Chapter 23

Time, mystical time
Cuttin' me open, then healin' me fine
Were there clues I didn't see?
And isn't it just so pretty to think
All along there was some
Invisible string
Tying you to me?

-"Invisible String" by Taylor Swift

The following three days at the farmhouse settled in a comfortable routine. Tony worked remotely from the quinjet parked in Clint's field, Sam cooked, Clint did his normal chores, James helped whoever needed a hand, and Dr. Strange and Wanda trained in the mirror dimension.

They had big family meals at the worn dining table and Wanda noticed that the lingering animosity and tension seemed to shrink a little every day. She could sense how hard everyone was working to push past old habits and be more open and vulnerable with each other. It gave her the motivation to work hard training with Dr. Strange, even though it terrified her.

Her powers were so strong. She was trying to let a little bit more past the seal every day, slowly adjusting to her increase in strength. Now that she knew the seal was there, it was easy to chip away at it. Well, easy for her powers. The act of doing it was almost terrifyingly simple. It was getting past her own fear in order to do so that was hard. Sometimes she found herself paralyzed by the terror that if she let anymore out, it would destroy everything

It was on the third day that Wanda suddenly realized something. She still heard that voice in her head, but it was more faint now and spoke to her less often. She brought it up to Dr. Strange as they took a break from training.

"Interesting." He said thoughtfully. "Perhaps the more you let your power out, the less separate you are from your power. Maybe once the seal is completely gone and you have access to the full extent of your powers, you will be fully merged."

Wanda frowned. "Will I still be me?"

"Do you feel different now that you've been letting more of your power out?"

She took a moment to think about it. She didn't feel different, and no one had mentioned that she was acting differently. But she couldn't forget how resigned her inner self had sounded about their destiny. That inner being was not excited to destroy the world, but had accepted that it would happen. She was terrified that if she fully merged with her powers, she would feel the same way.

"No." She finally said. "But what if that's a trick?"

He studied her. "You mean like your powers are lulling you into a false sense of security?"

"Yes."

He was silent for a moment. "When you were lost in your mind, the Scarlet Witch powers had free reign. When your powers took over your body as I attempted to take you back to the Sanctum Sanctorum, all they did was stop me from taking you. They didn't attack or try to hurt anyone. They just defended you. If the Scarlet Witch powers were attempting to use you like a puppet, that would have been the perfect opportunity to do so." He gave her a searching look. "I think that says more about your powers than anything else."

"Is it even possible to go against a prophecy though?" Wanda asked, slightly desperately.

He smiled slightly. "What is a prophecy but more magic? When magic goes against magic, typically the strongest or the most cunning will win. This is why we are training and slowly letting your power out. I believe that it is yours to wield."

Wanda plucked some of the long grass and braided it together. "If the Scarlet Witch powers do take over….if I am out of control and trying to destroy the world….do you promise you'll stop me?" Her voice was thick with emotion. "James….I don't think James could do it. He couldn't….take me out. And I don't know about the others, but I think you….I think you understand the danger-"

"Wanda." Dr. Strange reached out and stilled her nervous hands. When she met his gaze, his blue eyes were solemn. "I will do everything I can to help you, but yes, if all is lost and there are no options left, I will stop you."

Wanda let out a shaky breath, strangely relieved.

"What do you know about the multiverse?" Dr. Strange suddenly said.

"The multiverse?" Wanda repeated, confused.

"The multiverse is the aggregate of all dimensions and parallel realities in existence."

Wanda just stared at him, not comprehending.

"A single choice can branch out into infinite realities. For example, there is likely a universe where you and your brother never joined Hydra. There is likely a universe where you, as the Scarlet Witch, annihilate the cosmos. But the point is that these realities are based on a choice."

"So you think I have a choice to follow the prophecy or not?"

He smiled slightly. "I think you and the rest of the Avengers have already made numerous choices that have caused this reality to branch away from total destruction."

"Like what?" Wanda asked, trying to ignore the fluttering of hope in her chest.

"What do you think would have happened if you and Pietro hadn't helped defeat Ultron? If you had blamed the Avengers for Pietro's death and turned against them? If you hadn't stayed with Steve, Sam, and James in Canada? If you refused your friends' help and comfort and let all the horrible pain you experienced fester into something dark? If they had left you on the Raft? If Tony and Steve had not reconciled in order to rescue you from Hydra? If you did not work so hard to be vulnerable with your teammates and heal from your trauma? Do you think you would be the same person you are right now?"

