I sighed as I looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't even look like me, is that what life had come too? Dressing myself up to the point I don't recognise who I am just to keep my family happy? I was content just sat at home watching serial killer documentaries and eating my feelings away but no, instead I was dragged to this charity ball event and forced to socialise with people because my cousin says I need to 'get out more'. I did make the argument that I'm out enough of the time but apparently being on the roof of my apartment whilst reading isn't classed as being out? I call bullshit on that one. Just because I'm not out in the world fighting evil like her it doesn't mean I'm not out? I go out for the food shop every week! This is just another event to try get me to fight alongside her and the others.

Oh hello reader. Just in case you missed a few things my name is Arielle Romanoff and I'm the only living relative to the infamous Natasha Romanoff, also known as the Black Widow. Don't get me wrong, I was over the moon when Nat turned up at my doorstep and we reunited but man was she a pushy bitch! I'll give you a little back story. Nat and I were brought up in the red room together, it was sheer coincidence that my parents abandoned me at the exact same place she was training and with Romanoff not being a common surname it wasn't long before the academy looked into our past to find we were cousins. However when my big ass mouth started to back chat I wasn't good enough for the Russian spies anymore, they said talking too much isn't stealthy? First of all, I don't think I talk too much- Well maybe a little. But hey! I am the main character after all...

Nevertheless I was kicked out of the academy because I couldn't be tamed and they sort of gave up on me, I get it though. Everyone I've ever known has given up on me. Parents just abandoned me at age 2, I had a boyfriend for a while but I was just 'too much' for him so he skipped away hand in hand with the other person who betrayed me, my best friend. My sarcasm and wit is about 400 times more than the average person, no one has ever stuck around. Except for Nat of course, whatever happens I know I'll always have her, she's been the one constant in my life. The only problem is she can be so annoying! She thinks I'm wasting my life and talents away by being a normal person so she's been trying to get me to join her group of misfits since she came back but like I said before, I just want to do my own thing. As long as I'm not hurting other people then all is well with what I do.

"You look beautiful Arielle" I heard from behind me as my head whipped around and saw my favourite cousin standing before me. Her ginger hair was straight as per usual and she had on a black dress, falling down to her thighs, the look she had given me however was much different. She'd gone for a more classy look as opposed to my usual sweatpants or jeans. I actually can't remember the last time I was in a dress, Nat actually had me practising walking in heels and not to toot my own horn but I was a master at doing it. "You ready?" she asked as I sighed.

"If I say no does that mean I can go home?" I chuckled as she rolled her eyes, crossed her arms and leant against the doorframe.

"It means I'm dragging you in there whether you're ready or not" she smirked "You can't let all the heel training go to waste now come on" she grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the restroom I'd been hiding in. "Remember, this is a charity gig so be nice! You managed the entrance into the building and all the paparazzi but now you'll be meeting all my work colleagues."

"Are you trying to say I'm not nice?" I questioned.

"Arielle. You have the Romanoff face, you sit there and look like you're giving everyone a look of disgust. It wouldn't kill you to smile" she raised her eyebrow at me as I scoffed.

"Actually given that I don't use my zygomaticus major, the muscle that makes you smile, in such a long time having a smile on my face all night could possibly cause strain and I could actually pull the muscle" I sassed as she slapped my arm "ABUSE! THE BLACK WIDOW IS ABUSING M-" her hand shot over my mouth to shut me up as she stepped in front of me and I looked into her eyes.

"Not another sass from you Arielle, you will play nice, you will smile and you will engage in conversations" she warned as I nodded. She slowly uncovered my mouth from her hand and led me towards a pair of double doors, before she could open them I raised my hand like a child in school asking permission to speak. "If you're going to ask me if you can use the bathroom the answer is no" she shot at me as I bit my lip and pulled my arm down timidly. "Everything's going to be OK. Try not to stress" she said, more to herself than to me as she pushed open the doors and we entered what I can only describe to be a scene from a Disney movie.

There were decorations hung around the pillars, a huge banner that read 'CHARITY AUCTION FOR CANCER TRUST - Hosted by Mr Tony Stark', streamers hung from the ceiling and honestly if they just donated the money they spent decorating the place then that'd be an extra like $100,000.00 to Cancer Research. There was light music playing in the background, I listened carefully, the distinct chatter between people overpowering the music, sounded like Beethoven, possibly Ave Maria from what I could make out. Before I could scan the room further Nat grabbed my arm and pulled me down the stairs and towards a table full of my least favourite thing, people. Their heads all shot towards us and I forced a small smile onto my face as we stood before them.

