Chapter Text

WANDA

Four months have passed since they joined the Avengers. It didn’t take long for them to move compared to what Wanda initially thought. She expected eight months at the least up to how many years to get their papers done for them so they could move and reside in the compound in New York, but surprisingly, having powers along with its positive rep has its perks for a start. Or maybe it's just Fury and Stark working together to make things run faster.

Either way, Wanda knows that these things have a catch. She thought back on the Accords back in her last life, on how they denied granting her visa and residency because she wouldn’t sign. Thankfully nothing like that happened this time. She’s still waiting for the other ball to drop though, because, of course, there always is.

“So, how does it really work?” Sam asks Pietro and Wanda during their training. Currently, they’re outdoors on a running track for a change of scenery. “You said that your phasing through walls is different from hers,” He pointed at Pietro and then at Wanda right after. “But I don’t see any difference.”

Pietro shrugs as he stretches himself. Wanda fell into step with her brother and began to take a stretch as well.

“For starters, what I do is different. I have the ability to control the quantum state of every particle in my body with my powers, allowing me to phase through anything.” Pietro starts and then nods his head towards Wanda. “Hers is entirely different. She changes the material itself so that she can phase through. If you think about it closely, Vision and I kind of do the same thing.”

“Uh… I need you to explain that to me like I’m five to understand the context please.” Sam grimaced as he looked at the two of them. “Dumb it down for me please.”

Wanda smiled and laughed lightly before explaining to him. “In simple terms, he changes his body using his powers so he can phase through and I change the objects that I go through using mine. Although technically, I can do both, it’s just less work for me that way.”

“Oh, now I get it.” Sam slapped his thigh and fell into laughter with Wanda. “Why’d you not say it like that in the first place.”

“Don’t blame me,” Pietro raised his arms in surrender while laughing as well. “I literally have to have that ingrained in my brain before I fully get the process when Wanda was teaching me things. It became an automatic response at this point.”

“That makes sense I guess.” Sam smirks and nods towards Wanda. “Because I would expect that explanation from Witchy here not from you.”

“Hey!” Pietro exclaimed in mock offense.

Wanda let the two of them talk and continued silently in her stretch. After a minute, Bucky arrived and immediately followed what they were doing.

“How did you discover that you can do that?” Bucky this time asks as he joins them.

“You’re still stretching your metal arm?” Sam asks Bucky in amusement, pointing and laughing loudly as he asks. Completely shifting the topic from the Twins to Bucky.

“Would you like me to stretch it into your face?” Bucky snarked back, still stretching.

Wanda shouldn’t have laughed at that but she did. Loudly.

“Stop it, guys, back to the topic at hand.” Pietro waved them off from annoying each other. “Wanda thought of it mostly, we just have to be creative with our powers I guess. And Wanda can be very… imaginative.” Pietro smirked proudly at them making Wanda’s eyes roll in exasperation.

“Same thing either way, I don’t care. That Science thing is awesome! Way to go girl! Give me five!” Sam interjected as he offered up his hands to Wanda, shaking his hands excitedly as he waited.

Wanda didn’t say anything and just smiled in amusement while clapping her hands with him.

“I must say, it is quite astonishing of the countless ways that you could use with your abilities.” She suddenly heard Vision to her right. He’s not participating in the endurance exercise, with him being an android and all, but he still wants to be there.

Before she could reply, Pietro beat her to it. Quickly getting in between the gap between her and Vision. “Yeah. I guess you could say that.”

Wanda couldn’t help but sigh helplessly in amusement. Of course, he knows as well what happened between her and Vision in her past. She’s not oblivious to her brother’s actions. But she doesn’t really mind, in fact, it’s kind of endearing to her. Because she never got to experience this back then.

But Vision didn’t notice what he was doing and carried on with his questions.

“Would it be alright for you two to answer my query?” Vision looked at Wanda and Pietro, expecting them to answer.

Pietro was about to jokingly answer him that he already did but Wanda replied to him before he could.

“That depends on the question, but sure.” Wanda raised her eyebrows at him, waiting for the question.

When he didn’t reply, Wanda and Pietro looked at each other in confusion.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Vision tried to smile but failed which kind of amused Wanda a bit. “I’m still learning how to read social cues. Forgive me.”

“It’s fine Vision, what’s your question?” Wanda prompted him.

“I’m just curious about how your powers came about.” Vision shifted and looked from Wanda to Pietro. “Because in my analysis, my abilities came from the mind stone embedded in my head. I am still in the process of looking into this thing but I can theorize that my system is using it as a power source. Is it like that with yours too?”

“I’m actually curious too if you ask me,” Sam added with Bucky nodding in agreement with them.

Pietro looked at Wanda to explain to them. Not knowing how to form the words on how their powers came about, especially hers.

Well, Wanda didn’t really have the energy to explain things, so she just settled on agreeing with Vision. How can she explain that her powers were just dormant when she was a child and were just amplified by the stone? That would be a whole can of worms that she didn’t really want to open right now. Because that would mean that she had to go through her family line and actively search for answers.

“I guess you could say that.” Wanda shrugged as she worked out the kinks in her neck as she stretched. “It took some time to learn how it works, but we managed.”

“Do you think that I can have the stone removed in my head?” Vision asked no one in particular.

With Vision’s question, Wanda stopped what she was doing, surprised and a bit perplexed by his question. In the past, whenever Wanda and Vision talked about their powers, he never mentioned or expressed any desire to remove them. Not until, he was specifically told that the stone was being hunted by Thanos and Wanda insisted for it to be done so he could survive since she didn’t wanna destroy it.

In the end, it was still for naught. Wanda winced at the thought.

She looked at him for a bit before replying, trying to get a read on him. “Perhaps, do you want to?”

“I would like to think that it would be for the better. It might be weird to say this, but I can feel the stone, and I have this impending sense of doom?”

Wanda froze after hearing his words. She’s almost certain that she stopped breathing.

“You do?” Wanda asks after a moment.

Pietro looked at him and tilted his head in wonder. “How do you say so?”

“I am not quite sure. But that is what I think it is trying to tell me.” Vision told them.

“If anyone has any idea on how to remove that thing, it would be Stark or Banner. Unfortunately, Banner is off-world with Thor. So Stark is your only chance at the moment.” Wanda replied absentmindedly.

“Well, maybe I should get ahold of Mr. Stark and discuss this with him then.”

Vision’s words got her thinking. Because again, this never happened in her last life. Is the mind stone helping her? She had actually been thinking for days about how to bring up the stone in Vision’s head and remove it earlier than intended. The sooner that she gets Vision to Wakanda, and has the stone removed from him, the sooner that he will be safe.

Unfortunately, at this time, Wakanda’s borders are still closed off. Thinking about that gave Wanda a headache because she didn’t know where to start with that. She could try and do it with her powers, but well, she doesn’t really want to bet on it. Also, whenever her mind thinks of it, she involuntarily thinks back on the time she destroyed it as a last-ditch effort to stop Thanos.

“Speaking of Banner,” Sam looked at them and leaned forward, asking them to do the same. “I happen to know why Dr. Banner took a break from the hero gig.” He finished with a whisper.

Wanda noticed that Sam had a habit of changing topics from here and there. Conversations with him could go from what her favorite color (It’s red by the way) would be to something obscure such as her perspective on the outside world and the universe into something as silly as him trying to show her the latest trending news on twitter.

