An unconventional trio

Obediently

The next afternoon

The aroma of fresh baked goods fills the air as Sam, Scott, and Clint make their way into the kitchen, drawn by the enticing scent.

"I know that sound...I bet Wanda is baking up those cookies I like!" Sam says with a grin, excitement evident in his voice.

"Ooooo cookies??" Scott's eyes light up with childlike enthusiasm at the prospect of treats.

Clint, ever the observant one, remarks, "Wanda doesn't usually hum..."

As they enter the kitchen, expecting to find Wanda, they are pleasantly surprised to see Nova, deep in concentration, her back towards the kitchen door as she carefully removes something from the oven. She sets the item on the stove to cool, completely unaware of their presence.

Nova's AirPods are blasting music, and she starts to bob her head rhythmically, lost in the music, her voice joining in with the song playing in her ears.

"Left a mark on my soul
I could feel it when you let me go
See your face lost in the crowd
Stop myself from reaching out
This just seems outta control
Told myself I wouldn't let you close
And now you're always in my dreams
I can't live in make-believe
Time will tell
Who am I to say that the memory won't fade?
Trapped in Hell
Could I see someone else?"

Sam, Scott, and Clint exchange amused glances, enjoying the unexpected performance. They lean against the doorway, watching Nova sway to the music, her voice filling the room with raw emotion.

After a moment, Nova finally turns around, startled to find her teammates watching her with amused smiles.

"Fuck!! Sorry...I didn't...I thought you all were gone," she says, pulling out her AirPods and setting them on the counter.

Sam leans casually against the kitchen island, a playful smile gracing his lips as he watches Nova bustling around the kitchen.

"Watcha got cookin' good lookin'?" he teases, his voice laced with charm.

Nova, focused on her culinary masterpiece, turns to face him with a hint of irritation. She points a finger at him, her expression stern.

"Don't touch it!" she says curtly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "It's not for you! You either, Scott!"

Scott, who was about to reach out towards the cake sitting on the stove, freezes mid-motion, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he withdraws his hand.

"Hey, I was just...uh...admiring your handiwork," he says, attempting to play it off casually.

Sam chuckles at Nova's protective stance over her creations, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright, we'll keep our hands to ourselves," he concedes, still wearing a mischievous grin.

Nova gives them both a skeptical look before returning her attention to her baking.

As Nova moves the freshly baked cake from the stove to the counter, Clint chimes in with a compliment.

"You have a nice voice, Nova," he says, his gaze flicking to meet hers with genuine appreciation.

"Thanks," Nova replies, feeling a bit embarrassed by the unexpected praise.

Meanwhile, Sam and Scott sit nearby, observing the scene with interest as Nova starts to frost the cake.

"So, if we can't have any of it, who IS it for?" Sam asks, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Nova hesitates for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features before she responds.