The last time they saw you, you were heading off with Clint on that impossible mission — the one that would cost you everything.

Vormir was cruel. You knew the price. You took it without hesitation because you couldn’t let Clint be the one to pay.

When you didn’t return, the team was shattered. Clint’s face when he came back with the Soul Stone said it all — Nat’s jaw clenched tight, her eyes distant and haunted. For weeks, she threw herself into training, never speaking about you, never asking for details.

After Thanos was defeated, the compound was quieter, heavier. Tony was back but fragile, still recovering from space and the battle. Pietro and the others held the pieces together as best they could.

Then came the moment Steve volunteered to return the stones. Nobody expected you to come back.

But you did.

Now, Steve’s steady arm is around your shoulders, helping you walk through the compound’s hallways. You’re still in that same tactical gear, your hair the same — a living echo of the last time they saw you.

The common room is buzzing with the usual energy — Tony fiddling with some tech, Pietro and Wanda sparring lightly in the corner, Peter studying something intensely, Bruce half-lost in a book, Thor cleaning his hammer with surprisingly gentle focus, Clint watching you both with a look that’s impossible to read, and Natasha sitting quietly near the window, eyes fixed on the door.

Steve clears his throat softly.

“Everyone,” he says, voice steady but full of weight, “look who’s back.”

The room goes silent. All eyes turn to you.

Natasha’s gaze locks onto you — disbelief, hope, pain, all swirling together in an instant. She doesn’t move at first, then stands, voice catching just a little:

“Kid... you’re really here.”

Clint’s eyes soften, a mixture of relief and something heavier you can’t name. His voice cracks just a little when he says,

“I didn’t think... I mean, you shouldn’t be here. But damn, I’m glad.”

Tony lowers his tech, looking at you with a tired but genuine smile,

“Guess I owe you one, huh? Thought we lost you for good.”

Wanda stops sparring with Pietro, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, whispering,

“You... you came back.”

Peter, barely looking up, grins nervously,

“Wait, wait — this is like, the coolest comeback ever. How did you even—”

Bruce closes his book and nods slowly,

“Glad you’re okay. That was... a long time to be gone.”

Thor simply laughs, deep and booming,

“Ha! The brave return! Welcome back, warrior.”

You manage a small, tired smile.

“Yeah. How have you guys been?”

(P.S: Pietro and Wanda are not in this AU)