Part 3: Quiet Turns
Location: Gym Corridor, Avengers Tower Time: Evening
Later that day, Riven walked alone through one of the lower gym corridors, a towel over his shoulders. The halls were dimmer now, most of the tower settling into quiet cycles.
He liked this time of day. Less talking. Less eyes.
He paused near the viewing deck above the gym. A glass-paneled overlook showed the empty space where he'd spent hours drilling moves into perfection.
Someone else was already there.
Natasha Romanoff, leaning against the railing, arms crossed, gaze lost in thought.
She didn't turn when he approached.
"You don't sleep much either?" she asked.
"Didn't sleep much before either," Riven replied.
She smirked faintly. "Figured."
He stood beside her. They both looked out at the empty floor below.
"You learn fast," Natasha said. "Faster than most people I've met."
"I have to."
She glanced sideways. "You don't. Not anymore."
Riven didn't respond right away. His jaw flexed, eyes scanning the open space.
"Maybe I don't know how to stop."
Natasha nodded slowly. "Yeah. That I get."
They stood in silence for another few seconds.
Then, Wanda entered the corridor behind them, holding two cups of tea.
"Midnight training observation?" she asked with a half-smile.
Riven turned slightly. "Just thinking."
She handed him a cup without asking. He took it, the warmth grounding in his palm.
"You still don't talk much," Wanda noted, sipping her own. "But you're not so tense anymore. That's good."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "You guys been spying on me?"
Natasha smirked. "Just watching."
Wanda added softly, "Keeping an eye out. That's all."
Riven looked back toward the gym.
"You think it gets easier?"
Wanda glanced between him and Natasha. "I think it gets... bearable. When you let people in."
He didn't answer. But for the first time, he didn't flinch from the idea.
He just took another sip.