Arabian Barbecue

Above New York City, not a single alien invader remained in sight.

The battle was over.

The heroes stood amid the devastated streets, high-fiving, embracing, and celebrating this hard-won victory.

"Seriously," Tony said with a faint smile as he looked at everyone.

"I need a drink. No, a whole bottle!"

"I agree!" Thor laughed, resting Thor's Hammer on his shoulder.

"We should throw a grand victory feast, like the warriors of Asgard. We won't go home until we're drunk!"

Several hours later, as night fell over New York, most of the cleanup work had been completed.

Thanks to the Avengers' efficient coordination, the city was restoring order at an astonishing pace.

The heroes gathered in small groups at the center of Times Square, where an open area had been temporarily cleared.

"All right, guys," Tony Stark's weary voice came through the comm channel.

"The world-saving business is wrapped up for now. I propose we get something to eat. I know a barbecue place nearby. I saw it online, and apparently it's pretty good."

"Barbecue?" Spider-Man was the first to get excited.

"Awesome! I'm starving!"

Wolverine Logan snorted, though the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "As long as there's alcohol."

"I don't mind." Adam shrugged.

Everyone voiced their agreement, and the group of superheroes who had just saved the world marched toward that inconspicuous barbecue restaurant.

The storefront was small and even somewhat shabby, but the lighting inside was warm.

The owner was a friendly-looking Middle Eastern man. When he saw a group of superheroes in battle suits, still carrying the smell of gunpowder, walk in, he was completely stunned.

"Oh... my God!" he cried excitedly, running out from behind the counter with a barbecue knife still in his hand.

"It's... it's the Avengers! You... you saved us! You