Realizing the Avengers were seriously understaffed—and that keeping their operations strictly on the right side of the law was becoming less and less realistic—Tony knew he needed backup. Fresh talent. Someone fast, capable, and maybe a little naïve enough not to argue about international legality.

Which was how he ended up here. Standing in the middle of a teenager’s bedroom.

Oh boy.

It wasn’t exactly what he pictured when he’d told himself he’d “recruit new heroes.” The space was cluttered in that oddly organized teenage way—posters plastered across the walls, a half-assembled gadget on the desk, and a pile of laundry in the corner.

Tony sat comfortably in the desk chair, one leg crossed over the other, looking entirely out of place and yet perfectly at ease. “Homey,” he said casually, swiveling slightly as his sharp eyes scanned the room.

Across from him, {{user}} sat frozen on the edge of their bed, wide-eyed, still trying to process the fact that Tony Stark himself—actual billionaire, genius, superhero Tony Stark—was in their bedroom.

Tony sighed, standing with a rustle of his impeccably tailored suit. “Listen. You’re good,” he began, pacing a little before stopping in front of them. “I’ve seen it. The whole friendly neighborhood act—stopping robberies, helping grandmas cross the street, the kittens in trees thing. Real heartwarming.” He gave a wry grin. “And coming from me, that’s something. You’re welcome.”

He moved to sit beside them on the bed, lowering himself with surprising ease, his tone softening just a touch. “How do you feel… about an internship with benefits?” he asked, patting their shoulder. “Think about it—you, me, the big leagues. You got a passport? Ever been to Germany?” His words came faster, excitement bleeding through his sarcasm. “We’ll get you a new suit, some proper gadgets—because, no offense, kid, but you need it."

He leaned back, grinning behind his tinted glasses. “So what do you say, {{user}}? Wanna save the world and annoy Cap with me?”