When everyone had finished eating, Kakashi looked around the large living room of Tony's mansion. Plates were empty. Drinks were half full. The team sat in comfortable chairs and couches.
The mood was relaxed but there was still some weird energy between them. They had fought together, but they did not really know each other yet.
Kakashi knew questions were coming. Some he would answer. Some he would not. He stood up slowly.
"Alright," he said. "If everyone is full, let's have our first official Avengers meeting. We will start with introductions to get to know each other better. After that, we can talk about important things like our purpose and how we move forward."
He did not enjoy starting conversations or leading meetings. He preferred to stay in the background. But he was the leader now.
It was not the first time that he was in charge of a team. He had led an Anbu squad long ago as an Anbu captain. Those missions had been mostly silent and serious. There was no small talk in the mask. This was different.
Tony leaned back in his chair with a grin.
"Introductions? What are we, kindergarten kids on the first day of school?"
Kakashi's eyes curved slightly.
"Kids make friends quickly. In our work, friends save lives. Teamwork matters more than individual power. If we know each other, we trust each other. Trust keeps us alive when the next invasion comes."
Tony thought about it for a second and nodded. "Fair point. I hate when people are logical."
He looked around the room. "So how do we do this? Name, rank, favourite colour?"
Kakashi sat down again. "Simple things. What you like. What you hate. Your dream for the future. Nothing too deep. Just enough to understand the person beside you in battle."
Everyone looked at each other. After a short silence, Steve Rogers stood up first. He always led by example.
"I'll start," Steve said. "My name is Steve Rogers. Most of you know me as Captain America. I like honesty, fair fights, and good people who stand up for what is right. I hate bullies, no matter how big or small they are. As for a dream…" He paused and looked down for a moment. "I don't have a big dream anymore. I woke up seventy years late. The person I cared about most lived her life without me. My regret is that I wasn't there for her for most of her life. So my goal now is simple. Protect this world and the people in it so no one else has to lose someone the way I did."
The room was quiet. Steve sat down.
Thor spoke next, voice booming but gentle. "I am Thor, son of Odin. I like feast, battle with worthy foes, and the company of friends. I hate deception and those who harm the innocent. I no longer have a dream right now. My dream was to be a king my father can be proud of and to protect all Nine Realms from harm."
Clint smiled. "Clint Barton, Hawkeye. I like coffee, my family, and hitting targets no one else can. I hate being controlled, it's something that I recently discovered. My dream is to go home to my kids and live a quiet life when this is all over."
Natasha leaned forward. "Natasha Romanoff. I like secrets that stay secret, good plans. I hate liars and people who use others. My dream? Maybe one day to have a life where I don't have to look over my shoulder."
Bruce spoke softly. "Bruce Banner. I like science, quiet places. I hate losing control and hurting people when I become hulk. My dream is to find peace with the other guy inside me and maybe help the world without breaking it."
Tony raised his glass. "Tony Stark. Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. I like building things, fast cars, good whiskey, and saving the world. I hate being told what to do and people who think they're smarter than me. My dream? Build something that would make my father proud even in the next life."
Creel grinned. "Carl Creel. I like proving people wrong and good fights. I hate cages and people who treat others like trash. My dream is to show the world that even a guy like me can be a real hero."
Blonsky nodded. "Emil Blonsky. I like discipline and strength. I hate weakness in myself. My dream is control and redemption."
Everyone turned to Kakashi. They waited expectantly.
Kakashi leaned back in his chair, completely relaxed.
"Things I like and things I hate? I don't feel like telling you that. As for my dream for the future, I never really thought about it."
Tony's mouth opened. "You have got to be kidding me. You make us spill our hearts and then give us nothing?"
Bruce looked like he might turn into hulk from frustration and anger.
Before anyone could explode, Creel spoke up with a huge proud smile.
"I don't know all of boss's dreams, but I know one thing he hates. People who abandon their comrades. He thinks they are worse than scum."
He paused for effect, then added with an even bigger grin.
"And his favourite thing to do? Read smut. All day. Every day. The dirtier the better."
The room went dead silent.
Then Tony burst out laughing. Natasha covered her mouth but her shoulders shook. Steve turned bright red. Thor looked confused but amused. Clint nearly fell off his chair.
Kakashi turned his head slowly toward Creel. His eyes narrowed into a glare that could freeze fire.
Creel suddenly realised he might have made a mistake.
-----Author Notes---------
Thankyou Curzelake and juan ernesto for supporting me!
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