Intrigued, Pietro leaned in further, asking him to share. “What did you hear?”

Vision and Bucky join him as he asks Sam.

Wanda rolled her eyes in amusement because they were acting like high school kids gossiping about their crushes. But she admits that she’s also curious. So, she joined them.

Last time, the reason why Bruce left was because she messed with his mind; leaving, well, more like ghosting Natasha behind. But she didn’t do that this time. So what could be the reason now? And from what she had gathered, they hadn’t talked much… and got close to each other… well, she knows these things because she just wants to know everything regarding her close friend’s… personal life…

“Well,” Sam rubbed her hands together as he talked. “I heard from the grapevine that Dr. Banner tried to confess to our very own Agent Romanoff.”

“Natasha? Then what happened?” Wanda couldn’t help but ask him to continue.

“I guess he got turned down.” Sam shrugged.

“So, he ran?” Pietro guffawed.

Wanda tilted her head in confusion as she tapped Pietro on his shoulder in admonishment because he was enjoying it too much. And Natasha turning Bruce down is very unlikely to happen. She asked if they could run away together back in her last life for God’s sake.

“Is that true?” Wanda narrowed her eyes, skeptical of his words.

Sam paused then shook his head after a moment, he frowned, unsure, “Don’t know. Probably not.”

“Oh.” Pietro expressed disappointment, then rolled his eyes at Sam in annoyance.

“So…” Bucky started, raising his eyebrows at Sam, “What I’m getting is you don’t actually know why Banner went off-world?”

“It’s a fun story though…” Sam mumbled trailing off and then looked at Wanda and smirked at her. “-or maybe it’s because he already knew that he didn’t have a chance.”

Pietro gave Wanda a sly smile, already getting what Sam was trying to say.

Wanda’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion like the others.

“Oh come on, you guys are so dense.” Sam groaned out in frustration when no one replied to him.

Pietro scoffed in denial, “I am not! In fact, I have seen it from like weeks ago.”

Wanda still not getting what they’re talking about, asked. “What are you two talking about?”

“I don’t get it,” Bucky told them in turn, agreeing with Wanda.

“As do I.” Vision added.

“Well, I think that he already knows that he didn’t stand a chance. So he left to nurse his poor heart.” Sam told them as he waved his hand animatedly and dramatically pranced around Wanda - who decided to continue her stretch because of how annoying Sam was getting on her nerves.

“Wow… you’re such a… storyteller huh… Did you ever think that maybe he just wants to, I don’t know, find himself?” Wanda told him, trailing off. Still not understanding what he’s saying and not knowing the words how to describe his actions properly.  She turned to look at Pietro to ask for a clue who only shrugged at her with a smirk. She narrowed her eyes at him as he raised his hands noncommittally.

“Find himself because of his poor heart you mean?” Sam replied swiftly, still not letting up.

“Is this what people call gossiping? And Sam is just spreading rumors?” Vision asks them after processing the conversation.

To which Bucky replied with a frustrated smile, helplessly annoyed at Sam, “I guess so Vision. Word of advice, don’t believe any of it if you haven’t confirmed it yourself. Sam can be… too much I think…”

“I see.” Vision nodded seriously in understanding while Sam exclaimed in denial.

“Hey, I am not!”

“Nope, you totally are.”

Throughout the months of Wanda and Pietro joining the team officially, Wanda slowly comes to a realization whenever she sees Vision. That if Pietro had been alive and was with her back then, she wouldn’t have been with… Vision. If Vision didn’t offer her comfort and silent companionship to get her through her grief, as he thought that that was best for the team at that time, they wouldn’t have been close together.

She didn’t want to think about it for now because it’s breaking her heart whenever she tries to. Because if she did, she would surely cry and drown with guilt. Because it would kind of feel like she’s disrespecting his memory… She thought that when she turned back time, it would all eventually fall back into place, but apparently, she thought wrong.

It’s puzzling if she’s being honest. So she’s kind of thankful as well for his brother’s… interventions whenever Vision tries to talk to her.

Finding herself thinking all about it again, Wanda sighed and finished her stretch quickly, and began to run around the track. Leaving the three of them as they stretch with their squabble about whatever comes to their mind, along with Vision who provides his insight from time to time.

If Wanda’s being honest with herself, she’s confused and at the same time conflicted. Because, yes, she did get Vision back. But somehow it’s just not her Vision… it didn’t feel the same. It makes her overthink things. Did him being born without all the arguments that happened before between them and Thor finally striking his cradle with lightning had a factor in his personality? Because… they didn’t do it this time. Tony and Bruce didn’t have any difficulties uploading JARVIS’ AI framework into the cradle.

She tried talking to him, looked for the instant bond that they shared the first time that she saw him, that comforting feeling she got when he was around back then. But try as she might, she felt… nothing…

Somehow, it breaks her heart all over again. Because she did get Vision back… just not… her Vision. She tells herself that maybe it’s just because they don’t know each other well right now.

Or maybe not…

She doesn’t know anymore.

So, she avoids him. But not too much to the point that the others in the team would notice and be concerned.

She’s thankful right now that they’re just scheduled for endurance training, so she didn’t need to speak with anyone more than what was necessary. She’s not really in the mood.

After running a few laps, she found herself getting broken out of her thoughts by Steve calling for them in the middle of the track. Slowing down, she made her way towards him. As she closes in, she notices that it’s not just him who is waiting, she finds Natasha and Clint waiting for them as well.

Seeing Natasha, she quickened her footsteps. She hadn’t really seen the woman for weeks now with Phil Coulson, Fury’s right-hand man, sending her on an undercover mission.

“Hey Nat, you’re back!” Wanda greeted her with a smile as soon as she was near her. She’s the first one to arrive from the others, she didn’t know if they heard Steve calling for them with all the bickering that they’re doing.

“Как дела, красивая?” Natasha greeted her back with a smirk. [Russian: How are you, beautiful?]

Hearing Natasha’s greeting, she couldn’t help the flush immediately coloring her cheeks. Clearing her throat, she mumbled softly. “I’m fine. Престани да ме задиркујеш.” [Serbian/Sokovian: Stop teasing me.]

“И испортить все веселье?” Raising her eyebrows at her, making Wanda flush further. [Russian: And ruin all the fun?]

Wanda didn’t know why but their dynamic suddenly changed that same evening when she talked to Natasha. She’s always teasing her to the point that Wanda notices that she’s not doing it to the other guys. She almost thinks that she’s conspiring with them.

Almost.

But she is, most likely...

Clint and Steve looked from Natasha and then at Wanda, not understanding the conversation between the two. But judging by the interaction, they somewhat get the idea of it.

“Uh… we’re here too, by the way,” Clint announced as he looked between the two. He then raised his eyebrow at Natasha who didn’t say anything after that.

“And are you two conversing in two different languages or are my ears deceiving me?” Steve added as he gestured from Wanda to Natasha.

Natasha motions for the others to run faster as she replies, “And that’s relevant because?”

“Hey Clint, Steve…” Wanda quietly acknowledged them after, she then turned to look at Pietro and the others - who she found were still slowly making their way towards them - just so she could have something else to do.

Completely missing the questioning look that Steve and Clint are pointedly sending toward Natasha - which she blatantly ignores.

“Aren’t you retired already, old man?” She heard Natasha ask Clint.

