Chapter Text
Running
The road spread out before her eyes, the morning sun touched the land with a bright gleaming golden light while the sweet aroma of salt and land engulfed her senses.
The sky above their heads was of a light blue, while the ocean seemed to be the darkest kind, there was not a single sound inside the rented car. Not even the thoughts of her companion could interrupt her contemplation of the country she would reside in for the next year. This was something she had always liked about Natasha, unless she were to force herself on the former spy, it was almost impossible to catch a thought she didn’t want out.
At the moment, Natasha was tyring to keep her guilt and sorry at bay. Wanda could tell there were traces of pity in there, pity for Wanda and what she had created.
They weren’t real, Wanda. I’m sorry but Vision is death and you…you’re not pregnant.
There was an oppression around her chest, her eyes burn with unshed tears at the memories o such words muttered cruelly while she freed Westview. They had been real, they had been so real Wanda could hear Vision still as well as feel her children…two salty drops rolled down her cheeks, she drawn in the memory of her life in Westview, of the nightmare she was made to life at the moment.
They were not real, Wanda, nothing in that godforsaken town was real but…but you enslaving innocent people.
Wanda shifted on the seat clenching her jaw, her eyes gleaming red and green for a moment. The sudden changed in mood didn’t go unnoticed by Natasha, the former spy furrowed her brows grabbing the wheel tightly driving down an empty road. She had been trying to be calm while keeping her thoughts at bay, but sometimes it was almost impossible to hide anything from Wanda.
Sorrow was growing inside her mind, as much as regret. Natasha knew they should had gone to Wanda the moment the battle was over, but everything had been so chaotic that everyone forgot about the young woman that had lost so much in such a short amount of time. What had happened on Westview was something that could have been prevented if they had paid attention, if they had been better to Wanda.
The red light on her phone made her teared her eyes from the road, the phone gleamed a mixture of colours just before IDGAF by Dua Lipa sound around the car. Wanda forgot about her pain and her plans as soon as she heard the song coming from the phone, she turned slowly to a flustered Natasha that was glaring daggers at the road.
Wanda lifted a single eyebrow, her lips twitching up while seeking an explanation from the other woman. Natasha cleared her throat turning sharp, deep green eyes to Wanda daring her to say something.
“I told Yelena to not mess with the phone, she never listens though.” It was a poor explanation, even if that was the truth, Wanda snorted turning her attention back to the road.
"Yeah, right." She drawled with amusement, and for a brief moment the tension round them broke leaving space to the friendship they had shared before the Sokovian Accords, before Thanos, before Westview.
Natasha rolled her eyes smiling, her finger tapped on the screen to accept the call. It wasn’t that difficult for either woman to know Yelena knew what song had played when she called and that she was enjoying that greatly. Her accent was marked but traces of laughter.
"I hope you are having a good time, Natasha.” There was a snort mixed up with laughter as Yelena continued, “are you there yet?”
“I’m a couple of minutes away from the tunnel, why? Missing me already?” Natasha dared to look out of the corner of her eyes at Wanda, the young woman had a frown attached to her features hearing the conversation with some nostalgia.
“You’re too slow.” Yelena complained and while Wanda had no idea why the other woman was so interested in Natasha to get to their destination, Natasha knew the real reason of her sister’s impatience.
“Why the interest, Lena?” Natasha teased hearing the intake of breath coming from her sister.
"Don't call me that." Yelena grumbled; Natasha smirked at the obvious embarrassment she could sense in her voice.
"You don't have a problem with Y/N calling you that." There it was her revenge for Yelena messing up with her ringtone.
"Shut up." Yelena said through gritted teeth, Natasha could only laugh shaking her head.
"Are you embarrassed, Lena?" Natasha pressed even further; Wanda felt a tug on her heart at the sisterly banter.
"Fuck you." Yelena exclaimed grumbling around before speaking again, "I was just calling because I wanted you to tell her she owes me one of her finest wines, and I will take two for the emotional damage.”
Natasha was sure there must be a pout around those words, though this time around she said nothing. She knew how much Yelena wanted to come and see Y/N, but her duties prevented her to make the trip all the way to Italy.
“I will tell her that.” Natasha finally revealed, all this time noticing just how tensed Wanda was, she was pretty attentive of their conversation waiting, perhaps, to her a mention of herself, to gather some news form the States.
“Cool, then…Tell her, tell the witch I miss her.” That was as far as Yelena would go, Natasha smiled shaking her head.
