This just a filler chapter for now. The story keeps getting longer and longer than originally planned.
Scarlet energy started to emit from Wanda. The red tendrils floated towards me and I knew Wanda wanted to talk in private. Do you know how concerned everyone is about you, right now? How much? On a scale of 1-10? 10! Completely and utterly 10. I get that they're concerned, but why so much? Because, we're family and we're young and even though they didn't see it but you getting shot is making Tony want to throttle the guy that did it. I would pay to see that. Really? She raised an eyebrow at me. I shrugged. I love you, Piper but you're a dork and a really bad influence. Technically, you should be influencing me because you're older.
Only by three and a half months… Still older. I grinned at her. She sighed. I brought her hand up to my lips, placing a gentle kiss to it and she giggled. I swooned internally at the sound.
"Miss Knight," Thor's voice boomed and he entered the room. I watched Cho and she turned to jelly as soon as she saw him. Noticeably sitting herself down but trying not to be seen, she focused on the clipboard in her hand, writing notes about my situation. Wanda chuckled, presumably hearing her thoughts.
"Thor," I smiled and greeted.
"How is my favourite Midguardian doing?" He sat himself down.
"I thought I was your favourite," Tony frowned teasingly.
"You're up there, Stark but Piper and Wanda are definitely joint top."
"As much as I am honoured to be your favourite, shouldn't Jane be at the top?"
"She's at the top of a different list." He smirked lightly. "Anyway, I have a gift for you." I then noticed his arm was hiding behind his back. He brought it round and in his hand was my hunting knife. He placed it in my hands.
"You got it back."
"I confiscated it off of Doom when I handed him to S.H.I.E.L.D."
I unsheathed it. "And it's completely clean."
"It was in a mess when I got a hold of it so I took the liberty of having it cleaned and sharpened. I wouldn't touch the blade without something protective on."
"Thank you so much."
"You are very wise, young Piper. You truly belong with the Avengers and I am honoured to fight by your side. The same goes for you, Wanda. You are a magnificent person with truly wondrous abilities."
"Thank you, Thor. Truly. That means a lot coming from a god."
Conversation took a lighter tone until the rest of the team turned up. After that (whilst I was still in the process of being healed, by the way), we were given a briefing on the outcome of Doom's capture.
Tony's relief foundation moved in as soon as we left to Sokovia to help the locals start on rebuilding their lives again, post Ultron and post Doom. This time, they were more willing to accept the help, though. Doom was in a high security cell within the facility. He was heavily guarded by men with live rounds and tranquiliser darts.
By the time we were finished, Cho's machine had completed its job and I was allowed to sit up. I tested it and there was no pain. Running my hands along the patch of skin that had been healed, I could barely feel the difference but there was a recognized change.
We moved to the canteen for dinner, not realising just how late it really was until we were there. Wanda took her place next to me and everyone else either opposite or next to us. Even Vision and Banner took their place at the table. Steve was at the head of the table. He claimed that seat as the captain of the group.
"So, guys," Steve started. "I've spoken to Fury and we've made the executive decision that the team tasks will not be needed. We saw how you all worked together in Sokovia and we know how well you've come together behind the scenes. You've all successfully passed your training." I grinned at Wanda, lacing our fingers together.
"On top of that," Tony added. "You're all welcome to move into the Avengers tower. "It's easier having everyone in the same place at the same time in case of a mission."
"Well, I'm already packed. When can I move in?" Rhodey asked.
"Tomorrow."
"Why are you already packed?" Sam looked at him bewildered. Rhodey shrugged and continued eating.
We were there for at least an hour, nearly two, as we relaxed after an extremely long day. It was all agreed that by tomorrow evening, we'd all be living in the Avengers tower. Tony agreed to patch up my suit as well. It had a lovely bullet hole in it at the moment (note the sarcasm). Wanda and I were the first to retire to our room but I imagine the rest of the team weren't too far behind us. I shut the door and collapsed onto the couch, pulling Wanda down with me. She got herself comfy on my lap as I wrapped my arms around her waist so she couldn't get up. However, with the way she was staring at me and biting on her lip, I don't think she had any intention of moving. I draw her in for a gentle kiss, our lips sliding against each other.
We pulled away after a few moments, Wanda resting her head in the crook of my neck. I tightened my arms around her waist and pulled her closer to me. She sighed contentedly and I smiled. We sat in silence until a thought popped into my head. I was hesitant to break the calming quiet but went ahead and did it anyway.
"What do you say to dinner this Saturday?" I asked her, my voice quiet.
"Dinner sounds great." She twisted her head slightly to look at me. "Where should we go?"
"That bit will be the surprise. I mean it, no looking into my head to find out where we're going." She pouted which I kissed away.
"But how will I know what to wear?" She asked after I pulled away.
"You look stunning in anything and everything you wear."
"Piper," she was trying to look stern but the smile was impeding it. "Whilst flattery gets you everywhere, I still need to know whether it will be smart or casual dress and/or I need to drag Natasha shopping." I snorted in amusement.
"What do you mean drag? Nat needs no excuse for window shopping even if we never see her wear the excessive amount of clothing she presumably owns."
"Hmm, she's a spy. She probably goes out without anyone knowing." Something in the young Sokovian's tone suggested that she knew what she was saying was true.
"Hmm… You're in her head, aren't you?"
"Pfft. No…maybe…yes."
I chuckled, nuzzling my face into her hair. "God, I love you."
"I love you too."
"Tell Nat that you need to go shopping in the next two days for a dress. She'll know what you need."
"So she knows where we're going?"
"Not yet. I don't know where we're going but I have a couple of ideas. What do you want to eat? French? Italian? Greek? Seafood?"
"Italian sounds great."
"Great! Now, I know where we're going."
"You do?"
"Of course." My eyes caught sight of the clock on the wall. "We should really go to bed, Wanda. It's ten past eleven." I looked at her and she was yawning.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I smiled at her.
"I said…" I placed my arms under her legs and lower back to support her as I stood up, taking her by surprise as she was still in my arms. "…we need to go to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow packing and everything." She rested her head on my shoulder as I carried her into our room and set her on her bed.
"Okay, okay. Let me get changed and we'll sleep."
She quickly changed, pulling on a t-shirt and pyjama pants as I did. She then made herself comfy in my bunk, with an expectant look aimed at me. I chuckled and climbed in next to her, wrapping my arms around her as she snuggled up to me. She rested her head in the crook of my neck. I kissed the side of her head as we settled down for the night. Our final night in this bed and this room.
As usual I waited for her to sleep before I closed my eyes. I think now I use her gentle, even breaths as a way to relax my body. A sense of calm washes over my body when I know she's okay.
I cannot wait for Civil War. I will probably sob during the main battle between Steve and Tony because they're the superdad's of the group. But Scarlet Witch already looks badass so I'll use her to take my mind off things.