Making Wanda turn to look back at Clint who only looked at Natasha pointedly before letting out a sigh. And for Natasha, well she took it in stride and just raised her eyebrows at him in challenge. Wanda smiled lightly in amusement as she watched the two, but then she immediately averted her eyes when she found Natasha quickly shifting her gaze toward her.

“I’m beginning to regret agreeing to this Cap.” Clint turned towards Steve with a huff.

“Wait- what would you regret?” Sam asks him when they joined them.

“Well, Barton here graciously offered his farmhouse to us.” Natasha nudged Clint’s shoulder playfully as she talked to Wanda and the others.

“Is there a reason for this?” Vision asks for them this time.

“We thought that it would be a nice way for the team to bond,” Steve replied with a smile. “I noticed that all we have been doing is train here in the compound, so I suppose that’s why I’m suggesting this.”

“Who else is gonna be there?” Wanda heard Bucky ask after.

“Well, just us of course. I’m not sure if Rhodey will make it. He’s with Tony right now.”

Wanda doesn’t have any opinions about it if anyone asks. She thinks that it’s great actually.

While they were dealing with the logistics, she took the time to take everyone with her. She didn’t really experience this back in her last life. Of wanting to participate and be present with the team. Back then, she remembered that she was always in her room sleeping away or training. That has been her routine until the Accords happened, well, she couldn’t really go out at that time as well so that’s probably one of the reasons why she wasn’t around them much. It feels nice.

“So does everyone agree to camping in Clint’s forest grounds?” Wanda heard Steve ask and then the chorus of agreement came from everyone after.

When Wanda slowly realized what Steve said, she looked at him in confusion. “Wait, camping?”

“Yep, figured it would be a great way to connect with everyone you know. Without all the distractions.” Steve replied and turned towards the others again.

“Why does it have to be on Clint’s grounds?” She heard Vision ask Steve, which admittedly, Wanda was curious of the answer as well.

But Pietro distracted her again. In the background, she can faintly hear Steve answering Vision.

“Изгледа да сте већ ометени.” Pietro leaned towards her and whispered in her ear, to not let the others hear what he was saying to Wanda. [Serbian/Sokovian: It looks like you're distracted already.]

Wanda elbowed him, not paying him any mind before whispering back. Still trying to pay attention to Steve. “О мој Боже Pietro, зачепи уста.” [Serbian/Sokovian: Oh my god Pietro, shut your mouth.]

“Не док ми не кажеш зашто.” Pietro smirked and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and shook her lightly to annoy her. “Is it because of you крошка or is it the overglorified toaster?” [Serbian/Sokovian: Not until you tell me why.] [Russian: Babe (casual)]

“What крошка?” Wanda feigned ignorance.

But of course, her twin wouldn’t let up. “Your де́тка then?” [Russian: Babe (affectionate)]

“She’s not my де́тка.” Wanda replied quickly with a groan. [Russian: Babe]

“Oh, so you do know who I’m talking about.” Pietro gasped dramatically to tease her, making Wanda let out an exasperated sigh.

“I-” Wanda paused, “Come on, now Pietro.”

“-and that’s what you decided to focus on in everything that I just said?” He continued his playful teasing, undeterred. “-that’s what got you distracted?”

Wanda wanted to rip her hair out in frustration because it was so not the time right now. “Ugh, you’re so annoying.”

“It comes with the territory.” Pietro grinned at her, it made Wanda want to wipe it off his face. “I’m your older brother.”

“By freaking twelve minutes…” Wanda mumbled.

“I heard that.”

Wanda almost had a heart attack when she heard someone quietly joining their conversation. When she looked over her shoulder, she found Bucky who had a smirk forming on his face.

“What did you hear?” Wanda whispered as she shook off Pietro and elbowed him again, hard this time.

“Oof! Ow!” She heard Pietro quietly exclaim in the background, to which he then launched a series of coughs to mask his pain from Steve who narrowed his eyes slightly at him. Serves him right.

“Enough.” Bucky went to her other side and began to tease her.

Wanda sighs in annoyance and huffs. “Not you too Buck.”

“I’d beg to differ. I have eyes you know?” Bucky looked from Wanda then to Pietro and asked, “Is this what you’re referring to earlier with Sam?”

Wanda heard three responses that made her want to crawl up a hole right now, because what is it with them?

“Yeeeep.”

“I heard my name, what’s up?”

“Are you three listening?”

Wanting to get the conversation over with, Wanda chose to answer Steve’s question to ignore them. She loudly interjected while walking away from the two who were teasing her greatly. “Yes, Steve. We’ll meet later in the afternoon, right? Do we need to pack anything specific?”

“I have prepared all the stuff that we need. Just prepare some change of clothes and show up on outdoor clothing.” Steve replied while beginning to wrap up their talk. “Alright, I’ve already cleared our schedule with Fury. Meet up will be in the common room after lunch.”

After their talk, everyone went off on their way to prepare. With Wanda in the forefront scurrying towards her room to escape, well more like, avoid everyone.

Somehow, she thinks this is worse (endearing as it is) than when Tony was always trying to get her to notice him by annoying her and leaving countless gifts at her doorstep that she had no idea what to do with back in her past. His weird way of trying to apologize when he learned about her childhood and his part in it when she found out why he was doing it.

It confuses her. Because what do the others see that she doesn’t?

Frankly, Wanda didn’t have the time to think of things like this. She has a lot to do and prepare, she has to make every second count with this. She wouldn’t blame them though. Because they don’t know what’s about to come. And it’s actually nice to see them take it easy from time to time.

Well, except Pietro because she told him. So she gets a free pass whenever she slaps his arm hard because of their teasing.

Sometimes, she thinks it would be better if she should just tell everyone that Thanos is actively looking all over the galaxy for the infinity stones. But whenever she tried, she found that she just couldn’t. She freezes whenever she tries to. And well, she wouldn’t really want to test the TVA right now if she’s being honest - and that is on top of all the things that she needs to think and prepare about.

So she settles for the next best thing, and that is to train. And urge others to improve themselves as well, not just physically but also in other aspects.

So far, she thinks she’s good with her planning -provided that the events don’t change. She just needs to work out the other details so that she’s sure that she can keep everyone safe.

And as for the Accords, well, she’s still working on that… she might need a lawyer though, or two… maybe three. She’s even hitting the books as well just in case.

To add to that, she thinks that she needs to work on her magic. Wanda realizes that she used the Darkhold as a shortcut to learning. Well, what she learned from it was useful - to some parts- but it wouldn’t really do her good if she used the other things that she learned from that book. And still, every time she uses her powers she still feels this sense of trepidation looming over her. Of being afraid. If she wants to use her powers to help others, she has to learn. Properly this time. If she’s desperate, maybe she would use what she learned from that damned book - but it is highly unlikely.

She debated looking for Agatha this time and asked her to be her mentor but she was not really sure if she could trust her. It’s quite sad because she’s the only witch that Wanda knows.

Or maybe she could go to the sorcerers… but she decided against it. The last time she went to Kamar-Taj was when she destroyed it… and she’s not keen on refreshing her memories of that place right now. But still, it could be another option. Again, if she’s desperate, maybe she could consider it.

“Hey Любимая, were you ignoring me?” [Russian: Sweetheart]

Wanda was broken out of her thoughts when she heard someone from behind her. She didn’t realize that she was already in an elevator going up to their quarters.

