Covert Affair | Natasha Romanoff

Chapter 39: Be Mine?

An: How much fluff can I give you guys before you are okay with some pain?
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In her room, Zero stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting the straps of her dress. The garment was an elegant masterpiece, a blend of a black silk and intricate lace that hugged her figure in all the right places. Its neckline dipped modestly, while its flowing skirt cascaded gracefully around her legs.

As she smoothed down the fabric, Zero couldn't help but admire the dress's simple yet sophisticated design.  She recalled the moment when Tony had presented it to her, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "I saw this and immediately thought of you".

Now, as she stood before the mirror, Zero couldn't help but feel grateful for Tony's impeccable taste. The dress fit her like it had been tailored specifically for her.

 As she made her way out of her room and rounded the corner, she found Tony waiting for her in the hallway, his eyes widening in admiration as he caught sight of her.

"Wow," he breathed, his voice filled with genuine awe. "You look incredible, Zero."

A faint blush tinged Zero's cheeks as she returned Tony's gaze, feeling a surge of warmth at his compliment. Despite her usual composure, there was something undeniably heartwarming about seeing the pride shining in Tony's eyes, as though he were a proud father watching his daughter prepare for her first high school dance.

"Thanks, Tony," Zero replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Tony chuckled, offering her his arm with a gallant flourish. "Shall we kiddo?".

Meanwhile, the Avengers found themselves mingling at the lively party, the atmosphere buzzing with laughter and conversation. Zero and Tony stepped into the vibrant atmosphere of the party, a hush fell over the room as all eyes turned toward them. It was as if time itself had paused, allowing everyone to take in the sight of Zero in her stunning dress, her presence commanding attention.

Tony couldn't help but swell with pride at the admiring glances directed towards Zero. Natasha, who had been engrossed in conversation, turned towards the entrance, her breath catching in her throat as she caught sight of Zero. For a moment, her heart seemed to skip a beat as she drank to the sight, her eyes softening with affection.

Sam, ever the charmer, greeted Zero with a wolf whistle and a wide grin. "You look hot bitch" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm drawing a chuckle from the others nearby. (He has been hanging out with Lily without her)

As the lively chatter filled the room, Rhodey, found himself at the center of attention, recounting one of his infamous War Machine escapades. "Well, you know, the suit can take the weight, right?" Rhodey began, his voice animated with enthusiasm. "So I take the tank, fly it right up to the General's palace, drop it at his feet, I'm like, 'Boom! You looking for this?'" He punctuated his story with dramatic gestures, but his audience, consisting of Tony Stark and Thor, met his antics with blank stares.

Rhodey paused, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Boom! Are you looking..." he trailed off, realizing his comedic efforts were falling flat. "Why do I even talk to you guys? Everywhere else that story kills."

Thor, ever the diplomat, broke the silence with a hearty laugh. "That's the whole story?".

Rhodey nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it's a War Machine story," he confirmed, a hint of pride evident in his tone.

Thor chuckled appreciatively. "Well, it's very good then," he remarked, offering his approval. "It's impressive."

"Quality save," Rhodey quipped.

"So, No Pepper? She's not coming" Rhodey echoed, his voice laced with concern.

Tony's response was terse. "No," he replied, his gaze distant.