[It's been long months since she walked out on Natasha, smiled something thin and brittle and told her that whatever this was between them, whatever quantum connection they had, working together wasn't good for anyone. She even gave her back the red Harley Natasha had bought her for her 18th, like she was trying to break anything she might have to hold onto.
If not for the fact that things had gone a bit crazy in the States not too long after she'd walked away, she might not have so seamlessly faded into the background. As it is, she lives out in the cold. She didn't entirely keep her head down, but she was a flicker that most people weren't looking for, traveling the world but never staying. A young woman with bright red hair and glowing blue eyes that helped people where she could. Sometimes it was small time bullies. Sometimes it was actual villains. She didn't realize she was making a name for herself, leaving behind people who told stories.
Ava had been looking for answers; Russia, France, Brazil, and a dozen other places. High-tech computer systems and long buried bunkers with paper files. But as far as she could tell, there were no answers to find. Who she was, what she was, the secrets they'd pulled from her- all of it seemed to have vanished in smoke. And what scraps she had found had only left her with more questions. Honestly, she's almost glad when there happens to be a villain to fight, when she gets to put on the costume and wrest power in her fingertips.
It's cathartic, a good way to not think about the fact that Sana's in a coma in a SHIELD facility because no one knows how to fix her. That Ava couldn't protect her, just like she couldn't save Alexei, and she hasn't been back to see her mostly out of guilt. It's easier to run. Pretend if she never stops that she wont ever have to face the ghosts that lean over her shoulders. Or deal with the fact that she pulled a gun on Natasha expecting the woman to put a bullet in her head to save the world. She doesn't even admit to herself that she misses the people that were almost her friends, that treated her like she mattered. People that had cared enough to check in on her, try to tell her that finding you had powers, being different didn't make you a bad person.
Tonight, things go a little left of plan. Usually, the formula is beat up the bad guy and get out before anyone shows up. Tonight she ends up pinned down keeping civilians safe so she can't get to the source. She's debating the options- none of which she likes- and then the Avengers show up. Ava doesn't run, tempting as the idea might be. She stays and fights. Problem is that when it's all over, she's left standing next to Tony and that red and gold armor. Belligerent is a good word for her general attitude toward anyone connected to Natasha these days, but she just isn't up to picking a fight so soon after finishing one.]
For Tony!
If not for the fact that things had gone a bit crazy in the States not too long after she'd walked away, she might not have so seamlessly faded into the background. As it is, she lives out in the cold. She didn't entirely keep her head down, but she was a flicker that most people weren't looking for, traveling the world but never staying. A young woman with bright red hair and glowing blue eyes that helped people where she could. Sometimes it was small time bullies. Sometimes it was actual villains. She didn't realize she was making a name for herself, leaving behind people who told stories.
Ava had been looking for answers; Russia, France, Brazil, and a dozen other places. High-tech computer systems and long buried bunkers with paper files. But as far as she could tell, there were no answers to find. Who she was, what she was, the secrets they'd pulled from her- all of it seemed to have vanished in smoke. And what scraps she had found had only left her with more questions. Honestly, she's almost glad when there happens to be a villain to fight, when she gets to put on the costume and wrest power in her fingertips.
It's cathartic, a good way to not think about the fact that Sana's in a coma in a SHIELD facility because no one knows how to fix her. That Ava couldn't protect her, just like she couldn't save Alexei, and she hasn't been back to see her mostly out of guilt. It's easier to run. Pretend if she never stops that she wont ever have to face the ghosts that lean over her shoulders. Or deal with the fact that she pulled a gun on Natasha expecting the woman to put a bullet in her head to save the world. She doesn't even admit to herself that she misses the people that were almost her friends, that treated her like she mattered. People that had cared enough to check in on her, try to tell her that finding you had powers, being different didn't make you a bad person.
Tonight, things go a little left of plan. Usually, the formula is beat up the bad guy and get out before anyone shows up. Tonight she ends up pinned down keeping civilians safe so she can't get to the source. She's debating the options- none of which she likes- and then the Avengers show up. Ava doesn't run, tempting as the idea might be. She stays and fights. Problem is that when it's all over, she's left standing next to Tony and that red and gold armor. Belligerent is a good word for her general attitude toward anyone connected to Natasha these days, but she just isn't up to picking a fight so soon after finishing one.]
Think there's any place open for coffee?
[She's got nothing. Maybe he can do better.]