When Wanda looked over her shoulders, she was surprised that the eyes that locked with hers were startlingly green, and for a moment, all she did was gape at the face looking back at her in amusement.

Wanda realized that this was the first time that she had really been up close with Natasha. It didn’t help that the dim light of the elevator made the color in her eyes more prominent. She found her leaning against the wall of the elevator.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours Солнышко?” Natasha asked, her easy smile and relaxed demeanor making Wanda fluster. [Russian: Sunshine]

“What’s up with the pet names?” Wanda muttered the first thing that popped into her mind as she desperately tried to hide the onset of the flush of her cheeks that she could feel forming - averting her eyes in the process to look at the numbers indicating which floor they were in.

Natasha pushed forward and walked to stand beside her. “Why? You don’t like it?” She laughed while touring Wanda’s form with her gaze before raising her eyebrows.

Wanda feels like she’s going to combust from Natasha’s gaze.

“It’s not that…” Wanda trailed off awkwardly, not really knowing how to react.

Because well, it’s confusing her. Wanda likes it a bit too much. But why? And.. she can’t… Isn’t Natasha supposed to like Bruce? And she has Vision to think about still…

Sometimes, she wonders if her past is still accurate.

The arrival of the elevator on her floor saved her from thinking further. She immediately got off and started to make her way towards her room.

But Wanda isn’t really having the best of luck right now, is she? Because - yes, of course - Natasha is living on the same floor as her.

She heard Natasha clear her throat before talking to her again. “In all seriousness Wanda, if you are uncomfortable with it I’ll -”

“No, I’m not-” Wanda denied abruptly before she could think about her words. Wanda wishes that the ground would swallow her whole right now because of what is going on with her. She’s such a mess.

They’re now in front of the doors of their respective rooms. And of course, her room is right beside Natasha’s.

Wanda’s hand hovered over her door knob before making a decision, still unsure. Taking a deep breath, she finally answered her questions. “-I’m not… ignoring you Nat, I’m just thinking about some things. Too many to count… and yes, I do lo-like it.”

Wanda tentatively turned towards Natasha, only to find her already looking back up to her, blinking slowly.

“Okay then.”

“Okay?” Wanda asks, a bit unsure where the conversation is going now.

“Yes. See you later, Wanda.” She heard Natasha while giving her a soft smile before going inside her room - leaving her alone in the hallway.

And somehow, she thinks, that Natasha’s smile aimed at her did more numbers to her than her playful teasing and Pietro’s pestering with the others combined.

It didn’t take much time for them to settle in at Clint’s farm. Wanda and the others decided to take it easy after setting up their camp. Well, it’s not really a camp as it’s barely far away from Clint’s farmhouse but still, Wanda thinks that it’s a new experience. She kinda feels like she missed out on these kinds of things back then if she’s being honest.

It’s now late in the afternoon and they had got a fire going for their camp after all the activities that Steve planned for them. They’re all seated by the fire, forming a circle to surround it. The crackling of the campfire sent dancing shadows across the faces of her friends, each bathed in the warm, flickering light. Wanda is sitting on a camping chair with her legs stretched out and her arms crossed as she observes the others. Pietro is sitting nearby right on her left, busy making smores; he couldn’t stop making more right after Steve taught him how. Of course, she gets a share of what he makes.

Looking around, she found Steve and Bucky sitting beside Pietro. Across from Wanda is Vision whose keeping the fire going, claiming that he wants to be on fire duty as Sam calls it - his face is a picture of focused concentration. He’s currently in a conversation beside Sam on which materials are better in tending the fire. And right beside her is Natasha, whose drinking sbiten quietly, it looked like she’s taking in everyone as well, seemingly lost in thought.

They started with lighthearted talks at first. Steve began regaling them with a particularly enthralling tale of his misadventures during his military training, his voice booming with laughter and amusement when he told them of one time that his commander allowed whoever managed to get the flag down off a pole to go back on a truck instead of walking for miles. Steve managed to get it of course.

He continued with his stories as Bucky listened with a wry smile, occasionally interjecting with a dry comment that had them all erupting in renewed amusement.

Steve and Bucky mostly shared their experiences with camping when they were drafted and compared it to what they’re doing now. Which basically started the back and forth with Bucky and Sam.

Right now, Sam and Bucky are currently debating about the proper term for their supposed team-building activity.

Bucky told Sam that he should stop making things complicated and keep it simple because according to him, “Camping is camping because you set up a camp to sleep in and that’s it.” However, Sam argues that what they’re doing is not that and based on his words, he preferred to call it “Glamping. Because we have everything that we need plus Clint’s house is just a few feet away.”

It didn’t take long for the others to get roped into their debate. And watching it all unfold is amusing Wanda because how come these people are the same Avengers that fight threats that the government can’t handle?

Steve and Vision agreed with Bucky because it is literally just setting up camp and sleeping outside. Steve just agreed because well, apparently, Bucky’s his best friend (Sam vehemently exclaimed at him which Steve calmly denies), and Vision based it on his “extensive search” to what a clear definition of camping is.

To which Bucky gloated, childishly if Wanda may add. “Hah, take that Birdman.”

“Hey, just because the walking computer agrees with you, it doesn’t mean you win this argument.” Sam huffs petulantly.

He looked at Natasha and Wanda, who reacted at the same time as when he was about to ask them.

“No.” Wanda replied simply while shaking her head.

“Not happening, Wilson.”

Wanda looked at Natasha and found her raising her eyebrows playfully at Sam as she drank from her mug again to hide her smile. Her knees jerked involuntarily making Wanda’s leg brush up against Natasha’s. When Natasha turned to look at her in question, Wanda shook her head with an abashed smile.

When Sam tried to get Pietro to be on his side, she couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle.

Pietro doesn’t really care because it’s basically the same thing to him. He’s more focused on the important stuff at the moment, and that is making smores.  “We sleep outside the house and we’re not in bed either way Sam, don’t rope me in to side with you.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re too busy eating smores.” He noted and raised his eyebrows. “Didn’t we just ate a while ago?” Sam asks after, completely forgetting about the debate that he’s in.

“Hey!” Pietro exclaimed, opting to finish chewing his smores first before continuing. “I have a fast metabolism you know?”

“Yeah, yeah. Keep saying that.” Sam rolled his eyes.

Wanda, lost in her observations, didn't notice Natasha subtly shift closer, her gaze fixed on the swirling flames of the fire. Natasha leaned in slightly, her voice a soft murmur, "Lost in thought, Wanda?"

Wanda, startled by the sudden intrusion, blinked, her gaze finally connecting with Natasha's. A fleeting smile touched Natasha's lips, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Wanda, momentarily flustered, could only manage a sheepish grin in response.

She can feel herself twitch when she realizes that Natasha decided to call her name instead of her usual nicknames for her. She felt a sense of loss that shouldn’t be there. Because why should it be? 

But at the same time, she’s also confused, because she likes hearing her calling her name. It’s just her name for God’s sake why is she getting worked up over this? She used to call her like that all the time. What happened now?

Natasha, sensing Wanda's slight shift in attention, leaned closer to get it back, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don’t tell anyone," she began, her eyes twinkling, "-but they’re really acting childish don’t you think?"

Wanda was about to reply but their moment was interrupted by Vision asking Natasha a question.

“Agent Romanoff, would it be alright for you to clear a rumor?”

Everyone’s conversation with each other was halted immediately after he asked. The reaction of everyone varied from curious, perturbed, and panicked.

