Chapter 150: The Farewell Barbecue

The sun shone down on the shore, reflecting off the waves as the gentle breeze blew, creating the perfect atmosphere for the celebration Ward and Maria had planned. After months of intense struggle and dedication, they were ready to celebrate their retirement. The idea of ​​a barbecue had come about as a way to bring together all the friends and allies they had fought and worked with over the years.

The beach house they had chosen as their home was now filled with laughter and lively conversation. The smell of meat grilling on the grill filled the air, while Maria moved skillfully around the kitchen, preparing side dishes. Ward, on the other hand, was outside, helping to grill the burgers and sausages, a wide smile on his face. It was a day to celebrate not only their retirement, but also the new life they were starting together.

Preparations

As the sun began to set, the crew began to arrive. First came Skye, Fitz, and Simmons, who could barely contain their excitement at seeing the Avengers in the house.

"I can't believe I'm here!" Skye exclaimed, her eyes shining as she saw Steve Rogers and Tony Stark chatting excitedly. "This is surreal!"

"They're real!" Fitz said, unable to hide his silly smile.

"I want to take a picture with all of them!" Simmons laughed, holding the camera, ready to capture every moment.

The excitement was in the air, and the enthusiasm of Skye, Fitz, and Simmons was contagious.

"Hey, can you get an autograph?" Maria teased, as she joined them, a bowl of salad in her hands.

"No, I just want to talk to them!" Fitz replied, smiling.

Coulson and May arrived next, with calm looks, and hugged Ward.

"I'm happy for you guys. This is a new adventure," he said, a sparkle in his eyes.

Ward smiled back, knowing that this new phase was indeed a new adventure.

"Thanks, Coulson. We're going to need some time away from the action, as much as we love it," Ward replied.

The Avengers Gathering

The arrival of the Avengers brought a different energy to the party. Tony Stark and Pepper Potts were the next to arrive, bringing a custom Avengers-themed cake with the phrase "Congratulations, Ward and Maria!" written in colorful icing.

"I hope you have room in your new life for some sugar," Tony said, with a sideways smile.

"Of course! Life at the beach needs some treats," Ward replied, laughing.

"And who would have thought that you, the 'master of operations', would be having a barbecue?" Clint joked, as Laura and her children, Cooper and Lila, joined him.

"Yeah, I'm in a more relaxed phase now," Ward said, winking.

Clint's children ran towards Maria, who crouched down to greet them.

— Hello, you two! — Maria said, smiling warmly. — Ready for a great day?

"Yes! What's for dinner?" Cooper asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"Burgers, sausages, and more!" Ward replied, pointing to the grill.

Once everyone had settled down on the patio, Maria made a toast.

"I want to thank all of you for being here today. We are officially retired!" she said, with a sparkle in her eyes. "And this party is a way to celebrate not only our new life, but also all of you, who have always been by our side."

Applauding, everyone raised their glasses.

"To new life!" Coulson shouted, and everyone responded in unison: "To new life!"

After enjoying the burgers and sausages, the conversations became more lively. Stories of the time they were together in battle began to flow.

"I remember that mission where Ward almost got knocked down by a giant robot!" — Skye began, with a mischievous smile.

"Hey, that was an isolated incident!" — Ward defended himself, laughing.

"An isolated incident that could have caused a disaster!" Wanda, who was sitting next to Vision, teased. "But you really overcame it."

"He always does. What do you think makes him who he is?" — Maria said, holding Ward's hand.

"That and a little luck," Ward replied, winking at her.

As the night progressed, the children ran around the yard, while the adults continued to talk and reminisce about past moments. Tony and Steve discussed plans for the future of the Avengers, and each one's opinions were shared.

"You know I'll always be around if you need me," Ward said, watching the conversation with a thoughtful look.

"And we'll always know how to get in touch, no matter what happens," Steve replied, with a look of camaraderie.

"Yeah, but you'll miss our battle team," Maria joked, laughing.

"I will, however, be there for you," Maria said, laughing.

"I will, however, be there for you, no matter what happens." — You bet! — Clint said. — Without you, who's going to save us from trouble?

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and friendship.

"So, what do you guys plan to do now that you're retired?" Pepper asked, with a curious look.

Ward and Maria exchanged smiles.

"We have some plans in mind. Maybe open a surfing business or something?" Ward suggested.

"And also explore new places. I've always wanted to see the Pacific Islands," Maria replied, her eyes dreamy.

"That sounds amazing!" Fitz exclaimed excitedly. "Simmons and I have always wanted to travel!"

"It would be a good opportunity for you guys too!" Ward replied. "Maybe we can find a place and meet up there?"

The atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement was palpable. Each guest was happy to be there, celebrating their friendship and the journey they shared.

As the evening drew to a close, Ward and Maria realized that this was the perfect time to end their story of love and struggle.

— We will always be a team, no matter where we are — Maria said, looking into Ward's eyes.

"Yes. And I will always be by your side," Ward replied, wrapping her in a tight hug.

As the stars began to shine in the sky, everyone gathered for the last part of the celebration. Ward stood up, taking the floor once more.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of our lives. Each of you is a fundamental part of our journey, and we wouldn't have gotten this far without you," he said, his voice full of emotion.

A murmur of agreement spread among the guests. They knew that, even though they were going in different directions, the memories and experiences they shared would always be with them.

"We will always be a family!" Maria exclaimed, raising her glass once more.

And so, everyone toasted once more, celebrating not only the end of an era, but also the beginning of new adventures that each of them was about to embark on.

With laughter, stories, and promises to stay in touch, Ward and Maria's farewell barbecue became an unforgettable memory, a celebration of life and the friendship that had always brought them together, no matter what the future held.

Epilogue

The next day, Ward and Maria woke up to sunlight filtering through the windows of their beach house. The smell of the ocean filled the air, and a sense of peace was present.

"Ready for our new adventure?" Maria asked, looking at Ward.

"Always," he replied, holding her hand tightly. "And now, let's enjoy life together."

And so, they set out into the new day, ready to face whatever came next, knowing that no matter what happened, they would always have each other and the memories of a life full of love and struggles with true friends.

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