Avenging My Thoughts

Wanda Maximoff

She turned her head and found Y/N still asleep. Peacefully this time. No pained groans. No restless tossing. Just sleeping.

Wanda let out a quiet breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She studied Y/N's face for a long moment. The color had finally returned to their cheeks. Not completely, but enough. Enough to remind Wanda that Y/N was alive.

Three days.

Three days of wondering if every breath would be their last. Three days of checking their pulse every few minutes. Three days of watching her magic fail over and over again.

The memory made her stomach twist.

She'd never felt so helpless. She'd watched people die before—family, friends, strangers, even enemies—but watching Y/N slip further away while every spell she knew simply... did nothing had terrified her more than she wanted to admit.

Her fingers gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from Y/N's forehead.

"You scared me," she whispered.

Y/N didn't stir.

Wanda smiled faintly. Her fingertips traced softly along Y/N's cheek before drifting lower toward the thick bandages wrapped around their chest. Carefully, as gently as she could, she peeled back one corner—just enough to see.

The wound had closed. Mostly.

The hole that had once gone completely through Y/N's chest was gone, replaced by angry pink skin that was still raw around the edges. A thin line of fresh blood had seeped through where the skin continued knitting itself together. Healing.

Relief flooded Wanda's chest all over again. She carefully adjusted the bandage before pressing it back into place.

"There."

She leaned down and pressed the gentlest kiss against the corner of Y/N's lips.

“I’ll be right back.”

After one last lingering look, she reluctantly slipped out of bed.

---

The safe house was unusually quiet. The wooden floor creaked softly beneath her feet as she made her way downstairs. The smell of fresh coffee drifted from the kitchen. Steve stood by the stove, a mug in one hand and an old notebook in the other. He looked up as Wanda entered.

"Morning."

"Morning."

His eyes instinctively searched behind her. "How's Y/N?"

A small smile appeared on Wanda's face. "Better."

Steve visibly relaxed. "Good."

"The healing finally kicked in."

"It did."

"Still a long way to go..." She glanced back toward the stairs. "...but she’s getting there."

Steve nodded. "I'm glad."

He watched her for another moment before asking, "And you?"

Wanda looked surprised. "Me?"

"You haven't exactly looked after yourself."

She glanced down at the oversized sweater she'd been wearing for two days. "I'm..." She searched for the right word. "...still tired."

A small smile returned as she looked toward the ceiling where Y/N was still sleeping.

"But..." Her voice softened. "...relieved."

Steve smiled warmly. "I figured."

He stepped aside as Wanda walked to the refrigerator.

"What are you making?"

"Breakfast." She scanned the shelves before pulling out eggs.

"For both of you?"

She shook her head. "I'll eat later."

Steve frowned. "Wanda."

"I will," she assured him with a reassuring smile. "I just know how Y/N wakes up after healing."

Steve chuckled. "Hungry?"

"Hungry doesn't even begin to describe it."

She set eggs, bacon, sausage, butter, and a loaf of bread onto the counter before pausing to grab another carton of eggs.

Steve raised an eyebrow. "Planning to feed the whole house?"

Wanda laughed softly. "No."

She laid everything out before reaching for a frying pan.

"This is all for Y/N."

Steve blinked. "All of it?"

“She hasn’t eaten in three days. She will wake up starving." She grabbed another pan. "And knowing Y/N…” A fond smile tugged at her lips. “…she’ll still ask for seconds."

Steve couldn't help smiling. "I've heard stories."

"They're all true."

Soon the kitchen filled with the comforting sounds of breakfast. Bacon sizzled in one pan while butter melted in another. Eggs slowly scrambled as slices of bread browned in the toaster. Wanda moved through the kitchen almost absentmindedly, preparing everything exactly the way Y/N liked it—extra bacon, soft scrambled eggs, golden buttered toast, and hash browns cooked until perfectly crisp.

By the time she finished, enough food covered the counter to feed three people. Steve looked over the spread and shook his head with an amused smile.

"You weren't kidding."

Wanda placed the last strip of bacon onto the plate before looking toward the staircase once more. A quiet fondness settled across her features.

"No." Her smile widened just a little. "I have a feeling she’s going to eat every bit of it." She let out a soft, affectionate laugh.

Steve insisted on carrying one of the trays. "That's too much for you to carry alone.”

Wanda smiled. "I have powers! …but I wasn't going to argue."

Between the two of them, they carefully balanced the mountain of food up the narrow staircase: eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, and enough water and juice to last the entire morning.

Steve glanced sideways at Wanda. "You sure this is all for Y/N?"

“She hasn’t eaten in three days."

"Still."

Wanda laughed. "You'll see."

When they reached the bedroom, Wanda carefully nudged the door open with her shoulder. The room was still. Y/N remained asleep, one arm draped across the blanket, her breathing deep and even.

For exactly three seconds. Then...Their nose twitched.

Steve stopped in the doorway. "No way."

Y/N's brow furrowed, their nose twitching again as she drew in another slow breath. A quiet hum escaped her.

Wanda couldn't help laughing. "I told you."

Still asleep, Y/N shifted beneath the blankets. Her head slowly turned toward the smell of breakfast as though guided entirely by instinct. Another deep inhale followed, then a tiny, contented sound. Y/N's eyelids fluttered still only half awake, she mumbled something completely unintelligible before opening one eye.

"...Food?"

Wanda smiled warmly. "Good morning."

Y/N blinked slowly. Her gaze landed on the trays, and her eyes immediately brightened.

"...Food."

Steve chuckled. "I think that's the most awake you've looked since getting here."

Only then did Y/N notice him.

"...Steve."

"Good to see you awake," he said with a warm smile. "And looking considerably less dead."

Y/N returned a sleepy smile. "Thanks."

Steve set the tray on the bedside table before giving Y/N's shoulder a gentle pat. "You keep healing. We'll catch up later."

"I will."

He looked at Wanda. "I'll leave you two alone."

"Thanks, Steve."

With one last smile, he quietly slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. The moment the door clicked shut, Y/N's attention returned entirely to the food. Her stomach growled loudly enough for both of them to hear.

Y/N looked down at it. "...Traitor."

Wanda burst into laughter. "I think it's making a fair point." She set the second tray beside the first before turning back to Y/N. "Come on. Slowly." Sliding one arm behind Y/N’s back, Wanda carefully helped her sit up.

Y/N tried to do it on her own but a sharp pain immediately shot through her chest. "...Ah."

"I told you."

"I know."

"Stop pretending you don't need help."

"I wasn't pretending."

"You absolutely were."

Y/N sighed in surrender. "...Okay."

Together, they slowly eased into a sitting position, Wanda arranging several pillows behind Y/N’s back until she was comfortable. Even then, Y/N winced.

She adjusted the blankets before placing the tray across Y/N’s lap. "There."

Y/N stared at the overflowing plate. Then at Wanda. And back at the food. "...You made all this?"

"Mhm."

"For me?"

"You've been asleep for three days. I figured you'd be hungry."

Hungry was an understatement. Y/N picked up a fork, then paused. She looked around the room.

"...Where's yours?"

Wanda blinked. "I'll eat later."

Y/N immediately set the fork back down.

"No."

"Y/N—"

"No."

"You need to eat."

"So do you."

"I will."

"When?"

"...Later."

Y/N slowly folded her arms.

"If you are not going to eat, I won’t either.”

"Y/N."

"I won't eat."

Wanda sighed. "You're impossible."

"I learned from you."

"I don't think that's true."

"It is."

Y/N looked at her with stubborn determination before gently nudging the tray away.

"If you don't eat... neither do I."

For a long moment, they simply stared at one another. Then Wanda rolled her eyes affectionately.

"Fine."

Y/N smiled triumphantly.

Wanda climbed onto the bed beside Y/N, careful not to jostle her injured chest. She reached for a piece of toast from the second tray.

"There."

"I'm eating."

Y/N watched her closely. "Take a bite."

Wanda did. Only then did Y/N finally pick up her fork.

"Happy?"

"Mhm."

She cut into the scrambled eggs. One bite disappeared almost instantly. Then another. And another. Within minutes, half the plate was gone.

Wanda laughed softly. "I don't think you even tasted it."

"I did."

"What did it taste like?"

Y/N thought for exactly one second. "...Egg."

Wanda laughed even harder.

"I stand corrected."

Between bites, Y/N kept glancing sideways, making sure Wanda continued eating. Every time Wanda slowed down, Y/N slowed too. Every time she took another bite, Y/N resumed.

Eventually, Wanda noticed. She smiled to herself before deliberately taking another piece of toast just to satisfy the stubborn wolf beside her. Only then did Y/N happily continue devouring breakfast, the color slowly returning to her face with every bite.

Wanda couldn't stop smiling. Three days ago, she'd been begging Y/N to breathe. Now she was arguing with her over breakfast. She would gladly have that argument every day for the rest of her life.

Across the room, the morning sunlight spilled through the window, filling the quiet safe house with warmth. For the first time in what felt like forever, they weren't running.

They were simply together.

---

Three more days passed.

By the end of the week, Y/N was completely healed. The wound that had once torn through her chest seem to had finally closed completely inside as well. The skin was barely a soft shade of pink, smoother than the surrounding skin, but there was no pain anymore. Every breath came easily. Every movement felt natural again.

Wanda still checked it several times a day. She would gently lift the hem of Y/N's shirt, carefully peeling back the edge just enough to inspect the healing skin. Every time, her fingertips lingered for a moment, tracing around the scar with heartbreaking tenderness.

"It looks better," Y/N would say. 

Wanda would nod. “It does." But her smile never quite reached her eyes. She still remembered what that wound had looked like, the blood, the silence and the fear. Y/N noticed every time. Without fail, she'd reach for Wanda's hand.

"Wanda."

"Hm?"

"Come here."

She always knew what was coming.

"You need to rest."

"I am resting."

"You should be."

"I am."

Before Wanda could protest again, Y/N would gently tug her closer until she lost her balance with a quiet squeak, landing on top of her.

"Y/N!"

Y/N chuckled, wrapping an arm loosely around Wanda's waist.

"I told you..." Wanda would scold, trying very hard to sound stern. "You're supposed to avoid unnecessary strain."

"This isn't unnecessary."

"No?"

"No."

Y/N would lean up and capture Wanda's lips in a slow, gentle kiss making Wanda melted instantly. Y/N smiled against her lips before kissing her again, unhurried and full of quiet reassurance. When they finally pulled back, Wanda rested their foreheads together, her eyes already softer than before.

"You really scared me," she'd whisper.

"I know."

"Don't ever do that again."

"I'll try."

"You'd better."

"I make no promises if it means keeping you safe."

Wanda would let out an exasperated sigh before kissing Y/N again. Longer this time. Deeper. As though reassuring herself that Y/N was really there.

When they finally separated, Wanda smiled despite herself. They would remain like that for a while, simply enjoying each other's company, until Y/N suddenly cleared her throat.

"...Uh..."

Wanda looked up. “Hm?"

Y/N's ears slowly turned pink. She glanced anywhere but at Wanda.

"...I think..."

Wanda frowned in confusion. Then she felt something poking her. A warm blush spread across her own cheeks as realization dawned on her. For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke.

Then Wanda's expression softened into the most affectionate smile Y/N had ever seen.

"Oh, baby…”

She leaned down and stole one last gentle kiss from Y/N's lips, lingering there just long enough to make Y/N smile despite her embarrassment. When she pulled back, Y/N rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

"I'm... sorry."

Wanda tilted her head. "For what?"

Y/N let out an embarrassed laugh. "I mean..." She sighed. "I want to..." Her cheeks darkened another shade. "...be with you."

She met Wanda's eyes, her voice quiet and sincere. "But..."

Wanda smiled knowingly. Before Y/N could stumble through another apology, Wanda placed a finger lightly against her lips.

"Shh…You don't have to apologize."

Y/N looked at her uncertainly.

"I know what you mean." She brushed her thumb gently across Y/N's cheek. "And I want that too."

Y/N's eyes softened.

"But not yet," Wanda said tenderly. "You almost died six days ago." She rested her hand over the healing skin on Y/N's chest. "Your body may heal faster than anyone else's..." Her fingertips traced lightly over the faint pink scar. "...but I'm not risking opening this again."

Y/N looked down at the scar before nodding. "...Fair."

"I'd rather have you healthy."

"I am healthy."

Wanda gave her a look. "You're almost healthy."

Y/N couldn't help smiling. "Okay...I can wait."

Wanda smiled warmly. "So can I." She leaned in once more, pressing a lingering kiss to Y/N's forehead. "We've got plenty of time."

Y/N let out a content sigh. "I like the sound of that."

"So do I."

They stayed close, foreheads resting together, neither of them in any hurry.

---

As the days followed, life inside the safe house settled into something that almost resembled normal.

Almost. Y/N recovered astonishingly fast, her body repairing damage that should have taken months to heal. By the end of the week, the wound across her chest had become nothing more than a tiny pink scar, though Wanda still insisted on checking it several times a day. Y/N had long since stopped arguing.

The quiet moments didn't erase what had happened. If anything, they gave everyone time to think.

Natasha, Steve, and Bucky had spent those days piecing together everything they knew while Y/N recovered.

One Hydra soldier had survived the highway ambush. Barely. After some persistent persuasion from Natasha and Yelena, he'd talked. Not willingly. But enough.

The mission hadn't been random. Hydra hadn't simply stumbled across them. The convoy they'd intercepted days earlier had been bait.

The real objective had been waiting for the Avengers to interfere.

Specifically...Bucky Barnes and Y/N.

Hydra had expected both of them to be there. Bucky because he was the former Winter Soldier. Y/N because...They never got an answer.

But after the attack on the highway, another pattern became impossible to ignore. Hydra had ignored Wanda and Yelena. They'd only fought them because they stood between Hydra and Y/N. The strange weapon had been fired only after Y/N transformed. It hadn't been designed for Wanda.

It had been designed for Y/N.

That realization sat heavily over the safe house. No one liked what it implied.

Late that afternoon, everyone gathered around the worn wooden dining table in the center of the safe house. A large map of the northeastern United States lay spread across it, held flat by coffee mugs and ammunition boxes.

Steve stood at one end of the table. Natasha leaned against the wall with her arms crossed. Bucky occupied the chair nearest the window, sharpening a combat knife more out of habit than necessity. Sam sat beside him, quietly studying a notebook filled with names and dates. Clint leaned back in his chair, arms folded, watching everyone else. Yelena had somehow claimed the kitchen counter instead of an actual seat, absently eating crackers while listening.

Wanda and Y/N entered together. Y/N was still under strict instructions not to overexert herself.

The moment they reached the table, Wanda subtly guided Y/N toward the nearest chair.

"Sit."

"I'm fine."

"I know."

"Then why—"

"Sit."

Y/N sighed dramatically before obeying.

Yelena smirked around another cracker. "I enjoy seeing our wolf being domesticated."

"I'm not domesticated."

"Mhm."

"You are," Clint chimed in with a grin.

Y/N looked genuinely offended. "I choose to listen."

"That's worse," Sam muttered.

A few quiet laughs circled the room. It was brief, but needed.

Steve cleared his throat. The room settled immediately.

"We've got enough information now to start putting the pieces together." He looked toward Natasha.

Natasha pushed herself off the wall.

"The Hydra agent confirmed our original mission wasn't the real operation." She pointed to a location circled on the map. "The convoy was bait. They wanted us there."

Bucky say calmly "They wanted me."

Natasha nodded. "You." Then she looked at Y/N. "And her."

Silence filled the room.

Steve folded his arms. "The agent couldn't tell us why."

"Or wouldn't," Natasha corrected. "Either way..." She shrugged slightly. "...we never got that answer."

Sam looked up from his notes. "But we do know something else."

Everyone turned toward him.

"The attack on the highway." He tapped his notebook. "Every decision Hydra made points to one conclusion…They weren't trying to eliminate the whole team. They were trying to isolate Y/N."

Wanda's jaw tightened.

Yelena's expression became serious. "They chased us for almost two hours," Yelena said quietly. "They had multiple chances to kill me." She looked toward Wanda. "You too."

"They kept trying to separate Y/N from us."

Bucky nodded slowly. "And that weapon."

He looked directly at Y/N.

"It wasn't anti-Avenger. It was anti-you."

The room became uncomfortably quiet.

Y/N frowned. "I don't understand."

"Neither do we," Steve admitted. "But that weapon only came out after you shifted. It shut down your healing and ignored everyone else."

Clint leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "So here's the million-dollar question." He looked around the room. "Why is Hydra willing to throw dozens of agents and enhanced soldiers at one wolf?"

No one answered. Because no one had one.

Wanda reached beneath the table and quietly took Y/N's hand.

Y/N squeezed Wanda's hand back beneath the table without taking her eyes off the map.

Natasha broke the silence. "Until we know why..." Her gaze swept across everyone gathered around the table. "...we have to assume Y/N is Hydra's primary objective."

No one argued. After everything that had happened, it was becoming harder and harder to believe otherwise.

The room fell quiet again, the weight of Natasha's words settling over everyone. Steve was the first to speak.

"If Hydra is willing to infiltrate SHIELD, deploy enhanced soldiers, and develop a weapon we've never seen before, they're not going to stop." He folded his arms across his chest. "They're going to regroup, and when they do, they'll come after Y/N again."

Bucky finally set the combat knife he'd been absentmindedly sharpening onto the table. "They'll expect us to stay together."

"Which means we don't," Clint said.

Several heads turned toward him.

"The more people we keep together, the bigger the target we become. If Y/N really is what they're after, then we stop giving them opportunities."

Sam nodded in agreement. "We split into smaller teams. Different countries, different safe houses. They won't be able to keep track of everyone at once."

Wanda's stomach sank. She already knew where the conversation was headed.

"...No."

The single word immediately drew everyone's attention.

Steve met her eyes with an understanding look. "Wanda..."

"No." She stood from her chair, shaking her head. "I'm not leaving her."

"No one's asking you to," Natasha replied calmly. "We're asking both of you to disappear."

Y/N frowned. "Disappear?"

"Lay low," Sam clarified. "No missions. No fighting. No contact unless it's absolutely necessary. We give Hydra nothing to follow."

Y/N was already shaking her head. "No." She looked directly at Wanda. "I'm the one they're hunting. If anyone stays with me..." Her jaw tightened as she struggled to get the words out. "...then I'm putting them in danger."

Before anyone else could respond, Wanda stood as well. Y/N looked back at her. "You almost died because of me."

"I almost died because Hydra attacked us," Wanda answered without hesitation. "There's a difference."

"They're after me."

"And they'll have to go through me first."

"Wanda..."

"I'm not leaving you." Her voice never rose. She didn't need to shout. The certainty in those four words was enough to silence the room.

"I can't ask you to risk your life again."

"You don't get to decide that for me."

"I don't want to lose you."

Wanda stepped closer until only inches separated them. Gently, she cupped Y/N's face, making sure she couldn't look away.

"And I don't want to lose you," she whispered. "You almost died trying to protect me. Don't stand here now and tell me the way to keep me safe is by leaving me behind."

Y/N stared into Wanda's eyes. The exhaustion was still there, hidden beneath the dark circles that hadn't completely disappeared, but so was the determination. Wanda wasn't afraid of Hydra. She was afraid of losing Y/N.

After a long moment, Y/N's shoulders finally relaxed. "...Okay."

Wanda searched her face. "Okay?"

Y/N gave a reluctant nod. "...Okay."

Without another word, Wanda wrapped both arms around her. Y/N hugged her back just as tightly, burying her face against Wanda's shoulder while the others politely looked elsewhere.

Natasha smiled to herself. "I had a feeling that argument wasn't going to last long."

Yelena leaned casually against the kitchen counter, arms crossed. "I don't know. I gave wolf maybe... thirty seconds before folding."

"I heard that," Y/N muttered.

"I wanted you to."

A few quiet chuckles circled the room, easing some of the tension.

Steve waited until the two finally separated before turning back to the map.

"Alright. We split into teams." His finger traced across Eastern Europe before stopping in southern Poland.

"Wanda and Y/N. There's an old safe location in the mountains here. It's remote, surrounded by forest, and far enough from any towns that no one should stumble across it."

"I can improve it," Wanda said quietly. "Hide it. Reinforce it."

Steve nodded. "I was hoping you would."

His attention shifted north. "Bucky, Sam. Norway."

Sam folded his notebook shut. "There are still a few SHIELD contacts up there Fury trusted. If they're still clean, we can use them to keep an ear on what's happening."

"And if they're not," Bucky added, "we disappear deeper into the mountains."

Steve looked around the table one last time.

"Natasha, Clint, Yelena... you'll stay mobile. Keep digging into SHIELD, find Fury, and figure out how deep Hydra's gotten. If anyone uncovers something important, we use the emergency channels. Otherwise..." He let the sentence hang for a moment. "...we stay ghosts."

No one argued. No one wanted to.

There was no way of knowing whether this arrangement would last weeks, months, or even longer.

Three days later, Wanda and Y/N stood at the edge of a snow-covered clearing high in the Polish mountains.

The old safe house Steve had mentioned was little more than a weathered stone foundation by the time they arrived.

Wanda had smiled, rolled up her sleeves, and quietly said, "I think we can do better."

Scarlet magic poured from her fingertips. Stone rose from the mountainside as if answering her call. Massive logs lifted from the surrounding forest without harming a single living tree, fitting together seamlessly beneath her magic. Windows settled into place, a wide porch wrapped around the front of the cabin, and smoke soon drifted lazily from a stone chimney.

By sunset, the abandoned foundation had become a warm mountain home.

Inside, polished wooden floors reflected the firelight from a large stone fireplace. The kitchen opened into a cozy living room lined with bookshelves, while two bedrooms overlooked the endless forest beyond. It didn't feel like a hideout.

It felt like somewhere two people could build a life.

Nearly fifteen hundred kilometers away, Bucky and Sam disappeared just as completely into the forests of Norway.

Separated by countries but united by the same purpose, both pairs vanished from the world while Natasha, Steve, Clint, and Yelena remained in the shadows, hunting for answers.

Somewhere, Hydra was searching for the wolf they had spent years trying to recreate.

For now...

They would have to settle for searching in the dark.

---

A Week Later

Wanda's POV

A week passed.

For the first time in what felt like forever, life had settled into something peaceful.

No missions. No gunfire. No constant need to watch every shadow for Hydra.

Just the mountains. The cabin and each other.

Wanda still wasn't used to it.

More than once, she'd woken in the middle of the night reaching for Y/N, her heart racing from another nightmare. Every time, she found Y/N sleeping peacefully beside her, one arm already wrapped around her waist as though, even asleep, they knew exactly what she needed. It never failed to calm her.

This morning had started much like the others.

Y/N pressed a quick kiss to her lips before stepping onto the porch. I'm getting lunch.

Wanda smiled knowingly. "In wolf form?"

It's easier to hunt.

"Don't stay out too long."

I won't.

A moment later, Wanda stood in the doorway and watched Y/N disappear into the trees. She couldn't even hear the transformation anymore. They had become so skilled at shifting that it happened almost silently now, the forest swallowing them within seconds.

The cabin settled into a comfortable silence.

Wanda wandered into the kitchen and filled the kettle, humming softly while she waited for the water to boil. She dropped a chamomile tea bag into her favorite mug before pouring the steaming water over it, letting the familiar scent drift through the small room. Cradling the warm ceramic between both hands, she stepped outside onto the porch.

The crisp mountain air greeted her instantly.

Pine.

Fresh earth.

Wildflowers.

The forest still carried the lingering scent of last night's rain, clean and earthy in a way the city could never imitate.

She lowered herself into the wooden rocking chair Y/N had built on their second day at the cabin after proudly declaring that every proper mountain cabin needed one. Wanda had laughed so hard at their determination that she'd nearly fallen off the porch, while Y/N insisted it was an essential survival skill.

Now, she gently rocked back and forth, sipping her tea as her eyes wandered across the landscape.

Towering pines blanketed the mountainside, their branches swaying lazily beneath the morning breeze. Beyond them, endless ridges faded into soft shades of blue beneath a cloudless sky, the peaks disappearing into the horizon until earth and heaven seemed to blur together.

It was beautiful.

Peaceful.

Exactly what both of them had needed.

Nearly ten minutes passed before movement caught Wanda's attention.

Far beyond the tree line, a familiar shape emerged from the forest. A smile immediately spread across Wanda’s face.

"There you are."

The enormous wolf moved effortlessly between the trees, her black coat gleaming beneath the morning sun. Small silver and brown spots scattered across her fur caught the light like stars against the night sky. A rabbit hung from the wolf's jaws.

Found something.

Y/N's warm voice echoed inside Wanda's mind.

"I can see that."

The wolf continued toward the cabin with the same confident stride they carried into every mission—powerful, elegant, every movement deliberate. The only thing that betrayed them was their tail. The moment those golden eyes met Wanda's, it began swaying lazily behind them.

Wanda couldn't help smiling wider. "You know I love when your tail gives you away."

It has a mind of its own. Can’t help it.

Wanda laugh harder.

By the time Y/N reached the porch, they carefully placed the rabbit on the wooden floor before stepping close enough for Wanda to sink her fingers into the thick fur around their neck. A deep rumble immediately vibrated through Y/N's chest—not loud, just enough for Wanda to feel beneath her fingertips.

"There it is," she said with a knowing smile.

I wasn't purring.

"You absolutely were."

That was a growl.

"Mhm."

A very intimidating growl.

Wanda laughed softly. "The most intimidating wolf in Europe melts the second I touch them."

Despite themself, Y/N leaned into the scratches.

Only because it's you.

Those four words warmed Wanda more than the tea in her hands ever could. She rested her forehead gently against the wolf's, closing her eyes for a moment before glancing down at the rabbit.

"So... you've done your part."

I have.

"You hunted, and now?"

One golden eye cracked open. Now my beautiful girlfriend cooks.

Wanda laughed again. "So that's the arrangement?"

You hunt Hydra. I hunt lunch. Then you make it taste good.

"I suppose that's a fair division of labor."

