A Day of Unforeseen Consequences

Bruce Banner's eyes scanned the room, his brow furrowed in concern, as he awaited your response. You nodded, a simple gesture, and began to make your way to the lab to fetch Wanda. The wraiths around you stirred, their soft whispers growing quieter as you moved. As you walked, the soft hum of the headquarters' activity seemed to grow louder, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within you. You couldn't help but think about Pepper, her cold demeanor, and the way she seemed to despise you. It was a feeling that had grown over time, one that you had grown accustomed to, but it still stung. You entered the lab, the bright fluorescent lights overhead casting an artificial glow over the rows of equipment and workstations. Wanda was hunched over a microscope, her eyes fixed intently on the sample in front of her. She looked up as you approached, a hint of a smile on her face. "Hey, what's up?" she asked, her voice warm and friendly. You smiled back, a gentle smile. "Bruce is looking for you. He needs to discuss some research with you." Wanda nodded, wiping her hands on a lab coat. "I'll be right there." As you turned to leave, you caught a glimpse of Pepper standing in the doorway, her eyes fixed on you with a cold, calculating gaze. Morgan, her daughter, was nowhere to be seen, but you could hear her laughter echoing from the playroom down the hall. Pepper's eyes seemed to bore into your skin, her expression twisted in a scowl. You felt a shiver run down your spine as she stepped forward, her movements fluid and deliberate. "I need to speak with you," she said, her voice low and menacing. You exchanged a glance with Wanda, who seemed to sense the tension in the air. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Pepper's gaze flicked to Wanda, her expression darkening. "This doesn't concern you, Maximoff," she spat. Wanda's eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "I think it does," she said, her voice firm. Pepper's scowl deepened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Fine," she snapped. "I'll speak with both of you. In private." The lab seemed to grow quieter, the air thickening with tension as Pepper stepped forward, her eyes fixed on you with an unnerving intensity. You felt a sense of foreboding wash over you, a feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.