Catching Steve kissing a secretary was unexpected, but there was too much to do to wallow in it. "Howard needs you, Captain." You quipped and walked away

The Strategic Scientific Reserve’s weapons lab was cluttered with blueprints, half-finished gadgets, and Stark’s ever-growing collection of “brilliant” ideas. Steve stood at the workbench, rolling his shoulders as Howard Stark gestured grandly to the array of shields in front of them.

"I took the liberty of coming up with some options," Howard announced, sweeping a hand over the table.

Steve scanned the selection, his eyes landing on a smooth, circular shield that stood apart from the others. He picked it up, testing its weight. "What about this one?"

Howard waved a dismissive hand. "No, no. That’s just a prototype."

Steve frowned, running a hand over the metal. "What's it made of?"

"Vibranium. It's stronger than steel and a third of the weight. Completely vibration absorbent."

Steve lifted the shield slightly, clearly impressed. "How come it’s not standard issue?"

Howard smirked. "That’s the rarest metal on Earth. What you’re holding there? That’s all we’ve got."

Before Steve could respond, you walked up, arms crossed, your expression unreadable. "If you're quite finished, Mr. Stark, I’m sure the Captain has some unfinished business."

Steve turned, his eyes meeting yours. There was something tense in the way you stood, but you gave nothing away. Instead, you nodded toward the shield.

"What do you think?" he asked, holding it in front of himself.

You glanced at the shield, then at the weapons table. Without hesitation, you picked up a handgun, cocked it, and fired four shots in rapid succession.

Steve barely had time to duck behind the shield as the bullets ricocheted harmlessly off, clattering to the ground.

Lowering the gun, you studied Steve coolly. "Yes," you said, placing the weapon back on the table. "I think it works."

You turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Steve staring after you, his grip tightening on the shield.