=57. Deal? =
Comment on Chapter 157. Deal? If anyone wants to support your favourite and invaluable author with deeds rather than words (although I appreciate comments with your detailed opinion no less), you are welcome to do so: 5469980470822129 - Sber 31 August 2014, 8:00 AM.
Parker Family Home.
Spider-Man.
Standing in the living room looking at myself in the mirror, trying to fix my bow tie.
- Are you sure this is necessary? - I turn round.
MJ is sitting on the sofa babysitting the twins, Fey is having an apple breakfast with sour cream (don't even ask), and Aunt May is walking up to me.
- 'I'm sorry, darling, but you have to look presentable,' Auntie adjusts the lapels of her jacket. - This conversation is important.
- Yes, I know," I sigh.
It's a good thing I'm not breaking out in a nervous sweat, thanks to the Klyntar material integrated into my DNA.
Before I could even rejoice in the serenity of my soul, after yesterday's capture of Struecker and the events that went with it, I remembered that today is the meeting with Lydia Hardy.
You killed the scientist who killed your parents, but you're nervous about the mother of your pregnant female," Raj chuckled. - Ironic.
The symbiote's comment is honourably ignored.
- Do you want me to come with you? - Kitten asked excitedly, coming up to me and taking my hand.
- 'No need, Fey, I remember what you said about Mrs Hardy wanting a face-to-face meeting,' I reply to the blonde with a supportive smile.
Cat hugs me in return.
- I'm sorry about the farce," my super thief apologises.
- It's okay," I kiss the girl on the temple.
- So, are you ready, Tiger? - Carrot-top approaches with the little ones.
- Yes," I walk over and kiss my smiling babies. - Love you babies.
Let's go down the corridor.
- My mum loves Freesia Peonies, I gave her the address of the flower shop, please buy her a bouquet, be courteous and try to keep the business talk going," the younger Hardy instructs me worriedly.
- I got it, Kitten," I kiss my girl on the forehead. - Everything's going to be okay.
- Good luck," the blonde wishes me good luck, sighing.
- Good luck, Tiger," my green-eyed Tigress smiles.
- We'll keep our fingers crossed for you, sweetheart," May blesses me.
I walk out of the house and sigh as I approach the limo.
The driver opens the door in front of me and gives me a friendly nod.
I unbutton my jacket and the top button of my shirt, getting ready for the meeting.
As we drive to the florist, and after buying flowers, to the Hardy Consolidated office, I reflect on yesterday's operation and today's banquet at Avengers Tower. I didn't get busted for Fierce's death, Natasha covered it. Clint and Steve, however, were looking at me strangely. Fury got in touch with me and pissed me off for two hours, but then he calmed down. But I was thinking about a different situation. Fierce's memories, though superficial, due to the fact that I was only looking for the need, gave me something else. Something I'd forgotten about.
Jessica Drew. Agent Arachne. The result of an experiment her father did on her to cure her of leukaemia. Possesses similar abilities to mine, but not all of them. At least, I don't know exactly what it is about Sense, but her own special bioelectricity comes with it. Complete with pheromones. And she's here now. Keeping an eye on Theresa.
Ophelia didn't report this. She didn't? Orders behind her back? Or does the Stone's compulsion need renewing?
Though the latter is unlikely. And it doesn't really matter. Right now, the girl I know as Spiderwoman has been sent to spy on my little sister.
Now I have to decide what to do with Miss Arachne...
- We've arrived," the driver looked at me through the rearview mirror.
- Thank you, Tobias," Kitten told me the guy's name.
- Can I pick you up after the meeting, Mr Parker?
- No thanks, I'll get there myself, - I rubbed my throbbing temples, getting out of the car.
With a squeal of tyres, the limo drove on, and I looked at the covering of the office building with the sign of the company of my girl's last name.
- Well, let's go," I exhale, squeezing the bouquet slightly in the palm of my hand, and move towards the door.
At this time.