It was mostly Steve whose curious while the rest were in various states of panic - including Wanda. Because they know - she knows what Vision will ask. She didn’t need to read his mind to confirm it. Her mind flashed back to their conversation just this morning during training, along with Bucky advising Vision to not believe the rumors that Sam is telling them and confirming it first before believing it.

Of course, Vision being Vision, curious as ever, will follow through and ask.

“What rumor?” Natasha replied, her eyebrows narrowing slightly. Making Wanda and the rest shift on their seats nervously. Mostly, Sam.

“Is it true that you had relations with Dr. Banner?” Vision asks, almost inquisitively obtuse - but Wanda thinks it’s just him being… intrigued? Either way, she gives him credit for his boldness.

Upon hearing his question, Wanda can practically hear the collective recollection of breath from everyone around her. Everyone thought that she would launch into a series of verbal snipes. Well, aside from Wanda that is.

There are two ways that Wanda thinks Natasha’s reaction could be, one is that she would lash out and the other will be her brushing it off with playful banter and sly remarks. She expects Natasha will go for the latter with her usual quips.

Surprisingly she didn’t do either of the two. Wanda didn’t think that there would be a third option but there actually is, with Natasha playing coy.

Natasha leaned slightly forward, resting her elbow on her knees as she supported herself - raising her eyebrows at them perfectly before giving Wanda and the others an amused smile - “Do you really want to know?” -  her gaze staying at Wanda made her feel like Natasha’s directing her question to her.

Yes.

Wanda blinked.

For a moment, the only sound that can be heard is the crackling of the fire in the hearth, the distant chirping of crickets, and the rustle of leaves from trees gently swaying from the wind.

Vision was about to reply to her question - which Wanda slowly realizes is clearly rhetorical. Steve quickly interrupted him before he could continue, because clearly, this could get out of hand.

“Okay, I think it’s getting late now, we should really start settling down.”

With a quick chorus of agreement, everyone started piling in their respective tents. Except for Wanda that is, who chose to remain in the camping chair that she’s sitting in, telling the others to go on ahead. Enjoying the quiet lull that settled after everyone left.

She sat there for a while, just reflecting on things. She thought back on the things she needed to do, to plan and prepare for, and to improve on.

But mostly, her thoughts stayed on Vision. She supposed she couldn’t really hold it off anymore.

When Wanda really thinks about it, she realizes that her and Vision’s love had always been doomed to fail. Their happiness was always cut short, no matter how hard they tried to be together. But still, Wanda couldn’t help but think of the what ifs and should haves. Because Vision is here, he’s alive, shouldn’t she try again?

But then again, it’s not the same. She’s slowly accepting it. It still hurts, but she’d like to think that she’s getting there. But the guilt overwhelms her. When she came back and changed everything, her feelings changed too. She didn’t feel the connection that she once thought that she shared with him.

Was her love for him really just that shallow? Is it really all that there is to it? Back then, is it just her using him as comfort to get over her grief because of Pietro’s death? Was it because he was there to comfort her through her sadness - using him as a safety net because he’s comfortable, and that he is just there, not leaving her alone?

Wanda thought before that Vision was her everything after Pietro. Her sadness, hope, but mostly, love. He was someone who didn’t look at her in fear and she loved him for that.

It felt like she was dishonoring her memory of him just by thinking of this. Because she did loved him - does… love… him.

Does she?

It eats her insides with guilt to realize that it’s not it; it’s not supposed to be just like that.

Through her grief from Pietro’s death, and the empty feeling that was consuming her at the loss of their connection; she mistook the comfort of Vision’s presence as a life ring, always there to pull her from her overwhelming sadness that was threatening to drown her. Essentially using him as a replacement for the feeling of connection that she lost after her twin’s death.

Was her love for him inherently just her misguided grief? With her selfishly taking everything that he could give, because of the constant nagging in the back of her head that she didn’t want to be alone.

But she grew up starved for love and affection. And losing the other person who is capable of it, her literal twin, wouldn’t it be stupid of her to not take it? She wasn’t fed with love on a silver spoon, she may as well lick it off of knives even if it hurts her in the end.

She’s selfish, she knows this for a fact already, but with her newfound realization, she thinks that she’s worse.

She doesn’t deserve him.

Didn’t deserve him.

She’s slowly thinking that maybe, she’s not even capable of love. And adding it all to the list of the things she has done, she realizes that she doesn’t deserve love at all.

The campfire flickered and died, casting the surrounding woods in a soft glow. The others, exhausted from the day's activities, had drifted off to sleep, their snores a gentle counterpoint to the symphony of the night.

Wanda, however, remained awake. Letting her thoughts just go through her, absentmindedly staring at where the fire used to be.

She let the cold take over, the quiet of the night heavy around her.

“You’ve been awfully quiet for a while now. Mind if I steal a penny of your thoughts?”

Wanda was startled slightly, effectively breaking out of her thoughts. She looked to her side and finally noticed that she wasn’t alone. She found Natasha settling beside her.

Realizing her question addressed to her, Wanda replied. "Oh, no, not at all. Though I'm not sure I have a full penny's worth to offer."

“Anything is better than nothing." Natasha shrugged. "What are you thinking?"

Wanda shifted in her seat, her gaze finally connecting with Natasha's.

"Okay," she relented after a thought, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "I'm... not sure what to think."

Natasha nodded a gentle understanding in her eyes - one that Wanda was slowly getting used to. "That's okay," she said, her voice reassuring. "Sometimes, the best way to find answers is to simply let your thoughts wander."

Wanda smiled slightly, "You're right," she said, her voice softening. "I… I've been so focused on everything else lately, that I haven't had a chance to process things."

Natasha leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "What's troubling you, Wanda?"

Wanda hesitated, her eyes darting away from Natasha's gaze. "It's... complicated," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "There's just so much going on, so many changes and I'm not sure how to handle it all."

Her words were hidden with double meanings. Wanda couldn’t really say what she was thinking. Because how can she?

Natasha reached out, her hand gently touching Wanda's arm. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed," she said, her voice soft and comforting. "There’s nothing wrong with that."

Wanda nodded, a sigh escaping her lips. "I know," she said, her voice heavy with emotion. "But it feels like everything is happening all at once, and I don't know what to do."

Natasha smiled lightly, her eyes reflecting something that Wanda couldn’t make out. "You're not alone, Wanda," she said, her voice firm. "You have us to help you now."

The two women sat in silence for a moment, not really minding the lull in between. Her talk just now with Natasha made her feel light, although she hadn’t delved into details, she was just grateful that she was there to listen. And well, Wanda thinks that she didn’t really mind Natasha’s presence breaking her thoughts from time to time if that will happen every time.

“I have a question.” Wanda let out after a while as Natasha started the campfire again.

Once she was done, Natasha turned towards her and smirked, “Is it the same one that Vision asked earlier?”

“What?! No, I-” Wanda realized that she spoke loudly and that Natasha was just messing with her. Lowering her voice down with a playful exasperation, she continued. “I wasn’t going to ask you that…”

“Relax Wanda, I was just messing with you.” Natasha laughed lightly as she leaned towards Wanda. “Well then, what is it?” She asked after, her eyebrows raised playfully.

Wanda looked over at Natasha for a second, taking the time to observe her before continuing.

