Hello. Back for chapter number 6. Finally moving forward with the story. you have no idea how happy I am about this. opera;lly everyone else is too. there wont be too much longer at the barton farm then we will move back to Newyork and truc along the rest of the Wanda filled Infinity Saga. If you wanna leave dae ideas or story ideas PM or review.
but for now enjoy the story.
The rest of the night was a blur for Wanda. Despite their best efforts, Clint and Laura were unable to pry any information about Xander from her. Though she trusted them with her life the last thing she wanted was them teasing her about her crush. Of course this wasn't going to stop them from teasing her about having one, but the less they knew the better. Not that there was much she could tell them other than his name and his hobby. Given his close proximity to the Barton home it was highly likely that Laura at least was familiar with him or even his parents.
Then again she didn't even know his last name so maybe Laura wouldn't find out? Still Wanda wasn't going to take that chance. There was also the fact that Clint was an Avenger. Publicly he wasn't as intimidating as taking on Ironman or the hulk, but he could still do some damage and Wanda really didn't want to scare a new friend off. That was when she realized she had mentioned her hosts by name earlier.
In short, he probably already knew that she was staying at the Barton's if he was familiar with them and still agreed to see her again at the lake today. There was just one little problem that Wanda was facing right now.
WAS SHE GOING OUT ON A DATE?!
She had spent the entire night either staring at the picture he had given her or worrying about what she was going to do when she saw him again. All they had agreed upon was going to the lake to talk so Wanda wasn't concerned with getting all fancy but her social skills were less than ideal since the only person she ever spoke to her own age in recent memory was, well, Pietro and he was dead. Plus she really wasn't all that well versed in American culture, so there was the potential for awkward conversation regardless of pretty much anything.
Wanda had her work cut out for her and she really wasn't sure whom she could talk to. She didn't have anyway to contact anyone because she didn't have a cell phone with her to call anyone why Nobody had gotten her one was a mystery, though if she had to guess it was because it wasn't a practical item compared to the Avengers communicators and Wanda didn't see a use for one in the first place until now anyway, and she really didn't want to talk to anyone back in New York about this.
So yeah she was a bit on the lost side right now. The only thing she had going for her was her desire to learn more about Xander; the question was would he feel the same after discovering who she was. Even if he was able to piece together that she was an Avenger there was no telling that he would come to accept her as anything more than a broken individual considering her heritage and upbringing.
By the time morning came, Wanda had spent so much time worrying she didn't know when she fell asleep or even if she did at all. She didn't really feel tired with all the anxiety pumping adrenaline through her. She couldn't help but wonder if Xander felt the same way.
Yep, she did have it bad, even if she didn't realize it. the question was how did she act upon these feelings? what do normal American girls do when the like someone? She didnt want to talk to the Bartons about the situation because they were already being nosy about it but talking about it with someone back in new York would only give more people more ammunition to use against her. she had no doubt Clint would eventually leak the news to the others so either way Wanda was kind of stuck in a bind Ughh this was just to much pressure.
Sighing, Wanda puled herself out of bed and went through her morning routine, before going downstairs for some breakfast. As soon as she entered she spotted Clint with that wide grin, mischievously chuckling. "Don't" Wanda said, giving him a glare of annoyance. She walked towards the table grabbing some breakfast trying to ignore Clints unwavering gaze. Unfortunately for her, she could feel him trying not to laugh and it caused her irritation to no end. However not wanting to cause a scene, she ate quickly as possible and washed her dishes before bolting back to her room. She didn't have to meet with Xander for a while and given Clint's and Laura's attitude towards her recently, she wanted to minimize contact with them at any cost.
Unfortunately it seemed that the universe was not on her side because as soon as she made it back to her room to sit on her bed there was a knock at the door. Turning around she saw the one and only Laura looking at her with a certain Twinkle in her eye. "Come to try and get me to talk?" Wanda asked dryly folding her arm across her chest. Laura just laughed and walked up to Wanda before placing her hands on the girls shoulders. "Its alright to have a crush Wanda" she told her "I was young once too you know."
