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"The oh-eight-four?" Fury clarified, but his voice sounded almost meek from Ashley's terrifying aura.

    "The crystal," she repeated. "Where is it?"

    "In storage, where it should be," he cautiously replied, studying her body language closely. To be honest, he was partially expecting the teenager to maul him. "What's it to you, Agent?"

    "It knows something that nobody else does."

    "That's a little vague, don't you think?" He asked, discreetly using the hand closest to his computer to start pulling up all the files they had on the object. Whatever was inside of that thing had turned Ashley half-insane.

    "I'm not half-insane!" Ashley declared, her tone reflecting how offended she felt. "Just upset!"

    "But I never said..."

    "Never mind that," the teenager cut him off, obviously irritated. "If you've got lies, save 'em. I need access to the crystal."

    "Agent Tanner!" Fury suddenly snapped. "You're overstepping your boundaries as a Level Seven Agent. I'm going to ask you only once to refrain yourself and remember that I am the director. Now, if you want to see this crystal again so bad, please inform me of why."

    The icy-haired girl realized that Fury was right. After inhaling sharply to calm herself, she quietly said, "The crystal knows me... and where I came from."

    This piqued Fury's interest plenty. Sure, figuring out where a magic-wielder was from was great, but what Fury took from this was that this could be the answer to the origin of the oh-eight-four. If Ashley could figure out where she used to live and how she was related to the crystal, then perhaps that was also where it came from as well.

    "You can't seriously tell me that the crystal's origin interests you more than mine," Ashley deadpanned, causing another befuddled look from Fury.

    "I didn't say anything!"

    "With all due respect sir, I'm pretty sure that in order for me to hear something you would have to say it first."

    Both were set in their stance. Ashley knew for a fact that he had spoken, but Fury swore that his lips never even twitched. With a shake of his head, he waved the argument off. "So how do you know this about the crystal?"

    "It started with it calling out to me..."

    "Do not tell me you touched the oh-eight-four."

    "I couldn't help it, okay?"

    "Have you never seen a single sci-fi or horror movie?" Fury groaned, leaning back in his seat. "That's the last thing you're supposed to do!"

    "You try having something hypnotize you, 'kay?" Ashley remarked sarcastically.

    "It's called self-control Agent Tanner. Got get yourself some after this," Fury ridiculed.

    Ashley opened her mouth in shock at his playful insult. She went to fire a comeback at him, but he held up his hand to stop her. "I don't have much time. Is there anything else you wished to talk about?"

    "No, I just wanted to see the cryst-"

    "Great. I'll see you later, Agent."

    "But-"

    "Really, I need you to leave. I've got an important meeting in," he paused to check his watch, "seven and a half minutes. Please remove yourself from my office."

    She stood her ground to protest, but reluctantly sighed and turned away. Fury seemed interested enough to find out the crystal and her origin to retrieve it, right? She shook her head as she walked off. She would just have to trust in the Director for now.

« — « — « — « — « — « — « — «

"I don't want to go to school," Ashley whined, turning back over in bed and using her pillow to smother her head. Natasha simply grabbed the pillow and chucked it across the room.

    "You're a minor. You need to go to school."

    "But I'm hurt," the teenager argued, flashing the assassin her right hand while using her left hand to call the pillow back to her. With a roll of her eyes, Natasha stuck her arm out and blocked it from landing in her hands.

    "Suck it up, Ash. You're an agent now, not a delicate little flower. Now," she paused to grab Ashley's arm and drag her out of bed, "up."

    "Fine," she grumbled, picking herself up off the floor. The second Natasha left her room, she plopped right back down in bed.

    "I heard that! Get out of your freaking bed!"

    With a deflated sigh, Ashley stood up and hobbled over to her closet. Not only did her hand feel like it was on fire, but her body ached all over from running and she had a massive headache. Whatever happened with that crystal did a number on her.

