*Bang!*
Wanda shot awake as the laugh track sounded. The room she shared with Rob was covered in darkness. Glancing to the side she saw her husband sleeping peacefully and smiled. Everything was still perfect. Laying back down she prepared to go back asleep but then another loud bang sprung her back up. Using her powers to flick on the lights she looked around again.
"What was that?" She whispered. Realizing the futility of the question she shut the light back off. Only for the banging to happen again. The light went on once more and this time her husband sat up. He looked to the light then to Wanda.
"Darling, why are you turning the light on and off?"
Wanda looked to her husband worriedly. "I keep hearing a banging."
Rob nodded and got up and out of bed. "Allow me, my love." He turned on the light and opened the curtain to look outside. All appeared to be well in their small town and even in the distance, the city of Novi Grad stood proudly, nothing amiss.
"What do you see?' Wanda asked from her bed? Fussing with her hair.
Rob shrugged. "Nothing but the darkness of night."
Wanda frowned. "Should I get you a flashlight?"
Her husband shook his head. "No, it's quite alright, I'm sure it's nothing." As he said it, another bang sounded right behind him startling him enough that he jumped away and dove across his bed, dragging the sheets with him, rolling to the floor and covering his face with them.
As if realizing what he had done, he glanced up to see Wanda's unimpressed face and the laugh track going hysterical.
"Oh, my hero." She monotoned. "Also, what was that about being nothing?" An upturn of her eyebrow was enough to get him scrambling to his feet.
"Well now that you mention it, I may have heard a banging form outside."
"You don't say." Wanda drawled but a banging from outside again caused both to jump. Rob back into his bed and Wanda to use her powers to push their two beds together. Rob turned to her and looked at her pleadingly.
"One of us needs to go see what that sound is."
"Yes dear, one of us should." Wanda stated pointedly. Some more banging startled them again and Wanda had enough. "I am going to take a look." She declared as she used her powers to open the curtains. Both people froze as a tree branch continuously scratched their bedroom window.
Wanda nodded her head clearly miffed at the mundane disturbance. "Well, I think we handled that rather well." She noticed Rob nodding along before glancing down at their now joined beds.
"I have to commend you darling, On the redecorating you have done." He gave her a saucy smile as Wanda sent one right back at him.
"This is better, isn't it?" Wanda snapped her fingers and their two beds, became one. Rob smiled as he moved closer to her. Wanda grinned devilishly as she jumped on him, kissing him senseless and throwing the blanket over them.
The area faded to black as images resembling a TV show played. Cartoon versions of Wanda and her husband played and soon opened up on Rob in a magician's outfit, waving a fake wand about.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for my final trick, I bring you the cabinet of mysteries!" Flinging his arms to the left, he waited for his assistant to bring forth the device. Nothing happened as the laugh track sounded and rob sighed in defeat. "Now, darling, that is your cue."
"Oh, did you say cabinet of mysteries?"
"Yes, the cabinet of mysteries."
"Coming!" Wanda's voice sang as she rolled out the large cabinet, they would be using later today for the towns school fundraiser.
"Oh, my golly, DO the other acts in the talent show have things as elaborate as thing?" He asked as he helped her set it up in the living room.
Wanda walked out from behind the large piece of furniture. "Are you kidding me?" She cocked an eyebrow, "Fred and Linda are making a fully functioning portcullis and nobody even knows why." She waved away his next question when he opened his mouth to ask and carried on. "Let's just keep going."
"Right, right." Rob once again faced forward readying his wand. "Watch closely as I, Illusion, master of enigma Make my captivating assistant Glamour," He motions to Wanda who takes s silly pose, "Disappear." They open the cabinet and Wanda steps inside.
Wanda winks at him before she closes the door. "You do look rather Dashing in the outfit."
Rob blushed and smiles. "Thank you, Darling."
Closing the doors Rob turns around again. "Abra Kadabra!" He taps his wands three times on the door before opening it to reveal nobody inside of it. "Ta DA."
Wanda claps as she emerges from the fake back. Smiling happily.
Rob though, gets a funny look over his face and Wanda's concern grows exponentially. She feels his mind getting ready to fight and prepares to calm him down.
"Wanda, don't you think this is all a little much for some fundraiser?" He asks. "I mean, why are we even participating when we don't even have kids yet?"
