November brought cooler weather and a strange new normal.
After Monaco, my life had shifted into a rhythm that felt surreal—I was officially part of SHIELD's network, training regularly with some of the best fighters in the world, and dating a woman who could probably kill me seventeen different ways before breakfast.
But it was also... nice. Comfortable, even.
My consultant work with SHIELD picked up after Monaco. Coulson started calling me in for various situations—nothing as dramatic as electric whip-wielding Russians, but meaningful nonetheless.
A teenager manifesting telekinesis in Brooklyn. A scientist having a mental breakdown in a lab with volatile chemicals. A hostage situation where the kidnapper just needed someone to listen to his grievances rather than a tactical team.
I talked people down, created calm in chaos, and generally proved that sometimes the best solution to a crisis was just a person who could communicate effectively.
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CONSULTANT ASSIGNMENTS COMPLETED (Month of November)
Assignment 1: Brooklyn Telekinesis Incident
Success Rate: 95%
Reward: +$2,000, +300 SP, +500 EXP
Assignment 2: Chemical Lab Crisis
Success Rate: 100%
Reward: +$2,500, +400 SP, +650 EXP
Assignment 3: Hostage Negotiation
Success Rate: 90%
Reward: +$2,000, +350 SP, +550 EXP
Assignment 4: University Campus Panic Event
Success Rate: 100%
Reward: +$3,000, +500 SP, +700 EXP
Total Monthly Earnings: SHIELD
Retainer: $5,000
Assignments: $9,500
Total: $14,500
Reputation Gains:
SHIELD Reputation +40
Coulson Affection +12
Fury Affection +8
LEVEL UP! 10 → 11
Attribute Points: +5
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I distributed my new attribute points strategically:
Updated Attributes:
STR (Strength) : 48 → 50/100
AGI (Agility) : 53 → 55/100
END (Endurance) : 50 → 52/100
INT (Intelligence) : 43 → 45/100
CHA (Charisma) : 57 → 60/100
My Charisma hitting 60 felt like a milestone. I was now genuinely charming, not just "decent at conversation." People naturally liked me, trusted me, opened up to me. Combined with my skills, it made me exceptionally effective at my job.
"You're getting good at this," Coulson said during one of our monthly check-ins. "Four assignments, all successful, minimal complications. Director Fury is pleased."
"Happy to help."
"We're considering bumping you to Level 2 clearance. More assignments, higher pay, access to better resources." He slid a folder across the table. "But it also means more responsibility. More dangerous situations. More expectation that you can handle yourself."
I flipped through the folder. Level 2 Consultant meant $8,000 monthly retainer, assignment pay increased to $3,000-$5,000 each, and access to better equipment and information.
"What's the catch?"
"You'd be on call more frequently. Expected to respond to crisis situations within the hour if you're in the area. And you'd be working more closely with field agents—including Agent Romanoff when her assignments align with your expertise."
Working more closely with Natasha wasn't a downside. "I accept."
"Good. Welcome to Level 2." He stood, extending his hand. "Don't make me regret this, Carter."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
My training with Sarah had evolved too. She'd started bringing in guest instructors—former special forces, martial arts masters, even a few SHIELD agents who specialized in hand-to-hand combat.
"You're past basic training," Sarah explained. "Now you need specialized skills. How to fight in confined spaces, how to handle multiple opponents, how to defend against weapons."
One Tuesday morning, I arrived at the gym to find someone new waiting.
Natasha.
She was in workout clothes, hair tied back, wearing that small smile that meant she was about to kick my ass.
"Surprise," she said. "Sarah asked if I'd help with your training. I said yes."
"You're going to destroy me, aren't you?"
"Absolutely. But you'll learn a lot in the process."
She wasn't kidding. The next two hours were brutal. Natasha didn't hold back much—every weakness in my technique, every gap in my defense, every habit I'd developed that would get me killed in a real fight, she exploited mercilessly.
By the end, I was on the mat for the dozenth time, breathing hard and covered in sweat.
"You're getting better," she said, offering a hand up. "Six months ago, I'd have had you down in seconds. Today you lasted almost two minutes."
