Not a Hero

(13) Blue-Shelled by Life

"So does Tony know that you're sneaking out to fight crime?" I didn't have to turn around to know who it was. I knew I would see Natasha in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest.

She had her usual expression on her face. The one where she looked at me like I'm an idiot but also kind of proud. A familiar feeling washed over me at the sight of her face. "If I say yes does that mean I'm off the hook?"

She shrugged as she walked into my room and sat down on the edge of my bed. "I'll let it slide for now. Besides, even if I told you to stop we both know you wouldn't."

"True, though I would probably feel bad about it later." I couldn't help but chuckle a little under my breath.

Her expression softened a bit. A hint of mischief flashed over her face before she spoke again. "So, you and Spider-Man?"

My laugh died almost immediately, my eyes wide with anxiety. Just because I had briefly admitted my crush to myself did not mean I was ready to admit it to others, even Nat. "Wait, what? What are you talking about?"

Nat raised an eyebrow at me. "Come on. It's obvious. You two are always together. You're like the duo of the mini heroes."

My cheeks felt a tad warmer than normal. "We're just teammates. That's it."

The corner of Nat's lips tugged upwards slightly, but she didn't look entirely convinced. "Sure thing, kid. If you say so."

I shook my head, trying to clear away any lingering thoughts of Peter. I wasn't going to risk a friendship over a schoolyard crush. "No, really we're just friends-"

"You don't seem very convincing." My eyes widened as Nat chuckled at me. "Besides. You can tell me anything."

I swallowed back the lump forming in my throat. It was true; I could easily tell Nat anything. Even if she still scared me sometimes. "Okay... uh, I think I might be falling for him?"

The last part was whispered under my breath and I cringed when she leaned forward, trying to catch the rest. "That's good right?"

This time, my voice was a little louder. "I mean maybe? But what if he doesn't feel the same. What if things become awkward?"

Nat rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Then you guys would work it out."

"But he likes someone else!" I bellowed, my voice cracking as I spoke.

It came out more bitter than I'd intended. I winced as Nat watched me closely. "He does?"

I sighed deeply, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah... her name is Liz, I think? Once on patrol, Peter was talking about her."

"Well... are you sure?" Nat pressed, clearly urging for more information.

"I think so. I know this isn't exactly ideal but... I want him to be happy," I said quietly, looking down at my hands. "Even if it's not with me."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Viv," Nat smirked at me, raising her eyebrows ever so slightly. "Because I've seen the way he looks at you."

Silence filled the room as Nat considered my words. After a moment she shifted, getting up and moving towards me. Before I could react Natasha threw her arms around me in a tight hug. It wasn't a sad, pity hug that I always despised. It was warm, protective even.

She stayed like that for a long time before pulling away. Her expression was serious as she spoke, "You deserve happiness, kid."

A small smile found its way onto her face before fading completely. "But you also need to take care of yourself too, okay? You can't keep beating yourself up over this. Even if he doesn't return your feelings. He's still your friend."