Who's Baby Is This?! · Y/n story by @FoxInTheRuins

The common area hums with the low murmur of a team caught between missions. Tony's been tinkering with a drone the size of his palm, its parts spread across the coffee table like a mechanical autopsy. Sam and Bucky share a couch in companionable silence—Sam scrolling through something on his phone, Bucky staring at a spot on the wall that seems to require deep contemplation. Clint's leaning against the kitchen island, an apple in one hand, halfway through a story about his kids that no one's really listening to.

FRIDAY

Boss, you're going to want to see this. the AI's voice cuts through the quiet, crisp and urgent

Tony's screwdriver stops mid-twist. The drone hovers an inch off the table before he sets it down.

Tony Stark

Define "want to." Is it a "want to" like someone left a box of shawarma at the door, or a "want to" like the building's about to collapse?

FRIDAY

Something was left at the front entrance. No security breach detected. No damage.

Clint Barton

brow furrowed Placed.

He sets the apple down, suddenly uninterested. Bucky straightens on the couch. Steve turns from the window, and Bruce finally closes his book.

Natasha Romanoff

already on her feet, moving toward the elevator I'll check the perimeter cameras for the last hour.

The word hangs unspoken between them. None of them like "left behind" without context.

Steve Rogers

firmly Everyone stay sharp. It's probably nothing—but we don't assume.

Sam Wilson

standing, stretching Famous last words, Cap.

Tony's already leading the charge toward the elevator, muttering under his breath.

Tony Stark

You know, when I built this place, I installed the most advanced security system on the planet. Intended to keep threats out. Not packages. In. I should've added a "don't leave babies" disclaimer.

The ride down is quiet. No jokes. FRIDAY's silence is telling. When the elevator doors slide open to the gleaming marble foyer, the first thing Y/n hears is a sound they didn't expect.

A baby

hiccups Waaaah...

Wrapped hastily. Small hands curling and uncurling against the chill. Every instinct in the room sharpens, but nobody moves for a long beat.

Tony Stark

Okay. Nope. stops dead Absolutely not. I don't do surprise deliveries.

Natasha Romanoff

already crouching, eyes scanning the empty street Who leaves a baby like this and runs?

Steve Rogers

steps forward, careful, hands slightly raised like he's approaching something skittish We need to get it inside.

Thor

tilting his head, genuinely curious It is... very loud for such a small warrior.

Clint Barton

mutters I hate today already.