The upstate warehouse Alex had converted was far from glamorous—old brick walls reinforced with KaneTech alloy, high ceilings strung with subtle web-like sensors, Aether's core humming quietly in a secured back room. But it was neutral: no Stark branding, no SHIELD echoes, just open space with tables, chairs, and a spread of food—pizza, shawarma, cheeseburgers—to remind everyone of simpler times.
Alex paced the main room—nerves buzzing under his skin despite the copied calm from Natasha's EQ. Gwen swung lazily from a rafter, testing web anchors. Wanda adjusted red energy barriers around the perimeter—subtle, protective. Natasha stood by the door—knife sheathed but eyes scanning every shadow.
"They're coming," Alex said quietly.
Gwen dropped beside him—hand slipping into his. "We're ready."
The first arrival: Steve, Sam, and Bucky. Steve knocked—polite, old-fashioned. Alex opened the door—shieldless, but the man still carried the weight of the world.
"Steve," Alex greeted—hand extended.
Steve shook it—firm, warm. "Alex. Thanks for hosting."
Sam grinned—clapping Alex on the shoulder. "Nice setup. Low-key. I like it."
Bucky hung back—metal arm glinting, eyes wary but steady. "Kane."
Alex met his gaze—no fear. "Barnes. Glad you came."
They moved inside—Steve's eyes softening at Wanda. "Wanda. It's good to see you."
Wanda smiled—small, genuine. "You too, Steve."
Next: Clint and Scott. Clint arrived with a duffel and a smirk. "Heard there was a party. No Accords required?"
Alex laughed. "No dress code either."
Scott bounced in—shaking hands enthusiastically. "This is awesome! Like a secret clubhouse. Cassie would love it."
Clint clapped him on the back. "Easy, Ant-Boy."
Vision phased through the wall—cape flowing, expression serene. "Greetings. This gathering holds promise."
Wanda approached him—hesitant but warm. "Vision."
He inclined his head—soft smile. "Wanda. I am pleased you have found peace."
Tony and Pepper arrived last—Tony in jeans and a band tee, Pepper elegant but casual. Peter Parker trailed behind—mask off, eyes wide like a kid at Christmas.
"Kid," Tony said—clapping Peter on the shoulder. "Glad you came."
Peter grinned—nervous, excited. "Wouldn't miss it, Mr. Stark."
Tony looked at Alex—nodded once. "Kane. Nice digs. Low-tech charm."
Alex shook his hand—firm. "Thanks for coming."
Tony's eyes scanned the room—landing on Steve last.
The air thickened—tension rippling like a held breath.
Steve stepped forward—hand extended. "Tony."
Tony stared at it—long moment—then took it. "Steve."
The shake was brief—but real.
Peter bounced on his toes—whispering to Scott. "This is intense."
Scott nodded—grinning. "Understatement."
Alex cleared his throat—drawing eyes. "Everyone's here. Let's sit. Talk. No agendas. Just… us."
They gathered—circle of chairs, food in the center.
The tensions simmered—old wounds close to the surface.
But the meeting had begun.