It Starts with a Spark

Chapter 11
We didn’t talk about Brenda or his parents for a while. In fact, we ignored the topic all together.
As for Clint, well he was gone about half the time, and the rest he never spoke to me.
So one-day Peter asks me
“Do you want to go to Avengers tower? I didn’t get the best tour last time.” The question throws me, but I nod.
“Sure. Why not.”
We decide to go in normal clothes, (even though I do love Peter in his costume) just for the sake of slipping in easier. Not that Tony would mind, he loves Peter, but the public’s prying eyes aren’t as nice.
Clint catches us before we leave,
“Where you headed?” he asks, looking to Peter, pointedly ignoring me. Fine. Be that way. I nudge Peter,
“Um, we’re going to um Avengers Tower.” He stutters. Peter is still nervous around Clint. Their last conversation wasn’t exactly a good one.
“I’m heading up there myself, I can give you guys a r- “
“I have a car. Thanks though.” I snap, before pulling Peter out of the house.
Avengers tower is actually quite, quiet. Which is a little strange, given who lives there. There isn’t even anyone hanging around outside, which is quite surprising.
“Maybe while we’re here we should see Brenda.” He says, as he fiddles with his jacket. I shrug, who am I to deny him that?
“Sure, I think I know where she’s staying.” I say, and we walk the rest of the way in silence.
We meet Clint right before we reach the door.
“Guess we all had the same idea huh?” he asks; this time he looks at me. This time I look away.
“Yeah. Guess so.” Peter says, trying to fill up the awkward silence.
I open the door to the room,
“Hey! Up for some company?” Clint asks, as we walk inside.
The room is full of baby girl stuff. Like everywhere.
” Brenda, what’s with all the baby stuff?” Peter ask,
"Well Peter, she is going to be a mom of 2 beautiful baby girls. I am the daddy. You're stuck with me now." Peter looked from Steve, to Brenda, back to him. He looks sick. I thought he might hurl Brenda on the other hand, did. I looked at Steve like 'why the fuck did you say that?' Steve couldn’t have sex before me. Wait. That means. They. Oh wow. That’s a mental image I will never get out of my head.
"Anna, he said it because it is true. Don't mess with me right now or you will pay in the end. If you pay it will be your own stupidity that fucked, you." Brenda snapped. I didn’t really get what she was talking about, but decided to let her be. Who the hell knows what hormones were coursing through her right now.
After a bit of us just sitting there, we left. Well Peter and I did, Clint said he had some things to take care of.
“So.” I start. “Congrats. I guess.” Peter looks at me,
“Congrats on what?” he asks, I roll my eyes
“On being an Uncle. Uncle Peter.” I tease,
“Well you’d be the Aunt. Auntie Anna.”
“No I wouldn’t.” I say, as I raise an eyebrow
“Why not?”
“Because we’re not married, you idiot. Plus, you’re eighteen, I’m seventeen. We have our whole lives ahead of us, I love you; but are you really going to want to be with me for the rest of your life?” I ask.
“Well of course I do. That’s why you tell people you love them. Because you want to be with them forever.” He says,
“Did you tell Mary-Jane that you loved her?” I ask, I didn’t mean for it to come out; but it did and Peter’s quiet.
“I always knew this would come up. Yes, I told Mary-Jane I loved her. I did. I loved her. For a while actually, but that doesn’t matter- “
“It does Peter! It does matter! You say that you love me, you say that it means that we’ll be together forever, but it doesn’t! Words don’t mean anything! I could die tomorrow and prove your words wrong. Your words are nothing. You don’t understand what’s it’s even like to lose someone. To have them die in your arms. You’ve never taken a life. You’re so naïve Peter. The world isn’t as nice as you think it is.”
“You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t understand that? I do, and I don’t care. I love you Anna, while my words aren’t much; that means that I will always be fighting for you, with you. That’s what I love you means.” He says, as he pulls me into his arms. “I want us to have a future Anna, kids white picket fence. The whole nine yards. I want that for us. Maybe not as soon, but I want that.” Then I start to cry. I honestly don’t know why. Perhaps Brenda’s hormones have come off on me, because I’m not an emotional person. Not usually, but here I am crying in the Avengers Tower parking lot, while my boyfriend holds me.

Notes