Broken

Chapter 22

Charlie's POV

We were all forced into the car on Fury's orders for a road trip, something about 'team bonding'. Tony is driving, as he doesn't trust anyone else with his cars (understandable) and Steve is navigating in shotgun. Mom is sitting in the middle behind them, with Bucky to her left and Clint to her right. Wanda sits to the left of Peter, who I am also next to. Bruce decided on skipping the trip due to being in a confined space with many things (people) stressing him out.

Anyways, we were all listening to the radio (well, most of us blocked it out due to the amount of bickering) when Clint speaks up. "Everybody, SHUT UP!" We all immediately quiet down, listening to the radio.

"-nix and the Symphony announced their first ever performance in Madison Square," Peter and I look at each other in slight panic, but mostly excitement. "There are many speculations as to who the anonymous duo are and how they are going to be able to perform whilst maintaining a secret identity, but all in all most people are excited to finally see them live. So, without further ado, Lovely, by the Phoenix and the Symphony."

They start playing our song and it takes everything in me to not squeal with joy. I grab Peter's hand but keep staring at the back of Clint's seat, squeezing it as he squeezes back. This is the first time either of us have ever heard our songs on the radio!!

Mom and Clint start singing along jokingly and we all laugh at them, but I can't concentrate on their goofy antics. To think this all started out as a dumb fantasy to hide from HYDRA, and now people across the nation and, dare I say it, the world are listening to our songs!!!

I'm quickly reminded of the concert coming up and I begin to feel physically sick again. I also remember the issue of having to keep our superhero identities a secret too, something I meant to discuss with Peter beforehand. I voice my concerns into his ears, trying to avoid suspicion of the other heroes (especially the enhanced ones).

Peter ponders on my words for a moment whilst I await a response from him. "Hey, Dad?" He says, taking me by surprise. Tony gives a nod of acknowledgment, maintaining eye contact with the road. "Do you think Charlie and I could reveal our identities?" Tony is visibly taken aback by the suggestion. "We're both struggling to keep up with hero life and personal life, it would be nice to be able to give an honest excuse for once."

Tony responds quickly, "as long as both of you are sure, I can arrange for it. Charlie?" He asks in confirmation. I'm still confused by the conversation, but Peter looks at me with encouragement and I know everything is going to be okay. I nod quickly and give a small smile to the rear-view mirror where Tony watches in the rear-view mirror.

"Sweetheart, are you sure?" My mom turns back in her seat to look at me. "You've been doing so well recently, but this is a huge step up."

I take a deep breath, "I know, but I think it will be good for me," Peter squeezes my hand and gives me a proud smile as Mom turns back to cuddle into Bucky. Peter kisses the top of my head and I can feel Bucky and Wanda's eyes staring at us. "Could we do it soon after the Phoenix and the Symphony perform? I just think the media will be focusing on them too and we won't be in the spotlight as much, but I also want to be able to enjoy their performance without any cameras." Tony gives a short nod and focuses on the road once more. "I have an idea," I whisper into Peter's ear, smirking. It's almost like he knows what i'm thinking as realisation begins to dawn on his face.

I'm back and I have no idea why :)