"Tony, I need a favor." I said as I walked outside and leaned against one of the posts. He had yet to say anything but I could hear him working in the background, most likely Jarvis had answered for him. "I'm looking to buy a shack in Connecticut, and I was wondering if you could lend me some money to do so." I said, my voice tinged with a hint of hesitation in asking. I hated that I had to ask, seeing as I turned down his offer to join the Avengers.
"A shack in Connecticut?" Tony questioned as the work in the background stopped. "Why would you want that, Wanda? You've never shown an interest in such things before." He replied, genuinely puzzled.
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words as I didn't want him to know why I was asking. "I want a place where I can be alone, away from the chaos and responsibilities. A place where I can find solitude and peace." I explained, my voice softening.
He didn't answer, but was quiet. Tony's confusion most likely melted into concern. "Alright, Wanda." Tony said, his tone softened. "I'll lend you the money, but I have one condition." Tony said as I narrowed my eyes as I didn't want any conditions. Let my people come over and upgrade the shack for you. You deserve more than just a basic shack. We can make it a comfortable retreat for you." He said, with me knowing he wanted to keep an eye out on me as I was one of the Earths most powerful beings.
I hesitated for a moment, contemplating Tony's offer. Finally, I nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Tony. I appreciate your generosity, but there's one thing I want you to promise me." I said as I looked back at the door. "When your people come to upgrade the shack, please tell them to leave the front door as it is. No changes, no upgrades." I said as I didn't want to destroy the possibility that the Door was what gave them access to this world.
I knew Tony's suspicion was reignited by my request. "Alright. I'll respect your wishes. Just remember that if you ever need anything else, you can always count on me." He said, making me smile.
Few days later
Tony's team of engineers had arrived in Connecticut and gave my shack a much-needed makeover. They transformed it into a picturesque cottage. Every aspect of the interior was upgraded, from the plumbing to the decor, except for the front door, exactly as I had requested.
When the work was completed, Tony arrived in his Iron Man suit and joined me at my new home. I watched as it opened, letting Tony step out of the suit, wearing a business attire. We now stood at the entrance, admiring the peaceful surroundings. "Wanda, why was it so important to leave the front door untouched?" He asked as the door just didn't fit right with the rest of the building.
I smiled warmly at Tony Stark. "This front door represents my journey, Tony. It reminds me of the person I used to be and how far I've come." I said, but I knew he would not buy it. Tony nodded, still suspicious. He knew of my need to hold learn more about my past. Together, we stepped through the unaltered front door and entered the upgraded shack.
The interior of the cottage had been completely transformed. The once dilapidated walls were now adorned with fresh paint, exuding a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The living area boasted comfortable furniture, a crackling fireplace, and shelves filled with books on whatever I had. The kitchen had been equipped with modern appliances, and a small dining area provided a space for quiet meals.
I led Tony through the rooms, my eyes gleaming with genuine appreciation. "It's perfect, Tony. Thank you." I said softly, my voice filled with gratitude.
Tony smiled, pleased to see my joy. "You deserve it, Wanda. This is your sanctuary, a place where you can find solace and recharge. I'm glad I could help make it happen." He said as he placed his hands in his pockets.
As we explored further, we discovered a room that had been transformed into a personal gym, complete with state-of-the-art equipment. My eyes widened with surprise as I wasn't a physical person.
"I thought you might appreciate a space to train and keep up your physical strength." Tony explained, a mischievous glint in his eye.
I couldn't help but cross my arms as I looked at him. "You really have thought of everything, haven't you?" I said sarcastically as I knew he still wanted to see me in yoga pants. I knew he would have some hidden cameras, this room definitely had more than any other room.
Tony shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, I do have a reputation to uphold." He said with a grin, where I shook my head at him as I expected more from him.
We continued our tour, eventually reaching the backyard. My eyes widened as I took in the sight of a beautifully landscaped garden. Vibrant flowers bloomed, a small pond sparkled in the sunlight, and a quaint patio area provided a serene spot for relaxation.
"I wanted you to have a peaceful outdoor space, surrounded by nature," Tony explained, gesturing toward the garden. "Somewhere you can find tranquility and connect with your powers." He said as he walked through the garden, with me joining him.
I was moved by Tony's thoughtfulness and the care he had put into creating my sanctuary. "Thank you, Tony. This means more to me than words can express. You've given me a place of refuge, a haven I can call my own." I said with a smile.
