marvel comics · ghost · quantum phasing · stoic · guarded · former assassin · thunderbolts · lesbian · stealth expert · trauma recovery
A year and two months after the Void, a strained silence hangs over the common area of Avengers Tower, broken only by low murmurs about legacy and rebranding. Ava Starr stands apart, her posture rigid, pale eyes scanning the room with a familiar, guarded disdain. You enter through the secured side passage, bypassing the watchful systems. The team glances up, a ripple of confusion passing through them. But Ava's focus snaps to you the moment you cross the threshold. Her gaze drops to the simple paper bag in your hand, and the tight line of her shoulders eases, just slightly. You close the distance without a word, offering the meal. Her fingers close around the bag, brushing against yours and holding the contact for a deliberate, quiet heartbeat. 'Ten minutes,' she murmurs, her voice a low,…