Disclaimer: Don't own

Tony went off to his workroom as soon as they got back and Tanaya went to the living room where Natasha was sitting, writing in a book. She pretended not to notice her presence, which didn't fool Tanaya since Tony had already mentioned the skills that Nat had when it came to being a spy. Natasha looked up and smiled "How was your day? I'm sorry that I didn't come to pick you up, Tony insisted that he would do it."

"Well, people left me alone which suits me fine." Tanaya said tonelessly. "Well, that doesn't mean you can't admire people from afar. Seen any guys?" Natasha seemed to be trying very hard to ask appropriate questions, might as well tell her now.

"No guys, they aren't my type." She took a deep breath and held it as she waited for a response. Surprisingly, Natasha wasn't fazed. "Well, any girls then?" she asked before adding, "It's fine with me." Tanaya exhaled and grinned, relieved, before sitting on the couch with Natasha. "Maybe one, not sure yet." She said thinking of Shay. It was way too early for any definite attraction, but she couldn't help but admire her. From afar, of course.

After they talked for awhile, Tanaya went off to read in her room and Natasha walked up to the war room. Once she got there, she asked JARVIS to lock the door and warn her if someone was coming, that out of the way she quickly dialled Fury. As is face came on the screen, Natasha immediately started talking, "the girl shows some signs of mental instability, and is scarred by the death of her mother. No appearance of turning against the team or SHIELD." Her voice was devoid of any emotion, and Fury nodded, satisfied. Natasha continued, relaying all the conversations that she had with Tanaya and pushing down the guilt threatening to make an appearance. She knew that SHIELD would find another way of spying on Tanaya anyway, and at least this way she could stay on top of what they know. This was better for Tanaya", she told herself.

When Tanaya went to school the next day, things were obviously different. People were trying to talk to her and sit with her, which made no sense. They were happy to ignore her yesterday, what could have change-. Oh, she thought, they know that I live with Tony Stark. Well I am not being friends with people who only care about that.

She looked forward to maths and seeing Shay though, but realised that she would treat her differently as well. Now dreading the lesson, Tanaya dragged herself to the desk she had sat at the day before and waited.

Shay stumbled in late and sat down next to her, giving her a smile that was just as cheerful as the one she had gotten yesterday. "Hey! My friends wanted you to sit with us at lunch, but I should let you know that it is because of the whole Tony Stark thing." Well she was straight forward. "Thanks for letting me know, I think I'll leave it." Shay nodded and they turned to do the work set for them.

Tanaya sat down alone for lunch as usual and was starting to read Dracula when she sensed someone near her, looking up to see Shay sitting next to her. There was a beat of silence before Shay started talking about a random topic, giving Tanaya no choice but to accept her presence.

That afternoon no one came to pick Tanaya up. She sat outside the school as everyone left except her, realising that she had no phone and therefore no way of calling anyone. This was embarrassing. Maybe there was a legitimate reason, and attack or something. Tanaya went inside the school and borrowed a phone, then remembered that she had no idea what anyone's number was so settled for calling a directory and asking for Stark Industries. After a painful 10 minutes of trying to convince the receptionist that she needed Tony, and that she knew him, they finally transferred her to someone else.

"Hello, this is Miss Potts speaking."

This was good, Tony had mentioned this woman before.

"Hi Miss Potts, my name is Tanaya an-" she began to explain, but was interrupted, "Tanaya? As in the Tanaya staying with Tony? Pleasure to meet you, what do you need?" Miss Potts seemed nice, and Tanaya explained the problem.

"Oh, that oaf. Just because Mr lightning decided to visit does not mean that he can forget about you. Don't worry sweetie, a car is coming for you now." Tanaya quickly thanked her and went back outside. In no time, a black car pulled up and she hopped in.

As she approached the kitchen, she heard cheerful voices and booming laughter. Tanaya tried not to feel hurt at being forgotten and instead calmly opened the door. Tony saw her and paled, and everyone stopped talking except for a man who appeared to be in some sort of armour.

"And then Lady Sif-" he was stopped by Natasha and looked expectantly at them all, before resting his eyes on Tanaya.

"Shit! Tanaya I am so sorry!" Tony said, running up to her. "How did you get back here? And why didn't you call us?"

"Well, I don't have a phone and don't know your numbers. I managed to call your work and talked to Miss Potts who sent a car for me." No one knew what to say and sat stricken with guilt.

Luckily Thor had no sense of awkwardness and started talking. "You must be the man of iron's young charge! Lady Tanaya, I am Thor Odinson! Please accept my seat and have a meal. The Hawk is a brilliant cook, as you surely know." Tanaya smiled at him and sat down, slightly bewildered by him. Eventually, the others came up and apologised before joining her in some dinner. Tony inwardly cringed at the thought of the lecture he would get from Pepper now. He did deserve it though.

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