Today is finally the day that I am getting out of this fucking hospital. I can finally go back to New York and see Chris and Maria. Our driver picked me up and I went back to the house first. I need to make sure Miriam packed everything. I'll bring the bag from Palestine with me and also the gifts I got from Robert and Susan. I don't plan on going by an airline simply because I have a lot of luggage and I don't want security on my ass because of big metal helmet.

I had lunch with everyone in the house and I said my goodbyes. I'll take my jet so I can relax more than I would normally. I got the stitches out and everything. But I can't pressure myself too much. The doctor told me I healed faster than enticipated. But you can never be too sure. I got into the plane and immediately got ready to sleep. I have time to rest so I can have some energy to go get coffee with Chris.

I woke up just before we had to land. I changed my clothes and put on my jordans. I want to be comfortable today.

I saw him on the asphalt as I walked out of the plane. He was standing next to his car. I walked over to him and embraced him.

"So good to see you. How was your flight?" he asks taking the bags from my hands

"It's good to see you too. I wouldn't know I slept through it all." I say

"Of course you did." He put all of my things into the trunk and we drove off.

"Are you hungry?" he asks

"I could eat."

"I was hoping you would say that."

We drive to his old house and the driveway is full of cars. I could see a car that has license plates 'STARK' okay so Robert is here. I turn to him and he just smiles innocently.

"What's all this Chris?" I ask him

"Wait and see." he says and grabs my backpack from me.

"You know I can carry the backpack it really is small" I say as he opens the door.

I walk in and see a sign 'WELCOME BACK'. We walk to the living room and the place erupts into noise all over.

"Chris!" I say and turn to him

"It was her idea" he says pointing to Selena sitting behind the bar. I walk over to her.

"Nice to finally meet you" I say

"Nice to meet you too, I've heard great things." I smile at her and turn to see a lot of people walking over. Lizzie was the first to speak up.

"It's good to see you again Lena."

"You too Lizzie"

"Where's my Rambo?" Robert says coming towards me with open arms

"Fuck off Robert." I say and hug him. Half of the room laughs at that

"Good to finally see you walking" says Susan hugging me too.

"It's good to be walking, honestly."

"Alright everyone let's eat!" Chris says and most of the men go outside to work on the grill. I sit on the couch with Susan.

"How's your pain?" she says quietly

"Almost non existent. I get a few stings here and there but it's all alright now." I say to her.

"I must say Lena you're prettier in person." Selena says sitting next to us.

"Now that's a compliment if I've ever heard one." I say and smile at her.

"Do you want something to drink?" Susan asks getting up.

"I can't drink. Not yet at least." I say.

"Oh right! Sorry about that. What can I get you instead?"

"Can you bring me a Capri Sun?" I ask

"Are you sure they even have those."

"It's Chris. He definetly has those" the two women laugh and we sit there and chat. After some time we are called outside since the food is done. They set up a long table with lots of chairs. Some of them are left empty.

"Before we feast I would like to make a toast. A toast to my dear friend Lena. I am so happy you are here with us today. That day I got the call from Marcus I thought I was gonna pass out. I was so worried for you and then you surprised me completely. Also I would like to thank you for getting that silly tattoo. You heard it here folks, out of all of your marvel characters she picked mine." We all laughed at that and started to eat. I was sat opposite of Susan and Robert. Next to me on the right is Lizzie and on my left is Selena. We all ate and chatted a bit along the way. I went inside to go to the bathroom to wash my hands and Robert followed. We washed our hands like toddlers spraying each other with water as we dried our hands.

"Let's get something to drink." He says and we go to the bar

"I can't drink until I am 100% fully healed so can you pass me the Capri Sun from the refrigerator."

"You brits and your manners" he says and we head to the rest of the group.

"Hey, I'm sorry we're late I got stuck T work." I hear a familiar voice say behind me. I turn to see Colin Jost?

