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The New Avengers .
Fuck Valentina.
If they weren’t surrounded by thousands of flashing cameras and shouting journalists, Val would be sporting a growing bruise on the side of her cheek, courtesy from Yelena. And likely far worse from what Alexei seemed to have planned.
But now all Yelena can do is stare at Val as she smiles smugly, continuing to speak about her plan to initiate a new team of “Earth’s mightiest heroes,” made from only the most seasoned, well-versed fighters. Of course, she fails to mention that most of them are, or at least have been, underground assassins and human experiments, but hey, it’s not like Yelena needs the whole world knowing her business.
The fact that they all played into this greedy, self-serving scheme infuriates Yelena. In no way does she want to help Val ever again. Yet it’s clear that this is Val’s last resort to save herself from impeachment.
And that makes her vulnerable.
Forcing together a group of people who don’t want to work for you? That’s already hard to control. And if those people have previously teamed up with the sole purpose of taking you down because you set them up to kill each other?
Yeah, Val’s in deep shit.
So despite her rage, Yelena channels it, letting it seep through her bones.
Yelena steps forward, shifting her weight to make sure Valentina can feel her presence. Val continues smiling, but Yelena sees the shift in her attention. Years of observation allows Yelena to see through her: Val’s back straightening, and the brief dart of her eyes, both a silent plea for her to be a “ good girl .”
Well, Val has never thought of her as good. Why should she start being good now?
Yelena dips her head to whisper. Any closer, and the mic would catch her voice.
“ We own you now .”
Val’s pleased smile dims, and that tells Yelena all that she needs to know about how Val feels about that. Satisfied, Yelena steps back and breathes for what feels like the first time in years. And when she opens her eyes, she can’t help but smile at where she’s found herself, even with all the mess that she’s encountered along the way, and when everything remains uncertain.
“-who are these ‘New Avengers?’”
“-do these members have any special abilities-”
“-is the old Avengers Tower the new headqua-”
“-what do you have to say about John Walker and-”
“-a word from Congressman Barnes? Is this a sign of you leaving offi-?”
“-ain America, Dr. Banner, Thor? Where are the original memb-”
“-can you speak about the threat that just took over New York-”
The media’s questions are relentless.
Yelena watches Val, sees the minute crack in her composure in the twitch of her right eye and tightness of her smile.
Wow , having dirt on your boss feels amazing .
She observes, taking it all in, and for once, she sees a way out. And she doesn’t have to be alone this time.
So she turns around, looking at her recently acquired comrades. People she would have killed without a second thought if ordered to just a week prior, yet here they are, having mutual understanding of each other.
Ava and Walker seem equally surprised at Val’s unexpected move, with Walker looking as though he’d like nothing more than to point the barrel of his gun to Val’s head. Ava just looks as like she’d like to phase out of existence right here, right now.
Alexei’s eyes are brighter than Yelena has seen them in a long time. She knows he’s revelling in the “glory” of it all. But unmistakably, there’s also his rage toward Val. His love for glory is no doubt the only thing stopping him from charging at her right now.
There’s also Bucky. Not for the first time, Yelena sees the weight of over a hundred years of living press down on his shoulders. He looks in desperate need of a nap which Yelena relates to, her muscles stiff and aching from fighting.
And Bob. He’s there, too, albeit off to the side, clapping with the rest of the crowd. He’s smiling, still disoriented. The surprise short-term amnesia obviously isn’t helping. He doesn’t seem to think he’s on Val’s newly appointed “Avengers” (which is still absurd to Yelena, but whatever, anything goes) even though he’s the only one of them that can fly, use scary-strong mind powers, and whatever the Void has going on.
Yelena would laugh at the situation if she weren’t so tired, hungry, and in serious need of a shower.
Bob makes eye contact with Yelena, and he gives a small wave. He moves his hands, and Yelena’s fatigue-clouded mind doesn’t realize what’s going on until Bob is shuffling away, toward the area he had gestured towards. He looks back a few times, tugging at the ends of his blue sweater with each step.
Yelena doesn’t think twice before she grabs his arm. Bob flinches at the sudden touch, forcing his tugging to stop, and she half guilds, half drags Bob to the others. Once they’re there, Yelena quickly retracts her hand, worried that she had scared him.
