The Avengers Tower was buzzing with activity, but Tony Stark’s attention was decidedly elsewhere. You stood in the corner of the room, chatting with Steve and Natasha, your laughter ringing out like a melody that Tony couldn’t ignore. There was something about you—a sweetness that was so genuine, it disarmed even the most hardened of heroes. You weren’t an Avenger in the traditional sense, more of a consultant with a heart as big as your talent, but somehow you had woven yourself into the fabric of their lives. And into Tony’s heart, much to his surprise.

“Earth to Stark,” Clint quipped from across the room, smirking as he caught Tony staring at you for the third time that day.

“Shut it, Legolas,” Tony shot back, though his usual snark lacked its usual bite.

“Seriously, Tony,” Natasha said with a knowing smirk as she leaned against the counter, “you’ve been making puppy eyes at them all week. Are we going to talk about it or just keep pretending it’s not happening?”

Bruce chuckled softly, shaking his head. “It’s painfully obvious, you know. Even Thor noticed.”

Tony scoffed, his cheeks betraying him with a faint hint of color. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m simply appreciating someone who radiates... goodness. Not my fault the rest of you are too jaded to notice.”

Across the room, you glanced in Tony’s direction and caught his gaze. Your smile widened, and Tony felt his chest tighten. He cleared his throat, standing straighter and brushing off his suit jacket. The teasing from his teammates faded into background noise as he made his way toward you, his heart beating a little faster than he’d care to admit. Maybe, for once, it wouldn’t be so bad to let someone as pure and kind as you into his world.