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creative-caramel-coffee · 14 days

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The Spiders Sister - Chapter 3

Summary: Reader meets the team.

Tw: mentions of sickness, teasing

Words: 2.8K

A/n: Thanks for all the support this series has been getting :) If anyone has any suggestions for things that could happen in this series lemme know and I’ll see what I think. No smut though I don’t write that here.

The next day you woke to knocking on the bedroom door. Sitting up in bed you quietly called for whoever it was to enter.

A moment later Wanda poked her head through the door. Seeing you awake or at least semi-awake she slipped through the small space she had created.

“Good morning.” She smiled coming to sit beside you on the bed. “Did you sleep well?” She asked pressed her hand to your forehead.

“Mmm.” You hummed still half asleep.

“You don’t feel warm anymore.” She smiled at this achievement as if she was proud of you. “How are you feeling today?” She asked moving her hands to rest in her lap again.

“Tired, but that’s probably because I just woke up.” You smiled.

“Nat sent me to wake you up. She wanted to know if your well enough to meet the others today.” Wanda explained looking slightly guilty.

“I mean, I’m game if you are. Where’s Nat?” You asked coving a yawn.

“Nat’s training with steve. And not so fast, I want to know more about how you're feeling. No more headache? Cough? Wheezing? Give me something.” She grinned.

“My headaches gone, no more cough, maybe a slight wheeze I’m not too sure.” You begun and Wanda’s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of your wheezing. “I’m like ninety-nine percent sure my fever is gone, and I feel pretty good all things aside.” You finished.

“That’s good. Maybe keep your inhaler on you today just in case. And after the meeting I’ll see if I can get Bruce to give us a few spares, just in case.” Wanda said softly.

“You really don’t have to.” You said shyly toying with a loose thread on the sheets.

“Its no problem. I would make me feel better. Breathing is important.” Wanda teased easing your concerns.

“So, when’s the meeting?” You asked.

“Well, I think Nat wanted to do it as soon as possible. Like straight after training and then I’m going to make you some pancakes for brunch.” Wanda said poking your side. “But for now, hop up, get dressed and I’ll be back soon to show you where the meeting room is.” Wanda said, standing up and heading for the door.

Once wanda had left, probably to go and find Nat to call the meeting, you crawled out of bed. Rifling through your backpack you changed out your sleepshirt and shorts for a pair of black track pants and a pale-yellow t-shirt. Throwing on some goofy socks and lacing up your black converse high tops you braided your hair sat in front of the mirror and threw on some deodorant.

Once you were ready and had been to the bathroom to wash your face and go through your morning routine, you sat at peters desk.

Picking up your backpack you went through it until finding what you were looking for.

Pulling out the black sketchbook you opened it to a fresh page and began mindlessly doodling things you could see around peters room and the cityscape beyond the open curtains.

Just as you were getting into the details of the New York skyline you heard a knock on the door.

Lowering your pencil, you sat a little straighter.

“Come in.” You called your voice sounding better than it had in days. And surprisingly good for someone who had spent hours coughing and wheezing for days on end.

Wanda opened the door and smiled seeing you up and about for the first time.

“You look much better.” She commented coming to stand by your shoulder. “Wow, you’re an amazing artist.” She smiled looking at your drawings.

“Oh, um … thanks.” You smiled still a little awkward when it came to compliments. “So, what’s the news?” You asked.

“Hmm? Oh, yes.” Wanda said looking up from where she had been inspecting your sketchbook. “Nat called Fury. He’s kinda the boss. He’s given the go ahead if steve and tony sign off on it. Nat then called a meeting and I’m going to bring you to the room where you're going to meet the team.” She explained.

“I have two questions.” You said.

“Shoot.” Wanda said pulling you up and gesturing to follow her out the door.

“One, is peter going to be at this meeting?” You asked as Wanda lead you down some seemingly endless corridors.

“Yes.” Wanda nodded, pressing the button to call the lift.

“And two, this Fury guy said yes? Just like that?” You asked sounding slightly confused.

“Yes and no.” Wanda begun, stepping onto the lift with you beside her. “Nat asked Jarvis, Tony’s AI assistant to pull up all CCTV footage of spider-man and separate footage based on bio-signatures. So, she could differentiate between when it was peter and when it was you in the suit. She sent Fury the files and after he reviewed them, he approved you a place on the team. If you want it and the others agree.” Wanda explained.

“Okay.” You said slowly. “Seems like a good plan.” You smiled.

And the lift dinged softly as it slowed to a stop.

“This is us.” Wanda said and you followed her out of the open doors. Walking beside her down a hallway she stopped in front of a door and paused to look at you. “You ready?” She asked, her hand on the door handle.

“Yep.” You nodded swollowing down your nerves. “Ready as I’ll even be.”

“You’ll be great. Just be yourself and they’ll love you.” Wanda said and pushed the door open.

Nat was stood at the head of the table, a screen behind her queued up with spider-man videos. She smiled at you and wanda as the rest of the people turned to face you.

Seeing the people you had only ever seen on Tv in real life was a little overwhelming at first but wanda squeezed your hand and lead you into the room to stand at the front with her and Nat.

Peter smiled at you from where he was sat beside Tony. Looking proud of you just for standing in front of the avengers.

You stood there silent for a second simply making eye contact with your shoes before Natasha spoke up.

“This is Y/n.” Nat begun, and you gave a small half wave with an awkward smile. Tony was staring you down with an unreadable expression. He looked like he was analysing your face mentally. Most likely already having connected you to Peter.

“Hi I’m Y/n Parker.” You said lifting your eyes to meet a few smiling faces around the room a fair few of them sporting shocked looks.

“Parker?” Tony echoed sounding smaller than you had ever heard from his times on Tv.

“Y/n Parker is Peters sister.” Wanda explained.

“Kid?” Tony looked hurt. “Why didn’t you tell me there were two of you?” He asked looking sad.

Peter looked slightly sick at the open disappointment his mentor was showing right now and so you stepped in before peter had a panic attack.

“Mr Stark, Sir, it was my decision to keep myself out of the spotlight. And to do that I needed to maintain a low profile. Which is harder to do when the avengers know of your existence. No offence.” You explained. And the team exchanged a few glances as they noted how you had come to Peter’s aid almost immediately.

“That’s alright, I’m sure Pete will open up now you’re here.” Tony said with a grin as he ruffled Peters hair, “Won’t-cha kiddo?” He asked with his usual charismatic charm and Peter gave a small nod and smile while he ducked his head not liking the attention.

“So, anyone have anymore questions?” You asked drawing the attention off of Peter once more much to your brothers' relief.

Looking away from the small smile he sent you as thanks you laughed, seeing every hand in the room up with a question for you, bar Nat, Peter and Wanda of course.

You looked to your left and nodded to Steve.

“Hi, nice to meet you kid.” Steve said. “I have a question though, if Peter’s identity is secret, why did you need to stay away from us?” He asked looking confused, and his statement drew a few nods around the room.

“If Tony scares you honey, I can assure you that the man would forget his own shoes without me.” Someone you recognised as Pepper Potts said with a smile causing Tony to grumble to himself. How Nat had managed to wrangle the CEO of Stark industries into this meeting you didn’t know.

Little did you know that all it took was ‘There’s something you should know, it has to do with Peter’ and she was on her way.

“Actually,” Wanda said drawing the gaze of the room to her, “This should explain it. Jarvis play the video.” She said and the lights dimmed as the Tv showed a compilation of some of your best moves in the spider-suit.

When the video ended the lights retuned to their normal brightness and everyone still looked confused.

“How exactly does a compilation of Peter doing tricks explain that?” Bruce asked.

“Um…” You said looking slightly nervous. “That was me.” You said in a small voice and the room was silent for a second.

“Sick moves kid. Peter your sister’s awesome.” Sam said and a few people laughed at his perfect comedic timing.

“Prove it.” Tony said and you paled slightly.

“Tony.” Pepper said placing her hand on his arm and shooting him a look.

“No, its ok pepper.” Nat said. “Jarvis?” Nat called to the ceiling. “Was that peter in the suit for those videos?” She asked.

“The height and weight as well as body stature and proportions do not match Master Parker.” Jarvis said.

“Ok,” Nat continued, “Who do those body descriptors match in this room?” She asked.

“The person in the suit does match the body of Miss Parker.” Jarvis said and Tony frowned.

“Do the sticky thing.” Bucky called drawing a few smiles. You rolled your eyes and put a hand up, splaying your fingers before jumping in the air and touching the ceiling where you stayed stuck.

“Crawl around.” Sam said and you glared at his heckling.

“No.” You said and you saw Peter doing his puppy eyes at you. “Fine.” You sighed.

Jumping up you did a flip and stuck your legs out, now standing on the ceiling upside down and making eye contact with Sam before looking to Bucky.

“Better?” You asked sarcastically.

“Much.” Sam grinned and you rolled your eyes again.

“Ok. Get down Y/n.” Nat said sounding part annoyed part amused at the display.

“Yes ma’am.” You said before detaching from the roof and doing a flip to landing back where you were before.

“Show off.” Peter murmured under his breath and you huffed a small laugh as his ears went red, not having expected you to hear him. Dumb super-hearing.

“Well, now we’re done with the party tricks. What are we thinking?” You asked brushing off invisible dirt from your clothes.

“Well…” Tony said. “I think its time you got your own suit.” He grinned and you smiled back. “What colours do you want kiddo?” He asked.

“Um… maybe something like purple, white and red?” You said and he nodded already sketching down ideas on a pad of paper pepper had brought with her from a meeting.

“You’re also getting an AI.” Tony added and you looked a peter who simply smiled proudly of you.

“Well, if that’s everything Y/n’s also gonna need a room.” Wanda said and Tony nodded.

“There’s a spare room on Natasha and Wanda’s floor if you want to move in with the girls. Do I need to send some movers to grab your things?” Tony asked and you looked at your shoes and shook your head.

“Not much to move.” You mumbled.

“Y/n’s apartment was taken out in the last battle. She’s been hiding out in Peter’s room for now. That’s how we met actually.” Natasha said shooting you a reassuring smile.

“Well, it sounds like I’m going to be funding yet another shopping trip.” Tony sighed and Wanda grinned at you mischievously.

“We’ll make it a girl's day.” Wanda said shooting a look at pepper.

“I’d love to.” Pepper agreed and Nat clapped her hands together.

“Alright then.” The assassin said. “I should probably tell Fury we have another spider on the team.” Nat grinned and you smiled at her.

“Great, now we have three spiders.” Tony said rolling his eyes and ducking as Pepper aimed a pretty good swing to the back of his head.

“Knock it off Tony, don’t act like you're not secretly overjoyed to have another Parker around.” Pepper said.

“Just wondering,” Bruce said looking mildly nervous as the room turned to look at him.

“Yes?” You prompted him to continue.

“Are you…” He begun before pausing, “I guess theres no real nice way to put it.” Bruce said and Tony jumped in.

“I think Brucie-bear wants to know if you come with the Parker Brain Package.” Tony said and Pepper glared at him.

“Tony.” She warned, glaring at him while you cleared your throat.

“If you’re asking about how smart I am, let’s just say I designed the original prototype for the web-shooters and chemical makeup of the fluid.” You said and Tony nodded seemingly satisfied with that small tidbit of information for now.

“Well, if nobody had anything else to say, Wanda and I are going to take Y/n for a tour of the compound.” Nat said before turning to look at Clint. “And you, have to make dinner. You lost our bet.” Nat said and then dragged you and Wanda out of the room by your sleeves.