“I will, Yelena. Take care and talk to you soon.”
“You too, take care.” Yelena finally said before hanging up.
The mention of the word witch had alerted Wanda, and her concern soon turned into confusion when Yelena just sent a heartfelt greeting. They had met briefly when SWORD and the DODC had come in to try and get a sense of control of the situation, Wanda locked eyes with Natasha through the rear-view mirror.
“You have quite the sister, pretty weird.” Wanda commented softly, Natasha broke into an easy smile finding comfort in her relationship with Yelena and the fact Wanda seemed willing to talk again.
“She is special.” Natasha chuckled when all she heard from Wanda was hum of agreement she continued. “We have been trying to make up for the lost time, it has been hard.”
Wanda smiled sadly, "you shouldn't have come then. You should be with your family."
It hadn’t been her intention, Natasha wanted to make some light conversation but she should know this kind of topics were still highly sensitive to the woman sitting at her right. And just like the atmosphere had changed a moment ago, it went back to the strange tension they had been feeling since the beginning of the trip.
“You are my family, Wanda.” Natasha finally said after a moment of silence, “you, Yelena, Clint, Tony…all of you. I know I haven’t done the best of jobs as of late, but I’m trying to make up for that waste time.”
There was nothing else to say, Wanda knew Natasha felt guilty. Everyone did. Clint and Natasha had been the first ones to try and make up for leaving her alone in her grief, then came Tony and Fury alongside Captain and Monica had tried to reach out to her with support and protection.
It was late, though.
It was always too late, and now Wanda was trapped in a nightmare wanting nothing else that to go back to her reality.
“I really want to be here for you.” Natasha finally said, her eyes flickered to the side only to see Wanda facing outside the window.
The young woman furrowed her brows, “you’re here because you need to make sure I don’t disappear again.”
Natasha slammed on the breaks turning sharply to Wanda, the other woman jerked startled by the action and soon she found facing the former spy with some confusion.
“I am here, Wanda, because I want to be. We failed you, and I wish there was more I could do…” Natasha saw as Wanda’s expression changed into one of cold anger, one anger she was already familiar with.
“Then, why took me away from them?” Wanda spat out; Natasha leaned back against the chair.
“It wasn’t real, Wanda.” She whispered knowing every time they reminded Wanda of this something inside the redhead broke deeply. “I couldn’t leave you there living a fantasy when there is still a world out there for you to live in.”
Wanda clenched her jaw, sparks of red flashing on her eyes before she settled back on the chair. The young woman turned to look out of the window, no one understood. Everyone thought they were doing Wanda a favour but, in reality, they were just stalling the inevitable.
“I know there are troubles back home, but we brought you here because you need to have a moment for you.” Natasha continued convincing Wanda and herself of the decision the team had come out with “This is a nice place, and perhaps, this is what you need.”
It was highly doubtful this forced vacation was something she needed.
The memory of screaming voices filled her mind, the broken tones of those living in Westview against their will overwhelmed her mind and heart, the guiltiness building up all over again until she was reminded of the fear and hatred in their eyes.
Monster.
She needs to be controlled!
Get her away from me!
Please, let me go, I have family!
Her hands clenched tightly almost digging on the skin of her palm, the wrongness of what had happened in her life catching up to her. The overwhelming guilt and horror at what she had done was soothed over by the images of what she had lived in Westview, the images that at nights were more real…almost there, ready for the taken.
You had the power to do it…The Scarlet Witch.
Agatha had called her that.
Wanda didn’t understand all that well what the other woman meant by it, but she hoped the book she found in her basement would give her the right answers. Already the book was showing her a path she didn’t knew she could walk in, the possibilities of getting what she wanted, what she needed it…what she really deserved.
It would take time, but the emptiness in her soul, the hole she felt in her heart and her own existence would soon be filled. She just needed to be patient. With a single tear rolling down her cheek, Wanda admired the blue of the sky mixing up with the ocean.
The road stretched out before her, her future uncertain, and as she repeated these words inside her head and more tears rolled down her cheeks Wanda couldn’t help but feel as the hope slipped away from her hands.
Her life was a complete chaos.
Without a single ounce of hope but a rest at the edge of the world.
The town of Vernazza was literally at the edge of the world.
Even before the Blip, the town had been of difficult access standing right at the edge of the Cinq Terre in the Italian Riviera. It was at the very end up a well-structured geographical location with mountains and hills and the ocean spreading right in front of it. It had been a touristic attraction once, now it was the last fishing village closed up to the world with only a few inhabitants here and there and a single place that received outsiders that went looking for peace.
