Disclaimer: Still don't own any of the Avengers (darn it!)... Just my OC. :)

Thanks to my beta, Kitty Lee Renner! And thank you to all those that reviewed, followed and favorited. :D I love you guys!

Clint dropped Casey's bags in the doorway of the Rec Room and motioned for her to follow him in. Bruce Banner was playing checkers with Steve Rogers as Thor and Pepper Potts watched, while Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff spoke in a low voice.

"May I present the new recruit," Clint gestured to Casey. "Agent Casey Jackson."

All attention was on Casey as she stepped forward and gave the group a broad smile.

"Hi, nice to meet you." She said confidently.

Steve stood up and walked over to her.

"I'm Steve Rogers, ma'am." He held out his hand.

"Hi." Casey smiled and shook it.

"I'm Bruce Banner." Bruce gave her a welcoming smile.

Casey returned the smile as Thor walked up to her.

"I am Thor, of Asgard." He boomed.

"I've heard about you." Casey smiled as Thor reached down and kissed her hand.

"Indoor voice, Point Break." Tony Stark rolled his eyes as he walked past the Asgardian. "I am Tony Stark, of Stark Industries. This is my tower and I am pleased to meet you."

Casey couldn't help but laugh at the man's attitude.

"Don't mind him," Pepper walked up to her. "This may be his tower, but it wasn't all his idea. Hi, I'm Pepper."

"Hi." Casey shook Pepper's hand.

A silence fell over the room as Natasha walked up to Casey, a scowl on her face. Casey's face grew sour as she faced the redhead.

"Agent Romanoff." Casey said flatly.

"Agent Jackson." There was an edge to Natasha tone. "Fury must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to recruit you."

"It appears he's already done that." Casey raised an eyebrow "After all, you're here."

"You haven't changed, Casey..."

Natasha broke into a grin and pulled Casey into a hug.

"Neither have you, Tasha." Casey laughed.

"How have you been?" Natasha released Casey and looked at her.

"Good, you?" Casey grinned.

"Great. Come on, I'll show you to your room..." Natasha moved to the doorway and grabbed Casey's bags.

"Did I miss something here?" Tony looked confused. "Or did Miss Icy-Cold, Russian just grin and give the newbie a hug?"

"We've known each other for a while." Casey explained.

"If you need anything," Clint said. "Let us know."

"Will do." Casey smiled and followed Natasha out of the room.

The two agents walked silently down the hall. Natasha led Casey down another hall and stopped in front of a door.

"Here's your room." Natasha set the bags down and opened the door. "Clint's is right across the hall, Steve's is on your left, Bruce's is on your right and mine is just past his."

"Where's Thor's room?" Casey walked into the room and looked around. It was almost like an

apartment, but with no walls. There was a kitchen area, a closet, a TV and couch, and a bed and chair.

"Across the hall and three doors down." Natasha set Casey's bags on the bed.

"I guess he needs space." Casey set her messenger's bag in the chair.

"Got everything you need?" Natasha turned to Casey and smiled.

"Yep, I think so." Casey returned the smile. "So, how long have you been with the Avengers?"

"A while. You could say I'm a charter member."

"That's just like you: Always having to be involved in everything..."

"Thanks a lot." Natasha gave Casey a playful shove before adding in Russian, "Smart aleck.."

"Shut it..." Casey returned in fluent Russian.

"Still good with languages, I see." Natasha lapsed back into English.

"I try." Casey shrugged. "You still play chess?"

"When I can." Natasha leaned against the couch. "Bruce is the only one willing to play with me..."

"Bruce?" Casey raised an eyebrow.

"Bruce Banner. You met him."

"I know who Bruce is. I was just...noticing the informality..."

"Very funny." Natasha narrowed her eyes. "Anyway, consider yourself challenged to a game

after dinner tonight."

"What about Agent Barton?"

"I was wondering when you were going to ask about him..." Natasha gave Casey a playful smirk.

"You know what I mean." Casey rolled her eyes. "Won't he play chess with you?"

"He spends his free time in the gym. And I don't think he likes chess..."

"Ah..."

"I'd better let you get settled in." Natasha walked for the door. "Anything else you need to know?"

"Yeah, where's the bathroom?"

"Oh, yeah." Natasha smiled. "At the end of the hall. Men's room is on the left, ladies' room is on the right."

"Thanks." Casey returned the smile.

"Anytime." Natasha walked out the door.

Casey looked around the room.

"Welcome to the Avengers." She took a deep breath and began to unpack.

So, Casey and Natasha have a past. Wonder where it will lead... Thanks for reading and don't forget to review!