I thought so.

She leaned down and kissed the wolf between the eyes. "Come on."

Y/N picked up the rabbit again and fell into step beside Wanda as they headed back into the cabin. Their tail was still swaying behind them. Wanda noticed, but she didn't tease them this time. Instead, she simply brushed her fingers through the thick fur along their shoulder as they walked inside together.

The tail wagged just a little faster.

Wanda smiled to herself. Some things, apparently, were impossible for her little wolf to hide.

Y/N lowered the rabbit onto the floor before taking a few steps back. A familiar ripple passed through their body. The enormous wolf gradually shrank as black fur receded into skin. Bones shifted with a series of quiet pops until, a few seconds later, Y/N stood where the wolf had been.

Scarlet magic shimmered around them for the briefest moment.

Just as Wanda had designed weeks earlier, a black sports bra and a pair of comfortable boxers materialized the instant the transformation finished. It wasn't much, but it spared Y/N from having to scramble for clothes every time they shifted back in the middle of nowhere—or worse, in front of someone.

Rolling their shoulders, Y/N bent to pick up the rabbit again.

"I'll clean it."

“Thank you.”

They started toward the side of the cabin, where a small cleaning station sat beside the stream. Halfway there, Wanda paused.

"Wait."

Y/N looked back. "What?"

Wanda pointed toward their mouth. "You've got blood."

Y/N blinked before instinctively touching the corner of their lips. Their fingertips came away stained red.

"Oh."

They hadn't even noticed.

"It happens."

"I know it does," Wanda said with an amused smile, "but I'd still rather not have you walking through my kitchen looking like you just terrified half the forest."

Y/N laughed. "Fair enough."

"So..." Wanda folded her arms. "Clean the rabbit outside, then shower."

"I was going to."

Y/N glanced down at themself before looking back at her.

"...I probably smell like wet wolf too."

"A little."

"Just a little?"

Wanda's grin widened. "I was being nice."

Y/N shook their head with a quiet chuckle.

"I'll shower."

"Thank you."

---

About twenty minutes later, the back door opened.

Y/N stepped inside carrying the cleaned rabbit, now neatly prepared and wrapped in a clean cloth. Holding it out toward Wanda with a small grin, they said, "Delivery."

Wanda accepted it with a satisfied nod, giving it a quick inspection before smiling. "Perfect."

Y/N leaned over to steal a quick kiss from her cheek before heading toward the hallway. "I'm going to shower."

"I'll have lunch ready by the time you're done."

"Sounds good."

A moment later, the bathroom door clicked shut, and soon the soft rush of running water echoed through the cabin.

Wanda smiled to herself before unwrapping the rabbit and carrying it to the kitchen counter.

A week ago, the thought of preparing wild game would have intimidated her. Now, she was slowly getting used to it.

Y/N had patiently taught her how to clean different animals, and helped her locate herbs growing around the cabin. She still wasn't that confident cooking wild game, but every day she found herself learning something new.

She seasoned the rabbit with salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary before setting a cast-iron skillet over the stove. Butter melted with a gentle hiss as she peeled potatoes and chopped carrots and onions to roast alongside the meat. A handful of fresh thyme, picked from the small herb garden they'd planted behind the cabin a few days earlier, completed the meal.

Before long, the cabin filled with the comforting aromas of sizzling butter, garlic, rosemary, and fresh bread warming in the oven. Outside, the wind whispered through the pines. Inside, the only sounds were the gentle crackle of the fireplace, the quiet sizzle from the pan, and the distant rush of the shower.

Wanda paused for a moment, smiling to herself as she stirred the vegetables.

It wasn't a grand mission. There were no explosions. No world-ending threats. Just a quiet afternoon spent cooking lunch for the person she loved. After everything they'd survived, she found herself hoping they could hold onto moments like this for a little while longer.

The shower shut off a few minutes later.

Wanda glanced briefly toward the hallway before returning her attention to the rabbit slowly roasting in the oven. The rich aroma of rosemary, garlic, and butter had begun filling the cabin, blending with the scent of fresh bread cooling on the counter.

She smiled to herself. It smelled... surprisingly good. Maybe she really was getting the hang of this.

A few moments later, the bedroom door opened upstairs, followed by the soft creak of footsteps descending the wooden staircase. Wanda didn't bother turning around.

A familiar scent drifted into the kitchen.

Clean soap. Fresh shampoo. And beneath it all...Y/N.

Two warm arms slipped around Wanda's waist from behind, and she smiled instantly as a soft shiver ran through her. Y/N rested their chin lightly on her shoulder.

"You're cold," they murmured.

"I think that's your fault."

"My fault?"

"You always sneak up on me."

"I wasn't sneaking."

"You absolutely were."

Y/N chuckled. "I thought I was being obvious."

"You were."

Wanda covered their hands with her own, enjoying the warmth of the embrace. For a long, peaceful moment, neither of them spoke. The only sounds in the cabin were the crackling fireplace, the quiet ticking of the kitchen clock, and the rabbit roasting in the oven.

Eventually, Wanda turned within Y/N's arms until they were face to face, her own arms naturally settling around their neck.

"You smell much better."

Y/N smiled. "So I don't smell like wet wolf anymore?"

"Definitely not."

"I'm glad."

Wanda brushed a damp strand of their spotted Y/H/C hair behind their ear. "Lunch is almost ready."

Y/N answered by leaning down and kissing her. Slowly. Unhurried.

Wanda smiled into the kiss before gently pulling back, their foreheads still touching.

"Not hungry?" she whispered.

Y/N simply shook their head, a faint smile tugging at their lips.

"No."

The single word was barely audible before they leaned in again. This kiss lingered longer. Y/N's hand slid to the small of Wanda's back, drawing her a little closer without rushing her. Wanda's fingers found the damp hair at the nape of Y/N's neck, absentmindedly combing through it as their lips met again.

Outside, the wind whispered through the pines.

Inside, time seemed to slow.

The kiss remained gentle, but neither of them was eager to be the first to pull away. After everything they'd survived—the chase, the gunfire, the endless nights wondering if the other would wake up—there was something profoundly comforting about simply standing together in the quiet kitchen, knowing they had nowhere else they needed to be.

Y/N smiled softly against Wanda's lips. "I missed this."

Wanda's heart softened. "So did I."

Y/N kissed her once more, just a little deeper than before, earning a quiet sigh from Wanda. She rested both hands against Y/N's chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath her palms.

For a brief moment, the scar never crossed her mind.

Only Y/N. Warm and alive.

A cheerful ding echoed through the cabin. Both of them froze. Then Wanda laughed.

"Our lunch is telling us we've ignored it long enough."

Y/N let out an exaggerated sigh. "It has terrible timing."

"It does."

She rose onto her toes and gave them one last lingering kiss.

"We'll continue this later."

"I'll hold you to that."

"I know you will."

Still smiling, Wanda reluctantly stepped out of Y/N's arms and crossed to the oven. Warm air escaped as she opened the door, carrying with it the rich aroma of roasted rabbit, garlic, rosemary, and fresh herbs.

"It didn't burn," she said with obvious relief.

"I had faith in you."

"You've become very optimistic."

"I've become well-fed."

Wanda laughed over her shoulder. "You haven't even eaten yet."

"I know what I'm smelling."

She carefully lifted the roasting pan onto the stove while Y/N gathered the plates and cutlery. Together, they carried everything to the small wooden table beside the window. Sunlight streamed across the tabletop as Wanda divided the rabbit between their plates before adding roasted potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Y/N took one bite. Then another.

Finally, they looked at Wanda. "This is really good."

Wanda narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You're not just saying that?"

"No." They took another bite. "I'd tell you if it wasn't."

Wanda laughed, finally relaxing as she tasted her own food. "...It's actually not bad."

"Not bad?" Y/N teased. "It's delicious."

"I think you're just hungry."

"I am. But it’s really good!”

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, interrupted only by the occasional comment about the food or the mountains beyond the window. Eventually, Wanda set down her fork.

"I've been thinking."

Y/N looked up. "About?"

"We've been here for over a week."

"We have."

"And we haven't left the property once."

Y/N nodded slowly.

"It felt safer."

"It did." Wanda glanced toward the window, where the mountains stretched endlessly beyond the trees. "But we're running low on a few things."

"What do we need?"

"The pantry's getting emptier." She began counting on her fingers. "Flour, coffee, more tea... fresh vegetables if we can find any." She smiled sheepishly. "And maybe a few things to make this place feel a little more like home."

Y/N tilted their head.

"What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know." Wanda looked around the cabin. "A blanket for the living room. Maybe some plants. A few decorations."

Y/N couldn't help smiling.

Wanda reached across the table, intertwining her fingers with Y/N's.

"I was thinking we could drive into the nearest town tomorrow. Keep our heads down, buy what we need, and come straight back."

Y/N considered it for a moment before nodding.

"I'd like that."

"It'll be nice to get out for a little while."

Y/N smiled warmly and gently squeezed her hand.

"As long as I get to spend the day with you... I don't really care where we go."

Wanda returned the squeeze, smiling back.

"Then tomorrow..." She looked out toward the distant mountains. "...we'll have our first little trip."

---

Next Day

Y/N's POV

The drive into town had been uneventful. Exactly how Y/N liked it.

She guided the pickup truck through the quiet streets at an easy pace, one hand resting loosely on the steering wheel while the other occasionally found Wanda's on the center console. Neither of them spoke much. They didn't need to.

After spending the past week surrounded by nothing but mountains and forests, even a small town felt... busy.

People walked along the sidewalks carrying grocery bags. Children chased one another outside a bakery while an elderly couple sat on a bench sharing coffee.

It was ordinary.

Wonderfully ordinary.

Y/N parked near the entrance of the local supermarket before turning off the engine. For a moment, neither of them moved.

Wanda looked through the windshield.

"It feels strange."

Y/N followed her gaze. "What does?"

"Seeing people again."

A faint smile tugged at Y/N lips. "We've become mountain hermits."

"We've only been gone a week."

"Long enough."

Wanda laughed quietly. "I suppose."

Y/N let her eyes sweep across the parking lot out of habit. No black SUVs. No suspicious faces lingering too long. No one paying them any attention.

Just families shopping, a teenager gathering shopping carts, and someone loading groceries into the trunk of their car.

Normal.

"We're okay."

Wanda reached over and intertwined their fingers.

"I know."

They climbed out together, the cool autumn air carrying the scent of fresh bread from a nearby café mixed with the faint smell of rain still clinging to the pavement. Without thinking, Y/N reached for Wanda's hand as they crossed the parking lot. Their fingers fit together naturally.

"You know," Wanda said, glancing sideways at them, "this almost feels like a date."

Y/N looked down at their joined hands.

"...A grocery date?"

"Mhm."

"I've never been on one."

"Neither have I."

Y/N smiled. "I like it."

"So do I."

The automatic doors slid open, welcoming them into the warmth of the supermarket. It wasn't particularly large, but it had everything they needed. Fresh produce lined the entrance, the bakery occupied one corner with the smell of warm bread and pastries, and somewhere deeper inside, soft music drifted from the overhead speakers.

Y/N grabbed a shopping cart. "I've got it."

Wanda smiled knowingly. "Thank you."

Grinning, Y/N pushed the cart toward the produce section.

They filled it with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, lettuce, apples, and a few oranges. Wanda added bundles of fresh herbs while Y/N quietly slipped two bags of coffee into the cart.

"I thought we only needed one."

"We did."

Y/N shrugged innocently.

"We'll need another eventually."

"You just don't want to drive back into town."

"I like planning ahead."

Wanda laughed.

"So that's what we're calling it."

By the time they finished the rest of the supermarket, the cart was already more than half full with flour, sugar, butter, pasta, rice, canned vegetables, spices, tea, and enough supplies to last them a couple of weeks. While Wanda compared brands of tea, Y/N casually tossed in a family-sized bag of beef jerky.

"I saw that."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Mhm."

"And those chocolate bars?"

"They were lonely."

"They're food."

"They're dessert."

"They're six chocolate bars."

Y/N glanced into the cart.

"...Maybe."

Wanda only shook her head, unable to hide her smile.

They were about to head toward the checkout when Wanda slowed to a stop, her attention caught by a small display near the electronics aisle.

Y/N noticed immediately.

"What is it?"

"They have DVDs."

Curious, Y/N followed her over. The display wasn't large, mostly older movies and television series, but Wanda's eyes lit up the moment she spotted a familiar red box.

"Oh."

She picked it up with a smile.

I Love Lucy. 

“I used to watch this all the time."

"You did?"

She nodded.

"When Pietro and I were little."

A second case found its way into her hands.

The Dick Van Dyke Show. 

“And this one."

Her fingers lingered over the cover before she quietly placed it into the cart.

Y/N smiled.

"Get them."

Wanda looked up.

"You don't mind?"

"Why would I?"

"I don't know..."

"We're hiding in a cabin," Y/N said with a small shrug. "We're going to need something to do besides chopping firewood."

That earned a laugh.

Wanda continued browsing until another familiar title caught her eye.

Bewitched.

"Oh, definitely."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "Bewitched?"

"I've always wanted to watch it properly."

"It seems fitting."

She looked at Y/N curiously. "Why?"

Y/N smiled. "A witch watching Bewitched.”

Wanda rolled her eyes, laughing as she nudged Y/N shoulder.

"Very funny."

"It was."

They continued down the shelf together, browsing classics, romantic comedies, and a handful of action films. Y/N picked one up and held it out.

"What about this?"

Wanda glanced at the cover.

"...You've seen it six times back in the compound."

"I could make it seven."

"You quote half the movie."

"I quote the good parts."

"I know."

She reached for another case and held it up.

"What about this one?"

Y/N studied the cover.

"...I've never seen it."

"Then we should."

One by one, a small stack of DVDs found its way into the shopping cart. Some were Wanda's childhood favorites, some Y/N had somehow never seen, and a few were completely new to both of them.

As Wanda placed the last one inside, she looked at the growing pile and laughed.

"I think we got carried away."

Y/N rested her forearms on the shopping cart. "We're snowed in for who knows how long."

"True."

"And..." Y/N smiled at her. "I like the idea of spending our evenings curled up on the couch, watching terrible movies with you."

Wanda's expression softened.

"They're not all terrible."

"We'll find out."

She slipped her hand into Y/N's as they started toward the checkout.

"If one of them turns out to be awful..."

Y/N intertwined their fingers.

"We'll make fun of it together."

Wanda smiled.

"I think I'd like that."

---

By the time they reached the cabin, the sun had begun dipping behind the mountains, painting the sky in warm shades of orange and pink.

Y/N didn't pull into the driveway immediately. Instead, she continued past the cabin, driving another few hundred meters along the narrow mountain road before turning around and circling back from the opposite direction.

Wanda glanced over. "Checking?"

Y/N nodded, her eyes moving between the mirrors and the tree line.

"No tire tracks. No unfamiliar scents. No one following us."

Only then did she guide the truck into its usual spot beside the porch.

They unloaded everything together, carrying bag after bag inside until the kitchen counters were covered with groceries. Wanda put away the refrigerated food while Y/N stocked the pantry, organizing everything with the same quiet efficiency she brought to almost everything she did.

"Looks like we won't have to come back for a while," Y/N said, sliding another bag of flour onto the shelf.

"Which was exactly the plan."

By the time the last bag had been emptied, the cabin already felt a little fuller. Wanda's gaze drifted toward the still-empty living room, and a smile spread across her face.

"I almost forgot."

Y/N turned toward her. "What?"

Wanda held out a hand. "The movies."

"Oh."

Y/N picked up the small stack of DVDs and placed them in Wanda's hands.

"I was wondering why you looked so excited."

"I have an idea."

Scarlet magic flowed from Wanda's fingertips, spreading across the empty wall opposite the fireplace. Y/N leaned against the kitchen counter, watching with an amused smile.

The magic gathered into solid shapes. A polished oak entertainment cabinet slowly materialized against the wall, followed by a television resting neatly on top. Beneath it, a DVD player slid into place as though it had always belonged there. A few floating shelves appeared beside the television, just enough space for the movies they'd bought earlier, and finally, a thick rug unfurled itself across the floor in front of the fireplace.

Wanda stepped back to admire her work.

"There."

Y/N looked around the room, taking in the transformation. "It really is starting to feel like home."

Wanda's smile softened. "That's what I was hoping."

She turned and placed the stack of DVDs back into Y/N's hands.

"You pick."

"Me?"

"Mhm."

"I picked the groceries."

"You also drove."

"So?"

"So it's your turn to choose what we're watching."

Y/N looked down at the cases, flipping through them one by one.

"I've never seen half of these."

"Perfect."

"That doesn't help."

"It means you can't choose wrong."

Y/N laughed quietly, continuing to read the covers. Behind her, Wanda had already wandered back into the kitchen.

"I'll make popcorn."

Y/N looked over her shoulder.

"I thought we just bought groceries."

"We did."

"So why popcorn?"

Wanda opened one of the cabinets with a satisfied smile.

"Because... movie night without popcorn feels illegal."

Y/N chuckled.

"I don't think that's an actual law."

"It should be."

She pulled out a saucepan, a bottle of oil, and the bag of popcorn kernels they'd bought that afternoon. As the oil warmed on the stove, she glanced over her shoulder.

"Find something yet?"

Y/N held up two DVD cases.

"I'm deciding between I Love Lucy..." She lifted the second one. "...or this old western."

Wanda pretended to give the decision serious thought before smiling.

"Hmm... I want to introduce you to Lucy."

"I had a feeling you'd say that."

"I might be slightly biased."

"Slightly?"

"Very."

Shaking her head fondly, Y/N walked over to the television.

"I guess we're watching I Love Lucy."

Behind her, the first popcorn kernel burst inside the pot with a sharp pop. Within seconds, the kitchen filled with a rapid chorus of crackling popcorn. Wanda smiled to herself as she gently shook the pot over the heat while melted butter waited nearby.

Outside, snow had begun drifting lazily between the pine trees, blanketing the forest in a quiet layer of white. Inside, the fire crackled warmly, the buttery aroma of fresh popcorn filled the cabin, and Y/N stood in front of the television, squinting at the DVD player as she tried to figure out which button actually opened the tray.

It was the kind of wonderfully ordinary evening neither of them had realized they'd been longing for.

---

Wanda's POV

Halfway through the movie, the bowl of popcorn was empty.

Not a single kernel remained.

The blanket Wanda had pulled from the couch earlier now lay spread across the rug in front of the fireplace. Somehow, they had both ended up on the floor. Y/N was stretched out on her back, one arm tucked behind her head while the other rested comfortably around Wanda's waist. Wanda lay across her chest, her cheek resting just above Y/N's heart.

Neither of them had planned for it.

It had simply... happened.

The fire crackled softly behind them, filling the cabin with a comforting warmth while snow continued drifting lazily beyond the windows. On the television, Lucy had gotten herself into yet another ridiculous situation.

Y/N couldn't help smiling.

"I don't know how she keeps getting herself into these."

Wanda laughed quietly.

"She usually starts with a good idea."

"And then?"

"It becomes a terrible idea."

"Ah."

"Then she somehow makes it worse."

Y/N nodded thoughtfully.

"That tracks."

Another laugh escaped Wanda as she settled a little more comfortably against Y/N, listening to the steady heartbeat beneath her ear. It was amazing how something so simple could still bring her comfort.

She had spent countless evenings curled up beside Vision before. They had watched movies together, read books, cooked dinner, talked about the future. She had loved him. She knew she had.

But...

She had never felt this.

Never felt her entire body relax simply because someone was holding her. Never felt so completely safe that she could close her eyes without worrying about tomorrow. With Vision, there had always been a quiet sadness lingering beneath their happiness.

With Y/N...

Everything felt quieter. Simpler.

Not because their lives were easy.

Far from it.

Hydra was still hunting them. SHIELD was compromised. Their future remained uncertain.

Yet somehow...

Lying here, listening to Y/N's heartbeat while her fingers lazily traced circles along Wanda's back, Wanda felt more at peace than she could ever remember feeling.

She found herself looking up instead of watching the television.

Y/N's attention was completely fixed on the screen. A small smile rested naturally on her lips as she watched the episode unfold, occasionally letting out a quiet laugh before absentmindedly continuing those slow, soothing circles across Wanda's back.

She looked...

Peaceful.

Nothing like the woman who had thrown herself in front of a weapon designed to stop her healing barely two weeks earlier. Wanda's chest tightened. She remembered every second of that night.

The blood. The silence after Y/N collapsed. The desperate feeling of her magic failing no matter how hard she tried.

She swallowed.

Then Y/N's hand drifted a little higher along her back, the familiar touch effortlessly pulling her out of the memory and back into the present.

Back to the warmth of the cabin. Back to the crackling fire. Back to the steady heartbeat beneath her cheek.

She smiled without even realizing it.

Y/N noticed almost immediately. Without taking her eyes off the television, the corners of her mouth curved into an amused smile.

"What?"

Wanda blinked innocently. "What?"

"You're smiling."

"I am."

"Why?"

She simply shook her head.

"Nothing."

Y/N finally looked down at her.

"It doesn't look like nothing."

"It is."

"I don't believe you."

Wanda laughed quietly.

"I know."

Y/N studied her for another moment, as though deciding whether to keep asking. Instead, she leaned down slowly enough for Wanda to see it coming.

Their lips met in a gentle kiss. Soft. Unhurried. It wasn't meant to steal anyone's breath.

It was simply affectionate.

The kind of kiss that said everything neither of them felt the need to put into words.

Wanda smiled against Y/N's lips, lifting a hand to cup her cheek while Y/N continued tracing slow circles along her back. When they finally pulled apart, they lingered there, foreheads resting together.

"What was that for?" Wanda whispered.

Y/N smiled. "I felt like kissing you."

"You need a better reason than that."

"I don't think I do."

Wanda chuckled. "No..."

She brushed her nose lightly against Y/N's.

"I suppose you don't."

She stole one last quick peck before settling comfortably back against Y/N's chest, slipping an arm around her waist. Y/N instinctively tightened her embrace, kissed the top of Wanda's head, and returned her attention to the television.

For a long while, neither of them spoke again.

The episode continued filling the cabin with laughter while the fire crackled softly beside them. Outside, snow drifted lazily through the mountains. Inside, wrapped in a blanket and in each other's arms, they simply enjoyed the rare gift of an ordinary evening.

Neither of them knew how long their peace would last.

But tonight...

Neither of them was willing to think about tomorrow.

---

The days slowly settled into a rhythm.

One that neither of them had planned. One that simply... happened.

Every evening, after dinner had been cleaned up and the fire had been stoked for the night, Wanda would disappear to the small cabinet beneath the television and carefully choose another DVD. Sometimes it was one of the old sitcoms she'd grown up watching. Sometimes it was a movie neither of them had seen before.

Y/N never complained about the choice. She always insisted she was happy watching whatever happened to be on the screen.

Wanda knew better. Half the time, Y/N spent more time watching Wanda laugh than watching the television.

They would curl up beneath the same blanket, Y/N stretched comfortably across the couch or lying on the rug in front of the fireplace while Wanda naturally settled against her, listening to the steady beat of her heart. At some point during every episode, Wanda would inevitably glance up to find Y/N already looking at her instead of the screen.

"What?" she'd ask with an amused smile.

"You laugh before the funny part."

"I do not."

"You do."

"Maybe I already know what's coming."

"No," Y/N would reply softly. "You smile because you love it."

Wanda would roll her eyes.

Then she'd lean over and kiss her anyway.

At first, the kisses were brief—gentle pecks that lasted only a few seconds before they turned their attention back to the television. As the days passed, those kisses lingered a little longer. Foreheads rested together after they pulled apart. Hands grew bolder in the smallest of ways: a thumb brushing a cheek, fingers slipping into soft hair, a hand settling naturally against a waist. Neither of them seemed eager to be the first to end them anymore.

Some evenings they'd lose track of an entire scene because they were smiling into another slow kiss instead of watching the screen.

Eventually, Wanda would laugh and glance back at the television.

"We missed part of it."

Y/N would look up as though she'd only just remembered the movie was playing.

"...Did we?"

"You weren't paying attention."

"I was."

"You had your eyes closed."

"I was listening."

Wanda would shake her head, laughing.

"Terrible liar."

"I prefer 'easily distracted.'"

As the days quietly turned into weeks, even those lingering kisses became harder to end. More than once, Wanda found herself still smiling against Y/N's lips long after the movie had faded into background noise. Y/N's arms would tighten almost unconsciously around her waist, drawing her a little closer, while Wanda's fingers wandered through her hair.

Neither of them tried to rush anything.

There was no need. Just being together was enough.

Eventually, one of them—usually Wanda—would pull back with a breathless little laugh.

"If we keep this up..." she'd murmur, resting her forehead against Y/N's, "...we're never going to finish this movie."

Y/N would grin without the slightest hint of regret. "I think I'm okay with that."

Wanda would steal one last kiss anyway before reluctantly turning back toward the television, curling against Y/N once more as the movie continued playing. By the time they finally headed upstairs each night, the fire had burned low, and the cabin somehow felt warmer than ever.

Their mornings became just as peaceful.

Most days began with breakfast together before Y/N disappeared into the forest. Sometimes she hunted. Sometimes she simply ran. After spending so many years trapped inside Hydra's facilities, followed by months moving from one mission to the next, there was something deeply freeing about sprinting through endless stretches of woodland with nothing chasing her.

The forest became her sanctuary.

She learned every trail winding through the mountains, every stream hidden beneath the pines, every rocky overlook that offered breathtaking views across the valleys below.

More often than not, she'd return carrying lunch.

Occasionally...

She’d bring Wanda with her.

The first time Y/N had lowered herself beside the porch and looked at Wanda expectantly, she'd laughed.

"You want me to climb on?"

A hopeful thought immediately echoed through their bond.

Please?

Wanda hadn't been able to refuse.

She climbed carefully onto Y/N's broad back, burying her fingers into the impossibly soft black fur around her neck.

Ready?

"Always."