The trip had been Clint’s idea. Natasha had loved it, Tony and Steve had agreed, and Yelena had been slightly annoyed as much as Wanda seemed to be reluctant of such an unexpected holiday.
Natasha still remembered her first encounter with Y/N.
It had been a coincidence, their paths crossed after a mission backfired and Natasha had to look for a place to hide. Y/N had extended her hand, no questions asked; it had been refreshing, and different and soon Natasha found herself coming back over and over again to the place where she was not a spy, a Widow, and Avenger. She was just Natasha, and Y/N was the only friend, beside Clint, that got a glimpse of Natasha the woman, the friend, the huma being.
When Thanos happened and half the population was wiped out, Natasha found a refugee in Vernazza whenever the weight of the world was too much to her. With her past still haunting her from time to time, Natasha thought perhaps Wanda could find peace in here; the former spy really hoped so because the alternative was not a kind one, and it was something Wanda didn’t deserve.
The road changed all of a sudden, and soon the changes brought by time and abandonment were evident by the state of the road. The nature was already claiming this part of the world, Wanda fixed her position on the seat her eyes dancing around before settling themselves on Natasha who parked the car near the mountain’s slope.
“There used to be a direct road to take us to the city, but it disappeared, obviously.” Natasha offered a terse smile, “I have to move some branches and stuff, over there is a tunnel that would take us directly into the main road and the village.”
“You guys weren’t lying when you said this was in the middle of fucking nowhere.”
Sometimes Natasha forgot how young Wanda really was, the former spy chuckled shrugging.
“Why would we lie about this? This is the place you go to whenever you want to get away from the world.”
Without waiting for an answer, Natasha exited the car taking a deep breath and enjoying the different scents brought by the nature. She stretched out making her way to where she new the entrance was located it.
For a couple of minutes Wanda observed as Natasha worked around some branches and rocks without so much of an effort, she knew everyone had made a great effort to give her this trip, this moment. Letting out a heavy sigh, Wanda got out of the car walking towards Natasha.
“Tell me what needs to be moved, we don’t have all day.” Wanda said crossing her arms trying to act uninterested about the whole situation, Natasha raised an eyebrow and stepped back pointing with her hands the rest of the road.
The red mist that was part of Wanda’s powers spread out with expertise from her hands, her eyes went red as the stuff blocking the road was removed until Wanda could see the entrance of a tunnel. Natasha narrowed her eyes; she noticed the black ink on the fingertips and the trembling coming from Wanda.
“I think that’s enough,” Natasha placed a hand on Wanda’s forearm. “It is big enough for the car to fit in, come on.”
Wanda let go of her magic, her breathing coming in uneven gasps. The redhead lowered her gaze to see her fingers going back to the normal skin colour, the screams of unknown children reaching out to her.
“Is it too far?” Wanda asked once they were back on the car.
“No, just a couple of more minutes and you will be in the best Airbnb in the world.” Natasha exclaimed offering a tiny smile, Wanda nodded returning to her sightseeing.
The ride through the tunnel didn’t last more than ten minutes, and by the time they exited the tunnel Wanda’s breath caught in her throat at the sight.
The first thing she saw was the deep blue of the ocean right in front of her, the sun glistening gold under the land and the waves bringing out the most vivid colours she had ever seen. The sight of white and light earthly colours coming from the village contrasted with the geography of the terrain and soon Wanda understood why Clint and Natasha seemed enamoured with this place.
It was like magic.
As soon as the crossed the tunnel there was just an aura of peace overwhelming her. She admired the sight from the security of the car, ignoring the fluttering of her heart, Natasha held back her smile watching as Wanda changed her posture and relaxed into the seat.
“This is beautiful.” Wanda mumbled before she could stop herself, Natasha hummed in agreement turning sharply to the right getting away from the main road. “How did you find out about this place?”
“A mission gone wrong,” Natasha explained curtly, “I messed up, and I needed a place to hide. I came upon a young woman, she just offered her place, no questions asked even though I was a mess at that point.”
The way Natasha spoke about the host told Wanda this was something different, there was a warm so uncharacteristic of the Black Widow that Wanda found herself surprised at this.
“You have been before then?” Wanda inquired eyeing the oncoming sight of two different houses build comfortable amongst the forest.
