The Fangirl that Saved the World

Chapter 23

Natalie's POV

I looked at the girl slightly taken aback. I wonder why she can't remember anything. I remembered everything, well when I didn't have brain damage. I remember most things about being here, but I remember my life before I got here. That's the only thing that's perfectly clear.

Maddie didn't remember things at first, but that's because she was unconscious and was just confused. It wasn't that she had no memories. Something happened to her on her earth that caused this. I just have to figure out what.

"So, what's your name?" I asked.

I hope that I don't end up offending her since she clearly knows me. I'm going to clear things up, I just pray things don't get awkward.

"Do you not remember things either, Nat?" she looks hopeful, yet hurt.

She feels as if she's connecting with someone, but she was disappointed I didn't realize her need for that connection.

"I think I should tell you something," I said quietly.

That's when I realized something. Why am I still paranoid that people will hear my conversation? Why did I whisper?

Cameras.

My eyes widen as I rapidly rip my phone from its previous spot in my pocket. I call Tony and as I hear the phone ring I grow more anxious.

What is he doing? He just left the room? Why isn't he answering?

"What is it, fangirl?" Tony sighs.

"I need you to delete the camera footage of this room and get the boys to the car. I'd rather have a conversation involving the Avengers and the end of the world in the car."

I can sense the panic in Tony as he too realized our stupid mistake. That last thing I heard was a frantic beckon to the exit before Tony hung up the phone.

"What's going on? The end of the world?" the girl, who still remains nameless, asks.

"That is kind of a long story that I will gladly sum up for you in the car. Shall we?"

She nods and follows me out the door.

"I still didn't catch your name," I point out.

"Talia. Talia Carter."

Talia who now?

Now it all makes sense. We're related on her earth.

"So, how are we connected? Did you marry my brother, Jay?"

Talia gags and cringes in disgust.

"Ew, god no! He's my biological brother, too. You're my older sister."

I stop in my tracks and look back at the teenager.

"You mean to tell me that I'm not the youngest in that family? God that is wild! I've always wanted a little sibling," I smile at her.

She gives me a confused glance and I know it's only going to hurt her more when I tell her that we aren't actually sisters. I look back at my path and continue walking towards the exit.

Once we reached the car, I mean limo, we all managed to fit and still have some room. Tony is a bit extra, but you know billionaires.

The car starts to move and I feel some stress relieved.

"Did you delete the footage?" I ask Tony.

"Yep, did you tell the girl?"

The mood in the limo began to tense up as everything looked at me as if they were staring into my soul.

"No, but I'm about to."

I look over at Talia and her eyebrows knit together with confusion.

"Tell me what?" she asked.

"Are you sure you want to do this right now?" Tony asked with a bit of a hushed tone as if no one else could hear him.

"I don't want to keep her waiting, Tony. She has the right to know!" I get a little louder than necessary.

"Can someone tell me what's going on here?"

I take a glance towards Peter and Ned and they shrink in their seats. I take a deep breath and look back at Talia.

"Talia, you and I are from different earths. Stark, Peter, and Ned are all from here, Earth 616. You and I are from other earths."

"Earths as is more than one? As in you and I aren't from the same universe which is why you don't know me?" she starts to panic.

"I'm afraid so," I nod.

Peter jumps up into a straighter position.

"I'm sorry you're saying there's a multiverse?"

Here we go again.

"I thought that was just theoretical. I mean that completely changes how we understand the initial singularity. We're talking about an eternal inflation system and how does that even work with all the quantum...that's insane."

He started to trail off towards the end just how he did in the movie. Except instead of Maria and Fury staring at him, it was me smiling. Tony was looking wide eyed because even he was shocked this kid was as smart as I said he was. Ned was just as excited as Peter because I'm sure they talk about this stuff all the time. Talia just laughs quietly to herself and a small blush appears on her face.

Oh my god. I ship it. This is way better than MJ. No hate, but this is not at all cringey like their relationship in Far From Home.

"Sorry, that's just really cool," Peter says shyly.

Tony clears his throat and smiles just as wide as me.

"No, I'm impressed."

"Never apologize for being the smartest person in the room," I said since Mysterio clearly couldn't.

Tony turns to fully face me and pulls his tinted glasses down.

"Excuse me fangirl? Who is the smartest person in the room?"

I roll my eyes.

"Sorry, Peter. Tony needs to keep his ego intact so, for now, let's say that Stark is the smartest. In a few years, it'll be you."

"You think so?" Peter asks me, hopefully.

I give the idea some thought. I really only said it to make Peter feel better. If I'm saving Tony, I think he'll remain the smart one, but Tony has a background.

Tony Stark was the son of Howard Stark and despite not having the closest father-son relationship, Tony had someone to look up to. Peter doesn't really have that and as far as I know, he never did. This Peter at least.

When Peter became a part of the Avengers, Tony became that father figure to Peter. He has someone to look up to, to learn from. And because of that and Peter's past smartie pants knowledge, I truly believe that one day he will be the smartest of us all.

"I know so."