“O-oh, Yelena, everyone–congratulations on being the New Avengers!” Bob says, his voice genuine and timid in that Bob-like way that Yelena has come to associate with him.
He laughs a little, an embarrassed and shy sound. “Uhm, I was just-just going to stand there, let you guys be, since I’m not an Avenger and all,” His eyes frantically dart between Yelena, the remainder of their group, and the flashing cameras to their side. “I don’t want to take up more of your space and-”
“Bob, stay with us.” Yelena interrupts, because she knows spiraling when she sees it. She’s too used to experiencing that same track of thinking on her own.
Bob’s eyebrows knit together. Somehow, he looks even more confused than before.
“...I-I know I forgot a lot between speaking with Val and ending up here, but I’m not stupid. I know I hurt people.”
He sounds so heartbroken and upset that pain squeezes Yelena’s heart. She doesn’t know what to say in response to that. Bob looks away, somewhere off to the side. “I can’t control this. I can’t be here.”
“No. You’re just where you need to be.”
Yelena, surprised and grateful, turns to Bucky upon hearing his interjection.
He continues, adding on: “Look, we all got into this mess in the first place because of Val. Now, she’s stringing us along to save her ass from impeachment, because there’s no way for her to clean this up all on her own.”
Yelena has barely interacted with the former Hydra assassin-turned-hero before, only knowing him through whispers about the Winter Soldier, stories from Natasha, and press articles. But immediately, she knows what he’s thinking, and she likes it.
Yelena smiles something twisted. She feels it in the shape of her lips, and she’s glad she’s facing away from the press, because she knows that whatever’s on her face reads of nothing but mischief. “She’s ours to control.”
“And our way out of all of this.” Bucky nods firm.
“And our glory for the taking!” Alexei shouts, and Yelena would be surprised if the press doesn’t hear his booming voice. “We will be the greatest team known to man. To woman. To child. To everyone ! We will have toys, games, secret hideout, a TV–no, two TV shows-”
“Okay, yes, we get that you like the spotlight,” Ava stops him there, and Yelena silently thanks her. If she were more coherent, she would’ve done so first. “But how does this really help us? We’re never going to be accepted, and we still have to deal with her .”
“I’d rather have her in the palm of our hand than have her sending out secret assignments to get each of us killed.” Walker says gruffly.
“He’s right,” Bucky says, and it looks like it takes a lot of willpower for him just to say that. “Val’s cornered us into this, but she’s also compromised herself. We know too much and have evidence of her secrets.”
Bucky sighs. Yelena wonders if he regrets leaving his congressman position, because things are suddenly far more complicated.
“We should stick together.”
“ Yes !” Alexei yells so loud that Yelena winces, “Yes, the Winter Soldier is correct! We will stick together and become heroes, admired and depended by all!”
“God, could you be a little quieter?” Walker scowl. “The media is right over there. They love to twist your words, so watch what you say. And lower your voice .”
“And you know that best, don’t you, dollar store Captain America?” Ava snarks, and Walker looks ready to punch her to the ground.
“Alright, stop,” Bucky says tiredly. “Please, just–stop.”
Walker argues, and Ava says something in defense. Yelena tunes them out, attention being drawn back to Bob, who is once again moving away.
The press turns their invasive, rumor-seeking eyes onto Bob, and Yelena notices the exact moment he freezes as he realizes this.
“What is your involvement with the New Avengers-”
“-sir, where are you-”
“-are you an employee of Miss de Fontaine?”
Bob jumps when Yelena pulls his sleeve, startling him from his frozen state. Like before, Yelena keeps hold of him and brings Bob back to their group.
“Where are you going?” she says. And, yes, maybe there was a better way of asking that question, but hey, she’s emotionally exhausted, sporting bruises in about fifty different places, and is craving some hot sauce mac ’n cheese.
“Oh, I-I’m not an Avenger,” Bob waves his hands, walking backwards. “So, I’m just going to go over there-”
“No, Bob, please.” Yelena says. Her voice cracks, and Bob stops. “You are part of the team. We wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Bob slowly smiles, bewildered. “Yelena, we’ve known each other for so little. I-I don’t think you know me.”