The embers of the campfire glowed softly, casting an ethereal glow on Natasha. Wanda then notices that she has a faint scar right above her left eyebrow, just a thin hairline - barely noticeable, not until you’re actively looking at it. Before Wanda could realize what she was doing, she reached out to gently trace the scar. Somehow, seeing this, it made Natasha seem more genuine to her.

Back then, she used to think that Natasha was invulnerable, that nothing could touch her - hurt her unless she let it. Be it weapons or words, nothing can affect her; she is impervious. But seeing her scar, one that she never knew even existed in her past life made quite a difference.

“How did you get this?” Wanda asks, genuinely curious about what could permanently mark Natasha like this.

Natasha smiled playfully up at her, before replying, “Would you believe me if I said that it was because of my sister?”

“Really?” Wanda’s eyebrows furrowed as she asked in surprise, unconsciously shifting closer to Natasha as she used her other hand to cup her head, gently making Natasha face her, her focus still on the faint scar.

“Yep, I took a hit from a freaking boxed toy car when I took some of her macaroni.” Natasha stayed put in Wanda’s hands as she let out her words softly, her lips curling up as if she was remembering what happened. “She yelled at me while she was crying and practically declaring that I’m an abomination for eating some of her shares.”

Wanda looked directly into her eyes. “That’s… interesting.”

“That’s one way to put it,” Natasha gave her a sly smile before continuing, “Was it interesting because I took a hit from a toy car or because I stole Yelena’s macaroni?”

“Both actually.” Wanda couldn’t help but smile as she answered, it’s good seeing a new side from someone that she thought she knew already. Seeing Natasha talk about her sister, talking playfully and laughing easily with her feels… nice. And compared to her last life, the start of her friendship with Natasha this time is better. She likes this more. She still couldn’t help but flush whenever she teases her though…

“Don’t tell that to the others though,” Natasha whispered while leaning in conspiratorially as Wanda absentmindedly traced the scar still, “if anyone asks, tell them that I got it from a throwing knife.”

Wanda chuckled at that, “What? You got a rep to uphold?”

“Of course, can’t have them knowing some of my battle scars are lame as fuck.”

“Either way, I like it.” Wanda paused for a bit while shifting her gaze from the scar down towards Natasha’s green eyes. She then looked back again at the scar and gently declared after, still tracing the faint scar line, “I think that it makes you more… you.”

Natasha blinked slowly after hearing her words, and then quickly leaned back from her, making Wanda realize what she was just doing. Wanda cleared her throat, shifting in her seat as she rubbed her hands to her thighs, feeling awkward all of a sudden.

“So, was that your question?” She heard Natasha ask.

Wanda looked at her and was thankful that it looked like she didn’t mind her actions just now.

“What?” She asks, a bit unsure.

“I meant my scar. Was that your question?”

“Oh, well, no,” Wanda was reminded of her initial question before getting distracted. “Have you ever gone back, read a book, or watched a movie a second time, and interpreted it in an entirely different way?”

“Hmm, I can’t say I have.” Natasha hummed, blinking back at her slowly. “Why’d you ask?”

Because I’m afraid I'm starting to look back on my life and I’m thinking I’ve really missed out on a lot.

Wanda shrugged as she folded her arms over her chest. “Just curious.”

“How about I you ask one of mine?” Natasha asks while crossing her leg over her other one. She leaned back slightly in her seat as she rested her elbow on the armrest to get comfortable.

Wanda turned towards Natasha, mirroring her actions as she replied. “And that is?”

“Well, it's more like a request and less of a question. But I’m not sure how to go about it if I’m being honest.”

Wana raised her eyebrows, slightly intrigued. She didn’t say anything and just let Natasha continue.

“Your telepathy,” Natasha began, “You mentioned last time that it could be dangerous, but I noticed that you’re using it with your brother.”

Wanda blinked back in surprise. For all the things that she thought Natasha might ask, her telepathy wouldn’t be the first thing that would come to mind. Well, to be fair, she’s basing her judgments back on her last life. It’s high time that she realized that sometimes it would be different this time around.

“Well,” Wanda cleared her throat, trying to think of how to respond. “He’s my twin. I guess you could say I’m comfortable enough with him for me to use my telepathic abilities without messing up his mind.”

Natasha nodded thoughtfully. “Hm, that’s fair...”

“Is there any reason why you asked?” Wanda tilted her head, pondering what Natasha was trying to say.

“Just curious.” Natasha shrugged and grinned at Wanda, throwing her words earlier back at her.

Wanda couldn't help it. She burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the camping grounds. Natasha joined in, her laughter infectious. For a moment, Wanda felt that the weight of the world seemed to lift, the weight of her grief lessened.

She paused and let out a shaky exhale, a surprised sound that quickly escalated again into a full-blown, unrestrained laugh. Tears streamed down her face, a mixture of grief and the sheer absurdity of the situation.

Why the hell is she suddenly crying?

Sniffing as she laughed lightly, Wanda let out, “I’m sorry, I’m such a mess.”

“Don’t be,” Natasha replied softly, “If you want someone to talk to, just know that I’m right here.”

Wanda thought of her words. Debating if she should or should not tell her how or what she’s feeling. How can she tell Natasha her grief when it hadn’t even happened right now? How can she make her understand without divulging into anything?

So she just settled on the next thing, which is her powers. She always worries about it. She always worries about hurting someone, of losing control. She sometimes thinks that her fear and self-doubt will always get the best of her.

She let crimson tendrils dance around the two of them, creating an iridescent glow as it reflected the campfire.

Wanda sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken worries. "It’s just that... I'm afraid, Natasha. Afraid of what I might do."

Of what I can do.

Natasha moved her seat closer, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Afraid of losing control?"

Wanda nodded and closed her eyes, the memories of her past flooding back – the grief, the rage, the uncontrollable surge of power that had nearly destroyed everything and everyone in her path. And then the guilt, the shame, of wanting to be a hero - something that she clearly is not.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, to try and distract herself from the mental images that her mind suddenly conjured. The things that she did and her violence that were caused by her delusions.

"It's okay to be afraid," Natasha said softly. "But you don't have to let fear control you or your actions."

Wanda opened her eyes, a desperate plea in their depths. "What if I can't control it? What if I hurt someone? Destroy everything in my path?"

Natasha's gaze was unwavering. "You won't. You have more control than you think. Don’t you remember what you did back in Johannesburg? In Lagos? In Seoul? Didn’t you fix everything that Ultron destroyed back then? And you healed me from that gun wound as well remember? You used your powers to recreate, to heal, to fix - not destroy.”

But Natasha didn’t know. She doesn’t know how cruel and violent she can be. Wanda shook her head, her voice trembling, thick and unsteady. "But what if I'm wrong? What if I'm losing the battle?"

Natasha knelt before her, her eyes searching Wanda's. Trying to decipher what had gotten Wanda to act like this.

"You are not losing, Wanda. You are fighting. And you are strong. Stronger than you know." Wanda felt Natasha take her hands. “- and if you think you’re not strong enough, you have me - us.”

But Natasha’s words didn’t register with Wanda, the ringing in her ears got stronger, her eyes became blurry and her breath was slowly coming up short. She doesn’t know if she should just let her thoughts consume her.

“Hey, hey,” Wanda then felt Natasha directing her hands to cup her face, making Wanda focus on her. “Breathe Wanda, breathe for me.”

