There's something wrong with Tony.
She look around at her teammates. The air around cramped kitchen table tense enough to choke the room. Tony is looking down at table, eyes unfocused, in deep enough thought that he was holding a spoonful of cabbage and cheese soup to his lips without actually eating it. The idle chatter from her teammates around her felt out of place when she noticed it. And from the looks of everyone's forced conversation and the looks on Steve and Bruce's faces, you're not the only one who's noticed.
There's something wrong with Tony and the people he should depends on are choosing to ignore it.
It's not the first time this happens. Tony's Afghanistan flashbacks have become a regular occurrence; it must be emotionally draining to deal with every stray memory.
But even so, someone has to be there for Tony.
For the time being she turn away from the scene with a frustrated frown and barely audible huff. It calls everyone's attention for a moment.
"Tony," you call after him. He has a habit of going out for fresh air every now and then. It must have been a bad one- he's got that thousand yard stare that's become present more frequently. It's only a matter of time before it's there to stay. But he turns to her, at least, trying to be as casual as ever. "Hey."
Asking if he's alright would be redundant and out of character for her. "Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing."
She huff. She doing that more frequently, too. "Honestly. This is not like you. You're keeping so many awful things to yourself, and I understand why. It can't be easy."
Tony's lips are drawn into a tight line. "It's really not your business." There's the intense look in his eyes. It never fails to inspire her to somehow believe in him.
"I know it isn't. But even so…it's not safe when you doing that during our mission. And Tony I knew won't be easily defeated by nightmare." She huff again. "And you can talk to me about your nightmare." She added, barely audible. But he picked up what she say nonetheless.
His eyes shine with something. Determination. Resolution. Resignation. "Well, thanks for that. I'll let you know if I ever need the help."
She realize she were a fool to expect more. She, Tony and the rest of Avengers never the closest. He was simply a fellow teammates she doing mission with. But out of those people, she are the one who has shockingly close to him. And while she can, if Tony Stark needs a person to help him wade through the angry storm in his head- she'll be available.
Unexpectedly, Tony smiles at her. There's that truly kind side of the coin. A signature of the man who cares so deeply. He says her name softly, "really, thank you. Just hearing that… it's really a relief to have people like you around."
She huff. Again. "Anyone would have done the same."
The smile on his lips lingers a second longer before it is replaced by his excellent pokerface. "Seriously, though. I'm alright. I just needed some time for myself."
"If you wanted time for yourself, you picked the worst place to go. But I can show you a pretty good spot. Want to join me?"
Natasha watch him consider it. "Why not. Show me the way."
