Nodus Tollens
In the aftermath of New York, Steve and Audrey try to find their places in the world, on their team, and with each other.
Chapter One: Ever Since New York
"It feels so scary getting old." -Lorde
August 28, 2012
Audrey winced as she was thrown onto the mat for the third time that evening, her head striking the ground and the pain shooting up her neck. Audrey tried not to make premature judgments, but she was pretty sure this wasn't how most people spent their sixty-sixth birthday.
She felt a knife press up against her neck.
This being sparring with a former Red Room assassin and losing. Very badly.
"You're dead," Natasha said. She relented from her attacks and stood up, offering a hand to help Audrey up.
The blonde, sweaty and out of breath, accepted the offer and pulled herself back onto her feet. They'd been training for two hours, almost, according to the clock on the wall. It was hell. Even with the super-soldier serum running through her veins, Audrey couldn't seem to beat Natasha. She'd block her attacks a few times, and then Natasha would pull a new trick and land a kick to her neck, or she'd somehow twist Audrey into a chokehold. As grateful as she was to be trained by the Black-freaking-Widow herself, at the moment she was having trouble focusing on anything besides how sore she was.
"You're holding back," Natasha informed her. "You know what's coming but you don't react fast enough." Audrey bowled over, wheezing.
"Noted," she breathed.
"Let's try again," Natasha told her. "No knives this time." The ginger flicked her switchblade back into its shielded position and tossed it to the side of the ring. She put her fists up, prepared to start again.
C'mon, Carter. Audrey lifted her arms up to tighten her ponytail, and then mimicked the redhead's position. Natasha waited for a moment, giving Audrey a window to make the first move, and the blonde chose to swing her arm into the redhead's cheek, hard.
Natasha didn't react, and save for a moment of disorientation, she wasn't all that deterred. She dropped to the ground and swung both her legs under Audrey's, knocking the blonde onto her back. She was on top of her in an instant, and Audrey was only barely moving her head enough to dodge the redhead's punches.
Audrey finally grabbed the redhead's fist and twisted, until Natasha relented and rolled off of her. Audrey lept back onto her feet, and Natasha soon followed suit. The redhead pivoted and sent a kick in Audrey's direction, which the blonde lifted up her arm to block. Natasha smirked the slightest bit, and Audrey did her best not to read too much into it. She took a deep breath, and then realized something-Natasha was winning because she was fighting with technique. Something Audrey did not have. But what Audrey did have going for her was blunt strength. And with all pointy objects out of the way, she could use it without accidentally bumbling around and getting herself stabbed.
She stuck out her elbow and charged towards Natasha, catching her off guard for once and sending her to the ground. Audrey then leaned down and pressed her forearm to the redhead's throat. Natasha smiled up at her, almost proud, and tapped her arm, a sign to relent.
Audrey got the feeling that Natasha wasn't out of tricks yet and that she was probably going easy on her because it was her birthday. But she'd take it for now if it meant she could catch a break.
"Better," Natasha said, as Audrey helped her to her feet. She looked over at the clock, which read 6. "I'll let you go so you have enough time to get ready."
Thank god. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about what Tony has planned?" Audrey asked. The two stepped out of the ring, gathering their things into gym bags. Audrey uncapped her water bottle and gulped down its contents desperately, nearly choking from drinking too fast.
"Of course I do," Natasha retorted. "I'm not telling, though."
Audrey huffed, pressing the button for the elevator. "Fine."
"You'll have fun, don't worry," Natasha assured her. The doors opened and the women stepped in, quiet as the elevator went up past the rest of the communal levels of Avengers Tower and entered the block of floors devoted to suites. When they arrived at Audrey's floor, Natasha offered her a small smile. "See you tonight," she said.
"See you then," Audrey replied, stepping out and entering the door on the right side of the hallway. The other one belonged to Steve.
She'd only moved in a few weeks ago, but Audrey was convinced she'd never get used to how nice life in the Tower was. As soon as she and Steve had returned from their road trip in early August, Tony had demanded that they stop by the remodelled Stark Tower, which now went by the name Avengers Tower. The second they arrived, Tony swept them up in a grand tour, showing off the remodelled labs, the movie theater, the training facilities, and the living area before he whisked them off to their floor.