Ravencroft Psychiatric Hospital.
Dr Kafka walked slowly across the tiled floor, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the corridors.
The young woman was checking the records.
Cletus is not responding well to the medication, a change of medication is needed. But she would think about Cassidy later, right now she had an appointment with another patient.
- Hello, Marcus," Ashley spoke as she approached the cell.
There was a strict directive from her superiors "No one would let Ripper out without security for her.
- 'Hello, Dr Kafka,' Liman, straitjacketed, responded in a lifeless voice, turning to the brunette and looking at her with his blank eyes.
The man's appearance was repulsive: faded, almost transparent, grey eyes, a terrible burn on the right side of his face and a large metal plate in his skull, the result of the explosion that had killed Liman's wife. According to the psychologist's theory, it was these causes that had been the start of Marcus's "empathy deadening".
However, Ashley tried to smile at the killer because she sympathised with him. After all, he's human too.
- How are you feeling today? - Doc asked, clicking her pen and getting ready to write.
- I don't feel anything, you know that.
Every cell in Kafka's body wanted to twitch as the cold eyes stared straight into her soul, but Ashley held back.
- I understand, I'll talk to you later," the brunette nodded and turned away.
After the brunette left, Ripper continued to try to loosen his restraints.
At this time.
Hardy Consolidated headquarters.
Peter Parker.
The lift took me to the top floor.
I was held up at the front desk for a while, and I was scared off by security. Probably Lydia's orders and either trying to intimidate me or testing my mettle.
- Mrs Hardy is waiting for you," the pony-tailed receptionist informed me, not even looking in my direction.
- Thank you," I nodded quietly and entered the office.
The atmosphere in Lydia's office is just like her mistress: it is made in cold colours, minimalistic and emphatically formal. At a dark desk, probably made of expensive wood, as rich people like, sits the owner of the company and stares at me. Her whole posture betrays confidence in her position, as well as irritated anger, obviously directed at someone.
- Hello, Mrs Hardy," I said, smiling kindly at her icy stare. - This is for you.
Lydia doesn't react to the bouquet for a few seconds, and we exchange glances.
- Thank you, - still the blonde can't stand it and takes the flowers. - Sit down, Peter," the woman suggests in a commanding tone, and I press a button on the intercom. - Emily, get the vase.
I calmly sit down on the not the most comfortable office chair and wait for the CEO and her secretary to deal with Demeter's creatures.
It didn't take long.
- So," the blue-eyed woman began, as soon as the door to her office closed from the other side, "you know exactly why I invited you here, and what I'm going to accuse you of," Lydia pronounced the guilty verdict unhesitatingly. - So tell me, what are your plans for the future?
- Why are you interested? - I squared my shoulders, adopting an answering posture for negotiations. - And how do you see the situation? - I ask a counter-question, holding a firm gaze.
Maybe I'm worried about the outcome of this meeting, but I've obviously been through so much over the years, not to cower before a billionaire. If she was even thrice the mother of my favourite girl.
- Cheeky," Mrs Hardy smirked, but there was approval in her tone. - You got my daughter pregnant, Peter, and that's a problem. Yes, it is a problem, boy and don't look like that," the woman responded to my frown. - Felicia has a responsibility to her company and her family, I don't know if you know that word," the dyed blonde smirked.
You don't know the word responsibility... well, you have to take responsibility for something like that," Raj broadcast his opinion.
- I tried to calm down, make enquiries, and weigh the facts," the woman continued, looking at me and leaning back in her chair. - You're a brilliant student who graduated early from the university, and your thesis even the representatives of my scientific department found it brilliant, so your brains are obviously fine, so I propose the following option, - Lydia stood up and looked at me sternly from top to bottom. - You'll get a job at my company as a researcher, see what you're worth, and maybe if you prove you're really that smart and earn a position above the head of the lab, I'll let you marry Felicia," the woman turned her back to the windows and continued speaking. - Of course, my daughter and your children won't be living with you and," Hardy chuckled at this point, "your 'other family'. In fact, if you want to preserve your relationship with my daughter, it would be even better if you cut your ties with Miss Watson," the woman turned and looked at me with her icy eyes. - Your decision?
