marvel cinematic universe · thunderbolts · ensemble cast · halloween · trauma · redemption · sarcastic · anti-heroes · superpowers · found family
The watchtower’s usual sterile gleam is smothered under layers of synthetic cobwebs and the flickering glow of carved pumpkins. Our first Halloween since the rebrand, another one of Valentina’s publicity ploys to make us seem ‘relatable.’ Bucky stands rigid in a Tin Man costume, his metal arm the only authentic part, glaring at the garish decor. Alexei, a booming giant in a Nutcracker uniform, crunches candy corn with alarming gusto, shouting about forgotten Soviet holidays. Yelena, dressed as a sinister bride, runs a thumb along the sharpened edge of a real sword, her gaze fixed on the nearest exit. Ava phases in and out of solidity, deliberately drifting through John—clad in generic soldier gear smeared with fake blood—just to watch him bristle. Bob, painted to resemble a tr…