Talkative

A new team of all the troublemakers is different from what's usually ideal; however, this is SHIELD, so it is normal if you ask anyone. Seven teens. One air manipulation, two kinetic energy manipulation, three metal manipulation, four darkness manipulation, five power replication, six plant manipulation, and seven vocal mind control. Of course, it's really just an experiment deep down under it all, but the team can wait to learn that, and they're sure it won't go smoothly either. Each teen was brought to SHIELD for one reason or another, and they came from different ages, backgrounds and places. One, however, is more special than any other teen in the entire program, maybe even the whole system. Partly because he doesn't play well with others or follow the rules, he does his own things, and he's been babied to keep him compliant, which has given him quite a snotty attitude toward others. There is the other thing, though, which is a little more daunting and worrying, but the team doesn't need to know that..... at least not yet.

Phil has corralled the other teams into a briefing room. The walls are glass, so they can see out into the hall and open space where agents and people in plain clothes are puttering about. Phil does a head count, putting to each one as he mouths the number, letting Fury bring the last troublemaker to the table from wherever he decided to hide today. There are slight issues with how biased people are towards vocal users. Somehow, it's more daunting than mind users either because they can hear themselves being taken control of or the perceived lack of control. After all, it could easily slip into commands as they talk. Tony just happens to be hated more than most because he has slipped up on purpose; he happens to be the child of the Stark's known terrible people after everything came to light and his well-known hot-tempered nature.

Of course, Tony is well aware of this and doesn't mind playing into the stereotype placed on him, but it also takes an enormous toll. A commotion outside in the hall makes everyone look over, and Phil sighs a little at the sight. Fury has Tony by the front of his hoodie, dragging him over. Not for his lack of resistance, it doesn't seem Tony is making any progress getting free either. Of course, this also sours the mood of the other teens when they see him as well. No one wants to be stuck on a team with Tony, of all people. Fury ignores it all and shoves Tony gently in a chair who seems to be sulking a little as he crosses his arms over his chest. Tony had grown out his hair just enough that with a hood on and his bangs, his face was well covered. Phil is sure the others can't see the ban at all from where they're sitting, and Tony is slumped with his head tilted down.

"Why is he here!?" Sam snaps, pointing to Tony angrily

"Yeah, it's hard enough with us here, and you want to throw him in the mix?" Steve grinds out, glaring at the two men at the head of the table

"Whatever this is, I don't want any part of it," Natasha snaps, slumping in her seat and crossing her arms over her chest.

"You aren't getting a choice," Fury simply tells them.

"What do you mean we don't get a choice!?" Sam shouts a little; even Tony's head snaps up and over to the men

"Well, look, you are going to trial as a team. You're not really getting a choice in this since you've all been kicked out of the other teams, and well, Tony wasn't ever on a team. Either way, we'll move you guys into a housing unit by the end of the day, and the trial will start," Phil explains to them.

"I'm not working with him!" Clint shouts, jumping out of his chair and pointing to where Tony should be, only he's not

"Alright," Fury says, but they're hesitant to take that at face value. A second later, Fury adds, "Leave the program then," and they know there is a catch.

Also, where the hell did Tony disappear?

"What!?" Bruce asks, caught off guard by the ultimatum as Fury crouches down to see under the table

"Like we said, you've been kicked out or moved from every team. There is no other option but to leave. Really, we've run out of places to put you," Phil says, letting the annoyance of the situation slip into his voice at them.

"You realize you can't escape the room, right?" Fury notes almost bored

"Ah," Bucky says, moving his chair back to see under the table.

Tony was sitting under the table, his arms crossed over his chest as he faced the men, so Bucky only saw his back. Tony just gives him two annoyed middle fingers before Fury grabs him by the ankle.

"Whatever," Phil huffs, annoyed and rolling his eyes, letting Fury manhandle Tony until he's standing with the men.

