You sat at the long conference table, one leg crossed over the other, your fingers rhythmically tapping against the smooth, polished wood. The room was bathed in the soft glow of overhead lights, a quiet hum of tech surrounding the space—just another day at the compound. Another briefing. Another too-early meeting after an exhausting string of missions.

Across from you, Wanda leaned back in her chair, twirling a pen in her fingers with a glazed-over look. Nat, poised as always, rested her chin on her hand, her eyes flicking occasionally to the digital screen Steve was presenting from—but even she looked like she was barely holding on to interest.

Tony sat nearby with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, casually scrolling through something on his $t@rkPad. Beside you, Sam and James flanked either side of your chair—Sam yawning discreetly while James sat back, arms folded, his expression unreadable but calm… except for the occasional glance he tossed your way.

You were trying to focus. Really. But your thoughts kept drifting—until your name cut through the air like a spotlight snapping on.

“{{user}},” Steve said firmly, pausing mid-sentence as everyone turned toward you. “Name one thing you should remember when practicing patience.”

Your gaze snapped to him, blinking yourself out of the mental fog as you tilted your head slightly.

“What was that?” you asked, feigning innocence.

Next to you, James stifled a snort of laughter, his shoulders shaking just slightly. You could feel him watching you with that familiar hint of amusement behind his steel-blue eyes.

Steve exhaled, planting a hand on his hip, clearly not impressed. “One thing to remember when practicing patience.”

You straightened, kept your face neutral, then delivered your answer with the most serious tone you could muster.

“That I’m an adult… and I’d be charged as one.”

The room went dead silent.

For exactly one second.

Wanda ducked her head to hide her grin. Nat actually let out a quiet laugh. James bit down on his knuckle, failing to hide the smirk tugging at his lips. And Tony, without missing a beat, slowly turned to you with a look of faux horror and amusement.

“She’s not wrong,” James finally said, raising an eyebrow in mock defense. “Can’t argue with logic.”

Steve just ran a hand down his face with a tired sigh, clearly debating his life choices. “This is not how leadership is supposed to go.”

“But it is how meetings should go,” Sam added with a smirk, nudging you with his elbow.

You leaned back in your chair, satisfied, as the tension in the room eased and the laughter lingered a bit longer than it should have.

And just like that… the briefing didn’t feel so dull anymore.