“You said something like that before. And maybe you’re right,” Yelena says, recalling how Sentry then proceeded to beat them without breaking a sweat. He was a completely different person from the Bob they met in the vault, yet Yelena can’t help but feel as though Sentry’s words could be related to their Bob’s thinking. “But I’d like to get to know you.”
She hears, “more like keep an eye on you,” grumbled from Walker who releases a hissing noise shortly after. Probably from being elbowed in the ribs by someone. The elbow probably also being from Ava.
Thankfully, Bob doesn’t seem to hear the snide comment. His eyes water and hands crumple together, pulling at the bottoms of his sleeves.
“...Is-Is that really okay?”
“Yes, Bob, that is more than okay.” Yelena smiles, worn out and true.
Bob laughs a little, breathes in sharply. “Okay, then, yeah… I’d like to join.”
“Perfect! Our team, now complete!” Alexei announces aloud, bringing one arm around Bob’s shoulders and another around Yelena. Yelena groans from his weight pushing down on her pounding muscles. “Let us celebrate the start of the greatest team in history!”
“Yes,” Yelena agrees, lifting Alexei’s arm off her shoulder who protests loudly. “I’m starving and tired of these story-hungry journalists.”
Walker grunts in what Yelena thinks is agreement. He gestures toward the tarp they walked through to get to Val in the first place. “Let’s go.”
Bob nods automatically, leaving first, probably eager to get away from the press’s eager eyes. He’s followed by Ava, Alexei, Walker, and then Bucky, who gives one last glance at Val before stepping through the tarp.
Yelena looks back at the roaring crowd which has grown, desperate to catch their new, beloved hero (read: assassin).
Yelena catches Val looking at her, a quiet demand in her eyes. Yelena smirks in response, because really, she can’t demand anything of them anymore. With that final glance, she leaves through the tarp and follows the group to who knows where.
They walked several blocks, presumably to reach an area unaffected by the Void’s wreckage. Yelena had no clue where they were going. The adrenaline long since left her system, and all she was left with was the feeling of sore muscles and her stomach eating away at itself.
Most restaurants they passed were closed. The first one they found open was a small pizzeria on the corner of some street.
Yelena didn’t wait to see if the others were following her. She entered the pizzeria and ordered three pizzas (one cheese, another veggie, and the last meat lovers) right away.
Now, biting into her first pizza slice, Yelena sighs. She nearly moans, because she’s never tasted something so good.
She’s squeezed between the wall and Alexei in a booth meant only for four people, not six. In their hunger-focused states, none of them bothered to ask for extra seating. Yelena is beginning to regret this, as it makes reaching for the pepper flakes marginally harder. She has to elbow Alexei to get to it. He barely budges from devouring his slices.
“This was the best idea, Yelena! This is why you are my daughter,” Alexei says while chewing. Some greasy bits of pizza are speckled throughout his beard, and a few fly from his mouth as he gestures around.
“Gross,” she hears Ava mutter from Alexei’s other side. Yelena agrees.
“Please don’t talk while eating,” Yelena says hypocritically, since she’s doing the same herself. But at least she’s not spraying the chewed-up bits everywhere. “But yes. This is amazing . Only need some hot sauce to make it all perfect.”
“ Hot sauce ?” Walker says incredulously.
He’s seated between Bob and Bucky, with the latter sitting out of the booth to make more space for the rest of them. Bob is trying to do the same, making himself as small as possible by smushing against the wall, but all that does is give himself less room and allows Walker to spread his legs out more.
“Why would you ruin some perfectly good pizza with hot sauce ?”
“Excuse me? It would not be ruining it. It would be perfecting it.”
“Even I’m a little… skeptical about that.” Bob chimes in.
He looks like he immediately regrets speaking when Walker directs his full attention onto him. All Walker does is clap his non-pizza-occupied hand onto Bob’s shoulder, squeezing once, before letting go and carrying on.
“Exactly. If I hadn’t already known that you were insane for going into the Void by yourself, then I would know from this. Because this is just sacrilege.”
“Well! Good thing I’m not religious.” Yelena smiles thinly.
“Yelena is a special girl. Her spice tolerance,” Alexei whistles. He still has crumbs in his beard and all over his body, but at least this time his mouth isn’t full of food. “It is incredible!”
