Chapter 21: Bonding with the Scarlet Witch

Wanda pulled out two cans and handed one to Alara. They opened their cans in an accidental unison and both guzzled half the can. Then, Wanda looked at Alara.

"So why were those dumb asses trying to comfort you?" Wanda asked, casually.

"Oh. Well, there was this guy who I like and I thought he liked me, but this girl asked him out and he agreed. And since Pietro was the only one who seemed remotely concerned about me, I came to see him."

Wanda snorted, almost spitting out the Coke she had in her mouth.

"Yeah. Concerned. Right. Obsessed is more like it."

Alara blinked.

"What?"

"He won't stop freakin' talkin' about you!"

Alara laughed, thinking it was meant to be a joke, but Wanda stayed serious. Uncomfortably, Alara cleared her throat.

"Ummm… Sorry… I didn't expect that."

Wanda nodded.

"Neither did I."

Alara looked at her questioningly, but Wanda shook her head.

"Never mind."

"Okay…. Soooooo. Hi. I'm Alara. What's your name?"

"Wanda," she replied.

Alara smiled and Wanda smiled softly, barely noticeable.

"Hey, won't the X-geeks come looking for you?"

"Even if they did, they wouldn't be able to track me. I have too big of a mental block."

Wanda looked at Alara with interest.

"Really? Hmmm…. Well, we do have an extra bedroom here if you would rather stay here for a day or two. You're more than welcome to. And I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind," Wanda emphasized the last phrase by rolling her eyes.

Alara smiled and nodded just as snickers came from behind the door. Wanda glared and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"Those boneheads are listening to us. I hate it when they do this. They need to be taught a lesson. I have a plan if you're willing. Let's go through the window and climb in through the living room ones. We can kick their asses."

Alara nodded and whispered back, "Should I change into something more suitable for the occasion?"

Wanda blinked, in confusion.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever."

They opened the window quietly and slipped out. Walking carefully around the side of the house, they climbed into the living room to see Lance, Toad, Pietro, and Fred all standing at the door, their ears pressed to it.

"Hee hee hee," Toad snickered. "Sleep over! Pillow fighting in nighties!"

"Shut up Toad! We'll get caught!" Pietro snarled.

"Quiet!" Lance hissed. "I can't hear them anymore."

Wanda put her hands on her hips and boomed, "WHO CAN'T YOU HEAR? I COULD HEAR EVERYTHING FROM HERE! COULDN'T YOU? I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE PILLOW FIGHTING IN NIGHTIES!"

All the guys froze, the color draining from their faces. Behind her, Wanda heard a growl as Alara turned into a black panther. The guys turned around to face a scowling Scarlet Witch and a big, snarling cat.

"I'M GONNA MAKE IT SO THAT YOU'LL HAVE TO EAT MASHED POTATOES THROUGH A STRAW!"

The guys started to shake and as Alara walked past Wanda, Wanda jumped.

"What the heck? What's that?"

"I-I-I-It's Alara," Pietro stuttered.

Alara looked back, grinning a panther grin and purred as she said, "I changed for the occasion. Do you think I scared them?"

Wanda looked to the guys who stood, frozen. She grinned.

"Yup. Now let's show them what happens to CIA spies when THEY get caught."