Is that bitch out of her mind?! - Ani exclaimed angrily.
I agree with the redhead," Raj growled. - Shall we fry her brains, Bearer?
I stood up calmly and stared into Lydia's eyes, showing all the anger I could barely contain.
- I refuse," I say with crystal clarity. - I also wish you good luck, it will be interesting to see the media reaction when you cut off all relations with your pregnant daughter, oh yes, it will definitely have a good effect on your pharmaceutical empire, - I add with a share of gloating.
Lydia, however, is still the same Snow Queen.
- I'm sure my daughter will come crawling back if I cut off the financial streams still available to her," Hardy continued to press.
- She doesn't need your millions for nothing! - I point my finger at the woman in a completely uncultured manner. - You think I can't earn enough to provide for my favourite girl and our child?! Correction! My favourite girl and our children! Eat your money! - I'm kicking this ugly chair in anger. - As soon as I graduated, I had a plan to start my own organisation, and if I did, it would eclipse Hardy Consolidated in a matter of months, so we won't starve," I turn around, "all the best!
- Fine, so you can tell Felicia that everything will remain as it was before we talked, I'll call her and we'll meet to make up," Lydia's voice comes to me from the doorway.
- What? - I let go of the handle in surprise and turn to the woman.
- Let's see what you're worth, Peter Parker, with this "company" - Lydia returned to her desk and continued working with the papers as if nothing had happened. - We'll get things back to normal for now, and Felicia's pregnant, so she can't worry," then the woman raised her ice-cold eyes to me. - You're three months along, boy, close the door on the other side.
I walk out of the office and reach the lift lost.
What was that all about? - Raj asks.
It seems I've just got into a mess of Parker Industries discovery of my own free will," I reply dully.
I need a drink.
Later that night.
Avengers Tower.
Teleporting to the headquarters, where the party has already started, I walk past all the invitees, purposefully approaching the bar.
- Cognac, seven glasses, - I say to the surprised bartender in a funny cap.
- Of course, Mr Spider-Man! - quickly nods the bearded man and turns to the bottles.
I remember how I recounted the whole conversation with Lydia Hardy to my girls when I got back. Aunt May had taken the children next door, or they would have been awakened by the screams of righteous anger from Carrot-top and Kitten.
I didn't hide the details.
Now I don't know if Fey will want to put up with her mum.
- Fucking hell..." I muttered, burying my forehead into the counter.
- What's up, Mr Superhero? - A melodious voice came from the side of my head.
I turn around and see two dark-haired, model-looking girls standing next to me. They're obviously twins.
- Um... family business," I reply, quite surprised at the sudden company.
- A grumpy wife? - suggests the girl, moving closer.
- If so, we can help. - says her sister from the other side, where I'm trying to get away from the first invader of my privacy.
- Okay, girls, back off," comes a menacing voice that I won't mistake for anyone else.
- Del! - I exclaim, turning to my sister.
It's so good to see her, especially now.
- Who the hell are you? - arrogantly examined my twin from head to toe one of these "models". - Who invited that dirty girl to the party?
- Dirty?! - Delia gritted her teeth, looking like a fury.
I guess those girls are blind, too, because my sister looked like a Disney princess in that black dress.
- This "dirty" girl was invited here by her girlfriend," a redhead appears next to the Red Widow, who immediately put her arm around the brown-haired girl's waist. - But who invited you is the big question.
As soon as the vigilante enters the dialogue, the dark-haired sisters immediately swallow their tongues and quickly get lost in the crowd.
- It's so good to see you girls," I turn round. - You look great.
And the girls are really gorgeous, the young and petite Del in her light summer black dress harmonises very well with Nat, who is half a head taller than my twin, dressed in a white leather skirt and jacket. I wouldn't be surprised if they picked out outfits like that on purpose.