After a very long and very comprehensive tour by Natasha and Wanda, you were shown back to the communal kitchen where most of the team ate together when they weren’t on missions.

You walked into the dining room attached to the kitchen to be hit with the smell of burnt food pungent in the air.

You looked at Nat confused, and she grinned as she heard cursing coming from the kitchen. Wanda looked like she was itching to go help but sad she pulled away Nat grabbed her sleeve at the very last second to hold her back.

“Can someone explain whats going on for me?” You asked.

“Well, Clint and Natasha can’t cook if their lives depended on it.” Wanda begun, only to shush Nat when she went to speak up. “So naturally they made a bet, loser had to cook the team dinner, naturally Clint lost so Nat is enjoying his public humiliation. And I normally cook if we aren’t getting takeout so it's causing me pain to hear whats going on in there.”

“Oh, calm down. Clints not blowing anything up.” Nat said rolling her eyes as Wanda shot her a look. “Ok that was one time.” Nat amended.

Not twenty minutes later you were sat at a table with the avengers with a plate of very burnt stake and watery mash potatoes.

“What is it?” Tony asked poking his steak.

Clint grinned. “A masterpiece.” He said.

“More like a mistake.” Nat muttered judging her steak while poking it with her knife as if she was expecting it to start moving of its own accord.

“I say we have newbie try it.” Tony posed and you rolled your eyes.

Cutting off a piece of the very tough steak with your knife you raised it to your lips and put it in your mouth.

It was tough and kind of disgusting. But you smiled anyway.

Finding the meat tougher than you had been expecting, you made the switch as you called you fangs up. Your canines sharpened as you chewed managing to decimate the meat. Swallowing you looked at Clint.

“Not the worst thing I’ve every eaten.” You said with a smirk and Tony who had been watching you closely squeaked.

“Jeez kid you didn’t tell me your sister was a vampire.” Tony said turning to Peter.

By this point most of they eyes were on you, so you hid your teeth and retracted the fangs out of embarrassment.

“She’s not. It’s a spider thing she got.” Peter said coming yo your defence.

“Either way her new name is fangs.” Tony said with a grin.

This time you glared at him.

“For the record i think they’re awesome.” Wanda said sensing your embarrassment.

“Seconded.” Nat said her spy training honing in on your body language to see you were insecure about it.

“I gotta admit it’s a cool trick doll.” Bucky said.

“Pretty neat.” Steve agreed with a smile.

“Badass.” Sam nodded flicking a still frozen pea at Bucky. “Alright, now that y/n probably has food poisoning, who wants pizza?” Nat asked with a grin. Cheers came from all sides of the table as Clint slumped dejectedly in his seat.

PART 4

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arlana-likes-to-write · 1 year

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A Love Lost

Chasing Shadows AU

Summary: From a young age you could see the ghost of those died and you’ve used your gift to help those around you. But when you and the Avengers bring back those who were Blipped, you wished you didn’t have your gift as Natasha didn’t return from Vomir.

Warning: major character deaths, grief, angst, small mention of kidnapping in the beginning.

Word Count: 3.1K

“She’s here,” Clint said, sitting down next to you. “Isn’t she?” You haven’t spoken since Thanos was killed and the ashes of the compound settled. You gave the archer a small nod. She was here, standing in the corner, wearing the tactical suit she wore the last time you saw her. “Has she said anything?” You shrugged. That was new when you saw the ghost of the dead you could hear, and speak to them but Natasha was silent. Her mouth moved but her words weren’t reaching you. Clint sighed. “What do you need?” You looked over his shoulder to the woman you loved.

“For her to leave,” you said. But she didn’t. She stayed.

When you were younger, your parents and those around you called them your imaginary friends. ‘It was a phase’ or ‘she’ll grow out of it’, they said. But you didn’t. You continued to see ghosts. Some crossed over without bothering you. Others hounded you to give their loved ones a final message. You’ve interacted with nice, angry, vengeful spirits and you’ve tried to help them all move on. But the biggest thing was you didn’t want the world to know what you could do. You had people sign NDAs to keep you, your parents, and your close friends safe. That all changed when the spirit of a young boy came to you and told you where he and a few other kids were being held. The news was all over the story and the next day Nick Fury was at your door offering you a place at SHIELD. You took it, not seeing another way around it.

But joining SHIELD was the best thing for you. You helped them solve cold cases, joined the Avengers, and met and fell in love with Natasha Romanoff. It wasn’t easy. The Black Widow was super hesitant around you because of your gift. She feared all the spirits attached to her. But you kept the spirits away. That was 13 years ago and now as you stood next to Clint and his family while the other Avengers paid respect to those who didn’t survive Thanos. It was too much. You saw Tony kneeling next to Morgan. Vision was resting his hand on Wanda and Natasha stood next to you. Laura took your hand in hers. You didn’t realize you were shaking. Once the funeral was over, you let go of Laura’s hand and walked over to Morgan. She was sitting by the water’s edge and Pepper was hovering close by. “Hi, sweetheart,” you said, sitting down next to her. You smiled at Tony. Morgan gave you a wave. This was the hardest part for you, especially with kids. “You know your daddy loved you so much.” It was such a clique line.

‘Love you 3000,’ Tony whispered.

“He loved you 3000, right?” The young girl’s head snapped to look at you.

“How did you know that?” She asked.

“Because your dad and I were very close,” Pepper walked over to you, sitting on the other side of her daughter.

‘Tell her,’ Tony sighed, rubbing his hand through his hair. ‘Tell her she was the greatest thing I’ve made. She is the best thing with the Stark name on it besides Pepper of course.’ He added. You chuckled and told the girl what her father said. Pepper whipped away a tear that fell.

“Sweetheart, I think Peter could use a Morgan hug,” the girl jumped up and ran over to him. Tony watched his daughter run off. “He’s here, right?” She asked you. You nodded as she looked back to the water. “I told him to rest, that we would be okay but I’m terrified.” She admitted. Tony smiled.

‘She’s the smartest woman in the world, she's going to be just fine,” he said.

“Tony said you’ll be just fine,” you picked up a rock and twirled it in your hand. “But him saying that doesn’t erase the anxiety, the fear but you aren’t alone in this. You have a whole village to help you,” you looked over your shoulder and saw Morgan playing with Peter and Shuri. Pepper nodded.

‘Look after them for me, whisper.’ Tony said to you.

“I will.” Tony walked over to Pepper and kissed her head. You saw her body shake. He looked at the light. You saw him smile.

‘I see my parents,” he whispered and joined them.

You ignored Natasha standing with the Barton's as you walked over to Wanda sitting on a bench. ‘Hello,’ Vision said. You smiled at the android and sat down next to her. This wasn’t the first time you sat with her to help grieve over the death of a loved one. After the Battle of Sokovia, you and Vision stayed with her. “We have to stop meeting like this,” Wanda joked. You and Vision chuckled. “Where is he?”

“On your right,” you whispered. She nodded, folding her hands.

“I thought I’d see him, Pietro, too, when Thanos snapped,” you thought you would see them but those who were snapped disappeared. It almost made it worse. The world was too quiet.

‘I don’t want to see her for a very long time,’ he said.

“He doesn't want to see you just yet. He wants you to live.” Wanda laughed, bitterly.

“That’s so easy for him to say,” she looked at you. Tears were falling down her face. “I killed the man I love and it meant nothing. Why does this keep happening to me?” You didn’t have a good enough answer to explain all the pain Wanda has endured. “That’s an unfair question.” She whipped away her tears. “Can I ask a favor for you?”

“Of course,” she let out a shaky breath.

“Can you show me where his stone is?” Vision knelt in front of her. You grabbed her hand and hovered her fingers where the mind stone was. Her fingers glowed red and you watched her magic dance around the stone. Vision closed his eyes and a smile on his lips. “I can’t feel him,” she whispered.

‘All I feel is her,’ he said. ‘Tell her that grief is just loved preserving.’

When Wanda’s cries trend into quiet hiccups you told her that you were for her and that she wasn’t alone. You walked back to the cabin. ‘Miss L/n,’ you turned around to face him as he rushed over to you. ‘Do I have to go into the light?’ He asked.

“Vis, you don’t belong here anymore,” you told him. “The light is going to be better for you,” he looked at Wanda. “If you stay you may see her fall in love or get married or have kids.” Vision's smile grew.

‘Don’t you think she deserves all those things? I would be honored to see it.’

Clint walked over to you as you leaned against the car with a beer. You were going to spend a few days with them until you figured out what was next for you. Laura was with Pepper helping her clean up while the three Barton kids were playing with Morgan. Natasha was watching them, a small smile on her face. “Have you tried to get her to cross over?” He asked. You took a sip of the beer.

“I still can’t hear her,” you told him. He hummed, nodding his head.

“Do you know why?” You shrugged. You had a few theories. It was a date night and you and Natasha were drinking wine. You told her that you didn’t want loved ones to come to see you because if there were still things that needed to be said then why did death have to be the reason it would come out? So when your mother died she didn’t stay long. She smiled and joined your grandparents. Or maybe you couldn’t hear her because you desperately didn’t want her to be gone. You were sent with Tony, Steve, Bruce, and Scott back to New York in 2012. When you returned your girlfriend's spot was empty.

“Hey, are you guys ready?” Laura asked with Wanda next to her.

“Yeah, let’s go home.” Clint smiled.

Home. It was what Clint called the farm and at one point it was. You found the beautiful house with dark green shutters a place to call home. When SHIELD was calm and the Avengers didn’t have any missions, you and Natasha would make a trip up here. But now it felt like a ghost town. The Barton's and Wanda were asleep and you sat on the front steps, wearing one of Natasha’s old SHIELD sweatshirt and a bottle of vodka flipping through old photos of you and her. She sat down next to you. “I’d offer you a drink but that would be pointless,” you took a sip from the bottle and enjoyed the way it burned down your throat. “I don’t know why you're still here. I’ll make sure Yelena is okay. I’ll visit Melina and Alexei, I’ll tell Clint it wasn’t his fault, and the kids will know you loved them.” You took another ship. “Our relationship was the best thing that happened to me. I love you. Goodbye.” You went to take another sip but Natasha tried to stop you. Her hand ghosted through the bottle. You stared at her and even though you couldn’t hear her, her green eyes spoke so much. They were sad and that angered you. “What do you want from me?” You asked. “I’m holding onto you by pictures and the smell of your clothes,” you threw the pictures at her. ‘Tony crossed her, everyone else did, so why won’t you leave me alone?” You yelled, throwing the bottle. It shattered as soon as it hit the grass. You stood up, walking down the few steps until your bare feet hit the grass. She followed you.

“I knew falling in love with this stupid power was a fucking mistake,” you spun around to face her. “Because now you're gone and I’m here. I’m homesick for somewhere that doesn't exist, for someone I have to learn to miss. So please go away,” she didn’t. “Leave me the fuck alone.” You yelled. A sob left your lips as you fell to your knees but you didn’t hit the ground instead arms caught you.

“Sh, I got you,” Clint said, rubbing your back. You balled your fist in his shirt as you cried on his shoulder. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “I got you. I know, let it all out.” Through your blurry vision, you saw Wanda and Laura on the porch and Natasha was nowhere to be found.

