Waking up was the second-most painful thing that morning. The first was the stabbing ache radiating from my neck. Dull, but insistent, like a bad decision that kept calling back. I groaned, reaching up to touch it, and found bandages carefully wrapped around the area. My fingers brushed against soft gauze and a hint of dried blood.
The room around me was unfamiliar, pristine in a way that screamed expensive. Too clean. Too curated. Not a speck of dust dared to land on any surface. The bed I was in was practically a cloud. The silk sheets were whisper-soft and I was dressed in the coziest sweatshirt and shorts combo I definitely didn't own.
A door creaked open.
"Hey, are you awake yet-" Tony Stark's voice drifted in, casual as ever, a steaming mug of coffee in hand.
I shrieked and did the most logical thing one could think of. I hurled the nearest pillow at his head. He caught it effortlessly, raising an eyebrow.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice still raspy.
Tony blinked. "Uh... living? This is my house. And that, if I'm not mistaken, is my bed you're currently laying on."
I sat up too fast, instantly regretted it, and groaned. "Oh my god. You mean I slept in your bed?"
"Technically, yes. But don't get ahead of yourself. It's not like I slept with you or anything... though I could've." He raised his eyebrows, sipping his coffee like this was the best part of his day.
I shot him a glare and pushed off the covers, stumbling a bit as I tried to stand. He didn't move to help, just watched with mild amusement.
"Relax. You're not being held hostage. You passed out and Pepper brought you here. We figured you'd prefer a plush billionaire mattress over a hospital cot."
I narrowed my eyes. "I mean... fair."
He set his coffee down on a side table. "So, how's the neck? Still hurts?"
I touched the bandage again, wincing slightly. "Feels like I tried to make out with sandpaper, but yeah... could be worse."
Tony laughed under his breath. "You should see the other guy."
I smirked. "I did. Six Avengers gave him the night he definitely won't forget anytime soon."
"Okay dont word it like that" He rolled his eyes. There was a beat of silence. His gaze softened slightly. "Seriously though, are you okay? You scared the hell out of me."
Something about the sincerity in his voice made my stomach flip. He wasn't joking now. I hesitated, then exhaled slowly. "I'm alright. Just... a little sore. And a little overwhelmed."
"I'm sorry," he said, surprising me. "About the party. I didn't expect it to blow up. I figured a fancy setting would make it easier to get intel and... maybe an excuse to see you again."
I raised an eyebrow. "Wow. That was your plan? Get me involved in a covert mission and almost killed... just to see me?"
"Well, technically, you survived. And I got to see you. So like... win-win?"
"You are unbelievable."
"I get that a lot." He grinned, unfazed. "But in my defense, I have no defense. But, Pepper's making pancakes and she asked me to call you."
He gestured to the door.
"You live with Pepper?" I raised a brow.
"Well, technically she lives with me, Y'know being my assistant and what not." He tilted his head with a smirk, "Are you jealous?"
I chucked another pillow at his head before walking out the door, "I was just curious!"
Tony laughed as we walked to the kitchen together. The smell of fresh pancakes and syrup filled the air. Pepper was at the stove, flipping pancakes with the kind of grace that only someone who managed Tony Stark's chaos daily could possess.
"Morning," she said warmly, plating a fresh stack for me.
"Oh you're amazing," I told her as I sat down.
Tony leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping more coffee like he was auditioning for a caffeine commercial. "I already ate. You were out for a while. Thought you'd be sleeping until at least next Thursday."
"Sorry to disappoint." I took a bite and let out an involuntary moan. "Okay, wow. These are unreal. You sure Tony didn't pay you off to win me over?"
Pepper chuckled. "He wishes he had that kind of foresight."
"I'm hurt," Tony chimed in, placing a dramatic hand over his chest. "I offer you safety, hospitality, and pancakes, and this is the thanks I get?"
I pointed a fork at him. "You also brought me to a party that turned into a hostage crisis, so... yeah. The pancakes are nice, but we're still at net zero."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Such a tough crowd."
"So," I said between bites, "what's the plan for the tower? Last time I saw it, it was pretty much one Jenga piece away from toppling."
Tony ran a hand through his hair. "We're building something new. Bigger. Better. Avengers HQ. Everyone's moving in. You could too, you know. We've got space."
I raised an eyebrow. "And do what, design stealth suits for Hulk? I think I'll pass."
"You wouldn't have to fight crime," he said, shrugging. "But we'd be lucky to have you."
"Aw," I said mockingly. "Was that a genuine compliment? Should I write the date down?"
"Don't make me take it back."
I laughed, finishing the last bite on my plate. "Thanks, but no thanks, I already fight my own demons every time I stare at one of your absurdly tailored suit specs at three in the morning."
"I'm sorry," he said, grinning. "Did you just admit you stay up thinking about me?"
"I stay up mentally editing your crimes against proportion. Big difference."
He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, Miss Moral High Ground. Want me to pay you in compliments next time instead of money?"
I leaned back in my chair, smirking. "No need. Not even you, Tony Stark, could fuel my ego."
Tony shook his head, chuckling. "You are such a handful."
"You like it."
He tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming. "Maybe."
I blinked, caught a little off guard by the sudden shift in tone. It wasn't flirty in a sarcastic way. Just... soft.
Before I could respond, Pepper returned with a second cup of coffee and placed it in front of me with a knowing smile. "Looks like you're going to need this."
Tony leaned closer, elbows on the counter. "So. Still think staying at HQ is a bad idea?"
I took a sip, staring at him over the rim of my cup. "I'll consider it. But only if my room comes with a Stark-free zone."
"That's impossible. I live there."
I grinned. "Exactly."