The End of Beginning
The sun was setting over the compound, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. The team had just wrapped up a training session, their bodies tired but spirits high. It had been a long journey for everyone, but today, they felt closer than ever—like a true family, bound together by shared experiences, both the good and the bad.
Arthur stood on the balcony, his elbows resting on the railing as he watched the sky shift. The cool breeze ruffled his hair, but for the first time in a long while, he felt at peace. The constant weight in his chest had loosened, the tightness in his muscles had relaxed, and his mind was clearer than it had been in years. He no longer felt like he was living in the shadow of his past—he was living for today, for the present.
Behind him, he could hear the familiar sound of footsteps. He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. The quiet, steady presence was unmistakable.
Bucky came up beside him, leaning on the railing as well. “You okay, Arti?” he asked, his voice low but steady.
Arthur smiled, his eyes still focused on the horizon. “Yeah, I’m good. Just thinking.”
Bucky nudged him gently with his elbow. “About what?”
Arthur chuckled softly. “About how much things have changed. A year ago, I never would’ve imagined... well, all this. Being here. Being part of something that feels real.”
Bucky nodded, his gaze turning to the sky as well. “I get that. I don’t think any of us saw this coming. But I’m glad we’re here.”
They stood in silence for a moment, the shared understanding between them deepening. Neither of them had been given an easy hand in life, but now, in this moment, they had each other—and they had a team that cared about them.
Arthur finally turned to look at Bucky, his expression warm. “You know, Buck, I don’t think I say it enough... but I’m really glad we’re brothers. I really missed hanging out with you.”
Bucky’s eyes softened, his lips curving into a rare, sincere smile. “I feel the same way, Arti. You’re stuck with me now.”
Arthur laughed, the sound genuine and full of warmth. “Good. Because I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Before Bucky could reply, the sound of a voice interrupted them. “Hey, you two. Quit getting all sappy and come join the rest of us for dinner,” Steve called from the door.
Arthur’s face broke into a grin. “Coming, Cap!” he shouted back, raising a hand in acknowledgment.
As they made their way inside, the rest of the team was gathered around the large dining table, laughter filling the air as they swapped stories and shared jokes. Natasha and Clint were arguing playfully over something trivial, while Tony and Banner were deep in conversation about a new project, with Peter eagerly chiming in about some wild idea he had.
Arthur took a seat next to Bucky, feeling the warmth of the fellowship settle around him like a comforting blanket. For once, the chaos of the world outside didn’t seem so overwhelming. He was surrounded by people who understood him—people who accepted him for who he was, quirks and all. He didn’t have to hide his anxiety, his past, or his struggles. Here, with the team, he was just Arthur. And that was enough.
Peter nudged him with his elbow, grinning. “So, what’s the plan for tomorrow, Arti? Got anything fun in mind?”
Arthur chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “How about we take the day off and just... relax? No missions, no training, just a day to breathe.”
Peter’s eyes lit up. “I’m in! I’m gonna spend the whole day napping!”
Bucky gave him a sidelong look. “Yeah, I’ll believe that when I see it.”
The entire table burst into laughter, and for a moment, it felt like nothing could touch them. Arthur watched his friends, his family, and felt a deep sense of gratitude. There had been so much pain in his life—so much darkness—but this? This was his light. His team. His home.
The food arrived, and they dug in, talking and laughing long into the evening. The conversations shifted from lighthearted banter to plans for the future—missions, downtime, and even discussions about places to visit when they all decided to take a real vacation.
As Arthur looked around the table, he realized something profound. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t fighting just for survival. He was fighting for something bigger—something worth holding onto. His team. His family. The people who cared about him, the ones who made him feel like he finally belonged.
And as the night wore on, with laughter echoing in the background and the promise of a future full of possibilities, Arthur knew one thing for sure: he was finally home.
The Reaper was gone. Arthur was here, surrounded by the people who made him feel safe, and with that, he had everything he needed to keep moving forward.
Tomorrow was a new day, full of new beginnings. And for the first time, Arthur couldn’t wait to see what it would bring.
Coming to an End soon...