The gym at the Tower buzzed with the steady rhythm of impact and movement. The air was thick with heat and energy, the steady thwack-thwack of fists hitting heavy bags blending with the mechanical hum of treadmills and the sharp hiss of breath from exertion.

You and Sam were side by side, jogging on the treadmills, sweat trailing down your temples as you powered through the last stretch of your workout. Across the room, Steve and James were trading off rounds at the punching bags—two super-soldiers, shirtless and focused, their muscles moving with precision and raw power.

It was loud but comfortable, the kind of familiar energy that came from hours spent training together.

You finally hit your cooldown, slowing the pace before stepping off with a deep breath. Grabbing your towel, you wiped the sweat from your neck and shoulders just as Sam jumped off his treadmill beside you.

He took a long sip of water, then glanced your way with a smirk pulling at his lips.

“Hypothetical question,” he started casually.

You gave him a quick side-eye as you grabbed your own water bottle. “Uh-oh.”

He grinned. “If you and James broke up… could you still be friends with him?”

You choked slightly on your water before swallowing and raising a brow at him. “Excuse me?”

Across the gym, both Steve and James paused mid-punch. Their heads turned at the same time—Steve’s expression confused, James’s unreadable but instantly alert.

“Boy, I don’t know if I could be friends with James if we broke up,” you said honestly, shrugging one shoulder.

“Why not?” Steve asked, walking over with a towel slung around his neck, sweat glistening on his chest as he raised an eyebrow.

You turned to face him fully, completely unbothered. “Because I’m a very vengeful person.”

That sentence landed like a grenade.

James leaned back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest now, brow lifting in amusement. Sam blinked, unsure if you were joking. Steve looked vaguely concerned.

“With access to weaponized smallpox,” you added nonchalantly

The gym went completely still.

“…Seriously?” Steve finally asked, brow furrowed.

James, still watching from his spot by the wall, tilted his head. “And how exactly are you getting your hands on that, sweetheart?”

You didn’t even hesitate. “Tony’s lab. Obviously.”

As if on cue, the gym door slid open and Tony stepped inside, holding a protein shake and glancing at his tablet.

All eyes shifted to him.

“Tony,” Steve said slowly, “please tell me you wouldn’t actually let her—”

Tony didn’t even look up. “Hey, whatever the kid wants,” he said with a smirk, casually sipping from his shake.

Steve blinked. Sam muttered something under his breath.

James just laughed, the sound low and warm as he pushed off the wall and strolled over to you. He gave you that look—the one that said you’re completely insane, and I’m completely into it.

He leaned in slightly, voice low near your ear. “Remind me not to piss you off, doll.”

You smirked up at him, unfazed. “Probably for the best.”

Sam looked between the two of you. “You’re both terrifying.”

“Damn right,” you said, tossing your towel over your shoulder and walking past James toward the showers.

Behind you, Steve sighed. “We’re all gonna die one day because of them. I just know it.”

Tony nodded, unfazed. “At least it’ll be entertaining.”