She didn’t notice what she was doing or what was happening until Natasha tried to keep her grounded. Through the ringing in her ears, she looked down to find green eyes staring back at her own, somewhat calming her down. She automatically did as she was asked, her breathing slowly syncing with Natasha.

“I’m going to try something okay? Just try to answer me as best as you can.” Natasha murmured as she let Wanda rub her thumb across her cheek, her gaze never wavering at her.

When Wanda didn’t respond, Natasha took the hand that was holding her cheek and squeezed it. “Okay?”

“Okay.” Wanda nodded absentmindedly, despondent.

“Tell me five things that you can see.”

Wanda looked around, to try and ground herself before replying shakily. “I-I can see the tents of the guys just a few feet away, I can see my magic swirling and dancing around us, I can see the flames of the campfire swaying back and forth, I can see the color of your eyes changing in the light from the fire and my magic, and I see your scar right above your eyebrow - the one that you told me about.”

“Good, let’s keep going. Four things you can feel or touch.” Natasha prompted her gently, gripping Wanda’s wrists, rubbing it with her thumb in an attempt to calm her down and feel her pulse.

Wanda traced her finger over Natasha’s scar again, “The ground beneath my feet, the chair I’m sitting on, the warmth from the fire, and you - I can feel you.”

The last thought brought another onslaught of tears breaking through her. Because yes, she can feel her.

“Focus де́тка, I know,” Natasha shook her lightly, “Three things you can hear?”

“The crackling of the fire, the leaves in the trees swaying nearby, and the loud snores of the guys even all the way from here.” Wanda listed off. That thought made Wanda blink back slowly, making her smile.

“They’re loud, aren’t they? It’s a good thing that we live on a different floor back in the compound then.” Natasha joked lightly. “Two things you can smell?”

“I can smell the burning wood from the campfire, and your perfume - something floral, lavender?” Wanda leaned forward as she asked, her eyes slowly reflecting clarity.

“Yes, I’ve read somewhere that one of its effects is that it's supposed to be calming.” Natasha agreed as she nodded, still not breaking eye contact with Wanda.

Wanda smiled again as she replied, feeling like she was almost herself, “Well, I think it’s working.”

“One thing you can taste?”

Wanda paused, her mind coming up blank.

“I…” She trailed off.

Wanda looked down at Natasha as if seeing her would have the answer she was looking for. Wanda then noticed that she’s cupping Natasha’s cheeks, she suddenly had an urge to look at her. She trained her eyes down slowly, from her scar that she’s slowly getting familiar with, down to her perfectly symmetrical eyebrows, her bright green eyes that stared right back at her, her curved nose that looked thin and delicate, her flushed cheeks, her full lips…

She wonders if she could taste her lips.

She shouldn’t. She contradicted herself as soon as she thought of that.

Because… why should she?

First off, it’s not in her cards. She accepted it already. If Wanda is being honest with herself, she does know what Pietro and the others are suggesting. She’s not stupid, of course, she notices. She’s just pretending not to. going out of her way to not acknowledge it. It’s easier that way. She couldn’t face it because what was it all for? She’d rather be friends with everyone than hurt anyone else further. She thinks she could be content with that. She could live with being just friends.

It’s not fair for Natasha - hell, she doesn’t even know if Natasha actually likes her or just flirting for the sake of teasing. Besides, she’s not in the best position to share herself with anyone else. If anything, she’s not the best person to be with.

For god’s sake, she should just think of everything that she did in Westview to keep Vision to stay in her hex as a reminder to stop herself from thinking such things. She’s broken, selfish, and greedy. She is the architect of her chaos and destruction. She loves too much. She will only hurt her in the end because that’s what she does, that’s what she always do.

No matter how much she thinks that her love is gentle, reality will always remind her that she will never be - can never be.

She remembered back then after Westview, back in the gardens in her little cabin in the mountains of Sokovia. She remembered killing a plant, and she killed it by taking care of it.

Her love is violence. Like that plant in her garden that she was trying to nurture, she killed it by giving too much water. A simple act, and yet so tragic. In her eagerness to ensure its well-being, she failed to understand its true needs. Her overabundance of love, expressed through constant watering, became its undoing. The plant, suffocated by her relentless attention, it could not breathe, and it could not thrive.

She failed to see the thin line between nurturing and overwhelming. Like what she did with Vision in the hex, she could do the same to Natasha. In her fervent desire to love, she inadvertently caused harm.

Blinking back, she slowly traced Natasha’s scar one last time and let her go. She then leaned back and folded her arms over her chest, letting out a soft sigh. Making her scarlet wisps disappear as well as an afterthought.

She shifted in her seat and reached over to her left, taking the sweets and chocolates that Pietro left behind in his overzealous act of creating smores.

She took a bite from the chocolate and gave Natasha, who was returning to her seat, a lop-sided smile.

“I can taste the chocolate that I just ate.”

Natasha for her part didn’t say anything else after her episode. She just smiled at her and asked. “Want to make some smores? Are you okay with that?”

Wanda realized that this was the first time that she felt overwhelmed with her powers and didn’t lash out. Her emotions not getting the best of her.

With that thought, she smiled easily back at Natasha.

“Okay.”

Wanda and Natasha didn’t sleep in their tent that night like the guys did. In their defense, they couldn’t sleep because of the loud chorus of snores that they could hear. Wanda thinks that Vision is the only one who sleeps quietly among them. She briefly wondered how the guys were able to sleep listening to each other's snores.

And so Natasha proposed that they sleep in her bedroom back at Clint’s house. And of course, if Wanda's choice is between a soft bed or a sleeping bag accompanied by snores, she wouldn’t pass up the chance to get away from it.

The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting long, dancing shadows across Natasha's bedroom. Wanda stirred, blinking against the sudden brightness, blinded by it, she curled up to herself as she groaned softly and burrowed deeper into the pillows. Beside her, Natasha stretched languidly, her back popping with a satisfying crack.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Natasha teased, nudging Wanda with her elbow.

Wanda mumbled incoherently, pulling the covers over her head. "Five more minutes..."

Natasha chuckled, "Come on, де́тка. The guys will be here any minute now."

Wanda finally emerged from the covers, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What time is it?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

“It’s now six in the morning and it’s time for us to go downstairs.” Natasha stood up as she replied, she then offered her hand to Wanda to help her up.

“Too early…” Wanda mumbled sleepily.

Still half-asleep, Wanda took it without much thought and went downstairs immediately after.

A chorus of good mornings greeted them as soon as they arrived. Completely waking Wanda immediately after.

“I see you’ve holed yourself up in a fancy bed while us poor folks rat it up in a tent.” Sam quipped at them as he drizzled some syrup in his pancakes.

Bewildered, Wanda looked around to find everyone already situated, looking at the two of them.

Without missing a beat, Natasha replied to hint. “Remind me to never go camping with all of you again, you all snore so loud.”

“Except for Wanda?” Steve asks her a beat after, his lips curved into a smile as he asks.

“Yep.” Natasha simply replied, not explaining any further.

“Yeah, sure,” Clint spoke this time as he prepared a cup of coffee.

Wanda ignored Steve and nodded at Clint in greeting. She was about to walk into the kitchen to prepare herself some tea when she heard Vision talk and ask a question.

“I’ve got to ask, is it always required for humans to hold hands the morning after camping?” Vision asked in his usual methodical tone.

