A Distant Memory (Remastered)

~ return ~

You collapsed into him like a wave breaking at the shore.

"You're okay" he whispered. "I got you."

You didn't realize how long you'd been holding it in until your hand gripped the back of his jacket like it was the only thing keeping you upright, that father figure presence, the hugs he gave like you were one of his own. Bruce pulled Thor aside facing the rest of the team, all mingling in small talk while you hugged Happy.

"You scared the hell outta me." he admitted.

You pulled away just enough to see his face.

"I kept your old comm line open. Every damn day. I don't know why—just... felt like I should."

That broke something in you.

You let out a breath that cracked at the edges. He saw it. He always did.

He brushed your hair gently behind your ear. A quiet act of care.

"It's so good to see you."

You hugged him again. Longer.

Everyone else's hugs had worn you down. This one grounded you.

Tony reappeared, clapping his hands together.

"Alright, team," he announced, "let's give these two a second to breathe before the emotional whiplash sets in. Group debrief tomorrow. Until then, pizza's on me and drinks are in the bar—unless Banner's been hoarding the good stuff again."

Everyone laughed, tension easing just slightly.

"We'll give you a few," Tony said quietly to you, his tone softer now. "Then we'll come back in and be annoying again. Fair warning. I promised everyone a toast, and I'm not opening a bottle until you're both in the room, get yourselves freshened up."

He and the others stepped out, peeling off in pairs, voices echoing into the compound corridors. Bucky following behind them. His head itching to turn and glance at you.

Happy caught up with him, giving a pat on the back. Bucky smiled, grateful for the gesture.

You didn't know everything yet. But if Happy was in his corner... maybe, when the time came, you'd listen.

You exhaled.

Thor stayed beside you.

The compound quieted.

Just before the doors closed, Bucky looked back at you.

Hopeful.

But not tonight.

Tonight was about survival.

Tomorrow?

That might be for healing.

—-----------------------------------------

9:04 p.m. — Avengers Compound, East Wing.

You didn't speak much after the reunion.

The hallway felt too wide. The fluorescent lights too bright. Thor walked beside you, silent, his limp slightly eased after medical, but still there. He opened your door before his own, eyes soft, lingering.

"Take your time," he said. "I'll wait for you here when I'm done."

You nodded, but neither of you moved for a second. Like parting felt unnatural after everything you'd survived.

Eventually he stepped back and disappeared down the hall into his room, leaving you alone with the stillness. Your room was untouched. Like you hadn't even ever been gone.

You peeled off your jacket, your boots, your bandaged shirt. Each layer felt heavier than it should. Like you were shedding seven months of exhaustion. Turning to look in the mirror, you see it.

Your body. The whirlwind of Dhaka had made it all invisible. But now, home again, the layers stripped away, you could finally see.