- Always happy to save your faithful soul from being seduced by drunken b... girls of low social responsibility," Nat hummed, sitting down next to me.
- Is everything okay? - my brown-eyed sister asked worriedly.
- Your order, - the bartender put seven glasses with cognac in front of me.
- Judging by the amount of alcohol, not very much," Natasha smiled wryly, and when the bearded man left, she put her palm on my shoulder. - Tell me.
And I share what happened twelve hours ago.
Time passes, I continue to share, the glasses are empty, Romanova and Del join me, for only alcoholics or those who have everything really bad drink alone, and my case, thank God, not yet. I agreed with Mum on that. Looking around, I noticed the veterans in honour of whom the party had been organised. Cap, dressed in his officer's uniform, and Thor, dressed in a cool burgundy evening coat, or whatever the hell those clothes were called. Tony greeted the guests with Pepper and Rhodes, who was telling anecdotes, or maybe they were stories of him slaying terrorists on behalf of the government? Bruce was surrounded by a crowd of fans and Banner was hiding from them, seeking help from, rolling his eyes at the situation, Clint. Everyone was on the case.
- So, how did you say the girls let you go? - the twin pulled me out of my thoughts.
Judging by the way her tongue was slurring slightly, the brown-haired girl's alcohol tolerance was not as good as mine.
- Well, Kitten thought I needed to unwind after meeting her mum, and Carrot-top didn't mind," I shrugged.
The evening passed in a measured fashion.
Tony came over and introduced me to Rowdy. It was funny that the Warrior and I hadn't crossed paths before. Thor whipped me into a contest to consume Asgardian Mead, Raj and the spells had to clean out my liver like never before. Then Steve introduced me to a group of veterans, with whom I got to talking. Banner came over and wanted to discuss my request, winking and handing me a vial of his blood, saying if I learned anything new, I'd let him know. The vial was immediately subjected to several strengthening weaves and went into my pocket. Then Tony picked me up and told me about Veronica's project. It took another hour or so to talk to the futurist.
And the alcohol poured.
After a couple of hours, the party died down. I arrived at eleven o'clock.
People started to leave, and after half an hour only our team of Avengers, Warrior, Pepper, and Del, who sat on Natasha's lap, fingering the redhead's neck while Romanova played with my twin's hair.
Eventually, we settled on three sofas around the coffee table. Once the nine of us were left, I decided it was safe to remove the mask.
- So, the hammer can't be lifted because of magic? - Tony asked the question I'd been secretly waiting for a long time, returning to Miss Potts with an open bottle of champagne.
- You're oversimplifying things quite a bit with that expression, Stark," Thor rolled his eyes. - 'My father cast powerful spells on Mjolnir eons ago, it's not just magic,' the Prince of Thunder ran his palm reverently over the Runes.
- Yes, yes, you said, "only the worthy will lift it," Clint pompously spread his hands apart, which made half of those present laugh.
However, the blond Scandinavian only gave a sly chuckle.
- No one prevents you from trying," Odinson said, calmly picking up Mjolnir from the floor where the Thunderer had left it earlier and placing the uru tool on the sturdy wooden table. - Don't complain later," the ace smiled, folding his hands behind his head.
Everyone else, including me, just stared at Mjolnir, and then looked at each other.
- Is that "whoever raises it can claim the throne of Asgard" rubbish still valid? - broke the silence with a futurist.
- If it adds incentive to you," Thor smiled, certain that no one would raise it.
- So, who's going to give it a try? - Pepper asked, climbing onto the sofa with her feet up, taking off her shoes.
- 'I'll reserve the right of first night, then,' Tony stood up, unbuttoning the top button of his navy blue shirt.
Iron Man walked around the table and grasped the hilt, pulling it towards him.
The enchanted weapon didn't even move.