"That's... not very encouraging."
"It should be. You're fighting Black Widow and lasting two minutes. Most trained agents can't do that." She handed me a water bottle. "Your fundamentals are solid, but you rely too much on technique and not enough on adaptation. Real fights are messy. You need to embrace that mess."
"Embrace the mess. Got it."
"We'll work on it. Same time next week?"
"If I can walk by then."
She kissed my cheek. "You'll be fine. Ice bath tonight, protein tomorrow, and you'll be good as new."
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TRAINING SESSION WITH NATASHA ROMANOFF
Combat Prowess: 81 → 84/100
New Techniques Learned:
Adaptation in Close Quarters
Defense Against Grappling
Exploiting Environmental Factors
Special Note: Training with Natasha Romanoff provides exceptional skill growth. Her expertise is world-class, and intimate knowledge of your capabilities allows her to push you effectively.
Relationship Bonus: Training with romantic partner adds trust and coordination benefits.
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That evening, Natasha came over to my apartment with Thai food and ice packs for my bruised everything.
"Sorry I went so hard on you," she said, though she didn't look particularly sorry.
"You're not sorry at all."
"No, but I thought I should say it anyway." She settled on my couch, curling against me carefully to avoid my sore spots. "How's the consultant work going?"
"Good. Busy. Coulson bumped me to Level 2 today."
"I heard. Congratulations." She kissed my jaw. "That's a significant achievement. Most consultants take a year to reach Level 2. You did it in a month."
"I had a good teacher. And good instincts."
"You do. You're also brave, which is helpful but sometimes terrifying to watch." She was quiet for a moment. "I talked to Fury yesterday. About us."
I tensed slightly. "What did he say?"
"That as long as it doesn't compromise either of our jobs, he doesn't care. But that I need to be aware you could become a target because of me." She looked up at me. "He suggested you take advanced security training. Defensive driving, counter-surveillance, threat recognition. Things beyond just combat."
"That makes sense."
"You'd be okay with that? More training, more time investment?"
"Nat, I'm dating an international super-spy who fights terrorists and Russian assassins. Advanced security training seems like a reasonable life choice."
She smiled, relieved. "Good. Because I already signed you up. Classes start next week."
"Of course you did."
"I'm proactive. It's one of my better qualities."
The security training turned out to be intense but valuable. SHIELD ran a program for civilian consultants and support personnel—people who weren't field agents but needed to know how to handle dangerous situations.
I learned defensive driving (how to spot tails, how to lose pursuit, how to survive a car attack), counter-surveillance (recognizing when you're being watched, how to lose a tail on foot), and threat recognition (reading body language, identifying weapons, assessing danger in crowds).
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SECURITY TRAINING COMPLETE
New Skills Acquired:
[Defensive Driving - Lv.1] Type: Active CP Cost: 15 per use Effect: Enhanced driving ability in dangerous situations +30% evasion success Better vehicle control under stress
[Counter-Surveillance - Lv.1] Type: Passive/Active CP Cost: 20 per use (active mode) Passive: Notice when being watched (60% success) Active: Identify watchers, determine methods, plan countermeasures
[Threat Recognition - Lv.2] Type: Passive Effect: Quickly assess danger levels in situations Identify weapons and threats in crowds Better read on hostile intent Synergizes with Enhanced Danger Sense
Note: You're becoming a competent intelligence operative, even if that's not your primary role. These skills will save your life.
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My social life outside of work and Natasha continued too, though it felt increasingly like two separate worlds—the normal world and the superhero world.
The Grindhouse remained my regular spot. Jade was still there, still serving coffee and collecting gossip. Marcus was still working on his novel. Sarah from the grad program had finished her thesis and was moving to Chicago, which led to an impromptu farewell party that involved too much wine and bad karaoke.
"You've changed," Jade observed one afternoon as I worked on my laptop. "Since you moved here, I mean. You seem more... confident? More sure of yourself."
"New job, new relationship, new city. Lots of changes."
"Good changes though. You look happy." She refilled my coffee without being asked. "Though I barely see your girlfriend anymore. Natasha, right? She used to come by all the time."
