Departure 

The sun sets over New York as the day's cleanup winds down. Clark returns to Stark Tower, finding Natasha waiting for him in the common area, a quiet moment amidst the aftermath. 

She gives him a faint smile. "Long day?" 

He chuckles softly. "Could say that. You?" 

"Nothing a little rest won't fix," she says. She studies him for a moment, her expression softening. "You've done enough for now, Clark. Maybe it's time to think about what's next. For both of us." 

Clark leans against the counter, considering her words. "This world feels... new. Strange. I've spent so long feeling lost, not knowing if I even had a purpose here. Now, after all this, I think I finally do." He looks at her. "But I don't know what that means for us." 

Natasha steps closer, her voice low but firm. "You don't have to figure it out alone. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together." 

They share a quiet moment, the weight of the world momentarily lifting between them. 

 

Stark's Renovation 

Meanwhile, Tony Stark surveys the damage to his tower. He stands alongside Bruce Banner and Steve Rogers, gesturing animatedly to holographic blueprints projected from a wrist device. 

"This tower took a beating," Tony admits. "But you know what they say about disasters. They're just opportunities in disguise. I'm thinking we rebuild—bigger, better, with a few extra rooms for, oh, I don't know, a super-powered housewarming party?" 

Bruce raises an eyebrow. "You're turning your tower into an Avengers base?" 

"Exactly. Let's call it... the Stark-Vengers Initiative," Tony quips, ignoring Steve's exasperated sigh. 

Steve crosses his arms. "You know, the team isn't just about a fancy building." 

"Of course not," Tony replies, smirking. "But it's a start. And let's face it, you all are going to need me eventually. Might as well give you a reason to stick around." 

Later that evening, the team gathers in the common room of Stark Tower. Despite the battle's destruction and exhaustion, Tony insisted on a proper send-off for Thor and a chance for everyone to unwind. Plates of food and drinks are scattered across the table, and the atmosphere is light, though tinged with a sense of finality. 

Thor raises a goblet that Tony conveniently conjured from his collection. "To the defenders of Midgard! A finer group of warriors I have yet to meet." 

"Cheers to us," Tony says, clinking glasses with Bruce. "Because who else is going to save the world if not us?" 

As the laughter subsides, Thor looks at Clark, his expression contemplative. "You, Clark. I have seen strength among the gods, but none quite like yours. Tell me, where do you hail from?" 

Clark hesitates, the question tugging at a deeper part of him. "I'm not from this planet," he says slowly. "I come from a place called Krypton." 

Thor freezes, the goblet in his hand lowering. His blue eyes widen as he stares at Clark in shock. "Krypton?" he repeats, his voice heavy with disbelief. "That is impossible. Krypton perished eons ago—its people lost to the void of time." 

The room falls silent, the weight of Thor's words hanging over them. Natasha looks at Clark, her expression soft with concern, while Tony and Steve exchange glances. 

"I know," Clark says quietly. "I'm the only one left. My world... it was destroyed when I was just a child. My parents sent me here so I could survive." 

Thor leans forward, his voice a mix of reverence and sorrow. "The Kryptonians were a mighty race—legendary even among the stars. To see one standing here, after so long... it is a miracle." 

Clark's jaw tightens. "It doesn't feel like a miracle. I couldn't save them. And I've spent most of my life not knowing who I really was. Now, I'm here, trying to make sense of it all." 

Thor nods solemnly. "You carry the weight of a legacy few can understand. But take heart, Clark of Krypton. Your people's strength lives on through you, and perhaps in this realm, you may forge a new purpose." 

Clark gives him a small, grateful nod. "Thank you, Thor." 

Natasha places a hand on Clark's shoulder, offering silent support, while Tony breaks the tension with a wry smile. "Well, looks like you're not the only alien around here, Thor. Guess Earth's getting popular." 

Thor chuckles, raising his goblet once more. "Then let us celebrate this moment, for it is rare indeed to dine with a Kryptonian." 

The team laughs, the heavy mood lightening as they share stories and jokes late into the night. But for Clark, Thor's words linger, a reminder of both his past and the possibilities of his future. 

 

 

Thor and Loki's Departure 

On the roof, Thor and Loki prepare to leave Earth with the Tesseract. Loki is shackled, his usual smirk replaced with a guarded expression. Thor stands tall, gripping Mjolnir in one hand and the Tesseract case in the other. 

"You've caused enough chaos here, brother," Thor says, his tone stern. "Now it's time to answer for it." 

Loki scoffs. "Oh, the Allfather will be thrilled, I'm sure. Another lecture about the glory of Asgard." 

Thor steps closer, lowering his voice. "Whatever punishment awaits you, it will not undo the damage you've done. But perhaps, in time, you can find a way to make amends." 

Loki looks away, his expression unreadable. 

Thor turns to the rest of the team, giving them a respectful nod. "Midgard is safer, thanks to your efforts. I hope it will remain so in our absence." 

Natasha steps forward. "Just make sure Loki stays in Asgard. We don't need a repeat of this mess." 

Thor grins faintly. "You have my word." 

With a burst of swirling light, the Bifrost opens, and the two brothers disappear, taking the Tesseract with them. 

 

Deciding What's Next 

Back in the common room, Clark and Natasha sit side by side, gazing out over the city lights. 

"Thor's gone. Loki's locked up. And the team's scattering again," Natasha says. 

"For now," Clark replies. "But something tells me this isn't the last time we'll be called to fight together." 

She nods, her hand brushing against his. "So, what will you do in the meantime?" 

Clark pauses, looking out over the horizon. "There's still so much to learn about this world, and about myself. But maybe I'll stay here, in New York, for now. At least until I figure out where I'm needed most." 

Natasha smirks. "Good. Because I'm not letting you fly off just yet." 

The two share a quiet laugh, the weight of their trials momentarily lifted. For now, they have a chance to breathe, to plan, and to prepare for whatever comes next.