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I had never wanted to be a housewife or something like that, although that’s definitely what my parents would have preferred. What I wanted was much more big picture. I wanted to be a scientist. A chemist in particular. Always excelling in that subject at school I found my passion at a very young age. So I did the work. I went to college, got my Ph.D., and made a name for myself in that field. I also happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time one evening and douse myself with a chemical bath that should have killed me but instead just altered my body chemistry. Resulting in my newfound abilities of what I liked to call ‘Particle Manipulation”. Not a big deal...
The accident had changed my life in a lot of ways. For one, I had obtained a pretty bad fear of the lab. It’s been three years and I still haven’t been able to force myself to go back. Another would be that my newfound abilities landed me on some lists, like Sheild’s for example. Hence why Nick Fury was now in my living room looking extremely out of place on the light blue couch that I found for cheap online.
“You want me for what exactly” I questioned the broody man in front of me. He didn’t seem the type to beat around the bush so I brace myself for his answer
“Ms. L/N I want you for the Avenger’s Initiative”. He said this with a sort of finality that I didn’t quite understand.
“I’m sorry sir, but I think you have the wrong person. I’m not exactly Avenger material.” I said looking down at the sweatpants adorning my legs and the socks with more holes than there ought to be. I mean c’mon I’m of no use to the Avengers. They have literal gods amongst their ranks and all I am is a washed-up chemist with some trauma and a knack for making matter bend to my will. Yeah, that last part was pretty cool but it’s not like it’s superhero worthy.
“That’s where you’re wrong L/N, you’re exactly what I need.” With that, he stood up placed his card on the coffee table, and excused himself. To be completely honest I’m not sure if this will work, the sole reasoning being that I don’t think I can deal with this much drama all the time. Are superpeople able to have actual conversations or do they all just communicate in strange metaphors and foreboding statements? I really don’t think I’ll be able to handle it. But I suppose it won’t hurt to try, besides without the lab I’ve been lacking motivation, and maybe this will be just the thing to bring it back.
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A week and a half later and I’m were on my way to the Avenger’s tower to meet the team I’ll be working with for the foreseeable future. The first thing that hit my senses was the sound of arguing and when the elevator doors glided open my eyes registered what my ears were hearing. There, in what appeared to be a lavishly modern living room was the world’s greatest hero’s gathered around, perched on chairs or leaning against walls and arguing extremely loudly.
“All I’m saying is that whatever problem Fury is having right now, he can deal with it on his own.” The statement came from a man in a three-piece suit sitting in what seemed to be the only comfortable piece of furniture in the whole room. He was interrupted by an, admittedly attractive redhead who exuded authority and ‘doesn’t mess with me’ vibes.
She asked with a heavy underlying sense of exasperation, “Tony, have you stopped talking long enough to realize that maybe Fury doesn’t have a problem? Maybe he’s got something else to share with us.” At this point in the conversation, it had occurred to me that Fury had brought them together today for the purpose of introducing me. And that realization brought upon its own bought of nerves that bounced off the walls in my brain and prevented me from moving any of my limbs.
At that exact moment, the elevator seems to have enough of me just standing there with the doors open and had politely asks me to exit. Shocked by the British-sounding ceiling voice, I stumble out of the elevator and into the living room full of now, silent, superheroes.
“And who might you be?” the man I know to be Tony Stark stands and asked in what I think was supposed to be a threatening tone.
“She is why you’re all here.” A voice from my left cooly responded. As we all turned towards the voice it once again registered in my brain that the overwhelming theatrics would be beyond measure with this group of people. However, they seem to revolve only around Fury, and thankfully, not the Avengers themselves.
“My name is Dr. Y/N L/N, and I’m the newest member of your team.” I tried to explain with as much confidence as possible.” Tony turned to look at me and after he very obviously scanned my entire being he looked up to meet my eyes and said, “Oh really?”
“Yes really, you’ve got a problem with that?” I shot back. I’ve been dealing with bullies my entire life. No way was I going to let the billionaire add himself to my list of tormentors. Especially before I even put my bag down.
“No, no problem I just didn’t realize that Fury was still holding try-outs for his boy band.” Tony stretched out his hand in what appears to be a sort of peace offering. I grab it as he says, “Stark, but you probably knew that.”
And of course, I do, who hasn’t heard of Tony fucking Stark, “Yes, your work in clean energy was very impressive, not everyone can run a hole tower off one power source let alone a 100% sustainable one.” I smile and let go of his hand. He was handsome that I can’t deny but he doesn’t seem the type to like women like me so you file those thoughts away and force my smile not to drop.
“Dr. L/N has a Ph.D. in Molecular Chemistry as well as some other tricks up her sleeve that she’ll show you when she’s ready.” When I’m ready my ass. I scan the group of heroes and just as I suspected, they’re all looking at me now with a sense of curiosity. No way will I be able to push this off longer than a week.
“It’s wonderful to meet you all,” I say as convincingly as I can and turn to look at Fury with what I hope looks like a death glare. And the bastard just makes eye contact, nods to the redhead, and walks out.
“I honestly can’t tell if it’s just me or if he always acts like he’s in a movie or some shit.” With that, the ice was broken and I let out a small sigh of relief. Hopefully, I won’t ruin this.