[Homeplot 2009] Decompression

[forhawkeye]

See, what it all boils down to is simple: it’s been a very long twenty-four hours. Between the invasion and my own personal drama, it’s something of a relief to just relax, even if it’s only for a little while. There are still too many unanswered questions -- Why am I back? Why did they come with me? How many licks does it take to get to the center

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[like_arrows]

As weird as it is to be in what was once the home of the Avengers, it's been a while since I've been so relaxed. We're all safe, at least for now, if a little the worse for wear, and it's been way too long since I had actual honest to goodness pizza, the greasy delivery stuff they can't make in some weird little jungle pub.

Curling up on the couch in front of the TV, I settle in with a plate on my lap and a soda in my hand. It might be the little things in life, but indoor plumbing and a hike to the shower that's under five miles aren't little by a long shot.

[forhawkeye]

"So, our HQ is totally more awesome, right?" I ask with a grin, settling down beside her with a bag of chips. At the rate I'm scarfing down junk food, I really hope there isn't another emergency -- I'm not sure I'll be able to fit in my uniform.

[like_arrows]

"Well, it's not underground," I observe, looking around as I consider the pros and cons. "So you've got that in your favor. Plus you can still stay in yours." Last I knew of California, Iron Douche was kicking us out. Just because we had a contingency plan doesn't mean I liked picking up and leaving all the time.

[forhawkeye]

"We also have a bunch of old Avengers tech," I point out, waving a chip at her. One-upmanship is practically law during team-ups, okay? And for the first time in months I can actually call what we just did a team-up. I'm going to have my moment.

[like_arrows]

"Uh huh, emphasis on old," I remind her with a sunny smile, leaning forward to steal one of her chips. Nevermind that we don't even have a headquarters right now. Chase knows a place we might be able to use. We'll be fine, at least for now. "So what, you just have some kind of Avengers museum lying around? A shrine, maybe?"

[forhawkeye]

"Have you seen the courtyard?" I reply, eyebrows raised. That had sort of been the point of fixing all the statues, after all, a memorial of all those who've died. "And anyway, old tech is still designed by Tony Stark. He might be a douche but he's still a genius. The stuff rattling around upstairs won't be on the open market for years."

[like_arrows]

"You've got a point." It kind of sucks, knowing there's the possibility of seeing all this awesome tech, but being aware, too, that I don't have the knowledge to really appreciate it.

"Speaking of which, he's not gonna, like, turn up and toss us in foster homes anytime soon, right?" It's only half a joke, given previous run-ins with the Avengers. I'd rather enjoy the evening without having to make a run for it.

[forhawkeye]

"I'm pretty sure he has bigger priorities right now," I say, before eating another chip. I really missed chips. "Like, I don't know, cleaning up his planetary mess. I think you can go worry-free for at least a week."

[like_arrows]

"Awesome." I'm totally sincere about that. It'll be nice not to have to rush and worry, though we probably will anyway. "The only times I've ever been to New York, I haven't exactly had time for sightseeing. Or, you know, relaxing." It's a nice change, even if, really, I'm ready just to see home again.

[forhawkeye]

"I'd give you the grand tour, but half the city's destroyed," I tell her, and it says a lot about our lives that this is the kind of thing we can discuss over a bag of chips.

[like_arrows]

"Yeah, see, this is the kind of thing that gets in my way," I sigh, as though it's just another day on the East Coast. Granted, it kind of is. "I'm never actually gonna just wander Central Park without being there on a mission or something."

[forhawkeye]

"Ah, but a girl can dream," I say wryly, lifting a hand in a vague gesture. "If you ever do decide to wander around New York, though you'll have a place to stay. Mi casa su casa."

[like_arrows]

"Thanks." I appreciate the offer, not just because we can't exactly afford a hotel without backing. It's just, it's nice to know we have friends. "Maybe when the city's in better shape."

[forhawkeye]

"...yeeeah, I wouldn't hold my breath on that one," I say, shaking my head. Collateral damage comes part and parcel with the East coast.

[like_arrows]

I laugh, unable to help it. This place seemed a world away when I was little. California was so peaceful in comparison. It still is, but... "At least we aren't Jack Bauer."

[forhawkeye]

"Oh, didn't someone tell you? We have to disarm a nuclear bomb in--" I look at my nonexistent watch "--four hours."