[changeyourstature-deactivated20]

Whats your biggest fear? (Cassie and Sharon)

Cassie was sitting on a tree stump, absently making circles in the dirt before her with a dry piece of twig. Honey the Lemur sat next to her like the obedient little thing she was occasionally looking up at her Mistress with wide honey colored eyes.

Outside the girl appeared as she was. A blue eyed, golden haired 19 year old who owned a monkey circus and was really good at what she did.

But inside she was trembling.

Trembling with the possibility of her family splitting up.

What would happen to her if the circus did split up? She wouldn’t be able to take it. Too many people had left her in the short span of nineteen years. Her mother. Her sister. And then finally her father. If it hadn’t been for the people of the circus she would never have been able to survive for this long. Honestly it was amazing how she turned out with how messed up her life was.

But now her life seemed bleak.

Suddenly throwing the twig she was holding, startling her monkey in the process, the blonde buried her head in her hands, not bothering with who saw her. She wasn’t crying. She was just so tired. She wasn’t as emotionally strong as she would’ve liked herself to be.

Cassie didn’t know how long she just sat there, with Honey cuddling into her neck, tail wrapped around her head, when she felt someone place a hand on her shoulder and she looked up.

agentsharon13

[agentsharon13-blog]

Walking around outside of the tent, Sharon took in a deep breath. She could handle whatever happened, whichever way Ophelia decided to go. But, she wasn't worried about herself, after all, the orphanage she had grown up in hadn't been some wonderful place. She was used to change, to people leaving. One by one the other kids getting chosen for homes and families would leave her behind. It was something she had grown used to. Sharon was worried about how the other people were going to react. Some of them, she knew could also handle it, not that it meant they didn't want to stay, but she also knew that some of them would take it hard. Especially Cassie. 

That was why she was walking around outside. To look for the young girl. Sharon knew about Cassie's past, about how this must be making her feel. Over the past few years, she had somewhat become a mentor to Cassie, a friend in a time of need. Honestly, she considered the little girl family. Which was another reason Sharon knew that she would be okay. Because no matter which act got sold, Cassie would still be with her, the little sister she had always wanted, but had never thought to be a possibility. 

Spotting a lemur sitting next to a blonde-haired girl with her head down, Sharon knew it was Cassie. Who else would have a lemur sitting next to them? She walked quickly towards the other girl, needing to reassure Cassie that everything was going to be fine. "Hey, blondie. What are you doing out here?" Sharon offered a small smile as she sat down on the ground in front of Cassie. "Talk to me."

[harrison-vance-deactivated20210]

Is there a reason you're here right now?

[harrison-vance-deactivated20210]

Trust me, it wont affect my work. I can be on my game with a gun to my head. I’m just stressed, cause failure isn’t an option when it comes to this. 

Got any idea’s to make sure of that?

[agentsharon13-blog]

I do trust you, Wanda. We've been here together long enough for me to do that. 

I'm going to talk to Flash. He has to have some idea on where this whole thing is headed. I'm going to try to get information out of him, by whatever means possible. 

[harrison-vance-deactivated20210]

Is there a reason you're here right now?

[harrison-vance-deactivated20210]

Clearly I’m getting stressed lately with all of this competition

[agentsharon13-blog]

Who isn't? But, don't let it show so much. Plus, the more you let it get to you, the more the chance is that it will affect our act and that's the last thing we need. We have to bring in as much money as we possible can this week. 

If I have my way, we won't be going anywhere. 

[harrison-vance-deactivated20210]

Is there a reason you're here right now?

I have a lot of work to do

[agentsharon13-blog]

We all do, Wanda. Calm down a notch. After all, it is just me. 

[poisoncoatedlips-blog]

top hats & waistcoats \\ viper + --------- {circus au}

Since the Carnival Fabulon had began its slow descent into debt, Ophelia had made every effort to reduce unneccessary costs - this included the drivers they usually hired to drive their trucks and buses from city to city. Her circus was rather traditional, nothing like the new Cirque Du Soleil show. No, the Fabulon was a breath of something old: the large red and white tent that was mantled and dismantled overnight leaving not a trace behind, and outside the tent the marvels that drew in curious audiences. For years, the nostalgic charm of Carnival had been its best feature, aside from the talented circus performers and the street rats who could transform themselves into the ridiculous and eerie and make the audience believe it.

And because Ophelia was a rather fair ringmaster, one who wouldn’t ask the others to do something she wouldn’t be willing to do herself (most of the time anyway, even she had her limits), the jade eyed woman had taken the night owl shift of driving the bus. The road was rather empty, peaceful almost, and most of her performers had settled down as well. Tensions had risen since her announcement, but thus far they’d managed to keep their interactions civil. She spared a glance in the rear view mirror. Without their vibrant costumes and ethereal make up they all looked so…mundane. None of the superlatives Ophelia used to describe their work applied to them like this. To be fair, in a loose cotton top and sweatpants, hair pulled in a haphazard bun, she looked just as human as the rest of them.

