Only after a long silence did Tony slump back against the couch as though all the air had gone out of him, shaking his head with a wry smile.
"All right, Hermione. I thought we'd had plenty of adventures, fighting aliens and tearing Hydra apart, and made a pretty big splash along the way. But after hearing what you just said..."
He spread his hands. "It feels like we've just been kids playing house."
Steve wore a complicated expression too. He looked at Hermione with a hint of disbelief in his eyes, but even more relief.
"The whole thing sounds incredible, but you came back safely. That's what matters most."
"Exactly!" Pepper nodded repeatedly, walking over to Hermione and gently taking her hand. "Seeing you safe and sound puts our minds at ease," she said softly.
The others chimed in as well, their earlier shock gradually giving way to joy and concern.
Nearly everyone present was a friend or loved one of Hermione's. The stronger she became, the more reassured they felt.
Soon, the room was lively again, everyone talking over one another as they asked about life and customs across the universe, full of curiosity about the strange species and magnificent galaxies Hermione had described.
As they chatted, Tony's gaze landed on Mjolnir, which Thor had casually left on the table.
He leaned closer curiously and poked its ancient-looking metal head with a finger.
"Hey, big guy." Tony turned toward Thor, who was gesturing about something to Dr. Banner. "How exactly does that hammer of yours work? Why can't anyone but you lift it? Does it have some kind of biometric scanner?"
Thor lowered his arms at the question, an infuriatingly smug grin spreading across his face.
"It's simple. None of you are worthy."
Everyone booed.
"Ha! I knew