It was magnificent with earthy colours, and a small fountain by the main gate, the place was surrounded by olives and a couple of flowers Wanda did not recognize. Their car stopped right at the entrance; Natasha hesitated for a moment before turning to Wanda.
“Yes, as I said, this place was home when I needed it to be.” Natasha explained finally making sure Wanda could not look away from her. “I know things have not been easy, and that a lot of things had happened and you haven’t had a rest but…”
“…This is important for me; I need it and probably is what I need to start healing.” Wanda repeated with a robotic tone, she had heard the same arguments over and over again, it was getting tiring by this point.
Natasha pressed her lips together; Wanda rubbed her temple before speaking again.
“I know I messed up, Natasha.” Wanda whispered. “I know that this is as much for me as it is for everything to settle down back home. You don’t need to repeat the same empty words as everyone else.”
Natasha sighed shaking her head, Wanda said nothing else and she hoped Natasha wasn’t about to mention Vision, or Westview or anything at all because she didn’t think she could take it. Wanda was not ready to face the powers that she held within, or the hunger she felt to dig deeper into that magic. Wanda didn’t want to talk about her pain, about her loses…. about the futility that was to continue fighting for nothing.
“Y/N it’s a nice person.” Natasha said all of sudden, finally giving Wanda what she wanted it. “She is a good friend of mine, the only person aside from the team that I actually call my friend.”
This time around Natasha had Wanda undivided attention.
“If you need anything, and I mean, anything, she can help.” Natasha continued. “She is very discreet, and she is nice to be around.”
“How long have you known her?” The question rolled out of Wanda’s mouth accompanied by a frown.
Once again, she was left shocked at how little she really knew her friend, her team, her family. And yet, she couldn’t help but felt happy, honoured even having Natasha extended this piece of thrust in her.
“As I said, we found it when we most needed it.” Natasha broke into an easy smile when a figure appeared right at the door. “She is really something else, special even. Come, let me introduce you.”
Morning broke on the horizon by the time you were starting your early routine.
The muscles on your back hurt a little from all the work you had done the day before, getting the house adjacent to yours ready for your new guest had not been an easy task. After speaking with both, Natasha and Clint, you knew this new guest was not only a superhero but someone that was in a serious needed for a moment of peace and tranquillity.
The black coffee on your hand smelled heavenly, you smiled to yourself watching the ocean to the couple of fisher boats in the distance. It had been so nice to speak with Clint and his family, and to speak with Natasha and Yelena you had forgotten how much you liked them after having been in your piece of heaven ignorant of the battles being fought out there.
The call from Natasha had been a completed surprised, and her request had almost made you squirmed uncomfortably by the very nature of what she was asking.
A year.
She asked to rent your second house for over a year. It didn’t matter the cost, she had the money, Stark Industries would pay in full alongside a bonus for the inconvenience. It wasn’t about the money, Natasha knew that, but you didn’t say no and the money alongside your new guest was surely to come and make you richer and perhaps get to know a new person along the way.
The request had been strange, but you had learned a long time ago to not question your friends and trusted in them. Besides, having Clint on the phone along with the kids all of them begging you to say yes was more than enough to have you laughing and accepting in a single heartbeat. You had missed them, all of them.
Things had not been the same after the Blip.
Everyone had been affected one way or another.
You took another sip from your coffee, your phone on your hand flickering the different options until you found the message you were looking for. Natasha had just gotten there and would be home by midday, you pursed your lips as soon as your eyes fell upon the lonely figure of one Wanda Maximoff. An Avenger.
Your eyes outline her features, those green eyes and the red hair contrasting beautifully against her skin and the sharp features of her face.
She looked sad. Defeated it.
The rumours about her seemed to be partially true, and Natasha had made sure you knew the whole story before you were to accept. Even as you observed the picture with care, you could tell behind that miserable stare was a dangerous individual, holding a power she barely got to control with so much loses and pain along the way you were surprised she hadn’t given in to darkness.
You furrowed your brows when you realized you had been watching at the picture more than what should be normal. Your phone closed with a snap and you tried to return your attention to the ocean.
Yes, Wanda Maximoff was beautiful, you wouldn’t deny that fact. But she was to be a guest, and you were doing this as a favour. And the money. The young woman was coming over because she was looking for peace, and perhaps a friend. That you could give.
The alarm on your watch rang three times, you finished your coffee stretching out all over again before setting up to work. You still needed to fix a couple of things before Natasha and the new guest were to come over, and you didn’t have the time to ramble about nonsense.
By the time midday arrived and you saw the car approaching the main gate, everything was ready. Including lunch.
