The briefing room at the Compound buzzed with the low hum of conversation, chairs scraping against the floor as everyone settled in. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, catching on the sleek metal of the conference table, and the faint scent of coffee still lingered from the pot someone had brewed an hour too late.

You sat halfway down the table, chatting idly with Nat while your husband, James, leaned in to talk to Steve. It was a calm, easy moment — until she arrived.

Sharon C.

And, of course, the first person she made a beeline for was James.

It wasn’t exactly a state secret that she had a crush on your husband, and while you’d found it amusing at first, the novelty had long since worn off. Now, it was just… irritating. For you. For James. Honestly, for most of the team.

James always tried to avoid her when possible, but Sharon had this uncanny way of appearing out of nowhere — like glitter after a craft project. Nobody asked for it, and no matter how hard you tried, it was impossible to get rid of.

Today was no different. She slid right up beside him, leaning in with a too-bright smile and laughing a little too loudly at something he said. You caught Nat’s eye and the two of you rolled them in perfect sync.

You leaned back in your chair, letting your gaze drift lazily over to Sharon. A slow, mischievous smile curved your lips.

“Hey, Sharon,” you called, your voice sweet in that way that wasn’t really sweet at all. “I have a question for you.”

Her brows arched. “Oh? What is it?” she asked, actually curious.

“Do you know Italian?” The question sounded harmless enough… but Nat’s lips were already twitching, because she knew it was anything but.

“No… why?” Sharon asked, tilting her head.

You sat up straighter, smirk sharpening. “Metti di nuovo le mani su mio marito e vedrai quanto ci metto a spezzarti in due.”

The words slid out smooth and sharp, like silk hiding a blade.

The room went still. Nat’s smirk deepened, and James let out a quiet huff of amusement. You’d taught them both Italian, so they knew exactly what you’d said. The others, however, glanced between you in confusion. Sharon blinked, clearly lost.

Before she could open her mouth, Tony — leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed — broke the silence. “Can we get a translation for that, or should I have F.R.I.D.A.Y. run it through?”

James shifted, clearly about to speak, but one look at Nat told you she wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. She leaned forward, her grin positively wicked.

“She said…” Nat paused just long enough for dramatic effect. “‘Put your hand on my husband again and we’ll see how long it takes for me to break you in half.’” Nat leaned back, her voice dripping with amusement. “And for the record, she’d break you fast.”

A few stifled chuckles rippled around the table. James snickered outright, and you didn’t miss the way Sharon’s cheeks began to flush crimson.

The meeting hadn’t even started yet… and you already felt like you’d won.