- 'One moment,' Stark quickly scurried away, then returned with a glove of his armour over his entire right hand.
It was amusing enough to watch the five micromotors at work, but the situation was no different.
- Rhodes, are you just going to sit there like that?
There was no need to call the Air Force lieutenant colonel a second time.
For the sake of purity, Rowdy first tried to lift the hammer himself, then armed himself with a glove, and then he and Tony began to huff and puff.
- Thor, are you saying that the hammer decides who is worthy and who is not? - Black Widow asked, stroking Delia's knee.
- Only my father knows the exact answer, Natasha, but, do you want an opinion? - The Thunderer shrugged his shoulders. - I think it is the one who tries and decides whether he is worthy or not.
- So you're saying we can't lift it because we don't think we're worthy? - Tony said indignantly, pointing at Rowdy, who was still trying to pull Mjolnir off the table.
The Asgardian only smiled and spread his hands apart.
- All right," the Warrior exhaled. - Who's next?
To the surprise of those present, Bruce volunteered next.
- Don't tell the Hulk if we'll pick up your hammer too," the scientist teased the golden-haired woman.
Thor, however, only pointed to the weapon invitingly.
To Banner's credit, he grasped the handle with effort, and on the third desperate attempt, even green sparks appeared in his eyes, but then the brunet simply stepped back, raising his hands.
- Yeah, I give up, I admit I can't lift it," the scientist smiled and returned to the couch. Clint tried afterwards. The archer examined the hammer this way and that, tried several methods, but Mjolnir didn't move either.
And I looked at a weapon identical to the one I had once lifted and wondered if I should lift it.
Yes, the Throne of Asgard thing is a joke, of course, but the same Stark will pick on Thor later or, looking at Steve, I might not have time to try.
- Next? - specified Thor, after even Miss Potts had tried to approach the hilt, but, after the first unsuccessful attempt, washed her hands of the matter at once.
- Nat? - Barton turned to his friend.
- Oh, no, not me," the spy sipped her whisky, leaning back.
- Natasha, why don't you give it a try? - Delia tried to persuade her girlfriend. - Well, for my sake," the Red Widow whispered in the redhead's ear.
- Only for your sake," Romanava replied, squeezing the thigh of my blushing sister. - Make way!
Natasha stood up and I watched her approach Mjolnir with special attention.
I remember a theory floating around somewhere that the Black Widow was worthy, it just hadn't been demonstrated.
Nat blew away a curl climbing into her eyes and grabbed the hilt, a moment... and the hammer twitched just a little!
Everyone gasped, especially Thor, and Del even jumped up and shrieked.
It didn't go any further than that though, Natasha tried but couldn't lift it.
- Um... well, I told you," the Widow shrugged, returning to her seat.
- You're just clever! - Delia noted my mentor's success, kissing her and trying to return to her rightful place.
- Well, no, baby, now you go, - smiled Romanova, not letting the shade girl on her lap.
- What? - my twin was naturally surprised.
- I tried it, now you, - hummed the Russian spy, kissing the embarrassed Del. - I believe in you, sweetie.
The Red Widow looked at the hammer with some consternation, but still, after motivation from Natasha nodded, walking over to the uru weapon. Her result, however, was the same as everyone else's except for our redheaded avenger.
- It didn't work," my clone shrugged with poorly concealed frustration.
- You're still a good girl," Black Widow pressed Parker against her, putting the girl on her lap.
- There's only you two left," Stark turned to Cap and I, snickering at the mercy of the two Widows.
- Only after our fearless leader," I invited Steve to join the ringmaster.
- Well, since everyone has tried," Steve began to roll up the sleeves of his shirt, smiling.
Captain America took the handle with both hands, tensed his muscles, so much so that even his shirt stretched, and pulled the hammer towards himself. Everyone was surprised for the second time and even more. If Natasha's Mjolnir twitched a little, Rogers' was practically moved!
