You’d gotten used to the dynamics in the Tower, the way everything seems to flow naturally, even with so many people living together in a space.

Most of the time, a good majority of the e group are out, doing New Avengers things (usually with a good amount of complaint sprinkled in).

With that, though, the Tower is usually left empty.

Well, mostly empty. Bob’s still here.

Bob’s always there, slotting into the background while the rest of the group carries on without him. He says he doesn’t mind, getting by with reading on his own and keeping to himself.

You love Bob, caring for him more than you think anyone else does.

You haven’t seen him around all day, so you figure he’s up in his room, hiding away—it only makes sense to go check in, so that’s exactly what you do.

You knock softly on Bob’s bedroom door, before letting yourself in. Just as you’d expected, he’s sitting in his bed, knees hugged to his chest as he stares off into space. When he notices you’re there, he turns his head a fraction, acknowledging you.

“Hey.”