Wanda just gave the older woman a smirk. "That's not going to make me tell you anything about him you know. I'd prefer to keep our relationship private." She was aware that Laura was clearly trying to use reverse psychology on her to get her to talk about Xander and it was definitely not going to work. Laura laughed and pulled away from Wanda "Can't blame me for trying right?" she told her before going over to the drawers tat Wanda had unpacked her cloths in. "But what we do have to do is make sure your properly dressed for your first date!" Clearly she had far more enthusiasm about the situation than Wanda did.
Of course, hearing Laura refer to the meeting as a date caused Wanda to blush. "Laura please there is no need… she began but the housewife wasn't going to hear it. she turned right around and gave Wanda an amused stare. "Wanda, while you are in my care it is my job to make sure you are happy and healthy. I think making sure you have a good tine on a date qualifies under that category" she explained. "I may not know who you are going to see today, but if there is one thing I know from having been your age myself its that you want to impress a guy without going to far.
"Too far?" Wanda asked, before she realized the underlying meaning of Laura's words "Oh" she said causing her blush to darken considerably. Of all the things that she was expecting that certainly wasn't one that had crossed her mind. She never even had the urge to try it. Having it suggested to her, even as a forewarning for a date was pretty mortifying. Laura giggled at Wanda's reaction, before she began looking through her drawers once again. After a few moments Laura pulled out a red blouse and some blue jeans for Wanda to wear. Wanda watched her intrigued before Laura took the cloths and gently placed them on Wandas bed 'I suggest you ear this. Nothing too fancy, butt if your going to be outside this time of year it should be comfortable enough." Laura said, "Do you know when your going to meet this mystery man?"
Wanda just grinned slyly "I'm going to meet him tonight, and that's all I'm going to tell you about him." she said. "Good luck Wanda" Laura said before leaving the room. Wanda went over to her bed, looking at the cloths Laura picked out for her. She gingerly picked up the blouse and looked it over. This was the product of her and Natasha's last shopping trip. It was just meant to be used for casual purposes,; she never thought that she' use it for a date. A warm smile reached Wanda's face, her heart pounding in her chest. She already knew that Xander found her beautiful, so what would he think when he saw her wearing this? Would he be enamored wither even more?
What would he wear? God she was really getting lost in this teenage love struck storm that Xander put her in. she really needed to get a hold of herself. The good news was that she had plenty of time to get ready before heading back to the lake to meet with Xander; she could spend the day helping the Barton's before getting ready.
With a grin, she put down the blouse before making her way back to the kitchen to see what there was she could do to help for the next few hours.
Needless to say by the time the day was almost over, Wanda was begging to go back to the lake to meet with Xander. Clint and Laura took every opportunity to tease her when she wasn't trying to avoid them and it was all Wanda could do not to hex them with her hypnotic powers. As a result she was more than a bit irritated and desperately wanted to hangout with someone who wasn't going to drive her crazy.
After she showered and got dressed in the outfit Laura picked out for her Wanda was just in her bathroom finishing the look by putting on some makeup. Not enough to hide her looks but to accentuate it. Laura was gracious enough to give her some tip about it. She still felt nervous but Laura was quick to remind her that by being herself, Xander would be able to determine their relationship with one another, regardless of what it became..
In short she described it as "don't go into this expecting a relationship but don't deny yourself the possibility of a friendship turning into one of romance."
It wasn't something that she didn't want. A family, a normal life. There was a time where she yearned for it, dreamed to be taken away by a knight in shining armor. But that time had passed long ago, when she became an orphan. Pietro was the only person she could count on then and despite wanting to get closer to her allies didn't want to put a loved one in harms way, especially since they wouldn't be able to defend themselves.
But something about Xander just struck a chord with her. she was dying to understand this feeling enveloping her every time she thought about him.