"No worries we just ate. The real thing is about to begin." Robert says.

"I don't think we've met. I'm Colin." he says and puts his hand out for me to shake.

"I'm Lena nice to meet you" I say to him

"See what I mean. Damn why do you all have to be so perfect." Robert says and I head back to Susan.

"Why's Colin here?" I ask Susan. She just gestures me to turn around. And there it is. Like a bolt of lightning. Colin and Scarlett walk side by side to the other side of the back yard. That is where Chris is cleaning the barbecue grill. I turn back around so they don't see me staring.

My chest begins to sting and I finally sit down after standing for over an hour. I see that Chris is headed inside so I follow him.

"Hey, where do you keep painkillers?" I ask him

"Why do you need painkillers?" Colin says behind the bar.

I ignore him and turn my attention back to Chris.

"It's in my bathroom cabinet. Not the one here but the one upstairs" He says

"Do you want me to get it for you?" he asks

"That would be lovely." I say sitting down.

"Hey, are you okay? Do you need to lay down?" he asks

"I'm fine just get me the strongest medicine you have" I say

"Alright. Wait here I'll be right back." He says and walks upstairs.

I lean back and wait for Chris with the medication. That is when Susan and Scarlett come in sitting down on the bar stools.

"Are you okay darling?" I hear Susan ask. I didn't look at her because I thought it isn't directed to me

"Lena? You alright?" She asks standing up and walking towards me.

"Oh, I'm fine. Don't worry." I say. She smiles and goes back to her seat. Scarlett didn't even look at me.

"Here is the strongest shit I've got. Let me get you some water." Chris says carrying a bottle of painkillers.

"Thank you, you're a life saver."

"Uh since when does Rapaunzel drink pain meds?" I hear Robert say

"I gotta admit Downey that one was pretty good." I say smiling at him

"See, Susan Downey doesn't like my teasing. But I think you love it."

"No one likes your teasing Robert" Scarlett says.

Oh she talks?

"Bo ho you in the loser club can sit right next to my lovely loser wife Susan" he says and sits down next to me.

"Did you get your stitches out?" he asks

"Yeah. Just a week ago. I'm still in some pain but it is becoming more bearable." I tell him.

"Hey pretty boy can you get me a scotch with ice and a capri sun for my kid" Robert says to Colin.

"You know I'm not a bartender, right?"

"Fine I'll get it myself. What flavour do you want young lady?"

"Mystic Dragon?" I ask

"Good choice." he says and walks over.

"How old are you Lena?" Colin asks and sits opposite of me.

"29" I say shortly

"Damn. I thought you weren't old enough to drink." he says laughing at his own joke. Funny.

"This one is more than capable of drinking. Trust me" Says Chris and walks out laughing.

"Here you go I opened it for you" He says and hands me my capri sun.

"Thanks" I smile at him. He's literally acting like he's my father. I find that sweet.

All of a sudden it starts raining and everyone starts filling into the living room. Everyone starts talking and Renner sits down on the floor next to my legs.

"Now the real deal of the night. Can you show us your Captain America tattoo? Only if you're comfortable." He says

"No way you have a Captain America tattoo?" Lizzie asks shocked

"Aren't you in the group chat?" I ask

"I am I just don't open it." everyone laughs at that.

"Quit stalling Adams the people want to see" Robert says.

"Fine, Downey." I stand up and raise my shit just enough for them to see the tattoo. Thankfully it is way bellow my wounds so I won't be showing those.

"Why does it look so cool!" Renner says

"Right? That looks sick!" Mackie says joining in. I look over the room and I see her looking at me. She's not looking at my face, her eyes are glued to the ink on my skin. I quickly cover the tattoo and sit back down.

"Is it true you got it done in Palestine?" Susan asks from the other end of the room.

"Yeah. It is true." I say hating the attention on me.

"Let's play truth or dare!" Renner says taking an empty beer bottle.

