An unconventional trio

"I think you're more like tequila and chaos."

Nova's POV:

I have never felt the energy in a room shift so swiftly. The collective groan from everyone around the table was almost deafening, a synchronized symphony of exasperation. I catch Loki subtly shaking his head, his disapproval practically radiating off him, as Bucky mutters next to me under his breath, "Shit."

My brows knit together in confusion as I glance around at my teammates, all of them wearing variations of the same unimpressed scowl. My eyes snap back to the doorway, curious to see what—or who—has caused this reaction.

And then I see him.

He's clad in a skin-tight red suit that hugs his form in a way that screams unapologetically ridiculous, a mask covering his face. He stands there with an air of exaggerated confidence, his head tilted slightly, as he speaks to an invisible camera.

"Suck it, Logan. I'm a fucking Avenger now," he announces, loud and proud, like he's just won an award.

The laugh escapes me before I can stop it, bright and sudden. I try to smother it with my hand, but it's too late—the sound draws his attention immediately. His head snaps toward me, and for a beat, he just stares. Then he gasps like I'm the most incredible thing he's ever seen.

"UNICORN!!" he shouts, his voice echoing through the room as his hands clap to his cheeks in pure, unfiltered excitement.

I blink, stunned, before breaking into a wide grin. "What?" I manage, but he's already pointing at me like he's just discovered a mythical creature.

"You! You're real!" he exclaims, bounding a step forward. "I've dreamed of this moment. Don't move. Don't blink. Don't even breathe. I need to soak this in."

Beside me, Bucky groans audibly. "Jesus Christ."

But I don't care. I'm practically bouncing in my seat, my excitement matching his. "Are you...Deadpool?" I ask, leaning forward like I can't help myself.

His entire body seems to light up at the recognition. "She knows who I am!" he yells, spinning in a circle like he's just won the lottery. He stops mid-spin, pointing dramatically at the team. "See that? She gets it. Unicorn status confirmed."

Loki sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You have no idea what you've just encouraged."

But I can't stop smiling. My teammates might hate this, but me? I think this is the best thing that's happened all week.

I'm out of my seat before I even realize it, my excitement bubbling over like soda that's been shaken one too many times. My teammates' groans and muttered complaints fall on deaf ears—this is Deadpool.

Tony steps forward, throwing an arm out like a circus ringleader. "Alright, everyone, try to keep your sanity intact for five minutes. Nova, meet Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool. Wade, meet Nova—our overly enthusiastic agent of barely-contained chaos."

Wade's head tilts toward me, the white eyes on his mask squinting dramatically. He raises a finger, pointing like he's just made a groundbreaking discovery. "Wait, wait, wait. Nova? As in... the exploding star? The cosmic bringer of death and destruction? The intergalactic firecracker of doom?"

I can't help but laugh, already feeling like I've met my kindred spirit. "Yeah, that's me."

"Holy chimichangas! That's the best name I've ever heard in my life," he says, clutching his chest like he's about to swoon. "Tony, why don't I get a cool name like that? Huh? I've been 'Deadpool' forever. I sound like a bad Vegas motel that rents by the hour."

Tony pinches the bridge of his nose. "I already regret this."

But Wade is on a roll, turning back to me with what I'm pretty sure is an unblinking gaze of admiration. "Nova. Nova, Nova, Nova. I'm gonna say it a hundred times because it feels so good in my mouth. Nova! It's perfect! Can I change my name to something cool like that? Maybe 'Starpocalypse' or 'Asteroid McGee'?"