"You're welcome, Wanda. Just know that if we ever need your help with the Avengers, we're calling in." He said, with me knowing I was going to have to return the favor every now and then. "You've been through a lot, and I want you to know that you can always count on us. This shack, this home of yours, is a symbol of our bond." He said, with me nodding.
I smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through my heart. I knew that Tony's words held true. He was a friend and Avenger. As we stood in the backyard, the sounds of nature filling the air, I felt a renewed sense of peace and purpose.
With my shack in Connecticut, I had found a place where I could escape the chaos of the world, reconnect with myself, and embrace my journey to the past. And with Tony by my side, I knew that I would never be alone.
Later
Walking into the gym, I crossed my arms. "No way am I going to use this room." I said as I waved my hand, turning the room into a medical room. An adjustable exam table, ideally with cabinets and storage beneath, is an absolute "must have" and will provide a place to examine Dakota when he gets back to this side, while also providing much needed storage without taking up extra floor space. An integrated diagnostic system which should provide me with everything I'd require for a basic examination. Here I'll be able to perform checks using an ophthalmoscope, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, and an electronic thermometer. A Desk Charger. Exam Lights. ECG Devices. Spirometer. Automated External Defibrillators. Anoscope. Computer Workstations. Exam Stool. Guest Seating. Storage Cabinetry. Sinks and Counters. Scale. EHR Readiness. That's all I could think of at the moment.
If I needed anything I could ask Charles for some help. He could send Jean over, I remember she was interested in medical studies. Hank is good with tools, so he might know what to do. If things go from bad to worse I can call Strange for help.
Looking up at one of the cameras that Tony hid, I destroyed it before walking away. "Maybe he didn't see the room." I said as I hopped that he didn't see it as it would rial up some questions.
Three days later, Tony Starks POV
"Tony, we need to talk." I heard Steve, where I looked up from my computer, seeing him crossing his arms and staring at me with a stern look on his face.
I picked up a screwdriver and started fiddling with it, looked down at the computer, watching Wanda as read a book. "Sure, Cap, what's on your mind?" I asked as I want interested in him at the moment.
"It's about Wanda." Steve's said, his voice was heavy with disappointment, and I knew instantly that Steve had found out about my surveillance on the Scarlet Witch.
I sighed, putting down my screwdriver. "I had a feeling this would come up." I said as he turned the computer around to face him.
"Tony, you're spying on her. That's not right. She's our friend!" Steve's said, his voice held a note of rebuke.
"I know, Steve, I know." I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. "But she's also extremely powerful, and if she's up to something... " I trailed off, but the implication was clear. Wanda was a force to be reckoned with, and after everything we've been through, I couldn't afford to take chances.
"Still, Tony, it's not right. You should have told us if you had concerns." Steve's said, his reproach was firm and unwavering.
I sighed again, then moved computer over to me and backed him over. As he walked over, I brought up a video feed. "Take a look at this!" I said, pressing play. The video showed Wanda in her new home. She was alone in the gym I had installed. Wanda was using her magic to transform the gym. Machines and weights disappeared, replaced with medical equipment. In a matter of seconds, the gym had turned into a fully-equipped medical room.
Steve frowned, watching the transformation. "Why would she need a medical room? She doesn't have any medical training."
"Exactly!" I replied while holding my hands out to the screen. "And as far as we know, she doesn't know anyone who's in such bad condition to need it." I said as I faced him.
Steve was silent for a moment, contemplating the video. He didn't like the idea of spying on a friend, but this was indeed concerning. "I'll go talk to her." He finally decided, catching me off guard. "We need to understand what's going on." He said as he looked at me.
I nodded, feeling a bit of relief. I didn't like going behind Wanda's backs, but I knew that sometimes tough decisions had to be made for the greater good. "Let me know what you find out, Cap." I said, watching as Steve left to uncover the mystery behind Wanda's unusual actions.
The next day, Wanda POV
Sitting on the porch, I had my legs crossed as I sat on the swinging bench, a coffee in my lap. I knew I was going to get visitors today, I just had a feeling. I didn't know who they were, just that they would be here. As they approached, Steve and Natasha came into view, both who couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.
"Steve? Natasha?" I said, my voice quivered with fake surprise. "What are you doing here?" I questioned as I took a sip of my coffee.
"We're here on behalf of Tony." Steve replied gently, with me knowing he wanted to ask about the room. "He's been worried about you, Wanda. He wanted us to make sure you're okay." He said, with me nodding my head slowly.