Focusing back on the road, she hummed quietly to herself - one of the Romanian Folk Dances by Bartok. She was hoping to use the score as a theme for their next show; the music was both enchanting and exhilirating; perhaps a slow acrobatic act for the third movement, she mused. The ringmaster’s hands tightened slightly on the wheel when she noticed the reflection of a figure in the windshield. Quietly, so as to not wake the others, she tilted her head and spoke in that lilting voice that entranced so many others, with the barest hint of the Hungarian accent she’d never quite managed to hide.

"Did you need something?"

[agentsharon13-blog]

The circus had been Sharon Carter's life since she was a young teenager. She had joined after running away from the orphanage she had been raised in. Never knowing whether she was truly an orphan or if her parents had simply not wanted her had been something of a devastating wonder. The thoughts often plaguing her mind into the deep hours of the night. Sleep deprivation was a curious thing, it made the human body able to do things it wouldn't normally be able to do. Hence, how Sharon often found herself in a bath barrel, holding her breath for long moments of time, much longer than one should ever be able. But, it helped. She would spend as much time as she could underwater, until the sleep would begin to take her while she was under. Only then would the young girl rise to the surface. After many years of doing this, Sharon had developed a certain tolerance against needing air for extended periods of time.

When Sharon turned the young age of 14, she realized no family would want to take her in. She was too old, too ordinary. So, she ran. It wasn't long before she found the circus and decided to see if her skill would work there. After all, people enjoyed seeing strange and fascinating things. And while she knew that she herself was nothing special, she knew her unlikely talent could be. After much thought, Ophelia decided to take her in and use her in the show. They had worked out the performance, if that's what you would call it. Sharon would simply go into a see-through tank filled with water, in a mermaid costume and  move around underwater until she couldn't any longer. By now, she could remain underwater for up to an hour without needing a break. It amazed her still to this day that so many people would stand and watch her, mostly when she really didn't do any trick under the water. But, with her long blonde hair, slender body, and the skimpy mermaid costume she wore, she could see how people could be slightly fascinated with her. She truly did resemble that of a mermaid at times.

Sharon finally had what she had always wanted, a family. Even if they were called freaks, this was her home. And when she had hear the news that one of the shows was going to be sold, she drove herself mad with worry. What would she do without all of these people? Sometimes she knew they didn't get along, but that was true within any family. But, the announcement had caused a rift between the members of the two shows, one that made Sharon feel like she was a young girl at the orphanage again. That was why she was up, not that she ever really slept much anyways. She couldn't sit still any longer and decided to see who was still awake. As she passed through the seats, she could tell she might be the only one. But, she knew someone had to be driving the bus, so she made her way to the front. 

Seeing the dark hair and tanned skin, she could tell who it was without getting up to close. Ophelia. When the other woman spoke, even though it was quietly, she jumped a little. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep." She thought about turning back around, but then changed her mind. She would be able to talk to Ophelia after all, the woman had practically raised her, had given her a home when she had thought that to be impossible. Taking a seat on the floor next to the woman, Sharon gave out a sigh. "Why are you selling one of the shows? I know it's not really my place to ask, but I just wanted to know."

[agentsharon13-blog]

Midnight Brawls (Open)

[spider-jess-blog]

Winters in New York, don’t you just love ‘em? With hoards of tourists cooing over the pretty lights and the pretty decorations for the holidays, and oh look it’s snowing, isn’t that grand. Then there were the locals who excelled themselves in their levels of grumpiness as the same snow that had tourists purring with excitement turned to slush underneath their feet and the temperatures just kept dropping lower and lower. The streets were like a scrum of bodies and anyone was lucky to make it through the squeeze of the crowds unscathed.

Jessica found herself thanking whatever deity might be listening that she could fly.

Ever since she had returned to the city, she had been feeling disconnected from her former life that she had established in this supposedly great city and from all of her friends, and honestly, she was at a loss over how to stop that disconnected feeling. How do you get over being replaced by a shapeshifting alien and no one appeared to have noticed that you had been replaced?

Instead of letting herself go crazy sitting around in the Avengers Tower, Jessica decided some action was needed. What better way to get some than to patrol the busy, crime polluted streets of New York City? Hence why she was flying above the packed streets, going from building to building while looking out for some troublemakers to apprehend. She soon realised that she wasn’t going to spot anything if she stuck to the main streets so she diverted her path to the back streets, which was usually prime for catching criminals in the act.

She was high up flying in between the tall buildings New York was known for when she noticed a sting in operation. Two guys, one each at an end of an alleyway and their victim, a woman, was stuck in the middle of them. Jessica knew this had bad news written all over it so she swooped in to get a closer look.

As the men reduced the gap between them and their victim, Jessica noticed something ‘off’. Well, not exactly ‘off’, more unexpected. The woman was preparing herself to defend herself. A grin formed itself on Jessica’s lips as the woman smacked the guy behind her with her elbow and let out a cheer as the woman crushed her second attacker’s nose with her open palm. That’s when Jessica realised that the woman hadn’t just been extremely diligent in whatever self-defence classes she had been attending, she had been fully trained.

Jessica hung on the side of the alleyway, just out of reach but close enough to drop in should the woman need help, although that seemed highly unlikely, watching the action with her grin still in place. Once the attackers had been knocked out, Jessica let herself drop to the ground and she let out a laugh.