"She's been busy with work. International consulting gets crazy sometimes."
"Must be serious consulting if she's traveling that much." Jade leaned against the counter. "You two still good?"
"Really good, actually."
"That's nice. You deserve someone who makes you happy." She paused. "Just... be careful, yeah? I know it's not my business, but that woman has 'complicated life' written all over her. Make sure you're taking care of yourself too."
"I am. Promise."
It was sweet that Jade worried, even if she had no idea how complicated things really were. To her, Natasha was just an intense woman with a demanding job. She didn't know about SHIELD, super-spies, or the fact that her barista had served coffee to Black Widow dozens of times.
Sometimes I missed that simpler perspective.
Late November brought an unexpected visitor to my apartment.
I was reviewing a case file for an upcoming assignment when my phone rang. Unknown number, but something told me to answer.
"Mr. Carter? This is Tony Stark."
"Tony. Everything okay?"
"Define 'okay.' I'm alive, not dying anymore, successfully pissing off the government—so by my standards, yes." He paused. "I'm calling because I need a favor. Or rather, I need someone I can trust, and apparently you're on that very short list."
"I'm listening."
"There's a Senate hearing next week. They want to talk about Iron Man, about weaponization of my technology, about me handing over the suits to the military. It's going to be a circus, and I need people there who aren't going to sell me out or stab me in the back."
"And you want me there?"
"I want someone with a functional brain and no ulterior motives in the audience. Someone who can give me an honest read on the room, maybe talk me down if I'm about to do something spectacularly stupid—which, let's be honest, is always a possibility."
"What about Pepper?"
"Pepper will be there in her official capacity as CEO. I need someone else. Someone who has no problem telling me when I'm being an idiot but also has my back when it counts." He sighed. "Look, you helped save my life in Monaco. You gave me the push I needed to solve my palladium problem. And you don't want anything from me except maybe occasionally decent behavior. That's rare, Carter. So I'm asking—will you be there?"
I thought about it. The Senate hearing was where Justin Hammer would unveil his Iron Man knock-offs and fail spectacularly. Where Tony would hack the presentation to show Hammer's weapons malfunctioning. Where everything would set up the final confrontation of Iron Man 2.
Being there meant being part of the story. But I was already part of the story. I might as well be useful.
"I'll be there."
"Thank you. Seriously." He sounded genuinely relieved. "I'll send you details. It's Thursday, 10 AM, Senatorial chambers. Try not to look too impressed by my devastating wit and charm."
"I'll do my best."
After he hung up, I immediately called Natasha.
"Tony just invited me to his Senate hearing next week."
"I heard. Fury mentioned it. He wants me there too, officially as his assistant but actually as SHIELD observation." She was quiet for a moment. "This is going to be interesting. Hammer's planning to showcase his own powered armor."
"Which will fail dramatically."
"You seem confident about that."
"Hammer's a hack. Tony's a genius. The outcome is pretty predictable." I paused. "Should be entertaining though."
"Oh, it'll definitely be entertaining. Tony at a Senate hearing is must-see TV." I could hear the smile in her voice. "We can drive down to D.C. together. Make a day of it."
"A romantic trip to watch congressional hearings. Living the dream."
"That's what dating a SHIELD consultant gets you—romance mixed with bureaucracy."
The week passed quickly. I completed two more consultant assignments—both successful—and continued my training regimen. My stats were steadily improving, my skills sharpening, my confidence growing.
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CURRENT STATUS
Name : Alex Carter
Age : 25
Level : 11
Title : First Love
EXP : 19,540/25,000
CORE ATTRIBUTES:
STR (Strength) : 50/100
AGI (Agility) : 55/100
END (Endurance) : 52/100
INT (Intelligence) : 45/100
CHA (Charisma) : 60/100
LCK (Luck) : 38/100
CHARM : 67/100
SPECIAL STATS:
Combat Prowess : 84/100
Emotional Intelligence : 45/100
Sexual Stamina : 30/100
RESOURCE POOLS:
HP : 1,400/1,400
CP : 3,000/3,000
SP : 17,590
Financial Status: Total Assets : $612,000
Monthly Income : ~$26,000 (investments + SHIELD)
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Thursday morning, Natasha and I drove to Washington D.C. in a car she'd requisitioned from SHIELD. The drive was pleasant—fall colors still visible in the trees, comfortable conversation about nothing important, just existing together.