Wanda certainly didn't want to get ahead of herself in that regard. While she knew she was attracted to Xander, at least by appearance she had yet to get to know him. if it was going to evolve into romance she would cross that bridge when she got there. The only other question after that was what would happen then?
But for now she wasn't going to worry about it, now was the time she was going to get to know Xander and just be a normal teenager for once in her life. Putting her makeup down, Wanda left the restroom and went downstairs to see the Barton's one last time for the night. Going down the steps and entering the foyer, she was met with the two looking at her expectantly, wide grins on their faces. She couldn't help but roll her eyes "you do realize I'm old enough not to have a pep talk?" she told them, causing Clint to Laugh. The last thing she needed was a recap of the bird and the bees. She had enough of that from Laura earlier He walked up to Wanda and placed a hand on her shoulder "I know Wanda, but it goes without saying that you should be careful regardless. Plus since you're being so secretive, we can't help but be a little worried" he replied. "But remember be back by nine and have a lot of fun. he continued with a chuckle. Wanda blushed slightly and made her way past Clint and Laura mumbling a quick "I will, before she all but ran out of the door and into the night taking the same path she did the previous night to go and meet with Xander.
With a skip in her step and a smile on her face Wanda was feeling quite giddy for her date (she still had trouble deciding if it was a date but for the ease of her conscience she decided t refer to it as such). At the very least it was just two people hanging out o get to know each other better. Honestly Wanda could live with that if that was the case. Didn't stop her nerves from shaking though
Before long the lake can into view glistening in the moonlight.. Wanda made her way to the edge o the lake, enjoying the view of the water. She stood there for what seemed like ages until she heard footsteps not far from her. Turning in the direction she heard them in she saw Xander approaching her and her jaw nearly dropped to the ground at his appearance. He was wearing a dark blue button up t shirt and white shorts, a very perfect counter to her own black and red outfit. Like herself, he had a wide smile on his face, and the slightest red on hi cheeks. It was clear to Wanda that he indeed noticed and appreciated her appearance tonight. Wanda made her way over to him and the two stopped in front of the other, just gazing into the others eyes.
Could you feel the love tonight?
Wanda fidgeted nervously. She had forgotten one small factor in tonight's events. How to actually start a conversation! She had been so busy trying to make herself look good that she had forgotten everything else and the problem was every time Xander came up her brain decided to short circuit. Go darn it woman just say something to clear the awkwardness out of the air! "You… You look quite nice!" Wanda murmured quietly, trying to shake the blush off her cheeks.
Xander just smiled wider taking one of Wanda's hands and brining it up to his lips, kissing it like she was some sort of princess, "Not as beautiful as you Wanda." He replied smoothly. If Wanda's cheeks were red before they were blazing crimson now. never before in her life had she been treated this way and judging by the warm feeling enveloping her body, she was rather coming to like it.
Gently taking her hand away, she looked at Xander and asked "so what I it you want to do?" she asked "I'm honestly not sure what to do." She told him. to her surprise Xander chuckled, a nice refreshing sound that made her spine tingle. "Its quite alright Wanda, but I figured we could just talk for a while and get to know each other more." He said with a smile that made Wanda's heart flutter with anticipation. Dimly, she nodded unable to meet Xanders gaze without her nerves shaking.. "there's a bench not far from here, I figure its better than standing or ruining your outfit sitting on the ground."
Ok that one made Wanda want to freeze in place. Clearly he had noticed her new look which only reinforced the idea he found her attractive. Never the less she followed him to the aforementioned bench where to her surprise she found a picnic basket underneath she looked at Xander confused. Xander just gave her a smile "I figured you might be hungry so I packed some sandwiches." He explained leading her to the bench before sitting down on one side of the bench and reaching into the basket. Sensing no harm, Wanda sat down on the other side watching as Xander took out a sandwich wrapped in some plastic likely to keep it from spilling, and handed it out to Wanda for her to take.