“I did as it goes. I was going to offer my help but you seemed to have it all covered,” Jessica said, holding her hands out as if surrendering to the other woman. “Apart from kicking in the heads of the idiots who dare to defy you, how’s it going Agent Carter?”

[agentsharon13-blog]

Jessica's face was one she hadn't seen in quite awhile. She had been there when Jessica had first come to S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers, she herself being a new agent at the time. They had bonded when they were younger, but eventually like with most people in this business, they had lost contact. Every once in awhile, they were sent on a mission together, or caught up at Headquarters, but with the recent missions Sharon had been on, she actually couldn't remember seeing the other woman any these past few months. Hell, it could've been a year for all she knew. Nonetheless, it was a familiar face that the blonde agent didn't actually mind seeing. Those were few and far between these day, so she considered that a good thing a offered a smile. 

"Just got back in town a week ago, actually. Russian Op." She knew she wouldn't be asked to explain farther, so she didn't. Instead, she motioned to the street at the end of the dark alley. "Mind if we talk somewhere a little better lit? Not that I mind kicking some more idiots heads in, if they dared to try, but a drink would be nice, if you are up for it." Sharon actually found herself hoping that the other woman took her up on her offer. She had moved into Shae's the day before, but knew that the communications agent wouldn't be home anytime soon, and could use the company. The hotel had been a little lonesome, even for her. 

Walking onto the street, Sharon looked over to Jessica, "So, Spider-Woman, what were you out doing tonight?" New York wasn't under attack this week, and after losing contact with most of the people she considered friends, she wasn't sure what the Avengers found themselves up to in their spare time. "Or do you usually fly around, assuming that you were flying, looking for bad guys in the streets?" 

[agentwiley]

Good morning, starshine. | Sharon + Shae

[agentwiley]

“Obviously alcohol was involved,” Shae corrected, ignoring the strange looks from passers-by who looked entirely too human to be living in space. The brunette had stopped, standing clear of the small family and placing her hands on her hips while she gave Sharon an accusatory once-over. She didn’t appear to be hurt in any way- at least it’d seemed they’d had the sense to stay out of trouble of the physical sort. It wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility for the two to stir up trouble planetside, so it made sense that they’d be just as capable out in the galaxy somewhere. But they’d made it, it seemed, without any altercations, thank god. She snickered when Sharon put her foot in something gross-looking, shoving her hands into her pockets and looking around, spinning on the spot. “I have no idea what this place was called.” She scrunched up her face in thought. “Darkna? Daken.. Dakkam!”

The shorter agent jammed a hand into her hair in exasperation. “I don’t how you manage anything,” she teased. “You probably got us here in the first place. In fact, yeah. If I were a betting woman- which I am, I’d bet that this was all your fault, Thirteen,” Shae drawled, baiting the blonde into reacting (even though she was purposely being a shit). She lifted her shoulders and shrugged. “I don’t remember any space ships. But I don’t remember a goddamn thing,” she muttered, tilting her head toward Sharon as she pointed at the building with the steady stream of humanoids going in and out. “A good deduction, Watson.” Jesus, what’d she drink last night? It’d left her in a surprisingly good mood, despite the pressure building on her brain. She moved past her friend, brushing her elbow as she crossed the street- keeping an eye out for any more of whatever the hell that was that Sharon had stepped in, and approached the weird-looking building. “Who are these people?” she asked, squinting at their riot gear before recognizing the familiar design- three golden circles.

“They’re Novas! At least, I think so? If not, they’re some sort of law enforcement. Check out what they’re packing,” the brunette whispered, jabbing an elbow into Sharon’s ribcage when she joined her at the front of the building. Shae squinted, shielding her eyes with her hand, searching for the cable she’d been following, but it was lost now, just another tendril in the tangle of vine-like cables. She put her hands on her hips, waiting a moment while people continued to breeze past, then she nodded toward the door. “After you, agent.” There was no way in hell she was leading on this operation.

[agentsharon13-blog]

"What good agents we are, not even able to remember a single detail of the night before." Thinking about it, even when she was on some Russian op, drinking dubious amounts of liquor, she still could always remember the details. What the hell was the alcohol proof on this planet? Feeling a jab into her ribs, likely not meant to hurt her, but still drawing her out of her thoughts, Sharon gave a glare over to the other woman. But, she could see what Shae was talking about. The men were definitely some sort of law enforcement. 

She drew in a deep breath, when had she become lead on this? It was true, what the other agent had said earlier, it was probably Sharon's fault that they had ended up here. She knew she had a bad habit of coming up with less than glorious ideas when she was drinking with her friends. She could see it now, herself and Shae sitting at a bar on Earth, drinks in their hand, her running her mouth on and on about going into space. It would make sense, it was one of the only places Sharon Carter had never been. Missions had sent her all across the globe, but always on Earth. 

