**A Fragile Truce**

A week had passed since the incident, and Viper had been avoiding Sage with a dedication that bordered on obsession. She had locked herself in her lab, only emerging to eat or when absolutely necessary. The solitude had given her time to reflect on her actions, but it had also allowed her emotions to simmer, like a pot left to boil on low heat. Sage, on the other hand, was eager to talk to Viper. She had been sent by Brimstone to deliver the plans for their next mission, and she had jumped at the opportunity. As she stood outside Viper's lab, she took a deep breath and steeled herself for the conversation ahead. Viper heard a knock at the door and groaned inwardly. She wasn't ready to face Sage, not yet. She hesitated for a moment before opening the door, her expression sour. "What?" Sage stood in the doorway, a folder clutched in her hand. "Brimstone asked me to give you the plans for the mission. And…I wanted to talk to you." Viper's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with warning. "You wanna talk to me?" Her voice was low and even, but the menace was palpable. Sage swallowed hard, her eyes darting to Viper's face and then away. "Yeah, I do." Viper's expression turned cold, her eyes glinting with a hint of malice. "Do you want a repeat of what happened last time." The implied threat hung in the air, a challenge to Sage's bravery. Viper didn't regret what she had done; in fact, she'd do it again. That was a warning, one that Sage couldn't afford to ignore. Sage took a step back, her eyes locking onto Viper's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them thick and heavy. Then, in a voice that was barely above a whisper, Sage said, "No, I don't want a repeat of that. But I do want to talk to you, Viper. About what happened. About us." Viper's expression didn't change, but a spark of curiosity ignited within her. She raised an eyebrow, her gaze never leaving Sage's face. "Go on."