Love Finds A Spider

Chapter 11 - Acceptance

Chapter 11   -   ...Natasha accepts Peter as a team member...

The next evening, Tony had taken steps to have a party set up on the 20th floor, which was simply known as the PR (Public Relations) Floor. The entire floor was dedicated to press conferences, special events, and was the last floor of the Stark Tower where visitors would have access. All of the floors beyond the 20th required clearances provided by Stark Research Group, which meant they had to be approved by Tony Stark.

Tony had pulled out all of the stops, so to speak. Besides a catered buffet, there was an open bar, a DJ, and about forty other men and women who no one knew save Tony. They were a part of his entourage and followers who in the past would always be wherever Tony would turn up to have a good time. Tony was mingling with them, catching up on who were doing what, the usual party networking he was famous for. However, now with Pepper at his side, the women were no longer throwing themselves at him like they used to do. To make up for this, as well as to keep the party interesting as he saw it, Tony was quick to point out to the ladies that Steve, Sam, and Bruce were the Avenger available bachelors.

Clint, who women did find attractive and interesting, would make a point of wearing his wedding ring. And while he was always polite and cordial with people, his demeanor was always such that people knew he was not interested in hooking up with anyone.

While Vision and Wanda were obviously a couple, Natasha, being the only available woman Avenger sparked the interest of the male guests there as well as some of the women. Wearing a very chic white bodycon style of dress, Natasha was effortlessly drawing attention to herself even though that was not her intention.

Having taken a break from dancing with Vision, Wanda sat at the bar, sipping a drink with Natasha, who while looking cool and relaxed, was not.

In a low voice, she said to Wanda "What are these ... PEOPLE ... staring at?"

Amused by her discomfort, Wanda simply replied "You."

"Why me?" Natasha wondered out loud. "There are other women here..." she stated, indicating some of the other attractive women in attendance.

"But NONE of them are the famous and gorgeous Natasha Romanoff!" Wanda replied. And then she added "Let's face it Natasha ... you exude sex and danger." "And together, that is a combination that men AND women find very alluring."

"Hmf!" Natasha huffed. Looking out over the area, she saw where Steve and Sam were being engaged by several attractive women. Rhodey and Bruce were speaking with some men, who from their appearances, seemed to be either military or scientists. Natasha smirked as Rhodey kept glancing at some of the other people passing by his group, obviously wanting to leave the conversation with the men and to try to mingle with the party goers there.

Natasha then looked over to where Tony, Pepper and Thor were mingling with some other party goers who seemed to be hanging on Tony's every word.

"When did Thor arrive?" Natasha asked.

Wanda looked over and seemed as surprised at Natasha. "I had no idea he was coming" she simply replied.

Natasha continued to scan the people throughout the event and then realized there was someone missing.

"Hey ... where's Peter?" she asked.

"Didn't you know?" Wanda asked. Seeing Natasha's shake of her head, Wanda then said "After last night at the club, Steve insisted that Peter not attend the party."

"Well ... that's not really fair. It wasn't his fault how things happened" Natasha said.

"I know" Wanda replied in agreement.