Assemble (Book 2)

1.12

August 19, 2012

The bullet in my shoulder was still there. Because of that, Fury insisted that I have a quick surgery to remove it. I told him I could take it out myself, but he said that because of where it was, I would only cause more damage. It wasn't like a serious surgery. I was awake the whole time too as the doctor used his doctor tools to take out the bullet. After that, he bandaged my shoulder and of course told me not to use it for a while, though he both knows I won't listen. This wasn't the first time I had surgery here.

I made my way into the conference room, where Fury was giving the team a "pep" talk. Not too much pep in it. Phil's death had touched us all, showed us what was wrong with our team. Because of our argument, we didn't notice how close they were. And because of that, one of our best agents and a friend died. We knew it was our fault.

I punched the bag for everything that just happened. 

I punched the bag for not being able to control myself. 

I punched the bag for not being able to control my feelings. 

I punched the bag for not being able to work together with the team. 

I punched the bag because I was angry about Coulson. 

I punched the bag because Loki got away. 

With each thought in my head, the punch was harder than the last. I punched the bag one last time, before it tore open and flew off the chain. Just as it had done with Steve. There must be something in the air. "Wanna talk about it?" A voice says, speaking up. I turn and see Tony standing there. I shook my head. "There's no point. I feel fine now." I reply, shrugging. "Then, do you want to talk about what you said earlier?" I held my breath as I looked away from him. "You're not a bad person Clara. There are some people that deserve what they got. That doesn't at all change the way I think about you." He said to me, making me look at him. There were some tears that fell down my cheeks as I hugged Tony. "I still love you like my little sister." He tells me, making me laugh. "I'm technically older than you." He laughed. "In your dreams short stack."

"What are we going to do about Loki? He could be anywhere right now." Tony and I sat down to talk about more serious matters. There had been enough tears for today. "What do we know about Loki?" Tony asks me. "He's a drama queen that's for sure." I laugh. Tony nods, agreeing with me. "He wants flowers. He wants parades. He wants monuments built in the sky with his name plastered..." I look at Tony almost laughing as he figures out what Loki wants. He wants the big building in the sky. STARK tower. "Shut up, get the team ready."

Everyone was ready. Everyone left, at least. Clint had his bow and arrow, Steve had his shield, Nat and I had our guns and even a couple of knives, Tony was in full armor. We hoped wherever Bruce and Thor were that they would come. Clint flew the quinjet when we were all on board except Tony who was flying there on his own.

We were off to save New York. As a team.