"Why us?" Bruce asks as Fury holds Tony in place by the scruff of his hoodie

"Nobody else wants you," Fury says bluntly, and while they knew that was the answer, it still hurts to hear it.

"And on paper, this could actually work," Phil adds, trying to lessen the blow by any percent.

"What about him?" Natasha asks, pointing to Tony, who's starting to squirm a little to get free

"What about him?" Phil asks, too comfortable with Tony to usually process what others feel about him

"Knock it off," Fury grinds out a little and puts Tony in a headlock, Tony's hands on the arm around his neck.

Clint just gestures to Tony with an obviously annoyed face, and Phil remembers.

"If it doesn't work out, maybe he'll go solo again, and if we have to, you could be a team alone, but it's not ideal," Phil tells them. However, they can tell it's different from what either man wants, and they'll do everything to ensure it doesn't happen.

"Knock it off, sir. He's wearing the ban," Phil asks, annoyed by his boss's childish behaviour.

"Ban?" Steve asks, unfamiliar with the term. None of them are really used to being around any kind of manipulator.

"A talk ban," Phil says. At the same time, Fury pulls down Tony's hoodie and straightens him up so they can see Tony's tactical respirator-looking mask.

"A talk ban is a device invented to make people feel safe around manipulators, especially vocal ones, as it prevents them from talking. It's safe to use and has more than one use, but for the most part, it's used out in public to ensure nothing gets slipped up and the wearer is silenced. Users can remove it at will, but most are used to it and see it as normal or comfortable. Some even use it to dodge duties and responsibilities," Phil explains, looking pointedly at Tony for the last bit.

"So it's safe?" Bruce confirms as Tony glares at Phil

"Perfectly," Fury says, finally letting Tony go when Tony tries to elbow him.

"Five more minutes," Phil huffs as Tony roughly pulls his hood back up with two hands, knowing his antics will continue to escalate

"Well?" Fury asks them, one hand on his hip and one brow raised

"Good. I'm glad you're willing to participate," Phil says as all the hands rise except Tony's; they know he'll do what's asked of him.

"Alright, all of you out," Fury says, and Tony bolts, jumping onto and over the table and bolts from the room

"Christ!" An agent shouts, stumbling back as papers he was carrying go flying as Tony nearly runs him down

"Sorry, Decklan!" Phil calls out to the agent, who just continues to grumble as he kneels down and starts collecting the papers

"Right, I guess we should go too." Steve sighs, and the others follow him out

By dinner, agents had moved the team's stuff in, and the team had picked out their rooms. All but Tony chose the left wing and their rooms; Tony chose the right wing and the farthest room from the others. The compound is nice. It has a small outdoor training area, a gym, and they think even a pool, and it is large enough that no one would need to see anyone else if they didn't want to. The kitchen and open plan are also nice; lets them have the room to get used to each other and keep an eye on each other if need be. Once Tony is in his room, he takes off the ban, turning it over in his hands once before tossing it aside and going to find a sink. Once he finds the bathroom, Tony leans over the sink and parts his lips a bit. A small mouthful of electric blue thickened fluid spills out into the sink, and he turns on the tap, watching it get flushed down. Once it's gone, Tony turns off the tap and uses the back of his hand to wipe off anything else left on his lips.

In his room, Tony sits on the bed surrounded by boxes; he hates it here; he hates being on a team, and to be honest, he hates everything about this. Tony doesn't understand why SHIELD keeps trying to put him on a team or maybe to make him friends. It never works, and he doesn't want any part of it. Tony managed to hide in his room the entire first week, not even a whisper from that time or at least until Phil came on Friday for a check-in. Phil will be doing weekly check-ins for the first few months or as long as he deems them fit to be. Mostly until the team is settled in and comfortable. Rather than someone coming to drag him out of his room, Tony shows up in the common room five minutes before Phil shows up. He leans on the entryway to his wing, his arms crossed over his chest and utterly disinterested in the others. No one really cares. In fact, they like that better. Even with the ban, the team wasn't comfortable with Tony being in the same housing. Now, without it, they're even more uneasy.

