C9 Training and a mysterious tattoo

I braided my hair to keep loose auburn strands from clinging to my sweat-slick neck and shoulders. The makeshift gym had become a second home this last month spent training tirelessly with Natasha and the others. Sore muscles protested but I basked in the glow of hard earned progress nonetheless.

"Not bad today, Cross."

I grinned at Natasha's backhanded praise