"We already have one child here. No need to add another." Robert says. I slap him across his arm.

"I didn't mean you! Ow!"

"Oh really? You see anyone else with a Capri sun in their hands here?" I say and laugh.

"I swear sometimes I think you're Robert's secret love child or something" Renner says to me.

"I have a better idea. Let's play charades, but with movies and songs." Selena says

"Great idea! Finally someone!" Robert says and sits next to susan

"How do we play this?" I ask

"Well we're going to take out a card and whatever you have on your card you have to act it out for everyone. When someone gets it is their turn. The person who's had the most turns wins." Selena explains taking out a board game.

We all sit close to each other so there is a place for the person acting to have room. And to also be able to take a card without anyone peeking. I wasn't interested in it if we're being honest. I was just happy to be there. It was nice just watching them. After that game is done the winner is presented. None other than the biggest diva in the room, Robert.

"Let's play never have I ever!"

And so we did. Since Robert won charades he is saying what everyone has on hasn't done. I can't really olay since this is a drinking game.

"Never have I ever.. kissed an authority figure." Robert says and looks around.

"Are you not playing or are you just pure?" he asks

"It's not fun if I don't get drunk." I say

"Well you can still play." Chris says

"fine, dads"

"Never have I ever..been in love with two people at the same time." I haven't. I look over and only Scarlett and Chris drink.

"Never have I ever..been suspended in high school" I drink to that.

"Hell yeah Adams up top" Mackie says high fiving me

"Never have I ever..went skinny dipping." Nope not my rodeo. I see some of them drinking. Fair enough.

"Never have I ever..gotten expelled from high school" Robert says and looks towards Renner.

"Oh come on man! You know I'm the only one in the room." He says drinking

"Don't worry you're not alone."

"Oh my god she is just like daddy" Robert says laughing at me

"Never have I ever.. done time in prison" he says looking at me

"I'm a mix between my mum and my dad" I say smiling at him.

"How about we just do karaoke like every time. You are boring people!" Robert says getting up.

"Everyone put your name on a piece of paper and toss it into this hat" Chris says handing out paper and pens.

I write mine down and toss it in. Everyone does the same and Chris goes to the front to reveal the first duo.

"First one out..RDJ!" everyone cheers

"Joining him is..Lena"

"The band is back together" Robert says as I get up. I raise my jeans and undo my hair from my ponytail.

"This one means business!" Chris yells laughing

"You know I do Evans"

"Which song do you two want?" Chris asks

"Give us some Hamilton. I'm in a mood" Robert says rolling the sleeves of his shirt.

"The stage is yours"

Just like last time we fall into a rhythm. Only this time there is a lot more rapping. Well most of it is rapping. I don't mind though. I know the whole play by heart. You can't live ine New York for six years and not know some Hamilton. I couldn't feel any pain and I could dance and be a bit more energized. Those pills really are strong. We finished and I went out for some fresh air. I sneaked out to the front porch. I sat there just looking at the rain and how peaceful it is just to sit here.

"Is this seat free?" I hear Colin ask

"Yeah, go ahead." I say looking straight ahead.

"You were amazing in there. I think you're gonna win this stupid karaoke game." He says

"Thanks. I don'g care that much." I say

"Yeah, I bet you have more to worry about."

"Huh?" I say looking at him now.

"Well you're hurt. I can't imagine how strong those pills must have been for you to jump freely." He says nicely

"Yeah, they were thankfully."

"Do you mind if I ask what happened to you?" he asks carefully.

"It's alright. Not really a secret. Long story short I went to Palestine for a charity project. I planned on staying there for two months. Plans changed and I spent four months there instead. Two days before I was supposed to return back home one shooter, with a rifle, appeared and they wanted to hurt the civilians there. I reacted quickly and threw a knife at him. I didn't realize he fired some shots. A few of them landed in my chest. He hit one of my kidneys and my liver. They had to operate."