“Yeah, you’re both insane.”
Walker stretches his arms and accidentally into Bob who somehow inches more into the wall in response. He reaches for one of the last three meat lovers slices which are all swiftly stolen by Alexei.
“Hey, what the hell? You really need all three of those?”
“Yes! The Red Guardian must remain well-fed and strong.”
Alexei stacks the three slices and bites into it as evidence. He smiles as he chews. Yelena groans at his antics.
“Dude, really? You’re going to be like that?”
“Be like what?” Alexei just continues to smile, enjoying his pizza.
“You know what? Nevermind. I’m ordering more pizza.”
Walker nudges Bucky, who looks asleep with his eyes open, to shuffle out of the booth. Bucky does so and sits back down once Walker’s out.
“Yes! More food! Four–no, seven more pizzas!” Alexei demands from his seat.
“Only if I get to pick them this time,” Ava stands. “And I’m looking for more chairs.”
They soon come back. Walker returns to his spot in the booth. The owner brings two chairs from the back which Yelena assumes is for Ava and Bucky. Bucky thanks the owner, and the two sit down, this time more comfortably.
The pizza arrives minutes later which Alexei immediately jumps to. As asked, there’s seven pizzas: two cheese, one Hawaiian, one margherita, one veggie, another meat lovers, and the last–
Yelena gasps. “Is that buffalo chicken?”
“Yep,” Walker says, popping the ‘p’ as he grabs a slice of meat lovers. “Figured that if your spice tolerance is that good, then you could handle this.”
Yelena tries the pizza. She hums, satisfied. “Not as spicy as I’d like it, but, eh, it is good. Thanks.”
Walker huffs which Yelena takes as his “you’re welcome.”
They devour the pizza. It’s easy work with three–no, four super-serum people in their group.
Yelena feels as though she cannot eat anymore when Alexei asks, “now, ice cream? Yes, yes?”
“I don’t think I can eat anymore, but knock yourself out,” Ava says.
The idea of eating more makes Yelena a bit hesitant, but ice cream right now would hit just the spot. “Ice cream does sound nice.”
Alexei cheers and wraps his arm around Yelena. His hands are greasy from the pizza even after wiping them off with napkins. Actually, maybe instead of ice cream, her next priority should be a shower.
“Um, guys?”
Bob pipes up from his corner, looking at everyone individually. He stops at Yelena, and she nods, encouraging him to go on.
“Ice cream sounds nice, but how exactly are we paying for all of this?”
Ah. Right.
Everyone looks as dumbfounded as Yelena feels. Even Alexei has stopped to consider this.
Oops .
Guess she forgot to think about that part.
Almost reflexively, they all turn to Bucky. His soul all but seems to have left his physical body.
Bucky sighs, deep and long. His whole body moves with the exhale as he leans forward in his chair, arms on his knees. He runs a hand through his hair, stopping to cup his face and his eyes gaze downward.
“Goddammit.”
That one word carries the weight of the entire day, and for some reason, Yelena starts laughing. The whole thing is so bizarre, she just can’t help it. It’s a weird reaction, but she hears Ava laughing as well. Even Walker makes laughs with an audible puff sound.
She regains herself after a minute or so. “Anyone happen to have any hidden cash? Maybe some loose change in a pocket?” Yelena asks.
No response.
Yelena tilts her chin to Bucky. “You have your phone, right? Any apple, mobile, or whatever pay you can use?”
“It’s a work phone, I don’t have any of that on it.” Bucky sighs again.
“Well then, do you think they’d put it on our tab?”
“The one-hundred-fifty-something dollars' worth of pizza?” Walker says, incredulously.
“It’s probably more than that. You need to think in New York prices,” Ava adds.
“Of course! We are the Thunderbolts! We are the heroes who saved New York. One day, they will look back and be grateful that they served a meal to the greatest heroes.”
“No one knows us as a team. And, what, now we’re the Thunderbolts still?” Ava questions Alexei. “I thought you of all people would like the ‘New Avengers’ title.”
“That lady created the ‘New Avengers,’ but we created the Thunderbolts.” Alexei almost growls out. “She is horrible person. She is not the dream boss I admired.”
