𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ Steve Rogers

The Late Arrival ~ 32

The duo pull up outside the expansive driveway of the secluded home ensconced within the woods, deliberately shielded from prying eyes. The property exudes an aura of expensive taste, unmistakably bearing the imprint of Tony Stark's ownership.

Evangeline emerges from the car first, allowing the door to close behind her as she takes in the grandeur of the surroundings. Steve follows closely behind but veers towards the trunk of the vehicle, just as another car with tinted windows glides to a halt on the driveway behind them.

Evangeline's attention is captivated by the second vehicle, her gaze lingering on it as its engine falls silent. Meanwhile, Steve pays it no heed, retrieving a couple of bags from the trunk. Soon, Wanda and Scott emerge from the second vehicle, their movements echoing the sequence of Evangeline and Steve's arrival. Wanda steps out first, scrutinizing the surroundings with a discerning eye, while Scott strides to the trunk to retrieve the bags.

"So, Tony managed to sway you both as well, huh?" Steve calls out as he effortlessly slings one bag over his shoulder, leaving the other in his grasp. Evangeline remains silent, observing without offering a greeting just yet.

Scott nods lightly, giving the trunk a solid thud as he closes it, the bags now resting at his feet. "I reckon for him, this is some sort of punishment for Team Cap," he remarks, alluding to the discord among the Avengers during the time of the Vienna incident. Wanda rolls her eyes at the comment, while Steve chuckles, indicating that any lingering resentment from that tumultuous period nearly a decade ago has faded away.

"So, this luxury cabin serves as the safehouse?" Scott continues the conversation, his gaze wandering past them to take in the breath-taking scenery.

"Not much of a punishment now, is it?" Steve quips, his smile still in place.

Evangeline remains reticent, too absorbed in the men's dialogue to notice Wanda's approach until the latter is beside her, casting a curious gaze. "You're unusually quiet today," Wanda remarks, arching a brow in Evangeline's direction.

Evangeline doesn't pivot but shifts her gaze to Wanda cautiously. Eventually, she steps away from the car, and they both proceed to advance. "I'm tired," she responds, shrugging.

"Bad dreams?" Wanda probes casually, causing Evangeline to halt her stride, regarding the witch with suspicion. However, when she perceives the bewilderment on Wanda's countenance, she hesitates. "Something like that," Evangeline murmurs, choosing not to elaborate, and continues forward, curtailing Wanda's line of inquiry.

She ascends to the expansive porch, mounting the steps to be the first to unlatch the door to the luxurious cabin. Just before Evangeline can seize the handle, the door swings open with a muted click. She furrows her brow in puzzlement but turns to see Wanda's hand retracting into her pocket. It's the subtle indication she needs to discern that Wanda manipulated the door with her abilities. The witch offers a nonchalant shrug in response, and Evangeline acknowledges the gesture with a nod of gratitude before stepping inside.

Steve's gaze shifts as he catches sight of Evangeline entering the cabin. He sets down one of his bags and moves to assist Scott with his, while Wanda strides back over to the men. "Hope you're both prepared for this, it's not going to be easy," she states solemnly.

"Well, you've all faced Ultron before. I'm confident we can handle it if it comes to that," Scott responds optimistically, shrugging, and Wanda offers a wry smile in return.

"I meant with Eva..." Wanda clarifies, her tone now tinged with subtle humor.

Steve returns her smile, though it's tinged with a hint of resignation, as he shakes his head slightly. Meanwhile, Scott looks on, his expression betraying a hint of confusion. Nevertheless, he decides to voice his concerns. "What happened yesterday after I left? With Bucky," he inquires, having missed the events surrounding Bucky's arrival. The smiles on Wanda's and Steve's faces fade, replaced by a somber silence.