"Guys. This is my cousin Arielle. Arielle this is Steve Rogers." Nat said as she motioned to a rather large man who I immediately recognised, this was Captain America. I occasionally took a break from Netflix to check the news just in case Nat was saving the world again and I'd seen his face among many others here pop up. Steve stood up and stuck his hand out for me to shake, I hesitantly placed my hand in his and as I went to shake it he pulled my hand up to his lips and placed a kiss on it. "This is Tony Stark." she introduced me to an older gentleman who had a mustache and glasses on. Beside him sat a lady who had strawberry blonde hair which fell below her shoulders. Tony stood up and pulled me into a hug.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kiss your hand like Grandpa over there" he muttered into my ear as I held back a laugh, I like this man. "This is my wife Pepper." he said as he pulled away from me and motioned to the lady who he was sat beside as she sent me a small smile and pulled me into a hug also, I guess Nat didn't pass on the memo that I'm not a hugger.

"It's lovely to meet you Arielle, we've heard so much about you" Pepper stated as I raised an eyebrow at Nat, before I could open my mouth to send a snarky comment Nats way Tony interrupted me, how rude is that?

"This is my friend James Rhodes, but feel free to call him Rhodey." Tony said as he motioned to a man sat next to Pepper who just gave me a small wave, not bothering to get up.

"This is Wanda Maximoff and Vision" she introduced as I looked over at the two heros I'd also seen on the TV. Wanda was even more gorgeous in person, she and Vision gave me a small nod to acknowledge my existence before taking a sip of what looked to be champagne. Of all the greetings in the world I appreciated that one the most, they didn't try to touch me or hug me, they just acknowledged me. Hopefully the others will follow suit. "This is Thor."

"Lady Romanoff, 'tis lovely to finally meet you" The large man with long hair raised his glass to me as I sent him a smile,

"His brother Loki" she pointed to the long haired man sat beside him "Be careful around him" she whispered to only me. I returned Loki's smile, again still not as good as the nod because it meant I actually had to smile. "Of course you already know Clint here" Clint stood up and pulled me into a hug, picking me up and spinning me around. Purposefully doing so as he knew I hated being picked up and being the centre of attention. "This is Dr Bruce Banner" Now Dr Banner is one person I had researched, there were rumours of a romance between him and Nat and of course I had to look him up to ensure he was an eligible bachelor for Nat, I had to say... I approve. Thankfully the Doctor graced me with a handshake, no weird kiss on the hand which I thanked Jesus for. "Our newest recruit, Peter Parker" A child? Really?

"Oh hey there! It's so good to meet you!" he exclaimed as he got up and ran around the table to enclose me in a hug "Are you like Miss Romanoff too? You seem really ni-" he began,

"Kid, relax a little. Let Arielle have a drink before you go in with questions" Tony interrupted, yes. I do like Tony, a lot.

"It's lovely to finally meet you all" I chirped as I forced another smile on my face and looked over the group,

"Sam and Bucky are late as per usual... You girls need a drink in your hands. Bar is over there" Tony pointed in the direction of the bar and I grabbed Nat's arm and pulled her over to the bar, dodging through various different people who were up and walking around.

"Well done on behaving" she smiled as I dropped her arm and faced the bar. "I'm proud of you." she told me as I looked at her, "I know social interaction isn't your thing but you did really well. There are two more people joining us and the rest of the gang aren't here tonight so that is all you have to endure."

"Does that mean I can go home after meeting the two people?" I asked as she shook her head.

"No! Just have a drink, relax a little, talk to people and try to have fun!" As if it is that easy just to 'have fun'. My idea of fun is just being at home either reading or dancing around and singing very badly out of tune to songs where no one can judge me. "I'll take a martini please."

"Scotch on the rocks, please." I smiled as the bartender nodded and got to work on the drinks. "They do seem nice, I'll give you that" I admitted to Nat as she let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm so glad you think so! You're the most important person in my life Arielle and I really want you to be involved with my extended family." I can't guarantee that I'll be involved with them, but I'm sure I can push my 'don't talk to strangers' rule to one side for now. "SAM! BUCKY!" Nat shouted as I paid the bartender and turned my head to see an extremely attractive man walking towards us... Of course there was another guy too. "Arielle, this is Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes" she introduced. I tore my eyes from the ridiculously hot man to be greeted with a cheesy grin from the slightly shorter of the two.

