Forever Friends II: Finding Forever

Chapter 5: Homecoming

Steve, Nat, Wanda, Carol, Fandral, Loki, and you brace yourselves as you land on the soft grass just outside the compound. You look around and everything seems just as you left it over a year ago. Your heart aches as you slowly make your way to the home you and Bucky shared for so long. Carol and Loki stay close by your side as you step inside while everyone else heads to the compound. It seems as though it has lain untouched since your time away. You smile as your mind fills in the memories of the last few years that you and Bucky shared, right here, in this house. Carol smiles at you and touches Loki's shoulder before she and Fandral head back to the compound.

"It's nice to see you remember with a smile instead of the tears that have so often darkened those beautiful eyes," Loki whispers, taking your hand gently.

You can't help but smile back at him, "Thank you," you whisper. You lean your head against his chest, "Thank you for coming with me and staying with me through all of this."

He pulls you into a tighter embrace, "I wouldn't have it any other way." He tilts your chin up to look at him and plants a soft kiss on your nose, "Are you ready, Pet? I think your family has waited long enough for your return."

You nod before he takes your hand and the two of you begin walking toward the compound. You have barely taken a few steps when you see everyone running towards you. You look back at Loki, happy tears swelling in your eyes, and your face beaming with a bright smile. Loki nods towards them, pushing your hand forward before releasing you to run. Your heart is pounding in your ears as you collide with Bruce first.

Bruce is smiling and hugging you so tight, you're pretty sure even Hulk missed you. "Welcome back, Y/N. We've missed you so much! You look wonderful!" He grins happily.

Peter, Scott, and Clint are next. They each wrap you in their arms, hugging you tightly. Peter and Scott crack jokes about you and Loki tearing down Asgard. Clint has tears in his eyes and just looks at you smiling for a moment. You rest your hand on his face, offering him an apologetic smile, knowing this has been hard on him as well.

Vision welcomes you back and apologizes for his involvement in not telling you sooner about Tony.

Sam has hung back, letting everyone greet you first. You look around Peter and see him watching you with his arms crossed. You excuse yourself and see the group's eyes follow you. You bite your lip softly, seeing the tears in the corners of his eyes, "Hey Sam."

Sam nods to you. The rest of the group decides to give you two some privacy and walks into the compound.

"Sam, I..." you start.

"No Y/N," he shakes his head, looking down at you, "I've had something I've needed to say to you for over a year now." He keeps his arms crossed. You nod for him to continue. "You know, it's not like Tony's the only one you ran out on and left behind. Bucky was all of our friends but he was mine and Steve's best friend. YOU were my best friend. We didn't just lose Bucky. We lost you, too. Losing the two of you was the hardest thing we've ever gone through..." Tears stream down his face as he avoids your eyes, "It almost destroyed us." He finally meets your eyes, betrayal and hurt on his face, "I'm not even mad that you left- I'm glad you did. You look better than I'd seen you in months. But damn it, Y/N, you could've told me!"

You reach up and throw your arms around him while his arms remain crossed. "Sam, I'm so sorry," you whisper through the tears. You feel his arms unfold and wrap around you. You hold him tight for a few moments, "I missed all of you so much- Sarah and the boys included. I was just so hurt and angry when I left. It was selfish of me and I'm sorry."

He smiles and releases you, "Just don't let it happen again or next time, I'll kick your ass."

You grin and take his hand before you walk inside, "I'll hold you to that."