𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ Steve Rogers

Unwelcoming Reunion ~ 13

Wanda relinquishes her hold on Peter's head, releasing it after she discerns the crucial details that unravel the true story of Evangeline and Peter's initial encounter. A shared astonishment flickers between them, as Peter, now with his clouded memories clarified by Wanda's intervention, shakes his head abruptly. Confusion and a subtle undercurrent of anger ripple through him.

The onlookers, including the group, witness the unfolding scene. Tony, displaying impatience, voices his frustration.

"What do you remember?" Tony inquires, addressing Peter as he rises to his feet, a palpable eagerness in his demeanor. Peter, however, remains silent, grappling to process the vivid images he has just witnessed in his memories. Wanda blinks, redirecting her focus to the team, and responds on Peter's behalf.

"They crossed paths during the mission in Europe, two months back, when he and Sam were teamed up," she discloses, maintaining close proximity to Peter for added reassurance. Sam furrows his brow at this revelation, nodding with a hint of irritation.

"Well, that explains who had your attention back in Europe, Peter," he recalls their mission and reflects on Peter's apparent distraction.

Peter gradually eases into the nearest seat, his head sinking into his hands as he grapples with the overwhelming flood of revelations. Despite the mounting anger, he maintains a stoic silence.

"Eva compelled you too, Sam. It happened at a bar," Wanda continues, her focus shifting away from Peter, sensing the brewing anger within him. "It seems she manipulated you to stay away while she compelled Peter." She sighs before delving into the specific details of what she witnessed Eva say to Peter.

"That bitch," Sam exclaims, his displeasure evident as he realizes his own mind had been tampered with.

"Sam," Natasha warns him, her concern not only directed at the situation but also at his choice of language in the midst of this sensitive topic. A heavy silence ensues as the team's attention returns to Peter, their worry intensifying with his continued silence and head buried in his hands.

"Parker? Are you alright?" Tony inquires, genuine concern etched on his face.

Steve and Evangeline enter from the elevator, the ding distracting attention away from Peter as they join the scene. Eva, wearing an innocent smile, addresses the team, capturing all eyes. Peter's head snaps up, his eyes betraying a glint of anger and hurt as he witnesses her nonchalant entrance. In a swift motion, he rises to his feet, determined to confront her.

"Peter, don't," Natasha half-warns, though she remains in her position, not intervening.

Evangeline observes with curiosity as Peter approaches her. Before she can utter a word, he grabs her shoulders, forcefully pushing her against the nearest wall. It's the second time today that Eva winces from the impact on her back against the unyielding surface.

"What the fuck did you do to me?!" Peter bellows, animosity dripping from his tone. His face looms dangerously close to hers as he glares at someone he had considered a friend. Tension hangs in the air, but no one steps in to aid Eva. Steve stands nearby, poised to intervene but opting for silence. Eva raises her hands in surrender once again.

"To you? Peter, you are going to have to explain a little further; there is a few—" Eva is cut off abruptly as Peter slams her against the wall once again. This time, the impact results in a substantial crack, and Eva winces, genuine pain etched across her face. Steve steps in, noting her reaction, and places a hand on Peter's shoulder.

"Peter, that's enough," Steve says quietly, his gaze fixed on Parker. Ignoring Steve's presence, Peter keeps his eyes fully focused on the now wide-eyed Eva, who has never seen this version of Peter before. The intensity in her eyes shifts to a masked expression of indifference. Eventually, he retreats, forcefully shoving Steve's hand away, and storms off towards the exit stairs. Without uttering another word, he leaves the scene.