Marvel Oneshots

You flinching

Tony:

Tony had just returned from a business trip, and the minute he stepped through the door, Y/N practically ran into his arms, laughing as she peppered him with questions. As they talked, he reached out to wrap an arm around her waist, but she startled, stepping back abruptly before giving a small, embarrassed laugh.

Tony's face fell, his usual charming smile fading as he noticed her discomfort. "Did... did I do something?"

She quickly shook her head, trying to brush it off. "No, no. Just, uh, instinct. Long day."

He tilted his head, giving her a long, searching look. "Hey, look at me. I've had a lifetime of reading people's tells, and I know when something's off." He softened his voice. "You can talk to me, Y/N."

She looked away, hesitating. "Sometimes... sometimes I just react that way when someone reaches too quickly. It's nothing against you, I promise."

Tony's heart twisted, but he masked it with a reassuring smile. "Then from now on, I'll move as slowly as you need. If you ever want to talk about it, or anything, I'm here." He pulled her into a gentle hug, and this time, she let herself relax in his arms.

Steve:

It happened when Steve was showing her a new self-defense move in the gym. They'd been laughing, taking turns with the moves, when he reached out to demonstrate a hold. The moment his hand neared her shoulder, she flinched, her whole body tightening.

Steve stepped back instantly, his expression clouded with worry. "Y/N, what was that?"

She looked down, embarrassed. "It's nothing, Steve. Just a reflex."

But Steve's concern only deepened. "Y/N, if there's something that's making you uncomfortable, especially with me, I want to know."

She finally met his gaze, the softness in his eyes melting her hesitation. "I... I used to be in situations where I didn't have a choice in the matter, you know? Sometimes it feels like I'm still there."

Steve reached out, slower this time, and gently took her hand in his. "With me, you always have a choice. I'd never put you in any situation where you felt unsafe. I promise."

The conviction in his voice soothed her, and she squeezed his hand. With Steve, she felt safe enough to finally let go.

Bucky:

Bucky and Y/N were out walking on a crisp autumn day, his hand grazing her back as they strolled through the park. When he moved his arm to wrap it around her shoulder, she stiffened, flinching away as if out of instinct.

Bucky immediately pulled his hand back, his eyes filled with a sudden wariness. "Did I do something to make you uncomfortable?"

Y/N's cheeks flushed, and she gave a shaky smile. "No, Bucky. It's just... sometimes I react like that. Old habits."

He nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I know about old habits that are hard to shake," he said, a hint of pain in his voice. "Just know that I'll never give you a reason to worry. Not with me."

She relaxed, his words settling the uneasy feeling in her chest. With Bucky's reassurance, she knew she was with someone who truly understood.

Loki:

They were sitting in Loki's study, a fire crackling nearby, and Loki had been reading her favorite book out loud to her. When he reached for her hand to emphasize a romantic line, she flinched slightly before quickly settling back, embarrassed by her reaction.

Loki paused, his piercing gaze immediately catching onto the shift in her demeanor. "Why do you react that way when I reach for you, darling?"

Y/N sighed, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve. "It's just a reflex. I guess I'm not used to feeling safe around others."