Wanda frowned before plastering a smile on her face and hugging him close. "Honey, this is the biggest event of the season and I just want to fit in."
"I don't think that would be a problem I mean I know some of my coworkers aren't participating."
"Honey." Wanda stops him. "This is our home now." Wanda rubs his arms up and down so all his focus will be on her. She can feel her control coming back as he becomes more pliant in her arms. "I really want to make this work, have a happy life here, you and me." Her voice waivers as she expresses such a deep desire. Rob sags as the red once more pacifies his mind.
'Oh, Darling, we do. We shall." He gains a devious mirk. "We are going to knock their socks off. Especially once you put this on." Rob picks up a glittering leotard for Wanda to examine. "I have to say, I can't wait to see you in it."
Wanda takes a stunned breath before laughing. "Oh honey, that is part of your costume." The laugh track sounds as Rob sputters and holds it up to his chest. Wanda holds up a watch, glancing at the time. "Well, I better get going if I'm going to make the planning comity."
"I need to be going as well actually." Rob switches his black coat for a simple sweater. "There is a gathering of the neighborhood watch at the library that I feel I should attend. After last night's fiasco I want to make sure this towns security is up to my standards. Anything to keep you safe Wanda." He smiles but Wanda can tell it's strained as she feels the beginning of a headache form in his mind. Raising her hand, she subtly uses her magic to chase it away as she caresses his cheek.
"Oh, that is a swell idea. You tell those tree branches who's boss." Wanda gives him a quick peck before shooing him out the door.
Rob hadn't been gone too long when Wanda hears a disturbance while fluffing the pillows. It sounds like an explosion is right outside her house. Feeling concerned she cautiously open the front door and peers onto the lawn. Seeing nothing amiss she walks outside, glancing around hoping to find whatever made the noise. She is halfway into the lawn when she spots a bright color standing out among the greys of the world.
A bright red toy is smoking in the bushes of her lawn. The toy helicopter looks too simple, to be what made that noise, but the name at the side does ring some bells. Stark. That name was very familiar. But from where? Wanda ponders this as she examines the rest of the toy.
She is taken from her musing when their neighbor Agnes pops up behind her. "Look who it is, it's the star of the show!" The woman is obnoxiously loud as Wanda turns to address her, flinging the toy away from her. There was something off about Agnes that Wanda couldn't put her finger on. Every time she thought of it, she would get distracted by something else and could never focus too long on the woman.
"Agnes!" Wanda tried to play it cool but the toy had really spooked her. "I'm sorry what did you say?"
"Oh, I just brought over my rabbit, for your magic act." Agnes explained cheerily. The woman was always smiling. Always chipper.
Wanda who was still out of it smiled and quickly grabbed the cage. "Yes of course, thank you. We will take good care of him."
Senior scratchy just loves the stage." Agnes explained as Wanda walked towards her house. "He played baby Jesus in last year's Christmas pageant."
Turning back to Agnes briefly she saw her talking to the mailman. "Of morning Sam how are you?"
"Morning Agnes." The man greeted.
"Stick em'up." Agnes played with him, holding up finger guns.
"Oh, careful with those, I'm just the messenger." Sam replied raising his hands.
"haha, pew pew." Agney laughed. "Fly away little birdy." Sam laughed and continued his route. Wanda quickly moved the Bunny to the living room before rushing back to Agnes. Wanda sent a quick glance back to the red Toy before Agnes dragged her off, going on about the president of the committee. Wanda brushed her warnings off with a few laughs.
Apparently, those warnings were all correct. Dotty was a bitch. Wanda couldn't believe this woman. SO selfish and arrogant. The only good things in this meeting were her new friend Natahsa, another new arrival to the town. She was a sharp-witted intelligent woman who kept making funny comments about Dotty.
The meeting came to an end when Dotty asked Wanda to help clean up. Apparently helping clean up, translated to clean up everything while I judge you, according to Dotty, at least. Wanda was a little taken aback by the woman's attitude but didn't comment. It wasn't until the radio nearby went on the fritz that things got truly weird.
"Wanda! Wanda, can you read me?" The radio station sizzled out only to be replaced by a man's voice. A familiar voice.
"Who is doing this to you Wanda! Wanda! Wanda! Wanda! Wanda!" The voice kept going until Dotty shattered her glass in her hand. Blood came pouring out, A bright red contrasting with the grey of her skin. Wanda was quick to through a white cloth over the wound. Trying to stem the flow. IF that wasn't odd enough then Dotty acting like nothing was wrong really threw her for the loop.