"How are things?" Phil asks them, opening the question to everyone

"Peachy," Tony growls lightly, very unhappy about being here.

"Of course," Phil mutters. He just knew Tony would be the first to speak his displeasure. "Yes, yes, I'm aware you dislike it," Phil tuts with a roll of his eyes.

"Try despise," Tony growls again, glaring at him lightly this time.

"Fine, I guess," Steve sighs, annoyed by Tony's attitude.

"Yes, well, until you can so-exist, every one of you is benched, obviously," Phil tells them, getting a round of complaints.

"That's not fair!" Clint shouts, half out of his seat

"You are a team now," Phil reminds them already over the interaction.

"But," Sam protests, a little weak; seeing this only annoys Phil more.

"So we just have to stand each other?" Bucky asks. At least, that's what he gets from the statement and a little inside knowledge.

"That's right," Phil says, intrigued. It's odd for Bucky to say anything, let alone volunteer to get along with Tony of all people.

"Then get him to stop hiding in his room," Bucky says confidently. Tony looks highly offended, amusing Clint and Sam.

"Oi fuck you," Tony bluntly snaps at him; he's heard of Bucky's reputation, so he's confused as to why he, of all people, is talking.

"I can make it happen... If you all agree to try," Phil says, crossing his arms, amused.

"No, better yet fuck no," Tony scoffs.

"Yeah, I'm not sure it's worth it, Bucky," Sam grumbles.

"Is there a time limit?" Natasha asks, seeing if they could play it out by wasting time

"That depends on if you actually try or wait it out. But for now, it's a full-year trial." Phil shrugs slightly.

"Why can't you just make him come out?" Bruce asks, a little confused. Phil had never said he'd personally make sure it happens.

"Well, Fury is better," Phil says simply. Tony might see him as an authority figure and listen to him, but he sure as hell listens to Fury better.

"Doesn't matter, I'm in," Bucky says bluntly, his arms crossed over his chest, clearly ready for a challenge.

"Figured that would be your option," Phil says. If Bucky had spoken up, then his mind would have already made.

"This is stupid, I ain't doing it," Tony grinds at Phil.

"Nope, you have to try," Phil shrugs off the attitude.

"That isn't fair!" Tony shouts, dropping his arms angrily

"You can leave now," Phil says coldly, and Tony sucks his teeth angrily before storming off back down his hall.

"Is there any reason you're putting him on a team now?" Bruce asks wearily. He is still determining if this is a good idea anywhere.

"Does it have to do with his powers?" Bucky asks again, confusing everyone else in the room

"It does, and we've tried before, but things have changed," Phil says, trailing off a little at the end.

"Look, if Buck is in, so am I," Steve sighs, already regretting it

"So we're in?" Clint grumbles, looking around at the others

"Fine," Sam huffs sulkily

"Okay. I'll be back tomorrow with Fury," Phil says before leaving.

"What's up with you?" Natasha grumbles at Bucky

"Not yet," Bucky says before looking over at Tony's hall.

"Sure, man," Clint says and shares a look with the others.

As expected, Tony doesn't come out for the rest of the night, but they didn't expect anything different anyway. And as of tomorrow, he won't have a choice, as per what Phil says, but they really don't think that will happen. It is Tony, after all. No one can really sleep in the place, but it's even more complicated with Tony in the same housing unit, so everyone is a little off by morning. Bruce can't sleep, but mostly because his brain won't stop working. Something about Tony and the rumours seems off; yes, he has a short temper, and his voice can be quite harsh, but hiding away doesn't really fit. Instead of being extroverted and in your face, he just wants to be alone and left alone, even more so than most of the users he's met throughout the program. Morning comes, and by eight am, they're waiting in the common room again as Phil shows up, this time with Fury. Tony hasn't shown his face yet, but when Phil looks at Fury with a slightly questioning look, Fury just Faces Tony's hall a little. Sticking two fingers in his mouth, Fury lets out a loud, sharp whistle.