For some reason, your felt anxious with your eyes seeking the form of the young woman beside Natasha. Then, an easy smile formed on your lips and you were making your way to Natasha who was coming at you with a smile of her own.
“Damn, Romanoff, whenever I get to see you you’re even more beautiful than before,” you teased flirtatiously, winking at the woman while grabbing her hand in yours kissing her knuckles. “When are you going to accept my proposal and come and live with me? You can live the American dream in the Italian Riviera, with the house, the hot wife and a life of luxury.”
Natasha seemed unfazed by this, though she broke into an easy laughter hugging you tightly.
“How about when hell freezes over, and Yelena doesn’t threaten to skin me alive for even daring to contemplate such an idea with you?” The woman replied making you laugh shaking your head.
“Lean is really a cutie when she wants to be,” you replied dryly, “making all my prospect wives running away from me.”
Natasha rolled her eyes at you, before taking a closer look at your appearance.
“Looking good, Y/N, what is it?” She asked already knowing the answer, you wink at her, your eyes drifting to the lone figure of Wanda that had been standing by the car watching intently at the interaction with her arms crossed and a confused frown upon her features.
“Haircut, Nat, I change my hair a little.” Then your face relaxed and for the very first time there was a soft, sincere smile on your lips. “It’s really good to finally see you, Tasha. How’s everything?”
Wanda was observing the whole scene from afar, she was really not fancying seeing someone drool all over Natasha as she had seen men and women do in the past. But soon, Wanda realized the light flirting was nothing more than a friendly banter than was more like a routine greeting between them than nothing else.
It was strange, and soon Wanda found herself admiring the young woman standing right beside Natasha. She was different, that was the only word Wanda could think of when trying to describe Y/N, with a nice hair colour that contrasted with the skin that had been kissed by the sun several times with eyes that gleamed with a light of their own and a set of white and gold tattoos adorning her arms. Certainly, Wanda had been pleasantly surprised by this development, perhaps this trip was not such a bad idea?
Wanda pursed her lips looking away with a blush adorning her cheeks, when for the second time your eyes found hers and this time around Wanda had been caught checking you out. With a curved on your lips, you finally decided you could not ignore the other woman far longer and decided to walk towards her with Natasha closed by.
“I have lunch ready for you guys, if you’re not opposed to the idea of course.” You commented lightly never once leaving those green eyes of Wanda. “I believe it’s time for us to meet formally, I’m Y/N Y/L/N.”
Your hand stretched out, after a couple of seconds Wanda finally grasped her hand around yours. A strange chill went right through your back, you tilted your head watching as those cheeks dust with a light pink and her eyes gleamed strangely at you.
“I’m Wanda.” It was all she could say the traces of her old sokovian accent sneaking inside her words. She chided herself, for such a slip that hadn’t happened in a long, long time.
You nodded and this time around you allowed an easy smile on your lips, “nice to finally meet you, Wanda. Then, what do you say? Lunch and a light conversation, I could show you guys around…”
Wanda offered a strained smile, her eyebrows coming up together when she realized you two were still holding hands. She let go rather fast, as if the mere touch had burned her, stepping back her eyes went to the second house before they went to Natasha and finally settled on yours.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m actually not hungry.” This time around her words came out cold, almost tired. “Natasha was kind enough to show me the pictures of the place, so I think I know my way around unless there is something you didn’t post on your profile?”
Natasha opened her eyes ready to intervene but you beat her to it. You never lose your smile thought your eyes did harden a little.
“No, everything is the same.” Then you put a set of keys from your pocket, grabbing a single blue one. “Here is your key, enjoy.”
Wanda hesitated for a moment, her hand stretching out to grab the keys and with a last glance to you she left to put her things out of the car. Natasha was about to go to her but the woman turned to you with an apologetic glance.
“I’m sorry about that, Wanda…well, she is…” Natasha didn’t know how to explain the situation, you just waved your hand away turning to back to the other woman.
“Don’t worry, I get it.” Then as an afterthought you smile at Natasha, grabbing her hand in yours. “But you my dear, Romanoff are not getting away from lunch, come let her …let her be for a while.”
The table had been set, you moved swiftly around your kitchen with Natasha telling you everything that had happened since the last time you two saw each other. You had always found it amazing how this woman that called herself the best spy of all times trusted you with such important pieces of information not everyone had access to. The life inside the Avengers was something not many would envy if they knew the price Earth’s Mightiest heroes had to pay for peace.
