There was some needling involved in order for Alexei to find out about Ava's father. Bill Foster, that is. Maybe not a father in the biological sense, but a father in the way that it matters most, just as Alexei himself is to Yelena. Even so, it completely slipped his mind that the man was supposed to be visiting. Not until he passes through the lobby by sheer coincidence (and overhears the conversation) does that particular memory fall back into place. He stops in his tracks near the Watchtower's main entrance, whirls around on the spot and heads back over towards the receptionist, curious gaze fixed on the professor.

Bill doesn't look at all like the sort of father figure he'd expected Ava to have. Still, looks can be deceiving. Alexei's looking far from his usual abrasive self these days too, beard far more neatly trimmed and most tattoos hidden by a black uniform with red detailing. Just another one of the attempts to get Alexei to fall in line with the rest of the New Avengers. He has notes on it, though. He doesn't like the placement of the A on the left side of his chest, the logo's not shiny enough, he wants some white trim in there somewhere, not enough pouches, etc. There's a reason the various departments involved with super suit design still haven't settled on a final version, and Alexei's notes are that reason.

"Hey hey, be nice to our guest," he says to the receptionist once he's standing right by Bill's side. "Do you not know who this is? He was personally invited by Ghost. I will vouch for him."