"Well, let's get a move on this, then." She took a step into what looked like a street, needing to crossover to get to the building they had been staring at for the last few minutes. "Hopefully, we aren't wanted for any sort of crime last night." She truly hoped they weren't. While it felt like her body was in good shape, except from the obvious amount of over-drinking, she didn't feel as if she had any bruises, but with these two women, there was no telling for sure. Walking up to the steps of the building, Sharon took in one last deep breath, needing to calm herself. Her stomach was doing cartwheels enough on it's own, she didn't need to add nervousness to it. She pushed open the door, a large black revolving one, and led them inside. Seeing a lone man, looking like the others they had been staring at, she quickly made her way over to him. "Sir, can you help us? We have managed to find ourselves a bit lost." A bit was an understatement, but she was sure from their clothes and obvious differences from the rest of the of the people outside of the doors, he would understand what she meant. 

[agentsharon13-blog]

Midnight Brawls (Open)

The cold, New York air hit her face violently, causing a shiver to run through her spine. A nice, refreshing walk is what she had told herself before she had went out. It wouldn't be that bad. But, she had been wrong. She had never really liked the cold, though she should be used to it by now. S.H.I.E.L.D. had sent her a number of places, both cold and hot, and some definitely more freezing than New York was right now. But, there had always been something about the winters in this city that displeased her the most. Maybe, it was how bitter the air was when whirled around your body. Or maybe, it was the non-stop chatter from out-of-towners about how beautiful this place was in the winter. It truly wasn't and when she heard the voices swirl around her it almost made her want to scream at them. That was part of the reason she was walking in the alleyways, avoiding all people except the few homeless that were sleeping alongside the building. 

She of all people should have known better. Alleyways were a dangerous place in New York, especially at night. Even people visiting the state, knew to avoid dark corners. It was basic human instinct. She, herself, had been attacked a few years back, but that seemed like a lifetime ago. But, maybe that is why she shouldn't have been surprised when she heard footsteps from behind her, quickening their pace as to catch her before she made it to the end of the alley. Nor should she have been surprised at the other man she saw at the end, seemingly stopping her from escaping. 

All she had wanted was a nice walk to clear her mind, but when could she ever really get that? Stopping dead in her tracks, letting the men think she was afraid she could feel her own jawline tightening out of anger. As the footsteps approached her from behind, she focused the only way she knew how. 'Wait, wait, now.' Her mind told her as she raised her right elbow and slammed it behind her until she felt it make contact with something hard. The man in front of her was now running forward. Stepping to the side, and turning her body so she could see both men, she let out a sigh. "I really didn't want to have to do this tonight." She told the men calmly. 

In all honesty, she should have reached for her cell in that moment, called S.H.I.E.L.D. or the local authorities to come pick these men up, but she was frustrated, and wanted to teach them a lesson. They didn't even have time to react before she had used an open hand to the second man, pushing hard into his nose. He bent over in pain. She smiled as she felt the familiar sticky substance of blood on her hand. The first man raised a fist and she ducked, waited for a moment and then grabbed onto his neck. She used a bit of force, backing him against the wall as she choked him. She could hear the other man rustling about, she knew he was getting ready to make a move. He was running up behind her. "Bad choice. Coming from the side would have been better." She informed him as she lifted her leg and twisted her body, making sure not to let go of the other one's neck, and kicked hard into the stomach. She waited until he doubled over, and then she rounded another kick into his head, watching as he fell to the ground. Not feeling any struggle coming from the one she had pinned against the wall, anymore, she looked to see that he was unconscious. 

Now, she would pull out her cell. She called in the local authorities letting them know where they could find two men that needed to be behind bars. But, a part of her almost felt bad for them. They had probably expected a timid, blonde that they could easily scare into giving them money, or whatever else they wanted. Definitely didn't expect Sharon Carter, not that they knew who she was. 

Hearing a small bit of laughter from the end of the alley, where the second man had once stood, she jerked her head around. Letting her eyes adjust to the new figure, Sharon gave a wry smile. This wasn't another man trying to mug her, this was someone she knew very well. "Did you enjoy the show?"  

[changeyourstature-deactivated20]

Well you are an adult so drinking that stuff is allowed. If anyone saw me even near the stuff I would be in a bit of a trouble. Anyway I did try it once and vowed to never do it again. It tastes horrible. Thanks Miss Sharon.

I could say the same for you, ma’am. Haven’t seen you around either. Well I’ve been up in space, actually.

agentsharon13

[agentsharon13-blog]

You would be in a bit of trouble and don't forget it. If I ever find you with it, I might have to detain you at S.H.I.E.L.D. for a few days. 

I've been on a mission. I just got home a few days ago. And what exactly do you mean you've been up in space? How did you find yourself there, Cassie?

[soldat-zimy-deactivated20141231]

I dunno. You’d think they’d pick a place not overpopulated with people who can kick their ass, but I guess they just like to try and prove themselves. Failing, of course.

Miss Organised or what… Wow. Paperwork would’ve been sitting there for several more weeks, if ever. Probably why they don’t leave me with much, because I’d probably never do it.

Yeah, sounds like you need to get hunting. Staying at a hotel is only good for a little while, then it gets old. 

[agentsharon13-blog]

Well, their failings have a lot to do with you and the rest of the Avengers. Don't tell Stark I said that, though. His ego doesn't need to be anymore boosted and definitely not by me.

