.ೃ࿔*:･𝐱𝐢. it's hard to be at a party when i feel like an open wound

𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐃 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐓 𝐀 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐑, stirring her from a deep, dreamless sleep. Blinking her eyes open, she saw Bruce’s concerned face hovering above her. The quinjet had landed, and the hum of the engines was gradually dying down.

“Ingrid, we’re here,” Bruce said softly, giving her a reassuring smile. “Time to get up.”

Yawning and stretching, Ingrid stood up, feeling the stiffness in her muscles from the long flight. Following her dad, she made her way out of the quinjet.

Bruce looked at Ingrid with fatherly concern. “Are you feeling better now?” he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of distress.

Ingrid nodded, managing a small smile. “Yeah, I guess. I just inhaled too much smoke, it happens all the time.” She shrugged, trying to downplay her discomfort. “Nothing a little rest won’t fix.”

Bruce frowned slightly, not entirely convinced. “You know, it’s important to take care of yourself out there.”

Ingrid appreciated his concern, but she didn’t want to worry him further. “I know, Dad. I’ll be more careful next time, I promise.”

.ೃ࿔*:･

Ingrid sat by the bar, idly playing with the ends of her black skirt. The fabric felt soft between her fingers, a small comfort in an otherwise uneventful evening. The party had sounded way more fun in theory, like it always did.

The sound of clinking glasses and muted conversations filled the room. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and perfumes, mingling with the aroma of various appetizers being carried around by attentive waitstaff. Ingrid sighed, taking another sip of her virgin cocktail. The fruity drink was delicious, but after the third one, even the novelty of mocktails was wearing thin.

She glanced around, observing the clusters of people engaged in deep discussions. Most of them were at least three times her age, their conversations revolving around topics she found dull and uninteresting. Ingrid felt like an outsider, a kid trying to blend in at an adult party.

Her gaze drifted to the other end of the bar, where her dad was deep in conversation with Natasha. Ingrid couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully. The way they stood close to each other, the occasional shared smile—it was all too obvious. Making a mental note to tease them both about it as soon as she got the chance, Ingrid smiled to herself.

Ingrid took another sip of her drink before setting the glass down on the polished bar top. She absentmindedly drew small shapes in the condensation on the iridescent glass with her fingertips, humming slowly to herself. The low murmur of the party seemed to fade into the background as she lost herself in her thoughts.

She must have zoned out, because she didn't notice when Natasha approached and took a seat next to her. The sudden presence beside her made her jump slightly.

"I'll take a wild guess and say that you're not having fun," Natasha said, her tone light and teasing.

Ingrid, a bit startled, looked up from her glass and smiled softly. "How can you tell?"

"I'm a people person," Natasha replied with a smirk, her sharp eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I don't doubt it," Ingrid said with a small chuckle.

Natasha's expression softened. "It's not easy being the youngest one at these things, is it?"

Ingrid shook her head. "No, it's not. I thought it would be more exciting, but it's just...boring." She sighed, glancing around at the mingling adults. "I feel like I don't really fit in."

Natasha nodded sympathetically. "I get it. These parties can be a drag, especially when you're not interested in what everyone else is talking about." She paused, then added, "But you know, it's also a chance to learn. To observe. People reveal a lot about themselves when they think no one is paying attention."

Ingrid raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that what you do? Observe and learn?"

"All the time," Natasha said with a wink. "It's part of what makes me good at my job."

Ingrid smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I guess I could give it a try. Maybe I'll learn something interesting."

Natasha nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. And if you ever need a break from the grown-up talk, you can always come find me. I could use a little company that doesn't involve business deals or old war stories."

"Really? Is that what you and my dad were talking about just now?" Ingrid teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Natasha laughed, a genuine sound that made Ingrid feel even more comfortable. "Oh, you caught that, huh? Your dad and I were actually discussing our latest mission and... things like that. Riveting stuff, I assure you."

Ingrid laughed, not quite believing her. "Sure, sure. I'll bet it was very serious and important."

Natasha turned around, spotting a group of people gesturing for her attention. She glanced back at Ingrid, her expression warm. “I have to head over there, but remember, if you ever want to chat or need a break from the crowd, just come find me. I’m always up for a good conversation.”

Ingrid smiled. “Deal. And who knows, maybe I’ll pick up some spy-worthy skills along the way.”

Natasha laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. “That’s the spirit. I’m sure you’ll surprise yourself with what you can observe and learn.” With a final nod and a wave, Natasha made her way toward the group, leaving Ingrid feeling a little more at ease.

As soon as Ingrid spotted her dad standing alone, she quickly made her way over, drink in hand.

“Hey, you having fun?” Bruce asked, looking down at her with a smile.

“Kind of,” Ingrid replied, taking a sip of her drink. After a brief pause, she leaned in and added, “So, is Natasha going to be my new mom?”

Bruce’s eyes widened in shock, and he nearly choked on his drink. “What?” he spluttered, looking genuinely taken aback.

Ingrid burst into laughter. “I’m kidding! Just wanted to see your reaction. But really, she’s very nice. I like her. You deserve something good after whatever happened between you and Mom, and then Betty...” She trailed off, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

Bruce looked at Ingrid with a mixture of surprise and tenderness. “I appreciate that, Ingrid. It’s been a rough time, and it means a lot to hear that.”

Ingrid gave him a reassuring smile. “I just want you to be happy."

Bruce reached out and ruffled her hair gently. "I am, you don't need to worry."

Ingrid’s face lit up. “Alright. Now, let’s see if we can find something fun to do before the evening wraps up.”