The wolf took off at an easy pace, weaving effortlessly between towering pines while the cool mountain air rushed past them. Wanda laughed into the wind, holding onto Y/N as they bounded across narrow trails and through sunlit clearings, her laughter echoing through the forest.

Between quiet evenings by the fire, afternoons at the lake, rides through the mountains, and long walks beneath the waterfall's mist, the cabin slowly stopped feeling like a hiding place.

It became their home.

---

King Erik and Queen Natalya had decided to stay in Virelia for two weeks.

Y/N hadn't objected for even a second.

Watching Wanda with her parents again had been enough reason. Watching them with Nora was another entirely. Their first granddaughter had quickly become the center of their world.

Every morning, Natalya would ask if Nora was awake yet before making her way to the nursery. Erik was less obvious about it, but somehow always found himself nearby whenever the baby was awake.

If Nora needed holding, one of them was already reaching for her. If she fell asleep, they both seemed content simply sitting nearby, watching her with quiet smiles. It was nothing extravagant.

Just normal grandparents completely taken with their granddaughter.

With them there, the palace felt lighter.

There were afternoons when Erik or Natalya insisted on watching Nora so Wanda and Y/N could rest, share a quiet meal together, or simply take a walk through the palace gardens.

"Go," Natalya would say with a smile. "She'll be perfectly happy with us."

And she always was.

Those small moments together reminded Y/N and Wanda that they were more than exhausted new parents. They were still spouses, still finding little pockets of peace between sleepless nights and endless feedings.

Even so...Y/N never stayed away from Nora for long.

It wasn't worry. Not really.

They simply missed her.

Sometimes they would return from a walk and head straight to wherever Nora was, smiling the moment they saw her tucked safely in someone's arms.

She was changing so quickly. Her cheeks had grown rounder. She stayed awake a little longer each day. Her eyes seemed brighter like Wanda’s, lingering on faces with growing curiosity.

Y/N loved every new little discovery.

The way her tiny hand wrapped around one of their fingers. The sleepy sounds she made after feeding. The way she settled almost instantly whenever she was held close.

None of it ever felt ordinary. Not to them.

Some evenings, after finishing their duties, Y/N would stand quietly beside the crib while Nora slept. They wouldn't say anything.

They would simply watch her. Still amazed that after everything they and Wanda had been through...

She was here.

Their daughter. Safe and healthy.

Loved beyond words.

---

One evening, after the palace had grown quiet, Y/N sat against the headboard with one knee drawn beneath the blankets.

Nora slept peacefully in the crook of their arm, her tiny cheek tucked against their chest. In their free hand rested an open storybook.

Y/N's voice had long since dropped to a whisper as they read the final lines.

"...and they all lived happily ever after."

They turned the page before realizing their audience had fallen asleep several pages ago. A smile tugged at their lips. Then the bath chamber door opened.

Y/N looked up. The moment they saw Wanda standing there, fresh from her bath, their smile softened.

"There you are."

Wanda returned the smile as she quietly closed the door behind her. "I didn't want to interrupt."

"You aren't."

Y/N carefully closed the book, keeping a finger between the pages.

"Was the bath relaxing?"

"It was."

"Lily helped you?"

Wanda nodded as she crossed the room. "She did."

Y/N's eyes lingered on her for a moment, quietly making sure she looked comfortable.

"Do you need help with anything?”

She smiled. "I'm alright."

Y/N nodded, relieved.

When Wanda reached the bedside, she carefully lifted Nora into her own arms. Their daughter barely stirred, letting out only the smallest sleepy sigh before settling against her mother's shoulder.

Y/N watched them with the same quiet wonder they always did. They watched Wanda gently lay Nora in the crib beside the bed. She wriggled once beneath the blanket. Then settled again. Fast asleep.

Only after making sure she was comfortable did Wanda turn back.

Y/N had already set the book aside. Without a word, they opened their arms.

Wanda smiled and slipped into them without hesitation, curling against their chest while Y/N wrapped both arms around her. Holding her close.

She let out a long, contented breath. "Thank you."

Y/N gently rubbed slow circles across her back. "For what?"

"For putting her to sleep."

A smile touched Y/N's lips. "It was my pleasure." They pressed a gentle kiss into her hair.

For a while, they simply held one another before Wanda spoke again.

"How was your day?"

Y/N let out a quiet breath.

"Long."

"I figured."

"There were council meetings all morning, two trade reports that somehow became four, and a border dispute that could've been solved if everyone involved had simply spoken to each other."

Wanda laughed softly.

"So... a normal day."

"Unfortunately."

"And yours?"

Y/N asked. Their voice softened immediately. "Were you able to rest?"

"I was." She smiled against their shoulder. "My mother and Lina made sure of it."

"I'm glad."

"They wouldn't let me do anything."

"They're very wise."

Wanda chuckled. "I knew you were going to say that."

Y/N smiled, their hand never leaving the gentle circles on her back.

"I came back between meetings."

"I know."

"You knew?"

"I woke up and you weren't beside me anymore."

Y/N looked almost sheepish. "I didn't want to wake you."

"You didn't."

"I just wanted to see you and Nora.”

Wanda smiled knowingly. "I know."

"I meant to stay for only a minute."

"But?"

"...It became twenty."

She laughed. "I thought so."

Y/N laughed quietly with her.

"Our daughter is very distracting."

"She certainly is." 

Silence settled comfortably between them easy and familiar.

After a while, Wanda spoke again. "I spent most of the afternoon with my mother."

"How was that?"

"She insisted I was still doing too much."

Y/N nodded without hesitation. "She's right."

Wanda leaned back just enough to look up at them.

"You too?"

"You've only been recovering for a month."

"I'm feeling much better."

"I know."

Their thumb brushed gently along her back.

"But I'd rather remind you to rest a hundred times than watch you overdo it once."

Wanda's expression softened. "I know."

Y/N smiled. "When you're fully recovered..."

"Hm?"

"I'd like to take you riding again."

A brighter smile spread across Wanda's face.

"I'd like that."

"Soon."

"Soon."

Y/N kissed her forehead before resting their cheek lightly against her hair.

Outside, the palace had grown almost completely silent. Inside, Nora slept peacefully in her crib.

Y/N held Wanda a little closer, grateful beyond words that this had become their life.

---

The next morning, Y/N woke before the sun had fully risen.

For a long moment, they didn't move. Wanda was still asleep against them, tucked comfortably beneath their arm, her breathing slow and even.

She looked peaceful. Rested. Or at least, more rested than she had in weeks.

A soft smile found Y/N's lips.

Carefully, they brushed a loose strand of crimson hair away from her face. Their fingertips lingered against her cheek before they leaned down and pressed the gentlest kiss there.

Wanda stirred only slightly.

Never waking. Good. She needed the sleep.

Y/N had no intention of stealing another minute of it. Slowly and carefully, they slipped out of bed, making sure not to disturb her.

Only then did they walk over to the crib. Peeking inside, they found Nora already awake. Wide green eyes—so much like Wanda's—looked back at them.

She wasn't crying. She was simply lying there, quietly watching the world.

Y/N smiled immediately. "Well..." Their voice was barely above a whisper. "You're awake."

Nora blinked. Still perfectly content.

"And you didn't wake Mama."

Y/N carefully lifted her into their arms, settling her securely against their chest. The little girl gave a tiny sigh and nestled closer.

Y/N kissed one chubby cheek. Then the other.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

Nora answered with a soft little coo.

Y/N's heart melted, just as it always did. They glanced back toward the bed.

Wanda hadn't moved. Still asleep. Still finally getting the rest she deserved.

Y/N smiled softly.

"Let's leave Mama alone for a little while." They gently rubbed Nora's tiny back. "She needs her sleep."

Cradling their daughter close, Y/N quietly slipped out of the chambers, carefully closing the door behind them.

The palace beyond was only just beginning to wake.

For now...The morning belonged to the two of them.

After quietly leaving the chambers, Y/N stopped by the nursery first.

Changing their own clothes took only a few minutes. Changing Nora's took considerably longer.

Not because she fussed. Quite the opposite. She lay there quietly, blinking up at them while they carefully dressed her in fresh clothes before wrapping her snugly in a soft blanket.

"There." Y/N smiled, gently tucking the blanket beneath her tiny chin. "Much better."

With Nora nestled securely in their arms, they made their way through the palace.

The halls were only beginning to stir. Servants bowed as they passed, their expressions softening the moment they noticed the little princess.

Several quietly wished them good morning. Y/N returned each greeting with an easy smile.

Nora, meanwhile, seemed fascinated by everything. Her bright green eyes wandered from the high ceilings to the stained-glass windows, then to the tapestries lining the corridors.

She barely made a sound. Only watched. Taking in the world one curious glance at a time.

Y/N couldn't stop looking at her.

"I think you're going to be curious about everything."

Nora blinked up at them. Still perfectly content.

Y/N chuckled quietly. "And I love that you're not crying."

They gently brushed a thumb across her tiny hand. "I'll enjoy it while it lasts."

Nearly an hour passed that way, wandering through the quiet palace gardens before looping back inside.

Only then did Y/N notice the first signs.

Nora's little mouth began searching. Her tiny brows knitted together. A faint whimper escaped her lips, and her eyes grew watery.

Y/N smiled knowingly. "I know."

They gently rocked her as they turned toward their chambers.

"I think someone's hungry."

By the time they reached the door, Nora was beginning to fuss in earnest.

Not crying. Not yet.

Just letting them know she was no longer interested in sightseeing.

Y/N eased the door open as quietly as they had left earlier.

The sound was enough to stir Wanda. She blinked sleepily before pushing herself up on one elbow. For a moment, she looked around in confusion. Then her eyes found Y/N. Already dressed for the day. Nora bundled safely in their arms.

A surprised smile spread across her face.

"You're both already awake?"

Y/N smiled as they walked over to the bed.

"We've been on quite the adventure."

They looked down at Nora, who let out another tiny, impatient whimper.

"I believe someone has decided breakfast can no longer wait."

Wanda laughed softly, still shaking off the last traces of sleep.

"I leave the two of you alone for one morning..."

Y/N smiled as they stopped beside the bed. "We didn't go far." They looked down at Nora. "We simply inspected half the palace."

Wanda raised an amused eyebrow. "Half?"

Y/N considered it. "...Perhaps a little more than that?”

She reached up and gently stroked Nora's cheek. Their daughter immediately turned toward the touch, her little mouth opening in search of milk.

"There it is."

"She's been very patient," Y/N said quietly. "But I think she's reached her limit."

Wanda smiled. "Come here."

Y/N carefully lowered themselves onto the edge of the bed before passing Nora into Wanda's waiting arms. The little girl settled against her mother almost instantly, the tiny whimpers already beginning to fade.

Y/N watched while Wanda adjusted her chemise and guided Nora closer. Within moments, their daughter latched. The room fell quiet again.

Y/N let out a small breath they hadn't realized they'd been holding.

Wanda noticed. "You worry every time."

"I do."

"She was only hungry."

"I know." Their eyes never left Nora. "I still worry."

Wanda reached over with her free hand and gently intertwined her fingers with theirs.

"You took her out this morning?"

Y/N nodded.

"She was awake before I was ready to leave the bed."

"And she didn't cry?"

"Not once."

Wanda smiled proudly at their daughter. "She's been looking around a lot lately."

"She has."

Y/N's expression softened. "She spent nearly an hour watching everything."

"The gardens?"

"The gardens."

"The hall?"

"Every painting."

Wanda laughed quietly. "Already appreciating beautiful things."

Y/N looked at Wanda. "I think she inherited that from her mother."

A faint blush colored Wanda's cheeks. "You always know what to say."

"I'm only telling the truth."

She leaned over and kissed their lips. "Thank you."

Y/N looked at her in surprise. "For what?"

"For giving me an hour to sleep."

Their smile was gentle. "You needed it."

"So did you."

"I had company." They nodded toward Nora. "The best kind."

Wanda followed their gaze.

Nora had already begun to relax again, one tiny hand resting against her mother's chest as she nursed peacefully.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

They simply watched their daughter together.

It was quickly becoming their favorite way to spend the morning.

---

One Week Later

The palace was unusually quiet that morning. Not because everyone was asleep—quite the opposite. The kingdom had already begun another busy day.

Somewhere else in the palace, Y/N was in their study with King Erik, discussing trade routes, harvest reports, and the endless responsibilities that came with ruling two kingdoms. Wanda didn't envy them. Not today. Today belonged to something much quieter. Much cozier.

Lina had no lessons, which meant she'd declared it "a family day" before breakfast had even been served. No one had argued.

Now the four of them occupied one of the smaller sitting rooms overlooking the palace gardens. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, warming the room as tea steamed gently on the table beside fresh pastries and fruit.

Natalya sat in an armchair with Nora resting comfortably in her arms, gently rocking her without even realizing she was doing it. Across from her, Lina lay on her stomach on the rug with parchment spread around her, carefully drawing with colored pencils. Every few minutes she looked up, just to check on Nora.

Wanda smiled. "You've looked at her six times already."

Lina didn't even deny it. "I know."

"You don't have to make sure she hasn't disappeared."

A small shrug. "I like looking at her."

"So do I," Natalya said with a warm smile.

The room fell quiet again, peaceful and comfortable. After a few moments, Nora stirred with a tiny stretch before her sleepy little eyes slowly opened.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Natalya whispered.

Lina immediately abandoned her drawing and hurried over before remembering herself, stopping a careful distance away.

"Hi, Nora."

The baby turned toward the familiar voice. For a brief moment, she simply stared at Lina. Then the corners of her tiny mouth lifted.

It wasn't a big smile. Just the smallest little grin. But it was unmistakable.

Lina froze. "Wanda..." Her voice was barely a whisper. "She smiled at me."

Wanda looked over just in time to see Nora's little smile linger for another heartbeat before it faded. A soft laugh escaped her.

"I think she did."

Lina's eyes grew impossibly wide. "She smiled at me."

Natalya looked between the two girls, her own smile widening. "I believe she knows exactly who you are."

Lina beamed—the kind of smile only a seven-year-old could have. She leaned just a little closer. "Hi again."

Nora blinked up at her, still calm, still watching. Lina looked as though someone had handed her the greatest treasure in the world.

Wanda watched them together, her heart impossibly full. Her mother. Y/N's little sister. Their daughter. Three generations gathered together without ceremony or expectation.

Just...Family.

And somewhere down the hall, she knew Y/N was probably trying very hard to concentrate on maps and reports while secretly wondering what Nora was doing. Wanda smiled to herself to the thought. She had a feeling they wouldn't stay away much longer.

Lina soon returned to her drawing, humming softly as she shaded the petals of a flower. Seeing how content Nora was, Natalya carefully laid her down on a thick, soft blanket beside Lina.

"There we are," she murmured.

Nora immediately began waving her tiny arms and kicking her little legs, completely entertained by the light filtering through the windows and the colorful papers scattered around Lina. Every now and then, Lina would stop drawing just long enough to show Nora what she had finished.

"Look." She turned the parchment toward the baby. "I'm drawing the gardens."

Nora blinked up at the page before letting out a happy little sound.

Lina grinned. "I think she likes it."

"I think she likes listening to you," Wanda said with a smile.

That seemed to make Lina even happier. She continued chatting away as she drew, telling Nora about each flower she added, the birds she'd seen outside that morning, and how, once Nora was older, she would teach her how to draw too.

Wanda and Natalya watched from the sofa, cups of tea forgotten in their hands.

"Lina is really a good kid,” Natalya said with a warm smile.

"She is.”

"I remember when I was here during your pregnancy. She would talk to your stomach as though the baby could already answer."

Wanda laughed softly. "She was convinced Nora knew exactly what she was saying."

"And now she still believes it."

"I don't think anyone could convince her otherwise."

The two women fell into an easy conversation, speaking quietly as they watched the girls together.

"I've never seen Y/N like this before," Natalya admitted after a while. "They adore Nora.”

Wanda looked toward the window, a fond smile touching her lips. "They do.”

“I saw how they were with you during the pregnancy. But now..." Natalya smiled. "They’re hopeless.”

Wanda laugh.

"And they laugh more."

Wanda nodded. "They're happy."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they watched Nora happily wiggle on her blanket while Lina narrated every line she drew as though her little audience understood every word.

Then, without warning, Nora's face scrunched. A tiny cry escaped her.

Wanda smiled knowingly as she stood. "I know that cry." She scooped Nora into her arms, immediately recognizing the familiar expression. "I think someone needs a clean diaper."

Lina abandoned her drawing altogether and followed Wanda to the changing table, watching with complete fascination. She stayed unusually quiet, observing every careful movement as Wanda unwrapped the blanket, changed the diaper, and dressed Nora again.

When Wanda finished, Lina looked up thoughtfully.

"Can I help next time?"

Wanda smiled. "I'd love that."

"Really?"

"Of course. But maybe in a few months."

"Why?"

Wanda gently adjusted Nora's little sleeve. "She's still very tiny."

"And she wiggles a lot," Natalya added with a smile.

"When she's a little bigger, I'll teach you how to help."

Lina nodded with complete seriousness. "I'll learn."

"I know you will."

Satisfied, Lina returned to her drawing while Wanda settled back onto the sofa with Nora against her shoulder.

The morning drifted by peacefully until the rich aroma of lunch began filling the halls. Not long afterward, footsteps approached outside. The door opened and Y/N stepped inside beside King Erik, both of them finally free from a morning of meetings and maps.

The moment Lina saw Y/N, she smiled.

"You're done!"

"For today," Y/N answered with a laugh. They crossed the room, absentmindedly kissing the top of Lina's head as they passed.

"Have you been taking good care of everyone?"

"I have."

“Good girl.”

Only then did they stop beside Wanda. Without a word, they leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better."

"And Nora?"

"Asleep again."

"She wore herself out supervising Lina's artwork," Natalya teased.

Y/N chuckled. "I don't doubt it."

Wanda carefully shifted Nora toward them.

"I think she'd like to see her other favorite person."

Y/N's face softened as they gathered their daughter into their arms with practiced ease. The moment Nora settled against their chest, she stirred. Her sleepy green eyes blinked open. She looked up, found Y/N's face…and smiled. A tiny, unmistakable smile.

A soft little coo followed, as though she were greeting them.

Y/N's entire expression melted. "Hello, sweetheart."

They gently brushed their nose against hers. "I missed you too."

Nora answered with another happy little sound, one tiny hand lifting toward their face.

Wanda watched them together, smiling quietly. It amazed her that no matter how busy Y/N's mornings became, the moment they held Nora again, the rest of the world simply ceased to exist.

Erik noticed it too. "I don't believe I've ever seen King Y/N smile that much during council."

Y/N laughed without taking their eyes off their daughter. "I can't imagine why."

The room filled with soft laughter.

Just then, a servant appeared in the doorway and bowed. "Your Majesties, lunch is ready."

Y/N looked at Wanda before offering her their free hand. "Shall we?"

She slipped her fingers between theirs.

Together, with Nora safely in Y/N's arms and their family surrounding them, they left the sitting room and headed toward lunch.

---

Later that Day

Y/N’s POV

The afternoon passed peacefully.

After lunch, King Erik and Queen Natalya happily disappeared with Nora, insisting that Wanda and Y/N take some time for themselves. Neither of them had protested very hard—not when both grandparents looked so delighted to have their granddaughter all to themselves.

It had become a familiar sight over the past week. Natalya humming softly as she rocked Nora. Erik strolling through the palace with the little princess asleep against his shoulder. They were completely taken with her, and Nora, quite happily, seemed to enjoy every moment of the attention.

Which left Wanda and Y/N with something they hadn't realized they'd been missing.

Time. Just the two of them.

When Y/N finally returned to their chambers after one last meeting with Erik, the halls were unusually quiet. No nobles. No reports. No urgent requests waiting outside the door. Just...Home.

The moment they stepped inside, they found Wanda curled comfortably on the sofa near the window, a book resting in her lap as sunlight spilled across her hair.

Beautiful.

Y/N immediately forgot whatever they'd been thinking about.

Wanda looked up and smiled.

Gods. That smile.

Y/N crossed the room without hesitation. Wanda barely had time to set her book aside before they leaned down and kissed her. Softly and tenderly. The kind of kiss that came naturally after months of marriage. The kind that always felt like coming home.

Wanda smiled against their lips.

Y/N kissed her again. And again. Taking their time. Not rushing. Simply enjoying her. The warmth of her lips. The softness of her smile. The way her hand instinctively rested against their arm.

Gods. They had missed this.

Not because they didn’t kiss anymore, but because the past weeks had been filled with recovery, newborn routines, and a family completely enchanted by Nora. Every kiss had been brief, stolen between feedings, interrupted by tiny cries, grandparents arriving to steal another cuddle, or Lina asking to hold her niece again.

This felt different.

Slow.

Quiet.

Just them.

Y/N rested a hand against Wanda's cheek before gently brushing their nose against hers.

"Where's Nora?"

Wanda laughed softly. "My parents took her for a walk."

Y/N smiled. "So she's being spoiled."

"Completely."

"They've had her most of the afternoon."

"They insisted."

"I'm not surprised."

Neither was Wanda.

Y/N kiss her again. This one lingering just a little longer.

When they finally pulled apart, Y/N rested their forehead against hers, eyes closed, simply enjoying being close. Enjoying her.

"I missed this."

Wanda's expression softened immediately. "I missed you too."

Y/N kissed the corner of her mouth. Then her cheek. Then her forehead.

Apparently unable to stop.

Wanda laughed. "My love."

"Hm?"

She smiled, thoroughly amused.

"You realize we can't do anything."

Y/N groaned dramatically.

Wanda burst into laughter.

"The healers said I'm still recovering."

"I know."

"Y/N."

"I know."

"It hasn't even been two months."

Y/N let their forehead fall onto her shoulder, entirely defeated.

Wanda gently threaded her fingers through their hair, trying—and failing—not to laugh.

"You'll survive."

"I have my doubts."

"You survived childbirth."

"That was different."

Wanda laughed harder.

Y/N looked up, attempting to appear completely tragic. Failing miserably. Because Wanda could still see the smile hiding underneath.

She cupped their face before leaning forward to kiss them again. Soft, sweet, and full of affection. The kiss lingered, not urgent or demanding, just comfortable. Familiar. The kind that came from knowing someone completely.

Wanda's fingers continued combing gently through their hair.

Y/N practically melted. They shifted closer until they were half-curled against her side on the sofa.

Wanda smiled against their lips. Then kissed them again. And again. Neither seemed interested in stopping.

The room was quiet. The palace felt wonderfully far away. For once there were no meetings, no crying baby, and no responsibilities demanding their attention.

Just them.

Y/N rested a hand lightly on her waist while Wanda continued absentmindedly playing with their hair. The soothing motion relaxed them almost immediately. Then Wanda gently nipped their lower lip before pulling away.

Y/N let out a long, exaggerated groan. "My love..."

Wanda's eyes sparkled. "What?"

"You cannot do that."

"Do what?"

"You know exactly what."

Her laughter filled the room.

Y/N buried their face against her shoulder. Entirely betrayed.

Wanda kissed the top of their head.

"Poor thing."

"You're making fun of me."

"A little."

"A lot."

"...A lot."

That only made her laugh again.

Eventually, Y/N lifted their head and kissed her cheek. Then her jaw. Then the corner of her mouth. Unable to stay away for very long.

Wanda wrapped both arms around them, holding them close. Comfortable.

After a while, Y/N sighed before pressing one last slow, tender kiss to her lips.

"I have an idea."

Wanda smiled. "Should I be worried?"

"Probably not."

"That's not reassuring."

Y/N grinned, then gently squeezed her hand. "Let's have a picnic."

Wanda blinked. "A picnic?"

"Just us."

She immediately understood. "Nora can stay with my parents."

Y/N nodded. "I don't think they'll mind."

Wanda laughed.

"No... I don't think they'd let us take her even if we tried."

Y/N chuckled. "I believe you're right."

The thought alone made Wanda smile. Nora would spend the afternoon thoroughly adored by her grandparents, and she would probably sleep through most of it.

"I'd like that."

The answer made Y/N's smile brighten immediately.

Before Wanda could react, one arm slipped behind her back while the other tucked beneath her knees. In one smooth motion, Y/N lifted her into their arms.

Wanda let out a surprised laugh. "Y/N!"

"What?"

"Put me down."

"I don't think I will."

"My love..."

Y/N only held her a little closer.

"I'm under strict orders not to let you walk too much."

"You gave those orders."

"I did."

"And I'm following them."

Wanda laughed, hiding her face against their shoulder.

"You are impossible."

"So I've been told."

Still carrying her, Y/N left the chambers.

---

The Queen's Garden welcomed them with warm sunlight, birdsong, and the familiar oak tree standing proudly at its center. The same tree that had witnessed generations of memories. The same tree beneath which Y/N and Wanda had shared so many of their own.

A blanket had already been prepared beneath its shade.

Wanda raised an eyebrow. "You planned this?”

"I may have."

"You absolutely did."

Y/N only smiled.

Once they reached the tree, they carefully set her down before settling beside her on the blanket. Immediately, their arm found its familiar place around her waist.

Wanda rested her head against their shoulder, listening to the steady beat of their heart.

For a long while, neither of them spoke. The breeze rustled the leaves overhead. The gardens swayed gently around them. The palace seemed wonderfully distant.

Eventually, Y/N broke the silence. "I missed this."

Wanda smiled. "So did I."

Their fingers intertwined. Y/N lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles before holding it a little tighter. Wanda looked around the gardens before turning back to them.

A month ago, they had both been terrified. Now...

Their daughter was safe. Their family was together. Their home was filled with laughter.

Y/N noticed her watching. "What?"

"Nothing."

She leaned over and stole another quick kiss. Y/N immediately chased another. Then another, making her laugh.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Y/N smiled before pulling her a little closer, holding her not out of fear...

But simply because they loved her.

And beneath the shade of the old oak tree, while their daughter was undoubtedly being spoiled by two very proud grandparents, they spent a quiet afternoon simply being spouses.

---

Five Months Later

Wanda's POV

Time passed.

