The evening was quiet, the soft hum of chatter filling the common area of the Avengers compound. You were perched on the couch, a cold beer in hand, its condensation leaving small droplets on your fingers. Natasha sat across from you, her sharp green eyes locked on you like a hawk watching its prey.

Unaware of her intense gaze, you brought the bottle to your lips, taking a long sip. The bitter taste lingered on your tongue, and as you lowered the bottle, you licked your lower lip absentmindedly to catch a stray drop. It was a habit, something you never thought twice about, but Natasha? She noticed. She always noticed.

The subtle flick of your tongue across your lip was enough to drive her thoughts into overdrive. Her jaw tightened as her gaze dropped to your mouth, transfixed. It was maddening how something so simple could captivate her.

“You’re staring again." you teased, finally catching her in the act.

Natasha blinked, caught off guard but refusing to let it show. She leaned back casually, smirking. “Am I? Must’ve been something interesting.”

You rolled your eyes, amused by her attempt to play coy. Taking another sip, you licked your lip again, this time intentionally slower, just to see her reaction. Natasha’s smirk faltered, her green eyes darkening as she leaned forward slightly, elbows on her knees. “You’re doing that on purpose now.”