Freedom (An Avengers Fanfiction)

Michael Johnson

Peter and I walked through the halls heading toward my shared dorm. We made jokes and he often asked about our past together. I kinda avoided the parts where we were lovey-dovey. 

"And here we are! My dorm!" I said excitedly. I put my hand on the handle and walked in. Peter followed behind curiously. "And tada!" I yelled as I put my arms up directing to the pastel mural behind my bed. 

"Woah! When did you start this? How are you this good?" he began to ramble, "It's amazing!"

I giggled once again. "Thank you! I started it when I was about 11, so almost three years ago, and I don't know. I just like drawing and art!" I said. 

"You're amazing, Everest!" he said with a toothy smile. My cheeks were tinted with blossom pink as he said that. "Shall we go back to wait for our friends?" he asked. I nodded. I couldn't speak. How long had it been since he complimented me like that?

...  

We were back in the lobby. Everyone was back, but we were all waiting for Tony to give us our welcome back assembly. The rest of the group talked as I silently listened to their stories, but Leslie's was the saddest. Her dad didn't make it to Christmas again! 

"So, did your parents find you this year?" Troy asked. I was seated between Peter and Troy. Troy had his arm wrapped around my shoulder like usual. I was used to it, but something was different this time. I would catch Peter glancing at Troy's arm. Weird, but whatever. 

"No, but I did learn more about my family. Apparently, I have two half-brothers. One of which was adopted," I said. I guess I considered Doc my dad and Frigga my mom, even though I'm technically not Doc's kid, but he was very close to adopting me! Freaking World Government!

"That's super cool! Did you get to meet them?!" Anna asked excitedly. This time I needed to lie because it wouldn't make sense to say, 'Yes, I met the adopted one, but he for some reason didn't take me out of this hell hole.' Yeah, wouldn't make sense. 

"Nah, just did some research. Really couldn't find a way to reach out," I said. 

"Okay, settle down everyone," Mr. Stark spoke. He was on stage. "This is Michael Johnson. He's a new transfer student, so play nice!" 

Michael had shaggy black hair and lifeless blue eyes. Freckles spread across his pale skin. He wore a fake smile on his lips. 

"How about we go introduce ourselves?" Ned said excitedly. I looked back up at Michael. He was very skinny. He wore ripped black jeans and a Stark Industries hoodie. His eyes were still lifeless. 

"Sure! It would be nice to have another ally!" Troy cheered.  I nodded in agreement and the others did the same. 

We walked up to Michael, big welcoming smiles on our faces. 

"Hey, my name's Ned and these are my pals! If you want, you could hang out with any of us!" Ned said excitedly. 

"Name's Troy!" Troy introduced himself with a big toothy grin plastered on his face. 

The rest of the group happily introduced themselves. They began talking about many topics, like Star Wars, tech, and plenty of other stuff. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," Michael chuckled directing towards me. He held out his pale hand for me to shake.

"Uh, my name's Everest," I awkwardly said as I shook his hand. It was cold. Like, really cold. 

"Well, Everest, I hope we can be good friends," Michael cheerfully says, "But I better get my stuff to my dorm. See ya later!" he yells as he grabs his stuff and runs off.