Smiling Wanda took the sandwich and unwrapped it, revealing a cheese sandwich. Her favorite. Gingerly she bit into it, taking care not to seem like she would when eating waffles. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Xander taking another sandwich and gently eating it as well. he was trying not to make a mess either it seemed.
Despite not wanting to, Wanda couldn't help but scan his mind briefly, since it wasn't protected much like the last time they met. To her surprise there was very little in his mind that she could scan. Not for lack of trying; she didn't want to invade his privacy too much after all. it was more the fact that all his thoughts were rather pessimistic and about her. from what she was reading he thought she was beautiful and he unworthy of her, but didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of her either, which was the only sliver of hope she could find in his mind.
She was so lost in thought that she barely heard him speak to her "Wanda?" he called gently looking confused as to why she was suddenly spacing out. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts and get out of his mind Wanda smiled at Xander and said I'm sorry, can you repeat that?" she told him.
Xander for his part just nodded "Of course, I was asking what you do with your life."
Wanda's smile faded slightly at that one worry filling her being. Xander must have noticed for he immediately apologized "I'm sorry, is that too personal for you?" he asked "You don't have to tell me I you don't want to."
Relief swept over Wanda and she gave him a nod "I want to get to know you more Xander I do, but I'm afraid the more you know about me, the less you'll want to." She said sadly, causing Xander to raise an eyebrow. Clearly he was surprised by her pessimism Justas much as she was about his. Wanda had to admit her reasoning sounded odd as well.
"Shouldn't I be the judge of that?" he asked gently. Wanda bit her lip knowing that he was right, but she still felt scared to talk about herself. What would he think of her being Sokovian, of being an Avenger? Would he stop seeing her as just Wanda, instead of a hero or a broken doll? These thoughts ashamed Wanda because she was feeling the worst about herself but she couldn't help it. it wasn't like she had positive reinforcement for most of her life, only assurances from Pietro and the Barton's, neither of which would be able to help her in this very moment.
Seeing Wanda's distress Xander offered her a smile. "In that case is there anything you'd like to know about more" he asked. At that Wanda could agree o she said the first thing that came to mind "what got you into art?" it was really the only thing she knew about Xander so it was the only thing she could ask but at least it made for a bit of conversation. Xander let out a chuckle and turned his gaze to the lake taking another bite of his sandwich as he did so. After swallowing he began to explain "what doesn't get me into art?" he replied "even in this small town, where so few people live there's life all around us. The trees they feed the tiniest of herbivores that live, the water home to the largest of fish that swim in it." he told her "there's just so much beauty in this world it be a same not to capture it in some manner he turned his gaze to look at her "like I did with you." he said shooting her a sly wink.
Red exploded on Wanda's cheeks at that statement and she averted her eyes from Xanders gaze once again "that's…." she fumbled for something to say. Never in her life had she been this flustered. The only person to even come close was Pietro, and maybe Vision ( but those were for different reasons, if she was being honest), but Xander was something else entirely.
"sorry that might have been too much" Xander apologized "I've always been a little to straightforward." He told her sheepishly. Wanda looked back at him and shook her head "no its not that." she whispered "I've just never been around too many people, so I'm not sure what to expect from them. " she took another bite of her sandwich and swallowed "It was jut me and my brother for most of y life she said after she finished. However as soon as the words left her mouth she froze. Why had she said that? Immediately Wanda began to panic her body shaking uncontrollably as images of Pietro's death rang through her mind at speeds only her brother could run. Her breath came out in shaking gasps and she suddenly felt the urge to vomit.
"you didn't see that coming"Pietros voice echoed in her mind a remnant of her dream several nights ago. Involuntarily, Wanda stood up from her spot in the bench and without even mumbling a quick sorry to Xander turned and fled into the night leaving the poor confused boy behind.
by the time Wanda had realized what she had done she had already sprinted all the way back to the Barton farm, ran p the steps into the house all but barreled through the front door and slammed it shut behind her like she had been running like a bat out of hell (which she was) startling the occupants of the house. She breathed heavily leaning back against the door for support as Clint came running from the living room.
