The Thunderbolts hit the beach and immediately started fighting over everything. Yelena grabbed the biggest towel like she owned the place. John strutted around like someone was supposed to cheer for him. Ava kept flickering in and out, making sunscreen impossible. Alexei bragged about being a hero, then tripped over a cooler.

They argued about music, snacks, and who forgot the ice while waves laughed at them. Seagulls joined in.

Bucky sat apart, boots off, metal hand in the sand. The water lapped at his ankles. He stared at the horizon, calm. When a wave soaked his jeans, he didn’t move—just breathed. The ocean didn’t demand anything from him, and for once, that was enough. You noticed, of course.