ILLUSIONS | N.M. (on hold)

2.3

Nadia sat in silence as she rode in the back of the car with Tony. She fiddled with her hands nervously, which she had every right to be. "Hey, you're going to be okay," Tony assured her. She nodded, and gazed out the window, watching New York's buildings pass by.

Nadia rested her head against the window as they entered Queens, watching the people walk along the street. She hadn't been around this much people in a while, but it felt good.

"Can you tell me about these people? Again?" Nadia picked her head up and looked at Tony who chuckled. "Jane and Louis Johnson, They're a married couple. Both of them used to work with me before I became Iron Man, brilliant scientists. I already talked to them, they're more than happy to take you in."

"Do they have any kids?" Nadia asked him for the first time. The smile on Tony's face wavered. "They did," Nadia frowned. "Did? What, what happened?"

"Their daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, she passed away when she was eight." Nadia felt her heartbreak. "Oh," she whispered.

Tony sighed, "They're not looking to replace her, they want to help, and get an experience they never had." Nadia looked up at him. "Do they know about..."

"Yes, they know about your powers. They're quite fascinated if anything. But they are willing to accept your boundaries and time way as you need it." Nadia glanced down at her hands as the car came to a stop.

"Alright, come on kiddo, we're here." Tony exited the car and held his hand out for Nadia to grab. She did so, hesitating before. She stepped out and had to crank her neck to see the entire building.

"This is all you brought?" Tony asked her, glancing at the single suitcase that their driver, Happy, was holding. Nadia shrugged, "We need to get out quickly."

Tony frowned, sighing. The government went to the base and demanded it to be searched, Nadia was packing by then. She was lucky enough to keep herself hidden.

"Yeah, I know." He watched a helicopter pass by in the sky before turning back towards her. "Come on, They're on the third floor." Nadia followed him into the building and towards the elevator.

The two made their way inside it and Tony clicked the third button. "You nervous?" He asked, watching her fidget with her suitcase. Nadia nodded. "Only a bit." She watched as the numbers arose on the screen.

Tony smiled softly at her before the ding elevator. "It's going to be alright. I trust these people, and I know it will be hard, but I need you to trust me."

Nadia looked up at him and nodded. "It will take some time." She warned him, but he just shook his head. "I'm willing to wait."

They stopped in front of a door, the address was labeled 'Three C'. Nadia took it in, pausing. "Go on, knock." Nadia hesitated before doing so but quickly knocked on the door firmly.

There was movement heard from inside. Nadia took a step back as the door opened. A woman with light blonde hair peered back at them, a small grin appearing on her face. "Tony."

The woman opened the door wider and wrapped her arms tightly around Tony. Tony chuckled hugging her back. "Jane, glad to see you, thank you again."

Jane continued to smile. "Of course. Nadia, right?" Her attention now turned into the redhead teenager. Nadia nodded, shaking Jane's hand.

"Please, come in." Jane gestured for them to come in. Nadia followed Tony, shyly glancing at the photos on the wall. One was if a little baby girl, looking about three. She was laughing.

Nadia smiled softly before following Tony to a table and sitting down. "Tony has told us a lot about you, Nadia," Jane told her, sitting herself down next to two empty chairs.

"My husband, Louis will be joining up shortly." She assured Nadia as she saw her glance at one of the chairs. "My husband and I have enrolled you in high school under the name of Nikki Matthews."

"Nikki?" Nadia glanced at Tony confused. "What's wrong with Nadia?" Jane looked startled. "Oh! Nothing! It, just..."

"For protection," Tony assured her. "If someone who happens to be sokovian and named Nadia showed up at high school, people would know it's you immediately. And if not already, soon the government will ask for a reward to turn you and everyone else in."

"Wow Tony, that's pretty dark." A deep voice behind them chuckled. Nadia turned her head to see a man with multiple bags in his hands. "Louis, this is Nadia." Jane got up, smiling at her husband.

Louis placed the bags on the counter before coming over. "Pleasure to meet you, Nadia. I'm glad you're here."

"I'm glad I'm here too. And I understand the risks." She glanced down at her hands. "I'm just hoping I will be able to be normal. Even if it's just for a few hours."

"We promise, we will try to give you that." Jane grabbed one of her hands from over the table. A smile appeared on the teenager's face.

"Thank you." She whispered, "I really appreciate it."

Jane and Louis both smiled at one another. "Of course."

Tony got up, his hand extended out to Nadia. "Come on, I want you to meet one more person." Nadia grabbed his hand and helped herself up.

There was a knock at the door and Tony made his way over to it. "His name's Peter, Peter Parker." He told her, opening the door to reveal a boy about her age. His eyes widened with realization.

"But you know him as the Spider-Man."

okay so movie two is done! i can't wait for Spider-Man homecoming!