- MCU Short 3-

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Ship: OT6!Avengers & Reader

Summary: Sitting in your bedroom after a difficult mission, you've never felt so distant from the others.

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The clunk of the wheels touching down on the landing pad was enough to jolt Y/N from their sleep. Bleary eyed and aching all over, Y/N followed the rest of Avengers down the Quinjet ramp and back into the Compound, Steve at the lead.

"Well done everyone, we did good work today. Get some sleep, we will have the debriefing tomorrow."

The rest of team were relieved to hear that, no one wanted a long debriefing after three long days fighting HYDRA agents in the French Alps. As various team members peeled off to go to different parts of the Compound, Y/N walked solely towards the elevators at the end of the main hall. Natasha rushed to catch up with you.

"Hey Y/N! Wait up a second." She said, on reaching you.

You inwardly sighed, you always hated this part of going on missions. You turned, "Hi Nat."

"Do you want to stay down here for a few drinks, I know we could all use it."

"Thanks, but no, I'm pretty tired. Just wanna sleep it off." 

"Oh, that's okay. See you in morning for training?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

Nat smiled, "Great, see you then." Before walking back down towards common area.

Y/N watched her leave for a few seconds, before getting into the elevator. After almost every mission, Y/N and another Avenger went the motions of having that conversation. They always said no, and always felt bad for doing so.  Despite being an Avenger for almost two years now, the social anxiety still frustratingly fought on. It was worse still knowing that at least Natasha, and probably Clint too, could see through their lies and cover ups; but Y/N saw no other option. Stepping out, Y/N trudged the familiar walk to their room, once inside they slid down against the front door.

Why did these simple things have to be so difficult?

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Walking into the common area, Natasha noticed only Bruce was sitting at the bar.

"Where's everyone else?"

"They've gone to shower, you probably should too. Unless that's your blood?"

Natasha laughed, "Very funny, no it's not my blood, I think I'd know if it was."

"Just making sure, no Y/N?" 

"There never is." The Russian said, reaching behind the bar for a bottle of anything.

"Don't be like that, I'm sure they have their reasons."

Natasha finally chose a bottle she wanted, "I know, but they've been on the team for a while now. You'd thought they'd be more comfortable, more settled."

"I suppose, but it took me a while."

"What do you suggest?"

"Well, one of us could speak to them?"

Natasha nodded, "I guess Steve could, he was the one who recruited Y/N. I'll ask Steve to talk to them tomorrow before Y/N's training."

"Let me know how it goes."

"Will do."

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"Morning Steve." Y/N walking into the training room, slinging their duffle down on the floor.

"Ah Y/N, good morning. Wondered if we could have quick chat before we start?"

"'Course." Y/N said, sitting down on a bench as Steve did the same.

"Just wanted to check in with you, how are you doing?"

"I'm doing good, thanks, how are you?" Y/N said, with well-practiced deflection.

Steve tried the direct approach, "Can I ask why you always disappear after a mission? I know the rest of the team misses you." He added after Y/N's initial silence.

"I don't know how to explain it, to be honest. Whenever one you ask me to hang out, I just freeze up. It's weird, I can talk with you all usually."

"Do you think it's harder, because it's after a mission?"

"Maybe, they always talk a lot out of me still. Even now. By Especially when they... you know."

"Don't go to plan?" Steve filled in.

Y/N nodded, "Something like that."

"What if we agreed to meet up more regularly outside of after missions, and in smaller groups; do you think that would help?"

"I think so, but wouldn't want to be a bother."

"Of course not, we're a team after all."