Their floor. Never had Audrey imagined she would have an entire floor to herself. As if that wasn't stunning enough, her apartment was ridiculous. The living room connected to a state-of-the-art kitchen, and further into the apartment was a massive bedroom that was met with an ensuite bigger than the entirety of her former apartment. She'd tried to persuade Tony that there was no way she needed all of this, but he refused to budge, explaining to her that by taking the apartment and making use of it, she was converting clean energy into dollars that went towards rebuilding the destroyed areas of New York, and Stark Industries' new affordable housing project. She'd been dubious, but when Bruce verified that indeed, Tony was telling the truth, Audrey accepted the metaphorical keys to the apartment.
Metaphorical, because the lock actually used biometric scanning.
Now, in her apartment, she tossed her gym bag on the couch and headed straight for her bathroom, wanting nothing more than a shower.
By the time Audrey had scrubbed herself clean and gotten dressed, it was 6:50 and she was due downstairs in ten minutes. She knew that, unlike most things, arriving to parties early was usually unappreciated, but that left her sitting on her couch, fidgeting uncomfortably as the minutes ticked by. Her dress-an emerald green wasp-waist with a swing skirt-was comfortable at least.
At 6:58, she finally allowed herself to get off her couch and gather her phone and her wallet, although she doubted she would need the latter. She pocketed both items and then stepped out of the apartment, instructing JARVIS to lock the door behind her.
Her heart raced for the entirety of the elevator ride. Tony had been teasing the party for almost a month, starting when she and Steve were still on their road trip. Audrey had attempted to get some semblance of a hint out of each of the Avengers, but they all refused to tell her. Except for her dad, actually, because she doubted he'd known anything about it in the first place.
All the anticipation peaked when JARVIS alerted her that she'd arrived. The world seemed to still as the doors slid open, and Audrey held her breath.
She didn't have much time to process. The communal room had been transformed into an art-deco dance club. A live band was playing swing music, and people dressed in 40s apparel milled about. She stepped out into the room, jaw dropping.
A brunette stopped in front of her, smirking. "About time," she said. It took Audrey a moment to recognize her, with the victory rolls and the sailor dress. Caroline.
Audrey laughed, thinking about the last time Caroline had been dressed like this-they'd been at SHIELD headquarters waiting for Steve to wake up from his coma. Life had been strange back then, but it seemed so much simpler than it was now. Audrey led her tactician team and carried out quiet, covert missions. She'd had some semblance of a routine.
A few months ago, maybe she would've preferred that. But now, as she was adjusting to a new routine of training and working and sleeping and eating, she found that she was enjoying life much more like this. Being open about who she was, having Steve alive and with her. Not living in an apartment with leaking faucets.
"This is incredible," Audrey breathed.
"You like it?" Caroline asked. The blonde nodded, taking in the music, the decor, everything-it was perfect. Most of the people there were dressed up for the occasion too, down to the hairstyles. "I'm glad you do. Also disappointed though, because Tony's going to be gloating for weeks." Despite this, the assassin smiled. "Happy birthday, Aud. You're old."
"Audrey!" another voice bellowed from across the room. The blonde jumped at the call, and turned towards its source-Tony. "What do you think?" he asked. A quick once-over and she noticed that he was dressed in a navy suit and a bow tie. He was grinning, as if he knew the answer. Audrey was sure that he did-she'd always been obsessed with the 40s. She read everything she could about it growing up, and got Peggy to tell her all about the decade.
"I love it," Audrey gushed. "Thank you so much."
Tony ruffled her hair. "I'm glad, Aud. You deserve it." He pretended to tear up. "I'm so proud of you...it seems like just yesterday you were so young."
Audrey scowled and shoved him. "I'm older than you."
He laughed as he recovered from the shove, slinging an arm around her shoulder. "Attention, everyone!" he shouted.
The swing band dropped its volume and the party's guests turned their attention to Tony. Audrey flushed at the attention.
"I'd like to introduce the guest of honor, Miss Audrey Carter." He gestured to her with a grandiose flourish and Audrey, unsure what else to do, curtsied awkwardly. "Enjoy the dinner, drinks, and dancing, old sports." Turning back to Audrey, he said, "I'm a regular Gatsby, right?"
"He was the 20s," Audrey corrected. "Also, he died sad and alone."
"Seriously?" Tony exclaimed. "That's how that ends?" He blew out a breath, disappointed. "I should've finished that book."
Audrey raised an eyebrow. "You did alright without it."
He laughed. "I got to throw a great birthday party for my best friend. And save the world. And develop the most advanced green energy ever."
"Does this party you've thrown involve food?" Audrey asked. She was starving after the fighting and time spent trying to apply liquid eyeliner. Her attempts at either weren't all that successful, but it still managed to make her hungry.