"Nervous?" she asked as we approached the Capitol building.
"Should I be?"
"Only if you're worried about Tony saying something that starts an international incident." She smirked. "Which is always a possibility."
The hearing room was already packed when we arrived. Senators, aides, military brass, media, and various interested parties filled the seats. I spotted Pepper near the front, looking professional and slightly stressed. Happy was there too, looking uncomfortable in a suit.
And at the defense contractor table, Justin Hammer, practically vibrating with barely-contained excitement.
"This should be good," I muttered to Natasha.
Tony arrived fashionably late, naturally, striding in with the confidence of someone who knew he was the smartest person in the room and didn't care who knew it.
The hearing began, and it was exactly the circus Tony had predicted. Senators postured, made speeches about national security, demanded that Tony surrender his Iron Man technology "for the good of the country."
Tony was Tony—deflecting with humor, providing devastating counter-arguments, and generally treating the whole thing like performance art.
Then came Hammer's moment.
"Senator, if I may," Hammer said, standing eagerly. "I'd like to present evidence that Tony Stark is not the only one with advanced armor technology. Hammer Industries has been developing competitive systems—"
He clicked a remote, and the screens showed footage of Hammer's armor prototypes. They looked impressive for about five seconds.
Then Tony's face appeared on the screens, clearly having hacked the presentation.
"Oh, let me help with that, Justin," Tony's voice came through the speakers.
The screens changed to show Hammer's test footage—suits malfunctioning, falling over, weapons misfiring, one particularly unfortunate incident where a test pilot broke his spine during a failed flight test.
Hammer's face went from confident to horrified in seconds.
"That's—that's classified footage! How did you—"
"Not very well classified if I could hack it during your presentation," Tony said cheerfully. "Maybe focus on basic security before trying to compete with actual geniuses."
The room erupted. Senators were shouting, Hammer was sputtering indignantly, media was frantically recording, and Tony just sat there with that trademark smirk.
I caught Tony's eye from the audience. He gave me a tiny nod—thanks for being here, thanks for having my back.
I nodded back. Anytime, you magnificent disaster.
The hearing devolved into chaos after that. Eventually, they called a recess, and Tony made his escape before anyone could demand more answers.
Outside, he found Natasha and me waiting.
"So? How'd I do?"
"You humiliated a competitor on national television and made the Senate look foolish," I said. "So, pretty on-brand."
"I'll take that as a compliment." He looked genuinely pleased. "Thanks for being here, both of you. Helps to have friendly faces in the crowd."
"Anytime, Tony," Natasha said. "Though maybe try not to hack Senate presentations too often. It makes our job harder."
"No promises. But I appreciate the sentiment." He checked his phone. "I've got to deal with Pepper before she has an aneurysm about my behavior. Carter, Romanoff—drinks on me next time you're in Malibu."
"We'll hold you to that," I said.
As he walked away, Natasha leaned against me. "Well, that was educational."
"Welcome to Tony Stark's world. Where congressional hearings become performance art and everyone's just along for the ride."
"I can't decide if he's brilliant or insane."
"Both. Definitely both."
We drove back to New York that evening, talking about the hearing, about Tony's continued refusal to cooperate with authority, about how Hammer was probably going to be under investigation for those malfunctioning prototypes.
"Fury thinks something's coming," Natasha said as we crossed into New Jersey. "Bigger than individual threats. He's ramping up the Avengers Initiative, bringing in more consultants, preparing for something."
"Did he say what?"
"No. Just that the world's getting more dangerous, and SHIELD needs to be ready." She glanced at me. "Which means we need to be ready. Both of us."
"We will be."
"I know. That's why I'm not more worried." She took my hand. "Whatever comes next, we handle it together."
"Together," I agreed.