And somehow...Life became even better.

Not perfect. There were still disagreements between nobles. Still reports. Still long days. Still moments where Nora decided sleep was optional.

But it felt perfect.

At least to Wanda.

Not only because of their little family, but because she could finally see Virelia becoming the kingdom Y/N had always dreamed it could be.

The council meetings were changing. They were no longer consumed by repairing the damage left behind by the previous reign. Instead, they spoke of expanding trade routes, prosperous harvests, new ports, and alliances.

Almost every week another messenger arrived carrying beautifully sealed letters from kingdoms across the ocean. Some wished to establish trade. Others proposed military cooperation or cultural exchanges. A few even hinted at royal alliances through marriage, hopeful that their houses might one day be joined with Virelia's.

Those letters always amused Wanda.

As if Y/N weren't already hopelessly devoted to their wife.

They barely glanced at such proposals before handing them to the council to be politely declined, never giving them a second thought.

What mattered wasn't the proposals themselves. It was what they represented. For generations, Virelia had been feared.

Under King Alaric's rule, the kingdom had earned a reputation for conquest and bloodshed. Neighboring nations had learned to fear its banners on the horizon, knowing they often heralded another campaign, another city brought to its knees, another family torn apart by war. Even kingdoms across the sea had spoken Alaric's name with caution.

Virelia had been powerful. But it had never been trusted.

Y/N had inherited not only a crown, but the weight of that legacy. A kingdom viewed with suspicion. A throne stained by wars they had never wanted.

Yet instead of ruling through fear, they had chosen compassion. Instead of threatening their neighbors, they extended open hands. They negotiated where others expected armies. They rebuilt where others expected revenge.

Slowly...

The world had begun to answer.

Those letters arriving at the palace weren't sent because kingdoms feared Virelia anymore. They came because they respected it.

Because they trusted the ruler sitting upon its throne.

Y/N never spoke of it. They simply continued attending council meetings, signing treaties, listening to their advisors, and doing everything they could to leave the kingdom kinder than the one their father had ruled.

And little by little...

They were succeeding.

Not just for themselves.

For every person who called Virelia home.

Sometimes Wanda caught Y/N standing alone on the palace balcony after another successful council meeting, believing no one was watching.

There was never pride in their eyes. Only quiet relief. Relief that their people finally had the peace they deserved.

And Wanda loved them all the more for it.

Because every morning she woke beside the person she loved. Every night she fell asleep knowing their daughter was only a few steps away. And every day she got to watch Y/N become more and more ridiculous about Nora.

Nora was six months old now.

The tiny newborn who once fit entirely against Y/N's chest had grown into a curious, happy baby who wanted to touch everything. Grab everything. Taste everything. And climb absolutely anything within reach.

Especially Y/N.

The entire palace adored her. The servants adored her, the knights adored her, Lina adored her.

Even Barnes had been caught making funny faces at her.

Twice.

But nobody adored Nora more than Y/N. And nobody adored Y/N more than Nora.

Well... maybe except for Wanda.

Watching the two of them together had become one of her favorite parts of the day. It didn't matter how exhausting the council meetings had been or how many reports waited on Y/N's desk. The moment Nora spotted them, the king disappeared, replaced by a parent so completely smitten that the rest of the world simply ceased to exist.

Wanda was sitting beneath the gazebo in the Queen's Garden, a book forgotten in her lap because there was something much more interesting happening nearby.

Y/N had just returned from a council meeting. Still dressed formally. Still carrying paperwork. Still looking every bit the king.

Until Nora saw them.

The transformation was immediate. The baby gasped. Actually gasped.

Then her entire face lit up.

"MMPa!"

Y/N froze. Every. Single. Time.

Like they still couldn't believe it.

Nora immediately started kicking her legs excitedly from where she sat on a blanket beside Lina.

"Mmm!"

Her tiny arms shot upward. Demanding their attention.

Y/N's expression melted instantly. "Hello, sweetheart."

Nora squealed, then immediately launched into a stream of excited babbling—a full conversation, apparently.

Y/N crouched beside her at once, listening with complete seriousness as though she were delivering the most important report in Virelia.

"Really?"

Babble.

"No."

More babble.

"You're kidding."

Even more babble.

Lina laughed. Wanda laughed.

Y/N nodded solemnly. "I agree completely."

Nora beamed, delighted to finally find someone who understood her language. She leaned forward without the slightest hesitation, practically throwing herself into Y/N's arms.

Y/N caught her immediately. Like always. Like they always would.

Nora squealed happily the moment she was secure against their chest, tiny hands immediately grabbing at their collar.

"MMPa!"

Y/N's smile became helpless.

"There’s my little princess.” They pressed a loud kiss against one chubby cheek.

Then the other.

Again.

And again.

Each kiss earned delighted little giggles from Nora, who kicked her legs excitedly, clearly approving of the arrangement.

Y/N looked completely enchanted. As usual.

With Nora balanced easily on one arm, they leaned toward Lina next. The little princess was already smiling because she knew exactly what was coming.

Y/N pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“Hey little dove."

Lina immediately beamed. Even though she’s seven years old, she still melted every time her brother called her that.

"Hi, Y/N."

"Hi."

Then Y/N straightened, their gaze finding Wanda instantly, just as it always did. No matter who else was in the room. No matter where they were. They gave her that smile that they only reserved for her. Not even Nora have it.

Wanda smiled.

And Y/N was already moving.

Still holding Nora securely against their side, they leaned down, gently cupped Wanda's cheek, and kissed her. Softly. Not long, just enough. A familiar kiss, shared countless times over the years. One that still made Wanda smile every single time.

When they pulled back, Nora immediately objected.

"MMMa!"

Both parents laughed.

Wanda looked down at her. "Sorry." And kissed her chubby cheeks too.

Nora pointed at Wanda. "Ma!"

Then at Y/N. "Pa!"

Than at Lina. “Aaa!”

The baby looked very pleased with herself, as though she'd successfully gathered her entire collection of favorite people.

Y/N laughed. "Very good sweetheart.”

Nora grinned proudly. The praise clearly accepted.

Wanda watched them for a moment. The king of Virelia standing in the middle of the garden. A baby on one hip. Their little sister beside them. A smile on their face.

Happy. Truly happy.

And sometimes Wanda still had to pause and appreciate it, because there had been a time when she wasn't sure Y/N would ever know peace. A time when every smile seemed weighed down by old wounds. By guilt. By fear.

Now those shadows still existed. But they no longer ruled them. Now when Y/N smiled, it reached their eyes, no matter who that smile was addressed at. They laughed easily. And when they looked at their family...

They looked happy. Really happy.

Wanda reached out and brushed a strand of hair from their forehead. Y/N immediately turned their head and kissed her palm. The gesture was so automatic it made her smile.

"What was that for?"

Wanda shook her head.

"Nothing."

Y/N narrowed their eyes suspiciously. "You're looking at me."

"I am."

"Why?"

Wanda laughed softly.

"No reason."

"There is absolutely a reason."

Nora chose that moment to smack Y/N's cheek. Not hard. Just enough to make a tiny pat sound.

Y/N blinked.

Nora looked delighted. Lina immediately burst out laughing. Wanda wasn't much better.

Y/N looked down at their daughter. "Hey."

"Pa!"

A smile tugged at their lips despite themselves. "I know you want my attention, sweetheart, but you cannot slap Papa."

The smile vanished from Nora's face almost instantly. Her tiny lower lip quivered. Her bright green eyes shimmered with tears.

"Oh, sweetheart..." Y/N's voice softened at once. "No, no. Papa isn't mad." They gently rubbed her back, rocking her against their chest. "I promise. I'm not upset with you."

Wanda had already crossed the short distance between them. She smiled gently at Nora, cupping one chubby cheek with the back of her fingers.

"Papa's not mad," she murmured. "But we don't slap people, okay? We use gentle hands."

She stroked Nora's soft cheeks, brushing away the tears before they could fall.

Nora let out a tiny hiccup. Then, with a small whimper, she buried her face against Y/N's neck instead of crying.

"There she is," Y/N whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head. "That's my brave girl."

They held her a little closer, gently swaying from side to side until the last of her sniffles faded away, Nora content to remain tucked safely against them.

After a moment, they looked toward Lina, their expression softening instantly.

"Now."

Lina straightened immediately, already knowing that voice.

"How were lessons this morning, little dove?"

Lina brightened. "They were good."

"Were they?" She nodded enthusiastically.

"We learned about the old kingdoms."

Y/N hummed thoughtfully. "And?"

"And I learned about Mama’s Kingdom.“

“That’s good” Y/N smile. 

“I hope we can visit them someday.”

“…me too, little dove.” Y/N say softly. 

Lina nodded. Then immediately forgot about the topic. "I also beat Eren at mathematics."

Y/N laughed. "Good job!"

Lina looked very proud of herself. "I got every answer right."

"I'm shocked."

"You are not."

"No."

"You're teasing me."

"A little."

Lina groaned.

Nora immediately joined in, making her own dramatic baby noise.

Y/N looked down.

"Feeling better, baby?"

Nora bounced excitedly in their arms.

"Oo!"

"I think that’s a yes?"

More bouncing. And Y/N kiss her head.

Wanda watched as Nora practically launched herself upward, trying to get a better view of Lina. The baby absolutely adored her aunt.

“Aaa!”

Lina’s face lit up instantly.

“Yes, Nora!”

“Aaa!”

Lina held out her arms instinctively.

Y/N smiled before carefully lowering Nora into them, making sure Lina had a secure hold before letting go completely.

“There you are,” Y/N said. “Support her back.”

“I know,” Lina replied with mock offense, cradling her niece proudly. “I’m an expert.”

“I’ve noticed.”

Nora immediately resumed her endless stream of cheerful babbling, tiny hands waving animatedly as though she were telling Lina the most fascinating story in the world.

“I know,” Lina answered with complete seriousness. “And then what happened?”

Another excited burst of baby chatter.

“No!”

More babbling.

“Really?”

Y/N chuckled. Satisfied that the two girls were happily entertaining one another, Y/N settled onto the bench beside Wanda. The moment they sat down, Wanda leaned naturally against their shoulder.

Just as she always did.

Y/N wrapped an arm around her waist without a second thought, resting their cheek lightly against her hair.

Together, they watched Nora and Lina beneath the warm afternoon sun.

One talking. One pretending to understand. Both laughing anyway.

For a long while, neither of them spoke. There wasn’t any need. The breeze carried the scent of blooming roses through the garden. Somewhere nearby, birds sang from the old oak tree.

It felt…Peaceful.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you something,” Y/N said quietly.

Wanda tilted her head to look at them. “What is it?”

Their eyes never left Nora.

“Thank you.”

She blinked.

“For what?”

A small smile touched their lips.

“For loving me.”

Wanda’s expression softened immediately.

“For staying.”

Y/N swallowed.

“For believing there was still something worth loving, even when I couldn’t see it myself.”

She reached for their hand, intertwining their fingers.

“You made that easy.”

They shook their head gently.

“No.”

Their thumb brushed over her knuckles.

“You gave me a home, Wanda.”

Their voice was barely above a whisper now.

“You gave me and Lina a family.”

Their gaze found Nora, who had just erupted into another fit of delighted giggles in Lina’s arms.

“And…”

A quiet laugh escaped them.

“You gave me her.”

Emotion caught in Wanda’s chest.

“You gave me the chance to be someone’s parent.”

Their eyes glistened.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for that.”

Wanda lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of theirs.

“You don’t have to.”

Y/N looked at her.

“You’ve given me everything too.”

They smiled at one another. No grand declarations. No dramatic promises. Just the quiet certainty that comes from years of choosing each other, day after day.

Nearby, Nora squealed loudly enough to steal both of their attention. She had somehow managed to grab one of Lina’s braids.

“Oh no,” Lina laughed. “You’ve discovered hair.”

Y/N sighed with exaggerated resignation.

“We’re in trouble.”

“A little,” Wanda agreed.

“A lot.”

They laughed together.

The sound mingled with Nora’s happy babbles and Lina’s laughter, carrying across the gardens of a kingdom that had finally found peace.

Once, Y/N had believed their life would be defined by the sins of the past.

Instead…

It was defined by quiet mornings. Shared laughter. Gentle kisses. Tiny hands reaching for them without hesitation. 

A little sister who never stopped believing in them.  A daughter who thought they hung the moon. And a wife who had loved them through every season of their life.

As the afternoon sun bathed the palace gardens in gold, Wanda rested her head against Y/N’s shoulder while they watched Nora laugh in Lina’s arms.

There was no battle waiting beyond the gates.

No prophecy.

No tragedy on the horizon.

Only home.

Only family.

Only tomorrow.

And for them…

That was more than enough.

The End.

---------------------------

Thank you all so much for reading The Heir’s Secret.

I honestly never expected this story to grow into 37 chapters, but every comment, vote, and bit of support kept me inspired to continue. What started as a simple idea became a journey that I loved writing, and I hope you enjoyed it as well. 

Thank you for laughing, crying, getting angry, and celebrating with these characters alongside me. Your support truly means more than you know.

Whether you’ve been here since Chapter 1 or just found this story recently, I’m incredibly grateful that you gave The Heir’s Secret a chance.

This may be the end of this book, but it won’t be the end of this series. I hope you’ll join me again in future stories.

---------------------------

Epilogue

Far from Virelia…

An elderly butler entered the throne room carrying a bundle of sealed reports.

He bowed.

“Your Majesty.”

The king didn’t look up. “What is it?”

“We’ve received the latest reports from the Kingdom of Virelia.”

A long silence followed.

“…Read.”

The butler broke the seal.

“‘King Y/N Dragna continues strengthening diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms. New trade agreements have been signed, and several rulers have expressed interest in formal alliances with Virelia.’”

Another page.

“‘The people speak highly of their king. Reports describe King Y/N as compassionate, just, and deeply devoted to both the kingdom and the royal family.’”

Another.

“‘Many now believe Virelia has become one of the most trusted kingdoms on the continent under King Y/N Dragna’s reign.’”

The butler lowered the papers.

Silence.

Then…

The king laughed.

A cold, hollow sound that carried no trace of amusement.

“They’ve forgotten.”

He slowly rose from his throne.

“They’ve forgotten the smoke…The screams…The graves.”

“They’ve forgotten Alaric Dragna.” His hand slammed against the table. “They’ve forgotten what Virelia truly is.”

The butler remained silent.

“They praise his heir now,” the king spat. “They call the monster compassionate.”

A bitter smile twisted across his face.

“How quickly the world rewrites its stories.” He laugh dryly. “Now they call that same monster their greatest hope.”

He scoffed.

“A crown doesn’t change blood.”

“And a smile…” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “…doesn’t make a monster any less dangerous.”

The butler hesitated.

“Your Majesty… every report insists King Y/N is nothing like the former king.”

“I know what the reports say!”The king’s eyes hardened. “I don’t care.”

The room seemed to grow colder.

“Some debts cannot be repaid…Some crimes cannot be forgiven. And some names…” His gaze settled on Virelia’s crest carved into the map.

“…deserve to disappear from history.”

The butler lowered his eyes. He had served his king for decades. He knew that look.

The king rested one hand over the map of Virelia. His fingers slowly curled into a fist.

“Enjoy your happy ending, King Y/N Dragna.”

His smile held no warmth.

“It won’t last.”

Outside, thunder rolled across the distant mountains.

Far away…

Unaware that the past had begun moving once again…

Virelia slept peacefully.

---

“Her Majesty is in labor.”

For one terrible second, the world stopped.

Then everything happened at once. Y/N wheeled Philip around so fast the stallion barely had time to react.

“Y/N—”

Ser Barnes didn't even get to finish.

“Go Philip!” The single word cracked like thunder. Philip surged forward. Y/N dug in their heels. The stallion exploded into motion. The road vanished beneath them. Wind tore at their clothes. Branches blurred past.

All Y/N could hear was the thunder of hooves and the frantic pounding of their own heart.

Wanda. Wait for me my love. Please.

Just let me get there.

Philip ran faster. And Y/N didn't look back.

---

Few Hours Ago

Wanda's POV

The day had started completely normally.

Y/N had kissed her goodbye after breakfast. Twice. Then a third time because apparently the first two hadn't been sufficient.

After that, they'd spent several minutes reminding everyone within hearing distance to send for them immediately if Wanda needed anything. Then they'd reluctantly left with Barnes.

Wanda had laughed.

Y/N had not.

For the first couple of hours, everything felt ordinary. She spent the morning in her study, reading reports, answering correspondence, and listening to Lina enthusiastically explain why the baby would obviously like rabbits more than horses.

Normal. Completely normal.

Then she felt a small discomfort. A tightening low in her abdomen. Not painful just... different. Wanda paused, waiting. The sensation passed and she continued reading.

About an hour later, it happened again.

This time stronger. Enough to make her stop speaking halfway through a sentence. 

Lily immediately noticed. "Your Majesty?"

Wanda offered a reassuring smile. "I'm fine."

And she meant it. Probably.

The healers had warned her this could happen. Her body was preparing. Nothing unusual. Then another came.

And another.

And another.

Each one stronger than the last.

By the time the healers arrived, Wanda was no longer in her study. She had been helped back to her chambers and was trying very hard not to panic.

A sharp pain rolled through her body. Wanda gasped, her hand immediately gripping the blankets beneath her.

"Easy," one of the healers said gently. "Easy, Your Majesty."

Easy. Right.

She would remember that the next time her body felt determined to split itself apart.

The pain eased just enough to leave her breathless, sweating, and frustrated. Natasha stood nearby, trying very hard to look calm which she was failing. Mostly because every few minutes Wanda asked the same question.

"Where's Y/N?"

Natasha's expression softened. "They're coming."

Another contraction hit. Harder this time. Wanda cried out despite herself. The healer immediately moved closer, murmuring instructions while checking both her and the baby, but Wanda barely heard any of it.

All she could think about was Y/N.

Where were they?

How far away?

Had someone reached them yet?

Gods...

She needed them.

Another wave of pain crashed through her.

Wanda moaned, one hand instinctively moving to her stomach. The baby shifted as though completely unaware of the chaos they were causing.

Natasha was beside the bed in an instant, taking Wanda's hand.

"You're doing fine."

Wanda let out a weak laugh. "You're a terrible liar."

Natasha snorted. “Sorry.”

Another contraction surged through her. Wanda squeezed Natasha's hand hard enough to make most people complain but Natasha didn't even flinch.

"Where is Y/N?" Wanda asked again.

This time her voice sounded smaller, more vulnerable.

One of the healers glanced toward Natasha.

"They left less than three hours ago," Natasha answered immediately.

Wanda closed her eyes.

Trying to calculate.

Trying not to cry.

Trying not to panic.

The pain returned.

And with it came fear. Not fear of the baby. Not even fear of childbirth. She was afraid Y/N wouldn't make it back in time.

She knew how much this moment meant to them. How terrified they'd been for months. How often she'd found them awake in the middle of the night, one hand resting protectively over her stomach. How many times they'd hidden that fear behind a smile.

Gods...

If Y/N missed this...

Wanda didn't know who would take it harder. Them or her.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

Natasha noticed immediately.

"Hey."

Wanda shook her head before finally whispering the truth.

"I want my spouse.”

For just a moment, Natasha's expression cracked. Then she tightened her grip on Wanda's hand. "They're coming."

Another contraction tore through her.

Wanda cried out.

And somewhere beyond the palace walls, she silently begged Y/N to hurry.

---

Y/N's POV

The moment the palace came into view, Y/N urged Philip faster.

The horse thundered through the gates, past startled guards, past servants rushing aside, past anyone unfortunate enough to be standing in the way.

The second Philip stopped in the courtyard, Y/N jumped down. They nearly hit the ground and was already running.

"Your Majesty—"

"Y/N!"

Barnes' voice came from somewhere behind them. They ignored all.

Y/N ran through corridors, up staircases, past servants flattening themselves against the walls to avoid being knocked over. Every heartbeat felt too slow. Every second felt stolen.

Please. Please. Please.

When they reached their wing, they nearly collided with two servants carrying stacks of fresh linens. The women gasped in surprise, and Y/N caught one gently by the shoulders.

"Where is Wanda?"

The servant's eyes widened. "Your chambers, Your Majesty."

Of course. Where else would she be?

Y/N was already moving before the woman finished speaking.

The doors to their chambers stood open. People hurried in and out carrying fresh water, clean linens, and supplies while healers moved with practiced urgency. Y/N's pulse roared in their ears as they headed straight for the doorway.

Then—

"My King."

One of the healers stepped directly into their path. Y/N barely stopped.

The healer bowed quickly. "You cannot enter."

For a second, Y/N simply stared, not understanding.

"What?"

"The Queen is in labor.”

"I am aware."

"It is not customary—"

Y/N's expression darkened instantly.

The healer faltered. "It is not customary for spouses to be present during the birth."

Silence. Even the servants nearby froze.

Y/N stared at him. Then let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

"You think I care about custom?"

The healer opened his mouth, but Y/N didn't let him speak.

"My wife is in there."

"My King, tradition—"

"I do not care!” The words came out sharp and certain. "My wife is giving birth to our child."

The healer blinked.

Y/N stepped closer.

"And you think I am going to stand outside because some noble centuries ago decided that was proper?"

"My King—"

"No." Their voice cracked slightly. Not from anger, but from fear. "I am going to be beside her."

The healer looked genuinely surprised, as though the possibility had never occurred to him.

Behind Y/N, Barnes finally caught up, breathing hard from the run. One look at Y/N's face, one look at the healer, and he wisely decided not to get involved.

Y/N glanced toward the doorway before looking back at the healer. "If you intend to stop me, I suggest you reconsider." The healer immediately stepped aside.

Smart man.

Y/N didn't waste another second. They pushed through the doorway.

The first thing they heard was Wanda crying out in pain. The sound hit them like a physical blow. Their heart stopped and the room felt too hot.

Too crowded.

Too bright.

Wanda was on their bed. She was sweating, breathing hard, one hand gripping Natasha's tightly while the other clutched the sheets beneath her.

And gods...

She looked exhausted.

Another contraction hit, making Wanda moan in pain, her eyes squeezing shut.

For one terrible moment, all Y/N could see was every nightmare they'd had these past months. Every fear. Every memory of their mother. Every image they'd tried so desperately to bury.

Then Wanda opened her eyes and saw them.

Y/N was moving before either of them spoke. Their jacket hit the floor first, followed by their sword belt and every weapon they carried. Everything was abandoned without a second thought.

Y/N didn't care. They only had eyes for Wanda.

Natasha stepped back immediately, surprised by the speed with which Y/N crossed the room, giving them space without a word. The healer at the foot of the bed looked equally startled. Perhaps because kings weren't supposed to do this. Perhaps because kings weren't supposed to throw their weapons aside and practically launch themselves toward their wives.

Y/N didn't notice. There was only Wanda.

By the time they reached the bed, their hands were already on her—cupping her face, brushing her hair back, holding her shoulders as if they needed to convince themselves she was really there.

"Wanda..."

Their voice cracked instantly.

Gods...She looked exhausted.

Another tear slipped down her cheek.

Y/N wiped it away at once before leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"I'm sorry."

Another kiss.

"I'm sorry."

Her temple.

"I'm sorry."

Her cheek.

"I should've been here."

Another kiss.

"I'm sorry."

Wanda let out a breathless laugh that dissolved into a pained gasp as another contraction began to build.

Y/N's panic returned immediately. "I'm here." They rested their forehead against hers. "I'm here now."

Wanda nodded weakly. One hand found the front of their shirt, gripping the fabric as though she'd been waiting for exactly this. For them.

Y/N kissed her again.

Not her lips.

Her forehead.

Her hairline.

Her cheek.

Everywhere.

Unable to stop. Unable to help themself. "I'm sorry I wasn't here."

"My love—"

"I'm sorry."

"Y/N."

Their eyes finally met hers.

Despite the pain, despite the labor, Wanda lifted a hand and gently cupped their cheek.

"You came."

The simple words hit harder than anything else. Y/N swallowed hard. They had been terrified the entire ride home. Terrified they'd arrive too late. Terrified history would somehow repeat itself.

Wanda saw it. Of course she did.

She always did.

Another contraction hit hard. Wanda gasped, her hand slipping from Y/N's face to fist in the front of their shirt, pulling them impossibly close. A pained groan escaped her as she buried her face against their shoulder.

Y/N immediately wrapped an arm around her, holding her steady. Trying to hold her together. The healer moved closer to check her progress. A moment later, her eyes widened slightly.

"Your Majesty."

Wanda looked up. The healer smiled gently. "It's time."

The words seemed to freeze the room. The baby was coming.

Now.

The healer looked at Y/N. "My King, normally—"

"No."

The answer came without hesitation making the healer blink in confusion.

Y/N's arm tightened around Wanda. "I am not leaving."

"My King, spouses usually—"

"I do not care what spouses usually do."

Silence settled over the room.

Wanda's grip on their shirt tightened, fear flashing across her face.

Y/N turned to her immediately.

"I'm staying."

The promise was certain.

Wanda let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her features.

The healer watched them for another moment before giving a small, understanding smile.

"Very well."

Another contraction began building. The healer turned back to Wanda. "When the next one comes, Your Majesty... push."

Wanda nodded nervously.

Y/N climbed fully onto the bed beside her without a second thought, ignoring every rule surrounding kings and childbirth. They settled behind her, one arm around her shoulders while the other found her hand, holding her securely against their chest.

Wanda leaned into them instantly. Seeking comfort and strength.

Y/N kissed the side of her head. "You've got this."

Wanda laughed weakly. "Easy for you to say."

“Sorry.” Y/N kiss her temple. "You're still the strongest person I know."

She rolled her eyes, then grabbed them even tighter as another wave of pain crashed through her.

"Oh gods..."

Her arm wrapped around the back of Y/N's neck as she buried her face there, groaning through the contraction.

Y/N felt her trembling. Felt how hard she was fighting. Their heart nearly broke.

"Look at me."

Wanda managed to lift her eyes.

