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Morning light poured into the compound kitchen, warm and golden, the long table already crowded with Avengers, plates, mugs, and the low hum of overlapping conversations. Athena sat halfway down the table, one leg hooked around the chair rung, a plate stacked high with pancakes in front of her. She had just lifted her fork when a—

A massive hand reached across the table.

'SMACK!'

Thor froze mid-reach, blinking down at his hand like it had betrayed him. "Nuh-uh," Athena said without looking up. "Those are mine." Thor stared at her, then grinned, utterly unrepentant. "I merely wished to sample the Midgardian victory cakes." "You had six," Tony said, sipping his coffee. "I counted." Thor nodded proudly. "And yet, I hunger."

Athena stabbed a pancake with her fork and took a deliberate bite while holding Thor's gaze. "Tragic." A sudden, bright giggle cut through the table. Everyone turned. Morgan sat in her high chair at the end of the table, tiny hands clapping together, her face lit up with pure delight. She let out another laugh—loud, breathy, completely contagious. Athena's expression melted instantly. "Oh. You liked that, huh?" Morgan kicked her feet, laughing again.

Pepper smiled, leaning closer. "Someone appreciates chaos before 9 a.m." Thor leaned down, peering at Morgan with great seriousness. "Ah. The Small Thunder approves." Morgan squealed. "That's it," Tony said. "She's encouraging him." Carol laughed from beside Athena, nudging her shoulder. "You've created a monster." Athena grinned, tearing off a small, safe piece of pancake and holding it up. "You want some?"

Pepper gently intercepted. "Not yet." Athena sighed dramatically. "I'm being censored." Natasha watched the scene over the rim of her coffee, her gaze lingering on Athena—whole, relaxed, laughing. She looked...home. Mia sat a few seats down, watching with a soft smile, hands wrapped around her mug. No longing this time. Just fondness. Wanda leaned over to Sam. "I think Morgan just discovered slapstick comedy."

Sam nodded. "She's got taste." Thor raised his mug. "To pancakes, to family, and to the fierce warrior who guards her plate." Athena lifted her fork in salute. "Touch my food again and lose a finger." Morgan laughed again, louder than before, utterly delighted. The table erupted into laughter, the sound filling the kitchen—easy, warm, alive. For once, no missions. No alarms. Just breakfast.