[A/N: Happy Thanksgiving to all! Do be safe and content with friends and family!]
Conclusion [Next Day—SHIELD Compound]
Outside of the compound, Manhattan's heart continued to pulse normally. Residents walked down the block. Underneath, they rode the subways to their destinations. Cars sped through Times Square. They had heard about the standoffs at JFK and the UN but had no idea of the connection between them and the edifice by their feet.
Which of course was the way Fury wanted it…..
Still one man in a dark trench coat and long flowing raven hair glared up at the building. He frowned at the failure of his plans. It represented another defeat in a string of them against his brother and the latter's allies. But he would gain his revenge.
Loki fumed over the Skull's lack of discipline. Still another stint wandering the cosmos would teach the former Nazi some manners he thought. Meantime he swore only to trust himself on future matters. Youandyourmortalfriendsescapedmethistime,Thor.Iwillbeback.He allowed his eyes to burn into the building yet again before melting away into the crowd.
But the god's next maneuver was a matter for a future day…..
Hawkeye sat alone in the assembly area. His eyes wandered around the room surveying every facet. Even if the rest of the team supported Banner and Stark over their training, he wouldn't be so weak. Romance wouldn't save any of them in a fight.
In fact, Cap had nearly killed himself at the UN because of it.
He rolled his eyes and felt the weight of his bow. It felt steady and secure to him more so than any woman might've.
"Playing with your bow again, Barton?" a familiar voice supposed.
He slowly pivoted the chair to see Natasha watching him as well. "That spy training really works wonders."
"It does. Still one can only get so far on base skill." She held up her hands allowing the light to glint off of the wrist bands. "These alone won't win a fight for me. It comes from my heart. Same with your bow. Learn to be human."
"Strange words from the ice queen," he retorted sharply. "Hogan must've given you something."
"Da. He loves me. He's taught me to be complete. Watch our teammates, Hawkeye. Even Stark might give you something to consider," she advised without missing a beat.
"Still can't see what you see in him," he insisted.
"Wow. Debating the finer art of romance. Who'd have thunk it, Romanov?" Tony interjected as he, Steve, Thor and Bruce entered the area.
"I only ask him to be a whole person. Much as Pepper would help you be," she fired back while shooting steel blue sparks from her eyes.
"Much as any of us would need to be," Steve interjected. "Good point, Natasha. I know all of you have been a big help to me since my reawakening."
"Aye. I can say the same. We need to be good to each other," Thor agreed. "We proved a powerful cadre."
"And I appreciate not being alone anymore," Bruce chimed in. "I don't know how much help I can give without the Hulk but I'll try."
The others didn't respond knowing full well that both sides of his persona would be needed.
"You all do what you can, Dr. Banner," Fury assessed grimly as he entered the room and shut the door. "Afternoon, Gang. Got an update on our situations." He opened a file folder. "Wanted to let you all know that there are thank yous from the United Nations and the President. In addition, the government is putting FEMA funds toward JFK covering the terminal damage. The Germans have confiscated the remaining Hydra weaponry and arrested the other agents there. You, Dr. Banner, are clear of military pursuit as long as you play ball. The President likes what he's seeing at Stark International and here." He shut the folder and set it on the table. "While you all definitely need work on team building, I can see potential in this group. We all need to keep working on things. I'm going to ride each and every one of you in that regard." His good eye met each of the team in turn. "Lots of break downs in communication. Egos flaring. We'll review that stuff." He let the right eye linger on Tony.
"Guess I'm prime for detention, Teach?" Tony supposed sarcastically.
"You all are, Stark. I'm not your Mommy though. That's why I'm allowing you all to develop your lives. I want you to get your shit together. Balance helps the mind, heart, body and soul. Doesn't matter who or what you are," Fury clarified. "Clear?"
Everyone around the table nodded.
"Good. Now we do have the small matter on Saturday. I'm gonna work you all double time tomorrow before the rehearsal dinner. No flies on the Avengers," Fury told them. "Yeah that's what they're calling you all. Your official code name. Guess that makes you a team. You did well for a first time out but we have a LOT of work to do."
"Let's remember what Bruce just said," Steve told them all. "We may not know what exactly we can do but we'll all do our best for the team."
"Aye," Thor concurred.
"Excellent point, Captain Rogers and Dr. Banner. And, Thor, great attitude. Let's keep going on that. Okay, we all have time to work out. Dismissed," Fury concluded.
"Now he dismisses us too. Geez. Guess I need to get a bell," Tony groused as they all got up.
"He is the leader, Stark," Hawkeye fired back impatiently.
"Hey. Was I talking to you, Robin Hood?" Tony shot back.
"Hey, guys, can we please not fight?" Bruce supposed while easing between them. He felt his own pulse rate starting to rise. He began to breathe quickly to ease his blood pressure.
"Tony, Clint, please," Steve concurred. "Bruce, maybe you might want to get some of your herbal tea? I've got this."
"Thanks." Bruce quickly stepped out of the room.
"This is EXACTLY what I was getting at. Park your egos at the door. Curb your asses before I do it for you. We were lucky, People. Eventually that runs out. Get moving," Fury insisted. When the team members had departed, he shook his head and rubbed his temples with his left hand. "How the Hell does Stark do that? Hell how am I going to keep Barton's mouth in line? And not get Banner to Hulk out? Yeah wonderful. Guess this is what we signed up for."
Still Fury knew he had the makings of a great team there. The Avengers had a rocky beginning but a beginning nonetheless. They'd survived the first major test. They were growing into something better both as individuals and a team.
And really that was all that could be asked…now and in the future.
THE END