    "Let's see..." she mumbled groggily, rubbing her eyes just enough so she could make out what was hanging in her closet. Her eyes fell across several blouses, skirts, and skater dresses that were lined up neatly, but she didn't have enough energy to care about looking decent today. Instead, she pushed back all of the fancy clothes until her fingers grazed across the soft material of a hoodie. Without even looking to see which one it was, she tugged it off the hanger and slid it on over her head. Then, moving on to her drawers, she grabbed a pair of black leggings and socks and slid them on.

(see media for a picture of her clothes)

    Next was the bathroom... where there was a mirror.

    Ashley winced as she caught sight of herself. Large, dark rings were underneath her eyes, a nasty bruise was forming on her jawline from the tumble she took in the hall yesterday, and a couple of cuts lined her eyebrow from what she guessed was a punch with brass knuckles that she hadn't noticed. Blowing a stray hair away from her face, she set to work.

    About 20 minutes later, the teenager had managed to use concealer to hide the rings, bruise, and white markings, but there wasn't much she could do about the cuts. Not only was the concealer too weak to cover it, but she knew having beauty products caked on top of it wouldn't help the healing process. Instead, she tried her best to ignore it as she applied some mascara and chapstick.

    She finished her morning routine and shuffled into the kitchen. Natasha was still getting ready herself, but a blueberry muffin and a piece of bacon were lying out on the counter. With a shrug, she plopped down on a barstool and began happily munching away. Now all she needed was a nice cup of caffeine...

    "Ah, there you are," Natasha cheered, walking past the teenager to grab her wallet off the counter. "I was starting to think that you had gone back to sleep."

    "Nope," Ashley returned, popping the 'p'. "Just had to make it look like I didn't get in a street fight yesterday."

    "Oh Ashley," Natasha mumbled as she caught sight of the cuts above her eyebrow. A couple of them even came low enough to make lines in the hairs. "Those don't look too good. Have they been treated?"

    "I don't think so," she shook her head. "They're just cuts though..."

    "Sh," Natasha instructed her, then walked over to the medicine cabinet and pulled out some antibiotic cream. Every so softly, she dapped a little bit on them. "I can't put a bandage on them though. The adhesive from them would stick to some of the other cuts."

    "It's alright, really," Ashley insisted, backing up from the woman. "Tasha, I'm fine."

    "If you say so," Natasha eventually sighed. "Let's get going then. I've got a meeting at work."

    "But... but coffee..."

    "If you wanted coffee you shoulda gotten out of bed when I first woke you up. Now come on, or I'm going to be late."

    Ashley reluctantly followed Natasha towards the front door, but suddenly the red-head stopped and gestured for her to do so as well.

    "Ash, your shoes."

    "What about them...?" Ashley wandered off as she looked down, then smiled sheepishly. She wasn't wearing any.

    "Oops," she mumbled and jogged back to her room. After tugging on some white tennis shoes, she caught back up with Natasha. A notification sounded from her S.O.'s phone, causing the agent to pull it out and look at it.

    "Meeting's postponed. How does Starbucks sound?"

    « — «

    "Hey, Peter!" Ashley called out, her voice reverberating happiness. I mean, she had a caffeinated substance in her systems now, how couldn't she be happy?

    "Hey Ash," he greeted, looking up from his phone and pulling out an earbud. The girl joined him in leaning against the outside wall of the school. "What happened to you the other day? You just vanished."

    "Sorry 'bout that," she chuckled. "Na-Bethany needed me for something and it couldn't wait until after school. Did I miss anything important?"

    "I mean, Beyoncé put on a live performance in the auditorium and we had a pizza party, but other than that..."

    "You are so full of crap Parker," Ashley playfully admonished, slugging him in the arm. "Seriously though. Any tea?"

    "It was just like every other boring day here at Midtown," Peter shrugged. Then his face warped into one of concern as he noticed something. "Wait, what happened to your face?"

    "What do you mean?" Ashley asked, slightly offended, and slightly self-conscious.

    Without thinking, Peter raised a hand up and brushed it across the skin above her eyebrow.

