Stones and Glass Houses (Book 1)

🕷(6) Fury's Bargain

Brooklyn POV-

A man in the black trench coat stood at the door, his matching boots echoing like thunder as he crossed the room towards the now quiet table. He casually leaned against the headrest of Stark's chair while the billionaire laughed nervously.

The man's dark skin and shaved head were familiar, especially with that eye patch of his. 

How many people from her past could she meet in one day!? Couldn't the universe give her a break?

That lone eye met hers down the table suddenly, as if saying, I recognize you too. 

Insufferable emo pirate...

Brooklyn wasn't enough of a liar to say she was not afraid of that man. He was the first person Brook saw the day she stepped into daylight for the first time. As a seven year old, she'd been intimidated by his large stature and array of weapons that perfectly complimented his harsh attitude and loud voice. Now, nearly nine years later, Brook didn't feel much better, especially knowing he was the director of SHIELD.

Even if SHIELD didn't have the power and influence it did once, she still knew Director Fury could easily ruin her life with just the click of a button, so she remained quiet and tried to avoid his gaze.

"Shouldn't you be with Banner in the labs Tony, instead of going out in search for strays?" the director said. Shooting a glare Brook's way she couldn't see, but definitely felt.

Again that killing instinct returned at the causal insult, no matter who he was.

Seemingly aware of that, Natasha Romanoff stood from her seat, motioning for Brook to rise up as well and follow her towards Director Fury. Of course the teen didn't want to do that, she wanted to stay as far away from him as possible!

"Her adoptive family turned out unreliable, Nick. We'll keep her here for now, with your permission" her sestra said, standing on Stark's other side, bravely facing the director with no fear in her eyes.

Even so, the director didn't seem amused. Pushing her unease aside, Brook steeled her nerves and decided to stop acting like a coward. 

"Or she could go home and promise not to cause trouble. Especially because she has an geology essay to turn in on Monday and really needs to get back home" Brook suggested, keeping a few feet away from Fury as she dared to look up at his lone eye.

The man stared her down for a few seconds, but it felt like hours to Brooklyn, yet she never faltered. Eventually, the director turned from the table, a move that would have let her breathe again if it weren't for his next words.

"Follow me Miss Jones. It seems you and I need to have a chat"

This was it. This was when she was going to get locked up or tortured.

"Fury, common, let the kid eat" Clint said, not bothering to mention Brook's plate was already clear of food. He was trying to spare her, but why?

Shockingly, other voices spoke up to her aid.

"Mr. Fury. Sir. Director. Maybe she should stay and eat" the spiderling said, standing to go to her aid, but 'Mr. I think dinosaur pjs are acceptable' stopped the boy with a hand wrapped tightly around his arm.

Perhaps the most shocking was when Stark's chair screeched against the wooden floor. He fixed his tie and tugged at his red sleeves rather quickly before standing beside Fury.