Y/N brushed damp strands of hair from her face until their foreheads rested together.

"I'm right here."

Another breath. Another contraction. Another push.

Wanda cried out.

Y/N held her tighter, whispering encouragements against her hair, her temple, her forehead—whatever came to mind. Whatever helped.

Time blurred. Minutes stretched. The room faded away. There was only Wanda.

Between contractions, Wanda rested against their shoulder, exhausted but determined. Y/N pressed a kiss into her hair and whispered,

"I love you."

Wanda closed her eyes. A tear slipped down her cheek.

"I love you too."

But the moment didn’t last long as another contraction hit. Wanda's whole body tensed. A sharp cry escaped her as her fingers dug into Y/N's hand and her other arm tightened around their neck.

Y/N kissed her temple. "That's it."

Wanda shook her head, breathing hard. "It hurts." The words came out broken. Exhausted.

Y/N's heart ached. "I know." Another kiss. "I know, my love."

The healer stayed calm. "Push, Your Majesty."

Wanda groaned and pushed.

Y/N felt every tremble. Every ounce of effort.

Gods...She was incredible.

When it passed, Wanda slumped against their chest, drenched in sweat. Y/N brushed the damp hair from her face and cupped her cheek.

"You're doing so well."

"I think you're biased," Wanda managed weakly.

"Very."

A faint smile crossed her lips before the next contraction stole it away. She buried her face against Y/N's shoulder as the pain came harder, closer together.

The healer guided her. Natasha watched in silent awe.

Y/N never let go. Not once. Every cry, every push, every frightened glance, they were there.

“I’m here." They reminded her again and again. "I'm here."

And every time, Wanda hugged them tighter.

---

Time blurred.

Minutes.

Hours.

The world became nothing but breathing, pushing, Y/N's hand in hers, and their voice in her ear. Then the healer smiled.

"One more, Your Majesty."

The strongest contraction yet crashed through Wanda. She cried out, pushed with everything she had, and clung to Y/N. Until—

A cry.

Tiny, and sharp. For one impossible second, the room fell still.

No one moved.

No one breathed.

Then it came again.

Louder.

Wanda's eyes filled with tears. A sob escaped her. Something inside Y/N gave way. Not from fear. Not from grief. From overwhelming relief.

The healer laughed softly—a beautiful sound—before looking up, her eyes shining. "Congratulations, Your Majesties." A smile spread across her face. "It's a girl."

For a moment, neither Wanda nor Y/N spoke.

A girl.

They had a daughter.

The healer carefully wrapped the tiny baby in a soft blanket. The little girl immediately protested the entire process with another loud cry, which somehow only made Wanda cry harder. And Y/N too.

The healer approached the bed, naturally heading toward Y/N first. The king. The father. But Y/N immediately shook their head. "Her first."

Their voice broke.

The healer paused in surprise before smiling softly and placing the baby into Wanda's arms.

The second the tiny bundle settled against her chest, Wanda let out a sob—not from pain, not from exhaustion, but from love. Instant. Overwhelming. Complete.

"Oh..."

The word was barely more than a breath.

Tears streamed freely down her cheeks as their daughter's tiny face peeked out from the blanket. Small. Red. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Y/N carefully wrapped one arm around Wanda's waist while the other slipped beneath the arm cradling the baby, supporting them both. Protecting them both. They leaned over Wanda's shoulder, took one look at their daughter, and immediately started crying again.

Gods. She was so small. So impossibly small.

Their daughter let out another tiny cry before slowly settling, instinctively curling against Wanda's warmth. The crying faded. Her tiny body relaxed.

Safe.

Wanda laughed through her tears. "Hi, sweetheart."

The baby made a tiny sound, and Y/N completely melted.

"Hello." Their voice cracked so badly they barely recognized it.

The baby opened her eyes for only a moment, too young to focus on anything, yet Y/N felt their entire heart stop anyway.

"Oh, gods."

One tear became another, then another. They couldn't stop crying. They didn't want to.

"She's beautiful."

Wanda nodded immediately. "She is."

Y/N gently touched one tiny hand. Their daughter instantly wrapped her fingers around one of theirs. Just a reflex. Nothing more.

Yet Y/N nearly broke.

A choked laugh escaped them, followed by another sob, and suddenly they were crying into Wanda's shoulder again.

The king of Virelia, reduced to tears by a hand no larger than their thumb.

Wanda kissed their temple lovingly, understanding completely because she felt exactly the same. When their daughter let out the tiniest yawn imaginable, both parents stared at her as though she'd performed a miracle.

Which, honestly, she had.

Several minutes passed like that, the rest of the room fading away. The healers. Natasha. Everyone else. Nothing mattered anymore.

Only this.

Only them.

Their family.

Eventually, Y/N brushed away another tear and looked from Wanda to the baby, then back again.

"What should we call her?"

Wanda smiled softly. "You're the king."

Y/N let out a quiet snort. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"It means you should choose."

"No."

Wanda laughed weakly. "Y/N."

"It doesn't matter."

And it truly didn't. Not compared to this. Not compared to her.

"You choose."

Wanda studied them for a long moment—the tears still shining in their eyes, the way they couldn't stop looking at their daughter, the way they held both of them as though they might disappear if they let go. Then she smiled, full of love and quiet understanding.

She leaned forward and kissed them, slow and tender. Y/N kissed her back without hesitation.

When she pulled away, she rested her forehead against theirs and whispered,

"Then her name is Eleonora."

Everything stopped.

Y/N froze.

The room fell silent.

Even their breathing seemed to pause.

Eleonora.

For a long moment, they couldn't speak. Couldn't think. Their eyes filled again, harder this time, because suddenly they could see their mother. The gardens, letters, the diary, the portrait.

The woman who had loved them fiercely until her final breath.

And now...

Their daughter.

Alive. Safe and loved.

Y/N looked down at little Eleonora sleeping peacefully in Wanda's arms, then back at Wanda, and completely failed to hold back the tears.

"Wanda..."

Their voice broke.

Wanda reached up and gently cupped their cheek, smiling through her own tears. Y/N rested their forehead against hers, one hand carefully settling over their daughter's tiny back.

For the first time in their life, when they thought of Eleonora...

It didn't hurt.

Not completely.

Because a part of her lived on.

Not reborn.

Not replaced.

But remembered.

Loved.

And carried forward.

In the tiny little girl sleeping safely in their wife’s arms.

---

Few Days Later

A few days later...

The sound of crying pulled Y/N from sleep.

A tiny cry. Small, indignant and very familiar.

Y/N groaned immediately, burying their face deeper into Wanda's neck as the baby continued protesting from the crib beside their bed, apparently convinced the entire kingdom needed to be awake.

Right now.

Wanda let out a sleepy laugh, one hand finding Y/N's hair.

"Sorry."

Y/N pressed a kiss against her neck. "You didn't do anything."

Another cry echoed through the room.

Wanda sighed. "I'll get her."

"No."

Y/N tightened their arm around her for a brief moment before kissing her jaw. "I've got her."

"My love—"

"I've got her."

Wanda smiled softly. There was no arguing once Y/N used that tone.

The king reluctantly pushed themself upright, looking about as exhausted as anyone expected from a parent who hadn't slept properly in days.

And yet...

There was still a smile on their face.

They crossed the short distance to the crib. Little Eleonora's tiny fists waved helplessly as she cried, her little face scrunched with all the seriousness only a newborn could manage.

Y/N leaned over the crib and instantly melted.

Gods. They would never get used to this.

"Hey, little one."

Their voice was barely above a whisper.

They carefully checked her blanket, then her diaper.

Dry and clean.

Y/N frowned thoughtfully before looking back down at her.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

Eleonora answered with another tiny cry.

Y/N smiled despite themself and carefully lifted her into their arms.

Almost immediately, the crying softened. The tiny bundle settled against their chest, her little body relaxing against their warmth, and Y/N felt their heart tighten with the same overwhelming love it always did every single time.

They gently rubbed a hand over her tiny back before turning toward the bed.

Wanda was already watching them.

The expression on her face nearly stole Y/N's breath.

Pure love and adoration for both of them.

She had pushed herself upright against the headboard, gathering the blanket around herself as she quietly held out her arms, ready to feed their daughter.

Y/N smiled immediately. The kind reserved only for family. Only for them.

“Where’s my baby?” Wanda held out her arms. Eleonora immediately turned toward the sound of her mother's voice.

Y/N's smile deepened. "Someone's hungry."

Eleonora answered with another tiny, impatient sound.

Y/N smiled as they carefully placed their daughter into Wanda's waiting arms. The moment Eleonora settled against her mother, her tiny body relaxed, already recognizing Wanda's warmth, her scent, her heartbeat.

Home.

Wanda opened her chemise and gently guided Eleonora closer. Within moments, their daughter latched, and the little cries faded into quiet contentment.

Peace returned.

For now.

Y/N watched with the same quiet wonder they felt every time. They settled beside Wanda on the bed, one arm resting behind her shoulders, unable to look away.

Watching Eleonora's tiny hand curl instinctively against Wanda.

Watching Wanda's expression soften with every passing second.

Watching the quiet, effortless love between mother and daughter.

After a moment, Wanda glanced over and found Y/N staring.

Again.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

"What?"

Y/N shook their head, still smiling. "Nothing."

"You're staring."

"I know."

Wanda's smile only grew.

Y/N looked back down at Eleonora, their eyes impossibly gentle.

"I just..."

Their voice trailed off.

There were no words for this. No words for waking beside Wanda. For hearing their daughter's cries in the early morning. For carrying her across the room. For watching the two people they loved most in the world together in the soft morning light.

Y/N reached beneath the blanket and gently brushed a finger over Eleonora's tiny foot.

She answered with the smallest little kick.

A smile spread across Y/N's face.

"Hi, little one."

For a while, neither of them spoke. They simply sat together, the room filled only with Eleonora's quiet nursing sounds and the distant murmur of the palace beginning another day.

Y/N rested their head lightly against Wanda's shoulder.

Tired but happy.

The feeling still felt unfamiliar.

But with each passing day, it felt a little more like home.

After a few quiet minutes, Wanda felt Y/N press a gentle kiss against her shoulder.

Then another.

Then they pressed another gentle kiss to Eleonora's head. But the baby barely reacted. Far too content with breakfast.

Y/N smiled.

"So this is more important than me now?"

Eleonora remained happily nestled against Wanda, completely absorbed in nursing.

A quiet laugh escaped Wanda, warm enough to fill the room.

Y/N looked over at her and found themself smiling too.

That sound...It had become one of their favorite things in the world.

A moment later, Eleonora's tiny hand opened and closed against Wanda's chest. The movement immediately caught Y/N's attention. Their expression softened as they slowly offered a finger.

Without even looking, the baby's tiny hand wrapped around it. A simple instinct nothing more, And yet Y/N loved when she did that.

Wanda watched the smile bloom across their face, the love that seemed too big to contain. Wanda rested her head against their shoulder, watching them watch Nora.

"You adore her."

Y/N smiled without taking their eyes off their daughter.

"I really do."

The quiet certainty in their voice made Wanda's chest tighten.

Y/N had always loved with everything they had.

And now that boundless love belonged to a tiny little girl who didn't even realize she already held her parents' hearts in her little hand.

Y/N gently brushed a fingertip over Eleonora's soft cheek. Her tiny nose scrunched almost immediately, a sleepy little frown crossing her face.

They both smiled before their eyes met again. And at the exact same moment—"She looks like you."

The words left them together.

For a heartbeat, they simply stared at one another. Then they laughed quietly.

Eleonora stirred at the sound before settling again against Wanda.

Y/N looked from their daughter to Wanda, then back again. That familiar tenderness returned to their eyes—the same quiet gentleness Wanda had fallen in love with long before either of them had understood what it meant.

Leaning forward, Y/N pressed another gentle kiss to Eleonora's forehead, and another kiss to Wanda's temple. Before wrapping an arm around both of them, holding them close.

For a while, the room remained peaceful.

Eleonora continued nursing with the quiet determination only a newborn could have, while Y/N and Wanda simply watched her, neither of them quite able to believe she was real.

Eventually, the little girl began to slow. The eager rhythm became gentler, sleepier, until it stopped altogether. A tiny, milk-drunk sigh escaped her.

Wanda smiled immediately.

“Good job sweetheart.“

Eleonora blinked slowly, looking perfectly content.

Y/N's smile softened. "I think someone's full."

The baby answered with the tiniest yawn, impossibly big for someone so small.

Wanda carefully adjusted her chemise before looking at Y/N.

"Your turn."

Y/N was already holding out their arms.

The transfer was smooth. The moment Eleonora settled against their chest, Y/N instinctively adjusted her, one hand supporting her tiny body while the other gently rubbed slow circles across her back.

Wanda watched quietly.

Gods. They looked so natural. So gentle.

Y/N began pacing slowly beside the bed, tiny pats against Eleonora's back accompanied by soft murmurs only she was ever meant to hear.

"There you go, little one."

"That's it."

"I'm right here."

A moment later, Eleonora let out a tiny burp.

Y/N paused, then looked down at her with a smile.

"There you are."

Eleonora gave a sleepy little sigh and settled even closer against their chest.

Y/N couldn't help smiling as they gently kissed the top of her head before continuing to rub her back.

Just then, three polite knocks sounded at the chamber door.

Then Lily's voice.

"Your Majesties?"

Wanda smiled immediately.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Lily stepped inside. One look at the room made her expression soften. The king standing barefoot beside the bed, cradling a sleepy baby. The queen looking happier than Lily had ever seen her.

Morning sunlight spilling across the room. The crib beside the bed. A home already overflowing with quiet love.

"I didn't wish to interrupt."

"You didn't," Wanda assured her.

Lily inclined her head.

"May I bring breakfast now?"

At the mention of breakfast, Y/N blinked, only then remembering they hadn't eaten.

Wanda noticed at once, a fond smile touching her lips.

"You've been holding her so closely, I don't think you've thought about anything else."

Y/N glanced down at Eleonora, sleeping peacefully against their chest, and smiled.

"I suppose not."

Lily's own smile warmed. "I'll bring everything right away."

She quietly excused herself, leaving the door slightly open as servants began preparing breakfast outside.

Y/N looked down at their daughter. Then at Wanda.

For one last quiet moment, before breakfast arrived and before the responsibilities of a kingdom returned, Y/N simply stood there holding their daughter while Wanda watched them.

Neither of them spoke. Neither needed to.

Some mornings deserved nothing more than silence, love, and the quiet certainty that they were exactly where they were meant to be.

---

Wanda's POV

Later that morning, after Y/N reluctantly returned to their royal duties, the chambers felt strangely quiet.

The room still carried the faint scent of breakfast. Eleonora slept peacefully in the crib beside the bed, and Wanda was grateful for that.

Because gods, everything hurt. Not unbearably, but it did.

The healers had reassured her countless times that she was recovering well, but she was still sore, still tired, and every movement reminded her she'd given birth only a few days ago.

Y/N had spent the entire morning reminding her to rest. Repeatedly.

As though she intended to climb onto a horse and ride across the kingdom.

"Stay in bed."

"I know."

"Actually rest."

"I know."

"No walking around the palace."

"My love—"

"No stairs."

Wanda had laughed until her sides ached. Y/N had answered by kissing her forehead, then their daughter’s, before pressing one last kiss to Wanda's lips and leaving for their meetings looking thoroughly reluctant.

Wanda smile with the memory when someone knock at the door.

Lina.

The chamber door opened just enough for her to slip inside before she quietly closed it behind her.

“Wanda…”

Wanda looked up from the book resting in her lap.

Lina stood in the doorway, already dressed for her lessons, her hair neatly braided and several books tucked beneath one arm. She was clearly trying to be quiet.

Trying.

"Good morning." Wanda smile.

Lina's face immediately brightened.

"Good morning!"

She caught herself almost instantly, lowering her voice as her eyes darted toward the crib.

Wanda smiled.

"Shouldn't you be heading to your lessons?"

"Yes."

A pause.

"I am."

Another pause.

"I just wanted to see Nora first."

Wanda laughed softly.

There it was. The real reason.

Lina hurried to the crib and immediately peeked inside. Her eyes widened with the same wonder she wore every morning.

"She's still tiny."

Wanda smiled. "She is."

"Very tiny."

After another long look at her sleeping niece, Lina turned back toward Wanda.

"How are you feeling?"

The question caught Wanda by surprise. It sounded exactly like something Y/N would ask.

She smiled. "I'm okay."

Lina narrowed her eyes just like Y/N. "Really?"

"Really."

Satisfied—mostly—Lina carefully climbed onto the edge of the bed beside her, making sure not to jostle Wanda. She leaned gently against her side, careful of all the places Y/N had already warned everyone to avoid.

Her gaze drifted back to the crib.

"She's so cute."

"She is."

A quiet smile spread across Lina's face.

“Y/N always look at her like she is the most precious thing in the world."

"Because she is and so are you.” Wanda caress Lina’s hair.

She slipped an arm gently around Lina's shoulders.

"You're very precious too little one.”

Lina smiled shyly before resting her head against Wanda's shoulder, the two of them watching Eleonora sleep.

The room was quiet again but peaceful.

After a while, Lina spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you."

Wanda blinked.

"For what?"

Lina looked at Eleonora before meeting Wanda's eyes.

"For staying after giving birth to Nora.”

The words settled deep in Wanda's heart. She knew exactly where they came from. The fear Lina still carried of losing someone she loved.

Wanda reached over and gently brushed a few loose strands of hair behind Lina's ear.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Lina smiled. Then she carefully wrapped her arms around Wanda in a gentle hug.

The kind only a child who felt completely safe could give.

Wanda hugged her back.

For a moment, her thoughts drifted to her mother-in-law. To the woman who would have loved this. Who would have adored her granddaughter. Who would have been endlessly proud of the family her children had built.

A tiny squeak suddenly came from the crib.

Both Wanda and Lina turned at once.

Eleonora stretched, made another sleepy little sound, then settled right back to sleep.

Lina smiled so brightly it made Wanda smile too.

And just like that, the morning carried on—with a queen recovering in bed, an older sister already hopelessly devoted to her niece, and a tiny newborn who had quietly become the heart of the palace.

---

A Month Later

A month passed. And somehow...

It had been both the longest month of Wanda's life and the shortest.

The days blurred together. Feeding Nora. Sleeping whenever Nora allowed it. Discovering that someone so tiny could somehow create mountains of laundry. Learning that every unfamiliar sound could send both parents rushing to the crib.

And realizing Y/N was completely, hopelessly in love with their daughter.

Not that Wanda was any better.

The first week had been pure chaos.

The second, slightly less so.

By the third, they had begun to recognize Nora's different cries.

Hungry. Sleepy. Upset. Wanting to be held.

And one particular cry that Y/N swore was reserved exclusively for summoning them from anywhere in the palace.

Somehow...

It always worked.

The entire palace had fallen in love with Nora.

Lina most of all.

She visited every day—sometimes twice, sometimes three times—always with a reason. She wanted to read Nora a story, show her a flower, share a drawing, or tell her all about her lessons.

Nora understood none of it. But Lina never seemed to mind.

Even Natasha had quietly surrendered.

Though she'd deny it until the end of time.

Wanda had once found her cradling Nora while calmly explaining military strategy to a baby barely a week old. Natasha insisted it was never too early to learn.

Wanda and Y/N had laughed all afternoon.

And Y/N...

Gods. They had become impossible.

In the sweetest way.

Every morning began by checking that Nora was breathing. Every night ended the same way.

Sometimes Wanda woke to find Y/N standing beside the crib, simply watching their daughter sleep. Not out of fear. Just wonder. As though they still couldn't quite believe she was real.

The fear that had followed them throughout the pregnancy had faded. Not completely. Wanda wasn't sure it ever truly would.

But now, whenever Y/N looked at Nora, there was far more wonder than worry. Far more love than fear. 

And Nora was changing. Growing a little heavier each week. Staying awake a little longer. Watching the world with growing curiosity. More and more often, Wanda caught Nora following Y/N with her eyes whenever they crossed the room.

Every single time, Y/N looked completely captivated.

Life had settled into something beautiful. Something ordinary. The kind of ordinary Wanda had once believed she'd never have.

A spouse she adored. A daughter. A family. A home.

Which was why today's excitement felt different.

Today wasn't about councils. Or reports. Or royal duties.

Today was about family.

She hadn't seen her parents in months. Not since before Nora's birth.

They had exchanged countless letters, of course. Her mother always demanded updates, while her father insisted he wasn't worried before quietly filling the bottom of every letter with questions.

How is Wanda? How is the baby? Has she smiled yet? Is she sleeping well? Is Y/N helping her?

That last question appeared far more often than the others.

Now they were finally here. Coming to meet their granddaughter. And Wanda could hardly contain her excitement.

By the time the royal carriage rolled through the palace gates, both she and Y/N were already waiting outside. The weather was pleasant, guards stood at attention, and servants moved quietly around the courtyard.

Inside the palace, Lily was watching over Nora. Who, for once…was asleep.

The carriage came to a stop, the Sokovian crest gleaming across its doors. Beside her, Y/N gave her hand a gentle squeeze, feeling her growing excitement without a word.

A servant stepped forward and opened the door. Before anyone could announce their arrival—Wanda's mother had already stepped down.

She looked every bit the queen. Elegant and regal.

Until her eyes found Wanda.

In an instant, the queen disappeared. Leaving only a mother. "Wanda."

Wanda laughed softly and hurried forward, wrapping her arms around her. Months apart vanished the moment they embraced.

When they finally pulled back, her mother cupped her face with both hands, carefully looking her over.

"You look well."

"So do you."

"You look tired."

“I have a baby now.”

That made her mother laugh.

Behind them, Wanda's father stepped down from the carriage with all the dignity expected of a king. For exactly three seconds.

The moment he saw Wanda, he opened his arms. Wanda laughed again and stepped into another warm embrace. For a little while…she wasn't Queen of Virelia.

She was simply a daughter.

Eventually, King Erik turned toward Y/N. Unlike Wanda and Queen Natalya, he didn't step forward immediately.

There was still a quiet formality between them. Respect. But not yet the easy familiarity Y/N shared with his wife.

"King Y/N."

Erik extended his hand. Y/N smiled and accepted it.

"King Erik."

The handshake was firm. Respectful. The kind exchanged between two rulers.

"It's good to have you here."

“Thank you. It’s good to be here."

Erik's gaze briefly shifted to Wanda, silently confirming that she looked healthy and happy. Only then did he look back at Y/N. "You seem well."

Y/N glanced toward Wanda, a gentle smile appearing without thought. "I am."

The simple answer seemed to satisfy him. At least a little. Before either man could say another word, Queen Natalya stepped forward. And completely ignored protocol.

"Oh, enough of that."

Neither king had time to react before she wrapped Y/N in a warm embrace.

Y/N laughed immediately. The formal atmosphere disappeared at once.

“Queen Natalya."

"Y/N."

She held them for a moment before pulling back to look them over, just as she'd done with Wanda.

"You look exhausted."

Y/N laughed softly. "I suppose I do."

"You do."

"I have a one-month-old daughter."

Natalya regarded them with perfect seriousness. "And?"

Y/N could only laugh again.

Beside them, Wanda shook her head, smiling fondly. Nothing had changed.

Natalya reached up and brushed a loose lock of Y/N's hair back into place. An instinctively maternal gesture. One she didn't even seem to realize she'd made.

Y/N simply smiled. Not embarrassed. Just... quietly fond.

The look didn't escape Wanda. Because after their mother, Y/N had never really known adults who fussed over them like this. And her mother either didn't realize what those small gestures meant to them...Or she knew exactly what she was doing.

With her mother, it was impossible to tell.

Wanda smiled to herself before looking around. "Where's Pietro?"

Erik answered with a sigh. "Someone had to remain in Sokovia."

Wanda raised an eyebrow. "You left Pietro in charge?"

"I ordered him to stay."

Natalya laughed. "He complained."

"A great deal," Erik added.

"He insisted we were depriving him of his right to meet his niece first."

"He also informed us several times that he would make an excellent uncle," Natalya said with a fond shake of her head. "Then he complained some more."

"But," Erik finished, "he stayed."

Wanda smiled. "That sounds like Pietro."

Y/N chuckled.

Erik looked between them before lifting a hand. "Enough talking.” His voice carried all the patience of a grandfather who had waited an entire month. "I've answered enough questions."

He looked directly at Wanda. "Where is my granddaughter?"

Both Wanda and Y/N laughed.

"I thought you'd at least wait until we were inside," Wanda teased.

"I've waited a month."

"A very long month," Natalya agreed.

Y/N smiled.

"Why don't we go inside first?"

They gestured toward the palace entrance, guiding everyone through the grand doors while servants quietly carried the royal family's luggage toward the guest wing.

As they walked through the halls, Natalya brightened. "Oh! I almost forgot."

She looked between Wanda and Y/N.

"I brought gifts for everyone."

Wanda laughed.

"Mother, you didn't have to."

"Of course I did."

"For us too?"

"For everyone," Natalya repeated matter-of-factly. "My granddaughter deserves gifts, my daughter deserves gifts, my son-in-law deserves gifts, Lina deserves gifts..."

She looked at Erik.

"You'll all see them later."

By the time they reached one of the palace sitting rooms, tea had already been prepared. Fresh pastries, cakes, fruit, and warm bread covered the table, waiting for them.

Everyone settled into their seats, conversation beginning almost immediately.

Then, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"I'll get it," Wanda said, rising carefully.

She opened it to find Lily waiting outside, smiling gently. "My Queen."

In her arms rested a sleepy little bundle wrapped in a pale blanket.

Wanda's face immediately softened. "Thank you."

She carefully took Nora into her arms before turning back toward the room.

The moment Queen Natalya saw the tiny baby, she was on her feet. A delighted gasp escaped her lips.

"Oh..."

Wanda walked back toward her parents, Nora sleeping peacefully in her arms.

Erik rose from his chair beside Natalya. The moment Natalya and Erik caught sight of the tiny face peeking out from the blanket, both of them fell silent. "Oh..."

