4. Home Sweet Home

Miles can't stop himself from grinning. 'Are we there yet?' he asks for the umpteenth time while looking at everything else pass by through the car windows. 

'NO', groaned Gwen and Korra. 

He knows they're annoyed but who cares. He's finally gonna see the real avengers. Peter's told him so many stories about the Avengers ever since he became the second Spider-man. He told him all about the Civil War, with Tony Stark aka the literal Iron Man making him the guy's protégé. All the cool misadventures he had back when he was still in high school. Miles practically idolized the guy. But now, knowing that he might finally fight side by side with his heroes, the kid just can't stop himself from grinning. 

'Are we there yet? he asks again. 

'No. Miles can you just-', Gwen groans. 

'Actually', Korra interjects. 'We're here'. The three of them step out of the car, both kids excitedly gazing at the Avengers Tower. Korra, on the other hand, sighs dejectedly. 'Home sweet home', she whispers to herself. 

Korra then walks to the driver's side. 'Thanks for this, Happy. I owe you one'.

'Come on, Korra. No need for that. You know we all missed you, right?' The driver, Happy, waves them goodbye before driving off.

'Alright, kids. Here we go'. Korra leads them inside the building and heads for the front desk. 'Hello, ma'am. What can I do for you today?' says the clerk, not even bothering to look at the three of them.

'I've got an appointment on the top floor', Korra responds. 

'Name?'

'Korra'.

The clerk looks up at them and her eyes widen . 'Miss Korra, we've been expecting you. Of course. This way please'. The clerk jumps off her seat and quickly leads them to the elevator. Everyone else gawks at the sight of Korra walking past them. One man even bowed after seeing her. Miles' jaw drops, only now realizing just how much of a celebrity the older woman was. 'Dude. When were you gonna tell us you're actually popular here', Gwen whispers to her.

'Popular isn't really the word I'd use', she replies, the mystery surrounding her just keeps thickening. 

As the elevator climbs up, the three of them wait nervously inside. 'Remember, wait for the director to address you before you start talking. I don't want your first impression to be like Parkers, understand?'

The two of them nod. 'So do we like salute or bow or something?' Miles asks, the shaking clearly in his voice. 

'No. Just stand straight, looks straight, and don't move'. As Korra finishes talking, the elevator door opens and a redheaded woman walks up and greets them. 'Korra, it's been too long. How've you been?' says the redhead as she grips Korra in a tight hug. 

'Hey Nat. Good to see you too'. Korra hugs her back, her muscular body towering over the smaller lady. 

'Nat, these are the kids, Gwen and Miles. Kids, this is Natasha Romanov. You probably know her as Black Widow'. 

Miles' mouth gapes. An actual Avenger, he thinks to himself. Gwen on the other hand, didn't seem dazzled at all. 'Hi ma'am. It's good to meet you'. Gwen raises her hand and grabs the Avenger's hand for a handshake. 

'Cute, aren't they?', says Korra. The other woman giggles. 'Alright, why don't you follow me. The director is waiting for you'.

Miles doesn't have time to speak. This whole thing is just too much. Avengers Tower. An actual Avenger. Gwen acting like it's just a normal day. I'm dreaming. Somebody slap me, he even his mouth is too shocked to actually do what it's supposed to do. 

As they pass the end of the hallway, Black Widow opens a door and all four of them enter. There, Miles sees a bald black man with an eyepatch sitting on a desk. Beside her stands another gorgeous woman with short black hair holding what looks like an iPad. 

'So', says the man with an eye-patch. 'Spider-man tells me you're the future of the Avengers'. 

---

'Hello Director. You look as gloomy as always, At least Hill's here to brighten up the day', says Korra before winking at the woman. 

The woman, Maria Hill raises an eyebrow while Fury glares at him before bringing his focus back on the two kids. 'From what I've read on the reports, you kids managed to figure one of my agent's identity. It's even more impressive knowing that you lasted as long as you did on that rooftop'.

Korra watch Fury flip through some papers as if reading through them. The woman eventually learned that it was all just theatrics, a way for spies to lower the guard of their targets. She didn't really believe it back then. But now, watching Fury do it to those kids, she has to wonder just what sort of gimmick the man had to pull to trick her into joining SHIELD.

'In all honesty', says Fury. 'Everyone I've talked to so far wants me to recruit you already. And reading this file, I'm pretty inclined to do so'. Gwen and Miles' eyes sparkles after hearing that. 

Fury continues. 'However, I also know that you're both reckless, impulsive and can't follow orders. Do either of you know why SHIELD has manages to protect people the way it does now?' He looks the the kids who shakes their heads in confusion. 'We're able to do what do because we all work as a team. One single unit with one single objective, to defend those who can't defend themselves. That means the willingness to listen, to follow orders and to prioritize the team rather than the individual. And in all honesty, I don't think either of you are up to the task'. 

Korra watches in amazement at how Fury is currently handling the situation. He looks at the children and find determination in their eyes. Was that how I looked when Fury gave me his speech?, she thinks to herself. 

Miles and Gwen opens their mouths to speak but the director quickly raises his hand to stop them.

'However', he says. 'Peter Parker sees the potential in you. He's willing to stake himself on the idea that you two are more than just some kids swinging around doing things at they read in a comic book. I'm willing to give you both a chance. Prove to me that Peter is right. Prove to me that you can be better'.