Chapter 32
[Wanda's POV]
Two weeks.
Two weeks since we all returned safely to the compound, with the exception of Vision. Tony, surprisingly, found him on their return home and brought him along. He was in what Tony liked to call a 'robotic coma'.
Everything was uneventful and secretive. Nobody who left the Bartons wanted to talk about the experience, especially Emily. She would go between the kitchen, her room, and the gym. Even Bucky seemed a little unnerved from her situation, but was smart and didn't ask.
I was in the gym, running laps around the room when Steve walked in. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes, and I easily recognized it.
"What are you planning to do?" I rasped, partially out of breath. Steve tossed me my water bottle before crossing his arms and leaning nonchalantly against one of the pillars. I took a swig of the water and sat down on the floor. "I saw that look in your eyes."
"You heard about the bet?" Steve asked, and I rolled my eyes.
"Who hasn't?" I asked honestly.
It was a well-known fact that Natasha and Steve had bet against when Bucky and Emily would actually get together. Before long, most of the Avengers, myself included, were in on it too. T'Challa, myself, Steve, and Clint were convinced it would be in the next three months, while Natasha, Tony, Bruce (who hadn't been around much due to 'anger' issues), and Thor said it would be afterwards.
"We have two weeks," Steve told me, nodding. "Because of Discord, those two aren't going to get together, and I am not about to lose fifty bucks."
"Agreed," I said. "So, what's the plan?"
"It's time to put Operation Dream-maker into motion."
:/:\:
[Bucky's POV]
I was in the garage, working on a Hummer (the same one I had commandeered when I went after Emily's kidnappers) when Steve sauntered in.
"Hey Buck!" he called out. I jerked up, hitting my head on the hood. I pulled back, grumbling Russian curses at Steve as I asked, "Yeah?"
"So, we discussed things with the team, and it's decided," Steve said, nodding happily. "You are officially an Avenger!" My grin was long and wide and I pumped my fist a little. "Tonight, I'm taking you out to a congratulatory dinner! My treat."
"Really? You don't have to do that," I said, my gentleman-1940s-like state coming out in full thrust. "Let me pay."
"No, no, no," Steve ordered. "You've treated me in the past. Now it's time for me to pay you back."
I nodded, conceding. Once Steve set his mind to something, no one could change it. As Steve walked out, he yelled back, "Oh, and wear something nice, and make it red!"
:/:\:
[Emily's POV]
I stuck my head out of my bathroom and raised my eyebrow at Wanda, who was sitting innocently on my bed.
"You want to what now?" I asked, not feeling fully convinced at her proposition.
"You had a rough time at the Bartons," Wanda began again, subconsciously fiddling with her fingers. "I just thought we should go out, have a nice time. There's this excellent restaurant Steve showed me a while back. You will love it."
"I can't believe I'm saying this," I mumbled under my breath. Louder, I said, "Fine, I'll come with." Wanda squealed happily and clapped her hands together. "So, what do you want me to wear? Because if we're going to this 'excellent restaurant', then there must be a dress code."
"Something drop-dead gorgeous," Wanda said immediately. "We want to knock the socks off of every male within a mile radius. Oh! And make it red."
"Red...?" I mumbled to myself as I walked back into the bathroom to continue brushing my teeth. "Do I even own anything red...?"
:/:\:
[Wanda's POV]
"I convinced Emily," I cheered happily as I came into the kitchen an hour later. Steve was munching on a bagel when I entered, and he gave me a thumbs-up before swallowing.
"Bucky's on board too," he replied, grinning triumphantly. "So now, all we have to do is make sure they stay there and have a nice time." I nodded, full-heartedly agreeing, and sat down on a stool by Steve. We sat there in a comfortable silence until he asked, "How's Vision?"
My chest tightened up at the thought of the android. "According to Tony, he is still in his coma. We are not sure when he will wake up."
"Have you been able to get a read off of him?" Steve asked curiously, cocking his head at me. I shook my head, staring down at my hands. "Hey." He reached over and engulfed my little hands in his giant palm. "He'll be ok, Wanda."
"I-I know," I stammered, feeling a blush rushing to my cheeks. "I-I just feel responsible for what happened to him. And Emily. And everyone!" I let out a sob and pressed my hands against my eyes, trying to stop the flow of tears. Steve shifted beside me and he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into a delicate hug. I continued to cry, and Steve rubbed my back, whispering soothing words to me.
Once I was done, I pulled back, sniffing slightly. His gray sweatshirt had mascara marks and my hands shot to my mouth, to hold back an apology and a snort. Steve followed my eyes to where I was looking and gave me a disappointed smile.
"I just got this..." he grumbled playfully, trying to wipe off the marks, but only making it worse.
"That's what happens when you play Mama Bear Steve," I chuckled, and he shoved me playfully. It reminded me of Pietro, and I gave a small smile.
"Something wrong?" Steve asked, recognizing the smile quickly.
"Just remembering Pietro," I explained. I poked Steve's leg. "He would be proud that I found someone to play older brother to me while he's away."
"I never had a younger sister," Steve said, grinning widely. "I'd like that."
"Me too."
A/N: Hey everyone! So, sorry for the short chapter. I was just writing and Mama Bear Steve and Wanda just randomly appeared and I absolutely couldn't write anything after that :) So, for Steve/Wanda people (it will not be that way in this story, as far as I know), here's some fluff :)
Here are some answers to some questions I got (I love answering questions :D ):
Katie MacAlpine: Why would Thor fall in love with a mere mortal if he was a god too? Charolotte hates Emily a lot because she stole Loki's attention away from Charolotte (or at least that's how Charolotte sees it). Her mother never knew about Emily's mutations until Emily had join the Avengers. And for the last question, IDK. I haven't even figured out yet XD
MidnightForest037: I'm actually not sure how she wears her clothes. I guess they do phase through, now that I think about it. Weird Emily Biology Stuff. You're in luck! Very soon (hopefully), the Avengers will have a crossover with the X-Men. As for finding out her father, you'll just have to wait and see.
Guest: You said that it was really bad of Warren to take Emily's claws from her. I think I should explain the Titan a bit more and that background. Warren didn't MEAN for Emily to see him switch from Angel to Archangel, it just happened. A new consciousness came to Emily, which named itself Titan, and it's sort of like Hulk to Bruce Banner. Hope that makes more sense.
Ahhhh...questions galore!
Also, in case any of you are wondering, Operation Dream-Maker is part from the song Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar. "Heartbreaker/dream maker". Also, most operations are called Heartbreaker, so I thought Dream-Maker would be funny.
Please leave a comment, question, concern, or conspiracy theory :)