Food was almost over, and you were serving the fifth cup of wine while furrowing your brows at the story about Vision and Wanda.
“It was hard on her.” Natasha finished playing with the salad for a moment, “I guess we just forgot about it, we all have our own problems and just…didn’t think about her, or how hurt she must have been.”
“Hn, you can’t blame yourself for that, Nat.” You tilted your head pursing your lips. “In all honestly, life has not been easy for anyone after the Blip and the second Blip.”
You took another bite of your plate, your hand playing with the glass of wine before you emptied its contents.
“I understand your need to make things right, which is good, but definitely don’t blame yourself. It was something you couldn’t help.” You shrugged with something bothering you intently about the situation, you remembered the cold coming from Wanda’s hand, the dullness behind her green eyes.
You had sensed it.
Natasha lifted a single eyebrow at you, her lips curling in a knowing smile. There was another reason why the both of you trusted one another, and that was the fact Natasha had never said anything to anyone about your powers.
“What?” You asked but even as you did you knew why she was looking at you like this.
Natasha finished her food putting the plate away, she settled her eyes on you straightening herself up.
“What do you really think about her?” She finally asked, you seemed taken aback at the bluntness behind her question. You knew she was asking more than she leaned on.
"Can I serve the dessert first?” The glare sent by Natasha told you this conversation could not wait. You sighed, taking a long sip from your wine.
“She is powerful.” That was your first impression of her, pictures didn’t tell you more than how beautiful she was. Touching her and actually having her in front of you let you sense the power behind her.
“She really is powerful, though I think she still needs training in the control of her magic.” You pursed your lips playing with the idea forming in your mind. “There was something I could detect in her…dark magic.”
At this Natasha straightened up with a frown on her face, you narrowed your eyes but Natasha waved her hand.
“Is it too bad? I mean, I told you about this Agatha and how she tied her to the town…” Natasha commented with a hint of concern in her voice.
“Well, it is not much but…it is not common. Dark magic can be addictive and she has been dwelling in it, well…” You shrugged not ready to get drag into this mess; you were just giving Natasha your impressions of Wanda nothing else. “You told me this woman called her the Scarlet Witch?”
You knew your voice sound doubtful, as if you were tasting the word seeking out recognition in it. Something was telling you, you should know the meaning of that name, but at the moment it scaped you completely.
"She is powerful, traces of dark magic in her… it's chaotic." You shrugged. "You told me the woman called her the Scarlet Witch?"
Natasha nodded but there was not a single flicker of recognition in your face. The former spy pursed her lips, you continued eating in silence until the plates were empty and you were to get dessert.
“Yes, and you should have seen her, she was…I don’t know,” Natasha snorted taking another sip from her wine. “All of these magical and out of this world things are just new to me.”
“And yet, you look quite concern, Tasha.” You mused over this squinting your eyes at her. “Should I be worried??
You placed the Crème Brulé right in front of Natasha though the scowl on your face was still quite present. The former spy shook her head shrugging.
“I’m worried about her, this incident in Westview…her denial regarding that life being a fantasy, I just think she really needs a space to come to terms with…everything.”
You weren’t sure this was what Wanda needed it, but of course you couldn’t know much about the life of a superhero or the hardships of such a life. For all you knew, perhaps getting away from everything was what she needed it, you knew it saved you at some point. Perhaps, it was the same for her.
“I just think she needs to get away from the public eye and the life of a hero.” Natasha said mirroring your thoughts, you were about to mention this when the woman made a noise of pure pleasure at the first bite of her dessert.
“God, I love your cooking.” Natasha said in between bites, you chuckled watching as the woman eat another big spoonful of the crème. “Are you sure you don’t want to come back with me to New York?”
You made a face shaking your head, “Never! The time for me to accept such a proposal has already pass, Tasha. This is home, but I can always facetime with you and tell you how to do it.”
Natasha had always wondered why you were so averse to the idea of going outside. She knew many stories about you, but the answer to that particular question had always been the same, a bad experience, a search for happiness and peace. And yet, she thought there was more to the story. She never pressed though and waited simply for you to either make the trip or just stay where you were.
“I think life has not been kind to Wanda, and it’s not an excuse for her actions, but I think she deserves a rest.” Natasha finally clarifies. “She has always felt too much, she feels so strongly I think she just doesn’t know how to grief, how to…how to really feel.”
You served another glass of wine as Natasha told you the full story, what she had found out and what she had concluded after being with Wanda for more than ten years.