A chill walked down Wanda's spine. "No."

"The theory of the multiverse says that each of those choices created an alternate reality, and I'm sure you can imagine how many of them may have ended with destruction."

Wanda could imagine that all too clearly. She remembered that rage that had lurked beneath her skin, her desire to destroy Tony Stark. That part of her would have been delighted to have the full power of the Scarlet Witch.

"The spell that sealed away your power may have made the biggest difference." Dr. Strange continued. "Perhaps there is a potential for the Scarlet Witch power to corrupt and subtly influence decisions in order to manipulate its host into destruction. As it is, you lived nearly two decades without the Scarlet Witch power influencing you. Thanks to your mother and the witch, you experienced your formative years without that otherworldly power flowing through you. And when the Scepter released some of that power, the seal still held most of it back, perhaps keeping that power from influencing you as much as it could have." He smiled gently. "So that single choice your mother made may have led you to this reality where you are able to change your fate."

Wanda was quiet for a long time, her mind racing. Then a thought occurred to her.

"If you think there is potential for this power to influence me, do you think there is potential for me to influence this power?" She asked tentatively.

Dr. Strange smiled, looking almost proud. "Yes, Wanda. Yes I do."

James watched Wanda as they ate dinner. Sam made tacos and had really outdone himself. They were leaving tomorrow, so this was their last dinner together. Wanda was quieter than normal. He couldn't figure out if it was a good quiet or not. She was staying close to Clint, and he was sure that she was dreading saying goodbye.

When Clint volunteered to clean up, Wanda volunteered to help. Clint seemed to notice Wanda's quietness as well and gently teased her as they washed the dishes.

"Lila is gonna be so mad when she finds out you were here." James heard the archer say at one point. Wanda looked up nervously, but Clint just smiled. "She really wants to hang out with you again."

Wanda blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"You're the big sister she always wanted." Clint said simply. "She's been begging us to let you move in. She even drew up a room plan where the two of you sleep on a bunk bed to prove that her room is big enough."

Wanda smiled and continued to wash the dishes quietly.

"You're always welcome here, kiddo." Clint added after a moment. "Anytime. I'm not just saying that, ok?"

From the living room, James could hear her breath hitch slightly. "Ok." She said faintly.

They abandoned the dishes for a few minutes as Clint wrapped her into a hug. James turned his attention to the tv, trying to give them a little privacy.

"Steve and Natasha have been trying to track down Karpov." Tony said quietly, looking at his phone. "They have a few leads. We'll have to send some of you fugitives to check them out, since myself and Vision and Rhodey have our hands tied."

"You have any locations?" Sam asked.

"A couple places in Russia, no surprises there, one in Canada and one in South America." Tony glanced at James. "You ever been to a Hydra base in Canada or South America?"

James frowned. "There was a large base in the Yukon Territory in Canada. I was there at least once. There was more than one base in South America, but I was at the one in Venezuela a handful of times.

"Either of those a good place to set up a super soldier factory?"

"I'd guess the more remote locations would be easier to use for that." James said slowly, trying to push away the memory of a saw buzzing against his arm and the excruciating pain. "Canada or Russia."

"Do you think there's any chance Karpov moved right back into the base in Siberia?"

"It'd be a risky move. But he could be bankin' on us assuming Hydra wouldn't return there." He swallowed hard, his mouth feeling dry. "That one is set up to create more super soldiers. He wouldn't have to do much remodeling."

He could feel the cold seeping into his bones as flashes of memory assaulted him. The lines of reinforced rooms for the soldiers to recover or die after the serum. The cages where they trained like animals. The chair. The cryo chamber.

A gentle touch on his human hand made him react instinctively. He had Wanda's wrist in a vice grip and was off the couch before he realized what he was doing. Everyone else was standing too, but Wanda was holding her free hand out to them, gesturing at them to stop.

"James." She said softly.

He shuddered and released her wrist. "I'm sorry." He said roughly, not quite looking at her. "Did I hurt you?"

"No." She said quietly. "I'm sorry, I should not have touched you without warning."

Do you need more space or can I hug you? Her voice whispered in his mind.

He finally met her gaze. C'mere. He said simply, one corner of his mouth turning up.

She immediately stepped into him, her arms around his waist and his wrapping around her shoulders.

"Wow, that's it?" Tony asked dryly. "Not even a single attempted murder?"

He quirked a grin at the billionaire over Wanda's shoulder. "The Soldier can't take over like that anymore thanks to Wanda, but I could chase you around a bit if it'd make you feel better."

