It was nearly eight o'clock in the evening when Wanda finally returned to her room. She looked around the space carefully for the first time, understanding this was now her private space to do with as she pleased. At the moment, the room was as nondescript as any suite in an upscale hotel; pleasant enough, but certainly not distinctive in any way. But for the first time, Wanda truly felt welcome on the team, and she now could regard this room as her safe space. It was something she never dared hope for. She flopped onto the comfortable bed, staring up at the ceiling. Sam had promised a big day for her tomorrow. Perhaps it might be wise to go to bed early, to be prepared for the long day ahead. But she hardly felt sleepy at all: for the first time that she could remember in recent memory, Wanda was actually excited and looking forward to what tomorrow would bring. It was an exhilarating feeling.
Her reverie was disrupted by a soft musical chirrup. Puzzled, Wanda looked around the room for the source of the sound. There was what appeared to be an oversized clock radio on the nightstand, with one pulsing light on top, evidently signaling an incoming transmission. Hesitantly, Wanda pressed the lighted button, and a holographic display, approximately nine inches high by eleven inches wide, appeared above the device. Natasha's smiling face appeared in the display.
"Hey, there," she greeted her. "I was hoping you might be back in your room by now."
"Natasha!" Wanda almost squealed with delight. "Where are you? Will you be back soon?"
"Actually, I'm calling because things are taking a little longer than I thought," Natasha admitted with obvious chagrin. "I'm at my apartment now, collecting my things. I should be done by midnight. I thought I would take a catnap here, and drive back as soon as it's light."
"You won't be back this evening?" Wanda's disappointment was acute and obvious.
"No. But I won't be returning empty-handed. I have a lot of new outfits for you. Mostly lots of active wear and exercise gear, since I know you're going to be more or less living in the training center for the next few weeks. I got some other outfits for you too, some dresses, slacks, tops, casual wear."
"Thank you," Wanda said humbly. "I don't know what else to say."
"When I get back, we'll start taking a proper assessment of your wardrobe. For right now, you're kind of stuck with my taste in clothes. But next time, we'll go shopping together, and you can pick out the stuff you want."
"That would be wonderful!"
"So, how was your day?"
"Sam gave me the grand tour of the building today. I know it's not supposed to be finished, but this place is huge. More than big enough for all of us."
"Yeah, it's a monstrosity, all right. Did Sam take you to the training center?"
"Yes, he did. It's amazing."
"He and Clint didn't have you do any training exercises today, did they?"
"No. Not really. Sam asked to see me using my powers. So we did some tests, how far and fast can I fly, can I lift heavy objects, stuff like that. He said he wanted to create a baseline to help create a training program for me." She made a face. "He's going to take me running at five in the morning tomorrow."
"Well, you're reporting to Sam now, so do what he tells you. But don't let those boys push you around," Natasha said severely. "They're there to help train you, nothing else."
"I promise."
"Did you get something to eat?"
"Maria made dinner for me tonight," Wanda declared proudly.
"Did she really? What did she make?"
"Grilled chicken, asparagus, a salad. And apple pie."
"Well, that was very nice of her."
"She said we hadn't had a chance to really talk before now, and she wanted to welcome me to the team. It really did make me feel a lot better. I'm so glad I'm going to be here with you guys."
"We're glad to have you with us, too."
"Maria also said a whole bunch of support staff will be arriving tomorrow, so if you see lots of crowds and cars when you drive up, not to panic."
"Good to know, thanks."
"Are you going to be keeping the room next to mine?"
"Yes, you're stuck with me," Natasha grinned. "Better learn to deal with it."
"I'm glad. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Do we work for Tony Stark?"
"Do we... ohh. Let me guess. Maria had to discuss payroll with you this afternoon. No, Wanda, we don't work for Tony. That would be a fate too horrible to contemplate."
Natasha made a face, and Wanda giggled at Natasha's answer.
"As far as our organization goes, Steve is our commanding officer," Natasha continued. "We work for him. We take all our orders - in and out of the field - from him. If you want to know who signs your paycheck, her name is Pepper Potts, and among other things, she's the CEO of the Stark Foundation, which is owned by Tony's family, but Tony isn't involved in it. You can Google her later, if you like. But not tonight," she added quickly. "If Sam is starting your training first thing tomorrow, you'll want to be well rested."
"I'm going to turn in soon."