Natalya breathed the word more than she spoke it.

"So small."

"So beautiful."

She reached out hesitantly, as though afraid she might disturb her granddaughter, and gently caressed Nora's soft cheek with the back of her fingers. Tears immediately filled her eyes.

"She's beautiful."

Wanda's own smile grew softer. "I know."

Natalya looked up at her daughter, her expression overflowing with pride. Carefully, making sure not to jostle the sleeping baby between them, she leaned forward and wrapped Wanda in a gentle embrace. "You did so well." She kissed Wanda's temple. "You and Y/N both."

Wanda closed her eyes for a brief moment, returning the hug as best she could. "Thank you."

When they pulled apart, Wanda looked at her mother.

"Would you like to hold her?"

Natalya didn't hesitate. "Oh, yes."

Wanda carefully transferred Nora into her waiting arms.

The queen of Sokovia cradled her granddaughter as though she were the most precious treasure in the world, instinctively rocking her ever so slightly.

"Hello, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm your grandmother."

Nora slept peacefully through the introduction, nestled securely against Natalya's chest.

Erik stepped closer, his usual regal composure melting away. He gently brushed a hand over the baby's impossibly soft hair. "And I'm your grandfather." His voice was quieter than anyone had ever heard it.

"So we've finally met." Natalya smiled without taking her eyes off Nora. "I've been waiting for this for months."

"So have I," Erik admitted.

Wanda stood quietly, watching her parents with a smile she couldn't contain. A familiar warmth settled behind her as Y/N stepped beside her, slipping both arms gently around her waist. Wanda instinctively leaned back against them, resting comfortably within their embrace.

Together, they watched Natalya and Erik completely lose themselves in their granddaughter. Neither king nor queen remained. Only grandparents.

The quiet moment was interrupted by a gentle knock at the door.

Everyone looked up.

"Come in," Y/N called.

The door opened just enough for a small head to peek inside.

Lina.

The moment her eyes landed on the visitors, her face lit up.

"Queen Natalya!"

Natalya laughed warmly. "There you are."

Without hesitation, she carefully passed Nora into Erik's waiting arms before opening both arms toward the little girl.

Lina hurried across the room and wrapped herself around Natalya in a tight hug.

Natalya held her just as tightly. "Oh, I've missed you."

"I missed you too," Lina admitted, her voice muffled against the queen's shoulder.

Natalya pulled back just enough to look at her. "And how have you been?"

"I've been good."

Lina smiled brightly. "I really missed you."

"I missed you too, sweetheart." Natalya pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head before smoothing back a few stray strands of hair.

"Well," she said with a smile, "I brought gifts."

Lina's eyes grew wide. "You did?"

"Of course I did."

"For me too?"

"For everyone."

Lina beamed. "Thank you!"

"You're very welcome."

Across the room, Y/N watched the exchange in quiet silence. A soft smile settled on their face. Watching Lina laugh so easily. Watching Natalya fuss over her with the same effortless warmth she'd always shown. Watching the little family they had somehow built around themselves.

For just a moment, the room felt impossibly full.

Full of laughter. Full of love.

---

And somehow—the entire palace already felt louder before the celebration had even properly begun. Servants hurried through corridors carrying ribbons, flowers, trays of sweets, tiny dragon decorations Lina had personally demanded, and enough pastries to feed half the kingdom.

Exactly as she deserved.

Y/N had just finished dressing when they stepped out from the bath chambers, adjusting the cuffs of their deep blue royal coat one last time.

The fabric was heavy and elegant against their skin, embroidered silver catching the warm candlelight with every movement. Their cape fell behind them in dark royal waves, boots polished, belt fastened neatly at their waist.

Honestly—they had not intended to dress this formally. But Lina had apparently informed the entire palace three days ago that her sibling needed to look “properly kingly” for her royal ball. So here they were. Overdressed for a seven-year-old.

The moment they stepped fully into the room, Lily looked up from where she had been finishing Wanda’s hair. And then Wanda turned too.

Gods.

The look on her face hit Y/N harder than expected. Warm. Slowly appreciative. Completely in love.

Wanda stood immediately from the vanity chair, one hand resting automatically beneath her stomach now swollen beautifully with their child.

“You look so good,” she breathed as she crossed the room toward them.

Y/N smiled instantly. “There’s my queen.”

Wanda reached them and leaned up carefully to kiss them. Soft at first. Then slightly deeper when Y/N’s hand settled instinctively at her waist.

Y/N hummed softly against her lips.

“Thank you,” they murmured warmly once they parted. Their eyes swept over her slowly after that. And gods—Wanda looked breathtaking.

Her gown flowed elegantly around her figure, soft fabrics draping beautifully over the curve of her pregnancy while Lily had styled her hair partially pinned back with delicate silver pieces woven through the curls. Completely radiant.

“You look beautiful,” Y/N said honestly, voice softer now. “Actually unfairly beautiful.”

Wanda smiled immediately at that. “You say that every time.”

“Because it is the truth.”

Wanda shook her head softly, though the pleased warmth in her expression made it clear she loved hearing it anyway.

Y/N offered her their arm with exaggerated royal elegance. “My queen.”

Wanda laughed quietly and slipped her hand around their arm. Together, they left the chambers and made their way through the palace corridors toward the ballroom.

The castle was glowing tonight. Golden candlelight flickered against polished stone walls while dragon banners Lina had personally approved hung proudly throughout the halls. Servants hurried around with trays of sweets and sparkling drinks while distant music drifted through the palace already.

Y/N could hear children laughing somewhere below.

Good. That was exactly what they wanted. Not stiff silence. Not political performances. Life and warmth, a real celebration.

As they reached the grand hallway just before the ballroom entrance, guards straightened immediately at their approach. Y/N and Wanda paused there briefly, waiting for Lina’s arrival before the official presentation into the ballroom.

Wanda squeezed their arm gently. “Nervous?”

Y/N looked personally offended. “I’ve survived wars.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

Y/N sighed dramatically. “…A little.”

Because somehow Lina’s happiness mattered more than most diplomatic meetings ever had.

Wanda smiled knowingly.

Voices approached from the far corridor. And a second later—Lina appeared. Escorted proudly by Ser Rogers.

Y/N’s heart nearly stopped. Gods. Lina looked so small and so regal at the same time, and exactly as their mother.

Her outfit matched the theme perfectly—royal blue with silver dragon embroidery across the front, a tiny cape flowing dramatically behind her because apparently subtlety no longer existed in this family. Her hair had been carefully styled, though several strands already escaped from obvious excitement. And the grin on her face—pure sunshine.

The second she spotted them, her eyes lit up completely.

“Y/N!”

She immediately forgot royal composure and ran the rest of the way toward them. Steve sighed behind her with the exhausted fondness of a man who had clearly lost this battle several times already tonight.

Y/N laughed softly and crouched just in time to catch Lina as she launched herself at them. “There’s the birthday dragon,” they murmured warmly, lifting her easily into their arms.

Lina gasped dramatically at their outfit the second she leaned back enough to properly see them.

“You dressed like a real king!”

Y/N looked down at themself thoughtfully. “I should hope so.”

“No, but like—a storybook king.”

Wanda laughed softly beside them.

Lina turned immediately toward her too. “And Wanda looks like a queen from the dragon mountains!”

Wanda smiled warmly. “That sounds very impressive.”

“It is.” Lina nodded seriously before lowering her voice slightly toward Y/N. “I told everyone tonight has to feel magical.”

Y/N’s chest tightened painfully with affection. “Well,” they whispered back conspiratorially, “I think you already succeeded.”

Lina beamed. Then finally noticed Steve still standing nearby trying very hard not to smile too visibly.

“And Ser Rogers helped me practice dancing!”

Steve looked immediately betrayed. “That information was supposed to remain private.”

Lina gasped. “Oh no.”

Y/N grinned instantly. “Too late.”

Steve sighed while Wanda laughed softly beside them, the sound warm as it echoed through the corridor. Then the large ballroom doors began to open. The music softened. Conversations quieted. Immediately, Lina straightened, her eyes widening slightly. And the realization finally hit.

It was time.

Y/N smiled and crouched in front of her. “Nervous?”

Lina nodded once, then immediately shook her head, then nodded again.

Wanda laughed gently. Y/N took one of Lina’s small hands and gave it a squeeze. “You know the secret?”

“What secret?”

“Everyone in there is already hoping you have fun.”

Lina blinked. “They are?”

“Of course.”

Her shoulders relaxed a little. Y/N smiled and stood, carefully setting her back on her feet.

“You ready?”

Lina took a deep breath and nodded firmly. “Ready.”

A servant stepped forward, and the doors opened fully. The ballroom beyond glowed beneath hundreds of candles. Music drifted through the enormous space as nobles, knights, servants, merchants, villagers, and children alike turned toward the entrance. The servant struck the floor with his staff.

“Their Majesty, King Y/N of Virelia.” The room applauded immediately. 

“Her Majesty, Queen Wanda of Virelia.” More applause followed.

Y/N offered Wanda their arm, and together they entered the ballroom. The applause grew louder—warm, genuine, nothing like the forced court ceremonies they remembered from childhood. These people loved Wanda, and many of them are starting to love Y/N too. It still surprised them sometimes.

They reached the center of the ballroom before the servant spoke again, his voice carrying proudly through the hall.

“Her Royal Highness, Princess Lina of Virelia.”

The room erupted. Louder than before. Lina appeared beside Steve, who escorted her with all the seriousness of a royal knight despite the tiny dragon cape fluttering behind her. Her eyes widened. People were cheering. Actually cheering. Servants, knights, children, villagers—everyone.

Y/N watched realization spread across their face. Then the biggest smile imaginable appeared. Suddenly the entire room seemed brighter. Wanda squeezed Y/N’s hand, and Y/N squeezed right back.

Gods. They would burn kingdoms before letting that smile disappear.

---

It was time for the first dance. Y/N stepped forward and bowed dramatically in front of Lina. “May I have this dance, Your Highness?”

Lina immediately burst into giggles before copying Wanda's etiquette lessons and offering a surprisingly graceful curtsy. “You may.”

The ballroom laughed affectionately as the music began. Y/N took her hand and guided her gently into the dance. Lina missed several steps, stepped on Y/N's boot twice, spun the wrong direction once, and laughed through the entire thing. Y/N couldn't stop smiling. Neither could Wanda.

Around them, the guests watched fondly as king and princess danced together beneath golden chandeliers. For a few precious minutes, Lina was the center of the world—exactly where she deserved to be.

When the song ended, applause filled the ballroom once more. Lina bowed dramatically. Y/N bowed even lower, which immediately made her laugh.

Then Steve stepped forward. “May I have the next dance, Your Highness?”

Lina instantly straightened, clearly trying to look very royal. “You may.”

Steve offered his arm, and Lina took it proudly as the next dance began. As promised, the rest of the guests were now invited to join. The ballroom quickly filled with movement. Children darted between adults, laughter mixed with music, and the celebration finally settled into a joyful rhythm.

Then Y/N felt a familiar hand slip into theirs.

Wanda.

Their eyes met instantly. Neither needed to ask.

Y/N gently pulled her toward the dance floor. “My queen.”

Wanda smiled. “My king.”

Then they began to dance. Slowly. Comfortably.

Y/N careful of her pregnancy. Wanda leaning closer whenever she pleased. Their foreheads brushed once, then again, and Y/N found themself smiling for no reason other than the simple fact that Wanda existed.

Nearby, another scene was unfolding.

Barnes stood awkwardly beside the refreshments, looking deeply uncomfortable, which naturally meant Natasha was enjoying herself.

“Dance with me.” Nat smirk.

Barnes blinked. “Was that an order?”

“Maybe.”

“That’s abuse of authority.”

Natasha smirk wider.

Barnes sighed and offered his hand anyway. Natasha’s smile softened instantly as she accepted it, and together they disappeared into the crowd.

The ballroom buzzed with life around them. Music filled the air while children ran between tables, knights attempted dancing, and servants openly enjoyed the celebration without worrying about noble etiquette for once. Exactly the atmosphere Y/N had hoped for.

Their eyes darting back at Lina.

She had apparently escaped from the dance floor and was now standing near one of the dessert tables, examining a dragon-shaped pastry with intense concentration.

Y/N smiled, but it died when they saw someone approaching her.

Eren.

The boy had clearly spent the last several minutes gathering courage. He straightened his jacket, fixed his hair, and marched toward Lina with the determination of a knight heading into battle.

“Oh no,” Y/N muttered.

Beside them, Wanda followed their gaze and immediately started smiling.

Eren stopped in front of Lina. She looked up from her pastry. The boy visibly swallowed before giving a surprisingly formal bow for a ten-year-old.

Y/N took one step forward.

Immediately, Wanda grabbed their arm.

“Oh no.”

Y/N stared at her. “What do you mean, ‘oh no’?”

“You’re not interfering.”

“I wasn’t going to interfere.”

“You literally took a step.”

“I was observing.”

Wanda laughed.

Meanwhile, Eren was clearly trying very hard to speak like an adult. Lina listened attentively. Then her face lit up and she nodded enthusiastically.

Y/N narrowed their eyes. “What did she agree to?”

“A dance,” Wanda answered immediately.

Y/N took another step.

Wanda physically pulled them back.

“No.”

“Wanda.”

“No.”

“He’s circling.”

Wanda burst out laughing.

“He’s ten.”

“Exactly.”

“That’s not helping your argument.”

Y/N folded their arms. “She didn’t even had a debut yet.”

“Y/N.”

“He has a strategy.”

“He is ten.”

“He has intentions.”

“He is ten.”

Y/N pointed dramatically toward the children.

“Look at him.”

Eren was currently offering Lina his hand with all the seriousness of a fairytale prince. Wanda had to cover her mouth to stop laughing.

“He’s courting.”

“He asked her to dance at her birthday party.”

“Exactly.”

Finally, Wanda reached up and cupped Y/N’s cheek, forcing them to look at her instead of the dance floor. Their expression remained deeply suspicious.

“My love.”

“What?”

“He is ten.”

“I know that.”

“Then why are you acting like he’s about to propose marriage?”

Y/N opened their mouth, paused, then stubbornly answered, “Because he’s going after my little sister.”

Wanda’s eyes softened immediately. She leaned up and kissed them—quick, warm, affectionate.

When she pulled back, Y/N still looked unconvinced. Which only made her laugh harder.

“Are you jealous?”

“No.”

The answer came far too quickly making Wanda laughed immediately.

Y/N looked betrayed. “I’m not.”

“Of course not.”

“I’m serious.”

“Mhm.”

“I am.”

Still smiling, Wanda kissed their cheek and took one of their hands, placing it gently over her stomach. Almost immediately, their baby kicked, changing Y/N’s entire expression. The suspicious older sibling was gone. Now there was only a delighted future parent.

Wanda smiled triumphantly.

“Good timing.”

Y/N rubbed her stomach gently. The baby kicked again.

“See?” Wanda said innocently. “Your child is hungry.”

Y/N immediately looked toward the buffet tables, then back at Wanda, then at the buffet again.

A terrible realization dawned.

Wanda’s smile widened. “Go get us food.”

“You planned this.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You distracted me.”

“Our child distracted you.”

Y/N pointed accusingly.

Wanda kissed their finger making them blush, and their eyes darken.

And just like that, they lost the argument completely.

A few moments later, Y/N could be seen heading toward the food tables while Wanda watched with a victorious smile.

Meanwhile, on the dance floor, Lina and Eren were trying very hard to dance like adults.

---

By the time the dancing slowed and the enormous birthday cake had been thoroughly attacked by a room full of children, it was finally time for gifts.

Lina immediately climbed into the oversized chair prepared for her near the front of the ballroom, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

The first gift was from Y/N. When Lina opened the long wooden box and found a training sword made specifically for her, her name engraved along the blade. Y/N wanted to teach her how to defend herself. 

Lina immediately launched herself at them. The entire ballroom laughed as Y/N caught her easily.

“Thank you!”

“You are welcome, little dove.”

Next came Wanda's gift: a beautiful leather-bound journal decorated with silver stars and flowers.

“It’s a diary. So you can take note of all the adventures you will have,” Wanda explained.

Lina immediately hugged both the journal and Wanda.

After that came Ser Rogers. Steve's gift was a child's knight set complete with a painted wooden shield, training gauntlets, and a small sash. Lina immediately declared herself “officially dangerous now,” while Steve looked like he was reconsidering every decision that had led him to this moment.

Ser Barnes was next. His gift was a children's archery set complete with padded arrows and a target. Lina looked at it as though he'd handed her buried treasure. Y/N immediately started imagining broken windows.

Then came Natasha. Her gift was a beautiful red cloak trimmed with silver embroidery and lined with soft fur for winter. Lina wrapped herself in it immediately and refused to remove it for the rest of the evening. Natasha looked deeply satisfied with herself.

Several more gifts followed. One noble family presented Lina with a delicate silver bracelet decorated with tiny stars, while another gifted her a collection of beautifully illustrated fairy tale books. Lina was delighted by both.

Then one of the village children approached—a little girl around Lina's age carrying a small package wrapped in plain cloth. Inside was a handmade rag doll wearing a tiny blue dress. The stitching was uneven, and one button eye sat slightly higher than the other, but it was obvious it had been made with care.

The little girl immediately started apologizing.

“It’s not very pretty—”

“It’s beautiful.” Lina hugged the doll instantly.

The little girl beamed.

Wanda's eyes suspiciously filled with tears.

Finally, Eren approached.

The poor boy looked more nervous than Y/N had ever seen him, which was saying something. Lina immediately sat up straighter when she saw him coming.

Y/N noticed and narrowed their eyes.

Wanda noticed Y/N noticing and immediately grabbed their arm.

“No.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You are absolutely doing something.”

“I am observing.”

Wanda rolled her eyes.

Eren handed over a carefully wrapped package. Lina opened it slowly. Inside was a small wooden music box. Handmade.

When she turned the little handle, a soft melody drifted through the ballroom. The lid opened to reveal a tiny dancing princess carved from wood.

The room grew noticeably quieter.

Eren’s face turned bright red. “My…dad taught me how to make it when he was still alive… Ser Rogers helped me make it.”

Lina stared at the spinning figure for a long moment.

Then she smiled. Not the excited grin she'd given the sword. Not the delighted laugh she'd given the cloak.

A different smile. Softer.

“It’s beautiful.”

Eren looked like someone had just handed him a kingdom.

Wanda immediately hid her smile behind her hand.

Y/N narrowed their eyes further. But this time, they didn't say anything. Because despite every protective instinct screaming otherwise, Lina looked happy. Really happy.

And tonight was about her.

So Y/N simply crossed their arms and let it go. For now.

The rest of the evening passed wonderfully. There was more dancing, more cake, and more children running through the ballroom despite several servants' increasingly desperate attempts to stop them. Lina spent the night bouncing from one activity to another, laughing so much her cheeks turned pink.

And every time Y/N looked over, their little sister was smiling.

Not the careful smile she'd worn for years under Alaric. Not the quiet one she used when she thought nobody was watching.

A real smile. Bright and carefree.

The kind she should have been allowed to have all along. Seeing it made something warm settle inside Y/N’s chest. Because for the first time, Lina was having the birthday she deserved.

Eventually the music faded. Guests departed. Families returned home carrying sleepy children, and the ballroom slowly emptied until only a handful of servants remained cleaning up.

It was already very late.

Lina looked tired now. But happy.

Y/N glanced toward Wanda. Immediately, Wanda understood. Her hand found theirs beneath the table and squeezed gently.

The final gift.

The one they had spoken about days ago. The one Y/N had spent longer thinking about than all the others combined.

Wanda's eyes softened.

Then she leaned up and kissed their cheek. A quiet gesture. Full of understanding.

“You should go,” she whispered.

Y/N smiled.

Ser Romanoff stepped forward to escort the queen back to their chambers. Wanda squeezed Y/N's hand one final time before leaving, and just before she disappeared through the ballroom doors, she glanced back over her shoulder.

Smiling. Encouraging.

Go.

Once Wanda was gone, Y/N approached Lina. The little girl was sitting in a chair, holding her new music box while trying—and failing—not to yawn.

“Had fun?”

Lina immediately nodded. “The best birthday ever.”

Y/N’s smile softened. “The best?”

“The best.”

Y/N kiss her head before offered their hand. “Come on.”

Lina took it immediately. “Where are we going?”

Y/N only smiled. “One more gift.”

Her eyes widened instantly. “Another one?”

“One last one.”

Lina looked delighted. Then curious. Then suspicious.

“Is it a pony?”

“No.”

“A dragon?”

“No.”

“A dragon pony?”

Y/N laughed. “No. Dragons don’t exist!”

Lina sighed dramatically. “Okay.”

They walked through the quiet palace corridors together, the sounds of the celebration slowly fading behind them. The castle felt different now—still, peaceful. Most of the candles had burned low, and the servants they passed smiled warmly at Lina and wished her a happy birthday.

Eventually they reached a part of the palace Lina rarely visited.

And finally, they stopped before a familiar door.

Lina frowned. “What room is this?”

Y/N looked at the door for a moment before turning back to her. “Mama’s.”

Lina blinked. Immediately confused.

“…Mama’s?”

Y/N nodded. A small silence settled between them. Lina looked back at the door slowly, as though she wasn’t entirely sure she had heard correctly.

“I thought…”

She hesitated. “I thought there wasn’t anything left.”

Y/N understood. “I thought so too.”

Then they pushed the door open.

The room beyond glowed softly in candlelight. Warm and gentle.

Lina stepped inside slowly. Completely silent. Her eyes moved everywhere at once.

Taking everything in. The books. The furniture. The little decorative pieces. The embroidery frame resting beside a chair. The portrait above the fireplace.

And then she stopped.

Because there—resting on a table near the fireplace, was a portrait of Queen Eleonora heavily pregnant, one hand resting on her stomach.

And beside her stood Y/N. Already tall for their age. Already carrying the posture Alaric had beaten into them. Serious. Guarded. Trying very hard to look older than they were.

And yet standing close enough that their shoulder touched Eleonora's arm. One of her hands rested gently in their hair.

The painter had captured something Y/N hadn't noticed until years later—the tiny smile on their mother's face and the way she was looking at them.

Like they were the most precious thing in the world.

Lina stopped.

The room became very quiet.

She stepped closer.

Then closer.

Until she stood directly in front of the painting.

Y/N remained a few steps behind, watching and waiting.

Lina stared at the portrait for a long time. At Eleonora. At the baby bump. At thirteen-year-old Y/N.

Then, softly— “…that’s me.”

Y/N swallowed. “Yeah.”

Lina reached toward the painting but stopped just before touching it, as if afraid it might disappear.

“Mama looked happy.”

The words hit harder than Y/N expected. Because she had. Even then. Even carrying the exhaustion of years. Even knowing what waited for her.

Eleonora had still smiled whenever she looked at her children.

Y/N stepped closer and carefully reached into their coat.

Lina looked up, confused.

Y/N pulled out an envelope.

Old. Protected.

For a moment they simply stared at it. Then held it out.

Lina blinked. “What’s that?”

Y/N’s throat tightened. “A letter.”

Lina took it carefully. “From who?”

Y/N looked toward the portrait. “…From Mama.”

The room went still.

Lina’s eyes widened. “She wrote me a letter?”

Y/N nodded.

“Before you were born.”

Lina stared at the envelope as though it might vanish if she blinked.

Then she slowly opened it. Her small hands trembled.

And she began to read.

---

My precious little one, If you are reading this, then it means I was never given the chance to hold you for as long as I wished I could. There are already so many things I wanted to tell you. How I spoke to you when no one else was around. How your brother would rest their head against my stomach and talk to you as though you could already answer back. How every time you moved, Y/N would look at me with the same frightened wonder they used to have as a child whenever they discovered something beautiful. You are already loved more than you will ever fully understand. Especially by him. Your brother carries a heart far too gentle for this kingdom, though I pray the world never succeeds in hardening it completely. There will be people who misunderstand Y/N. Some will fear what they do not understand. Others will try to convince him that he is too soft, too emotional, too different. Do not believe those people. I have lived among cruel men for many years, and I can promise you this with certainty: There is nothing stronger than a person who remains kind after surviving pain. And there is no one in this world I would trust more to protect you than Y/N. He has protected me since he was small enough to fit entirely in my lap. Even when frightened. Even when hurting. Even when no one protected him in return. So if one day you are scared, or lonely, or uncertain of where you belong—go to him. Y/N will hold your hand through every storm this world places before you. That is simply who he is. Please be patient with him too. He carries wounds much older than he should. Some visible. Some hidden deep enough that even he may not fully understand them yet. But beneath all of it, your brother’s heart is beautiful. Never let anyone convince you otherwise. I hope you grow surrounded by the kind of love I once dreamed this palace might hold. I hope you laugh loudly. I hope you run through gardens without fear. I hope you are allowed to become exactly who you are without shame. And I hope that when you look at Y/N, you do not only see a future king. I hope you see what I see. A person who fought very hard to remain gentle in a world that rewarded cruelty. Take care of each other. Love each other fiercely. That is how people survive places like this. And if there is anything beyond this life, know that I will spend eternity loving both of you. Forever yours, Mama

---

The first tear landed on the page before Lina reached the end.

Then another. And another.

By the time she whispered the final words—her vision was completely blurred.

The letter lowered slowly. Her lips trembled.

Y/N could already see it coming.

The grief. The longing. The realization that this was the closest she would ever come to hearing her mother's voice.

Y/N didn't hesitate. They gathered Lina into their arms. Holding her close.

Safe.

Lina buried her face in their neck and sobbed. Not quietly.

Y/N felt tears gathering in their own eyes again.

Gods. Their mother was still finding ways to make them cry.

The letter crumpled slightly in Lina's hand as she clung to them.

Then, through her tears, she whispered:

“Why did Mama leave us?”

The question shattered Y/N. Because Lina wasn't asking about childbirth. Or death.

She was asking the question every child asks.

Why didn't she stay?

Y/N closed their eyes and held her tighter. “Mama didn't leave us.”

