Avengers: Reader Inserts

Arc Reactor ~ Tony Stark x Reader

 Tony and you were laying in bed. It was one of the few occasions that you could convince Tony to come to bed and he could actually sleep. This time, you were the one not sleeping much, content to run your fingers around the edges of his arc reactor. The glow allowed you to see the outlines of his face in the darkness. The softness of his features when they were fully relaxed reminded you about how much you love his wrinkles when he smiles.

"You're staring," Tony grumbled after a while.

"I'm sorry," you whispered. "I'll stop." But you made no move to look away or to stop running your finger over the rim of his reactor.

Tony opened one eye to look at you. "You're wide awake." He moved slightly and opened both eyes to get a better look at you.

"Yes, we've seemed to switch positions tonight."

"What's going on?"

"Nothing. Just couldn't stop staring at you... you're very pretty."

Tony chuckled. "Pretty?"

"You heard what I said."

"Well, my dear, you're prettier." Tony scooted closer to give a peck to the tip of your nose. He pulled away and studied your eyes. "Are you sure the only reason you're awake is because I'm pretty?"

You shrugged. "Sometimes I like watching you sleep."

"Hmm." He glanced down at your fingers that were running over his arc reactor. "Is it the light? I can put a shirt on."

"Don't you dare."

Tony chuckled a little before the two of you sat in silence for a moment. "I've been thinking about seeing if I can get rid of this thing."

"What?" Your hand stopped its movements as his statement shocked you. "Is that even an option? The reactor is keeping you alive."

"I've looked into some doctor's that I believe could help me take the shrapnel out of me."

"That's... that's..."

Your eyes fell to the glowing reactor. This object was inside of your boyfriend's chest, keeping him alive. It was an object that brought an odd sense of peace to you, especially when missions were hard and you didn't think you or Tony were going to make it out. It was your personal night-light, connected to the most important person in your life. What would life be without Tony having a reactor in his chest? Would the suit's work the same? Would Tony's heart be okay? What if he didn't survive the surgery? What if Tony—

"Honey," Tony pulled you from your thoughts through his words and gently taking your face in his hands. He could tell that you were spiraling. You met his gaze. "I promise that I would do anything unless I'm a 100% sure it will work. I will consult every doctor, including Bruce, and I'll have JARVIS run every possible scenario. Okay?"

"Okay," you gave a slight nod.

Tony could tell that you still weren't all in. "And I promise that, after collecting all the research, I won't do anything that you don't want me to."

You sighed. "If it's really what you want, I will support you."

Tony gave you a tight-lipped smile before leaning in to give you a light kiss. "We can talk more about this in the morning." He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his chest. "We should sleep."

You giggled. "Said Tony Stark. The Sleepless Wonder."

"Well that's a new one."

Sighing, you snuggled into Tony. "Goodnight, Tones."