[ it's a real relief to see natasha honestly, as much as a part of him would way rather see his aunt or a friend up and about; natasha's an avenger, she's the black widow, she's got to have this, in some way, covered.

(he remembers, belatedly: you're an avenger now. it's not that he forgot, exactly, but there's just been -- a lot's happened.)

he opens his mouth and closes it when she says she could use the company -- she doesn't know him, he remembers as he does with pretty much everyone from his world around here -- and then nods, his open awe tamped down by their surroundings.

at her question, though, he can't help a laugh -- a little bit of a nervous one, but also familiar. he knows what she's talking about, who they're talking about, is familiar enough to get the joke. ]

I mean, I wouldn't say -- [ wait, oops. he's just an ex-intern of stark industries, as far as anyone's concerned. CLEARS HIS THROAT. ] That! That I know. I haven't met him before. I've just seen -- you know, the news and stuff.