    "Oh, that," Ashley mumbled, flustered and blushing at his touch. Her own embarrassment caused her to not realize Peter quickly retracting his hand and growing as red as a tomato. "I... ran into my dresser yesterday when I was playing tag and it kinda shattered on me."

    "Playing tag with who?"

    "Um, uh- Beth."

    Peter quietly laughed at this, earning a roll of Ashley's eyes. "Right, like that's any more childish than building toys."

    "They're models, thank you," Peter corrected.

    "Ooo, big difference," she mocked. Then, before Peter could playfully shove her, she took off at a run.

    "Get back here!" He half-laughed, half-yelled as he chased her into the school. She turned back and stuck her tongue out at him, then turned around just in time to run straight into the one and only Flash.

    "Oh! Hey," Ashley mumbled as she looked up. "My bad."

    "It's alright, sweetheart."

    Ashley froze in place at the word and looked up at him. "Excuse me?"

    "You know, the whole bad-girl vibe looks hot on you," he referred to her scratches with a smirk, then lifted up his hand to touch her face. With a scowl, she pushed it away. That was the difference between Peter and Flash. One of them had tried to use it to flirt with her, while the other genuinely wanted to know if she was alright.

    "C'mon, you don't have to be shy~" he taunted, stepping in closer. However, before he could try anything, a body mass came in between them and stared him down.

    "Back off, Flash," Peter spat.

    "Or what? You'll try and pick a fight with an actual man that's twice your size?" He taunted, trying to shove past Peter. However, he didn't budge.

    "I said back off." Truth be told, Ashley had never heard Peter sound so hostile.

    A lopsided grin spread across Flash's face as he faked a punch at Peter in an attempt to get a reaction. However, he didn't even flinch. The jerk rolled his eyes and started walking off.

    "You won't always be around, Parker," he laughed.

    "And when he isn't, I'll kick your a** myself!" Ashley yelled after him. Peter couldn't help but snicker at this.

    "I didn't need your help," she huffed while crossing her arms.

    "No, you didn't," Peter agreed. "But I wanted to help you."

    Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

    "Because no lady should have to deal with a jerk like him," he shrugged.

    The teenager tried to push down all of the bubbly feelings that were rising up inside her. "Woulda been fun, though."

    Peter laughed at her and was about to make a witty remark when the bell rang. "Well, see ya later Ash."

    « — «

    "Ashley, where have you been?" Liz asked with a smile, raising her arms out wide. Ashley wrapped her arms around her friend in a hug and grinned.

    "Just getting stuff sorted out with Beth. Don't worry, I didn't run off to Disney World without you."

    "Well, I'm glad you're back. We've got lots of important things to discuss," Liz gushed, dragging her over to their cafeteria table. Ashley tried giving the other girls a hello, but Liz quickly carried on. "First line of business: who's your date to hoco?"

    "Uh..." Ashley wandered off, scratching the nape of her neck with an awkward chuckle. "Me, myself, and I?"

    "You're telling me the one and only Ashley Tanner doesn't have a date," Betty gasped, leaning over to where they were sitting. "Nope, I don't believe it. Not with the looks and bod like that."

    "Bod...?"

    "Honey, don't tell me you think people haven't noticed that slim waistline and those muscles."

    "I mean, I wouldn't really say I have mu-"

    "Nonsense," Liz shook her head. "So nobody has asked you to the dance?"

    "Well... I mean Flash did," Ashley admitted.

    "And?!" Betty squealed, purely excited at the idea of one of her closest friend having a date.

    "I turned him down, duh," the girl rolled her eyes and took a sip of her iced tea. "Guys, it's literally Flash."

    "Good point," Liz sighed. "I'm glad you at least aren't being foolish enough to be taken advantage of. I'm sure there will be plenty of others who want to ask you out."

    "I don't understand why you're so persistent on me having a date. Boys are just a-" Ashley stopped when she saw Liz furiously shaking her head and giving her the 'shut up or I'll personally do it for you' look. The teenager trailed off and turned around, where she was met by a nervous smile.

    "Hi, Ashley," a boy nervously stammered, clutching a rose bouquet in his hand. "I'm Ethan, y'know, from bio?"

