It had been a while since he let anybody in.
Axel Gray, a junior at the Manhattan Center for Science and Math, was your stereotypical loner who always sat in the corner and never spoke to anyone. He had dark hair with gray, almost white streaks running through it, and icy blue eyes that reflected a darkness a child of his age shouldn't possess.
Currently, the students were having their chemistry lesson. The room was filled with the sounds of whispered conversations, pages turning, and pens furiously scribbling down notes. There was a faint chemical smell in the air, the teacher's voice, dry and tired, explained the significance of covalent bonds.
"The sharing of electrons allows the elements to create a full outer shell…" he droned on.
Axel drowned out the rest of the lecture as he had more pressing matters at hand. It helped that he had surpassed the school curriculum ages ago.
"Last night's raid went without a hitch," he thought. The HYDRA files containing information about his past and the base had been destroyed. "But I have a really bad feeling, like something's amiss; with my luck, it probably is," Axel thought deprecatingly.
After managing to escape HYDRA two years ago, he had been trying to erase every shred of information about his past. That was accomplished last night after destroying the last file. The legend of the infamous assassin, known as Ghost, would remain just that—a legend.
At least that's what Axel hoped.
Scene Break
"Finally," an exhausted Axel muttered into his pillow, "That lesson lasted forever! I thought I was going to die of boredom. I really need coffee right now. There's a shop down the street; maybe I should get some. Or should I? This bed is so comfy, I don't even want to move…"
"Okay, on three . One… two…" He tossed himself out of bed and groaned when he hit the cold hardwood floor. With a push, he straightened himself, grabbed a black jacket with many pockets for hidden weapons—just in case—and put it on. He locked the door, preparing to go out.
Scene Break
When Axel left the apartment, his enhanced senses were overwhelmed by the sounds of cars and the footsteps of people rushing about. A group of teenagers laughed about something nearby, while the enticing smells of freshly baked goods wafted from a bakery and a faint scent of blooming flowers drifted in from a nearby park.
a couple blocks down, the pleasing aroma of freshly ground coffee wafted from a shop called The Rising Sun (which was ironic as he lived on East 116th Street). The shop's exterior looked like something out of a fantasy, with plants growing everywhere in a controlled but majestic way. It had two large windows adorned with intricate carvings on the windowsills, where vibrant flowers spilled over, adding splashes of color against the earthy tones of the building. A handcrafted wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, bearing the shop's name in elegant lettering. The door, framed by climbing vines, was painted a warm, inviting shade of olive green, inviting passersby to step inside and escape the bustling streets.
When he entered, a bell chimed softly, alerting the barista to a new customer. The interior was just as majestic as the exterior, with lush plants in clay pots strewn about, creating a cozy atmosphere. Circular mahogany tables, each accompanied by two or three chairs. There were a couple of people mingling about—some chatting, some typing, and others simply enjoying their coffee.
"Hi, what would you like to order?" asked a barista who looked to be no older than him. She had curly brown hair and rich honey-colored eyes, with a smile so warm that it made Axel forget his troubles, if only for a moment.
"A regular black coffee, please," Axel replied aloofly. Inside, he was pondering the person standing before him, and why she had that effect on him but he quickly banished those thoughts. People died because they were your acquaintances. Do not make the same mistake again. Don't allow the blood of another person to stain your hands, a voice in the back of his mind whispered.
"Would you like anything else with that?" the barista asked, still smiling.
"No, thank you."
"Your total comes to $4.95. Would you like to pay with cash or card?"
"Cash."
He paid and sat down, watching as the barista began making his coffee. Inside, he was remembering every friend who had put their life in danger for him. Winter, his trainer better known as the Winter Soldier, had taken the blame for their failed mission when it was Axel's fault and had been punished severely. Rex, his bunkmate and friend, had been pitted against him in a death match for training, they said. And many more he didn't wish to remember. He closed his eyes, guilt and sadness overwhelming him along with anger at HYDRA. "Never again will people be hurt because of me. Never". After this thought, he opened his eyes, still deep in contemplation.
"Here's your black coffee, broody," the barista said.
"Excuse me?" Axel, so deep in his thoughts, didn't notice her coming his way. "I have gotten complacent, and who the heck is she calling broody?" he thought.
"Well, you looked like you were contemplating murder there for a second, here's your coffee."
"Thanks?" He half-asked, bewildered.
"No problem," she chirped and went back behind the counter.
When he went to pick up his coffee, he noticed his hands were clenched." I must've done that unconsciously while thinking about hydra I really need to work on my anger management" he thought while moving to take a drink of the coffee.
The hot beverage rolled across his tongue warming him a myriad of refined flavors exploded in his mouth making him forget his earlier turmoil. "Ah that hits the spot." he thought contentedly.
Scene Break
At night, Axel contemplated the day's events, his mind replaying the moments at the coffee shop. The barista's warm smile and playful comment had caught him off guard, leaving a fleeting impression that he couldn't quite shake no matter how hard he tried.
As he lay in bed, the city outside buzzed with distant sirens and the hum of traffic, yet his apartment felt unnaturally quiet. When he finally closed his eyes, he braced himself for the usual nightmares—visions of his past, the faces of those he couldn't save. But for the first time in what felt like forever, his sleep was undisturbed.
No dark memories haunted him, no accusations from the ghosts of his past. Instead, he drifted in silence, was this a sign of change or merely a brief reprieve? He wasn't sure, but for now, he allowed himself to relax, knowing the shadows would return eventually.
A/N I hope you liked the first chapter of my story I'm 14 years old and this is my first time ever writing. I may not be able to post consistently because of school
Please give me suggestions to improve and be warned this story is slow paced but you will see some action sooner than later.