"Good. Would you mind letting Maria know I'll call her later, and that I should be back around lunchtime tomorrow?"
"I'll tell her," Wanda promised, and after a pause, added, "I'm glad you called. I'm going to miss you tonight."
"I'll miss you, too."
"You'll come see me as soon as you get back?"
"As soon as I can hack my way through all those crowds you warned me about," Natasha grinned. "I'll bring a machete." Her smile turned noticeably tender. "Sleep well, Wanda. And sweet dreams."
"You too," Wanda answered.
A moment later, the display disappeared and the call ended. With a sigh, Wanda rolled over so she was once again on her back. Yes, she would miss Natasha tonight, desperately. But she also felt like a salve had been applied to her broken heart. She was in a place where she was not only welcomed, but valued; and the people with her were not just taking a professional interest in her, but a very personal one. No matter how much pain she might be feeling, she was no longer alone. To Wanda, that made all the difference in the world.
The following morning was bitterly cold, and a light rain was falling. Wanda was already standing in the empty, dimly-lit lobby, stretching out her legs, when Sam and Maria came down the stairs, both dressed for a run.
"Well, well," Sam declared with a chuckle. "The rookie's good for her word. I was sure I was gonna have to turn you out of bed."
"Someone told me that for best results I need to give maximum effort," Wanda said, with a sly smile to Maria. "So here I am."
"Good. Finish your stretching. That's gonna help, it's kind of chilly out there today."
"Where are we going?" Wanda asked. "It's still dark outside."
"There's a lighted path, around the perimeter of the compound," Maria explained.
"Are you running with us, too?" Wanda wanted to know.
"Well... I am running, but not with you guys," Maria answered. "I can't idle myself alongside the pace car all morning." She tilted her head towards Sam. "Some of us have real work to do."
Sam snorted mildly at Maria's taunt, but said nothing.
"By the way, that's not a diss on you, Wanda," Maria added quickly. "I just like giving Sam a hard time."
"Got it." Wanda grinned.
"Don't forget to have my breakfast ready at seven," Maria said to Sam, as she headed for the double doors.
"What? I thought today was your turn in the kitchen."
"Hey, it's not my fault you didn't look at the duty roster."
"Which you just make up, as you go along," Sam scoffed.
"It was posted last week."
"What about Barton?" Sam protested. "It's not like he's doing anything."
"Barton wasn't scheduled to be here this week."
"So? Let him fill in while he's here. You're the XO. Change the schedule!"
"I could put you on KP for the rest of the week," Maria smiled sweetly.
Sam decided not to challenge that. "Have a nice run," he said.
With a jaunty wave to Wanda, Maria went through the double doors and disappeared into the early morning rain.
"She likes you," Wanda observed with a sly grin. "I can tell by the way she teases you."
"You need to mind your own business, rookie," Sam scolded her. "And right now, your business is completing a 4K run with me in twenty minutes."
"Twenty minutes?"
"I'm only putting you on grandmother speed because I know you're not used to this stuff," Sam declared, setting his stopwatch. "I'll be expecting much better, after we've beaten you into shape."
"Oh, that'll be fun."
"And no backtalk. Or I'll make you run the course twice."
"Yes, sir," Wanda grinned.
Fortunately, Wanda had already gotten into the habit of morning runs with Natasha, even though the distances involved were considerably shorter. Sam set the pace, and despite his longer stride, Wanda found she could reasonably keep up. As they continued, she also became aware that Sam was intentionally holding back for her sake. And he was watching her attentively - not to judge her performance, but to make certain she wasn't in any real difficulty. When they completed the run, and returned to the double doors in the front of the building, Sam checked his stopwatch.
"Twenty-three minutes," he fumed in exasperation. "That definitely puts you into the 'shame' category, rookie. I walk that fast."
"You have... longer legs," Wanda pointed out, while she bent over, hands on her knees.
Sam put a comforting hand on Wanda's back, watching her closely. "Pay attention to your breathing," he suggested. "Deep and regular as you can. You'll recover faster."
"Okay."
"How's the knees? Ankles? Everything still good?"
Wanda gave him a quick 'thumbs up' with one hand.
"Yeah, well... lucky for you, I forgot about the duty roster," Sam told her. "We'll have to cut your exercise program a little short this morning. You can help me in the kitchen."
"Oh, good," Wanda panted.