I think Odinson almost turned grey, but then exhaled a sigh of relief when, after several failed moves, the Living Legend stopped trying to lift the weapon from the Uru.
- Okay, Peter, it's your turn," Bruce nodded.
I calmly got up and walked over to the hammer, looking at Steve who had returned to the couch.
He really couldn't lift it, or did he just give up at the end to avoid upsetting Thor?
- Earth to Spider-Man," Clint waved his palm from the couch. - Come on, kid, you're the last one who didn't try.
I exhaled, clenching and unclenching my palm, then gripped the hilt.
In that second I returned to the sensations that had overwhelmed me in the Goblin world, even my breath hitched in surprise.
Mjolnir was still in the same position, but I felt I could lift it.
So I decided to test the theory.
First, I gently jerked the weapon to "repeat Nat's success," and the hammer twisted.
All the spectators took notice, and the Thunder Prince frowned.
After slightly moved the enchanted weapon like Rogers and again success.
Everyone tensed up.
And then I began to slowly raise Mjolnir on one side and he obeyed without hesitation.
Bruce choked on his apple juice, Clint dropped one of the drumsticks he was twirling in his hands.
Pulling a little higher.
Natasha clutched at Delia, who almost jumped off her lap, eyeballing me.
Steve looked surprised, and Thor went pale.
And just at the moment when the hammer was almost raised, I abruptly return Mjolnir to its original position, as if the weapon itself was pulling me.
- Oh, shit! - I exclaimed furiously, rubbing my "semi-dislocated" wrist. - Almost got it! - I look at the hushed spectators. - People?
- You lifted it! - Tony shrieked in shock, coming to his senses before the others.
- No, I didn't," I scratch the back of my head awkwardly.
- Brother! - Del threw herself on my neck. - Did you even see how close you were?!
My twin's eyes glistened, but it was the fault of her condition.
- Natasha stepped closer, holding Delia by the waist. - Will you move us home, Spidey?
And I could tell from the look in my eyes that Mum wanted to get me out before everyone pounced with questions.
Even by the pensive look on Steve and Thor's faces, it's clear which direction their thoughts are going.
And Stark is almost certain I'm on purpose. I could tell by the shout.
- Sure," I nod quickly. - Bye, guys, it was a great party," I said hastily, raising my palm and beginning to open the portal.
The vortex opened and we stepped through, and then I closed the vortex, leaving the freaking Avengers outside the boundary.
- Nat, my love, come to me," the shaiten reached for Widow, but then stumbled back.
- Take Miss Drunkard to bed," Romanawa asks me, holding Delia's stumbling form.
- Of course," I pick up my sister in my arms.
- Where are you going? - turns to the vigilante Parker, putting her arms around my neck.
- To the shower," Natasha kisses Spidey on the forehead. - Rest.
- I'll be waiting for you, - the brown-eyed twin replied, and then clapped me on the shoulder. - Onward, my knight, to the post-ik-el!
I smirk and carry Delia into the room.
I wasn't a frequent guest in the Black Widow's flat, and what's more, I hadn't gone further than the living room, so I only found the bedroom with the help of drunk Del's clues.
It seems the Asgardian mead was unnecessary.
- I'm so drunk," Del admitted to herself, flopping down on the bed from my arms and kicking off her shoes.
- It happens," I grinned. - But now you know you don't have to follow your older brother's lead, because I have a cooler metabolism," I said, turning away. - Good night, Del.
- Hold on, Pete," the brown-haired girl holds out her hands to me. - I wanted to say something... and ask... and discuss," the twin twirled her palm, as if she didn't know where to stop.
- Well, go ahead," I hummed, propping my right shoulder up against the wall.
- You know, you have very beautiful babies," Red Widow said, looking up at the ceiling. - I'm very happy for you and Mary, and soon Felicia will have a baby for you, that's great," she suddenly stopped talking.
- Thanks, sis," I nod, thinking Del had really had too much to drink.
