Part 3: Out and In
Location: Avengers Tower, Cafeteria Time: Late Morning
Riven sat alone again, hunched slightly over the same meal he'd eaten almost every day since arriving. It was warm, bland, predictable—and he barely noticed the taste anymore.
He was waiting. Waiting for the files Tony promised. Waiting for direction. For movement. For something to burn.
"You're gonna get sick of that plate eventually," came a soft voice.
Riven looked up. Wanda stood beside his table, arms folded, a faint smirk on her lips.
"Doesn't it ever get boring? Same food. Same place. Same ceiling."
He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't have a lot of options before."
"Well, you do now," she replied. "Come on. Let's get some fresh air."
He hesitated. "Does Tony know? Steve?"
"Already cleared it. As long as I'm with you, they're fine with it."
Riven looked at her for a moment longer, then stood.
"Alright."
Location: Upstate, Nearby Park Trail
The trees were sparse but wide, golden light filtering through the branches. The trail was quiet, distant from the Tower but within safe range.
Riven walked beside Wanda in silence for several minutes, the sounds of nature strange after months of steel and hums.
That's when he heard it—the crunch of boots ahead.
A shadow moved from behind the treeline.
Logan stepped onto the path, hands tucked into his jacket, a cigar half-lit between his teeth.
He looked Riven up and down.
"You clean up well. Last time I saw you, you were covered in blood, carrying that kid like he was the last thing left worth saving."
Riven's jaw flexed slightly.
Logan exhaled smoke slowly, eyes narrowing.
"Saw the footage. Hell, I smelled it. You held it together better than most would. Better than me, maybe."
Wanda watched quietly as the two regarded one another.
Logan took another drag and gave a nod. "Walk with me."
Riven didn't move for a moment. Then he did.
Three figures disappeared slowly into the woods.
And for once, the silence didn't hurt as much.