Dhaka took a part of you that you'll never get back.
Coming home isn't the same - not when you're faced with Bucky, the ghost of everything you lost. The past clings at every glance, every silence. Part of you misses the chaos Dhaka handed you - the...
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7:41 p.m. — Avengers Compound, Main Headquarters.
The elevator doors opened.
The lights in the compound were warmer than you remembered—golden, soft. Like the place had been holding its breath for your return and finally exhaled. The moment you and Thor stepped in, everything seemed to still.
Faces turned. Expressions shifted. Everyone seemed to register the same thing. You'd changed. Thinner, yes. But also sharper. Like the past seven months had carved you into something new. Your eyes didn't glisten the same. Your energy, the way you moved—there was a stillness now, a silence behind the strength.
Steve stood first.
His posture stiffened at the sight of you both—then softened as he crossed the room with purpose. He didn't speak. He didn't have to. He just wrapped you in a tight, steady hug like a brother trying to make sure you were real. You didn't realize you were shaking until his hand pressed gently against your back.
"We thought we lost you," he whispered.
You pulled back, nodded once, eyes misting.
Sam followed, stepping in with that ever-present calm. He smiled—soft but full—and hugged you too. Damn, you'd forgotten how Sam gives the best hugs.
"Still pretty as ever."
Then clapping Thor on his good shoulder with a grin.
"You, maybe not so much pal."
You chuckled lightly, a sound that felt foreign coming from your mouth. Thor smiled, nudging Sam with a laugh.
Then came Natasha.
She said nothing, just walked forward and placed her hands gently on either side of your face, brushing her thumb under your eye before pulling you in. She held on a little longer than everyone else. She always did.
Clint was right behind her, awaiting his turn. Kissing you on the cheek ever so gently, giving your hand a light squeeze.
"Missed you, Rainn." he winked. Releasing your hand and turning to shake Thor's hand.
"Good to see you buddy."
Maria. Professional as ever. But when she hugged you, it lingered just a second too long to be formal. "Welcome home," she murmured, her voice steady.
Bruce wrapped his arms around you quickly and gently. His embrace was brief but full of warmth. You could feel his concern radiating through his usually calm demeanor. Pulling Thor straight in for a hug, the encounter that meant the most to Thor, his closest friend here besides you.
You smiled—really smiled—for the first time in months. Thor needed that more than he'd admit.
Scott followed, dramatic as ever, before flinging his arms around both you and Thor at once.
"Okay but like... are you guys okay okay or Avengers-okay, which means emotionally shattered and pretending you're not?"
You let out a tired laugh and exchanged a glance with Thor, who raised an eyebrow.
