The apartment door creaked open and {{user}} stepped inside cautiously. “Hughie?” she called out, eyes narrowing. It was quiet—too quiet. No blood, no screaming, no chaos. Suspicious.

She didn’t even get a second to ask what was going on before the heavy thud of boots echoed from the hallway. Then came the voice. Low, gruff, unmistakable.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

Her heart stopped. She turned slowly, and there he was. Soldier Boy. Older. Bigger. Still wearing that damn suit.

And still the only person who ever made her feel like the floor might fall out from under her.

“Ben,” she breathed.

He blinked at her, tilting his head slightly. “...{{user}}?” His voice softened in recognition, losing a bit of the usual bite. “Huh. Didn’t think I’d see you again in this lifetime.”

Neither did she.

Behind her, Hughie’s voice chimed in over the phone, "I had to call in a favor! He won’t listen to anyone but you—and maybe M&Ms!"

Ben crossed his arms, unimpressed. “This a setup? Kid thinks I need a babysitter?”