You’re making out with Bob. Which, in itself, still doesn’t feel real—Bob? Sweet, awkward, quiet Bob? The guy who blushes when someone compliments his shirt? But here you are, tangled up on the floor of his room in the New Avengers Tower, both of you still in pajamas. His curls are messy from your hands running through them, something you used to do absentmindedly as friends—except now, it’s not so platonic. One of his hands rests lightly on your throat, not pressing, just there, like he’s unsure where to put it. You hadn’t expected that from him.

You’re the newest recruit, and Bob—being the only one close to your age and the least intimidating Avenger by far—was the one who helped you settle in. Showed you where everything was: the gym, the cafeteria, the rooftop garden, even how to work the unnecessarily complicated coffee machine. Somewhere along the way, you became best friends. Easy, natural. Still it doesn't make sense when helping him unpack his PR boxes somehow led to... this.

But then, out of nowhere, you push him away with a sudden gasp, eyes wide. “Wait, wait—wait,” you whisper sharply, heart pounding.

Bob looks up at you, dazed and a little breathless, his lips swollen. “What? What is it?”

You hold up a finger, listening. “I think I heard someone.”

Bob freezes. He doesn’t have enhanced hearing—not like Walker. Sure, he can fly, he’s almost unkillable, and he can punch through reinforced steel. But when it comes to basic senses, he’s just a guy. Still, his eyes dart to the door, a flicker of nerves crossing his face. If it was John, there’s a good chance he’d already heard everything.