<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">Tony met Natasha's eyes over Peter's head and mouthed a quick 'thank you'.  The assassin favored him with one of her tiny, pleased smiles.  Tony always felt like he'd won the lottery when he'd gotten one of those -- they were damned rare, and each one was precious to him.<br/>
<br/>
"For you today, they are," Natasha promised Peter.  "I do hugs sometimes -- with very few select people."  Usually Clint and Phil, though she had been known to sneak one from Thor now and again.  He made her feel so <i>small</i> and <i>safe </i>and sometimes even the world's deadliest spider needed that.  "Today you are one of them."  In truth, Peter was always one of her favorites-- but she didn't want to make him uncomfortable.  Instead, she pulled him back in for another hug, this one tight and protective.  "Let's go up to the common room.  It smelled like Bruce was cooking, and Phil was baking -- you know that's how those two take care of people."  She rolled her eyes dramatically.  "Normally I pour vodka, but I've been informed that's inappropriate here."<br/>
<br/>
"I'd just as soon you didn't get my -- Peter drunk," Tony said, reaching over to ruffle Peter's hair as they walked to the elevator.  "But whatever Brucie-bear's cooking and Agent's baking, I'm game."  It had surprised Tony at first not only that Phil baked but that he was good at it -- the shock had worn off by now.  Phil baked to relieve stress and as a result... baked a lot.  The Avengers were the lucky recipients of the results.</span></span>