Lina cried harder.

Y/N pressed their cheek against her hair. “She wanted to stay.” Their own voice cracked. “More than anything.”

A sob escaped Lina.

Y/N looked toward the portrait. Toward their mother.

Still smiling from across the room. Still watching over them somehow.

“Mama loved you before she even met you.”

Lina's shoulders trembled.

“Really?”

The word came out broken. Y/N smiled through tears. “Really.”

They pulled back just enough to brush the tears from her cheeks.

“She talked about you all the time.”

Lina looked up at them. Red-eyed. Heartbroken.

Y/N kissed her forehead, just like Eleonora used to kiss theirs, then pulled her close again.

Lina didn't let go. If anything, she held tighter. Her small arms wrapped around Y/N's neck while she continued crying into their shoulder, the letter still clutched tightly in one hand.

Y/N just held her.

One hand rubbed slow circles across her back while the other rested protectively against her hair. The room remained quiet except for the crackling fireplace and Lina's soft sobs.

After a moment, Y/N shifted carefully and slipped one arm beneath Lina's knees, lifting her into their arms. Lina immediately buried her face deeper into their neck, not protesting, not wanting to be anywhere else.

Y/N carried her across the room toward one of the armchairs near the fireplace.

The same chair Eleonora used to sit in while reading. The chair where Y/N had spent countless evenings curled against her side.

They lowered themself into it slowly, settling Lina onto their lap before wrapping both arms around her and holding her close against their chest. Like their mother used to do when their were at that age.

Lina continued crying quietly. Y/N rested their cheek on top of her head and waited.

Eventually the sobs softened. Then slowed. 

Then became little more than sniffles. But Lina still didn't move from their lap.

Several minutes passed before her small voice finally broke the silence.

“...Y/N?”

“Hm?”

And Y/N wasn’t prepared for what came next.

“What if Wanda leaves too?”

The words hit like a blade. Y/N went completely still for a second.

But inside, fear exploded.

The same fear that had lived quietly in the back of their mind ever since learning Wanda was pregnant. The same fear that woke them some nights. The same fear they never spoke aloud.

What if history repeated itself?

What if—No.

Y/N buried the thought immediately.

For Lina.

For Wanda.

And for the baby.

They swallowed carefully and pressed a kiss into Lina's hair.

“Wanda will be fine.”

Lina remained curled against them. “Really?”

Y/N wanted to promise. Wanted to say yes. But they couldn't.

Not after everything life had taught them.

So instead they chose honesty. “The healers say she's healthy.”

Lina listened carefully.

“And she's much healthier than Mama was during her pregnancy.”

That part was true. Painfully true.

Eleonora had been growing weaker long before Lina was born.

Wanda wasn't. Wanda was strong. Healthy. Stubborn enough to terrify ministers and healers alike.

Y/N smiled faintly.

“The baby is healthy too.”

Lina thought about that for a moment before looking up, eyes still wet.

“You promise?”

The question hurt. Because Y/N knew what she was really asking. Not for certainty. For comfort. For someone to tell her everything would be okay.

Y/N brushed a tear from her cheek.

“I can't promise.”

Lina's face fell slightly.

“But I can tell you Wanda is doing very well.”

Y/N smiled softly.

“And if anyone can bully death into leaving her alone, it's probably Wanda.”

A tiny laugh escaped Lina. Small but real.

Y/N smiled too.

The little girl leaned back against their chest.

Comforted. Not entirely but enough for now.

Several quiet moments passed before Y/N glanced around the room. At the bookshelves. The paintings. The flowers. The memories. Everything Eleonora had left behind.

Then they looked down at Lina.

“You know...”

Lina tilted her head.

Y/N smiled softly. “This room is yours now.”

She blinked. “...Mine?”

“If you want it.”

Lina looked around slowly, carefully taking everything in.

The portrait.

The books.

The fireplace.

The pieces of their mother that still remained here.

Her eyes widened.

“Really?”

Y/N nodded. “You can move all yours things here.”

Lina stared. Speechless. For once.

Then her gaze drifted back to Eleonora's portrait, and suddenly tears filled her eyes again.

“So I can stay with Mama?”

Y/N's eyes burned immediately. They tightened their arms around her. Holding her securely against their chest.

“Yeah.”Their voice cracked slightly. “You're staying with Mama.”

Lina smiled through fresh tears and curled closer into them.

For a long while, neither moved.

Just two siblings sitting together in their mother's chair beneath her portrait, wrapped in the love she had left behind for both of them.

---

A Month Later

Wanda’s POV

A month passed surprisingly quickly.

After her birthday, Lina had officially moved into Queen Eleonora's chambers. At first, Wanda worried it might be too emotional for her, but instead Lina thrived. She adored the room, the books, the paintings, and every little keepsake Eleonora had left behind. More than once, Wanda found her sitting beneath one of her mother's portraits, happily chatting away as though Eleonora could hear every word.

And perhaps she could.

Y/N certainly seemed to think so.

Some portraits remained in Eleonora's chambers. Others Y/N had quietly brought back to their own chamber. One sat beside the fireplace, another near Wanda's reading chair, and a smaller one rested on Y/N's desk. Whenever they thought nobody was watching, Wanda sometimes caught them looking at those portraits.

Not sadly. Just...Missing her.

The pregnancy was progressing beautifully. The healers couldn't have been happier. The baby was healthy, growing exactly as expected and already kicking with alarming enthusiasm. Wanda felt well too—tired sometimes, hungry constantly, but otherwise perfectly healthy.

The only person struggling was arguably Y/N.

Not physically.

Emotionally.

Because the closer they got to the birth, the more protective they became.

And honestly?

It was becoming ridiculous.

Like right now.

Wanda was enjoying the afternoon sun in the palace gardens, a book in hand as she wandered slowly along a stone path.

Peaceful. Quiet. Until—

“Wanda.”

She sighed. There they were. Y/N approached from across the garden looking deeply concerned.

Again.

“What?”

“You were walking.”

Wanda blinked.

“…yes.”

“Without anyone.”

“I am in the palace garden.”

Y/N still looked unconvinced.

Wanda stared at them. And the baby kicked as if enjoying the argument.

“You could have slipped.”

“On what?”

Y/N glanced at the ground. “…a leaf.”

Wanda laughed.

“A leaf.”

“It happens.”

“It does not.”

“It could.”

Gods. A month ago Y/N would have worried. Now they were just hovering.

The baby kicked again. Y/N immediately abandoned the argument and placed a hand against her stomach.

Traitor.

Wanda watched their expression soften instantly.

Every single time. Like magic.

“Did you miss Papa?” Y/N say softly.

Another kick.

Y/N smiled.

And Wanda's chest tightened. Because moments like this made the fear easier to see.

Not in what Y/N said. But in what they didn't.

---

That night, after supper, Wanda lay comfortably against the headboard while Y/N sat beside her reading. Or pretending to.

They had been staring at the same page for nearly ten minutes.

Wanda watched them quietly. Candlelight danced across their face, catching the faint scar on their cheek and the tension hidden behind their eyes.

Gods. She knew them too well now.

Y/N hadn't spoken about their fears. Not directly. But Wanda saw them anyway.

In the way they checked on her three times every night. In the way they asked the healers the same questions repeatedly. In the way their hand always found her stomach whenever they sat together, as though reassuring themselves that both mother and baby were still there.

Still safe. Still breathing.

Wanda set her book aside and slid closer.

Y/N immediately wrapped an arm around her without even looking away from the book they were pretending to read.

“My love.”

Their eyes lifted.

“Hm?”

Wanda reached up and brushed a hand through their hair. The book was forgotten instantly.

She smiled softly. And there it was.

The fear.

Hidden deep. But present.

Y/N swallowed once.

Wanda's heart ached. Because she knew exactly where it came from.

They saw their mother become weak during pregnancy. And with their baby due in only a few weeks.

Of course they were afraid.

Of course they were.

She leaned forward and kissed them gently, then rested her forehead against theirs.

“I’m okay.”

Y/N smiled immediately. “I know.”

Wanda knew that smile. Knew it well enough to recognize when it was hiding something.

Instead of arguing, she set her book aside and opened her arms.

Y/N looked at her for a moment, then immediately moved. Like they'd been waiting for permission. Wanda pulled their head against her chest, one hand settling in their hair while the other rubbed slow circles across their back. The room was quiet except for the soft crackle of the fire.

Y/N's arm wrapped around her waist. Holding on.

Wanda kept stroking their hair, knowing she couldn't make them stop worrying. Not completely.

Eventually Y/N sighed. A long, tired sound.

“I know you're healthy. The healers are happy. They say everything is going perfectly.”

Their fingers tightened slightly against her side.

“And I know this is different.”

Wanda's chest tightened. Because it was. Eleonora hadn't been healthy.

Wanda was. The baby was too.

Y/N knew that. Logically. But fear wasn't logical.

“I know Mama's pregnancy wasn't like yours,” they said quietly. “I know the healers were already worried about her. I know all of that.”

A pause.

“But I still get scared.”

There it was. The truth.

Y/N pressed their forehead lightly against her shoulder.

“I don't want to lose you.”

Wanda's eyes stung immediately.

Gods. She loved them. So much.

Her fingers slipped through their hair again.

“You won't.”

Y/N laughed softly. “You don't know that.”

“No.”

Wanda wouldn't lie to them. “I don't.”

Y/N closed their eyes.

“But I know this.” She cupped their cheek gently. “You are not that frightened child anymore.”

Their eyes lifted to hers.

“And I am not alone.”

Y/N's expression softened.

“We have healers checking on me every week,” Wanda said, kissing their forehead. “We have an entire palace ready to panic if I sneeze.”

Another kiss. “And we have you.”

That finally earned a small smile. The fear didn't disappear.

But it loosened. Enough for now.

After a moment, they spoke again.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Always.”

They looked away briefly. “If the baby ends up like me...”

Wanda understood immediately.

“If they're born with one body and heart different from what people expect...” Their throat tightened. “...would you care?”

“No.”

The answer came instantly.

Y/N blinked.

Wanda cupped their face. “No,” she repeated softly. “I wouldn't care at all.”

Something eased inside them.

Just a little.

Wanda smiled. “As long as our baby is healthy.” Her hand rested over her stomach. “And loved.”

Y/N visibly relaxed.

Then Wanda added, “Though I do hope they look like you.”

Y/N's head snapped up. “What?”

“I do.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Y/N looked horrified. “My love, have you seen yourself?”

“Have you?”

Y/N pointed at her.

“You have auburn hair. Beautiful green eyes.”

“You're biased.” Wanda chuckle.

“I married you. That's my job! But I’m telling the truth!”

Wanda laughed. Then rested a hand over her stomach.

“I want them to have your heart.”

The teasing faded.

“Your kindness. Your gentleness. The way you love people.”

Y/N immediately looked away. Embarrassed.

Wanda smiled and turned their face back toward hers. “I mean it.”

After a moment, Y/N recovered.

“I want them to have your hair.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“My hair is impossible.”

“Exactly.”

Wanda laughed.

“I want your eyes too.”

“They're just eyes.” Y/N make a face.

“They're your eyes.”

The baby suddenly kicked. Both of them looked down. Then another kick followed.

Y/N's entire face softened. They placed a hand over her stomach and leaned down to press a kiss there. “I don't really care who they look like. As long as they are healthy.”

Wanda's heart melted. Of course. That was what mattered most to them.

She cupped their cheek. “I know.”

Y/N leaned into her touch, and when Wanda kissed them, thoughts of hair color and eye color faded away. Only love remained. And the certainty that their child would be adored beyond reason.

---

Without either of them realizing it, time continued moving.

Days became weeks, and weeks became a month.

And slowly, piece by piece, they prepared for their baby.

The palace began changing around them. A basket appeared beside their bed. Tiny clothes found their way into drawers. Blankets, books, and wooden toys accumulated faster than seemed possible.

Then came the crib.

Most royal and noble children slept in nurseries from the beginning, surrounded by nurses and attendants far from their parents.

Neither Wanda nor Y/N cared.

The crib stood beside their bed, close enough for Wanda to reach without standing and close enough for Y/N to undoubtedly check if the baby was breathing every five minutes.

Wanda fully expected them to do exactly that.

The crib itself had quietly become Y/N's latest project. Despite insisting they were only making "minor adjustments," Wanda eventually discovered those adjustments involved hand-carving delicate details into the wood.

When Wanda asked, Y/N claimed it was important. Wanda suspected they simply wanted something to fuss over. Either way, it was beautiful.

And every time she looked at it, her chest tightened.

Soon it wouldn't be empty. Soon there would be a baby sleeping there.

Their baby.

They even prepared a nursery despite having no intention of using it immediately. It occupied Y/N's old chambers, though almost nothing remained unchanged. The dark furniture had been replaced, the walls brightened, and the rooms filled with bookshelves, soft rugs, comfortable chairs, and a little bed waiting for when the child grew older.

It no longer looked like a prince's chambers. It looked like a child's room.

The kind of room Y/N should have had growing up.

Wanda noticed that but she never mentioned it. Neither did Y/N.

And as the weeks passed, Wanda noticed something else.

Y/N still worried. Just... less obviously.

They stopped questioning the healers every other day. Stopped hovering every time she stood up. Stopped looking ready to summon half the palace whenever she sneezed.

Mostly.

Instead, whenever the worry became too much, they came looking for her. No explanations.

They would simply appear. Then pull her into their arms and hold her.

Like now.

Wanda was reviewing reports in her study when Y/N quietly walked in. One look was enough.

The reports were set aside.

Without a word, Y/N crossed the room and wrapped their arms around her, resting their forehead against the side of her head.

“Missed us?” Wanda murmured.

Y/N only hummed. Holding her tighter. And Wanda melted. Because she knew what they were doing. Checking. Reassuring themself. Making sure both of them were still there. Still safe.

So she leaned back against them and let them hold her for as long as they needed.

Eventually the tension left their shoulders. Only then did Y/N kiss her temple and return to whatever royal disaster awaited them.

It happened often.

Sometimes in the morning, at night, after difficult meetings, after passing one of Eleonora's portraits.

Y/N never explained. And Wanda never asked. She just held them back. Whenever they buried their face against her shoulder, she ran her fingers through their hair. Whenever they kissed her stomach, she kissed their forehead. Trying, in every small way she could, to tell them:

I'm here. We're okay.

---

Ser Romanoff also had opinions. “You're going to need wet nurses.”

Wanda looked up from her book.

Natasha stood beside the sofa while Y/N pretended not to listen.

“You realize queens have used wet nurses for centuries?”

“I know.”

“You'll be exhausted.”

“I know.”

“You'll barely sleep.”

“I know.”

Natasha narrowed her eyes.

Wanda smiled. “I still don't want one.”

At least not yet. The thought of feeding her child herself, holding them close, being the first comfort they knew in the world—she wanted that.

Perhaps later she would accept help.

Perhaps not.

She would decide when the time came.

Natasha sighed dramatically. “As expected.”

So life continued.

The crib waited beside their bed. The nursery waited down the hall. Tiny clothes filled drawers. Lina prepared aggressively for her role as aunt. And with every passing day, the baby grew closer.

Until even the palace seemed to be holding its breath. Waiting for the moment their family would become one person larger.

---

Y/N's POV

“This is ridiculous.”

Ser Barnes didn't even look up from his horse. They rode side by side toward a nearby village, a small escort following behind. Y/N was in a terrible mood. And Ser Barnes knew it.

“This could have been handled by literally anyone else.”

“It couldn't.”

“It absolutely could.”

“It couldn't.”

Y/N glared. Ser Barnes remained unimpressed.

“Wanda could give birth any day now.”

“We know.”

“No, I don't think you do.”

Ser Barnes finally looked over.

Y/N looked genuinely distressed. Not angry. Distressed.

Which was worse.

“She’s due soon.”

“We know.”

“The baby could decide today is the day.”

“We know.”

“I should be with her.”

“And you will be.”

“What if she needs me?”

“Then someone will come get you.”

“What if it happens before they arrive?”

“We're less than an hour from the capital.”

“What if—”

“Y/N.”

The king stopped talking. Briefly.

Ser Barnes sighed. “The queen is healthy. The baby is healthy. There are healers, midwives, guards, servants, and half the palace watching her.”

Y/N frowned. “That doesn't make me feel better.”

“I know.” Ser Barnes sigh, “The village requested direct intervention from the crown.”

Y/N folded their arms. Still grumpy and unconvinced.

Ser Barnes had known them long enough to recognize the difference between annoyance and genuine distress. This was the latter.

Y/N stared ahead for a long moment before sighing. “If Wanda gives birth while I'm out here...”

Ser Barnes already knew where this was going.

“...I'm going to kick your ass.”

The threat was delivered with complete seriousness.

Ser Barnes burst out laughing.

Y/N looked even more offended. “I'm serious.”

“I know.”

“I'm not joking.”

“I know.”

Y/N pointed at him from horseback.

“If I miss the birth of my child because of three merchants arguing over something stupid, I will personally make your life miserable.”

Ser Barnes grinned. “Fair.”

“I'm glad you understand.”

“I do.”

Ser Barnes nodded solemnly. “If Her Majesty goes into labor while we're here, you have my full permission to kick my ass.”

“Good.”

A few moments later, Ser Barnes glanced sideways at them.

“You know she's going to be fine.”

Y/N's expression softened immediately. Just for a second.

“I know.” And they did.

The healers weren't worried. Wanda wasn't worried. Even Lina wasn't worried anymore.

Only Y/N.

Y/N was worried enough for everyone.

Ser Barnes let the silence sit for a moment. Then quietly said, “She's strong."

Y/N looked down at the reins in their hands. A faint smile appearing despite everything. "Yeah."

"Stronger than you, honestly."

That actually made Y/N laugh. A genuine laugh. Because it was true.

"She is." The fondness in their voice was immediate.

Ser Barnes smirked making Y/N rolled their eyes. But the smile remained.

"She is stronger than me."

They looked ahead toward the village in the distance. Then nudged Philip forward.

"Now let's hurry so I can get back faster."

Before Ser Barnes could answer, Philip surged ahead eagerly. Ser Barnes sighed before urging his own horse to follow.

---

Fortunately, Ser Barnes had been right.

The dispute really had needed the crown.

Three merchant families had spent weeks arguing over trade routes, taxes, and ownership claims. The moment Y/N arrived, they listened to everyone, asked a few questions, forced the families to actually hear one another, and had the matter settled before the afternoon ended.

Even Y/N had to admit the village probably wouldn't have accepted anyone else's decision.

They still complained anyway.

On the ride home, Y/N rode beside Ser Barnes with their arms folded.

“This could have waited.”

“It could not.”

“It absolutely could have.”

“It could not.”

“It was solved in less than two hours.”

“Because you were there.”

Y/N groaned.

Ser Barnes looked deeply amused.

“I hate when you're right.”

“I know.”

The conversation died there when Y/N's eyes narrowed as they see far ahead on the road, a rider was approaching.

Fast. Too fast.

The horse was lathered with sweat. The knight wasn't slowing down. Something cold dropped into Y/N's stomach. Ser Barnes saw it too. Immediately, both of them straightened.

The knight closed the distance rapidly. Y/N's heart began pounding.

No.

No, no, no.

The rider finally reached them and hauled his horse to a stop.

“Your Majesty—”

“What happened?” The words came out instantly. Sharp and panicked.

The knight blinked. “Her Majesty—”

Y/N's blood ran cold.

“What happened?”

The knight sat up straighter.

“Her Majesty is in labor.”

For one terrible second, the world stopped.

Then everything happened at once. Y/N wheeled Philip around so fast the stallion barely had time to react.

“Y/N—”

Ser Barnes didn't even get to finish.

“Go Philip!” The single word cracked like thunder. Philip surged forward. Y/N dug in their heels. The stallion exploded into motion. The road vanished beneath them. Wind tore at their clothes. Branches blurred past.

All Y/N could hear was the thunder of hooves and the frantic pounding of their own heart.

Wanda. Wait for me my love. Please.

Just let me get there.

Philip ran faster. And Y/N didn't look back.

---

If nothing went wrong.

Which, considering her life, probably meant something would.

Yelena rested one hand lazily on the steering wheel while the radio played quietly in the background. Beside her, Wanda sat unusually peacefully, one elbow resting against the window.

For the fifth time in the last ten minutes...She looked into the backseat.

Y/N was asleep. One arm was tucked behind her head while the other rested across her stomach. Her head leaned against the window, hair falling over her forehead, completely unaware that someone had been staring at her for the past hour.

Wanda smiled. Again.

Yelena watched the reflection in the windshield. There it was. That stupid smile. Then Wanda quietly looked back out the window.

Thirty seconds later...She looked back again. Still asleep. Another tiny smile.

Yelena made a face. She'd enjoyed teasing them before. Back when they were both hopeless idiots dancing around each other.

Now?

Now they were just...Sweet. Unbearably sweet. Every time Y/N reached for something, Wanda handed it to her before she asked. Every time Wanda shifted in her seat, Y/N instinctively adjusted the air conditioning without looking away from the road. Every time one of them laughed...The other looked like they'd personally invented happiness.

It was annoying. Cute, sure. But annoying. Yelena physically shuddered.

"I miss when you were both emotionally constipated."

Wanda looked over. "...What?"

"You heard me."

"I don't even know what that means."

"It means this." Yelena gestured dramatically between Wanda and the sleeping wolf in the back. "All this..." She waved both hands. "The smiling."

Wanda blinked innocently. "What smiling?"

"The smiling you keep doing."

"I haven't smiled."

"You smiled three seconds ago."

"I did not."

"You looked at sleeping beauty back there and smiled like you were in romance movie."

Wanda's ears turned pink. "I wasn't—"

"You were."

"I just looked."

"Mhm."

"I did."

"You looked lovingly."

"I did not look lovingly!"

Yelena sighed dramatically. "This is exhausting."

Wanda crossed her arms, trying very hard not to smile again. It lasted exactly twenty seconds. Then she glanced back once more. Y/N had shifted slightly in her sleep, brows furrowing before relaxing again. Wanda's entire expression softened.

Yelena let out the loudest groan she'd made all week. "Oh my god."

"What?"

"You did it again."

"I didn't even—"

"You looked at her like she is baby deer."

"I was making sure she was comfortable."

"You are proving my point."

Wanda huffed. "I can't win with you."

"No."

Yelena looked ahead. Then suddenly spotted a weathered sign beside the highway.

DINER — NEXT EXIT

Perfect. She flicked on the turn signal. "We're stopping."

Wanda looked over. "Why?"

"Because if I spend another hour watching you two make heart eyes at each other, I will intentionally crash this car."

"I don't—"

"No."

Yelena pulled into the gravel parking lot before Wanda could finish defending herself.

The diner looked like it had been standing there since the seventies. A faded red sign hung crookedly above the entrance, and three pickup trucks were parked outside.

Yelena killed the engine. "Let's go eat."

The sudden silence woke Y/N immediately. Golden eyes snapped open. She looked around once. Twice. Then focused on the front seats. "...Did something happen?"

"No," Yelena answered while already climbing out. "I'm hungry." She slammed the door behind her and marched toward the entrance.

Y/N watched her disappear through the glass doors. "...Is she upset?"

Wanda climbed out of the passenger seat just as Y/N stepped onto the gravel beside her. "I don't know."

Y/N frowned slightly toward the diner. "She sounded grumpy."

"I noticed."

Y/N closed the car door before looking toward Wanda. "...Did I do something?"

"I don't think so."

Before Wanda could say anything else, she found herself gently pulled forward.

Y/N wrapped one arm around her waist, the other sliding carefully around her shoulders.

"Wha—"

A low, content rumble vibrated through Y/N's chest. The familiar purr.

Wanda laughed softly. "Someone's in a cuddly mood."

Instead of answering, Y/N leaned down and rubbed her nose gently against Wanda's cheek. A slow, affectionate nuzzle. The motion was so natural that it almost made Wanda forget they were standing in the middle of a parking lot.

She smiled helplessly.

"There you are..."

Y/N hummed happily, pulling her a little closer. "You smell nice."

"Thanks."

Another soft nuzzle. Wanda's cheeks warmed immediately. "You've become very affectionate."

Y/N blinked. "...Is that bad?"

"No." Wanda reached up, smoothing a strand of hair behind Y/N's ear. "It's very nice."

Y/N smiled. A real one. Not shy anymore. Not uncertain. Just... happy. She dipped her head again, brushing another tiny nuzzle against Wanda's temple before kissing the side of her forehead.

Wanda melted.

"I think," she murmured against Y/N's shoulder, "Yelena might actually kill us."

"...Why?"

"I think we've become annoying."

Y/N looked genuinely confused. "We haven't done anything."

Wanda laughed. "I know."

"You said affection is normal."

"It is."

"Then why would she be upset?"

"Because..." Wanda smiled. "She's Yelena."

"...Oh."

That apparently explained everything.

Inside the diner, Yelena happened to glance through the front window while waiting for the waitress. She froze. Outside...The giant wolf woman was nuzzling Wanda's face.

Again. And Wanda was smiling like an idiot again.

Yelena slowly closed her eyes. Then opened them. They were still doing it. She looked toward the ceiling. "Natasha," she muttered under her breath. "You owe me."

The elderly waitress approached with a warm smile. "Table for one?"

Yelena sighed. "...Unfortunately, three."

As if summoned by fate itself, the front door opened. Y/N held it open for Wanda. Of course she did. Wanda thanked her with another smile.

Yelena pinched the bridge of her nose. This was going to be the longest two days of her life. She followed the waitress to a booth near the window before sliding into one side with a quiet sigh. Reaching for the menu, she looked up as the waitress smiled.

“Coffee?”

“Please, three.”

The waitress nodded and disappeared toward the kitchen.

A moment later, Wanda and Y/N joined her. Y/N instinctively waited for Wanda to slide into the booth before taking the seat beside her. Yelena watched the entire thing happen and simply rolled her eyes.

Of course.