    "Oh, hi Ethan!" Ashley cheerfully replied. "We had that project together, right?"

    "Yep, that's me," he stopped to look down at the flowers, and suddenly a wave of confidence washed over him. "Oh, um these are for you. I wasn't sure which ones are your favorite, so I figured roses would be a safe choice."

    "Thank you," she exclaimed, not noticing the multitude of gazes that had fallen onto the pair. "That's very sweet of you. But what are they for?"

    "Well," he chuckled, shifting his weight to his other foot and wringing his hands, "I was wondering if you wanted to go to homecoming with me?"

    "Oh! I... uh..."

    "You don't have to answer now," he assured her, backing up a couple of steps and giving her a smile. "I don't want to pressure you. Just feel free to call whenever." With that, he gave her a wink and gestured to the bouquet, then walked off.

    "Girl," Liz whispered in disbelief. "The Ethan Westheim just asked you out. Can you believe it?!"

    "Uh... yeah," Ashley mumbled as she just now looked around and noticed everyone staring at her. She self-consciously darted her gaze down to the velvety-red bouquet, which she now noticed had a small card attached to it. Written on the white slip of paper was a phone number. "Wait, what's so special about that?"

    "For starters, he's super hot," Betty blurted, causing Liz to laugh.

    "And he's one of the nicest guys you'll meet," Liz added.

    "I heard he's loaded, too," another one of the girls excitedly chimed in.

    "But why me though? I mean, I'm sure there's plenty of other girls that would love to go with him."

    "Because he likes you, duh," Liz deadpanned. "You seem to have that kind of effect on people. But moving on from that," she giggled a bit, "all the girls are going shopping tomorrow evening for our dresses. You up?"

    "I would be, but Beth and I already picked out a dress," Ashley declined, thinking back to the beautiful gown that they had purchased.

    "Then you can just get accessories," Liz shrugged. "C'mon, it'll be fun!"

    "Fine," she caved. "But don't get hurt if I have to leave early. Shopping isn't exactly my favorite..."

    "It's settled then! Oh, also, are you up for the Declathon? It's coming up soon, and I'd love it if you'd join us."

    "Don't see why not," Ashley agreed, then took a bite out of her peach. She couldn't help but hum in satisfaction as the sweetness hit her tastebuds. "So, enough about me. It's time to interrogate you guys."

« — « — « — « — « — « — « — «

    "Hey Nat, I'm going to go have a study session with one of my friends. See you in a bit," Ashley called out as she walked towards the door of their apartment.

    "Wait just a second young lady," Natasha demanded as she walked out of the bedroom, a stern look on her face. "And is this friend a guy?"

    "No... well... kinda?"

    "Then absolutely not! I will not let a single boy even think about being alone with you for a single second."

    "But Mo- ehem, Nat, it's just Peter. And we're going to be in a coffee shop."

    "Peter?" Natasha echoed, her mood switching faster than Ashley could blink. It wouldn't surprise the girl if she found out Natasha was bipolar. "Oh, alright. Have fun sweetie!" She smiled and gave a wink to the teenager, then opened the door and shoved her out. Ashley couldn't even get a word in edgewise before the door was shut in her face.

    "Sometimes I honestly have no clue," Ashley mumbled to herself in disbelief. She eventually shrugged it off and slipped in her AirPods, proceeding to play some music.

(the song is also in the media section if you would like to listen along)

Desperado

Sitting in a old Monte Carlo

A man whose heart is hollow, uh

Take it easy

I'm not tryna go against you

Actually, I'm goin withcha

    Since Peter literally lived next door, they had chosen a nearby cafe to study at. Although, Ashley wasn't really sure what they were studying for, given that both of them aced just bit every test they took, but she figured it would at least be a good time to socialize. After all, Peter was a good friend that she needed to hang out with more.