  The problem is, I'm getting to used to the hotels. My last mission was a constant move between cities and hotel rooms. Although, I don't mind having the minibar right next to me. 

[agentsharon13-blog]

Lesson on Leaving (Sharon & Shae)

[agentwiley]

It was true. The two women were a lot closer than any two agents should be, and the fact remained that if anything happened to either of them, S.H.I.E.L.D. would lose two of their own, not just the one. That was probably part of the reason why Shae wasn’t on Carter’s missions anymore- it’d long ago been assumed that if she had to witness the fall of Agent Thirteen on screen it’d wreck her. She laughed a little into her glass, bringing it to her mouth to hide the wry smile on her lips- only between the two of them would they end up on the farthest reaches of some outer hillbilly planet. Goddamn wonderful, she’d probably said. Shae could barely remember it all anyway. Her pint glass hit the counter with a sharp clatter- accidental- and she turned to Sharon, frowning a little, but in the depths of her irises was a warm sort of affection. She cared deeply and truly for her friend because she told her the truth- always. And she called her on her shit about ninety-five percent of the time, which was refreshing. “For now-” Shae interjected facetiously, her fingers still curled around the frosty exterior of the glass. She lifted it and gestured with it, careful not to spill. 

She was quiet for a moment, thinking hard how she’d ask, or even offer, the spare room in her apartment. It was her first instinct, of course, and she’d love having Sharon around- moving out of Betsy’s penthouse flat had been tough, and despite what she’d experienced at her old place (it’d been shoddily restored and then held for her, thanks to a special arrangement with Fury that he’d deny had ever happened) it still felt like home. It might be good to have company, anyway, especially when the friends that she did have were so scarce. “I moved back to the old place,” she said, letting the pint sit heavy atop the bar again and she swirled the glass on its bottom edge as a distraction. “You know there’s a spare room there if you want it, Thirteen.” It wasn’t as though she needed protection from anything or anyone, but two guns were always better than one. After the FBI’s little intrusion into her daily routine, and the fact that Tyler was spending less and less time on land, she might feel a bit more at ease with someone else sharing the same space at random intervals (because no matter how hard they tried, the two women would never find a compatible schedule). “Anyway, you’re welcome to it,” she said with a small shrug, finally pushing the glass to the inner edge of the bar and shaking her head when the bartender gave her another questioning glance.

“New York and its pollution and snarl of traffic, the weather sucks for most of the year and the people are goddamn awful-” She paused, an affectionate grin growing at the corners of her mouth. “But it’ll always be home, don’t I know it.” She pressed her lips together and the smile fell until it was like a backslash cut into her expression. “Family, I suppose. Familiarity, if I’m being honest. I suppose I could go somewhere else, but I’ve done that and it didn’t feel right.” Taking wars abroad seemed almost counterintuitive, the same way that people explained that they’d been ‘defending’ their countrymen by taking down wave after wave of rebels that couldn’t ever hope to pose a threat to a country as rich as theirs. Being back on her home soil, defending against impending attacks and keeping those at home safe… that was where she felt that she best fit. Protecting the people from themselves, really, because as much as the government liked to try and play it up- the real enemies were already lurking among them. The Army could deal with terrorists and rogue government factions. S.H.I.E.L.D. dabbled in all of that as well, but it was Shae’s genuine pleasure to monitor the goings-on at home via her extensive telecom networks. There were threats at every corner- a man with violent tendencies lurking in the shadows, his current predicted reaction to be 72% physical, or a mother crossing the street with her children a block away from a driver whose alcohol level was well over the legal limit who’d just run the previous stoplight- this was what she wanted to prevent. The accidents and the senseless deaths, along with the purposeful ones. “I stay because anywhere else just wouldn’t be the same,” she said, the smile growing again. “Plus, if I left, who’d pay my bar tabs?”

[agentsharon13-blog]

Putting her left elbow on the bar, she rested her head in her hand, turning to face Shae again. It was easy for Sharon to ready people, but especially easy for her to read Shae. Not because she was trained to either, but because of their friendship. She knew what was running through the other woman's head most of the time. She knew the same could be done vise-versa, even if she was trained to never give anything away. Using her free hand, she reached into her coat and pulled out her pack of cigarettes. Thank God for hole-in-the-wall bars still allowing you to smoke indoors. She pulled one out and lit it, throwing the pack on the table to let Shae know that if she wanted one, she was welcome to it. 

Sharon thought on the idea of moving he with Shae for a moment. It would be nice, she needed the space and she knew Shae's apartment just as good as she had known her old one. Plus, it would be refreshing to actually get to see the other woman, even when their schedules weren't matching up. She knew that it wasn't a pity offering, either. If Shae didn't want her there, she wouldn't have offered. "Trying to keep an eye on me, huh?" She winked to make sure the brunette knew she was only kidding. "Either way, I'll take you up on it. The hotel tab is getting a little pricy, I'm sure S.H.I.E.L.D. wants me out of there as soon as possible." Plus, she wanted out of there. Staying in the hotel made her feel as though she was just on another mission, that she could be pulled out at any time. 