Everyone stopped whatever they were doing to find Wanda and Natasha holding hands, which Wanda immediately let go of when she realized. She didn’t notice that she was still holding Natasha until Vision pointed it out to her.

“Only if they need someone to guide them because they are not yet fully awake Vision.” Natasha replied easily as if the other’s weren’t affecting her.

“I see, that would be for the better I guess.” Vision replied as he nodded, accepting her answer after a thought.

Thinking that it was too early for her to deal with their antics, Wanda began to make her way towards the dining table and ignored the collective raise of eyebrows from everyone as she sat beside Pietro. She doesn’t really have the energy right now to deal with them. After a cup of tea, maybe.

“Be back in a second guys, Laura’s probably about to go downstairs with the baby.” She heard Clint told them in the background as she sat down. “I’ll check on Lila and Cooper.”

“Toasty here may have a point,” Pietro whispered to her after he quickly devoured his pancakes.

Wanda ignored him and opted to get a plate for herself. She looked around and found that there wasn’t any tea so she just took some orange juice for herself. Across from her, she found Natasha settling in, a cup of coffee already in her hand.

She then noticed Pietro widening his eyes at her, blinking exaggeratedly at her. It was then that she realized what she was doing and that she closed their mind link.

‘What?” She asks as she chews on her pancake slowly.

‘Nothing.’ He replied with a teasing lilt. His tone is betraying his words.

Wanda brushed it off, she wouldn’t hear the end of it if she started acknowledging it. 

It’s one thing for her to acknowledge it to herself, it's another to say it out loud.

Wanda expertly dodged their teasing this time. Surprisingly, it was easy to do so once she just acknowledged whatever it was she was feeling, and well, accepted it…

Once Sam noticed that Wanda wasn’t that much affected, he narrowed his eyes and became suspicious. She just shrugged and raised her eyebrows at him as she drank her juice, feigning ignorance as she took a bite from her pancake. Bucky on the other hand just smiled to himself when she looked at him.

The breakfast that followed was a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and teasing. After breakfast, they all dispersed on their own after Clint told them that they could walk around his farm if they wanted. Steve and Bucky volunteered to take care of Cooper and Lila when they asked to accompany them.

Wanda chose to settle down and lounged around in the living room to read a book. Pietro accompanied her, but for all she knew, she was sure that he just wanted to talk to her. She’s sure that he’s just waiting for Natasha - whose also sitting beside her.

“Hey Laura, thanks for having us.” Wanda heard Pietro greet a woman carrying a baby as she slowly made her way downstairs.

“So how’s little Natasha?” Wanda looked up from her book to see Natasha standing up to greet the woman.

“Um…” Laura looked at Clint in confusion who only gave her a sheepish grin. “Are you serious Clint? You didn’t tell her?”

“What?” Clint asked, feigning innocence while still perched on the stairs landing.

“Come on, seriously, you’re her best friend,” Laura told her husband as she rolled her eyes at him.

“Tell me what?” Natasha raised her eyebrows.

“Well, she’s…” Laura presented the baby to her in a onesie with his full name on it. “-Nathaniel.”

Natasha narrowed her eyes playfully and leaned towards the baby and whispered. “Traitor.”

Nathaniel only looked at her and smiled cutely while reaching for her with his little arms.

Natasha smiled as she took him into her arms and commented. “Fat.”

Wanda’s heart softened at the sight. Wanda couldn’t help but smile at the sight. This is new. The more time that she stays in Natasha’s presence, she discovers a lot of new things. She never really got to be like this with her last time.

In the background, Clint exclaimed playfully, “Hey, don’t insult my kid!”

Wanda discarded her book at the coffee table as Pietro stood up to approach the others.

“He does look a bit fat…” Pietro joked as he poked the tummy of the baby as Natasha held him. He then noticed the name stitched on Nathaniel’s clothing.

“Pietro?” He looked at Laura and then Clint in question.

Clint slowly walked towards him and rested his hand on his shoulder. “I never got to thank you from before kid.”

Wanda paused as well from hearing Clint’s words. It was the same thing that she heard say out loud to his grave when they held a funeral for him back in her last life. She guessed some things still stay the same.

Laura sucked a breath before turning to him, “If you didn’t…” She trailed off after, not able to finish her words.

For Pietro’s part, he gave them a shaky smile as tears slightly well up in his eyes. He chuckled and joked to keep the conversation light. “Still didn’t warrant me to be the first name?”

“That’s because it’s reserved for best friends,” Natasha replied softly without missing a beat, rocking Nathaniel gently as he leaned back to sleep.

“I don’t see Natasha stitched in his clothes no?” Pietro smirked smugly.

“You’re lucky that he’s asleep right now.” Natasha narrowed her eyes as she replied.

Wanda decided to finally join them, “You two are gonna wake him up with your banter.” She told them softly as she poked her brother on his side to stop his antics.

“Wanda,”

Wanda looked up from her book when she heard Pietro calling her. She’s currently sitting on a deck chair in  Clint’s backyard, soaking up the sun while she’s reading. She closed her book when she saw Pietro approaching her.

“I was looking everywhere for you.” Pietro huffs as he sits on a deck chair beside her.

She set the book down on the table and replied, “You do know that we have a mind link right? You could’ve just asked me where I am.”

“Oh, right… I forgot.” Pietro leaned back to settle on his chair.

They were left in comfortable silence, after a while Wanda broke it. She already knew what he wanted to talk about.

“What is it?” Wanda settled in her chair as well after she asked.

There was a pause before she heard him talk. “You know, I always wanted to be a hero.”

Wanda nodded as she looked at him, it is very rare to see him like this, caught up in his feelings.

“It just hit me that I accomplished it.” Pietro looked back right after.

“You already are one to me, even before.”

“I know, it just didn’t hit me until now.”

There was a lull in their conversation again but Wanda didn’t mind. It felt nice to sometimes just be comfortable in the silence.

But of course, her brother wouldn’t stand on not knowing, “Now are we going to talk about what happened this morning?”

Wanda tried to feign ignorance. “What is it?”

“You and Natasha.” Pietro looked at her pointedly as he replied.

Wanda shrugged and replied. “Nothing happened, you guys just snore loudly that we can't sleep.” She started to stand up but Pietro didn’t let her. “Do you think we could help Laura prepare lunch?” Wanda asked when he didn’t say anything in reply.

“Seriously, I know you, Wanda. Stop diverting my attention.”

Deciding to just get it over with, Wanda sighed as she replied. “Nothing happened Pietro, really.” She insisted when he cast her a doubtful look. “And nothing will happen. I am incapable of doing that right now. I can't afford to.”

I don’t deserve it.

Pietro stared at her for a moment before tilting his head, “Is it because of Vis-”

“No-,” Wanda interjected immediately. “Well, yes, a bit, it's just that…” Wanda sighed as she tried to form the words to explain to her brother what she felt. “I don’t know...”

“You deserve to have someone, Wanda.” Pietro leaned towards her to stress his words. “Someone to take care of you.”

“I already have you and I can take care of myself.” Wanda replied in dismissal of his words.

“Apart from me.” Pietro stressed his words again, looking at Wanda straight in the eye.

“I-I-” Wanda trailed off, not knowing the right words to reply to him.

I feel apprehensive and confused because falling for her means falling out of him. And I have not prepared myself for that. And with him, did I really love him if I could easily fall for her?

So she settled and sighed heavily as she replied. “It’s not my priority right now Pietro.”