Gotta get up out of here

You ain't leaving me behind

I know you won't, 'cause we share common interests

You need me, there ain't no leaving me behind

Never, no, no, just want outta here, yeah

Once I'm gone, ain't no going back

    When she arrived, the cafe was fairly packed. A hostess guided her to a corner booth in the back, then handed her a menu and walked off. Seeing that Peter still wasn't here, the teenager decided to just bow her head and hum in tune to the song.

If you want

We could be, yeah, runaways

Running from any sight of love

Yeah, yeah, there ain't nothing

There ain't nothing here for me

There ain't nothing here for me anymore

But I don't wanna be alone

    "Ash?" A voice called out. The teenager pulled out an AirPod and looked up, finding none other than the grinning face of Peter Parker.

    "Nah, it's ice," she joked, standing up and giving him a side-hug. "Took you a while, ay?"

    "Sorry, Aunt May just had me caught up in something and-"

    "I'm joking, Peter. I've only been here for about a minute."

    "Oh," he stopped, feeling embarrassed at his rambling. "Anyways, want to get a start on that math homework?"

    "Don't see why not," she shrugged. After ordering their drinks and snacks, the two slid into the bench next to each other and began working. On about their tenth question, the waitress returned with Ashley's latte and Peter's creme-based frappuccino.

    "I see that you like your coffee as dark as your soul," Ashley noted with a giggle. When Peter couldn't scramble together a comeback, he simply swiped his finger through the whipped cream and painted it on her nose.

    "Hey!" She exclaimed, looking down at her iced coffee to do the same. The teenager huffed when she realized she was defenseless. "Not fair."

    "Maybe you should get a frappe next time," he sassed before bursting into laughter.

    "What?" She demanded, crossing her arms.

    "I can't... take you seriously... with your mad face and the whipped cream," he burst between bouts of laughter. Ashley tried to keep an annoyed, straight face, but she eventually giggled along with him.

    "We need to finish our homework, idiot," Ashley eventually snickered. With minimal distractions, they worked out the rest of the problems and paid for their food.

    "I've got it," Peter insisted, pulling out his wallet.

    "Uh-uh," Ashley objected, reaching for hers as well. "My idea, I pay."

    "Really, just let me pay for it," he convinced, pulling out a ten and five and laying it down on the table. "See? That wasn't so hard."

    "Fine," she grunted. "But I'm paying next time. Want to walk back together?"

    "Sorry, but I've got some... uh... errands to run for May. Take care, 'kay?"

    "Alright. See ya later, Parker," she waved as she walked off towards their apartment building. Reaching down into her hoodie pocket, she used her right hand to crack open the AirPod case and her left to wedge them into her ears. A smile graced her features as the music began flooding through her, setting all worries she had about anything to ease. She walked in pace with the beat as she hummed along.

Oh

Oh

Oh

Desperado

Sitting in an old Monte Carlo

We've both had our hearts broken, uh

Take it easy

I'm not tryna go against you

I can be a lone wolf witcha

    A small sense of concern pestered at her in the back of her mind, but she pushed it away. This street was well-populated and she had walked along it many times. Besides, she just wanted to enjoy her song, so she constantly fought it off, even when it kept coming back.

Gotta get up out of here

And you ain't leaving me behind

I know you won't, 'cause we share common interests

You need me, there ain't no leaving me behind

Never, no, no, both want outta here, yeah

Once we're gone, ain't no going back

If you want

We could be runaways

Running from any sight of love

Yeah, yeah, there ain't nothing

There ain't nothing here for me

There ain't nothing here for me anymore

I don't wannabe alone

    Before she could even comprehend what was going on, a strong arm wrapped around her and jerked her into an ally that branched off the street. Her music stopped as the AirPods fell out of her ears from the commotion of her struggling against the grasp. When she realized that her curses and jabs weren't getting her anywhere, she let out a blood-curdling scream loud enough for all of New York to hear. However, it was cut short as the man quickly pulled out a gun and swiftly smashed the grip into the back of her head.

    The last thing she remembered before she blacked out was catching a glimpse of the patch that was embroidered onto his shoulder: a skull with eight tentacles flared out.

Ended y'all on a cliff hanger mua haha