The Light that Shines Within

Cassandra, Homecoming

I packed up and said my goodbyes to my family. But, with Steve's call and Tony's gift it wouldn't be too long until I saw my dad and brothers again. That made it all so easy to leave and head back to NYC on my bike, riding alongside Steve on his, the wind in our hair and smiles on our faces. We stopped for burgers a few times along the way and had a great trip home. The sun was setting behind the Tower as we pulled up in the garage at the back. The city sounds, sights, and smells had assaulted me when we first got in but now it was like I had never left in the first place. I jumped off my bike, grabbing my pack off the back. The rest of my stuff would be sent back by my dad later on this week and Steve was just getting off his motorcycle, giving me a huge smile. "So, let me be the first to welcome you back home." He gave me a hug and I smiled at him as he let me go. "Thanks Steve." I said shouldering my bag. "Let's go say hi to the rest of the gang, shall we?" He nodded and we got in the elevator after swiping our key cards with the Stark logo on the back. 

"Welcome home, Miss Smith. Its a pleasure to see you." Jarvis said as I stepped in the elevator and I smiled at the familiar, British voice that was Tony's AI. 

"Thanks Jarvis, I've missed you too." 

"Would you like me to announce your arrival to Mr.Stark and Miss.Potts?" He asked and I shook my head. A smile appearing on my face.

"No, let this be be our surprise Jar. Just tell them the pizza is here." I laughed to myself at my first prank since coming back. Steve chuckled and shook his head. I smirked, hands on hips. "What?" I asked. "Its going to confuse the crap out of them, thinking Thor over ordered Dominoes again, and get them to the elevator without having to announce my return." I crossed my arms." Its a great plan." Steve held his hands up as if to not argue with me. "Nothing, nothing. Just love seeing you smile again is all." I shrugged, feeling a flush on my cheek as we slowed to a stop. The doors opening to reveal half of my extended family waiting for a pizza man. Clint laughed, realizing what I had done. 

"Guys, the pizza's here." He said chuckling and pulling me into a hug, complete with noogie. I groaned in mock agony, slapping his arms playfully. "Cliiiiiinntttt, cut it out!" He let me go, right into the arms of Natasha, who punched me in the arm after her hug.

"Hey kid, glad to have you back." 

I smiled sheepishly, rubbing my arm to fake that hurt." Thanks Nat, glad to be back. I've missed you all to much to stay away for too long." She nodded once, crossing arms and winking once in Steve's direction, who was talking to Clint. "Some of us missed you more than we led on." Then she went to living room and sat with a Cosmo magazine. I found myself trying not to flush again as I grasped her meaning. Steve glanced my way and was about to say something when I found myself being lifted into the air and nearly crushed to death by a pair of very muscular arms and a loud voice in my ear. 

"LADY CASSANDRA! HOW GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK IN OUR GRACES!! HOW DOES THEE FAIR MAIDEN OF THE NIGHT?" 

I groaned and let my body relax as I was swung around in a circle like a ragdoll by Thor. At least relaxed I wasn't being squished to death, right? "Hey Thor, it's good to see you too buddy..." He swung me again and I gasped for air at the sudden motion. "T-Thor! Lemmie go! I'm dying!" I rasped. I don't think he heard me, because I swung around again twice more before someone spoke up. 

With a very cocky attitude, I might add. 

"Hey, Point Break. Wanna let go of my niece before you kill her, thanks so much. I'd just hate to have to clean blood up these wood floors, and not to mention the grief poor Rogers would have..." I was spun around to face my Uncle Tony, and dropped in front of him ungracefully. Tony laughed and Thor went about his business in the kitchen. Probably looking for Poptarts again that he forgot he had eaten already. I sighed and hugged Tony tight. I won't admit it to his face, but I missed him a lot and his humor. That trademark "Stark Snark" was hard yo come by anywhere else in the world. Hell, probably the galaxies too. I missed him nonetheless and found myself smiling at him and Pepper, who was just getting to Tony's side.