A Distant Memory (Remastered)

~ return ~

But you were standing. Clean. Alive.

And that was something.

The elevator ride was silent.

—-

When you entered the main headquarters, the atmosphere had shifted. Warmer. Softer. Plates clinked, music played low through the speakers. Laughter trickled through the room.

Nat was already pouring drinks. Scott and Sam were shouting at Steve about the baseball game they'd watched. Clint, Bruce, Maria and Fury gathered over fries and pizza. Tony and Happy stood around the kitchen island mid-debate.

And the second they saw you and Thor walk in, the room shifted again.

Not with awkwardness. Not with pity.

But with something gentler. Respect.

Tony stood up, raising a glass. "Now we're complete."

You smiled faintly. Thor gave a small nod.

Someone handed you a drink. Someone else handed you a plate. And for the first time in what felt like forever, you sat. Among your team. Your family.

Still hurting. Still healing.

But home.

You scanned the room, the casual chatter, the low hum of music... but one face was missing.

Bucky.

You noticed instantly.

Steve approached, plate in hand, eyes soft — already knowing.

"He didn't want to make you uncomfortable," he said quietly. "Thought you might need space."

You nodded. Guilt pricked the back of your throat. You didn't ask him to go.

But of course he did.

Of course he'd think of that.

Part of you felt relief.

The other part... felt complicated. Sad that he was alone while everyone else was together.

You looked away, unsure of how to feel.

That's when Sam appeared, sliding beside you, holding two drinks.

"Do you realize how hard it's been to hold in all this gossip I've saved up for you." he said, deadpan.

You blinked, caught off guard. Then—laughter.

Real, sudden, uncontrollable.

You and Sam met on the roof terrace every Wednesday night. Shared a joint. Watched the stars. Gossiped like it was a sport. About the team, SHIELD agents, celebrity drama — anything.

You weren't even sure how it started. But it became your favorite part of the week. Sam's too.

You laughed again, realizing he had thirty Wednesdays worth.

"Oh Sam I've missed you."

Sam beamed. "There it is. That's what I wanted." He clinked your drinks together. "Get ready for the biggest joint of your life on Wednesday." He whispered.

He pulled out his phone, flipped open the Notes app, and turned the screen toward you.

A massive bullet-point list.

"See! I had to start taking notes so I wouldn't forget."

You smiled. Really smiled. You pulled him into a hug — but then a wave hit you. You had no gossip. Only pain. You pulled away.