𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ Steve Rogers

Tongue Tied ~ 9

In the corridor, Steve intercepts Peter, who strides purposefully ahead. "Peter, hold on," Steve hails, adjusting his pace to synchronize with Peter's determined gait. "What's the deal with Eva?"

Peter casts a sidelong glance at Steve, frustration palpable on his countenance. "I'm clueless, Cap. She's behaving oddly, and everyone's expecting me to have all the answers."

Steve offers a consoling touch to Peter's shoulder. "I'll speak with her. She specifically requested to talk to me."

Peter shoots Steve a quizzical look. "Well, best of luck with that," he retorts, leaving Steve in his wake as he strides down the remainder of the corridor.

Eva lingers in the compact room, her steps measured, betraying the impatience that courses through her. Confined by the automatic lock triggered by Wanda's departure, her sole recourse is to bide her time.

The voice interrupts her restless pacing. "So, what's your strategy now, Evangeline?"

She halts abruptly, the sound drawing her back to the present. A scowl creases her brow. "I no longer possess a damn plan because of your reckless actions!" Eva hisses, clenching both hands into tight fists at her sides. "Do you understand the intricacies of manipulating a mind like Wanda's? I'd be surprised if the coercion even lasts!" She exclaims, emitting a dramatic groan in response to the vexing predicament.

"I believe you're mistaking me for someone who actually cares," the voice drawls on, displaying a disinterest in Eva's relentless concerns.

"If you want your damn plans to succeed, then maybe you should start caring! Asshole," Eva retorts with a mix of expression and seething emotion. Resuming her pacing, she issues a stern warning, "And if you dare try to take control of my body again, I will spill everything, right here, right now," a declaration aimed at preserving her autonomy.

Unbeknownst to Eva, the door is now ajar. Steve observes her with curiosity from inside the room, her back turned to the entrance. The voice remains silent, prompting a triumphant scoff from Eva. "That's what I thought."

"Who are you talking to?" Steve asks casually, causing Eva to turn, alarmed by the sudden intrusion.

"Mon dieu! Don't sneak up like that," Eva gasps, momentarily frozen as she composes herself.

"Why? Worried I'd find out something I shouldn't?" Steve presses, advancing further into the room, the door closing gradually with the audible click of the latch securing in place.

"No," Eva replies, carefully making her way back to her seat and assuming a composed position.

"Are you going to tell me who you were talking to?" he continues, his curiosity unabated.

"Can't someone simply talk to themselves without being questioned about it?" Eva sighs dramatically, slouching into the seat.

"You seem to talk to yourself quite often," Steve observes, engaging in the conversation while leaning a shoulder against one of the white walls. "You were also talking to yourself just before you blew the electricity out."

Eva remains silent, her watchful gaze fixed on him.

"Well? You wanted to speak with me. I'm here. So what do you want to talk about, Eva?" Steve reminds her of the purpose behind their interaction.

"Yes, because I want to go," she comments, a small scowl forming on her brow.

"Then tell me what is going on," he insists, maintaining his position against the wall.

"There is nothing to tell. I do stupid shit sometimes," Eva shrugs casually, offering no further insight into her actions.

"Hitting the elevator pad and getting electrocuted has gone a little beyond that, don't you think?" Steve's tone is serious, his eyes reflecting genuine concern for Eva. Instinctively, she moves her injured hand away from view and remains silent, keeping her gaze fixed on him.