- Do you think it would be weird if I asked Nat to have a baby? - Delia asked in a thoughtful tone.
I stared at my sister in shock.
- Pete? - continued when the silence lengthened.
- Um... why did you suddenly get the idea? - I held back the question of whether it was too soon.
- Life is short," Red Widow said in a sad tone. - Take your surgery today, or the moment you fell into a coma," the twin sighed. - Our lives are shorter than that, and every moment could be our last.
And I smile sadly. We're not comic book characters, even though we're drawn from them. This is real.
- Del, you know that Nat-
- Was sterilised? - my sister interrupts me with pain in her voice. - Yeah, we used to talk about babies, and Natasha's been eating it up a lot," Del sobbed.
I didn't even know how to react. It wasn't the twin I should be sympathising with when talking about such a topic.
- But I could get pregnant, couldn't I? - Delia leaned on her elbows and looked into my eyes for the first time in the entire conversation. Coffee-coloured eyes radiated confidence. - You'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you?
- You can have kids, sis, there's nothing wrong with your body," I answered on an exhale.
My premonitions tell me where this conversation might lead.
- Good," Del leaned back against the pillows, her loose brown hair silkily fountaining at the head of the bed.
And that picture brought back memories of long ago...
I probably shouldn't have drunk so much either.
- In any case, we'll need a donor," my clone continued to reason. And I remained silent. - Peter, if I ask you, will you donate?
Wow," Raj whistled.
I have to admit, I was expecting something like that," Ani said.
The silence lingered in the room.
Before my Spider-sister could say anything again, I spoke up.
- You need to get some sleep, Del," I turned, but a sharp shout made me freeze.
- Peter, please answer my question, it's very important!" tears welled up in the brown girl's voice.
The petty manipulative girl, she knows how a woman's crying affects me...
I've got to say something.
- Okay, Del," I exhale. - I'll be him, but nothing happens until you and Nat come to a mutual decision, okay?
- Of course," the younger one lifted her head and looked at me gratefully. - Thank you, big brother," she said, and sank back into her pillow with the obvious intention of falling asleep. - I love you.
- I love you too, little one, sweet dreams, - I wished you and left the bedroom, where, in addition to the smell of Del was the smell of Nat.
I think it's time you stopped calling your mentor mum," Sparkle said firmly.
Oh, yes, or your relationship could get even more confusing," Raj laughed.
I nodded neutrally at the comment and returned to the living room.
Nat was sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea in her hands, her hair damp and a light pink dressing gown thrown over her body.
Is this a test or a taunt?
- Did you fall asleep? - Romanova asked me, raising her head.
- Yeah, and you have no idea what it cost me the sweet sleep of this shaten girl, - I sit on the other end of the sofa from the blue-eyed spy and put my hands behind my neck, thinking about the conversation with the cloned female version of myself...
- I heard Del scream," the Black Widow took a sip and motioned the other cup next to her towards me. - What kind of hostess would I be if I didn't offer you a drink? - asked the redhead at my surprised look.
- Thank you, Nat," I took the porcelain vessel and sipped the aromatic coffee.
- So, what did Squirrel Girl ask you for?
It was strange and, very amusing, to hear my mentor use that nickname...
- I'm sure she'll tell you herself, you need to discuss this... proposal in person," I said thoughtfully, taking another sip.
- If you say so, - Romanova shrugs her shoulders, because she knows that it's hard to get me out.
She taught me all the spy tricks herself.
We sit in cosy silence for a while, but I realise it's time to call it a day.
- Well, it's been a pleasure, the party was great, but it's time to go home," I get up from the couch, nod to Nat, and get ready to open the door to the house.
- Pete," the Widow calls out to me just as the portal widens.
I turn and look at my mentor.
- Did you really raise Mjolnir?
I only smile and wink at Natasha in response, before stepping over the edge of the spatial vortex and closing the vortex. Comment on Chapter 157. The Deal? For those especially immersed, the next chapter is already up - /di12hoykl