"Of course," Tony said, giving her a who-do-you-think-I-am? look before snapping his fingers. A waiter arrived with a plate of mini grilled cheese sandwiches on them, extending the platter for Audrey to take some. She bounced up and down on the balls of her feet with excitement and grabbed a handful, popping them into her mouth one by one.
"Thank you," she told the waiter.
"Of course, Miss Carter," he replied, before pivoting and disappearing into the crowd.
Audrey peered into the group of people, searching for her dad. This was the first birthday he'd actually been around for, since it was the first to happen since he came out of the ice. She'd been excited for him to be there, although she'd also been dismayed by the fact that it was also the first one since Peggy had moved back to England.
"Old Man Rogers offered to get some more ice from downstairs, that damn gentleman. He should be back soon," Tony explained. "Have a drink in the meantime! I understand that Thor brought Asgardian mead back for you as a gift."
She barely had time to think before she was swept up again and being pushed towards the bar, where Thor, Bruce, Darcy, and Jane were talking. Jane was wearing fitted dark jeans and a button-down white shirt, and her hair was pulled back. Darcy was wearing a red dress and her hair was in waves. It was the first time Audrey had seen Thor out of his armor-he was wearing a dress shirt and linen pants instead, and the front of his hair was pulled back and clipped into a braid.
"Lady Audrey!" he boomed, putting down his cup and wrapping her up tightly in his arms. For a moment, Audrey couldn't breathe or see anything past his shirt, and her hand was twisted so it rested on his washboard abs, and it wasn't like she was complaining about that or anything, but after a few moments, the embrace was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Thor finally released her and she stumbled back a few feet. Darcy reached out a hand to Audrey's shoulder to steady her.
"Happy birthday, girl," she said, holding up her glass of red wine, as if to toast. "We're sorry Thor didn't dress up. We tried."
"I was unaware of what 'the forties' referred to," the god admitted. "I assumed you were referring to the 1440s, which is one of my favorite decades here on Midgard."
Audrey smiled anyways. "Thank you for coming. I'm just excited that everyone is here."
"Aw," Darcy cooed. "We wouldn't miss it."
"We must get the Lady a drink," Thor insisted. "I have brought Asgardian mead to celebrate this exciting event." He reached over to the bar and grabbed an empty glass and a wooden bottle that looked like it was pulled straight out of the Middle Ages. After pouring some of its contents-an amber-brown liquid-into the glass, he held it out to Audrey.
She almost hesitated, but she had always wanted to know what it felt like to be tipsy. Not drunk per se, but the slightest bit inebriated. Audrey took the glass and took a sip.
It burned. Good lord did it burn. She coughed and put it down on the bar, wheezing. "What-" she sputtered, hacking again. "What's in that?"
Thor laughed heartily. "It is the finest rum of the realms. It has been aged for over three thousand years."
Audrey didn't know a lot about drinking, but she knew that older things are usually better. But she didn't know if anything was supposed to be that old.
"It's very...strong," she remarked carefully.
"Indeed," Thor replied. "It's a bit of an acquired taste."
"No, no, no," Jane exclaimed suddenly, drawing Audrey's attention away from Thor. She held a Collins glass in one hand, and the straw was in her mouth as she spoke. "Relativity isn't that complicated. It's just like…" She pulled a pen from her bun and grabbed a napkin from the bar, scribbling notes furiously.
"I didn't say it was complicated," Bruce said, "I just said that it probably couldn't be effectively utilized for the sake of this project."
"But...you're wrong. Look." Jane held out her napkin diagram and Bruce stared at it for a moment.
"But that's not technically correct, it's not taking into account the unsolved supersymmetry and neutrino masses."
"There's no absolute identification for either of those but if you're aware of all the other factors in an equation you can work backwards to identify…" Jane trailed off, staring at her napkin. She started mumbling random equations to herself as she jotted down more notes.
Darcy rolled her eyes. "She literally never takes a break. I have to lure her out of the lab with Pop-Tarts and lock it behind her."
Although Darcy was annoyed, Audrey could see Thor staring at Jane admiringly. He had a small grin playing on his lips, as if Jane scribbling quantum equations onto a bar napkin was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Audrey suddenly felt like she was intruding on a very intimate moment, and looked away from Thor, refocusing her attention on Bruce and Darcy.
"You're a good friend," Bruce told Darcy.
"Scientist-wrangling is a talent of mine," the brunette quipped. "It's a skill I've been dedicated to for a number of years, which I have worked hard to master."