The waitress returned with three mugs of coffee, setting them down before leaving them to decide on breakfast. Silence settled over the table as everyone looked over their menus. After a minute, Y/N leaned a little closer to Wanda, angling her menu just enough for Wanda to see.

“They have blueberry pancakes.”

Wanda glanced to where Y/N was pointing, a small smile spreading across her face. “I see them.”

Y/N nodded once, looking quietly pleased she'd found them.

Across the table, Yelena looked between the two of them before shaking her head with an amused smile. “And there goes the lovesick smiles again.” Yelena comments.

Wanda groaned softly. “Just leave us alone Yelena!”

“I wish!” Yelena replied with a small shrug.

The waitress returned a few minutes later with a notepad tucked beneath her arm. “Ready to order?”

Wanda nodded. “I'll have the blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon.”

“I'll take the country breakfast,” Y/N said. “And... another side of pancakes.”

The waitress smiled as she scribbled everything down before looking at Yelena.

“The western omelet. Hash browns instead of fries.”

“I'll have that right out.”

She disappeared toward the kitchen, leaving the three of them with the smell of fresh coffee drifting through the diner.

Wanda wrapped both hands around her mug before looking at Yelena. “So... how much longer?”

Yelena thought for a moment before answering. “If the roads stay clear...” She took a sip of coffee. “Two more days.”

Wanda nodded. “And then?”

“We find the safehouse.”

“And hope Natasha is there.”

Yelena's expression softened slightly. “Yeah.”

“If she's not?”

“We figure out the next step.”

Y/N quietly listened while stirring cream into her coffee. “You think Hydra knows where we're going?”

Yelena shook her head. “No. But I still don't like staying anywhere too long.”

“We'll keep moving if we have to.”

Y/N nodded once. “I'll keep watch tonight.”

“You've kept watch every night,” Wanda reminded her.

“I know.”

“You need sleep too.”

“I sleep.”

“Wolf naps don't count.”

“They do.”

Yelena smirked into her coffee. “I am staying out of this one.”

A comfortable silence settled over the booth until the waitress returned, balancing three large plates on her arms. “Blueberry pancakes.” She placed Wanda's breakfast in front of her. “Western omelet.”

Yelena thanked her before reaching for the hot sauce.

“And the country breakfast.” The enormous plate landed in front of Y/N, piled high with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, toast, and pancakes.

“I'll be right back with the extra pancakes.”

Y/N nodded politely. “Thank you.”

A minute later, the waitress returned with another plate stacked with fluffy pancakes. “There you go, sweetheart.”

“Thank you.”

Yelena looked from the second plate to Y/N. “...You know, I always forget how much you eat.”

Y/N glanced down at the table. “…This isn't that much.”

Wanda laughed softly. “It really is.”

“It is?”

“Mhm.”

Y/N looked genuinely unconvinced before picking up her fork.

Breakfast began quietly. The only sounds were forks against plates, coffee cups settling back onto saucers, and the low murmur of conversations from the other customers.

Halfway through her pancakes, Wanda noticed Y/N had already finished nearly all of her eggs and bacon. She cut off a small piece of pancake, dipped it into the blueberries and syrup, then held the fork toward Y/N without thinking.

“Here.”

Y/N looked over before immediately leaning in to take the bite.

“Mm.”

Wanda smiled. “Good?”

Y/N swallowed. “Very.”

A few minutes later, Wanda did it again, this time with a piece of bacon. Y/N accepted it just as naturally. Yelena watched over the rim of her coffee before quietly shaking her head. “I knew this was going to start.”

Wanda looked over. “What?”

Yelena only roll her eyes and say “Nothing.” But the smile on her lips betrays her. 

Wanda roll her eyes back and reach for Y/N plate stealing one of the crispy bacon strips.

Y/N noticed immediately. “…You took my bacon.”

“I did.”

“You could've asked.”

“I knew you'd say yes.”

Y/N considered that for a moment before nodding. “…That's true.”

She simply took another strip from the untouched side plate she'd ordered.

By the time Yelena had finished her omelet, Y/N had already cleaned her first plate completely. Not a crumb remained.

The waitress happened to walk past just as Y/N pulled the second plate of pancakes closer.

“Oh, honey,” she said with an impressed smile. “I’ve never seen anybody eat that much!”

Y/N looked up. “I was hungry.”

“I can tell.”

The waitress laughed warmly before continuing on to another table.

Wanda watched with quiet amusement as Y/N finished the second stack of pancakes, then reached for the remaining bacon and eggs she'd ordered on the side.

“You really were hungry.”

“I slept well.”

“I've noticed.”

Within another few minutes, the second plate was just as clean as the first.

Yelena leaned back in her seat, looking at the two empty plates in front of Y/N. “…Where does it all go?”

Y/N looked down at herself. “I don't know.”

“The wolf,” Wanda answered with a smile.

Y/N nodded thoughtfully. “…Probably.”

Yelena couldn't help smiling. “I should've guessed.”

She picked up her coffee again, watching Wanda absentmindedly brush a smear of syrup from the corner of Y/N's mouth with her thumb before returning to her own breakfast as if she hadn't done anything unusual.

Yelena simply rolled her eyes toward the ceiling.

Still ridiculous.

But... she supposed there were worse things than watching two people who'd finally found a little happiness after everything they'd survived.

---

Soon they were back on the road.

This time, Yelena insisted on driving again.

“I've had enough of being trapped in the backseat watching you two flirt,” she'd declared before tossing Y/N the keys to lock the car instead.

So Y/N sat in the passenger seat while Wanda settled into the back. It wasn't ideal. Every now and then, Y/N glanced into the rearview mirror just to check on Wanda. Every time their eyes met, Wanda smiled, and Y/N couldn't help smiling back before returning her attention to the road ahead.

Yelena noticed every single exchange.

She chose not to comment.

The day passed much like the ones before it. Long highways. Small towns. Forests gave way to open farmland before disappearing behind more stretches of empty road.

Around noon they stopped at another roadside diner for lunch before continuing south. A few hours later, they pulled into a gas station to fill the tank.

While Yelena paid for the fuel, Y/N disappeared into the convenience store. She emerged several minutes later carrying two bags absolutely overflowing with snacks.

Yelena looked at them, then at Y/N. “…Planning for winter?”

Y/N peeked inside one of the bags. “I got hungry.”

“You haven't stopped eating.”

“The wolf burns a lot of calories.”

“So apparently.”

The snacks disappeared surprisingly quickly over the next few hours. By the time dusk settled over the countryside, only a few empty wrappers remained on the floorboard beneath Y/N's seat.

The sun finally disappeared below the horizon just as another faded neon sign came into view.

MOTEL

DINER

VACANCY

Yelena let out a relieved sigh. “Finally.”

She pulled into the parking lot and switched off the engine.

For a few seconds, nobody moved.

Then, almost in unison, all three doors opened.

Yelena climbed out first, stretching both arms over her head until her back cracked. “Oh...” She rolled one shoulder. “I think I've been sitting for ten years.”

Behind her, Wanda stepped out more carefully, immediately stretching her legs before letting out a quiet groan. “I never want to see another highway.”

“You'll see one tomorrow.”

“…Don't remind me.”

Y/N rounded the front of the car carrying all three duffel bags over one shoulder as if they weighed nothing.

“You can give me mine,” Wanda offered.

“I've got it.”

“I know you do.”

Still, Wanda slipped closer anyway, leaning lightly against Y/N's side. Without even looking, Y/N's free arm settled naturally around her waist.

It happened so automatically neither of them seemed aware of it. Yelena noticed. She simply shook her head with a small smile before leading the way toward the diner attached to the motel.

Warm air and the smell of grilled food greeted them the moment they stepped inside. The diner was small but cozy, with only a handful of occupied booths. Country music drifted softly from an old radio somewhere behind the counter while a waitress welcomed them with a tired but friendly smile.

“Evening, folks.”

“Evening,” Yelena answered.

“Booth okay?”

“Perfect.”

She led them toward the back of the diner.

Yelena slid into one side while Wanda and Y/N took the other. Wanda barely made it halfway across the booth before leaning against Y/N again. Y/N shifted closer without interrupting her reading of the menu, one arm remaining loosely around Wanda's waist beneath the table.

Yelena watched them for a second before looking back at her own menu. “…Road trips are exhausting.”

“They are,” Wanda agreed. “I cannot wait to lie down.”

“You've been saying that since lunch.”

“Because I meant it since lunch.”

Wanda laughed softly. “I think we've all reached our limit.”

Y/N nodded. “I could sleep for a day.”

Yelena looked over. “You? Sleep?”

“I do sleep.”

“Barely.”

The waitress returned with her notepad. “What can I get you?”

Yelena ordered first. “The chicken fried steak.” Wanda chose the grilled chicken with vegetables. Y/N studied the menu another moment. “I'll have the ribeye.”

The waitress nodded. “Okay...”

Y/N glanced down once more. “And!…another ribeye.”

The waitress smiled surprised. “Coming right up.”

Once she left, the three of them settled into the comfortable silence that only came after spending an entire week together. No one felt the need to fill every quiet moment anymore. Sometimes simply existing together was enough.

Their food arrived surprisingly quickly. The waitress carefully distributed the heavy plates across the table.

“Need anything else?”

“We're good,” Wanda said with a smile.

“Just holler.”

The smell of grilled steak immediately filled the booth. Y/N thanked the waitress before cutting into the first ribeye.

For several minutes, the only sounds were cutlery against plates and the quiet conversations drifting from the rest of the diner.

Halfway through her first steak, Y/N suddenly stopped chewing. Her fork froze halfway to the plate.

A second later, the bell above the diner's entrance jingled. Three men walked inside. They looked like ordinary travelers. Work boots. Baseball caps. Dust-covered jackets. One of them laughed at something another had said.

The waitress greeted them with the same warm smile she'd given everyone else.

“Evening, gentlemen.”

“Table for three.”

“Right this way.”

She led them deeper into the diner before seating them in a booth three rows behind Yelena's.

Close. Too close.

Y/N's breathing slowed almost imperceptibly. She inhaled once through her nose.

Then again. The scent hit her all at once.

Gun oil.

Cheap aftershave.

Hydra.

Her muscles locked. Wanda felt it immediately. Y/N didn't look at the men again. Instead, she slowly turned toward Wanda.

Golden eyes met green.

Hydra.

The single thought brushed against Wanda's mind like ice. Wanda's expression didn't change. She simply looked across the table. Yelena was finishing the last of her juice.

Their eyes met.

Wanda gave the smallest nod.

Yelena didn't ask a single question. “…Got it.”

She calmly reached into her jacket and pulled out several folded bills—enough to cover dinner and leave a generous tip. She tucked them beneath her empty glass without drawing attention.

None of them looked toward the three men again.

None of them needed to. Because if Y/N recognized that scent...Then they'd already stayed one minute too long.

Yelena didn't rush. That was the first thing Wanda noticed. No sudden movements. No panic. She simply folded her napkin, stood from the booth, and slipped on her jacket. “Ready?”

Y/N rose first, her eyes never once drifting toward the three men behind them. Wanda stood beside her.

The waitress happened to pass by just as they reached the register.

“Everything alright?” she asked warmly.

Yelena smiled with practiced ease. “Food was great.”

“I'm glad to hear that.”

She tucked the cash beneath the receipt holder. “Keep the change.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Have a safe night.”

“You too.”

Nothing looked unusual. Nothing sounded unusual. Three tired travelers paying for dinner before checking into the motel.

Yelena pushed open the diner's door. Cold night air rushed over them. The parking lot stretched beneath buzzing neon lights.

Y/N immediately swept the area with one slow glance. Empty. Too empty.

“Car,” Yelena said quietly.

They didn't run. Running attracted attention. Instead, they walked briskly across the parking lot. Wanda climbed into the backseat, Y/N slid into the passenger seat, and Yelena was already starting the engine.

The SUV roared to life. She shifted into reverse. As they backed out of the parking space—The diner's front door burst open.

The three men stepped outside. One looked directly toward them. Another reached beneath his jacket.

“Go,” Y/N said.

Yelena didn't need to be told twice. The tires squealed across the asphalt as the SUV shot out of the motel parking lot and onto the highway.

For several seconds there was nothing.

Just darkness.

Headlights cutting through the empty road.

Y/N twisted in her seat, checking the passenger mirror. The motel was shrinking behind them. Then—Headlights.

Two vehicles exploded out of the motel entrance.

“They're coming,” Wanda said.

“I know,” Yelena answered calmly, pushing harder on the accelerator.

The engine growled.

Eighty. Ninety. One hundred.

The speedometer climbed relentlessly.

Behind them, the two SUVs matched every increase.

“They're gaining.”

“I see them.”

Yelena's knuckles whitened around the steering wheel. The road ahead curved sharply through dense forest. She took it without touching the brakes.

The tires screamed.

The SUV leaned dangerously before gripping the pavement again.

Behind them, the first pursuing vehicle drifted wide before recovering.

“They're trained,” Y/N said quietly.

“I noticed.”

Gunfire shattered the night.

CRACK!

The rear windshield exploded inward. Glass showered across the backseat. Wanda ducked instinctively. Another shot punched through the tailgate.

“They're shooting!”

“You think?” Yelena barked.

She swerved violently left. Then right.

Another volley cracked through the darkness.

Bullets skipped across the asphalt. One struck the rear bumper.

Y/N twisted farther around. “They're moving alongside.”

“I need them behind us.”

“They won't stay there.”

“I know.”

The second SUV suddenly pulled into the opposite lane, trying to overtake.

“Oh, no you don't.”

Yelena jerked the wheel left, forcing the pursuing vehicle back behind them just before an oncoming truck thundered past.

The truck's horn blared.

The Hydra driver barely avoided a head-on collision.

“Nice.”

“Thank you.”

More gunfire. A bullet punched through the passenger-side mirror, exploding it into fragments.

Y/N didn't even flinch. “They're trying to disable us.”

“They're about to become my problem.”

Yelena took another hard corner before shouting, “Switch!”

Without hesitation, Y/N unbuckled. Wanda immediately grabbed the steering wheel with her magic from the backseat, keeping the SUV straight just long enough.

Yelena climbed halfway across the center console while Y/N slid behind the wheel in one smooth motion.

The transition took barely three seconds. Y/N caught the wheel.

Yelena was already hanging halfway out the passenger window. Wind whipped violently through her blonde hair as she drew one of her pistols.

“Little closer!”

Y/N understood immediately. She eased off the accelerator just enough.

The pursuing SUV closed the gap.

Closer.

Closer.

Yelena steadied herself against the roof.

“Perfect.”

BANG!

The first shot shattered the enemy's windshield.

BANG!

The second struck the front tire, exploding it. Rubber shredded across the highway. The SUV jerked violently sideways. Its driver fought for control.

Didn't get it.

The vehicle spun twice before smashing through the guardrail and tumbling down the embankment.

Yelena climbed back inside. “One down.”

She looked into the side mirror.

“…Ah.”

“What?”

“More.”

Headlights appeared over the hill behind them.

Not one. Three.

Then another.

“Oh, come on.”

Yelena slammed a fresh magazine into her pistol.

“How many people did you make angry?”

“I don't know,” Wanda answered.

Y/N's jaw tightened. “They've been waiting.”

The first of the new SUVs closed rapidly.

Then another. Four vehicles now, spread across both lanes.

Yelena cursed under her breath. “This is getting ridiculous.”

The nearest SUV pulled alongside them.

Its passenger rolled down the window.

Gun raised.

“Wanda!”

Scarlet energy erupted from the backseat. The red glow flooded the SUV. The entire vehicle lifted off the road as though grabbed by an invisible giant.

The Hydra agents inside had just enough time to scream. Then—The SUV flipped, crashing onto its roof before skidding across the highway in a shower of sparks.

The second vehicle swerved to avoid the wreck.

Wanda caught that one too. With a sharp motion of her hand, it rolled violently into the ditch.

Silence.

For exactly one second.

Yelena stared into the mirror. “…You could've done that earlier.”

“I was trying not to draw attention!”

“Little late for that!”

Before Wanda could answer, Y/N's instincts screamed.

“Left!”

A black SUV burst from a side road hidden by the trees.

It had been waiting.

The vehicle accelerated straight toward them.

“No—!”

CRASH!

The impact slammed into the driver's side with bone-rattling force.

Metal screamed. Glass exploded. The entire SUV spun violently across the highway.

Rubber screamed against the asphalt.

The driver's side slammed into the guardrail with enough force to fold steel inward. Glass exploded across the cabin as every airbag deployed at once, filling the vehicle with white fabric and the smell of burning propellant.

Wanda's head whipped sideways.

Crack.

Her temple slammed against the edge of the window before she was thrown into the opposite side of the backseat.

White flashed across her vision. For a heartbeat, no one moved. Only the ticking of the ruined engine echoed through the night.

Yelena was the first to react. “This is not a good way to die. You two okay?”

Wanda pushed herself upright with a groan, one hand immediately flying to the side of her head. Her fingers came away streaked with blood. The world tilted violently before settling again.

“...I'm fine,” she managed, though her voice sounded distant even to herself.

Y/N looked over immediately. “You're bleeding.”

Wanda blinked several times, trying to clear the ringing from her ears. “Just... hit my head.” She pressed harder against the cut, ignoring the throbbing behind her eyes.

“I'm okay.”

Y/N wasn't convinced. The words had barely left Wanda's mouth when blinding headlights flooded the highway.

One SUV screeched sideways in front of them. Another blocked the road behind, doors bursting open. Hydra agents poured onto the asphalt with military precision, rifles already raised.

“There!” one shouted. “Move!”

Yelena kicked her door open before the first shot was fired.

Gunfire erupted.

Bullets ripped through the windshield as everyone scattered from the vehicle.

Yelena hit the ground in a combat roll. Her pistol barked twice before she was fully upright. Two Hydra rifles spun from their owners' hands.

She never stopped moving.

A third soldier rounded the hood of the SUV. Yelena met him with the butt of her pistol, smashing it across his nose before driving a knife beneath his arm. The man collapsed.

Another replaced him instantly.

Hydra had learned. They didn't attack one at a time. They moved in coordinated pairs. Suppressing fire. Flanking positions. Communication. But Y/N charged anyway.

A baton crackled with blue electricity as one soldier swung toward her head. She ducked beneath it, seized his forearm, and snapped it across her knee.

The scream barely escaped before another rifle stock crashed into her ribs from behind.

She didn't even turn. Her elbow shot backward into the man's throat. He folded instantly.

Another agent rushed from the left. Y/N caught him by the tactical vest and hurled him straight into the windshield of the lead SUV. Glass burst outward in a glittering explosion.

Across the road, scarlet energy exploded through the darkness.

Wanda caught three rifles at once, wrenching them from Hydra's grip before spinning them into the trees. An agent lunged at her with a combat knife.

She sidestepped. The blade missed by inches.

Her magic wrapped around his ankle, slamming him headfirst into the pavement. Another fired from behind. Before Wanda could turn—Yelena shot the rifle from his hands.

“I've got your back!”

“Thanks!”

For several brutal minutes, the highway became chaos.

Gunfire.

Magic.

Flying bodies.

Sparks.

Shattered glass.

Then—Silence.

Eight Hydra agents lay unconscious across the road. Yelena lowered her pistol. “...That felt too easy.”

Almost immediately, engines roared through the darkness. More headlights.

Three.

No...

Four.

Y/N looked up first. “They're not finished.”

Black SUVs surrounded them. Doors opened and more Hydra soldiers stepped out.

Then two figures emerged from the final vehicle. Neither carried a weapon. Neither looked concerned. Both were enormous. Broad enough to block the open door behind them. Dark tactical armor covered their bodies from neck to boots. Their expressions remained perfectly blank.

Y/N's heartbeat slowed. “...Enhanced.”

One of the men smiled. Not confidently.

Hungrily.

He disappeared. Not literally. Just impossibly fast. One instant he stood thirty feet away. The next—His fist crashed into Y/N's guard with enough force to create a shockwave.

The impact blasted her off her feet.

She flew backward through the air, smashing completely across the hood of a wrecked SUV before hitting the pavement hard enough to leave cracks in the asphalt.

She rolled twice, then forced herself upright.

The enhanced soldier hadn't moved. He simply waited.

Y/N wiped blood from the corner of her mouth.

“...Strong.”

“So are you.”

He smiled again.

Then attacked. The road beneath them exploded as they collided. Every punch sounded like a car crash. Y/N landed three clean strikes to his ribs.

He barely reacted. His knee slammed into her stomach. The air exploded from her lungs. A backhand sent her skidding twenty feet across broken pavement.

She'd never been hit that hard. Not since Hydra.

Across the highway, the second enhanced soldier crashed straight through Wanda's telekinetic barrier. It shattered like glass.

“What—”

Wanda instinctively reached out again, scarlet magic flaring around both hands. A sharp spike of pain exploded behind her eyes. Her vision doubled just for an instant the spell faltered.

It was enough.

The enhanced soldier burst through the half-formed barrier before it could solidify. He caught her wrist and twisted.

Pain shot up her arm. Wanda tried to throw him backward, but another wave of dizziness hit her. The ringing in her ears grew louder, making it harder to focus her magic.

Scarlet energy flickered wildly instead of striking cleanly.

His fist crashed into her ribs.

Wanda cried out as she slammed into the side of the ruined SUV, leaving a deep dent in the metal.

“Wanda!”

Y/N lunged toward her but the first enhanced intercepted. His shoulder drove into Y/N's chest. She hit the ground. Before she could rise—a boot slammed into her ribs.

The enhanced wasn't trying to beat her. He was keeping her away from Wanda.

Behind them, Yelena fought desperately to keep the remaining Hydra soldiers off both of them, firing, reloading, and switching to knives whenever someone got too close.

“We're getting circled!”

Wanda staggered upright, one hand braced against the SUV. Blood continued to trickle from the cut on her temple, dripping onto her collar. Every heartbeat made the pounding inside her skull worse. She shook her head once, trying to clear the haze.

It didn't help. The concussion slowed everything. Her thoughts. Her reactions.

Even her magic.

Normally, she would've stopped him before he got within arm's reach. Tonight...She was always a fraction of a second too late.

The enhanced soldier closed the distance again. He caught her by the throat. Lifted her completely off the ground.

Scarlet magic erupted around his arm, but Wanda struggled to maintain her concentration through the dizziness. The energy surged unevenly instead of crushing him outright.

He slammed her into the SUV again. The impact sent another burst of agony through her head.

Stars exploded across her vision. Blood ran freely down the side of her face.

He pulled back his fist. Y/N saw it.

Saw Wanda's unfocused eyes. Saw the blood. Saw her struggle to even keep her magic steady. Saw the fist descending.

Something ancient inside her shattered.

The growl that erupted from her chest didn't sound human. It shook the trees. Hydra agents froze. Even the enhanced soldiers hesitated. Bones cracked. Muscles expanded. Dark fur burst through skin.

Within seconds, a massive wolf stood where Y/N had been. Golden eyes burned with pure fury. The wolf didn't roar. She attacked.

She hit the enhanced soldier like a freight train. Massive jaws crushed his armored shoulder. Steel folded between her teeth.

He screamed.

The wolf flung him nearly forty feet. He crashed through the windshield of his own SUV before the entire vehicle rolled onto its side.

The second enhanced charged. The wolf met him head-on. Claws tore through reinforced armor. He punched her ribs hard enough to splinter nearby asphalt.

She answered by driving him into the highway with both forepaws. The pavement collapsed beneath them. He tried to stand but she didn't let him.

Claws.

Teeth.

Another slam.

Again.

Again.

Again.

She fought like an animal protecting its mate. Not a soldier. Not an Avenger.

A wolf.

Every strike became more vicious than the last.

Nearby, Wanda forced herself onto one knee, clutching her side.

“Y...Y/N...”

One Hydra soldier hadn't joined the fight. He'd gone back to the SUV.

Carefully...He unlocked a reinforced case. Inside rested a long silver weapon covered in Hydra markings and glowing blue conduits.

Yelena's stomach dropped. “...Wanda.”

Wanda looked up. The barrel was already charging. “No...”

The soldier smiled. He wasn't aiming at the wolf. He was aiming behind her.

At Wanda.

The wolf couldn't see him.

“Y/N!” Wanda screamed.

The wolf turned, saw the weapon, then Wanda.

There wasn't even a moment's hesitation. She leapt. The blue spear erupted from the launcher.

It struck the wolf square in the chest.

The weapon didn't explode. It punched through. Clean through. The force carried the wolf backward several feet before she hit the ground.

Silence.

The wolf remained standing for one impossible second. Blood poured from both sides of the wound. A broken whine escaped her throat. Then her legs gave out.

As she collapsed, the transformation unraveled.

Fur disappeared. Bones shifted. Claws became trembling fingers.

Y/N lay motionless on the shattered highway. A gaping hole tore through the center of her chest.

“Wanda...” Yelena's voice broke.

Wanda didn't answer. She couldn't.

The world had narrowed to one impossible sight.

Y/N.

Still.

Bleeding.

Not breathing.

Something inside Wanda broke beyond repair. Scarlet energy exploded from her body with a force that split the highway apart. The night turned crimson.

Cars lifted into the air. Hydra soldiers screamed as invisible hands seized every one of them simultaneously. The enhanced soldiers fought against it.

It didn't matter.

With a single, grief-filled scream, Wanda unleashed everything. The shockwave tore across the highway. Every Hydra vehicle crumpled like paper.

The launcher was ripped apart atom by atom. The enhanced soldiers were hurled hundreds of feet into the darkness. The remaining agents slammed unconscious into trees, concrete barriers, and overturned wreckage.

When the red light finally faded...Nothing moved. Nothing except Wanda.

She was already on her knees beside Y/N, her hands shaking as they reached for the wound that no healing magic in the world should have been able to fix.

“No…” Her voice barely existed.

Scarlet energy poured frantically from her palms, wrapping around the gaping wound in Y/N's chest.

“Come on…”

The magic trembled violently.

“Come on…”

It wasn't working.

Blood continued to seep between her glowing fingers, warm against her skin.

“No, no, no…”