“Did you ever want something like this?” Wanda asked. You were pulling weeds from Laura’s garden while Wanda was reading a book. Two months have passed since half of the world’s population returned and you still found yourself at the Barton's. But it was an eventful 2 months, you visited Melina, Alexei, and Yelena to tell them of Natasha’s passing. Yelena took it the hardest. The blonde stormed out and only responded to your text messages every so often so you knew she was alive. And Natasha was still around. You would see her standing in the corner watching with a fond smile on her face. Still, you couldn’t hear her.

You sat back on your heels, whipping the sweat from your forehead. Wanda was looking at you over her book. “Like what?” You asked. She gestured to Barton's house. You sighed, crossing your legs and taking your garden gloves off. “Natasha and I thought about building our own house on their property,” you told her. “But I figured she would want to build on the Avengers property to be close to the team.” Wanda smiled, walked over to you, and sat down, fixing the sun dress she was wearing. “What about you and Vision?” She sighed, crossing her legs.

“I wanted a house in a nice neighborhood maybe on a cul-de-sac,” she smiled but she didn’t seem happy as she rested her hands on her lap. “A big backyard with a bigger kitchen,” she added. You smiled.

“You could still have that,” you saw Vision standing near a tree. He didn’t make himself visible all the time but figured he was there. Wanda’s smile faltered. “Don’t close yourself off to it.”

“And what about you?” She asked. “Are you closing yourself off?” You shrugged.

“I don’t know, Wands. I don’t know.”

Once again she found you sitting outside the Barton home this time without a bottle of vodka but with the same pictures and wearing another one of her shirts. Unfortunately, they are starting to lose her scent. You sat underneath a tree with a blanket over your lap as she sat next to you. “I’m sorry,” you said and you almost laughed at the shocked expression on her face. “I know this isn’t easy for anyone and I took my anger out on you. That was unfair. I just-” You looked down at the picture in your hand. It was of you and Natasha, her in Iowa spending Christmas with the Bartons. “I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I feel you slipping through my fingers and I know I’ll never reach out. Now there’s nothing but shadows left,” you looked at her. “Why haven’t you crossed over?” You asked. She shrugged. “Can you see the light?” She shook your head. You frowned at that. You learned that for some spirits who couldn’t see the light, something was holding them back whether it be unfinished business, worried about loved ones, or guilt.

“Is it Yelena?” She shrugged. “Have you seen her?” She nodded. There was a deep sadness in her green eyes. You made a mental note to invite her to the farm. “Clint?” Again she shrugged. “Wanda?” Another shrug of her shoulders. You sighed. “Is it me?” She didn’t shrug but she looked down at your hands. “Nat, I’m okay. You don’t have to stay here because of me.” She lifted her hand. Her eyebrows meant together and you knew she was biting the inside of her cheek, she only did that when she was concentrating. To your surprise, when she touched your cheek her hand didn’t faze through you like normal. No. You felt her hand on your skin. You gasped at the coldness of her skin.

“So you can touch me but I can’t hear you. How is that fair?” She smirked. “I miss the sound of your voice,” she nodded, taking your hand in yours. “I’ll figure this out,” you told her. She squeezed your hand. “Okay, okay,” you smiled. “We’ll figure it out.”

“You need to take a break,” Wanda said, entering your room with two mugs in her hands. She handed you one as she sat down next to you. You’ve locked yourself in your room, hunched over your computer trying to find answers. But the internet was giving you very few answers. Wanda watched a tennis ball bounce against the wall. “I’m guessing she’s right here,” she gestured to the wall. You nodded. Natasha had been practicing solidifying her current state so she could interact with the world around her. She was building up endurance for it. “Well tell her to cut it out I’m trying to have a conversation here,” she caught the ball and stuck her tongue out at Wanda. You giggled.

“You're a child,” you said to the Black Widow. She shrugged her shoulders and opted for throwing the ball in the air. “I can’t figure out what’s going on. This has never happened to me before.”

“And you still can’t hear her,” you nodded. “She doesn't know what’s keeping her in this world.”

“If she does know she isn’t telling me. She’s stubborn like that,” that small comment caused the Black Widow to throw the tennis ball at you. “Fuck you,” you said, rubbing the spot where the ball hit. She flipped you off. Wanda giggled at the interaction. It was the first time since defeating Thanos you heard her laugh. You missed the sound. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“The first thing is to take a break,” she closed your laptop. “I bet a certain Black Widow would agree with me.” Natasha nodded. “I will also help you.”

“Really?” You questioned, looking at her. “Why?” She blew on her tea and took a sip.

“Because you and Natasha are my friends,” she said. “You’ve helped so many people with your powers, maybe it’s your turn for someone to help you.” You felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. You took it out and it was Tyler Howard, the acting director of SWORD. You didn’t like the man after he fought so hard against you and Natasha to get Vision’s body.

“Director Howard,” you answered. You put your finger to your lips to tell Wanda to be quiet. Natasha moved closer to you, kneeling beside you. “What can I do for you?”

“Is Wanda Maximoff with you?” He asked.

“Wanda,” you put your phone on speaker. “That depends. What do you want with her?” The man sighed. You watched Vision faze through the wall.

“You need to bring her to me or there will be -”

“No,” you cut him off. “You don’t get to threaten my friend after everything she’s been through to validate your ego,” Natasha placed her hand on your thigh to help you calm down. “So let’s start this conversation again.” You heard shuffling on the other side of the line.

“Hello, this is Agent James Woo alongside Darcy Lewis,” you recognized Jimmy’s name back in your SHIELD days and Darcy wired alongside Jane Foster. “We need your assistance in Westview, New Jersey,” you didn’t recognize the city but you saw Wanda flinch slightly and Vision tried to comfort her in some way.

“I’m going, to be honest, Agent Woo, I’m a little confused, what is going on in Westview that is involving Wanda?” Jimmy sighed.

“Is Miss. Maximoff with you right now?” Natasha and Wanda nodded their heads at the same time.

“Yes,” you answered honestly. “She’s been with me since the battle at the Avenger’s compound and I have multiple witnesses to back this up.” You knew the government feared Wanda and you would be damned if they locked her up again. This time it was Wanda who placed a gentle hand on your arm. Jimmy was silent on the other end. The silence was deafening and it filled you with anxiety. “Jimmy, what’s going on?”

“I need you and Wanda to get to Westview as soon as possible,” he said. “People’s lives are at stake.”

Part 2 (coming soon)

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sunnysideprincess · 5 months

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Natasha looking up at Pepper, bloody knuckles matching her red hair after she stops Hammer from killing her, hearts in her eyes as she tells her (non)boss she's gotta go save a genius now

Pepper not knowing whether to feel absolutely betrayed by the fact that her assistant is not an assistant or lose her mind because goddamn it now she has a crush on the smol assassin spy PA

#blackpepper #deb thinks out loud #natasha romanov #pepper potts #natasha x pepper #iron man 2 #iron man 2 au

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laiqualaurelote · 8 months

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When the shots rang out in the Arc, the band didn’t stop playing. It was twelve minutes into the new year at a Stark speakeasy and the joint was jumping, the floor crammed with gin baby socialites essaying the Charleston, mobsters clustered around tables, petty thieves circling and dipping into the pockets of the unwary. When the bullets started flying the crowd screamed and sought to scatter but the bandleader barely blinked, just led his crew full tilt into another chorus of ‘I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate’. The singer, a svelte Sokovian songbird in a shimmering scarlet number, sidestepped a bullet that buried itself in a piano leg and kept right on crooning, All the boys in the neighbourhood know she can shimmy and it’s understood, while all hell broke loose on the dance floor.

On an average night in the Arc you could find a good sample of Manhattan’s criminal element. This night was especially high on variety: the Chitauri, who were low-level thugs at best, had capered in close to midnight, already drunk from another shindig across Soho; the Hand had strayed from Hell’s Kitchen to be in attendance, as had some of the Harlem War Dogs. Even the Ten Rings had put in a rare appearance. What was not known to any of these parties was that the crown prince of Wakanda was drinking incognito in the club, or that his retinue of bodyguards – all tall women in bobbed wigs and glittering gowns they seemed to barely tolerate – had stationed themselves throughout the crowd.

The brawl started when one of the Chitauri got into a spat over a dance hostess – or at least he thought she was a hostess, a redhead in black he’d seen regularly moving across many a floor, though if he’d asked around he’d have realised nobody knew her name. He’d thrown a punch, which had hit one of the Hand, and members from both gangs had started piling in. Who fired the first shot wasn’t clear, but the rest needed no encouragement. The civilians who’d come in from upstate for a taste of forbidden fruit cowered under tables; the club’s regulars launched themselves into the fray with relish. Thor Odinson, senator’s son who frequented far too many watering holes for his father’s dry agenda, was bashing brawlers left, right and centre with a barstool. The Wakandan women had produced gleaming spears from beneath their gowns and actually appeared to be hurling men through the air. It seemed like the entire fracas would burn out of the club and up into the streets of Manhattan like wildfire – but then there was an enormous boom from above the crowd that had everyone throwing themselves flat.

“I’d say this party is getting out of hand,” said Tony Stark. “Even for me.”

it’s my @marveltrumpshate 1920s Prohibition era Steve/Tony AU for @nostalgicatsea! the gin is cold but the jazz is hot, etc.

#mcu fic #steve/tony #avengers fic #1920s au #prohibition era #steve rogers #tony stark #natasha romanov #pepper potts #wanda maximoff #stony #steve rogers x tony stark

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kaunis-sielu · 1 year

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Sick: 3

When you wake up you don’t feel much better than you did when you went to sleep. You’re just, exhausted.

But you won’t tell Helen that, she doesn’t look like she’s slept yet, she and Simmons are looking at something in microscopes. You don’t say anything until both women are away from the eye pieces.

“Hey,” Jemma glances over her shoulder at you, she’s in full hazmat gear and looks miserable.

“Hi. How are you feeling?” Jemma asks but Helen doesn’t look at you. You know that she isn’t because you’ll be able to tell with a glance if she’s rested or not.

“Totally fine. Has Helen slept yet?”

“No.”

“Helen.” You scold but she doesn’t stop working.

“I’m fine.”

“It’s been over 24 hours.”

“Not the longest I’ve gone.” She argues and you frown at her back.

“Jemma a little help here.” You look over at her and you see her sigh.

“Helen, we can do this, you should take a break.” Jemma tells her but you don’t have much hope she’s going to listen.

“I’m fine I swear.” She still hasn’t looked at you so you know it’s bull shit.

“Then look at me and say it to my face.” Helen is a shit liar and you all know it. You see her shoulders slump in defeat as she turns toward you. “The last thing we need is one of us down.”

“You’ll have to do it for me.” She tells you with a heavy sigh. “I can’t turn off, not with a puzzle like this.” You nod, if this is what you need to do to make sure she stays healthy and get some rest you’re fine with that.

“Do you just wanna share a room?” You ask and she nods then follows you into the room you’d just left. She lays on the bed that you hadn’t used and once she’s comfortable she looks at you.

“I’m ready.” She says softly and you touch her shoulder. With two slow, heavy blinks she falls asleep.

You head back out into the lab and head directly for Tony, Sam and Clint.

“How are they?”

“No change.” Jemma says, “Which is probably a good and a bad thing.” You nod as you gently touch each of your friends to make sure they’re not in any pain. You’re relieved that they seem to not be in much pain, you’re sure the IV’s they have in probably have some pain killers in them but you’re still glad you can focus more on other things. Like helping figure out what’s wrong with them.

“How are you feeling?” Jemma asks as she watches you take Clint’s temperature.

“Fine. A little tired but nothing like this.”

