2| Platinum [Pietro M.] ✔

5. Reunions

"We'll be landing momentarily." Nick calls back to me, rousing me from my slumber. My eyes peel open as I lift my arms above my head in a stretch.

"Lovely." I sigh contently. I suck in a large breath before slowly releasing it, fighting the urge to burst into a coughing fit. "Will we be greeted by the welcoming committee?" I stand and shake out my legs before grabbing my bag. I put it over my shoulder before stalking up to the cockpit.

"No, they're out on a mission right now. Should be back by tonight though. It gives you time to explore the compound before they get back -- get your bearings before your whole world gets turned upside down again." Nick explains as he cautiously lands the jet on the front lawn of the new Avenger's complex. I stare in awe at the decently sized area laid out for the Avengers.

"Yeah, sounds like a good idea. Don't think I'm gonna get as lost here as I would in Stark's tower." I joke before turning and heading towards the jet's ramp, which is now lowering. Nick stands at my side as we wait for the ramp to fully lower. Once it has, the two of us exit the aircraft. I smile as the grass folds under my feet as Fury guides me toward the main complex. I watch as a pilot comes running from the building and gives Fury and thumbs up. I look over my shoulder to see him get into the jet. Probably to move it, no doubt. I turn my attention back towards where I'm walking.

Nick opens the door to the complex for me once we arrive at the main entrance. I smile to myself as he leads me further into the building, taking in the new sights and sounds while ignoring the gawking stares of the agents and scientists working here. For the next two hours, Nick shows me every corner of the new facility before being called away by an agent. I tell him I'll be alright on my own and won't be far if he needs me, especially now that he's given me my phone, which I had apparently left at Clint and Laura's house.

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"CARTER THERE ARE TOO MANY CHICKENS." I shout, holding out the broom I convinced Carter to let me bring just in case one of the chickens got too friendly.

"There's only a dozen and a half hens and a rooster, Iris." He sighs, shaking his head as he watches me spin in circles holding the broom out defensively while I try to make it to the hen house. I'll admit, Carter didn't have chickens while I was in Russia, so this was all new to me.

"YES BUT THE ROOSTER IS GIVING ME A STINK EYE. HE'S OUT FOR ME. HE WANTS TO END ME." I turn to see the rooster is standing just out of reach of the broom and is pacing back and forth in front of me while softly crowing.

"I think I should stop giving you the herbs for pain because you're becoming a pain." Carter comments while picking dirt from underneath his fingernails.

"GET BACK YOU SOULLESS, REJECTED KFC!" I shout when the rooster charges, smacking it with the broom.

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My fingers trail against the granite countertop as I look around the kitchen in the main living quarters. I swipe a glass off the counter and fill it with water before walking over to the wall of windows overlooking the front lawn. A troupe of agents jog side by side for an exercise, but other than that everything seems rather peaceful. I lift the glass to my lips and take a long sip. I can't say I missed the stress of being depended on, but I missed the action and adventure...the unknowing.

But I also miss the peace and tranquility that came with being in the middle of nowhere with Carter. I was going to miss our quippy conversations and my daily routine of chores. Knowing what I was doing at what time was a good way to keep sane. I shut my eyes and sigh. That fact that HYDRA is still out there, lurking in the shadows, unnerves me. It makes me paranoid, even. I don't want to be like Nick, wondering who I can trust and compartmentalizing all information that I give out. I also know that I was under his guidance for two years and even if I don't want to admit it, I'm like Fury in a number of ways.

The sound of a boot squeaking behind me startles me out of whatever thoughtful trace I'm in. I twirl around with the glass still in my hand, the water swishing as I do so. I find myself staring into the eyes of Sam Wilson and James Rhodes. Both look beyond shocked...not to mention pale. I offer them a timid smile. "Hello, boys." The two men look at each other with wide eyes before turning their attention back to me. I chuckle. "Yes, I'm real. No, I'm not dead."

"Who's not dead?" The voice of none other than Tony Stark resounds through the open room before I'm actually met with his piercing gaze. "Sparky?" His voice drops an octave as he blinks rapidly at me. I give a curt wave.

"I'd love to say it's nice to see you again, Stark, but I quite enjoyed my peace and quiet while I was away, no offense." I joke before finishing off my glass of water. I walk in his direction and place the cup down on a side table before sitting on the edge of a chair in the main area. I keep my gaze on the men who stand at the top of a small set of stairs with a large conference table behind them.

"Should we go get Cap...?" Sam turns and regards Tony, seemingly still not over the revelation that I am in fact, not dead.

"What's wrong?" The mighty and righteous voice of one Steven Rogers precedes him, just as it had with Stark. I smile as I wait to see his shocked expression. As he turns the corner and walks through the open double doors into the large living space, his steps falter once his eyes land on me. "Iris?"

"The one and only." I beam before he slowly enters the room, unsure. The next thing I know, he pushes past the three other Avengers who are gawking. I'm quick to my feet and just in time to wrap my arms around his midsection as he embraces me. I gently rub my hands against his back as I can't help but laugh. "Ah, see this is the welcome back I was expecting." I say aloud.

"We all thought you had died." Steve murmurs before pulling away, looking me up and down for injury.

"I very well could have if I didn't have help." I tell Steve seriously. "But that's a story for when the gang's all here." I intervene before Rogers can press for a full answer. I hum. "Then again, you did say if we get killed to walk it off. So, here I am." I raise my hands in a jazz-like fashion while grinning at the Captain. "Sorry I wasn't there to hurt 'em back."

"Look what the cat dragged in." Steve turns on his heel and I peer around his large frame to find Natasha and Clint standing behind Tony, who's pointing at me with his mouth agape. Natasha gently pats him on the back while brushing by him. Clint stands at the top of the stairs with a childish grin on his face. Sam and James have since moved to sit at the bar stools by the counter. Natasha approached me as Steve did and embraces me as well, much to my surprise. I don't say anything though and return the hug. "We missed you." The red-head tells me sincerely.

"I missed the lot of you too. It's good to be back." She pulls away and we share a brief look before Clint's crashing into me and lifting me off the floor as he spins me around. I can't help but laugh...and subsequently descend into a choking fit of coughing. Clint puts me down at once, but keeps a hold of one of my shoulders as I turn away from the group to hack up a lung.

"Iris?" I wave my hand dismissively.

"I inhaled a lot of water when I fell into the lake. I'm still fighting it, I guess. I've been a bit congested and painful. The cough's been chronic." I inform them tiredly. Most of my team nods, but Tony looks apprehensive. Before I can question him, one silver-haired twin and his sister enter, followed by the Vision. All eyes turn towards Pietro, then to me. "Pietro?" I'm confused, surprised, and relieved all at once.

"You're alive!" Pietro shouts at the same moment I ask "You're alive?"

Oh heck no.

I am going to kick his tail.