see Evie off." Consoled Clint. The man looked up, eyes meeting Evie's for a fleeting second. "Speaking of Evie, here she is!" Peter walked into the room, Wanda following. "I'm going, too. Back to Sokovia. There's something I need to do there." Evie nodded.

"Anyone else leaving?" Peter nodded. "Pepper's already gone. Apparently, her friend in Germany's taken a turn for the worse. She's heading back to take care of her friend's daughter. She's at the embassy now." said Tony, walking into the room. "Wait, what? The embassy? What's Pepper's sister's name?" asked Evie, turning to him incredulously. "Angelica Hawthorne. Why?" Evie sat down on the couch, her head in her hands. Peter was by her side in seconds. "My roommate, Ella Hawthorne, was adopted by the American Ambassador to Germany and his dear wife, Angelica Hawthorne. Now excuse me, I have a flight to Sri Lanka to catch in a few minutes so that I can apologize to a friend." Tony grimaced. "Evie, Sri Lanka's under a bomb threat. Nobody's allowed in or out of the country." Evie smiled mischievously. "Then it's a good thing my other roommate is Sri Lankan royalty." Tony sat down, looking at Thor, Loki, and Peter. "It's just us then, boys, assuming Ms. Romanoff will be leaving as well." Natasha nodded. "I have a... I have something to do."

Natasha turned, leaving the room before anyone could ask. By the time Tony looked at the couch, Evie was gone. "Well, bye," said Wanda, her bags levitating behind her. Tony nodded, just as Thor and Loki stood. "We have business in Asgard. Goodbye, Man of Iron." They walked outside and were gone in a few seconds. Peter sighed. "You and me, bud."

Evie, in her room, pulled out her phone. "Rachel, Call Ari." the Ai dinged as Ari picked up. "Ari?" the girl answered. "Hey, Evie! I'm assuming you're asking if I'm okay. Ella went home to Germany yesterday." Evie sighed. "Ari, how are you?" The heiress exhaled. "I'm okay. My grandma's in her safe house. I'm on the way. Luckily I can turn off the mics to the guards in the front seat. Evie, my Grandmother isn't allowing me to return to school." Evie's eyebrows furrowed, annoyance and disappointment covering her features. "Ari, it's okay. Stay safe, that's all that matters." The girl nodded. "I know." Evie cleared her throat. "I'm flying to Germany later today. The entire team is going to be scattered all over the globe. Literally." Ari made a weird rustling noise. "Look, Evie. I've got to go, but I'll call you later." Evie frowned. "Okay, bye!" Ari hung up.

"Rachel, schedule a 1st class ticket to Germany." the AI dinged. "Jarvis arranged a private jet already. Would you prefer this?" Evie nodded. "Sure." Evie's suitcase emerged from a sliding panel in the wall. "I took the liberty of packing for you," said Rachel, appearing next to the suitcase. "Thank you, Rachel," said Evie sincerely. "I appreciate it, really." Rachel smiled. "Evie, that's my job." Evie smiled back as Rachel faded back into the wall once more.