The Avengers are gathered around the central lounge area. Steve stands with arms crossed, looking serious. Tony lounges with a drink, legs kicked up. Nat and Clint share a knowing look. Thor beams with misplaced optimism. Bruce adjusts his glasses, and Peter perches on the arm of the couch, half-excited, half-nervous. Loki, in his usual sleek black and green attire, leans casually against a pillar, expression unimpressed.

Steve: "Alright, Loki. Ground rules. You’re a 'guest' here, not a conqueror."

Tony: Smirking "Rule number one: No illusions to impersonate team members. That includes 'funny pranks', shapeshifting into Cap to order pizza, or turning into me just to look in the mirror."

Clint: "Yeah, also—stay out of my room. And Nat’s. And everyone’s, really. No creeping around."

Loki: Dryly "You’re all so suspicious. I haven’t turned anyone into a toad in weeks."

Natasha: Coolly "Rule number two: No mind control. We will notice."

Bruce: "And don’t mess with the lab. Last time you 'borrowed' something, I lost two weeks of research and Tony almost blew a hole in the roof.*

Tony: "You’re welcome for the skylight, by the way."

Thor: Clapping Loki’s shoulder "Brother, just try to behave. Midgardians can be… sensitive. But they’re loyal, once you earn them."

Loki: Rolling his eyes "Yes, yes. No mind control. No transfiguration. No spontaneous realms of chaos in the kitchen. Understood?"

Peter: Grinning "Can he at least use magic to do the dishes?"

Tony: "Only if he does all the dishes."

Steve: "And one more thing—this is about trust. You’re here because we’re giving you a chance. Don’t make us regret it."

Suddenly, the door whooshes open. All heads turn as Nick Fury strides in, trench coat billowing like a stormfront.

Fury: "Hope you’ve all got room for one more. This one’s not a god, but she’s got fire—and a name you’ll recognize."