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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄╱ reindeer games
As soon as the jet touched down, Steve, Coulson, and Svetlana stepped onto the landing pad, where Natasha Romanoff was already waiting for them. Her sharp eyes scanned the group before settling on Svetlana, a rare smile tugging at her lips. They hadn't seen each other since Clint's abduction.
But Svetlana didn't waste time on formalities. She strode forward and pulled Natasha into a firm hug, squeezing her tightly before pulling back. "Missed you, Natty," she smirked, slipping easily into her place at Natasha's left.
Natasha shot her a pointed look at the nickname but didn't argue. Instead, she turned her attention to Steve.
"Ma'am," Steve greeted politely, ever the gentleman.
Natasha nodded in acknowledgment. "Hi."
Svetlana raised an amused brow at her friend's typically blunt nature but kept her thoughts to herself. It was good to be back in the field together.
Natasha turned to Coulson, keeping her tone professional. "They need you on the bridge. They're starting the face-to-face," she informed him.
Coulson nodded without hesitation. "See you there." With that, he strode off, leaving the three of them alone.
Svetlana watched him go before easily falling into step beside Natasha and Steve.
"It was quite the buzz around here, finding you in the ice," Natasha remarked, glancing at Steve with a teasing glint in her eye. "I thought Coulson was gonna swoon."
Svetlana chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, trust me, he did."
Natasha smirked but kept going. "Did he ask you to sign his Captain America trading cards yet?"
Steve blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Trading cards?" he repeated, brows furrowed in confusion.
"They're vintage. He's very proud," Natasha added, exchanging an amused glance with Svetlana.
Svetlana smirked. "He practically worships them."
Before Natasha could add to the teasing, their attention was drawn ahead, where a very disoriented Bruce Banner was stepping off a jet, his eyes darting around, wary and uncertain.
"Doctor Banner!" Steve called out, waving the man over as he stepped forward, offering his hand.
Bruce hesitated for a second before shaking it briefly. "Yeah, hi," he said, his voice carrying a hint of unease. "They told me you'd be coming."
Steve gave a firm nod. "Word is, you can find the cube."
Bruce rubbed his hands together anxiously, still taking in his surroundings. "Is that the only word on me?" he asked carefully, the implication clear.