“Yeah, she sucks,” Yelena laughs.
“Yes, she is worst of worst.” Alexei nods. “So why make things easy for her? The Thunderbolts never go down without a fight.”
Yelena smiles at that. “Yeah, but the Thunderbolts never won a single game.”
“But we have heart, yes? Lots of heart. Makes you full and filled. Just like being goalie on soccer team!”
“Heart doesn’t help if we end up losing.” Walker’s blunt reply has Alexei aghast. “What? Am I wrong? We’re not on some Pee-Wee soccer team. Losing against Val may mean dying .”
“I-I’m sorry, I think I’m missing something. Why are we talking about soccer now?”
Bob interjects. He looks confused. Right, he wasn’t there for all of the Thunderbolts talk. He might not even remember Alexei declaring that name before Sentry pummeled everyone to the ground (something Yelena decides to put a pin in to ask Bob about later, because the memory loss is concerning).
The same goes for Bucky not knowing what the Thunderbolts really is, but he doesn’t really seem to care. He’s probably more preoccupied with how they’re supposed to leave without paying. Yelena can’t blame him.
Alexei goes on a tangent of Yelena’s soccer team which Bob listens intently to. Everyone else seems to be in their own little worlds.
And then the pizzeria’s front door opens with a creak. Its little bell chimes. Yelena discreetly looks at the entrance and is surprised to see Melissa Gold walking in their direction. She’s never met the woman properly, but she knows enough about Val’s employees from her own observation to know that this may mean trouble.
Bucky hears the click of her heels too. He glances behind him, and eyes widen as he recognizes her.
“Mel,” Bucky says pleasantly. A smile spreads across his face, one Yelena knows is authentic but full of suspicion. “Here for some pizza?”
“Hi, Congressman Barnes. Or just Mister Barnes now, I guess.”
Mel–a nice nickname, Yelena thinks–smiles. She’s nervous. Interesting .
“No, I’m not here for pizza. Although that does sound tempting.” She tucks a loose strand of hair from her disheveled bun. “Sorry. Val told me to tail you guys.”
Walker scoffs. “ Of course she did.”
Mel does look apologetic when she says this, so Yelena lets it slide. Something about her is different from the other officials Yelena has met. A little kinder and more open-minded.
“So, she told you to tail us,” Bucky says. “Did she tell you to do anything else?”
Mel shifts on her feet, looking uncomfortable. “Yeah, well. She wants you guys, quote, ‘on a short leash and return them to the tower immediately.’ She was fuming when you guys left. She held it together since the press was there.”
Yelena is impressed that Mel admits all of this so readily.
“She really thinks we’ll just bow down and follow orders?” Ava gapes, scornful. “She’s lost it if that’s what she thinks.”
“Yes, tell your boss that she is not needed. The Thunderbolts are not animals to be controlled.” Alexei declares emphatically.
“Well, she has a proposition, one that I think you all might be interested in.” Mel says. “As long as you guys make public appearances and continue with missions as assigned, you’re free to do whatever you want. You’ll live in the new Avengers Watchtower and have most things covered by Val.”
Mel sighs. “She’s already getting an influx of donors because of her new announcement, but funds will only continue to pour in if you guys present yourselves well to the public. So, unlike before, this would be far more like a partnership.”
“You really think we’d go for that? Work for Val, get assigned vague, unknown missions, be confined to her surveilled tower, and kiss up to the reporters in our free time?” Walker crosses his arms.
“No, but I’m hopeful that something better can come out of this. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t see any issues in how Val acted until recently. I’ve only now started to rectify that.” Mel smiles self-deprecatingly. “It’s a little late, but I’m sorry for all that she’s put you through. What she’s done is cruel and… evil. Which is weird for me to say, since I’ve admired her for so long. And I’m also sorry on behalf of myself. I contributed to the mess you’re all in by helping Val. So… yeah, I’m sorry.”
She finishes awkwardly, standing there, not sure what to say next.
Yelena commends Mel’s transparency, but it will take more than just that for her to trust any employee of Val’s. Val could very well be ordering her to act like this in the first place.
Bucky nods slowly in response to the apology, offering a small smile. “Thanks, Mel, but what now?”
