Secrets And A Spider

-25-

"I'm a terrible daughter."

"Don't say that. Come sit with us, it's okay." Steve whispered, wrapping an arm around me and leading me over to the other three. I looked at Natasha, who patted the grass beside her. I sat down and leant on her shoulder, "I take it didn't end well?" She asked, I nodded. "Why did I go back? It was too soon Auntie Nat. Too soon." I sobbed and she rubbed my back. "What happened?" Wanda asked, I sighed. "Well, everything went fine with Peter, but then I realised that no matter where I tried to stay, my dad would find out. So I went home..." I paused as I replayed the scene in my head, "he shouted at me, claiming that he had tried so hard to keep me safe. He still thinks I'm in the wrong. So I ran out, before he had a slight chance to apologise." I finished, shaking my head. 

The four of them looked at me, eyes full of sympathy, and I hated it. I had to change the topic."So, it's Steve and the avengers three?" I joked, referring to Thor and his friends, the group laughed and shook their heads. "You know what? This girl could be on her death bed, and she'd still find something funny." Sam stated, before adding, "and I love it. You do you, Tinny."

"Miss Stark, back so soon?" I jumped as T'Challa walked up to our group. "Yeah. I hope you don't mind, I'm just gonna stick around for a while. I can help out if it's ever needed, particularly in the technology area."  I replied, he smiled. "Stay as long as you need, I'm sure Shuri will love having you here. She always complains that no one her age knows anything about, well, anything." Just as he said this we heard Shuri, "brother! Are you talking about me, again." She complained, jumping on his back. He pushed her off and she did a slight teasing bow, before turning to me, "if I'm being honest, he was right. It'll be cool hanging with you." She said, reaching for a fist bump. I accepted it with a smile. "I'm looking forward to learning about your tech, I'll have something to boast about to my da..." I stopped talking and T'Challa looked to Steve, who gave him a nod. "Shuri, come, mother wanted to speak with us." Shuri turned to her brother, then back to me before smiling. "Ok. Oh, and Riley, I'm sorry."

The siblings walked away and Steve wrapped his arm around me. "I think I have something that could cheer you up." He began, I looked up at him in confusion. "Come on, we found something earlier." Him and the group shared a knowing look and I backed away. "What are you plotting?" I asked, looking between them. They started to walk and Wanda turned to me, "well? Come on." She laughed as I ran to catch up, walking in the middle of the four.

Eventually, we stopped in the middle of the forest and Steve started to climb a nearby tree. "What are you doing? I'll never be able to get up there." I stated, watching as Natasha and Sam joined him. Wanda just floated up, and I sighed before whistling and summoning my suit. I pressed a button and out popped two fingers, changing into sharp, climbing hooks. Then I began the climb up the tallest tree.

At the top was a small wooden platform, "so? What did you want to show me?" I asked, looking at them. Sam patted the spot next to him and I sat down, my legs hanging over the edge. He pointed to a far field, and I stared in amazement at the technology before me. "It's beautiful." I whispered, staring at the buildings, all lit up and roaring with life. I closed my eyes and listened to it, the music of technological Wakanda. It was so similar to home that I wouldn't know the difference, except for cars were now the vibranium trains.

"We thought you'd love it, you're a Stark, technology is in your blood." Nat stated, and I nodded. "I do. You really think I can get through this?" I asked, and Steve nodded. "Like we've all said many times, you're the strongest out of all of us. Not physically, but mentally." He stood up, pulling me with him. "You are the bravest, soon to be 16 year old, I've ever met. You've been through more, worse, than I have and I'm 100!" He stated, I laughed.
"All right old man, calm down...." I looked back over the city and took his hand. "And you know what? I reckon that I will be fine, I don't need a huge family to be happy, just knowing I have five beside me is enough." I stated, looking at them all, as we all stood together. "Five?" Sam asked, confused. "Your competition who's taking a snooze." I reminded and he nodded, rolling his eyes. Steve nudged him and it turned into an all out war, that had to be taken to the floor for safety.