“The second you feel any sort of symptoms I need to know.”

“Okay.” You agree absently, Clint’s temperature is still up, 100° is a little high but it’s nothing like the 102.7° Sam was yesterday.

“Nox, I mean it.” Jemma says and you meet her gaze.

“I will. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it seem like I wasn’t listening.”

“I just, I’ve never seen anything like this and neither has Helen.”

“You’re worried.” You don’t have to ask, you can see it.

“Yea,”

“Me too.” You admit softly this isn’t like anything you’ve seen either. Someone taps on the glass of the wall and when you look over you see Steve. He’s holding a bag and a to go cup, god you miss him.

“Hi Honey,” he says with a little smile, “can I give you some food?”

“You’ll have to put it in the slot and send it through.”

“Can I stay?” He asks and you nod. Jemma suddenly vanishes to give you and Steve a moment. “I miss you.”

“I know but it’s the only way until we can figure out how to make this stop I can’t risk you.” You tell him, you can’t imagine how loud he must be talking. “Do you want to send an ear piece through? So we can talk?”

“You’re a genius.” He says with a grin before shoving the food and drink into the little delivery slot and closes the door on his side.

“Is it safe to come back or are you two going to be all gross and lovey?”

“I mean he’s going to get ear pieces so we can talk so, it’s probably going to be gross and lovey for a minute.” You tell her with a laugh and she fake retches. “Excuse me, you’re the one who got married to your bestie so don’t even with me.” You tease her and she laughs.

“I wish he could be here.” You hum softly, you’re glad you know where Steve is but you also wish he was a lot further away.

“Why don’t you get your pepper pods and call him? I know you two like to bounce ideas off one another and he might be helpful.” You open the bag and see a bagel wrapped in paper towel and one sip of the drink reveals that it’s not coffee like it looks, instead it’s orange juice. God you love him.

Steve comes back and sends an ear piece through and then gets comfortable on the other side of the glass as you put in the ear piece.

“I brought our book.”

“Chronicles of Narnia?”

“Yea.”

“You don’t mind reading?”

“Of course not.” You hum happily and Steve starts to read as you work. You’re peering through a new sample of Sam’s blood, whose temperature has gone down even more than before. It’s still too high but you’ll take it as good news, you have to take it as good news.

Helen wakes up a few hours later, you’re still listening to Steve read, he’s finished the Magician’s Nephew and has moved onto the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. You love the way his rich voice fills your ear as you work.

“How’s it going?” Helen asks and Steve pauses, the two of you are still only wearing masks, not the full hazmat suit that Jemma is wearing.

“Temperatures are down and Jemma has been working with Leo, running through things but so far no big revelations. How are you feeling?”

“Well rested. Thank you.” She says and you nod, “I’m going to take more blood. I just, I feel like this is there somewhere.”

“Do you want to take bone marrow too?”

“Maybe. I want a look at the blood again.” She says and you nod. The door to Bucky’s quarantine room opens and when you glance up you’re shocked at what he looks like.

“Buck?” Steve says in your ear and you know you’re not the only one who noticed how pale and confused he looks. Bucky stumbles toward Helen, he looks furious and you dart in front of her.

“Кто ты? Где я?” He growls in Russian.

“Bucky,” you say crouching, you just need to get a hand on him. “I’m your friend, Nox.”

“Кто такой Баки? Я не знаю тебя.” You dive then, touching his leg and he stumbles back. “Doll?” He says in English, and you hear the door open with a hiss. Steve has overridden the safety protocols and is in the room.

“No!” You scream jumping up and crashing into Steve to try and force him back.

“Bucky!”

“Steve?”

“Steve! Get out! Get out!” You’re in a blind panic, if Bucky can get sick so can Steve. “You have to get out!”

“Honey, it’s too late.” He says down at you with a sad smile, “I’m already exposed so let me help.”

“Why.” You breathe, “why would you do this? I can’t, Steve, I can’t.” You can’t lose him and it’s suddenly a very, very real possibility.

“He didn’t know you.” Steve says simply, his hand cupping your face. Of course he would abandon any thought of keeping himself safe if you were in danger.

“Nox! A little help.” Helen says pulling your attention to the her, Jemma and Bucky. “Steve at least put a mask on you dumbass.” She snaps and he nods moving away from you as you move toward Bucky.

“James, I’m going to help you rest now.” You tell him gently cupping his face, you’re grateful he’s already on the floor propped up against the wall.

“I’ll get him into a bed.” Steve says coming toward you.

“No!” You snap, “stay away from him.”

“Honey, I don’t think you can lift him.”

“Watch us.” You snap, and thankfully he stays back.

“Steve you should go to one of the quarantine rooms.” Helen says, and he scowls down at her. You focus on getting Bucky onto a backboard, rolling him as a team you, Jemma and Helen get him onto the backboard.

“On three,” Helen says, “one, two, three.” You all lift him together and place him on one of the two last open beds in the room. God please, please don’t let Steve be the next one. After you get Bucky onto the bed you check his temperature while Helen and Jemma get him hooked up to some monitors. Then Helen takes some blood and hurries over to the microscopes are. Steve watches from the doorway of his own quarantine room, his arms folded across his chest and the sight of him, in here, makes you want to vomit, to scream, to break something and to cry all at the same time.

“We’re going to figure this out.” Jemma says softly, placing a hand on your arm. You know you will, but will it be too late?

Tag list:

@foxyjwls007 @andahugaroundtheneck @also-fangirlinsweden @pagina16ps @princesssterek @valsworldofcreativity @dumblani @inkedaztec @loving-life-my-way @animegirlgeeky @shinycupcakebaker @eralen @sophham @gh0stgurl @killcomet @wonderlandfandomkingdom @abschaffer2 @capsiclesdoll @patzammit @sass-masterkittenmama @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory

#steve rogers x reader #avengers imagine #imagine avengers #imagine steve rogers #imagine Steve rogers x reader #captain america x reader #imagine captain america #Steve rogers #Bucky Barnes #Sam Wilson #Tony stark #pepper potts #helen cho #natasha romanov #clint barton #jemma simmons #sick story

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pandagirl45 · 5 months

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Tony and clint: *talking in a diner* *both sees their exs*...ew

Stone: anthony

Kraven: hello baby bird

Tony: *cringes* I'm out

Clint: my boyfriend and best friend are here *stands with tony*

Kraven: why, hold on-

Stone: tony, baby

Rhodey: *gripping kraven wrist* you might want to back off

Natasha and pepper: *by the car glaring*

Bucky: *grinning like a straight creature at stone* you have a minute

Tony and clint: *from behind grinning smug like*

#surprise im a multishipper #surprise it is rare pairs and crack pairings #tony stark #bucky barnes #winteriron #clint barton #james rhodes #clint barton x james rhodey rhodes #natasha romanov #pepper potts #kraven the hunter #tiberius stone

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brightnote · 7 days

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A new chapter to my Maria Hill: Stark Era series (with blackhill!) has been posted on AO3

The Shadows on the Wall Chapter 17: "You Know You Did"

summary: Maria's emotions run high as she comes face to face with her scariest adversary yet.

#maria hill #natasha romanoff #blackhill #blackhill fanfic #natash #maria x natasha #nat #natasha romanov #pepper potts #iron man #mcu fanfiction #tony stark #steve rogers #action fic with feelings #blackhill fic

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blackhiil · 2 years

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Meddlesome Potts

written for blackhill bingo square ‘Pepper Potts’ Pepper does some meddling in Maria and Natasha’s relationship

————————————————————————

Maria and Natasha have been together for 5 years and married for 3. They’ve had their ups and downs as all relationships do but they always work them out in the end. Lately however, Maria has noticed Natasha pulling away from her. Natasha has a demanding job because she’s an Avenger, something Maria understood as deputy director of SHIELD, but they always managed to make time for each other, even if it’s just a phone call. Unfortunately Maria doesn’t even get those anymore.

She’s been trying to think of reasons Natasha would want to pull away from her, nothing comes to mind except Natasha isn’t happy with her and wants to leave. It’s a fear both of them talked about early on in their relationship but managed to.

It’s scary how fast a fear Natasha managed to quell so early on in their relationship managed to come back full force.

————————————————————————

Maria sat in her office at Stark Industries, doing paperwork. She had sent Natasha a message asking if she wanted to have lunch with her, but of course Natasha said no, she was too busy. Maria sighed, staring at her wedding ring. It was a simple band and the jewel with a mixture of their birthstones, diamond and topaz. It was beautiful, Maria always stared at it because it was a symbol of them coming together as one.

Maria slid the ring off and paused, this was the first time she’s taken the ring off barring missions or deep cleaning. At that exact moment, Pepper walked in, startling her and making her drop the ring.

“Hey, Maria, can you look at these for me?” Pepper asked, not paying attention. She lifted her hearing the clatter the ring made when it hit the floor.

“Is that your wedding ring?” She asked, watching Maria quickly pick the ring up and slide it back on her finger.

“Uh…no.” she said unconvincingly. Pepper raised an eyebrow and Maria looked at her sheepishly.

“You never take off your wedding ring, not even that time you had to get Nat’s out of Liho’s poop after she swallowed it.” Both women grimaced at the memory.

“Not my finest moment.” Maria admitted. “What did you want me to look at?” she asked.

“Oh! Happy left these files for me to read and I have no idea what they mean, but I figured you would.” she said, handing her the files. Maria grabbed the files, reading through them, before explaining to Pepper what they meant.

“You’re a lifesaver, Happy probably got distracted by Tony, again, and left this mess.” Pepper smiled gratefully.

“It’s no problem, I'm happy to help.”

“Isn’t it your lunch break? Are you waiting for Nat?” Pepper asked.

“No, she’s been busy so we haven’t been going for lunch. It’s fine though, I know things come up.” Maria explained.

“Don’t take me asking this the wrong way, but I haven’t seen her around much. Are you and Natasha okay?” Pepper’s voice held caution to it, she didn’t want to overstep or upset Maria.

“We’re great, everything’s great. I’m great and she’s great.” Maria could tell by the look on Pepper’s face, she didn’t believe her.

“I don’t think Natasha is happy with me anymore.” Maria whispered out. Thinking the words were one thing, but saying them made her heart constrict.

“Maria, what are you talking about? Natasha loves you, I’ve never seen her happier than when she’s with you.” Pepper told her.

“I don’t know Pep, it seems like she never wants to be around me anymore. She’s never home, she always says she’s busy which I understand, avenging is hard work, but before she would at least make time to call or text me, now she doesn’t even do that. It’s like she doesn’t want to be around me anymore and I don’t know why.”

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on with her, but I know Natasha loves you. I’ve seen the love she has for you with my own eyes, don’t doubt that.” Pepper said, giving her a hug.

“Thanks Pep.” Maria muttered, reciprocating the hug.

————————————————————————

Pepper Potts wasn’t one to meddle but she refused to sit by and let her favorite couple fall apart. Which is why the next morning, she went to see Natasha, who by her luck, was currently at the tower.

“Hey, Nat, can I talk to you?” Pepper asked.

Natasha looked confused but agreed nonetheless. They walked into the lounge which was empty. “I know it’s none of my business, but what’s going on with you and Maria?” Pepper questioned, getting right down to business.

“You’re right, it is none of your business, but since you asked me and Maria are fine.” Natasha said defensively.