"Sir?" Phil questions a little

"He'll come," Fury says

"If you say so," Phil shrugs a little

"I'm not a fucking dog pirate!" Tony barks, coming in hot from his hall, his ban clipped to a belt loop on his jeans

"Put. It. Away," Fury says firmly.

"No," Tony says, ever defiant and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Three seconds to drop it," Fury says, raising a brow.

"Ugh! Why!?" Tony groans, tipping his head back

"Two," Fury counts down.

"Better," Fury says as Tony grinds his teeth before sighing shortly and going quiet.

"If only it was that easy with me," Phil huffs, smiling a little

"You're too soft." Fury shrugs a little

"So?" Natasha asks them, and Tony glares at her a little

"They've agreed to try," Phil informs Fury and Tony.

"Cause of him?" Tony grumbles, pointing loosely to Bucky, makes a slight face

"Yes," Phil says, amused, even as Steve glares at Tony for it.

"Then you're here 'cause," Tony says, slowly looking back at Fury.

"To make sure you smarten up and do it," Fury says, and Tony sighs.

"I don't want to," Tony groans, tipping his head back again.

"I don't care, you're gonna suck it up," Fury tells him bluntly.

"What do I get out of it," Tony says, looking at Fury expectantly.

"This isn't some kind of deal," Phil says disapprovingly.

"Everything is a deal," Tony scoffs. Another reason he's disliked.

"What do you want?" Bucky asks, curious, but it's a casual way of challenging Tony

"Buck," Steve grinds out, glaring at his best friend.

"Like you have anything to offer." Tony snubs him with a roll of his eyes

"Hey," Clint says defensively. He may not like it, but it's rude.

"A new ban," Fury offers, and Tony looks down at his calculating.

"I can build it?" Tony asks him, hesitant but curious

"You can build it," Fury says, nodding slightly.

Tony looks between the men and the team a few times before his eyes settle on the ban once more and weighs his options before nodding slightly. Phil and Fury know that means he's agreed to stop hiding at least until something happens, knowing it's Tony's nature to hide away and ignore his problems. They don't stay long. Just mention that Tony will no longer hide before leaving, and Tony has regret on his face the second they leave. Once the men leave, an awkward air settles in the room, and it's not just Tony regretting agreeing to this whole arrangement. Now, the weight of their choice is apparent: it's not only Tony coming. They have to try and get along with him and attempt to make a team out of this, and it's not just Tony who's unwilling. Tony wants to go back to his room, away from them and their eyes, though he's never met them. To be honest, Tony has a habit of never looking people in the eyes unless he's using his powers. It hadn't even been five minutes until he agreed to come out, so there was no way to go back. As much as he'd like to figure out what Barnes is plotting and what his deal is, Tony doesn't want to do anything with it, but he is curious about what he knows and how he knows.

"You could ask, you know," Bucky says after a minute of Tony glaring at him.

"You wouldn't tell me," Tony grinds out, glaring even harder at him.

"No, I wouldn't," Bucky says easily.

"Well, what now?" Clint asks, slumming in his seat as Tony goes back down his hall for a moment

"Good question," Natasha says

"Clint? Wanna play Mario Cart?" Sam offers, clearly uncomfortable but trying

"Sure," Clint says, sitting up again.

That seems to settle things for a bit until Tony returns, this time with a tablet and no ban. Tony is reluctant to leave his hallway, but the furthest he can go to get away but be out is the kitchen area, so that's where he goes and hops up on the counter. It takes forever for the air to relax again, but it does happen eventually, though not to a comfortable level. Just enough to let them breathe easier, and everyone gets busy doing something if only to distract themselves from the situation. Anytime someone gets within six feet of Tony, he moves. By the time the sun is going down, it's finally quite late, and Tony makes his break for it. Tony finds himself struggling to sleep and begins to roam the halls, mapping it out in his head as he tries to cover every inch of the place. Thankfully for Tony, he takes it in like a virtual 3-D map and gets all the details in. He first starts with his wing and ends by heading towards the common room to find the quickest route.

