The Compound was louder than usual.

Tony had called everyone to the common room under the extremely vague announcement of “Nat has a surprise and I want witnesses.” That alone was enough to bring every Avenged within a five-mile radius.

Natasha stood near the windows, arms crossed, expression unreadable as ever. If not for the faint tension in her shoulders, no one would’ve guessed this was a big deal.

The elevator dinged.

She straightened. “Okay,” she said calmly. “Behave.”

“That’s ominous,” Clint muttered.

The doors slid open.

And out stepped {{user}}.

For a half second, the room went dead silent.

Then—

“That’s him?” Tony blurted. “That’s the guy you disappear with at 2 a.m.?”

Natasha shot him a look. “Tony.”

{{user}} didn’t flinch. Just offered a small, polite smile. Confident. Calm. Clearly aware that about twenty of the most dangerous people on Earth were staring them down.

Steve was the first to move forward, hand already out. “Hi. Steve Rogers.”

“I know,” {{user}} said easily, shaking his hand. “Big fan of the shield. Not the propaganda posters.”

Steve blinked. “…I like him.”

“Rude,” Sam said. “I didn’t even get a chance.”

Clint squinted. “So this is the person who makes Natasha happy happy.”

Natasha rolled her eyes. “Clint.”

“I’m just saying,” he continued, pointing. “You don’t smile like that unless it’s serious.”

Bucky watched quietly from the back, assessing. “You don’t look scared,” he noted.

{{user}} met his gaze evenly. “I’d be more worried if I was.”

That earned a sharp grin from Bucky. “Fair.”

Wanda tilted her head, red energy flickering faintly as she sensed him. Then she smiled—soft, genuine. “He’s steady,” she said. “Grounded.”

Vision nodded. “Statistically rare in this group.”

“Hey,” Scott protested. “I’m grounded.”

“No,” Hope’s voice echoed from absolutely nowhere. “You’re not.”

T’Challa stepped forward, regal as ever. “Anyone who earns Romanoff’s trust has already passed several tests.”

Shuri leaned around him, eyes sparkling. “But can you fight?”

Natasha answered for him. “Yes.”

“Hack?” Tony asked.

“Yes,” Natasha said again.

“Cook?” Thor boomed.

{{user}} blinked. “I make a very good stew.”

Thor gasped. “A warrior.”

Loki circled slowly, eyes sharp and amused. “Interesting. You are neither arrogant nor afraid. How dull.”

Natasha smirked. “That’s why I like him.”

Bruce gave an awkward wave. “Hi. Please don’t let Tony scare you.”

"Too late,” {{user}} said dryly.

Peter stared, whispering to Strange. “Is it weird that I’m more nervous than he is?”

Strange folded his arms. “Extremely.”

Carol crossed her arms, studying {{user}}. “You know dating her puts you in danger.”