“Are you sure? Because yesterday, I found her in her office upset because she thinks you don’t want to be with her cause you’re never home or even call her anymore. She’s been sleeping in her office too, she thinks I didn’t notice but I did. Look, Nat I don’t know what’s going on with you, but you need to fix it. Fast.” Pepper commanded before walking away.

“Fuck fuck fuck.” Natasha whispered to herself. “Pepper wait!” Nat yelled. She stopped before walking back over to her. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I need your help.” She told her. “I love Maria so much, please understand that. It’s just one night, we were talking about what we would do if we finally decided to settle down and we were talking about our dream home. Somewhere that we would both love, and could make ours. She even sketched it out and hung it on the wall, so we would always know what we want our future to look like. So, I’ve been building it with some help from Clint and a few others. I didn’t realize it was going to take this long, but we kept having setbacks and-”

“Natasha!” Pep shouted to get her to quiet her down. “I get why you didn’t tell her, you wanted to surprise her, but it might be time to tell her.

“But, it’s not finished yet, I just need a few more days.” she groaned out.

“Nat, you might not have a few more days. I know you love her, you know you love her, but right now she doesn’t feel it.” she said.

“I just wanted to do something nice for her because she’s always doing nice things for me and it needs to be perfect cause she deserves it. I didn’t mean for it to get like this.”

“Honey, it’s obvious you wanted to do something nice and it’s very sweet of you, Maria’s gonna love it, but distancing yourself wasn’t a good idea.” Pepper explained.

“How do I fix this?” she asked.

“Okay, you’re going to text her telling her to meet you at home, talk it out, have dinner while you’re there. Then you’re going to tell her what you’ve been working on, you don’t have to show her the house or anything, just tell her. She still loves you, you still love her, show her that.” Pepper offered.

“Show her I love her, I can do that. Thanks Pep.” “Anytime.” Pepper gave her a hug before leaving.

Natasha pulled her phone out to text her wife. She frowned seeing the attempts Maria made to spend time with her and her seemingly uninterested responses, she really fucked up.

to moya lyubovʹ <3: I know I haven’t been around much, and I’m sorry for that, but meet me at home for dinner at 8, I’ll explain everything.

from moya lyubovʹ <3: Ok

‘Ok’ wasn’t bad, it was a sign Maria at least wanted to hear what she had to say. Yeah, she was gonna fix this.

————————————————————————

Maria came home at 8pm on the dot, punctuality was always her strong suit. She was curious to hear Natasha’s explanation, hoping it won’t end in her asking for a divorce.

“Nat!” she called out, “I’m home.” She took her shoes off by the door and put her bag in the closet.

“In the kitchen!” Natasha called back. Maria paused, this was the first time she’s heard Nat’s voice in about a about month or so. She’s missed it.

She walked toward the kitchen to see Nat with a box of pizza and a bottle of wine, it’s what they had on their disaster of a first date. Maria smiled softly at the memory.

“Hi Mia.” Natasha said, smiling softly. “Come on, let’s eat and I’ll talk.” Maria grabbed two wine glasses and together they walked to the couch. They started to eat in silence, enjoying being in each other’s presence again.

“Did you pull away because you weren’t happy?” Maria’s voice was so uncharacteristically quiet, Natasha almost didn’t hear it.

“No!” Natasha said quickly. “Masha, nothing makes me as happy as you.” she reassured her.

“Then why did you pull away? What was so important you wouldn’t even call me anymore?” Maria asked tearfully.

Natasha was silent for a few minutes. “Our house.” she answered in a small voice.

“What house?”

“Do you remember that night we were talking about our future and you said that whenever we were ready to settle down, we would have it built?” Maria nodded. She remembered that night well.

“I took your sketch and I’ve been working with Clint and others to build it. I wanted to surprise you because I think I’m finally ready to settle down.” Natasha explained.

“Baby, why didn’t you just tell me?” Maria questioned.

“I wanted to surprise you but things kept getting in the way, I really didn’t mean for it to get this bad. I love you, Masha. Please don’t ever doubt that again.” Natasha’s voice trembled.

“Hey, I never doubted your love for me. I know you love me, just like you know I love you. I doubted if I made you happy, those are not the same. We can love each other all we want but if we’re not happy then our love for each other can’t save that.” Maria stated fiercely.

“Mia, you do make me happy. I’m always happy with you because you love and care for me and you always manage to make me smile even on my worst days. I’m sorry I made you feel like you didn’t make me happy because you do!” Natahsa exclaimed.

“It’s okay. You were doing something so incredibly sweet and I love you for it.” Maria said before giving her wife a passionate kiss.

“Remind me to thank Pepper.” Natasha said, pulling away from the kiss.

“Thank her for what?” Maria asked.

“She told me how upset you were in your office, how you didn’t even come home anymore. She made me realize that I was so focused on surprising you, that I was neglecting you in the process.”

“Well, I’ll make sure to send her a bouquet from the both of us. And you don’t have to show me the house yet. You can wait until it’s to your liking, just don’t push me away again.”

“I won't, I promise.” Natasha held out her pinky, and a second later Maria’s pinky wrapped around her.

“I love you, my redhead beauty.” Maria uttered. “I love you more.” Nat muttered back.

Together, they cuddled on the couch, content with being with each other again.

————————————————————————

Pepper Potts walked into her office the next morning to a bouquet of wildflowers sitting on her desk. She picked up the note attached to them.

‘Usually we hate when people meddle in my relationship, but this actually did some good. Thanks Pep!

Nat & Maria’

Pepper smiled, before putting the note down. Thank God, she thought to herself. She hummed before getting ready for a long day of work.

#blackhill #maria hill #maria x natasha #natasha romanoff #natasha romanov #lesbian maria hill #lesbian natasha romanoff #marvel #pepper potts #pepper potts is a blackhill shipper #marvel wlw #marvel cinematic universe #red head x brunette #explore #wlw #lesbians

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strawberriesinmoominvalley · 1 year

Link

Wanda struggled as she lifted the explosion surrounding Rumlow up, her body shaking. She’d almost made it high enough when her focus slipped and she let go of the explosion, taking out the entirety of a floor of a building.

Natasha could hear screams around her but she scanned for Pietro, finding him staring at Wanda. He glanced at Nat, shock on his face.

“Get your sister to the plane. Now.”

OR due to the incident at lagos, the sokovia accords are created. natasha and clint don't know what path to take, which one will keep their family safe. everyone has different opinions and the time of the avengers may come to a close

but what happens when the signing of the accords is attacked and bucky is blamed? was it really steve's best friend, now the winter soldier? and why does there seem to be more than one supersoldier running around vienna?

chapter five: discussions with bucky. more things go wrong. a familiar face appears

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creative-caramel-coffee · 5 days

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The Spiders Sister - Chapter 4

Summary: Reader goes shopping with Pepper, Wanda and Nat. It ends a bit early though when reader starts to struggle with her senses.

TW: overstimulation, flirting, speeding, domestic fluff (hehe)

Words: 3.8K

A/n I changed the floor layout my bad. Also, I planned like 16 chapters of this fic so far and there will probs be more. Now i’m just worried I’ll end up loosing interest and not finishing it 😭 and I’ve been up since 2am. I slept for two hours 💀

After a dinner of pizza and other takeaway foods Tony had bought, Wanda and you headed back to the floor with Peters room.

Stepping out of the lift Wanda led you to where you had been staying for the past few days while Nat went ahead to your new room put sheets on your bed.

Your room would be on the same floor as Natasha and Wanda’s. It was also where Yelena and Kate stayed when they were in town as well as Carol when she was on earth.

You reached the door and headed into peters room. It didn’t take long to gather your things. You grabbed the backpack with some clothes in it, all of which were dirty by now as well as your tablet, computer and sketching supplies.

Once you had shoved most of it into the bag and had your laptop in your arms you followed wanda back out the door.

Despite your very comprehensive tour of the compound, you still didn’t know where you were going.

Wanda and you got back into the lift and set out for your new room.

The lift was filled with idle chatter as Wanda caught you up on the avengers love lives. Tony and pepper were together while the rest were still living the bachelor life.

Feeling a little bold you decided to ask her.

“What about you?” You asked. “Are you seeing anyone?” You clarified when she shot you a confused look.

“Not currently.” Wanda said studying the rarely used buttons on the lift. Jarvis often did all of that for you.

“Ok cool.” You said before stuttering. “I mean not ‘cool’ but its not uncool” you began rambling only cut off by the angelic sound of Wanda’s giggles.

Your cheeks were rosy as she smiled at you.

“Your cute when your flustered.” She said with a wink just as the doors opened and she stepped out. You were frozen for a second before gathering yourself and following her out half a pace behind.

As you trailed after Wanda down the halls she turned to look over her shoulder at you. “You coming sweetheart?” She asked and you nodded speeding up your steps to walk beside her.

As you rounded another corner she slowed. “This is my room.” Wanda said gesturing to a closed door. “And that’s Nat’s.” She gestured to the door next to hers. “This is your room.” She said walking down to the door halfway between Wanda’s and Natasha’s on the opposite side of the hallway.

The door to your room was open as Nat was sat on your freshly made bed with a grin.

“Wondering when you were getting here.” Natasha smirked making Wanda roll her eyes at her.

You stepped into the room. It was large with a king bed and huge windows that let in natural light, or at least it would if it was daytime. It was past evening now and almost nine pm. The New York skyline was just as beautiful, however.

You set your bag and laptop down on the desk before sitting down next to Natasha on the bed.

The walls were white and grey. There was a big desk near the windows and a bedside table on each side of the bed. A door was off to the side which you assumed led to a bathroom. There was also a second door which must have been a wardrobe. Other than a lamp on the bedside and a Tv mounted on the wall, the room was bare.

“We’ll get thing to decorate when we go shopping tomorrow.” Nat said almost as if she could read your mind. More likely she could read your expression and body language.

“Sounds perfect.” You said with a smile.

“Do you have clothes you can sleep in tonight?” Wanda asked and you shuffled your feet before looking up at her.

“Er… no?” You said.

“Are you asking me or telling me sweetheart?” Wanda asked coyly making a blush rise on your cheeks.

“Telling?” You said still sounding unsure of yourself.

“Very well then. I’m sure Nat and I can find something for you to sleep in for tonight.” Wanda said looking to Nat for her opinion. The widow nodded and you felt yourself relax slightly.

“Thank you guys. I wasn’t looking forward to wearing dirty clothes in a clean bed tonight.’ You said sighing in relief.

“Are all your clothes dirty?” Nat asked eyeing your backpack.

“Yeah.” You huffed.

“We’ll find you something to wear tomorrow as well then, just until we can sort out some new clothes and laundry. Sound good?” Nat asked and you nodded.

“Yes, thank you.” You said.

“No need to thank us darling. Your quite welcome.” Nat purred and you felt yourself resist a shiver as her words danced close to your ear. The hair on the back of your neck swaying slightly under her breath as your skin tingled with the heat of her words.

You swallowed trying to regain your composure much to both women’s amusement.

“T-thanks.” You stuttered.

“Already said that darling.” Wanda chuckled and your blush deepened.

“Your so easy to mess with.” Nat said laughing from beside you.

You just glared at them and went to take the things out of your backpack while Wanda and Natasha left to find some clothes for you in their cupboards.

You had just finished setting down the last of your art supplies on the desk when Nat walked in loosely holding a faded black shield T-shirt that immediately knew was hers from how worn it looked. It also looked to be almost two sizes too big for Nat, so you shot her a questioning look.

She shrugged. “Its comfier to sleep in when its too big, and it kept the other boys I trained with back in the day from being able to stare at my ass.” She said with a wink.

