Just Him&I: In Universe of Cruelty

Part 34

What Stark displayed on the transparent screen seemed somewhat unclear to me. I squinted my eyes, trying to understand at least something, but all my efforts were in vain.
Tony, as if sensing my fascination, deliberately tortured everyone present with his long, silent pause. Dr. Banner fully supported him in this. Finally, Barnes couldn't take it any longer and, exhaling loudly, crossed his arms, stepping closer to me.

— So, are you finally going to say what's going on? Or are we going to stand here for another hour?! — I could completely feel his pulse, which seemed to transfer to me, pounding in my ears from the nerves. It made the atmosphere even hotter. Stark smiled sarcastically in satisfaction, casually placing a folder on the table. In response, he crossed his arms just as defiantly, almost as if throwing a challenge. But when he saw Steve's disapproving look, who was also on edge, he backed off and finally started saying what he should've said several dozen minutes ago.

— So, all her vital signs are normal. There's absolutely no threat to her life or health. But there is one catch... — he paused, switching to an MRI* image of the brain. There was nothing unusual about this image or anything I had never seen before.

— What catch? — I was burning with curiosity, wanting to know what he saw there that was so strange. Something I didn't know; something I hadn't felt; or even suspected. I started scratching the table, ignoring the slight impulsive pain in my fingers.

— While working on research in the field of neuroscience, we conducted a series of experiments with increased attention to brain activity during communication. During one of the experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI*), we noticed an unexpected synchronization of brain activity. — Dr. Banner started explaining, pointing to the brain scans with a blue pen, slowly moving it across the screen, presenting exactly what he was talking about.

— In simple words. She's way too special. This power is much stronger than just telepathy. Based on our research, I can confirm several facts about her: she can enter other people's minds, not just reading thoughts or desires, but also fully viewing all memories, those that were mechanically erased from memory and new ones, — Tony explained in simpler terms. I had already realized that I wasn't like others, but the fact that I was so special... It stunned me, and I found it hard to process. I slightly furrowed my brows, biting my tongue, the only thing I could do right now.

— She can erase, alter, and control those memories. And most importantly, she can control a person's will, making them obey her — my throat went dry when he said this. With every word, I became more and more dangerous, not only to myself but also to others.

— You're crossing the line, Stark. You know very well she'd never take control of someone? — Steve interrupted, denying everything that had just been said. He slightly extended his hand as if gesturing for Tony to stop talking, then took a step forward.

— I understand, and I don't want her, God forbid, to be used in experiments like that hamster. Our people or anyone else's. So my friendly advice is to quit playing the agent game in S.H.I.E.L.D. and just go somewhere for a vacation. So that no one, by accident, finds out about you. — He pointed a finger at me, and I slowly nodded, understanding what he meant. His behavior didn't seem at all like what I had imagined. A self-important, famous, and rich egoist turned out to be a great friend and just a wonderful person, although sometimes a bit stubborn.

— And what will Nick say? — James reminded us of his presence, taking my hand gently, squeezing it in his and drawing weightless circles on the back of my palm with his thumb. I felt a familiar warmth and relaxed a bit in the chair.

— Don't worry, I'll make sure I have a word with him. — He smiled and winked at me. I smiled back, showing my immense gratitude.

— Thank you! — I got up from the chair and took a few steps to stretch my legs after sitting for so long, something I wasn't used to.

— It's because I liked you. — He said playfully as if flirting, and I could hear him teasing Bucky, testing his feelings. But he seemed as calm as a snake, as though he understood the reason.

— Say hi to Pepper Potts for me. — I smiled cheekily in his style, pulling James towards the exit. He grumbled a bit and followed me. I knew he didn't like when I acted like this in public, but I just couldn't resist teasing him.

— How did u...? — He froze, looking me straight in the eyes, but after a few seconds, the fog in his eyes cleared, and the light bulb above his head lit up with yellow light.

— She loves lilies! — I winked at him and left the room. Steve might stay for a little while longer, since I didn't hear another set of heavy footsteps behind me.

— You're not going into my head again. As much as possible! — James said in a mockingly angry voice, then smiled. He physically couldn't stand his ground against me, and I could feel it. Because in public, he acted completely differently. If I told anyone, no one would believe it.

— Fine, I promise. But you'll tell me immediately if something's bothering you. We've got a whole... very long honeymoon ahead, so I'm ready to listen to you. I've dreamed of this my whole life, living somewhere no one can find me. — I exhaled as if lightened, realizing how much my life had turned upside down. And how happy I was now.

— I love you so much... — He whispered into my ear, just for me to hear. His hand slid to my waist, holding me a bit tighter. His breath and voice were intoxicating, sending chills down my spine.

— I love you too. — I slightly lifted my head, looking into his sky-blue eyes.

*Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) — a medical imaging method that uses magnetic resonance imaging to detect changes in blood flow in response to neural activity.