Audrey raised an eyebrow, amused. "You're the best scientist-wrangler in all the realms," she praised.
Darcy mock-bowed. "Thank you, thank you." She grinned, and Audrey noticed her red lipstick for the first time. It reminded her of Peggy-bright and unabashed and vibrant. Audrey had never worn lipstick. She always felt like it was something to earn, and she hadn't yet proven her worth. Darcy had, she knew, in Puente Antiguo. Peggy had, time and time again. Pepper for sure. But she hadn't.
Audrey noticed Darcy's gaze drift from her to something behind her, and she turned around to see what it was. Steve stood there, smiling gently. "Happy birthday, kiddo."
She threw her arms around him and he returned the embrace. "Thanks, Dad," she said, the words muffled by his shoulder.
"Are your birthdays always so extravagant?"
She laughed. "No. For a while, it was just Ana baking me cake or making a fancy dinner. The last few years, I've just gone out with Caroline and Claudia and Lindsey." Audrey took one more look around the room, still struggling to believe that it was all for her. The band, the fact that everyone had dressed up, the decor. It was amazing. "This is the first real...party I've had."
Steve gave her a fond look. "I'm glad I could be here."
Audrey smiled. "Me too."
By the time the clock hit eleven, Audrey had danced and eaten and talked to everyone and tried a little more of Thor's mead. Maybe more than a little. She was exhausted from the day's events, yawning to herself and collapsing onto the couch.
Her head hit something and the something jumped. Audrey sat up, panicked.
"Sorry," Bruce said. "You surprised me."
"Oh, no that's my fault," Audrey stumbled. "I didn't-see you." She winced. "I'm so tired. I'm better than this, I promise."
A teasing smile tugged on the corners of his lips, and he ran a hand through his hair. It looked soft. Audrey wanted to touch it. "I know," he assured her. She wasn't able to focus on his words though; all she could think about was his hair. "Do you notice when you're doing that?"
"Doing what?"
"You're speaking with a British accent."
"I am?" Audrey thought for a moment, considering it. She realized that he was right. She was talking in a British accent. "Lord, I sound like my mum."
Bruce raised an eyebrow, amused. Audrey yawned.
"Hey!" Tony called. "No falling asleep. We haven't opened gifts yet."
Audrey sat up. "It's not Christmas."
"Not yet," Tony replied, hopping over the back of the couch with ease and landing between her and Bruce. Audrey jumped back to make room for him. "I have put thought and time into a gift for you, and I'd like you to open it."
"Ditto," Lindsey added from her spot lying sideways across Caroline, Molly, and Claudia's laps. "We got you stuff too."
Audrey smiled, almost embarrassed that they'd taken the time to get her something.
"You first," Tony told Lindsey.
"Aye-aye," Lindsey called. She heaved herself up and grabbed a briefcase from under the end table that had a red ribbon hastily taped to the top. Lindsey handed the case to Audrey. "I've been working on these for so long. I'm so excited."
Her giddiness was infectious. Audrey unclipped the buckles and opened up the case. Inside were a pair of shining silver batons.
"I infused them with Widow's Bite technology to make them more effective," Lindsey explained. "Also, hit the blue buttons on the sides." Audrey did as she was told, pressing the buttons. A claw shot out of the end of each baton. She flinched at the sudden motion. "Cutting edge climbing technology. They root themselves into anything and are stable enough to stand on or use to pull yourself up." She smiled, proud of herself.
"You're incredible, Lindsey," Audrey said. She jumped up and gave Lindsey a hug.
"Yeah, yeah. I know," she replied, but she still hugged her back. When they'd pulled apart and Lindsey had returned to her spot on the couch, Tony beamed.
"My turn," he announced. He pulled out a messily-wrapped box with a slapped-on ribbon and handed it to her. Audrey raised an eyebrow. She trusted Tony, but was also slightly nervous about what was inside, if he was really this excited about it.
She tore through the paper to find a white box. Inside was a suit.
"Lady Liberty's suit, new and improved."
Audrey lifted it up out of the box. At the center of the blue bodice was the Avengers emblem. The skirt at the bottom of the suit had been replaced by pants, and the material felt smoother, the colors less vibrant.
"Oh my God," she said, tracing the A in with her thumb. "This is amazing."
"I improved the quality of the fabric to make it more flexible and breathable, but the fabric is made of double-bound steel thread. And I expanded that to cover your legs for improved protection. Cape is now optional and reinforced to be fireproof to up to fifty-five hundred Fahrenheit. Overall, more badass than ever."