Mel sighs shakily. Ah, so this is what she’s most nervous about. “Well, you see, as much as I hate her behavior, I think the best way to make actual change and improvement is to stick around Val. Keep her close, you know?”
“Smart,” Yelena says. Her smile widens. “I like the way you think, Melissa.”
“Oh, thanks, and you can just call me Mel,” She says sheepishly. “So, I was thinking, maybe we could be allies of some kind? Like working together to keep Val under check. I technically was ordered to get you guys back to the tower no matter what, but since Val thinks I haven’t found you guys yet, I can give you some time alone to talk about… well, everything.”
“Even though we don’t really have a choice? We’ll just end up in the same place, won’t we?” Walker says, agitated.
“ Walker ,” Bucky scolds. “Sorry about him. And yes, that would be great.”
“Okay, yeah. Let me just–first, can I borrow that?”
She points at a half greased-stained napkin at Yelena’s left. Yelena eyebrows lift in interest. She hands the napkin over to Mel who takes a pen out of her purse and scribbles something on it.
“Here.”
Mel hands Bucky the greasy, now folded napkin. He receives it, and chuckles as he unfolds it.
“What, so you’re giving me trash now?”
“No,” she snorts. “It’s my personal number. I just thought that with Val breathing down my neck, I’d feel more comfortable if you guys contacted me on a line that Val has less access to. In case anything happens.”
“Thanks, Mel, that’s thoughtful of you.” Bucky smiles. It’s completely disarming, and yep, Yelena concludes that Bucky has been trying to charm her.
“Yeah, don’t mention it,” She smiles in return. “I’m going to head back to the tower. Here.”
She then places a stack of cash on their table. When Bucky looks at it questioningly, she explains, “For your ride back to the tower. Or you can walk, but it is quite the trek after all that you guys have eaten. I trust that you guys will return, so I won’t have to call a bunch of agents after you.”
Alexei not-so subtly takes the cash. Yelena immediately becomes suspicious. She also hears, “manipulative, much?” being muttered from Walker. Mel grimaces but doesn’t design a response.
“–Miss Mel! Wonderful Mel,” Alexei exclaims, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. Yelena immediately becomes suspicious. “You have–you have money .”
Mel is bewildered. “Yeah. How did you think I paid for my cab?”
“You,” He points at Mel as she smiles, unaware of what to do next, “are the perfect ally. So perfect that you will lend us more money?”
“Uh, sorry?”
“Please, excuse him,” Bucky smiles. It’s sheepish, authentic, and tired, but Yelena can read bits of manipulation in it. “Thank you for the cash, but would you happen to have some more on you? Or a credit card?”
“Yes,” Mel says, suspiciously.
“Hate to ask this of you,” Bucky says good naturedly, “but would you mind lending some? I don’t tend to carry cards or personal identification when on a mission, and we hadn’t thought ahead before ordering food.”
“Oh! Sure, how much?” She pulls out more cash. “One hundred?”
“No, well, it would be more than that. We’ve got several super soldiers on our team, and since our metabolism is fast–”
“What he’s saying is that we need you to pay for our food because we don’t have any money. And it’s a lot .”
“ Walker ,” Ava hisses.
“What?” He scoffs. “There’s no reason to beat around the bush.”
“Ignore them,” Bucky smiles through a grimace. “But Walker’s right. I didn’t think to bring my card when you asked me to track your phone. I can pay you back once this is all settled.”
“Oh! This can be on me,” Mel smiles mischievously. “Or more accurately, Val’s company card. I’ll just say that I had to pay for your meals to get you to cooperate.”
“Thanks, Mel. I appreciate that.”
“‘Course.”
She goes to the cashier and pays.
“Thanks again, Mel,” Bucky says genuinely when she rounds back to their table. “We’ll see you back at the tower?”
She nods. And with one final “take care” and wave from Bucky, she leaves the pizzeria.
Once she’s out of sight, Bucky’s smile quickly drops. He turns back to the group, who look at him inquisitively.
“What? She’s ductile.”
“ Quack, quack ,” Alexei mimics. “young little duck following the Winter Soldier. She has the makings of great ally.”