"Pleasure to meet you, Arielle. We've all heard so much about you" the shorter one shook my hand. "I'm Sam, just to clarify. Another thing that needs no clarification tonight is that you look absolutely divine!" he exclaimed as I smiled at him and looked at the other man, this must've been Bucky. He looked at me, a blank look in his face, shit. My smiled must've dropped. I quickly plastered a smile back on my face and he continued to stare at me emotionless.

"It wouldn't kill you to smile" I stated as Nat nudged me and I looked at her, "This is a charity gig. Cheer up" I sassed whilst receiving another nudge from Nat. I knew using her words would agitate her but at the end of the day if I'm forced here and made to smile the least he could do is return it. Attractive or not, he was an arse.

"Anyway... Do you guys have a drink?" Nat questioned as the bartender placed our drinks on the side. I picked up my drink and watched as Bucky's eyes followed my hand whilst I took a sip.

"Is there a problem?" my voice laced with sarcasm as he huffed at me "Oh, you're non-verbal. My apologies" I smirked as I grunted,

"Feisty isn't she?" Sam chuckled. "We're going to get along brilliantly! Have you met Tony yet?"

"Sam. Why don't you take Arielle back to the table? I'll get your round of drinks in" Nat proposed, now usually I'd hate leaving her to walk with some random stranger but I wanted to be as far away from Bucky and his rude arse as I could possibly be right now. Sam held his arm out and I quickly looped mine through his as we started to walk away from the bar.

"Don't let him startle you. He's a big softie deep down" Sam tried to lighten the tension as I smiled at him and took a sip of my drink.

"Startle me? Darling, I'm a Romanoff, it'll take a lot more than some man staring me down to startle me" I laughed, seeing the table in sight

"Ahh, are you one of these 'I eat danger for breakfast' type women?" he chuckled.

"I'm not. I can't find that type of cereal anywhere, but if you do find it then just hit me up. I'd love to try it" I joked as I continued to sip my drink.

"Oh you're funny too! Well then Arielle Romanoff. I think this may be the start of a beautiful friendship." Friendship? I'd never had a proper friend before. Is this what Nat wanted? Just for me to have friends? She wasn't trying to get me to join the Secret Gang or move in with them?

"Sam. I knight thee, an acquaintance... For now, you've got to prove you're worthy first of all. At the end of the test is an epic dance battle" I chuckled as we approached the table.

"What're you two laughing at?" Clint asked as he looked between the two of us.

"Man, Arielle just handed Bucky's arse to him!" Sam laughed as Steve looked around at us.

"About time Bucky met his match" he smiled at me which I returned, "Now Nat isn't here to keep you PG. How about you take a seat?" he offered as I sat down between him and Tony.

"Alas! A woman of taste! Is that scotch I see you're drinking?" he questioned as I nodded. "Finally, a decent drinking partner! Do you think you can keep up?" I saw Pepper tense very slightly and smirked knowing I had him exactly where I wanted him.

"Do you? Because from the body language of your wife you won't be drinking a lot at all tonight" I sassed as he rose and eyebrow at me before opening his mouth to say something but nothing came out. He was just sat there in utter shock that someone kicked back at him.

"If I would've bet on anyone to make him shut up, it would've been Arielle" Clint cheered as he held his drink up "Voice like an angel but mouth of the devil" I raised my glass and sent him a wink as we sipped our drinks.

"I still need time to process that Tony hasn't got a come back" Rhodey gasped as I chuckled, "I salute you."

"No need to do that, just buy me a drink and we'll be even" As the words left my mouth the lights dimmed. "Guess that's your cue, tin man" Tony stood up and adjusted his suit.

"I'll get you back for that Romanoff, just you wait" he chuckled as he walked towards the stage. It wasn't long before Nat sat beside me and Bucky joined, sitting further away from me, good. I don't want him near me. Well... I don't want his attitude near me, his body however. That looks scrumptious. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen!" Tony announced, now on stage with a mic. "How're we all this evening?" There was a cheer from the audience. "I want to go through our items for today's auction. First up we have a self defence lesson with Black Widow, 1 training session with Captain America, a day experience at Stark Industries, a flying lesson with Falcon, 'Day in the Life of' experience with Thor, archery lesson with Hawk-eye, a shooting range day with Bucky Barnes and many more little goodies!" Everyone gave an ooooh as I sipped my scotch. Only thing I was remotely interested in was the flying lesson or a day in the life experience. I didn't need self defence lessons from my cousin, I wouldn't want to be out-run by a super soldier, I'm not smart enough for Stark Industries, Clint was already teaching me archery and I didn't want to be close to Bucky at all. The night continued on and I had surprisingly got along with a lot of people here.