"Don't worry, we'll make up for it later," Sam promised.
"No, I mean... good... kitchen is... one place I can really help," Wanda gasped, slowly straightening up.
Although Sam and Wanda had never worked in tandem before, Wanda was good for her word, she knew her way around a kitchen; and together they had a nourishing breakfast of eggs, roasted potatoes, muffins, cut fruit, coffee and juice all prepared when Maria, Steve and Clint entered the dining room at seven. The sun was finally up and streaming in through the east-facing windows, giving an especially cheery atmosphere to the dining room. Clint was still in civilian clothes, but Steve and Maria were in their dress uniforms, with the sole exception of Steve's absent helmet, which evidently meant they were handling Avengers business in a public setting this day.
"Looks like you had some help in the kitchen, Sam," Steve remarked, as he sat down at the table.
"I did, Cap. And Wanda actually was a big help this morning."
"Good to hear," Steve smiled warmly at Wanda, and she wriggled with pleasure at his recognition.
While the other three ate in relative silence, it was obvious that Steve and Maria had business to discuss. Maria consulted her tablet frequently as they talked.
"Were you able to get ahold of Selvig last night?"
"Yes. He's ready to come out here, whenever we can send someone to pick him up."
"Tomorrow's probably the earliest I could fly out. I have all the incoming staff to meet today, and I assume you still want Sam working with Wanda full-time."
"I do. Clint, what's on your schedule today?"
"I was going to help Sam with a training simulation for Wanda," he answered. "But I can put that off, if you need a pilot."
"No. That's fine. Go ahead with what you've already planned. Selvig's going to need a day or two anyway, to come up with his equipment list." Steve turned back to Maria. "Call him tonight, though, and confirm a travel day."
"Will do."
"What's Natasha's status?"
"She should be back by noon. And then we'll have a full house, up to the end of the week. Unless you're hanging around longer, Barton," she added, casting a glance at Clint.
"If you guys need me, I'll stay. If not, I have a big hole in my dining room wall that I promised Laura I'd get rid of. Otherwise she'll kill me, and you'll be minus one Avenger."
"Keep your plans," Steve grinned. "We'll let you know if the Chitauri decide to invade again."
"Thanks, Cap."
"Are all staff arriving today?" Steve asked Maria.
"Not everyone. Grounds staff will be coming out next week, under the subcontract already in place with the Stark Foundation. We have ten support staff arriving this morning, including three former S.H.I.E.L.D. specialists to man the situation room. Happy's offered to spend the first week with us, to help keep order around here, until all the routines are established."
"Let him know his help is very welcome, and appreciated."
"I'm assuming we don't want barracks for either Hogan or Selvig."
"That's affirmative."
"You don't mind if we put them in rooms on the residence floor?"
"No, in fact, the two suites nearest the elevator should be earmarked as guest suites in any case. The large suite should be permanently reserved for the Starks."
Maria frowned disapprovingly. "That really should be your suite, Steve. You're the leader of the Avengers now."
"I really don't need a wet bar in my quarters," Steve grinned. "It's fine. Let Tony have that space. It suits him. He'll be happy, we'll be happy."
"What about the Vision?"
Steve sighed heavily. "I haven't made up my mind yet."
"We'll have to quarter him somewhere," Maria pointed out. "Especially if you still want him coming out here at the end of next week."
"Let's circle back to that," Steve decided. "I need to chew on that a while longer."
"Roger that. Now, on the vehicle inventory..."
Sam leaned over and gently tapped Wanda on the shoulder. "When everyone's finished, you and I will clean up the kitchen," he said, in a low voice so as not to disturb Steve and Maria. "Then, at 9:30, report to me and Clint in the training center. Don't worry about cleaning up. We'll have some gear set aside for you to wear for this simulation."
Wanda's thoughts were elsewhere. "The Vision is coming here?" she asked excitedly.
"That's what Maria said. Why's that important?"
"It's just... the Vision saved my life. I never got a chance to thank him."
"Well, looks like you'll get your chance. Did you hear what I just said to you?"
"We're cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast. Then be in the training center, 9:30 sharp."
"All right, then," Sam nodded, satisfied.
"You're not gonna make me crawl through mud, or anything like that, are you?" Wanda asked apprehensively.
"No," Sam answered, with a completely straight face. "Nothing like that at all."