"Westview was our breaking point, Damage and Control deemed her dangerous. SWORD wanted to use her…" Natasha snorted. "Not rest for the wicked witch of the east."
The silence filled the kitchen afterwards. You had been playing with the wine, musing over everything you didn't know when you accepted to rent the house. Your eyes flickered to Natasha then to the window leading to your backyard. The sun of the afternoon bathing the land with soft hues of yellow and orange.
Natasha waited for a moment, she could tell there was something bothering you and the woman could guess what it was.
"She won't be a problem, Y/N."
“When I first got here, I was lost.” You started with a nostalgic tinge on your voice, your eyes flickered to meet those of Natasha that had heard the story before. At least, part of it. “I found something I was looking for, and that was peace. I made it my duty to make sure others could do the same. Enhanced individuals, villains, heroes, normal people, it didn’t matter.”
You offered a half smile to Natasha who could only nod at your words.
“But there was something I also promised myself and that was to not put these people in danger, and to never get involved.” This time around your eyes gleamed gold, and the air around Natasha felt heavier than before. “I know what it is like to run from your mistakes, to try and search for peace and happiness. And because of this, I am ready to extend my home and help."
For the former spy the tension was quite evident, though she knew this came out of your overzealous nature in regard to what you considered your safe place. It was something no one dare to disturb.
"But you also know how much I love my solitude and tranquillity."
"I know." Natasha replied seriously.
"For what you told me about the situation with Wanda and the others, I can tell there are still some serious issues that need sorting out.” You continued and your tone sent a chill down Natasha's spine. This was the very first time you spoke to her in such a way. "As long as her arrival doesn’t disturb my past or my present, you have my word that I will watch over here and make sure she is taken care of. But don’t mistake yourself, I won’t move a finger to intervene or protect her from any external threats…If I didn’t interfere before, I won’t do so now.”
You spoke with a finality Natasha had never heard before, and it was because of this and the sudden change around her that the former spy knew you were talking seriously about the situation. Natasha heard the story a couple of times before, and she knew your reasons were strong enough to create such a defence mechanism around you. Natasha respected that, and that was the reason she thought Wanda would be okay in this place.
“I know, Y/N, and that’s why I think this will be good for her.” Natasha let out a heavy sigh, she leaned back against the chair and for the first time you could see the tiredness of the last couple of weeks catching up to her. “You’re right, there were some unfinished businesses and some of them are looking for her. Nobody aside from the Team knows she is here.”
You frowned at this revelation, though you could guess this was the case after hearing the complete story. Natasha placed a hand on top of yours, her features softened slightly squeezing your hand reassuringly.
“No one, and I mean no one would find her here, I promise you this.” Natasha reassured you, you tilted your heads nodding curtly. “Whatever magic you have worked in this place, Y/N, it works. I can tell you that this place has bring some healing to me and Clint and even Yelena. I would never do anything to put you or this place in danger.”
Your features softened and the gold on your eyes left the same way it had come; you returned the squeezed on the hand holding yours.
“I didn’t work any magic,” you finally mumbled shrugging. “It’s this place, you know? It’s people and…I don’t know, I guess the beautiful sightings.”
Natasha offered a smile at you resting her cheek on her hand, “you may be right about that, I have always loved this place because of how calm it is. How beautiful it is.”
You relaxed into the conversation, your face softening slightly before your kind decided to bring back the haunted eyes of Wanda. How wrong she felt, with so much anger and sadness surrounding her…the darkness surrounding her eyes, her fingertips.
“I will keep an eye on her, and I will tell you how everything goes if necessary.” You finally stated.
“I know you will, thank you.” Natasha sighed in relief; she knew she could leave Italy knowing Wanda would be fine until she could come to her from time to time.
The tension brough on by the conversation soon broke when Natasha tilted her head with that small smile she used whenever she was about to talk about her family.
“By the way, I should tell you that Yelena says hi.” At the mention of the young Widow your face broke into a huge grin that Natasha soon was imitating. “She also made it pretty clear that you owe her two bottles of wine of your finest wine.”
"Of course, I owed her two bottles of wine, what was her excuse this time?" You asked chuckling, Natasha smirked tilting her head.
"Emotional damage."
Your laughter filled the room, and soon you found yourself reminiscing the times you had shared with Natasha and Yelena. After the final closing of the Red Room, you had extended your help with the rescue Widows that needed a place to crash for a couple of days, in all that time you got to know Yelena and forged a friendship with the blond-hired woman. You didn’t ignore the obvious crush she developed for you, but you never encourage nothing more than a friendly, sisterly even, banter.
