Sharon Carter's heart raced as she sat across from Su Zhan in her modest apartment. She tried to maintain her usual calm, but the way he looked at her made her wonder if he had already seen through her cover. She was used to being invisible, blending into the background, her work at S.H.I.E.L.D. rarely putting her in the spotlight. Yet now, with Su Zhan's gaze lingering on her, she felt exposed in a way that was both unsettling and strangely exhilarating.
She forced herself to smile, masking her nerves. "I don't understand what you mean," Sharon said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.
Su Zhan's lips curled into a gentle smile. "I thought Steve might have told you about me. It seems I misunderstood."
Sharon let out a soft sigh of relief, her smile becoming more genuine. "No, I'm just Steve's neighbor. Nothing more." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to regain her composure.
Su Zhan nodded, letting the conversation settle into a comfortable silence. He could hear the thoughts swirling in Sharon's mind, her curiosity about him, her wariness, and even a hint of admiration. He realized she had opinions about his reputation with women, and for once, he decided not to tease her further. There was no need to push. He respected her boundaries.
The quiet stretched between them, neither quite sure what to say next. Sharon, usually quick with words, found herself at a loss. She wanted to break the awkwardness, to find a topic that would put them both at ease, but the right words eluded her.
Su Zhan, sensing her discomfort, decided to help her out. "You work so hard every day. Do you ever get a chance to take a vacation? If you could go anywhere, where would you want to visit"?
Sharon's eyes brightened at the question. "Anywhere in Europe, but probably Italy," she replied without hesitation.
"Italy?" Su Zhan echoed with a curious smile. "What draws you there?"
Sharon's expression softened, her excitement clear. "I've always been fascinated by Italy. The culture, the history, the art, the food… It just seems so beautiful and romantic. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to see Rome and Venice. Sometimes I can't believe how much history is packed into those cities."
Su Zhan nodded, his smile warm and genuine. "That sounds incredible. I hope you get to go someday. You deserve a trip like that."
Sharon laughed, a little embarrassed. "Thank you. That sounds wonderful. Though I doubt I'll get a vacation anytime soon."
Before Su Zhan could reply, he heard the faint sound of a door opening next door. His senses sharpened, and he realized Steve Rogers had just returned home. He stood up, smoothing his jacket. "Steve's back. I should get going. Thank you for your hospitality, Sharon. Next time, dinner's on me."
Sharon blinked, surprised. She had not heard anything, but she trusted Su Zhan's instincts. "You're welcome," she replied, rising to walk him to the door.
As they stepped into the hallway, they found Steve Rogers just about to leave his apartment. Steve stopped in his tracks, eyes widening as he saw Su Zhan emerging from Sharon's place. "You're finally back. I've been waiting for you," Su Zhan said with a grin, then turned to Sharon. "See you next time."
"See you," Sharon replied, giving Steve a polite nod before closing her door.
Steve pulled Su Zhan aside, lowering his voice. "What are you doing here?"
Su Zhan chuckled. "Take a guess."
Steve glanced at Sharon's door, suspicion flickering in his eyes. He was about to ask more when he heard music coming from inside his own apartment. He frowned, certain he had not left anything playing.
"If you're curious, why not go in and check?" Su Zhan suggested, his tone casual.
Steve nodded, slipping his key into the lock and pushing the door open. The sound of music drifted out, and Steve shot Su Zhan a look before stepping inside. Su Zhan followed, his expression relaxed as he listened to the melody.
Inside, Nick Fury sat on the living room sofa, looking as though he belonged there. Steve exhaled in relief, then frowned in confusion. "What's going on today? Fury, why are you here?"
Nick Fury glanced up, his single eye sharp. He seemed unsurprised to see Su Zhan standing next to Steve. "I was driven out by my wife," Fury said dryly.
Steve blinked in surprise. "You have a wife? I never knew that."
Fury shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Rogers." He pulled out his phone, showing Steve and Su Zhan a series of messages. The content was familiar to Su Zhan: surveillance warnings, threats, and evidence that Fury was being watched.
Steve and Fury moved to a corner to discuss the situation, while Su Zhan wandered over to the window, gazing out at the city. Across the street, he spotted a rooftop that looked familiar. In the movies, this was where the Winter Soldier would take his shot at Fury. But now, with the timeline altered and mutants in play, Su Zhan doubted it would be the Winter Soldier—or even a mutant—who would attack.
Just as he was contemplating the possibilities, Su Zhan noticed a shadowy figure appear on the distant rooftop. His senses tingled, and he immediately reached out telepathically to Steve and Fury. "Someone's coming. I think they're here for you, Fury. Both of you, hide in the corner and stay quiet. I'll use an illusion to confuse them."
Steve and Fury exchanged glances, then quickly took cover. Steve gripped his shield, ready for anything.
A few moments later, the figure on the roof moved to the edge and leapt down. With practiced ease, the intruder floated along the wall, slipped open a window, and entered the apartment.
Su Zhan's heart pounded with anticipation. He prepared to cast his illusion, ready to confront whoever dared to come for Fury.