the strongest avenger

fifty nine

They almost made it through the night. The awards were over and everyone was starting to trickle out, Peter and Tal were full from the buffet, laughing at things that weren't even funny.

But their smiles dropped as someone made their way over to the pair. It was a woman with short black hair.

"Hi! My name is Madison and I'm with HotShot Magazine. Could I ask you a few questions?" She holds out a small recorder towards Tal.

"You want to ask me questions?" She's shocked into silence, not used to having people come up to her like that.

"Yes! The world is dying to know more about the mysterious Eden."

Talia gives her a hesitant smile, resembling a grimace. "Um, sure."

"So, how does it feel being the youngest Avenger?"

Talia smiles at that, wanting to chuckle. "It doesn't feel like anything really, I've been with them for years. Most of my colleagues treat me like an adult and not a child."

"They never doubted your skills because you were younger?"

"Never."

"Interesting, and how do you feel about the Avengers that are now known fugitives?"

She bites her lip. "Can I skip that question?"

"Yes, yes of course. How did you come to gain your powers? How did you become enhanced?"

"I was born like this."

"Very interesting. If you don't mind me asking, how did you become part of earth's mightiest heroes?"

"I assisted in the attack on Sokovia by Ultron. I was officially made an Avenger after that."

"And how do you find balancing high school and being an Avenger?"

"It's no different than when I was homeschooled. I do school and then I train. Simple as that."

"Okay...Do you regret outing yourself to the world in DC?"

"No, I didn't necessarily want people to know who I was, but I wouldn't put my identity over saving my friends. I don't regret anything."

Madison nods across from her and then glances at Peter.

"It was said that you two were part of the Stark Internship...But Miss James you're an Avenger. Is there reason to believe that Mr Parker is next?"

Talia chuckles, attempting to ease the tension and the spike of panic in Peter's gut. "No, Peter has a real internship, I was faking and posing alongside him. He does work with the researchers and scientists, assisting them a little."

"May I ask how you know exactly what he does?"

"He's my best friend. We go to school together." Talia gives the woman a tight lipped smile.

"I see, and wha—"

"Interrogating the children, I see." Talia lets out a relieved sigh at Pepper coming over, interrupting the lady.

"Just merely had some questions Ms Potts." Madison says as she stops recording and turns back to Tal. "Thank you for answering my questions."

Talia nods her head and watches as the lady leaves.

"She didn't grill you too hard right?"

"Not really."

Pepper sighs. "Alright well, we're gonna head out soon. I think May is with Happy by the bar."

Peter smiles at Pepper and turns to Talia. "See you at school."

"Bye Pete."

The girl watches Pete walk towards May and Happy, and then up to Pepper, who has a smirk on her face.

"You like him!" She whisper yells.

Talia blushes on the spot and her eyes widen. "Is it that obvious?" She asks while standing up.

"Well I just know you well. Why don't you tell him?"

"I'm not gonna tell him! I don't know how to do this!"

"Mmm, you want my advice?" Pepper asks, a smirk still on her face.

"Do I?" Tal asks while crossing her arms.

"Kiss him on New Years."

"Pepper! I don't know how to do that."

"Well, you just kinda have to go for it."

"I can't kiss him...what if it ruins our friendship?"

"Don't let it. Laugh it off if it's bad, you just gotta keep your calm."

"Oh god," she mutters. "I'm not kissing him." She says as they walk over to Tony.

"I think you should. We're having a little party, invite your friends over."

She sighs. "Kay...I'll invite them. But we aren't gonna kiss."

"Whatever you say Tal."