“Whats this about Nat’s ass?” Wanda said walking in with a sly grin as your cheeks heated and you buried your face in your hands with a groan.

You heard the two of them high-five and rolled your eyes.

“Here.” Wanda said and you felt the bed dip beside you.

Wanda was holding out a pair of red track-pants which you took with a smile.

A second later Nat threw the shirt at you with a laugh as it landed on your head. You pulled it off and glared at her.

“You’re a menace.” You declared and Wanda hid a giggle behind her hand.

“Sure thing sweet cheeks.” Nat said rolling her eyes. “Now it’s bed time kiddo.” She said and motioned for wanda to leave as well.

“Im not a kid Romanoff.” You said and she smirked at the use of her last name, having been able to get under your skin successfully.

Wanda cuffed Nat but she ducked and took off down the hall. Wanda rolled her eyes and sighed. “Ignore her, she’s been drinking too much coffee lately.” Wanda said and bid you goodnight before retreating to capture the other redhead and force her to sleep.

You grinned at the shut door like a lovesick puppy before shaking yourself out of it. You changed into the clothes which smelt like them and made you feel safe.

Sliding under the sheets and getting comfy, you listened to the hallways to see if anyone was coming back. When you were met with silence, you reached over your backpack and pulled out a small white stuffed teddy.

Curling up with it under your arm, you buried your face in Nat’s shirt and fell asleep thinking of the two pretty redheads down the hall.

The next morning you were up bright and early. Having slept well for the first time in weeks.

You found your way to the communal kitchen just in time to run into Natasha who was coming back from early morning training in the compound gym.

“Hi Y/n/n.” Nat said smiling as she went to grab a bottle of cold water from the fridge.

“Morning Natty.” You said with a smile.

“You're in a good mood.” Nat said looking amused as she took a big swig from the water bottle in her hands.

“Yep.” You said popping the P.

“Do you know if Wanda’s up?” Nat asked and before you could respond someone else did for you.

“I’m up.” Wanda said entering the kitchen.

“Morning.” You smiled.

“Morning Y/n. Who wants breakfast?” Wanda asked gravitating to the pots and pans in the drawers beside you.

“I’ll have some.” You said with a smile as you took a seat by the counter.

“Put me down for some too, I’m just going to go and have a shower before breakfast then we can head out ok?” Nat said as she refilled the water bottle and put it back in the fridge.

“Sounds good.” Wanda said as she began pulling things out of the fridge.

“Umm… where are we going today?” You asked feeling a little lost. Nat had already taken her leave for a shower so it was just you and wanda now.

“Don’t tell me you forgot?” Wanda said looking amused.

“Forgot … what? … exactly?” You asked.

“The girls shopping trip?” Wanda said.

“Oh yeah!” You exclaimed sitting up a little taller in a way that made Wanda’s heart stutter.

“So… how did you sleep?” Wanda asked.

“I slept well, how ‘bout you?” You asked watching as wanda beat the pancake batter within and inch of its life.

“Good, good. It’s a bit hit and miss some nights but last night wasn’t too bad.” Wanda said vaguely as she turned around the pour the batter into the pan.

After Nat returned and the three of you had eaten what could only be described as the best pancakes known to man, you got ready and headed for the garage.

Pepper was meeting you at the shopping centre a bit later after she sorted out some stark industries meetings this morning.

“You ready?” Wanda said putting an arm around your shoulders. You jumped in surprise making Nat laugh and Wanda frown.

“Too busy daydreaming there, Parker?” Nat asked with a grin, and you glared at her.

“No, just planning your murder.” You said with a wink before blow if her a kiss that made Nat roll her eyes at you.

“Alright, enough you two.” Wanda said giving you a small shove before punching Nat in the arm.

“Get in.” Nat said opening a door for you to the backseat and waving her hand toward the car's interior.

“This feels personal.” You grumbled as the two redheads took the front seat.

“It is.” Nat grinned as the engine hummed to life. You were taking one of Tonys’ many fancy, and very expensive cars. Nat’s favourite was the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, but it was only two seats, so you were left with the choice of a Mercedes Mayback or a Ford Mustang both of which had four seats.

In the end Nat had opted for the mustang and the three of you had piled in to head off.

With Nat driving you must have arrived in record time; it was no secret the redheaded assassin was a speed demon and Tony had begun framing her speeding tickets in the garage on the wall. The government always came to her aid if the police ever tried to take her license as it was argued she needed it to quote “save New York”

Of course, you hadn’t known this before hand and had let out a small scream as Nat took off at breakneck speed out of the garage.

One very fast car trip later the three of you were stood by the door the mall waiting for pepper to join you.

It had barely been five minutes before the last redhead showed up. Pepper was actually on time; Nat’s driving had just made you all early.

As pepper walked over Nat decided to tease her a little.

“Picking up on Tony’s habits there, pep?” Nat asked.

“Oh please.” Pepper rolled her eyes. “I’m the only reason he’s even at any of his meetings at all. Without me he wouldn’t just be late, he’d be missing.” She said and Nat laughed.

“True.” The assassin nodded.

“Alright, lets do this.” Pepper said smiling at you and Wanda.

The four of you headed into the mall. It was a little crowded but nobody seemed to mind. You just crossed your fingers that your spider senses stayed in check.

Pepper had barely made it ten feet in the door before she was dragging Natasha into a very expensive looking boutique.

This was how you spent the next hour. Pepper and Wanda dragged you and Natasha around, stopping at every pretty dress shop and expensive looking store in the complex.

After about an hour you were beginning to nurse a small headache and the tingle in the back of your mind told you all you needed to know for what was going to happen.

Nat had just stopped at a rack nearby before pulling wanda over to her. Holding out a dress you saw Wanda’s lips moving as she nodded, and Nat took the dress and disappeared into the change rooms.

It was a tight red cocktail dress and when Nat came back out to show it off you swear your jaw unhinged and landed on the floor.

It hugged her in all the right places.

Wanda was too busy ogling Nat to notice your reaction but pepper snorted a laugh before covering her mouth.

Nat pouted.

“What? Does it not look good?” Nat asked and you shot pepper a pleading look but she just smiled.

“No … no. I’d just say its … jaw dropping.” Pepper said winking at you as you glared at her with flushed cheeks.

“Yeah?” Nat asked raising an eyebrow and shooting you a look. “Then I guess I’ll have to get it then won’t i?” Nat said and you nodded eagerly. “Your lucky your cute Detka.” She said as she brushed past you on her way back to the change room. “Because your drooling.” She whispered in your ear and your blush darkened a good two shades of crimson.

Your headache was still getting worse and about a half hour later it was almost reaching full force.

You had found a dress and Nat was carrying four bags, one with a dress for you and her and the other three had a few random pieces of clothing for your day to day wardrobe and some room décor.

Just as you were beginning to think you wouldn’t be able to take anymore Wanda suggested the four of you get lunch from the café downstairs.

By now you were surprised none of them had noticed your discomfort, despite trying to hide it it was still bothering you.

The fluorescent strip lights that lit the mall were too bright and seemed to be burning your retinas with each blink.

The noise level despite not exceeding regular mall noise levels was almost deafening in your sensitive ears.

Even the mixed smells of fast food and perfumes was making your head swim.

Your headache pounded behind your eyes as well as almost throughout your full skull. There was a buzzing in your ears that sounded like the electricity in the walls that simply wouldn’t shut up.

Your stomach was rolling from the mixed smells and it was just too loud and too bright.

As you slid into the booth next to Nat, with wanda and pepper on the other side facing you, you resisted the urge to crawl under the table and cry.

Your headache thundered in your ears and pounded on your skull.

Your headache was in full force and Pepper must have noticed how quiet you were being as she looked you over with a knowing gaze.

She took note of your pinched brow and slightly sweaty forehead, how you were biting down on your lip and squinting. As well as how you flinched as someone in the café banged their cutlery against their plate.

Wanda noticed peppers look and was now looking at you too with a frown which drew Natasha’s eyes to you as well.

The conversation had reached a lull as all three women studied you. You were too zoned out to notice their attention all being on you.

“Y/n?” Wanda asked slowly.

“Yeah?” You said looking up and sounding absolutely wreaked.

“Are you ok?” Wanda said looking slightly worried.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” You said not even believing your own words. Your voice was lathered in a tired tone. You shook your head while saying this only managing to anger your headache more as you winced and brought a hand to your head, squeezing your eyes shut tight.

Feeling nauseous you leant on nat and rested you head on her shoulder. Nat seemed almost surprised at your sudden desire for contact.

She held you close to her as your body relaxed into her side having no more energy to hold yourself up.

“Y/n?” Pepper asked softly.

“Mmm?” You hummed as you vaguely heard shuffling before you sensed someone close to you.

Opening an eye slightly you saw pepper crouching next to you.

“Y/n?” she asked softly. “Do you get the same thing peter does honey?” Her voice stayed low and quiet. You turned your face into Nat’s neck and weighed up your options before giving a small nod.

You miss the frown that adorns Wanda’s lips at the news that something was wrong and pepper seemed to know what it was despite you never having mentioned anything about this.

Pepper stood again and looked over at Nat and Wanda.

“She’ll be alright. Just stay here and I’ll be back. I’ll explain in a minute.” Pepper said and she took off in a brisk walk to a nearby shop.

After pepper had darted off she wove through the crowd and into a tech store, making a purchase before making one more stop and then hightailing it back to the café.

When she returned you’s seemingly not moved an inch while Wanda and Nat were talking in hushed tones. Nat had her arm around you and was holdin the back of your head into her neck as you seemed to be almost trembling from all the overstimulation.

When pepper came back Wanda sat a little straighter while Nat eyes the two new shopping bags pepper was carrying.

Pepper came to crouch beside you giving you a small nudge that set your skin on fire.

“Y/n?” She asked softly. “Can you look at me honey, you can keep your eyes shut, I promise these will help.” She said coaxing you out of Nat’s neck.

You faced her with your eyes squeezed shut as she slid a black pair of noise cancelling headphones over your ears and switching them on.

The blissful sound of quiet almost made you cry as your headache lessened. A moment later you felt pepper place something on your face before cautiously opening one eye to find the world dimmer and more tolerable.

Now decked out with the headphones and sunglasses you felt a lot better. You were exhausted and the headache was still present just less intense.

You watched as Wanda, Nat and Pepper conversed, the sound not reaching you. Pepper seemed to be explaining what was happening to them based off the sad look wanda gave you.

Pepper explained that your powers increased your senses, and that in the right conditions they were very helpful in fights. But were more than problematic in a domestic setting. She explained that it wasn’t unheard of for peter to get overstimulated when out or somewhere loud. She went on to tell them she recognised the look peter had when he tried to simple tough it out when they went out.

Wanda felt awful that your powers had caused you pain.

Nat however was already planning to talk to tony about getting something built to help.

Once pepper had explained the extent of the issue and some of the things that helped, the three seemed to change gears, looking to be making plans now instead.

After they had finished talking Pepper decided to try something.

She turned to face you and moved her hands to form some simple signs. Your face lit up in recognition.

*How are you feeling? * Pepper signed.

*tired* you signed back.

Nat and Wanda looked surprised.

“How did you know she knew sign?” Wanda asked.

“Peter seemed to know some when he first was with us.” Pepper explained. “I assumed Y/n might also know some if peter did.”

You could tell what they had asked. “My dad was hard of hearing. He taught us sign at a young age before … he died.” You said and pepper nodded.