Of course, someone had to be up, and not only him roaming the halls or using the spaces. Tony can tell by the soft, dim light coming from the kitchen and the sound of someone puttering about. Cautiously, Tony approaches the area lightly with a hand on the wall, guiding him, and peeks out to see who's up. Oddly enough and not so odd, Tony finds Bucky up and moving in the kitchen, making something on the stove, though he's not sure what. He didn't figure Barnes slept much, but he just thought he would be contained to his hall after moving housing so recently, but he happened to be wrong, of course. Tony studies him for a moment, sizing him up to what he knows, and it all seems to match, for the most part, cold and quiet, the type to not sleep for days and wear dark clothes. Barnes has his hair messily half tied up and is wearing a worn red zip-up hoodie and a pair of black joggers. Tony knows Barnes is aware of him being there. In fact, he's sure the others know he was there before Tony knew someone else was up. Out of the group, Barnes and the redhead have that in common. Tony figured it was from their pasts. Tony could turn back, but he wants to finish exploring as much as possible, and since Barnes is pretending he's not there, Tony takes a chance.

Tony steps out of his hall, weary and expecting some kind of confrontation. He is ready to get away if need be but keeps his steps silent. It's not like it would help him much, but if other people are up, he could get away better if unheard. Bucky listens to the soft and carefully placed steps as Tony comes out of his hallway; he can feel Tony's eyes on his back, watching him like a hawk. If it was anyone else doing it, Bucky would consider it being hunted, but he doesn't get that feeling from Tony, at least not right now. Tony is no prey either, of course, but he isn't the opposite either, more like a well-seasoned stray cat living in the city. Each move and step is placed deliberately and carefully, not moving without thinking of everything first. It reminds him of how he and Natasha move, but unlike Tony, they were taught and trained through force and blood by their pasts. Natasha by the KGB and the Red Room and him by the people who took and held him captive all those years. Tony's come off as more self-taught and elegant. They're not perfect or as neat, but it's a soft shadow of Natasha, making him even more curious about why and how Tony came across something like that.

Bucky thinks back to his last session with Frost; she was the one to hint at the team being formed and Tony being there. She was very vague when it came to information about Tony, even though it was she who brought it up. Bucky doesn't even know why he had said anything about Tony in the first place. There was no reason for a heads-up or to mention him at all. But she said his name deliberately. From it, Bucky remembers three vague hints she made a point to say. One, Tony's life is not what they think; two, All powers come with a price, even Tony's; and Three, Don't let Tony control the narrative. He still can't wrap his head around it or what she meant, but Bucky has realized that Frost always has a reason, and she is never really wrong. He could talk to others, but maybe just not yet. He's called out of his thought process as he feels Tony leave, and his pot begins to boil; he'll have to return to that later.

Safe and back in his room, Tony has a primarily complete map of the compound. Tony relaxes back against his door, leaning on it for support before straightening and moving over to the bed. Tony spends the rest of the night on the tablet designing his new ban, actually excited to have something to do. He'll keep the current one as a spare once the new one is built. After all, he still likes it, and it fits him well. The past ones he's grown out of were sent back into circulation and given to other kids who needed them. He dreads it when morning comes, and he has to go back out there, just knowing the day will drag on. But as long as he finds a spot away from the others and puts it somewhere, no one will bother him. It should be more tolerable. Or at least he keeps telling himself that. So, while the sun is still rising, Tony ventures out again, and this time, no one else is up, and it's just him. Tony takes his headphones and tablet, scopes out the common room, and finds a comfy-looking chair untouched by the others. Tony drags the chair to a far corner near his hall, far enough that someone would have to go out of their way to get near it, and claims it as his own. He sits on the dark leather chair and gets comfortable before putting on his headphones and unlocking the tablet to start working again.