You really had missed this part of your life. Natasha had always been a good friend, interesting and a great source of news and stories that kept you post with the real happening of the world outside. It was something you had always felt curious about but didn’t dare to find on your own.
By the time night had arrived, Natasha had refused your invitation to stay getting ready to say good-bye and go back to her busy life.
"They are coming from me, though I will be picked up on the highway in the middle of nowhere.”
"You will abandon the car?" You asked leaning against the threshold.
Natasha scrunched up her nose shooting you what could only be described as an attempt at a puppy dog stare.
"I was hoping you could drop me there and then take the car."
"I just told you I don't want to leave my house and you go around asking that?" But you were smiling at her, your eyes twinkling with amusement. "Go say goodbye and I wait for you."
It had become a habit of hers to just sat there watching into nothing with a myriad of thoughts crossing her mind.
She had chosen the room facing the ocean, at some point she thought this could be a good spot to try and reach some semblance of happiness but the memories, and the grief inside her heart made it impossible for her to focus on anything.
By the time she realized she had done nothing, it was late a couple of tears falling down her cheeks and the sound of footsteps breaking the silence in the house. Wanda wiped out the tears on her face, standing up on shaking legs she approached the door of her room just in time to see Natasha standing at the end of the hall.
"You're leaving." Wanda wrapped her arms around herself shivering under the coldness brought by her own sadness. Her statement was followed by a single scowl, Natasha nodded curtly glancing around the place before settling her eyes on Wanda.
"Yes, I am." The place was homey, comfortable though it didn’t look as if Wanda had toured around the place since they arrived. Her stuff was still sprawl around the living room.
"I will stop by Clint's before going away on a mission." Natasha commented lightly. "There is food in the kitchen."
"You didn't have to." Wanda didn't dare to look at Natasha, she didn't want to find pity or understanding.
"We are family, Wanda. Even if sometimes we forget about it." Natasha then offered an honest smile. "You know where to find me, behave and I'll come as soon as I can."
Natasha waited for a moment but Wanda remained silent, with a sigh she turned around ready to leave when Wanda called out to her.
"Bring Clint and his family next time," Wanda tried to smile but it came like a grimace. "Thank you, Natasha. For everything.”
There was something in the way Wanda said her thank you, in the way she was speaking and gesturing at the moment that told Natasha there was something off about it. About Wanda. Natasha wished there was something else she could do, that she could offer a better way to reassure Wanda, to help her heal…
Natasha dropped her shoulders down; she knew there was nothing she could do unless Wanda was ready for it. Nd it was still too early, the memories and the pain were still there and Wanda needed to take this first step alone, it must be her decision…her healing was a path she would need to start alone.
“I’ll be here whenever you need it, Wanda.” Natasha whispered. “Please, take care of yourself and…call me. Doesn’t matter the time.”
Wanda didn’t answer, and Natasha didn’t wait for the answer.
Darkness had already fallen, the lights of the house to the left were enough to let her see the form of Natasha and Y/N getting ready to leave.
Wanda stood by the darkened window of the living room, her eyes following the form of the silver car driving away from the same road she had come to. Soon, she was left alone and in complete darkness.
Her mind went back to replay those moments of happiness she had lived for a short period of time. Her shared life with Vision, her wedding, their home and works, and the news about their growing family; all the reality that had crumbled after Agatha and SWORD had interfered. Her life had been stolen in the cruellest of ways leaving her empty and completely and utterly alone, no one really understood what she was feeling. What she was experiencing.
The night covered the land, her hand placed itself on her abdomen. Tears rolled down her cheeks, the memory of childish laughter, of babbling and brotherly banter. She had seen them. Her family. Her children.
“I’m pregnant!” Wanda said in disbelief, her lips curling in a happy smile as she looked over at Vision. Vision stood dumbfounded for a moment, his mouth opening and closing.
“Y-you’re what?!” He exclaimed while Wanda came to him placing his hand on her abdomen.
“I’m pregnant! We’re going to be parents!”
It never happened.
She never got…
Wanda whimpered putting her arms around herself, kneeling down in front of the window crying for everything she had lost. Right behind her a soft red mist turning into an intense crimson, with a single figure standing there. A projection of herself, the Scarlet Witch and the book she had stolen before leaving Westview.
She would get her life back.
Whatever the cost.