Just as Dotty walked away Wanda felt a sizable disturbance coming form Rob. Panicking after the strange happening with the radio, Wanda used her magic to shift the scene.
***BREAK***
Of course, while all this had gone down, Rob had been heading to the library to speak with the neighborhood watch. Upon entering, he saw the group of men, which consisted of most of his coworkers.
"Pardon me, is this the neighborhood watch meeting?" Rob asked as he approached the table.
Charlie, one of the men he worked with looked nervous and uncomfortable. "Hey Rob, this is kind of a members only meeting."
Rob nodded before turning around and grabbing a chair. "Ah, well then I can sit off to the side and wait for you to open up the floor for new business."
Another man spoke up, this one Rob didn't immediately recognize. "We were actually just about to talk about new business." When Rob glanced over, he felt a distinct dislike for the man before him. He was extremely fit and seemed to be a taller man. His short cropped hard went well with his face, which appeared immaculate. His dislike was quickly taking the form of hatred but the red swept that away quickly, swiftly calming him down and assuring him that everything was alright.
"Oh, Rob this is Steve, he runs the Neighborhood Watch." Charlie introduced the man "Steve, this is Rob."
The two men shook hands and if Rob wasn't mistaken, he could have sworn this Steve didn't like him. The red swept that thought away too.
"Well, if you are talking about new business then I have some questions about patrolling, or your protocols regarding home defense?"
"Rob, that's not what we mean by new business." Charlie interrupted. "He means a new round of drinks." Everyone around the table held up a glass of some kind of beverage. A quick sniff confirmed it was whiskey.
"You know, you got a point Rob." Steve said as he took a sip. "Come on guys I got some intel that might interest you all." Everyone leaned in. "You all know how Johnson has been bragging about that tree house he built for his kid?" Everyone nodded except for Rob who looked genuinely confused. "It was a prefab." Everyone scoffed and laughed as Steve leaned back.
Charlie leaned in. "I can do you one better; you know those trophies Arthur is always polishing. Those were all bought at a yard sale." Again, everyone laughed and heckled the man.
A few other men shared their own gossip all the while Orb sat quietly taking it all in. This caught the attention of a few men at the table who eyed him suspiciously. Steve eventually noticed as well before pouring a generous helping of whiskey into a spare glass. Offering it to Rob he smirked. "Take a drink kid, join the fun." Everyone else quieted down as they watched Rob. Waiting for his next move.
Rob looked at the offered glass. His thoughts were muddled. Instead of discussing protecting what was theirs, they were a gossip club of men. Glancing around he noticed how awkward everyone was as he just stared at the glass. Throwing caution to the wind he grabbed it and drank it down in one swift gulp. The whiskey burned on the way down but he pushed through it as everyone cheered. He smiled, as his glass was filled again. Downing that one too, he joined their laughter. The red in his mind settled down as the alcohol started to take effect. Apparently, he was a lightweight.
The conversation moved more easily and the laughs came quicker. Rob was having a wonderful time learning about all of the neighbors. As the drinks kept coming Rob's eyes grew misty as unknown feelings assaulted him.
Pain, isolation, hate and agony all fought for space as he enjoyed his time with his new friends. Occasionally flashes of a dark room or the sizzling of flesh would assault his mind and before he knew it, tears were pouring from his eyes.
A hand on his shoulder brought his attention to Steve who wore a concerned expression. "You alright kid?" He asked but Rob bolted from him. Falling on his butt as he tried to put some distance between him and the Avenger.
No, that wasn't right. Steve wasn't an Avenger. Steve was a neighbor of his. What was an Avenger? Why was he acting like this? More images assaulted his mind. Of a fight in the streets. Gunshots ringing out across the city. He flinched as each image came to him.
The others quickly attempted to calm him down but to no avail. He got progressively worse as more images assaulted his mind. A happy family sitting on a beach, a young man and an older woman in a graveyard. Finally, he saw a woman who looked just like Wanda surrounded by men, screaming as they touched her. Sobbing now he held his head in his hands as a huge headache settled in. grasping his head he rolled into the fetal position and wept. He was so out of it he failed to notice the red surge forth in a tidal wave and move the scene along.