I got up and moved over to the door, pushing it open for them to follow me inside. "Please, come in." I said, gesturing for them to follow her as I looked over my shoulder at them. "I wasn't expecting anyone, but you're welcome here." I said as I walked inside.
As they walked through the small living space, I led them toward a door at the back of the shack. I hesitated at first, but knew that I needed to show them. They already knew, so I felt obliged to show them. "Wanda." Steve began carefully, with me looking at him with narrowed eyes as I dared him to say something out of line. I would remove them from my home the instant he tried anything. "I caught him spying on you. When I confronted him... Tony showed me a room on camera and insisted we come investigate." He said, with me looking back at the door that was in front of us.
"I knew... he was spying on me." I said, my voice laced with hurt and anger.
"I had a feeling... And I couldn't let him invade your privacy like that. So, I thought it was important to see for myself what he was up to." Steve said, with me placing a hand on the doorknob, hesitating to open it.
I took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm myself. "I understand why you came." I said, my voice steadier now. "But I assure you, there's nothing to hide." I said as I opened the door, revealing a small, neatly organized medical room. Medical equipment lined the shelves, and a comfortable-looking bed stood in the center. Various books on healing and self-care were scattered on a nearby table.
"I've been waiting, hoping for something." I explained, walking inside and over to the bed. "It's my fault... and I have to make it right." I said as I placed a hand on the bed.
Steve and Natasha stepped into the room, taking in the sight. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, Wanda." Steve finally said, his voice filled with sincerity. "We were only curious." He said, with me looking at them.
I nodded, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I understand, Steve." I said, looking at Natasha who was looking around for any bugs or hidden cameras. "You won't find any here... they were removed." I informed, with her looking back at me and then moving over to the bookshelf and going through them.
"You can't be too sure about that." She said as she took out a book and flipped through it.
"Wanda, I know that you're interested in your past." Steve spoke gently, trying to sound like an old wise man. "But I can't help but wonder why you've set up a medical room when you don't have any medical training." He said, with me gripping the bed sheet out of anger.
"That is none of your concern!" I warned, with Natasha putting the book away and moving over to stand with Steve, pushing him back some.
He raised his hands in a calming gesture. "I'm sorry, Wanda. I didn't mean to upset you." Steve said as he backed down, with Natasha looking at me.
I turned away, my arms crossed defensively. "I don't need you or Tony or anyone else to define what's best for me. I'm doing what I believe is necessary to heal and make amends for when the time is right." I said as I thought of what horrible things Dakota was going through. Or if he was even alive after all these years.
"Wanda, we're not trying to undermine your choices. We're here because we care about you and want to support you." Natasha said, with me looking at her.
My gaze softened slightly, but my guard remained up. "I know you mean well, Natasha." I replied, my voice tinged with sadness. "But I made a huge mistake... One I am just now remembering bits and pieces of. I just want to be left alone to figure things out on my own terms." I said as I sat down on the bed.
He took a deep breath and spoke sincerely. "Wanda... We've made mistakes in the past, and we're learning from them. We'll respect your boundaries and support you in whatever way you need." Steve said, his voice filled with genuine remorse.
I turned to face him, my anger slowly subsiding. "Thank you." I whispered, my voice laden with vulnerability. "I appreciate your understanding." I said as I looked down at the ground. "I appreciate your concern and your attempts to support me." I began, my voice steady. "But I need to make something clear. My privacy and boundaries are important to me, and I won't tolerate any intrusion or surveillance." I said as I looked up at them.
Steve nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "Wanda, we're truly sorry for overstepping before. We should have respected your privacy more." He said, with me nodding as I had made it clear.
My expression softened slightly at Steve's apology, but I remained firm. "I'm glad you understand. But I need you to leave now. I think it's best if we all take some time from each other." I suggested.
"Wanda, we apologize for any distress we've caused. We'll respect your wishes and leave. But before we go, let us make things right." Natasha said as she left the room, with me following her.
Natasha moved through the shack, her trained eyes scanning the rooms. She discreetly located the hidden cameras Tony had placed throughout the house. One by one, she removed them and stowed them away, erasing any lingering surveillance.
"Thank you, Natasha," I said, a hint of gratitude in my voice. "I appreciate your effort." I said, with Natasha nodding. "Now, go!" I warned, pointing towards the door as I want in the mood to deal with them now. They left without a fight, and I was happy about that.