Wanda?" he cried taking in the girl's disheveled appearance. He stormed up to her a wide eyed worried look on his face "what happened?!" he almost yelled at her, but seeing how she was hyper as it was, it was best not to make the situation worse. Instead he placed his hands on Wanda's shoulders and jut said "Breath Wanda, just breathe" he said gently. Wanda just continued to breath heavily for a few more moments, until she collapsed into Clint's arms sobbing like the most depressed person in the world. Clint wrapped his arms around her holding her like he would his daughter "shhh Wanda its ok…. He said "Its ok….
Except the problem was that to Wanda, it really wasn't ok. She continued sobbing in Clint's arms wishing she could do anything to stop the pain that was tearing at her heart.
When Wanda finally calmed down she found herself on the couch of the living room wrapped in a blanket provided by Clint with a mug of hot chocolate (apparently Laura always seemed to make it whenever the kids were feeling down and boy did Wanda need some relief) Clint across from her in a lounge chair a calm but angry look on his face. by scanning his mind Wanda realized that he was coming to the conclusion that whomever Wanda was with was the reason that Wanda was so upset. That couldn't be farther from the truth, and Clint was bound to know that, if Wanda was even able to explain herself without going haywire again. taking a sip of her drink she relished in the soothing warmth and taste before meeting Clint's gaze shifting guiltily in her seat.
"you've been sitting there for the past few minutes without saying anything Wanda." Clint said his voice steady but firm, indicating his impatience with the situation "I really don't like sitting here watching you torture yourself like this. Please tell me what's wrong." He pleaded gently wanting to help his friend.
Wanda responded by taking another sip of her hot chocolate gulping it down, before she decided to speak. "Nothing happened out there Clint, so you don't have to be angry with anyone." She mumbled "I… I did have fun with him…" he voice was so low Clint had to strain to hear what she had said, and he gave her a skeptical look in response. "If you had fun why did you run here looking like your world had ended?" Clint asked picking apart Wanda's logic. No one who had fun acted like this when it was over. "Hell Wanda you were barely gone for a half an hour and that includes the time it takes just to walk to the lake."
Wanda sighed placing her mug on the nearby table before burying her face in her hands and taking a deep breath "I don't know whats wrong with me Clint." She said her voice weak I know you brought me here to feel better about my situation, but… I can't help but feel at odd with myself. I want to enjoy my time here with you and my family but im constantly reminded of Sokovia; when I sleep I have nightmares, and Pietro haunts me every day no matter what. How do I have fun and relax when all I have are the memories that or tormenting me?"
Clint said nothing, just looking at Wanda with sadness in his eyes. He couldn't believe that the poor girl was torturing herself so much. Worse yet there was little he could say to make her feel better. He had brought her here to help her be a child again and while that had worked to a degree, the PTSD was something he couldn't relate to, in the sense of healing it anyway; it would take time. Plus there wasn't anything he could say that hadn't been said already. Wanda was just going through the motions.
The tears nearly burst out again but Wanda was able to hold them in this tine around "Its why I ran away. Xander… he reminds me of Pietro, to some degree, and I…. I can't lose someone like that again. I'm an Avenger Clint, he'll be in danger just by being around me." She lifted her head revealing her bloodshot eyes "You have a family, you know how that feels" she told him 'I can't… I just can't
Clint stood up "Wanda, just take the rest of the night to relax and calm down. Drink some more hot chocolate. Tomorrow we will do whatever you want" he gave her a smile "Maybe it will help to talk about this more as well. "
Wanda nodded glumly. Clint had a point. She had been spending so much time avoiding her feelings that it was affecting her every day life. Maybe it was time to talk about it.
That night Wanda laid in bed, an apology to Xander on her mind.
Ok, Any thoughts on that? I just had to do it. Like i said Wanda has been going through PTSD and she is scared of what being close to Xander will do, even though she does like him. but What will Clint do to help her with that?
Till next time.