“I agree,” Yelena says begrudgingly. “She seems taken by you, Bucky. Have you met often before?”
“Not really. I’ve only talked to her three times. But she’s a genuine person. She would’ve done something about Val even if we weren’t involved. I think it’d be a good idea to keep her close.”
“Ah yes. Keep your friends closest and allies closer.” Alexei says.
“That is completely wrong.” Walker grumbles. He doesn’t dwell on Alexei though and turns to Bucky. “You really want to do this? Work for Val and abandon your position, Congressman Barnes?”
“Of course not,” Bucky says sternly. “To the first part, at least. The whole Congressman thing just felt like the right thing to do. Right now though… I don’t know. But it’s a little too late for me to be regretting my decisions.”
They’re all too far into this to back out. Yelena is sure everyone at their table feels the same.
“Well, what other choice do we have?” Ava asks. “If we don’t do this, we’ll just be criminals of the government all over again. Isn’t that right?”
Bucky frowns, a confirmation of Ava’s speculation.
And for some reason, Yelena is okay with this.
Because, you know what? What the hell. At this point, why not.
It’s not like Yelena has much else to do.
And now when she thinks of what she’s done, her reconciliation with Alexei, meeting Bob… Yelena feels a sense of purpose she hasn’t experienced in a long time. A coil of warmth in her stomach. It winds around, and she feels hope.
It’s such a foreign feeling to her that it’s scary.
She can’t let it be snuffed out so soon. She’ll grab hold of it so tightly she might choke the life out of it, but what else can she do than try to keep everything from falling apart.
“Let’s stay together.” Yelena says again, because no one has responded yet. “We work well as a group, we all hate Valentina, and we don’t have much of a choice. Let’s do it.”
Alexei nods energetically, already in agreement. Ava looks reluctant but nods her head slowly.
Bucky sighs, old, weary and tired, then nods as well.
Then there’s Walker, still crossing his arms, like he’s about to throw a temper tantrum. “Fine. Can’t say I’m happy about this arrangement.”
“Since when have you ever been happy around us?” Ava jibes. Walker scoffs but does nothing else in response.
Yelena smiles. These are the people she wants to be with. Even with all the assholery and trauma each of them carry.
And that brings her to Bob. He’s silently watching with a closed off expression.
“Bob? What do you think?”
Bob’s surprise at being addressed is evident in his eyes.
“M-Me? I’m not a fighter.”
“Yes, but you are part of team. We have talked about this already!” Alexei exclaims.
“...Okay,” Bob says, obviously still not convinced. “I’m okay with it. As long as you guys are okay with me joining. I’d like to stay around.”
He’s timid. A little too timid to ask for what he wants. They’ll have to work on that, Yelena thinks. “That is what we want too, and I’m happy that you’ve chosen us.”
Bob’s smile warms her heart. It’s vulnerable and touching how he reacts, but it makes Yelena all the sadder that he’s rarely heard such welcoming words even though he’s so deserving of them.
Alexei jumps out of his seat, nearly knocking Yelena in the head. “In that case, now that money is no issue… Ice cream !”
Ah, and that’s why he pocketed the cash.
“Hey now, that’s our ride back–”
“Why must we return now when the night is still young?” Alexei interrupts Walker, boisterously laughing. He swats away Walker’s hands when he tries to grab that cash. “Let us feast and toast to us, the Thunderbolts–” Alexei grin widens, “–or maybe, should I say, the New Avengers ? Yes, yes?”
“Wow, you switch up fast. What happened to the whole, sticking with the Thunderbolts thing?” Ava rolls his eyes and stands as well.
“I sort of started liking the name, too,” Bob adds quietly. “The Thunderbolts, I mean.”
“Of course we are still the Thunderbolts! Nothing will change! But we must be New Avengers for money, you understand?” Alexei winks at Bob.
Bob chuckles unsurely, looking at Yelena. She smiles back.
Bucky simply shakes his head, acting his age of one hundred something. “Fine. But you can’t complain about walking on the way back.”
Though she hates to admit it, Alexei could be right. Maybe they could rise to glory. Maybe they can make something good out of so much bad. Maybe they would die trying.
But for now, ice cream.
“Cmon,” she says. “Let’s get out of here. Ice cream is calling.”