He felt Wanda laughing against his chest.

"Oh I'd love to watch that." Sam said.

"Don't you dare." Clint yelled from the kitchen. "I just refinished these floors!"

"So, Buck, it's your shift with Wanda tonight." Sam said on the porch when they stepped outside for some fresh air. "You two want to sleep in Lila's room or do you want the guest room?"

James frowned. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about that. Obviously he'd prefer to sleep in the guest room so he could wrap Wanda in his arms all night long, but he didn't want to push her.

"Look, all I'm saying is you should ask her." Sam added into the silence.

"Don't want her to feel pressured." He muttered.

"Then don't pressure her. Just give her the choice."

Sam clapped a hand on his back and went back inside, whistling jauntily in a way that made James want to throw something at him. Wanda was still inside, curled up next to Clint on the couch. He wondered if he could reach out to her mind.

Wanda? He tried experimentally.

Through the window he saw her twist to look for him. She met his eyes through the glass and smiled. Yes?

Wanted to ask you somethin. You can stay there with Clint. Might be easier to do this way.

She gave him a curious look before turning back around and settling in next to Clint again. Ok. I'm listening.

James took a seat on the worn porch swing. It was getting cold at night now, but it felt good. I want you to answer this honestly and know there's no pressure from me ok?

Ok.

Tonight do you want to sleep in Lila's bed and I'll sleep in the cot or would you prefer for both of us to sleep in the guest bed?

She seemed surprised for a moment, but then he could somehow sense her smile through the words. The guest bed would be much more comfortable than the couch.

Are you sure? He rushed to say. You don't have to do anythin you don't want to do. I never want you to feel like I'm pressurin you to-

James. She seemed amused. I want to spend the night with you.

He paused, suddenly uncertain, and she seemed to somehow pick up on that.

Sorry. I didn't mean that in a sexual way. Not that I don't want to, I mean, I know we've kissed and slept in the same bed before. I like you a lot…I just don't know if I'm ready-

Doll. He was grinning at her flustered embarrassment. He didn't have to see her face to know she was probably blushing. We can take things as slow as you want.

He felt her relief, but when she spoke again it was like her words were warm like spiced rum. Not too slow I hope.

He was grinning like a fool. You set the pace, doll. I'm more than happy to follow your lead.

I like you a lot. The words were like a soft whisper.

I like you a lot too.

It wasn't the whole truth. He loved her, but he wasn't gonna put that pressure on her right now. He'd waited a century to find her, and he could wait a little longer.

Clint gave him a look when he realized Wanda and James were heading for the guest room. It wasn't quite a "don't you fucking dare" look, but it definitely wasn't a "you have my blessing" either. James tried for a respectful nod, feeling awkward. It was a relief when he shut the door, finally getting some privacy.

Wanda had already changed into her pajamas, a simple t-shirt and shorts. He suddenly noticed that a little bit of red was showing in her hair at the roots. She slid into the bed and playfully patted the mattress beside her, grinning at him. He didn't need a second invitation. He flicked out the light and crawled into the bed beside her. He let her make the first move, just in case she wanted some space, but she immediately curled into him. She tucked her head under his chin, her arm wrapping around his ribs. He pulled her tight against him, his nose buried in her hair. She smelled like fresh air and green grass.

"You smell good." He murmured.

She nuzzled into his chest. "You do too."

"How you feelin' about leaving tomorrow?" He asked quietly.

She sighed. "Sad."

"Sorry, doll." He said softly. "I wish you and Clint didn't have to be apart."

"Me too." She tilted her head up to look at him. "Thank you for bringing me here. It's helped…a lot."

He gently cupped her face with his human hand. "It was Tony's idea. Did you know that?"

She looked surprised. "No, I didn't."

"You got lots of people on your team."

The sweet smile on her face made him desperately want to kiss her, but he held himself back. He settled for brushing his thumb gently across her cheekbone.

"I know." She whispered. "I don't know how I got so lucky."

"You deserve every bit of it." He said, his voice slightly rough.

She shifted so she could twine her arms around his neck, her fingers running gently through his hair. He let his eyes close halfway, enjoying the sensation.

"I remember you braiding my hair." She whispered. "In Wakanda."

He smiled even though she couldn't see it. "Course you do. That braid was unforgettable."

She laughed, pulling back so she could look him in the face. "How do you always know how to make me smile?"

