Chapter 2 - Meeting the Black Widow

INSIDE STARK TOWER

A few minutes later...

6:30 PM

As Peter enters the building, he immediately heads to the elevator and presses the button to go up. His heart is racing with excitement as he's about to meet his heroes in person.

"Wow, it would be incredible to be an Avenger! Just imagine, me fighting alongside Earth's mightiest heroes."

Peter whispers to himself as his eyes sparkle with the idea.

(But that's impossible; stop dreaming, Parker. They would never call a kid from Queens to join the world's greatest superhero organization. That would be crazy, and they're not crazy. I can't believe I'm actually going to meet Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, and Iron Man.)

Peter thinks with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

He can't believe he's about to meet Earth's mightiest heroes, the Avengers. He tries to compose himself; he doesn't want to look like a fool in front of them.

"The next time I meet Jameson, I have to express my gratitude to him, even if he's a pain sometimes. It's because of his help that I'm going to fulfill my dream."

Peter whispers softly to himself.

As the elevator doors open, Peter is greeted with an impressive sight: a massive room filled with people. There are reporters with microphones and cameras, elegantly dressed guests with forced smiles, and in the midst of it all, he sees them. They're the Avengers, Earth's most powerful heroes, whom he admires so much. Peter feels a knot in his stomach and a twinkle in his eyes as he enters the room and walks toward them. Along the way, he is approached by Maria Hill, Nick Fury's loyal assistant, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Hi, can I know who you are?"

Agent Hill asks, looking the young man up and down.

"Excuse me, I'm Peter Parker, a reporter and photographer for the Daily Bugle."

Peter replies, showing his press badge.

"Ah, I see. As you may have noticed, the Avengers are all busy right now, which makes everything even more challenging, so I can't guarantee anything. However, I might be able to help you get a photo or something. What do you think?"

Maria Hill says, trying to find a solution to assist the young man.

"I would be very grateful for your help. And I apologize for my ignorance, but could you please tell me your name?"

Peter asks, slightly embarrassed.

"Don't worry, I'm Agent Maria Hill, right hand and trusted person of Mr. Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Agent Hill responds while shaking the young man's hand.

"Thank you very much, Ms. Hill."

Peter says, accepting her handshake.

"You're welcome. Go to that person over there, and she will grant you the interview you're looking for."

Agent Hill points to a bar where the heroine Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, is seated.

"I'm very grateful, Ms. Hill. I don't even know how to thank you."

Peter says.

"Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much, kid? Go there quickly before she changes her mind, and you miss this one opportunity."

Maria Hill says, looking at Peter.

"I'm sorry, I didn't even notice."

With an embarrassed sigh, Peter apologizes to Agent Hill and slowly walks away, heading toward Black Widow.

Peter, with a confident look, walks toward the bar where Natasha is. She is wearing a red dress with golden accents. She is sitting on one of the barstools, enjoying a glass of whiskey. Peter gets closer and closer to Romanoff, his steps echoing in the now silent bar.

"Good evening, Miss Romanoff."

Peter says, greeting a petite woman with a sculpted body.

"Good evening! And who are you?"

Natasha asks with a puzzled face.

"I apologize for my lack of manners. My name is Peter Parker; I work as a reporter and photographer for the Daily Bugle. I'm here to take some photos and, if possible, conduct an interview for the newspaper."

Peter replies as he introduces himself to Black Widow.

Peter notices the intense gaze that Natasha is giving him.

"Oh, did I say something wrong?"

Peter asks, not understanding Natasha's look.

"Well, we just defeated Hydra, and I wanted to make sure you're not a spy in disguise. You know, it's always better to be safe than sorry."

Natasha responds, looking at Peter.

"I completely understand, Miss Romanoff."

Peter says with a somewhat nervous smile.

"Earth's security is obviously a priority, especially for such an important group like the Avengers."

Peter continues, now less nervous.

Upon hearing my words, Natasha begins to assess my response before relaxing a bit, perhaps realizing that I pose no threat. She takes a sip of her whiskey and then looks at me again.

"All right, Mr. Parker, I'll trust your word for now. But be aware that I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Natasha says, giving me a penetrating look that makes it clear she's not joking.

"Of course, Miss Romanoff, I'm at your disposal for anything you need."

Peter says while maintaining a respectful tone of voice.

Natasha gets up from the barstool, takes her whiskey glass, and gives me a slight smile.

"Well, now that we understand each other, what would you like to know?"

Agent Romanoff says as she settles into the bar chair.

"Well, to start our conversation, how about you tell me how you, the Avengers, managed to defeat Hydra?"

Peter says as he begins a brief interview.

Natasha nods in approval and starts sharing details about the recent mission. As she talks, I can't help but admire her confidence and grace, even after an intense battle. I do my best to stay focused and make mental notes.

As the conversation continues, Natasha proves to be a great interviewee, answering my questions clearly and concisely.

When we finally finish the interview, Natasha smiles at me and says:

"I hope you got what you needed, Peter. It was a pleasure talking to you."

"The pleasure was all mine, Miss Romanoff."

Peter says, thanking Natasha.