"I'm sure the owners would find a way to track you down. We might be an international spy network, but you leaving a bar tab hanging around is almost as bad as aliens invading the city to these people." She wasn't entirely joking. Some of the bars took their money seriously. If they weren't able to get a payment, they surely would try their damn best to locate someone. "Maybe, we just need a vacation again. Not for me, I just got home, but for you. A quiet little escape. You know, I'd never pass up a trip non S.H.I.E.L.D. related, though." It wasn't the worst idea they had. You could hardly count the alien planet they had found themselves on a vacation. So, that meant the last time they had gone on one was when Amora had all but forced them to go to Cuba. Not that she had complained once they had arrived. But, she also knew the idea was farfetched. Taking time away from S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't as easy as it seemed. Plus, every time the two women did try to, they seemed to find themselves in just as much trouble as they would at home and with less resources. 

[bannerandthebeast]

"Don’t apologize," Bruce’s smile turned into a broad grin. "You know you’re always welcome… Though… how you found me, I’m not quite sure. Half the Avengers don’t even know where this place is… though I’m not entirely sure they’ve bothered to look."

He shrugged his bag off of his shoulder, and shoved one hand in the pocket of his jeans, glancing briefly up at the sky, and inhaled deeply. Then he looked back at Sharon and laughed.

"God… it’s… been a long time, hasn’t it?" he asked, quietly. He wasn’t sure whether or not to hug her, or shake her hand, or just continue standing there awkwardly as per usual. Where did they stand? Where did he stand with anyone at SHIELD now, after his little disappearing act? But Sharon didn’t exactly seem partial to that information, or at least not particularly upset about it—likely because she too had been away. So he decided to just keep things surfacey, for the moment.

"Me? I’ve been… not busy, actually. Bored out of my mind in all honesty," he half laughed, half sighed. "But not anymore. I’ve gotten my inspiration back. I should be up and running again soon enough, back on track. It’s… it’s so good to see you, Sharon. Really it is."

[agentsharon13-blog]

Sharon could help, but let out a small laugh. How had she found him? S.H.I.E.L.D. never loses track of anyone, he of all people should remember that. They might not bother you, might leave you alone for awhile, but completely lose track of where you are when they might need you at some point? Never. "Maybe the Avengers just aren't as smart as the infamous Sharon Carter." She winked at him, letting him know she was only joking. 

"It has been a long time, Bruce." She could tell the situation was a little awkward. They had gone from being an agent and an avenger, to sleeping together in the woods, to being friends, to hardly ever speaking. A full circle, in the eyes of some. But, she had missed their friendship. He had always been so easy to talk to. Never tried to pry when she didn't want to tell and never attempted to get secret S.H.I.E.L.D. information from her. So, thinking about how she had missed him, she pulled him into a small hug. Not too long, not too short, and took a step back. 

She had known he had disappeared, it was one of the first bits of news she had received when she had gotten home. That was why she was here, just wanted to make sure he was okay. Lower level things, like disappearing Avengers, was not something she dealt with. If he had needed time away from New York, from S.H.I.E.L.D., from the Avengers, it didn't bother her in the least. Not as far as work was concerned, anyways. She wasn't going to be angry with him, as she too had been known to do the same thing. 

She nodded her head, "Good. Whatever happened to give you your inspiration back, is a good thing. I was worried about you when I heard you went AWOL, came here to check on you as soon as I got the time. Not for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s benefit, I promise." She didn't want him to think S.H.I.E.L.D. had sent her and that was the only reason she was here. She was sure they had planned on sending someone at some point, but she was here on her own accord. "Has everything been going okay? If you don't mind me asking, why did you disappear? I promise nothing you tell me goes back to work, I just hope that you are truly doing fine. You are one of the people I actually care for, even if I haven't been around in awhile."

[agentsharon13-blog]

Lesson on Leaving (Sharon & Shae)

[agentwiley]

“I can see where you might get confused,” Shae said slowly, a glint of mischief lurking in the depths of her dark irises, barely visible but for the gleam of neon bar lights. “Head as big as yours is bound to have some sorta gravitational pull.” She hid her smile behind her pint, lifting it again to her lips even though she didn’t have to- hide it, that is. She’d never had to hide anything from Sharon, even when it was blatantly mocking her in a public place. The blonde was tough, and she could take it. The alcohol settled into her bones and muscles- it wasn’t a lot but she appreciated the way that it helped her relax and she obliged gravity by sinking lower into the barstool, resting an elbow on the bar top and propping up her check with the curl of her knuckles. “I know you missed me, Thirteen. Had it written all over your face,” she teased, nodding at her but only with her eyebrows, a delicate gesture to master. “Me? I’m sitting here trying to tell you that I didn’t miss you at all, but we both know that’s a damn lie.” Shae ignored the sharp inhale and carried on. “I’m obviously fine.”

She took another long swig of beer, hating it but not saying otherwise. Whiskey would always be her drink of choice, but even on days like today sometimes one had to forego the simpler pleasures in life. Shae shrugged and took another drink while trying to think about how to answer the question. Sharon wanted the truth and she deserved it, but was it really something she wanted to dwell on? The fact that her nights were becoming less and less plagued with sweat-soaked dreams about blurred faces and piercing yellow stares was a good thing, so why wreck that? “I was walking around outside at night. I was a little drunk, but are you surprised?” She drained the glass, leaving the bottom awash with foam and the slightest leftover amber liquid. She and the bartender shared a long look before she nodded. He came over and silently replaced the glass with a new one. This might be a longer lunch than she’d anticipated. “It’s not like it only happened to me, anyway. There were like, eight of us or somethin’.” She waved a hand as though it didn’t matter.

