Marvel: Am I falling in love?

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(I wonder who they were talking about? From what little I could hear; they were certainly talking about us).

I thought to myself as I tried to understand what was going on inside.

At that moment, you approach the kitchen door, trying to hear more about what's going on. Just as you're about to knock on the door, you hear footsteps approaching and decide to leave to avoid embarrassment.

"I think I'd better get out of here before they see me and there's a strange atmosphere in the air because I heard something I shouldn't have."

As soon as I'd whispered those words to myself, I went back to the dining table, where the others were chatting and laughing. Sam, who was sitting next to me, noticed my return and called out to me.

"Parker, didn't you go into the kitchen to call Steve and Natasha? Where are they?"

Sam asked with a confused look on his face as he stared at me.

"They're on their way."

I answered calmly and objectively.

After I said those words, I could kind of see Sam frowning.

"Is everything all right, really?"

Sam asked, looking at me again.

"You seem a bit.... distracted."

As soon as I realized what he was getting at, I tried to look calmer.

"I'm fine, nothing happened. I'm just thinking about some things, no big deal."

Just as I said those words, Steve and Natasha entered the room. They both tried to look relaxed, but their expressions didn't go unnoticed by me. I already knew that something was going on, but I decided to put it aside for a moment.

Since everyone else at the table wasn't noticing the tense atmosphere in the air, it was up to Natasha, the only person who had noticed, to deal with the situation.

"I just hope the noodles haven't gone cold."

As soon as Natasha threw that bait in the air, she just waited for someone to hook it so that her plan could work. And as if by magic, Rhode, who hadn't even noticed what was going on around him apart from falling for Natt's plan, managed to dispel the bad atmosphere without even realizing it.

"You don't have to worry about that, the noodles are still hot."

Rhode said calmly and sincerely, not realizing that he had just done exactly what Natasha wanted him to do.

The conversation at the table moved on, but that strange atmosphere still continued. However, this time no one did anything; when someone was going to say something, it was only to praise the food and nothing more.

SOME TIME LATER

When everyone around the table had finished their meals, one after the other, they got up and headed for the sink. Each one carefully deposited their plates and cutlery in the sink. The atmosphere was filled with the soft, discreet rustling of utensils. After everyone had returned to their places at the table, Sam, who had remained silent until then, raised his eyes and, in an introverted, almost hesitant way, asked a question that broke the momentary silence.

"Sorry to ask, but who's going to do the dishes?"

As soon as Sam asked that question, the room fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning to Rhode, who was standing near the sink. He glanced back, an expression of discomfort crossing his face.

"I only know one thing: I'm out."

Rhode replied with a determined tone, raising his hands in surrender.

After Rhode made that comment, an expectant silence overtook the group. Everyone began to stare at Pietro, who already seemed to have a clear idea of what was going on. With a determined countenance and an expression that indicated he was aware of the situation; Pietro took the initiative. Knowing exactly what they were discussing and anticipating the possible escalation of the situation, he intervened before anyone could ask any questions.

"There's no point in even looking at me, my answer will be no."

As soon as I realized that, despite several attempts and suggestions, no one was willing to volunteer to do the dishes, a feeling of frustration began to settle over me. The piles of dirty dishes and utensils were piling up in the sink, and the awkward silence about who should resolve the situation was palpable. With a long sigh, I decide to take the initiative.

"If no one has any objections, I can do the dishes myself."

The group was silent for a moment, surprised by my willingness. Natasha was the first to break the silence.

"Are you sure, Peter? Are you willing to do this?"

With a sincere smile on my face, I answered Natasha's question as naturally as I could.

"You can leave everything to me. After all, this is the least I can do for you who made all this lunch for me and also for having welcomed me so well here at the Complex."

Sam, who was standing next to me, raised an eyebrow and gave Natasha an approving look.

"See, the new guy offered, so let him do it. Besides, it's a good way to show that he's here to help."

Natasha still looked hesitant, but a slight smile began to appear on her face.

"Well, if you insist... There's nothing I can do."

As soon as Natt said those words, Sam, who was standing next to me, came a little closer and patted me on the back.

"If you need help, just call. But for now, it looks like you've got the situation under control."

With a grateful smile on my face, I started towards the sink. However, before I could do so, I was interrupted by Wanda, who caught my eye.

"Do you want me to help you?"

Wanda asked a little shyly.

As soon as she asked me that question, I took a quick glance at the sink and quickly turned my attention back to her.

"I don't have to..."

But before I could finish my sentence, she interrupted me, probably already knowing what I was going to say.

"I know, I know. You're going to tell me that you can manage on your own. But honestly, I don't see why you should do it alone. Besides, it'll go faster if we do it together."