"I'm going to grab another drink" I told the gang as I got up and straightened my dress out, before I could even escape the table Steve stood up and joined me. "What up red, white and blue?" I asked as he chuckled whilst we walked.

"Nothing, I just wanted to apologise for Bucky's behaviour earlier. He can be intimidating with new people" Steve admitted.

"OK, first of all. What are you, Bucky's carer? Stop apologising for him. Secondly, I am not intimidated by him. The guy can't even walk through a metal detector. Finally, I honestly do not care about his behaviour, I can handle myself. I'm a Romanoff" I sassed as we approached the bar "I'll take a scotch on the rocks." The bartender nodded and I turned around to watch the room whilst Steve ordered his drink. Tony was no longer on the stage as he'd taken a brief break so he could see Pepper and have a drink but lord knows where he was.

"I also want to apologise for our weird introduction. I was just trying to be friendly" he admitted as I held my hand up to shush him.

"Don't worry about it. There have been worse introductions. I'm just not really a people person. You all think Nat is bad? You've nothing on me, I don't like making new friends, this type of thing" I motioned around the room, "Yeah it's not really my thing. I prefer to be at home, watching a film or reading a book and I definitely prefer not to be all dressed up like this!"

"You liar! You and Sam have been talking non stop all evening! You guys look like you've been friends your entire life! You already have nicknames for each other-"

"First of all, I nickname everyone in case you haven't noticed" I chuckled, "Sam is just easy to talk too, and he was there when Bucky was rude to me. He likes the crap I give Stark and finds it amusing. Plus, I have to keep him around incase one day I need a wingman... Get it? WINGman" I laughed as I nudged him slightly and he shook his head.

"Natasha never warned us about bad puns being apart of you" he giggled as my head shot towards him.

"What did Natasha warn you all about?" I questioned, if I was going to get an answer out of anyone it'd be out of Steve. He stayed silent as I threw him a deathly glare.

"OK, I'll tell you! She just told us to be gentle with you, you know. Pretty vague, similar past to her, kinda got some walls up, doesn't like socialising, recent break up, may insult the entire table but doesn't mean it..." he told me as the bartender placed our glasses on the side and Steve hand him some money. "But you seem really cool" he admitted as I smiled at him.

"Hey guys, everything OK over here?" Clint asked as I nodded. "I came over because everyone's having their cute little couple dances, of course I do believe the last time you were round at mine you promised me a dance. I have Laura and Nat as a witness if you want me to pull them up to the stand to testify" he slurred as I rolled my eyes and looked at Steve,

"Will you hold my drink please?" I asked as he took the glass from my hand and Clint did a quick jump before bowing in front of me and holding his hand out for me to take. "You always have to make a scene don't you?" I chuckled as I grabbed his hand and he led me to the dance floor where we swayed together. Since meeting Nat, Clint and his family had practically taken me in as one of their own, he was- is the embarrassing Uncle I've never had. He knew I was a very reserved person so loved to show me up and draw all eyes on me.

"So how'd you like the group?" he asked as we swayed together, I looked around to make sure no one I knew was in earshot, everyone was at the table except for Bucky who had just approached Steve at the bar.

"I actually really like them. Tony and Sam have to be personal favourites... They both seem as sarcastic and funny as me."

"Well I hope I'm still your favourite!" he exclaimed as I threw my head back in laughter.

"You're practically family, you will always be my favourite!" I responded as we continued dancing,

"What about when a man comes into your life?" he asks as I pull away from him and glare. "I just want you to find someone!"

"Is this what this night is all about? You know more than Nat I'm still hung up on Dan! I don't need setting up with anyone! I'm happy being on my own" I defended,

"It's not, I just don't want you to close yourself up Arielle. You're a good girl who deserves the world and it scares me you being cooped up in your apartment all day. It worries me" my face dropped, the last thing I want to do is cause stress or worry among the few people I like in this world.

