Natasha

Agra, India

I knew that the fallout after Siberia had really shaken Tony because he was traveling a lot more now. I only knew this because I hacked into his computer every now and then. This week, he was visiting Agra, India.

He probably got all kinds of alerts whenever I hacked into his stuff. But for some reason, he let me.

I sat at an outdoor cafe with a classical Indian-style pergola overhead.

To a passerby, I was engrossed in my tea and magazine, but I was actually tracking Stark's location on my phone.

I looked around warily. Hopefully, the sunglasses and shawl were enough to hide my identity.

Tony Stark was on the move now. Probably driving. He had reservations at the hotel right next to this cafe. He had called the hotel earlier and told them he'd be checking in soon.

For the third time in the last ten minutes, I analyzed the people at the cafe.

Two waitresses walked around, offering drinks and taking orders.

There were a few college students at one table. A few loners like me mingled around and a boyfriend and girlfriend sitting together.

I caught sight of the boyfriend's shortened arm. Whether he was an amputee or he was born with it, I couldn't tell.

It made me think of James, which made me think of Peter.

It was easier to think about them now, knowing they were alive and safe and not dead and brainwashed. That comforting feeling let me rest easy. Stark had been on the phone with Peter, but the signal was encrypted. I couldn't listen in.

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't go to New York. Not even just for a day visit to spy on Peter. Ross had the feds on high-alert. I didn't want to risk it.

Soon enough, Stark pulled up to the cafe. He handed his keys to a valet and came in.

He looked a lot more relaxed now in a white suit and an orange lei.

Tony ordered a drink and took a seat at the table right behind me.

He swiped off his glasses and sighed.

"Man, that kid is gonna be the death of me."

"How is he?"

Tony found himself back-to-back with the world's best assassin and a fugitive.

At this point, I'd doubt anything could surprise Tony Stark. He sure didn't show it.

"It's not safe for you here, Romanoff."

"Is anywhere safe?"

"I don't know. Maybe talk to T'Challa."

"You didn't answer my question. How is he?"

"He's….good. Have you listened to the reports?"

Had I listened to the reports? Of course I had.

Yes, Peter stuttered and rambled a lot, but that's what made it even better. It was adorable.

Peter was a hero; pure and unscathed from the world. I didn't know how long he could stay innocent like that. Especially with me and James being his parents.

I didn't tell any of this to Stark. I just sipped my tea.

"I'll be honest, Nat. Your kid is dangerously smart, but can be ridiculously stubborn at the same time. I don't know who he gets it from, you or…."

He came close to saying James's name. But he stopped himself.

"Oh, a stubborn, pain-in-the-butt genius? Where have I heard that before?"

Tony scoffed.

"You think I'm a bad influence on him."

Even though Tony had toned down over the years, he could still be cocky and impulsive.

"Peter is a superhero." I said. "You're the only connection to that kind of life that he has right now."

Good or bad, how could Tony not be an influence on Peter?

When he was born, I had wanted to keep Peter out of the fight for as long as I could. But it was too late now. I couldn't just deny him something that was a part of him.

"He feels like he has some kind of expectation to live up to." Tony said. "He keeps trying to compare himself to you. Thinks he's far behind."

My heart panged. Peter had no idea what kinds of things I had to go through at his age.

He had no idea how lucky he was.

"Did you tell him that my childhood shouldn't be replicated?"

"Something like that."

Suddenly, my ear-com buzzed.

"Natasha, we're picking up movements from Interpol." reported Sam. "They're a street away from you. You need to get out of there."

"I'll be out soon." I said.

"Duty calls?" Tony asked.

I closed my magazine and scrawled a payment on the check.

"Just look after him. I know how you feel about kids and I'd watch him if I could, but…."

"I will." Tony promised. "And besides, he's kind of growing on me."

I stood up.

"Thank you, Stark."

Thanks for reading! I've decided to start labeling the chapter headings differently to make it easier for the reader and myself.