Bound By Purpose

Ultron

Avengers tower is lit up, beautifully. It holds a power over the New York skyline that only the twin towers held before it. Tony, of course, had someone drive upstate to retrieve me earlier in the day, where I had landed after my little visit to the Barton family farm. I wish I could still be there but I realized after speaking and living with Laura for nearly a week that my place was here, that it had to be here if I were to ever want closure, or a fair way out. Tonight I walk into that tower as a new woman, an Avenger... if they'll have me. 

I'm dropped at the front reassuring my escort that I most definitely know my way around. I don't dwell on the sudden uptick in flashing lights from cameras as I step away from the car. nor do I let the beaming A from 100 stories above deter me from walking through the doors. The flood of people behind me is stopped from entering as Tony's security takes over. There are a few guests still milling around in the lobby but when they see me I slowly feel all the eyes follow me to the elevator before they all scramble over one another to hop on with me. Fortunately JARVIS is quick to close the doors. I take a breath and step back against the wall. In moments I'll be surrounded by people I'll need to talk to. I'll need to act like I'm happy, and make small talk with people who have no real clue about who I really am.

"Welcome home, Evelyn." 

Warmed by the word 'home' I smile. "Thank you J." The ride up takes all but 30 seconds and before I know it the door has opened to a new world. The music blares and there are people in every square inch of the place. I should be able to go into spy mode right now, flush out my insecurity and go find someone, but instead I'm frozen in front of the elevator searching for any friendly face. And then I spot it. Clint has a beer in hand and is laughing but I can't see with who because a group of people block my view. Just as he sees me the doors of the elevator open again and I'm forced out into the party with a flood of the people I'd left downstairs.

I quickly scan the room trying to find familiar faces. Steve stands up above with Sam. Nat is behind the bar talking with Tony, Rhodes, Thor, and Maria Hill. I see Bruce Banner walking towards the bar. My path towards Steve looks clearer, but I know he's looking for Bucky and I just can't think about any of that right now. Before I can think any further about it I turn towards the bar. Rhodes and Maria are departing as I reach them. "Well if it isn't my girl Evelyn Moore. You're looking great tonight, did you do something with your hair?"

"I curled it." I say with a straight face, but then I smile.

"Great to see ya kid." He says wrapping one arm around me. 

"You know I'm technically 50 years older than you." I say as he steps back to Thor's side. 

"You two haven't actually met yet have you? Evelyn this Thor. Thor this is my good friend Agent Moore. 

Taking my hand he gently kisses my knuckles. He gives a slight smile and bow doing this causing Tony to roll his eyes. 

"Hey Eve can I get you a drink?" My attention drawn to Nat behind the bar.

"Yes I'll take a beer please." 

With a bit of a smirk Natasha speaks as she reaches behind her for a bottle. "That's all? It's okay to live a little tonight Eve."

"The party is just enough living for me tonight Nat." I say with a laugh. I thank her for the beer and then turn right into Steve. He's not as serious as I thought he might be. There's no sign of the stress or anguish. He seems almost happy. "Hi." I say simply. The party has faded away. He wastes no time pulling me in for a hug. As he does my nervousness slowly melts away. 

"I'm really glad you're here. I didn't think you were ever coming back." He has to raise his voice just above the voices of those around us.

Looking around I time my answer as a group of people walks by. "Yeah well I just needed a little time to regroup, but it is nice to be back." I take a sip of my beer and nod awkwardly not knowing what else to talk about.