Audrey was still practically speechless. The suit was sleek and powerful and she had trouble wrapping her head around the fact that it was hers. Because even after New York, even with the daily training sessions with Natasha and the autographs and the fact that she had a frickin superhero name, she couldn't quite compute that she was a hero. An Avenger.
"Thank you," she told Tony. "This is incredible."
He smiled-a rare, genuine grin. "Happy birthday, Aud." The smile morphed into a smirk, and he glanced around the room. "Someone top my gift."
Clint cleared his throat. "My gift to you, Audrey, is that you won't have to train tomorrow."
Oh yes. But before she got too excited, she raised an eyebrow in question. That was too good to be true. "Are you serious? Why not?"
He offered a cocky smirk. "My protege will be training."
"Trainee," Natasha corrected.
The smirk fell from Clint's face. "C'mon, Tasha. I was gonna sound really cool."
The redhead rolled her eyes at her partner, and then looked out at the group. "Clint is training an agent while he takes a break from field work. He's been working with her at SHIELD, but he wants to have her working with Stark's equipment to make sure she doesn't get used to a particular setting."
A new agent. Audrey knew that agents typically went through the Academy, unless they'd been in special circumstances. She wondered what it was in this case. She could probably use her clearance level to find out but that would take a lot of effort, and it was ethically wrong, and she was kind of...drunk.
Drunk? Was that the word used after consuming several shots of Asgardian mead?
She shook the thought away. Whatever. It was close enough. Although the sensation was beginning to fade-the mead managed to make her tipsy for a bit, but it wore off rather quickly.
"Thanks, Clint," Audrey said. "What's her name?"
"Kate," he responded cryptically. Audrey narrowed her eyes, but didn't ask any more questions.
"I'm gonna call it a night," Bruce said suddenly from his spot next to her. "I have...a thing tomorrow. Early. In the morning."
Audrey furrowed her brows. Bruce was a terrible liar; she knew that he didn't go anywhere but the labs and back to his room, but she didn't want to push it. She knew that he kept himself on a strict routine to make sure the Other Guy stayed in check, and it was late.
As she remembered how late it was, she let out a yawn. "I'm glad you made it," she told him.
He looked slightly taken aback. "Oh, um. Me too. I had fun." Bruce stood up, and Audrey noticed that he'd taken his jacket off, leaving his shirtsleeves rolled up. He wasn't muscular, not compared to her or the rest of the team. But his arms were more toned than she'd thought. They looked strong. She was sober enough now to stop herself from touching them, but not so much that she could pull her eyes away. "Goodnight, guys," Bruce said, waving awkwardly before heading back to the elevator.
"I'm gonna take Jane upstairs," Darcy announced. Audrey looked over at the astrophysicist, only to find Jane asleep on Darcy's shoulder.
"I will accompany you," Thor decided. "Goodnight, Audrey. I have enjoyed these festivities."
"Goodnight, Thor," she returned. "Goodnight, Darcy."
"See you tomorrow," Darcy responded brightly. "We'll all be hungover together. It'll be exciting."
Oh. Hangovers. Audrey had forgotten those were a thing. She crossed her fingers it didn't apply to special alien mead, but doubted that her hopes would prove true.
She watched as Thor lifted Jane up into his arms, and marvelled yet again at how giant he was. Jane was petite already, but she looked tiny in Thor's embrace. The god looked down fondly at his girlfriend, and then the three also left.
"Can we crash at your place?" Lindsey asked. "I am. Drunk and tired."
"Yeah," Claudia added simply. A beat passed. "Me too," she elaborated.
"Sure," Audrey said. "You wanna head up?"
"Boo, you're old. It's not even midnight." Tony was scowling with disappointment. Audrey hesitated for a moment, unsure if he was being serious. It was only when his frown disappeared and he told her, "I'm joking. Get some rest," that she realized.
Audrey stood up, rolling her eyes to cover her slight embarrassment, before leaning down to give Tony a hug. "Thank you for everything," she said. "This was perfect."
"I know you," he reminded her. "You're basically my sister."
"That's true." Tony had been through almost everything with her. Sneaking out to movies, Audrey's training, their tutoring, and Howard's traveling. They'd been inseparable growing up. Not much had changed since then.
Audrey pulled away, finding herself facing Steve. He stood up, wrapping her in another hug. "Happy birthday, kid."
She smiled. "Thank you, Dad."
"Sleep well," he told her, stepping back.
