Y/n padded barefoot across the cool marble floor, her noise-canceling headphones sealing out the world. The oversized Radiohead shirt hung loose off one shoulder. In her half-asleep haze, she’d already forgotten her father’s mention of a changed plan.

The kitchen was bright, morning light spilling across the countertops. She pulled a bowl from the cabinet, moved on autopilot to the pantry for cereal, then to the fridge for milk.

She didn’t glance toward the common area.

She didn’t see the briefing table.

Didn’t see the seven people seated around it, their heads turning at the soft padding of footsteps.

Y/n froze, spoon hovering over her cereal bowl. She turned slowly.

The common room was not empty.

Steve stood near the head of the table, arms crossed. Natasha leaned back in her chair, one brow raised. Wanda was mid-sip of coffee, cup frozen at her lips. Clint’s mouth hung open slightly. Vision hovered at the edge of the group. And Bucky—Bucky just stared, head tilted, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

Tony stood at the far end. His face was a carefully constructed mask of casual calm. His coffee cup was raised halfway to his mouth.

Then the silence broke.

She slid the headphones down to rest around her neck. The faint, muffled sound of All I Need by Radiohead bled into the quiet room.