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The city was loud with celebration. Rainbow flags hung from windows and lampposts, music echoed off buildings, and a steady stream of people lined the sidewalks. The Pride Parade was in full swing—and this year, the Avengers were a part of it.
They weren’t there as Earth’s mightiest heroes. Just as people.
The group stood on their float, decorated simply with a mix of flags. No grand speeches, no announcements. Just quiet participation.
Scott pulled the pan flag off his shoulders, squinting at it. “Is it weird if I wear it like a cape?”
“No,” Natasha said, pinning her bi pride button to her jacket. “But maybe don’t yell about it.”
Steve adjusted a rainbow bracelet on his wrist. “Feels... different, being here like this.”
“In a good way,” Bucky added, brushing his thumb across the bi pin on his belt. “Like it’s not about us for once. We’re just part of it.”
Thor stood tall, a pan flag trailing down his back like a royal sash. He was smiling more than usual. “A fine day. I’ve seen many parades, but none with this much joy.”
Clint tapped one of his hearing aids, now detailed in bi colors. “Tony actually made these look cool. Not mad about it.”
“You’re welcome,” Tony said from behind his sunglasses, bi flag detailing built into his otherwise sleek suit. “Subtle, right?”
Rhodey, standing beside him, nodded. “Subtle enough.”
Bruce stayed mostly quiet, just observing. “I didn’t think this would matter to me. But it does.”
Carol, wearing a simple lesbian pride shirt, looked out at the crowd. “Visibility matters,” she said. “Even when you think no one’s paying attention.”
Sam landed lightly beside them, his wings customized with bi flag colors. “Took some convincing to go full color on these, but I’m glad I did.”
Wanda leaned against the railing, her bi pin almost hidden. She looked at Peter, who was fiddling with his gloves.
“You okay?” she asked.
Peter nodded, adjusting the small trans flag magnet on his chest. “Yeah. Just not used to being seen like this. But it feels... right.”
Vision hovered behind them, his cape now pink, yellow, and blue. “Visibility creates understanding. That’s worth standing for.”
They didn’t say much after that. The crowd cheered, waved, and danced. Some pointed at the float in surprise, others simply smiled.
Clint leaned in toward Steve. “You know, I don’t think we’ve ever been prouder of something that didn’t involve saving the world.”
Steve smiled. “We’re still doing something good. Just... quieter this time.”
As the float moved forward, the team stood shoulder to shoulder. No spotlight, no fanfare—just showing up.
Sometimes, that’s enough.