Part 1: The Choice
Location: Avengers Compound, Private Medical Briefing Room
Time: The following day
Riven sat on a bench in a quiet corner of the medical wing. His arms rested loosely on his legs, gaze unfocused, face unreadable. The other children he'd saved had already been relocated — some returned to their families, others taken to Xavier's facility. He was alone now.
The door opened with a soft hiss. Steve Rogers stepped inside, followed by Wanda and Natasha. Behind them stood Charles Xavier, flanked by Jean Grey and Beast.
They kept their distance. Riven didn't move.
Steve was the one to break the silence. "Riven. We know this is a lot. More than anyone should carry. But we need to ask you something important."
Riven didn't speak. But he looked up, eyes wary, guarded.
Steve continued, "You have a choice. Where to go from here. Charles Xavier has offered a place at his school. A safe space, if you want it."
Xavier nodded calmly. "You would be free to come and go. No expectations. Just care. And time to heal."
Natasha added, "And you'd have the same with us. We're not looking to recruit you. We just want to help you rebuild."
Jean stepped forward, her voice soft. "It's your decision. No one will force your hand."
Riven's eyes moved between them. "What if I don't want any of it?"
Wanda took a step closer. "Then you walk out that door. We won't stop you. But you don't have to run. Not this time."
He looked at her a moment, then away. He was quiet, lips slightly parted, like he wanted to speak but didn't know how.
Steve placed a hand over his heart. "We saw what you did. Not just the fight. The kids. The way they looked at you. That means something. To them. To us."
Riven finally let out a low breath. "I don't trust any of you. Not yet."
"You don't have to," Natasha replied. "Let us earn it."
Another long silence stretched out.
Then, barely audible: "I want to stay. For now."
No smiles. No cheers. Just nods of understanding.
Xavier bowed his head slightly. "Then we will support that. But my offer remains."
And with that, the visitors left.
As everyone filed out, Xavier remained near the door. He turned back and addressed Riven with quiet gravity.
"When you're ready, Riven, I would like to speak with you alone. Just you and I. As I said before, there may be more in your mind than even you realize."
Riven didn't respond immediately, but his eyes followed Xavier until he left.
Riven didn't respond. But when the door hissed shut again, he didn't feel quite as alone.
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