"Hey guys, let's say we destroyed a HYDRA base of horrors!"
After getting off the Quinjet, Tony Stark, still in his armor, looked at the group and said, "You know, HYDRA was a terrifying force seventy years ago."
"But now, we took them down so easily."
"So, shouldn't we throw a party?"
Listening to Tony Stark's proposal, everyone glanced at each other, but no one spoke.
For a moment, the atmosphere was a little awkward!
"Alright, alright, I admit it—I just had a little... okay, fine, this mission wasn't that difficult."
"But it's our first time working together, and we destroyed the Sokovia HYDRA base."
"So, isn't that worth a party to celebrate? After all, we'll probably be teaming up more often in the future."
"So, as the only billionaire among us, I'll cover the venue. Worst case, I'll break out the fine wine I've been collecting for over twenty years to entertain you all!"
Hearing Tony Stark's words, everyone nodded.
"Then it's settled. But honestly, I was really embarrassed when none of you said anything just now. So, to make up for it..."
"Tonight, drinks are on me. I promise to get you all so drunk you pass out, and then I'll take plenty of embarrassing photos!"
"Then I'll rent out a movie theater and invite all the employees of Stark Industries to enjoy the show together!"
While mercilessly teasing, Tony Stark controlled his armor to take off.
After gesturing to everyone, Tony Stark flew away in his armor!
Watching Tony fly off in his suit, Steve, holding his shield, turned to Su Che and said, "Tony wants to fully integrate with us."
"You can tell he probably hasn't had many friends over the years, otherwise he wouldn't..."
Hearing Steve's words, the Silver Moon Knight armor on Su Che gradually dissipated, and he returned to his normal clothes.
"Judging by how he insisted on joining when he heard we were taking action, I agree with you."
"But the more life-and-death battles you fight together, the stronger the bonds you form."
"Hmm?"
Natasha Romanoff, who was watching Barton carry the unconscious Baron Strucker, leaned over and looked at Su Che and Steve curiously.
"We're talking about friendship!"
"Tch, I didn't mean anything else!"
Listening to Su Che and Steve's unified explanation, Natasha Romanoff shrugged. "I thought Tony had already joined this newly formed group!"
Hearing Natasha Romanoff's words, Steve said softly, "It's not up to us; it's up to Tony."
"The reason he came along this time was because he wanted to see if this small team led by Su was a good fit."
"Maybe he wanted to see if this team was worth his consideration."
"But judging by his behavior before he left, he should be quite satisfied with this team."
"At the very least, with Su here, Tony has nothing to worry about!"
Making friends.
It's not just about personality compatibility.
It also depends on whether the friend is worth having!
Steve was right. Aside from Pepper and Happy, Tony probably only had Rhodey as a friend at most.
But Rhodey's background and position meant he couldn't always stand firmly by Tony's side.
What are friends?
A friend is someone who, as long as it's not a matter of principle, will support you in whatever you do.
Even if I saw you fighting someone on the street,
I'd rush over without a word to help you beat them up.
Even if it turns out you were in the wrong, that you started the fight.
Aside from issues of principle and bottom lines, everything else is just about right and wrong.
So what do you need friends for?
To find a judge?
Steve didn't say it out loud.
But the implication was: Su and Tony are friends, and I am friends with Su.
But Tony, Natasha Romanoff, and Barton aren't friends.
Although I joined S.H.I.E.L.D., if Su and S.H.I.E.L.D. ever had a disagreement,
then both Tony and I would definitely stand by Su's side.
Tony joined this small team—which wasn't yet the Avengers—because he wanted to see if everyone on the team was worthy of being a friend he could acknowledge, like Su Che.
Well, not bad.
At least with Natasha Romanoff and Barton, Tony found them quite acceptable.
Of course, Natasha Romanoff and Barton's positions also meant that Tony couldn't trust them as much as he trusted Su and Steve!
But that didn't stop them from being friends!
So, before leaving, Tony sent out party invitations...
"It's only one in the afternoon. Where are you two heading? Why not come to S.H.I.E.L.D. for lunch?"
Glancing at the time, Natasha Romanoff smiled and extended an invitation to Su and Steve.
"Thanks, but no."
Facing Natasha Romanoff's invitation, Su Che declined with a smile.
Steve looked up at the weather and then smiled at Natasha Romanoff. "The sun is so bright and the temperature is so comfortable—isn't it perfect for fishing?"
"So, you and Barton take this guy back to S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
"Alright then, I wish you two big men a wonderful afternoon!"
She deliberately said something ambiguous to the two of them with a smile.
Then she and Clint Barton walked toward the Trident Building.
As he left, Barton didn't forget to turn around and wave to them.
Su Che put his hands in his pockets and said to Steve, "Are you sure you're ready?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow!"
Taking a deep breath, Steve glanced at the shield in his hand and shook his head. "I haven't fully processed my emotions yet. It's not the right time to meet her."
"By the way, Su, where did you park the car?"
Hearing Steve's question, Su Che froze for a moment.
"Come on, Natasha Romanoff picked me up in a Quinjet. I didn't drive!"
"Then what do we do? The Trident Building is in Washington, over 380 kilometers from New York. We can't run back."
"Should we go to the airport?"
"Actually, the scenery along I-95 heading north is pretty good."
"Alright, let's rent a car!"
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D.!
After handing over Baron Strucker to the appropriate personnel,
Barton followed Natasha Romanoff. As they walked toward the cafeteria, Barton said, "On the way back, including the detour to New Mexico,"
"You kept glancing at Su unconsciously."
"What, Natasha Romanoff, have you fallen for Su? If you're interested, go for it boldly."
"Come on, I don't like competing with my sisters for a boyfriend!"
"My focus was on Su and Steve. On the way back, they didn't look too happy—at least, not the kind of joy you'd expect after a victorious battle!"
Listening to Barton's words, Natasha Romanoff replied as they walked, "Besides, as someone who's destined not to settle down, I'd better not hurt anyone!"
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(TL : More Chapters @patreon.com/c/Gooberilla)