#eyespied

@lxstdiirection @agentphilcollins​ @agecfmiracles​ @specialagentace​ @agentshepard​ @eye-spied​

“Alright, look alive, people.” 

It was how Sterling usually started the IA meetings and not much had changed since he took over as head of department. Well, a lot had changed. More than the team even knew. Sterling took a moment to look down at the file in his hand and scratch his forehead with his thumbnail before continuing. He’d been stretched pretty thin since November of last year. He blamed himself for a lot of what had gone wrong with the Abstractionss case but he was doing his best to keep morale up in the department. 

“Quick update on Agent Germaine Shepherd’s condition. We think we are nearing an end to that particular chapter and hoping he will be back at work soon. Everyone be sure to give him a warm welcome upon his return. If anyone would like to chip in on the welcome back gift, that would be appreciated. Antique teapots aren’t cheap.”

“Physicals and psych evaluations are coming up and I expect every single one of you to be in attendance, on time, and completed without a fuss. Everyone here should know the importance of mental health and fortitude and if this job is weighing on you in an unhealthy way we need to know so we can take action to keep everyone healthy and safe. The same goes for me as well and I am a big supporter of these evaluations. I wish they happened more often, to be honest. If I hear one of you has skipped either evaluation you will be suspended without pay and you will not be allowed to work again until that evaluation is completed. There will be no leniency on this matter.” 

"I'd like to apologize in advance for the construction that will be happening around the office end of next month. They will be updating our security measures to include..." Sterling furrowed his brow at the file in his hand, flipping to the next page then flipping back. "Ghosts and supernatural entities. Salt in the doors. Lead lining. Silver doorknobs. The whole shebang." He tucked the file under his arm and continued a bit more confidently. "The S.T.A.K.E. department is moving their HQ from New Jersey and this base will now serve as host. Agent Morgan has requested certain departments get authorization for the changes to further protect our facilities from unseen and unknown threats. Naturally we are one of the first to get approval as most Intel is passed through here at some point. That and I did the paperwork for it two weeks ago for early approval. There’s also room in the budget for each of you to receive one piece of inconspicuous silver jewelry, either a watch, a ring, or a bracelet, to test for shifters and other beings weakened or harmed by silver. If you already have one and would prefer not to add more, that’s fine. As someone who was once framed for assault by a shifter, I highly recommend." Sterling held up his hand to show his silver wedding ring. 

“Last announcement, I will be taking off the entire month of December this year and possibly the next two following months for personal leave. Normally Agent Honey would be my natural replacement but since the leave of absence is... extensive we will be looking into the best possible long term replacement. Whether that will be Agent Honey or if Administration feels the need to step in and suggest a higher level agent take the reins, perhaps someone from another department or base, is yet to be decided. Either way, I assure you, you will be in good hands. I will also be taking next Tuesday off for a doctor's appointment. Agent Honey will be covering for me then. You can also reach me by cell phone for emergencies but I assure you she can handle anything you will need. She is more than capable.”

Much like many men Clint often failed to keep sight of the important dates one such date being Valentines of course. Yes, it was the same day every year, yes, there was decorations and advertisements everywhere and yet it still seemed to sneak up on him. He’s a few days late and in truth he could very much use the fact that he’s recovering from a gunshot as an excuse should the need arise. In his hands is an oversized black heart shaped box with a deep almost black purple bow adoring it, yes, he’s extra like that. But as much as it appears to be an oversized chocolate box in reality it’s a box of knives, practical and in truth Akela with a knife, well that’s a sight. 

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” 

The one problem that came with being a member of the Avengers is with that role came the requirement of attention formal affairs many times hosted by Stark for public image. The scene is as far from relatable to Clint as possible, most of those in attendance came from a particular background or they had a sort of superiority complex that didn’t sit well with the archer. So as soon as he saw his window of escape he’d taken it, had skipped out and walked down the street dressed to the nines in a well tailored suit complete with tie. 

Without thinking his feet lead him to where he really wanted to be, soon enough he’s knocking at Akela’s door, his hand already coming up to undo the button to his collar. It’s common enough that he shows up here these days so when she opens the door he doesn’t say anything just walks past her and takes the three steps it takes him to get to the bed, sitting down and leaning back against it as he loosens the tie. 

Ask my character "How do you feel about ______?" Can be an idea, person(s), place, or thing, and they'll have to answer honestly.

“Agent Amador.” It’s purposeful the way he states her title, one which she earned and one which she retains after all she’s been through, his tone is fairly corrective as he says it but he continues nonetheless. “No one gives her credit for the strength it took for her to endure all that she has, even herself.” Mason is well aware of trauma, he has his own but he can’t fathom what Akela had gone through. “She’s an excellent agent, always ready to jump in with only a moments notice. I also consider her a friend.” 

"Yes."

There was no hesitation in his answer but he looked down as the full weight of what he had agreed to sunk in. He knew what Mason had been through. He'd read Akela's file but he knew there was more to it she never told SHIELD. In truth, he probably would have died in Akela's kidnapping. There was no way he would have done the things they forced her to do. He'd have been killed for sure, he knew that now. That means he wouldn't have been alive for Mason's torture. But he would have endured both if he could have. He was always grateful Merc had happened to him rather than someone else. At least he could contain his grief as best he could within himself.

"Meeting Akela, no hesitation there." Rockland smiles, and it's evident how much better he's been doing in the previous months. "Getting to know a couple classmates has been pretty cool too, though." School had become easier to focus on, once he had some stability.