Chapter 21: Tony and Captain America quarrel! Insomnia and missing Wanda! [Extra Chapter]
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After sharing the details of the day's events, Wanda received approval from the other Avengers. With their nods of agreement, it was clear that her efforts were acknowledged. As the clock struck midnight, she excused herself to rest, leaving the conference hall.
Inside the conference room, Captain America, Hawkeye, Vision, Natasha, and Falcon watched Wanda's retreating figure. Natasha was the first to break the silence. "It seems that the counseling from the psychiatrist worked. Wanda acted alone and solved the problem this time."
Captain America, eyebrows raised, sought confirmation. "Is this true? Did she take the initiative?"
Natasha nodded affirmatively. "Yes."
Captain America and Hawkeye both showed their approval with nods. Vision and Falcon, still more acquaintances than close allies to Wanda, followed suit, nodding along.
"It seems that psychiatrists can be helpful to superheroes, too," Captain America remarked with a slight smile. He then suggested, "If anyone feels the need, go ahead and book an appointment. Tony can cover the bill—he's got plenty of resources."
Just as the words left his mouth, a 3D projection flickered to life in the center of the room, revealing Tony Stark. "Hold on, if you're going to use my money, you need my approval."
Without missing a beat, Captain America asked, "Do we have your approval, Tony?"
Tony pondered for a moment before responding with a noncommittal, "Maybe."
Captain America's demeanor turned serious, but Tony, unfazed, continued, "Okay, let's move on to the main issue. According to Friday's analysis, the Avengers' public image improved by 26% thanks to Wanda's actions. Her personal approval rating jumped from 31% to 66%."
He added, "What I'm saying is, to maintain our reputation, we need to do more and talk less. Avoid unnecessary damage and be strategic—like Wanda. She focused on her target and used her brain."
Tony's tone, though factual, carried a hint of condescension that irked Captain America. Crossing his arms, Captain America retorted, "Are you suggesting we care more about property than the safety of our team? That we don't use our brains when we fight?"
Tony, his gaze unwavering, replied, "I'm not saying anyone should act without thinking. I'm saying we need to be more mindful and minimize collateral damage."
Captain America, visibly annoyed, stepped closer to the hologram. "Tony!"
Tony pointed at Captain America, his voice cutting. "I don't have time to argue with someone who only knows how to use force."
Captain America, his frustration evident, shot back, "Do you think you're not part of why the citizens have lost faith in us? Your reckless actions led to the Sokovia incident!"
The tension in the room was palpable as the two leaders clashed. The other Avengers exchanged uneasy glances, knowing this argument wasn't just about strategy but a deeper disagreement on leadership and responsibility.
Tony, not backing down, retorted, "You're right. But under your leadership, let's see if we can regain that trust. Prove to the world that they can believe in us again."
With that, Tony's projection vanished, leaving a heavy silence. Captain America, anger simmering, slammed his fist on the table. "Disband. Go back to your quarters and rest. We'll meet again when the next mission comes up."
As the team dispersed, Wanda was back in her room, her thoughts fixated on Lorien. She searched online for information about him but found little. Lorien's reputation seemed confined to whispers among the elite, with almost no presence in the public domain. The few articles she did find referred to him as "The Top Psychologist," "The Most Handsome Doctor," and "The Enigmatic Boss."
Despite the scarcity of information, Wanda devoured every detail. Lying on her bed, she stared at the ceiling, her mind replaying their moments together. The memories of their encounters were a stark contrast to her past filled with pain and loss: her parents' death caused by a Stark Industries bomb, her brother's heroic death during the Ultron incident, and the devastation of her homeland, Sokovia.
Meeting Lorien had introduced a series of firsts into her life: sharing milk tea, feeling respected, experiencing genuine laughter, and tasting the beginnings of love. These were emotions and experiences she had never known before.
Tonight, Wanda's mind was consumed with thoughts of Lorien. Whether her eyes were open or closed, she couldn't shake his presence. It was a sleepless yet wonderfully hopeful night, filled with the promise of a future brightened by his influence.