┌─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐
Despite it being the weekend, Ava found herself wide awake at an early hour. She had already donned a pair of comfortable sweats, holding two mugs of coffee and a plastic box of pastries. She couldn't help but wish she could use her powers to carry them, especially since she was perilously close to spilling coffee all over her expensive sweatshirt.
Upon reaching Wanda's floor, Ava could hear the subtle sounds of Wanda bustling around, likely packing her bag last-minute. Glancing around to ensure no one was in sight, Ava's grin widened mischievously. With a quick summoning of her powers, she conjured a gentle wave of energy to lift the breakfast items, sparing her sweatshirt from any potential coffee spills. She then extended her hand towards the door, using her powers to open it with a simple wave of her hand.
"Rise and shine!" Ava's voice carried a cheerful melody as she entered the room. "Steve's out there with Nat and Sam, getting the quinjet ready. We've got a precious ten-minute breakfast window – you'll need your energy, and I know pre-mission jitters can make eating a challenge. So, here you go. Let's dig in!"
A warm smile curved across Wanda's lips as she spotted Ava by the doorway. "Appreciate it, little Stark." With a gentle touch, she opened the plastic box, selecting one of the pastries. Meanwhile, Ava skilfully guided a mug of coffee closer to her.
With a contented sigh, Wanda took a bite of the pastry, savouring the flavours as they danced across her taste buds. The simple act of indulging in breakfast felt like a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of preparations and emotions.
Ava leaned against the doorway, her gaze fixed on Wanda with a mixture of concern and genuine affection. "You feeling alright? I mean, with the mission and everything."
Wanda's eyes met Ava's, gratitude evident in her expression. "I'll be honest, I'm a bundle of nerves right now. But having you here, bringing me breakfast... it means more than you know."
Ava's smile widened, a touch of pride in her eyes. "Well, I couldn't let you go on an empty stomach, especially when you're about to go kick some villain butt."
Wanda chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Is that what I'm doing? Kicking villain butt?"
Ava's grin turned mischievous. "Hey, you're an Avenger. It's in the job description."
Their shared laughter created a brief bubble of lightness, a break from the weight of the impending mission. Wanda took a thoughtful sip of the coffee, its warmth seeping through her body and adding to the comfort Ava's presence provided.
Ava's expression grew more serious, her voice carrying a touch of sincerity. "Just remember, you're strong, Wanda. Not just because of your powers, but because of who you are."
Wanda's gaze held a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "It's still hard sometimes, you know? I've come a long way from where I was, but the doubts... they linger."
Ava's hand found its way to Wanda's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. "We all have our doubts, even the most experienced heroes. But you're a force to be reckoned with, Wanda."
Wanda's smile returned, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Thank you, Ava. Your words mean more than you know."
Ava shrugged playfully. "Well, I've got a knack for saying the right things when I want to."
As the clock ticked away, the quinjet's departure time drew nearer, reminding them of the reality that awaited. Wanda finished her pastry and took another sip of the coffee, her mind and heart steadier than before. "I guess I should go join the team outside."
Ava nodded, her smile gentle. "Yeah, you've got a world-saving to do."
Wanda stood up from her seat, a renewed sense of purpose in her step. "And you've got your own superhero duties to attend to, I assume?"
Ava winked playfully. "You know it. Gotta keep the city safe and sound."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
Navigating the hallway with practiced ease, Ava re-entered the kitchen, relieved to find her burden considerably lighter without the filled mugs. As she stepped into the room, her gaze fell upon her father seated at the kitchen island, absorbed in his newspaper and the steaming cup of coffee cradled in his hand.
Ava's eyes rolled instinctively, a mixture of frustration and disappointment stirring within her. It was a scenario she had become all too familiar with—the feeling of being side-lined amidst her father's busy schedule.
She cleared her throat pointedly, her voice carrying a touch of sarcasm. "Good morning, Dad. So nice of you to finally grace us with your presence."
Tony looked up from his newspaper, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his lips as he met Ava's gaze. "Ah, morning, kiddo. You know, newspapers don't read themselves."