"Damn, can I get an autograph?" He asks

"Fuck off." I laugh at him

"No I'm being deadass. You're a fucking legend dude!" he says

"Thank you for saying that. I wouldn't be the one to ever even think of that." I tell him.

"Well I do. You saved people Lena. That shield on your stomach is not for nothing."

"Thanks Colin." I say.

"Come on let's see who won" He says offering a hand for me to get up. I take it. He's not as bad as I thought he would be.

"Where were you two?" Mark asks

"Just out front" I say

"You missed Evans singing the Mamma mia soundtrack" I hear Renner say as I sat down.

"Too bad. Guess I'm going to have to wait until next time." I say

The winners turned our to be Robert and I. They cheered and Robert looked at me like a proud father. We took pictures and laughed. It was fun.

"I'm about to leave, about that autograph.." Colin says approaching Chris and I

"What autograph?" Chris asks

"Colin asked if I could give him my autograph." I said to him

"I have the perfect thing for you to sign." Chris says and goes to his room. He comes back carrying a book. But not just any book. One of my fathers works.Smart.

I sign the book and hand him the book.

"Can you write a note?" Colin asks.

To the person who called me a legend on the first person we've met. I wish you all the best and I will not forgive the kindness you've given me in the silence of things

-Lena Adams

March 20th

I

hand him the book and he smiles wildly while reading the little note. He hugs me and I hesitantly hug him back. He walks over to Scarlett and hugs her giving her a kiss on the cheek. He says goodbye and she walks him out. Chris says it's a tradition of theirs of sleep over. They all brought sleeping bags and they will mostly sleep in the living room. Lizzie, Robbie, Robert and Susan leave and we sit in the living room.

"Honey I have to go. I have a flight tomorrow morning" Selena says and kisses Chris.

"It was nice meeting you" I say and hug her. She smiles at me

"Nice meeting you too" she says and leaves us.

We clean up and the rain stops. We decide we'll watch movies and play board games. Mark made us hot chocolate and we talked for a long time.They all changed into pijama's and I was the only one left. I went to grab my suitcase from Chris's car.

"Do you need any help with that." zi hear her ask.

"No" I say and carry out the suitcase and roll it into the house.

"Where is your sleeping bag Lena?" Mackie asks as I come back in pj's

"Lena won't be sleeping on the floor." Chris says

"No exceptions man! That's not tradition." Mackie says

Chris glances at me silently asking if he can say anything. I nod at him and he speaks up.

"Lena was in a surgery three weeks ago. She needs to rest in a proper bed." Chris says

They all look shocked. I guess he didn't tell them. I could feel a certain pair of green orbs observing me as I explained to them what happened.

"How did you even get there?" Renner asks

"It's my family's organization. I volunteered." I say

"So you wore a bulletproof vest with your name on it?" Mackie asks

"And my country's flag." I say smiling at him.

"Bullshit. I call bullshit." he says

"Are you just saying that so she shows you the vest?" Marks asks

"Maybe, only if she still has it" Mackie says batting his eyelashes at me.

"Chris, go get my black bag out of the car." I say

"Ooooh I am ready for this. You know my dad was in the military. I loved wearing his shit." Mackie says all excited.

"Here show the kid some toys" Chris says tossing me the bag.

I open the bag and there it is. My vest. I take it out and throw it at Mackie.

"Oooh this is fancy. Look it says Adams. Damn you weren't joking about this. Can you put it on me?" he asks

"Sure you have to adjust the straps. Hand it to me." I say getting up to stand next to Mackie. I loosen the straps and he puts it over his body. I adjust the straps so it is tight on him.

"Someone take a picture. This is too cool. Look I'm Adams now" He says pointing to the name tag on the right side. He opens the pocket underneath it I already knew what he had in his hand. I rush to him and take it out of his hand quickly.

"No don't open that." I say

"Don't worry Lena I won't. What's that?"

"A picture of my family." I blurt out.