The heel of one hand rubbed at an itch above her eyebrow and she dipped her chin, casually and not so pointedly avoiding Sharon’s piercing gaze. “They thought I killed one of their own,” she muttered, dropping the hand so that she could effectively muffle her words with the back of it pressed against her mouth. Dark eyes widened enough to convey that she hadn’t, actually, killed the man in question. Paul Winters. The slimiest little shit she’d ever heard of- she wished she’d killed him, after all was said and done. Smiling a little, Shae lifted the glass in a half salute to the blonde. “Just another day in the life of Sharon Carter. Taking down drug kings like targets at the shooting range. I bet that was a little fun, yeah? I’m still mad that they won’t let me call your missions anymore. It’s not like we’re completely irresponsible.” That’d been one time. She blew a breath out of her nose and shook her head a little. “I’m trying to behave, Thirteen. I can’t afford to be running around drinking the Russian mob under the table.” The bartender shot her an incredulous look- she knew he’d been listening- and the agent winked at him, taking a long sip of her draft. “You came out clean, then? No injuries or trouble? Sounds like a dream. What’s left for you here when the whole wide world is out there? Nothing’s Sharon Carter-proof.” She was teasing again, but there were latent questions in her jests. Why come home when you could have any life you wanted out there? Why come back to this broken place that needed fixing time and time again? 

[agentsharon13-blog]

"I knew you missed me, too. I mean, how could you not? Who else is going to manage to get you drunk on another planet and have no recollection of how it happened?" She smiled, knowing that wasn't really the reason Shae had missed her. They were close, as close as agents could be, maybe too close and that is why S.H.I.E.L.D. felt the need to separate them quite often. They both knew why they were no hardly ever allowed to be on the same mission anymore. When you have been known to put each other before the job, others could get hurt. And as Sharon took the last swig from her glass of whiskey, slightly eyeing Shae from the corner, she knew that that was something they would both do. If she ever felt Shae was in any type of danger, worse than what she thought the other woman could handle, she would blow a mission.

Sharon could tell that for whatever reasons she had, Shae didn't really want to speak on this matter.  She knew it wasn't because the other woman didn't trust her, so she didn't want to push too hard. Whatever reasons Shae had, they were her own. Sharon had been down that road before, all that was important now was that Shae knew she was here, and she didn't plan on gong anywhere. "You, drunk? Shocker." She tried the make the conversation lighter by throwing that in. "Well, no matter how many of you there were that got taken, you are here now. That's all that matters. If you ever need to talk about it, I'm here. And don't feed me a bullshit line of 'for now' because I honestly plan to stay. That is, if I can find an apartment to stay in." She had been residing in a hotel, and while she didn't mind, it was on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s tab anyways, she would like a place to actually go to relax. 

The thought that the FBI had assumed Wiley had killed one of their agents, unsettled Sharon. She knew how seriously they took matters and she could only imagine what they had done to Shae in the process before finding out she hadn't actually killed a man. Although, Sharon could tell that the brunette was being honest, she knew that if Wiley had actually killed him, there would be a good reason for it. 

"It was a little fun, a little boring, honestly. Had you been in my ear the whole time, I'm sure boredom wouldn't have been able to happen, though." She smiled as the bartender refilled her glass, "No injuries. I can't say no trouble, I mean c'mon, it is me we are talking about. Trouble tends to follow me and if it doesn't I always seem to make some for myself. Makes things a bit more interesting." She truly hadn't gotten herself in too much trouble this time. Not as far as the mission went, anyways. Shae's words filled her head and she shrugged. "New York is home. No matter how many missions I go on, or how many bad guys there are to stop out there, I always come home." It was true. New York was home to her. Her parents were dead, her aunt was dead, all she had left were the people she held close to her. People like Shae, and they were here in New York. So, she was too. Anyone she even cared for a fraction was here. "I mean, why is it that you stay? S.H.I.E.L.D. has headquarters all around the world. They would allow you to transfer, if you wanted. So, Wiley, why do you stay?"

[changeyourstature-deactivated20]

Joy! My toes are going to fall off. On the bright side more reason to drink hot chocolate and eat chocolate.

[agentsharon13-blog]

I prefer drinking whiskey and sweets aren't really my thing, anymore. But, I know how much you love chocolate, so I'm happy the winter season will give you an excuse to consume even more of it. As if you needed the excuse, anyways. 

So, Cass, how have you been? I haven't seen you in a few months. 