Ava's eyebrows arched in mock disbelief. "Right, because I forgot that newspapers have become sentient and need your undivided attention."
Tony chuckled, setting aside the paper and taking a sip of his coffee. "You'd be surprised. The articles get offended if you don't read them properly."
Ava's lips curled into an exasperated smile, her tone playful yet tinged with a touch of genuine longing. "You've been off gallivanting around, and when you finally decide to make an appearance, it's like I'm invisible."
Tony's expression softened, a mixture of understanding and apology in his eyes. "Hey, I know I've been tied up with work lately, and I'm sorry for not being around more."
Ava's gaze held a complex blend of emotions—frustration, a craving for her father's attention, and an underlying desire to connect. "It's not just about being around, Dad. It's about really being present."
Tony sighed, his gaze turning introspective. "You're right. I've got a tendency to get lost in my projects, and sometimes I forget to check in with the real world."
The clinking of the mugs against the sink resonated as Ava carefully placed them down. With a determined focus, she turned on the tap, the sound of rushing water filling the kitchen. In the midst of scrubbing away a stubborn stain, Ava took a deep breath, she didn't know what to say to her father to make him realise he can't just galivant off when he feels upset- it's like he forgets about her.
Ava caught the sound of his newspaper rustling once more from behind her. "Have you seen this? Spider-Man and Aurum team up to save the day," he announced, reading the headline aloud. Ava felt her breath catch in her throat, desperately hoping her father wouldn't piece together the puzzle and discover her secret identity as Aurum.
She turned off the tap, her heart pounding as she carefully chose her words. "Oh, really? That's... interesting," she replied, her voice feigning casual curiosity.
Tony sighed, folding the newspaper with a hint of concern in his expression. "Yeah, these young heroes are really pushing the boundaries. It's not safe out there, Ava. I worry about what they're getting themselves into."
Ava nodded, her relief palpable that he wasn't immediately linking her to Aurum. "You're right, Dad. It can be risky, but they're also trying to make a difference."
Tony's gaze bore into hers, a fatherly intensity in his eyes. "Making a difference is one thing, putting their lives on the line recklessly is another."
Ava shifted on her feet, feeling the weight of his concern. "I know it's dangerous, but sometimes people need to step up and protect others."
Tony's expression softened slightly, his concern mingling with a touch of resignation. "I get it, Ava. I really do. But they're still kids. And believe me, I've seen first-hand how this life can take a toll."
Ava's eyes met his, the unspoken understanding between them strong. "I know you have, Dad."
Tony's gaze held hers for a moment longer before he looked away, his tone carrying a mix of worry and nostalgia. "Just be careful, Ava. I can't lose you too."
Ava felt a lump in her throat, the weight of his words sinking in. She stepped closer to him, her voice soft and sincere. "I promise, Dad. I'll always be careful."
As Tony finished his drink, his tone shifted to a more business-like demeanour, the weight of his responsibilities evident. "Well, I've got to get to Massachusetts. Got that talk at MIT later today."
Ava nodded, her heart sinking slightly as the realization hit her once again – his work always took precedence. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for more meaningful time with her father, a connection that seemed to elude them amidst the chaos of their lives.
"Okay, Dad, good luck," her voice held a tinge of resignation, a silent acknowledgment of the pattern that had become all too familiar. Her words were a mixture of encouragement and acceptance, a reminder that while she yearned for his presence, she also understood the significance of his work.
With a final, subdued smile, Tony gave Ava's shoulder another squeeze before turning to leave. Ava watched him go, her gaze lingering on the doorway even after he had disappeared from view. The silence that settled in the room was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had just passed between them.
Ava glanced at her watch, now free from distractions. The absence of messages from Peter since their significant revelation and the unexpected kiss weighed on her mind.
She debated whether to reach out to him first or to give him some space. The memory of their shared secret, the electrifying kiss, and the complex emotions that had surfaced left her both exhilarated and uncertain. Ava's fingers tapped on the screen of her phone as she composed a message:
"Hey Peter, hope you're doing okay. About last night... I know things got a bit intense, but I just wanted to talk and make sure we're on the same page. Let me know if you are available to call or maybe meet up?"