When Rob opened his eyes, he was met with the concerned face of his Wife who was knelt next to him caressing his back and murmuring something to him. He was so confused as he looked around, noticing a redhead watching him from behind Wanda. No, she wasn't a redhead. Her hair was grey, just like his wife's hair. Just like most of the people here. Why was everything so confusing?
***Break***
Wanda Watched as Rob's head shot around taking everything in, but seeing nothing at all. When she felt his mind erupt, she had grown concerned. This wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to be happy and free of all the pain and suffering that his life had put him through. Now she watched as his nose started bleeding and she panicked. Using her powers, she stopped the blood and removed the whiskey from his system. Apparently, alcohol was worse than she thought.
Rob shot up as everything was drained form his system. Taking a deep breathe he took in his surroundings and noticed a lady peeking through a curtain and his wife in the sparkly leotard in front of him. Damn did she look good or what?
"Well, if this is hell I don't want to go to heaven." Rob winked at Wanda whose worried expression morphed into one of surprise. She quickly blushed as she stood next to him, giving him a peck on the cheek for his flirts.
Come now Sweetie, lets knock their socks off." Wanda took his arm and positioned him in front of the curtain. "Remember, Wait for my signal." Wanda smiled at him before moving out onto the stage. "Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the one and only, master of magic, Illusion!"
The crowd clapped as Rob went out on stage make a dramatic bow. "Thank you, Thank you! A big round of applause for my absolutely beautiful assistant, Glamour!" The crowd clapped again and the show was on.
The show ended up being a resounding success as they were awarded a trophy for best performance. Getting back home in the evening, Rob twirled his wife into the living room.
"You were magnificent Glamour."
"You were dashing Illusion." Wanda giggled as Orb joined her on the couch. "I'm just glad it was so easy to fit in."
"I told you not to worry. All we had to do was be ourselves." Rob kissed her cheek. "For the children of course."
For the children." Wanda mocked and both laughed. "Well, I think, the children need Popcorn." She winked and stood from the couch. Rob's eyes widened as something caught his eye.
"Wanda?" He asked, grabbing her hand.
Turning Wanda felt a sudden weight around her waist. Looking down she was met with a very pregnant belly. Gasping in wonder she looked up to Rob who stood before her. "Rob, is this really happening?"
"Yes, my love, it's really happening." Rob leaned in for a kiss, Wanda shedding a tear of joy. Before their lips met however, a loud bang came from outside interrupting their moment. Rob growled angrily. "I am going to burn that tree to ashes." He marched outside quickly followed by the now pregnant Wanda.
Outside night had fallen and the crickets were chirping. Not a star in the sky as Rob and Wanda walked to the edge of their property. Looking at the tree they realized the branch hadn't moved at all. Wondering what could possibly make that noise, the two moved to the street. A slight scraping noise drew their attention to a manhole moving in the street.
"What is that?" Rob asked as the cover moved to the side exposing the hole.
Wanda watched with baited breath as a gloved hand emerged. The hand pulled up a man wearing a beekeeper outfit. As he came out, a swarm of Bees followed quickly surrounding the man. On his back, a giant A sat prominently. HE turned and they were met with a black face, hidden in the shadow of his own wardrobe.
"No." Wanda muttered as her confusion turned to anger. Waving her hands everything seemed to rewind until she and Rob were back in their living room about to kiss. This time they kissed uninterrupted. As they kissed the greys around them shifted to vibrant colors. When they opened their eyes, Rob found Wanda's beautiful blue eyes before him, her Red Shirt going beautifully with her hair.
Wanda saw his Hazel eyes and grinned as the world around them shifted to color. Glancing back at Rob as the shift finished, she was hit with Concern as a bit of blood started leaking from his nose again. Wiping it away and bringing him in for another searing kiss Wanda tried to ignore the way his mind fought for control of the situation.
He was better now. No more pain, no more suffering. Just them and the babies they would have together. Living happily ever after.
The screen zoomed in on their kissing faces and the words 'the End' appeared, before fading to black.
Hope you all enjoyed the Wanda perspective and the reveal about what happened to some of the others who were in the city When Wanda blew up. Of course, some are still missing but we have time to find them. Hopefully I gave it justice and changed it enough that it keeps things interesting. I am enjoying watching the show as I do this so hopefully, I don't write myself into a corner with this. I don't think I am as I do know the jist of the show. Anyway, let me know what you think. I love love love reviews.