Code Name: Untraceable

Chapter Fifty-Two: This Is Why I Work Alone

Frankie stepped back into the common room like nothing had happened.

No one asked about the faint scent of gun oil still clinging to her sleeves.
No one mentioned the light scorch mark near her boot.
And absolutely no one dared bring up the faint echo of a pop that had broken the silence five minutes ago.

She grabbed a coffee from the machine, leaned against the counter, and stared at them all over the rim of the mug.

They, in turn, were standing awkwardly near the snack cabinet.

Bob looked like he wanted to say something.
Alexei was elbowing John repeatedly.
Yelena was chewing her lip. Ava looked vaguely disgusted with the group's hesitation.
And Bucky... Bucky was just watching her. Thoughtful. Quiet.

Finally, Yelena spoke.

"So... hypothetically. If someone-not us-wanted to say thank you to a person who maybe definitely bought everyone's favorite snacks..."

Frankie raised an eyebrow.

John jumped in. "Like, deep gratitude. No weird emotions. Just, you know-respect. And... appreciation."

Frankie blinked. "This sounds dangerously close to a group hug."

Alexei smiled. "We can do shot-put instead."

"Or sparring," Ava added. "Silent sparring."

Bob cleared his throat, then carefully placed one sour stick on the table near her coffee.

"We noticed. That's all."

Frankie looked down at the candy.

Then at them.

"I didn't do it for you."

They all stared.

She took a sip of coffee.

"Okay, maybe a little. Now stop being weird about it."

Yelena grinned. "Too late."

Frankie sighed. Deeply.

"This is why I work alone."

But she didn't leave the room.

And no one pointed it out.