The Calm Before The Storm ➳ Avengers Age Of Ultron

C H A P T E R 10

   Upholding my promise, I washed up. I finally changed out of my work clothes and into comfier attire. Despite Jarvis' wishes to send a car, I made my way on foot. I didn't really have a set destination in mind, I just knew my general whereabouts and what restaurants were nearby.

   I soaked up my surroundings, trying desperately not to overanalyze everything around me. Just enjoy the walk, I reminded myself. As I walked past a newsstand, I mildly cringed at the headlines. My face and name were plastered on dozens of covers— everyone wanted a look at the 'newest Avenger'. My nose scrunched, pushing the sunglasses on my bridge higher. I ducked my head and moved past it as quickly as I could.

   I hadn't been in the city in years, so I felt like exploring. My feet carried me to old hangouts I used to visit. There was an old burger joint I used to love just a few blocks from the tower. Deciding a burger sounded good, I redirected my path.

   I passed a corner store and watched as a few people came out. People-watching was fun to me, especially in New York. An older gentleman held the door open for a lady I assumed was his wife. The adoration they felt for each other radiated off them. A small smile pulled at the corners of my lips when a warmth filled my chest.

   My smile faded. My eyebrows furrowed at the brunette that followed them out. She was different, I knew her. I couldn't see her face but it clicked.

   She thanked the man for holding the door open and I picked up my pace. Like a magnet, I felt drawn to her... a need to see her face and affirm my suspicions. A familiar grin pulled at her lips once she turned around. Her nose brushed aside to reveal her face, "Bob?"

   The words fell out of my mouth. She continued down the street, unaffected by the nickname I called her. She didn't turn around, of course, she wouldn't... she's not supposed to talk to or communicate with anyone from the S.H.I.E.L.D team.

...Barbara...

   Her feet seemed to hitch slightly, unnoticeable if you weren't looking for it. She straightened her shoulders and took the next left turn into an alley. I formed a shield around myself, knowing she would most likely pull a weapon out. As soon as she took the corner she pulled a gun from the purse on her shoulder.

   She immediately relaxed, "Calliope?"

   "Hello," I spoke kindly. My eyes ticked down to the barrel of her gun, "wanna lower the gun?" I questioned with a smirk.

   Bobbi apologized, bending at the knee to pick up her purse. She clicked the safety mode on and slipped it back in.

   "What are you doing here? We can't be seen together, I don't want to risk..."

   "I'm no longer S.H.I.E.L.D," I quickly spoke. She gave me a confused look asking why "Hill recruited me to be an Avenger."

   "An Avenger?" She questioned, a small hint of pride growing in her chest. She immediately closed the distance between us and wrapped me in a tight hug, "That's amazing, Callie. What, did S.H.I.E.L.D get too boring for you?" She joked.

   "Yeah, the parasitic crazed Inhumans were such a blah... I needed something more entertaining in my life." The sarcasticness in my tone was enough for a small chuckle to leave Bobbi.

   "How have yah been, Bob?"

   "I've been good— tired, but good."

   "Where's Hunter?"

   "He is following a lead."

   "Still fighting crime I see?"

   She smiled and shrugged, feigning innocence, "I just can't seem to get away from it. Fighting for those that can't is practically written in my DNA."

   I pointed to her hair, "Still running?"

   "Always." She frowned, a tired chuckle leaving her lips, "Blondes stand out more, being brunette helps blend into a crowd."

   I nodded my head in understanding, "Yah know, I prefer brunette, Bobbi."

   She gave me a skeptical look, "Really?"

   "When I met you, you were originally brunette. It makes you more approachable."

   Bobbi smiled warmly, "Glad someone likes it."

   "Hunter isn't fond of it?"

   "Not in the least, he prefers blonde... but he says he can live with it."

   I couldn't help but snort at the lack of enthusiasm she present, "How did you get so lucky?" I faked a swoon.

   "I ask myself that every day." She responded with wide eyes. We laughed it off.

   I looked down to the watch on my wrist and offered, "I'm gonna grab a bite to eat... wanna join? I know a place, very secluded and the owner is fond of brunettes," I half-joked about the last part.

   I could see the debate happening behind her eyes. She thought it over for a few seconds before her stomach answered for her. A growl rumbled low in her gut and we laughed, "I think that's a yes."

   "Alright then." I gestured for her to join me and she walked side by side.

   As we rejoined the masses on the sidewalk, I heard Bobbi chuckle, "So, um, how's Clint?"

   "Clint's fine," I answered back, trying to hide my amusement.

   She nodded her head, frowning as she did so, "Haven't seen him in years."