"Alrighty people, if you can all take your seats we're going to go back to the bidding!" Tony announced from the stage and Clint let go of me, Steve approached and handed me my drink. I thanked him before following the two guys back to the table and taking a seat next to Nat. "So we were meant to have our final item to bid on however we've had a new item come to the markets!" We all let out an oooooh "We all love a mystery! But for now we move onto a day at the shooting range with none other than Bucky Barnes!" Suddenly a spotlight fell at our table as it had all night and Bucky stood up whilst everyone clapped and cheered. "Let's start the bidding off at $1000?" Tony announced, suddenly lots of hands began shooting up "$2000, do I hear $2000?" I watched over the room as a couple of people also raised their hands "Excellent, $3000 can I get $3000? No how about $2500?"

"$2300" a woman shouted from across the room

"That's $2300... Going once, going twice... SOLD to the lovely lady in pink at the back." There were cheers around the room and I joined in applauding, fair enough it was the rude bastard who raised the money but nevertheless it was $2300 in the pocket of a charity. "Now onto our final bidding of the night, the one I'm most excited for as I believe it will well and truly go down a treat! Now earlier on tonight I met my match in sass and sarcasm, from a lovely lady by the name of Arielle Romanff" shit. A spotlight fell upon me. "Arielle could you stand up for me sweetheart" I timidly stood up and shot Tony a smile as he motioned for me to come up to the stage. I shook my head at him, "Stubborn little witch but it's what has drawn me to her" he joked as the audience laughed, "Don't make me get security to bring you."

I looked down at Nat who looked as confused as me but motioned me to go. I began to walk towards the stage as Tony continued to talk "Now this girl... Here she comes, I've heard has a voice like an angel but the mouth of the devil" he explained as I grabbed my dress in my hands and began to walk up the stairs to the stage, "come on Arielle, we don't have all day" every fibre in my body was ready to squeeze the life out of Tony Stark. What was he doing? "Round of applause for Arielle ladies and gentlemen, round of applause" he announced as I put his arm around me. "I think we can all agree you look stunning tonight" there was a loud cheer and I could hear Nat shouting. "Now a little birdie told me that Arielle here is recently single" my head shot round to him and I shook my head as he let out a chuckle. "Oh yes, so give us a twirl Arielle because tonight, our lucky bidders will be bidding for the chance to take you on a date!"

I wanted nothing more than to murder Tony Stark, he did not want to make an enemy of me. He's lucky there are so many people around because I don't think I want to go to jail. Actually do I? I get to be alone, catch up on my reading, I'd probably lose a bit of weight in there too, maybe tone up. Plus I'd be like the alpha in there, prison could be a good look on me.

"So let's start the bidding at $1000" he announced as I looked to see an array of hands shoot up, "Excellent do I hear $2000?" a few hands shot down and I glared at Tony whilst he continued to smile and avoid my vision "$3000?" he asked the audience.

"$4000" I heard Nat shout, what an absolute lifesaver. I knew I loved that woman for another reason other than being my cousin,

"$4000! Excellent, do I hear $5000?" he asked as I looked out to the audience "$5000 to the man in the back there!"

"$6000" Nat shouted, I couldn't thank her enough for trying to buy a date with her own cousin. Thankfully she knew I wasn't ready to talk to someone completely random.

"TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS" someone shouted as my eyes went wide from shock

"SOLD TO THE MAN AT THE BACK!" Tony shouted, "Now. Y'all can continue to party, I'm going to go backstage and receive an arse whooping" Tony giggled as the lights came back up and he ushered me off stage. "Before you have a go at me remember it's for charity!" he exclaimed as we got behind a curtain.

"Charity or not tin man, you autionned me off like I was a piece of meat!" I shouted as he just sent me a cheeky smirk, "Why are you smiling? I could be about to go on a date with a murder or a rapist and all you can do is smile?" I argued as Nat came bursting through the curtain.

"What. The. Fuck. Tony" she growled as Tony stepped back, "I get you're immature and all but she's my baby cousin! Anyone could've just 'bought' her" Now as angry as I was even I had to grab Nat's arm because she was scaring me, nothing but pure anger in her eyes. "Do you have any idea who just paid $10,000 to go on a date with her?" she spat as I looked at Tony who shook his head, "Exactly! You're going to march up on that stage and tell everyone it was a practical joke!"

"WOW, that was crazy!" Sam said as he walked behind the curtains "I wouldn't have pegged Steve paying $10,000 to go on a date with you!" he chuckled as all eyes fell on him.

"STEVE PAID $10,000 TO TAKE MY COUSIN ON A DATE?!" Nat screamed as she marched out from behind the curtain presumably towards Steve.

What just happened?