The rest of the team called out their goodbyes as Audrey corralled her friends toward the elevator. The doors chimed, and the group got in. Molly and Caroline were almost completely sober, while Claudia and Lindsey were practically falling asleep on the elevator ride up. Audrey was somewhere in the middle.
It had been a good birthday. Probably the best she'd had yet. She'd spent it surrounded by people she liked, listening to her favorite music, eating grilled cheeses, and being completely honest about who she was.
When they arrived on Audrey's floor, the blonde stepped out to lead the group so that she could unlock the door before they came inside.
"Three people can fit on the bed," she announced, holding the door open. "And the couch is a pull out, so two more there."
"We can take the couch," Molly offered, taking Caroline's hand.
"Sounds good," Audrey said. Just as she was about to close the front door, she heard the elevator opening down the hall. Steve exited it and headed towards her. "Oh, hi!" Audrey greeted, and then wanted to smack herself for the enthusiasm.
"I wanted to give you this," Steve said. He held out a small box wrapped meticulously with newspaper. Audrey stepped into the hallway, letting her door click shut. She took the box in her hands, running her thumb along the paper's immaculate creases. Steve was an artist, after all, she reminded herself.
"What is it?" she asked.
He smiled. "Open it."
Audrey unwrapped the paper carefully, doing her best not to tear it. When she'd removed it, she opened the top of the box. Inside, she found a compass.
"I used to keep a picture of your mother inside of it," Steve told her. "They found it in the plane. I didn't think it survived, but it still works."
Audrey traced its brassy cover with her thumb, smiling to herself. She'd remembered the SHIELD report on the plane, how they'd found the compass on the dashboard, with Peggy's photo facing out. It was one of the last things Steve had seen before he went under. And now he was giving it to her.
"Are-are you sure?" she asked.
He nodded. "I'm trying to get away from my past. But you want a connection to yours."
Audrey clutched the compass in her hand.
"Thank you, Dad."
"Of course, sweetheart. Come here." He held his arms out, and Audrey leaned into the hug, letting herself enjoy the safety of being in her father's arms. She'd always felt wary about hugs, with the exception of a few people-her team and her family. But Steve always felt safe. And they were making up for lost time, too-seventy years of it.
After a few more moments Audrey pulled away. "Thank you again. And thank you for coming. It means so much that you're here. I still kind of can't...believe it."
"Sometimes I can't either," he confided. "I'll let you get some rest. Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning for breakfast? Maybe around ten?"
Audrey nodded. "Ten o'clock. Goodnight, Dad. I love you."
Steve smiled. "I love you too, kid. Goodnight."
With that, both super-soldiers headed back into their respective apartments. Inside of hers, Audrey found Caroline and Molly putting sheets on the pullout couch.
"Where are the other two?" Audrey asked.
"Asleep, already," Molly replied. "Car and I tried to get them to change at least, but they were out pretty quick. I left them both Advil and water for tomorrow morning."
"You're like the Team Mom," Audrey remarked. "In a good way."
Molly beamed. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
"Of course," Audrey said. "Goodnight, guys."
With that, she headed into the bedroom. Lindsey and Claudia were fast asleep on the bed. Audrey changed quickly into her pajamas and then joined them. It had been a good birthday. Even so, she felt an emptiness that Peggy hadn't been there. For every birthday prior, her mom had woken her up with waffles and they'd spent the day together. Now, they were on totally different continents, and Peggy seemed to be drifting further and further away.
Audrey's mom was the brightest woman she'd ever met. It broke her heart to watch as her mind started falling apart.
She shook away the thought, knowing that she wouldn't get any sleep if she kept thinking about it. She'd call Peggy in the morning, Audrey decided. She'd call her mom and ask how things were doing, and she'd go out to Stan's with Steve and order waffles. And it would be close enough to the same.
Audrey closed her eyes, thinking about waffles and her mother. Soon, she was asleep.
A/N: Hello and welcome to Nodus Tollens! I've been planning this book for so long, and I'm so excited to share it with you guys. It began as a filler between Avengers and TWS, but I decided it would be a really nice opportunity to explore team bonding and such before we get to TWS and AOU.
This story is going to follow the MCU more loosely than Monachopsis, and will cover a much broader timespan (from August 2012 to March 2014, as opposed to the 2 weeks that Monachopsis took place in). Tonally, it's different from Monachopsis, in that it is more of a sitcom/dramedy than an action story. There are superhero shenanigans and missions, but so much of the emphasis is on how the Avengers go from a team to a family, and the missions function as more of a tool to get them there than as a centerpiece. With that said, I hope you enjoy!