*We are going to go home* pepper signed but you shook your head.

*you stay here, I’ll go. I don’t want to ruin things* you signed.

*nonsense* pepper signed and you knew based off Nat’s eyes she was following along.

Nat had learnt sign language from Clint in the academy when they were partners. Clint had insisted in case his hearing aid were ever damaged in a fight.

You sighed realising you weren’t going to win this one.

*ok* you signed and hesitated for a moment before continuing. *thank you*. You signed.

*your welcome* pepper signed back and Wanda offered her hand to you.

Holding Wanda’s hand, the four of you headed for the car park.

You felt bad for ruining the trip, but Nat shot you a look when she saw you getting lost in your head that banished all thoughts.

Once you were in the car, Wanda had insisted on driving. Nat was riding with pepper to try and find out more about what was going on. You kept the headphones and sunnies on the whole ride home as you zoned out slightly.

Wanda droves slowly so she didn’t throw you around while Pepper and Nat sped back to try and organise things for when you get back.

When you arrived, you were almost asleep leaning into the passenger door.

Wanda coaxed you out of the car and led you by the hand up the lift and down the hall to her room.

You were beyond exhausted as Wanda lifted the sheets and got you settled under the thick comforter.

She ordered Jarvis to dim the lights and soundproof the room. She thanked Tony for the added features in her mind as she felt you snuggle into her side.

A few moments later the door opened slightly to reveal Nat and Pepper peaking in.

“Is she asleep?” Nat asked and Wanda studied your breathing.

“Not yet.” Wanda responded.

“Well we have some pain meds for her.” Pepper said as they both came inside and handed wanda a glass of water.

After coaxing you into taking some medicine, you laid back down against Wanda was was massaging your head as you melted in her lap.

Pepper and Nat had dropped by Bruces lab to pick up peters pain meds for you before coming to Wanda’s room where Jarvis said they could find you.

You fell asleep not long after taking the medicine which had finally gotten rid of your headache.

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arlana-likes-to-write · 11 months

Text

Lighting Bug - Chapter 17

Masterlist

*There are sections in this chapter that can be triggering for some*

Warnings: Implied past sexual abuse/rape, implied past physical abuse, bullying, harassment, self-harm, self-hatred, mention of death

‘No matter what happens and where you're placed, we won’t think any less of you.’

‘You are very bright, Miss. Y/n. You just have to believe in yourself. The rest will follow.’

‘It takes a genius to know a genius.’

Those were the statements that you echoed in your head as you turned your test in and walked back to your floor. Tony said it would take at least 24-48 hours to get the results and come up with a plan for your schooling. You told him to take his time, not wanting to know how you did so soon. You felt okay about the rest. The reading comprehension was easy and you struggled your way through the math questions. You made a quick stop in your room to grab some art supplies and headphones. There was no one here, everyone was busy with meetings, training, or out of the tower. You told no one that you were taking the test to avoid the hounds of questioning. Tony swore to keep it between you and him. You set out copy paper and new crayons and colored pencils you bought with Wanda. Continuing the audiobook, you began to color. You determined that you enjoyed coloring more than drawing. There wasn’t a picture on the page and you didn’t have to worry about staying in between the lines, you allowed your mind to shut off and throw whatever color you wanted on the page. There were no rules to follow and you didn’t care if it didn’t look perfect. It was a nice way to decompress and ignore the spiraling thoughts in your head.

Someone exited the elevator and walked onto the floor. You paused coloring and focused on their energy. It was Pepper. The CEO sat down next to you with a smile. You paused the book and took off your headphones. “Hi stranger,” she joked.

“Your back!” You fought every nerve in your body to not jump up and hug her. “How was Paris?” She put a paper bag on the table., that you didn’t realize she had. “For me?” She nodded. You stood quickly, almost knocking over the chair to look inside. Chocolate. So much chocolate. You looked at the CEO with wide eyes and a bigger smile.

“Now don’t make yourself sick,” she laughed.

“Thank you,” you searched in the bag and pulled out a bar that had a lion on it. “And I won’t,” you opened the packaging and took a bite. “You didn’t answer my question and distracted me with chocolate.” You sat down and put the bag on the floor. Pepper chuckled, grabbing a piece of paper and a colored pencil.

“Paris was,” she sighed. You looked at the CEO, the excitement of her coming home dying down. She was exhausted, dead on her feet. “Tiring.”

“Tony works you too hard.”

“Tony isn’t my boss,” you gave her a pointed look before focusing back on the picture you were drawing. “Anyways, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?” You pointed to the art supplies on the table. “How about you and I go on a little adventure?”

“Do I get to know where we are going?” She shook her head. You pretended to think about it but the smile on your face gave you away. “Yes! I’ll text Nat and Wanda so they know I’m with you and,” you looked down at the pajamas you were still wearing. “I should change. I’ll be quick.”

“Take your time,” you cleaned up the mess you created and hurried to your room. You changed into a new pair of black jeans and a graphic T-shirt, this shirt was a little baggy on you but you liked how it felt. You made sure to grab the money you had, even though you knew she wasn’t going to let you pay for anything. Walking out of your room, you made a group chat with you, Wanda, and Natasha telling them you were with Pepper. The CEO was in the kitchen, sipping on a cup of coffee.

“We don’t have to do anything,” you said, leaning on the counter. “You look exhausted.” She waved you off.

“I’m fine,” you weren’t going to argue with her as you put your phone in your pocket. “Ready?”

“Yup,” you popped the ‘p’. “Can I know where we are going?” You asked again as you walked to the elevator.

“Nope, it’s a surprise.” You pouted which made Pepper laugh. “You're such a child.” It was odd how such a simple statement made your heart flutter and your smile grow. You were a kid, a teenager at best. Before living with the Avengers, you were a kid who had to grow up too quickly. Now you were just a kid.

Pepper parked the car in front of an antique store. Antiques and Books was not a creative name but it drove home what they sold. The front of the store had huge window displays that showed some of the stuff inside. As you looked up at the modern look of the first floor transformed into classic New York City brownstone. “I figured you might like this store,” she said, turning the car off. “Want to check it out?”

“Yes!” Her laughter echoed as you jumped out of the car. You waited patiently at the front door when she caught up, you opened the door and gasped as you stepped in. There was stuff everywhere! From furniture, portraits, dolls, and clothing, this store had it all. “This place is so cool!”

“Oh hello there,” you spun around to see a woman behind the counter. Her words were laced with a British accent. “Can I help find anything?” Her eyes landed on Pepper and a smile formed on her face. “It’s good to see you again, Pepper.” They hugged tightly.

“How are the kids, Angie?” The CEO asked.

“Driving me up a wall,” you giggled. “What brings you in here?”

“I just wanted to show her around,” Pepper said, pointing at you. You waved your hand at the older woman. “Is that okay?”

“Of course it is! Give me a shout if you need anything.” You followed Pepper around the first floor of the store, afraid to touch anything because you didn’t want to break it.

“How do you know about this place?” You asked as Pepper was looking at some fancy glassware.

“Angie used to work at Stark Industries,” she said. “Unfortunately, her husband passed away when Loki invaded New York. His dream was to one day open up an antique shop like this so Tony and I helped her get one started.” You smiled.

“That’s nice of you guys.” Pepper shrugged as if it was no big deal but it was. They didn’t have to help her, they gained no monetary value but they still helped them.

“I think the books are on the second floor,” she pointed to the stairs. “Why don’t you go check it out and we’ll regroup?” Your smile grew and you nodded your head. When you walked up the stairs, the air was filled with the smell of old books. This was heaven. Half of the floor had bookshelves and boxes of books to go through while the other half had more clothes and jewelry. You went right for the books, you didn’t have anything against clothes and jewelry but books were your speed. If you had time you’d have a look around on the other side.

The books ranged from being well taken care of to the binding falling apart. But it was amazing to see the range of topics that decorated the shelves; history, fiction, non-fiction, and romance novels. This was your happy place.

You had a few books in your hand as you were scanning the shelves. You weren’t necessarily sold on getting these but they caught your eye. “Well, well, well,” you jumped at the unexpected voice. You spun around to see Michael, Lindsay, and Ray behind you, walking down the aisle. You didn’t know where Jack was and that scared you more. “Look what we have here, fresh meat.”

“I wouldn’t use the word fresh,” Ray joked. “It has been a long time since we played with her.” You stepped back.

“How-how did you know I was here?” You asked, bumping into something behind you. You turned around to see Jack, a smug smile on his face. He slapped the books out of your hand and they landed on the ground with a thud.

“We have eyes and ears everywhere,” he moved to graze your cheek but you flinched away from him. He frowned. Oh, you didn’t like that look. That meant you were in trouble. It happened quickly. Jack grabbed your wrists and pushed you up against the wall. Michael covered your mouth, muffling the scream you let out.

“Shh,” he whispered, putting a finger to his lips with his free hand. “Got to stay quiet so we can have some fun.” It was a familiar scene you found yourself in. Michael and Jack were in the middle and Ray and Lindsay were at the end. You wanted to bite down on Michael’s hand or punch Jack like you’ve seen Maria throw but you were frozen to the spot.

“Do they know?” Lindsay asked. Michael lowered his hand.

“Know what?” You whispered. The group looked at one another, having a conversation with each other you didn’t understand.

“That you are a monster,” Ray smiled. “A freak. A killer.” Your heart was beating and you felt bile move up your throat.

“I would love to see their faces when they found out the truth,” Lindsay added. “That tower isn’t your home. You aren’t a hero.”

“Do you think that living with them erases everything you’ve done?” Michael asked. Lindsay and Ray laughed. The hold Jack had on you tightened. “You are unlovable and one day they’ll leave you behind. Then what are you going to do?”

“She can come back to us,” Jack said. He used his free hand and wrapped it around your throat. “I’ve missed you so much.” You felt your lips tremble. But you heard Pepper call out your name. She was getting closer.

“Hey!” Her voice called out. “Get your hands off of her.” You saw her running over to you. Michael, Lindsay, and Ray took off but Jack leaned in by your ear.

“Till next time,” he whispered and kissed your cheek. His laughter echoed against the walls as he ran after his friends. You felt so dirty. Your heart was beating rapidly against your ribs. It was hard to get air into your lungs.

“Can you hear me?” Pepper’s voice sounded distant and muffled. “Are you okay?” You nodded, putting the books back on the shelf.

“Can we go back ho-” the word 'home' died on your lips. “Can we go back to the tower?” You didn’t wait for her response as you pushed past her and headed to the car. Hailie? No Sam. You couldn’t be bothered to remember her name or say goodbye. Everything was becoming too much. There was a pressure building inside you. You distinctly heard Pepper unlock the car before you pulled on the handle. With shaky hands, you closed the door and buckled up. You stared ahead, not looking at Pepper as she got in and started the car. You felt it. The tingle in the palm of your hands and it began to spread. You tried to let out a shaky breath but the air got caught in your lungs. Your chest felt tight as you tried to calm yourself down.

“Sweetheart,” the car turned off. “I need you to breathe for me.”

“I’m sorry,” you said, rubbing your hands up and down your legs. The usual action wasn’t helping. “I’m sorry,” you repeated, digging your nails in the palm of your hands. “I’m sorry,” you couldn’t hold it in. The pressure was building and it was becoming too much to handle. So, you let it go.