He felt his face soften. "Same way you always know how to pull me out of the Soldier, I'd guess."

She studied his face, her chocolate eyes warm. "I'll always try to bring you back."

His eyes burned slightly. "I'll always try to make you smile."

"You swear?" She whispered.

"I swear."

She shifted up and pressed her lips against his, her arms going around his neck again. He kissed her softly, reverently. His hand slid into her hair to cup the back of her head. He'd kissed plenty of women before Hydra, but he couldn't remember it ever feeling like kissing Wanda. Her lips were full and sweet, and he let her set the pace. Then she deepened the kiss, pressing her body against his in a way that made him growl low in his throat. His hand fisted in her hair and she let out a tiny whimper that nearly killed him. Her tongue was in his mouth and his metal hand gripped her hip. Their kisses shifted from sweet to passion, like a wildfire igniting from a single spark. When she eventually pulled back, they were both breathing hard. She stared at him, her pupils blown wide, and he released her hair, sliding his hand down to wrap around her waist.

"You keep kissin' me like that and I'm gonna have to take a nice cold shower." He teased and was rewarded by her cheeks flushing pink.

"You keep looking at me like that, and I'm gonna have to kiss you all night long." She teased back.

"Lookin' at you like what?" He asked with feigned ignorance.

"Like I'm yours." She whispered, and his throat was suddenly tight.

"All I know is if you'll have me, I'm yours." His voice was rough with emotion.

She gently cupped his face, her eyes glimmering. "I'm yours, James. And you're mine."

God, he felt like his heart was gonna burst clean out of his chest. He smiled, not even caring that his eyes were wet. "I'm yours, Wanda. And you're mine."

Her eyes overflowed, but the smile on her face was practically glowing. He kissed her wet cheeks, and then her mouth again, their bodies moving together like a dance. He finally reluctantly pulled back.

"We gotta get some sleep." He murmured with a smile. "But you best believe we're gonna pick up right where we left off tomorrow."

She shivered lightly, grinning, before tucking herself against his chest again. He wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes and listening to her heartbeat slowly calm down. Even if this was all he got, it was more than he'd ever dared to hope for and more wonderful than he'd ever thought possible.

James.

He opened his eyes. He couldn't quite tell where he was. The surroundings were dimly lit and strangely blurred. He knew he should feel alert and on guard, but he was uncharacteristically calm.

James.

He turned in the direction of the sound and stared. Wanda was standing before him, red power shining off her like the sum. He squinted at the light, bringing up a hand to shield his face. Her eyes were empty pools of glowing red.

James.

Her mouth didn't move, but the soft words echoed inside his head. He narrowed his eyes. This…this was not Wanda. This was the Scarlet Witch.

You changed your fate. She tilted her head slightly. You became something other than what you were created to be.

As his eyes adjusted to the light, he was surprised to see the depth of emotion on her face. She looked…lost.

"They tried to make me into somethin' that wasn't really me." He said quietly. "An' they tried to make me think I didn't have any other choice. It probably woulda worked too if it weren't for Steve being too stubborn to quit."

Steve Rogers helped you. She said it almost like a question.

"Hydra made sure to keep me isolated, to keep me under their thumb. It's easier to control someone if they think they've got nobody else. Steve chased me across the whole fuckin' globe just about, and I ran cause his love scared me a helluva lot more than any torture Hydra did to me." He took a step towards her, then another. "I thought I could only ever be the Winter Soldier, but turns out that was a lie Hydra fed to me."

Wanda does not want to be the Scarlet Witch. The light in her eyes flickered. I do not know how to be anything else.

He was right in front of her now. He took a breath and reached out with his metal hand, cautiously taking her hand. He sucked in a quiet gasp as he felt the warmth on his metal fingers. Not like burning, but like he was holding a warm, human hand. The shock of feeling with his metal hand brought a lump to his throat. She entwined her fingers with his, looking down at their joined hands curiously.

You are not afraid of me.

"I'm not afraid of you." He confirmed hoarsely.

You love her.

He swallowed hard, nodding. "I don't think you and Wanda are as separate as you both think." He caressed her hand with his metal thumb. "When I touch you, I just feel her."

She seemed to study him for a moment. When you touch her, do you feel me?

He remembered the press of her lips against his, the feel of her in his arms. Her powers had always seemed to be a part of her as much as her blood and bones. There was no separation in his mind.

"Yes."

She smiled, but it seemed sad. She still does not fully trust me.

