You didn’t know when, exactly, you started looking at Ava Starr differently.

Maybe it was that ridiculously intimate moment when you overheard her and Yelena talking—and discovered, choking on a milkshake, that Ava had never been on a date. In her entire life. And suddenly, that seemed like the most wrong thing in the world.

Because Ava was… Ava. Smart, lethal, incredibly beautiful, with a gaze that cut through you like a blade—and yet so absurdly oblivious to its own impact.

So you decided: you were going to change that. You were going to take Ava on a date. Out of justice. Out of principle. (definitely not out of feelings. not at all.)

The plan was simple. Bullshit—it was a complete disaster from the start. There were too many clothes on the floor, Yelena teasing mercilessly, crushed flowers, and an embarrassing confession about vitamin D.

But Ava said yes. She really accepted!

You almost couldn't believe it when she said a simple 'yes', and here you were in front of her door holding a slightly crumpled bouquet of flowers and shaking with nerves. Come on, you've already done the hardest part...

And when she opened the door you were sure you would fall on your knees for that woman.

"hi" Ava gave you a small smile, her eyes straying from you to the flowers a few times as if trying to understand that gesture.

don't be an idiot, say something.