[agentsharon13-blog]

Lesson on Leaving (Sharon & Shae)

[agentwiley]

Shae brought the pint to her lips and let her brows rise and fall once, very briefly, in a gesture that Sharon might not catch, but it definitely meant something. In this situation, probably annoyance. She’d caught the other woman’s incredulous look and she knew what it was about, but not everyone in the world had the time nor the schedule to enjoy a whiskey neat on a weekday afternoon during their lunch hour. Plus, she’d really truly tried to cut back on her old habits, because being in any kind of mental disadvantage could be detrimental- she only was thankful that she’d been arrested by the FBI in the morning, rather than after dinner when she’d had time to wind down, otherwise that scenario could’ve gone completely differently. She smiled a little at Sharon’s comment- how could she not? They were still friends, despite it all. “Yeah, that’s right,” she drawled, rolling her eyes and finally turning her head toward the blonde. “No. The world continues to spin on without Sharon Carter.”

That felt mean, but she wasn’t in any sort of mood. The fact that people felt like they could waltz in and out of her life without any regard for her feelings- that was just shitty. Betsy had slipped out of town just the week before while she was out, leaving just a note. Apparently Shae wasn’t even worth a phone call to the telepath. Flash was long gone as well, probably back to teaching or something in Philly. And now, with Tyler’s new position with S.H.I.E.L.D. he was slated to be at sea more than on land, and they’d see even less of each other. Not that she was unhappy about that. She knew how the ocean spoke to him like it was apart of him (maybe it was), and he was happier there, so she’d miss him while he was away and cherish the times they were together even more. She sat in silence for a minute, deciding whether or not to stay mad, and then gave another small quirk of her lips. “I mean, it’s not like you could stay away from me for very long,” she said with a sigh, fluttering her lashes as though being herself was some sort of hard burden to bear (it was, obviously). 

“I know,” she replied quickly, setting down the pint glass and looking down into it, frowning at her warped amber expression that stared back up at her. She wasn’t allowed to get mad at Sharon for this kind of shit, especially when it was for the good of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 13 was a force of nature first, her friend second, and she respected that. “I was kidding.” Mostly. Her experience with the FBI had left her with the feeling that both sides of the coin were shady as fuck, but S.H.I.E.L.D. was where she’d staked her loyalty, and there it would stay. “I was abducted by aliens,” Shae replied lightly, punctuating her statement with a long swig of beer. “Wish I was joking. And then, few weeks after that, was detained by the Bureau over a misunderstanding.” Damn big misunderstanding. “But surely that’s all less exciting than what you’ve been up do, yeah?” The agent shifted on the stool, looking over at her friend. “Where were you this time?” she asked quietly, even though no one was listening anyway.

[agentsharon13-blog]

"Damn. I really though the whole universe span only around me. I was under the assumption that if I left, the world turned black and quit going on. If you keep hitting me with these facts that I never knew, I might just have to order another drink to deal with everything." Sharon smiled at her comment, letting Shae know she was only kidding. She had never been under the impression that anyone's life revolved around her. Mostly not the woman's sitting beside her at the bar. She knew Shae also led a busy life, and while she wasn't picked to go out on the field very often, she had a job and other friends. Not to mention that trouble seemed to follow Wiley, unasked for and at quite an annoyance to the other woman. But, nonetheless, she could tell something was bothering her friend. Maybe, several things. "No, you're right. I couldn't stay away for very long. New York is my home. And despite what you might think, I did miss you."

The news of Shae's abduction drew a sharp breath from Sharon. She wasn't angry at her friend, just angry that she wasn't able to be here when Shae might've needed her. "How in the hell did you manage to be abducted by aliens?" She didn't mean for it to come out in the tone it had, but the fact that S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't contacted her while she was away to let her know of the situation, frustrated her. They might not like it, but they knew that Sharon and Shae were close. It was something she should have been informed about. "And why exactly were you detained by the FBI? And don't leave out any important details and try to skip over things. Don't try to brush me over with some nonsense about you are fine and it's over now."

Where had she been? Well, this time she had found herself in the Russian city, Saratov. S.H.I.E.L.D. had been tracking a drug king there and needed her to infiltrate the ring. Get to the top, take everyone down. The usual. She had actually done it in quite a remarkable time, considering how large scale the operation was. Nothing out of the ordinary, and she didn't end up almost dying this time. Just a simple mission. "Saratov. I took down a Russian drug king. No altercations or incidences worth talking about. It was actually pretty boring. Could've used you over there to help me show the men how to slam down some shots of whiskey." It was true that the two women had such a high alcohol tolerance at this point that they could outdrink most people. Even 250 pound Russian men. Mostly after their stint of drinking alien alcohol. 

[soldat-zimy-deactivated20141231]

Doesn’t look like you’ll be retiring any time soon then, seems like there’s a new villain or alien species turning up every week.

It seems to always be that way. Abroad, or just in the neighborhood?

[agentsharon13-blog]

Ah, yes. Why does it always seem to be New York they try to attack and take over first?

Just in the neighborhood. The apartment I was renting was sold while I was gone, so right now I am staying in a hotel. You know me though, my OCD tendencies already kicked in at work, so all of the paperwork that was sitting on my desk has already been filed. Now, I just need to start apartment hunting again. 

[changeyourstature-deactivated20]

Getting colder by the minute though. Where the hell did this chill come from anyway?

[agentsharon13-blog]

New York weather at it's finest. Get ready because I'm sure it is bound to get even colder and more brisk with each passing day.