He gently squeezed her hand. "She doesn't fully trust herself." He clarified gently. "But I do."

She slowly reached out towards his face. He had a flash of memory of the burning pain in his hand and arm, but he didn't flinch away. He held her gaze as she gently touched his cheek. Her fingers were warm, but there was no pain.

"I trust you." He said hoarsely.

She stepped into him, cautiously adding her other hand to cup his face just like Wanda had done. Those glowing eyes seemed to hold his as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. It was intoxicating, the rush that flooded his senses. It was almost like electricity, but with waves of pleasure instead of pain.

He opened his eyes to the dim light of dawn. Wanda was draped in his arms, her dark hair spilling across his chest. She was breathing steadily, still asleep.

He hoped he'd said the right things. It had all been true, and he figured the truth was the best thing he could give her. If Steve's love had broken him free from his fear, maybe his love could help Wanda do the same.

He pulled her tight against his body and she made a sleepy sound of contentment. God, he loved her. He loved her in a way that felt like diving from a plane, hurtling through the sky in the seconds before pulling the parachute cord. Terrifying and incredible in a way that took his breath away.

Hopefully soon he could tell her.

Wanda clung to Clint, trying to fight a nauseating wave of deja vu.

"It's ok, kiddo." He said softly into her ear. "It's not like last time. You know where I am and I know where you are, and you can come back anytime, ok? Next time, Laura and the kids would love to see you."

"Ok." She whispered tearfully. "I love you."

She felt the bittersweet surge of sorrow and happiness that went through him. "I love you too, Wanda."

His eyes were damp when she pulled back and gave him a shaky smile. Tony had already left on the quinjet and Dr. Strange was waiting in the living room with James and Sam. When she joined them, James immediately took her hand, entwining his fingers with hers and offering a comforting squeeze. She wiped her eyes with her free hand and smiled gratefully at him.

"Everyone ready?" Dr. Strange asked.

When they all nodded, the Sorcerer Supreme opened the portal. Wanda gave Clint a final wave and then stepped through with James at her side. Steve and Natasha were sitting on the end of Wanda's bed and she noted the arm Steve had around Nat's waist with a delighted grin.

"Oh ho!" Sam cried as soon as he stepped through. "I knew it!"

Nat grinned and Steve's ears went pink, but he was smiling. "So we've got something to tell you guys." He said. "Nat and I decided to make it official." He looked down at her and Nat looked up at him and the emotions flowing off of them made Wanda's eyes tear up again.

She stepped forward as the two of them stood up and threw her arms around Nat. The woman seemed startled at first, but hugged her back. The emotions pouring into Wanda's brain felt pleasantly surprised in an almost delicate way. Like Nat still couldn't quite believe this was happening and that no one was trying to take it away.

"I'm so happy for you guys." Wanda said, stepping back and beaming.

She hugged Steve next after he got done exchanging a hug with lots of back pats with Sam. Steve wrapped her tightly in his arms. "You feeling better?" He asked quietly.

"Yeah." She said softly, tilting her head to smile up at him. "I am."

He smiled back, relief clear in his eyes. "Missed you."

"Missed you too." She said honestly, almost surprised at the powerful emotions that were flowing through her. It wasn't quite the same as Pietro, but it was familiar in a way that felt so sweet. She hadn't replaced her brother, but she had gained a new one.

"Well congratulations, Captain, Miss Romanoff." Dr. Strange said.

"Thanks-" Steve began.

"Ca-p. Ca…pt-an. Ba…..nder. At-t-t-tack." FRIDAY's voice interrupted, glitching and slurring in a way that made goosebumps rise on Wanda's arms. Everyone's heads snapped up, alert and tense.

"Battle stations!" Steve said sharply. "Everybody get-"

The explosion knocked Wanda backwards. She desperately tried to reach for James, but he was gone. She slammed into a body, and then her leg twisted with a sharp pain. Dust and falling rocks filled her vision and then there was nothing.

AN: I solemnly swear this is (probably) the last cliffhanger of this story. We are getting so close to the end. We are getting so close to me finishing a story for the first time ever. What the actual fuck!?

I may have gotten slightly side-tracked on what was supposed to be a light hearted one-shot and turned into 70k word slightly funny (imho), slightly angsty (cause of course), and slightly spicy (borderline smutty?) Avengers fanfic. Oh and I'm still going. Because I have no impulse control.

Thank you a million for all the comments and favorites! They have fueled me even more than the truly insane amount of caffeine I ingest every day. ❤️