Things were happening around you as you sat on the side of the road. You heard voices and saw people moving around you but nothing registered. Everything felt numb and cold. At some point, you heard Happy say your name and direct you to a car. You were in the back with Pepper in the passenger seat. He tried to make conversation on the way back to the tower but you stayed quiet. Somehow you got back to the tower, sitting in the garage as they brought the car in. Happy got you water and you thanked him with a nod of your head. Pepper was on the phone while Bruce and Tony were looking over the car. Stupid. You were so stupid, believing that everything was going to be okay. Your leg started to bounce and you felt sick. The elevator door opened but you didn’t look up. “Y/n,” that was Natasha.

“Dorogoy, are you okay?” No, maybe that was Natasha.

“Hey bud, you with us?” That was Kate. No. Maybe. God, you had no idea what was going on. You put your head down.

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I’ll accept whatever punishment you see fit. Just please don’t make me leave.”

Natasha was at a loss for words as she watched the young girl with her head down and her leg bouncing. The Black Widow knew she was dissociating, seeing Yelena and Wanda go through one episode when something traumatic happened. Pepper called her and said something happened while they were out, panic filled her. She wouldn’t explain what happened over the phone. So when FRIDAY informed her of their return she ran to the garage with Wanda and Kate close behind. “Let’s find out what happened,” Natasha said, standing up from her knelt position. “She’s safe.”

“I’ll stay with her.” Kate sat down in the empty chair. Natasha smiled at the archer and slipped her hand into Wanda’s. She was worried. Not even when the teen first moved to the tower was she this quiet, this withdrawn. With a sigh, the couple walked over to Pepper. The CEO was on the phone while Tony was underneath the car and Bruce was looking at the engine with a clipboard in his hands.

“Do you know who those kids are?” Natasha heard Pepper ask. “No, I’m not going to arrest them.” Pepper held up her finger. “Thank you, Angie. I look forward to hearing from you.” She hung up as Tony slid out from underneath the car, whipping his forehead and leaving a trail of grease on his skin.

“The electric traction motor and the power control unit are completely fired.” He told them.

“Is it fixable?” Wanda asked. Bruce closed the hood, nodding his head.

“Oh 100% we’ve seen worse damage after a training session,” that made Natasha smile and she looked at the CEO.

“What happened?” She asked. Pepper sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“I took her to an antique store because we’ve only hung out in my office so I thought a change would be fine,” she crossed her arms. “We went our separate ways but when I found her there was a group of kids with her,” Natasha wondered if it was the same kids from the ice cream shop. “They ran off when they saw me but whatever they said to her caused her to have a panic attack which led to his,” she gestured to the car. Natasha saw no anger in Pepper’s eyes, just concern. She looked back at Kate. The teen’s leg was still bouncing but she was glancing at whatever Kate was showing her on her phone. The archer sent a thumbs up.

“What could have caused this?” The Black Widow asked.

“A large amount of electricity,” Bruce explained. “Either a power surge occurred at that exact spot where Pepper pulled over but none of the surrounding buildings were affected. So it had to come from inside the car.” Tony chuckled.

“The last time I checked Pepper only blows fuses when she’s cooking,” that received a slap from his wife. He yelped, rubbing the arm she hit. “So it had to come from a little lightning bug over there.” The rubber gloves and the fear of being touched made sense. “She knocked out the car’s and their phone’s connection to FRIDAY. That is one powerful girl.”

“We’ll talk to her,” Natasha said.

“Please let her know I’m not upset,” Pepper said. “I’ll come to talk to her when everything has calmed down.”

“Ready?” Wanda asked, looking at her girlfriend. Natasha nodded, unsure if she was ready.

You heard two sets of footsteps walking towards you. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw it was Natasha and Wanda. You braced yourself. You’ve been good, stayed out of trouble, and done what they asked. Maybe they would be gentle. They knelt at your level and your body flinched. “I’ll help fix the car or you can hit me. I’ll take it.”

“Dorogoy,” Natasha said. “No one is going to hit you or kick you out. We aren’t upset.” You’ve heard that before. The worst was when you believed them and the punishment came out of nowhere.

“Can you tell us what happened with those kids?” Wanda asked. You folded your hands together and rested your arms on your legs. The floor became very interesting to look at.

“They were uh kids I knew from a homeless shelter,” you whispered. “They picked on people here and there but they tormented me,” you felt your throat burn as you tried to keep the tears at bay. “My stuff was never safe if I left it there and sleep was impossible. I was their plaything,” your voice cracked. Your leg began to shake. You could feel the pressure building again. “They knew what I could do. I tried to keep it hidden but they snuck up on me and I shocked them.” You were leaving pieces out but it was becoming harder to talk about. “I was uh born with it,” you continued. “Don’t know how or why but God gave me this curse.”

“Why do you see it as a curse?” Wanda asked. You finally looked up at the couple in front of you.

“I’ve hurt and killed so many people because of it,” you looked away. “What else is it supposed to be?” You sighed. “Can I go to my room?” Natasha nodded. You moved in a blur as you walked over to the elevator and waited for it to come and take you to your floor. It was hard to stay grounded in the present. Your mind kept slipping into dark memories. You could feel your father’s hands on your skin. The surge of electricity passed through you as HYDRA tried to punish you. Each name and taunt thrown at you by kids and adults you’ve passed by. You dug your nails in the palm of your hands. But the normal pain wasn’t helping, it wasn’t working. The elevator doors opened and you ran to your room. You threw open your door and slammed it behind you. Quickly bury your face, into the crochet blanket. Wanda washed it for you and the smell grounded you. It reminded you of Natasha and Wanda. You felt safe and loved. But it still didn’t wash away the words that Michael said, ‘You are unlovable and one day they’ll leave you behind. Then what are you going to do?’ You whimpered, biting down on your lower lip. In the end, you were right. You were cursed.

“How is she?” It was the first question asked as Natasha, Wanda, and Kate exited the elevator. The archer immediately went to her girlfriend who was sitting on the couch with Maria, Rhodey, and Vision, going over the Wakandan mission. Steve was in the kitchen and Sam was at the kitchen counter. Steve was the one who asked.

“She’s not doing well,” Natasha answered, pouring herself a drink. “She is in her room. I’m giving her space but we’ll check on her soon.”

“What can we do to help?” Sam asked. Natasha wasn’t sure. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around the teen and shield her from the world. Wanda placed a gentle hand on her back.

“I think the best thing we can do is be there for her when she needs us,” Wanda looked at Natasha. The Black Widow nodded. She heard Vision excuse himself from the conversation on the couch and walked over to the couple.

“I apologize if this isn’t the correct time to bring this up and adds more stress to the already stressful situation. But-”

“Vis,” Natasha cut off the android. “Just please say what you need to say.” She did not have the energy right now.

“Right. Miss. Bishop filled us in on our young friend’s power and I can’t help but draw some conclusions,” he sighed. “Didn’t the girl’s family die in a house fire that first responders said was caused by an electrical fire?” Natasha paused, the drink stopped in midair as she let what Vision said settle with her. It seemed as if the entire room was frozen. She looked at Wanda, the click of her glass on the counter seemed much louder.

“Do you think-?”

“She lost control of her powers, set her childhood home on fire, and killed those monsters she calls mom and dad?” Yelena said from the couch. Kate squeezed her girlfriend’s shoulder, trying to calm her down.

“Yeah,” Natasha pointed to her sister. “What she said.” Her earlier words rang in her head, ‘I’ve hurt and killed so many people because of it.’

“I mean it’s possible,” Wanda said slowly. She used her magic to get a glass for herself and poured a drink. Natasha was going to need about 3 more to get through today. “Whether it’s true or not it doesn’t change anything.” It was all the group needed to continue what they were doing. Wanda was right it didn’t change how Natasha or any of the others saw the young teen. Truth be told, it made Natasha’s heartbreak for the girl even more. She couldn’t imagine the guilt she was carrying at such a young age too. The Black Widow sighed, moving the liquid in her class but didn’t drink it. She couldn’t help but think about a conversation she had with her.

“My father wasn’t much of a drinker. He was a child of the Lord. But there were certain occasions when we found him staring down an empty bottle of whiskey or rum or whatever. He was trying to soothe those mental scars. It never seemed to work like he wanted, causing more damage.”

“Did your father hit you?”

“All the time,” she admitted. “He didn’t have to be drunk to do it.”

It was the first time she opened up about the truth about who her parents were. It made Natasha’s blood boil then and it did again. If her parents weren’t already gone, Natasha knew she and the other Avengers could hunt them down and make them pay for what they did. But they were dead, possibly killed by the daughter they were supposed to love and protect. The world seemed to be cruel like that.

You were curled underneath the covers, staring at the empty wall. The rubber gloves are back on your hands. You were pulled from your thoughts by a knock on your door. You ignored it, making no move to get up and answer it. But the knocking continued. “Miss. Chavez is at your door,” Out of everyone at the tower, you knew she would be the first one to come to talk to you. “Would you like me to unlock your door?” You didn’t answer but you heard the door open.

“Hey,” she said. “Kate told me what happened.” Of course, she did. It must be the talk of the tower. “Are you okay?” She sat on the edge of the bed. You didn’t answer her or turn to look. “No one is upset or angry with you. They just want to make sure you're okay.” She sighed. “Please don’t shut me out.” You closed your eyes, feeling tears about to fall. “Tell me what you need.” Finally, you turned to face her.

“Leave me alone,” you whispered. It hurt to say but you wanted to be left alone. You wanted to lay in bed and cry and scream and yell into your pillow without people around.

“Why don’t I show you the Sanctum?” She suggested. “You could meet Strange and Wong. It-”

“America,” you pleaded. “Please.” But she didn’t move. You lay back down, facing the wall again. A small part of you was grateful that she was trying to pull you out of this mindset but that was being overpowered by darkness. You just wanted her to stop talking and leave. So you could sulk in this darkness alone. This heaviness seemed to surround you and swallow you whole. “America,” you sat up quickly, arms thrown to the side. You must have missed understood the heaviness that you were feeling. A small electric discharge left your hand and traveled to America. She yelped, shaking her arm. Your eyes widened. You felt the color drain from your face as dread washed over you. She shook her arm, trying to regain some of the feeling. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry.” You stuttered out.

“Hey, it’s okay. See it’s fine,” she put her arm up but you flinched away. “It was my fault. I’ll leave you alone.” Without another word, she left your room. You burrowed your face into the pillow and finally let the tears you’ve been holding fall.

“Are you okay?” America closed the door of Y/n’s room. “FRIDAY said you were hurt,” Natasha said.

“I’m fine,” she said but the redhead knew she wasn’t. America was rubbing her arm and fighting back tears. “I thought it would be good to get her out of the tower and show her that no one was upset. But she asked me to leave and I didn’t,” her voice started to shake as her emotions were getting the better of her. “She got upset and shocked me.” Without thinking, Natasha brought America into her arms for a hug. She felt tears on her shirt.

“Are you sure you're okay?” The teen nodded, stepping back and whipping away her tears.

“I’m just upset with myself. I don’t want to lose her, you know?” Natasha nodded, understanding what she meant. “I think I’m gonna go work out. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Same to you,” Natasha said, watching her walk to the gym. She sighed and rested her head on Y/n’s door. “Hey kid, I know you don’t want to talk but we are here if you want to.” There was no response and Natasha wasn’t expecting one. “FRIDAY, can you please keep an eye on her and alert us if there is a problem?”

“Of course, Miss. Romanoff,” the AI said. Natasha was worried but she couldn’t force her to talk. They all just had to wait until the teen came to them. She hoped nothing would happen until then.

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