champions ; p.p. | BOOK 1 |

ii | PARKER

Verona had begun to get her memories back little by little, thanks to Tony Stark.

He had cleared two hours everyday from his busy schedule to spend with Verona. The man was surprisingly patient with her as she asked countless questions about anything and everything, but most were about the boy that had burst into hysterics when she woke up about a week ago. She had learned--from her own flashbacks and Tony--that his name was Peter Parker, and he was her friend and classmate.

Tony had made sure that the information he gave her was simple and sweet, not going into much detail. The first thing he had told her about was her powers and who she was as her alter ego. He tried his hardest not to tell her anything unless she asked about it, but telling her about her powers had been more than necessary.

The brunette had been introduced to James Rhodes, who told her to call him Rhodey. He spent most of his pass time talking to the girl, telling her about the other Avengers and some of the major battles they have gone through. This had also triggered another memory in her, remembering that she sided with Steve Rogers instead of Stark. It also helped her recall that she was in fact, friends with the infamous Spider-man.

But she still couldn't remember his identity.

Verona looked out the window to the right of her bed to see that it was indeed dark outside. She marveled at the city that spread out in front of her, the lights blinking every so often. The brunette stood up from her bed, clutching her wound that was closing up nicely. Her nurse said that it was only a matter of days until it would be fully healed due to her enhanced powers, and Verona was stoked to hear that. She was tired of sitting around all day, and Stark wouldn't let her get up.

At least while he was around.

She scooted the nearby chair up against the window, settling down criss-cross-applesauce in it as she continued to stare out at the city she had loved so much. Ver started to play a game where she counted how many stoplights she could see turn green, and she found it quite entertaining. It was a good way to pass time, especially when she wasn't tired.

After what felt like an hour, Verona felt her eyes begin to droop as she lost count of how many stoplights had turned green. She yawned, closing her eyes and stretching her arms above her head. As she opened her eyes, she jumped when she saw a body dangling upside down.

"Ah! Oh my god!" Her brown eyes were wide as she stared at him, another memory resurfacing.

- - -

"No, you go first," Verona laughed at the hero's demanding. "Thor, Captain America, Winter Soldier."

"Fine, but this is going to be very difficult to choose," She started, giving him an exasperated look. "Kiss Winter Soldier, marry Thor, and kill Captain America."

"I'd kiss Thor, marry Winter Soldier, and kill Captain America." He announced, and Verona scoffed.

"Poor Cap," She laughed, watching as the boy next to her took another bite of the churro she bought him. He had his mask pulled up above his mouth, still concealing his face. She hadn't realized that he was looking at her as well since she couldn't see his eyes.

"God, don't do that. . ." He mumbled, and her eyes widened.

"Do what?" She asked innocently, a piece of hair falling in front of her face out of the messy bun on top of her head.

"Look at me like that!" He exclaimed, pointing at her. She leaned back, putting her hands up in surrender.

"Sorry!" She still didn't understand what he meant. He shook his head, an unbelieving smile on his face as he looked at her.