1 | ISSUES ( Peter Parker )

17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | A WHITE ROOM FOR YOU

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we cling to our fairy tales until the price for believing in them becomes too high.

-from miss peregrine's home for peculiar children // ransom riggs

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"Hey, Peter," Bella spoke into her phone, quickly looking both ways before making a mad dash across the street. "It's me. Uh, call me back when you can... we've got dinner tonight. Just a little reminder because you've been seriously forgetful lately and you cannot leave me to meet Alex's boyfriend alone. Call me! I love you, bye."

Cursing quietly, Bella shoved her phone back into her pocket and ducked into an alleyway before teleporting away. She had no idea where Ashara wanted her to meet, but she'd have to trust the warrior-goddess. When Bella's feet landed on solid ground once more, her eyes doubled in size as she took in the sight.

"Hello, Bella," Ashara's lovely, accented voice greeted pleasantly.

She was approaching with a face Bella had hoped to never have to see in person again.

"Bella Parsons," Tony Stark said with a curt smile. "How are you?"

Bella's eyes slid from Tony to Ashara and back to Tony. Ashara was giving her a look, and Bella just knew she shouldn't snap at Tony. She forced a small smile on her face and pushed aside the memories of dinner meetings she had been forced to go to.

He testified against him, one part of her brain reminded her. At the same time, another part of her brain was saying, He's a smart guy. He should have noticed.

"Hi, Tony," Bella finally said.

"You got tall," he commented, almost awkwardly.

"Occupational hazard," she retorted briskly.

Ashara chuckled quietly, shaking her head at the two.

"Well," Tony nodded, "let's go inside and talk."

Bella was led into a beautifully structured building full of natural light and high ceilings. They walked past a training room where an Asian man was working with an older, black man; a wheelchair was discarded by the door. Warmachine, Bella realized.

"Is he all right?" Bella asked, still looking at Rhodey as he worked with the physical therapist.

"He will be," Tony said, sounding particularly confident.

"Did that happen at Berlin?" Bella asked.

Ashara placed her hand on Bella's face and gave her yet another no-nonsense look. Getting the message, Bella shut up and allowed Ashara to lead her down a couple more hallways. They stopped in the middle of a hallway in front of a closed door. Without saying anything, Tony pushed the door open and gestured inside.

Bella peered in. The room was mostly blank, decorated only with a desk, bureau, nightstand, and bed. White walls surrounded her, paired with a high ceiling and large window.

"What is this?"

"Your room," Ashara said. "Eventually."

A stream of high-pitched giggles burst from the base of Bella's throat as she looked around the room.

"We want to train you, Bella," Ashara explained, glancing quickly at Tony. "We won't all be able to do this forever and we need someone to one day take over the Avengers. I believe that can be you. Once you're older, of course."