With a sigh, she pressed send, her heart fluttering as she awaited his response. The uncertainty of their newfound connection left her feeling vulnerable.
Moments later, a familiar chime signalled an incoming message. Ava's heart skipped a beat as she read Peter's response:
"Hey Ave, me too. Meet me on the roof at 42nd street in half an hour. I'll be the one in red and blue.😊"
Ava's eyes widened in surprise as she read Peter's message. The idea of meeting up as their superhero alter egos sent a rush of excitement through her. She quickly composed her reply, her fingers tapping on the screen:
"Sounds good, Peter. See you on the roof in half an hour."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
With her heart racing, Ava made her way to the designated meeting spot. As she approached the building, golden energy floating behind her, she spotted the familiar blue and red suit crouched on the edge of the rooftop.
With her heart racing, Ava practically skipped her way to the designated meeting spot. As she got closer to the building, her golden energy floated behind her, probably making her look like a supercharged fairy or something. And there he was – the blue and red Spidey suit crouched on the edge of the rooftop.
As Ava reached the rooftop, she tried to act cool, but her excitement was hard to hide. She stopped a few feet away from him, leaning against a ledge like she'd seen in cheesy movies.
"Hey," she greeted with a mix of nervousness and eagerness.
Peter turned his masked face toward her, and she could swear she saw a hint of a smile beneath that red mask. "Hey, Ava. Thanks for coming."
Ava managed a small smile. "Sure thing. We needed to chat."
He nodded, his posture shifting as if he was trying to find the right words. "Yeah, definitely."
There was a moment of awkward silence, neither quite sure how to begin. Ava fidgeted with her still glowing hair, then took a deep breath as she took off her domino mask. "So, about last night... the whole revelation, and, well, the kiss."
Peter's masked eyes followed the movement of her hands as she removed her mask. They met hers, his voice slightly muffled but earnest. "Yeah, that was... unexpected."
Ava chuckled nervously, feeling the tension ease a bit. "You can say that again."
He adjusted his mask with a gloved hand, and Ava detected a touch of vulnerability in his stance. "I've been thinking about it a lot. All of it."
Ava's curiosity was piqued. "And what's been going on in that masked head of yours?"
He let out a visible breath, his words carrying a mix of uncertainty and determination. "I really like you, Ava. Not just as Aurum, but you as you. And what happened last night... it felt like something changed."
Ava's heart raced at his confession. Her own emotions echoed his sentiment. "I'm on the same page, Peter. That kiss..."
He nodded, and she could sense his smile beneath the mask. "Yeah, that kiss was... something else."
Encouraged, Ava stepped a bit closer, her gaze locked onto his masked eyes. "So, where do we go from here?"
Spider-Man's shoulders relaxed, a glimmer of relief in his tone. "I'm thinking we take it slow. No more hiding, no more secrets. Just us."
Ava's spirits soared. "I'm all in for that. No more pretending, just us being ourselves."
His gloved hand reached out, fingers brushing her cheek. "Just us."
Feeling both courageous and playful, Ava reached up and teasingly pulled off his mask. Peter's face, so familiar and yet newly revealed, was there before her. It was a potent moment, a connection that felt utterly genuine.
Peter's surprise melted into a soft smile. "Guess the mask was getting in the way."
Ava's smile matched his, her fingertips tracing the lines of his jaw. "And this feels pretty amazing."
Their closeness grew, the space between them shrinking until their lips met in a gentle, lingering kiss. It was a kiss that held all the promises of something new and exciting, a kiss that spoke of shared secrets, hidden desires, and a future full of endless possibilities.
When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested against each other, and they exchanged a breathless laugh. The weight of uncertainty had lifted, replaced by a sense of joy and anticipation.
Peter's fingers interlaced with Ava's, and they stood there for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. The city around them buzzed with life, oblivious to the newfound connection that had sparked between two young heroes.
Ava grinned, her gaze fixed on Peter's homemade suit. She reached out and traced her fingers along the fabric of the hoodie, idly toying with the tassels. "I think it's time for a suit upgrade," she quipped, a playful giggle escaping her lips.
└─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