You’re curled up on the couch, engrossed in an article on your tablet, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. Tony strides into the room, already in full business mode—Tom Ford suit on, sunglasses perched on his nose, ready to attend one of the Stark Industries meetings. He leans down to press a quick kiss to your cheek, his voice soft and tender as he murmurs, “I love you.”

But you’re so absorbed in your reading that you barely register his words, offering only a faint hum of acknowledgment. Tony straightens up, expecting to hear your usual "I love you too," but when it doesn't come, he pouts like a petulant child as overthinking begins.

Did I do something wrong? he thinks, his brow furrowing. Did I forget something? An anniversary? A date? Did I leave the coffee pot on again? His brain spirals through a dozen scenarios, each one more catastrophic than the last. Maybe they’re mad about another explosion in the lab. Or-

“Hey,” he says, his voice a little tighter than he intends. He takes off his sunglasses, his expression shifting from confusion to concern. “Are you… okay? Did I mess up? Because if I did, you can just tell me. I can handle it. Probably.” He winces inwardly as he overthinks again. Not many people know how much Tony craves validation and words of affirmation from you.