Natasha
Percy looked heartbroken. She'd never seen it written so plainly on someone's face before. Once she had said that love was for children. Percy might be a child, but the way he looked at this girl's tombstone, the way he looked when she came up in conversation; well, she could almost believe that love might be for more than just childhood dreams.
Steve had walked away, head bent to read the tombstones that he passed, but she kept watching as tears rolled down Percy's cheeks. He seemed to be promising the girl something. She couldn't quite catch everything he said; lip reading was tougher from her angle. Bruce stood next to her, his shoulder just brushing hers. A warm comforting presence she knew she could rely on. It was strange how quickly it was a presence she'd grown used too. The sky rumbled above them, clouds grey and heavy. She sighed softly, while Clint shook his head as the kid stood up slowly. The two spies exchanged loaded glances.
Natasha knew that the kid had said the girl, Annabeth, was alive. But she wasn't sure if she should, let the kid believe it. Hope could be a cruel master. It would drive Percy onwards, but if he was wrong; well the part of Natasha that was the Black Widow knew she didn't want to be in the same state as Percy Jackson if that happened. Maybe not even in the same side of the country, if she takes the Mt. St. Helens story into account.
The Baby Avenger walked closer to them all. His face was blank, the only sign of his sorrow being the wet tear tracks that lined his tired face. She gave him a small smile and held her hand out to the youngest member of their team. He took it, allowing himself to be absorbed into the team as Clint slung an arm around the taller teen and Tony ruffled his hair. Steve had turned the car on, heating the interior. Bruce squeezed his hand before presenting the kid with a cake (thanks to a tip from Nico, the frosting was blue) and in messy white print read; Happy Birthday Baby Avenger!
Percy cracked a small smile, ignoring Tony's loud worrying about the frosting ruining his car.
"Thank you." He said. Then promptly turned and smeared a palmful of blue frosting onto Tony's face. There was a momentary pause of shock.
Then Tony shoved Percy face first into the cake.
AN: I just want to thank everyone who has been so patient with me and this story; I know it's been very slow lately. I'll try to update more often, promise promise. In the mean time I hope you enjoy the updates!
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