The tension in the room was already thick as you sat through the mission briefing. Something in your gut told you that Tony was about to say something you weren’t going to like.

And right on cue, he glanced at James—who, as always, wore that unreadable, stoic expression. Then Tony looked at you.

Yeah. You definitely weren’t going to like this.

“Alright, you two need to start getting along,” Tony said, gesturing between you and James “You’ll be partnered on this mission, so figure it out. Be nice.”

You stared at him, deadpan.

Everyone in the room knew you and James didn’t get along. No one knew exactly why, but the theory was that your personalities were too alike. Both stubborn. Both hot-headed. Both way too good at pushing each other’s buttons.

You glanced at James, and your eyes locked.

“Bastard,” you muttered.

“Bitch,” he shot back without missing a beat.

You smirked. He did too—just barely.

Across the room, Nat, Steve, Thor, and Clint exchanged uncertain looks, unsure whether to intervene or just let the two of you mũrder each other.

Tony sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“What did I just say?”

“Seriously, you two?” Steve added, clearly over it already.

You shrugged, standing up and heading for the door.

“I’m not working with him.”

You didn’t even look back as you strode out into the main compound hallway. The others turned to James, who stood slowly, jaw tight.

“I’m not working with her.”

And with that, he stormed out too.

There was a long, heavy pause and Nat shook her head.

“What are we going to do with those two?”